In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Sam, Boulder, CO — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:25:25 GMT

This all reminds me the state-sponsored protests against Japan I witnessed in China a few years ago, when a newly published Japanese history book glossed over the war atrocities the Chinese experienced. Chinese protesters back then were escorted by the PSB (police) as they smashed Japanese stores and generally went out of control. The government seemed to think this was a good idea, until similar, spontaneous, not-approved "protest" events started cropping up all over the country. The Chinese people are ready to explode after decades of oppression, and they really need only the slightest provocation to do so uncontrollably. I think the Chinese government did all they could to fuel the fires of fanatical nationalism over the events surrounding the upcoming Olympics, and now they're trying to reign in their people again. I wish the Chinese government would spend more effort on real social reforms, long-term environmental protection, and genuine international relations instead of more propaganda-centric population control.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Dan Wolf, San Jose, CA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:20:47 GMT

Well put . . . the media needs to start focusing on the postive aspects of China and how far they have come from where they were even a decade ago. I hope we can see this type of media coverage during the Olympics.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Brooke Hou, Chicago, IL — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:22:41 GMT

Ok...to Mr. Mullen
Maybe you should get at least one thing straight: China is techniquely not a "communism country" people there are pro-china aren't because of government agenta. patriotism is only the result of CNN, BBC, and MSNBC's "fair" converage.The least you guys can do is stop writting stupid articles like this that has under-toned racism of chinese people like "my baby sitter who's chinese" or "only pro-china protest is allowed"...well, there are only pro-chna protests because that's what chinese people feel: they ARE pro-china.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Mike Lou Quincy Massachusetts — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:27:36 GMT

I find it interesting that you would twist genuine Chinese patriotism into some sort of "censorship' piece again. Note that I use the word "patriotism...the protection of one's nation under duress...and not "nationalism", which is a wholly western originated idea that spawned European and American imperialism, among other goodies.

How do you account for the massive numbers of ethnic Chinese outside of China who feel the same way about the biased coverage from the "free' press of the West? I guess outfits like BBc and CNN are indeed "free"...free to crop, shift and cut/paste all the images.

Xizhang, or Tibet will always be a part of China.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Suoyang, NY, NY — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:29:08 GMT

the patriotism show by the chinese is only the result of protest AGAINST chinese. Why should we take the blame if the whole thing was started out my boycott of Chinese Olympic. This just shows another bias in portraying China...when other country protest us, we should stay silent and just take it??? Apparently it is our fault when things got out of hand!!! Nice job

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Delmar Fairchild, Barron, WI — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:43:01 GMT

You are correct in letting the world know about the two edge sword that represents our First Amendment Right being used in China with only one edge.

When the patriotism of the common person as shown in your article flows over and they use the other edge to condemn their own government for the multitude of trespasses against their own people, will the Chinese people know what a real Democracy and Freedom mean.

When the Chinese Government allows the other edge to be used against itself, will the Chinese people truely have Freedom.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Ian Summers — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:17:05 GMT

Well, I'm glad you wrote what you wrote. The "international" media (that word, and the word "world" has been abused so much, people know what they REALLY mean) always portray the local population as simpletons with no common sense. If the objective of the "International" media is to convince the "International" audience that things are really bad in China, then I'd say they achieve the objective. If the goal is to convince the (true) international community that China deserves to be demonized, then they are deluding themselves. "Free speech" doesn't always have to be subversive or anti-government.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Ryan, Boston, MA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:19:13 GMT

Citizens in China are very down-to-earth, they care about what their government can bring to them in terms of a wealthy life. They don't really want to argue if this is captallism or communism. Most of them embrace the fast upgrading life their government bring to them over the past 30 years. When it comes to free speech, although it may not be as free as the United States today, it is becoming definately easier everyday. People outside China may find it easier to critize the commusim, because of the image left by the communism in the past. If you are inside China, you will realize that the government nowadays is very practical and they don't even talk about the communism that much. Young generations even don't actually feel the "communism smell" at all.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

John Smith, UK — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:28:19 GMT

I'm glad to see that the Chinese stand up for their country as it has achieved a great deal, especially in the past 20 years. Hosting the Olympics is chance for them to show the world China is a confident and proud nation. Ensuring the basic needs for 1.3 billion people are met is a tough job. Education, health and job opportunities have improved beyond recognition from the early days of Chairman Mao.
But there will always be activists who have something to protest about e.g one party state, free speech, death penalty. China's govt has made positive moves on individuals rights recently and we should encourage more of this instead of shouting at them. As long as China's govt act in the best interests of its citizens it will have their support.
Enjoy the Olympics China you have earned it!

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Iewgnem — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:35:38 GMT

I an Chinese but I pretty much grew up in the west, Canada since the age of 9 to be exact (I am now 22). My main source of news come from the Internet these days, but believe you me, I am just as angry as those listening to local media in China, they call it bias, I call it all out, motivated propaganda that's no different, if not worse than the ones before Iraq.

You see, the concept of free speech is not based on the assumption that it will create the truth, its based on the idea that, with everyone voicing their biased opinions equally, you eventually reach an equilibriums that could be taken as the truth. This assumption work for domestic issues, as you will always have two camps who voice different oponions, and at the end of the day people will see the debate and decide for thsmeleves what to believe.

The problem with coverage on China these days is that the "other side" does not exist, I've fliped through pages after pages of Google News, 75% of articles were recycled from AP and the 25% remaining were essencially oponion pieces. The most common argument has been that China does not allow reporters free reign in the country, but what I don't understand is, how does that even come remotely close to justifying fabricating information under the banner or "unconfirmed reports". AFP the other day released another article that described Lhasa events as "peaceful protests", one has to wonder, if those were really just "mistakes", why are they all so conveient?

What the popular media is doing is called creating spontanious consensus, through repetition of suggestions and possibilties of an idea, after a awhile, the audience become metnally conditioned to automatically associating an event with that image. Information not based on facts gets suggested and eventually ceased to become contraversal, issues like Tibet "invasion" in 1950 and indeed the very idea of Tibetan independence, which has no historical backing whatsoever, has been recycled by the media endlessly to the current state of automatic acceptance.

I can go on but I have other work to do, so the bottom line is, having grown up watching western media, and cared enough about China to do my own research, and through personal visists to relatives, I can assure you, what China does is censor the bad news, what the west is doing is to flood people with so much false information that it effectively erases the truth. In China people might not know a lot of those well publicized things in the west, but the even more scary thing is, people in the west "knows" thing that does not exist. The former is censoring , the latter is truth brainwashing.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Frank Smith Joplin MO — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:50:26 GMT

Is it FREE speech? What is the nature of freedom of speech? You would have free speech under Stalin's iron-fist if you were pro-purge. You may also welcome to free speech under Nazi terror if you were pro-Hitler, or you could say whatever you wanted under Saddam's tyrannic control if you were pro-Ba'ath!

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Feng, Columbus, OH — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:51:48 GMT

As a Chinese, I would say that this article is quite objective and a true reflection of the reality in China. However, the drive behind why Chinese are mad about the Western media has its own complication. As a starter, some of us are so disappointed in the Western media because they failed us. When the news about Tibet unrest first came out, I almost 100% trusted what CNN said. But as time passes by, I found that many western media just took what the Tibetan government in exile said as granted. Up until now, there is not a single hard evidence on how many people dead in Tibet but many media just assume that more than 140 were shot in Tibet. Is this your professional standards? Believe in something that is totally groundless?

China has a civilization of more than 5000 thousand years. Don't just assume that you can understand China just by reading a few articles online or by spending your week-long vacation there.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Tim, Indianapolis — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:06:26 GMT

so what about the antichina free speech?

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Stephen — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:18:59 GMT

As you wrote 'That sense of real national pride – not some robotic obedience to the government and its policies – seems to be behind much of the anger.',we Chinese think so.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Dennis , Carrollton, TX — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:21:12 GMT

I know a high level indiviual in the press and he tells me that in a real sense the media minipulates the public to get the emotional response they want even if it means inventing a truth. Anotherwords, blatant lying if necessary. This article, in my opinion, is such to quell the anger of those who are on Tibetians side and to kiss the tail of China. China stole the independence and soverenty of Tibet for themselves. They never had regard for anyone and are a very arrogant people. The responcibility of what they did to Tibet sits squarely on their shoulders. And they are reaping what they did. Freedom of speach is NOT allowed in China. If you try it there is a bullet waiting you!

If this opinion of mine does not reach the blog in its entirety it shows blatant censorship by our own government/media. Freedom of speach is a protected wright declared by the constitution of the United States and belongs to the people of the USA NOT the the US media.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

listener, Wisconsin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:36:10 GMT

Good job, Mark...

The Westermn media are trying to cover the basic fact: Tibet is a part of China for almost one thousand years. The position of Dalai Lama was created by then Chinese emperor. All 14 Dalai Lamas (the current Dalai Lama is 14th) were all appointed by the Chineses government.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Lee Rogers, Tarboro, NC — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:44:25 GMT

can u help me find other neews articles

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

eab — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:50:18 GMT

Pride equals tribalism.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

DJ — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:24:05 GMT

Mark,

I would describe the reason of nearly unified Chinese anger in response to all these recent China-bashing in the following way:

It's not a case of debating if the glass is half full or half empty. Rather it is more like that we (i.e. the Chinese) know the glass is 75% full and all of a sudden everyone else are saying it is completely empty.

So yeah, even those people with no love for the government or Party are mad at the collective performance of the western media and the so called human rights activists.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Newt, Salt Lake City, UT — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:24:09 GMT

Many "Western" governments would like the Chinese government to meet with the Dalai Lama, to reconcile Tibet and the rest of China. At the same time, however, they encourage pro-Tibet protests. What they don't seem to realize is that those two goals are divergent and conflicting: the pro-Tibet protests alienate Tibet from the rest of China; they arouse anger in non-Tibetan Chinese against Tibet, which only pressures the Chinese government to avoid being viewed as weak or soft toward the Dalai Lama and Tibet.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

wynnie yu,shanghai — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:59:33 GMT

I'm from Shanghai, one of the biggest cities of China. Your report tells the truth. We love peace as well as Olympic Games, and we even love France. That country used to be thought as a romantic and charming place but now some unfair voices from the country ruined the image. However, I believe things will be changed soon. I think Carrefour is the victim, too. All the people I know will not do shopping in that French supermarket on May 1st, but no one will do anything to destroy facilities there. We don't want to be described as mobs by some western press.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Dr. A Johansson, Los Angeles CA — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:15:19 GMT

Well Jack Cafferty call the Chinese people goons. He did not say the "leaders". Which makes him and people who try to cover up for him racist!! It's racist! Would he or Mark say the similiar insults against the Jews. Of course not, because you will never work another day on TV again. Cafferty is being racist against the Chinese because he knows he can get away with it.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Jack White, Caliornia — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:36:57 GMT

They dont have free speech in China. They simply do not have it. You can be persecuted, arrested, etc for the things you say.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Ken, Arlingt, VA — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:01:34 GMT

No. It's not about free speech. It's about the separation of China, an act supported by the Western Governments. That's why the Chinese are so mad at the French, among other Westerners.

Have you ever asked yourself the questions: 1, why CIA supported Dalai Lama in 1959 to escape from China? 2, who are the organizations what provide financial support to the Dalai Lama and his exile government?

Go deeper and analyze the situation with a cool head, you will understand more about the strategic game played by the West against China.

Unfortunately, they will not succeed. The reason is simple, because the West has always underestimate the wisdom of the Chinese government and its people. There must be a reason that the Chinese civilization of 5000 years history has always been there without interruption.

Also, Mark, ask yourself one more question: who are those people who protest against China and why they did so? Sure most of them are innocent common people who received partial information about Tibet and then decided to help the weak Tibetan exiles. "Dalai Lama might be playing politics? How's that possible, he is a living God!" But as a reporter, you should definitely be clear that Dalai Lama is indeed not a common people. He is a shrewd and successful politician behind his charming face.

But there're also people who simply took this chance to voice their frustration of globalization, which may in a way has forced him out of employment. I sympathize with these people, though I don't think it's reasonable to vent your anger to China when your government failed you.

Yes, China is far from being perfect. The lack of free speech, the lack of transparency, the lack of independent Judiciary and many others. We certainly know that. But we are working on that in our own way.

We do thank those people who sincerely care about the situation in China. But we can't accept any attempt to separate our country, including those of Dalai Lama and those ugly Western governments.

By the Way, Mark, you know what? The biggest loser of these latest events is western media, including the ugly CNN and BBC, because the Chinese young, who used to trust almost blindly the western media and thought they are always objective and fair,have no illusion any more about this.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

George in Raleigh NC — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:12:02 GMT

People's Republic of China is a communist country. What do you expect? They do not respect the environment, women's rights are practically non-existent, and they could careless about anyone else except themselves. They see no fault in themselves, just everyone else outside of China. Why is the U.S. and the Europeans doing business with this country? They have not matured enough to do business with the rest of the world. We need to bring the jobs back from China into the Western Hemisphere.

China should have never been given the opportunity to host the Olympics at this time. It is way too early for China to host such international event.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Bill Chu, Tampa, FL — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:15:36 GMT

Thanks for recognizing
"That sense of real national pride – not some robotic obedience to the government and its policies – seems to be behind much of the anger."

When it comes to portray China as well as peoples and cultures in the developing world, self-righteousness and ignorance, if not bias, are plenty especially in the US media. Isn't the media also responsible for the outburst of Chinese nationalism?

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

brian roberts, waco,tx — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:17:06 GMT

this nationalism is just what the communists hoped for 60 years ago. brainwash the people long enough so they will think their way is right.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Eric Wardle — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:28:02 GMT

Like all economies based on imperialistic expansion, the Chinese must believe they are doing nothing wrong.
So all unfair trade and currency practices are
simply written off as economically necessary, as
the only way to compete against the empires of the west. We should not be surprised by any of the
moves made by China.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Angela Poupart, Crystal River, Florida — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:47:05 GMT

Free speech is not free if it is only free when the government approves. Even the most brutal warlord would protect the free speech of those who agreed. China has blocked Youtube and carefully controls news coverage in and out of their country. Not only does China have troubling issues such as ties to Sudan, suppression in Tibet and forced abortions in their One Child policy the have prevented the open discussion that might help them move into a more respectable place on the world stage.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Ben T Sring Valley, C. — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:09:14 GMT

On the one hand I can't help but feel duded into beleiving that the CHinese national sentiment cannnot see the forest for the trees. I wonder, is this true? But then iving long enough to clearly remember the cold war and the " China threat" I also know this is not an exageration. After all these citizens of China confuse their own national identity with being "Good Communists"

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

zhang min, shenyang, china — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:36:45 GMT

i support what you saiy as a chinese.
yes, we know what is wrong and what is right.
we just want the world to know us fair.
we love our country like you.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

zhang min, shenyang, china — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:38:34 GMT

i support what you saiy as a chinese.
yes, we know what is wrong and what is right.
we just want the world to know us fair.
we love our country like you.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Chinese American, Seattle Washington — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:39:09 GMT

I grew up in China and was a graduate student in the 1989 student movement. Back then I tuned our short wave radios to foreign stations for more reliable news. Since then I have lived in the US. Twenty years later, the Chinese student movement is now turned against the "free and professional journalism" of the western media. I have to agree with the Chinese students, this time again.

Chinese people including the Tibetans have never enjoyed so much political freedom in China's 5000 year history. When Nixon visited China, the communists were real communists. Now the "Chinese communists" are more capitalist than the Democrats in the US. The "human right abuse", "repressive government" is simply not the experience by everyday Chinese at all.

The western media’s mono-tone reporting is clearly out of touch with the Chinese people both in and out of China. This is what caused the demise of western media as credible source of information among the Chinese students and well-educated average Chinese people. When the Chinese enjoys the best ever freedom they have, and yet the western media is throwing mud and doing smearing campaign against their government, they are just annoyed by the arrogance. The Western media lost its credibility to the Chinese People-this is a reality now. This is not a “brain wash” by the Chinese government. This is a grass-roots movement. This has nothing to do with the “pride” of Chinese people.

Talking about human right violation, the US has the worst record in the world. It killed millions and millions from Korea War, Vietnam War to Iraq war. In between, it killed millions and millions of innocent human lives by "economic sanctions". It is the wealthiest country on earth, and it uses billions of dollars a day to invade other country, yet it let thousands of its own homeless die on the street each year. Is this the standard of human right record that the western media is proud of?

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Randy, China — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:43:03 GMT

I am an American professor at a major university in China. I, too, have noticed that Chinese people are much more outspoken than usual about these current political issues. Mainly, I think, they are proud that China has advanced enough to host an Olympics--the same way Atlantans felt back in '96. Like anyone would, they feel disappointed their chance to shine might be tainted. Unfortunately, the accompanying sentiment among many seems to be that the U.S. government has somehow engineered the uproar over Tibet in order to gain an economic advantage over China, particularly regarding currency issues.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Rodge. Boulder, CO — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:53:25 GMT

Jack Cafferty's comment is not about the chinese leaders. There ia no refering to chineses government or leaders at all. And it ie more likely, "thugs and goons" are refer to chinese people.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Shambhala Knight — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:54:50 GMT

If China was smart they would capitalize or francise Tibet. They can use that country to build up their economy by the ways of Tourism. People like to travel and what better place would their be other then Tibet and China. Besides I truely believe that Communist China has totally brainwashed their people. Communist China needs to grow up and co exist on this planet with everyone. Why are humans brutally hurting each other. Its amazing, we must be the lowest form in the Universe if we act like this. They are mad at the Dalai Lama for what reason? Because he really wants to know. The Dalai Lama is at peace and will always be including to China. But China dont get it. Hopefully they will realize what a big mistake they have created. And yet we know that His Holiness will be so forgiving. Lets start creating Peace among ourselves. We have such little time on this planet for warring over what? Yes we forgive you China now open your hearts and see what gifts we all bear. And yes like the Dalai Lama, I too support the Olympics.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Roxanne Gillett — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:55:22 GMT

I'm an American expat living in Shanghai (for 18 months), and I had a strange experience last week when the entire staff of a small grocery store in which I was shopping refused to weigh my produce so that I could purchase it. I stood my ground and eventually purchased my fruit, but later, my husband wondered aloud if they thought I was part of the "Cafferty" posse or possibly French, which apparently is a bad thing to be in China right now. It was certainly unusual as my experience is usually one of polite, expedient service, at least at this particular establishment.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Bill King, Melbourne Australia — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:05:16 GMT

It's now Thursday the 24th April, the torch relay has just passed through Canberra and today it was Chinese "torch supporters" who were punching, kicking and hitting pro-Tibet protestors with flag poles, while the torch was carried around the course without incident. Clearly China has some way to go to calm down the current wave of aggressive Chinese nationalism.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

MyChina, Ontario, Canada — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:09:16 GMT

I am Chinese in Canada. I love your article. It is subjective and written based on your observation. I see the spirit of a good reporter from your article.

Some western medias are subjective when reporting news or discussing affairs in their own countries. But when coming to those out of their countries, they are sometime or mostly not so subjective.

Take for example CNN or BBC's distorted reporting of My Great Country China and Our Great Place Tibet, I suspect they did so for kind of "fun", for attracting eyeballs, and for promotions and for money because saying bad about a country is much more interesting than saying bad about a group of people.

Osee Wood

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

David, Bangkok, Thailand — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:14:57 GMT

HAHA, this is idiotic to the extreme. The words FREE SPEECH imply the abilty to talk about ANYTHING you want, whether it is good or bad for you, good or bad for your political affiliation, good or bad for your relgious affiliation, good or bad for your government and political system, goor or bad for your national pride or not, etc, etc.

There is no such thing as "FREE SPEACH AS LONG AS ..." Come on, for crying out loud, you are a reporter and a commentator, or so you would like to believe, so please write articles that express the true sense of what you are saying.

I am sure that in Venezuela there is plenty of FREE SPEACH TOO, as long as it is pro-him, and I am sure the same is the case in Korea, Cambodia and many of these other countries. Hey, must be wonderful to be a state-controller media outlet in those countries, all that free speach going on in them!!

Man, this is just pathetic and sad.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

MyChina, Ontario, Canada — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:37:28 GMT

Following my last comments:

If someone really cares about what is happening in China, go there. If you really care about what is happening in Tibet, go there and ask randomly 100 people for questions you are interesting in.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Eugene O, SF, CA — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:56:45 GMT

Most people in the West don't even know the history of Tibet. The West may have also missed a good opportunity to bring the Chinese people to the Western influence. Instead, the Chinese still remembered 100 years ago when eight western Nations invaded China & try to carve a piece for their own. The fabrication of Tibet by the Western media will remind the Chinese the West is ganging on them again!! What a shame to the "Freedom of the Press"-- only a slogan.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Mikey - San Diego — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:13:57 GMT

they have the most disgusting government of any people on Earth, next to our "friends" in the Middle East. They are so blind from not being able to make up their own minds, it's sad. Very sad.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Michael Edmond OK — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:58:49 GMT

It just shows that the Chinese propaganda machine is healthy and running.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Richard — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:08:23 GMT

To the people that have not been in China please paid a visit before you speak your mind.

From Taiwan.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Larry McIntyre Haynesville, La. — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:38:13 GMT

I think that everyone should keep in mind that the olympics are about the sports, the atheletes, and the spectators, not politics. I have been to Beijing several times in the last year. The Chinese citizens are extremely proud that they are hosting the olympics, and have done a tremendous amout of work, to get ready. And this is all volunteer work, not compensated. China has made huge advances in many areas in a short period of time. The people there are proud of their country, their heritage, and of the olympics. I don't think the rest of the world should demean what they have accomplished. In China, just as every other country in the world, the government may do things that other countries government may not like. But that should not reflect on the citizens of that country. Let them show the world what they have done, and let them be proud of what they have accomplished, rather than put them down forthings they have no control over.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Shenzhen, China — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:18:46 GMT

Everyone should study the Tibet history before making comment. It was a slavery system and ruled by Buddhist Monks. Its goes back at least 500 years when Tibet to be part of China, and certainly not just started on 1951.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

he gao — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:12:15 GMT

Following is the full text of Dalai's1951 telegram to Mao:

"Chairman Mao of the Central People's Government:

"This year the local government of Tibet sent five delegates with full authority headed by Kaloon Ngapoi to Beijing in late April 1951 to conduct peace talks with delegates with full authority appointed by the Central People's Government.

"On the basis of friendship, delegates on both sides concluded the Agreement on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet on May 23,1951.

"The local government of Tibet as well as the Tibetan monks and laymen unanimously support this agreement, and under the leadership of Chairman Mao and the Central People's Government, will actively assist the People's Liberation Army in Tibet to consolidate national defence, drive imperialist influences out of Tibet and safeguard the unification of the territory and the sovereignty of the motherland. I hereby send this cable to inform you of this. “

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Duncan St. Ives, Richmond, KY — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:16:12 GMT

Free speech is not "free" when only certain speech is permitted. If this wave of public sentiment was anti chinia the authorities would be taking strong steps to quash it especially now.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Reuben, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:35:15 GMT

Thanks for the insightfull antedotes Mark, keep them coming. This is the kind of "behind the headlines" reporting we need to see more of it. It is more critical than ever for Americans to understand the point of view of people all over the world.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Shaunner, NYC, NY — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:07:41 GMT

Yes, you said it: there is plenty of freedom of speech if you are pro-China. An editor who questioned the truthfulness of the Chinese government's report on the riot in Tibet was attached as traitor and a Duke student who appealed to both sides to talk to each other was attacked and her family had to hide.

That's one kind of freedom, isn't it?

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Brian, Easton, PA — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:28:59 GMT

It's perfectly okay for China to commit genocide in Tibet for half a century, assist with a genocide in Darfur, and poison us with products.....but speaking out against them is wrong?

Up is down in this crazy world.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

American by choice, Raleigh, NC — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:33:06 GMT

An American said to a Chinese, "I have the freedom to protest against our president in front of the White House."
The Chinese replied, "I also have the freedom to protest against your president in front of Tianmen."
---------------------------------------------------
American people and their government are so naive as to believe that exposure to outside world and ecnomic progress will turn Chinese people into peace loving democrats. They do not understand that the mind of a people can be poisoned to a point of no return that no amount of facts or reasoning will affect its worldview. Let them be.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Beijing — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:18:09 GMT

"...China dont get it"
Learn English before making any mindless comments,Shambhala Knight

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Scott in Massachusetts — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:19:34 GMT

All countries have their internal problems. I don't think any who have hosted the Olympics have had spotless records on free speech, discrimination, etc. Let China enjoy their moment in the sun and let's all pause to think about the Olympic ideals. If more people can come together in a spirit of friendly athletic competition, maybe some of the other problems in the world can be worked out.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Hansolo, New York — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:32:57 GMT

Go China! Go Olympic! As currently an important engine of world economic growth, and as one of the ancient great civialization, China will be a better place years from now, the same way it is a better place than years ago.

Human rights: what happened to Iraq people's right? Iraq was one of the most prosperous place in middle east few decade ago, look now.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Peter, Brooklyn, NY — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:36:47 GMT

The Western Media is quoting biased sources like from Reporters without Borders, US congress funded Radio Free Asia, or some Tibetan association. As a result, politicans used the opening ceremonies as a carrot on a stick to 'Free Tibet.'

Saying that, there are human rights issues in China. Hu Jia is an environmental and AIDS activist who became a political prisoner recently. I'm sure that most Chinese would sympathize with this guy but US politicans doesn't care about him because there is no political advantage the securing his release.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Yan, Sydney — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:37:29 GMT

I don't really understand why the human rights in Tibet is an issue for western pepole. Why should't they respect the human rights of 13 billion Chinese people in the first place? In stead, they just care about a few people in Tibet? Are the right of a few people in Tibet much more important than 13 billion Chinese?
Come on, Shame on you!!!!

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Ben Hsu, Chicago, IL — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:38:17 GMT

it's hard to believe you've lived in China for two years. Apparently you haven't talked to ordinary Chinese people a lot because people are talking about politics all the time, criticizing their government, even making jokes about their leaders. the only difference is you can't have chance to talk on media. but look at CNN and Foxnews, sometimes freedom of speech is not always a good thing.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Robert S., Berkeley, CA — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:54:43 GMT

The real players in this whole scenario are the power brokers as represented by the CIA, its influence through big money on the media. The strategy employed is to fan the flames of popular ignorance on the part of the common people in the west focusing on the negative influence and threats that China presents and to play on people's sentiments toward a supposed suppressed people of Tibet. The build up to the current situation has been preceded by bashing China on a variety of issues ranging from pollution, faulty products, energy grab etc., along with building up a innocent and friendly image of the Dalai Lama to make him a shining star with respect to spirituality. The goal is to isolate and destabilize China so as to undermine its resurgence. You only need to know a little bit of history to see through all of it.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Mike (Chicago, IL) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:58:55 GMT

I find the people who hear or see what they want to, very interesting.

Like how the author mentioned that his baby sitter is a local person and had questions, and some have turned that into racism. It's context to the story.

Or how people try to rationalize away the one-sided nature of protests. Most places in the free, non communist world, there are two sides to almost every protest. And yes...China is most definitely still a Communist country.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Frank — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:59:27 GMT

I've posted at least 10 pro-China comments on MSNBC, however, to my disappointment, none of them were shown under the article.
Hey, MSNBC, is this your so-called freedom of speech? I never used insulting words. I was just expressing the feeling of an ordinary Chinese student and calling for a stop of media distortion.
I used to admire the American people that you possess the most objective media in this world, far better than us. Nevertheless, I find that I've made an enormous mistake: All media are just political tools, including this canting MSNBC!

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Jun, Cary, NC — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:20:34 GMT

CNN and other news outlets in the west is catering to those like "George in Raleigh NC", people who are very self-righteous but without any essential knowledge. If the media had reported in any other way, they would be labeled as pro-China and lose market share to the likes of Fox News. What more need to be said?

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Cas Burke, Rodney Bay, St Lucia — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:48:07 GMT

Americans have no right to criticise any foreign governments whilst their heinous and unlawful occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq are taking place.
Put your own house in order first.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

W Huang — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:48:34 GMT

I'm tired of so many ignorant people talking like they are the heroes and protectors of free speech and freedom. My observation is that most of such people usually never read, never care about world history, always rely on media for their "truthful" information because they are lazy and retard. Sorry, folks if you are one of them, your intelligence is usually not something that I could compliment.

You have never lived under communism and don't know what communism was like. You have never participated in demonstrated against communism government. I did all of that. I was one of the students during 89.6.4 against my communist government. I still hate the current "communist" government not because they practice "communism" but lack of democracy, and too much corruption by western standards. However, I knew that the government has come from a long way and is moving in the right directly, although extremely slow. I am confident that the Chinese government will eventually become democratic because more and more Chinese citizens will force it change, not because of you people who neither care about it nor knows anything about it.

Regarding this Tibet issue, I am with the Chinese people in the world. We are angry because the media was biased and not fair. I love our Tibetan brothers and sisters just like other minorities in China. I used to respect Dalai Lama for his peaceful middle way although I know that he had no choice because he had tried military rebellion but failed, but I still respected his middle way. Now I don't respect him any more because it is clear that he is playing a role while some groups loyal to him (for example Tibet Youth Congress) are advocating violence against innocent non Tibetan Chinese civilians. If Dalai Lama is a truly a peaceful person, he needs to distance himself from terrorism and condemn his own people that committed heinous crime against innocent civilians. Those violent acts are acts or terrorism. The western media need to get this thing straight.

Jack Cafferty is a racist.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Keri Ann Wheaton NYC — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:57:45 GMT

Well the everyday Chineese Citizen, is proud of their new, booming, economically surging, powerhouse of a nation and their hosting the Olympics, good for them!!

Boy its been awhile since I've heard, "Im proud to be a American", of course, right now the enviroment in the states is so negative (the visit from the Pope, brought some light in last week, to bad he left), lies about Iraq, High Oil resulting in high food prices, joblessness, big-time foriegn policy mistakes have left us deminished in the eyes of our EU friends etc., makes it hard for people to be proud.

So cheers to China, maybe once we get rid of BUSH/CHENNEY/RICE, we can back to feeling good

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Karen Palmer San Diego, Ca — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:01:36 GMT

China has alot to be proud of, love those litte egg rolls with chicken and veggies and only the chinese could have thought of a way to infuse orange into chicken- somebody told me, they invented the buffet, is that true?

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Chuck — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:03:35 GMT

I'll agree the press is 'biased'. The Chinese government doesn't allow them to accurately portray the real atrocities being committed in Tibet. It's also interesting to see all these 'Chinese' nationals here in the states-lots of credibility for people who brag up China but yet left that chithole. Screw the olympics, screw china.

As 'Dice' Clay said, "Put a piece of gum in it..."

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Frank Lau — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:17:47 GMT

I am a Malaysian. I am appall by the lack of depth of people in the west who criticized China on various issues. Seems like these are simpleton knowing very little about outside world, even though they might have spent their whole life reading supposedly free media. No wonder you always plunged into war amd regret later.
I can't say the same with pro china readers here. They seems to know very well what they are talking about, without being inflamatory.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

George Thomas, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:23:02 GMT

Feedom of speech means to be able to say anything you want as long as it does not physically hurt anyone. Criticizing your government is the ultimate freedom. For all you Chinese immigrants who believe the Chinese are above criticism, go home or join the freedom party that is the USA, do not bring your totalitarianism to America.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

fei — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:28:27 GMT

“the Chinese government did all they could to fuel the fires of fanatical nationalism over the events surrounding the upcoming Olympics, and now they're trying to reign in their people again”，I don't agree with you,sorry，I am from china, a student in a university,my English is poor,but I often came here to improve my English.I think you, the commenter,is not familar with the condition in china,maybe you havent been China ,ep these recent years.Many forein people have an opinion that is old.The condition in China is not what you think,if you just listen to the people nearby,many chinese people consider the western media don't say the truth,we have a lot of evidence,www.anti-cnn.com/ in this site.We know,a big country grow with a lot of difficulties.Plenties of envy of other country.In the www.tianya.cn ,this site is the biggest website in China,we also have free saying,almost.On there you can also find comment which is critical to the govenment.Though it is not good enough,but is getting better.welcome to China when olympic.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

feitianyu — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:30:26 GMT

"American people and their government are so naive as to believe that exposure to outside world and ecnomic progress will turn Chinese people into peace loving democrats. They do not understand that the mind of a people can be poisoned to a point of no return that no amount of facts or reasoning will affect its worldview. Let them be. " you are wrong

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Hir Broeg, Louisville, Kentucky — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:41:55 GMT

Following is the full text of Dalai's1951 telegram to Mao:
"On the basis of friendship, delegates on both sides concluded the Agreement on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet on May 23,1951.
"The local government of Tibet as well as the Tibetan monks and laymen unanimously support this agreement,..."

I believe the peoples of various nations agreed to the peacefull and "unanimous" anexation of thier countries by Germany. I also believe that if China decided to take over the rest of Asia, we would see a memo that cited a "unanimous" agreement by the people of those nations. As for looking up the history of Tibet, it is written by those in power, in this case China, you won't find mention of the lives lost, the atrocities, but of a liborator. If Tibet truly wanted to be part of China, in a "unanimous" fashion, there would be no protests.

As to the individual who made the comment about going to China, yes do so, and see the smoke and mirrors.

China has a great habbit of "diluting" populations, as it is now, by moving peoples of various parts of the country into "trouble spots"

As for the Middle East, that is a completely different can of worms, that is a religous group of crazies, not a political group of crazies.

Which doesn't let the U.S. off the hook, there are civil liberties violations here as well, the incedent in Texas for one. Though the comment came up, that the people will make a discernment between the biases, that is not nessiarily true, and just because I call the sky green, doesn't make it true. I am however free to say that, the government can't do anything really about it. The people might, and again there is one of the great limitations of this country, the freedom to say anything you want, as long as no one is offended.
But at least I can say it.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

bob,near philly.pa — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:45:01 GMT

If the Chinese really aspire to join the worlds top nations then they are going to have to grow a thicker skin and learn what it's like to live in a world where everybody doesn't agree with them on every subject and yes the their government has alot to answer for just like mine does and as they continue to develope and grow socially and econically these issues and other's will continue to be contoversial the chinese have had a free ride when it comes to their shortcommings because of americas involvement in Iraq and afghanistan as the worlds attention turns to them they are going to have to accept some flak like everybody else fair or not

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Ace Guiyang, Guizhou China — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:45:18 GMT

I am an expatriate living in Guiyang, China. This region is not yet "developed" compared to Shanghai and Beijing...much like my home in Eugene, Oregon is not as developed as New York or LA. I am embarassed by the blatent ignorance and bias in the western media, and I wish I could share my experiences with you all. China is waking up, becoming, emerging. This is an extraordinary time to be Chinese. As a proud American, I am sometimes ashamed of atrocities within my own country. This may be true of all nations. Our glass house is built of dirty pains. Still, hope and wonder drive the average Chinese citizen...not oppression and fear of their government. Once upon a time, I believed in the liberation of a free media, and that we in the west could lead the masses of the world to enlightment with free speech and freedom of the press. Now I wonder if I was the one who was brainwashed all along...

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

carson Beijing,China — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:47:25 GMT

objective.Hosting the Olympics is chance for them to show the world China is a confident and proud nation.
Chinese are hoping Olympic publicity will allow the outside world to notice the positive changes China has made in recent years.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

feitianyu,changsha,china — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:05:13 GMT

“this nationalism is just what the communists hoped for 60 years ago. brainwash the people long enough so they will think their way is right. ”no,communist in china is just a word,not real.obviously,you just brainwash by the media in your country,have you been China? No one in China now trust "communist",and the special commmunical in CHINA is not the condition thirty years ago. I dont suprise to your comment.It's very usual .I often go to website in taiwan,they have the same luaguage with us.But they also only listen to the media around them.This is not enough.JUST like one person's comment anterior,China is more captical than US.yes IT IS not mature.MAYBE the person in China will be ludicrous to what you think. Brainwash is not in our courtry,but in your country.IN China,we also can came to your website and we know ENGLISH,I can undersand what you says.MAYbe chinese is too difficult~~

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Erin, Illinois — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:16:15 GMT

In a country where opression in Tibet isn't even glanced over as important and bringing up Tiananmen Square can get one in trouble, I think maybe that while the Chinese people are more than justified to be angry at words against them, they should maybe open their eyes to the criticism AGAINST THEIR LEADERS, where the real problems lie. Those leaders hold a double standard...its okay for the Chinese people to be proud, but not for anyone in Tibet.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

feitianyu,changsha,china — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:26:10 GMT

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

M. Kalagias, Cleveland, Texas — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:27:48 GMT

That China is not as bad as it was 20-30 years ago is irrelevant. I understand that the Chineese people have pride in their country, but that should not be used to protect them from negative press. This is still the government behind the Tienamen square massacre. It is still trying to systematically eliminate the Tibeten culture. It is supporting the atrocities being committed in Sudan and North Korea. It is sending nuclear technology and supporting proliferation in rogue and terrorist nations. It is the largest polluter of the environment in the world. It does not engage in free trade with its trading partners. It uses toxic substances in food and other goods exported to other countries. It committed an act of war when one of its inept or suicidal military pilots rammed our plane in international airspace, took the crew prisoner, and took the plane as plunder. If the Chinese people want to see more positive press in the civilized world, their country is going to have to have more positive things to work with than "We're not quite as bad as we used to be."

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Tom, Washington, D.C. — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:35:15 GMT

Having endured so much anti-American criticism over my lifetime (some of it wholly unjustified), I understand how Chinese must feel. However, this kind of skepticism and criticism is to be expected given China's stated aspirations for "peaceful development." If China is to be a major world power, it should be subject to scrutiny.

Rising Chinese nationalism is a very real phenomenon. China's tremendous progress and achievements should be acknowledged, but we have to be objective. Too often we dismiss the soft authoritarianism of China, arguing that most Chinese are happy; and indeed they are. But authoritarian leadership, patriotic education, growing power, a loss of historical perspective, and perhaps a note of ethnocentrism (common to us all) have gradually produced a society that cannot tolerate constructive criticism and does not acknowledge the challenges it still faces (yes, we can be the same way). This is what you get when you lack free speech and a truly independent press (admittedly, ours is flawed). So, good luck, China. No one is against you, but expect more of the same. Oh, and to pre-empt: yes, I've been to China and speak Mandarin.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Thomas P., New York, NY — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:36:15 GMT

First of all, Cafferty had it 100% right when he called the Chinese leadership 'thugs and goons'. Thats what they are. And the Chinese who are outraged by the comments (even the ones outside China) only feel this way because of their own hypersensitivity on the subject. They know that their country is a backwards thuggish authoritarian police state, but don't necessarily like hearing it from other people. Its like having an abusive alcoholic father; you know its true, you know its a problem, it deeply hurts you, but you still don't appreciate hearing the kids at school talk about it, and when pressed feel an obligation to defend him.

Part of it has to do with a lack of maturity. China is not a mature society, and the Chinese people reflect this. Anyone who has ever done business there knows that you need to approach even their major corporations as though you're dealing with a middle-school student; prone to tantrums, frequently dishonest and with only a vague understanding of how the world actually operates.

This is a general symptom of the people who have lived under harsh authoritarianism, not unique to China. Russians are the same way. As are many nations in Southeast Asia.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

feitianyu,changsha,china — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:38:04 GMT

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Qinren, Shannxi — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:45:41 GMT

To Shambhala Knight: I am sure you have been totally brainwashed by western media. If you are from a slaveholder family, I must say soory that you will never back to the life of your forefathers anymore, if you are from a slave family, then congratulations, you can come back to see the free life of your relatives in Tibet now.

And, to all commenters here, if human rights of everyone on this planet should be respected, why you can not respect a common Chinese to say something good to his government!!! So, this is to "Jack White, Caliornia" , you are really a poor guy, may your media can wash your brain back to normal!

A native Chinese born in Shannxi, and now in Shanghai.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Andrew Douglas, Richfield UT — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:51:49 GMT

The Chinese people, just like any other "people" belonging to a country have day to day concerns that do not reflect what their government may or may not be doing behind closed doors. No one wants to believe that their government is capable of atrocities, instead, it is human nature to want to assume the best of ourselves while decrying the worst in others. Why would any of Chinese decent want to assume the worst of their home country and civilization?

For the majority of Chinese people that would never commit (knowingly) an act which violates human rights or decency, "let the games begin." They need to have a chance to show what is good and right about their society and the accomplishments of their industry.

The Olympics are a celebration of humanity, of personal and collective accomplishment, not a "pride-fest" to determine who lives under the best political philosophy. It is a chance to perform and compete, individual versus individual, and team versus team. The Chinese element in the olympic games has been indispensible to our experience through the years. Why think to tarnish their opportunity to play host, after so many years of being gracious guests?

No governemnt is perfect, in fact most, if not all, are seriously flawed. It is not a contest of who is less bad or more good. Your "Patriotism" should not include seeking the destruction of someone else's. You can be happy to live in America, while allowing someone else to be happy to live elsewhere. You can be happy to be of Irish or Iranian decent while allowing someone else to be happy because of the nationality of their ancestors. If you are personally guilty of thinking less of them because of the source of their happiness, you are disqualified from deserving your own.

If they see need for change, and it becomes important to them, then they can drive the process. And they should. We certainly have no right to force our views on to them, nor should we label them less than us for not adopting our views on their own. If we personally do not agree with their practices, then we have only one way to make a difference, and that would be to stop purchasing Chinese made products, just know that although the government may take a hit (the government and not the people should be the target of our effort), it is their people, with wives, husbands, children, grandchildren, etc, that ultimately pay the price.

There has to be a more intelligent way to inspire change than trying to grab the torch from a disabled athlete. Don't you think?

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Qinren, Shaanxi, China — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:01:01 GMT

To "American by choice, Raleigh, NC", I must say that you Americans are so naive as to believe what your media is saying and what your government is doing is always right, and think you are really peace loving democrats, you do not understand that the mind of a people can be poisoned to a point of no return that nearly all the wars now on this planet are sparkled and carried out by you Americans. Let Americans be.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Rose Irby Banning, Ca — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:03:37 GMT

Glad the Chinese like the way things are going in their country- because things suck big time here in the United States- bogus war started with Whitehouse lies, bad and getting worse economy, super-ultra high gas prices (thanks Emperor Bush). Go China!!

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Qinren, Shaanxi, China — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:04:19 GMT

Poor Americans, may someone can wash your brain back to normal.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Dan Kafton, Tacoma — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:51:17 GMT

If China would have allowed the foreign press into Tibet, they would have gotten better press. The Free Press gets pissed when you don't let them do their job and try to control them and they report what they do get, whether you like it or not.

As a sidebar, 5000 years of Chinese culture does, not surprisingly, lead to the point where you can take the Chinese out of China but you won't take the China out of the Chinese. They are Chinese first and foremost. We in America are used to hyphenated Americans but there is no such thing in an ancient homogeneous culture like China. Therefore you get the outrage by even Chinese-Americans or Chinese-Australians, at criticism of their Chinese identity or homeland.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

oea — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:00:59 GMT

TO Dennis , Carrollton, TX
Check the History books, China has control of Tibet for at least 800 years, longer than Texas has controlled Tejas, a portion of Mexico, taken through the kidnapping of the former Mexican president by a band of criminals, and forcing him to give up the territory to American guest workers that disagreed with the Mexican authorities policies. I would like to see your opinion if Cuban immigrants decided to join South Florida with Cuba because they disagree with our federal taxes.
You think that the China-Tibet relation started in 1950, that is understandable, you are from Texas, the same place moron George is from, the state that kills more inmates, based on labs with poor DNA analysis records, you probably also think that men and dinosaurs walked the Earth together, don't you?

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Emily, Provo, Utah — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:07:08 GMT

I'll be the first to admit that there's a lot that's wrong with the Chinese government today, and they have a long way to go. But we also need to focus on how far they've come. Things have improved drastically since Mao. China is doing well; the economy is doing well; and people in China are, as this article says, genuinely proud of what their country has accomplished, as well they should be.

As for what they're doing wrong, yes, it's bad, but let's not pretend for a minute that wars and violent government responses to protests are exclusively Eastern phenomena. Fortunately, we in America and the UK have mostly grown out of that; let's give China time to do the same.

I was all over China this summer, and everywhere, people are excited to show off what's going well in China, as this article says. Let's get off our high horses, stop insisting that if it's not how they do it in America that it must be wrong, and give China a chance.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

David, Niceville, Florida — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:08:36 GMT

I am an American who lived and worked in China for almost a year. The Chinese are good, decent, hard working people who generally have a true affection for Americans. I felt very safe in Beijing and in fact much safer than most American cities. It is true the government is communist in name only. In fact, as a businessman I found the red tape of doing business in China much less than in America. The Chinese are very entreprenureal by nature and smart business people.

My co-worker in his early 40s gave me an interesting insight. He told me when he was young it was glorious to be poor in China as you were seen as sacrificing for the country. Now, he said it is glorious to be rich.

Just some of my thoughts.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Annie - Chicago, IL — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:11:28 GMT

Thank you so much for pointing out my frustrations! As a Chinese American, I do understand the concerns of China's political issues, and there are definitely many things that the Chinese government can do differently. However, as a Chinese woman, I feel that all the bashing of "everything China" has gone too far by the media and protestors. Tibetan issues (and all the others recently brought up) has nothing to do with the Olympics. It is time to focus on the many improvements that China has made. Why make a good time gloomy? Let's enjoy the Olympics like we usually do - it's supposed to encourage friendliness amongst nations.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Jack Sprat — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:18:58 GMT

It is logical to assume that to some degree, a protester has a vested interest in the situation, or movement that they represent, whether it be a religious organization, a company, or in this case a foreign country's political and social group. The "Chinese" who are protesting are expressing a vested interest, therefore, in Communist China. That is worrisome, considering that they all want to become Americans for convenience sake.
We are the foreigners in our own country, according to those individual Chinese who would censor the media in America. We should pay for insulting "their" government. We should fire anyone who insults China.
Logically, they should go home, where they might join their bretheren in despising the country which supports them so grandly. We are Americans. We like the French on and off, but we don't indulge in their opinions. We like the British, but we don't wave their flags or protest when someone has a contrary opinion of Britain.
I think we tend to forget that China is not our buddy, but rather our competitor for resources on this planet. One day, we might have to fight for our own land against the greed for resources China has expressed. They have 1.? billion people to feed and our countryside looks good to them. That is what happened to Hong Kong, will eventually happen to Taiwan, and perhaps Japan. Beware of making friends of your enemies. They might still be your enemies.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

John Doe, Houston, TX — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:11 GMT

What interest me more about this article are people's responses. To all Americans reading it, please think about Chinese people's response, both inside and outside the country. Don't take media reporting at face value; Chinese are not brainwashed by the government, unlike what your government has been telling you; youtube is not blocked in China, if you go on youtube you might be surprised by how many Chinese you can find on there; Chinese do have access to both official government media report as well as sources such as CNN and BBC, and that's why they got so disappointed by the media performance regarding Tibet this time.

Think with your head!

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

jack, london, England — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:40:31 GMT

it is amusing to see so many americans accusing chinese people of being brainwashed, when it is obvious that many americans commenting are stilled brainwashed over communism and socialism.

yes tibet should be free, i attended the protest in london to support this, but i am not anti-china, i love the people, their culture and their ability to seemingly cope with anything,

what i am against is violence against unarmed civilians, whether it is the kent state shootings of 1970, Iraq, tiananmen square or tibet.

in short, love people hate governments, even the hailed USA and UK abuse human rights (guanatanimo bay)
open your eyes, open your ears before you open your mouth.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Christian, Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:49:06 GMT

China is going through an economic boom much like 1950s era post WWII America. It will take time for a social revolution thru new means of mass media such as the internet but the authoritarian regime will eventually fall. I would also like to take a shot at the blame america always idiots. You are frankly... idiots. lol.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Paul, Lansdale PA — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:27:43 GMT

Mr Hou, try wearing a fau lung gong T shirt in China and see how 'fair' the police are to you, try blogging on the internet in China about the Teinamen square massacre and see how long it stays up or try chinese language searchs on it and see how 'free' the internet is-or to the Catholics who follow the Pope. Loyal and patriotic Chinese, who merely wish to be allowed to worship their god as they please.
China wants to be seen as a global power but the sword cuts both ways and when you declare 'look at me" you cannot be surprised when the uglier things come to light.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

peace4all1, Middletown, NJ — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:38:41 GMT

I fully agree that highly patriotic behavior could become a double-edge sword, just see what is happening to us in US now after patriotic American reelecting Bush for the 2nd term.

For the benefits of Mr. Mullen who might not have easy access from Beijing to Western media here, this patriotic behavior is not just limited to Chinese inside China. Those violent attacks on Olympic Torch and smearing campaign by some Western media against Beijing’s handling during the recent riots in Tibet have upset all overseas Chinese. As a person educated through 20 years of anti-communism training in Taiwan and then followed by another 30 years brainwash by Western media, I hope that the following simple question can trigger some serious independent thinking by Western readers.

While all Chinese know that most of the hard-sell information released from Beijing could be for propaganda purpose, does any Western reader have the conscience to realize that he or she is also being heavily brainwashed by special interest groups via a much effective, sublime propaganda? For anyone wants to know more facts about Tibet, please read a recent article, “Facing Facts on Tibet” by Louise Blouin MacBain, at Forbes.com, http://www.forbes.com/opinions/2008/04/10/tibet-china-macbain-oped-cx_lbm_0411tibet.html

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Terry in Toronto — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:44:48 GMT

I was thinking of going to China on holiday with my family after the Olympics were over. Now I would not go near China. The reaction of the people and even the "Western" Chinese people in these comments scare the hell out of me.

Simplistic and easily manipulated. One mans comments about the leaders gets the whole country upset and many expatriate too.

Very scary.

The comments here remind me of the way my 5 year old thinks. Get really really angry when you don't get your way.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Peng Shanghai — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:14:31 GMT

What a pity!When so many commoners killed indirectly by Dalai Lama,we cannot see your sympathy, but only the inveracious photographs! what's free,where's free! Free is based on CNN,BBC?why not tell the turth by your on eyes?

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Dan King, Tacoma Washington — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:08:28 GMT

Brainwashing and arrogance are a dynamic duo. There is little difference between the Free Speech of the Hitler Youth Corps, The Goon rantings and posters of Mao's Culture Revolution and the current flag waving brain-deads who attack Grace Wang at Duke and are now starting to attack Christine Chan in Hong Kong and who are harassing the foreign news bureaus. Under Mao they hung teachers and burned books; now they have better weapons.
I pity China. This is the best they have after 5,000 years. And yes, I have spent many extended periods in China.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Mark San Francsico California — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:23:56 GMT

Here in America there is an Internet Term called "Trolling". Trolling is essentially saying something on the internet to spark interest and conversational conflicts. Trolling is a practice by many and it is an art form. The art form enflames people, the art form is always biased or plays an angle.

I am sad to say Western Media does nothing more then troll for the attention, the views and the verbal/text based conflicts. Western Media instigates this for nothing more than a buck gladly paid for by companies just trying to promote business to people.

It's pathetic American Media has come to this...

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Starret McDeil — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:51:32 GMT

The whole world seems to be against China, although i doubt it will become China V.S. the world, but the amount of tension, politically, and economically is almost tangible.

I was in Manhattan for 1 day visiting a friend, and that very day, I've witnessed a protest/strike whatever you want to call it, on boycotting the Beijing olympics, first of all, as a tourist, the image of america suddenly plummeted... why?

first of all, it was a tuesday, a working day, thousands of people would spent time walking around the city, disturbing the population, whose actions may or may not be heeded by the government,

secondly, they were also carrying banners supporting the Tibetan exiles, and that is my problem... supporting exiles? people are exiled because they are not welcomed in the country for causing national-scaled distress, and exactly what is happening in Tibet.... and they are being supporting?

In the recent news, there are many out roars from our media about the incident in Tibet where protestants are being shot, well, if there is a large scaled protest that is going out of control, disturbing people, harming civilians in NYC, or even London, what will the police do? Stand around and look pretty? No sirs, I do not, i think they will do exactly as the Chinese had done, disperse the crowd and prevent the continuity of the whole riot.

I've a friend who visited Houston Last months, she's chinese, and she was approached by many Fa Long Gong (or something like that) members, advertising about how bad china is, the pictures she were given, are very disturbing, but completely untrue, first of all, they were pics of peeps being tortured using methods from the Qing dynasty... which might bring you to think, are they really so primitive? and again, my answer is no.

Please note, the examples are not being used to tarnish the image of USA, it is overall a fantastic country, and as with all large countries, it cannot be kept completely free of incidents.

Regards,
Starret

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Chow Chow Lee — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:35:48 GMT

China, stop filtering google
America, stop the Iraq war

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Gina, AL — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:11:03 GMT

Jack Cafferty's calling Chinese "goons and thugs", and Chinese people would work for a dollar a month to produce "junk" is absolutely racist and hatred remark. It proves nothing but that he is ignorant, arrogant, racist, and full of hatred when commenting on a country and a people he has never been or met with. Seeing is believing! I would suggest everyone who is against China and Chinese people go to China to have a look first.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Tashi Tsundu — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:01:20 GMT

I would like to responed to the comments from one of the readers who said that he want's hard proof of the tibetans being killed in Tibet by the Chinese Communist Govt. The hard evidence will be found if the Chinese govt allows the independent media into Tibet. Where they can interview the people in Tibet freely and take pictures; not just a guided tour under the excuse of protecting the journalist. The hard evidence and the truth will come out on how many people have been killed and imprisoned since March 10th, 2008 by the Chinese govt.

We have received information from the people in Tibet that thousands of young tibetan monks and lay men have been arrested and hundreds have been killed by the Chinese Govt. Their bodies have been burnt in electric furnaces in order to destroy the evidence. Now the most recent information from Tibet is that the Chinese Govt is forcing the Tibetans to sign statements, stating that the H.H. The Dalai Lama was responsible for the protests in Tibet. If they refused to sign, threats of harsh treatment from imprisonment to death were given to them. This is what is going on in Tibet. With such Human Rights violation going on in Tibet and also in China against Falung Gong and other ethnic minorities, Olymics should be boycotted.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Peter, Brooklyn, NY — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:01:58 GMT

The reason why China is a communist regime in the first place the West treats China like a 5 year old. Every time when the US government makes these senseless threats of 'human rights or else' statements as an excuse to undermind the stability of the government, the hard liners in China comes up with an excuse not to change. The reformers in China who wants to change China for the better is silenced. Every time China wants to extend a olive branch, they are met with unrealistic demands from the the West. China is going to be a superpower but they can be an ally or an enemy depends on whether the West treats China as a Friend or a stepchild.

In Beijing, plenty of pro-China free speech

Promisous — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:21:15 GMT

Racism and Genocide as Social Policy This is China Today
Freedom needs you support stop giving your money to the Communist Chinese Police State that murders its own people, openly calls you their enemy, and is at War with freedom everywhere.

MADE IN CHINA = NO SALE
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-pC33yjq6g&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyiuImE0Blo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rht3Q5pV-rQ&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS81zVaTtbc&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwvy4amEFXM&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=94kzlYsYee0
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrbD1NYZpw4&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO9OTPXbXUA&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCow0VUw-o8&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x2E1ZL_7O0&feature=related
Can you really trust the Communist Chinese Police State to provide you with safe products?

Meet the Host of The Genocide Games
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLnZe-kJF5g&NR=1
www.youtube.com/watch?v=84eY81G9Z24&NR=1
www.youtube.com/watch?v=La93hoDWbaI&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaPsCRkJtE8&feature=related
Can you really believe the Communist Chinese Police State to provide you with safe products?

China Murders its own people do not support the Communist Chinese Police State that bring shame to the Chinese people everywhere
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGJoaHr2QdM&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhZCux2oxko&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqf8GDBsZ-0
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaPsCRkJtE8&feature=related
video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw
Can you really expect the Communist Chinese Police State to provide you with safe products?

Freedom needs you
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc2za8K1RUs

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb_fwU15Di4
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ddXIgU74Zk&NR=1
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mygHzqlA9DU&feature=related
Then why are you supporting the Communist Chinese Police State?
Why do you blindly trust the Communist Chinese Police State to provide you with safe product the Chinese people don’t?