Ron and others,
I was going to jump in but after re-reading Larry's post, it is obvious his opinion stems from ignorance. May be through your combined efforts, he would take the time to read up on a subject before formulating condemning opinions.
Sadly, what the exchange demonstrated was how easily the masses can be manipulated via a few headlines, knowing that the reader (or viewer) would never bother to question the truth. Headlines such as "butcher of Tianamen" might have grabbed attention but the damage was never considered. I wonder how we would feel if the world only reference the US as the "butchers of Kent State" or the "murders of native Americans" or the "slave masters of the modern era"?
Regarding Lee, I don't know the facts and I don't know his guilt or innocence but it really doesn't matter. If not for this guy, I am certain there are other "spies" floating around, trying to find what they can for China, Japan, Russia, Israel or whoever. Don't we have the same global network under CIA payroll? While it is most unlikely that if Lee had been Jewish, he would have receive the same treatment. Chinese bashing, at the moment, is a lot more fashionable than being called anti-sematic. The fact remains all countries engage in this cloak and dagger practice. Who is the pot and who is the kettle?
As I am typing, CNN reports the Clinton administration is issuing strong warning for China to obey our laws. If China retaliates by rounding up a known US spy or two, which I am sure they are aware of, where would that leave our relations?
As for human rights, I have opined that China has progressed miraculously. They should be the poster child for the UN Human Rights Commission. Everyone who has looked at the facts agreed.
Back to more important issues. The course that we (US) have taken is going to lead to confrontation in all fronts. There are slippery banana issues against the EU, trade wars against China, Japan, all are not positive for the stock market. I hate it when politics interferes with my pocket book.
Ramsey |
