4/19 L.A.

I think it is absolutely wonderful that jhu and other Chinese people and others, citizens and visitors, feel free enough to utilize the First Amendment Rights of the American Constitution to protest, demonstrate, or make known their feelings regarding issues they feel concerned about. jhu and others were supporting the PRC's position regarding the matter of Tibet.

But what would happen if they took the other side? A recent article in the L.A. Times points out this contradiction. The wheel chair bound athlete that was protecting the Olympic torch is seen as a hero. A Chinese exchange student who went to Free Tibet debate as an on-looker has been vilified as a traitor and her parents in China have been threatened and are in fear for their lives.

This is not the place to discuss the historical status of Tibet or the history of the PRC's actions against the Tibetan people. I will note that the 27th army group which was responsible for much of the carnage in Beijing in 1989 had just been transfered from Lhasa where they were responsible for the killing of 2000-3000 Tibetans.

But jhu and other Chinese are not able to read about this or debate this issue or other issues in China. I urge jhu and other Chinese to check Google.com Tiananmen 1989 and then logon to Google.com.cn (CHINA) for the same entry and check the difference.

I sincerely doubt that jhu or any other Chinese citizen living in China who wants to avoid jail or any foreigner who wants to stay in China, would have the courage to stand in Tiananmen Square today with a sign that asked "LIU SI-JIGE SHALE?" (JUNE FOURTH_ HOW MANY WERE KILLED?). I have been there! The Square is completely covered with cameras on poles and scores of plainclothes and uniformed police. At the least sign of anything they will pounce on any suspected demonstrator. You can not even go up to see the Monument of Heroes...it is blocked by police!!!

Petitioners from outside provinces that come to Beijing for grievances repressed by province authorities are routinely harassed by thugs hired by those same home province officials to keep any problem from reaching the central authorities...AND they are aided in this by the Beijing police.

Let freedom ring!!!...and let it ring in Beijing as well as Los Angeles!!! The Chinese people want REAL freedom not jingoistic nationalism!!![Edit by="mwhittemore on May 1, 5:55:53 PM"][/Edit]
[Edit by="mwhittemore on May 2, 2:13:35 AM"][/Edit]