Expectation of China's Political Institution

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

The following letter was published on LA Times' web page on April 28. I thought you may have an interest in it.

A history lesson

April 28, 2006

Re "China steps out," editorial, April 23

In addressing political freedom in China, we should remember that in 1787 the U.S. Constitution was drafted and ratified exclusively for landowners. Voting rights were extended to all white males in 1850, to women in 1920 and to blacks in 1965. It took almost 200 years for us to evolve into an inclusive political institution. Let's hope the Chinese Communist Party will lead the development of an inclusive political process in China for its 1.3 billion citizens in less time than it took us.

[Anonymous]

Very interesting and informative article. It does look like China has undergone critical changes and is continuing to grow toward a more "capitalistic" communist country. I think it is amazing that we were able to visit China during this time of growth...after seeing the changes firsthand, I will definitely pay more attention to articles like this.

[Anonymous]

You are right...after visiting China, I as a Taiwanese(Chinese) also scared? of China's growing. Not just economically, but also in so many different areas:army, political, population...etc.

[Anonymous]

It's not really fair to compare our history of suffrage to today's China. Although in 1787 only white males that owned property could vote, the US government has always been under control of the people. It's true that not every US citizen could vote for many years, but I don't think it's true that the US government has been able to ignore the will of the people like China's communist party does today.

To be honest, I was angered by China's government on our trip. How can a government that calls itself "The People's Republic of China", allow for such incredible suffering by so many of it's citizens. I was shocked by the level and the grand scale of China's poverty. Look at the number of beggars and "salespeople" that we saw. Three-year olds begging at night. People desperate to make a few yuan. Obviously, China's government is not concerned with the millions of poor Chinese people. At some point, the poor will strike back. It's happened in every area of the world throughout history and it's happened many times in China.

[Anonymous]

I agree with you, but I guess what we have seen is part of ;or tends to be a country phenomenon for a country like China to take a big step of reaching the better life standard for their citizens.

[Author]

Posts