So why did I do it? I could offer a million answers, all false. The truth is that I'm a bad person, but that's going to change, I'm going to change. This is the last of this sort of thing. I'm cleaning up and I'm moving on, going straight and choosing life. I'm looking forward to it already. I'm going to be just like you: the job, the family, the fucking big television, the washing machine, the car, the compact disc and electrical tin opener, good health, low cholesterol, dental insurance, mortgage, starter home, leisurewear, luggage, three-piece suite, DIY, game shows, junk food, children, walks in the park, nine to five, good at golf, washing the car, choice of sweaters, family Christmas, indexed pension, tax exemption, clearing the gutters, getting by, looking ahead, to the day you die.
-Trainspotting
God damn it!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Good Opinion on International Olympic Protests
Opinion Link
I disagree with the manner of the protests going on. The locals (not Tibetans) of London, Paris and San Fransisco should take into account the Dalai Lama's views. He is after all, described as the leader in exile of the Tibet people. Also factor in the views of billion people who are experiencing a once in a lifetime event, in which the nations of the world are supposed to 'come together'. This has the potential to be a 'transcendent' experience for the Chinese people. They could incorrectly view it as the Tibetans sabotaging their moment which may lead to more violent crackdowns in the PRC.
I do not justify what the Chinese have done or are doing in Tibet.
This is an article on the Dalai Lama's public view
I also do not agree with the 'efforts' by Indian authorities to ban Tibetan exile protests when the torch passes through the country.
There is also an article on the BBC about the history of Olympic protest. Its called 'Power Games'.
People might look at this and call me an armchair critic.
I don't care.
I disagree with the manner of the protests going on. The locals (not Tibetans) of London, Paris and San Fransisco should take into account the Dalai Lama's views. He is after all, described as the leader in exile of the Tibet people. Also factor in the views of billion people who are experiencing a once in a lifetime event, in which the nations of the world are supposed to 'come together'. This has the potential to be a 'transcendent' experience for the Chinese people. They could incorrectly view it as the Tibetans sabotaging their moment which may lead to more violent crackdowns in the PRC.
I do not justify what the Chinese have done or are doing in Tibet.
This is an article on the Dalai Lama's public view
I also do not agree with the 'efforts' by Indian authorities to ban Tibetan exile protests when the torch passes through the country.
There is also an article on the BBC about the history of Olympic protest. Its called 'Power Games'.
People might look at this and call me an armchair critic.
I don't care.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Increasing Scruitiny of Chinese Policy
Hello Everyone!
I know its been a long time and apologize for the delay.
Now for the story...
Breaking news on BBC and other Western media outlets indicate that Hu Jia, a 34 year-old Chinese human rights activist and dissident, has been arrested and possibly sentenced by Chinese officials.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7327718.stm
The actions of the Chinese government are reprehensible. I hope that the officials release him as soon as possible, if he is truly innocent. Even if he is not innocent, the sentence of 3-and-a-half years is too much. However, let us explore something else - the Western media's sense of moral authority.
The West of course claims the moral high ground. Following the faint screams of their hippies and "Free Tibet" wannabes, we have a media frenzy. Tibet, Dissident, Torture, Human Rights, Arrested, Detained, Repression - these key words for headlines on China have gleamed in the past few days.
It boils down to this: maximize damage against the Chinese system during their most vulnerable time - the Olympics. The frenzy does not have the appearance of a genuine attempt to reform China. It seems like an exercise in the strategic or the subconscious propagation of the idea to be suspicious of the competing East.
The people, have gotten used to reading stories about China and have been drilled (Orwellian style) to think, "Oh no! those Chinese are up to no good again!". Why don't you question the media? Why is China the big bad red?
What if Mr. Jia was actually espousing lies? If he was, how do you feel about the 'good Christians' at Fox News? I know the left would figuratively enjoy Bill O'Reilly' s head on a platter.
Has anyone heard of Sami Al Hajj - an Al Jazeera journalist held at Guantanamo Bay (since December 15th 2001) by the U.S. Government?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sami_Al_Hajj
http://www.prisoner345.net/
Compare this to the massive campaign to free Alan Johnston - who was detained by the Army of Islam in Palestine, and released on the insistence of Hamas.
I'm not saying this is a conspiracy but I do think skepticism is healthy.
Gavin
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