Jude 2

President Bush condemns China human rights record on eve of Olympics
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4476593.ece

President Bush has issued a blunt condemnation of Beijing’s repression of its people on the eve of the Olympics, just as three American Christians were arrested for protesting for religious freedom in Tiananmen Square.

With the eyes of the world on China and heads of state from around the globe flying in for the opening ceremony tomorrow, Mr Bush used some of his toughest language yet to press China to improve its record on human rights.

Speaking in Bangkok, he said: “America stands in firm opposition to China’s detention of political dissidents and human rights advocates and religious activists. We press for openness and justice – not to impose our beliefs but to allow the Chinese people to express theirs.”

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Bravo.

I doubt that quote will be accurately translated, if at all, in the China newspapers.

Words are good. Actions are better.

forestwalker wrote:Words are good. Actions are better.

agreed.

And what will change becuase of this statement? Now if B. Hussein Obama had made the same statement the networks would have been all over it.

Actually, Bush has been a man of action, too much if you listen to some liberal pundits. He certainly has helped stem the AIDS crisis more than any other president and that's coming from the folks on the frontlines. Liberals like to point out he's "killed thousands of soldiers" but others credit him for saving millions of African lives. So that's not talk (because he doesn't announce it every time he steps up to the podium); it's action.

Just talking about this issue DeWayne. When it comes to China, our government's (not just the president's) words please us, but it's actions please China. Enough with the empty moralism.

Understood.

forestwalker wrote:Words are good. Actions are better.

Timely, authoritative words often lead to action. (see Ronald Reagan)

We first need the leaders to have these strong beliefs and convictions that stand for something even when it's not popular.

I for one am very pleased at his remarks. Words mean things.

I remember when the Rolling Stones held their concert in China a few years back. Big hullaballoo about censorship of their songs, playing from approved playlists, etc. Mick Jagger said

"I'm pleased that the Ministry of Culture is protecting the morals of the expat bankers and their girlfriends that are going to be coming"

USA Today called this, correctly, "a reference to the largely foreign, upper-class audience expected for the concert."

Point is, I wonder who was allowed by China into the President's appearance. A few expat bankers and approved Communist blue-bloods? Not scores of Chinese newspapers, certainly, and no live TV coverage to be broadcast into China's homes.