I am from America but live in China. You make good points about governmental control and such, but as always, it is a question of degree.I am over 50 and have experienced what you call to question in the States and can say that the governmental censorship in China is appalling cant compare to anything I have seen in the west. It reminds me of a dictatorial regime, trying to compare it to that of the USA is unreasonable.For instance, I attend university here and have Professors that have been censored by the Chinese government for discussion that they have had in class. That is today in 2010, not during the cultural revolution- these guys are followed as well to ensure they stay quiet. So, when we discuss this topic we must take a realistic look at the USA as well as China.
Now, regarding your your claim about America in terms of wiretapping etc. They do, do this, all in the name of national security (supposedly). The benefit of the west or benefits, are the fact that you are aware of this, eventhough you are not an American, nor part of the government (transparency-1) I will address later, and that you can comment publicly on this matter without fear of reprisal from the government (as in present day China) or them treating you like a child- as you mention in your post "Don't people everywhere do the same thing with children...rules...boundaries...to keep children cordon in an area... Make up stories like the Stork, Santa Claus,...they aren't ready for the truth?"
To wit, the west does not treat one as a child, they are treated with a form of human rights that allows all to express their opinions- they are not protected by some state sponsored truth; it is assumed that they are mature and intelligent enough to make reasonable decisions- thus you have respect and a basic human right to knowledge.
Secondly the issue of transparency. Yes the USA did and does some horrible things, but as stated, you hear of them,cover ups dont last long. Contrast this to China and all of the state sponsored deceit (too numerous to articulate). Thus, if and when the west or the USA does someting such as this, we are able to pursue it, discuss it, take action agains it- something that is impossible in China today.
Slashdot Mirror
I am from America but live in China. You make good points about governmental control and such, but as always, it is a question of degree.I am over 50 and have experienced what you call to question in the States and can say that the governmental censorship in China is appalling cant compare to anything I have seen in the west. It reminds me of a dictatorial regime, trying to compare it to that of the USA is unreasonable.For instance, I attend university here and have Professors that have been censored by the Chinese government for discussion that they have had in class. That is today in 2010, not during the cultural revolution- these guys are followed as well to ensure they stay quiet. So, when we discuss this topic we must take a realistic look at the USA as well as China. Now, regarding your your claim about America in terms of wiretapping etc. They do, do this, all in the name of national security (supposedly). The benefit of the west or benefits, are the fact that you are aware of this, eventhough you are not an American, nor part of the government (transparency-1) I will address later, and that you can comment publicly on this matter without fear of reprisal from the government (as in present day China) or them treating you like a child- as you mention in your post "Don't people everywhere do the same thing with children...rules ...boundaries...to keep children cordon in an area... Make up stories like the Stork, Santa Claus,...they aren't ready for the truth?"
To wit, the west does not treat one as a child, they are treated with a form of human rights that allows all to express their opinions- they are not protected by some state sponsored truth; it is assumed that they are mature and intelligent enough to make reasonable decisions- thus you have respect and a basic human right to knowledge.
Secondly the issue of transparency. Yes the USA did and does some horrible things, but as stated, you hear of them,cover ups dont last long. Contrast this to China and all of the state sponsored deceit (too numerous to articulate). Thus, if and when the west or the USA does someting such as this, we are able to pursue it, discuss it, take action agains it- something that is impossible in China today.