<p>I support your views on a “free China.” However, China is an ancient civilization with over 5000 years of civilized history. Deep cultural customs and traditions have taken root there. While I support the establishment of a democratic system, an independent judicial system, and a guarantee of basic civil rights in China, I also want to see a more pragmatic approach on the actual implementations of these institutions in China. It is irresponsible and unreasonable to simply copy-paste the western democratic system on China without any modifications. One must also realize that different cultures and peoples have very different interpretations of the word “freedom.” To me, a democracy is not a simple act of franchise. That is what we see on the surface, the usual pompous elections and lavish campaign speeches. To me, a democracy must serve the the IMMEDIATE NEEDS of the nation and its people in any given time period. At the current moment, for China, those needs are quite simple: fill every citizen’s bellies, increase average income, increase domestic consumption, polishing social security, and increasing the overall living standards of every citizen as fast as possible. In China, most people would rather have a wealthy, comfortable life than the latter option. In fact, Chinese history has shown that a powerful “central government” is always needed in order to ensure the stability and growth of this giant, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic nation. </p>
<p>Just for future reference, somethings are just inherently different between America and China, because of deep differences in peoples’ cultural values. In China, most people (in fact, everyone I’ve met) don’t really have much of a problem with “censorship” or “freedom of speech.” I can tell you with confidence that people in China can talk about politics freely. They can also send suggestions and criticisms to their local government. My cousins there discuss about politics and political reforms all the time, sometimes even throwing a joke or two about their local communist party commissars. Political and social satires are popular on Chinese media. I once saw this short skit on an entertainment channel showing a few guys who are dressed like clowns, apparently immitating the rigid looks of Party officials.</p>