China vs Democracy in the Developed countries

[Pooeypants]

Recently I've engaged in a debate with some Chinese students that study in the US. I put forward that China was ruled by a corrupt authoritarian rule with complete disregard for human rights or the environment. This is what he replied,

Why can't we compare events from centuries ago to current events? The same god given rights exists back then just as it does now. Just because now we have international human rights written on a piece paper, doesn't excuse the atrocities done before that was established. Atrocities are atrocities. China has them, as so do other countries. Do I really think Chinese governments actions are comparable to developed countries? What developed countries? All I see are governments run on greed, pride and a complete disregard for human rights in the face of benefits or fear.The British Government killed more than 50000 Kenyans during the 1950's. The US started a war where more than half a million died for a cause that didn't even exist. Are Chinese government's actions comparable to these so called "civilized" nations? Just looking at the body counts, maybe not. The truth can always be twisted to serve one's purpose. And no one is better at twisting the truth than those who are in power, namely the government. Do not think that I am not appalled by the human rights violations in China. But I have seen so much human rights violations around me that I have become jaded. What I can't take are these hypocritical western countries wearing their facade of righteousness, condemning a developing country with 1.3 billion people, going under fundamental restructuring, for not being able to take care of every one of its citizens. But China took care of me,and like what Jake said, probably 99% of the Chinese citizens feel the same way. As for propaganda, I can say the same to you about being well indoctrinated in the democratic philosophy. An authoritarian government use fear to keep its citizens in line, while a democratic one uses manipulation by giving the people a false sense of "choice". (In this new world of terrorism, democratic countries also started to use fear, except the boogey man isn't themselves) When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter what form a government takes, as long as it cares for the people. And I have yet to see a government that truly does that. Not China, not USA nor any other country. Corruption and government seems inevitably linked. My cry for anarchy in my first post might not be a mere joke. So drop you destain for the Chinese government and truly look around you. What China does is nothing special. It's just a very small part of a global disrepect for human rights. And don't delude yourself thinking you have freedom just because you can cast a vote. The majority of the masses are like sheep who are easily herded by rhetorics of politicians. The minority of the population who have the time and take the time to find out the real agenda of the politicians usually make a minimal impact, and even then, they may still be wrong. The western world has been so conditioned to repulse from words such as authoritarianism that they often lose sight of what they are really afraid of. It's not authoritarianism that is scary, but the tyranny it can bring. And guess what, democracy isn't above tyranny. The difference between a tyrant one thousand miles away and one thousand tyrants a mile away is minimal.

What do you folks reckon?

[Georgia]

First question.
If China is superior then why is it neccessary for him to study in the U.S.?
He writes:

a democratic one uses manipulation by giving the people a false sense of "choice"

Let him tell that to our House and Senate.

Another thing he mentions:

When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter what form a government takes, as long as it cares for the people.

I think the people should govern themselves.

And don't delude yourself thinking you have freedom just because you can cast a vote.

Freedom isn't just casting a vote.
BTW if he and the majority around him carried destain for his local and national communist leaders can they vote the sucka's out?

[The Architect]

So is he saying that he wouldnt mind being under a toltalatarian rule, were his freedoms were restricted and if he spoke out he would be killed?

Not China, not USA nor any other country. Corruption and government seems inevitably linked.

Yes alot of governments have corruption, but some have more than others. Look at some of the charts, theres corruption in the US but theres alot more in China.

[Clarence]

But China took care of me,and like what Jake said, probably 99% of the Chinese citizens feel the same way.

I agree with much of what he says. There almost has to be misconceptions between cultures. 99%? shoot 60% would be a huge improvement stateside. That might be where this guy gets this from

If China is superior then why is it neccessary for him to study in the U.S.?

That's the only place your friend might have suggested China was superior. Dee Snyder would probably be dissapointed in Georgia.

I don't appreciate China accumulating debt on americans, but. It's really our leader's fault. How does that work anyways?

[Right of Center]

The difference between China and the US is that the US gives its citizens complete control of what they want to do with their lives (murder and rape not included) America supports capitalism and that capitalism has created a country where even the poorest people can buy TVs and cars. China doesn't have that. People will always want to do what they want to do and people will always get frustrated when governments tell them what to do.

Ask you Chinese friend if he prefers surfing the internet without government sanctioned blocks, or watching news that criticizes the government? What about all those different political parties that disagree, they exist in the US, not China. You could go on and on and on. But unless you support communism it would be hard to support the Chinese government.

[grandpa]

Quote by: Right of Center The difference between China and the US is that the US gives its citizens complete control of what they want to do with their lives (murder and rape not included) America supports capitalism and that capitalism has created a country where even the poorest people can buy TVs and cars. China doesn't have that.

You're kidding, right? The US government is an organization of almost constant crime and looting--how does it allow people to do whatever they want?
The only reason our country can function at all are the gains won by activists who struggled against the state and private power (incredible odds) to create even minimal standards of living. This is true in China as well.

Grandpa h.