Bloody barbarians

[lofuji]

The Chinese have long regarded the rest of the world as barbarians. The Chinese name for China reflects that attitude:

It means "central country".

But who are the barbarians now? Yesterday's execution of Akmal Shaikh, who suffered from bipolar disorder, plumbs a new low by a regime that has always shown scant respect for the Western concept of human rights. Akmal Shaikh clearly committed a crime, but the Chinese judicial system paid absolutely no attention to his illness, which I consider reasonable mitigating circumstances. Of course, I did not expect him to be reprieved. China does not like to be told what to do [the usual parrot cry is "interference in China's internal affairs"], mainly because 'face' is crucially important to the Chinese. Losing face is the ultimate humiliation. This is illustrated indirectly by a quote from a domestic discussion forum:

This is all a show by the British government. If it had really wanted to save Akmal Shaikh it would have negotiated in secret with the Chinese.

and from the Chinese Foreign Ministry:

Nobody has the right to speak ill of China's judicial sovereignty.

To which there is only one reply: Bullshit! Your fucking judicial system is a steaming pile of shite.

lofuji

[Drewish]

Just wait. As China becomes more capitalistic, there will arise a middle class. That middle class will wield power through wealth and desire political power. The bourgeoisie always bring about individual rights. It's the nature of the beast.

[lofuji]

Just wait. As China becomes more capitalistic, there will arise a middle class. That middle class will wield power through wealth and desire political power. The bourgeoisie always bring about individual rights. It's the nature of the beast.

I think your analysis is only partly correct. There is already a substantial middle class in China with plenty of disposable income. And most of them are happy with the status quo, which means enjoying the fruits of prosperity but keeping away from politics. In other words, they're being bribed. People like Liu Xiaobo, recently jailed [for subversion,for fuck's sake] for 11 years for nothing more than expressing an opinion, are a very small minority. How long this situation continues I don't care to guess, but I don't expect to see substantial democratic reforms in China in my lifetime.

lofuji

[Feck]

He walked into it poor "fool" any State or system of law should show some understanding or Mercy in such a case ......Maybe they had orders for his organs ?