I guess that Michael O’Hanlon’s advice in his Washington Post op-ed, that we shouldn’t “overdemonize” the ruling regime in China is wise but I’ve got to admit it has me stumped. What would constitute “overdemonizing” a regime that is suppressing democracy and civil liberties, engaging in genocide, is forcibly sterilizing women, is racist, anti-religion, elitist, enslaving its own people, supporting some of the most heinous regimes in the world, viz. North Korea, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, and for all we know whose recklessness might have unleashed a virus on the world that has already killed more than 3 million people? I’ve got to admit I’m stumped.
I’m sure someone will come along and point out that at least the trains run on time.
I hope you are being ironic.
We should never again say “never again,” because there is always going to be an “again” somewhere.
Living in the world means coming to a modus vivendi. with some truly heinous regimes. That’s doesn’t mean that we should lose track of the fact that they are truly heinous regimes.
The CCP regime that rules China is one such truly heinous regime. But, beginning with Deng Shao Ping, they did make the trains run on time.
Calling a truly heinous regime a truly heinous regime isn’t overdemonizing. But it is undiplomatic.
Nearly every bad thing you point out is also true of Saudi Arabia, plus some extras. That said I am not overly interested in name calling. We should look after our own interests. If there is a really clear advantage to the US in doing stuff with these kinds of countries then maybe e go ahead, but it better be good for the country and not just a few rich people.
Steve
The way the Bush Administration, in particular, cozied up to the Sauds made me ill.
“But it is undiplomatic.”
A highly over rated practice, in my opinion. I know some will not be surprised.
Call them what they are, call it as it is, and act accordingly. Whether the Saudis or the Chinese or the Iranians, or whomever. Miserable fucks, that’s what they are. They might say same about us. OK.
Now, time to move on as adults and do what must be done. But that doesn’t mean we have to be diplomatic and coddle them. I understand Joe Biden is nuzzling up to the Iranians. Talk about miserable fucks. What next, another plane full of money? What is the utility? The Chinese? What utility?
I shouldn’t be so hard on Joe, the poor dear. He’s not running the show. Obama is. WTFU people.
So many scattered thoughts.
That the reification of names is important; and it goes both ways.
That “making the trains run on time” is underselling its importance. The CCP is not wrong in betting its fundamental legitimacy on it.
My point in the remark is that whatever its economic achievements they do not excuse it’s many, many abuses.