November 27, 2005
TRANSPARENCY IS SUICIDE:
Chinese decry toxic coverup: Chinese media are leveling rare criticism of the slow, secretive response to a toxic river spill (Robert Marquand, 11/28/05, The Christian Science Monitor)
While no culprits were named in newspapers from Beijing to Shanghai and Hong Kong - pending an investigation by Chinese premier Wen Jiabao - the language was, in Chinese terms, severe. Lies, failure of public trust, unjustifiable - are words and phrases rarely used in state-run media here regarding business and leadership issues. One Shanghai paper even called for a "transparent public information system." A Beijing journal declared, "Those who have lied irresponsibly will certainly be punished severely." [...]China's pattern of official secrecy regarding public catastrophes that impinge on the health and well-being of those beyond Chinese borders is a subject observers here say genuinely does concern China's leaders.
MORE:
Explosion Kills 30 Miners in China (AP, November 28, 2005)
An explosion tore through a coal mine in northeast China, leaving at least 30 miners dead and more than 100 missing, state media reported Monday.Posted by Orrin Judd at November 27, 2005 7:09 PM
"Those who have lied irresponsibly...."
As opposed to the entire apparatus of the state, which is quite responsible in its embellishment, shall we say.
Right. Or, loop.
Posted by: jim hamlen at November 27, 2005 8:25 PMFOX NEWS is now reporting of another coal mine disaster, with 160 miners missing. This is almost a monthly event over there, but where are the Labor-loving socialists protesting the safety conditions of these slave-like humans?
AH! It's difficult to blame this on President Bush, don't you know!
Posted by: obc at November 27, 2005 10:04 PMDick Gephardt talked about unionizing workers in other countries, but the plan didn't go very far.
That said, probably 6000 people are killed per year in Chinese coal mines. Where's the outrage?
Posted by: ratbert at November 27, 2005 11:43 PMRemember this...the state apparatus is above and beyond criticism and reproach. Forget or ignore this...and the state apparatus will crush you.
Posted by: Dave W. at November 28, 2005 4:26 AM