August 7, 2008
NOT GOING WOULD HAVE MADE THE CLEAREST STATEMENT:
Bush Rebukes China's Human Rights Record (Luis Ramirez, 07 August 2008, VOA News)
Speaking at Bangkok's Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, he said the United States opposes the communist government's repression of its people."The United States believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings. So America stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents, human rights advocates, and religious activists. We speak out for a free press, freedom of assembly, and labor rights not to antagonize China's leaders, but because trusting its people with greater freedom is the only way for China to develop its full potential. And we press for openness and justice not to impose our beliefs, but to allow the Chinese people to express theirs," he said.
The president also praised China's rapid economic growth over the last few decades of economic liberalization. He expressed hope that political and social reforms will follow.
"Change in China will arrive on its own terms and in keeping with its own history and traditions. Yet change will arrive. And it will be clear for all to see that those who aspire to speak their conscience and worship their God are no threat to the future of China. They are the people who will make China a great nation in the 21st century," he said.
Mr. Bush repeated Washington's call for Beijing to behave responsibly in its new role as a world economic power. He said a dialogue between the United States and China aims to ensure long term growth.
"Through these discussions and others, we are making clear to China that being a global economic leader carries with it the duty to act responsibly on matters from energy to the environment to development in Africa," he said.
MORE (via Matthew Cohen):
Former 'Lost Boy' Lomong chosen to carry U.S. flag (Associated Press, August 6, 2008)
Eight years ago, Lopez Lomong didn't even have a country. Now he'll be carrying the flag for his adopted nation, leading the U.S. Olympic team at opening ceremonies Friday night.Lomong, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, won a vote of team captains Wednesday to earn the honor of leading America's contingent into the 90,000-seat Bird's Nest Stadium.
The 1,500-meter track runner will be the flagbearer only 13 months after becoming a U.S. citizen.
"It's more than a dream," Lomong said in an interview with The Associated Press moments after he got the news. "I keep saying, I'm not sure if this is true or not true. I'm making the team and now I'm the first guy coming to the stadium and the whole world will be watching me carry the flag. There are no words to describe it."
'I came all the way here, so I have to run' (Tom Farrey, July 2, 2008, ESPN the Magazine)
He makes the statement and goes there. They cannot ignore him - he's too important. They can't keep him out either. They have to treat him with the proper ceremony, and everytime he stands there it is a rebuke. And they have to smile through that rebuke and pretend it doesn't hurt their image of omnipotence.
Posted by: Mikey at August 7, 2008 11:18 AMHe also has business to conduct. Something about nuclear proliferation.
Posted by: ghostcat at August 7, 2008 1:11 PMTo facilitate discussions in the comments, we require a name be submitted with your comments.