The Latest Democracy Effort in China
January 6, 2009
The Christian Science Monitor has produced an article about the latest petition for democracy in China, Charter 08; unlike previous efforts, it is receiving support from a diverse cross-section of Chinese citizens. CSM titled the article “Charter 08 Worries China,” although I think a more appropriate title would be “Charter 08 Worries Chinese Government” or “Charter 08 Brings Hope to China.”
I’m not naive enough to believe that this is going to be the end of China’s oppressive regime. In fact, law enforcement is already “interrogating” (a.k.a. torturing) Charter 08 advocates. But I was happy to read the article anyway. Call me cheesy, but I see it as a testament to the human spirit. No matter how often a government has shown itself willing and able to violently crush dissent, there will always be those who affirm their basic rights as human beings. Always. And they are the ones who will someday secure the right to life, freedom of worship, and democracy in China.
