Western 'democracy' not good everywhere

Comment on Li Xing's column "Beware fake models of democracy" (China Daily, April 17)

The Western concept of "democracy" is a very limited one. To vote once every several years is how they define "democracy". However, the truth is that big business rules in their countries.

The question is: "Democracy for whom?" Democracy should mean real rule by and for the majority of people. That is not something happening in the West as yet.

Tibetan history shows the people were ruled by a feudal system until China took action to free the serfs who were treated worse than animals and to end the cruelty and abuses.

I had personally seen the skin of a child peeled off alive to "drive the demons out of her". In old Tibet there were scores of examples of such atrocities perpetrated against serfs. Is it this system that pro-Tibet activists wish to see restored in Tibet? I hope not.

Generally speaking, the situation in Tibet is so much better today than was the case before. No doubt, though, a lot of work and efforts are still needed to make the people's lives there better.

Al Chung

on China Daily website

I am French, but I was angry when some foreigners began to criticize China and cried out for a boycott the Olympics. Most do not know what they talk about, try to score political points and just follow the media trend.

I personally found it disgraceful when the mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, sought to pass off his own personal stance as that of my country. It was even more irksome that our president did not reprimand him for talking out of place.

However, I am also disappointed by the response of some Chinese citizens who are calling for a boycott of foreign products.

China has achieved great progress in the past years. I asked critics to look at the progress of China rather than point accusing fingers at it.

Angry mobs are not a solution. Stirring anger and hate will achieve nothing. I believe China will keep progressing to meet most of the world's expectations.

Sebastien

on China Daily website

Don't waste your time worrying about the so-called Western democracy.

If the American people had been asked whether they wanted to attack Iraq, the vast majority would have said no. Tony Blair took Britain to war along with the US against the wishes of the British people.

Is that democracy? No.

They want to mould the world into the same system of government as theirs, and intervene in China's decision-making process as it develops.

Ray Newton

Via e-mail

I am a Kurd from Turkey and I obviously see the game behind the Western propaganda against China on the so-called Tibet issue.

Last month when I visited China I went to some interesting Tibetan cultural institutions in Beijing, such as the Tibetology institute, Tibet Hotel, and the Tibetan music center.

Those Western politicians don't have any humanitarian or democratic intentions. In my opinion, they are interested in slowing down China's growth and splitting Tibet from China.

Hope from Turkey

on China Daily website

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(China Daily 04/22/2008 page9)