Top U.S. envoy spotted at 'Jasmine Revolution'

He’s not well known in the U.S. yet, but the American ambassador to China is fast gaining notoriety here.

Jon Huntsman, Jr., was spotted last Sunday outside McDonald’s in the heavily-trafficked shopping district of Wangfujing in the capital.

His appearance wouldn’t have generated much interest (Huntsman is known here for his unorthodox style as America’s top representative in China) except for the little fact that a would-be revolution was under way exactly where the ambassador was standing.

In fact, Huntsman’s presence – which the U.S. embassy in Beijing says was part of a “family outing” and “purely coincidental” – has generated controversy on a number of fronts.

For one, the senior diplomat is due to leave his post in April after serving just eighteen months.  Although he has not publicly confirmed it, the Republican and ex-governor of Utah is widely believed to be exploring a run for the 2012 presidential race.  (This week saw the launch of a political action committee website for his campaign-in-waiting.)  That, obviously, would pit him against his current boss, President Barack Obama.

If that weren’t awkward enough, a video capturing Huntsman walking by the designated protest location has been circulating on the Internet, propelled by a website set up by Chinese nationalists.  The site M4.cn is a retooled version of Anti-CNN.com, which critiqued but mostly criticized Western reporting of the 2008 Tibet unrest.

(Thanks for the tip-off Danwei and Shanghaiist!)

Whether or not Huntsman was there by design or by accident, Adam Minter, an American writer in Shanghai, argues his appearance does raise the curious question whether it was for the benefit of the Chinese audience or the U.S. audience.

Update:

It looks like Huntsman's name has gone the way of "jasmine."  Searches for his name on Chinese microblogs are now being blocked.

 

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The Chinese do not take kindly to those who meddle in their internal affairs.

Even if they are by ACCIDENT... Wink... Wink...

  • 6 votes
Reply#1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 1:18 AM EST

EXCUSE ME ? would you like another country to come to ours and be the mastermind of a revolution??? I dont think so! Before you make a comment, put yourself into their shoes and tell me later....... Liberty and Honor are just an excuse for OUR country (USA) to destroy and rob other countries. I love my country and proud to be An American but im ashame of my Goverment.

    #1.1 - Mon Feb 13, 2012 6:41 PM EST
    Reply

    Get over yourself China. As an American, if I were in China on business or for a semi-permanent position, heard of these revolutions all throughout the world of dictatorships, and then heard that the Chinese were planning to protest - I'd come out to watch too. So would pretty much anybody else.

    • 9 votes
    Reply#2 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 1:46 AM EST

    So, in a foreign country, known for killing protesters, you would go to the protests? To make it better you think that"pretty much anybody else" would to.

    Let me guess, when the crackdown came, you would tell the troops you were American and demand your rights. I would bet you have never been out of the country, let alone travelled to an authoritarian state.

    • 3 votes
    #2.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:17 AM EST

    Any foreignors who showed up to watch are inviting trouble as indicted by the media attention this guy is getting. Foreignors are guests of the PRC and you had best behave or you will find yourself unwillingly on a plane out of the country.

    • 4 votes
    #2.2 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:25 AM EST

    I don't know why people want revolts so badly? this kind of stuff causes a lot of tension (obviously) with the people who handle affairs with other countries and their military. If we're not careful all these 'revolts' are going to cause problems that will more than likely be resolved in violence. The reason why Egypt was so successful is that all the people were close to the military personnel so the civilians were not attacked. If the government in china sent out military personnel to smack down their citizens you had better believe they would kill them in a heart beat. What scares me about China is their lack of camaraderie and care for their citizens. If a government doesn't care about their citizens and the people accept their government's treatment then there is nothing to stop them from being killed.

      #2.3 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 1:50 PM EST

      Agree...not a good move, particularly in a nation like China. Had an experience in Saudi once...in the market area, a crowd started moving toward the central square. My buddy and I were politely but firmly pulled along. Got to see a thief lose his hand on the chopping block, and an "insurgent"(by today's standards) beheaded.

      Bottom line...overseas, don't stick your nose into something that's none of your business, you could disappear, or get shot...ain't worth it.

        #2.4 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 11:32 PM EST

        @ nutgrape, what makes you think we have to leave the US to see an authoritarian state?

          #2.5 - Fri Feb 25, 2011 9:39 PM EST

          Michael Coats

          Travelled much? You are proving my point about the provincialism of people who share your opinion.

            #2.6 - Wed Mar 9, 2011 10:51 AM EST
            Reply

            "a would-be revolution" You people are so biased and stupid. A mere handful of people in a country of 1.3 billion isn't even news (even in the rather loose definition of that word you seem to use). I have spent years in China and sure there are people who complain about the government but just go out on the streets of the US and see how much complaining you hear. I think China is a great country and the US will continue to eat her dust until the US finally fades away as the has been it is rapicly becoming. Such stories, it is always easier to criticize others than to try and create change in your own backyard, only go to show how idiotic people can be. The US is more the police state than China is. I have never been accosted by the police like I have been in the US. On my wifes first or second night of her first visit to the US we were stopped by the police and asked to show them ID. This has never happened in China. Once when my visa had expired all they did was have me sign some paper and tell me that if it should happen again that I would have to pay a fine. The living standard in China has risen more rapidly in the past few decads than it has anywhere else and at any time in history. In rather stark contrast to the colonisation of the US, the Chinese aren't trying to exterminate ethnic minorities like the whites did with the Indians. Unlike the US, they tend to keep their nose out of other peoples business. And, unlike the US, they don't have a vast web of military bases and coerced "allies" spanning the globe in a huge spiderweb of thinly disguised imperial power. The US, what a joke. Friend one day, stabbing you in the back the next. Country they don't like, no matter how small and puny, they will exact their due in blood and destruction. From battering people in the Balkans with barrages of cruise missiles from that limp idiot Clinton to Bush invading various countries to murdering over a million Vietnamese in an illegal war.... well I digress. I've talked to people in China and they know nothing about this crap. Their concern is the weather and food prices. A little too mundane for morons like you to report on.

            • 13 votes
            #3 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 1:47 AM EST

            You must walk with a terrible limp with that log on your shoulder. If it wasn't for the US you would possibly be speaking German or Japanese. Everybody makes mistakes. The UN was the force in the Balkans.

            You said,"I've talked to people in China and they nothing about this crap"

            Of course they don't as everything is controlled by the Government. Radio, TV, Internet. If the Government don't like certain things, they ban them or block them and feed 99% of the Chinese people with their own kind of propaganda.

            • 14 votes
            #3.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 3:16 AM EST

            Captain Bullcrapisto - You should have warned us to put on our wading boots so we could deal with the bullsh*t you are spewing. If you weren't so busy sucking up to the Stalinist dictatorship ( and it IS still a dictatorship) you would realize you are living amongst possibly the worse human right offender in the world today. Where have you been and what rock have you been hiding under NOT to realize that China is a megalithic monstrosity of backward Stalinist repressive hogwash. They ony embrace the semblance of capitalism because the population is so HUGE, if the didn't appease them somehow, all the old farts in the old and new guard would be swept aside like so much chaff.

            Oddly enough, I DO agree with you that the US should shoulder it's fair share of shame for it's past. The difference?? In the US WE have the freedom to speak against injustice without fear of inprisonment or torture or death. Dude, you are so friggin gullible no matter what nationality you claim. You self righteous PIG, I hope you screw up, piss the Chinese masters off and end up in prison so you can see what kind of CRIMINAL DUMP you are supporting.

            There, I feel better now......

            • 10 votes
            #3.2 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 3:47 AM EST

            captain mephisto, really? See here in the United States of America I can post this using my real name and have no fear of any retribution unlike many citizens of our human race on this planet. Let us see if most of the Chinese citizens will be able to read this and have the oppurtunity to weigh in with there thoughts. Imperialistic, how about TIBET and that little illegal war in Vietnam was not entirely about reuniting the north and the south but the imposing another Marxist experiment.

            • 7 votes
            #3.3 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:03 AM EST

            What hogwash Dan and Spidge2 and Mr Breeze! I am sitting in China as I write this and reading all about the so called "jasmine Revolution". Any Chinese person can go and read all about this supposed revolution, but those that I have shown this article to laugh and are incredulous that Americans actually think that the average Chinese person feels repressed.

            They are concerned about starting businesses, how to invest their money and what the latest gadgets are. They complain about the government the same way Americans do and frankly, most of the crap you read in the USA about China is just noise. I think it is written to fool the average American into thinking that they are living in the "greatest country in the world".

            Truth is, China will lead the world soon and the US will be second.

            Like the Captain, I feel more freedom in China than in the USA. And that is a terrible shame. What used to be the most free country in the world is now a shell of what it was. Pity!

            • 6 votes
            #3.4 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:19 AM EST

            While I do agree that the world is changing rapidly, and the United States has a lot on her plate, it sickens me to hear anti-american rhetoric. I'm not defending my country's actions, nor disparaging any other country. I was born free, I'll die free, and I'd love to stab Capt. Mephisto in the eye with a rusty phuckin spoon and pray for tetanis.but hey, that's just me...some cooky American.

            • 3 votes
            #3.5 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:13 AM EST

            Hey Roy Anderson....

            "I would LOVE, to hear your words about "feeling so much more free in China, than in the USA", IF, as happend to an old friend of mine, after some "overly zealous undercover Chink cop", stopped him and arrested him, without giving any reasons to him, and marched him off to the "hoose-gow", small dunmpy rotten filthy little jail, and held him in-communicado for three friggin' days and nights!" "Only way anyone finally knew where he was,... was when one of the lower "Dips", at our US Embassy there, "after being beseiged by tel. calls from his wife crying and swearing at them to do something because she had not heard a word from her husband in three days and "was worried something might have happened to him in Bejing"! "So another "TWO DAYS LATER"..the Embassay "twerp", finally got off his lazy azz, and went with two Marine Guards in tow, and a legal protest document from the Ambassador himself, to this hole in the wall jail, that he was given directions to by the "Chief of same", and found my buddy Larry, "in sad shape, and black and blue in certain areas on his body"" (which the chinks claimed was due to him "slipping and falling in his cell/hovel at night".."YEAH RIGHT".."THEY BEAT THE SHYT OUT OF HIM A FEW TIMES WAS THE REALITY",.. "ROY"..."He was only fed ONCE, the whole time as well"!!! "Yeah "ROY", ..."I would love to hear what you would have to say if it was you in my buddy Larry's place instead"!! "

            By the way again, NO APOLOGIES WERE EVER GIVEN NOR REASONS BY THE CHINKS,.. "EXCEPT FOR THE OLD "MISTAKEN IDENTITY" BULL-SHYT ONE"..plus, "his watch was taken and never returned", and "ALL", his cash in his wallet as well"!! "NOTHING WAS EVER DONE ABOUT IT EITHER BY, BY THE "EMBASSY GUY ALSO"!! "

            "NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE GOT THE HELL OUT OF YOUR "FREER THAN THE USA, CHINA", ASAP AFTERWARDS"! ......."YER' A FOOL MAKING FOOLISH COMMENTS AS YA' DID, AS WELLl"!!

            Billy Carson....USMC..Viet-Vet......"SEMPER FI AMERICA"

            • 5 votes
            #3.6 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:15 AM EST

            Unlike the US, they tend to keep their nose out of other peoples business.

            Yeah, I'm sure the Tibetans would back you 100%. What a maroon! Won't even bother with the rest of your tripe.

            • 6 votes
            #3.7 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:22 AM EST

            I lived and worked in China for 9 years and YOU obviously don't know a thing about China. How long did you live there, nine days?

            The communist Hans have absolutely been very oppressive of the minority people of China and have even tried to eradicate some of them by moving Han Chinese into minority areas and overwhelming them with Han culture as well as intermarriage and other strategies.

            I like how Mr. Breeze expressed it all.

            China wouldn't be anywhere if it weren't for adopting free-market economics. They'd still all be eating nothing but dabaicai (大白菜, Chinese cabbage) and rice all year with a little meat only during Chinese New Year.

            • 3 votes
            #3.8 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:29 AM EST

            Hey Billy!

            Why did the "America the Free" twerps not do anything then? But answer me this Billy... How about the many many Americans that are arrested, given a scam trial and sentenced to death for murders that they never committed feel?

            I would hazard a guess that your buddy mouthed off as Americans are apt to do to some police officer here who finally got fedup with him!

            And saying you are a Viet Vet is not kudus in my books! Many atrocities were committed against innocent Vietnamese by Viet Vets!

            Every time I enter the USA I am kept locked up for hours at a time while they make me miss my plane and that is probably because I state things against the USA being the "most free place on the planet".

            And I live in the USA, run a business in the USA and provide jobs to Americans!

            What I do know is this, I am treated with a far greater degree of respect by Chinese authorities than by USA authorities who seem to have the notion that because they are "Americans" it gives them the right to treat any other person as scum!

            • 2 votes
            #3.9 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:30 AM EST

            China is more democratic than the USA by far. Having spent considerable time there, I found that America since 911 is a lot more like a police state than China. (The USA isn't that bad, referring to the police state).

            When people vote in China at the local and regional level they have multiple parties. Voter turnout is 100% and voters are very enthusiastic. To vote at the national level you must be a member of the Communist party. In the United States you must be a registered voter. The only real difference is that China (thankfully) has one party. Within the party there is a diversity of views just like in the West.

            These blogs reflect the worst of America's bigots and hate filled China basher's who know absolutely nothing about China.

            China's economy is already far larger than the USA's and soon the GDP will larger as well. Hopefully America will prosper again, it will never hold the position it held in the world as number one.

            America has been number 2 for nearly a decade with the largest economy and GDP in the world being Europe. The China basher's should travel the world and learn something about it instead of ranting the hatred and misinformation on these blogs. The USA will still do well in the future if you stop voting for unqualified right wing extremist, if you continue to vote for these buffoons you will likely sink to a distant 10th or 15th power in the world. No one wants to see that.

            On a per capita basis America has 9 people in jail versus 1 in China, how can you people be so vitriolic about human rights abroad when you have the world's highest incarceration rate?

            • 6 votes
            #3.10 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:37 AM EST

            don't call people stupid that's what the quotation marks are for. The only people who would consider that a revolution are the organizers who gave it that name and U.S. GDP is double China's

            • 2 votes
            #3.11 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:50 AM EST

            @ Roy Anderson, your comment:

            "Chinia will lead the world and the US will be second" can only be true if the Muslims don't take it over first!

              #3.12 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:13 AM EST

              You red necks Americans, step out of your back yard and travel outside of US and see the world for once. America is not the only country in this world. American football cannot be called "world championship" if US is the only country playing. That goes the same with monster truck, baseball and hockey.

              Let's see which country has done the following:
              Massacre American native Americans
              Slavery
              Drop nuclear bombs on another country
              Government supported torture defined by humanity and then actually debated on wether if it was legal

              Somebody should do some basic math on how many countries US has invaded legally and illegally. And how many people has it killed so far.

              The so called freedom works like this in the US. My coworker in the hospital complained about Iraq war and George W. Bush. And what happened the next day? He got a visit from the FBI, got interrogated and told to watch what to say about Bush.

              In China, you can talk sh$t about government officials and the president on the street, and people do it everyday. Once again, go to China and see for yourself, and step out of the box.

              Take care of your own issues and then bark on other trees.
              Like gun control. And yes, guns do not kill people, people do.
              Like get your spending under control
              Like race issues
              Like education
              Like getting rid of Unions
              Government jobs should never be guranteed for life. China doesn't even work that way anymore.

              • 4 votes
              #3.13 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:14 AM EST

              "100% voter turn out"

              "more freedom than USA"

              :o) Keep going, I hope China continue the way it is right now. A proverb for you, the brighter the flame the faster it burns out.

              US has beaten Russia when she is at her prime and a communist state.

              US has beaten Japan when she is at her prime and a democracy.

              China, you are nothing yet. You can't even handle Taiwan and Vietnam.

              China, you will be nothing soon. History has given us examples after examples, authoritarian state never survive long.

              So please continue with your ways of oppressing human rights. After all they are your people....kekekeke.

              So please continue to pay people to lie on these blogs and others. After all they are your money.... :o)

              True gold never afraid of fire.

                #3.14 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 11:44 AM EST

                It's hard to believe these anti-American posters have spent any time outside their hotels or in the "real" China. Forced abortions? Jailed dissidents? Information about those "disappeared" or those who would "petition" their governent for even the slightest redress?? I guess that stuff is just too hard to spot for those with blinders on. No one says the US is perfect--but supposed Chinese superiority in democracy? Someone has swallowed a whole lot of something...hook, line and sinker

                  #3.15 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 12:54 PM EST

                  bunch of self righteous morons.

                    #3.16 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:22 PM EST

                    Many people are still living in another times, when America was righteous and Stalin and Mao ruled. The world has changed, we are not that righteous or free anymore and other countries have made advances from their dark times. Perhaps you don't like either changes, but it is a fact, as soon as you come to terms with reality you would stop posting BS in either direction.

                      #3.17 - Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:51 AM EST
                      Reply

                      i think the chinese need to cool down and get a life..i feel sorry their govt still supresses and does whatever it wants with them.. the chinese need to wake up and stop being enslaved,american companies are moving there because of the pennies they pay the chinese to make the products we use here in america.why are most of the things we use made in china? simple the chinese love living in misery and they are like bees they enjoy working regardless of the treatment they get and the miserable wage they get..wake up people and get rid of your dictatorship.become independent you are a big nation..and you are a lot..think of yourselves being the ants joining forces to take down the cricket that controls you..long live democracy down with all dictatorships..long live china, y que viva la jasmine revolution

                      • 2 votes
                      Reply#4 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 1:48 AM EST

                      Considering US ambassador and foreign journalists are so eager to see a revolution or, I’d call it counter-revolution, they could actually organize one of their own to realize their day-dream. Why not if almost nobody show up except few oily-haired beggars-looking losers in Wangfujing str. jeered by onlookers when demanding food, front of McDolnd. Lol1

                      Interesting almost all Western media only reported the dissent in China but keep silent on how great the majority is. I guess Americans would be in tear if they had a government which could make 10% GDP, not to mention for 32 years. Thats why they are pretty sure a colour revolution is the last mean to stop China from fearful growing and overtaking USA.

                      One thing Yanks can be sure: If there were any rally by the few lazy Chinese losers who US called as dissidents, there would be a much much stronger demonstration supporting government by hardworking Chinese middle class who will chase the loser down into the lanes and kick their azz. Go check PEW 2010 report showing 87% Chinese support government, you guys will become smarter.

                      • 3 votes
                      Reply#5 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:10 AM EST

                      "I guess Americans would be in tear if they had a government which could make 10% GDP, not to mention for 32 years."

                      Yeah well, if we still paid workers slave wages, made them work 80 hour weeks under "Company Store" policies, sent people to "retraining camps" if they had their own ideas concerning how things should be, outlawed protest and crushed any dissent with private armies or the federal army if they could not handle it secretly, among the myriad of other tactics as are allowed in China; I am sure that the U.S. would far exceed your 10% even with your backward country having over 4X the people.

                      A "Color Revolution"? No, just greedy ******** trying to make more. Something the people your country will never have to worry about. You're like the power generation plant in The Matrix; the citizenry is naught but fodder for those in Power and (COMPLETE, IRON FISTED, ABSOLUTE) control.

                      Oh and 32 years.....that is about the time the U.S. started helping to pull you out of the dark ages that you had remained in for how many thousands of years? And as far as your governance goes, where you still remain.

                      • 5 votes
                      #5.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 5:09 AM EST
                      Reply

                      I have been working in China (quite a while) and found that there is nothing to worry about - there. My colleagues in China are only but interested in increasing their fortune - that is their main objective. You can go about walking in the streets and feel safe. In fact once you are at the airport, you feel safe.

                      This is unlike some of my friends who at time (unfortunately) have to be in the USA. They cringe everytime they have to go there. And this is like very...very often. This is not meant to be a funny statement. My friends and I, were former students in USA (late 70's early 80's), we never did feel threaten then.

                      As for those who claimed 'goodness' and preaching of democracy. I am not terribly thrilled by it. When both democracy cry's freedom to kill, and authoritarian cry's right to kill - what the dif?. What are we fighting for? What we then need to look is into the statistics of those killed by democracy vs. those killed by authoritarian.

                      So, .... say no to fanatics

                      • 2 votes
                      Reply#6 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:21 AM EST

                      Yeah OK, let's start with the 20 Million killed by your government when they took power...how’s that? I think that if you went back and counted the deaths from every war there ever was by and between democracies your government would still hold a substantial lead. Oh and...your welcome for your education ya unappreciative ****.

                      The only decent statement that you make is a question "What are we fighting for?" The answer to which is, so that those who are in power and control can maintain it. Something that your government has a well known reputation for being particularly BRUTAL in the methods they’re willing to use. They’re the guys who killed how many thousands at Tianamen Square?

                      • 1 vote
                      #6.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 4:41 AM EST

                      I don't know what you were "cringing" at...or where you lived...You've been watching too many movies I suspect or had no idea where you were going. I've lived in five major US cities and other than a pickpocket (which also happened in Japan by the way) never been a victim of crime. To suggest China has no crime is really just absurd, so "feeling safe" is probably your way of proclaiming your ignorance.

                        #6.2 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 12:59 PM EST

                        Instead lets count how many people have been "FREED" by democracy versus authoritarian rule!

                          #6.3 - Sun Feb 27, 2011 12:22 PM EST

                          yes ,I agree with you .you know ,china needs not chaos but development .needs not reverlution ,but everlution and improvment .needs not destroyment ,but construction and production .needs not fighting ,but harmony .

                          Mr. Huntsman hunted nothing at the point which the activiest called for gathering,a little disapoint maybe he was ,but he should know that almost no one suport the demonstration .lost face ,Mr.Hunster ,from this ,you should learn more......,,

                            #6.4 - Tue Mar 1, 2011 2:03 AM EST
                            Reply

                            Chinese people came out to watch, who cares? Not like anything is going to change there.

                            • 3 votes
                            Reply#7 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:29 AM EST

                            I'm more concerned about the interview with Mohamed Nabous of Radio Free Libya who openly called for a revolution.

                            If Radio Free Libya is financially supported by Western DEMOCRATIC countries, they should keep their inner aspirations a little more concealed.

                            • 3 votes
                            Reply#9 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:43 AM EST

                            What many people may not be aware of is that Wangfujing is one of the most popular shopping districts in Beijing. Its not as if he was meeting rebels in some clandestine bunker. He was video taped walking past a McDonalds at a mall.

                            Uncommonly silly.

                            • 4 votes
                            Reply#10 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:47 AM EST

                            Why is this news? A man, who may be the US ambassador was seen shopping with his family...

                            This man, who may be the ambassador, may be leaving his post to possibly run for President...

                            More great reporting from NBC.

                            • 1 vote
                            Reply#11 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 3:07 AM EST

                            i don't think you're getting the import here: not to an American audience, but to a Chinese one. He's a diplomat, so at least he should know the difference (kind of why he has the reputation of being a loose cannon).

                              #11.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 1:00 PM EST

                              Actually, my point was that there were way too many questions about who this person may or may not have been. Let's bring some facts to the story instead of speculation.

                                #11.2 - Sun Apr 3, 2011 5:44 AM EDT
                                Reply

                                Amazing to see all the Chinese "suckups" (like we are seeing Khaddafi's suckups in the media waving their green flags) jumping into this discussion to protect their "rice bowl"...

                                When the apple gets rotten, it drops from the tree....there is no real glue to keep it there...

                                China will some day be totally free....in spite of all the Chicom "suckups"....

                                Sorry, folks....that's the part of "history" that Marx was reluctant to get into......

                                • 1 vote
                                Reply#12 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 3:31 AM EST

                                 I also live in China and as each day passes I'm always greeted by very nice people.  When I go shopping the person waiting on me brings a cup of tea and always asks me to sit down.  You won't find that in the USA anywhere.  You people in the states have been watching too many movies and listening to propaganda put out by the news networks.  I have never been asked for my Visa nor been followed by some men dressed in sunglasses and long coats.  Personally I don't want any USA people here whatsoever because I got fed up with intimidating bosses and back stabbing people.  You can have your democracy and total freedom for all I care because I've seen first-hand what too much freedom can do to a society full of perverts and bank failures.  With that said, go and worry about your own back yard and stay there.

                                • 2 votes
                                Reply#13 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 3:44 AM EST

                                With that said, go and worry about your own back yard and stay there.

                                I agree. Our government wastes too much money on people around the world who don't deserve it, while our own people suffer. That said, Europe is welcome for WWII. Unless of course, you'd prefer life under Nazis.

                                  #13.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:27 AM EST

                                  Are you serious? Not only does the coffe shop I've been going to for years greet me cordially and tell me to have a seat, but my corner store lets me run a tab on BEER! And as far as you never seeking a Visa, nor wanting "USA" ppl in your @!$%#hole....I concur, keep your silly slany eyed ass over there and gloriously bask in your repression that you are too ignorant to even see.

                                    #13.2 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:44 AM EST

                                    you're slower than a herd of turtles crawling though mud you jerk off. I'm an American you red neck and have a hell of a lot better life than you could ever conceive in that space in your head. I'm not being repressed whatsoever over here. Enjoy the rest of your life living in a country with men that marry men and a failed economy that's only getting worse by the second thanks to United States Government.

                                    • 3 votes
                                    #13.3 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:30 AM EST

                                    Ok bob, now you're showing your true colors. Your idea of freedom is for the government to tell others who to marry and for the government to decide what job and at what salary you will get. Ok then--you are in exactly the right place.

                                      #13.4 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 1:02 PM EST

                                      @Bob..."I'm an American...and have a hell of a lot better life than you could conceive."

                                      Your an english teacher in China...woopty effin do.

                                      If you want to stay in China, stay in China. I think we'll do just fine without you.

                                        #13.5 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:55 PM EST

                                        @Bob

                                        Correction...

                                        You're a English teacher in China.

                                        Didn't want to give you another reason to bash America...at least not for my English.

                                          #13.6 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:01 PM EST

                                          @Bob: I feel sorry for the Chinese people, if you are their teacher. I write this, because your writings reveal bad grammer, absent punctuation, and an obvious bad education. Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps it is not a bad education but a failure to learn proper language and writing skills on your part from a decent teacher.

                                            #13.7 - Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:12 AM EST

                                            Bob's English is good enough as Chinese products. Just a jok......

                                              #13.8 - Sun Feb 27, 2011 11:45 PM EST
                                              Reply

                                              so many sheep that feel "safe" within the walls of their authoritarian dictatorship. Everyone is friendly throwing flowers in their path and all the world is rosy. Well Well
                                              Well, ain't that just grand, all is fine so long as you tow the line and don't step away from what Big Brother tells you to think, feel act etc etc. tell ya what Bob - 796276 (oh yea, nice name btw, bet your name really IS Bob eh?) you can HAVE you lil sheep's world, I prefer to live free, able to think the way I want, free to disagree with my government without fear of repression, free to protest peacefully...free to practice whatever religion I see fit to practice..UNLIKE in China. Frakking HYPOCRITE

                                                Reply#14 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 3:55 AM EST

                                                Oh really? Well let's see now, when was the last time you vented about the Government and they actually listened to you? You have never been to China and I doubt you've been off your front porch unless it was to visit your local 7-11 store to play the lottery or buy a six pack of Billy Beer. As far as religion, I'm Baptist and China has churches for all denominations over here. I can walk down the street, pick one, with absolutely no fear at three in the morning if I choose and nobody bothers anyone. Can you say the same about everywhere in the States, don't think so. And yeah my name is Bob, born and raised in N.C. and could give a rats @#! what you believe. MY GOD, LOL, you're dumb!!

                                                • 2 votes
                                                #14.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:54 AM EST

                                                Seriously? You were unable to petition your city council (or zoning commission?) or rep or mayor in the US? You weren't allowed to visit their office, write a letter, or even get them on the phone? You weren't able to go to any town meetings here or cast any votes for any elected representatives? I don't know where in NC you lived but I'm thinking that's not quite the NC I know. I'd rethink those accusations about the intelligence of other posters if I were you--since you apparantly have a bit to learn first about your own country.

                                                  #14.2 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 1:07 PM EST
                                                  Reply

                                                  This chap is probably a CIA operative and an instigator of this non-event which the US media has fraudulently exaggerated to mislead its audience, and which almost everybody in the rest of the world has dismissed as a few paid idiots making a nuisance of themselves, and the rest of onlookers bemused by this fuss.

                                                    Reply#15 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 4:23 AM EST

                                                      Reply#16 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 4:25 AM EST

                                                      "Would be revolution?" The one big reason it was a "would be" revolution is because of the stranglehold China has on the internet and the information available to the Chinese people. The other big reason would be instilling fear in the people to speak any antigovernmental speech in public. There is no free speech in China. If one is not allowed to dissent freely by speech, and one is not allowed freedom of gathering information from internet sources, one can not easily conduct or go to a scheduled revolution, especially if you can not find out about it or find out where it is going to be held due to inability to obtain information. China either jails or most often kills those who have any accomplishment in getting around the obstacle of free speech or gathering for protest against the China governmental stranglehold on freedom. The Tiananmen Square youth suffered greatly for the freedom of speech and protest in public.

                                                      As per the previous news in this article: http://behindthewall.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/02/20/6094717-chinese-authorities-foil-a-call-for-mass-protests I suggest you read it. I quote:

                                                      "But the biggest indicator something was amiss were the ranks of uniformed and plainclothes Chinese police. Some scuffling and pushing ensued, and at least one man carrying jasmine flowers was reported to have been taken away."

                                                      The chinese people were kept dumb about any dissenters, any Jasmine Revolution, and any information to tell them how to be there even if they were brave enough to face jail for showing up. I wonder what happened to that poor poor fellow who was arrested by the police in China for his carrying of jasmine flowers in support of peaceful dissent against the stranglehold of the government on free speech? For that matter, how is it the poor Chana religion in China, such a recent religion got totally wiped out? No freedom of speech there. No freedom of religion either.

                                                      To CaptainMephisto: The ony reason you hear more complaining in a U.S. street is because we have free speech, or did you not put two and two together yet? They may disagree or complain in China, but surely that is only done amongst best friends and those you trust, most certainly not in front of a government building. Here, we can protest in front of a government building. Here, we can certainly change our governement and our background, because the majority rules here. That is not so in your county in China. Try, just try changing anything in your government or protesting in front of any government building or vocalizing any government dissent there. I'd like to see that one on TV done without killing. I'll bet you a million dollars you can not do it. The living standard here is still better than it is in China, and yours has only recently risen. Ours may drop and rise, but even at it's lowest, it is still better than in China.

                                                      To CaptainMephisto, I quote you here: " In rather stark contrast to the colonisation of the US, the Chinese aren't trying to exterminate ethnic minorities like the whites did with the Indians. Unlike the US, they tend to keep their nose out of other peoples business."

                                                      That above quote really makes me laugh aloud. You did not think well enough when you wrote it. For the longest time the Chinese government has been either exterminating through war or through the insidious stranglehold or takeover of the Tibetan government it's own people. Are they in your country or not? If you say they are, then your government killed so many in the country. If you say they are not, then your government surely killed a peaceful minority group, which in my opinion should not have ever been attacked or bothered, or had China's nose in it. I certainly fall behind the Dalai Lama on this one, as do most all of the rest of the world, well, except you and your country. Another example: Your Mao cultural revolution. A little farther back maybe, but still relevent. Your country, China, saw fit to kill off intelligentsia. The uneducated Maoists killed off the educated. But wait, they are not Maoists anymore, they have evolved.........to believe in capitalism, so Maoist no more. Yet, gee, while you can discuss Maoism in your own home, certainly you can not publicly mention whether Maoism was valid in your history or else you can be arrested. Still no free speech eh? Still the Chinese government's nose in your neck looking for anything in your thoughts you might say against them.

                                                      But wait, that is too soon to actually mention in this discussion is it not? I mean, you certainly made a quote about our government from a long time ago. While we may have done the Indians wrong in my opinion, we have still evolved. More recently historical, we did the blacks wrong in our country, yet we still evolved to this day where they can now vote and are entitled by our government to equal rights. One can not say that about the Chana religious believers in your country in this day and age, nor about the poor Tibetans. Put one forth for me please, any example of my government's clamp down on any minority race of real and legal Americans in this country like the clamp down you have right now in yours against Tibet. We don't have any Tibetan type issues here in this day in this U.S.A. mr. CaptainMephisto, and we certainly don't have a clamp down on our freedom of speech, freedom of protest or freedom of religion.......basic human rights. Thank God I live in the U.S.A. Certainly, if I lived in your China, I could not have written this post without paying for it dearly, even with possible death, if it caused the stirrings of a revolution.

                                                      I wish and hope the youth in China are able to get around your country's stranglehold on the internet, freedom of speech and of dissent. I wish and hope the internet saavy there can work their way around the impediments to information sharing and get the democratic nation they want for basic human rights. Thumbs up to the Jasmine revolution if they still live!!!!

                                                      • 1 vote
                                                      Reply#17 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 4:57 AM EST

                                                      haha, I am a Chinese freely live in China. Fuking you, America!!!

                                                      哈哈,我是一个中国人!去你妈的,美国佬!!!

                                                        #17.1 - Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:46 AM EST

                                                        如果你真的想了解中国,请你来中国;如果你真的想帮助中国人,请你来中国。如果你真的想帮助我,请你邀请我到你家里住一个月,当然也欢迎你来我的家住一个月~

                                                        If you want to know how China it is, please come here;If you want to help the chinese, please come to China。。。。。@!$%#ing English !!!!

                                                          #17.2 - Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:58 AM EST

                                                          please tell me why I can't write F u c k !!!freely!!! @!$%#!

                                                            #17.3 - Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:00 AM EST
                                                            Reply

                                                            It looks like Huntsman's name has gone the way of "jasmine."

                                                            Mr. Huntsman is now a pariah among the national socialists in China, yet they suppress the Chinese people´s knowledge of him. Wouldn't his appearance be proof of his complicity in fomenting rebellion in China, thus proof of its foreign roots? You would think that the Chinese people would see the nefarious designs of the Americans for what they are: an evil attempt to enable the Chinese to choose the leaders that they want.

                                                            Scary.

                                                              Reply#18 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 5:11 AM EST

                                                              Oh? And America supports so much democracy in the world! Bull! Why does the CIA prop up dictators all over the world if America really is the bell ringer of freedom? More like the harbinger of dictatorship!

                                                              You kid yourself when you think that the USA is the big supporter of freedom! The USA supports its own big business, and thats about it. Otherwise, it publishes nonsense like this pretending that the average Chinese person "yearns to be free" when in fact, they are just like the average American, trying to raise a family and make it ahead in life.

                                                              Before you spout off, why don't you go and visit some of the countries Uncle Sam supports and then come and visit CHina and decide then if your country is telling you the truth!

                                                              • 1 vote
                                                              #18.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:36 AM EST

                                                              You give America too much credit. The US does not have power to topple dictatorships around the world on a whim. We have always worked with whoever is in power, not prejudging the will of the people in those nations. To shun all dictators in the world would be to disengage from most of the world. That would not be practical, especially since vital resources are usually controlled by them. They use those resources to remain in power. The Chinese people have not shown enough desire yet to overthrown their rulers. They have always known overlords. Dynasties in China last hundreds of years. There will come a day when the Communists (in name only) are history. But by then today´s benevolent rulers will be long dead.

                                                                #18.2 - Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:08 AM EST

                                                                The USA has continuously supported dictators if it is perceived to be in the interest of American business. Of course, it is never in the interest of American people, only those in power in America.

                                                                It is very common for American politicians to use their power to suppress others. Just look at the whole inquisition into people suspected of being "communist" during the early days of the cold war.

                                                                It amazes me that in the face of incontrovertable evidence of American politicians squashing human rights for their own selfish greed, that Americans continue to think they live in the land of the free! Just look at what is going on now with the TSA taking nude photgraphs and groping everyone flying... Oh... I forgot, it is so that you won't be killed by terrorists. But why oh why are terrorists targeting the USA?

                                                                And why does the USA continue to take ordinary citizens who clearly are American through and through and put them also through the same humiliation? Oh... I forgot, it is because America wants to treat everyone equally. So we are all groped and photographed naked then! It is so preposterous that it is almost laughable!

                                                                And what about doing experimentation on foreign peoples by drug companies? Oh... I forgot.. that is because we create great cures by doing so, so it is okay to experiment on the mentally ill, the criminals and poor foreign nations! We create great cures like... hmm... let me see... oh yeah... Ritalin! Yeah, thats right... we get half of all the children hooked on drugs that are "legal". And Prozac! yeah! Lets have completely untrained doctors prescibe that to people because they had a loved one die! Since when did doctors get a degree in mental health that gives them the know how about when to prescribe mind altering drugs? It is all done with the blessing of the government of the USA though.

                                                                  #18.3 - Wed Mar 2, 2011 9:34 AM EST
                                                                  Reply

                                                                  My sincere gratitudes to all the kind-hearted persons posted here of their concerns for the well-being of the Chinese people.

                                                                  Please touch your heart and accept my utmost thanks with pride for your genuine expression of concern.

                                                                  Otherwise, look at a mirror and spit at it

                                                                  God bless

                                                                  From a Chinese

                                                                    Reply#19 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:13 AM EST

                                                                    To everyone out there reading these posts except mr. Andrew Chinese who carries an American name above, does it not seem eerily funny that they all adopt typical American names to post on these web sites? They certainly seem like the types that want to be obscure or hidden when trying to convince Americans about the wonderful freedoms of their Chinese governmental ways, and by bearing American names, they think they are thereby fooling us into thinking it is an American's viewpoint. Why all the fake American names Chinese bloggernuts? What do you think real Americans? Personally I think a bigger picture is that maybe they are trying to convince their own people by applying fake American names. Maybe they want their own people to absentmindedly think that even the Americans approve of Chinese governmental ways or really want what the Chinese have. What do you think Americans? Using American names and hiding for their own gain amongst their own people or using American names to convince us? I think both.

                                                                      #19.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:59 AM EST

                                                                      @ Naughtylass Cheryl.

                                                                      I am a Chinese and Andrew is my Christian name. My family name is NG.

                                                                      Next time, when i meet an american, i will make sure i identify myself a Chinese first before mentioning my religion affliation.

                                                                      God bless

                                                                      From a Chinese. NG

                                                                      BTW, have you bought yourself a mirror ?

                                                                        #19.2 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:20 AM EST

                                                                        Well lets see Andrew chinese with American type name. Hmm....shoe on other foot. You don't need to identify yourself as chinese since it would probably be obvious. I have many mirrors in my house. I just don't need them to spit at myself as you suggest. Likewise, I don't usually write the names of countries or their inhabitants with small letters in english. However, since that is how you like to play and insult people, well, we shall just follow by your rules eh? Um.........here in America that means that all play by the same rules when they play a game together. I will get another mirror when you finally buy one for yourself, and I will continue to write your chinese with a small letter in english when dealing with you, since that is how you like it, although really, it is not correct format and seems a truly infinitismal self image blemish. What we do to others we do to ourselves. Silly man. Have you not seen the same?

                                                                          #19.3 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:37 AM EST

                                                                          Cheryl - It's astounding how ignorant you and many others appear to be. Travel out of your comfort zone and see if you actually have the ability to expand your horizons.

                                                                          Re: adopting Western names: Am I Chinese? No. My wife is though (from Taiwan). Most of our Chinese friends choose Western names when coming to the US (or Europe) simply due to the fact that most Westerners can't pronounce their Chinese names. They do this out of courtesy, not out of some hidden motive.

                                                                          They say ignorance is bliss: you and the other posters on this site must be some of the happiest people on earth.

                                                                          • 4 votes
                                                                          #19.4 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:44 AM EST

                                                                          Yes, I am happy Dave, but not from ignorance. We don't need the courtesy of them changing their names to make it easier to pronounce, but thank you for the efforts. Afterall, no one can spell Gadhafi's name, yet still we talk about him without worry that we can't spell it, yet we still try to spell it. Still, it does not change the fact that there are some who are hired by their government to blog on sites and follow their own people as well as ours, especially in their own country where they inhibit information coming and going. That is a lack of freedom for the people to information and for speech. That is wrong no matter how ignorant or intelligent you might think I am. Eight years in college full time does not give me wisdom, but it also does not mean I don't have it. Their actions and repressions still exist, regardless of what you think. By the way, the happiness does not come from ignorance. It comes from separation of ego from image and things. Really it does.

                                                                            #19.5 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 10:18 AM EST

                                                                            Do yourself a favor and visit China. I think it'll be eye opening. Are they perfect? Not by a long stretch. Does the government there do evil things? Absolutely. As do all governments.

                                                                            And if you ever go there, be sure to take along a laptop and try internet access. Outside of useless sites like Facebook, you can surf pretty much any site you wish. I never was blocked from accessing any news sites or other informational sources.

                                                                            • 2 votes
                                                                            #19.6 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 11:00 AM EST

                                                                            @Dave: Why is Facebook useless? The Egyptians certainly don't think it is useless. In fact, they feel that it is Facebook that helped them immensely to give the information needed, so they could start their revolution. It is so valued there that one woman has named her newborn child Facebook. They even write "Thank you Facebook" in graffiti over there. Personally, even though I don't have a Facebook profile, I don't find it useless. However, I can see the reason the Chinese government would inhibit such a powerful information sharing enterprise and website. Look at the power it has in connecting people with one another. Certainly that is something the Chinese governement would fear. Freedom of speech is a powerful tool.

                                                                              #19.7 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 1:07 PM EST

                                                                              Brilliant. Ignore the main point and focus on one statement about Facebook.

                                                                              Many apologies about denigrating Facebook: never should have happened, it's the best site ever, etc.

                                                                              Now - how about actually addressing the main point of my response? Surely you would have learned some debate skills after eight years of college.

                                                                              To summarize: you can get pretty much any information you want from China. You just need to know how to surf and what to look for.

                                                                              But, on second thought, never mind. I'm tired of trying to educate 'educated' idiots about other cultures or ways of life that aren't American. Surely the entire world would be much better off if everyone emulated the US. If they don't want to act and think like us, then they're obviously misguided at best and evil at worst.

                                                                              Have a nice life.

                                                                              • 1 vote
                                                                              #19.8 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:45 PM EST

                                                                              Naughtylass Cheryl,

                                                                              "...... typical American names ...... What do you think real Americans? ..... What do you think Americans? Using American names ....."

                                                                              What do you mean "American names", "real Americans"? Do you mean Native Americans?

                                                                              Are you a Native American? If not, you are a racist! Shame!!!

                                                                              • 1 vote
                                                                              #19.9 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:58 PM EST

                                                                              Hi Cheryl,

                                                                              "...What we do to others we do to ourselves.Sillyman, Have you not seen the same ? "

                                                                              Thank you for your understanding of my point of view.

                                                                              My apologies to all American who may have taken offences when your "A" is typed with a small-case letter format.

                                                                              Also would like to mention that i am fortunate as well to have known quite some fun-loving & kind-hearted American. Thank You.

                                                                              Being a decent human being, i think it is our rights to encourage our fellow human being to strive for a better tomorrow, be it materialistically or spiritually; However, if this is to be achieved through chaos, violence and war, i think we are going against God's will.

                                                                              We need evolution, not revolution. Revolution means chaos, violence and loss of life; Evolution means peaceful changes, i believe you would wish it is an evolution for us and not a revolution, won't you ?

                                                                              That's all i wish to respond as my English is not all that good to allow me to express myself more precisely & consicely

                                                                              God bless

                                                                              From a Chinese. NG ( btw, NG is my family name, i hope it is not too difficult for you to pronouce it )

                                                                              • 1 vote
                                                                              #19.10 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 11:26 PM EST
                                                                              Reply

                                                                              He looks and acts like Duke from Doonesbury.

                                                                                Reply#20 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:12 AM EST

                                                                                Hey Roy Anderson.... AND...THE "ANDREW"dude above as well"..I'D SPIT RIGHT IN YER' SLANTY EYES BUDDY IF I HAD THE CHANC BY THE WAY"!!!

                                                                                "I would LOVE, to hear your words about "feeling so much more free in China, than in the USA", IF, as happend to an old friend of mine, after some "overly zealous undercover Chink cop", stopped him and arrested him, without giving any reasons to him, and marched him off to the "hoose-gow", small dunmpy rotten filthy little jail, and held him in-communicado for three friggin' days and nights!" "Only way anyone finally knew where he was,... was when one of the lower "Dips", at our US Embassy there, "after being beseiged by tel. calls from his wife crying and swearing at them to do something because she had not heard a word from her husband in three days and "was worried something might have happened to him in Bejing"! "So another "TWO DAYS LATER"..the Embassay "twerp", finally got off his lazy azz, and went with two Marine Guards in tow, and a legal protest document from the Ambassador himself, to this hole in the wall jail, that he was given directions to by the "Chief of same", and found my buddy Larry, "in sad shape, and black and blue in certain areas on his body"" (which the chinks claimed was due to him "slipping and falling in his cell/hovel at night".."YEAH RIGHT".."THEY BEAT THE SHYT OUT OF HIM A FEW TIMES WAS THE REALITY",.. "ROY"..."He was only fed ONCE, the whole time as well"!!! "Yeah "ROY", ..."I would love to hear what you would have to say if it was you in my buddy Larry's place instead"!! "

                                                                                By the way again, NO APOLOGIES WERE EVER GIVEN NOR REASONS BY THE CHINKS,.. "EXCEPT FOR THE OLD "MISTAKEN IDENTITY" BULL-SHYT ONE"..plus, "his watch was taken and never returned", and "ALL", his cash in his wallet as well"!! "NOTHING WAS EVER DONE ABOUT IT EITHER BY THE "EMBASSY GUY ALSO"!! "

                                                                                "NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE GOT THE HELL OUT OF YOUR "FREER THAN THE USA, CHINA", ASAP AFTERWARDS"! ......."YER' A FOOL MAKING FOOLISH COMMENTS AS YA' DID, AS WELLl"!!

                                                                                Billy Carson....USMC..Viet-Vet......"SEMPER FI AMERICA"

                                                                                  Reply#21 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:22 AM EST

                                                                                  Wow, never know that low a standard certain american can go name calling when their "well-intended" concerns missed their "intended" place and found their "rightful" place instead !

                                                                                  Keep it up, Bill

                                                                                  God bless

                                                                                  from a Chinese. NG

                                                                                  • 2 votes
                                                                                  #21.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:29 AM EST

                                                                                  You're a liar. No troops are allowed in China neither ground OR at ANY American Embassy. China provides their own security guards. As for your friend getting stopped and beaten, most likely a lie also. Vietnam Vet my (_}_).

                                                                                  • 1 vote
                                                                                  #21.2 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:17 AM EST

                                                                                  Wow, Billy, ever study grammar and/or punctuation? Or were you too busy with the Klan? If it's true that you're a vet, then you have my respect for that. For all of your other racist statements, shame on you.

                                                                                  • 1 vote
                                                                                  #21.3 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:47 AM EST
                                                                                  Reply

                                                                                  Duke? That looks like Doonsbury's Duke.

                                                                                    Reply#22 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:25 AM EST

                                                                                    I know it's "Duke". I talked to him yesterday at McDonald's.

                                                                                      Reply#23 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:38 AM EST

                                                                                      I am sorry but there is no excuse for him being there. You CANNOT tell me that our top envoy was not informed of the planned protest. If he is that out of touch with his host nation, then he is incompetent and he needs to be removed.

                                                                                      Second of all, how would we expect our government to react if there was to be a major protest calling for the removal of our entire government and the top Chinese ambassador showed up at it? We would be ticked and accuse China of helping to create the mess.

                                                                                      Obama should do what he is good at, contact the head of the Chinese government and offer an apology for our diplomats less than gracious action to his host nation. We would expect nothing less from China if the tables were turned.

                                                                                      • 3 votes
                                                                                      Reply#24 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:58 AM EST

                                                                                      I totally disagree with you on this one. In America if there were 10 diplomats that showed up as viewers in the crowd amongst protestors at an assembly in front of a governmental building, they would not have to worry about being arrested and put into jail. We might wonder and ask ourselves questions, but they would be safe. Oh, wait, our diplomats have immunity right? Still, when we get pissed, we kick out the diplomats we don't like and send them home. Safe. If it was in China pissed with diplomats, (notice the plural there meaning more than one), they would find a way to arrest and detain. We had one..........total of one show up there, even if one thinks as a viewer, if one is to stretch farrr into thinking, that is not a crime. That is not something that needs forgiveness. That is not a lack of graciousness when one acts in freedom of movement or viewing of an incident. Our diplomat's action (notice the apostrophe to show possesion) was gracious in that he did not step into action in the field neither by voice or actions. One can not possibly buy the idea that a Chinese ambassador could have any acheivement in conducting or creating a mass protest to throw our entire government. Likewise, it is blunder to think one of our diplomats could arrange a mass protest against the government in China.

                                                                                        #24.1 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:24 AM EST

                                                                                        Cheryl you should stop, you are really disconnected with the subject you are talking about.

                                                                                        You claim China would arrest and detain diplomats, do you have anything to back up that claim?

                                                                                        The reason his name is blocked on some sites is because the Chinese government don't want to fuel speculations and potentially damage ties with the US.

                                                                                        You need to understand that even though China is developing very fast, much of its population is still uneducated, and prone to "mob mentality". Chinese government doesn't want conspiracy theories about Mr. Huntsman to pop up here and there, therefore information control is needed.

                                                                                        • 1 vote
                                                                                        #24.2 - Fri Feb 25, 2011 6:22 PM EST
                                                                                        Reply

                                                                                        Did you notice the American flag on his jacket? Do you think he cared if he was spotted? I don't think so. They act like they caught him redhanded; if he (or the US) was trying to do something covert he would not be involved.

                                                                                          Reply#25 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:04 AM EST

                                                                                          its just his way of saying "Eat this Big***.

                                                                                            Reply#26 - Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:06 AM EST
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