Lisbon, 27th of April 2008
Your Excellency, the government of People’s Republic of China;
I am addressing this missive to you for despite all the recent criticism (a deserved one, if you don’t mind my saying so) I think the world should acknowledge the positive things that Imperial China left us an important cultural inheritance:
I would like to thank the Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu/Hao and Sun families for the several Tai Chi Chuan styles. And when speaking of Tai Chi we cannot forget Kung fu: what an exercise of discipline and endurance: love it!
I would also like to thank Confucius for his huge wisdom and knowledge. His teachings have inspired many of us to become Men of Ren (the summation of human virtues: loyalty, reciprocity, wisdom, courage, righteousness, faithfulness), thus becoming better human beings.
I thank Sun Tzu for his spectacular work entitled “The Art of War” which teaches us to fight with respect for the enemy, discipline, honour and above all to fight through the use of reason.
I also thank the Imperial China for having invented chinaware: what a gift to humanity! There is nothing more pleasurable than to drink the finest tea from a fine china…c’est la petite mort!
You have also parented noodles…so delicious! However I must be honest with you and say that the Italians have perfected your “baby”.
There are so many things that you have invented and shared with us that a simple letter would be enough, yet I would like to thank you for one last product: the toothbrush! I know that before it people were (on this side of the world) using their index finger to brush their teeth; and indigenous people were either using Mulala (a stick, from a specific tree, used to brush teeth and tongue, leaving a fresh taste in the mouth and a luscious red colour in the lips) or roots; but a toothbrush is so much more practical.
Now, you (People’s Republic of China) are also leaving an important historical inheritance, even if a sad one:
- Your political regime (it is proven not to work, so why don’t you relinquish it?)
- Tiananmen (or “The June fourth Incident”, a demonstration led by labour activists, students and intellectuals between April 15 and June 4, 1989; against your authoritarianism, economic policies of your communist party, calling for media and democratic reforms…just to refresh your memory)
- The consequent crackdown and destruction of the Goddess of Democracy and Freedom by your liberation army (on June 4 at 5:40…that was cold, man! I was only 12 but I asked my mom why you didn’t want your people to be free and dictate its political destiny…she replied “The People’s Republic of China is an abusive father; and there isn’t any Social Assistance department to save those children!”
- Censorship (limiting or suppressing of the publishing, dissemination and viewing of certain information in TV, print media, radio, film, text messaging, video games, internet…I wonder if you also copy the fascists in reading personal mail).
- Tibet (if the international community makes pressure on some countries to leave certain territories, they should do the same to you – your money should not be a factor).
I believe this all that comes to my mind right now. I know you shall not take offence by my words…you are destitute of emotions and rich in deviated intelligence.
I wish you all the luck in your meeting with Dalai Lama’s representative.
Sincerely yours,
Max
My friend Livingsword is known for his inflammatory letters, so I invite you to read his Letter to China, here!
I LOVE this letter, Max! :-))) I didn't know that they invented toothbrush he he he...but I've also read some books on their "crazy political acts" back in the past. I hope it's gotten better now...but dunno...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I've been doing fine. Check up my latest post on my trip to the gold mine. I've put up some pics there he he...
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteA well balanced and sincere letter. While others may have been seduced by anger and authored an emotional, ranting, and perhaps insulting letter, you balanced this with the positive (I never knew the Chinese produced the concept of the toothbrush) and then put forth your criticisms. I agree with you. -Mike.
Nice letter, well balanced and pretty sincere.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I hated the current "China bashing", I'm all for communication, so I hope China can open a bit more... people will see that the country isn't that scary!
Ah yes, noodles and tai chi are some of the jewels that have come from the Chinese culture. I would have to add a few to your lists.
ReplyDeleteList of wonderful things:
--Dim Sum...Okay, I know Hong Kong mainly serves this, but they are part of China now.
--The people. One of my highlights of living in China was getting the chance to get to know the wonderful people. I remember once when I was standing in line at the post office, and an older woman volunteered to hold my baby for me while I waited in line to send a package. Another man, another time at the post office use the glue that is provided to glue all of my stamps on my letters because I was holding a baby. Soldiers at the airport would take me to the front of the line at customs because I had little children with me.
Not so good things:
--Because there are so many people, the government views them as expendable. I don't think they realize that the people are their greatest treasures.
--Corruption....the rule of law is the rule that the police officer wants to enforce, whether or not it is an actual law. But even that can be excused...for a price.
--Public restrooms. Let's just say that I'm lucky I didn't contract hepatitis while living there.
I would like to end on another good note because although I may not agree with their politics, I do have a love for China, and for a time it was my home. China is like a child that was taught incorrectly in it's youth. Communism was a raging parent that has left the country with scars. But i do think that with time those scars can be healed, and they can learn a new way to govern. It's a slow growing process, but I think if we wait patiently, we will see great changes in the coming years.
Hey Amel, my girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks, darling! I am glad you love it :D!
lol Yes, they invented it, and what a great invention it was!
Well, hopefully one day they will get better, dear :)!
I am so happy for you!! I will check your latest post out :D!! Pics...you know I love pics lol :)!
Thanks for your comment, gorgeous! Loved it :D!
Cheers
Hi Mike!
ReplyDelete"A well balanced and sincere letter." - thank you so much *bowing*!
"While others may have been seduced by anger and authored an emotional, ranting, and perhaps insulting letter, you balanced this with the positive (I never knew the Chinese produced the concept of the toothbrush) and then put forth your criticisms. I agree with you. -Mike." - oh, yes; they have invented the useful toothbrush (not that I don't like Mulala, but it is more practical, right? lol). I don't think that emotional and insulting letters (or words) are the solution for what is going on; but you know how some people are...
I am extremely critical of present China but I must recognise the good things they have shared with us.
Thanks for your comment, Mike; it is much appreciated :D!
Cheers
Hello Delirious!
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to see you here :D!
Please do add a few things :D!
"--Dim Sum...Okay, I know Hong Kong mainly serves this, but they are part of China now." - lol but does Hong Kong consider itself part of China or something on the side? Cause I know that Macau (a former Portuguese colony that went back to China in 1999) considers itself to be a bit on the side...
"--The people. One of my highlights of living in China was getting the chance to get to know the wonderful people. I remember once when I was standing in line at the post office, and an older woman volunteered to hold my baby for me while I waited in line to send a package. Another man, another time at the post office use the glue that is provided to glue all of my stamps on my letters because I was holding a baby. Soldiers at the airport would take me to the front of the line at customs because I had little children with me." - people are great everywhere in the world. This is so interesting, your experience, cause my mom experienced similar situations in several countries in the world (when we were kids). I think people are the best asset of any country, don't you think so :D?
"Not so good things: --Because there are so many people, the government views them as expendable. I don't think they realize that the people are their greatest treasures." - (obliterate my previous question) I agree with you!
"--Corruption....the rule of law is the rule that the police officer wants to enforce, whether or not it is an actual law. But even that can be excused...for a price." - lol lol...(I recognise that type of pardon for a price) corruption is society's plague *nodding*.
"--Public restrooms. Let's just say that I'm lucky I didn't contract hepatitis while living there." - LOL LOL LOL I hear you! Thank God, you didn't, girl!
"I would like to end on another good note because although I may not agree with their politics, I do have a love for China, and for a time it was my home. China is like a child that was taught incorrectly in it's youth. Communism was a raging parent that has left the country with scars. But i do think that with time those scars can be healed, and they can learn a new way to govern. It's a slow growing process, but I think if we wait patiently, we will see great changes in the coming years." - the problem with China is not its people nor the country, it is its decadent regime...it must change (and it will - if this side of the world, that committed so many political mistakes, changed...so will China). And I agree with you: with a little patience the world will see great changes in the coming years (I hope to be alive to witness it).
D, loved your comment: thank you so much *bowing*! :D
Cheers
Hey Zhu,
ReplyDelete"Nice letter, well balanced and pretty sincere." - thank you so much, mon amie *bowing*!
"As much as I hated the current "China bashing", I'm all for communication, so I hope China can open a bit more... people will see that the country isn't that scary!" - well, people get too emotional about certain things (specially when it comes to human rights violations), but bashing, insulting or whatever doesn't deliver the right message (the right political message). Plus, people that make use of emotions to try to attack China are people who haven't studied well their "foe".
China will open up, it has too.
Zhu, thanks for your delightful comment, girl :D! Your opinion counts :D!
Cheers
lol, i didn't know they invented the toothbrush ;) this is one great letter max, but i don't think the chinese government will listen to this, they are insensitive.
ReplyDeletechina has been influencing the philippine government too, it seems like they're buying the country :(
i had a great weekend and i'm glad to hear you had a great one too ;)
take care. hugs.
Hey Liza,
ReplyDeleteYou brought light with you :D!
"lol, i didn't know they invented the toothbrush ;) this is one great letter max, but i don't think the chinese government will listen to this, they are insensitive." - lol yes, they did! Thanks, darling *bowing*! Well, at least I let it out of my chest ;)!
"china has been influencing the philippine government too, it seems like they're buying the country :(" - don't say? They are buying a lot of countries, dear...
"i had a great weekend and i'm glad to hear you had a great one too ;)" - :D those are great news! Thanks, my friend :)!
Hugs
Max,
ReplyDeleteWow! This is one of the most eloquent and elegant dissertations on China that I have ever read. Kudos!
I am really trying hard to add something significant to the breadth of this post, but it's belly is already full. Hmmmmm. There must be something that I can stuff in. Let me think? (Pauses for thoughts to flood head.)
Oooh, I know. (quickly opening up another tab and typing in that magic word for everthing, "Google!"
What have we here. I found something to add.
Silk was developed in China where it was kept a secret for more than two thousands years. China produces about 70 percent of the world's silk supply.
Ketchup originated in China as a pickled fish sauce called ke-tsiap.
Chopsticks originated from China approximately 4,000 years ago.
People of Ancient China believed that swinging your arms could cure a headache.
The Great Wall stretches for about 4,500 miles across North China.
Many of the guards never left the Great Wall in their entire lives.
Snake is a delicacy in China.
Tea was discovered in China more than 5,000 years ago.
Rice flour was used to strengthen some of the bricks that make up the Great Wall of China.
China annexed Tibet in 1950.
The earliest recorded human settlements in China were discovered in the Huang He basin and date from 5000 B.C.
Watermelon is considered a good gift to give a host in Japan and China.
Pekingese dogs were sacred to the emperors of China for more than 2,000 years.
Twenty percent of China's plants are used in medicine.
I never finished reading The Art Of War, but I love the whole ethos of it and how one can utilize the principles in one's life on the battlefield and the field of life; to which some think is the same.
"I also thank the Imperial China for having invented chinaware: what a gift to humanity! There is nothing more pleasurable than to drink the finest tea from a fine china…c’est la petit mort!"
And it sure beats drinking from paper cups.
"I would like to thank you for one last product: the toothbrush!"
Didn't know that one. Thank you China. I love toothbrushes.
"I was only 12 but I asked my mom why you didn’t want your people to be free and dictate its political destiny…she replied “The People’s Republic of China is an abusive father; and there isn’t any Social Assistance department to save those children!”
Bravo! Bravo!
Encore!
Speech!
Chinese Cheers!
A very thoughtful piece Max. They certainly do have some human rights issues to address.
ReplyDeleteHi LS!
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you here again :D!
"Max I have learned to watch you very closely… LOL" - LOL LOL I am not dangerous, I swear LOL....
"LOL It is interesting that we both didn’t really mention what we thought the other would concentrate upon." - that is the most interesting part of Graffiti, isn't it?
"You now you have to hand it to those Italians, what an amazing country, with style and great food….I also love Szechuan food!!" - you bet, Italia is a beautiful country indeed; and its people do have a special sense of style and their food is delicious! I can't say that I appreciate Szechuan though...
"It is just a matter of time, and the question will it be a peaceful respectable change or civil war…" - a painful revolution will be more likely, but we never know, humans may be more civil nowadays....
"Interesting contrast to Eastern Europe.." - to which event are you referring?
"I completely agree with you….well said." - thank you *bowing*!
"LOL I am equally impressed with you Max…" - LOL come now....lol
"China does not want to lose face so to adapt under this kind of pressure may force them to dig in their heels. Often friendship is a better diplomatic route with countries like China. However it is also essential to have some nations that are willing to “put the screws to them”. Good cop bad cop…..Obviously it much more complex than that but you know what I mean." - lol I know exactly what you mean, need not to go further on this. And I agree with you.
"Tibet is just one part of an extremely complex situation. I agree that the Chinese actions there have been reprehensible. I have high ideals but I recognize that you have to be pragmatic at times to get to the ideals…What will actually work?" - having ideals is good, but there comes a point in life when you just have to be pragmatic and place those ideals in a box (they must serve as a reminder of your goal, but that is it; they must not interfere). This may sound like a political cliché but here it goes: interest-free diplomacy might work. The problem with diplomacy is that it is used not in the interest of the people but solely in the interests of business men...there must be a way to balance this (yes, cause business men create jobs; and people keep their business going, and when happy they work even harder; so there must be a balance).
"I think the Tibet situation is rolled into many other complexities within China; we probably should not try to consider it in isolation." - you are right.
"Democracy is the only avenue I see for this release taking place, of course there are the things that hopefully will lead to democracy that need to be considered. However I believe that it is actually possible that if China were to truly become a genuine democracy Tibet may actually choose to stay a part of China…You are correct that free speech, free press etc are essential to change, they are very potent when tasted…" - marvellous words. Needless to say that I concur.
"I think perhaps there is more heat in my comments than in my articles…I often back load the heavy lifting…." - LOL LOL no, I can assure you that some of your articles contain enough heat to start a fire. It is subtle? Yes, but torrid still. Your comments are devouring fire LOL but I since I can take the heat...(Oh my, now I sounded like former President Clinton lol)
"You know Max I just reread your entire letter again, it really is very good!" - thank you, buddy...you are too kind *bowing*! :D
LS, a great conversation...but then again, what else could be expected from you :D? Thanks!
Cheers
Alexys,
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend! It was cloudy here, but now that you arrived the sun came out lol :D!
"Wow! This is one of the most eloquent and elegant dissertations on China that I have ever read. Kudos!" - *bowing* thank you so much! Efharisto!
"I am really trying hard to add something significant to the breadth of this post, but it's belly is already full. Hmmmmm. There must be something that I can stuff in. Let me think? (Pauses for thoughts to flood head.)" - lol lol...please do take a moment....
"Oooh, I know. (quickly opening up another tab and typing in that magic word for everthing, "Google!"" - LOL LOL LOL....
"Silk was developed in China where it was kept a secret for more than two thousands years. China produces about 70 percent of the world's silk supply." - I love silk! I have some Chinese wild silk t-shirts and trousers that are just lovely and comfy!
"Ketchup originated in China as a pickled fish sauce called ke-tsiap." - that I didn't know!
"Chopsticks originated from China approximately 4,000 years ago." - lol I am still learning how to work properly with those!
"People of Ancient China believed that swinging your arms could cure a headache." - no, it doesn't work! I have tried and nothing...but a headstand does (India)!
"Many of the guards never left the Great Wall in their entire lives." - really? Talking about dedication....
"Snake is a delicacy in China." - no, thank you!
"Tea was discovered in China more than 5,000 years ago." - Mmmmm, love it!!! Thanks, China!
"Rice flour was used to strengthen some of the bricks that make up the Great Wall of China." - that I didn't know!
"China annexed Tibet in 1950." - this I knew all too well....
"The earliest recorded human settlements in China were discovered in the Huang He basin and date from 5000 B.C." - this is news to me.
"Watermelon is considered a good gift to give a host in Japan and China." - it is a good gift to give this host here too LOL LOL. I just love it!
"Pekingese dogs were sacred to the emperors of China for more than 2,000 years." - don't find them that attractive...
"Twenty percent of China's plants are used in medicine." - smart move!
"I never finished reading The Art Of War, but I love the whole ethos of it and how one can utilize the principles in one's life on the battlefield and the field of life; to which some think is the same." - girl, couldn't agree with you more. Well, life is not that different than the battlefield (in essence) but the latter can be more bloody than the first (since it forces humans to display the most violent side of them).
"And it sure beats drinking from paper cups." - LOL LOL LOL *nodding*!
"Didn't know that one. Thank you China. I love toothbrushes." - LOL apparently all my guests do!
"Bravo! Bravo!" - lol thank you, thank you "you're a beautiful aundience" lol. My mom will be happy to know that her words were applauded :)!
"Encore!" - returning to stage *throwing kisses to all*!
"Speech!" - first I would like to thank God, Who is my inspiration; then I would like to thank my family...if it weren't for you I would still be writing jokes for the local newspaper [LOL]...and finally I would like to thank my guests: you guys are awesome and I am the one who should thank you all for sharing your intellectuality with me *bowing*! Thank you all *throwing flowers of my bouquet at the audience*! lol
Alexys, thanks for having taken the time to google for Chinese inventions and for having shared it with us :D! You are an absolutely darling :D! And thanks for this comment, I had fun as always :D!
Sino-European Cheers
Hey Scott,
ReplyDeleteThanks, buddy :D!
"They certainly do have some human rights issues to address." - indeed, indeed...
Oswegan, thanks :D!
Cheers
Max,
ReplyDelete"My dear friend! It was cloudy here, but now that you arrived the sun came out lol :D!"
That's sweet. You are Maxceptional!
"Efharisto!"
You remembered the Greek lessons.
Parakaló - (you're welcome.)
"I love silk! I have some Chinese wild silk t-shirts and trousers that are just lovely and comfy!"
It is smooth like you my dear.
"Ketchup originated in China as a pickled fish sauce called ke-tsiap." - that I didn't know!
Do you think ketchup was really the blood of tyranny?
"Chopsticks originated from China approximately 4,000 years ago." - lol I am still learning how to work properly with those!"
I can't use them. They make me feel like I have wooden fingers.
"I have tried and nothing...but a headstand does (India)!"
Really? Is that because the blood rushes to your head?
"Many of the guards never left the Great Wall in their entire lives." - really? Talking about dedication."
To stand against a wall for an entire lifetime seems like the ultimate punishment doesn't it?
"Tea was discovered in China more than 5,000 years ago." - Mmmmm, love it!!! Thanks, China!"
Do you think people in China use China?
"Rice flour was used to strengthen some of the bricks that make up the Great Wall of China." - that I didn't know!"
At least if the guards got hungry, they could lick the wall.
"Watermelon is considered a good gift to give a host in Japan and China." - it is a good gift to give this host here too LOL LOL. I just love it!"
Me too.
"Pekingese dogs were sacred to the emperors of China for more than 2,000 years." - don't find them that attractive."
They look like Chewbacca don't they?
"Twenty percent of China's plants are used in medicine." - smart move!"
Very wise. We still have 80% to go.
"Well, life is not that different than the battlefield (in essence) but the latter can be more bloody than the first (since it forces humans to display the most violent side of them)."
That's the sad part.
"Bravo! Bravo!" - lol thank you, thank you "you're a beautiful aundience" lol. My mom will be happy to know that her words were applauded :)!"
Your mother is a goddess.
"Encore!" - returning to stage *throwing kisses to all*!"
Audience cheering wildly. Standing ovation.
"Speech!" - first I would like to thank God, Who is my inspiration; then I would like to thank my family...if it weren't for you I would still be writing jokes for the local newspaper [LOL]...and finally I would like to thank my guests: you guys are awesome and I am the one who should thank you all for sharing your intellectuality with me *bowing*! Thank you all *throwing flowers of my bouquet at the audience*! lol"
Ooh, I caught one. It almost hit me in the eye, but I caught it. Thank you.
"Alexys, thanks for having taken the time to google for Chinese inventions and for having shared it with us :D! You are an absolutely darling :D! And thanks for this comment, I had fun as always :D!"
A good time was had by all.
Stiniyia' soo - (Cheers/Good health)
Alexys,
ReplyDelete"That's sweet. You are Maxceptional!" - :D thank you!
"You remembered the Greek lessons." - lol I confess I searched for the word in Google!
"Parakaló - (you're welcome.)" - *taking notes* :)
"It is smooth like you my dear." - lol why...thank you, Miss Alexys!
"Do you think ketchup was really the blood of tyranny?" - LOL Hmmm...no, I don't think they'd go that far!
"I can't use them. They make me feel like I have wooden fingers." - LOL really?
"Really? Is that because the blood rushes to your head?" - yes, that's the reason!
"To stand against a wall for an entire lifetime seems like the ultimate punishment doesn't it?" - to me it does, dear. But I guess for them it was a great honour!
"Do you think people in China use China?" - LOL yes, they do...
"At least if the guards got hungry, they could lick the wall." - ROFL....*hand on stomach*! That's nasty LOL....
"They look like Chewbacca don't they?" - EXACTLY! I used to ask myself what they reminded me of...Chewbacca LOL...
"Very wise. We still have 80% to go." - "how long? Not long..."
"Your mother is a goddess." - thanks, she is marvellous indeed :D!
"Audience cheering wildly. Standing ovation." - *my arms soring of so much waving* lol
"Ooh, I caught one. It almost hit me in the eye, but I caught it. Thank you." - ROFL....*tears to eyes*....you are welcome lol!
"A good time was had by all." - no doubt! :D
Oooh, I still have tears of so much laughter, you kill me; girl!
Stiniyia' soo, darling!
Max,
ReplyDelete"At least if the guards got hungry, they could lick the wall." - ROFL....*hand on stomach*! That's nasty LOL...."
Ha! Ha! There is a house made of salt blocks in Grande Saline, Texas. Now it's a museum. Every time people visit it, they tend to lick the wall. Gross!
"Oooh, I still have tears of so much laughter."
Me too.
Salty Cheers
Alexys,
ReplyDelete"Ha! Ha! There is a house made of salt blocks in Grande Saline, Texas. Now it's a museum. Every time people visit it, they tend to lick the wall. Gross!" - that's interesting a house of salt blocks...but lick it? That's gross indeed!!! *nodding*
Aaah, my dear...thanks :D!
Grande Salina Cheers
hi max! i'm here again. i have a tag for you ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://mlizcochico.blogspot.com/2008/05/lil-something-about-me.html.
see yah :)
Hey Liza,
ReplyDeleteIt's always a pleasure to see you here :D!
A tag for me? Thank you :D! I'll be at your place in a jiffy ;D!
See ya
Interesting, well balanced and very readable letter Max. All in one: you hit the nail on the head!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great end to your week :-)
Hey Renny,
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much *bowing*! I am glad you liked it, my friend :D!
Thanks, and the wishes are reciprocal :D!
Cheers
Hi! I’ve read this post and the replies a few times and I don’t know what more could be said really about China but I’ll try.
ReplyDeleteChina seems to be a world within a world and has been for ages.
Certain actions have displeased many outside China and within their own homeland as well.
In recent times China has gone all out to show to the world how well they can organise and build the infrastructure for the Olympics that are to be held shortly.
I just hope that by the time its all over, if not sooner, they’ll see their way around to putting an end to old aggressive ways.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteActually came by just to say hi and thanks for popping by. You're definitely not short of people commenting ! You need some kind of message box so people can just say hi !
I was trying to think of something intelligent to say re: this topic and decided maybe not. I don't know enough. Considering I'm Chinese by race , though about 5 generations removed from my original ancestors who bravely marched halfway across the world to seek their fortunes.
Truth is, I can neither identify very much with the Chinese who are in China, nor with the people who are fussing about them. In Singapore, the "new" chinese from China are consider foreigners !!
I think I liked black words on white better.
Hello Peter,
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to see you here, mate :D!
Just knowing that you have taken the time to read the post and the comments a few times it already made my day :D! Thank you *bowing*!
"China seems to be a world within a world and has been for ages." - true.
I am sure that China will change its way for the sake of its own people and international relationships.
Pete, this was a great comment, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us :)!
Cheers
Hello Karen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for having dropped by, girl :D! No need to thank me, as you know I like reading your posts :).
I will take your suggestion into consideration *bowing*!
Thanks for having shared your view on this issue, and I will try to darken the letters a bit.
Cheers