I had the honour of visiting China around the end of June and the beginning of July 2008. I would like to respond to the majority of the so called experts who talk about freedom and democracy but do not know the meaning. I would also like to respond to those who lecture other societies about freedom and democracy but do not practice it at home. Let us first start by defining democracy. Democracy is a Greek Term meaning either Popular Government or Mob Rule. Not even the United States of America is a democracy, it is a republic. Democracy and Freedom does not necessarily mean Gross National Happiness. The United States of America under the Republicans and Democrats exclude people who are not of their party. The Governing Elite in America also have approved laws that allow all forms of aberrations against families including divorce for any reason. The Governing Elite in America have allowed unlimited immigration, a housing crisis, and did not life one finger for its citizens during the Hurricane Katrina Era of 2005. Is Democracy and Freedom as practiced in America a way of life with all of the petty restrictions and excess government interference? Is Democracy and Freedom defined in America as the right to be assaulted? The Republicans and Democrats may just as well say that we do not have freedom and democracy given their assault on the people through excess taxes and exclusive politics.

In the People’s Republic of China, there is a freedom and democracy although not as defined by Western Standards. The freedom and democracy that exists in the People’s Republic of China is one in which people have the right to feel safe without fear of being assaulted or robbed. In the People’s Republic of China, the freedom and democracy that exists is manifested through respect for family, institutions, and traditions. There is also a love of country and a desire to protect it. While there is good and bad in every country and society, there is a live and let live attitude as defined as accepting people for what they are as long as they do not interfere with the rights of their fellow citizen. 

In The People’s Republic of China, there is also a total respect for music and culture as long as it is in good taste. In other words, Madonna, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and most of the Hollywood Elite that promote art in poor taste can go elsewhere to promote their degenerate form of art. The cultural freedom and democracy I saw in the People’s Republic of China ranged from traditional Chinese Opera to the Jazz of Miles Davis and Santana. The People’s Republic of China [in the definition of cultural freedom and democracy] is even interested in the works of Nil Lara and Jaci Velasquez for their natural talent.

China Radio International [The External Service of Chinese Radio and Television] as well as CCTV [China Central Television] is a vehicle for freedom and democracy in the airwaves. I remember hearing CRI [China Radio International] on my shortwave radio [I still do] or listening in the computer and they have allowed different viewpoints. CRI and CCTV [when I was in China] offered a form of freedom and democracy called unbiased news without the screaming and shouting of CNN, NBC, or MSNBC. I could still remember that the hotel that I stayed in China [China People’s Palace] offered to add Western Television and I refused saying: «I prefer CRI and CCTV». The staff at China People’s Palace was expressing a form of freedom and democracy when they were offering their choice to this hotel guest.

Another form of freedom and democracy is the right to Health Care. In the People’s Republic of China, there is the tendency to take care of people and give them a decent health care without the excess bureaucracy and paperwork. People are not asked for their insurance and the decisions in Health Care are made by a Physician and the Patient. I have yet to see this form of freedom and democracy in Health Care in America. The People’s Republic of China has even extended its definition of democracy and freedom in health care to preventive health. The restaurants are clean with the chefs and waiters working using gloves and hats. There is also an ordinance which prohibits smoking and mandates hand washing after going to the Water Closet.

Democracy and Freedom in China has also been expressed by the fact that companies such as Pizza Hut, Toshiba, Walmart, Home Depot, Mc Donalds, KFC, and Carrefour have been able to operate without excess government interference and as long as rules are obeyed. This is compared to the restrictive environment and the petty rules that exist in America designed to protect the people of America but in reality stifle creativity.

No society is perfect and they are products of an evolutionary period. Modern China began on the 1st of October 1949 with the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China. Since then, like most societies; it has experienced growth pains that are inherent in every society [including the United States of America]. In order for freedom and democracy to exist, there has to be maturity on the part of the people as well as a need for Gross National Happiness. The People’s Republic of China appears to have balanced Democracy, Freedom, and Gross National Happiness in a way that it may well become the next superpower.