I always hear the US government respect other countries. But it seems that only the Great Powers have this honour. Let take my country, Vietnam, for example. Recently, the U.S bussinessmen accused vietnamese isde of selling catfish devaluedly. The U.S government concluded VN bussinessmen were wrong, without listening to their explanation. I think it's so ridiculous!!! It's no difference from protectionism, opposite to liberalization and globalization trade, with the US always want other coutries to accept. But what hurt me most is that the House of Representatives of Virginia have allowd the Saigon government's flag to be raised at state schools. UNACCEPTABLE. The Saigon government were abolished since April, 30th, 1975. We have only a government and only a flag. The act has really dishonor our notionsl prestige.
What do you think?

Whoops I was gonna call you saddam because of your sreenname... all right forget about that
I thank you for understanding but your government "concerns" our democracy progress every once in a while when they get nothing else to say.I won't nod and say thank you the US government we'll be good tomorrow.

umm Too much homework too little time,I'm leaving the trash behind though I'll have to hand in tomorrow,whatever.Thinking doesn't cost much time but thinking of how to compose the words in English and get rid of my prejudice(trust me I tried if you still find that)takes me bunch of time.

Yeah we know the Tian'anmen thing,can't say that all the kids do but I do because my dad told me about that.The death of the youth on june/4 got my grandma really mad,she's always been mad at our government actually,she's now 93,suffered all and she hated all,capitalism,communism,and the odd period in the history.Luckily she didn't speak out until all the crazy time passed,or she would be arrested,and released 10 years later when she had enough insult.
I can tell you more about the Tian'anmen thing,it's gonna be long though...
Over 3000 or 4000 young students were killed(people around me said so,they also said there could be much more)just because they had something to say,never happened in any civilized country.That's what this world know.It's a shame but we talk about this in our life,we blame the government whenever we mention this,but we don't see it on TV or newspapers or whatever.
Once it was broadcasted on a HK TV station in English and it wasn't blocked,at that moment I really thought we were beginning to reach democracy though i was only 12 without knowing the meaning of democracy.But later the Chinese version came out and suddenly the sreen was covered with ads.I figured out that it didn't block the English version because they didn't realize what it was.I fell back again.So i asked,why couldn't it be published since we all know about that?The answer was it wasn't the time yet.
I asked what does that mean?
Ay oung man smiled and said:"Because the person who killed the people is still alive.You'll read tons of reporst about it when the whole thing is forgotten."
One person one order killed thousands of lives and he can still be at the top of the government,i didn't ask why,i know the culture well.
As the government they wouldn't let the whole things out because that was what they did in the history,every kingdom had the tradition to block news and scandals.The communism government had been supported until that day,they didn't know how to handle a march.Easy as that...ask the officer,unfortunally the officer was a moron and had no idea,the first thing came to his mind was "Kill",just like Bush,when the problem comes up just starts a war,the difference is that at that time nobody limited him,no so-called democracy at all.So then the people were killed by their own army,now how to handle this again?Look at the history they just covered the mess and they all went through until thousands of years later.So they went further.They still kept the sinner,why again?I couldn't understand either.When I grew up I found out that this guy has many relatives in the government wasting our money,so oic.One sicko messed up the whole nation,also caused hate and distrust against the government,how dare they confess?A huge country can easily break down,punish the government should be justicial but it ruins the whole country and the contribution the government could make.Now they've decided to say sorry when they are sure everyone'll calm down.The whole nasty thing made Chinese speechless.If they had internet at that time,millions of people would flood the server.

A huge country like China has contraventions against the idea of democracy,it's got a long long way to go,even I don't expect it will happen in my lifetime,but still,it's a trend,it's gonna happen unless this world dies before that.

Hmm I don't blame people for not liking English-speaking Chinese,that's emotional yet ultra.Everyone knows what they did in China,we should forgive but not forget.Besides the kids around me think more of going abroad and talk to foreigners more of hating people speaking English,that's even worse for a nation.I admit I still hate Japan though,it doesn't make me cuss on Janpanese,basic manner with distance.

"Why do factories have armed guards outside them? Is that for protection of the person visiting, or are they always there?"
Sorry getting a bit confused here.A factory with armed guard should be rich enough to leave China.Do you mean when your friend goes there he always sees guards out there?I guess they are always there if so,in case hijack or something like that happens.In poor areas public security is still awful.For your security just don't take too much money with you if you ever come here~~I also got picked pocket on a bus,1 dollar lost~~that was worth a general lunch for me,sigh.

Yeah the UN was founded because in that situation the world needed it.Then the US started the NATO since the UN doesn't mean too much to it any more.
Maybe not against this world,I haven't seen this world has the same voice(still not completely together) except this time when it comes to war actually.But when you are speaking for some people,there must be many other people are against that.An American leader will probably change the way others work and tell us what is democracy,then we'll both figure out democracy today for 1.2 billion people(actually 1.6 they just lied again) is surreal,or he just send up missiles for the coutry who didn't behaved just to catch the sinner,then how many wars are there gonna be?Just for example though.
It's not like being a mod on a forum,being a world leader isn't as easy as you think.Yeah every one would be stunned if the U.S. didn't accept its responsibilities,because it's what he should do as a country.And we would get pissed off when the US carries too much weight,because it's our of his duty and mights.Withdrawing from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty,selling weapons,wars againt Vietnam and Iraq don't make US the leader,since it caused intimidates and victims.Still confident to take care of this messed-up world?

Very true.I don't want a million of people die in one day though we have a swollen population already.But I think,since it's gone too far now,terrorists'd attack the US when you didn't start the war,they'll still attack you once you start the war.And if any country supports the war,it can probably get an attack as well.It has already happened in China actually,whoever bombed Tsinghua and Beijing universities a few days ago,they weren't just messing around,some people recognized it as a terroristic attack.Now even if Iraq dies,I still see these people around the world,more hate more blood

Cathay,
Sorry, I forgot to mention. Actually it was the foresight of the United States that the United Nations was created. If it were not for the United States, the UN would not have begun and it would not exist at all. Of course we want it to work.

For the U.S. to say it is a world leader is just acknowledging the truth. Even Chinese government would be stunned if the U.S. did not accept its responsibilities -to- the world. Don't interpret this strength, our success as a nation in the world as being -against- the world. We are always for peace.

We as a people, a majority, would not allow our government to wage war against anyone just on whim. We are trying to see down the road and prevent future futile attempts to reign in a monster who can threaten the whole world.

The Iraq-Iran area is an important area because it is the crossroads of the Middle East, China and Africa. We have to think now what would happen if any of those areas are threatened with mass destruction because someone lets go of chemicals or gases that could kill not just thousands, but millions of people in one fell swoop.

You are a large country now, but can you just begin to imagine what an impact it would have on your country if you lost one million people in one day? We do not want to see anything like that happen anywhere in the world. It is just too barbaric.

No Cathay, I absolutely do understand why your country cannot turn democratic in just one night. I understood exactly what happened in Tianeman Square (spelled right?) I was so worried about those youth because I knew already that the country was not any where near ready to begin letting those outward expressions occur and get world coverage.

I am so glad to know that you are active in your thoughts, that you take the time to think out these matters and then reply. Wow, it must really cut into your homework time.

We understand here more than you think we do. I had a roommate here before I got married and the person was originally from first-generation Chinese here. The person married someone from Taiwan and now lives in Hong Kong. Haven't seen them for years. But I get some feedback about how it was a little difficult for them because some Chinese get angry toward the English-speaking Chinese. But I'm sure they'll work it out over time because they are very nice people. He is in international marketing and they have two children now.

I have no doubt in my mind that one day China will look to a suitable and practical way to begin a more democratic way of life. For a huge country like China, that will take some time.

I wish I could visit China. I have a relative who visits there at least twice a year on business. Something to do with the garment industry. Brings a translater along.

Why do factories have armed guards outside them? Is that for protection of the person visiting, or are they always there?

And no, I'm not Chinese-American, just your average European-heritage-American.

Yes democracy should make rights,but not the rights to lead the world.Did any other democratic country say the are the "world leader"?The US have responsiblity because it is a big country in this world,being a big member doesn't make you a big leader,this world has given you enough rihgts and respect.

I didn't know it was complicated at all.It's just that easy that one country can't judge the world.The UN is there,it means we don't want one member to lead this world.UN is doing his job,it's an young association needs develepment.Why can't it work right?Because some countries of it can't afford the tax and some countries don't wanna spend money on it.Without money UN can't do too much things.UN have endless meetings,disscussions,because this world has different thoughts,it causes argument but it's worth it,fianlly they can make a choice as fair as it can be.UN isn't doing right right now because the system isn't right,they waste too much money in the progress,but they are working out.Don't deny its contribution yet.

I don't think "age" makes country do things wrong.Actually I can't agree more that the government has made many contributions in the USA,a country is working right means the government is working right.But just in your country.You should love the US government really,but we don't have to.It's not my government,I didn't ratepay so it's not about my advantage.As long as it isn't involved with our
benefit,we get along.When your
benefit concerns ours,the UN should make the dicision instead of the US.We never reflect you by how the US government administers this country,we just said no sometimes when it comes to unacceptable diplomatism,it shouldn't make us your enemy.I thought so anyway,maybe too naive.

I don't know if you hate all communists but among the people I read,I know lots of you hate communism.Since we are one of the "axis of evil"(If I wasn't wrong),it shows you don't like China or the government anyway.But no matter how evil they are they did something right as well.If the people ourselves don't support the government,how could it try to get better...Many reason to hate but basically I still have to follow it now.It makes us on the other side of you again,though we don't mean to.It doesn't bother me anyway.I still like most of countries of this world,includes the US and whatever
I didn't read much comments on China in the newspapers because the government blocks most influences against communism,I know what they are afraid of,they know how weak they are,and Chinese are easily lead away if they are told communism is wrong by the famous peaple and rich countries.They teach kids why China has to follow communism...Well most parts of my politics text-books are bullsh!t,but this part analyzed the history and it was logical,I could agree.
People don't really know what communism is like in China today actually...I'm not gonna explain because my texts are already too long and I guess nobody wants to read it since it's about communism.At least I should tell that the people here aren't against capitalism.It's another theory for me,it doesn't mean one exsists and the other has to die.And I stand for the new generation,I'm immature but I know we don't want to hate.PS,a little detail I've just noticed tells me economy can beat politics...Therefore "ism" can't be too important for us in the coming period.

True,the trade helps China and I'm glad this world accept a communism country(Since the mainstream is capitalism).This is totally economic.If China wasn't this big9I mean the population),if we didn't have the market,I'm sure for your advantage again the US would like to cut off the trade.Because you didn't need us.It's not like the US needs us because we produce the cheap toys and sixpenny commodities,it just needs more people to buy the cars,high-priced things in return.It's not because you don't hate communists.Besides even Chinese like Nixon,we remember him.He was an amicable person,he had enough talent to solved problems without a sword.

We both need the trade,and you earn much more from it,I don't complain about it because it's resonable,you have more dominances and you more much stronger,in this world you should earn more.

I know the US government respect his people,this topic is about they don't have enough respect when it comes to foreign countries.Absolute human rights is for a society with very high productivities only,in the perfect world everyone would be treated equally,it's not like China doesn't want it,we can't afford it.This country is too huge,and we are building democracy,you can say we don't have it,but in the history it's the first time we ever tasted it,we are trying,you can give us advice,but I see you don't understand it when you blame China for not turning democratic in one night.

No money doesn't make the rights. It is a democracy that establishes the cornerstone of what is wrong and what is right.

But it doesn't take a genius to understand world opinion. It is not as complicated as you are trying to make it.

The line beyond which nations should not cross has to be established. This can be a function of the United Nations if it would just do its work. If the United States did not stand up and lead it would just make everyone in the world really pissed off then. Then they would call us "isolationists."

We may be a young country as France recently referred to us, but we did do something right. By establishing the Bill of Rights for our citizens we have assured each person the right to pursue their lives as they choose. We still have people in this country that refuse to drive cars because it is against their religion. They use horses and carriages. But do we bother them? No! And do they bother other people who live in the U.S.? No!

And don't get off on the idea that we hate all communists and that we want to kill all communists. We initiated the idea of opening up trade with China. That was done by President Nixon. And look where China is today because of this world trade. Every day there are containers of "stuff" all kinds of "stuff" - some of which nobody really needs. But it arrives here and we buy it. We buy it and China loves it that we buy it.

I haven't made or bought a quilt in years that did not come from China. I have never made a stuffed animal although a friend of mine worked on one with someone who helped make "Miss Piggy." All the stuffed animals I ever bought for my kids had this wonderful tag on them that said "Made in China."

Our countries are not as far apart as you make them out to be. Primarily though, it is just that we believe more along the lines of human rights. But on the other hand, we do see that for such a large country and so many people, until you get a leader who can really lead and learn how to enforce the rights of an individual then you have to keep stability for now. Stability is better than anarchy.

talking about this,i can't agree.in the first place,you've already recognized the US as the "world leader",i don't think any country has the ability and rights.this world doesn't have to obey the US's rules,we have different cultures,different histories,different systems,we don't need another country to tell us what we should do and what we shouldn't do.if you are still trying to lead this world when we don't want you to,how could we get along?
even your president needs to be voted to lead your country,the US just stand in the way and leads the world,is that democratic at all?

besides,as a country,when you "establish the line and enforce the line",you can't be fair either,you can't understand the people all over the world,"the line" should be established and enforced after international discussions."strong" is not the reason to "lead" this world.

anyway the US isn't the only country which doesn't always respect others,many countries don't,and they are all rich.does money makes the rights?

As a democracy and a strong world leader, we are trying to establish "the line" and enforce "the line" which reasonable (and wacko unreasonable, irresponsible) countries should cross.

No we as Americans are not above the law, or international rules, but if we do not come forward and responsibly support and enforce the guidelines, then no one else will either.

well all of us need understanding

as a responsible government,they do things for your advantage
now the problem is that different countries in this world have too much conflicts of interest...
when it comes to signory,interior and such,sometimes we can understand you but we can't accept it.sometimes we don't see you understand our situations either...
we can't ignore the prejudice,and this world can't be fair,but i just hope,when you make a decision,or blame others,do not cross the line.

Well Cathaykid, et al . . .

You see, in some cases, it really doesn't matter what other people think. What matters is that they should come to some level of understandng.

While it is true that the US likes to help . . . it is also true that we have some strings attached to that helping (as anyone or any country would).

We are not going to indiscriminately give out funds and give help with no strings attached because it is the money of the "people" -- me and others who live here who are actually giving the help. And our government is ultimately responsible to US -- isn't that neat?

Us and the U.S. are the same letters. How wonderful is that?

I know I don't speak for many people, but I for one would like to apologize for the imperialist ******* my government has become. It really is sick.

If it's any consolation, know that there are thousands (maybe even millions) of activists and citizens working in the US to change the way our government and corporations conduct business overseas (including me).


Peace, Jenny

ummmmmm
All right then

it's always cowboys and indians....

someone has to be "good" and someone has to be "evil". no objective opinions. "we" don't make mistakes, and "they" are never right.

(quotatient marks imply "looking at it from the other side").

jya. no winners here. or losers apparently. rock and roll.

I was wondering why wasn't anyone replying to this.......

I don't think they have enough respect to others.Evry country does things bad for others for thire own advantage,it's understandable,but it doesn't mean they are right.If it crosses the line,it's really disapppointing and unacceptable.
As one of the richest country in this world,I think US government sometimes think they have the responsibility and rights to get into the act,especially things about other countries' dominion,government and system.But honestly not many people like that...