tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149446.post2566069767877746799..comments2023-10-10T10:34:10.843-06:00Comments on The Nexus of Assholery: Greenpeace Activist Deported from ChinaPatrick Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04592482865332628189noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149446.post-32849211289973387672008-08-13T21:10:00.000-06:002008-08-13T21:10:00.000-06:00You're right about that: they absolutely could hav...You're right about that: they absolutely <I>could</I> have been treated more severely.<BR/><BR/>Then again, that's what the problem is.<BR/><BR/>If anything, I think Hudema and company should actually be applauded for their attempt to perform a democratic act in an undemocratic state. Sometimes, in order to help promote democracy, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty.<BR/><BR/>The example of what happened to Hudema and company very well <I>could</I> serve as a reminder to the Chinese populace of precisely how oppressive their state has become -- that is, if the news ever reaches the light of day.<BR/><BR/>That, ultimately, is where the democracy battle in China will eventually be won -- not in government, but with the citizens of China. What the Chinese regime drove tanks over in Tiananmen Square can be rebuilt if only we can encourage the Chinese people.<BR/><BR/>Of course, that really is the most we can do -- encourage them. That's probably the reason why the Chinese regime probably doesn't want so many blogs and news sites to see the light of day in China -- because it might encourage a democratic movement to take root in grassroots China.<BR/><BR/>As for Greenpeace, I don't think you have to like them, but I think you have to respect them. Whether you agree with their message or methods, they're good people fighting for a cause they believe in.<BR/><BR/>Personally, I'll always respect that.Patrick Rosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04592482865332628189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149446.post-70963766705800495472008-08-12T17:30:00.000-06:002008-08-12T17:30:00.000-06:00Mr. Hudema and company through their actions in Ch...Mr. Hudema and company through their actions in China once again have shown why sadly the general public view Greenpeace and activism in general as joke. Why would a rationale person attempt to protest in country that everyone with common sense knows is undemocratic, does not respect human rights, and has a history of brutally suppressing any protest and dissent? Mr. Hudema and company are attempting a democratic action (protesting) in an undemocratic country which is not rationale and not smart and therefore they are seen by the general public as joke. Mr. Hudema and company should be grateful that they are as Mr. Andersen says were treated “fairly well” because I’m sure they could have been dealt with more severely.bweilandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12037398365942227853noreply@blogger.com