Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Chang’e (嫦娥) and corruption

China will launch Chang’e, its first lunar satellite this afternoon. It is, of course, a great achievement.

One farmer in Xichang (西昌) in Sichuan (四川) province, where the satellite will be launched from, was quoted as saying “If we have the ability to send a satellite to the moon, why is it so difficult to send all corrupt officials to prison?” (South China Morning Post, Wednesday, October 24, 2007)

Indeed, why?




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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is it "determination"?
This term is often used by local officials:"...we have the ability and determination to..." To me, such is empty talk.

*****

The farmer's wise question points to the heart of China's, and indeed, humanity's ills throughout the centuries. Advance in technology is not going to improve human nature.

6:57 pm
StephenC said...

An immediate observation is that where a country puts its money (effort) reflects the priorities of the country. In this case, it is obvious.

At another level, technology is often put into service of power and worse, warfare. Even when it is used to improve the "quality of life", the resultant leisure often brings out the darker side of human nature.

12:25 am

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