明天，2009年10月1日，是中华人民共和国的60周年国庆。这时刻对所有华人们表出骄傲和自豪，尤其中国的公民。如此而已，如今的中国60年来实施了建国的宗旨吗？ 要分析这个问题，我们应该回顾那一代的历史，尤其孙中山的三民主义。 我特意选了孙中山，非毛泽东，因为他和毛泽东志同道合而且可以代表全世界的华人，但是毛泽东的政治主义已经失去了现实的政局。以三民主义为规范，
其一，民族主义： 中国已经是独立的国家，没有任何被别的国家强迫。但是，以近期的新疆事故为例，各各民族相和还是远期的梦想。
其二，民权主义： 中国在共产党政治下永远达不到真正的民权，尤其孙中山梦想的。 中国的行政没有均衡的政院，但是近期的行政法律改革将要增进许多人的政权。
其三，民生主义： 中国奉行了民生为先的政策，如故现代的经济和生活条件已经超越过一百年前的梦幻。 社会的各个阶级都分享了景气，但是普通农民的均田已经到濒危的状况。
以三民主义评审，中国在民族和民生达标了孙中山的原意，但是在民权中仍然及格。 这几天中国应该鼓掌至今的成就，但是仍需努力在民权上奉献更大的改革进程。
Wednesday 30 September 2009
Sunday 20 September 2009
Today's Boston Globe articles
1. Walmart/Local Development: http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2009/09/20/a_wal_mart_proposed_for_a_cornfield__has_long_divided_a_small_vermont_town/
On the issue, the needs of the local citizens are paramount - if they want a Walmart, they should be able to have one. However, for their and the community's long-term benefit, there should be regulations controlling future development. I believe it would be best if the groups, citizens and potential developers reach a compromise rather than fight out for one position or the other.
2. Military/International Treaties: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/09/20/made_in_mass_bomb_stirs_global_debate/
Another tough issue, this time on the global level. The treaty itself can be amended to allow for cluster bombs with more than ten warheads, but with highly stringent controls for collateral impact, including testing by an independent international group such as the IAEA. Such a change may induce the larger powers to join the treaty and in fact, benefit arms control.
3. Letter-writing:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/20/the_personal_letter_is_quickly_becoming_a_thing_of_the_past/
It really is a shame that such a personal craft and art is being lost. I would like to write to my friends and others using postcards or letters, but few people give me their addresses. The effects of modern technology and the sake of convenience...
4. Climate Change/Diplomacy:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/09/20/the_essential_pillars_of_a_new_climate_pact/
All three major points are important and desirable, but the author assumes that most of the major actors are willing to look long-term and trust the market. On climate change, especially in a recession, many countries are looking short-term and plus, it would be difficult to predict or assume growth and economic stability in the long-term for many of the market programs, such as the cap, to be consistently effective.
5. Microlending:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/20/small_change_does_microlending_actually_fight_poverty/
The questions concerning the efficacy of microlending are credible - a mechanism that focuses on small gains and changes would find it difficult inducing large-scale change, especially poverty reduction. Even so, more empiricial studies are needed and microlending has its benefits, esp. for socially and morally driven entrepreneurs.
6. Privacy/Social Networking:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/20/project_gaydar_an_mit_experiment_raises_new_questions_about_online_privacy/
I do not see the concern over privacy, esp. any major ones. The students sought to study how people's social networking profiles and choices of friends might tell something about themselves. That is a social science study that anybody else can informally do, albeit with less precise conclusions. It is an individual's choice, not an unconscious show-of-hand, that determines what conclusions others may derive from a social networking profile.
7. Samuel Johnson:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/20/the_literary_lion_who_hated_us_and_why_we_love_him_anyway/
An interesting and relevant topic, but a poorly written article. I still do not understand why Johnson "hated" Americans - what is the source of the opprobrium, and is it really? More importantly, why do Americans "love" him? It cannot just be that he seems so similar to many of the revolutionary generation.
8. Books/Louis Brandeis:
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/09/20/in_louis_d_brandeis_a_life_melvin_urofsky_details_how_boston_lawyer_set_a_noble_precedent/
Wow, surely I have found my career role model, in every way and form. The review of the book is highly laudatory, and the content is very personally appealing. I am buying the book Tuesday (and not out of whim of fancy)!
On the issue, the needs of the local citizens are paramount - if they want a Walmart, they should be able to have one. However, for their and the community's long-term benefit, there should be regulations controlling future development. I believe it would be best if the groups, citizens and potential developers reach a compromise rather than fight out for one position or the other.
2. Military/International Treaties: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/09/20/made_in_mass_bomb_stirs_global_debate/
Another tough issue, this time on the global level. The treaty itself can be amended to allow for cluster bombs with more than ten warheads, but with highly stringent controls for collateral impact, including testing by an independent international group such as the IAEA. Such a change may induce the larger powers to join the treaty and in fact, benefit arms control.
3. Letter-writing:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/20/the_personal_letter_is_quickly_becoming_a_thing_of_the_past/
It really is a shame that such a personal craft and art is being lost. I would like to write to my friends and others using postcards or letters, but few people give me their addresses. The effects of modern technology and the sake of convenience...
4. Climate Change/Diplomacy:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/09/20/the_essential_pillars_of_a_new_climate_pact/
All three major points are important and desirable, but the author assumes that most of the major actors are willing to look long-term and trust the market. On climate change, especially in a recession, many countries are looking short-term and plus, it would be difficult to predict or assume growth and economic stability in the long-term for many of the market programs, such as the cap, to be consistently effective.
5. Microlending:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/20/small_change_does_microlending_actually_fight_poverty/
The questions concerning the efficacy of microlending are credible - a mechanism that focuses on small gains and changes would find it difficult inducing large-scale change, especially poverty reduction. Even so, more empiricial studies are needed and microlending has its benefits, esp. for socially and morally driven entrepreneurs.
6. Privacy/Social Networking:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/20/project_gaydar_an_mit_experiment_raises_new_questions_about_online_privacy/
I do not see the concern over privacy, esp. any major ones. The students sought to study how people's social networking profiles and choices of friends might tell something about themselves. That is a social science study that anybody else can informally do, albeit with less precise conclusions. It is an individual's choice, not an unconscious show-of-hand, that determines what conclusions others may derive from a social networking profile.
7. Samuel Johnson:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/20/the_literary_lion_who_hated_us_and_why_we_love_him_anyway/
An interesting and relevant topic, but a poorly written article. I still do not understand why Johnson "hated" Americans - what is the source of the opprobrium, and is it really? More importantly, why do Americans "love" him? It cannot just be that he seems so similar to many of the revolutionary generation.
8. Books/Louis Brandeis:
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/09/20/in_louis_d_brandeis_a_life_melvin_urofsky_details_how_boston_lawyer_set_a_noble_precedent/
Wow, surely I have found my career role model, in every way and form. The review of the book is highly laudatory, and the content is very personally appealing. I am buying the book Tuesday (and not out of whim of fancy)!
Friday 18 September 2009
White House warming to Russia with missile shield stance
The recent White House decision to scrap missile shield plans in Poland and the Czech Republic reflects a realization of the imminent troubles Iran and North Korea will bring. Both countries have shown belligerent intentions including renewed pursuit of nuclear weapons. For Washington to achieve leverage and success in diplomacy with those countries, it needs to cater to Russia. Therefore, the White House took a step back on a relatively unimportant theatre - missile defence over Europe - in order to take a step forward on relations with Russia, whose support will be crucial in any future bargaining with Iran and North Korea. It is well-known that relations between Moscow and Washington have been lukewarm, with the missile shield over Europe a particular cause for disagreement. But other geopolitical concerns are more important now, notably Iran and North Korea, which makes the missile shield concession a relatively cheap price to pay. Republicans have criticized this move, and claim that the missile shield and containment of Iran are connected, but it is implausible that Iran would concern itself with far-away Europe or even have the capacity to launch a long-range weapon in the near future. Overall, the move by the White House carries much potential for its increasing its bargaining and geopolitical position with an important ally, and in a far more important theatre of concern.
Sunday 13 September 2009
Today's Boston Globe articles
1. Health Care Reform (Malpractice) - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/09/13/malpractice_reform_can_help_build_a_better_health_system/
This article underscores the validity of the Republican position - that tort reform is needed. President Obama should certainly adopt some tort reform in his proposal, which should induce changes in behaviour of both physicians and consumers.
2. Health Care Reform (Philosophy) - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/09/13/what_right_to_health_care/
A very cogent argument against health care as a right. But should health care be treated as a market commodity? Compared with food and clothes, health care is too limited in supply and too elastic to be treated as a mere commodity.
3. Music Appreciation - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/09/13/even_a_radiohead_fan_can_appreciate_mozart/
Yes, there are other young, classical enthusiasts out there! But, unfortunately for the author, we are too much in the minority and it is difficult to influence others to change how they spend their social time and attention.
4. Economic Theory - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/13/why_capitalism_fails/
Hmm... I'm interested in learning more about Minsky and his theories. It's still not clear whether capitalism itself is self-defeating, or the way it is run and regulated, since government regulation seems to play a large role in the evolution of financial markets.
5. Indonesia/Islam - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/13/a_muslim_model_what_indonesia_can_teach_the_world/
A good insight into an often-overlooked Islamic state in prosperity. I wonder how much economic prosperity and security in East Asia contributed to Indonesia's atypical situation, rather than any intrastate governance factors.
6. Recession Culture - http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/09/13/how_americans_dealt_with_the_depression/
I believe that Americans across both generations are dealing with it the same way - trying to figure out why, and finding ways to escape. I wish the article (or the book itself) discusses evidence of counterculture.
This article underscores the validity of the Republican position - that tort reform is needed. President Obama should certainly adopt some tort reform in his proposal, which should induce changes in behaviour of both physicians and consumers.
2. Health Care Reform (Philosophy) - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/09/13/what_right_to_health_care/
A very cogent argument against health care as a right. But should health care be treated as a market commodity? Compared with food and clothes, health care is too limited in supply and too elastic to be treated as a mere commodity.
3. Music Appreciation - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/09/13/even_a_radiohead_fan_can_appreciate_mozart/
Yes, there are other young, classical enthusiasts out there! But, unfortunately for the author, we are too much in the minority and it is difficult to influence others to change how they spend their social time and attention.
4. Economic Theory - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/13/why_capitalism_fails/
Hmm... I'm interested in learning more about Minsky and his theories. It's still not clear whether capitalism itself is self-defeating, or the way it is run and regulated, since government regulation seems to play a large role in the evolution of financial markets.
5. Indonesia/Islam - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/13/a_muslim_model_what_indonesia_can_teach_the_world/
A good insight into an often-overlooked Islamic state in prosperity. I wonder how much economic prosperity and security in East Asia contributed to Indonesia's atypical situation, rather than any intrastate governance factors.
6. Recession Culture - http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/09/13/how_americans_dealt_with_the_depression/
I believe that Americans across both generations are dealing with it the same way - trying to figure out why, and finding ways to escape. I wish the article (or the book itself) discusses evidence of counterculture.
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Obama gives strong appeal for health reform
I just listened to President Obama's national address, and he impressed me much (ok, it's a tie now between him and Roger Federer's tennis). Obama successfully balanced a line between reason and emotion - reasoned argument for his plan with emotional appeals to Ted Kennedy and American history. He was comprehensive in outlining the key points of his plan and addressing the main controversies, although I thought he could have given a more detailed and less rhetorical response to some of the main criticisms, esp. regarding the public option. Overall, I thought the speech was very clear and comprehensible for the average viewer on TV, which is very important. The response from Congress was obviously mixed but Obama did well to acknowledge and reach out to key Republicans. I believe he has built a good foundation with tonight's speech and it will now depend on Congress and members of public, including us, to push health care reform to fruition.
Monday 7 September 2009
Yesterday's Boston Globe articles
1. Health Care Reform: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/09/06/obama_should_heed_kennedy_press_ahead_with_health_reform/
Great article - I agree, that the onus now is on Obama. Even so, he is just one human being and needs all our support for health care reform. His upcoming national address will be worth watching.
2. International Development: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/06/city_of_dreams_a_radical_plan_for_helping_poor_countries/
A bold and ambitious plan, but Hong Kong is an atypical example at best, and there are way too many political roadblocks to even starting a pilot charter city.
3. Labour Day: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/06/the_truth_about_labor_day/
Great informational article. I still do not recognize this holiday and celebrate mine on May 1. Nonetheless, whichever date you celebrate, spending time picnicking all afternoon over hot dogs is no way to do it.
4. Biology & Art: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/06/my_ant_could_paint_that/
Ha! Interesting, but the author meanders off point. But really, is insect "art" Abstract? Does it not serve some proper ritual, and thus would be considered "authentic" in its fullest sense?
5. Book Clubs: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/09/03/newton_book_club_plots_a_new_course/
Great idea, right in the heart of Newton (well, aorta part). I'll be sure to check it out when I have the chance, though don't expect me to be an expert on Jane Eyre.
Great article - I agree, that the onus now is on Obama. Even so, he is just one human being and needs all our support for health care reform. His upcoming national address will be worth watching.
2. International Development: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/06/city_of_dreams_a_radical_plan_for_helping_poor_countries/
A bold and ambitious plan, but Hong Kong is an atypical example at best, and there are way too many political roadblocks to even starting a pilot charter city.
3. Labour Day: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/06/the_truth_about_labor_day/
Great informational article. I still do not recognize this holiday and celebrate mine on May 1. Nonetheless, whichever date you celebrate, spending time picnicking all afternoon over hot dogs is no way to do it.
4. Biology & Art: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/06/my_ant_could_paint_that/
Ha! Interesting, but the author meanders off point. But really, is insect "art" Abstract? Does it not serve some proper ritual, and thus would be considered "authentic" in its fullest sense?
5. Book Clubs: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/09/03/newton_book_club_plots_a_new_course/
Great idea, right in the heart of Newton (well, aorta part). I'll be sure to check it out when I have the chance, though don't expect me to be an expert on Jane Eyre.
Back again in Floral Park
I'm back again in Floral Park. Many say that this weekend marks the passage of summer to fall, and the weather seems to support that: it has been mostly sunny yet cool these last few days. Obviously, the actual date has little scientific basis, for the equinox is still 15 days away.
Friday saw me catch some re-runs of old episodes of Monk. I'm excited about the final season and the real story behind Trudy's murder. I just feel that some of the new episodes do not compare to the old ones, mostly regarding the quality of the mystery plot and the richness of characterization.
A great community resource here in Floral Park is the Centennial Gardens. Every Saturday morning, I, along with other volunteers, help out with gardening. It is a great opportunity to meet new people, and this weekend, several students my age were there doing community service. Too bad we mostly did weeding, although the fall season offers mostly uninteresting work (besides harvesting those grown tomatoes and peppers!)
We are midway through the US Open, which continues to be captivating. I too am surprised at the vast gap in quality between the top of the men's and the women's games. The women just cannot serve, period. You can see the result in the discrepancy between the numbers of top seeds already fallen. It will be interesting to see how the two draws unfold. I do not see anyone but Serena win the women's but Roger is close to but not exactly the sure thing on the men's.
Friday saw me catch some re-runs of old episodes of Monk. I'm excited about the final season and the real story behind Trudy's murder. I just feel that some of the new episodes do not compare to the old ones, mostly regarding the quality of the mystery plot and the richness of characterization.
A great community resource here in Floral Park is the Centennial Gardens. Every Saturday morning, I, along with other volunteers, help out with gardening. It is a great opportunity to meet new people, and this weekend, several students my age were there doing community service. Too bad we mostly did weeding, although the fall season offers mostly uninteresting work (besides harvesting those grown tomatoes and peppers!)
We are midway through the US Open, which continues to be captivating. I too am surprised at the vast gap in quality between the top of the men's and the women's games. The women just cannot serve, period. You can see the result in the discrepancy between the numbers of top seeds already fallen. It will be interesting to see how the two draws unfold. I do not see anyone but Serena win the women's but Roger is close to but not exactly the sure thing on the men's.
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