Ai Wei Wei Says The US Is Behaving Like China Rather Than A Free Society
from the that's-not-a-comparison-we-want dept
Ai WeiWei knows a thing or two about how oppressive the Chinese government can be, so when he speaks up about the US government and says that they're now acting like China with regards to the NSA surveillance system, people should sit up and pay attention.I lived in the United States for 12 years. This abuse of state power goes totally against my understanding of what it means to be a civilised society, and it will be shocking for me if American citizens allow this to continue. The US has a great tradition of individualism and privacy and has long been a centre for free thinking and creativity as a result.He points out how when the government is spying on everyone all the time -- even if they believe it's for the best of reasons -- the impact on society is extremely detrimental.
In our experience in China, basically there is no privacy at all – that is why China is far behind the world in important respects: even though it has become so rich, it trails behind in terms of passion, imagination and creativity.
When human beings are scared and feel everything is exposed to the government, we will censor ourselves from free thinking. That's dangerous for human development.Unfortunately, it appears that it may be too late for that.
In the Soviet Union before, in China today, and even in the US, officials always think what they do is necessary, and firmly believe they do what is best for the state and the people. But the lesson that people should learn from history is the need to limit state power.
If a government is elected by the people, and is genuinely working for the people, they should not give in to these temptations.
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Filed Under: ai weiwei, china, nsa, nsa surveillance, surveillance, us
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Milk it Mikey, Milk It!!!
Yes, rip apart everyone else's beliefs, but then run away from discussing your own!
MILK!!!
Moo! Cluck! Bawk!
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Thank you, Ai. (Can I call you Ai?)
A long time ago, as a kid, I recall the figurative slap in the face I got when Amnesty International called out the Canadian Government for the pre-trial jailing of some of the Séparatistes during the 'October Crisis' in 1970. The Government had to release them. I've never looked at my country the same since.
Hopefully, Mr. Weiwei's comments will have the same effect on enough American citizens, so as to effect change for the better.
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The minority will, once again, have to carry these guys home.
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Douche.
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"More and more MILK!!!!
Milk it Mikey, Milk It!!!"
Are you masturbating while writing that?
*light bulb turns on over my head*
Now I get it, you have a gay crush on Mike, thats why you are obsessed with milk and milking Mike. Do not worry, I won't judge you by your sexual orientation.
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He doesn't know the American people very well.
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How true this is, I do not have a Facebook acct because I would never share many of my thoughts for fear of how that will be used against me some day.
As a job candidate my political views might be an issue.
As an entrepreneur my dislike of some politician might scare away potential investors.
I can deal with that, I would be unhappy working with those people anyway.
But as citizen my opposition to the party in power could cost my life.
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I just hope to find some small, sheltered place for the time it all blows up.
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Let's face it, the US Constitution is about as valuable as the Communist Manifesto when the core doctrines of a free people are subverted to the governing body. Their actions might have the best interest at heart, but it will inevitable lead to social injustice.
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Wouldn't be the first time. Only a third of the population backed the original American Revolution.
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http://www.amazon.com/dp/0441569595
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Its a sad day...
Well I guess have fun pitting your AR-15 against an M270 MLRS.
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"He points out how when the government is spying on everyone all the time -- even if they believe it's for the best of reasons -- the impact on society is extremely detrimental."
The current US government doesn't serve the people's interests. We should throw the bums out.
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http://www.derailingfordummies.com/
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Reads more like aj to me.
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