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January 22, 2005
Politicizing the Dead
Hmm... ...Chen Zuoer may have been arrogant, but he certainly wasn't inaccurate: it appears that the CCP is trying to clamp down on the current memorial service for Zhao Ziyang held at his residence, removing messages left by mourners and restricting access.
Bastards.
Meanwhile, I feel that I should probably clarify my seemingly contradictory stances on the expression of condolences by Jason Kenney and the HK "Pro-Democracy" camp at Legco. Here's some points to consider:
Nobody doubts the sentiments of the HK "Pro-Democracy" camp on Zhao. It was less obvious, though, whether the Canadian government share such feelings.
HK "Pro-Democracy" politicians have, over the years, relied more and more on political "stunts" like this to rally public support. On the other hand, nobody is going to remember whether Paul Martin said anything about Zhao Ziyang in the next general election. Indeed, it's a common belief that prodding China about human rights hurts trade relations (I don't really believe that, but that's the theory): thus for Martin to have made a stance would've been politically much more courageous than for the HK "Pro-Democrats" to do so.
The Legco story has now descended way beyond Zhao into another ridiculous schoolyard fight. On the other hand, Foreign Affairs Canada has issued a statement of condolence for Zhao after the Kenney visit. No surprise, considering that Kenney pretty much showed more guts than any other politicians on the planet outside China on this issue.
In summary, the HK "Pro-Democracy" camp tarnished Zhao's legacy, while Kenney brought it into the spotlight. Therefore, the question of whom I support is not a difficult one to answer.
Posted by Kelvin at January 22, 2005 9:17 PM
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