The Muslim cartoon affair boils down to some very simple things. Most readers of this blog know I have little time for dictatorships and the human rights’ record of Red China (whose flag is not shown at left). I had another meeting with the Chinese government rep yesterday (see earlier blog entry), and wore a suit to which I customarily affix a Kuomintang lapel pin—featuring the standard from the Republic of China’s flag.
   The decision to publish or not to publish is the same as the decision to wear or not to wear.
   The thought process should have been akin to this: (a) this gentleman might get offended; (b) I don’t know his political views, but it’s best to play it safe so we can have a dialogue; (c) not all Chinese agree with what the Politburo does; (d) I might as well take it off, because I stand to gain more when we are chatting on friendly terms. This man is not my enemy. He is a potential friend. He approached me for a business deal. Our personal politics do not come in to it.
   I’d rather effect change through personal cooperation. Nothing would be gained by angering him—it would only piss me off, too. As it so happened, we had a very good and open chat about business. I voiced my concerns about press freedoms in Red China.
   However, I will publish what I see fit. I felt I got that across. I believe he doesn’t feel a fashion magazine like Lucire can get too political. Even the Chinese living within the confines of the Bamboo Curtain are eager to see investigative journalism that is critical, or, rather, honest. Marxism, after all, is not a Chinese word. If anything, I’m in allegiance with the will of the people of China. Just not the government.
   After we parted, I put my lapel pin back on. I’m back, writing away and taking advantage of living in a free society. Posted by Jack Yan, 03:23  permalink

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