January 6, 2021 will be remembered as the day the legitimacy of American democracy crumbled. As an American expat who has lived abroad for 14 years, it is becoming incredibly harder each passing year to be proud of my home country. I never thought I would ever say such a comment. But my heart is hurting. The America that I grew up in and that I love so much is a distant memory.
Cyrus, I notice that not only are most of the comments to your YouTube videos patently ultra-nationalist Chinese (that is, taking the most extreme, "Us vs Them" view of China-US relations and siding with Chinese State Media (Global Times, etc...) viewpoints almost exclusively, but also in your replies to many of these extreme and inflammatory comments you seem to be sympathetic and appreciative of their POV. You certainly don't do anything to counter or quell the extremist views expressed, and this leads me to question the veracity of your repeated statements in your videos that you "love your country, America." Seems to me your greater love is China - otherwise, you'd stand up for Democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and contrast those fundamental rights against the very absence of them in China, and the outright criminalization of dissent by the Chinese Government.
Where do you stand on this question? I'd like to know.
Thanks for the question! I try my best to reply to as many comments on YouTube as I can, both ones that support my POV and also those that are against my POV. However any comments that use vulgar or hateful language, I will usually delete as they serve no purpose. I've engaged with many people on both sides of the equation. There is no doubt that the majority of comments I receive are in support of China. I believe many people around the world (with many Westerners included) are sick of the continued China bashing. I base my YouTube videos on fact and logic. For example in my video....Which Country selects a better leader US or China? This video is 100% fact based, very little opinion based, ultimately I let the viewers decided their own answer. Do I love America? Absolutely. It is my home country, a country that I was educated in and gave me everything I have in life. It's because I love America so much that I share my opinions, as I see our country declining tremendously as each year passes. To be clear, I am not against democracy, freedom of speech, press, etc....but I am against the US meddling in other countries affairs and saying it is their responsibility to bring these values around the world. Have the Chinese seen an increase in political freedom over the last 30 years? No, but on the flip side their personal freedoms have EXPLODED in the last 30 years. Spend time in China with Chinese people and the vast majority would tell you they trust the government (multiple studies by Western countries indicate this number > 90%) and they do not want the same values as America. It really is a difference in culture. China will never be America and America will never be China. Democracy is not a form of government that should be mandatory around the world. Our world is too unique and diverse for only one form of government to exist. America is arguably the weakest it has been in decades. Wasn't the goal to "Make America Great Again", then let's do that. I'm very critical of US politicians wasting time in overseas affairs. Focus domestically, focus on helping the people of America first. As an American who loves his country, this is what I want to see. America getting stronger because our politicians are prioritizing the wellbeing of our own citizens.
OK, then how about this - let's see you publicly, either in this newsletter or your Youtube channel (both of which are monitored by government agents in China) criticize Xi Jing Ping. Or, you could openly confirm the following statement:
"In China it is a punishable act to: 1) publicly criticize the Central Government; 2) publicly criticize the Chinese Communist Party; 3) publicly criticize Xi Jing Ping; 4) form political parties or movements in opposition to or in competition with the Chinese Communist Party; 5) openly practice Falun Dafa or publicly advocate for the religious rights of followers of Falun Dafa to do so; 6) recognize, publicize, investigate, or advocate for Uighur muslims (or anyone, for that matter) who claim their civil rights have been unjustly violated by the Central Government; 7) advocate for democratic reform in China; 8) legally defend citizens of China who publicly advocate for democratic reform, greater freedoms, liberties, or civil rights; 9) express sympathy or solidarity with Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates; 10) talk or write about what happened in Tiananmen Square in June of 1989."
Do that, or even part of it, and as long as you don't "pretend to" criticize China or the CCP or Xi Jing Ping, but instead materially do so, I will consider you a "balanced" person, not kowtowing to China's ultra-nationalist community.
Sure but can you first admit that you support PrimeinChina, a convicted dog killer who has made multiple death threats on YouTube against anyone who doesn't believe in his stance? I have to question the moral integrity of anyone who would align themselves with someone like this. If you don't like the content I produce, no problem, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No one is forcing you to be here. While some people focus on hate, I focus on understanding building bridges and learning to work together. The US needs China and China needs the US. What neither country (or the world for that matter) needs is a war.
I have commented on PrimeInChina's YouTube videos, as I have on yours and others, and if by "support" you mean do I agree with his debunking and lampooning of pro-CCP expat shills, I certainly do.
Please explain a bit further what you mean by "death threats" - certainly if PrimeInChina has engaged in that (I'm not on WeChat or any of the other back-channels) I would like to know as I am 100% against such behavior regardless of one's political POV and I would unsubscribe immediately. However, if you're referring to his graphics of missiles blowing up Gweilo 60 and others, that's not death threats, that pertains to his "blowing up" of their little pro-CCP empires and purposeful evasion (in his view) of the truth about the CCP. If somebody on the pro-CCP side fo the fence wants to do the same thing to an image of, say, Chris Chappell or Winston Stertzel, fine with me. That's editorial/creative license, and not to be taken as a call to actual violence, I hope you understand. On the other hand, if he is making direct death threats, such as on Twitter or WeChat saying, "I'm going to track you down and kill you," that is entirely a different matter.
I don't materially support any Youtube channels on either side of the pro- or anti- China divide, except one - Simon Yu, not because of his political stance but because he is a Chinese guy living in Taiwan, and we have a lot in common. But I don't support any anti-China channels, such as SerpentZA, Laowhy86, or China Uncensored, etc..
As for focusing on understanding instead of "hate", I am with you on that, 100%. People should understand what the CCP really is, and the core values and principles that underly that political party and ruling authority in China. Such as, a distain for democracy, a disregard for individual civil rights (such as the right to free speech), and liberties like freedom of the press, as enshrined and valued in the United States, UK, EU, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and other liberal democracies throughout the world. Exposing those things is not "hate," but is, rather, love for the Chinese people, who, because of the censorship and control over all media and public discourse (and education), with all other outside influences blocked, don't even know in many cases that their God-given freedoms are being withheld from them by the CCP.
The US needs China needs the US - true. But we don't have to put on blinders or rose-colored glasses to get along with each other. I'm sure the leaders of China aren't doing that, and so there's no reason why Americans should pretend that the CCP is a "benevolent" organization in terms of tolerating political diversity, dissent, and plurality.
I live in Taiwan, the Republic of China - and we have all the rights and freedoms of the US, and we're still, essentially, "Chinese" in terms of culture, tradition, history, and family life. There are some differences, of course. But why can Taiwan have a working democracy but people like you claim that the PRC government is the only form of rule that would work for China?
"The silence is deafening"....haha sorry to disappoint you by not instantly replying lol 😂 the simplest answer to your question (and this will be my final reply to this thread) is that there is more than one form of government that can be successful. Is democracy good? Absolutely, it has been successful for many countries. Should democracy be in every country in the world? I believe that is for each country to decide on their own. My personal belief is the world is too unique and diverse for only one type of religion, language, currency, and even government to exist! Taiwan is an wonderful place, I've spent a lot of time there. I'm glad you enjoy it there and I'm glad that you enjoy democracy there. But here is the thing. Most people in China (over 90%) support the current government and why wouldn't they, look at what China's government has done for the people in the last 30 years. So why should they change? Because you say so? Because America says so? If you love the Chinese people as you say, then respect them. They are not clueless, they are not cut off from the outside world. They know a lot about democracy but are happy with their current government. You can disagree with that point but I encourage you to spend more time in Mainland China and speaking to real Chinese people. You will learn a lot and realize that although not perfect, the Chinese government has allowed personal freedoms for Chinese to rapidly expand over the last 30 years. Again this is my last reply as I've laid my points out extremely clear. You can disagree with me if you want, but every country in my opinion needs to find the best form of government for its people. As an American, I don't support my government going to other countries and instilling the American way of life. For one, our country has enough domestic problems and I want our politicians to focus on helping Americans. You couldn't bring American's style of government over the border to Canada, so what makes us think we can bring it to the Middle East and Asia where the cultures are completely different? Wish you all the best in Taiwan and thanks for the comments.
I just hope that principle of yours - that a country not impose its system on others - extends to China and Taiwan. That is, I hope you oppose the idea that China should "reunify" Taiwan with the mainland - because, as I'm sure you know, that would result in the eventual if not immediate destruction of Taiwan's democratic form of government (just look at what's happening to Hong Kong's democracy).
Cyrus, I notice that not only are most of the comments to your YouTube videos patently ultra-nationalist Chinese (that is, taking the most extreme, "Us vs Them" view of China-US relations and siding with Chinese State Media (Global Times, etc...) viewpoints almost exclusively, but also in your replies to many of these extreme and inflammatory comments you seem to be sympathetic and appreciative of their POV. You certainly don't do anything to counter or quell the extremist views expressed, and this leads me to question the veracity of your repeated statements in your videos that you "love your country, America." Seems to me your greater love is China - otherwise, you'd stand up for Democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and contrast those fundamental rights against the very absence of them in China, and the outright criminalization of dissent by the Chinese Government.
Where do you stand on this question? I'd like to know.
Thanks for the question! I try my best to reply to as many comments on YouTube as I can, both ones that support my POV and also those that are against my POV. However any comments that use vulgar or hateful language, I will usually delete as they serve no purpose. I've engaged with many people on both sides of the equation. There is no doubt that the majority of comments I receive are in support of China. I believe many people around the world (with many Westerners included) are sick of the continued China bashing. I base my YouTube videos on fact and logic. For example in my video....Which Country selects a better leader US or China? This video is 100% fact based, very little opinion based, ultimately I let the viewers decided their own answer. Do I love America? Absolutely. It is my home country, a country that I was educated in and gave me everything I have in life. It's because I love America so much that I share my opinions, as I see our country declining tremendously as each year passes. To be clear, I am not against democracy, freedom of speech, press, etc....but I am against the US meddling in other countries affairs and saying it is their responsibility to bring these values around the world. Have the Chinese seen an increase in political freedom over the last 30 years? No, but on the flip side their personal freedoms have EXPLODED in the last 30 years. Spend time in China with Chinese people and the vast majority would tell you they trust the government (multiple studies by Western countries indicate this number > 90%) and they do not want the same values as America. It really is a difference in culture. China will never be America and America will never be China. Democracy is not a form of government that should be mandatory around the world. Our world is too unique and diverse for only one form of government to exist. America is arguably the weakest it has been in decades. Wasn't the goal to "Make America Great Again", then let's do that. I'm very critical of US politicians wasting time in overseas affairs. Focus domestically, focus on helping the people of America first. As an American who loves his country, this is what I want to see. America getting stronger because our politicians are prioritizing the wellbeing of our own citizens.
OK, then how about this - let's see you publicly, either in this newsletter or your Youtube channel (both of which are monitored by government agents in China) criticize Xi Jing Ping. Or, you could openly confirm the following statement:
"In China it is a punishable act to: 1) publicly criticize the Central Government; 2) publicly criticize the Chinese Communist Party; 3) publicly criticize Xi Jing Ping; 4) form political parties or movements in opposition to or in competition with the Chinese Communist Party; 5) openly practice Falun Dafa or publicly advocate for the religious rights of followers of Falun Dafa to do so; 6) recognize, publicize, investigate, or advocate for Uighur muslims (or anyone, for that matter) who claim their civil rights have been unjustly violated by the Central Government; 7) advocate for democratic reform in China; 8) legally defend citizens of China who publicly advocate for democratic reform, greater freedoms, liberties, or civil rights; 9) express sympathy or solidarity with Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates; 10) talk or write about what happened in Tiananmen Square in June of 1989."
Do that, or even part of it, and as long as you don't "pretend to" criticize China or the CCP or Xi Jing Ping, but instead materially do so, I will consider you a "balanced" person, not kowtowing to China's ultra-nationalist community.
Sure but can you first admit that you support PrimeinChina, a convicted dog killer who has made multiple death threats on YouTube against anyone who doesn't believe in his stance? I have to question the moral integrity of anyone who would align themselves with someone like this. If you don't like the content I produce, no problem, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No one is forcing you to be here. While some people focus on hate, I focus on understanding building bridges and learning to work together. The US needs China and China needs the US. What neither country (or the world for that matter) needs is a war.
Thanks for your reply, Cyrus.
I have commented on PrimeInChina's YouTube videos, as I have on yours and others, and if by "support" you mean do I agree with his debunking and lampooning of pro-CCP expat shills, I certainly do.
Please explain a bit further what you mean by "death threats" - certainly if PrimeInChina has engaged in that (I'm not on WeChat or any of the other back-channels) I would like to know as I am 100% against such behavior regardless of one's political POV and I would unsubscribe immediately. However, if you're referring to his graphics of missiles blowing up Gweilo 60 and others, that's not death threats, that pertains to his "blowing up" of their little pro-CCP empires and purposeful evasion (in his view) of the truth about the CCP. If somebody on the pro-CCP side fo the fence wants to do the same thing to an image of, say, Chris Chappell or Winston Stertzel, fine with me. That's editorial/creative license, and not to be taken as a call to actual violence, I hope you understand. On the other hand, if he is making direct death threats, such as on Twitter or WeChat saying, "I'm going to track you down and kill you," that is entirely a different matter.
I don't materially support any Youtube channels on either side of the pro- or anti- China divide, except one - Simon Yu, not because of his political stance but because he is a Chinese guy living in Taiwan, and we have a lot in common. But I don't support any anti-China channels, such as SerpentZA, Laowhy86, or China Uncensored, etc..
As for focusing on understanding instead of "hate", I am with you on that, 100%. People should understand what the CCP really is, and the core values and principles that underly that political party and ruling authority in China. Such as, a distain for democracy, a disregard for individual civil rights (such as the right to free speech), and liberties like freedom of the press, as enshrined and valued in the United States, UK, EU, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and other liberal democracies throughout the world. Exposing those things is not "hate," but is, rather, love for the Chinese people, who, because of the censorship and control over all media and public discourse (and education), with all other outside influences blocked, don't even know in many cases that their God-given freedoms are being withheld from them by the CCP.
The US needs China needs the US - true. But we don't have to put on blinders or rose-colored glasses to get along with each other. I'm sure the leaders of China aren't doing that, and so there's no reason why Americans should pretend that the CCP is a "benevolent" organization in terms of tolerating political diversity, dissent, and plurality.
I live in Taiwan, the Republic of China - and we have all the rights and freedoms of the US, and we're still, essentially, "Chinese" in terms of culture, tradition, history, and family life. There are some differences, of course. But why can Taiwan have a working democracy but people like you claim that the PRC government is the only form of rule that would work for China?
"The silence is deafening"....haha sorry to disappoint you by not instantly replying lol 😂 the simplest answer to your question (and this will be my final reply to this thread) is that there is more than one form of government that can be successful. Is democracy good? Absolutely, it has been successful for many countries. Should democracy be in every country in the world? I believe that is for each country to decide on their own. My personal belief is the world is too unique and diverse for only one type of religion, language, currency, and even government to exist! Taiwan is an wonderful place, I've spent a lot of time there. I'm glad you enjoy it there and I'm glad that you enjoy democracy there. But here is the thing. Most people in China (over 90%) support the current government and why wouldn't they, look at what China's government has done for the people in the last 30 years. So why should they change? Because you say so? Because America says so? If you love the Chinese people as you say, then respect them. They are not clueless, they are not cut off from the outside world. They know a lot about democracy but are happy with their current government. You can disagree with that point but I encourage you to spend more time in Mainland China and speaking to real Chinese people. You will learn a lot and realize that although not perfect, the Chinese government has allowed personal freedoms for Chinese to rapidly expand over the last 30 years. Again this is my last reply as I've laid my points out extremely clear. You can disagree with me if you want, but every country in my opinion needs to find the best form of government for its people. As an American, I don't support my government going to other countries and instilling the American way of life. For one, our country has enough domestic problems and I want our politicians to focus on helping Americans. You couldn't bring American's style of government over the border to Canada, so what makes us think we can bring it to the Middle East and Asia where the cultures are completely different? Wish you all the best in Taiwan and thanks for the comments.
I just hope that principle of yours - that a country not impose its system on others - extends to China and Taiwan. That is, I hope you oppose the idea that China should "reunify" Taiwan with the mainland - because, as I'm sure you know, that would result in the eventual if not immediate destruction of Taiwan's democratic form of government (just look at what's happening to Hong Kong's democracy).