Howdy – Very glad to have you aboard today.
It’s still on my mind all those relief supplies sitting on the dock in Myanmar held up because some power hungry elite generals don’t want their apple cart jostled. The earthquake and it’s significant aftershocks have exposed the character flaws in the Chinese government and the society it has built. Huge numbers of peasant laborers and migrant workers in China roam the countryside trying to eke out a living in the nearly uninhabitable and unfertile land of mountains and rocks – which describes large parts of Sichuan province where the earthquake was most severe. This means the people living in the cheapest, shoddiest shelters were the first to be damaged by falling cement and bricks. The others making up a large part of the victims are school children as cheaply built schools, and materials weakened by corrupt contracting practices, were among the first to collapse and trap thousands of children.
Parents know this – and though they grieve we understand they don’t want to reveal their identity lest government reprisals land more troubles on their backs. Today I cite Guy Sorman’s book “Empire of Lies: The Truth About China in the 21st Century” published within the past year. He says these totalitarian governments think they have everything under control, but when some natural disasters (and some not so natural disasters like Avian Flu and outbreaks of foot, hand and mouth diseases)break out the real culprits are corrupt government officials, businesses and builders willing to cheapen the construction and increase their profits.
Which of the ten commandments would these offenses fall under? Take your pick – false witness – stealing – covetousness – even murder. All are the antitheses of loving your neighbor as yourself.
Today’s script and link to the audio track are just below. Please avail yourselves.
Cordially, IN HIM
Jack
“JUST A MINUTE”
DISASTERS DON’T FAVOR TYRANTS
Just A Minute – There’s little question, those who’ve suffered the most in China have been of the peasant class, migrant workers and school children. Many Chinese laborers have been loosed from their economic moorings and inhabit the nearly uninhabitable places in China. Mountainous Sichuan Province is such a place.
The first buildings to crumble, were those erected by government – schools. Grieving parents won’t voice their complaints along with their names lest government reprisals fall swiftly. The mourning is, nonetheless, concentrated among the lower, more poverty stricken classes.
Guy Sorman, author of, "Empire of Lies: The Truth About China in the 21st Century," points out children crushed by the walls of their schools are victims of the dishonesty of builders, businesses and government officials as much as earthquakes. The people know this, posturing for aid and shrugging shoulders won’t soften hearts hardened by grief and pain. It’s always that way with autocratic regimes. It’s what insurance companies call “an act of God” that exposes the character flaws in such a system.
<> I’m Jack Buttram
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Audio link: http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama05-20-08.mp3
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