When the Earth Moves

re: When the Earth Moves

toempty — Mon, 12 May 2008 10:57:43 GMT

Ms liu,

By your theory, you must be expecting some disaster happen in Texas which will be the curse of the end of Bush administration. Right? Or you want some Divine Intervention in Iraq, to memorize the death of thousands innocent Iraq civilians?

I do believe, you hope the Burma will follow the suit of Ukraine, to be a puppet of your country of US, Combined with culture from East and West, You are a better propagator than most of your Chinese counterparts.

re: When the Earth Moves

Lightflyer — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:28:58 GMT

Come on guys. Ms Liu was reporting something quite important. The Sichuan quake, we do not know yet but it was big by any standard, may or may not be a disaster. Too early to tell. The point about its significance in Asia is too early to tell but it is clear that Asian societies endow natural events with sometimes mystical significance. Nothing new here. China has not always done well with natural disasters, check out the regime's response to the SARS outbreak and the domestic political damage that ensued. So get a grip and treat a journalist's often difficult reporting task with the respect it deserves. This Sichuan earthquake may be an important story. It certainly comes at an interesting time.

re: When the Earth Moves

lee226 — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:15:01 GMT

Chinese like USa as people who believe in karma forces sort of. The universe is made of energy and I believe when people create problems , disruption, stress, anger or any destructive energy the energy fields are unbalanced.That could in turn create disturbance that could affect climate chanches and seismic activities. It is a theory but there are some facts to inline us to pursue tthis .If the energy from a positive thought or action can resolve incidents and balance the energy fields, maybe we should learn how to use it for our benefit.

The key is not to attribute this seismic event to a "God " but find out if our behavior actually affects the environment.

re: When the Earth Moves

Bill Edwards — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:18:34 GMT

Melinda,

My heart goes out to you, and to all of those you care about in that region of China. In fact, my heart goes out to all of China at this time, as frantic relatives and friends attempt to make contact with those directly affected by this horrific event.

Portent, or no portent. This earthquake is of epic proportions, and affects the lives of a great many wonderful people.

My wife, Ling-Hui just returned from a wonderful, wonderful 2 month trip to China last Wednesday, and reported some of the most amazing changes in China that absolutly defy the negative media of western press corps. She brought me back some really cool goodies too, along with self-shot photos and DVD's that fly in the face of what we westerners have been led to believe about China.

Her time with treasured relatives and friends in China, after being gone for many, many years will be first and foremost in her memories for many more years to come.

She was in central China a lot during her trip too.

May all you know who have been affected by this quake be reunited with you shortly, and help you to build even more wonderful memories of them beyond those you already have.

I personally wish all of China, and her wonderful people the very best, and that comes from my heart. I am deeply, deeply in love with my beautiful, 56 year old Chinese wife, and am loved by her family there. As you are concerned for those you are having trouble finding now, so am I. May we both find joy at the end of the day.

re: When the Earth Moves

Summer2008 — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:40:26 GMT

re: When the Earth Moves

LDK2000 — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:50:38 GMT

1. Please don't talk about Karma, which is very disgusting. If you really want to, be sure you know that the earthquake is centered in a Tibet autonomous county. The Tibetan Chinese are expected to suffer heavily.

2. China is probably the best in dealing with natural disasters, It will not tell the people what is going on, which is very stupid, but it responses very well.

re: When the Earth Moves

Summer2008 — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:53:30 GMT

With all the drama over China's Olympic torch relay, and anticipation growing over the August Games, authorities no doubt hope today's earthquake will prove to be just a seismological blip.

Miss Liu,

I couldn't laught when I read the last sentence of your report. What kind of education did you get? Do we need to PROVE the earthquake is just a seismological blip? What's the reason otherwise - young kids in the US jump too much on the playground? You're such a sinister and manipulative ***.

re: When the Earth Moves

JonathanChengdu — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:26:10 GMT

I cannot believe the disinformation you spread! Your death toll in the Tangshan quake is hopelessly exageratted and you are making an extremely strained link to "portents". In fact, you are misleading your readers and I cannot believe that you are even being featured here. While every major source agrees that the quake hit at 2:28PM Chengdu time (which is the same as Beijing time), you claim it occurred at 2:29PM.

Living in Chengdu, I know it was at 2:28PM. Chengdu, a metropolis? Are you sure of your facts? Chengdu has a number of tall buildings, very few more than 30 stories tall. You exaggerate and your linkage to the Olympic torch relay is pure nonsense.

You have a Chinese family name, but it is hard to believe that you are a Chinese. Your comments appear to be targetted to those who are ignorant of China and your comments ignite the type of disinformation popular among certain circles in the West whom you no doubt aim to please.

Please check your facts before you write another silly article like this one.

We mourn the 8,500+ casualties and these have nothing to do with the Beijing Olympic Games. What galaxy are you from?

re: When the Earth Moves

maryameyer — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:41:50 GMT

I'm an English teacher in ChengDu (in Sichuan Province). The violent shaking lasted several minutes, I think. I was at home in my apt. on the 19h floor (in a building that has 20 stories). My friend Ruby had just arrived—just in time for us to experience a major earthquake together. We spent that time talking to our Father!. Just a few seconds after she arrived, she said “What’s that?” I’ve heard all kinds of construction noises around my apt., so even though I did hear a rumble, I first thought it was just a new kind of construction noise. Before I could finish a sentence, however, the violent shaking became overwhelmingly evident. I dove to grab a beautiful vase (full of fresh Mother’s Day flowers) that had belonged to my mother. It was on top of my water machine which tumpled over soon after (even though the jug on top was heavy with several gallons of water).

When the shaking stopped, I mopped up the water that had spilled out of my huge jug and then turned on my computer--which had fallen to the floor—and was delighted to see that it still worked and that I could get on internet. I sent an e-mail to all 3 of my children. I said “I don’t know if it’s safe to use the elevator, and I don’t know if I’m better off outdoors or indoors. Please advise ASAP.” I figured they had better access to Earthquake 101 info. than I did. Then I realized that 3 pm here is 2 am there and they were more than likely catching some Z’s for a few more hours.

When I opened my refrigerator, things started falling out. It was a jumbled up mess in there, but I caught the milk on its way out.

Then I rode my bicycle to work, but they weren’t letting anyone into the building. In fact the whole city was outdoors on police orders because it was rumored that there would be a second earthquake. I didn’t know if they meant “second earthquake” or “another aftershock” It’s difficult to describe what it’s like in a large city when everyone is outdoors. All the traffic lanes were full—almost everybody was going somewhere to check on somebody. The sidewalks were full of pedestrians. The bicycle lanes were full of bicycles, pedestrians, and others just standing there bewildered. I know how they felt. I don’t recall ever hearing “what to do when an earthquake hits” and I didn’t know what to do, either. The first hour, I would say, people exhibited restrained panic. At that time, I could tell my heart was still beating too fast. The second hour, I would say, people were somewhat sullen (and still scared).

While waiting outdoors for the "second earthquake" (which didn't happen), I talked to Steve, a young Chinese professional who studied in England. Today he experienced his first earthquake. (I’m over 60, and it was my first earthquake, too.) I asked him what he heard on the news. He said “the earthquake was 7.8.” He said the epi-center was at a city called WenChuan about 80-90 km west of ChengDu. He said many people died there and that some buildings collapsed. Another person who spoke English said the same thing. I said “Did you see pictures of that destruction on TV?” Steve said: “They will avoid showing pictures like that for Chinese people to see.” Dumbly I said “Why?” His answer was simple: “It’s policy.” Steve works at a bank and he was at work when the earthquake hit about 2:30 pm. I said “Describe the scene at your bank.” He said “At that time, my workplace had so many ladies (workers and customers) who screamed and cried. There was no damage, just human panic.” He thinks it lasted about 5 minutes. I thought it lasted several minutes, but during that time, time stands still, you could say, so I was going to make a conservative estimate of 2-3 minutes. "On the radio, the police said that people must pay attention and remain outdoors until 7:30 pm.” I asked Steve if there was any advance warning. “No advance warning.” Steve said the radio advised the citizens of ChengDu to be on guard because another one might hit. “For example, at my home the officer said to pay attention to your TV and other belongings because the earthquake can cause damage. Our President gave some important orders to ChengDu government officials to go to WenChuan” to assess damages. “Our Prime Minister has already left to go to the epi-center at WenChuan. to determine needs.”.

P.S.

I felt another little aftershock at 11:30 pm (not as strong as the one at 9:42).

By the way, what ARE people supposed to do when an earthquake hits, anyway?

re: When the Earth Moves

atongchan — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:44:08 GMT

Wow, even the most innocuous of news stories, mixed with some knowlegeable references to a tendency to accept supersitions, the age-old notion of the empreror 'losing his mandate' can bring out the nationalist bile. How sad. And indeed, I as Ms. Liu and at least one other poster hope that this will not turn out to be a disaster of sizalbe proportions; as one well acquainted with Chengdu, my first reaction was fear for most of its tall and not-so-tall buildings, but they seem to have withstood this well; though some other structures elsewhere have suffered and caused many people to suffer. Indeed, I pondered for a moment if this could be interpreted as a portent in what is shaping up to be a rather momentous year, but the first concern of all should be the people affected, not sling ridiculous mud at Ms. Liu for a blog post with information, data, and insight.

re: When the Earth Moves

Jazzz — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:51:42 GMT

Jonathan no offense or nothing but you are making a bigger deal that the news writer missed the actual timeof the temblor by one freakin miniute. Your energies would better spent telling your version of what happened rather than acting like a toddler that has had his favorite toy taken. People lives have been lost. There is no telling how many more will die from this. You actually live there. I would hope that I would have the courage to see what I could do to help othera. I pray that you are out helping even rescueing some who needs your help. Argueing about a minute seems small when you look at the devestation

re: When the Earth Moves

mikestame — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:00:58 GMT

Lot's of folks seem to have misunderstood M s. Liu's comments. She didn't say she believed in portents, but that many Asians believed in portents. In the case of politics, what people believe is more important than any scientific explanation. If the people of Myanmar all believed that their government had lost its mandate from heaven, their generals would quickly loose any mandate from the population.

On another note, it appears that some comments may be from paid rabble-rousers. Beijing pays lots of folks to read the posts on legitimate articles and comment in a way which belittles Beijing's enemies, and spreads misinformation. Sometimes they are pretty good at it. In this case, these guys are easy to spot. Lay off it Beijing, some of us know your dirty tricks.

Other readers, can you guess which comments are paid for by Beijing?

re: When the Earth Moves

JonathanChengdu — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:08:38 GMT

One of my dearest friends was hurt by the quake in Chengdu and my friends and I have set up a network to help not only this friends, but those worst affected. I took aim at Ms. Liu's general anti-China bias, the timing of the quake and the erroneous report of the death toll in Tangshan, my home town, shows me that Ms. Liu is simply capitalizing appearing Chinese while pandering to the West. WHAT DOES THIS HORRIBLE DISASTER IN SICHUAN PROVINCE HAVE TO DO WITH THE BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES???? This is the linkage she is trying to make and, by trying to appear "Chinese", Ms. Liu is fuelling the unfounded anti-China sentiments from around certain parts of the globe. It is "hot" to speculate in some Western media that some inauspicious omens are plaguing the Games, but this is purely "news"--justifications for publishing columns critical of China. I need not outline what my friend and I are doing to try to help the victims of this quake.

re: When the Earth Moves

ca-tiger — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:35:36 GMT

re: When the Earth Moves

ca-tiger — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:39:48 GMT

Ms. Liu, you really have the nerve to say things like that. SICK!

re: When the Earth Moves

ca-tiger — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:55:19 GMT

Ms. Liu, your statement is deeply offensive. It is despicable to use other's suffering for your own gain.

You owe Chinese people a big apology. MSNBC and Newsweek owe all Chinese a big apology.

re: When the Earth Moves

PaleBlueDot — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:58:42 GMT

To all the idiots replying to this article:

Melinda Liu is not suggesting that the earthquake or any other disaster around the world is or has ever been CAUSED by karma or divine retribution. toempty, she is not suggesting or "theorizing" that a disaster could or should happen in Texas to "punish" Bush. If that were the case, it would have happened a LONG time ago, probably several times. Although, Crawford being in Texas it's only a matter of time and statistics before a tornado rips through the area...

But digressing. The point Ms. Liu is making is that should the people (or at least significant numbers of them) strongly BELIEVE that this earthquake was in some way divine retribution of sorts, things in China could get rather tense in the leadup to the Olympics.

Nobody is trying to vilify China in this case. Whether China deserves to be vilified depends entirely on their handling of the situation, but that won't be evident for days or weeks. For example, nobody vilified the Myanmar junta directly for the Cyclone damage until days later when it became clear that they wouldn't be allowing humanitarian aid in very easily.

On another topic, many people in the US are fully aware of the propaganda that China uses to cover or gloss over the truth. Native Chinese might not be so aware of it, since they only have one source of propaganda. In the US however, we are bombarded with many conflicting sources of propaganda, so it makes it easier to tell that nothing anyone says is actually the truth. In the US (to boil is down more simply), neither major party tells the truth. They both lie and distort. However, if you listen to both sides, a small glimmer of truth emerges. Listening to the rest of the chorus of voices and half-truths helps to perfect and polish that truth. This isn't to say that there aren't many people that buy into the lies, but at least the truth has a chance. Unfortunately in China, there's no "other side" to counter the regime's line. Combine that with the fact that the news outlets are literally owned by the government, and it's very difficult for people to separate truth from fiction.

re: When the Earth Moves

sirthomaz — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:41:26 GMT

As thousands have just dead and outside world so eagerly awaits information, Ms. Liu is talking about Beijing Olympics and "portent" and "karma" and so on. What kind of journalism is this? To Newsweek: time to get a competent correspondent to Beijing.

re: When the Earth Moves

ca-tiger — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:16:04 GMT

For those who politisize disaster, any disaster, I have one sincere wish to them: GOD DAMN YOU!

re: When the Earth Moves

JonathanChengdu — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:18:40 GMT

It seems that according to your definition, by responding to your comments I am an idiot...an expletive I would not and have not used in my correspondence,

Succintly put, we can can watch CNN, read MSNBC/CNN news online and so we do get a fair sense of what is happening in international affairs.

The positive spin that you put on your so-called freedom of the press, your purely own democratic ideals which you deem your inalienable right to " export" (or rather, IMPOSE on other sovereign nations), your wanton invasions of other countries to serve your own national interest (e.g.control of oil) ring hollow when you criticize China, which you do by calling it a "regime".

It also assumes that people here do not have minds of their own and that your so-called "superior" system, with all your crime,murder,etc. statistics, merit to be put on some type of pedestal.

The issue here is Ms. Liu's linkage of a natural disaster, in which thousands of human beings perished, to a potentially flawed Beijing Games.

This is pure exploitation of a very sad and tragic event in our country. Perhaps she might focus on KATRINA, polygamists,etc. and link them to some events like your Superbowl or whatever great events you have going on. Portents?

re: When the Earth Moves

petep — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:37:30 GMT

This is discussing. I can't believe anyone write something like this and is allowed to publish it. Melinda, people are dying !!! Stop using their corpses for your propaganda. Should the Iraqis feel that they deserve all their suffering right now? Should all those Katrina victims feel that they deserve the destruction? Melinda, are you the person that suggest to George Bush that Al-Quida and Iraq are linked by the 'I'? You are sick.

re: When the Earth Moves

rlewisf — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:43:35 GMT

I have to say that this set of email responses is one of the most bizarre that I have ever seen in response to a major story. I can't quite tell whether the comments are some kind of a sick farce or whether they just represent ignorant stupidity by a pathetic combination of pro- and anti-China zealots.

re: When the Earth Moves

JonathanChengdu — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:50:30 GMT

Ms. Liu's column is entiled "Countdown to Beijing".......what she means is the Olympic Games....what does the tragic quake in Sichuan have to do with the Games? This should do it!

re: When the Earth Moves

morningstar_tx — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:17:14 GMT

First let me express my condolences to the people who are suffering through the earthquake right now. I hope the government and the NGO from the World Bodies are able to come in and offer assistance quickly to those people to reduce the suffering of the people. Their well being are our first and foremost concerns (Chinese and non ethnic Chinese readers). All discussions on the subject are not as important as findind ways to give them the necessary assistance to get back to their normal life as quickly as possible, even if it may take awhile.

Now, I think we can safely say that any previous and any additional comments by Jonathan can be (and should) ignored by any reasonable, independent thinker, as most Newsweek readers are. His comments demonstrate his unfailing, yet blinded faith towards a single government. He has demonstrated that there are people who above all think they are civilized and fully educated yet have no clue what critical thinking is.

Perhaps Ms. Liu's comment does not quite resonate with some patriotic Chinese. Nevertheless, the concept of "mandate from heaven" is nothing new and it is well documented as part of Chinese (and many Asian country). Superstitious as it is on the concept, it is safe to say that no government officials wants any disasters of this magnitude happened under his watch.

I found Ms. Liu's comments intriging. While her comments may be provocative her piece definitely can generate a lot of discussion on the subject. Even if her piece is somewhat sensationalized, as she is making suggestions, from the historical point of view, she has been very successful for the fact that there are people taking position on both ends and let her know how people feel on the subject. Mindlessly attacking the "expert" system is nothing different from what the Red Guard was doing and is simply subjecting the rest of the world of another Cultural Revolution. Mr. Jonathan may be complaining that the American (or the Western culture in general) invaded China culturally with American Press and American Moral system. He failed to realize that he is commenting on a respectble, world, class news media outlet where people DO respect Ms. Liu's insight and difference in opionion. For those who live in United States (also happened to be where the server is located) respect and welcome the "freedome of press" and our purely democratic ideals. If you say "this is China, get out of our business", than perhaps we can safely say "this is American Press. Don't read it if you don't like it."

There is nothing wrong to disagree with Ms. Melinda Liu's comment with proper logical reasoning. It is quite another thing to instead subject her peice and our eyes with the mindless, nationalistic, one-sided propaganda, and Mr. Jonathan seems to be quite good at the mud slinging but not very good at the cool-headed discussion, which is what the American citizens are so proud of of the country's founding value.

Of all the comments Jonathan has put out, I have yet to see one that I have not seen somewhere else already. If Jonathan is truely patriotic Chinese it would serve the country much better for him to come up with a different rethoric that will be more persuasive to the Westerners than what he has copied so far. We are tired to listening to the propaganda machines and would like to hear some genuine, different reasons why Western value is so inferior to some blind Chinese patriotism that is not even benefiting Chinese, either as a country (and its people) or the government. It is well known that many Chinese government officials (either in local or national level) are corrupted. Without the Free Press it is impossible to criticize the government of its business and force it improve upon itself. The fact that Mr. Jonathan can cite so many issues to attack American Society shows how transparent our society is and is knowing and welling to engange in a discussion to improve our society.

Finally, as an Ethnic Chinese, true loyalty means have the bravery to say things contrary to popular perference and stand up for themselves. I want to give Melinda a big applause for staying in an environment hostile to her comments and stick to gun. It takes guts and true bravery on doing so.

Of all other readers please also drop a short line of appreciation to our dedicated contributor. Let the world (and the Chinese) we respect and appreciate people who would bring us insightful perspective with properly documented facts and proper reasoning. Let the rest of the world knows we still appreciate the free press, because we are NOT mindless, copycat drone as Jonathan has demonstrated to be so far.

re: When the Earth Moves

jansp9 — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:23:07 GMT

Hi - please please please - see what can be learned about Wenchuan -- it is best known as the home of the Wolong Nature Reserve - China’s leading research and breeding base for the endangered giant panda. I understand that the Chengdu base is OK - but that Wolong is not --- very anxious to hear. Thank you!

re: When the Earth Moves

miamiman — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:31:51 GMT

You all should read more carefully! Ms Liu did not state HER beliefs but the beliefs of MANY ASIANS.

it is amazing the petty tangents that folks get off on when the glaring fact remains that over 9,000 people have ceased to exist in an instant. God help them and their families as I sincerely pray for them.

we keep complaining about the 3100+ Americans have been killed in combat in Iraq over 6 years. 9000 people were wiped out in a matter or minutes! It does provide some perspective doesnt it?

re: When the Earth Moves

MelMar — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:52:46 GMT

We are all human and linked by our humanity. No matter what beliefs any of us have, it is simply stated that my thoughts are with the people of China. No one would like to suffer as these people have endured.

re: When the Earth Moves

Evax — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:07:35 GMT

Historically, this area has never been hit by such a devastating earthquake until the Three Gorges Dam was built. Although the causal connection is impossible to confirm, humans have never won when Mother Nature is challenged by human activities. It is time to reduce the human population size, reduce development, live simply so our children can simply live.

re: When the Earth Moves

keving — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:21:43 GMT

Historically? How far did your history go back? 5 minutes? There are many earthquakes in this region. One major earthquake was 1976 Songpan earthquake (>7.0), which occured just one month apart from the Tongshan earthquake.

re: When the Earth Moves

sky2 — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:25:17 GMT

Melinda Liu

Your’ pondering over the “divine intervention” of this devastating earthquake at this very moment when thousands of thousands of lives are dying, when still many many are graving over their lost loved ones, when mnay are trying to rescue more lives, appear appallingly insensitive and heartless! where is your journalist conscience and integrity?

re: When the Earth Moves

ifse — Tue, 13 May 2008 04:50:07 GMT

Melinda,

Your article contains some of the most crass and cruel sentiments I can imagine in this situation. To insinuate that the death of 10,000 and suffering of hundreds of thousands other people are somehow "payback" for the "sins" of their government is beyond insensitive. How can one possibly be connected to the other? It makes little difference that you are attributing that attitude to the superstitious thinking of "many Asians." Why not put down your pen and go help someone for a change?

An American from California

re: When the Earth Moves

Sonnie — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:24:17 GMT

As mentioned in the report, the Wenchuan epicenter is in Sichuan's Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where ethnic Tibetans are the majority. So Tibetans suffered as much as the other Chinese. Even the Dalai Lama has praised the speed and efficiency of the Chinese rescue aid and expressed his condolences for all the victims.

re: When the Earth Moves

inkinwater — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:43:45 GMT

China has been run as a secular/atheist regime for the past 60 years. There are certainly those who hold political superstitution about disasters, like those in US who see God's wrath in 9/11, they are likely to be in the same numbers as their American co-believers. These romantic ideas might surface randomly in the aftermath of a major disaster in any culture but do not warrant a sweeping generalization.

The Chinese culture sees the earthquake first and formost as what it is--a terrible loss of human life that requires utmost human devotion to rescue and heal. The proof is in the pictures showing residents lining up to donate blood last night in Chengdu--given a quite common 'cultural' belief amogn the Chinese that blood donation is bad for personal health. THIS is the one empirically observable cultural response to earthquake in China, if there is such a thing.

The author seems to have deduced these empirically ungrounded ideas about culture and superstition from antiquated writings from earlier Western historians--or maybe her own beliefs or hopes. Please, use some common sense and basic human touch as you would with Katrina. Just because we are dealing with a different political system doesn't mean we are dealing with aliens.

re: When the Earth Moves

JonathanChengdu — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:31:06 GMT

To Mr/Ms. morningstar-tx

Thank you so much for your epistle which characterizes me as clueless and as a copycat. The fact that I do peruse Western (did I single out the US?) media reports refutes your contention about my single-mindedness and unfailing belief in a "regime" ,which, by the way, is a derogatory term. We have a government that has reacted admirably to our huge tragedy and loss of life.

Critical thinking comes about by consulting a number of different points of view, including those expressed by the media in Europe, who are also known for their independence, but far less ethnocentric in their views than Mr/Ms. morningstar-tx'.

The concept of the Chinese people being "superior" (genetically) was first advocated by former U.S. President Richard M. Nixon, a true friend of China's and a thinker and geopolitical genius who has made the world a safer place, as we know today. I have not claimed any such thing.

Consult biographies written by Ambrose, Aitken, Crowley and the like.

Finally, who are you to judge what does and does not benfit the Chinese people? You talk about the Red Guards, propaganda,etc., while you miss out on what your country does on its bases overseas, inluding "Gitmo" and how U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Middle Eastern descent have been subjected to the most inhumane discrimination.

My only contention was that it was sickening and self-serving to link the earthquake to the Beijing Games. It was an example of sensationalism which is wisely excluded in other parts of the world.

Living in Chengdu, I have witnessed and lived the anguish and suffering first-hand, knowing some who have perished and being anxious about those missing.

Perhaps you need to read recent reports about the seething racism among your people against one of your candidates for president. You think your Red Necks are superior to the Red Guards who did not discriminate based on race, but who falsely and wrongly interpreted an ideology that was inherently flawed and has long since been condemned.

Where did I copy all this from? I suppose you will be among the welcoming committee in Crawford, TX next January!

re: When the Earth Moves

mikestame — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:12:40 GMT

Jonathon, how much do you get paid for your rediculous comments? Probably not a high enough price for yor your self-respect. Ask for a raise bud.

re: When the Earth Moves

JonathanChengdu — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:16:52 GMT

I get paid for my spelling.

re: When the Earth Moves

sirthomaz — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:27:17 GMT

The comment by morningstar-tx is among the most confused and strange ones I've ever seen. For a 1000 words comment I don't see what point he's trying to make. Oh, there's one: "NGO from the World Bodies'. Too bad, wrong! For a disaster like this, you need government authorities and army organization and resources, which is what China is doing now.

re: When the Earth Moves

sirthomaz — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:53:12 GMT

For those talking about other people getting paid for their opinions, it's a known fact that CIA, Falungong, color revolutions in Europe, etc pay people to do their propaganda. I can't say the Chinse government don't want to do the same, but if they do I'm sure they have yet to learn the business. So why don't we just argue our points instead of throw around accusations like this.

re: When the Earth Moves

toempty — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:16:34 GMT

Hi All & Ms Liu

I thought for a time how to counteract this omen theory from the Chinese culture point of view. Finally, thanks for other bloggers in China, I find one. There is a saying in China, I believe there is a similar story in Bible too(who can give a reference?), when the god will assign a big job for you, s/he will first test your body and soul by torturing you on multi aspects, such as poverty, psychology suffering,physically pain etc, Only after your durability passed all these tests, God will be comfortable to give you this assignment. I am not sure this theory or Ms Liu's which is right. Let time speak.

By the way, thanks to all commentators here, I really learned a lot.

Let's give bless for people still suffering in Sichuan.

re: When the Earth Moves

PNgan — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:01:52 GMT

Melinda Liu is right up the corporate ladder and you can see why. I find it quite disgusting that she links the earthquake to the Olympic Torch Relay and the Tibetan issue.

She keeps mentioning the negative and refers to history on Mao Tse Tung.

Please also mention that in the heyday of China's democracy and free press:

1. China once was occupied by 8 nation alliance and treated as 3rd class citizens in their own country.

2. History records that at least 600 million chinese were opium addicts my relatives feel that is a very underrated estimation

I am also Chinese born, bred and educated in the west Ms Liu. I also travel on a yearly basis to China and find the ariticles in your column very unbalanced, disparaging and very anti-China.

re: When the Earth Moves

zmars — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:39:55 GMT

Softstone has apolagized. Is it your turn, Melinda, to apolagize? You basically said the same thing Softstone said.

To connect the disaster of such magnitude to politics is very...............low, Melinda. I understand you are making a living by catering the targeted apetite, but you should have at least paused a second when you wrote that piece.

When it comes to report China, western reporters don't even have to check spelling, let alone fact.