Why Chinese Actually Envy the U.S. Shutdown

RealClearWorld ^ | October 15, 2013 | Benjamin Carlson

[2ndDivisionVet]

HONG KONG - Perhaps the only people who have managed to find a silver lining in the ongoing US government shutdown are Chinese intellectuals.

Of course, Americans view the impasse as a sign of political dysfunction. But to many Chinese commentators, it also reveals certain strengths. Since the shutdown began nine days ago, Chinese social media have been full of wistful, almost admiring remarks about how the shutdown could only happen in a democratic country with a resilient economy and responsive political representation.

"The government's closed - is this bad?" wrote Chen Zhiwu, a user on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo. "In the American system, arguments among Republicans and Democrats and the president are normal and should happen because levying taxes, incurring debts, and paying expenses involves the taxpayer's interests and their money. So, elected representatives and the president should not treat these things lightly. To take these matters seriously is their responsibility and duty."

Many posts discussed how such a shutdown could never happen in China, because the country would immediately be plunged into chaos. The fact that many state and local government functions have continued despite the shutdown was a particular object of marvel. One Chinese author who resides in the US expressed wonder that "in the days since the government closed, everybody is unconcerned."

"The reason is simple," he continued. "Just because the federal government shut down, that doesn't mean the local government is shut down. The various levels of government do not depend on each other." Alluding to Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America," he concluded that "by understanding local autonomy, you understand America."(continued)

[henkster]

“the shutdown could only happen in a democratic country with a resilient economy and responsive political representation.”

I feel just as wistful as the Chinese; gosh I wish that was our country, too.

[sergeantdave]

“by understanding local autonomy, you understand America.”

Which is why I constantly encourage people to get involved in local government. By controlling your local government, you establish a political base to make your neighborhoods safe and resist tyranny from central government. The Founders figured that out with their Committees of Safety. I pray that conservatives and patriots can realize that simple lesson, too.

[elkfersupper]

I enjoy and relish the government being closed and wish it would be permanent.

[Repeal The 17th]

One Chinese author who resides in the US expressed wonder that
“in the days since the government closed, everybody is unconcerned.”
-
Keep it closed.
Close down more of it.

[Fee]

Read Chines history. Due to her political culture it cycles itself no matter who was in charge. First Emperors in the Dynasty ruled with strong central control and inflexibility of law. It is called legalism. You steal, you die, no exception and no matter the circumstances. Once the Dynasty established full control and long term stability sets in, strict controls loosen because the Emperor wants to have more time for leisure or concentrate on what he deems important. Then authority is delegated to regional governors. Chinese Dynasties all fall from crop failure or disastrous wars that empty the Imperial Treasury. Official pay is cut and rampant corruption of officials rise till the people rebel and a new Dynasty is established. The Communist follow this cycle. First strong central government thru Mao followed by Gang of Four. PM Deng who transitioned China from Communism to Capitalism still believes in strong central control. China is prospering compared to the past but not fully stable to the point where Bejing may delegate authority to the provincial governors. Communist Dynasty in China is in early midpoint of typical Chinese government cycles.

[trubolotta]

Amazing how the Chinese marvel at the elegance of a system our liberals would sooner destroy. Shows what it means to appreciate liberty and a constitutional republic by those who don’t have one and how it is taken for granted by those who do.

[henkster]

I am conversant with Chinese history. They also have periodic bouts of violent xenophobia, and close off their society from the outside world. We are overdue for another one of those.

[catbertz]

It’s nice to hear something positive about our nation from the outside. Both parties have been corrupting an amazing system for multiple generations. It’s a miracle that it still functions.