Posted on 08/28/2019 7:11:42 PM PDT by MarvinStinson
'They’ve done a lot of things for their people'
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) declared that communist China has done more to alleviate poverty than any country in history during a Tuesday appearance on HILL TV’s Rising.
Granting that it is unfortunate that China is "moving" toward authoritarianism instead of democratic governance, the presidential candidate argued its record on poverty is the best in the world.
"China is a country that is moving, unfortunately, in a more authoritarian way in a number of directions," Sanders said. "But what we have to say about China in fairness to China and its leadership is, if I’m not mistaken, they have made more progress in addressing extreme poverty than any country in the history of civilization. So they’ve done a lot of things for their people."
Sanders had just finished denouncing "far-right authoritarian leaders" such as President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both elected leaders of liberal democratic nations, when he was asked about China at the 10:27 mark of the episode. HILL TV host Krystal Ball asked Sanders about his prior statement that normalizing trade relations with China would be devastating for America.
"Their economy now is struggling but I think it is absolutely possible for us to have a positive working relationship with China," Sanders said. He argued the problem with Chinese trade is that it benefits the wealthy too much, since companies can outsource labor to China where wages are lower.
He did not address how China’s communist government has oppressed religious people and minorities, putting at least one million Uighur Muslims in concentration camps while instituting one of the most comprehensive surveillance states in history. In China, the Communist Party requires all religions to pledge ultimate loyalty to President Xi Jinping, who is atop a one-party system that does not allow political opposition.
While Sanders did say trade with China is potentially bad for workers because of labor competition, he did not address China's violations of trade rules, such as intellectual property theft. As a socialist, Sanders has been a vocal opponent of free trade for decades.
But Sanders said he would "take a stand" against the Communist Party’s designs for Hong Kong, a former province of the British Empire that is now part of China but has special status.
"You gotta make a very strong statement that we in the United States—this is certainly not the case with Donald Trump—but historically at least, and under a Bernie Sanders presidency, we stand for democracy and we stand for human rights and we will do everything that we can to prevent oppressive governments from forcefully denying people their democratic rights."
Hongkongers have freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, but the police have brutally suppressed recent protests, and many are concerned China will use the military to put down political dissent in the city.
Living standards in China are inferior to those of its democratic neighbors Japan and South Korea, but their economy has grown in recent years as it has instituted more capitalist structures in its economy. Contrary to what Sanders said, it has not been "moving" toward authoritarian government, but rather has long had it. Its founding leader Mao Zedong was responsible for an estimated 35-45 million deaths in the 20th century, and even after he died, political dissent was suppressed repeatedly, most notably at Tiananmen Square.
In China, information is rigidly controlled regarding topics such as Tiananmen and Mao’s Cultural Revolution.
“Sanders: China Has Done More to Solve Poverty Than ‘Any Country in the History of Civilization’”
One of he most breathtakingly ignorant things a politician has ever said.
Wow.
Someone ought to send Bernie some books about the mass starvation during the Great Leap Forward. Hey, but what’s 45 million people or so, they’re only Chinese.
“Well if you murder 20 or 30 million there’s a lot more to go around.”
You took the words right out of my little fingers on the keyboard.
Of course the socialists never worry that human rights, rights of speech, protest, religion are all gone. Its OK as long as the GDP went up. But really who made it go up. Is it OK that the Chinese government stole the GDP from America. So, Which country is Bernie trying to run? It seems he is trying to run for President of America by pointing out that China’s CCP steeling from America to support their people is good. So what is he planning to do as President of America? Is he going to stop China from steeling from America? Is he going to support China’s theft? Or is he thinking there is another country America can abuse.
What a whack job! I hope he gets the nomination... 4 more years of Trump.
Good to see Sanders improving his communication skills.
He certainly has an interesting political platform if he emulates China.
“I will end poverty in my Presidency by starving millions of poor people to death.”
It could happen if he gets elected.
China was stuck in the confines of Dynastic Power and Isolation. Hence a lack of accurate, objective historical tomes. Great artisans but a nation with no penultimate vision or mission. Monotony. It was the West (British) that lit the candle of Global Consciousness in China. Eventually China came out to play on the world stage. It was a massive catastrophe that Mao went Left; the lure of tyrannical power was too much for a man without Torah to resist. If there is no spiritual path taken China will self destruct.
Lol
Oh Yes Komrad Bernioe. And all those well to do Chinese can purchase all those empty apartments/homes they have available in their ghost cities.
Well said..even plainly.
He didn’t try to deny an apparent truth. What’s problem with it?
Perfect
“Sanders: China Has Done More to Solve Poverty Than ‘Any Country in the History of Civilization’”
Yes and they’ve done it by embracing capitalism, you moron!
Sure, we could wipe out 10-15% of our population too. It would be “slightly” easier to get a parking space at work. But, since I worked at a hospital, I am sure there will be lots of spaces available in the employee lots.
Well Bernie thinks my perspective is wrong, I'll give you that. Over the entire history of our nation, starting in 1776, there have been some unfortunate massacres by our government. A number during the early years, and during strife with Native American populations. A few more recently, like the shooting at Kent State, the My Lai massacre, and the attack on the Branch Davidian compound in Texas.
But nothing compared to the tens of millions of people massacred by the Chinese Communist government since their revolution in 1949.
When it comes to the alleviation of poverty worldwide the innovations of the United States, our trading with other nations, and our charitable activities have had much more impact than China's policies.
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