Re: <nettime> Eric X. Li: Democracy Is Not the Answer.

[Newmedia@aol.com]

Folks:
 
Indeed.  So, what is the question?
 
> Li: What is the "end" of political governance? 
 
That sounds pretty abstract.  Means and ends?  What is really  being 
discussed here?
 
Throughout the interview, the constant underpinning is "industrialization"  
and :"economic development."
 
So, is the question "What is the best form of politics to achieve  
industrial growth in China?"
 
But is that even possible in a "post-industrial" world?  And, does  anyone 
who brings up the issue of "democracy in China" actually want to  *promote* 
the economic development of China at all?
 
Or, is the question "What is the best way to attack China for refusing to  
knuckle under to globalism?"
 
Since many of those who repeat the "anti-democracy" accusation against  
China are themselves *globalists* (i.e. the US State Department, the New York  
Times, etc.), that might be closer to the real question.
 
Does the "The Commies are ANTI-FREEDOM!!" tune being played by this  
marching-band ring any bells?
 
Why does this all sound like a *replay* of the 1950s/60s attack on the  
Stalinist Soviet Union?
 
Because it is?
 
Welcome to the CULTURAL COLD WAR (all over again) -- only this time, since  
it's a repeat performance, you can actually read the "reviews" of the  
original.
 
You might want to start with --
 
Cultural Cold War: The CIA and the World of Arts and Letters (1999) Frances 
 Stonor Saunders
 
The Mighty Wurlitzer: How the CIA Played America (2008) Hugh Wilford
 
More are on the way . . . 
 
Mark Stahlman
Brooklyn NY






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