13 replies to this topic

[jextract]

With all the news about Iraq, we seem to have forgotten that fifteen years ago this week thousands of protestors were massacred in Tiananmen Square, China. Their crime? Wanting a participatory government and freedom, basics that many of us take for granted.

The following website, while quite graphic, is an excellent photographical record of what really happened there. I hope that the deaths of these common people for an extraordinary idea won't be forgotten.
http://www.christusr.../tiananmen.html

[Walter]

It doesn't seem possible it's been 15 years already.

[coppermaus]

Thanks for the reminder, Jamie. It's important to remember what many people have had to sacrifice for what we often take for granted.

[drbill]

And think of the changes that have occurred in that country since that horrible event. My friends in China speak of far more freedom and opportunity now, although also of losses in certain traditions and values.

Some time in the not-so-distant future I plan to go there and dive Hainan Island (or other dive sites as they open up to the public).

Dr. Bill

[Marvel]

Vivid reminders, Jamie. Funny how events such as these pass from conscious remembrance- events such as this one, 911, Three Mile Island, SA rainforrests, even drunken drivers- all kinds of things that we are impacted by but then put aside for everyday life. Thank God that there are always those who don't forget & don't give up the fight to stop these things from happening. They may sometimes be seen as fanatical fringe elements by some & annoy many with their one-track minds but their work is often the only light shining in the darkness for countless people.

[jextract]

Very eloquently put. I do have a reminder every day, though. I have a framed print of this photo up in my hallway, taken June 4, 1989. To me, there is no more vivid illustration of pure courage than this.

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[jextract]

In case it gets lost in the rest of the news, today marks the passing of a remarkable man. Zhao Ziyang was the former Chinese Communist Party leader and the one who opposed the violent crackdown on the protestors in Tienanmen Square, even going so far as to come out to the square and warn them directly, knowing that his career would be over and he would be subject to arrest himself. I could not let this day pass without giving credit to such a man of courage.

http://www.iht.com/b...n/edmirsky.html

[WreckWench]

Thanks Jamie...you are so very right! Freedom is NOT Free....although it is taken for granted far too much! -ww

[Marvel]

Thank you for sharing- I pray this brave man is at peace & with his Creator.

[drbill]

Jamie- I, too, noted the passing of Zhao Ziyang. His courage surpasses that of so many "heros" in that he stood up and took a stand knowing that in his country it was political suicide to do so. Here we all have the freedom to stand up but also the freedom to do so without fear of such consequences.

Dr. Bill

[jextract]

An update:
http://story.news.ya...rs_050127114011

Please think about this and read your Country of Origin labels when you shop.

[Sophia]

Very eloquently put. I do have a reminder every day, though. I have a framed print of this photo up in my hallway, taken June 4, 1989. To me, there is no more vivid illustration of pure courage than this.

I lost it in a move, but I had that same photo up for about 8 years. That's one of those Photos that speak.

[jextract]

Progress .............. perhaps.........
http://www.opinionjo...a/?id=110006212

"Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come."
-- Victor Hugo

[Marvel]

Progress? I don't really think so but we can hope.