IllinoisDave

That's hindsight though, isn't it? Most men who aspire to be inspiring figures do not get very far when chasing their dreams. Comparing any current Chinese dissident to Nelson Mandela or MLK is off base: the conditions on the ground are very different. 刘晓波 Liu Xiaobo had a certain level of appeal among college students when he was a university lecturer 20 years ago (and no one knew him outside the circle), such appeal is completely gone now. Politics make strange bedfellows. When Nelson Mandela and ANC swept to power, many thought South Africa would immediately break off diplomatic ties with the Nationalist government in Taiwan, after all the Chinese Communist Party had been a stauch supporter of Mandela and ANC in his darkest hours, while the Nationalists were cozy with the apartheid government all along. Why did Mandela drag his feet on this, was is really because the lack of democracy in China as he publicly stated? No, it was because the Nationalists sensed the change of wind and started "contributing" to ANC, just so it wouldn't get cut off from the largest country left in the world that recognized the Nationalist government in Taipei rather than the Communist government in Beijing; seeing this as a betrayal, Beijing started helping ANC's rival. The stupidity of both governments throwing money at obscure (and often much smaller than South Africa for that matter) countries to win "diplomatic ties" back in the 1990s still boggles my mind. In the end, Mandela came around because of the economic interest involved. Go figure. All history is hindsight isn't it? The point wasn't to compare them. The point was that if Mandela and King hadn't at least tried, the world would be a very different place. Who's to say the same won't be said of Liu in twenty years? If all great figures of history had stopped their endeavors due to familial obligations, as you seem to be suggesting Liu should do, there'd be far less great figures of history. There's not guarantee that Liu is or will be a great figure or that he'll affect people's lives one iota. But it's certain he won't if he doesn't try.

We've no doubt seen the same look of resignation on the faces of Winnie Mandela and Coretta Scott King. I'm sure, like their husbands, Mr. Liu would much rather be with his family than in jail. Unfortunately history doesn't only call those for whom sacrifice is convenient.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Good luck.

I guess when certain members voice opinions/observations it's a "discussion." But when others do it's a "pissing match"? Seems to come pretty close to a personal attack.

Ever since I was in China and saw all the Buicks in Shanghai I've been curious about how they came to be so popular. This thread got my curiosity up again so I tried to find out. This article gives an interesting history of Buick in China: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz...opular+in+China

Great news! Good luck!!

Bob Seger used to smoke 5.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

And the beat goes on...

That splains a lot.

We didn't track or call. Just went by the instructions on the pink sheet and the prevailing experiences of members at the time, which was two days later.

Was or is? Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't he need to resign from the party and provide the resignation letter showing he did before the inteview? Not neccesarily, Mama Bear didn't resign. She explained that if she were to resign she would lose her job. She couldn't afford to lose her job in case she didn't get a visa. for that matter, some don't resign.. they may not tell they are in the party, but they don't resign. Which is a very risky thing to do and not recommended as you'll at least be asked on one form or another before you may or may not be asked at the interview.

Was or is? Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't he need to resign from the party and provide the resignation letter showing he did before the inteview? Not neccesarily, Mama Bear didn't resign. She explained that if she were to resign she would lose her job. She couldn't afford to lose her job in case she didn't get a visa. Your right Carl. I'd forgotten about Mama Bear. But you should definately supply a letter if you do resign.

Congrats to our newest citizen Ling.

Phillip - you need to contact GUZ and remind them about the expedite. Once they KNOW you have an expedite in place, they can reschedule or pull the case file for the step-son, forward. Here's how to contact GUZ. 1. email - hit this web page - http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/guangzhou/iv/email.html 2. Call the Shanghai Call Center - must prepay for time first - see https://www.usavisainformation.com.cn/eng/index.aspx

Have you thought about "TexasDave"? Would I have to eat grits? No - Texas does not qualify as 'Southern' in that regard. but you would have to eat tacos sigh .. i miss mexican food here Tacos I can deal with.

Have you thought about "TexasDave"? Would I have to eat grits?

Interesting article with a slightly different take on the issue: http://www.slate.com/id/2217001/

Congrats!

Congrats!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congrats on your marriage. As others have already said, I don't think your prior marriage should be a problem, especially if there's been some time in between. Good luck.

Nice write up Mike. Always best to get info from boots on the ground.

Great post! Need more like it.