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Open letter to Ohio Christian Alliance
Subject: Human rights in China
Chris,
With all due respect, we should take a closer look at George Bush's
"symbolic gesture of support for China's often embattled Christian
community." In my opinion, it's simply part of George Bush's charade that
he cares about human rights in China. If he was sincere, he never would have
allowed Most Favored Trading status for China or their entry into the WTO
without meaningful, enforceable human rights caveats. The simple truth is China
has a gun pointed at the heart of the U.S. economy by virtue of their gargantuan
trade surplus and giant share of U.S. Treasuries. "Symbolic" yes, but
virtually irrelevant when you consider its context in political and economic
terms. I wonder what will happen to those home worshipers who hosted President
Bush after the Olympics have come and gone?
Mitch
www.patriotpressohio.com
www.reformcongress.com
Ohio Christian Alliance wrote:
Formerly Christian Coalition of Ohio
"WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE" Ohio State Motto
Beijing Olympics: George W Bush speaks out for China's Christians President George W Bush made a symbolic gesture of support for China's often embattled Christian community after attending church in the capital Beijing.
By Richard Spencer in Beijing
Last Updated: 6:56PM BST 10 Aug 2008
Mr Bush and his wife Laura visited Kuanjie Three-self Patriotic Church, part of the official, state-backed protestant church movement. Chinese authorities had rejected suggestions he might go to a "house church", as gatherings of Christians who refuse to register with the government are called. However, Mr Bush made a strong statement of support for such worshippers, who are often heavily persecuted for their faith. "Laura and I just had the great joy and privilege of worshipping here in Beijing, China," he said after leaving. "You know, it just goes to show that God is universal, and God is love, and no state, man or woman should fear the influence of loving religion." Scores of pastors and priests from underground churches are in prison in China as potential risks to the Communist Party, and some were detained in Beijing itself in the lead-up to the Games. But today's comments are likely to be the nearest Mr Bush gets to political criticism of his hosts while here. He reserved his main speech on human rights in China for Bangkok, where he spoke just before setting off for the Olympics. He had brief talks this morning with President Hu Jintao, who thanked him profusely for coming to China for the Games, a decision which may have forestalled boycotts by other world leaders. He also took time to watch the prize American asset Michael Phelps win what he hopes will be the first of eight swimming gold medals, in the 400 metres individual medley.
Paid for by Americans for John Mitchel
