From: library@sunspot.noao.edu (John Cornett)
Subject: The Future
Organization: National Solar Observatory/SP, Sunspot NM, USA
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 93 13:24:42 GMT


                      Looking to the Future 

"The U.S. will always trash China until it becomes a puppet of the West".

This is a statement which appeared in SCC lately, and it is where I wish 
to begin, because this is exactly what many U.S. people believe the Party
may be telling Chinese people about us.

If this is the view the Party wishes to convey to the people about us,
I am very sorry; because I believe it serves to erect a barrier between
our peoples, it pulls us apart, and it does not accurately describe the
vast majority of U.S. people.

In order to further understanding, I would like to spell out one American's
hopes about China, and our relationship together. I strongly believe these
views would be found in agreement with a great many U.S. people.

(1) To us, the open society, the ability to hear and discuss views on all
sides, the ability to take part in the selection of leadership, are very
important, and are like freedom from colonialism (the British King for us),
or freedom from slavery. We have no background of American King or Emperor,
our revolt against "taxation without representation" attacked both the
Colonialists and Autocracy, at the same time. This is why we may view
the two concepts-- Autocracy and Colonialism-- as similar.

Under slavery, the subjects were taught to be kind, to work hard, to obey
their leaders. Their voice was silenced, it was a bad slave who made his 
voice heard, and he was punished. To us, it may occur that Autocracy also 
appears related to this.

If it is kind and just to oppose Colonial rule over others, and slavery,
then it seems fair to many U.S. people to oppose Autocratic rule. Those who 
criticize the Party most may include those who most criticize U.S. treatment 
of Native Americans, who most support civil rights in the U.S., who support 
"one man, one vote" in South Africa, Haitian President Aristide, and so on.

I hope Party supporters, even if they cannot agree with our views, can
understand where we come from, and realize that there is sincerity.

(2) Regarding "Emperor of the World", and U.S. hegemony over others; there is
a great feeling among many U.S. people that such concepts are not fair, and
they will not work. If 5% of the earth's people are allowed to control the
other 95%, that is anti-democratic. China has a powerful argument to present
to U.S. people, on the basis of democratic values, regarding World Emperor.
I believe many U.S. people, including myself, will struggle alongside you
on that issue, if you will let us. 

Rather than World Emperor, or "Only Remaining Superpower", why not strive for
the universal rule of law, implemented by all humanity on earth, and based on 
democratic principles? If this is achieved, then a person in Africa or Asia is 
equal to one in America, and if the United Nations asked a strong nation to 
"sit down", that nation will sit; and if told to stand up, it stands.

The U.S. people should, through all channels available to us, seek with China
to transfer power from the U.S. to the United Nations, and to move all of us 
away from the superpower era. Surely, that would be a true New World Order.

(3) Let us begin a great competition among nations, including U.S. and China. 
The competition can be like the Olympics. Each trains hard, often together with 
his competition; he eats well, sleeps well. Each runs hard, with all his heart. 
Whoever wins, they congratulate each other. They both learn, train, and ready 
themselves to try again.

If one loses this round, he may be especially interested to study the other's
style, his technique, his training, his diet; and in any event, each learns 
from the other, they drive each other forward. It is a positive competition, 
from start to finish.

Competition can be on who can build the most beautiful society, with the good 
standard of living, the personal freedoms, freedom from crime, from drugs, 
from disease, and who can be the most helpful to all. This is the competition 
with your country I hope to see.

(4) In this society, we have many problems. For example, many of us believe
our nation is losing its moral values. Crime of all kinds is too high, and the 
family is weakening. Our plea is, give us a hand from abroad, we need the help 
of Chinese people, of family and moral values, to help us improve ourselves.

There should be more cooperation in the law enforcement, anti-drug programs, 
rehabilitation programs, and other areas. Let us hear suggestions from China,
please involve yourselves with us, we need all help we can get. At the same
time, please don't resent our people's interest in helping the open society, 
the individual freedoms, in China. The interest of the vast majority here is
genuine, people do want to help.

The concept "Non-interference in Internal Affairs" can be turned inside out;
and rather than not touching one another, like Aparteid, the two sides can
instead become constructively engaged, as equal friends. My apologies for 
great length of this article.

Sincerely,

John Cornett