A Chinese Democracy

Though the words sound very common to the ear for someone tired of the banter from American politics...is it as common to hear something similar from the leading of he Communist world? A Chinese democracy would be an interesting concept. Who is to say taking the long, gradual road toward their democracy isn't the correct path. We must remember, this is the first time human society has had a chance at doing the things it does.

The Korea Times - Democracy in China

``Planning and market forces are not the essential difference between socialism and capitalism,’’ he said. ``A planned economy is not the definition of socialism, because there is planning under capitalism; the market economy happens under socialism, too’’

The market, Deng concluded, is simply a tool that can be used by both socialist and capitalist societies. Since then, China has become transformed into a country where the market trumps planning at virtually all levels but still calls itself a socialist society.

Asked at his annual press conference if he meant that ``there will be no democracy in China in the next 100 years,’’ Premier Wen responded, echoing Deng: ``Democracy, legal system, freedom, human rights, equality and fraternity’’ are not peculiar to capitalism. ``Rather, they are the common achievements of human civilization made in the long course of history and the common values pursued by entire mankind.’’