Losing a chance to gain face

To save face is not something that is only worth holding onto for fear of losing it, face is something worth regaining as well. In China there are many suffering after a devastating earthquake as we all have heard and seen. Before the deadly quake and its subsequent frightening killer after shocks China was being ridiculed for attempting to host the Olympic games before freeing Tibet. Put aside for one moment the difference in opinion between the leaders of China and all who want Tibet to be freed and to see this happen with out violence. The people who rule China are the Chinese people. Similarly, the people who rule the United Stated are its citizens. Both countries use imperfect methods to govern and to assist the needs of their respective people. The people of China have much patience so never underestimate their ability to progress or choose the right place, time and style of change: likewise for the United States.

The government of China is responding quickly and as appropriately as can be expected to the current traumatic situation resulting from the earthquake. The United States is currently in a rough situation after responding to Hurricane Katrina unprofessionally and in a manner unbecoming its stature as a first world country. Leaders of the United States would appear as hypocrites if they where to complain about the abilities of China to care for its people during hard times. The vary fact that the people of China are receiving first rate treatment, at the moment, is because the leaders of China care about their people, have the resources to help and would not like to be embarrassed for improperly responding to a communities cry for help right before the Olympic games begin.

The last things I just mentioned about the Chinese leadership caring about its people and that earthquake victims are getting first class help are assumptions I am making (in some circles) but I make them in order to clear the way for a new relationship between our two nations. The two systems of government are being challenged and North Americans are responding as predicted: selfishly and slowly. We need to help China save face right now and by doing so we give them an indication that we are serious about peace, friendship and caring for our fellow man, woman etc. The way in which the world reacts, especially the United States, to assisting China will help pave the way of the future. Helping China save face helps make the ride (the future) less bumpy and gaining a little face for the United States along the way would not hurt.

Rafael Buelna