Steve Kelman on Politics, Culture, and Life, 3.9.23
Steve Kelman, Harvard Kennedy School prof, moderate Dem, pro free speech/anti cancel culture, pro tax rich, pro-Israel. Research improving gov performance, China interest. Blog reprints Facebook posts
Masks on subway back in Boston
Back from Miami. Close to half the people on the subway in Boston this morning wearing masks. Let's just say more than in Miami -- BUT note not zero in Miami.
Covid from lab leak?
If Covid resulted from an accidental lab leak in China, that doesn't mean China is to "blame" for covid. An accident is...an accident. And certainly Dr. Fauci is not to blame -- the attacks on him that continue to come from Senator Paul and other Republicans are sickening. I would ask that my conservative friends distance themselves from these awful campaigns.
China threat
The Director of National Intelligence testified yesterday about the China threat. Certainly, by the standards of discussions in the US today, I regard myself as a China dove. There is a lot not to like about China -- suppression of dissent domestically, and awful interference with Taiwan and Hong Kong internationally. But I acknowledge and honor the achievements in lifting hundreds of millions from poverty, and do not believe China is trying to take over the world or even Asia. My opinion is somewhere between unusual and almost-unique. Comments and dissent welcome.
What does Steve read?
My biggest news source is the New York Times. I also look daily at the Miami Herald and glance at the Dallas Morning News (window to conservative America, though they are in fact not that conservative). Look at Global Times (party paper from China), which has replaced China Daily because it is an English version of an actual Chinese newspaper rather than designed for foreigners, and the China at a Glance daily email from the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. Also, Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. That's my daily stuff. Weekly I carefully read The Economist and Business Week. NB: no Washington Post. And the Beijing Review a pro-government weekly from China.
The ones I pay for in addition to the Times are the Miami Herald, the Dallas Morning News, the South China Morning Post, and the weeklies.
Trump “retribution”
Trump has said to his supporters about what he would do if he wins in 2024: "I am your retribution." His crude, violent, and sinister language is truly appalling. All democrats -- and I am purposely writing this with a small d -- must unite to defend democracy from him.
Our bonds to Europe
Demonstrators in former Soviet Georgia, whose government is now pro-Russia, were shown on Swedish TV news carrying banners saying, "We are Europeans" and supporting the EU. I think not all Americans appreciate the extent to which we and Europe are a common democratic community.
My favorite cuisines
Was asked last night what my favorite cuisine was. I responded that it was Chinese. What would others respond? By the way, my second favorite would be Thai.
Steve Kelman on Politics, Culture, and Life, 3.9.23
My views on China are similar to yours. I worry about the tendency in our society towards extreme views not only on China but many other countries or issues. I'm lucky to live in San Diego where UCSD has a fine 21st Century China Center. I follow a number of China scholars on Twitter, especially Dali Yang. I'm surprised that you don't read the Wall Street Journal. If you put aside their editorial page, their reporting is excellent.