Steve Kelman on Politics, Culture, and Life, 12.13.2021
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
Genocide in Xinjiang?
I saw in the Globe today yet another reference to the "genocide Olympics" in China. What is going on in Xinjiang is not good, and I think Facebook readers will know I am not hesitant to criticize the Chinese government. But the word "genocide" here is simply untrue. The government is not killing anybody.
Kennedy School promotes our exec ed in Sweden
The Kennedy School has an ad in English in the leading newspaper in Sweden promoting our online executive education.
“Celebrity culture” in China – they don’t like elections
I am reading an article in the Economist on the several-month old campaign against "celebrity culture" in China. One of the things the government has cracked down on is situations where television viewers vote for their favorite celebrity. As I read this, I wondered whether an idea behind this was to discourage Chinese from becoming too enthusiastic about voting.
Taiwan democracy
Four referenda are taking place in Taiwan this weekend , on topics ranging from a ban on pork treated with an additive imported from the US and an environmental protection issue. A vibrant democracy and a model for Asia.
Israel PM to UAE
The Israeli Prime Minister is leaving today for an official trip to the United Arab Emirates. A historic first, and very good news.
My refugee dad writes for the Washington Post
My sister found an old file of articles my dad wrote for the Washington Post as a reporter in the city desk (today would be Metro section) in the 1940's. What is truly astounding to me is that he came to the US as a refugee from Austria speaking not a word of English, and two years later was writing for a major newspaper. Unbelievable.
Chinese friend on Beijing Review
A Chinese friend shared with me an article from Beijing review and asked me how I could stand reading such stuff.