Jul 08 2008
Ted Koppel
I enjoy Ted Koppel’s Nightline but didn’t know that he’s ABC News’ Hong Kong bureau chief from 1969 to 1971. “The mistake that some people make, I think, is that they assume capitalism is a political doctrine,” Koppel said. “It’s not. It’s an economic theory. You can have a totally capitalistic society, which China is rapidly becoming, and still not be one step closer to democracy.”
Discovery interviews a 93-year-old peasant woman who, despite an evident need for medical care, still says she’s seen no better time for China. That’s a clue about why the new economic freedom hasn’t yet been followed by a strong yearning for political freedom, Koppel said.
Not too far from the reality Ted, you’re on the right track. Keep looking. People in China are generally happy and content, and they don’t feel they need American style of freedom or democracy - if you know what democracy means - as Kissinger mentioned earlier.