On NBC’s Meet the Press, Jon Ralston, editor of the Nevada Independent, acknowledged that “it’s unclear whether the Atlanta shootings were a hate crime or not,” but asserted that former President Trump’s use of “phrases like ‘the China Virus,’ clearly has exacerbated these problems.”
At the close of the program, host Chuck Todd warned “elected officials” that, “when [you] talk about China, the country, as a rival and an adversary to this country, be careful of your words. That matters too. And I know there’s a lot of fear that as the rivalry heats up with China, that these, these hateful incidents will also increase here.”
That’s really his takeaway? Be careful what you say about China?
Sure, let’s always remember that the genocidal regime running China — the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that recognizes zero individual rights and permits no democratic checks on its power — is not the disenfranchised Chinese people.
Of course, most sane people understand the difference between ordinary folks and their government.
Frankly, Mr. Todd and NBC are as guilty as anyone in speaking of China while meaning the ruling CCP — just as we often say the U.S. when we really mean the U.S. Government.
But please, do not stop reporting when “China” does something bad, even genocidal. Lives everywhere depend on it.
And about that term, “rivals.” The problem with China is not that it rivals us — economically, or even militarily, per se. The problem is China’s tyranny, too easily exported.
Yes, watch your words, but don’t fear speaking out. The lives you save may be Asian.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
Note: As faithful readers know, I prefer the term “CCP Virus,” directing blame for the worldwide pandemic to the Chinese government, which by lying and hiding information from the world unnecessarily unleashed death upon millions across the globe.
—
See all recent commentary
(simplified and organized)
1 reply on “The Sound of Sino-Silence?”
I urge you not to say “United States” or “US” when what you intend is to refer to America. Referring quite literally to states when you intend to refer to nations is essentially the same confusion as that of using the name of a nation baldly to refer to its state.