Most foreigners, especially those from North America, are sure to be familiar with the TV sitcom Seinfeld. Many will remember an episode where one of the central characters, George, has an epiphany explaining his failures in life. He realizes his judgement and intuition are profoundly flawed, a disposition which leads him to make the incorrect choice at every possible juncture in life. After some thought on the matter, he concludes that if every decision he made was incorrect, then the opposite decision could not help but be the correct one.
Thereafter he chooses counter to his initial judgement, which grants him success for the remainder of the episode.
I think the people of China should look into getting that episode translated into Chinese and sent to the leaders in Beijing. In much the same way that "opposite George" was conceived, a careful examination by the Communist Party could produce an "opposite China" scenario.
Here are some examples Beijing could follow:
First, when China says: "Hey, let's not bother about mine safety regulations -- it's no big deal." Wrong! Do the opposite and you won't lose face every seven weeks on CNN and the BBC in being highlighted for mining disasters -- not to mention saving a few lives.
Second, when China says: "Hey, why don't we pass legislation authorizing war just before we are about to get high-tech weaponry from Europe?" Wrong again. Do the opposite and wait until after you are cleared to receive the weapons and then pass the bill.
Third, when China says: "Hey, why don't we do everything in our power to curtail democracy in Hong Kong?" Strike three, friends! Do the opposite and you will convey legitimacy when peddling the virtues of the "one country, two systems" model, placating the skeptics in Taiwan.
Fourth, when China says, "Hey, why don't we muzzle all dissent in our party during policymaking?" Wrong again! Do the opposite and you wouldn't have to play the opposite game.
Bryan Ferguson
Canada
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