Hmmm......

I recall back in the '60s and '70s the righteous calls for boycotts of South Africa; the Sullivan Plan I believe the boycotts were called.  Companies were coerced into selling their interests in South Africa due to the evil apartheid.  Countries pressured the South African government to end this vile practice of segregation and discrimination.

I also remember than a number of US companies were criticized for having done business with Nazi Germany in the '30s, before the war.  They, it was claimed, put profits ahead of principle, namely dealing with an evil regime.

I certainly agree with the sentiments and, in part, success of the above.  We should walk the walk, not just talk the talk.  If we believe in freedom, liberty, and independence, our actions should follow our beliefs.

So, I ask, why are we so intent on doing business with Commie China?  Companies, from automobiles to electronics, are lauded for entering the Chinese markets.  States, Michigan most recently, are scurrying to get their slice of the Chinese economic pie.  There's an article today about how the Michigan governor is looking toward China to help Michigan's economic situation.  A former state superintendent of schools, now a consultant and op-ed writer, constantly reminds us of how great the Chinese are and what opportunities we have over there.

Wait a minute?  Aren't these the same Chinese who ordered that guy run over by a tank in Tianenmen Square?  Aren't these the same Chinese who are all over the rights of the Nepalese and Tibetans, among others?  Aren't these the same Chinese who order abortions or infanticide for more than one kid, esp if it's a girl?  Aren't these the same Chinese who imprison and otherwise punish people for their ideas and words?  Aren't these the same Chinese who are helping to undermine our economy with their own government practices and policies?  OK, the point is clear.  So, the question remains, why are we so intent on doing business with Commie China?  Why are we now characterizing them, not as brutal and tyrannical ideologues, but as coveted business partners, nice guys, etc.?

Do I once again sniff the stench of hypocrisy? 

While I'm at it....  I noted a number of letters in today's newspaper regarding Mitt Romney's "47%" comments.  I note that many of those critical of Romney, often calling him names ("lap dog," "pampered," "spoon-fed," "silver spoon," "lord," etc.) live in places like West Bloomfield, Lake Orion, Rochester, Farmington Hills, and Grosse Pointe.  Hmmm......  Is this another case of talking the talk, but not walking the walk?  They criticize Romney and his wealth and position, but never take account of their own standing.  Living in places like they do strongly suggests these folks have money, a lot of it.  How about this?  Instead of being so vocally critical, why don't they lead by example (sort of like Zachary Taylor, the southern President who was in the process of freeing his slaves when he died unexpectedly in 1850, you know, to lead by example)?  How easy it would be for these critics to do.  First, they could move from their rather exclusive suburbs (my father and mother could never afford to live in places like those), live in Pontiac, Detroit, or even a suburb like Dearborn or Trenton?  Then they could donate, either directly to charities or voluntary extra taxes, the difference in their monthly mortgage payments.  That would come to a tidy sum to help, as so many of the letters suggest, "those people in need."  And, to further help "those people in need," perhaps these suburbanites could forgo their SUVs, their big screen plasma TVs, their trips to Disney World, not to mention their vacation homes Up North and whatever they also spend on themselves.  After all, who are the ones talking about "greed?"  Isn't it "greedy" to spend all this on themselves when they could be donating it?  (In full disclosure, as those who know me well know, I walk the walk with donations and giving, believe me.  But I still resent paying taxes.)

Today's word of the day from Dictionary.com is "pharisaic."  It's meaning is generally "hypocritical."  Ah, how fitting....