The USA’s inability to govern in a coherent way is embarrassing to all Americans living in China (if not all Americans). Unlike many Americans, I don’t blame this on the politicians, but rather the people themselves who, in a democracy, are charged with self government. The loathing expressed by our politicians for each other is inspired by a sympathetic loathing from the general public.  I have noticed the loathing of Bush, mostly by democrats, and a similar loathing by republicans of Obama. This feeling runs wide and deep in America, from the highest office in the land to the lowest of local politicians. I used to be a township supervisor.

The Wausau Daily Herald recently ran an opinion piece titled:

“Why China’s Communist Party loved the shutdown:”  by: Mark C. Eades, an American writer and educator based in Shanghai.  See:  http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20131020/WDH06/310200116/Why-China-s-Communist-Party-loved-shutdown-column?nclick_check=1 

In a nutshell he states: Washington chaos hurts democratic ideals that appeal to young Chinese.

So what difference does it make if Chinese young people believe in democratic ideals or not?  I think Mr. Eades is trying to point out that with media of today, other people are listening to the machinations of our democracy. A more salient question to this expat is: “Does it matter whether AMERICANS, young or old, believe in democratic ideals?”

For those who can’t read between the lines, it is foolishness to claim a liking for democracy while condemning anyone (“politician”) who stands forward to run for office. We should stop worrying about undermining a possible future democracy in China and start demonstrating  through our actions, that high idealism which we preach to others.