Saturday, March 10, 2007
Not afraid of calling Bushshit
China: Criticism of human rights record is 'hypocrisy'
BEIJING — China struck back Thursday against U.S. criticism of its human rights record by saying the United States is plagued by crime and racial inequity and is abusing detainees who are terror suspects.
The Chinese government's report, issued a day after the State Department slammed China for "numerous and serious" human rights abuses, attacked the United States for failing its citizens.
The State Department report, issued annually since 1977, covers all the countries in the world except for the United States. This year's version singled out China for "increased harassment, detention and imprisonment" of people seen as threats to the government. It also said China has tightened control over the media and Internet and sometimes uses violence to put down protests.
China's report deals only with the United States. It was put out by the State Council or Cabinet. In its report, Beijing accuses the U.S. government of "hypocrisy" and "double standards."
For years, "the U.S. government has ignored and deliberately concealed serious violations of human rights in its own country for fear of criticism," China's report says. It cites a wide range of problems, from rampant gun crime and racism to government wiretapping and prisoner abuse.
Foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Thursday that Washington's view of the situation in China "turns a blind eye to basic facts, making irresponsible accusations about China's human rights situation." Among China's criticisms of the United States:
• U.S. democracy is a "game for the rich," in which elections are bought by special interests.
• Violent crime is rampant.
• Racial discrimination remains a "chronic malady."
• A "unilateralist" U.S. government is guilty of gross violations of the sovereignty and human rights of other countries.
• Wiretapping and other "secret snooping is prevalent."
It was the seventh time Beijing has responded to the State Department report by issuing a critique of human rights in the USA. China's findings are drawn in part from U.S. press reports. Among those cited this year were USA TODAY stories on homelessness in the USA and Iraqi casualties from the U.S.-led war in Iraq.
http://weazlsrevenge.blogspot.com/2007/03/not-afraid-of-calling-bushshit.html