Why Are Beijing Residents Protesting Olympic-Related Evictions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the protests by Beijing residents against evictions related to the preparations for the Olympic Games. Participants explore the implications of these evictions, the motivations behind the protests, and the broader socio-political context surrounding the Olympics in China.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express surprise at the protests, questioning why residents would oppose the Olympics given the city's appeal and the historical significance of the games.
  • Others highlight the evictions as a significant issue, noting that residents are being displaced to make way for commercial developments, which include international brands.
  • There are discussions about whether the evicted residents received adequate compensation for their homes and land, with some suggesting that compensation may not reach the affected individuals.
  • Some participants speculate on the potential for political statements by athletes during the Olympics, suggesting that such actions could lead to disqualifications.
  • Concerns are raised about the broader implications of the Olympics being held in a country with a controversial political climate, with references to historical events like Tiananmen Square.
  • A few participants argue that the commercial developments could ultimately benefit the local economy, suggesting that the influx of tourists might increase property values in the long run.
  • Some express skepticism about the sincerity of the government's intentions, questioning the long-term benefits for the displaced residents.
  • There are references to similar practices in other countries, such as the use of eminent domain in the United States, drawing parallels to the situation in China.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the appropriateness of the evictions or the overall impact of the Olympics on local residents. Multiple competing views remain regarding the benefits and drawbacks of the developments associated with the games.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the adequacy of compensation for evicted residents and the potential long-term effects of the commercial developments. There is also a lack of clarity on the government's handling of the situation and the historical context of protests in China.

  • #31
huckmank said:
So you're... what? Proposing that every single poor person must be taken care of by the government before production can start on a single upscale retail establishment?

What exactly does one have to do with the other?

turbo-1 said:
I just watched a spot on NBC news showing how the Chines authorities have taken water from a province near Beijing so that they can green up the city for the Olympics, run fountains, etc. The narrator said that the aquifer under the city is dropping at 20 feet/year due to heavy water usage and the booming population. I don't think I'll bother watching any of the Olympic events - the sight of those poor farmers who were denied irrigation water was pretty discouraging. Rice fields turned to dusty hard-pan... I'd love to send them some of mine.

Take your time and read that a few times.
 
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  • #32
China has done much worse than this as Turbo mentioned.
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=8745
Seizure of land, especially from farmers, is a constant problem in China. I read a story on ChinaTheTimes not that long ago about how they had seized land from several farmers to build extremely lavish and palatial homes for the outlandishly wealthy.

For anyone who thinks that China is treated unfairly in the media I suggest you visit The Smoking Man's(ex/banned pf member) forum ChinaTheTimes.com where you can read all sorts of stories about things going on in china that you likely wouldn't normally read about. TSM lives in China and has no bias against it.

Evo I apologize if I oughtn't be telling people about other forums but I think it fits the subject matter and is certainly a good source of news and info on what is going on in China.