[Translated by Y. WU from Chinese original which was published on Hua Xia Wen Zhai, Supplement Issue #73, December 12, 1995. -- Editor]

Dear Editors:

After reading the letter from Mr. Shi Yigong on CND (Letter 7 in CND-Global, November 28, 1995 -- Editor), I have been strucked by many feelings. In the summer of 1989, as a newly university graduate, I wanted to participate in the student movement to hope to learn about how many among the students really understood what true democracy is and to what extent they did. The result somewhat disappointed me. I found most of the students only had vague understanding of the concept of democracy and some were even just blindly angry or discontent with the reality. This was not surprising, since Chinese have lived in an environment of not tolerating freedom of thoughts for many years. In terms of a true democratic system, most of them either have not heard of or what they heard was disillusioned. Therefore, it was not strange that when the young students stood up to ask for democracy, many of them did not know what they asked for. I don't want to deny that some of them did have clear mind and were very clear about w

hat they were facing, as well as having a relatively objective knowledge of the China's situation. But I believe Mr. Shi Yigong does not belong to the latter.

Here, I do not intend to comment on my compatriots who courageously shared their own opinions. I believe every Chinese hopes for the better of China, just from different angles. I only want to share some of my views based on Mr. Shi Yigong's letter.

1. About the decline of CND's readership. Not long ago, a not-very-close friend happened to learn that I subscribed to CND and came to ask how to subscribe. A few days later, she called me and said that not only she had subscribed, she also recommended several friends to subscribe. They all liked CND very much, since to all of us CND is a precious window sending out news that is relatively true.

2. What is a stable political environment? When the word "stable" is used to describe good things, not just Chinese especially liked it, but also any people would not object it. But I guess that almost all people would not like a stable corruption, stable decision-making mistakes, and a stable acceleration---of inflation. However, all of these are not possible without relating to a totalitarian political system.

3. Undoubtedly, the Chinese both inside China and overseas all hope China becomes stronger as a whole. However, even if political stability could indeed bring about a prosperous economy, and even if a prosperous economy could be possible in the price of the freedom of thoughts of about 1 billion people, it would still be a very cruel thing. If China's so-called "global power" were based on the sufferings of most of ordinary citizens, then what is the meaning of such a "power"? It would only satisfy those selfish leaders to glorify their achievements. The weakest of the Chinese ordinary citizens (mostly farmers) is that they would endure if they could still tolerate, not wanting to be involved in any troubles. They would not stand out to fight and ask for their rights if not before they lost everything. Even though I only had limited knowledge of Wei Jingsheng from CND, I think Chinese should feel fortunate to have a person such as Wei Jingsheng who would rather sacrifice his own benefits for those of the ma

jority.

4. Indeed, it is not easy to assure that 1.2 billion people have food and clothes. But if according to this logic that the needs of 1.2 billion people were provided by the government, how does the government "provide" the needs of the majority of the peasants? The peasants have to work hard with their meager income against inflation after being exploited by the various levels of local governments and various taxes. At the same time, they were still asked forcefully to share the expenses of constructing roads and schools. The author has lived in cities since her childhood, and only had limited knowledge of the situation in China's rural areas based on what the newspaper said. But in recent years I have met some real peasants and learned their heart-breaking stories. This governing party has so far not shown its ability to solve the problems of its serious corruption. Although there are some sincere party members, they had no ability to change anything and even they themselves would hardly avoid being involved

in the corruption at the end. We can only see such a political system erodes the governing and oppresses the governed. It's hard to see an optimistic future. I think this is the very area where China need solve its problems.

5. The achievements of a government is not seen through propaganda, but in its policies which accords with the benefits of the majority or not. Everybody is concerned about the reputation of China in the world. However, such a reputation should not be a superficial one. If what you are concerned is not the benefits of the 1 billion people, then please forgive my frankness, it is not a true patriotism, but a selfish one. As a matter of fact, overseas Chinese have more freedom of speech and movement than the people living in mainland China. But, this freedom should not be abused to attack people like Wei Jingsheng who strive for the democratic rights of the majority.

The above rough ideas are only for the reference of those who are concerned about China's current situation and future.

By the way, I was an undergraduate student who was enrolled in before 1985. I don't think it is this fact that induced the disagreements between Mr. Shi Yigong and me.

Dear Editors,

I thank you very much for all you have done for the readers. For us who hope to hear different opinions, instead of "everybody in one voice", your efforts are especially precious. I am very glad to have an opportunity to share my views at one corner of your digest. This is also the first time that I contribute to CND after having become her reader for almost a year.

Best Regards,

Li Yue

12/02/95, Beijing