Freedom Fries

Remember when America was very anti-France because they didn't support our Iraqi invasion?  

French fries became "Freedom Fries."

China has that attitude toward Japan right now, but times 300,000.

Before Japan bombed Pearl Harbor they were busy in China. Known as "The Second Sino-Japanese War," Japan infamously raped and razed the city of Nanjing. Over a six-weeks historians estimate 300,000 people were killed for no real aim or purpose. There was even a contest between Japanese soldiers to see which one could be the first to kill 100 people with only a sword. Looking at pictures of what happened makes me want to puke.

Japan has never recognized or apologized for what happened.

I don't write this so that you now hate Japan, but rather to tell you what Chinese people think and feel when they hear the word, "Japan."

Recently those venomous feelings resurfaced. There are some little islands north of Taiwan called, 钓鱼岛 diaoyu dao - The Fishing Islands. When oil was discovered offshore, they were transformed from no name fishing islands to an international trophy.

There they were again - on a different kind of battlefield. Japan wanting to take something it wants, but 21st century China is no pushover. In the words of one of my students, "China will be an eagle soon."

I believe China has reached "eagle" stage. The memories of Nanjing and the pride for this New China erupted into massive protests across the country. Even here in Beijing protests were allowed outside the Japanese Embassy (with police chaperones - they would allow a certain number of protestors in at a time ... I call that freedom inside an electric fence). People had bumper stickers on their cars - The Fishing Islands are China's!

7 Eleven's were ransacked, Toyota cars that were owned by Chinese people were smashed and burned by Chinese protestors, and Chinese flags were taped strategically over the Toyota logo.

I can't stand politics. But I love people. I think it's interesting how no matter where you go on earth or when you go back in time; pride seems to be the common denominator.

From Eden to these Fishing Islands, humans are in an ego race.

I guess that's what makes our Messiah's message so revolutionary - it contradicts everything we feel, think, hear or see. His is an illogical message fueled by illogical love.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:11-12