thinking of....

the bali bombing...

i have nothing to say. after all what i say is useless. nothing can change. this just goes to show the state the world is now. but i have the nagging suspicion that this will not end. i think it's a vicious cycle that is going to perpetuate in the generations ahead. why?

because it seems that human nature can not strive without conflict and there will always be others creating trouble, maybe that's their version of acheiving peace and harmony.

i read bits and pieces of Vermillion Gate, a memoir by a woman who has lived through the Cultural Revolution and witness her family being wrecked. what is even more 'interesting' about this book is that it gives me a better account of China and it's upheavals during the 20th century. Partly dut to the fact that this author's parents were high ranking Communists and she gave a detailed and concise account on their lives too. therefore this memoir lacks the subjectivity present in other works by defectors or nationalist chinese. it is really an insight to the Communist party, their tenacity and lofty, noble goals during those times.

guess what during the course of reading, i realised something. i would have probably joined the communists if i was in china during those times... even if i knew the consequences. at that point of time, i think that would be the only choice for you to take if you really valued the reunification and strengthening of your nation.

my dad quoted to me,

" if you are below 30 and you don't even harbour the slightest bit of communsit ideals. you are not a hot blooded, patriotic young person." ( in other words, you are weird, egocentric and overly self centred.)

" if you are above 30 and still have communist ideals, you are immature." (in other words, you are childish and impractical.)

well, if you know what i said in reply. i launched into a tirade, rebuking my father for his second quote. because in my opinion, people over 30 don't have anymore communist ideals due to the exposure to the harsh reality of survival thus it's not longer for the greater good but for their self gain.

haha. :)