BOOK REVIEWS
323
effect a movement by people in power to get rid of those holding different views. Lin Biao, who was designated as Mao's "successor", and his supporters were trying to seize power in a bid to consolidate their stronghold on China's political scene. From this political background emerged the "May 7 cadre schools", which were in name labour camps where people tempered themselves through physical labour, but were in reality concentration camps for those cadres who were excluded from the new regime because they did not follow closely or enjoy the trust of those in power. We as "May 7 fighters" were sent down to cadre schools with our families to make our homes there.
All organs of political power are governed by a process of metabolism whereby the old are superseded by the new. However, it is unprecedented for personnel changes to come about like this. This may be less destructive than resorting to violence; nevertheless, it is not an example to be followed because to do so would merely cause unnecessary damage and waste all over again, in just the same way. It is hard to understand why the Liuhe cadre school, originally intended to accommodate those cadres who were left in the lurch during the power struggle, was later used to take in those from cultural, educational and scientific research institutions. As the saying goes, the "fish in the moat suffer when the city gate catches fire". So many intellectuals who were probably completely uninterested in wielding power were made 'victims' of a power struggle.
While no one can safely guarantee that the new must be better than the old when the change comes about by democratic means, it is certain that any unnecessary damage or waste can be avoided through a democratic and peaceful change. If the present Chinese leadership has finally come to realise this need and allows those who do not want to distinguish themselves in politics but simply want to dedicate themselves to the well-being of mankind to live and work in peace and contentment, then it is still worth our while to have paid "fees" for the "May 7 cadre schools". These are some of my humble opinions and heartfelt expectations.
CHANG HSIN
(Note: This review was written in Chinese, and translated into English by the kindness of Mr. Louis Kong),
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Page 346
BOOK REVIEWS
323
effect a movement by people in power to get rid of those holding different views. Lin Biao, who was designated as Mao's "successor", and his supporters were trying to seize power in a bid to consolidate their stronghold on China's political scene. From this political background emerged the "May 7 cadre schools", which were in name labour camps where people tem- pered themselves through physical labour, but were in reality. concentration camps for those cadres who were excluded from the new regime because they did not follow closely or enjoy the trust of those in power. We as "May 7 fighters" were sent down to cadre schools with our families to make our homes there.
All organs of political power are governed by a process of metabolism whereby the old are superseded by the new. How- ever, it is unprecedented for personnel changes to come about like this. This may be less destructive than resorting to violence; nevertheless, it is not an example to be followed because to do so would merely cause unnecessary damage and waste all over again, in just the same way. It is hard to understand why the Liuhe cadre school, originally intended to accommodate those cadres who were left in the lurch during the power struggle, was later used to take in those from cultural, educational and scientific research institutions. As the saying goes, the "fish in the moat suffer when the city gate catches fire". So many intellectuals who were probably completely uninterested in wielding power were made 'victims' of a power struggle.
While no one can safely guarantee that the new must be better than the old when the change comes about by democratic means, it is certain that any unnecessary damage or waste can be avoided through a democratic and peaceful change. If the present Chinese leadership has finally come to realise this need and allows those who do not want to distinguish themselves in politics but simply want to dedicate themselves to the well-being of mankind to live and work in peace and contentment, then it is still worth our while to have paid "fees" for the "May 7 cadre schools". These are some of my humble opinions and heartfelt expectations.
CHANG HSIN
(Note: This review was written in Chinese, and translated into English by the kindness of Mr. Louis Kong),
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