OpEdNews » Dear Ashley and Joe: Your poor sweet mommy just got arrested in China...

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April 13, 2008 at 02:52:14

Headlined on 4/13/08:
Dear Ashley and Joe: Your poor sweet mommy just got arrested in China...

by Jane Stillwater Page 2 of 2 page(s)

www.opednews.com

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"Uh, er.... No it's not illegal. It's just that your timing was wrong."

"You mean that if I had taken a photo during the afternoon, I wouldn't have been arrested?"

"Well, no, but...."

"So it IS legal to take photos of the consulate...."

"Ma,am, there's been a misunderstanding. We are sorry to have troubled you. You are free to go."

Whew. Now I won't have to send an e-mail to my kids saying, "Dear Joe and Ashley: Your poor sweet mommy is in jail in China...." and I won't have to go off on the run and be pursued by Interpol or nothing. Whew.

PS: Is there a moral to this story? Yes. But perhaps you are thinking the obvious -- "Don't take photos of American embassies, Jane." No, that's not it. There is a deeper moral than that. It's time for us to reconsider our basic American embassy policies themselves.

American embassies and consulates used to be guarded by the US military. We don't do that no more -- apparently because foreign national rent-a-soldiers are cheaper to hire, are less of a target, can relate to locals in their own language and can free up more American soldiers to try and make an omelet out of Bush and Cheney's broken eggs in Iraq.

Some of the more obvious disadvantages of hiring locally-based rent-a-soldiers are, first, that although our embassies are supposed to represent America abroad, you can hardly tell them apart on the outside from the other embassies guarded by similar locally-based rent-a-soldiers unless you are familiar with our blast-wall architectural style and can pick out the American flag.

Second, America's consistent robber-baron/globalization approach to other countries in the last 150-odd years appears to have created such an "us versus them" mentality abroad that our embassies are definitely not popular hangouts for the locals and/or beacons of freedom and hope. Rather, all too often they are seen by the locals as symbols of globalization's economic boot on their necks.

And, third, whenever us American citizens come to our embassies for aid, we immediately run into a language barrier between us and the foreign-based guards. For instance, I couldn't understand what the rent-a-soldiers were asking me today and so I didn't respond. What if they had seen me allegedly ignoring their commands and then shot me? It would have been a misunderstanding but I still would have been dead. Without language skills, knowledge of cultural cues and adequate training, these rent-a-soldiers, while sincerely trying to perform their job of guarding our consulates and embassies to the best of their ability, still tend to treat even US citizens like terrorists.

But then American citizens are also treated like terrorists at home as well. You think not? Then you obviously haven't read the Patriot Act.

PPS: I'm really tired of hearing Americans whine about what a daunting power China has become. And who made them so powerful? The American consumer and American corporations. Shenyang is one of the industrial capitals of China, with manufacturing hubs in abundance. But do we have even one steel mill located in America? Probably not.

I'm an American patriot -- and what "globalization" has done to my country makes me sick. We need to stop giving corporations the same rights as citizens, teach our children industrial skills, buy locally and stop allowing the globalization mafia to use our fine military men and women as enforcers to go out and break third-world countries' kneecaps for their own fun and profit -- at the expense of ours.

"Gee Jane, no wonder you got arrested."

1 | 2

Stillwater is a freelance writer who hates injustice and corruption in any form but especially injustice and corruption paid for by American taxpayers. She has recently published a book entitled, "Bring Your Own Flak Jacket: Helpful Tips For Touring Today's Middle East". According to Ms. Stillwater, "It's a fabulous and entertaining book. I loved writing it. And I hope that you will love reading it too." It's available at http://www.amazon.com/Bring-Your-Own-Flak-Jacket/dp/0978615719 or you can special order it at any independent bookstore.

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12 comments

John is an educator who asks "Is that true?" and "Why?" far too often.
John HaighJohn is an educator who asks "Is that true?" and "Why?" far too often.

An accident waiting to happen

As you bumbled through Shenyang without as much as a simple phrase book, did you ever consider the saying "when in Rome?"

And when you eventually drew a little heat - where did it come from? Employees of the US embassy.

Describing your run in with the US employed security guys as an "arrest" is journalistic license taken too far.

by John Haigh (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 107 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 5:15:20 AM

Stanimal is ???

I hear cries for freedom elsewhere, while the US becomes less so. I hear support for free markets, then demanding a bailout due to incompetence.
I roll my eyes at those that accuse others being oppressed while the US has and still continues to the same and much worse. Laughing at pinheads who purchase and profit from those they curse.

Every time I return to visit I see a country I no longer recognize. A shredded Constitution, a spineless Congress ...

to see more of bio, click on member name
StanimalStanimal is ???

I hear cries for freedom elsewhere, while the US becomes less so. I hear support for free markets, then demanding a bailout due to incompetence.
I roll my eyes at those that accuse others being oppressed while the US has and still continues to the same and much worse. Laughing at pinheads who purchase and profit from those they curse.

Every time I return to visit I see a country I no longer recognize. A shredded Constitution, a spineless Congress ...

to see more of bio, click on member name

You were NOT arrested Jane,

You didn't go to any police station, just the hotel to show them your passport, which you should have been carrying with you in the first place. What would happen if you had an accident and needed help, how they going to know who you are?
These are not rent a cops, they are the front line of defense, to keep unauthorized Chinese from attempting to enter the grounds. Inside the compound as your entering the building will you encounter the Marines doing metal and bag searches.
The guards were just doing their job of inquiring who you are and your reason of being in that particular neighborhood. Which can happen in any city around the world.
Did you make it to your train to the border, Or still stuck in Shengyang without a paddle up a deep creek?

by Stanimal (0 articles, 4 quicklinks, 24 diaries, 678 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 6:50:45 AM

Just a crazy old lady in tennis shoes. I am about to retire from the corporate world and hope to be able to devote more time to doing whatever it takes to help take America back from the fascist pigs who control it. I am an activist in support of captive and wild elephants, and am most happy in the garden.
Cynthia PiersonJust a crazy old lady in tennis shoes. I am about to retire from the corporate world and hope to be able to devote more time to doing whatever it takes to help take America back from the fascist pigs who control it. I am an activist in support of captive and wild elephants, and am most happy in the garden.

Lighten up

Yes Jane should have been carrying her passport, but you guys obviously didn't see the humor in the article; or the underlying message that things are seriously wrong with our government. I have traveled all over the place and know how to keep out of trouble when not on US soil. The US embassy used to be a safe place for a blundering US citizen. It USED to be a beacon for freedom. US Embassies around the world now look like embattled encampments, and very scary places to approach.

by Cynthia Pierson (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 3 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 8:37:18 AM

Born in 1929 in Sheffield Yorkshire England. Left school at age 14 and worked as a painter & decorator until I was called up for National service in the British Army. Served in the army untill 1973, then worked as an electronics/radio engineer untill 1984 when i retired. Built a boat and sailed around the Med. for 11 years then sold it in Tunisia, returned to the U.K. then to Florida where I've lived ever since.
douglas kayBorn in 1929 in Sheffield Yorkshire England. Left school at age 14 and worked as a painter & decorator until I was called up for National service in the British Army. Served in the army untill 1973, then worked as an electronics/radio engineer untill 1984 when i retired. Built a boat and sailed around the Med. for 11 years then sold it in Tunisia, returned to the U.K. then to Florida where I've lived ever since.

Beacon of freedom is it

When were American Embassies a beacon of freedom, they're frequently attacked in many countries of the world because they represent oppression and have done for many years. Guards are never required around beacons of freedom, nor politicians for that matter.

by douglas kay (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 83 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 10:25:40 AM

Beacon of Freedom

Good point, Douglas, but I do remember when the American Embassy (which is supposed to be considered US soil) was often used as a sanctuary for people who were in political danger from their own governments. Ancient history.

by Cynthia Pierson (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 3 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 11:58:13 AM

CIA Syndrome.

Typical F in American innit, goes around foreign countries shouting I'm an American as though that is some special status, completely ignores the laws of that country and when challenged assumes the authority are rented and therefore have no authority over an AMERICAN. Every American is assumed to be CIA unless proven otherwise is now the norm in democracies throughout the world, whether Americans recognise them as democracies is beside the point.

Take my advice when you travel abroad all you Americans, keep your mouth shut unless you KNOW what you're talking about and above all recognise most foreigners are far better educated than most Americans that is why the great fear of immigrants coming to America is so rife.

by douglas kay (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 83 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 10:13:23 AM

I am a college graduate, a loyal patriot of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, a person whose convictions and pessimism drive my thought invoking others to think, and enjoy some politcal debate. I like truth even if it doesn't set you "free" in this US of A any longer. I am a liberal.
I do a bit of painting mostly in Acrylic. I do a bit of poetry writng mostly inspired by tragic thought. I do a ton of reading, mostly online. I speak straightforwardly and don't plan on changing. It's wor...

to see more of bio, click on member name
shirley reeseI am a college graduate, a loyal patriot of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, a person whose convictions and pessimism drive my thought invoking others to think, and enjoy some politcal debate. I like truth even if it doesn't set you "free" in this US of A any longer. I am a liberal.
I do a bit of painting mostly in Acrylic. I do a bit of poetry writng mostly inspired by tragic thought. I do a ton of reading, mostly online. I speak straightforwardly and don't plan on changing. It's wor...

to see more of bio, click on member name

feathers ruffled

For those scolding Jane, appears the gallows have risen up early this morning in town square. Sheesh. I thought her article was entertaining and the point wasn't asking for your condolences of her frightful event. Hell, cameras are confiscated right here in America. WAKE THE HELL UP!

The truth of the matter is: WHY THE HELL ARE CHINESE GUARDING AN AMERICAN BUILDING? That alone pisses me off. Give the jobs to Americans. Our Corporate King just cannot allow Americans to earn some bucks. They must keep we ppl as slaves in order to control the masses of us.

I am glad your alright Jane. The outcome could have been way worse. We will be Chimerica soon enough.

by shirley reese (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 389 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 10:56:28 AM

Jane

Thanks, Shirley. I thought I was the only one who "got" it. I hardly think that Jane was trying to make some sort of statement or violate Chinese laws by taking a picture of the American Embassy!

by Cynthia Pierson (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 3 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 11:51:58 AM

A writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Mark SashineA writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name

I agree

Those people who for some reason thnk that ' Americans never know what they are doing in foreign countries' should put their shoes into their mouths. Americans are by far the best tourists, easy to work with and more or less self-controlled. I am talking about real tourists, normal citizens, not the CIA or some other spooks. And yes, why the Hell cannot a person photograph an embassy? Even in the former Soviet Union people could make photoes of embassies and even KGB- Hq. Jane was right: they intimidated her for no reason.

by Mark Sashine (54 articles, 19 quicklinks, 250 diaries, 3594 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 12:55:07 PM

Peace Studies Degree from Bradford UK before it became just one more arm of the UK Government's Department For International Developments contractor.
sliphochPeace Studies Degree from Bradford UK before it became just one more arm of the UK Government's Department For International Developments contractor.

Mark Sashine

You speak as a tourist from the USA, who appeared to be well educated until now.

I have met 1000s of citizens of the USA in many european nations, including my own, since the mid 1960s. A very small percentage, which has got lower since the late 1990s, have been very well mannered, educated and wise, the rest could do with going back to 1st school and trying again. This includes several of the various USA Olympic Teams on their way to the 2004 Olympic games who stayed in the same hotel as I did in Prague.

I was taught at an early age to 'engage brain before opening mouth' advice I would recommend to anyone alongside 'know thine enemies'.

Your standing up for these 'tourists' is rather silly and detracts from your, sometimes, good articles and comments.

Yes I did get that Jane was being flippant, but hardly 'intimidated'.

by sliphoch (0 articles, 1 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 63 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 2:15:34 PM

Someone

has to stand for your own people if they are wrongly smeared. I AM very educated, so really it does not matter for me if you recognize it or not. And I WILL open my mouth whenever I want, thank you very much. In the European tour reports the worst tourists are considered Israelis. Japanese are after them. CP Snow, a very famous English writer says that ' Americans are very well- behaving people on the foreign soil' and that is true ( I do not mean the military). US people are really rathey down- to Earth when it comes to the moving on the foreign territories and NONE of the US people would develop Borat or something like that. It does not mean that the US goons do not behave badly. Yes, they do. And that is inexcusable. But the simple act of making a photo and the reaction to it tells a lot. You were taught what? It does look that you were taught wrongly. We here are not that bad, surely very similar to all the others.

And one more thing: English are notorious for snottiness, arrogance and extreme shallowness which they abundantly demonstrated from Churchill to Blair and Prince Charles. That surely does not mean that an average Englishman is not well- mannered ( and BTW, CP Snow says exactly that) but it tells us that when it comes to bad manners English upper class tops the scale.

With that adjourn

by Mark Sashine (54 articles, 19 quicklinks, 250 diaries, 3594 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 4:35:03 PM

Where's the humor?

She's blowing the incident out of proportion and making it sound like the Chinese authorities are at fault, not her for forgetting her passport in the first place. What I get from the last article is more "China Baiting" from Americans who want to blame China for their self created problems.

If you don't have your ID on you in the U.S., the police have the right to take you to a police station to find out who you are by fingerprints. That's why RFID is such a hot issue now, identification over privacy.

It sounds like Jane decided to tag along on a trip she has been with other people who, already had their visas in order long before they arrived in China. And thought that she could get one arranged expeditiously for her, being an "American". Jane has purposefully neglected to provide ALL the info surrounding this trip of hers, and revels snippets at her whim.

Most Americans that hold passports are generous tourists when abroad, but you can sure identify one in the shopping areas by how loud they are exclaiming how "Cheap" everything is when in China. As for being Americans being informed, Why did they accept Bu$h as the president, knowing the public dirt about him?

All U.S. embassies have a country's native military force out front since many of the people using them are natives of a particular country. If Jane had her passport and a Chinese phrase book with her, the whole circumstance would have been avoided. Marines guard the embassies buildings and leave the perimeter wall to locals who have a better communication capacity.

I have a problem with the Chinese who think they can walk to the front of a line for transportation tickets and have been in several scuffles with them, where we both must go to the police station to solve the issue. When the police hear my reason for my actions, its the other person who has received a ticket, and I'm allowed to go on my way. I have NEVER claimed to have been ARRESTED though, just questioned, like Jane was with her error of having no ID on her at the time.

Unlike Jane, I would have realized long ago that I was NOT going to receive a visa and would have never thought about TRYING to enter a country illegally, especially a dictatorship like N.Korea. I would NEVER go to a foreign country without a PHRASEBOOK either.

We have been hearing about this story for a week now, and Jane is STILL in Shengyang, rather than enjoying the sights of China. Which only leaves me to think that she has a lot of money to burn and much time on her hands to hang out. These are two luxuries I DON"T have.

The guards were just doing what they were ordered to do, Jane happened to be doing something that raised suspicion, and they just wanted to know who she was and why was she doing it. Taking pictures of an embassy may sound innocent, but "Terrorism" against embassies has changed the thought process of authorities observing people photographing them.

I have been blogging to Jane with phonic Chinese to help her with food and words of advice for an alternate plan, which she obviously doesn't value, as she's still in Shengyang. Which I don't understand it being mainly an industrial city. Imagine as a tourist spending a week in Cleavland, OH. or Hoboken, N.J..

Peace Out

by Stanimal (0 articles, 4 quicklinks, 24 diaries, 678 comments) on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 5:45:51 PM