Challenging the Government

China Newsweek
July 8

Edward Snowden, a 30-year-old American, flew from Hawaii to Hong Kong and then from Hong Kong to Moscow with four computers and a large amount of secret information. Although even he doesn't know where his next stop will be, he has turned the world upside down.

We see a small individual confronting a huge country in this case. In this sense, Snowden is a citizen who decided to leave his country because of dissatisfaction with the country's government.

However, Snowden's case is complicated because it is hard to measure what effect a government's online monitoring will have on its citizens' privacy. The American media once explained that the National Security Agency might grasp all the citizens' information, but the hugeness of such information makes it impossible for them to focus on any individual's information. However, such an explanation still can't eradicate public worries about the omnipresent power of the government.

Snowden's "betrayal" reminds the powerful government to strike a balance between the nation's will and citizens' freedoms.

Problems in Education

Outlook Weekly
July 8

Ever since China restored the college entrance examination system in 1977, the country's education system has undergone reform and made significant progress. But at the same time, various problems arise. Although the concept of education for all-round development has been attached high importance, exam-oriented education still dominates most schools. Many teachers go against such principles. In their eyes, raising students' scores is more important than cultivating virtue.

One reason for the difficulty in pushing forward education for all-round development is that many people think that promoting such education would lower enrollment rates. Although education for all-round development and exam-oriented education are different, promoting the former doesn't necessarily lower enrollment rate. Developing every child into a useful person should become our educational ideal.

War Veterans Better Treated

West China Metropolis Daily
July 8

On July 7, 1937, Japanese troops attacked the Chinese army at Lugou Bridge near Beijing. As a result, the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression went into full swing in China. According to incomplete statistics, casualties of Chinese troops totaled over 4.13 million during the eight-year-long war.

China has paid great attention to giving special treatment to veterans who fought in the anti-Japanese war. The Ministry of Civil Affairs recently announced that all former Kuomintang veterans who participated in the war are to be included in the social welfare coverage. In particular, the social pension system must give priority to these elderly veterans. The ministry also said in a statement that local governments should invite Kuomintang veterans to attend events commemorating the victory of the war.

All soldiers in the war, including former Kuomintang troops, fought bloody battles for many years in order to defend national independence and dignity. Their historic feat for the country should be indelibly engraved in the memory of the people.

Today, it is a common responsibility for the whole society to provide preferential care to these surviving national heroes. But many veterans suffer from various difficulties due to insufficient social security. The progress in caring for veterans not only brings better treatment to them, but also allows their contribution to be recognized by all the people. These veterans, who are around 90 years old on average, care most about their deserved respect by the country.

In short, veterans who fought the war are heroes and the backbone of the nation. They deserve better treatment from all people.

High Temps—A Risk to Workers

Xinmin Evening News
July 8

Shanghai has been repeatedly hit by high temperatures this summer. In response to the dangerous work environment, A deputy to the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress Li Ming recently suggested upgrading protection measures for people working in the hot sun. In addition to the high temperature subsidy, Li suggested forming comprehensive safety measures for workers in certain industries.

The likelihood of heatstroke increases dramatically in such hot weather conditions. Outdoor workers, including security personnel and traffic police officers, often spend hours working in stifling heat. They are not only in need of economic compensation, but also comprehensive health protection. It is essential to implement a system of work shifts that allow workers to have the time needed for refreshment.

Any industry that puts workers in such conditions should formulate specific regulations to ensure that the workers are protected against the hot weather. The manufacturing industry is one example. A large number of workers in the industry have to wear heavy safety protective coveralls at work in high temperatures. Although upgraded cooling coveralls have been made available, many companies will not volunteer to buy them for workers. The lack of legal restriction has added to their reluctance.

Some companies don't abide by the vacation system. Workers on the production line are often forced to work in spite of illness. It is urgent for the labor and social security administration departments to monitor these companies strictly. In addition, periodic physical examinations for people working in harsh conditions should also be contained in law as soon as possible.