Blind pursuit of profit causes mass incidents
The number of mass incidents has risen alarmingly in recent times. Among the main reasons behind it is local authorities' pursuit of profit, says an article in People's Net. Excerpts:
The past few years have seen many mass incidents, and an official institute's research shows they could rise further next year. Though such things should not be politicized, it is necessary to find the reason behind such tragedies. Some scholars attribute mass incidents to public discontent, and it is true. But why are the people dissatisfied? One of the main reasons is that local governments infringe upon people's rights and interests, especially when it comes to expropriating land and demolishing houses.
Expropriating land and demolishing buildings to build new ones is a rich source of income for local authorities. They see the process as a fast road to economic development.
Hence, the most effective way to curb mass incidents should be to stop the authorities from blindly pursuing profit through such means, and encouraging people to seek justice through legal methods when their rights are violated.
It's a pity that some local governments ignore the grievances of the public. Some people who try to seek justice by appealing to higher authorities often hit a wall, which sows the seeds of mass incidents and violence.
A recent article in an official magazine blamed many of the mass incidents on some governments' pursuit of profit at the cost of local residents. Only when government branches stop their blind pursuit of profit and start respecting people's rights can mass incidents be curbed.
(China Daily 12/25/2009 page9)
