China’s Best Hope

On December 10, the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, more than 300 Chinese citizens, – law professors to businessmen, farmers, and even some government officials – put their names to a remarkable document, entitled Charter 08. Predictably, the government has responded to the latest homegrown demand for democracy with arrests and harassment.

2008 will not be remembered chiefly for noble or heroic acts. Yet, amidst the news reports over the past few months of financial fraud, bloodshed in India and Gaza, and global economic disasters, one item stood out for its bravery and nobility. On December 10, the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, more than 300 Chinese citizens, ranging from law professors to businessmen, farmers, and even some government officials, put their names to a remarkable document, entitled Charter 08.

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