The title of this diary is a shameless attempt at pandering. Had I titled this “The World Community has an Obligation to Speak for Artist-Activists”, would anyone even scroll beyond the title? Forgive me for sounding cynical.
I have been following the news about Ai Weiwei since watching a PBS Frontline documentary about the Chinese artist. You can view the video at the link below.
http://video.pbs.org/...
Since that airing in March, things have gone from dire, being beaten and having his studio bulldozed, to his arrest for “economic crimes” after a visit to the US. My daytime thoughts, and nighttime dreams have been focused on what, if any, action could be taken to help Ai Weiwei avoid imprisonment or execution.
The “Red Meat” that the title promises is below the artistic flourish
The story of Ai Weiwei's arrest begins on April 7th. I know this audience is very savvy so I will not refer you to a list of sources. CNN seemed a neutral alternative to the other perceived, propaganda news machines. Please follow the yellow brick road.
http://articles.cnn.com/...
China's foreign ministry said Thursday that dissident artist Ai Weiwei was being investigated for economic crimes.
"It has nothing to do with human rights or freedom of expression," ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters during a regular weekly briefing.
The ministry added that other countries should respect China's laws.
OK, you've watched the documentary, read the CNN article on the arrest. Did the international community turn a blind eye? Well, not exactly, unless you consider the silence from Russia, Israel, India, South America and the Middle East.
There was a whisper from the US and other European Nations. The Chinese government was quick to express their displeasure, and contempt.
http://www.truthdig.com/...
China on U.S. Human Rights Scolding: Look Who’s Talking
The U.S. and China are bickering again over human rights after the U.S. condemned the arrest of Chinese dissidents. Beijing dismissed Washington’s latest criticism and said the U.S. is beset by violence, racism and torture and thus has no authority to condemn the actions of other governments. Ouch! —JCL
…..
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Friday she was “deeply concerned” about it, and cited “negative trends” including Ai’s detention.
A U.S. State Department report on global human rights released on Friday said Beijing had stepped up restrictions on lawyers, activists, bloggers and journalists, and tightened controls on civil society.
I did discover that Guggenheim had launched an international effort “expressing concern” for Ai Weiwei's lack of freedom.
http://www.guggenheim.org/...
In response to the recent detainment of artist Ai Weiwei by the Chinese government, the Guggenheim has launched an online petition to express concern for Ai’s freedom and to call for his timely release. We have been joined by other museums such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Tate Modern in London, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in our efforts. We urge everyone to read the petition below and follow the link to Change.org to sign the petition to support the release of this visionary artist.
Yet another petition, I have signed so many. The one below gave me a chance to include a comment. Oh great, only one semester of Mandarin, why didn't I major in the language? Change.org, a Progressive organization, is at least making an attempt.
http://www.change.org/...
For me the story does not end here. Who is the US Ambassador to China? Why am I not surprised? Jon Huntsman from the previous administration is the man of the hour. Gary Locke was not nominated until March 9, 2011. Tough times for President Obama, it took two years to nominate a replacement? I guess China, like the working poor, have a place somewhere among our priorities? Of course, Secretary Clinton is managing the situation. Should I write to her?
I've written to Hillary Clinton before. She did agree there was “a vast right wing conspiracy”. I'm not sure what strategy she decided to embrace. Is it the old if you can't fight 'em, join 'em?
I warned you, I have become a cynic. What to do?
Should I suck up to the man I have called the Czar of Russia, Vladimir Putin? Sure, we know he likes to gift pretty Russian spies with a tiger from his zoo. We also know he loves Hollywood charity parties. I have never read about any great works of art decorating his dacha.
Prime Minister Putin, sucking up here, would like to export oil to China. The US wants to sell coal.
http://www.bloomberg.com/...
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s quest to sell oil to China, the world’s hungriest market, may lock in a $797 million decline in value at the country’s biggest port.
What consequences would there be if I attempt to contact the supreme leader of Russia? Probably not a good idea. I do know that certain Hollywood personalities have attended charitable function via Russian TV on youtube. Would they be willing to lend a little help to a friend?
I am asking all members of the Actor's Guild, in New York and Los Angles, how about a little help for Ai Weiwei?
While I do not expect much traffic, based on previous diaries, I look forward to any comments. I have a family dinner in a couple of hours, until then, I will respond to (or rec) comments. I will check back later in the evening for any comments.
Thank you for reading this diary, and thank you for all that you do.