The US is getting bogged down in a humanitarian disaster caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. However, US federal government officials maintain an indifferent attitude, refusing to mobilize the entire country to adopt forceful emergency measures. This is heinous malfeasance. They are undoubtedly committing a monstrous crime that cannot be forgiven.
The US reported 1 million new COVID-19 cases in the first five days of December and more than 2,000 daily deaths. On Thursday alone, the country recorded 2,879 deaths caused by COVID-19. Hospitals are running out of beds. Crematoriums and cemeteries in some parts of the US have insufficient capacity to cope with the crisis.
The US, which is supposed to be the most developed country in the world today, has become the most terrifying place on the planet where the novel coronavirus is claiming lives.
What is a living hell? The US is a vivid portrayal of that right now. Quite a few countries have become crippled due to US "human rights" accusations. Others have been kidnapped by alliances with the US.
But it is time for the international community to stand up bravely and point at the current ruling administration of the US. The super power must be bluntly told: You are killing your own people. You are crossing the bottom line of humanitarianism. You are a shameful deserter and traitor of humanity as the rest of us fiercely fight the virus.
All people are born equal. Everyone has the right to avoid infection and death from disease. Even if they refuse to comply with epidemic prevention measures due to personal reasons the government is supposed to create conditions to protect them, not leaving them alone with the excuse of "God's" mercy.
Americans are also humans. They are not supposed to be treated as expendables of the Trump administration's defenseless epidemic strategy. So far, more than 281,000 Americans have died because of the novel coronavirus. It is predicted that daily death counts could surpass 4,000 in the coming months. This is a massacre, and a shame for humanity in the 21st century.
A Brookings Institution survey found that 10 percent of American mothers reported that their children under the age of five went hungry to some degree in October and November. Nearly 12 percent of adults said they live in a household where there was not enough to eat "sometimes" or "often" last month, according to the US Department of Commerce. Long lines are spotted in the US with people queuing up for free food. Is that what the world's richest country should look like?
There are many defects and loopholes in the US federal government's abilities to effectively handle the public health crisis under the current administration. The US has been dragged into a long-term political struggle by its political elites. People can clearly see that the current US government has no interest in fighting the virus. They're only focused on election-related political interests. US society has been divided because of polarized politics. It cannot reach a consensus on pandemic controls. It appears to be a collapsing sand castle.
If the COVID-19 pandemic were something that couldn't be curbed, the US failure could be forgiven. But many Asian countries and economies, including China, have put the virus' spread under control. This fully indicates it can be contained. As such, the US has neither reason nor morality to give up its anti-pandemic efforts.
The current US government attaches great importance to economy. But is the US economy getting better? What else economic results can the US government boast about except the abnormal prosperity caused by rushes of hot money into the stock market from quantitative easing?
The pandemic lays bare the arrogance and stupidity of this US government. It has no moral compass and has shirked its own responsibilities by passing the buck to others. So many lives have been lost. It's a tragedy caused by capitalist tyranny under the disguise of "democracy and freedom."
What punishments will the politicians who committed these crimes against humanity receive? Everyone in the world is watching the US now, expecting the incoming administration to have the moral courage to punish evil and stand steadfast for righteous justice and rule of law.
Mar 17, 2016 ...http://t.cn/RG38MOa. Chinese documentary reveals US hypocrisy on humanrights. A TV documentary highlighting the US's double standards ...
Mar 17, 2016 ... The United States' confrontational attitude toward China on human rights serves
only its national interests, and it also harms global governance ...
It was partly cloudy but the mercury still registered a high 33ºC.
That was the temperature recorded here yesterday.
So for most urbanites, refuge from the heat comes from air-conditioned places. And barely anyone drives a car without air-condition these days.
Air-conditioners have become such a huge part in people’s lives that there is little discussion about the downside of extended usage.
But it has now been suggested that prolonged usage could cause problems – from drowsiness to affecting a person’s concentration due to high carbon dioxide (CO2) levels.
“I have measured CO2 levels in my car while driving from USJ (Subang Jaya) to Mid Valley. The CO2 levels exceeded 2,500 parts per million (ppm) for a 35-minute drive.
“So, I would expect the CO2 levels in bedrooms to be high in the morning, if all windows are closed, ” the Malaysian chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (Ashrae) former president Leong Siew Meng (pic) said.
Under the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010 issued by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, the ceiling limit for CO2 was at 1,000ppm for healthy indoor air quality (IAQ).
Poor IAQ levels have been linked to short-term and long-term problems ranging from allergic reactions, respiratory problems and eye irritation to sinusitis and bronchitis.
A research paper published by the Nature Sustainability journal, titled “Direct Human Health Risks of Increased Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide”, also suggested that even with a level as low as 1,000 ppm, CO2 levels have the potential to pose health problems despite exposure to it lasting only a few hours.
The journal noted that the health risks from high CO2 levels include inflammation, reduced higher-level cognitive abilities, bone demineralisation, kidney calcification and oxidative stress.
“High CO2 levels in cars also have the potential to cause drowsiness, ” Leong said.
He noted that some households would install fixed windows, which meant that they could not be opened.
With fixed windows, Leong said CO2 levels would build up in the enclosed space as many households used split-unit air-conditioners that do not bring outdoor air in.
“Those who are asthmatic and sleep with air-conditioning turned on overnight will worsen their condition, ” he said.
As a solution to sleeping in an air-conditioned room, Leong suggested that one should leave a small gap of between one to two centimetres in a window for infiltration of outdoor air.
For occupants who rely on an intake of outdoor air, he suggested installing a small exhaust fan in the room.
“As a solution for long-distance driving, latch open the vehicle louvre occasionally to bring in outdoor air to overcome the build-up of carbon dioxide concentrations (when outdoor air is not polluted by heavy vehicles in front or open burning in the surroundings)”, he said.
Ashrae president Ng Wen Bin said worsening asthma problems, allergies as well as sick building syndrome were health issues that could result from contaminated air conditioning units.
“This sick building syndrome is associated with symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, headache, fatigue, and skin irritation.
“There may be some microorganisms growing in the air conditioning system as the process of cooling warm air generates a lot of moisture and condensation, which must be discharged.
“So, if your air conditioner does a bad job of this, whether due to poor maintenance, damage or careless design, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, ” he said.
Ng said to better protect one’s health, the best defence is a well-maintained and routinely serviced air conditioning unit.
The Nature Sustainability journal noted that environmental exposure to CO2 should also be viewed from the perspective of vulnerable groups – infants, the elderly and weak, and high-exposure groups such as populations residing in urban CO2 domes and in tropical climates.
A September 2019 report published by Ashrae titled “Do Indoor CO2 Levels Directly Affect Perceived Air Quality, Health, or Work Performance?” found that several studies had provided “strong evidence” of reductions in cognitive performance due to increased levels of CO2.
However, the study acknowledged that the results were not consistent with other studies which found that there were “no effects” in the reduction in cognitive performance, adding that none could be found either on acute health symptoms and perceived air quality of CO2 below 5,000ppm.
Cool comfort: A mother switching on the air-conditioner in her children’s bedroom.
You’ve heard it from time immemorial. But it’s worth repeating even in 2020. “Get some fresh air!”
Experts have cautioned about health concerns linked to poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
Malaysia Green Building Council chief executive officer Tang Chee Khoay said fresh outdoor air was needed as it had the potential to impact a person’s performance whether at work or in school.
Those who slept with air-conditioning turned on throughout the night might wake up feeling “not sharp” and those who worked in a room with closed windows might feel easily tired due to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, he said.
Hence, Tang said it was important to allow a small gap of fresh air to enter a room.
“Fresh air is dependent on leakages when you open the door, windows or some cracks between the doors to replace the oxygen which has been consumed.
“People often claim that putting indoor plants in the house replenishes oxygen, but you actually need a lot of it. One or two pots will not help, ” he said.
As most commercial buildings are fitted with a centralised air-conditioning system, Tang said those systems are designed to allow fresh air in from the outside.
But he lamented that most people chose to close the outdoor air-conditioning vent to save cost.
“There must be a balance in allowing outdoor air in, ” he said.
Asean-Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association (Asean–ACRA) president Datuk Seri Dr Ricky Yaw concurred that there must be a balance in the usage of air-conditioners.
He believes that air leaks through doors, ceilings and windows were sufficient for normal households while those with fixed windows might notice “stuffiness” in their house due to the high CO2 levels from isolated air circulation.
“High CO2 levels will make you feel very sleepy and stuffy. Even in vehicles, it is better to open the (outdoor air-conditioner) vent as a person will feel better, ” said Yaw, who is also the Malaysian Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association immediate past president.
William Rodney Yeo, the managing director for Airestec, a life and environmental sciences eco-friendly company that addresses indoor air problems, urged people to service their air-conditioners at least once a year to ensure good IAQ levels.
“Air conditioning systems deteriorate (when coils are not cleaned) which leads to greater energy consumption because airflow is reduced which then sees humidity levels go up, ” Yeo said.
Yeo noted that the conventional methods of cleaning air-conditioners with acid and alkalis should change too, adding that it was bad for the environment.
He suggested using eco-friendly methods such as bio-enzymes.
The Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said a typical level found in spaces with good air should be from below 350 to 1,000 ppm.
Anything more than 1,000 to 2,000 ppm, was associated with drowsiness and poor air.
And levels from 2,000 to 5,000 ppm were generally associated with headaches, sleepiness, stagnant, stale, and stuffy air, he said.
Many Malaysians unfazed by air-cond concerns
There are health hazards in the prolonged use of air-conditioning but for Malaysians who find the tropical heat simply unbearable, the risk is shrugged off.
Donald Yong, 57, is one, and in fact, he begs to differ.
“I have been using (air-conditioner) for the last three decades and I am still around. I am not dead yet, ” said the retiree.
“I believe air-conditioners are not harmful as it prevents outdoor pollution from entering the house. If there are concerns about skin dryness, then a pail of water should be placed in the room, ” he said.
He is not concerned about the health effects and spends an average 12 hours in the air-conditioned comfort of his home.
“The air-conditioner improves the air quality indoors and we get to enjoy a cosy environment, ” he said.
Freelance consultant Grace Low, 60, acknowledged the potential health problems but she was of the view that the pros outweigh the cons.
“I use the air-conditioner for at least three to four hours a day when I’m not working and an additional eight hours if I am, ” she said.
Low said that she would only use the air-conditioner to cool down the room before bedtime.
And when driving, she said she would not open the outdoor air-conditioning vent due to pollution in the air.
For Tajuddin Hussin, 30, who rents an apartment in Kuala Lumpur, he has no air-conditioner at home as it was not provided.
“When I moved in about 10 years ago, the place did not come fitted with an air-conditioner so I became used to it. After so many years living with just a fan in my room, I did not see a need to get an air-conditioner, ” the self-employed man said.
Engineer S. Ruth, 31, said she was aware of the potential problems arising from the prolonged use of air-conditioners.
“I am under an air-conditioner for about nine hours when I’m at work or more when I have to work overtime. So, when I get home, I would only turn it on for an hour to cool down the room, ” she said.
South Korea has reported 38,161 cases, with 549 deaths.PHOTO: REUTERS
SEOUL (REUTERS) - South Korean authorities urged vigilance on Saturday (Dec 5) as small coronavirus clusters emerged in a third wave, centred in the Seoul area, with infections near nine-month highs.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 583 new coronavirus infections, down from the previous day's 629, which was the highest since a first wave peaked in February and early March.
After implementing tighter restrictions on Saturday, the government is to decide on Sunday whether to further tighten curbs in a country that had seen initial success through aggressive contact tracing and other steps.
Infections of the virus that causes Covid-19 averaged 487.9 this week, up 80 cases from the week before.
This wave of infections is different from the first two, which were driven by large-scale transmission, said KDCA official Lim Sook-young.
"The recent outbreaks are small, multiple and is spread in people’s everyday lives," Ms Lim told a news briefing.
"Please keep in mind that the current wave is not limited to a specific group or place but may be around our homes, family and acquaintances."
Seoul accounted for 235 of the new infections. More than half of South Korea’s 52 million people live in the capital and surrounding areas.
Among Seoul’s small but widespread clusters, confirmed cases linked to a dance class rose by nine to 249 in less than two weeks, while 21 people tested positive in a cluster related to a wine bar.
Seoul launched unprecedented curfews on Saturday, shuttering most establishments and shops at 9pm for two weeks and cutting back public transportation operations by 30 per cent in the evenings.
Tighter restrictions would be a blow to Asia's fourth-largest economy, which reported a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.2 per cent in October, the highest since July.
The number of people seriously or severely ill with Covid-19 rose by five to 121, using more of the nation's swindling sickbeds, KDCA reported.
The health authorities said on Friday there were just 59 sickbeds immediately available for serious or severe cases and that the beds might run out in less than two weeks.
South Korea has reported 36,915 coronavirus infections and 540 deaths, the KDCA said.
South Korea to boost testing as coronavirus surge threatens ‘medical collapse’
SEOUL - South Korean President Moon Jae-in has urged the country’s authorities to undertake more efforts in tracking and tracing coronavirus infections.
This comes as tightened measures have failed to reduce the rate of daily infections.
The country reported 615 new Covid-19 cases on Monday (Dec 7), raising the total to 38,161. Health officials have warned that the number of new daily cases could spike to over 900 next week if the pace of infection continues.
New restrictions to be imposed from Tuesday include a ban on gatherings of 50 or more people and closure of some 130,000 infection-prone facilities.
In meetings with aides on Monday, Mr Moon called on the government to mobilise “every available personnel”, from civil servants to those in the military and police, to provide on-site support for epidemiological investigations starting this week.
He also stressed the need to set up more drive-through test centres and expand the operating hours of testing facilities to allow office workers and young people to go for testing more conveniently, according to the presidential Blue House.
The President also instructed officials to push for the use of rapid antigen tests that can produce results in just 15 minutes, as compared to the six hours the usual polymerase chain reaction (PRC) tests require.
“We have overcome the coronavirus crisis several times, but the situation now is more serious than ever,” he said, citing the worrying trend of increased asymptomatic transmission.
Mr Moon also warned that an “uncontrollable nationwide pandemic” could ensue if the country failed to curb the spread of the virus this time.
His message came as South Korea imposed another round of measures against the virus in Seoul and greater Seoul.
From Tuesday, the social distancing level will be raised one notch to 2.5 - the fourth in a five-tier system - for three weeks.
This means banning gatherings of 50 or more people, even at weddings and funeral halls, and closing karaoke rooms and indoor sports facilities, which were previously allowed to run until 9pm.
Sporting events can no longer allow spectators, and religious activities must go online.
Elementary schools can only run at one-third capacity, while middle and high schools continue to conduct lessons online.
From Tuesday, the subway in Seoul will cut capacity by 30 per cent after 9pm, in line with the city’s plan to “stop Seoul” at 9pm to curb the worst bout of infections since March.
In place since last Saturday, the curfew also applies to malls, movie theatres, beauty salons and supermarkets.
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said Seoul and greater Seoul are already in a state of “war” against the virus, as their daily infection figure surged to a nine-month high of 470 on Sunday, before dropping to 440 on Monday.
He also voiced concern over two consecutive days of 600-plus caseloads, noting that the number usually declines over the weekend as testing centres are closed on Sundays and operate only half a day on Saturdays.
“Unless we curb the spread of the virus... we will see an explosive spread of infections and the country’s medical system will falter,” he said.
But small businesses that had to cut operating hours or close completely are more worried about their bottom line.
Mr Alexander Kim, 46, whose indoor golf simulator club will have to close for three weeks, said his earnings this month is just a fraction of his rent and management fees.
“Winter is peak season for us but now we cannot even open for business,” he told The Straits Times. “I just hope the third wave will be over soon. Meanwhile, I can spend more time with family.”
Frequent outbreaks triggered by imported frozen products; reports suggesting traces of coronavirus found elsewhere earlier than Wuhan… so is COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan also result of imported cold-chain products? Check GT special investigative report…
Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera reported in November that a new coronavirus was circulating in Italy in September 2019, a study by the National Cancer Institute (INT) of the Italian city of Milan shows, indicating that the virus may have existed in Italy months before it was first detected in China.
The Italian researchers’ findings, published by the INT’s scientific magazine Tumori Journal, show 11.6 percent of 959 blood samples from healthy volunteers enrolled in a lung cancer screening trial between September 2019 and March 2020 had developed coronavirus antibodies well before February.
Peter Forster, a geneticist from Cambridge, also told the Global Times that he is not surprised that there might be cases earlier than China.
Foster suggests it is useful to think of three stages in the origins of the coronavirus: when and where did it cross the species barrier from bats to humans and when and where did it start spreading successfully among humans. “My dating suggests sometime between September and December 2019,” said the virologist, proposing finally to look at when the globally dominant infectious coronavirus subtype arose.
“Everyone agrees it was prominent in Northern Italy in February 2020. Some scientists said it came to Italy from China, but I am not so sure,” he said.
Evidence of both epidemiology and virology are needed to find out where the virus comes from, said the Beijing-based anonymous expert. If the pandemic originated from a certain place, there should be signs of an early outbreak. It is also possible that the virus already existed, but not seriously enough to cause an outbreak, he said, noting that there is only a small probability of the latter scenario, and no solid evidence to support it.
From a virology perspective, a full gene sequence of cases from that place should be obtained for observation and for determining when the virus was transmitted to this place via time and the virus’ variation point, said the expert.
“If we have doubts that the virus was originated from places other than Wuhan, we can compare its sequencing with the virus that was found in Wuhan. [We should] compare their homology and variability, to see if the virus found in other places is in its early stage, or it is evolved,” he said.
There are reports from several countries that early blood samples tested positive for the virus, but they can provide no evidence of the nucleic sequence, so the possibility of a false negative cannot be ruled out, said the anonymous expert.
He believes that if antibodies can be found in the blood serum, then the virus can also be found there. Even if the virus is not infectious anymore, it is easily detected, as its nucleic acid is protected by the coat of the virus and it is very stable and sensitive.
The Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province on November 22. Photo: Fan Lingzhi/GT
International cooperation urged
Although those virologists have pictured a clear route map to trace the origin of the virus, the real path to finding the origin is laden with difficulties.
The anonymous expert said that in terms of tracing the virus origin, the momentum for international scientists to cooperate has retrogressed compared with the pre-COVID-19 period.
“Scientists are reluctant to become involved in politics, they are eyeing international cooperation. Yet researchers from all over the world are acting with caution, avoiding troubles, and refusing casual communication. I don’t think it’s an ideal atmosphere for cooperation.”
This has drawn attention from international bodies. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries on November 30 not to politicize the hunt for the origins of the new coronavirus, saying that would only create barriers to learning the truth.
When talking to Tedros in September, director of China's National Health Commission Ma Xiaowei vowed to enhance cooperation with the WHO on virus prevention, origin tracing and vaccine development. China is pushing forward the work on the virus origin tracing, and is willing to strengthen cooperation and communication with the WHO, Ma said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on November 24 that while tracing the origin domestically, China has been earnestly implementing WHA resolutions.
"We are the first to invite WHO experts in for origin-tracing cooperation." Zhao said, adding that "We hope all relevant countries will adopt a positive attitude and cooperate with WHO like China does, making contributions to global origin-tracing and anti-epidemic cooperation."
“International communication on the virus origin should be frequent and open for all. But some countries weighed in and complicated the issue,” said Yang, who noted that the world has achieved great progress in fighting COVID-19 in the past year, including treatment of the disease and vaccine R&D.
Tracing the virus origin should not be a battle against each other; instead, an information, data sharing mechanism is helpful to bring the virus under control, Yang said.
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The government has just announced in a live conference that CMCO will end in Penang as scheduled, which is 6 December 2020. This is with an exception of two Mukim, which is Mukim 12 in Barat Daya and Mukim 13 in Timur Laut. CMCO will extend in these two Mukim until 20 December 2020.
Following the reduction of COVID-19 infection cases in several states, the government today decided to end the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in most states.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the move was done after considering the current and expected impact on the economic recovery if CMCO is extended.
“The country is expected to suffer a GDP loss of RM300 million a day if CMCO is continued and this will result in a decline in the labour market and household spending, investment uncertainty, permanent job loss, business closure and other effects either directly or indirectly.
"Therefore, the government needs to consider all aspects in formulating any approach to create a balance between maintaining public health and impact on the economy," he told a press conference here today.
The CMCO in the following states would be lifted as scheduled tomorrow:
Penang except for Mukim 12 (southwest), Mukim 13 (northeast), while Flat Jalan Paya Terubong, Relau and Flat Desa Bistari, Batu Uban will be placed under enhanced MCO (EMCO) from Dec 7 to 20.
Perak except for Kinta district, Mukim Teja (Kampar district) and Mukim Changkat Jong (Hilir Perak district) where the CMCO will continue starting Dec 7 until 20, while the EMCO in Zone B and Zone C of Taman Meru 2C, Ipoh, Perak will end today.
Langkap Immigration Detention Depot and its quarters in Hilir Perak will be placed under EMCO from Dec 6 to 19.
Kelantan except for Kota Bharu, Machang, Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas where the CMCO will be extended from Dec 7 to 20, while Madrasah Ad-Diniah Al Falahiah, Kg Dalam Huma, Bukit Awang, Pasir Puteh will be placed under EMCO for the same period.
PutrajayaNegeri Sembilan except for Seremban and Port Dickson where the CMCO will be extended until Dec 20.
Meanwhile, the CMCO for Kuala Lumpur and Selangor will be extended until Dec 20 following the increase in COVID-19 cases, except for Sabak Bernam, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Selangor which will return to the Recovery MCO (RMCO).
At the same time, he said the CMCO in Kulim, Kedah which is supposed to end tomorrow will be extended until Dec 20 as there are 334 positive cases for its cluster.
In Johor, the CMCO in Mersing will be lifted tomorrow as scheduled, while the CMCO in Kota Tinggi will be extended until Dec 20 and three districts namely Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat and Kulai will be placed under CMCO from Dec 7 to 20. --- BERNAMA
Travel bans rescinded
Ismail Sabri: Police permission no longer needed for journeys
PETALING JAYA: The interstate and inter-district travel bans have been rescinded, regardless of whether an area is still under the conditional movement control order (MCO) or not, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the decision was made due to the need to balance public health and economic stability.
“Life must go on. So several restrictions have been relaxed after the National Security Council meeting where all parties, including the Health Ministry, discussed the issue.
“Among the matters agreed on is that interstate and inter-district travel across the country will now be allowed except for areas under an enhanced MCO.
“Police permission is no longer required,” he said.
He added that from tomorrow, the police would stop having roadblocks at state borders.
The focus will now be on adherence to the standard operating procedure (SOP), Ismail Sabri said.
“What’s important is that the public must follow the SOP. This is one of the ways to reduce Covid-19 infections.
“The police will be everywhere now to ensure compliance,” he said.
On tourism, Ismail Sabri said a meeting would be held with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to identify what would be permitted to open and what should remain closed.
He also noted that travel to Sabah would now be allowed for social visits.
However, all entering Sabah must undergo the RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) or RTK Antigen (Rapid Test Kit Antigen) Covid-19 swabs three days before travelling.
“Only those without symptoms and who test negative for Covid-19 will be allowed into Sabah.
“Police permission to leave Sabah and
inter-district travel is no longer required,” he added.
Come visit us: Penang eager to see an increase in visitors to the island
this coming holiday season with the interstate and inter-district
travel ban being lifted.
To the writer and his wife, parenthood is their greatest achievement although they have experienced difficult trials along the way.
FINANCIAL reasons is the normal excuse given by some who are not willing to have children. This is shocking.
Sure, having kids will affect our budget but that should not be the reason for not having children, or at least one child. To those who do not want to have children, I have reasons to change your mind.
When my wife, who was then earning as much as I did, decided to forego her job as a bank officer and concentrate on being a mother, it was our decision to prioritise our children’s upbringing rather than focus on our financial standing. We knew then that we really had to tighten our belts, but with careful planning, we survived.
Nothing else can produce the joy that parenthood offers. I can’t imagine going through life without feeling that spectrum of emotions. Feeling it all, good and bad, gives our lives as a married couple more purpose and challenges.
There is the pure joy of just watching our children be kids and reliving all those first moments when they discover how to do things on their own. Their smiles, giggles and pride in new accomplishments, even though some may be mischief in nature, were a sheer pleasure to watch.
As the sole income earner in the family, I could have had the worst day at work, but to come home and listen to our children, discuss their day with my wife, or to overhear them giggle while playing or watching television makes the worst day disappear.
I was 33 when I had my first kid. Though my first child wasn’t born normal, having children was such a life-altering experience. My wife and I were always looking for a purpose in our lives and when we had our children, we found it.
We love being parents. Seeing them do well in their studies and behaviour-wise, we know we are doing right thus far. That doesn’t mean we don’t have our share of mistakes but we are better persons for knowing our children and are very honoured to be their parents.
My wife and I love being parents because of the hugs, giggles and grins. When our kids are happy, so are we. As they grew, they amazed us every day with their new words, behaviour and discoveries. They have taught us to be more patient, more loving and much more appreciative of every moment we have together as a family.
Parenthood is a joy. Even while experiencing the hardest trials of our lives, we have learned to rise to all occasions. We’ve found ourselves lifted to new heights while stretching ourselves beyond our limits once we put it upon ourselves to guide them. With rarely a dull moment, we’ve experienced more adventures from parenting our children than we ever imagined.
Parenthood is our life, our passion and our greatest achievement. We also love watching our kids evolve into empathetic, kind human beings who can think for themselves, like spending their money thriftily and being involved in various school activities. You don’t realise the progress until far down the road but the wait is so worthwhile.
We don’t deny that parenthood is a hectic life filled with schedules, diaper changes, feedings, spendings and much more. There are so many things we love about being parents, but the one that stops us dead in our tracks is when each of our children turn to us and say, “Ayah Mi” (referring to me) and “Mak” (referring to my wife).
We love the fact that when our children were growing up to be adults, we were beside them every step of the way, teaching, helping, moulding and loving them.
Life may be great for those who do not want to have children but life will be even better once they have been blessed to become parents.
What we love about being parents is that our children have enhanced our lives in so many ways. We are a better husband, a better wife, better employees, neighbours, relatives and friends. We would rather have our worst days with our kids than to have our best days without them.
The victim families want the trial of these soldiers to
take place inside Afghanistan where the crime happened. We are
condemning this brutal act of Australian soldiers.
Australian gov't should apologize to Afghan people:
https://youtu.be/zkQctV1h0R4
China refutes Australia's accusation of tweeting "fake image"
https://youtu.be/GOU6fy7awWc
https://youtu.be/YtL2NpQZM6o
Killing of Afghan civilians by Australian soldiers confirmed, who should apologize?
https://youtu.be/K13x_9pazeM
https://youtu.be/zSzWN74EQeA
Australia's war of words with China over a satirical cartoon that condemned Australian troops' murder of innocent Afghans is ongoing. As more reports reveal the elite Australian soldiers' misconduct in Afghanistan, Australia is increasingly embarrassed.
Some of Australia's allies have engaged in this war of words, and arrogantly talk only about their stance and principles rather than the facts.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on November 18 phoned Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to express his "deepest sorrow." And one day later, Australian Defence Force Chief Angus Campbell said, "I sincerely and unreservedly apologize" to the people of Afghanistan. However, Morrison refused to accept China's criticism but vented his anger as if China had groundlessly smeared his country.
The logic behind Morrison's moves is quite simple: The West can do anything it wants, but non-Westerners are not allowed.
This is the consistent style of Western whites: The West must always be in a superior status and position. With such a mentality, they never accept the idea that other races can enjoy equality. Feeling superior to others, they believe the West must take control of each and every thing, be it the economy or technology.
Morrison didn't say anything when European and American media outlets reported Australian troops' misconduct with words like "war crimes" (as the criticism came from the West). But he reacted fiercely when a Chinese diplomat condemned the brutal murder.
In the eyes of some Western elites, adopting a non-Western system and ideology and refusing to be a vassal of the West is the sin of China. Brainwashed by such discourse, many ordinary people in the West would buy Western politicians' lies about China, even though the COVID-19 has killed hundreds of thousands in the West while vulnerable groups cannot "breathe."
As a result, any action and word of China is unacceptable to Westerners who have an overwhelming sense of superiority. To them, the West can stigmatize China over the so-called human rights issues with disinformation and accuse China of "genocide," but China is not even allowed to give its opinion on the viral reports circulating in the West.
After 160 years, the bronze horse head stolen by invading forces when Anglo-French Alliance Forces razed the Old Summer Palace in 1860 finally returned to its home on Tuesday. But many Westerners still believe that China is the semi-colonial and semi-feudal society that they arbitrarily bullied in the 19th century.
As they cannot hold colonies anymore, they attempt to spiritually colonize others with their so-called universal values of democracy and human rights. However, the West's narrow-minded moralistic tricks cannot last except in deceiving Westerners.
As China rises, more and more developing countries will not accept to be brainwashed by the West anymore. Nor will they stay silent and tolerate the West's double standards on human rights and other issues.
In the future, more people like Chinese cartoonist Wuheqilin and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian will stand out to tell the truth to the world and have dialogue with the West on a completely fair and equal status.
The world construct has greatly changed. Whether or not the West will accept it, the belief the West is the center of the world will eventually come to an end.
Until today, Australia still believes China is inferior,
not qualified to criticize the superior Aussies. Nothing can better
portray the mentality when Australia showed much greater anger toward a
Chinese cartoon than the crimes of Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.
Those countries hope that China will resign itself to
their provocation and suppression. Otherwise, they would believe that
China has become tougher or even a “Wolf Warrior.” Just let them bluff,
and let us stay magnanimous.
It is a 100-percent fact that Australian troops brutally
killed Afghan civilians. Australia should tell the Afghans and the world
how many people its troops have killed and how they will be held
accountable for it. What's happening in the real world is much more
brutal, bloody and frightening than what my cartoon shows.
Killing innocent people is trampling on human rights no
matter what. But Canberra has the nerve to put itself on the moral high
ground of human rights. How arrogant and shameless the Morrison
government is!
Take a look at what is happening in the Five Eyes
countries. The US and the UK are both among the countries hit hardest by
COVID-19, and both have deep domestic conflicts and long-term
uncertainties. Canada and Australia, with their small populations and
vast land resources, are more like “Western slackers” than the European
countries who have strong crisis awareness. They all need to see where
their crisis lies and who their real enemies are. Otherwise, they will
always have a misconception that China is poisoning them whenever they
are not feeling well. How absurd such a logic is!
Taking sides with the US over China has cost Australia
valuable diplomatic flexibility. Australia has been smashed between two
rocks instead of milking both sides.
Passing the legislation is Australia's domestic affair
and China has no interest to intervene. But if the Australian federal
government uses this act to jeopardize China's interests, China will do
everything it can to safeguard its own interests.
The West should take the latest incident as an alarm bell
– when they smear other countries with baseless accusations, why can't
other countries criticize the West or make well-intentioned suggestions
for their misdeeds?
Amid an escalating war of words around a cartoon
depicting atrocities committed by Australian soldiers against Afghan
civilians, an Australian who has lived in China for 10 years has
something to say: "Today, as an Australian, I feel ashamed. The
Australia I left 10 years ago compared to the Australia of today is
entirely different."
Amid a vortex of worsening bilateral ties between
Australia and China and tightened immigration policies, complicated by
the ravages of pandemic, many Chinese in Australia feel anxious and
disappointed in Prime Minister Scott Morrison's administration.
Inactivated COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac produced by Chinese vaccine developer Sinovac Photo: Courtesy of Sinovac
Chinese vice premier Sun Chunlan stressed a scientific and rigorous preparation is required for the mass production of Chinese-developed COVID-19 vaccines during an inspection tour of vaccine production lines of some leading manufacturers in Beijing on Wednesday, the same day the UK became the first Western country to approve a coronavirus vaccine for widespread use.
Sun and State Councilor Wang Yong visited the National Institute for Food and Drug Control, and two leading vaccine producers Sinovac, National Vaccine & Serum Institute under Sinopharm in Beijing, the Xinhua News Agency reported late Wednesday.
The visit was seen as a prelude for the vaccine coming to market in a rigorous and scientific manner. Russia and the UK announced on Wednesday they will start mass vaccinations against the coronavirus next week.
Sun and Wang learned about COVID-19 vaccine research, visited production plants and checked preparation work, and fully affirmed the achievements of the vaccine developers.
Fourteen vaccines using five technology methods are in clinical trials and five vaccines are undergoing phase Ⅲ clinical trials. Emergency use, production preparation and other work are proceeding in an orderly manner.
Sun called for scientific and rigorous phase Ⅲ clinical trials to carry out review and approval work in strict accordance with laws, regulations and internationally recognized technical standards to ensure the safety and effectiveness.
She required Chinese companies prepare for mass production, strictly comply with laws, regulations, procedures and requirements on quality supervision and biosafety, improve the traceability system for vaccines, punish illegal activities for creating a favorable market environment.
Sun said it's necessary to formulate a vaccination distribution plan before the vaccines are made available to the public. The emergency use of the vaccine in high-risk groups, such as port workers and front-line supervisors, will be completed by the end of 2020, she said.
The UK's approval of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine on Wednesday paved the way for widespread uses of the vaccine. The first doses are already on their way to the UK, with 800,000 due to arrive in the coming days, Pfizer said.
Analysts said the UK and Russia's quick approval for widespread use of vaccine is mainly in response to new outbreaks that may get worse during the coming winter.
China is very likely to introduce its first officially approved vaccine for mass use in December, but whether it would be approved only for limited use is still under discussion, a Beijing-based immunological professor who asks not to be named told the Global Times.
The first vaccines to get approval are likely the inactivated vaccine candidates from either Sinovac or state-owned Sinopharm, said the professor, noting that other frontrunner candidates such as recombinant adenovirus vector vaccine would be slightly behind or approved for emergency use first.
The Global Times learned from the Sinovac's Brazilian partner Butantan Institute which is carrying out the phase Ⅲ clinical trials of the inactivated vaccine CoronaVac that the data from the trials have been sent to the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency. Sinovac told the Global Times that analysis of the clinical data will take some time.
Compared to China, vaccines are more urgently needed in the West, said a Shanghai-based vaccine expert. "The epidemic battle left many Americans desperate, let's hope President-elect Joe Biden will take human rights seriously and not follow in Trump's footsteps."
Pharmaceutical firms Pfizer and BioNTech, as well as
their competitor Moderna, have filed applications for approval of their
COVID-19 vaccines, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Tuesday.
No matter how successfully China has contained the spread
of the coronavirus with all-out efforts and how the country has passed
on its experiences of handling the pandemic to the world in a timely
manner, some Western media has not given up its longstanding prejudices
and ideological biases when looking back at the past year, after
American broadcaster CNN came up with a so-called classified file on
Tuesday in an attempt to sensationalize obsolete issues and mislead the
world again.
African and some Latin American countries would prefer
Chinese-developed inactivated vaccines, due to their competitive costs
and easier logistics, to stop their pandemic crisis, said analysts in
both the vaccine and drug transportation services.
China will make its Covid-19 vaccine a global public good when it is
ready for application after successful research and clinical trials, a
senior Chinese official said.
