PRESIDENT BUSH WORSHIPS IN CHINA

This may seem like a small event, but in a land where religious persecution is the norm, its a very big deal. Good for Bush.

BEIJING - Putting human rights atop his agenda, President Bush promoted religious freedom in this communist nation Sunday by attending church services before meeting top leaders.

Bush tried to send a visible message about human rights across this land of 1.3 billion people by worshipping at the Gangwashi Church, one of five officially recognized Protestant churches in Beijing. On a chilly morning, the president arrived at the church with his wife, Laura.

In the church’s guest book, Bush wrote “May God bless the Christians of China.”

Under the president’s inscription, the first lady wrote: “And with love and respect, Laura Bush.”The State Department cited China this month as one of eight countries of “particular concern” for denying religious freedom. The White House urged China’s state-controlled media not to censor news of Bush’s visit.

We have to deal with China, unfortunately, but we shouldn't allow them to get away with any nonsense, like pretending they are an open and tolerant society. We should be keen to always remind them that we understand their true nature as communist opressors, pure and simple. If they want to deal with us, they'll have to do so on our terms, with their flaws and warts on full display.