I think to many Chinese people, being forced to do something that is perceived as for their own good is seen as a good thing. It's kind of in the Asian culture that the end justifies the means, as opposed to Western culture where you are free to do as you choose but you bear the consequences.

Not saying it's wrong, just a different perspective.

> being forced to do something that is perceived as for their own good is seen as a good thing

I sometimes wonder if Los Angeles commuters would actually be better off and happier if the government (somehow) had the legal right to force us all to use buses and rail instead of individual cars.

The government(s) were the ones who built the roads and mandated minimum parking lots.

Absolutely, you're right. I'm just wondering what would happen if the government reversed course.

Well China's national anthem makes a point about her people not being slaves... so much for that fantasy. That said, it's still a great accomplishment being able to provide cheap produce (that we take for granted) to the middle class in Tibet, a region that's not known for it.