From its bustling cities to its rural villages, China’s government keeps close tabs on its people. Today on Home School Heartbeat with Mike Smith, Michael Farris describes his encounter with one of China’s poorer areas.
Mike Smith:
Mike, you’ve been sharing about your experiences in China, where you met with government leaders. What prompted your visit to a small Chinese village?
Michael Farris:
At the meeting we had with the vice minister of the National Population and Family Planning Commission, the subject of the poverty of China came up. And she opined that if a pro-lifer would go to one of their poor villages, they would really see things differently. And I had an extra day more than the other members of the delegation, so I volunteered to go.
Mike Smith:
What did you discover from your visit there?
Mike Farris:
I discovered warm, personable people who served interesting food at lunch out in this small village. The economic condition of this village was really not that bad, certainly much better than the villages in Mexico City. And I came away believing that, despite the fact that the village was adorned with many population control banners and posters, that the people there would voluntarily choose appropriate family sizes for their economic conditions even if the mandatory restraints were not in place. It was quite an interesting experience apparently for the people in the village also—not only was I the first American ever in that village, but I was the only one that they ever met with 10 kids.
Mike Smith:
Mike, that’s very interesting, and thanks for sharing. Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.
