Socialism in China

Finished my last class today, and my first time ever teaching on Christmas Day (more precisely giving the final exam). My MA students were very impressive in their analysis of American politics and American foreign policy. Undergrad students, will see how their papers are in January. Today I told them to put away all electronic devices to do a group activity, and maybe half the class did not hear me because they were so immersed in said electronic devices. Could be the downfall of the country, if not the world, the inability to live in the present and the existing space, addicts. On a related note, CCTV somewhat inartfully transcribed my comments from a live program, but caught the spirit of my comments. (https://news.cgtn.com/news/3163544d30637a6333566d54/share_p.html). Basically, tuition at Chinese universities is around $1,000 per year and much of that is subsidized, some students make money going to college. Dormitories, Spartan though they may be, cost less than $1,000 per year. The quality of university lags behind Western institutions, particularly American comprehensive universities, but its a great value for money, and access is available to virtually everyone.

And for the past two months, Beijing's skies have been crystal clear and deep blue; no pollution. This year the government switch wholesale to natural gas and away from coal. Apparently, supplies ran low and rationed gas in the countryside was leaving rural communities colder, so coal burning in the Hebei countryside was resumed last week. Smog has returned. But never seen anything like the effort to clean up the air in one fell swoop, and almost got there, may make it next year with some experience.