After a year in China, one learns to accept and understand many things about the Chinese government–it has access to a huge labor force in the event of a natural disaster or major event (recall the Olympic opening ceremony); that public image is very important; that ecnomic growth is paramount; that techonological expertise is variable; and that there always seem to be alternative accounts of any major story.  The NY Times has published one story, “Worker’s Question China’s Account of Oil Spill,” that touches on all of these characteristics.  I have no clue which account of the oil spill is correct, but neither version would surprise me.

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