Some Things Have Changed Since China’s Bloody Crackdown On Demonstrators In 1989, Including The Dreams Of Democracy
BEIJING, May 31, 2009

(CBS) Twenty years ago this week, the Chinese government used deadly force to break up a democracy demonstration in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Much has changed in the two decades since, but some things haven’t. When asked for comment on this story, the Chinese Embassy in Washington not only declined, but asked us NOT to air the report. Here it is, from Barry Petersen:

Looking for democracy in China? You can find it by millions voting on their cell phones in a Chinese version of “American Idol,” choosing to ignore the paradox that the citizens of the world’s most populous nation are free to vote for a singer … but not for their own leaders.

How distant from 20 years ago when students took over the heart of their nation’s capital, Tiananmen Square, demanding reforms of all kinds, under the gaze of a statue they called the Goddess of Democracy.

Attracting support from millions in all walks of life gave students the bravery to go face-to-face with their leaders, thinking their cause could bring change.