Plant Romance: Till Death Do Us Part
落叶岂无情 生死两相依
Friday, 28 December 2012
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
End of the World 2012
I wondered why I had come to yet another alumni gathering. Year after year, we repeated the same dumb stories to the best of fading memories, and laughed with undiminished vigour. Luckily, I was seated next to Ken. I knew I could count on him to disrupt pathetic nostalgia.
“The world’s ending again,” he said when appetiser was served. “How’re you guys spending the last few days?” We were next to Vincent and Jill.
Vincent seemed instantly animated. “We—” referring to his tribally specific Brotherhood of Dongguan Christians “— will be dining together on the 21st.” He answered through a mouthful of salad, flashing a kaleidoscopic mixture of masticated lettuce and colourful capsicums.
“You guys plan to enter Heaven as a tour group?” Ken asked.
“That’s right,” Vincent replied, sucking his teeth.
世界末日2012
我又不期然地參加了今年的舊生會聚會。一班從小相識卻平時甚少往來的初級老人家，每年一聚，重溫三十多年前的傻事，卻一年比一年笑得投入。再過幾年，部分人開始老化的眼膜，將會在笑聲中不隨意地落淚了。幸好今年我被安排坐在阿堅旁邊。他可能是最能夠擺脫這 「話當年」 困局的人。
今年搞新意，食西餐。阿堅和我，阿嬌， 和自幼虔誠，綽號「神棍」的沈冠坐在長飯桌之末。剛上沙拉之後，堅仔突然發問：「還有幾天又世界末日了，大家有什麼打算？」
想不到他的一句戲言，引起了沈冠一陣的興奮。他來不及咽下口中的沙拉，便搶答道：「21號晚我和團契弟兄們會一齊食飯。」 語氣帶有身負重任，所以 「不好意思，先走一步」 的告辭意味。他口中的生菜和各種燈籠椒經過局部咀嚼，五色繽紛，乍看有如拆散了的萬花筒。
阿堅問：「你們打算組團登天堂？」
沈冠似乎不覺得被諷刺，咂著牙齒，神氣十足地答了一聲 「沒錯！」
Monday, 10 December 2012
Update 911, Nazis, and Cultural Revolution
Truth seeking is a human spirit most amazing to some, but damn annoying to others.
For centuries, European scientists who pointed out Earth was not the centre of the universe got thrown into Papal dungeons, but they never gave up. One wonders how something so plainly observable, once shown, could have been rejected by Galileo’s learned peers. Whatever the reason for their blindness, it is still with us today, more prevalent than ever.
More than 10 years after the 911 drama, some continue to question how the impossible happened. Many have a background in science and engineering. They face professional pressures from government contracts, and get arbitrarily labelled “conspiracy theorists” by those who wish that Newtonian physics could be banned.
The following Danish production (with English sub-titles), is an intelligent presentation of the painfully obvious that the world has chosen not to see. The professor in it said ignoring the truth threatens our civilisation. It certainly does. But the Tolstoy quotation at the end summed up the apathy and blindness well.
It's a short video: http://undergrounddocumentaries.com/911-the-sensible-doubt-a-danish-view-of-911-full-version/
If you like it, do consider making an exception and circulate it. That unfortunately is the only way to breach the Iron Curtain drawn over the Free World, by the Free Press.
Another “conspiracy theorist” is Ferdinando Imposimato, the Honorary President of the Supreme Court of Italy, former Senator who served on the Anti-Mafia Commission in three administrations, author or co-author of seven books, and a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy.
911，纳粹党，与文革
人类寻求真相的精神很可贵。但对某些人来说，也十分讨厌。
一小撮的欧洲科学家，经年历代，冒着被教廷穿舌活烧之险，也要证明地球不是宇宙的中心。当时绝大部分的学者智人，面对这些科学家摆在眼前的数据和分析，均视而不见，或者当为谬论，一笑置之。这类智人在当今社会中的比例有增无减，继续颠倒是非。
911 这场大型恐怖剧移师伊拉克之后，也出现了一批勇於追求真相的人。他们大多数都是有科学知识的专业精英，十多年来锲而不舍地要求一个911塌楼的合理解释。
最近一批丹麦知识份子出版的短片，十分值得看；有英文字幕 （http://undergrounddocumentaries.com/911-the-sensible-doubt-a-danish-view-of-911-full-version/ ）。片中那位教授指出：“911不了了之，会危害整个西方文明的［价值］基础”，言不为过。看过有感受的话，请破例广为推介。主流“自由传媒” 对质疑911的新闻封锁有如铁幕，笼罩着幸福的 “自由世界”。
另外一位“阴谋论者”是 Ferdinando Imposimato。他是意大利最高法院的荣誉主席，曾任上议院议员多年，获三届政府委任为“反黑手党委员”。他的著作很多，又挂着意大利的最高荣誉勋章，所以够胆和信心写公开信要求认真彻查911。部分内容如下： http://www.journalof911studies.com/resources/2012-September---Imposimato-letter.pdf
此信是由一千多位美国工程师和建筑师所组成的 “建筑界要求911真相” 组织（ AE911Truth: http://ae911truth.org ）在网上转发的。这批专家，十多年来顶着社会压力，被狂扣“阴谋论”帽子，也不放弃追求911的内幕乾坤。
二十一世纪的“阴谋论人士”与以往的不同，很多都是一向保守怕事的学者和专业人士。这究竟是什么原因呢？
911的官方故事，完全漠视最基本的科学定律和工程原理，不少人却深信不疑。这除了我以前探讨过的因素之外，更显示了羊群心理的巨大力量。当一般人觉得其他人都认为乌鸦是白色的时候，他也会顺从民意，认黑为白。在众口一词的大好形势之下，乌鸦变白鸽。
懂得利用这民主的力量去扭曲事实的政客，可以组织高度文明的德国人作出纳粹恶行，也可以发动和平怕事的中国人自毁家园，闹他个翻天覆地。
2013年四月加补新闻片段
2013年四月加补新闻片段
车臣摩天大厦猛火狂烧大半天不塌： http://www.infowars.com/skyscraper-engulfed-by-fire-does-not-collapse/ …
以上片段的大厦与世贸七期（911 时并未受袭而自动晕倒塌掉的自杀式建筑物）相比，明显高几班。为了人命安全，美国应该考累暂时只用车臣工程师和设计建筑技术，直至自己本国的结构工程赶上为止。
过度博客 10。12。2012
8。04。2013
英文：911 Update, Nazis and the Cultural Revolution: http://guo-du.blogspot.hk/2012/12/update-911-nazis-and-cultural-revolution.html
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Apologies
The American President tells the Japanese Prime Minister to apologise to wartime victims.
The PM in return asks if the President would do likewise!
The hot line rang in its old fashioned tone, more tired than hot. Nishihara let it ring a couple more times.
“Yoshio Nishihara.”
“Mr. Prime Minister? The President of the United States wishes to speak with you. Is it convenient?” A man’s voice came through.
“Ah, yes, of course.”
“Please hold Sir.”
While holding, Nishihara took a comb from his breast pocket and ran it through his thin hair. A strand of hair came off with it. He noticed regretfully that the oily dandruff had returned. He wiped it off carefully, almost ceremoniously, with a paper tissue, then folded it into a perfect square before depositing into the top secret dust bin.
道歉
美國總統要重返亞太，叫日本首相為二戰道歉
首相居然反咬總統大人！
English Version:「APOLOGIES」
西原辦公桌上的熱線電話冷冷地響著。他故意讓它多響了兩下才伸手去接：「西原良夫。」
「西原首相嗎？美國總統希望跟你閣下說兩句，方便嗎？」 電話傳來一把誠懇有禮的男聲。
「啊，可以可以。」
「請首相先生你稍候。」
雖然熱線電話沒有視像設備，西原還是不自覺地拿梳子把稀疏的頭髮梳理了一下。梳子立即粘上了一根染黑過又退了色的幼發和幾片滲透著油光的頭皮，令西原突然感覺到一陣不快。他順手拿了塊紙巾把梳子搽淨，然後像主持茶道一樣，小心翼翼地把紙巾整齊的對接兩下，才輕輕地放進將被「高密處理」的廢紙籮內。
電話接上了，又是一把充滿活力的迷人聲音：「首相先生，很抱歉讓你久侯！」
「沒問題，總統先生。就直接叫我的名字良夫好了！」 西原的顧問幕僚們都鄭重提議他跟美國官員政客打交道時，要盡量輕鬆隨和。
美國總統的聲音的確很輕鬆，就像多年不見的老朋友一樣：「首相先生也是一句嘛。你們換人哪麼頻密。我為了怕叫錯名字，連電話簿內也只是寫上「首相先生」而已。」
「啊諾呢。。。」 西原一下子愕了然，不知如何回應才得體。這是他上任兩星期以來的第二次和美國總統電話對話。第一次不過幾分鐘的禮貌道賀他接任首相而已。
「哎喲！對不起哦良夫，開開玩笑而已。我這個人就是這樣，不要見怪。這工作壓力很大，要懂得調劑哦！」
「哦！總統先生，你太幽默了！」 西原開心地說。
「良夫；這樣吧。大家都忙，不客氣了。我有件事要跟你相量：是有關道歉的事情的。」
「對不起。。。？」 西原心想：跟美國人打交道真的不容易。
「對！就是這麼簡單的一句。你也知道我要重返亞太區。我們既然是最佳盟友，我就直說好了。我們須要拉攏的對象國家，都對日本拒絕道歉耿耿於懷。這不是替我們的共同戰略增添無謂障礙嗎？你說對不對。」
「啊 。。。這個真抱歉。」 西原後悔自己太早作隨和狀， 做了初一， 邀請這美國佬直呼自己良夫。誰料此子狡猾無禮，一直扮傻不作十五。他又不習慣唐突，乾脆叫他「波比」，怕有失體統。結果令自己心理佔盡下風。
「那你就對二戰隨便鞠個躬，說兩句大家受落的話吧。怎麼樣？」 總統先生用哄小孩的聲音說道。
「啊諾呢。。。總統先生。。這個問題呢比較 ——」
「恕我直言吧良夫：道個歉有什麼大不了。人家德國老早認了錯，一了百了多好。」
「啊，總統先生，這個關乎歷史的——」
「良夫，請不要介意我說句公道話 ——」 西原接任的第一天，幕僚們便告訴他美國總統打斷日本首相說話是平常事。只不過是文化有異，絕對不可介懷。「—— 日本在二戰殺了很多無辜的人是個不幸的事實；道歉不應該嗎？只不過做場戲而已。其實對你個人來說，在世界面前一鞠躬，更顯得你有量度，有文化，不一定是壞事。」
西原覺得臉上發熱。幸好這不是視像電話。他不期然地用左手的小指把頭頂搔了幾下，才發覺紙巾已用完。他把沾了頭油的小指竪起，回答道：「總統先生，你也不要怪我直言：美國在伊拉克也殺了很多無辜的人。你也打算道歉嗎？」 西原簡單的一句，雖然語氣平和，但說話速度比平常的持重加快了一倍。
「喲喲喲，良夫，這兩件事不能夠相提並論吧！」
「總統先生：你們去伊拉克抓拉登先生，但他好像不在。你說伊拉克有大殺傷性武器，與事實也有出入。一百多萬的平民婦孺因此無辜犧牲了。假如你就這件事道歉，或許可以更加顯示美國的量度和文化呢。」
「良夫，你也知道我當時不是總統吧。」
「總統先生：二戰時期我還沒有出生呢！」
紅色的熱線電話，突然靜了幾秒，透著寒氣。
「良夫！這事我們見面再談吧！」 對方的聲音，又再充滿活力，熱情誠懇。
「就照你的意思吧，總統先生。」 西原滿意地笑了一笑。
「其他一切還好嗎？」
「啊，」 西原閉上眼睛說：「其他嘛，是小小麻煩。你也知道我們黨的支持率剛剛跌到11％。」
「哦，是比較麻煩。」 總統先生的口氣很輕鬆，一點也不似在分擔西原的煩惱。「但只要對手的支持率更低便成啦！民主這個遊戲你也是老行尊啦！」
「自民黨的支持率是24％呢。」 西原老實地回報。
「你們肯定有方法把它壓下去吧？」
「謝謝總統先生的信任。我們認為在二月大選之前他們的支持率會跌到百分之九左右。」
「哇，兩黨加起來不足20％。比我們的還要底。應該算是新世界紀錄吧！」
「哈哈，總統先生，你的幽默感真的很豐富呢。」
「良夫。不好意思。有人在等我。你三月份來，我們到時詳談吧。」
「盡量吧，總統先生。不是我便是我的接班人。」
「哪肯定是你。就這樣吧。再見啦！」
「再見總統先生。」
西原掛上電話，隨即把通話機接到秘書那裡：「嗨！野村太太，可否給我拿一盒新的紙巾？」
「嗨！首相先生。馬上送到。」
注：
1。日本內閣12年8月的支持率: http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201208060075
2。日本執政和在野黨 12年11月的支持率：民主黨11%, 自民黨24%. 合共35%! http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121105003255.htm
3. 伊拉克受美國轟炸後的畸形嬰兒比日本受原子彈轟炸後更高 http://refreshingnews99.blogspot.in/2013/04/iraqi-birth-defects-worse-than-hiroshima.html
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Democracy Debate and Chinaman's House
Recently watched a debate hosted by Intelligence Squared (Square Intelligence?) on Hidden Harmonies. The motion was “Western Liberal Democracy would be wrong for China”. Those who still believe content matters in debates would be hugely surprised by the result which overwhelmingly (like, 100 to 1) favoured Anson Chan’s cliches.
In a way, it demonstrated the depth of prejudice against China in the “West”. Perhaps it’s understandable. Many in the audience are facing deeply threatening social uncertainties without a leader in sight. The great minds in their countries have been marginalised by their brand of politics designed to select opportunistic and photogenic followers who would gladly promise everyone their own moon if elected. By contrast, China’s experimentations, though far from perfect, have served the country comparatively more effectively, at least more rationally, a fact that the Democracy faithful must find uncomfortable to admit. Those “against” the motion therefore had an overwhelming emotional advantage.
Young members in the audience grew up with TV news. They have been conditioned to make judgements based on “watching” rather than reading and thinking critically. Complex conflicts in unpronounceable places, between tribes with names they can't spell, are presented and “analysed” in 40-second clips, concluding with the presenters suggesting in tone, if not actual words, who the bad guys are. Next: messages from McDonald’s and Durex.
If Anson Chan had learnt anything from her colonial masters, it was the art of uttering gibberish with confidence, in a haughty tone, nearly public school with Chinese characteristics. Contemporary patsies are much more comfortable with her style then Zhang and Jacque's boring substance and logic. They used only part of the head, namely the brain. Anson Chan used the whole thing, including ostentatious dimples. Let’s face it: Why should rationality matter here any more than in presidential debates?
Ultimately, every society deserves the government it gets. The puzzling thing is China has never been interested in competing with the Democracy Empire for an international award in government design. Yet many in the “West” seem more concerned with China’s imperfect political model than their own mounting problems.
My Conspiracy Theory alone cannot explain. Perhaps cultural shadows from a religious past are still lurking in the “Western” psyche, incubating a neo-Missionary Complex? Democracy, after all, has evolved into an amorphous “faith based” belief. And could there be an element of escapism as well?
Inspired by bewilderment, I wrote a flash fiction “Chinaman’s House”.
Chinaman’s House
Timothy took the sherry from Adam, his neighbour and buddy. “Cheers,” he toasted.
“Mmm. Nice and dry.”
“18 year. We bought it at the airport.”
“Good God.” Impressed by its age and origin, Timothy took another sip.
“Have you seen that monster on the east side, at the turnoff to airport?”
“That red and white house? Of course. How could anyone miss it. Fred’s doing the plumbing. Apparently fresh off the boat with a ton of gold from China.”
“I figured —” Adam was interrupted by his ten-year-old barging through the basement door: “The basement’s on fire Dad!”
“Is that how you greet people Simon?”
“Uncle Timothy.” Simon obliged, forcing a polite smile.
“Hi Simon.” Against the window light, a waft of pale blue smoke escaped Simon’s curly blond hair. It hung above his head, as if pausing to find out what was being discussed, before dissipation.
He returned to his father. “The socket’s smoking and sparking Dad, making your old desk smoke too.”
“Can’t you see Uncle Timothy and I are having a conversation? We have the best sockets in this house, Simon, before everything was made in China. Now go back down to play.”
“It’s smoky down there Dad.”
“Well, go to your room then.”
“Chaps these days are easily alarmed.” Adam beamed with unwarranted parental pride as Simon disappeared into the haze, after giving a “whatever you say” shrug. “So, that’s why. A Chinese house. That explains it. They have very different tastes when it comes to colour don’t they?”
“Rather bold if you ask me,” Timothy smirked. “Fred said it has six bedrooms. Probably another shipload of mothers and third cousins expected.”
“Good grief! I thought their police castrate men with more than one kid in the market. The Council should pass a law against gaudy building colours though. They hurt my eyes. I almost ran off the road.”
“And limit the number of bedrooms,” Timothy dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief. “This smoke’s getting pretty bad Adam.”
“Oh quit whining like a Frenchman!” Adam waved a hand. “We have four bedrooms here. Two only collect dust. Someone should talk to the Chi —” he was stopped by a fit of cough. The smoke spewing out from the basement was getting darker and thicker. Simon left his room, eyes on his iPad as he walked outdoor.
“Jesus! This damn smoke. Want another one?”
“Twist my arm mate. Nothing like a good dry sherry. We still make them best don’t we?” Timothy handed the glass to Adam, then covered his nose with the handkerchief. He leaned back and squeezed his eyes shut to lessen the sting, wondering why on earth would anyone paint his house red and white.
James Tam @ Guo Du, 24.11.2012
民主辩论与 ”中国佬的豪宅”
從網上看到一個由 「IQ2」 的辯論會。辯題是 「西方民主不適合中國」。經過一個多小時的爭論，陳方安生的反方以大約100對1的比例大勝。對尊重邏輯理據的人來說，不論個人意向屬正屬反，都可能會覺得現場觀眾的判決出乎意料，難以理解。我認為這種 「超自然」 現象日趨普遍， 見怪不怪，實在有其原因。
首先，辯論結果充分反映了英美國家對中國的深度誤解和歧視。「公道自在人心，硬道理可以說服一切」 這個硬道理，在「民主普世價值觀」面前，也得軟化。
觀眾席上各人，眼看自己國家面對多項嚴峻挑戰，債台高築，民生下滑，怨氣沸騰但束手無策。他們的國家其實人材鼎盛，但真正的人材老早已被擠到喧鬧的民主政治舞台之外，只能在選舉期間「明知不可變而盡其人事」地投下「多餘的一票」，再沒有具體參予國事的熱情和空間。中國的一套雖然問題多多，絕不完善，但比起哇眾取寵，以投機為主導的黑金政治，則較為理性，效果亦有目共睹。無奈文化基礎有異，他們就算有心仿效中國，也絕不可行。試問懷著這份憂戚的霸權後代，又哪來胸襟接受中國那套完全看不順眼的政治模式呢？
在座比較年青的，都在電視和互聯網的精神框架中成長，習慣了憑「感覺」作判斷。他們在長大的過程中，任何天下大事，複雜問題，都可以在「晚間新聞」以大約40秒的片段概括報導，籠統分析，同時在語氣中下定論，忠奸分明。緊接著是又歌又舞的廣告時間。
有層次地把事態分析對他們來說是「老一套」。在鏡頭前面，事實難勝狡辯：三言兩語的精句，平易近人的嘴臉，瀟灑的風度，端正的樣貌，比十個愛因斯坦的腦袋更有說服力。所以陳方安生憑著誇張的酒窩，運用從殖民地主人身上學來的一套詭辯術，便可以輕易大勝光靠腦袋的正方講者張維為教授和 Martin Jacques。
其實每個國家的政制都是自己國情和歷史文化背景的產品。更「好」的制度，都會被時間侵蝕，人為破壞，日久都會出現問題，甚至腐爛。人世間不可能有永恆的「最佳制度」。中國也從來沒有自我吹噓，挑戰英美國家，爭奪「全球最佳政制大獎」。你走陽關路，我行獨木橋，沒有橋的時候摸石子過河。本來河水不犯井水，最合中國人的個性。奈何英美國家好像中了邪一樣，發了瘋似的老在找中國政制的不是，自己家裡火災也置之不理。究竟動機是什麼呢？難道真的是個大陰謀？或許殖民地傳教士的陰魂不散，仍然籠罩著新舊帝國子民的心態？又或許是逃避現實的酸葡萄心理在作祟？
利用一頭霧水孕育出來的靈感，寫了個微型小說，英文的所謂 flash fiction；我覺得翻譯為 「閃靈短篇」 較過癮。故事名稱是「中國佬的豪宅」。基於氣氛上的考慮，故意帶點「翻譯作品」的味道，與我平常雙語寫作的原則相反。
中國佬的豪宅
添姆輕舉手中的雪利酒，向鄰居兼死黨阿當祝酒後才淺嘗一口：「呃，好乾的雪利酒哦！」
「十八年的好酒。在機場買的。」
「我的好上帝哦！」 驚嘆之余，添姆再呷一口。
「你看見去機場路上東郊那棟怪物嗎？」
「你指那棟紅白大宅？整個地平線都讓它擋住了，能看不見嗎？老費迪在替他們搞水電呢。據說是中國來的新移民，剛上岸的，渾身蒜子味加銅臭。」
「怪不得 ——」 阿當十歲的兒子從地牢衝出來，嚇了他一跳。「爸爸，地窖著火了！」
「西敏，爸爸教你這樣跟大人打招呼的嗎？」
「添姆叔叔。」
西敏噘著嘴跟添姆打了個招呼。「西敏乖！」
一縷藍煙，背著光從西敏蓬松的金髮中冒出，卻停留在頭頂徘徊不散，好像好奇大家在討論些什麼話題。
西敏趕緊把頭轉回阿當那邊，急促地說：「爸爸，電插座在冒煙，啪啪聲爆火花。你的舊書桌也冒煙了！」
「你看不見爸爸跟添姆叔叔在談天嗎？我們家的插座都是最好的，不像現在的垃圾，通通中國製造。快！下去自己玩。」
「下面很大煙哦爸爸！」
「那麼去你自己的房間玩吧。」
西敏作了個「隨你便吧」的表情，轉身走向自己的房間。
「現在的小伙子就是大驚小怪。」 阿當老懷安慰地看著西敏消失在煙霧之中，才恍然回頭對添姆道。「原來是中國暴發戶。怪不得。怪不得。他們對顏色的品味好像，怎麼說呢，有些與眾不同吧。」
「簡直大膽創新呢！」 添姆諷刺地歪著嘴笑道。「老費迪說裡面有六個大房，可能一船船大大小小的娘家親戚隨後便到。」
「我的天！他們的警察不是通街把濫生育的人抓去閹割的嗎？怎麼還有哪麼多人！我看市議會應該立即設法禁止刺眼的外牆顏色。第一次看見這巨宅的當時，我險些把車翻進鴻溝裡去。」
「房間數目也應該限制才對，」 添姆說著，從褲袋里掏出手絹來抹淚水。「老當，這煙很厲害哦！」
「你今天怎的像個法國佬一般羅嗦啦！」 阿當用手在眼前撥了幾下，繼續說道：「這裡只有四個房子， 我們也用不著。兩個在養塵。我們應該派人去跟那中國——」 他說到一半，被肺里衝出來的一陣咳嗽打斷了。從地牢湧出來的煙，越來越黑，越來越濃。小西敏由房間出來走到外面去，眼睛沒有離開過手上的遊戲機，邊走邊打殺著電子妖怪。
「老天爺！這該死的煙霧真討厭。再來一杯如何？」
「你知我是捨命陪君子的咯！這酒真好。看來釀雪利酒，我們還是天下第一吧！」 他把酒杯交給阿當，然後用手絹捂著鼻子呼吸。添姆閉上被熏紅了的眼睛，心裡依然困惑：那中國佬為什麼要把好好的房子刷得又紅又白的一副怪模樣呢？
呐喊 2011
大约九十年前，鲁迅在日本放弃学医，改行写作；他希望利用笔锋，直指人心，唤醒沉睡中的国人。由于有此动机，他把作品集命名“呐喊”。在弃医从文的过程中，他难免经过了一番思想斗争：眼看同胞们，在一个密不透风的房间里，睡得呼噜震天，好梦方酣，一点也没有意识到身在险境；房间已经被人反锁，里面的氧气，正在一点一滴地被消耗。不过活得开心，睡得香甜，死得不知不觉，不也算是一种福分吗？假如叫醒了大家，又没有力量破门而出，反而导致临终一刻混乱难受，何苦呢？不过鲁迅最后也呐喊了。出奇地，里面的中国人，竟然又一次苏醒过来，最终还合力把牢不可破的房子拆破，在刚刚没有断气之前，站了起来，重见天日。当然，中国人有上下五千年的悠长传统，一旦自以为脱险之后，便立即倒头又睡，福气依然。
人间正道是沧桑。转眼间，差不多一个世纪，一个多事的动荡世纪，又尘土飞扬的过去了。我想怀旧一下，借用21世纪先进败坏的眼光，重温 “呐喊” 这个问题，看看是否依然切题。
首先，一群精神上昏迷入睡了的人，有些什么症状呢？ 我想，第一是无知无觉，对身处的客观环境，窈窈冥冥，昏昏乎不知所以然，既不了解，也不想去了解， 其实境界甚高。第二是充满幻觉；人在梦境，再没有必要去界定什么谓之“可能”，什么谓之“不可能”，海阔天空，任意飞翔。第三是盲目；沉睡的人，双眼一闭，与死人无异，眼前的景象，是眼不见为干净。
鲁迅看见的中国人，争相围观同胞被日军斩头，充分符合了以上的症状。
黑暗的日子，对双目失明的人来说，黑暗吗？我看不一定。在封建的年代，饱受剥削的低下阶层人民，虽然满脚泥泞牛粪，一身劳动带来的臭汗，嘴里的牙齿，黄缺不齐，不过只要能吃饱一餐，心里面不单只不痛恨权贵朱门酒肉臭，反而有说不出的羡慕和向往。皇帝出巡，还要争先恐后去一睹风采。看！贵族们，哇，说话阴声细气，一口老粗们听不懂的外语；以前英国的贵族都说法文拉丁文，中国的官讲官话，再摇头摆脑打着官腔，铿然嘹亮，令你自惭形秽，无地自容。哎，人家擤鼻涕用真丝手帕，吐痰直入金痰盂，多有气派！
间中，历史的巨轮，会横冲直撞地滚到了下一个转捩点：这个时候，平民吃无可吃，而贵族们负债累累，再无能力大动干戈，指挥老百姓为国，为神，为皇权，去别国抢掠劫杀。 这个时候，人民才感受到胃酸的煎熬，忍无可忍的滋味。结果，可能是革命。成功的话，改朝换代。不成功的话，不被活埋打死，也生生的饿死。不过除了肚子快要饿穿个洞出来，怎样才算得上是 “忍无可忍” 呢？这就不好说了。你可能觉得日本人入侵，忍无可忍，但支持 “东亚共荣圈” 的，也大不乏人。1931年的 “九一八事变”， 是否忍无可忍呢？国民党的抗战，竟然可以在六年后的 “七七事变” 算起，可见蒋介石对外的容忍力，超乎常人。
算啦，俱往矣。哪么让我们再把目光提高一点，升到国际层面，看看在全球化的21世纪下生活的世人又如何？
帝国霸权，当年的殖民精英，表面上老早已经息微撤退，不再明抢豪夺，改了行搞民主人权，自由贸易。是否发财立品呢？在民间的层面，的确有如此迹象。但在政治的层面，他们只不过总结了经验，改头换面而已。八国联军的厉鬼阴魂，借尸还魂之后，在国际之间，掌握了三大战略重点：金融，军事，传媒，排名不分先后；但总体来说，传媒的力量不小，也较持久；原因是贱民的脑袋好洗，培养一个汉奸或小黄狗，比起监禁一名顽劣战俘容易；更凑效，更便宜。简化来说，帝国大佬的杀手锏不外是：哄骗，造谣，丑化，武力“解放”，继续洗脑；其中的每一步，都需要 “自由传媒” 的参与，积极发挥作用。
今天，很多的顶级先进国家，人民仍然被集体蒙骗剥削，而这种有现代气息的剥削，正努力寻求全球化，扩大目标。摩登贵族们，吸取了过去两三百年的经验，已经把自己重新包装，务求令到现代贱民，更心甘命抵地全力拥护特权而不自知，继续为权贵们的贪婪而卖命。在美国，最爱国的，是穷人；当兵的，也是穷人。参众两院里面，竟然没有一个议员有子女投军到中东去“反恐”。而贱民的子女，冒生命危险把石油抢了回来，却由于失业率高企，可能连自己的汽车加油也成问题。
看看跟美国气脉相连的英国吧：面对严峻的财政困难，还要打锣打鼓吹喇叭，斥资替女王娶孙媳妇。大部分的人民，不但不觉得在21世纪搞 “王子娶老婆”，属于过时浪费兼荒诞无稽的宫闱闹剧，还为这双注定下半生无所事事的新人高兴。蚁民，就是这个心态；现代贱民，虽然天天冲凉，穿皮鞋，打领带，但心态依然。香港更妙，有人看得感动，眼泛泪光呢！时至今天，香港还有不少自鸣才子的小黄狗，整天长吁短叹，摇头摆尾想当年，在大英帝国膝下觅食的光辉日子：哪个时候？嘿！我一举一动，都有主人赏识，认真乖乖的时候，他会摸头赞赏喂饼干；现在？哎。
世界的内容，似乎十分稳定，最多是换汤不换药。
哪么惨被剥削的21世纪国际公民，又是否把他们恨之入骨呢？也不尽然。正如历代被奴役的贱民，大多数对於榨取自己血汗的权贵，心里面非但不恨，反而充满了爱慕之情，十分崇拜。多少农家少女，渴望有朝被选入宫，可以光着身子让太监们用被子包着，送给皇上宠幸十分八分钟，再被包走。唷，太幸福啦！没有资格进宫的人，在外面东施效颦，以模仿贵族为时尚，能学多少学多少，从来不怕笑话。
现代的穷家人民，基本上是同一个心态。 不少完全没有条件的国家，也有样学样，在权贵帝国的漂亮口号催眠怂恿之下，要吗来个 “人民力量”，要吗来个 “自由经济”，把自己赤裸裸地无私奉献，做个没有生殖能力的小妃嫔，最终的下场，多年下来，有目共睹，十分可怜。稍有骨气，但命运不济，资源丰富而力量单薄的，还随时被人 “武力解放”。奇怪的是，以上的惨痛经验，不胜枚举，但很多的人，可能看多了CNN 和 BBC，导致双目失明，所以视若无睹，只顾得在嘴边不停的重复着主人公的训示：贵族疾呼民主人权，贱民低头小心聆听。至于经济嘛，也一定要自由，要向着主人公的利益，一面倒自由下去！
难道贱民的基因，仍然在我们的血液中循环，阴魂不息，永远不能毁灭吗？
假如鲁迅先生在生，他还会呐喊吗？对于在棺材里熟睡的人，呐喊有作用吗？公平吗？应该吗？有必要吗？其实，我以上一连串切的问题和假设，均属多余。因为鲁迅是中国人，又是共产党，就算他呐喊，在今天的世界里，声音也发不出去。
过渡于 2011年 5 月 1日 劳动节
美国失踪的数万亿
有关以下的美国听证会录像 (http://dailybail.com/home/there-are-no-words-to-describe-the-following-part-ii.html) 我要破例吹嘘一次： “非看不可”。
看了之后，你会对美国金融监管的荒谬程度有更具体的了解。可能由于事情太过离谱，严重的 “无助感” 造成了大部分人的“集体逃避”心态吧；如此严峻的局面摆在眼前，很多人却不愿知，不愿想，不敢想。以前的人民，无权议政，任由当权者摆布， 只有听天由命。现在的西方人民，理论上拥有至高无上的民权，可惜结果一样。
美联储数以万亿美元的资产，不知所踪（平均每个美国人，由婴孩到较幸运的临终人士，负责3万多美元），没有交待。大部分的人，竟然毫不知情，安坐家中，对着电视看打仗，吸取主流传媒散播的“非官方意见”: 外面的世界，充满恐怖，杀机，缺乏美国认可的道德标准云云。不合作的年轻人，把国家机密，在网上信手拿来，制造混乱，必须严惩。IMF 的老人家们，越发放肆，不与美元配合，罪该万死。
穷家人民的孩子，当了兵，一边占据伊拉克，阿富汗，搞屠杀，玩逼供，残害自己的生命和心理健康，一边在和平奖得主的指使之下，攻打利比亚，教训卡扎菲的独立非洲货币妄想，并即时设立利比亚中央银行（难道真的没有人觉得这情况之下，首要工作搞中央银行，有点匪夷所思？）然而，不由你不信，不少人真的相信攻打利比亚，是 “正义之师” 要从卡扎非的”魔掌“中把利比亚人民拯救。哎，当人们基于无知，恐惧，或无奈，而要自己相信一个谎话的时候，根本就不需要什么合理的情节。逻辑，理据，只不过是小部分精英的玩意。从民主的角度看，根本可以不理。
民权至上的开明社会，人民理论上当家做主，可以左右一切。事实上，绝大多数的人，都苦于无助而逃避事实，努力蒙骗自己。总有一天，骗无可骗的大限会降临，到时大家已经骑虎难下，逼着往骗局深处加快步伐踩过去。由此而引发的人类悲剧，在历史中上演过无数次，看来，以后仍然会继续上演。
English: America's Missing Trillions
English: America's Missing Trillions
The Artist Dilemma
Zhou Mi Mi’s Chinese novel “Wen Qu Pu” is cleverly built around the vicissitudes of a group of mainland artists living in Hong Kong. In this haven of quick money, where superficiality is efficiency, a fine painter works as a stagehand, poets become bums, getting stuck in self-romanticised chaos, writers mass produce fatuous scripts for local TVs. One woman writer even prostituted physically to keep food on the table, but never stopped writing.
It’s a small circle. They all know each other, getting into each other’s way competing, loving, hurting, caring, despising and helping.
Artists’ struggles are touching because they are driven by passion, and perpetually haunted by a professional self-doubt and insecurity. After having dedicated years of their lives to practising music or dancing or painting or writing stories, desperate artists are vulnerable to unscrupulous agents, producers, publishers or employers. An artist’s strive for excellence is against severe odds. In the end, he depends on the judgement of those who may not have nominal appreciation for their hard work and talents.
The dilemma is that most artists need an audience, but are forever exasperated by how little anyone knows “true art”. However, if there were a sudden enlightenment en masse in his art, he would become a craftsman. Of course he could move on to a higher plane or different artistic dimension. But if he does, and succeeds, he would again leave his audience behind, and relapse into grumbling about nobody knowing anything about his art.
Beauty cannot exist without vulgarity. Similarly, wisdom and vision are meaningless without a critical mass of stupid people.
Art is not alone in being ruled by the “tyranny of the Average” though. Being exceptional in any area unfortunately means being surrounded by mediocrity, getting irritated like a fish which hates to be wet.
Diao Yu Tai conflict - an opportunity for peace?
I don’t normally comment on specific political issues because of an inability to figure out what people are arguing about. But I’d make an exception for Diao Yu Tai. The crisis is at best an opportunity to secure longer term calmness between China and Japan, at worst a mutually destructive trap that they step into open-eyed.
The situation in summary: Disturbing status quo has always been a clear bottom line to an overwhelming majority of Chinese, regardless of political inclination. Beijing knows that. Inability to face down this challenge would seriously damage their legitimacy, Chinese style.
On the other hand, Japan might have taken too many steps by now to retract with face and dignity intact. Most Chinese and Japanese don’t wish to see further escalation of this conflict. Many worry about Japan regressing back to militarism in a general sense, but that would be overlooking the fundamental changes they have gone through since the last war. Sure, they have quite a few right wing nut bars; which country doesn’t? Their politicians maybe self-serving opportunists but that’s a universal trait in their profession, especially those who depend on votes for a living.
What could be done to untangle this stalemate?
The Japanese government will purchase the Diao Yu rocks from What’s-his-name. Concurrently, their parliament will pass a bill declaring it a special conservation area, forbidding visits or development of any kind for the next fifty years. This would in effect officialise the hitherto unofficial agreement between the two countries, and keep the kamikaze samurais legally restrained. Isn’t this the intention repeatedly emphasised by the Japanese Government?
China will declare the purchase invalid, of course, but with the legal assurance of a development freeze, Japan’s declared intention of purchasing the island to keep it from the lunatics would be proven sincere. China can also promulgate similar legislation to protect Diao Yu Tai for the sake of the record.
Let’s hope this conflict can be resolved sensibly. Now that the US has redirected their benign attention back to Asia Pacific, we should no longer take peace and harmony for granted.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
We are being dangerously polite to religionists
I am a dangerous guest to invite to polite dinner parties because I refuse to pretend religionists are mentally sound or harmless. They are not.
Though some pious individuals are indeed innocuous, even nice, enthusiastic about love, religions which controlled many parts of the world for centuries remain a potent and ambitious political ghost, desperate to be reincarnated. Their power depends on the faithful followers, renewable in the schools with Government support
Perhaps I should first highlight the definition of religion. My dictionary says it’s “the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods”. According to this reasonable definition, Christianity and Islam are monotheistic religions. Buddhism and Daoism are fundamentally atheistic and irreligious. Confucian teachings are simply irrelevant in this context. Labelling them religions was perhaps just ignorance on the part of those who cannot accept the existence of a godless ancient civilisation. But for the SAR government to continue with this perplexing classification is . . . I have no polite word for it.
But why can’t I keep my mouth shut and respect other’s “Freedom of Worship”?
荒谬的 “宗教自由”
我從來不假惺惺地認為宗教信仰很正常；因為宗教歷史上一向是個社會問題和政治團體。
或許我應該先對宗教的定義稍作闡明。我的電腦字典說宗教（religion）的定義是：「對一個或多個有主宰權的超人上帝的信仰和崇拜」。根據這個合理簡單的定義，基督教回教等教派都是「宗教」。奇怪的是，佛教道教是無神論的修為哲學和人生宇宙觀，但也被歸納為「宗教」。更莫名其妙的是連孔夫子那套入世的社會人倫操作手冊也被劃定為「宗教」。這可能是很多在宗教文化長大的人當初無知，不能想像和接受世間上有如此龐大古老的一個「無神論」文化體系吧。但香港特區政府的繼續無知，起碼五十年不變，則有點令人費解。
很多教友本身都不是壞人，有些甚至是蠻有愛心的普通老百姓。假如他們安分守己，閉門念經歌頌上帝，在神仙故事中找尋心靈寄託，不騷擾別人，則不失為一種方便法門，無可厚非。可惜西方宗教主宰歐洲一千多年，習慣了橫行無忌，不擇手段傳教擴張。到現在仍然是一隻陰魂不散的政治厲鬼，野心勃勃，隨時準備借屍還魂。而宗教野心家依靠的，就是一般信徒的群體力量。
容許我講個有關人類起源的故事吧：
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