AND lest my last post wasn't convincing enough....

Do you REALLY want to know what it is like living in a place where the government pays for everything----like your housing, and your salary, and your higher education?

Well, having living in mainland China for two years (12 years ago--before all the recent changes) I can tell you what it is like for the average citizen.

IF the government pays for all of that, THEN the government also decides WHAT you will study in school, and then HOW much you should be paid for your job, and WHERE you will live and WHAT is suitable housing for you. Don't like it? T.O.U.G.H.

Want to know what it is like to shop in government run stores?

Imagine doing grocery shopping (or any other shopping for that matter) at the U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles....the hours....the LINES....the inefficiencies....it's FUN, FUN, FUN.!!

Here was my experience shopping at government run stores in China:

First you stand in line to look at what you want to possibly buy. (And there aren't that many choices....)

Then you stand in line to tell them what you want to buy.

Then you stand in another line to pay for the item.

And then you get to stand in ANOTHER line to pick up your item.

JUST like our local D.M.V.s. And horror of horrors should you pick the wrong line to stand in---too bad---start back in line one. Your last hour in the wrong line doesn't count!! And don't complain about the customer service. You can call the 1-800-number they give you and wait on that line for an hour to voice your complaint!

The government not only decides HOW much things should cost, but also HOW many things you are able to buy. AND they are in charge of deciding that TWO cereals are enough to sell. People don't need choice. Three types of cars are ENOUGH choice---and you can have a white one OR a black one. Done deal.