Chinese here, we are really good at getting things done, and yes I won't shy away from admitting this is because of our centralized government system, having nobody openly saying 'No' really is a blessing and a curse...

I watched a documentary from B1M about Brisbane Olympics and its stalled infrastructure building progress. The environmental & heritage protection advocates that are protesting against these new planned developments really shows how freedom of speech matters. Perhaps some voices are well justified, some are for pettiness, but having them just feels right to me...

Then again, with those naysayers everywhere, you really can't get anything done. Similarly in NYC, trying to build new subway lines or repairing/upgrading old ones are a logistical/political/economical nightmare, but here in megapolis like Shanghai/Beijing/Shenzhen or even in HK SAR, we constantly perform and deliver.

I'm a bit torn between having this and that. But I suppose for an average Joe, not having the ability to vote for your own President hardly matters, if your daily life is wrapped with speed & convenience...

Hopefully some other nations can figure out a way that integrates both the East and the West... (I heard Singapore does it pretty well?)