June 4th anniversary: 30 years Later

      Orville Schell is the Arthur Ross Director of the center on U.S.-China Relations at the Asia Society and the co-author with John Delury, of  "Wealth and Power:China's Long march to the Twenty-First Century."    So, it is not surprising that he was in China in 1989.  But it is at least a little surprising that he was a witness to the events of June 4th, 1989, that occurred in and around Tiananmen Square, the showplace of the Chinese Communist Party and the site of the mausoleum of the founder of the communist party in China, Mao Zedong.  Foe the last 30 years, Mr. Schell has lectured, written, and advised leaders on China and things Chinese.  He is a most sought after expert on Chinese history, culture, and politics.  He holds a PhD from the Univ. of California, Berkeley.  He has written 14 books, countless articles in various publications, and serves on the Council on Foreign Relations. He is a regular at the World Economic Forum.  He has traveled to China regularly since 1974.  Tiananmen Square: of course he's there.
         How many Americans have walked the pavement of Tiananmen Square?  3,000? 10,000?  It seems that no matter the actual total, it's very few.  As I walked across the pavement, I was impressed with the actual dimensions of the place:  seems about 1/4 mile wide by about 1/2 mile long, anchored by Mao's tomb on one end and the Heavenly Gate on the other.  Nowadays, the Square is often visited by Chinese citizens to pay homage to the old revolutionary Mao.  One can buy a bouquet of yellow flowers to place next to his glass enclosed sarcophagus, as guards observe all who move through the enclosed space to the exit door opposite the entrance.  Wired plainclothes security guards are perched at key positions watching for the least untoward action by visitors.  For Chinese citizens, I'm sure their effort is based on curiosity as much as reverence.  Judging by the size of the stack of floral gifts, there are a few Chinese still in awe.
        Outside, positioned strategically about, PLA(army) personnel are seen standing on elevated platforms observing all.  These uniformed individuals almost seem like actors on a stage involved in a modern dramatic play as the citizenry performs in the Square itself.  For 30 years, the Communist Party has made the effort to prevent a repeat of June 4,1989.  Once was enough; anymore could be hazardous to the future of one party rule.
       So, Orville Schell can put the experience into his repertoire of Chinese experience on which he can draw as needed as he advises and educates on modern China.  How fortunate we, as Americans, have such a distinguished fellow in our midst who can speak with authority on our Chinese friends.  Has he been called to the Trump White H

number on shirt is date:June 4, 1989

ouse?  What do you think?