Shenzhen's Miracle: Planned Transformation vs. American Urban Stagnation

2025-04-04
Shenzhen's Miracle: Planned Transformation vs. American Urban Stagnation

Shenzhen's transformation from a fishing village to a global tech hub is a testament to China's reform and opening-up policy and its bold urban planning. The article contrasts Shenzhen with American cities, arguing that stringent US regulations hinder large-scale urban renewal, resulting in less modernized cityscapes despite the presence of leading tech companies. The author suggests that America's overly restrictive approach to urban change has missed opportunities for economic transformation similar to Shenzhen's, subtly linking this conservative planning ideology to the previously discussed misguided trade protectionism, ultimately harming overall economic interests.

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Trump's War on the Civil Service and the Democratic Party's Dilemma

2025-02-06
Trump's War on the Civil Service and the Democratic Party's Dilemma

This article analyzes Donald Trump's attacks on the federal civil service, arguing that they undermine the government's ability to provide public services and fulfill its functions, while also harming individual civil servants. The author contends that the Democratic Party, in response, has prioritized unity with labor unions over the principle that public institutions should prioritize the needs of their users above those of their workforce or ideological projects. Using education as an example, the author argues that excessive reliance on teachers' unions has led to a decline in Democrats' trustworthiness on education issues. The article emphasizes that effective governance requires a degree of intra-coalition tension, urging Democrats to strike a balance between maintaining coalition unity and pursuing the public good.

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Politics Civil Service