If you really think this, you have no knowledge on China. There is complete freedom when in private discussion regarding anything.
Also, noone really checks these english language forums.
The Chinese commentators here are expressing what they think, and there is quite a following of Mao which can't be wished away.
We try to stay away from deifying anyone nowadays, but Mao's achievement is undeniable. He is not without his faults, but considering the level of devotion he had towards the well being of the Chinese civilization as a whole, the implications made by some posters is rather ridicules.
History is such a complex issue that I personally don't believe any historical event can be analyzed alone without taking into consideration of the historical context, the background and the interconnecting history. Some of the events and decisions make look ridicules if taken out of context, but once you have the proper frame of mind, then it will make much more sense.
There are a lot of example in this regards. For example, a few weeks ago I was discussing on why Germany launched the invasion of USSR during WWII. On the surface, it looked like a bad decision because it was the key event leading to the German defeat, but once taken into the context of the speed of industrial development in USSR, as well as the state of Germany's rivals in 1941, operation Barbarossa actually struck at the perfect time. Had Germany waited for a few more years, USSR would have the time to build uncontested and it would roll over the Germans rather easy since its economy was already stretched thin prior to WWII.
Similarly, Mao and his era cannot be discussed without understanding the proper context first. Though, for the record, Mao really isn't the one setting economic policies. While Mao was indeed the top leader of China, like any leader in a large civilization, they approve or disapprove policies, but don't necessary set them because their expertise lay elsewhere. Mao himself is a military strategist and a brilliant one at that, but he leaves diplomacy and national security to Zhao Enlai and economics to Deng Xiaoping or Chen Yun. The latter has been responsible of CCP's economic aspect since the 1930s.
Oh, that explains alot.
Just questioned that picture because the person at the gunpoint looks more like a kid.
I don't think that is a kid at all. In fact, I will not be surprised if the woman is well over 30 or even in the 40s. East Asians matures slower, but keep their youthful appearance for longer time than their Caucasian or African counterparts.
China, like most nations in the world, has reduced punishment against minors and instead opt for the education/behavior correction. While it is theoretically possible for a minor to receive capital punishment, the crime must be rather extreme and gruesome for that to happen.
