Tomorrow's Happiness

The following excerpt is from an article that appeared in Time magazine (September 27, 1999, Vol. 154, no. 12, www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/0927/democracy_wall.html)

Democracy Wall: A Sudden Explosion of Free Speech, 1979;Unorthodox Opinions Are Heard on the Street

by Wei Jingsheng

The outpouring of outspoken criticism could not have happened at any other time. In the early part of the 1970s, people had yet to realize how flawed the communist system was. Mao's death left a power vacuum that resulted in a loosening of control by the government. In bidding for power, Deng and rival factions tried to win the people's favor by allowing a small degree of freedom. These leaders hoped, too, that freedom of speech would result in people criticizing their opponents.

At first, I was optimistic. I believed that some people in the party would be open to fair criticism and that we would be allowed to continue to express our views. Within two months after the first genuinely critical essays had appeared, a real democratic opposition began to form. This group's goal wasn't merely to tinker with the system, but to declare that, without democracy, China had no future. Because of the controversy surrounding my essay, however, I realized that I would be arrested. This was disheartening, but I still believed that what I had written was right. (photo of Wei Jingsheng)

My friend, parting time is pending.

Farewell, democracy wall.

What can I say to you?

Should I speak of spring’s frigidity?

Should I say you are like the withered winter sweet?

No. I should instead talk of happiness,

tomorrow’s happiness.

Of pure orchid skies,

Of golden flowers,

Of a child’s bright eyes.

We ought to part with dignity, don’t you agree?

- an anonymously posted poem found on Democracy Wall (1978-1979)