Is this something a human being would do?

It's been a long time since I've written any current affairs commentary, mainly because people used to call me a radical youth, so I've been too embarrassed to say anything or explain myself. You may not care about current events, you may say you have no power to do anything, but as a Chinese person, it will always be closely related to you, even if it's just a small effort to discourage your friends.

I recently heard that Zhang Jilong didn't run for AFC president because the General Administration of Sport (GAS) refused to support him to maintain the overall situation. I was indignant and wrote this blog post! Rumor has it that the GAS, in order to secure support from the Olympic Council of Asia for some Chinese strong sports that are on the verge of being phased out of the Olympics, such as table tennis and badminton, didn't support Zhang Jilong's candidacy, thus avoiding offending anyone. My first thought was: What a beast!

This situation is somewhat similar to that of Yue Fei in the Southern Song Dynasty. Zhang Jilong had worked hard for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for many years, and last year, through his long-term efforts, he finally obtained the position of First Vice President. He also served as Acting President during Hammam's suspension. After Hammam's global ban, the AFC decided to hold a new election for President this year. Under Zhang Jilong's leadership, this year was not exactly peaceful and prosperous, but at least it was smooth sailing, and East and West Asia coexisted peacefully. Just when he was full of confidence that he could win the presidency in one fell swoop, an order came from the distant court, ordering him to consider the overall situation and obey the arrangement, and not to run for election.

Isn't this outrageous? Putting aside the bigger picture, you sent someone to work for the AFC, and they've worked hard for years without asking the government for a single penny, without even caring about their well-being. Now, just when they're about to succeed, why don't you support them? They've already gone all in, and you're telling them they can't even fart? Besides, what's your "big picture"? Table tennis or badminton? These sports, played by only a few countries worldwide, are naturally phased out by the market. What's the point of going against market principles and forcing them to stay? They'll be kicked out sooner or later anyway. The only benefit I can think of is more medals at the Olympics, which some people can use to get promoted and make money!

Why does this scenario feel so familiar? It seems we've all become accustomed to this pattern over the past two thousand years. A few days ago, I saw news reports that people in Sichuan, fearing retaliation, paid to travel to several provinces to petition! Why are they so desperate to stop the emperor's carriage to seek justice? If they're lucky, they might encounter a good official who helps them; if they're unlucky, their entire family might be executed. Imagine, to what extent would ordinary people be driven to petition like this? How much resentment would you need to do something like this?

I know many people will say at this point that our national conditions are unique, and the current political system is the best approach. Indeed, our national conditions are unique, and the current system isn't terrible. But is it the best? At best, it's a transitional phase. Without gradual reforms and changes, how can we "grow crops"?

Without change and action, only destruction awaits.

And I forgot to mention, those in charge at CCTV and the General Administration of Sport, just how much do you guys love table tennis that you even broadcast an internal team selection tournament? You're always complaining about limited time, yet you do things like this. How can anyone believe you? You always talk about high ratings, but where are they high? I think if possible, broadcasting programs about officials choosing mistresses would satisfy the needs of the general public and also promote government transparency!