Civic spirit flourishing
Apart from discussions and proposals by NPC and CPPCC deputies and members, common citizens have offered their ideas on how to fight the economic crisis. This reflects China's flourishing civic spirit, says a commentary on the website www.sina.com.cn. Following is an excerpt:
Recently quite a few signs of citizens' participation in public affairs have emerged. Netizens swapped ideas online with Premier Wen Jiabao, some requested transparency in the $586 million stimulus plan, and many actively submitted proposals to the NPC and CPPCC. This is a sign of the Chinese people's maturing civic spirit.
It means citizens are conscious of their rights, responsibilities and obligations. Good citizens should actively take part in public affairs. In history, Chinese people were just subjects who lacked independence. With democratic progress and rule of law, the Chinese people are more confidently taking part in their own destinies.
(China Daily 03/05/2009 page9)
