A worker prepares red lantern decorations for the Spring Festival Temple Fair at the entrance to Ditan Park in Beijing, Jan. 20, 2009. (Photo : Reuters)
If there is one thing that is central to the "rule of law" that has been championed throughout China by governmental bodies over the last year, it is the importance of only paying attention to the real issues at hand.
Regardless of whatever "ifs" and "buts" may emerge, the rule of law abides by what has been formulated and documented by law and policymakers. The influence of this central tenet seems to have affected China Daily writer Wang Yiqing, who wrote about an "issue beyond firecrackers and cleaners" on Tuesday.
The author's editorial piece emerged in the wake of a viral image featuring two elderly street cleaners, who held up a card asking for fewer firecrackers during the Chinese New Year celebrations so that they can finish work earlier to celebrate Spring Festival with the rest of China.
Given the misinformed negativity and callous criticism that can often emerge from the keyboards of netizens, it was heartening to see the great magnitude of support for the two public employees, imploring China's youth to spare a thought and warranted respect for hard-working older generations.
Wang noted that the avid discussion expanded to cover the environment, as firecrackers were identified as a contributor to the highly problematic air pollution levels that have plagued China's metropolitan areas.
Of course, as was to be expected, there were also others who declared the couple's "moral blackmail" an incursion against the famous New Year tradition, while others felt it was unfair to laborers who are forced to work throughout the entire festival season.
It is in the conclusion that the China Daily writer commendably reaches the heart of the issue, whereby "we should realize that 'chicken soup for the soul' style appeals are not the type of help" that the street cleaners need. That is, if China really wants to substantially improve the couple's lives, then their working conditions need to be upgraded, their rights need to be actively upheld, and incremental wage increases need to be factored into their employment conditions.
And Wang also reminds us: "All this can be done by the authorities." Indeed.
