Day: October 20, 2023

Dear fellow comrades,

Given the changing circumstances, I understand the importance of engaging in self-reflection. As a reporter, it is my duty to offer an accurate viewpoint on the subjects I investigate, not only for my own benefit but also for the individuals who peruse my published writings. I acknowledge that my previous evaluation of the land reform was founded on a narrow comprehension. Upon contemplation of my critique, I now realize that I failed to fully grasp the obstacles China was confronting during that period. A considerable portion of the article was dedicated to expressing apprehensions regarding violence and the fragmentation of the community.

However, In the words of great Chairman Mao, “A revolution is not a dinner party … A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another.” I failed to realize that communities can be repaired and that evil needed to be removed from society before we could move forward together toward a communist future. 

Looking back, I realize that my initial concerns were exaggerated, and my analysis did not fully appreciate the overarching goals of the land reform. The reform aimed to address inequality and poverty faced by our poor rural peasant backbone. The redistribution of land proved to empower these millions of poor peasants and was the first step of the socialization of agriculture where “social conditions are being created for a tremendous expansion of … agricultural production.” Although I briefly touched upon the success of land redistribution it wasn’t given the attention it deserved. I now have a more complete understanding. By not delving into the positive aspects and long-term advantages of land reform I failed to provide a comprehensive understanding to my readers and overlooked essential elements in the broader narrative of our development. 

I understand the importance of growing as a writer and embracing a nuanced approach in my work. As a journalist, it is essential that I admit when I make a mistake. Moving ahead I must prioritize providing in-depth and thoughtful analyses that take into account the aspects of the topics I cover. In hindsight, I realize that my previous critique of land reform was narrow-minded. Gaining an understanding of the complex matters involved I now understand the importance of conscious self-reflection. Moving forward I aspire to approach my future work with insight and a sincere dedication, providing my readers with an informed perspective.

 Sincerely, 

Hu Fan

Dearest tonghzimen,

 

I write today in reflection of my role as a reporter during these glorious past years. When I entered this position, though I knew that our nation was changing, nothing could have prepared me for the movements ahead. Looking back now, I am so grateful to have been able to experience the vital energy of Yenan, the success of Mao and the Chinese Communist Party against the Japanese devils and the indulgent Nationalists, and see so many amazing feats of the party take place such as land reform and the Great Leap Forward.

I also come to you today, penitent, as in reviewing my past publications, I realized in horror that I had sometimes doubted the actions of the party. As reporters, we take the great responsibility of correctly documenting events and accounts while giving our readers hope in the revolution. However, I fear that I may have sown doubt in such great movements such as land reform.

Although my family has historically been peasants, my father found some success in industry and was able to buy more land when I was young. Though I welcomed the liberation of land reform, I was concerned that men like him would be impacted. I now realize the error of my ways, As our Chairman has said, “In class society everyone lives as a member of a particular class, and every kind of thinking, without exception, is stamped with the brand of a class” (LRB, Ch.2). Since my terrible revelation, I have been working to radically reform my thought. I think of every fear, every predisposition of mine, denounce those that stem from my class background, and seek Mao’s guidance from the “Little Red Book” to know how I should think. 

I confess that although I criticized the actions of corrupt cadres, I never criticized Mao. The reality is that ten percent of every group consists of rightists, and I have long been wary of those who undermine party action or seek to enrich themselves through it rather than supporting  the people. I too have been harboring concerns about some within our midst, who have been all too quick to doubt Mao for any little thing that may go wrong. How could we doubt our great Chairman? Yet some have not listened to my warnings. As Mao as said, we must “learn from past mistakes to avoid future ones” and “cure the sickness to save the patient” (LRB, Ch. 27).

My comrades, I come to you today to right my wrongs and offer my apologies for not following the teachings of our great Chairman Mao to the best of my ability. It is my job as a reporter to give factual and credible information that supports the health of our Party and that of China. However, at times, I have not done my great duty and have instead disparaged the campaigns while only thinking of myself and my family. Mao himself has said, “Taught by mistakes and setbacks, we…become wiser and handle our affairs better. It is hard for any political party or person to avoid mistakes, but we should make as few as possible. Once a mistake is made, we should correct it, and the more quickly and thoroughly the better. [LBR 126]. Now is my time to correct my mistakes. 

It is sad to say I have not been a founding believer of the Chinese Communist Party. In 1950, I doubted Marxist teachings and the goals of the Communist Party. Although I was present in Yenan, I was simply reporting rather than spreading the words of Mao in the party’s time of need against the Japanese imperialists and the Nationalist Party. Furthermore, I was firm in my criticism of the Agrarian Reform Acts of 1950 and did not agree with the mass-line teachings. Mao has repeated time and time that “The people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of world history.” [LBR 62]. However, I saw the sexual violence and corruption while I was on village work teams and started to doubt the campaigns, fearing the same happening to my family and my village. I was wrong to think these actions of a few reflected the teachings and values of the many within the Party. I have since realized this mistake and dedicated my career to spreading the benefits of the CCP’s campaigns rather than sitting worrying about my well-being and that of my family. I understand not to “divorce myself from the masses” because the end goal will be the success of China through the teachings of the Communist Party [LBR 84].    

 

  

Comrades! I would be remiss if I were to never acknowledge my own failings, both large and small, my long tenure as a journalist has seen me crawl through the muck and back. Although I often attempted to keep my integrity as a journalist, and as a socialist, my failures have mounted over the years to a point where I wonder what impact I have left on this world. Now provably false, although I may no longer hold these beliefs, did I lead any of you readers down a path contrary to what we have fought for? Have I myself been at least a contributor to a fall of productivity and faith in the party? I would like to take this time to dissect some of my wrongdoings, and what I now believe are the true answers.

I’d like to discuss my most recent coverage at the backend of the Great Famine, during the meet of seven thousand. I placed far too much faith in the likes of Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping, both of whom have time and time again espoused and enacted policies contrary to the idea of a Socialist China, working for the benefit of the Chinese people. We now know that Mao had not stepped aside for who he saw as good men, no, he was pushed out by these revisionists! Thinking of the progress lost by this grabbag for power by those more interested in their own advancement, it’s horrifying. Chairman Ma has previously discussed the consequences of allowing counter-revolutionaries to have their way, even to say their piece:

 

“If, in the absence of these movements the…. counter-revolutionaries bad elements and monsters were allowed to crawl out while our cadres were to shut their eyes to all this and in many cases fail even to differentiate between the enemy and ourselves but were to collaborate with the enemy and were corrupted, divided and demoralized by him, if our cadres were thus pulled out or the enemy was able to sneak in, and if many of our workers, peasants, and intellectuals were left defenseless against both the soft and the hard tactics of the enemy, then it would not take long, perhaps only several years or a decade, or several decades at most, before a counter-revolutionary restoration on a national scale inevitably occurred, the Marxist-Leninist party would undoubtedly become a revisionist party or a fascist party, and the hole of China would change its color.” (LRB 25-26)

 

My other major failing, as I have seen it, is from long ago, back during the Jiangxi Soviet, when I tempered my view of the Chairman heavily. I discussed what I viewed to be “authoritarian tendencies” the words coming from a man jealous of the prowess he saw before him no doubt. Mao has proved this claim to be wrong time and time again, showing that he forwards the movement of the people first and foremost, and will refuse to rest even when the going gets tough. A true leader, who we all aspire to be, he no doubt has power over many people. But would I say he uses that power to control the lives of the many for some power fantasy? Absolutely not! 

Just as it is important to listen to the wise words of the party is just as important to check your thoughts and actions, both recent and in the past. Have you evolved past any previous misgivings? If you worked actively against the interests of the Chinese people have you worked towards rectifying that mistake, whether it be through labor or acknowledgment to your peers, working forward with renewed vigor? It is important we check in on one another, correcting mistakes when possible and working together towards the Chairman’s vision of our future, a bright future in a socialist paradise. Work and hardship are the only way to accomplish our goals, are you willing to commit fully, and without any reservation to the cause?

Dear Comrades, 

 

In my old age, I have been able to reflect back on my life not only as a journalist, but as a part of Mao’s revolution. During this crucial time for the people of China, it is important to reflect not only on the parties ideologies but also one’s views on how the revolution has gone up to where we stand in society today. Through my various interviews and sources I’ve been able to gather through the years, I have been able to learn the ins and outs of the CCP and the effects it’s had on society. As a neutral journalist, I have reported on real events happening within the party from the cities, all the way to Yenan and other rural areas. I have gone out of my way to acquire information in any way possible, even joining a commune and carrying out labor to put myself in the shoes of the masses. Though I have seen and reported on some misfortunate events as a result of the party’s policies, I have taken a second look at my own thoughts and words. I am repentful to speak of the dark days of the party, as those days don’t truly define what Mao has implemented in our society. The leadership of Mao that allowed China to escape the traditional confucianism and into the revolution is a great feat that no one else could lead. Before this revolution took place, peasants lived frantically and miserably. Without the work of the CCP, these people would have no opportunities to break the cycle of struggle that their families faced generation after generation. Though we aren’t completely out of struggle “He who is not afraid of death by a thousand cuts dares to unhorse the emperor” (Mao 27) this struggle is necessary to build up our society into socialism and communism. 

As a good Chinese citizen, I keep my Little Red Book in my pocket at all times and refer to it multiple times a day. At the beginning of my career in journalism, I was naive to overlook the words and only take a glance at the words of Chairman Mao. Now, I look for the correlations between the words Mao and those policies he implemented into society. I believe Mao is genius for this because it states his true intentions of what he wants China to be and his clear cut goals should be ingrained in the people of China. Although no policy can be perfect and not everytime will everyone support the goals of the leader, Mao demonstrates his best effort to create an equal and prosperous country in the eyes of the peasants. When leading this party, Mao explained how sacrifice and struggle was necessary to grow. He also suggests that it is a good thing to have disagreements as “if there were no contradictions in the Party and no ideological struggles to resolve them, the Party’s life would come to an end” (Mao, 27). This means it is necessary to have violence going on within the country and though it may not seem ideal, it keeps the country striving to be better. The CCP has proven it can unite a variety of people under the same ideologies which is the most important feature in a society. I may have mixed up my words when speaking of these policies in my earlier journals, but because I believe in Mao’s plan and the CCP I will be able to mend my mistakes. 

My valued readers,

For the last three decades, I have done my best to provide you with the most accurate, and honest opinion as to what has happened in our great nation. This incredible journey has taken me all across the country, from my home, to my time in school, to Yenan to observe the early Communist Party, and more recently to the countryside to report on land reform and the hardships of the recent natural disasters. I have tried to stay true to my roots when reporting. I know that I come from a more privileged background when compared to many of my fellow citizens, and this fact has not been lost on me. However, I’m afraid that it has caused me to make several grave mistakes in my reporting. Chairman Mao once said, “It is man’s social being that determines his thinking” (Mao, 96). I have spent the last weeks tirelessly studying the works of the Chairman, working out my wrongdoings, and understanding how I need to think and act better.

When reporting on land reform almost a decade ago, I contradicted the Party’s policies by voicing an opinion that I didn’t think that fairly achieved wealth should be taken away.  This was a mistaken opinion, as I should have put my faith in the Chairman and the Party, as they are the ones who dared to create positive change. As the Chairman said, “A revolution is not a dinner party” (Mao, 14). While I was at first taken aback by the violence, through reflection, I have come to understand how it was necessary in order to create the socialist society of the future. I hope that you all can forgive me for my transgressions, and see how hard I have worked to correct my thought to continue to bring the best possible reporting.

孙诚

6/10/1967

Hello All,

Mi Man Tian here again to address the situation of the red guard and the accusations many of my colleagues and I have been facing. My only intention in writing for the great newspaper that is “On the Ground in China” was to provide the masses with the most accurate and up to date information. I am willing to admit I have failed at that. I have been too preoccupied by the small setbacks that have been mere bumps in the road on the journey of glorious Chairman Mao, the great CCP, and the wonderful nation of China.

I have committed myself to improving my thoughts and decision making in ways of Chairman Mao. I have been devoting myself to his thoughts and policies by reading and memorizing his speeches from all these years ago.

I have criticized Mao in a few ways that I would like to clear up. Firstly, I once, many, many, years ago, condemned the party for the violence that the land reform campaigns could have possibly been responsible for. This is a complete misunderstanding. I should have known that these landlords and factory workers had it coming to them, and they should be punished for the way they treated people over their years. After all, Mao said, “it is only by the power of the gun that the working class and the labouring masses can defeat the armed bourgeoisie and landlords; in this sense we may say that only with guns can the whole world be transformed” (LBR 29) in 1938. I have now seen the way that Mao intended for these problems to be handled and I agree full heartedly. I have no idea what I was thinking!

While I am definitively guilty of crimes against the nation of China that I can only hope to repent for, I have also praised the chairman and the party or their policies and actions in the past. Years ago, I said in this very newspaper, “The Nationalist government’s inability to effectively address these pressing issues and unite the country under a single banner is what is leading to the popularity of the CCP. Its promises to not only fix the wrongdoings of the Nationalist party but also fix issues that have affected people in this country for generations”.

One again I would like to apologize for my transgressions against the nation. And can only hope for your mercy. I am so grateful to have a leader like Mao and a party like the CCP to run the nation I call home!

Dear my 同士,

 

Today, I am writing something that can contradict everything I have written on my blog. Until now, I have been pessimistic about the current situation and have only criticized the party. However, my criticism has been wrong, and I apologize for that today. I realized I am guilty of this and may have confused you, my readers, and divided our opinions.

I had previously made statements, especially that the Party’s goals were too high and unrealistic at the expense of the people’s lives. But here I realized that I had neglected the fundamental objective of our leader, Mao Zedong. In the first place, Mao Zedong always put us, the people, first. We must learn from his unselfish and humble character. (LRB 75) How could he, who always puts the people first, arbitrarily endanger their lives?

Mao Zedong said that there will be sacrifices if you struggle, and people will always experience death. However, if we think about the interests of the people and the suffering of the majority, we can say that dying for the people has given us a place to die. Only we should make as few unnecessary sacrifices as possible. (LRB 76)”. In other words, the current situation was necessary to transform the old Confucian-centered society into a new world.

I was shocked by the severe situation in the countryside, and I realized that I had quickly criticized the Party without being objective, and I regret it very much. It is impossible for a Party with such a spirit. Revolutions are not as easy and peaceful as a dinner party. We should think about the interests and growth of the country instead of being easily pleased or saddened by the situation in some regions, as I have been doing.

I am guilty of confusing readers and making misguided objections to the Party by my actions. “To treat comrades like enemies is to go over to the stand of the enemy.” (LRB 25) I constantly criticized the party for its shortcomings, thus hindering our unity. By regretting my own mistake, I want to contribute to the progress of China into a new society led by the Party and Mao Zedong.

Dear Tongzhimen,

I began my reporting career expressing to my readers the reasons the Communist Party could be the answer for bringing China great prosperity and returning the country to its former might. I prided myself on being a productive member of my work team, and now a teacher to the youth of Communist China. 

As I have participated in the Party’s mass campaigns, I have done my part to spread the ideals of the Communist Party throughout China. During land reform however, I am sorry to say that I allowed myself to question the policies of the Party. Through extensive self-reflection and reading my copy of the Quotations from Chairman Mao, I have realized the egregious error of my ways, and how my reporting during that time did not reflect my personal revolutionary values. I reported based on my experience in one village, rather than thinking about the socialist movement in China as a whole.  

I have always admired Chairman Mao and his commitment to equality for women, shown in many of his speeches and writings. The Chairman has fought valiantly for marriage equality, the right for women to work outside of the home, equal pay, and battled to change countless other inequities left from the old ways. As early as 1927 the Chairman, when organizing rural women’s associations, stated that “the opportunity has come for [women] to lift up their heads, and the authority of the husband is getting shakier every day” (LRB 130). He gave Chinese women the opportunity to “lift their heads” and rise up like never before. Chairman Mao has gone above and beyond in keeping his promise towards women, stating in 1955 that “men and women must receive equal pay for equal work in productive activity” (LRB 131). I truly regret expressing my concerns to the Party during the land reform campaign, and I have continued my work to right these wrongs. 

I am grateful to Chairman Mao and the Party for offering us the opportunity for self-criticism, because “conscientious practice of self-criticism is still another hallmark distinguishing our Party from all other political parties” and “as we say, dust will accumulate if a room is not cleaned regularly” (LRB 114). Please Comrades, accept my sincerest apologies and understand that I am dedicated to change, and dedicated to the Party. Long live Chairman Mao!

Dear fellow reporters and comrades, I am writing to you today with a message different from that of my usual dispatches. It is becoming increasingly clear to me that through bits and pieces of my reporting, my words have been nothing less than reckless. In the early 1950s, I published a piece in On the Ground in China that inaccurately described the goals of the great Chairman Mao’s Land Reform initiative. I claimed that Chairman Mao was engaging in theatrics as he set out to achieve the wonderful rewards that Land Reform would bring to the masses. Upon reflecting, however, I feel it is wrong for me to imply that the Chairman engages in theatrics. Chairman Mao is a man who sets out to achieve goals for the people, not to play around. I should have known from some of the Chairman’s most famous words that he was not here to engage in theatrics. He tells us, “Our stand is that of the proletariat and of the masses. For members of the Communist Party, this means keeping to the stand of the Party, keeping to Party spirit and Party policy.” [LRB 15] I have always understood the importance of standing with the proletariat and I hope that I can be forgiven for my remarks. 

Comrades, this is not the only place where I have made false claims. In my article about the Three Years of Natural Disasters, I wrote “I can only wonder who will claim responsibility for the devastating past few years.” I would never ever accuse the Chairman of causing three years of natural disasters. Surely that is outrageous. Of course, it is impossible for the Chairman to somehow cause terrible storms to ravage the countryside. Am I silly? Do I not know how the weather works? As I should know during these Three Years of Natural Disasters, many sacrifices were made. “Wherever there is struggle there is sacrifice, and death is a common occurrence” [LRB 82]. I understand the implications of my reckless comments throughout my reporting. I am wholeheartedly in support of the great Chairman, who I know will only bring our great country to new heights never seen before.