‘Wall of Silence’
The front-page picture (June 20) of “The Wall of Silence” (at the Great Wall in China) provokes vivid images of contrast in my mind.
Two days prior to martial law being declared in Beijing. My husband, Norm, and I stood on the Great Wall of China. In the midst of a crush if tourists we stopped to take pictures of three preschool-aged Chinese children, their father, and an elderly Chinese couple who were making that incredibly difficult climb. Their excitement and animated countenances belied any impending peril or violence in Tian An Men Square.
These images are deeply ingrained in our minds. Everywhere we went the middle-school children, their teachers and supporters were making and bearing the red flag of freedom in support. They were bused and trucked throughout Beijing in great numbers. Everywhere we went there was great enthusiasm--our tour guides talked excitedly about their hopes for freedom, and listened to Chinese broadcasts wherever we were.
However, the great masses of workers pedaled by noiselessly and disinterestedly on their endless treadmill.
DENISE WIEME
Escondido
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