Comments on: Some Clarifications

By: chinalotus

chinalotus — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:55:35 +0000

Smiling lady, It’s a bit to early to conclude that we can stop holding our breath! Parliament still has to decide (probably Tuesday) if they follow the advice of the minister. They can still decide tot put a direct hold to adoptions from China.
I hesitate to say I think they will follow the advice. Ik think, hope and believe that, but we can’t be sure.

By: mom222b

mom222b — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:22:38 +0000

babysister – you should try living in NY :)

It is unfortunate that the good people of the Netherlands had to endure this on top of the already discouraging wait. I can certainly understand why you were concerned and glad that the Minister of Justice has put and end to the situation.

My DH came home last night and said he heard there was some trouble brewing in China. I said that’s odd, I haven’t heard anything. I searched on the Internet and CNN but it was when I came here I found the information about the rioting in Tibet.

I don’t know if this wait has completely desensitized me but I definitely don’t freak out like I used to when I hear about the US and China having strained relations. It seems like a game of chess to me and it has been happening for years.

Jo-Anne
2/28/06

By: waitingtobeamom2

waitingtobeamom2 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:22:33 +0000

Netherland Families,
I am so glad that level heads and common sense seems to have prevailed. I was thinking of you in your time of great uncertainty.

By: will

will — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:29:55 +0000

Sorry smiling lady,
in my hurry giving a free translation, I know see that you already did this (better).
groetjes,
Will

By: will

will — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:22:21 +0000

Dear RQ,
here a message from Holland. Our Minister of Justice has send a letter to parlement. He seems to be in ‘our corner’.
Shortly en free translated:
he sums up the facts given by the journalists;
he has trouble with the fact that they didn’t hear CCAA in the matter (my interpretation bad journalism);
he will order an investigation, but emphasises the fact that in his opinion CCAA has improved the situation since 2005;
in fact that he has evidence out of first hand that in several cases CCAA has handled 100% conform Hague treaty and correctly;
that he has the impression that things have inproved overall in China since Hunan-incident;
that he won’t take other drastical further steps on the scarce facts given, but will wait for the reaction from China-officials;
he will send a high civil servant to China;
he will make contact with other officials internationally;
that stopping IA now would perhaps unnecceserley harm the good relationship with China;
he will inform parlement before firsth of May.
Pardon me for my bad English.
Will

By: smiling lady

smiling lady — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:51:35 +0000

Sorry for my vocabulary: not ‘trust’ but confidence or faith, and ‘en’ is dutch for ‘and’…

By: smiling lady

smiling lady — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:46:01 +0000

The minister of Justice in the Netherlands has send a letter to parliament today. It appears that the minister is carefull about making conclusions and nuances the former discussion. PFFFFH! I can stop holding my breath.

In short the content of the letter:
* acknowledgement of the seriousness of the situation IF it appears to be true
* however,according to the minister, the documentary gives a onesided view en no reaction of the CCAA
* the ministery has trust in CCAA en the work they have done since the Hunan schandal and has seen good progress in working with the Hague convention.

* the ministery will not take drastic steps now, but the minister:

* will request clarification at the CCAA
* will ask for new garantees/ prove in future adoptions for following the Hague convention
* visit from high level civil service to CCAA
* will request other countries in international adoption for further co-operation in these above steps
* will reply to parliament for progress 1 mei 2008

By: 2qts4me

2qts4me — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:47:14 +0000

I watched BBC last night, and one of the reporters who was from Hunan went back there to see the changes.
There is indeed great wealth in China, much more than I ever expected. A factory Manager had a home that was the exact replica of Versaille Palace in France. He had several helicopters and the list goes on.

She visited with her family. Her Uncle has 2 sons, and both these sons were working in the city. He was taking care of their sons (grandchildren). All the family relatives that she visited had more than one child. Her family members said that the younger generation are leaving the rural areas and making good money in the city. It was very interesting.

By: The Gang

The Gang — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:40:15 +0000

Thank you, RQ for a well-thought out, well articulated series of conversations about recent events. I appreciate the time and effort that this takes, as a mom of four who also tries to find time to work part-time, volunteer part-time and blog in the midst of it all. My kids are older than yours, so I really find myself wondering how you get it all down in such an eloquent manner. Even as old as my kids are, I still feel like a babbling idiot most of the day :)

Thanks also for keeping us abreast of these issues, and presenting a wider perspective. We cannot possibly understand the way that their ancient culture impacts their current decisions. The Western mind/culture/philosophy, etc. is just so completely different from theirs. The best we can do is be vigilant to participate in improving things where we can and learning more about the “back story” of those things we truly don’t understand. And when we get these precious jewels in our arms and in our forever families, we raise them to know that they have incredible value and worth just because they are. And that they were created to belong to this family in which they are placed.

As I’m anticipating creating and providing that sort of loving atmosphere for my coming daughter, I find myself all to aware of the areas of my life where I am NOT loving generously or unconditionally. And where I am not valuing my current biological children as highly as I ought. It’s been a humbling journey, but one I am incredibly grateful for – and I believe that we will be a better family for it – all of it!

By: abbeygirl

abbeygirl — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:15:53 +0000

I live in the sticks of Pennsylvannia. You may use that the next time you need a ficticous place to say so others are not offended. OMG what is going on in this world. We cant mention anything anymore without someone being offended. Thanks for everything RQ it is much appreciated.
LID 2/16/06