China has long been a country
known to employ Draconian measures to solve social problems. Thousands of years
ago, its Great Wall was constructed for the sole purpose of keeping foreigners
out. More recently, a one child per family edict was issued to control a
population exploding more rapidly than a troupe of rabbits that had chewed its way into a Viagra factory. And, the
Three Gorges hydroelectric dam, the largest in the world, will provide power to
people for years to come...but displaced an estimated 1.24 million residents.
Faced with an ever-growing pollution problem in Beijing, the Chinese were true to form in their response. Beginning in August, 2013, residents of this city of over 20 million people will be limited to breathing only 23 hours/day. Official recommend holding one’s breath periodically for 20-60 seconds at a time for compliance; over the course of a day, this should result in saving precious oxygen in the beleaguered city.
People will be monitored with devices to affirm their compliance, and violators are to have their noses pinched shut for an hour. Ling Su Tso, deputy of the newly created Fresh Air Revival Team (FART), said, “Air is important to our people. We want them to conserve this precious resource.”
Meanwhile, residents of Beijing are concerned about their health. Stepping up to the plate are local Chinese entrepreneurs who are selling paper & plastic bags filled with fresh air. And sterile face masks, once the trademark of Michael Jackson, are now more prevalent on the streets of Beijing than young boys at the late singer’s Neverland ranch.
Tom Frisben, a US State Department liaison, was asked when travels would learn if they were subject to the breathing restrictions. “If you’re waiting for an answer from the Chinese, don’t hold your breath,” he replied.
Faced with an ever-growing pollution problem in Beijing, the Chinese were true to form in their response. Beginning in August, 2013, residents of this city of over 20 million people will be limited to breathing only 23 hours/day. Official recommend holding one’s breath periodically for 20-60 seconds at a time for compliance; over the course of a day, this should result in saving precious oxygen in the beleaguered city.
People will be monitored with devices to affirm their compliance, and violators are to have their noses pinched shut for an hour. Ling Su Tso, deputy of the newly created Fresh Air Revival Team (FART), said, “Air is important to our people. We want them to conserve this precious resource.”
Meanwhile, residents of Beijing are concerned about their health. Stepping up to the plate are local Chinese entrepreneurs who are selling paper & plastic bags filled with fresh air. And sterile face masks, once the trademark of Michael Jackson, are now more prevalent on the streets of Beijing than young boys at the late singer’s Neverland ranch.
Tom Frisben, a US State Department liaison, was asked when travels would learn if they were subject to the breathing restrictions. “If you’re waiting for an answer from the Chinese, don’t hold your breath,” he replied.
