TRADITION OR PROFIT? Mooncakes packed in extravagant boxes are the focus of criticism about
excess packaging during the increasingly commercial Mid-Autumn Festival

An End to Privilege

From January 2009, the Altay Prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will lead the country in establishing the official property declaration system, replacing the old "income declaration." According to a survey on local officials' attitude toward this reform, opponents make up 70 percent, 20 percent show indifference while only 10 percent express strong support.

The new supervisory system in Altay will cover not only officials, but also officials' families and close relatives. In the past, the declaration was not opened to the public, but the new regulation says the property declaration must accept scrutiny from the whole society.

The property declaration system targets officials who seek personal gains at public expenses and embezzle public funds, putting an end to illegal privileges. Resistance from vested interest groups is unavoidable, as no one would willingly give up their privileges. But if the resistance is not removed, the reform will not go on. Thus, it's important to find the reasons.

If it is because the officials are not fully aware of the system's role in promoting clean governance, education is needed. If some are opposed to the reform because they are corrupt, these officials must be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Shanghai Business

Tradition Being Trapped

For Chinese people around the world, the Mid-Autumn Festival (September 14 this year) is an occasion for family reunions. However, businesses seem to dictate the rules in what has become the game of Mid-Autumn Festival, turning it into a money-making opportunity.

Overwhelming commercials on expensive festival gifts dominate TV channels. People are encouraged and even forced to buy luxuriously packaged mooncakes. Why is this wonderful ancient festival made into a commercial celebration and the public subjected to the commercial trap of expensive mooncakes?

Nowadays, many people are even afraid of traditional festivals, as they feel tortured by various commercial ideas in the name of traditional obligation. In this way, how can we expect the younger generation to love their traditional festivals, which used to be very culturally significant events?

To let the public decide for themselves how to spend a relaxing and meaningful festival is the best way to help our traditional festival survive modern times.

Guangzhou Daily

Pork's Vicious Circle

Since it reached an all-time high in March, the retail price of pork in east China's Qingdao City had already dropped 15 percent on average until early September. While the lower pork price pleases consumers, pig farmers are worried about the shrinking profit margin and some have even stopped raising pigs.

If the situation continues, the pork price is expected to rise again due to insufficient supplies. To ensure pig farmers can make profits, a stable price is vital.