Peter Simpson's article ('670 days to go', October 8) appears to be a stereotypical example of many western reports on contemporary China.
I was in Beijing's Tiananmen Square last week, and I can confirm Simpson's description that 'everyone appears content and happy'. Yes, Chinese people on the whole are happier today, mainly because their average living standard has improved and achievements, like manned space flights, helped them regain confidence lost during 150 years of foreign humiliation.
To say patriotism is largely the result of regime's indoctrination is untrue - it existed long before the Chinese Communist Party came to power. Westerners, accustomed to prosperity and power, hardly comprehend the immense joy felt by people of developing nations for ground-breaking feats like Liu Xiang smashing the 110-metre hurdles world record in Athens.
Much of the western media emphasises that China's government is 'communist' even though communism today exists only in name in China where vibrant capitalism is now the way of life. They should try to understand China's cautious liberalisation policy as social, and political stability has been the very foundation of the ongoing development. At this transitional stage, China cannot afford to swiftly embrace western-style democracy because it risks civil turmoil - as seen in many developing countries.
Mr Simpson is worried the 'world might be offered a strong argument against western democracy'. Such a concept reminds us of cold war sentiment and the 'China threat' theory drummed up by hawks in the Pentagon and Japan.
Sir, please be a little humble and accept the fact that Chinese people are increasingly happy. Just relax, be our guest in 2008 and enjoy the Games.
STEPHEN CHAN, Kowloon Tong