Actually, I should probably clarify my previous statement as in hindsight it does seem rash. What I meant was that from a broader governmental perspective, the value of human life is only an after thought. So what if tens of thousands of people, what matters is that the political objectives are achieved and/or the government isn't inconvenienced.
Take for example of the 5.21 earthquake in Sichuan. The reason for the large casualty is because *unofficially* of shoddy construction practices. After the earthquake the government paid lip service to improving safety but has construction practices improved?
Another example. Some time ago due to the deaths of some students in Shanghai due to a dormitory fire, the government started promoting fire safety, including at Yunnan University where I work. Two weeks later, due to a rash of thefts, they decide to put up cages around the first and second floor staircase when in essence sealed off the only *safe* means of escape in case of fire and the main entrance is blocked. Obviously the safety of the people is rarely present in policy decisions. I *personally* believe that such attitude is pervasive throughout Chinese society and hence why there is no uproar over these things.
I'm rushing though this post right before my classes so I'm probably rambling incoherently a little bit. I'll clarify after class.
Cheers~