Blog.Chunsum.Choi

3 Years ago, I attended a group meeting of Sigma DSLR users in Santa Fe, New Mexico where I met a bunch of wonderful people. One person who stood out more than others is Jerry. This man is full of life, energy, enthusiasm, and flare just like the car he was driving.

In the past 3 years, Jerry has had some rough experiences in his personal life. But he has prevailed like I expect he would, strong and inspiring. However, life has struck again (http://forums.dpreview~1894927). I know it is extremely hard on him this time, but once again he seems to find the strength to be strong and to inspire.

I hope that I will never have to go through what Jerry had to deal with. And if by any chance I do, please let me be as strong and inspiring as Jerry.

Jerry, our hearts is with you my friend. Always.

Doesn’t begin to describes things for my wife’s family. In late 2007 her parents passed away. In 2008, her cousins and aunt had some serious domestic issues. And now in 2009, her uncle(her father’s older brother) has passed away after battling a degenerative disease for about 4 years.

I’ve already ran out of words to say. I just hope that this is the end of all this bad stuff for them.

In the recent months, we have seen how the ethical practices of Chinese people can affect the world. From lead paint toys, to the tainted milk, and now the poison honey, we are seeing the ugly side of the great Chinese culture. Mark my word, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

“Don’t stereo type the Chinese of being unethical. After all they are your people.” A friend said to me during a conversation over this topic. True, not everyone is unethical. However, majority of them(us) are in violation to a certain degree.

Take my wife for example, She is a victim of such violations. Before she and her family moved the US, she had crowns done on her for front teeth by a dentist in China. The dentist, who probably thinks if he can skim on his work, he will be able to make a little more cash and guaranteed future business. So, he put in 4 posts without having her done a root canal. Little did he know that they were leaving in 3 months.

Forward about 8 years, we had just started dating, and she was in China with her parents on a extended vacation and 2 of those teeth started to hurt and eventually swelled at the gums. Of course, she had to have root canal done while she was in China.

Fast forward to last week. One of her crown fell off. So, we head to a new dentist in our neighborhood to have a new crown done. Well guess that, the 2 teeth she had redone almost 6 years ago, wasn’t done properly. One of them looked like they had left something(cotton swab tip) in.

This is not ending up well for us because this will probably require some sort of surgery. It going to be painful, and it’s going to be expensive.

What’s my point? My point is that if a educated “professional” in the Chinese society will violate their ethical code, almost everyone there will. I am not just pissed because my wife is a victim, I am speaking the “TRUTH”.

I’ve heard stories of recycled 1 year old cakes fillings repackaged and sold, tooth pastes made with toxic materials, old cooking oil filtered and repackaged, used parts in AC units, and many, many more.

This is a sign of a sick society where corruption is the way and greed is king. Especially when is trickles from the top down. These so called leaders must step up and either take the blame or take initiative to make things better. I would prefer that they show some balls and do something about it instead of stepping down and let some other idiot run the show.

It is a sad day for being Chinese.

Here are some recent links for everyone:
http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=9261940e-c555-4bb9-bd4b-7c3170908e52
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2009/01/06/2003433005
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jL7mHkJcSHVOLlejms7eQS2xXDiwD95F2JV80
http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20090102/OPINION01/901020306

Have fun.

After 3 weeks of fight and struggle, My Mother-in-Law left us this past weekend.

Ricky, My Brother-In-Law took it the hardest. My wife is stressed but seems to be dealing with it. I, on the other hand, am trying to keep my composure. Someone has to be strong when they cannot be.

I hope things will turn for the better from now. I can’t imagine taking another hit like this anytime soon. Physically, financially, and most of all, EMOTIONALLY.