Comer Initiates Another Investigation (Political Circus) Into Walz' "relationship with China"

[wing2000]

In a letter to FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) wrote that Walz (D) had “concerning ties” to China, citing the governor’s dozens of trips to the country, and requested a trove of documents and information related to Chinese entities that Walz has engaged with.

“Americans should be deeply concerned that Governor Walz, Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential running mate, has a long-standing and cozy relationship with China,” Comer said in a statement. “Mr. Walz has visited China dozens of times, served as a fellow at a Chinese institution that maintains a devotion to the CCP, and spoke alongside the President of a Chinese organization the State Department exposed as a CCP effort to influence and co-opt local leaders.”

[red flag...politicians telling us what we should be deeply concernced with]

And what did Tim Walz do? This reeks of McCarthyism....

Walz first went to China in 1989 as part of a teach-abroad program run by Harvard University, and he taught English and American history for one year. Later on with his wife, Gwen, Walz established Educational Travel Adventures, which coordinated trips to China.

In the years since, during his time in elected office, Walz has served on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and spearheaded legislation that censured the country’s human rights record. He has been critical of the Chinese government’s actions for most of his time in public office.

Another political circus compliments of your GOP Oversight Committee led by James Comer.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/16/tim-walz-house-gop-committee/

 

[Vambram]

One person's political circus is another person's legitimate investigation.

 

[AlexB23]

In a letter to FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) wrote that Walz (D) had “concerning ties” to China, citing the governor’s dozens of trips to the country, and requested a trove of documents and information related to Chinese entities that Walz has engaged with.

“Americans should be deeply concerned that Governor Walz, Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential running mate, has a long-standing and cozy relationship with China,” Comer said in a statement. “Mr. Walz has visited China dozens of times, served as a fellow at a Chinese institution that maintains a devotion to the CCP, and spoke alongside the President of a Chinese organization the State Department exposed as a CCP effort to influence and co-opt local leaders.”

[red flag...politicians telling us what we should be deeply concernced with]

And what did Tim Walz do? This reeks of McCarthyism....

Walz first went to China in 1989 as part of a teach-abroad program run by Harvard University, and he taught English and American history for one year. Later on with his wife, Gwen, Walz established Educational Travel Adventures, which coordinated trips to China.

In the years since, during his time in elected office, Walz has served on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and spearheaded legislation that censured the country’s human rights record. He has been critical of the Chinese government’s actions for most of his time in public office.

Another political circus compliments of your GOP Oversight Committee led by James Comer.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/16/tim-walz-house-gop-committee/

The investigation might be necessary (cos China has a lot of power on the world stage), but this investigation would be better handled by an independent organization, as in an investigation lead by someone with an (I) besides his/her name instead of an (R) or (D). A committee run by a third party would be a good option.

 

[wing2000]

The investigation might be necessary (cos China has a lot of power on the world stage), but this investigation would be better handled by an independent organization, as in an investigation lead by someone with an (I) besides his/her name instead of an (R) or (D). A committee run by a third party would be a good option.

Why is it necessary?

He participated in educational exchanges with China...first in a teach abroad program after college...and later, he and his wife established an educational travel organization.

Is learning about other cultures suspect?

 

[comana]

Wow, teaching English abroad and travel. We should be suspicious of Americans who like to visit other countries now?

 

[public hermit]

The investigation might be necessary (cos China has a lot of power on the world stage), but this investigation would be better handled by an independent organization, as in an investigation lead by someone with an (I) besides his/her name instead of an (R) or (D). A committee run by a third party would be a good option.

Let's be real, if they had an independent organization, some people would still cry that it's politically driven and must be investigated by them. Let them investigate. They already look desperate. Why stop them now?

 

[AlexB23]

Why is it necessary?

He participated in educational exchanges with China...first in a teach abroad program after college...and later, he and his wife established an educational travel organization.

Is learning about other cultures suspect?

It is okay to learn about other cultures. In order to appease the Republicans, and give Walz credibility, a 3rd party organization that is not politically aligned with any of the two major parties should still do a check on Walz. Then, we can keep the right happy, though not much can seem to appease the farther portions of the right. In other words, a compromise solution such as an independent investigation can be used, that is fair for both the left and the right.

 

[wing2000]

"In the summer of 1989, Tim Walz faced a difficult choice.

A newly minted college graduate from small-town Nebraska, he had just turned down a stable, 9-to-5 job offer and moved across the world to teach at a local high school in China. He had made it as far as Hong Kong, just across the Chinese border, when People’s Liberation Army tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square to crush pro-democracy protests.

Rumors were flying about a possible civil war in China. Many foreigners, including most American teachers, had fled the country. Should he go back home or continue his journey into China?

He decided to go in.

“It was my belief at that time that the diplomacy was going to happen on many levels, certainly people to people,” Mr. Walz recalled in 2014 during a congressional hearing marking the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. “The opportunity to be in a Chinese high school at that critical time seemed to me to be really important.”

The one year that Mr. Walz spent teaching English in southern China was the start of what would become a decades-long relationship with the country. As high school teachers in Nebraska and Minnesota, Mr. Walz and his wife, Gwen, regularly led trips to China in the 1990s and early 2000s to introduce students to China’s history and culture. Mr. Walz has said that he has traveled to China some 30 times, including for his honeymoon."

Tim Walz’s Long Relationship With China Defies Easy Stereotypes

Mr. Walz, the Democrats’ vice-presidential nominee, taught in China and has visited the country around 30 times. But he has also been critical of the Chinese government’s human rights record.

www.nytimes.com

 

[AlexB23]

Let's be real, if they had an independent organization, some people would still cry that it's politically driven and must be investigated by them. Let them investigate. They already look desperate. Why stop them now?

Yeah, the left would say the independent organization is too far right, while the right would say the independent organization is too far left. Some folks on the forum say I am too conservative, while others say I am too liberal. So yeah, there is no pleasing everybody.

But yeah, why stop them now. If the investigation is stopped, the GOP nomination would probably say some bad things. Oh wait, he already does.

 

[wing2000]

It is okay to learn about other cultures. In order to appease the Republicans, and give Walz credibility, a 3rd party organization that is not politically aligned with any of the two major parties should still do a check on Walz. Then, we can keep the right happy, though not much can seem to appease the farther portions of the right. In other words, a compromise solution such as an independent investigation can be used, that is fair for both the left and the right.

With all do respect, nothing will keep Comer and his fellow Repulbicans happy ...unless they get to publicly ask Walz leading questions for their 15 second video propaganda. They're as bad as the Chinese government.

 

[AlexB23]

With all do respect, nothing will keep Comer and his fellow Repulbicans happy ...unless they get to publicly ask Walz leading questions for their 15 second video propaganda. They're as bad as the Chinese government.

I do agree. Nothing can keep Comer happy, it seems. 2024, regardless of which country one resides in, has been a mess on all sides, with propaganda spread from the left, the far-right, China, Russia, and other countries. Who knows, China or Russia could be injecting propaganda into both parties in the US right now.

US government (FBI) thwarted Russia disinformation campaign:

US disrupts Russian government-backed disinformation campaign that relied on AI technology

A Russian internet propaganda campaign backed by the Kremlin that spread disinformation in the United States and relied on artificial intelligence has been disrupted.

apnews.com

 

[public hermit]

Yeah, the left would say the independent organization is too far right, while the right would say the independent organization is too far left. Some folks on the forum say I am too conservative, while others say I am too liberal. So yeah, there is no pleasing everybody.

But yeah, why stop them now. If the investigation is stopped, the GOP nomination would probably say some bad things. Oh wait, he already does.

What reason do they have to investigate? He taught in China and enjoyed it? He loves the culture? He's been critical of the same things about China most of us also see. It's one thing to have some evidence or reason to investigate, that's how investigations should start, but they're just mad at him because they can be.

Here's where Walz is an asset. We need better relations with China, and he might be able to bring some communication and empathy into a situation that more and more seems to be going south. One thing Trump will certainly do is make our relationship with China worse. His tariffs and rhetoric about China are sure to make things worse. We don't need war with China. When it comes to China, we shouldn't be worried about Walz; we should be worried about Trump.

 

[AlexB23]

What reason do they have to investigate? He taught in China and enjoyed it? He loves the culture? He's been critical of the same things about China most of us also see. It's one thing to have some evidence or reason to investigate, that's how investigations should start, but they're just mad at him because they can be.

Here's where Walz is an asset. We need better relations with China, and he might be able to bring some communication and empathy into a situation that more and more seems to be going south. One thing Trump will certainly do is make our relationship with China worse. His tariffs and rhetoric about China are sure to make things worse. We don't need war with China. When it comes to China, we shouldn't be worried about Walz; we should be worried about Trump.

Yeah, I am not sure what is running through Comer's head, but a lot of folks, including myself are wary of China. But yes, Walz could help form diplomatic relationships with China, and end the tension potentially, or at least avoid a war. However, China has mistreated their people, so we must not form any diplomatic relationships with China until Beijing cleans up their act (such as shutting down the Uighur labor camps). Trump would probably make things worse in regards to China.

 

[public hermit]

Yeah, I am not sure what is running through Comer's head, but a lot of folks, including myself are wary of China. But yes, Walz could help form diplomatic relationships with China, and end the tension potentially, or at least avoid a war. However, China has mistreated their people, so we must not form any diplomatic relationships with China until Beijing cleans up their act (such as shutting down the Uighur labor camps). Trump would probably make things worse in regards to China.

I don't think we have to worry about doing much more than avoiding war. Yeah, China is brutal and not our friend, which is precisely why we need to keep them close in some sense. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

 

[AlexB23]

I don't think we have to worry about doing much more than avoiding war. Yeah, China is brutal and not our friend, which is precisely why we need to keep them close in some sense. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

In other words, keep China on a tight line, so we can reel them in if any danger occurs.

 

[Vambram]

In other words, keep China on a tight line, so we can reel them in if any danger occurs.

This is something that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have demonstrated that they are unable to do so regarding China. For example, after USA and the European Union placed sanctions upon Russia, our leaders were completely unable from stopping China increasing their business, and trade, and commerce with Russia. This resulted, in my opinion, with both Russia and China getting stronger. At the very least, that stronger relationship between China and Russia allowed them to be allies instead of competitors with one another.

 

[Bradskii]

In a letter to FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) wrote that Walz (D) had “concerning ties” to China, citing the governor’s dozens of trips to the country, and requested a trove of documents and information related to Chinese entities that Walz has engaged with.

“Americans should be deeply concerned that Governor Walz, Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential running mate, has a long-standing and cozy relationship with China,” Comer said in a statement.

If he wants to look foolish, then let him. Actually, I'd encourage him.

 

[AlexB23]

This is something that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have demonstrated that they are unable to do so regarding China. For example, after USA and the European Union placed sanctions upon Russia, our leaders were completely unable from stopping China increasing their business, and trade, and commerce with Russia. This resulted, in my opinion, with both Russia and China getting stronger. At the very least, that stronger relationship between China and Russia allowed them to be allies instead of competitors with one another.

Yeah, it seems that the probability of China invading Taiwan has gone up in the 2020s, plus Chinese companies such as Temu have gotten really big during 2023-2024. The Chinese government has some almost demonic qualities (including persecuting Christians), and we must not buy Chinese anymore. If Joe wanted to stop Chinese imports, he could have shut down TikTok, and stopped Temu. But, he did not.

Temu (PDD Holdings):

Pinduoduo - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Richard T]

I get that many want to support Walz as VP. I would say the same things now, if he were Trump's VP.

Vetting any VP for going to China 35 times is exactly similar to what the Founders had in mind when they required every President to live in the USA for the last 14 years as a qualification. Anyone with significant ties to foreign governments could easily be compromised. Some might think this is too or just a political hit, but Melanie Trump may very well influence Trump's Russian views. The problem is we simply can not know.

As to Walz's past toughness on China; if you were working with China, both Walz (and the Chinese) would want you to appear against them. To do that, just oppose China every chance you get when your vote is meaningless and wait until you are activated later by China for something significant.

Opening a business after one year is pretty aggressive. I would want to know who jump-started that if anyone. Walz trips are excessive but I do not know his business dealings and it could be almost innocent. I say almost because he must love China or their money to go there so much.

So, yes it should be checked out, every trip, every dollar and every contact. Long term compromise is the worse, but there also are quid pro quo deals. The Chinese do something nice for you, and expect something in return. They also might try to compromise you through some other activity. At least one President had a brother that even had prostitutes from Asia just knock on his hotel door. When that happens for free and uninvited it is not personal. CNN.com - Bush brother's divorce reveals sex romps - Nov. 25, 2003

Given the Founders stance on true loyalty, I would never want him to be President. My foreign entanglements should disqualify me too. This is because foreign governments do recruit talent so you have to suspect everyone. (The USA recruits too by the way). The stakes are far too high now, because of nuclear weapons and how a ten minute lapse could doom the USA. Even a .01 percent chance he is compromised is too much. You could never know if he is capable to fire back, even if he is innocent. If he were an average contract worker that needed top secret clearance, you really think he would be approved?

The last problem is Walz could be totally pure but China can compromise him with lies and smears at any time. There is no way he could defend himself or alibi out. They may very well have a record already of every trip he ever made. Create doubt and confusion to punish him. So again, take the Founders warning about foreign entanglements to a modern meaning and I believe they would reject him as being allowed to be President. He should never have been selected for VP. Since he has, then looking at his records is about all we can do.

 

[variant]

It is okay to learn about other cultures. In order to appease the Republicans, and give Walz credibility, a 3rd party organization that is not politically aligned with any of the two major parties should still do a check on Walz. Then, we can keep the right happy, though not much can seem to appease the farther portions of the right. In other words, a compromise solution such as an independent investigation can be used, that is fair for both the left and the right.

You are assuming that the right wing wants to do anything other than say they are investigating Waltz to try to harm him in the presidential race.

These are not honest actors. They will not do what you are saying.