There is an optimistic view that China will catch up with USA. Many, especially among Chinese, believe that this is just a matter of time. Others may also believe that the current economic crisis may have made the catch-up shorter in time. I will make you very disappointed by telling you this will not happen any time soon. I do have a reason for it. Here is my story. I made several suggestions to the Chinese government through English@mail.gov.cn and Cic in January this year. I believe that they have received them. But I did not hear from them of a single word of thanks. I do not know if a country can be strong if its government does not have a channel to listen to voices from people caring about it. I also sent a message to our state senator. In no time, I received a reply of thanks and a message that someone will contact me. What a difference this makes!!! Sometimes one can see the whole picture more accurately from one and just one small thing. I do hope I am wrong.