China’s state-run newspaper ran an article on Sunday mocking the United States over the recent power outages in blizzard-stricken Texas, calling it a “failure of capitalism” that is wreaking havoc on “desperate” Americans.
“A large number of Americans actually feel desperate that the current capitalist system with serious flaws in the US cannot help them with their concerns,” wrote Li Haidong, a professor with the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University. “As a result, ruthlessness bewitches American society.”
The article claimed that some “ordinary” Texans struggled through the winter storm due to “still deepening division and struggles between the two parties” in the United States, referencing the relationship between Republicans and Democrats.
“The US’ internal problem is too severe and is a deep-rooted disease. Profound reform is required in the US. Otherwise the country will have to face a very dangerous and bumpy road going forward into a hazy future,” Li wrote. “And American people’s feelings of uncertainty and their dissatisfaction with status quo will thus grow stronger with more people like Trump surging into political circles. Such an outcome will be a tragedy for both the US and the rest of the world.”
The article went on to claim that the COVID-19 pandemic combined with natural disasters like wildfires and winter storms “unmasked” the US capitalist system as a failure.
“Overly emphasizing private business while pushing aside public welfare has resulted in the prevalence of Social Darwinism in the US – the interests and health of the ordinary majority are not taken care of,” the article stated. “Only the privileges of a few wealthy groups are given proper treatment.”
“Although the American model has been shown to be more and more dysfunctional the US refuses to admit to this fact,” Li continued.
Li said the United States needs to engage in “effective reforms” while praising socialist systems and questioning America’s belief in “individualism and private economic premises”.
On Saturday, the White House declared a major disaster in Texas following a devastating winter storm that knocked out power for over 8 million residents.
The Hill reported that at least 36 people have died as a result of the severe weather from carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia, care accidents, house fires and drownings.
In Houston, a grandmother and three children perished in a fire that engulfed their home, likely originating from a fireplace, officials said.
In another incident, a mother and her 7-year-old daughter were found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning after running their car for warmth inside their garage.
