Nothing like getting lectured by the Communist Chinese government about economic issues. Via The AP:

Beijing used the meeting to press its interests in a range of issues from technology to Taiwan. Its stance reflected China’s rising status as the world’s third-largest economy and the communist government’s growing confidence following its quick rebound from the global downturn.

Chinese officials called for an end to U.S. export controls meant to keep “dual use” technologies with possible weapons applications, such as lasers and supercomputers, out of the hands of China’s military. Washington is reviewing its controls and says it might make changes.

“We hope the actions will be big, not small — not removing several items from the control list but improving the regime overall, and also a change in the practice of singling out China and treating China unfairly,” China’s Commerce Minister Chen Deming said at a news conference.

Highlighting China’s status as a rising global investor, Chen also complained that U.S. strictures on investment by foreign entities with government ties are vague and are obstacles to Chinese companies.

“We hope the United States can have a more transparent and predictable environment,” Chen said. (emphasis added)

These types of lectures and pressure are what you get when your nation is run by a group of academics, theorists and apologists.

With Obama’s poll number sinking and the electorate extremely unhappy with his idea of “hope” and “change” Freshmen House Democrats are running away from his One-ness:

The House Democratic freshmen who rose to power riding candidate Barack Obama ’s coattails in 2008 are now eager to strut their independence heading into the midterms.

Some rookies opposed Obama’s cap-and-trade climate change bill; others rejected his health care plan. But even those members who backed all of the president’s signature initiatives are ready to show that they can win their first re-election bids without leaning on Obama’s star power. (emphasis added)

Star power? Did he write “Obama’s star power.” The story continues:

Dahlkemper said that while she would be “very happy to welcome” Obama to her district, she didn’t know how much of a help or a hindrance he would be.

“I just think we don’t quite know yet where his popularity is,” she said. “The best thing I can do is get out and shake hands and look people in the eye. They want to see me and they want to know what I’m doing. … I’m much less concerned about who’s going to come in and campaign for me.”

Rep. Betsy Markey of Colorado, who voted against the House health care bill but ultimately voted for the final plan, said she didn’t think it would make much difference either way if the president stumped in her district.

“It’s always an honor when the president makes an offer to visit. But this is a Colorado race,” she said. (emphasis added)

One reason the electorate is unhappy with Obama and his Democrat cohorts is the ramming of one Health Care law through Congress. Today, 63% of voters nationwide want the “Health Care” law repealed.

Just 49% of Democrats Strongly Approve of Obama’s performance. That’s down from a high of 65%. It remains to be seen whether this is a temporary aberration or the beginning of a lasting change.

Sixty-three percent (63%) of voters nationwide favor repeal of the health care law. That’s the highest level of support for repeal yet measured.

162 Days until November 2nd, 2010 (election day)