Best wishes on your 60th

On October 1, China will throw itself a birthday party like we've never seen before. The People's Republic is celebrating 60 years -- a momentous occasion indeed.

The current government has presided over significant progress in the past few decades. China has modernized. It has become an economic giant. It has its sights set on the moon! What's more, it is said that China has lifted more people out of poverty in the last 30 years than any country, ever. The World Food Programme issued this release in 2005: "Since WFP began working in China in 1979, the Government has lifted some 300 million of its people out of extreme poverty. This immense achievement is a tribute to the commitment of its leaders and the diligence and dynamism of its people," Morris said.

Have you ever thought to thank China for supplying us with inexpensive goods? How about for their contributions to science and technology programs at universities all over the West?

Today is a day to be thankful for the good things coming out of China and to send our best wishes to her people. China, thank you for welcoming me as a guest to your wonderful country. Happy 60th birthday!