It’s one thing to say outlandish things, but it’s another thing to be proud of it. People online have been buzzing about the sheer brazen gall of a Henan official who praised the government workers employed for the purpose of chaiqian, which is the act of forcibly removing residents from their homes so that they can be relocated as their homes are demolished.

Shao Chunjie is a municipal secretary for the District of Shihe in the city of Xinyang, Henan Province. And now, he’s internet famous.

Shao is said to have lauded these folks that tear down homes and dreams for a living at the scene of the incident, and we know this because he thought it was a good idea to write down these words for posterity. In an essay. Published on the internet. On an official government website.

Published on December 25, 2013 and verified by a reporter from Nandu, here are some choice highlights in praise of these people who sweat and toll so that we may have fresh, new real estate to develop upon:

This moment will forever be engraved in the pages of history, this moment will forever be engraved in the minds of the people… You people [that are forcibly removing and relocated these residents] are the kindest, the most venerable, the cutest people of all of Shihe District! You are the most worthy of receiving songs and praises!

For sure. I hear that Rage Against the Machine is thinking about a reunion tour.

Grand and noble Shihe People are firmly resolved to overcome any obstacle, and tenaciously hold onto the ideal that “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. They are able to withstand bitter suffering, able to do battle, able to take on great tasks — all with exceptional quality. They have a spirit that will never give up: they can chew through the stiffest bone, and pull out even the toughest nail.

As the people who resist forcible relocation are colloquially said to live in “nail houses”, I think you killed with that pun, Shao. (Way to work with the material!)

And then there’s this:

Upon seeing a veteran of forcibly relocating residents named Zhang Deshun covered in dust, Shao Chunjie became very compassionate and emotional, saying, ‘We humbly thank you who work so hard to tear down these houses for the government. You have suffered bitterly, encountered difficulties, and the government will remember this for always…’

Shihe District resident Chen Gang says says refers to an incident back on December 20, 2013 in which Chen and his family were forced out of their home and beaten before an agreement was even made.

Man, if only my boss was as thankful for all my hard work… but then, I don’t destroy people’s lives for a living. At least, as a mild-mannered blogger, not yet…

Photo: Shihe.gov.cn, smehen