>>26
America is a free country eh? I have a favorite story for illustrating the difference between personal and political freedom, the nature of society, and politics in China. I lived near a small town. Some years before the government had built a nice big highway to it from the nearest mid sized city (about 35k's). Like they do in the US, they made it a toll road and told the people that when the road was paid for, it would be free. Like in the US, at least in my state, they lied. Eventually the toll revenue met and exceeded the construction costs but the booths and collectors remained. The people objected and petitioned, yet the booths and collectors remained. One day the people had enough. Thousands marched to the booths with a crane and a bulldozer, politely asked the collectors to vacate the booths, and ripped them out of the road. The government was aware of the act of civil disobedience while it was happening, and had actually threatened a military response, but it did not act. There is, in fact, a sizable military installation on the very road. Eventually the government sent out a small crew to set warning signs in front of the gaping holes in the road where the booths had been, but no other action was taken. Imagine what would happen in a similar situation in the US. Can you imagine that many people in the US getting together to do anything. The Chinese are generally happy with their government because it's effective. They understand that progress can hurt, but this very thread is proof that progress is happening. Every day the Chinese people get a little richer, and a little smarter. Conversely, we grow poorer and dumber. Every day our government shoves it's cock a little deeper into our asses and all we do is complain and shift around a bit so we can continue to see the TV and reach the chips and dip. Believe me, when the government of China fails to serve it's purpose, they will change it. Quickly.