China Allows Most Online Criticism But Cracks Down On Mobilization and Gossip

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China Allows Most Online Criticism But Cracks Down On Mobilization and Gossip

Posted by samzenpus on Monday September 9, 2013 @08:27AM from the sticks-and-stones dept.

hackingbear writes "Harvard sociologist Gary King has just completed two studies that peer into the Chinese censorship machine — including a field experiment within China that was conducted with extraordinary secrecy. Together, the studies refute popular intuitions about what Chinese censors are after. He found that the censors actually permit 'vitriolic criticism' of China's leaders and governmental policies but the censors crack down heavily on any move to get people physically mobilized to act on such criticism. In a related development, China's top court issued a ruling on Monday to threaten a 3-year sentence for people posting online rumors viewed by 5,000 internet users or reposted more than 500 times. Though, in the same ruling, the court also clarified that a person reposting false rumor should not be punished if he or she does not clearly know the information is false, even if real harm is done. "

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I want one by Megahard · 2013-09-09 08:33 · Score: 4, Funny

That is, a censor that filters out gossip and any request for me to physically move.

--
I eat only the real part of complex carbohydrates.
1. Re:I want one by Jeremiah+Cornelius · 2013-09-09 08:42 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  ...censors actually permit 'vitriolic criticism' of China's leaders and governmental policies but the censors crack down heavily on any move to get people physically mobilized to act on such criticism.
  So. Am I to conclude from this observation that China has enacted the same essential policy as the United States of America?
  The "Big Brother" societies have discovered that a "Free Press" can be managed to function as bread and circuses once did. This is the dictum: "You are free to say whatever you like, provided that you act withing the proscribed boundary."
  Now is the time to sing "Barret Brown's Body".
  
  --
  "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
  Never been known to fail..."
2. Re:I want one by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-09 08:42 · Score: 1
  
  China should look at the impact groups like the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street had, and just not do censorship because it is not necessary.
  Exactly what effect do mass protests even have?
  They can be cleared out with firehoses and a bunch of other techniques. The only reason the Civil Rights protests succeeded while the counterprotests are forgotten didn't is that the Civil Rights protests had glowing mass media coverage. Presumably China has control over its mass media.
3. Re:I want one by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-09 08:59 · Score: 1, Insightful
  
  In Soviet Russia the government controls the media. In Capitalist America the companies that control the media have their interests aligned with those of other companies and together they control the government and public opinion. No In Soviet Russia joke, sorry.
  The second system is superior since in the first the manipulation is obvious, in the latter people can pretend it isn't.
4. Re:I want one by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · 2013-09-09 09:11 · Score: 2
  
  It sounds like they've realized that letting 'slacktivists' do ineffectual things may actually have less overall impact on social order than trying to preserve the illusion of perfect order. A reasonable conclusion, given how frequently people get mad as hell and rant about it on the internet a bit, feel as though they've done something, and then go back to their day.
5. Re:I want one by cold+fjord · 2013-09-09 10:17 · Score: 1
  
  So. Am I to conclude from this observation that China has enacted the same essential policy as the United States of America?
  No, not quite. In the US you can organize, march, and otherwise engage in activism, but you still have to do it within the law. China, on the other hand, clamps down on people that attempt to organize, march, or otherwise engage in activism. And as noted in the story, they are instituting a 3-year sentence for people posting "online rumors." That makes for quite a difference.
  Who do you think is turning Mother Jones and various other leftist periodicals into members of a "Free Press?" Would that be their "corporate overlords?"
  Barret Browns Body? Thanks, but I'll stick with John Brown's Body* now largely supplanted by the Battle Hymn of The Republic.
  *Sung by singer and activist Pete Seeger.
  
  --
  much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
6. Re:I want one by fustakrakich · 2013-09-09 11:14 · Score: 1
  
  China, on the other hand, clamps down on people that attempt to organize, march, or otherwise engage in activism.
  You're trolling again...
  In case you don't want to read the link:
  
  In August 2011 a protest in the north-eastern city Dalian led local authorities to announce that they were would relocate a polluting PX plant. The following summer, the coastal city Qidong scrapped a pipeline plan after about a thousand protesters stormed government offices and overturned cars.
  
  --
  “He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
7. Re:I want one by fustakrakich · 2013-09-09 13:22 · Score: 2
  
  Who was that Russian that told an American *the only difference between you and us is that you believe your propaganda*?
  
  --
  “He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
8. Re:I want one by cold+fjord · 2013-09-09 13:37 · Score: 1
  
  I think you missed something:
  Chinese protest at planned chemical plant over pollution fears
  
  A similar protest earlier this month in Chengdu, the capital of adjacent Sichuan province, was suppressed by police.
  Sometimes the party is willing, but the police are weak.
  On the other hand, the Chinese government has been liberalizing in various aspects. I think this incident was quite remarkable:
  Chinese Villagers Under Siege Mourn Man Who Died
  Of course, then there are these two items:
  China's Leader Embraces Mao as He Tightens Grip on Country
  China Takes Aim at Western Ideas
  I think I now have enough hands to be an economist.
  
  --
  much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
9. Re:I want one by cold+fjord · 2013-09-09 13:56 · Score: 1
  
  There is a reason for the disparity. During the Cold War, the US had achieved what the Soviet's promised. The book Mig Pilot: The Final Escape of Lt. Belenko tells the story of a famous incident during the Cold War in which a Soviet fighter pilot, a privileged person in Soviet society, defected with his MIG-25. It is fascinating to see the US at the time (mid 1970s) through the eyes of this Soviet pilot. Below is a link to an excerpt from the book.
  VIKTOR BELENKO'S VISIT TO THE SHOPPING CENTER --
  
  --
  much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
10. Re:I want one by davydagger · 2013-09-09 16:13 · Score: 2
  
  yeah, but how is that diffrent than the to-hire PR mercs we have in the states.
  
  except they work for money, not national loyality.
11. Re:I want one by davydagger · 2013-09-09 16:16 · Score: 1
  
  the tea party and occupy wall street both suffered heavy amounts of arrest and harassment and intimidation by the police, along with infiltration, provocateurs, and other methods of sabotage of all stripes.
12. Re:I want one by daem0n1x · 2013-09-09 21:46 · Score: 1
  
  The Tea Party? Arrests? Really? I read about them being spied on, but never heard of arrests. Why would your government want to piss off the billionaires behind the movement, the ones that basically rule the USA?
  I got plenty of news about infiltrations and police brutality against OWS, however. Not in the mass media, of course. Here on the other side of the Atlantic, our media is as much as corrupt as yours. They pretended OWS never existed or, at most, was just a gang of anarchists doing vandalism.
13. Re:I want one by f3rret · 2013-09-09 23:48 · Score: 1
  
  Exactly what effect do mass protests even have?
  "Mass" has a whole different meaning when you're talking about china, there's a lot of chinese people.
  
  --
  Admit nothing. Deny Everything. Make Counter-accusations.
14. Re:I want one by Gavagai80 · 2013-09-10 02:08 · Score: 1
  
  Surveillance is very different from censorship. The occupy movement was allowed extreme publicity in all major press.
  
  --
  This space intentionally left blank
15. Re:I want one by Gavagai80 · 2013-09-10 02:10 · Score: 1
  
  Occupy may have done nothing, but the tea party got a lot of members of congress elected.
  
  --
  This space intentionally left blank
16. Re:I want one by Jeremiah+Cornelius · 2013-09-10 08:23 · Score: 1
  
  "Within the law"
  The essential point of agreement between US and PRC. The US has enforced "Free Speech Zones" as law, in contravention of the law.
  The US position is essentially: "Remain ineffective and largely unnoticeable, or its time for zip-ties and truncheons".
  
  --
  "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
  Never been known to fail..."
17. Re:I want one by Jeremiah+Cornelius · 2013-09-10 08:25 · Score: 1
  
  FIFY:
  The occupy movement was allowed extreme public ridicule in all major (corporate) press.
  
  --
  "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
  Never been known to fail..."
18. Re:I want one by Jeremiah+Cornelius · 2013-09-10 08:30 · Score: 1
  
  Just surveillance? My dear friend. You live in a security state. Surveillance is something that you seem to see as nearly harmless, and possibly an end in itself.
  Follow the trail from Anon to Occupy. Why is Barrett Brown in Jail, under gag order - where does this intersect with Snowden - and why is Michael Hastings dead?
  Hastings has been posthumously smeared several times, by "Major Press" - with a deliberate misrepresentation of the Coroner's forensic report on his death.
  http://whowhatwhy.com/2013/08/07/connections-between-michael-hastings-edward-snowden-and-barrett-brown-the-war-with-the-security-state/
  
  --
  "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
  Never been known to fail..."
Like America! by Beardydog · 2013-09-09 08:38 · Score: 3, Interesting

So, it's just like America, where you can say whatever you want about politics, but if three people are holding protest signs on the side of the road, the FBI will try to wiretap and infiltrate them.
1. Re:Like America! by cold+fjord · 2013-09-09 08:44 · Score: 2
  
  I think you are treating the Chinese government unfairly. They worked hard to be distinct, and you're making fake claims about there being a knockoff.
  Let the Chinese government have it's moment in the sun.
  
  --
  much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
2. Re:Like America! by TWiTfan · 2013-09-09 08:46 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  No, in the U.S. we just use bread and circuses to make the citizens not want to protest too much.
  BTW, did anyone hear about the new iPhone that's coming out this week?
  
  --
  The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
3. Re:Like America! by mi · 2013-09-09 09:00 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  if three people are holding protest signs on the side of the road, the FBI will try to wiretap and infiltrate them.
  The big difference here is, these three hypothetical people will not be facing a three-year sentence.
  You may equate an FBI investigation with actual imprisonment all you want, but in practice there is some difference.
  
  --
  In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
4. Re:Like America! by AlphaWoIf_HK · 2013-09-09 09:02 · Score: 1
  
  Or they'll just be put in free speech zones, or suppressed if they didn't beg the government (protest permits) to protest beforehand (but only if the protestors are numerous).
  
  --
  Da derp dee derp da teedly derpee derpee dum. Rated PG-13.
5. Re:Like America! by coma_bug · 2013-09-09 09:24 · Score: 1
  
  The big difference here is, these three hypothetical people will not be facing a three-year sentence.
  how about twenty years?
6. Re:Like America! by Kozar_The_Malignant · 2013-09-09 09:36 · Score: 1
  
  if three people are holding protest signs on the side of the road, the FBI will try to wiretap and infiltrate them.
  The big difference here is, these three hypothetical people will not be facing a three-year sentence.
  "If two boys get together and steal a candy bar, that is a misdemeanor and a serious matter. If three boys get together and plot to steal a candy bar, but don't do it, that is a conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, which is a felony crime and a far more serious matter." - Apocryphal often attributed to Adlai Stevenson.
  
  --
  Some mornings it's hardly worth chewing through the restraints to get out of bed.
7. Re:Like America! by mi · 2013-09-09 09:44 · Score: 1
  
  From your link:
  
  In the dark, the three activists cut through a boundary fence which had signs stating “No Trespassing.”
  Not quite "simply holding signs", were they?
  
  --
  In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
8. Re:Like America! by mi · 2013-09-09 09:47 · Score: 1
  
  that is a conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, which is a felony crime
  No, it is not.
  
  --
  In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
9. Re:Like America! by cold+fjord · 2013-09-09 09:48 · Score: 1
  
  Followed and read your link. What I found was not people standing by the side of the road with a sign. They violated the security of a nuclear weapons facility by cutting through three fences and engaging in vandalism which resulted in a shutdown of the facility.
  
  In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 28, 2012, long-time peace activists Sr. Megan Rice, 82, Greg Boertje-Obed, 57, and Michael Walli, 63, cut through the chain link fence surrounding the Oak Ridge Y-12 nuclear weapons production facility and trespassed onto the property. Y-12, called the Fort Knox of the nuclear weapons industry, stores hundreds of metric tons of highly enriched uranium and works on every single one of the thousands of nuclear weapons maintained by the U.S....
  In the dark, the three activists cut through a boundary fence which had signs stating “No Trespassing.” The signs indicate that unauthorized entry, a misdemeanor, is punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a $100,000 fine. ...
  On Wednesday August 1, all nuclear operations at Y-12 were ordered to be put on hold in order for the plant to focus on security.
  
  --
  much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
10. Re:Like America! by steelfood · 2013-09-09 10:03 · Score: 1
  
  That's assuming they don't get arrested first for failing to apply for and receive a permit to protest.
  The bad thing is that the FBI's actually been doing this since its inception. They have a profile on everybody who's anybody.
  The good thing is that the masses are actually starting to realize this. And they're not liking how deep the rabbit hole goes.
  
  --
  "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be."
11. Re:Like America! by erikkemperman · 2013-09-09 10:08 · Score: 1
  
  Wait.. An 82 year old broke into a nuclear weapons manufacturing reactor site?
  Oh, as they say, shit.
  And here I thought my granny was tough.
  Guess you were right all along, gotta keep an eye on everyone. Hardcore peacenik grannies most of all.
  
  --
  Gosh, thanks. That must be why the other ships call me Meatfucker -- GCU Grey Area (Eccentric)
12. Re:Like America! by erikkemperman · 2013-09-09 10:18 · Score: 1
  
  You're right of course, there are still differences. But from the outside (I'm not in the US or China) it looks like the gap is closing fast. ALEC would like to see environmentalists with video cameras charged with terrorism, for instance. You're only one party away from a one-party state -- if we can even count dems and reps to be significantly distinct..
  
  --
  Gosh, thanks. That must be why the other ships call me Meatfucker -- GCU Grey Area (Eccentric)
13. Re:Like America! by cold+fjord · 2013-09-09 10:55 · Score: 1
  
  You should probably use more salt when you swallow commentary on Slashdot. There are some questions that the two parties will largely agree on based on broad social consensus*, but contrary to many reports on Slashdot, they tend to pursue different goals in many policy areas.
  You may find some insights by reading here from time to time.
  * Allowing the country to be invaded is bad. Social welfare programs should continue to exist.
  
  --
  much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
14. Re:Like America! by cold+fjord · 2013-09-09 11:04 · Score: 1
  
  I think it's reasonable to keep an eye on everyone planning to break into nuclear weapons facilities. If you disagree I'd be interested to hear why.
  Suppose granny and her two friends were only the first wave, just to check if the way was clear? It is entirely possible that granny and friends wouldn't know they were being used. Or perhaps they are being used as "human shields," a tactic that is increasingly popular with various groups these days. Lots of nasty possibilities.
  Algerian bloodbath: 23 hostages killed, death toll continues to rise
  
  The Algerian government says it had to take action because the terrorists were going to blow up the facility and execute the hostages, many of whom were strapped to explosives. Others were taken as human shields by terrorists who were either fleeing or re-locating within the facility (depending on whose account you believe) when they came under fire from Algerian helicopters.
  David Headley Said to Have Helped Terrorists Target Nuclear Plant
  
  --
  much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
15. Re:Like America! by cold+fjord · 2013-09-09 11:38 · Score: 1
  
  You aren't very clear on your objection. The trio in the referenced link did break in, so that isn't a question. It could have been far worse than it was if there had been more people behind them. Who is to say there won't be next time? Security of nuclear weapons and components isn't something to play at.
  
  --
  much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
16. Re:Like America! by jschrod · 2013-09-09 12:48 · Score: 1
  
  People like you make me realize that the current transformation of the USA into a fascist police state is actually supported by many of its inhabitants.
  Very scary, from this side of the pond.
  *PLONK*
  
  --
  Joachim
  
  People don't write Manifestos any more -- what's going on in this world? [Frank Zappa]
17. Re:Like America! by cold+fjord · 2013-09-09 13:01 · Score: 1
  
  That tells me you probably understand neither the USA nor fascist police states.
  It would also seem to imply that you consider the security of nuclear materials to be something to play at. Do you take the same stand with them in your land?
  
  --
  much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
18. Re:Like America! by fustakrakich · 2013-09-09 13:27 · Score: 2
  
  ...in practice there is some difference.
  That being the US has a lot more people in prison, and in China the death penalty is mercifully swift.
  
  --
  “He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
19. Re:Like America! by ebno-10db · 2013-09-09 13:59 · Score: 1
  
  Security of nuclear weapons and components isn't something to play at.
  Which is why those operating that facility should be shamed. Certainly dismissal is in order, and perhaps there is reason for charges. When an 82 year old nun infiltrates a nuclear weapons facility, you know there's a security problem. They should probably thank Sister Megan and her two whipper snapper accomplices for pointing out such a serious lack of security.
  This whole thing would be incredibly comical if it wasn't for the fact that Sister Megan and here two "accomplices" are facing sentences of up to 35 years. The government has made itself a laughing stock and an object of ridicule. By defending their actions in any way, you've done the same to yourself.
20. Re:Like America! by cold+fjord · 2013-09-09 15:12 · Score: 1
  
  So you're talking out of both sides of your mouth again. Pick a side - it is either a serious incident and both the security forces and intruders should be punished, or it was a silly screw up and slaps on the hand for all around. You want to have to both ways.
  Your use of scare quotes is completely inappropriate when applied to accomplices. That is exactly what they were, although I suppose co-conspirators would do just as well. I'm sure you'll object for some reason.
  I'm reasonably certain that both the government and I will survive being ridiculed by you despite your self-perceived moral authority. I expect you'll get in a few good hits though, you do seem quite skilled at flinging mud at the opportune time. And the mud you throw does seem to often please the crowd. What greater thing is there in life?
  
  --
  much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
21. Re:Like America! by turtledawn · 2013-09-09 15:26 · Score: 1
  
  I believe Babcox and Wilcox (the security contractor at Y-12) did in fact have their contract terminated and were replaced. I do not know who the replacement is.
  
  --
  Uh, "if it looks roughly mouse-shaped according to my infra-red sensitive pit, eat it"? --Chris Burke 09-08-10
22. Re:Like America! by Kozar_The_Malignant · 2013-09-09 16:52 · Score: 1
  
  I am glad it has been amended. Certainly it was an injustice. I am old enough to remember when it was true, though not nearly as old as Stevenson.
  
  --
  Some mornings it's hardly worth chewing through the restraints to get out of bed.
23. Re:Like America! by mi · 2013-09-10 07:17 · Score: 1
  
  I am glad it has been amended. Certainly it was an injustice.
  I wouldn't say, it is necessarily an injustice in all cases. A small crime committed on an impulse — see candy, see cashier looking the other way — is less serious, than a cold-blooded conspiracy. Because whereas the impulse might still have the scruples not realize, given time, he should not do it, with the conspirators there is no such doubt.
  But were discussing, what is and what is not legal in US vs. China — not what the punishment is, for the things that are illegal.
  
  --
  In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
China Allows Most Online Criticism But Cracks Down by SIR_Taco · 2013-09-09 08:40 · Score: 2

"... But Cracks ..."

--
I say don't drink and drive, you might spill your drink. Before you get behind the wheel just stop and think.
Hybrid Culture by wrackspurt · 2013-09-09 08:57 · Score: 4, Interesting

It's interesting to watch China spin a hybrid culture starting from a central planning state like that implemented by Mao and branching out into an economic powerhouse. America started from a clean slate and basically wrote and implemented a new state from the ground up using ideas from people like J.S. Mill and John Locke. China seems to be taking a more tentative and perhaps a more organic approach of melding business enterprise while maintaining a central planning government. It should be interesting to watch the economic imperatives rub shoulders with the rear guard of the politburo over the next couple of decades when a strong middle class evolves.
Re:It's all the same... by CohibaVancouver · 2013-09-09 09:14 · Score: 2

So in essence the censorship apparatus of the Chinese is exactly the same as their Western counterparts.
No, because in the West people can 'mobilize' at the ballot box, an option not available in China.
False rumors by XMark3 · 2013-09-09 10:00 · Score: 2

Gee, I wonder who gets to decide which rumors are true or false?
"Two party" America by mi · 2013-09-09 10:36 · Score: 1

You're only one party away from a one-party state -- if we can even count dems and reps to be significantly distinct...
This is a mistake many — Americans and foreigners alike — make about America's political system. True, we only have two major parties, but that's because we use them completely differently: we vote for persons, not for parties.
Whereas in most (all?) Democracies world-wide the voters pick parties on their ballots, Americans pick actual people. Party-affiliation in the US is neither official, nor binding. There is nothing about "parties" in the Constitution or Federal voting law (and very little in State laws). Politicians can and have changed their party affiliation. A party is as strong as the number of elected officials, who choose to affiliate with it.
On contrast, in other countries people vote for parties — and the parties then assign legislative seats (and other perks) in proportion to their share of the vote.
Not saying, which system is "better", just pointing out the huge difference. The difference, which might explain, why the US only has two — because they are both very diverse and would've split up, had the voting rules been different...

--
In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
1. Re:"Two party" America by jschrod · 2013-09-09 13:02 · Score: 1
  
  If that's the case, why do all those personally voted people in US congress vehemently clamp to their party line? Or did you see a Rep lately that didn't want to block anything that's in front of him/her? How about those "`I will rather risk polical death than plug tax evasion schemes' promises" that they signed?
  Being from Europe (Germany), I don't buy your argument. The news and the reported facts about congress member behavior tell different.
  And your argument about the reason of your two-party system, well -- [citation neeeded]. The canonical explanation is that your voters know that a vote for any other party is lost, owing to the winner-takes-it-all voting system. Quite different to our system, for example, that handles 4-6 political parties in parlament quite stable, thank you. Why do you think that canoncial explanation doesn't hold water?
  
  --
  Joachim
  
  People don't write Manifestos any more -- what's going on in this world? [Frank Zappa]
2. Re:"Two party" America by mi · 2013-09-10 07:29 · Score: 1
  
  If that's the case, why do all those personally voted people in US congress vehemently clamp to their party line?
  Sometimes they do so, and some times — on the issues, on which they don't agree with their chosen Party. — they do not. Whether it is legalizing the illegal immigrants currently in the US, or attacking Syria, a number of lawmakers vote against their Party's majority. There is even a term for it: "crossing the party line".
  
  And your argument about the reason of your two-party system, well -- [citation neeeded].
  What citation? The ballots do list people in the US (their party-affiliation in parentheses), not parties.
  
  Quite different to our system, for example, that handles 4-6 political parties in parlament quite stable, thank you.
  Sorry, I will not be sucked into debating, which system is "better". We like ours, thank you very much, and have used it for over 200 years uninterrupted. There even used to be a third major party — the Whigs (scoring two Presidents, no less). Maybe, you can be pacified in your unprovoked anger, if I compare American parties with German coalitions?
  
  --
  In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
Re:It's all the same... by CohibaVancouver · 2013-09-09 13:10 · Score: 1

this corresponds to about twice as much influence in public policy.
First of all the Grandparent said "Western Counterparts." So sorry to hear you only have two parties to choose from, but that's you. My ballot has at least four...

...and leaving that aside, you've got hundreds of congress(people?) and senators to vote for as well. Why do you think the Tea Party took over the Republican party? Because Tea Partiers organize and vote. You want the 99%ers to take over policy? Get out of your tents, organize, and vote. Take over the primaries, do what you have to to do. Votes buy congress a lot more than cash does.
No surprise, known since 170 B.C.E. by ridgecritter · 2013-09-09 15:11 · Score: 1

"...but the censors crack down heavily on any move to get people physically mobilized to act on such criticism."
"Oderint, dum metuant."
or:
"Let them hate, so long as they fear."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucius_Accius
You may say what you will, but you may never actually do anything about it.
Now, we're not ones to go round spreadin' rumors by fustakrakich · 2013-09-09 15:57 · Score: 1

Why really, we're just not the gossipy kind!
Oh, you'll never hear one of us repeating gossip!
So you'd better be sure and listen close the first time. ..

--
“He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
Re:It's all the same... by GameboyRMH · 2013-09-10 03:27 · Score: 1

What happens if China were to split their Communist Party into two, with team colors, and let people vote for one or the other? Then would the score be even?

--
"When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel