In China, party's tight grip on display: "Troublemakers" warned, under house arrest or detained

Source: Los Angeles Times

By Mark Magnier, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
October 14, 2007

BEIJING — China has impressed the world with its strong economy, growing global power and hardworking people. This week showcases another side of China that has changed little, as dynamism bows to pageantry, reform to stasis and fleet-footed talent to elitism.

On Monday, the Chinese Communist Party begins its weeklong 17th Party Congress, an event held once every five years in which the nation is expected to march forward in lock step with one political voice....

Control and secrecy are paramount. Nearly a year before the congress, the propaganda ministry distributed its list of forbidden media topics for 2007, which included judicial corruption, lifestyles of the wealthy and extramarital affairs.

Several months ago, state media stopped reporting all "bad news." Until a few weeks ago, even the schedule was a state secret. The 2,217 delegates are now sequestered in a few hotels, beyond the reach of family, friends or reporters.

Internet controls have been tightened, about 18,000 websites shut down, television bra ads banned, unscripted TV programs and foreign dramas yanked. Most on the government's list of "troublemakers," including chronic petitioners, civic group members and social activists, have received police warnings, been placed under house arrest or detained....

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-party14oct14,0,6666624.story?coll=la-home-world

Everywhere else, China, but also Burma, Europe, Russia, the rest of Asia, Africa, I'm seeing this. Democracy is dying. It's rotting from within in dozens of countries due to corruption, and totalitarian regimes everywhere are flexing their muscles.

People talk about moving out of the U.S. to escape the growing threat of fascism. The question is escape where? Sure there are a few functioning democracies left. But if this keeps up, they're all gonna get anschlussed.

God, I hate people, and I hate this fucking world. It's all one big fucking prison now, and there is no escape. No hope.

:P

I liked this one:

Several months ago, state media stopped reporting all "bad news."

keep a lid on the lifestyles of the rich and famous of the Wal-Mart partner.

Ignorance is bliss

Make sure it can be laid at the feet of a Democrat or someone aligned with the party.

A task almost always possible with the proper amount of spin.