To the Point
China, the Earthquake, and Freedom of Speech
After the massive earthquake struck central China, the demand for information overwhelmed government censorship. Is the open window about to be closed? The death toll, the damage and the continuing risk to five million homeless refugees. Has open criticism shaken an authoritarian regime already coping with Tibet while it's promoting the summer Olympics? Also, General Petraeus on Iraq troop reductions, and John McCain and the Religious Right.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenAfter the massive earthquake struck central China, the demand for information overwhelmed government censorship. Is the open window about to be closed? The death toll, the damage and the continuing risk to five million homeless refugees. Has open criticism shaken an authoritarian regime already coping with Tibet while it's promoting the summer Olympics? Also, General Petraeus says Iraq troop reductions are likely later this year, and Christian pastors recruited by John McCain denounce the Catholic Church and Islam and call Hitler the Biblical "hunter" sent by God to create Israel.
Photo: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
In this episode
2 storiesPolitical Aftershocks of the Earthquake in China
Three days of mourning are over and the Olympic torch relay has resumed, but the earthquake aftermath will trouble China for years to come. More than 51,000 have died and 29,000 are missing. Five million are homeless and 300,000 are injured.
Read the story39 minMcCain and the Christian Right
This weekend, John McCain will be at his ranch, meeting with three possible vice presidential nominees: Governors Charlie Crist of Florida and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney .
Read the story8 min
