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
