China Clamps Down

China Clamps Down on Internet News, Blogs - Los Angeles Times

Why do I consider this encouraging? A couple of reasons.

One, the government announced it. For the most part, gone are the days when the government is acting secretly. They know the word is going to get out anyway, so they are trying to "spin" the news themselves. (Remember the SARS coverup and then reaction?) What do western politicians say, stay ahead of the news cycle? They are trying to win the opinion wars with their citizens rather than just controlling what they hear (which they cannot do).

Second, they are developing regulations. For the most part, gone are the days when law enforcement is left up to the whim of local officials. Chinese citizens are demanding more of their government in controlling corruption and standardizing law enforcement.

This is another step in the move toward law-based public regulation, away from bureaucrat-based public regulation.

Are there many more steps to public involvement in shaping legislation? I think it is already happening as government takes into consideration the reactions of its people.