GFW

So blocking Google prevents the poisoning of children's minds? I never understand the logic behind the Great Firewall of China which is just like a decepticon which is becoming increasingly powerful by the minute. Apparently the government is ordering all new computers to install the ridiculous "Green Dam Youth Escort" software to cleanse the internet and to harmonize the society. WTF? What's more, not to mention the constant blockage of several important media such as Youtube, the government shuts down virtually all the foreign websites around sensitive dates such as 6.4.

This makes me sad for at least two reasons. First, it shows that the government is willing to spend millions on such nuisance rather than doing something useful like building infrastructure or offering healthcare benefits to the poor. Secondly, it means that the government is actually afraid, afraid of losing power, afraid of its people saying something different. It means that the government is not confident of its people, thus exerting such great control over people's freedom, like a bad, autocratic parent controlling everything the child does. Suppression is very stupid because once you forbid something, people actually start wanting it and searching for it, reverse psychology.

What's the harm of knowing more information and allowing speech freedom? What's the government afraid of? Will people start to protest and challenge the government when they know more? Actually, this won't happen in China. Why? Because of the education. Throughout the course of history people have been taught to follow, to obey, and to do whatever teachers and parents say. They simply do not challenge authority, probably have not learned to do so, or do not know they can do so. Another potential reason is that with the soaring economy people have become more satisfied with their lives. What else can they complain? So it looks like the government is being very irrational.

By the way, I found these two great websites about China that are somewhat more objective, truthful, and genuine:

http://sun-zoo.com/chinageeks/
http://jennyzhu.com/

Hope they don't get blocked.