Sometimes the Internet can still be a force for free speech:

Li Datong, shown outside the China Youth Daily, challenged a plan to dock reporters’ pay if government officials took issue with their stories. The speed and power of the Internet helped launch a campaign that ultimately compelled a government retreat from the plan.

The Click That Broke a Government By Philip P. Pan Washington Post Foreign Service Sunday, February 19, 2006; Page A01

Apparently sometimes even the People’s Republic of China has to bow to public opinion, and the Internet can be used to mobilize that opinion.

-jsq