Want To Know What A Police State Looks Like?

I've been trolling around the internet a lot lately, and a certain theme has come about. Ever since the war in Iraq became less and less popular, I'm noticing the kids these days talking about how America is turning into a "police state".

Well kids, HERE'S what a police state looks like. Emphasis is done by me:

The Beijing Olympic organizing committee issued a stern, nine-page document Monday that covers 57 topics. Written in Chinese only and posted on the official Web site, the guide covers everything from a ban on sleeping outdoors to the need for government permission to stage a protest.

Visitors also should know this:

• Those with "mental diseases" or contagious conditions will be barred.

• Some parts of the country are closed to visitors -- one of them Tibet.

• Olympic tickets are no guarantee of a visa to enter China.

Fearing protests during the August 8-24 Olympics, China's government has tightened controls on visas and residence permits for foreigners. It has also promised a massive security presence at the games, which may include undercover agents dressed as volunteers.

The guide said Olympic ticket holders "still need to visit China embassies and consulates and apply for visas according to the related rules."

The government hopes to keep out activists and students who might stage pro-Tibet rallies that would be broadcast around the world. It also fears protests over China's oil and arms trade with Sudan, and any disquiet from predominantly Muslim regions in western China.

"In order to hold any public gathering, parade or protest the organizer must apply with the local police authorities. No such activity can be held unless a permit is given. ... Any illegal gatherings, parades and protests and refusal to comply are subject to administrative punishments or criminal prosecution."

The document also warns against the display of insulting slogans or banners at any sports venue. It also forbids any religious or political banner at an Olympic venue that "disturbs the public order."

The guidelines seem to clash with a pledge made two month ago by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who said athletes could exercise freedom of speech in China. He asked only that athletes refrain from making political statements at certain official Olympics venues.

"Freedom of expression is something that is absolute," Rogge said in Beijing in April. "It's a human right. Athletes have it."

The guide also spells out a long list of items that cannot be brought into the country, including weapons, imitation weapons, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit currency, drugs and poisons. It also prohibits the entry of materials "that are harmful to China's politics, economics, culture and morals".

So, when can we expect the Hollywood celebrities and liberals from around the world to protest in China? Oh, I'm willing to bet that isn't going to happen. Why? Because China will crack down on it and the "protesters" know it. They'll be happy to protest in America where they know they can get away with it. You see, it's one thing to protest when there's a real threat. It's quite another when you protest and know that nothing is going to happen to you. It's a false bravado.

Sure, we might see one or two incidents of protest by some Chinese kids, but on a whole, I'm willing to bet this will be a big nothing in terms of protesters.

Travis

travis@rightwinglunatic.com