> media to complain about the local actions of security forces, .gov policy decisions, and the occasional high ranking official who serves as a focal point for

> media to complain about the local actions of security forces, .gov policy decisions, and the occasional high ranking official who serves as a focal point for malcontent does not make for a free and open society, using an example that we can both agree is neither free nor open Yes. I assert that this describes China, but not the US. Are you claiming it also describes the US? Which powerful individual or institutions do you think are protected from criticism?