19th/20th Century Europe and America. Yes, I argue China has the same freedom of speech guarantees as 19th/20th Century Europe. At least. I think we can agree o

19th/20th Century Europe and America. Yes, I argue China has the same freedom of speech guarantees as 19th/20th Century Europe. At least. I think we can agree on that. I also argue discussing democracy in China is like discussing racial and religious supremacy in Europe. You have to be very careful what you say, else you might find some investigators talking with your family and coworkers about your beliefs, or you might find it hard to do business (like your comedy routine) in certain cities. And only if a European government cannot ruin you financially and socially will they arrest you. Like China. Yes, it happens. Like the Chinese, Europeans rarely hear about it, but it happens. Repeat after me: "freedom of speech is not absolute."