David Pierson for the Los Angeles Times:

As websites including Wikipedia shut down and millions of Americans complained to lawmakers about the potential for government censorship, Chinese netizens spoke admiringly of the public rebellion. Such a display in China would be nearly impossible right now, given Beijing’s tight grip on citizens’ online activities.

An important contrast that conscientious American citizens should bear in mind, always. It’s one thing to say your government is censorious. It’s another thing entirely to actually live under such an oppressive regime, and it must make us that much more vigilant to protect our rights.