An understandable misconception when the freedom of presses enables publicly airing anyone's dirty laundry. Not to mention that (god forbid) there is actual debate and conflict between our citizens on the best way to handle issues.

These differences are nonetheless not my biggest grief with China. The moment you restrict criticism of your institution, you have committed to sacrificing pragmatism for ideology. Pragmatism requires commitment to the truth, which can only come from the status quo being continually challenged.