Obama's Innaugural Speech censored in China

Chinese keep their media under strict control.  So, while the rest of the world was moved and excited about Obama’s innauguration and his speech, the Chinese media was looking for “Communist bloopers” from him.  And as is their wont, any references to Communism and Silencing dissent were omitted.  While the English version was not affected, the Chinese versions were edited as per the needs of the Communist Czars.

The areas which ran foul for the Chinese authorities were:

1. “Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.”

– Words “and communism” were taken out in the Chinese version. (See the image on the right)

2. “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history,”

– the sentence was taken out as it talked of silencing the dissent – a common tool in the hands of Communists the world over.

Apparently, the speech was being shown live with the Chinese translation on the side.  As Obama got to the “and Communism”, the voice of the translator faded away.  The program was then cut back to the studios with a hurried question to the guests.

1. Obama speech censored in China
2. Speech Video – Obama’s speech being cut off