The whole world is watching

For those of us who remember the riots of the 1960s, we also remember the chant "The whole world is watching" reminding American politicians and administrations they couldn't hide police brutality towards rioting students. There was some citizen reporting that complemented media reporting, but without the instant technology we now have.

Here's what's good about the new media tools: They keep that chant relevant. The whole world is watching China while China fights to bolster its image for the Olympics. No matter how they try, the Chinese government can't keep their own brutality from being seen by the world. Bloggers are learning how to get around the government censors by blogging backwards, upside down, and any other way to get the story out.

It's not only wonderful there are people willing to risk detention and possibly their lives to get stories of oppressive government to the rest of the world, it's also great that mainstream media picks it up and broadcasts it.

When all voice are heard, more democratic ideals can be implemented. Maybe, just maybe, peace can be spread.