The Chinese government's closure of Freezing Point is the most recent illustration of the commitment by the Chinese Communist Party to smother free expression.

By not keeping their commitment, (Michigan ) Gov. (John) Engler and (state party) Chairman (Rusty) Hills are sending the following message: the Republican Party in Michigan is a closed shop -- reformers and newcomers need not join. This does not bode well for our party in the general election in an important battleground state like Michigan.

Now the ball is in the court of the seven-party alliance. They should fulfill the commitment they have made to the people.

I cannot endorse the Republican nominee as of now. I cannot make that commitment because my party at the national level has become a Xerox copy, basically, of the Democratic Party, ... Face The Nation.

With so much of the final text for the Council still in dispute, it is absolutely vital that the Caucus' leaders weigh in now and insist on a new and improved human rights body.

Beijing's control of the Internet has been in the news lately, but it represents just one facet of an intricate system of restrictions on the free circulation of ideas in China. The Chinese government is hoping to enjoy the benefits of the global economy without jeopardizing its political control.