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Yes, and the point of the article is that SARS is quite unlike other issues since its effects are so real and so immediate for everyone in the country, not to mention other countries, such that cover-up is no longer possible.

The silver lining is that SARS should have the same effect on China as Chernobyl did on the USSR. It's exposed one of its biggest weaknesses in the post-Mao era: shoddy healthcare. I'm sure even the government is now seriously considering an overhaul.

Hey, we are talking about dictatorship here. A dictator always place social stability above human life. The only thing they know is: social unrest brings down the government. Yes, it could be a Chinese Chernobyl in replay but they just don't think telling the truth can benefit their control of the situation.

Let us not argue about the dictator's intention here. And, it is not my job to save their ass.

The fact is, up to this minute, outside web sites with SARS contents are still blocked. A few friends of mine who are running those sites had just confirmed it hours ago.