[BrendanD]

In western countries you can, in general, publicly mock your leaders on the front steps of your legislature. Try dancing in a Winnie-the-Pooh costume in front of the Great Hall of the People and see what happens...

[zabana]

Because in China is the power is indeed in the hands of the government. Not sure this is the case in the west anymore I'm afraid

[jessaustin]

I'm pretty sure China has a "deep state" too.

[Dylan16807]

Your comment has nothing to do with what you replied to. It wasn't about what country is better.

[BrendanD]

True. I completely misread the comment to which I replied. Oops! However, my preference is still to live in a socialist country where the government can be openly criticized.

[CWuestefeld]

publicly mock your leaders on the front steps of your legislature

So long as those steps are designated as a "free speech zone".

[dodobirdlord]

Oh boy, the worst thing that will happen is that you might have to move a little ways down the street. Horrifying.