On Weiwei and Artist Suppression. On June 22nd, 2011, a few weeks after I wrote my essay on the plight of artist Ai Weiwei for this magazine, he was released on bail after admitting to “tax evasion.”
The admission and subsequent release in response to the dubious charge was a by-product of the international pressure applied on China by thousands around the world on behalf of the outspoken artist. The worst, I fear, is not yet over for Ai. The trials ahead remain uncertain and are sure to be difficult. A coalition of artists, of which I’m apart, continues to keep a close eye and stay involved. Sadly, Ai’s disappearance and arrest are not endemic to China alone. Dontaskdonttell.png (PNG Image, 612x792 pixels) - Scaled (78%)
Marriage Equality. Liberal support. Rise of the Religious Right in the Republican Party.