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Generation of Rich Brats Sparks Chinese Anger

Lethal car accident, lenient sentence trigger wave of Internet outrage

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 22, 2009 7:03 AM CDT

(Newser) – Public outrage aimed at new generation of elites is widening class divisions as China prepares to mark 60 years of Communist rule, the Wall Street Journal reports. The sons and daughters of those who got rich after the economic reforms of the early '80s are widely seen as being above the law, as their parents use their wealth to consolidate political power.

Public anger was stoked earlier this year after a car accident in Hangzhou. The driver, the 20-year-old son of a wealthy family, killed a young engineer from a poor family while racing his souped-up Mitsubishi along city streets. Photos of his friends laughing and smoking at the crime scene became an Internet sensation. The rich family was accused of using its connections to help their son avoid a stiff sentence; he was given just three years in prison, and many believe that the family hired a stand-in to serve the time for him.

Actors perform a dance of the musical Road to Revival at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing ahead of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Actors perform a dance of the musical "Road to Revival" at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing ahead of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.   (AP Photo/Xinhua, Chen Shugen)
Chinese women walk through a  Beijing shopping mall.
Chinese women walk through a Beijing shopping mall.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
A worker cleans a statue of Mao Zedong in preparation for China's 60th National Day in downtown Chengdu.
A worker cleans a statue of Mao Zedong in preparation for China's 60th National Day in downtown Chengdu.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
Timinator2K
Sep 23, 2009 12:25 PM CDT
Higher standards of living and education are the absolute DOOM of communism...and you are right, it will not go down without a very bloody, nasty fight.
Timinator2K
Sep 23, 2009 12:19 PM CDT
Wrong as usual, Stinker Bell. IF you really were a "Thinker" then you would know that its GREED that ALWAYS ends up screwing the pooch...and it IS present in ANY system you care to name. The sheer stupidity and naivety of most you newser libs never ceases to amaze me. Capitalism is what makes it possible for you to be here mouthing off so mindlessly.
Timinator2K
Sep 22, 2009 12:37 PM CDT
Let's review, when Chinese authorities typically get "angry" over some group's behavior, they tend to lop off their heads and sell their organs. No troublemakers, no problems, extra cash. Look out rich brats.

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