It really isn’t a surprise that the Chinese government censored their version of President Obama’s inaugural address.

But you have to wonder what digital world they are living in if they think that their amateur mischief is not immediately broadcast around the world. The Internet is beyond pervasive in China, and almost immediately after every lame attempt at censorship, millions of Chinese citizens and people around the world are instantly informed.

But it goes beyond the simple act of censorship.  Their choice of forbidden passages reveals a complete lack of subtlety on their part,  and almost  immediately telegraph their authoritarian inclinations around the world.

Gee, I wonder what they might have found objectionable in the passage they cut:

“To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

Advice to China:  

Good news: Authoritarian government and oppression is still possible in the digital age.  

Bad news: You have to be subtle.