=== Today's pseudo-elite thus far are only weakly realizing that they have convinced themselves of an illusion.
All things considered of late ... particularly Putin's latest on Iraqi terrorism ... you have to wonder about those in the West as well who are not fully illumined already. Does this bode a Great Awakening or will it just be drowned out by the cheers for Putin?
I know you don't like their slant but I sure like their colorful sort of writing. What's this clean boots and hanky business?
Novaya Gazeta has its own style, that's for sure, but one journalist who can really turn a phrase is Politkovskaya. If I can get through her last article without smashing the monitor, I'll translate it for you.
As far as China, I think that capitalism (or at least the marketplace) is in their blood. Here's an article (no online version, alas) about Chinese capitalists that caught my eye.