"Bolshevik theory does not disregard public opinion. Its emphasis, however, more or less completely rejects following public opinion and stresses the prime need to shape and mold it. This implies that one studies public opinion primarily to determine the pace and speed of his own actions. The goal is not to cater to public opinion but to move it along with you as rapidly as possible without undermining your popular support."

--- Public Opinion in Soviet Russia : A Study in Mass Persuasion, Alex Inkeles


[On SARS in China] "Contrary to what many have believed, local officals were rather quick in taking action... The team turned in a completed report labeled 'top secret' that detailed the highly contagious virus to the Guangdong provincial health department on January 27. But the report sat sealed for three days because officials with sufficient security clearance to open it were away on vacation." - The Internet in China, Zixue Tai