China to Take Revenge on Sharon Stone

Responding to the American actress' comments at Cannes that the recent earthquake to hit Sichuan was a karmic response to Chinese colonialism, the government in Beijing is rumored to be considering a boycott of Sharon Stone's films.

Though not explicitly stated, the story, carried by Variety on Wednesday, insinuated as much. Speaking to leading Chinese actors, it was clear that some more formal move against Stone is afoot, and that, as usual, Chinese artists are serving as government mouthpieces.

"This actress does not deserve our attention. The best way is to ignore her. I will never watch her films in future," said thesp Liu Wei, while fellow actor Lu Qilong accused Stone of lacking respect.

"Sharon Stone's remarks made all Chinese people and the world shocked and angry. She does not respect the Chinese people, as well as people's lives. Sichuan's earthquake affects everyone's heart," said Lu.

There's no doubt that Stone stuck her foot in her mouth. Call it a very big foot, at that. The lesson: A country's citizenry must always be distinguished from it's state, especially in authoritarian countries like China. Condemn the government, but leave the people it oppresses out of it.