Ai Weiwei’s tax case vs. mine – a difference between a semifeudal society and an open society.

The Chinese regime accused Ai Weiwei of tax evasion in June 2011 as a way to oppress this artist whose civil rights activities have been a major headache for them.   They demand him to pay ¥12 million.  His repeated appeals, not surprisingly, have gone nowhere. His thousands of supporters have donated ¥5 million to help him.  Due to the tax case, the license of his Fuck Studio has been revoked.  Justice is out of the question in China when it comes to dissidents.

Watching the agonizing Ai Weiwei tax case saga, I cannot help thinking of mine.  The difference is day and night.

IRS accused me of underreporting my income by $77,797 and imposed a penalty of $18.019 in July 2012.  I was not worried at all because they apparently made a mistake.   I responded with a simple letter and necessary documents to dispute their claim.  IRS quickly replied informing me that they would review my case.  They sent me another letter concluding this case by completely clearing me and explaining how they made the mistake.

In a semifeudal society, the ruling regime has absolute power.  They criminalize people at their will. 

In an open society, the government is bound by laws and people are protected by laws.