Okay, you guys. It's 2010 and scared governments are still putting writers in prison for speaking out. Liu Xiaobo, President of the Independent Chinese PEN Center, was sentenced to eleven years on Christmas Day for inciting crimes against the state. He's already served three years in a "re-education through labor" camp. You all know how much I love China; but her rulers must be made to understand that they can't be part of the modern world as long as they behave like emperors frightened that their dynasty is about to be brought down. PEN American Center held a rally in support of Liu yesterday at the NY Public Library. New Year's Eve. In the snow. What a place to be, and yet, click and see who was there. (I was.) Now, from the warmth and safety of our own homes, we can do something more for Liu and his fellow Chinese writers. Send an email to the Chinese government. Let them know the world heard this verdict.