Protests come to the citiesRural protests, often led by impoverished farmers angry over land seizures that leave them unable to feed their families, have occurred sporadically over the past decade. But richer, more educated Chinese are behind the recent strikes, which have disrupted life in China's cities. The success achieved by the drivers in Chongqing has inspired work stoppages elsewhere.
Urban workers say they are worried about being unable to pay for their children's college education, missing payments on car loans, and not having enough money left each month to dine out with friends or go on vacation.
In the past 30 years of economic liberalization, younger Chinese have come to see these things not as a luxury of modern life but as a right.
Interesting how that last bit sounds a lot like the LLL in this country.