A HEADLINE THAT'S WORTH HOW MANY WORDS?

Beating highlights slow democratic reform in China (Richard McGregor, Financial Times, 10/11/05)

The severe beating of a grassroots activist in southern China at the weekend has highlighted the deep-seated problems in implementing the limited democratic reforms allowed at the local level by the central government in Beijing.

Lu Banglie was dragged from a car by a small gang manning roadblocks outside the village of Taishi, where he had been advising residents challenging what they believe was a rigged local election.

Sometimes, the Brit headlines really say about all that's necessary.