Right the wrongs

Training local officials in charge of handling citizens' grievances may seem like a good idea, but it may be a better idea if they are taught to function as effective intermediaries between the people and organs of the State instead of getting instructions on ways to deal with the media.

Citizens resort to "xinfang", either in the form of letters of complaint or personal visits to seek help from higher authorities, in the hope that competent officials will address the wrongs done to them. This has been the favored way of seeking justice.

Although laws to counter injustice are aplenty, the common people favor "xinfang" in the innocent belief that an upright Party leader or government official will be able to better act upon his complaints. The authorities too favor such a system as it saves them from the ignominy of being sued.