Well, I guess my original question goes unanswered. And probably just as well as it strays WAY too far from the topic. And once again, I apologize to OP Mark for my strayin' ways!
This is the progeny of a country under the present leadership...anything goes, and is frighteningly accepted. And with that goes any kind of respect for a life lived with honour, hard work, and remarkable creativity.
I've started wondering what exactly The Washington Post was intending by publishing the article in the first place.
It's my sense that Chen seeks to be published so fervently that he is not concerned with whether or not his arguments are based in facts, logic or intelligence. Has infamous become as desirable as famous?