"A 2008 State Department report on Georgia's democratic progress noted that respect for freedom of speech, the press and assembly worsened during the 2007 crisis, and that there continued to be reports of "law enforcement officers acting with impunity" and "government pressure on the judiciary."

"Sozar Subari, Georgia's ombudsman for human rights, an independent watchdog appointed by parliament, accused the government of stifling press freedom by ensuring that sympathetic managers are installed as directors at national broadcasters.

" 'That Georgia is on the road to democracy and has a free press is the main myth created by Georgia that the West has believed in,' Subari said. 'We have some of the best freedom-of-expression laws in the world, but in practice, the government is so afraid of criticism that it has felt compelled to raid media offices and to intimidate journalists and bash their equipment.'

As for the equally authoritarian Palin and her campaign, this from TampaBay.com (h/t Gotta Laff at Political Carnival): "Constantly under the watchful eyes of security, the media wasn't permitted to wander around inside Coachman Park to talk to Sarah Palin supporters. When reporters tried to leave the designated press area and head toward the bleachers where the crowd was seated, an escort would dart out of nowhere and confront him or her and say, "Can I help you?'' and turn the person around.

"When one reporter asked an escort, who would not give her name, why the press wasn't allowed to mingle, she said that in the past, negative things had been written. The campaign wanted to avoid that possibility  Monday."

Palin and her campaign are eerily reminiscent of the "minders" in the former Soviet Union.