First lady blacks out media in China, touts freedom of press -- Insider blogs and tweets, sans reporters, tell the story of first lady’s China trip -- By Emily Miller, The Washington Times

Michelle Obama took the saying "when in Rome" to heart as she showed utter disdain for freedom of the press on her trip to China.

The first lady lectured the Chinese on the benefits of the freedom of the press while refusing to take questions, do interviews or allow any reporters on her plane. The irony is striking.

Mrs. Obama, her daughters, mother and entourage of 70 returned Thursday from a weeklong trip to tour China. The taxpayers picked up the tab for touring Beijing, Xi'an and Chengdu.

Just like government-run media, the White House gave details and photos during the week only by blog, YouTube videos made by her staff and Twitter.

While refusing to talk to the media herself, Mrs. Obama said the Chinese need to respect a free press. "It's so important for information and ideas to flow freely over the Internet and through the media because that's how we discover the truth," she said at Peking University. "My husband and I are on the receiving end of plenty of questioning and criticism from our media and our fellow citizens. And it's not always easy, but we wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."

She somehow missed the contradiction in her words and actions.

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