You can follow one conversation here.
The gist of the controversy is, the Bureau of Customs, under the policy of the Bureau of Finance, started applying tariffs to imported books (around 1-5%, depending on the nature of the book). This is aid to be in violation of the Florence Agreement. When local book distributors protested, customs sequestered all incoming books.
The book-loving lawyers of the blogosphere, of course, endorse rational discourse over the matter. I think the issue stopped being rational when Customs withheld the release of our precious books.
It’s a slap on our literate faces.
Discussion (2) ¬
Ugggghhhh.
Gov’t officials can get away with bringing in sans duties Luxury cars, thoroughbred racehorses, shovelware (cheap consumer electronics made in China) and cheap Chinese food products.
AND THEY WOULD RATHER KEEP BOOKS OUT?
I am inclined to believe this a conspiracy of the Political elite to keep most of the population dumb and unclultu by keeping imported books out except to this with the money