"As the public have got to understand better what corporate tax avoidance is, there is a clear sense of outrage that is going well beyond a small group of protesters - it's something that the public feels is really not right with the current system, " he says.

BBC: Google, Amazon, Starbucks: The rise of 'tax shaming'

Beijing, for its part, did not help matters by fanning nationalist outrage and getting tough on issues beyond the bombing.

CNN: EMBASSY FIASCO

His comments have direct and potentially dire implications far beyond the initial public shock and outrage generated by his comments.

FORBES: Regulatory Lessons from Obama EPA Appointee's Resignation