Hong Kong is right on the brink. Tensions have hit an all-time high in Hong Kong as masked assailants appeared to target pro-democracy protesters overnight. China again harshly criticised demonstrations over the weekend — the seventh straight weekend of protests — saying “central authority cannot be challenged”.
@Craig Swanson Their meaning is clear, but worded less than fearsomely. What is meant is, "Central authority WILL NOT be challenged". Like the story told to me by an old German immigrant, a co-worker, Jerry (Gerhard) Fransky: Here in America the sign says "Please stay off the grass". In Germany the sign says "Walking on grass is FORBIDDEN".
On one hand, Hong Kong and China are two very different entities but on the other they share some commonalities that tie them together. Without going into a long dialog, one of the chief reasons the “Hong Kongers” are getting upset is because the region is headed by an authority which is elected by it’s citizens. Note: Great Britain possessed Hong Kong for a hundred years until the lease ran out in 1997. Presently, the Chinese government is pushing it’s political agenda upon Hong Kong and will not allow anyone who doesn’t align themselves with Chinese law to run for office in Hong Kong.
Too True Patsy. I’ve been flipping coins a lot lately. The Chinese people have been pushed and pulled along, going from one regime to another for thousands of years. They’ve never really known anything other than being ruled and whomever ruled, made the laws. Presently, the general population is doing a lot better than it was doing just a few years ago under Chairman Mao, but it’s still known as a Communist government. The citizenry can now dress as they wish, own businesses and homes and pay less tax per person than even those in most western countries but still, they can’t own the land that their homes and businesses are on. And, they cannot truly elect their leadership which is the whole crux of the matter. Hong Kong has been able to retain some autonomy and is still considered an independent “region” but it has no military and has to rely on China for protection which, stands as one of the many swords that China holds over Hong Kong. Whether or not Hong Kong can hold onto it’s government of independence versus Communism is up in the air because again, the leadership of China is already choosing who the citizens of Hong Kong can vote for as their authority. Now, my reason for flipping coins is this: Are the Chinese people enjoying more freedom and enjoying a more capitalistic life? Yes. Can the Chinese people lose what they are presently enjoying at the drop of a hat? Yes to that too.
Saw a programme on the people of China, so sad Now Hong Kong - so much to cope with - we really do need some good news
@Patsy Faye I see this a little differently: it is not how the nation is treating it's people, but rather how the guys leading the nation are treating their own people, but same thing, basically. I'm just yer usual trouble-maker......... Frank
You actually have a valid point Frank that I have been mulling over for some time. I know how a person can come into a position of power but what baffles me is how, if that power is tyrannical in substance, can it be maintained? To me it’s akin to a guy with a 6 shooter holding a room filled with a hundred people at bay. Hopefully, the hostages are going to get ticked and rush the guy but most of the time, as we have found out, they don’t. In essence, a single leader surrounded with like minded people seeking power and wealth can keep millions if not billions of people held hostage. Wuzup with that?
The central goverment will eventually win out. The child cannot challenge the parent. China will teach Hong Kong a lesson sooner or later. Disobedience will not long be tolerated, me thinks.
@Bobby Cole I've thought about that many times over the years. A small-scale example was the actual robbery committed in a subway car by an armed thug, who was standing in the center of the crowded car facing one end, making demands. BEHIND him sat several dozen very able-bodied MEN, apparently all aquiver. Several could have easily jumped him from the back and disarmed him. As I recall, several folks were killed. Now, on to the master-butchers.......the Man of Steel, for example. Known to have burned huge stocks of wheat and produce to kill-off the least able to survive, in his words, the elderly, lazy, and sick. He succeeded. Why did no one in his close circle not feel so disgusted as to be willing to give their own life in the process of killing him? IOW, how much money will "buy" Secret Service Agents' uncompromised dedication to their Despot's activities, no matter how despicable those may be? How much do you suppose our own Secret Service people are paid, IN REALITY? Frank
The bottom line is the Chinese Communist government will not countenance any objection to its authority. This "one country two systems" slogan is in name only. Beijing appoints the Hong Kong leader to do its bidding. So as Hong Kong is now a part of China I can see no end other than a bad one if these student militants dont curb their protests. They have won the battle to have the extradition law abandoned. Be thankful for that and dont push Beijing too far.