Do you know how many cities on earth would kill for HK's prosperity? How many have more 'freedom' yet are ruined by ineffective governance, crime, and corruption?
I'm not saying HK's protesters don't have a legit grievance, but some perspective is required. They're getting democracy no matter what (the right to vote, even amongst vetted candidates is something they didn't have before), a more effectual way to go about it would be to prove to Beijing that democracy works.
Not to ruin a great thing that they already have...
It's a product of a free market system with Chinese entrepreneurial spirit.
Not every British colony was nearly as successful, most if not all were less successful...
China's recent strategy has been to set up regions as 'tests' for future policy. There's no doubt that with them granting HK an election (even if they want to vet the candidates), they're looking to a soft transition to democracy in the future; much like they've transitioned to a market economy.
And finally - keep in mind Hong Kong was never democratic under British rule...
I'm not saying HK's protesters don't have a legit grievance, but some perspective is required. They're getting democracy no matter what (the right to vote, even amongst vetted candidates is something they didn't have before), a more effectual way to go about it would be to prove to Beijing that democracy works.
Not to ruin a great thing that they already have...
reply