Capitalism's Failures in Hong Kong

[georgephillip]

What's to blame for escalating protests in Hong Kong, capitalism or Communist China?

Why it’s wrong to blame Beijing for Hong Kong protests

• "Hong Kong’s civil unrest is motivated less by democratic dreams than by a crushing hopelessness in the face of growing inequality
• Capitalism’s failures in Hong Kong should be a cautionary tale for the rest of the world..."

"For the past 25 years, Hong Kong has been ranked the freest economy
in the world and a fine demonstration of capitalism.

"Prosperity has, however,come at a cost

"Skyrocketing property prices and an ever-widening wealth gap have been two direct consequences.

"Throw into the mix a lack offsocial mobility as well, and it’s easy for a young Hongkonger to feel that there is no way out.

"There are two reasons I am convinced the protests are not about
democracy

"First, during the over 150 years of British rule, Hong Kong never enjoyed democracy.

"This is not to say that people cannot demand what they never had, but when protesters
repeatedly reminisce about the 'better days' of British rule,
they do not refer to a democratic past, but to a period of relative equality."

Same old story.

Capitalists and communists throw human rights under the bus whenever the profit motive dictates.

 

[TNHarley]

Lol yea. The protestors dont know what they are protesting, but you, a known moron, does.
Good gawd I love this site.

 

[JGalt]

What's to blame for escalating protests in Hong Kong, capitalism or Communist China?

Why it’s wrong to blame Beijing for Hong Kong protests

• "Hong Kong’s civil unrest is motivated less by democratic dreams than by a crushing hopelessness in the face of growing inequality
• Capitalism’s failures in Hong Kong should be a cautionary tale for the rest of the world..."

"For the past 25 years, Hong Kong has been ranked the freest economy
in the world and a fine demonstration of capitalism.

"Prosperity has, however,come at a cost

"Skyrocketing property prices and an ever-widening wealth gap have been two direct consequences.

"Throw into the mix a lack offsocial mobility as well, and it’s easy for a young Hongkonger to feel that there is no way out.

"There are two reasons I am convinced the protests are not about
democracy

"First, during the over 150 years of British rule, Hong Kong never enjoyed democracy.

"This is not to say that people cannot demand what they never had, but when protesters
repeatedly reminisce about the 'better days' of British rule,
they do not refer to a democratic past, but to a period of relative equality."

Same old story.

Capitalists and communists throw human rights under the bus whenever the profit motive dictates.

The Hong Kong protests have nothing to do with economic reasons, they are political and nationalist, on the part of China.

What is driving Hong Kong-China tensions?

So I take it that you'd have no problem if the US were somehow reverted to being under British rule?

 

[georgephillip]

Lol yea. The protestors dont know what they are protesting, but you, a known moron, does.
Good gawd I love this site.

You're too stupid to be on this site

What is driving Hong Kong-China tensions?

"What do pro-democracy activists want?
Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists have been protesting against what they say is China's growing encroachment on the city's freedoms in a breach of the 'one country, two systems' arrangement.

"'I'm not the one to advocate for Hong Kong' independence, but I'm the one who fights for autonomy and against the indifference of China towards Hong Kong. And we were promised to have a high degree of autonomy in the international treaty, which means the joined declaration,' Joshua Wong, student and pro-democracy activist, told Al Jazeera.

"'The 'one country, two systems' in the 20th anniversary seems to be a lie for the Hong Kong people,' he added.

"'I hope to see full democracy in Hong Kong in my life time, but whether Hong Kong can implement, or achieve, democracy, it doesn't depend on me, but it depends on its people and the international community.'"

 

[Nostra]

Lol yea. The protestors dont know what they are protesting, but you, a known moron, does.
Good gawd I love this site.

You're too stupid to be on this site

What is driving Hong Kong-China tensions?

"What do pro-democracy activists want?
Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists have been protesting against what they say is China's growing encroachment on the city's freedoms in a breach of the 'one country, two systems' arrangement.

"'I'm not the one to advocate for Hong Kong' independence, but I'm the one who fights for autonomy and against the indifference of China towards Hong Kong. And we were promised to have a high degree of autonomy in the international treaty, which means the joined declaration,' Joshua Wong, student and pro-democracy activist, told Al Jazeera.

"'The 'one country, two systems' in the 20th anniversary seems to be a lie for the Hong Kong people,' he added.

"'I hope to see full democracy in Hong Kong in my life time, but whether Hong Kong can implement, or achieve, democracy, it doesn't depend on me, but it depends on its people and the international community.'"

aljazeera.com?

Pass.....

 

[Nostra]

What's to blame for escalating protests in Hong Kong, capitalism or Communist China?

Why it’s wrong to blame Beijing for Hong Kong protests

• "Hong Kong’s civil unrest is motivated less by democratic dreams than by a crushing hopelessness in the face of growing inequality
• Capitalism’s failures in Hong Kong should be a cautionary tale for the rest of the world..."

"For the past 25 years, Hong Kong has been ranked the freest economy
in the world and a fine demonstration of capitalism.

"Prosperity has, however,come at a cost

"Skyrocketing property prices and an ever-widening wealth gap have been two direct consequences.

"Throw into the mix a lack offsocial mobility as well, and it’s easy for a young Hongkonger to feel that there is no way out.

"There are two reasons I am convinced the protests are not about
democracy

"First, during the over 150 years of British rule, Hong Kong never enjoyed democracy.

"This is not to say that people cannot demand what they never had, but when protesters
repeatedly reminisce about the 'better days' of British rule,
they do not refer to a democratic past, but to a period of relative equality."

Same old story.

Capitalists and communists throw human rights under the bus whenever the profit motive dictates.

South China Morning Post?

Pass..............

 

[georgephillip]

What's to blame for escalating protests in Hong Kong, capitalism or Communist China?

Why it’s wrong to blame Beijing for Hong Kong protests

• "Hong Kong’s civil unrest is motivated less by democratic dreams than by a crushing hopelessness in the face of growing inequality
• Capitalism’s failures in Hong Kong should be a cautionary tale for the rest of the world..."

"For the past 25 years, Hong Kong has been ranked the freest economy
in the world and a fine demonstration of capitalism.

"Prosperity has, however,come at a cost

"Skyrocketing property prices and an ever-widening wealth gap have been two direct consequences.

"Throw into the mix a lack offsocial mobility as well, and it’s easy for a young Hongkonger to feel that there is no way out.

"There are two reasons I am convinced the protests are not about
democracy

"First, during the over 150 years of British rule, Hong Kong never enjoyed democracy.

"This is not to say that people cannot demand what they never had, but when protesters
repeatedly reminisce about the 'better days' of British rule,
they do not refer to a democratic past, but to a period of relative equality."

Same old story.

Capitalists and communists throw human rights under the bus whenever the profit motive dictates.

The Hong Kong protests have nothing to do with economic reasons, they are political and nationalist, on the part of China.

What is driving Hong Kong-China tensions?

So I take it that you'd have no problem if the US were somehow reverted to being under British rule?

The Hong Kong protests have nothing to do with economic reasons, they are political and nationalist, on the part of China.

Where does the Hong Kong housing crisis fit in to your theory?

A lack of affordable housing feeds Hong Kong's discontent

"In a global survey released in January by United States research firm Demographia, Hong Kong retained its title as the world's least affordable housing market for a ninth consecutive year.

"That means the average price for a home is a staggering 20.9 times the annual household income in Hong Kong."

Even Churchill recognized what happened in a capitalist economy when the pie stops growing:

Why it’s wrong to blame Beijing for Hong Kong protests

"The bigger enemy, as Winston Churchill put it, is the 'vice of capitalism'.
"This is, however, not a problem unique to Hong Kong. The protests in Hong Kong should be an alarm bell for the rest of the world: capitalism has failed, at least in Hong Kong.

"A completely free capitalist regime simply does not work once the pie stops growing. Winners will always take all"

 

[JGalt]

Lol yea. The protestors dont know what they are protesting, but you, a known moron, does.
Good gawd I love this site.

You're too stupid to be on this site

What is driving Hong Kong-China tensions?

"What do pro-democracy activists want?
Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists have been protesting against what they say is China's growing encroachment on the city's freedoms in a breach of the 'one country, two systems' arrangement.

"'I'm not the one to advocate for Hong Kong' independence, but I'm the one who fights for autonomy and against the indifference of China towards Hong Kong. And we were promised to have a high degree of autonomy in the international treaty, which means the joined declaration,' Joshua Wong, student and pro-democracy activist, told Al Jazeera.

"'The 'one country, two systems' in the 20th anniversary seems to be a lie for the Hong Kong people,' he added.

"'I hope to see full democracy in Hong Kong in my life time, but whether Hong Kong can implement, or achieve, democracy, it doesn't depend on me, but it depends on its people and the international community.'"

So you shifted from "the failure of capitalism" to Hong Kong's simply wanting autonomy from China in just two posts, using the link I provided? And then repeated the link I provided? And then went back to "the failure of capitalism"?

I seriously doubt they're rioting over "affordable housing."

 

[georgephillip]

Lol yea. The protestors dont know what they are protesting, but you, a known moron, does.
Good gawd I love this site.

You're too stupid to be on this site

What is driving Hong Kong-China tensions?

"What do pro-democracy activists want?
Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists have been protesting against what they say is China's growing encroachment on the city's freedoms in a breach of the 'one country, two systems' arrangement.

"'I'm not the one to advocate for Hong Kong' independence, but I'm the one who fights for autonomy and against the indifference of China towards Hong Kong. And we were promised to have a high degree of autonomy in the international treaty, which means the joined declaration,' Joshua Wong, student and pro-democracy activist, told Al Jazeera.

"'The 'one country, two systems' in the 20th anniversary seems to be a lie for the Hong Kong people,' he added.

"'I hope to see full democracy in Hong Kong in my life time, but whether Hong Kong can implement, or achieve, democracy, it doesn't depend on me, but it depends on its people and the international community.'"

So you shifted from "the failure of capitalism" to Hong Kong's simply wanting autonomy from China in just two posts, using the link I provided? And then repeated the link I provided? And then went back to "the failure of capitalism"?

I seriously doubt they're rioting over "affordable housing."

I seriously doubt they're rioting over "affordable housing."

I seriously doubt you have any idea why the riots are occurring:

Does Hong Kong have a housing crisis?

"Hong Kong’s home prices are the world’s highest. Can the city fix it?

"So how much have prices gone up this year?

"The latest available government statistics from October showed Hong Kong’s private residential property prices had not dropped since March last year.

"Between this January and October, prices spiked by 11 per cent, according to the government’s private domestic price indices, which track overall trends in the property market."

Economic determinism - Wikipedia

 

[JGalt]

Lol yea. The protestors dont know what they are protesting, but you, a known moron, does.
Good gawd I love this site.

You're too stupid to be on this site

What is driving Hong Kong-China tensions?

"What do pro-democracy activists want?
Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists have been protesting against what they say is China's growing encroachment on the city's freedoms in a breach of the 'one country, two systems' arrangement.

"'I'm not the one to advocate for Hong Kong' independence, but I'm the one who fights for autonomy and against the indifference of China towards Hong Kong. And we were promised to have a high degree of autonomy in the international treaty, which means the joined declaration,' Joshua Wong, student and pro-democracy activist, told Al Jazeera.

"'The 'one country, two systems' in the 20th anniversary seems to be a lie for the Hong Kong people,' he added.

"'I hope to see full democracy in Hong Kong in my life time, but whether Hong Kong can implement, or achieve, democracy, it doesn't depend on me, but it depends on its people and the international community.'"

So you shifted from "the failure of capitalism" to Hong Kong's simply wanting autonomy from China in just two posts, using the link I provided? And then repeated the link I provided? And then went back to "the failure of capitalism"?

I seriously doubt they're rioting over "affordable housing."

I seriously doubt they're rioting over "affordable housing."

I seriously doubt you have any idea why the riots are occurring:

Does Hong Kong have a housing crisis?

"Hong Kong’s home prices are the world’s highest. Can the city fix it?

"So how much have prices gone up this year?

"The latest available government statistics from October showed Hong Kong’s private residential property prices had not dropped since March last year.

"Between this January and October, prices spiked by 11 per cent, according to the government’s private domestic price indices, which track overall trends in the property market."

Economic determinism - Wikipedia

Fuck Marxists. They could all end up dying in some jungle like this guy did, and I'd be happy...

 

[georgephillip]

Lol yea. The protestors dont know what they are protesting, but you, a known moron, does.
Good gawd I love this site.

You're too stupid to be on this site

What is driving Hong Kong-China tensions?

"What do pro-democracy activists want?
Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists have been protesting against what they say is China's growing encroachment on the city's freedoms in a breach of the 'one country, two systems' arrangement.

"'I'm not the one to advocate for Hong Kong' independence, but I'm the one who fights for autonomy and against the indifference of China towards Hong Kong. And we were promised to have a high degree of autonomy in the international treaty, which means the joined declaration,' Joshua Wong, student and pro-democracy activist, told Al Jazeera.

"'The 'one country, two systems' in the 20th anniversary seems to be a lie for the Hong Kong people,' he added.

"'I hope to see full democracy in Hong Kong in my life time, but whether Hong Kong can implement, or achieve, democracy, it doesn't depend on me, but it depends on its people and the international community.'"

So you shifted from "the failure of capitalism" to Hong Kong's simply wanting autonomy from China in just two posts, using the link I provided? And then repeated the link I provided? And then went back to "the failure of capitalism"?

I seriously doubt they're rioting over "affordable housing."

I seriously doubt they're rioting over "affordable housing."

I seriously doubt you have any idea why the riots are occurring:

Does Hong Kong have a housing crisis?

"Hong Kong’s home prices are the world’s highest. Can the city fix it?

"So how much have prices gone up this year?

"The latest available government statistics from October showed Hong Kong’s private residential property prices had not dropped since March last year.

"Between this January and October, prices spiked by 11 per cent, according to the government’s private domestic price indices, which track overall trends in the property market."

Economic determinism - Wikipedia

Fuck Marxists. They could all end up dying in some jungle like this guy did, and I'd be happy...

Fuck Marxists. They could all end up dying in some jungle like this guy did, and I'd be happy...

Is this your idea of a freedom fighter?

Our Debt to Central American Refugees - Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

 

[JGalt]

Lol yea. The protestors dont know what they are protesting, but you, a known moron, does.
Good gawd I love this site.

You're too stupid to be on this site

What is driving Hong Kong-China tensions?

"What do pro-democracy activists want?
Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists have been protesting against what they say is China's growing encroachment on the city's freedoms in a breach of the 'one country, two systems' arrangement.

"'I'm not the one to advocate for Hong Kong' independence, but I'm the one who fights for autonomy and against the indifference of China towards Hong Kong. And we were promised to have a high degree of autonomy in the international treaty, which means the joined declaration,' Joshua Wong, student and pro-democracy activist, told Al Jazeera.

"'The 'one country, two systems' in the 20th anniversary seems to be a lie for the Hong Kong people,' he added.

"'I hope to see full democracy in Hong Kong in my life time, but whether Hong Kong can implement, or achieve, democracy, it doesn't depend on me, but it depends on its people and the international community.'"

So you shifted from "the failure of capitalism" to Hong Kong's simply wanting autonomy from China in just two posts, using the link I provided? And then repeated the link I provided? And then went back to "the failure of capitalism"?

I seriously doubt they're rioting over "affordable housing."

I seriously doubt they're rioting over "affordable housing."

I seriously doubt you have any idea why the riots are occurring:

Does Hong Kong have a housing crisis?

"Hong Kong’s home prices are the world’s highest. Can the city fix it?

"So how much have prices gone up this year?

"The latest available government statistics from October showed Hong Kong’s private residential property prices had not dropped since March last year.

"Between this January and October, prices spiked by 11 per cent, according to the government’s private domestic price indices, which track overall trends in the property market."

Economic determinism - Wikipedia

Fuck Marxists. They could all end up dying in some jungle like this guy did, and I'd be happy...

Fuck Marxists. They could all end up dying in some jungle like this guy did, and I'd be happy...

Is this your idea of a freedom fighter?

Our Debt to Central American Refugees - Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

Yes it does. I helped train more than several South and Central American military personnel the joys of killing communists with artillery, when I served under him.

Ever see what a 105mm HE round can to do communists?

 

[Dont Taz Me Bro]

What's to blame for escalating protests in Hong Kong, capitalism or Communist China?
Why it’s wrong to blame Beijing for Hong Kong protests

• "Hong Kong’s civil unrest is motivated less by democratic dreams than by a crushing hopelessness in the face of growing inequality
• Capitalism’s failures in Hong Kong should be a cautionary tale for the rest of the world..."

"For the past 25 years, Hong Kong has been ranked the freest economy
in the world and a fine demonstration of capitalism.

"Prosperity has, however,come at a cost

"Skyrocketing property prices and an ever-widening wealth gap have been two direct consequences.

"Throw into the mix a lack offsocial mobility as well, and it’s easy for a young Hongkonger to feel that there is no way out.

"There are two reasons I am convinced the protests are not about
democracy

"First, during the over 150 years of British rule, Hong Kong never enjoyed democracy.

"This is not to say that people cannot demand what they never had, but when protesters
repeatedly reminisce about the 'better days' of British rule,
they do not refer to a democratic past, but to a period of relative equality."

Same old story.

Capitalists and communists throw human rights under the bus whenever the profit motive dictates.

I'm not even wasting my time on you...... Jesus Christ.....

 

[Kilroy2]

Well this is another problem created by the UN of which the US is a part of.

The Israel/Palestinian problem

now the Hong Kong problem

have come to a boil

They were removed from the non self governing territories which gave basically gave China the right to reclaim Hong Kong

Obvious it is a thorny issue but so was the US civil war when the South tried to succeed from the Union

The civil rights movement was both nonviolent and violent

The Vietnam protest

I wonder what would have happen if a foreign country had intervene in what is a civil internal matter
I would like to see China have a dialogue and see if some agreements can be reached before it becomes bloody but both sides needs to keep it non violent

Ultimately it is a internal civil matter

 

[georgephillip]

Well this is another problem created by the UN of which the US is a part of.

The Israel/Palestinian problem

now the Hong Kong problem

have come to a boil

They were removed from the non self governing territories which gave basically gave China the right to reclaim Hong Kong

Obvious it is a thorny issue but so was the US civil war when the South tried to succeed from the Union

The civil rights movement was both nonviolent and violent

The Vietnam protest

I wonder what would have happen if a foreign country had intervene in what is a civil internal matter
I would like to see China have a dialogue and see if some agreements can be reached before it becomes bloody but both sides needs to keep it non violent

Ultimately it is a internal civil matter

I wonder what would have happen if a foreign country had intervene in what is a civil internal matter
I would like to see China have a dialogue and see if some agreements can be reached before it becomes bloody but both sides needs to keep it non violent

Ultimately it is a internal civil matter

Aspects of Democracy like universal suffrage seem to be at the heart of this dispute?

Democratic development in Hong Kong - Wikipedia

"Other democracy-related issues involving human rights and universal suffrage (in this case the right to elect Hong Kong leaders through general elections under universal suffrage with no curtailment from the central government of China) became the new focal point for the pro-democracy camp.

"Ever since the 1950s, the Chinese government has continually threatened the British over any attempts to bring about democratic development in Hong Kong.

"Attempts to bring Hong Kong citizens to the negotiating table by the British during the Sino-Anglo discussions were rejected by Beijing in the late 1980s.

"The last governor Chris Patten faced a great deal of opposition in changing the former colony's political system."

HK protesters frequently wave UK and US flags during demonstrations, but ongoing trade negotiations make it unlikely any western state will take sides.

 

[Kilroy2]

China even though it is a communist political system has embraced private ownership

Under Mao it was a disaster

The new regime has kept some things that are communist in nature but has open up free enterprise as their is now private ownership in a communist country

People seems to be free to leave the country

Yes politically they silence opposition, have an authoritarian leader, and free speech is anemic

So Honk Kong seems to like its free speech and does not want to give that up

Yet in the US we have free speech

Certainly we can say anything within reason but that has lead to lies and misinformation that can be spoken with impunity

and people will believe it because it supports their world view

Truth is fake news depending on what float your on

Fake news is truth

Free speech, you just gotta love it

 

[georgephillip]

China even though it is a communist political system has embraced private ownership

Under Mao it was a disaster

The new regime has kept some things that are communist in nature but has open up free enterprise as their is now private ownership in a communist country

People seems to be free to leave the country

Yes politically they silence opposition, have an authoritarian leader, and free speech is anemic

So Honk Kong seems to like its free speech and does not want to give that up

Yet in the US we have free speech

Certainly we can say anything within reason but that has lead to lies and misinformation that can be spoken with impunity

and people will believe it because it supports their world view

Truth is fake news depending on what float your on

Fake news is truth

Free speech, you just gotta love it

Many Hong Kong protesters are looking ahead 28 years to 2047; that's when their "borrowed time" relationship with China is slated to end.

The "one country, two systems" formula arranged between Beijing and London that allows Hong Kong to function somewhat independently of China will end, and many in Hong Kong fear the worst, possibly with good reasons since the Communist Party on the mainland (fueled by capitalism) controls many aspects of society, including the media and courts.

Hong Kong campus siege almost over, but the violence and anger is here to stay - CNN

"Hanging over the escalating unrest is the potential threat of military intervention.

"On Saturday, soldiers from one of Hong Kong's People's Liberation Army (PLA) barracks were seen helping local residents clean up surrounding streets.

"The presence of the troops on the streets, despite being unarmed and wearing workout gear -- unnerved many Hong Kong residents and pro-democracy legislators, even as it was cheered by pro-Beijing newspapers and on Chinese social media.

"Analysts agree that a military intervention could severely damage Hong Kong's economy and might spark an exodus from the city.

"Speaking Tuesday, Lam said it was 'not uncommon' for PLA troops to engage in voluntary activities."

 

[Kilroy2]

So the question is

Is it really that different from what it is now

The HK government seems to be close to the mainland China government and cooperate with it

Sure there appears to be some autonomy but is it real or an illusion

You are probably right that those in HK know that times is running out and if they want their own country, best to do it before the deadline

But it would be interesting to get numbers of those who really fear the mainland taking over vs those who just accept that it is inevitable

Civil war is not pretty and I cannot see how they can win (HK who want independence) unless the UN goes to bat for them and try to pressure the mainland into granting them independence or striking up a new timeline for the inevitable

 

[georgephillip]

So the question is

Is it really that different from what it is now

The HK government seems to be close to the mainland China government and cooperate with it

Sure there appears to be some autonomy but is it real or an illusion

You are probably right that those in HK know that times is running out and if they want their own country, best to do it before the deadline

But it would be interesting to get numbers of those who really fear the mainland taking over vs those who just accept that it is inevitable

Civil war is not pretty and I cannot see how they can win (HK who want independence) unless the UN goes to bat for them and try to pressure the mainland into granting them independence or striking up a new timeline for the inevitable

Civil war is not pretty and I cannot see how they can win (HK who want independence) unless the UN goes to bat for them and try to pressure the mainland into granting them independence or striking up a new timeline for the inevitable

I don't think any agent on the planet can interfere with China's intentions towards Hong Kong. Imho, China is the state capitalism was created for, and the Chinese believe the 21st century belongs to them.

In Warning to Hong Kong’s Courts, China Shows Who Is Boss

"BEIJING — After months of relative restraint, China’s Communist government this week took its most decisive steps to intervene in Hong Kong’s political crisis, signaling a more forceful response that could further inflame tensions in the Chinese territory.

"China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress, warned that it would use its authority, if necessary, to overrule the territory’s judiciary.

"It followed a Hong Kong court’s ruling on Monday overturning a contentious ban on wearing face masks, which protesters have used to shield their identities from the police."

 

[okfine]

What's to blame for escalating protests in Hong Kong, capitalism or Communist China?

Why it’s wrong to blame Beijing for Hong Kong protests

• "Hong Kong’s civil unrest is motivated less by democratic dreams than by a crushing hopelessness in the face of growing inequality
• Capitalism’s failures in Hong Kong should be a cautionary tale for the rest of the world..."

"For the past 25 years, Hong Kong has been ranked the freest economy
in the world and a fine demonstration of capitalism.

"Prosperity has, however,come at a cost

"Skyrocketing property prices and an ever-widening wealth gap have been two direct consequences.

"Throw into the mix a lack offsocial mobility as well, and it’s easy for a young Hongkonger to feel that there is no way out.

"There are two reasons I am convinced the protests are not about
democracy

"First, during the over 150 years of British rule, Hong Kong never enjoyed democracy.

"This is not to say that people cannot demand what they never had, but when protesters
repeatedly reminisce about the 'better days' of British rule,
they do not refer to a democratic past, but to a period of relative equality."

Same old story.

Capitalists and communists throw human rights under the bus whenever the profit motive dictates.

Have you read Foreign Policy lately?

"As an individual, Trump has always been an unreliable peg for China hawks to hang their hopes on. He has absolutely zero interest in human rights and free speech. His own instincts are authoritarian, as he has repeatedly shown through his support for torture, pardons of war criminals, and attacks on the press. He is barely even able to pretend that he cares; he goes after China out of protectionist instincts, not political principle."

Donald Trump’s America Can’t Fight Xi Jinping’s China