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 off
social 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.