#oh and also a member of the British Communist Party back in the day

[hotchley]

conversations that would happen if i ( a british gen z-er) was a member of the bau

because this is what i wanted my 200th post to be. :) also i am well aware that i can’t join the fbi, i just thought it would be a bit of fun. and yes, i spend my days thinking about this. they’re all under the keep reading because this got ridiculously long because every time i wrote one i thought of another one. enjoy! trigger warning: there is a conversation relating to gun control and gun violence

whilst working on a geographical profile:

me: i need a rubber. reid: a what? me: a RUBBER. reid: do you- WHAT? me: the thing on the end of the pencil?? you use it to RUB out your mistakes reid: OHHH AN ERASER. maya, rubber means condom here.

when someone was unwell:

me: errr... i think the thermometer is broken? hotch, who doesn’t even want to be here: what do you mean, it’s broken? me: well you see, you’re alive right. hotch: barely. me: damn okay. well basically, it must be broken. apparently you’re 102 degrees. that’s above the boiling point of water. hotch: FARENHEIT. i am 102 degrees FARENHEIT. me: ohh right of course. is that- is that good? does that make you unwell?

when hotch was bad cop, scenario one

hotch: THEN LOOK CLOSELY reid: you know, it’s actually quite interesting that we always send hotch in to be bad cop. as he has an alpha male personality me: i’m so- i’ll be two seconds *runs to the bathroom and exhales, texts friends back in london: OH MY FUCKING GOD, returns*  rossi: *raised eyebrow* me: *reid smile*

when hotch was bad cop, scenario two

hotch: DO THE MATH rossi: wow. i’m not even the unsub and i’ve got chills. me: *already tearing up* i just- give me a minute *runs to the bathroom and cries for a few moments because even though it wasn’t aimed at me, it felt like getting yelled at, then returns* morgan: were you... crying? me: NO!

on the distances between states

hotch: wheels up in thirty. me: yeah, i’ve always wondered about this. so erm, why don’t you guys just... take the train? everyone, internally: how is she an fbi agent? me: no like seriously, surely it would be so much faster to just get the train. it’s like how in london, you don’t drive, you take public transport. reid: on average, the time taken to drive  to *state name* is about five hours and twenty-three minutes me: you drive FIVE HOURS to get to another STATE??? i’d be in scotland! a whole other country

on driving

me: somebody else needs to drive. hotch: why... me: your roads confuse me. everything is the opposite. hotch: jesus christ this kid.

on politics

me: all i’m saying is, i think it’s weird that you only have two parties. everyone, who has heard nothing but this for the past month: yes, we know. emily, who likes to aggravate hotch: no, go on, it’s fascinating. me: HOW DO YOU ONLY HAVE TWO PARTIES??? YOU’RE BASICALLY SAYING: HERE, EITHER HAVE A RACIST OR A COMMUNIST. reid: the democrats really aren’t- me: I KNOW THAT I’M JUST SAYING THAT’S WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE TO THE REST OF US.

on school 

jj: so henry starts the first grade tomorrow! me: sooo how old is he?  jj: seven. me: but he’s going into the first grade? jj, already knowing where this is going: yes. me: can you just- cos in england, that’d be year two. so when you have a spare moment can yothu just, explain how this all works

on college

reid: when i was a sophomore in college me: a what? reid: sophomore. me: so like a what? first-year? second-year? third-year? also the fact that you call it college really throws me.

the classic, gun control

garcia: so he shot these people me: *frowns* garcia: oh no. what is it this time? me: i just don’t understand how this person managed to get their hands on a gun. i just don’t.

american celebrations

me: look, i would be the first person to say that britain has a lot to answer for. the empire was a horrible thing, and the fact that we now have a commonwealth is also stupid. however rossi: is praying on all that is holy me: i just don’t understand thanksgiving. why is it at two different times? if this is thanksgiving, then what’s labour day? why don’t you just all celebrate the same things. and where does the turkey come from? AND WHY DOES EVERYTHING GO ON SALE, like i appreciate it BUT NONE OF IT MAKES SENSE

and lastly for now, on accents

me: no garcia very few people sound like the queen garcia: yeah uut the general accents are soooo niceee me: errr i’m from essex so they’re really not. also you’re thinking of the downton abbey characters. in reality, english accents are all over the place. garcia: but- me: garcia. google manchester and birmingham accents. and then google essex ones, because i’m not from manchester or birmingham and i feel bad for making fun of them when my own isn’t much better.

[filosofablogger]

If you could see my radar screen tonight … blips all over the place!  Oh yeah, 2019 is going to be the year that finally drives Filosofa to lose her marbles and do something crazy like streaking nude through Grand Central Station screaming, “Run for your lives – Puff the Magic Dragon is attacking!!!” Long story short, this morning’s hodgepodge are not snarky snippets, but out-and-out rants … mini-rants, but rants nonetheless.  Hold your ears …

Trump’s history lesson:

Yesterday, Trump called a cabinet meeting, apparently for no reason other than to brag about the things he says he has accomplished but hasn’t, to blame everyone but himself for everything that is wrong, and to give us a new view of world history.

“Russia used to be the Soviet Union. Afghanistan made it Russia because they went bankrupt fighting in Afghanistan. So you take a look at other countries—Pakistan is there. They should be fighting. But Russia should be fighting. The reason Russia was in Afghanistan was because terrorists were going into Russia. They were right to be there. The problem is it was a tough fight.”   Anybody want to buy him a copy of World History for Dummies or The Idiots Guide to World History?

While it is true that the former Soviet Union was financially drained by its 10-year campaign in Afghanistan, and collapsed only two years later, there were many other long-term factors in the USSR’s demise. In addition, the Soviets didn’t invade Afghanistan because “terrorists were going into Russia,” as Trump said, but because they wanted to shore up their pro-communist puppet government there.  And by the way, Donnie … Pakistan is supporting the Taliban, not fighting them.

A few other preposterous statements he made at the meeting …

“I shouldn’t be popular in Europe. I want Europe to pay. I don’t care about Europe.” This one was apropos of nothing, other than to criticize Germany, repeating for at least the millionth time that they are not contributing what he, Trump, considers proper to their own defense.  There are reasons for this, but they require an explanation of the history of Germany, and … well, let’s just not go into history with Trump anymore, okay?

Trump now claims, falsely, that he fired General James Mattis.  Not even a shred of truth to this … Mattis resigned in response to Trump’s utterly asinine plan to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan without even consulting his military advisors or our allies.  Period.  Trump did not fire him.

And he has new justification for his abominable wall … that the Vatican “has the biggest wall of them all”. 

The meeting lasted 95 minutes, after which all cabinet members likely headed to the nearest bar.

Another child is dead …

The little girl in the picture above is Jazmine Barnes.  Correction … was Jazmine Barnes.  Jazmine was 7-years-old when she was murdered while riding in a car with her three sisters and her mother, LaPorsha Washington, in Houston, Texas.  The gunman has not yet been caught, even though the police know the vehicle he was driving.  Ms. Washington was also hit, albeit not fatally. Two things about this infuriate me.  First, that it happened.  Even though the majority of people in this nation are in favour of realistic and sensible gun regulation, thanks to the National Rifle Association (NRA) and corrupt politicians, we have almost none.  And so, little Jazmine Barnes is dead, and her mom, dad, and sisters are bereft.

LaPorsha Washington

The second thing that inflames me about this is that I only found this news on the BBC, three days after the fact!  The BBC!  British Broadcasting Corporation!  Where was The Washington Post?  Where was the New York Times? I had to cross the pond to find out that a child was shot to death in my own country! This should have been front-page news, but if it was even reported, it was tucked far behind all the Trump-related headlines.  I did find the news on a Houston news outlet, Heavy.com, and The Root.  Two days after the shooting, CNN finally reported on it.  C’mon, media!  Trump is not the only show in town!

What am I, chopped liver???

“Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats?”

This was a Trump tweet last Thursday morning.  Two days prior, he had told reporters that the furloughed federal workers were fully in support of Trump holding the nation hostage as he holds out for his abominable wall.  In just two days, the workers went from being on his side, patting him on the back, to being “just democrats” in his rhetoric.  Does this ‘man’ ever take time out to think???

The president, senators, representatives, governors, et al, are elected officials who are chosen by the voters to represent all citizens of the United States.  Their job is not only to represent the specific party with which they are affiliated.  Their job is not to represent only the people they like, or the people who approve of them or agree with them.  They are to represent We The People … ALL of ‘We’!  In addition to the aforementioned books, we should also send him a copy of U.S. Constitution Dummies!

As a member of We The People, I am calling for the immediate resignation or impeachment and removal from office of the ‘man’ occupying the Oval Office, for he is not representing all of us, but only the minority.  He is endangering the lives of the people he is tasked with protecting and he must be removed NOW!  Hear that, Mitchell McConnell?  Hear that, Jim Jordan, Mark Meadows and the rest of you in the House “Freedom” Caucus?  Get. Him. Out.

Okay, well … I had one more rant, but I got so worked up over these three that I have forgotten the other.  Consider yourself lucky, I suppose.  Yep, folks, welcome to 2019.  Have a lovely day!

The Radar is Crowded Tonight! If you could see my radar screen tonight … blips all over the place!  Oh yeah, 2019 is going to be the year that finally drives Filosofa to lose her marbles and do something crazy like streaking nude through Grand Central Station screaming, …

[biofunmy]

Cathay Pacific, Icon of Hong Kong’s Rise, Now Reflects China’s Grip

HONG KONG — Two months of boiling antigovernment protests have divided Hong Kong’s people. Now, the unrest has pitted one of the territory’s best-known international brands against some of its own employees.

The Chinese government has forced Cathay Pacific Airways, a longtime emblem of Hong Kong’s proud status as a global capital, to bar staffers who support or participate in the territory’s protests from doing any work involving flights to mainland China. As part of the same demands, issued on Friday, it ordered that the airline begin submitting information about all crew members flying to — or above — the mainland to the Chinese authorities for prior approval.

Cathay said separately on Saturday that it had removed from flying duties a pilot who was charged with rioting in Hong Kong, and that it had fired two airport ground staff for misconduct. Earlier in the week, the airline said it would investigate accusations that its employees had leaked travel information for a Hong Kong police soccer team.

The orders from mainland air safety officials represent an escalation into Hong Kong’s business affairs, illustrating the power Beijing wields over international companies that build their fortunes on access to China. Some in the semiautonomous territory fear that China’s political encroachment also represents an economic threat, not only to Cathay, but also to all multinational companies in Hong Kong.

“If you’re a boss, you’re thinking, ‘Oh my God!’” said Carol Ng of the Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation, a union that represents airline workers. “‘I just want to do business here. Now they’re screening my staff.’”

This kind of fear could do real damage to Hong Kong’s economy, Ms. Ng said, “much more than the protests or rallies themselves.”

Cathay representatives did not respond on Sunday when asked how exactly the company planned to enforce the new orders from Beijing. China’s aviation regulator was not available for comment.

The airline’s largest shareholder is Swire Pacific, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate with British roots. Its second largest owner is Air China, the state-run carrier. Cathay Pacific’s shares were trading about 4 percent lower early Monday in Hong Kong.

Cathay’s predicament underlines the economic pressures coming to bear on Hong Kong. Forecasters predict that the long-running protests on top of the trade war between the United States and China will weigh on the territory’s growth. Tourist visits have declined, and the Hong Kong stock market has been falling for the past several weeks.

Several Cathay employees interviewed by The New York Times over the weekend said that the company had not asked workers about their involvement in or attitudes toward the demonstrations, something that it would presumably need to do to stop them from working on flights to mainland China.

Still, the employees described an atmosphere of rising fear and anger in response to China’s demands, and of unease about how Cathay would carry them out.

“We are all so furious now,” said Sally Chu, a 28-year-old Cathay flight attendant. “We wonder how they can check on our activities and ban us, too.”

The airline, one of Asia’s largest international carriers, has already blamed Hong Kong’s recent turmoil for a drop in bookings. The controversy now threatens to test the company’s commitments to its employees against its own bottom line, which depends significantly on its ability to fly through mainland Chinese airspace.

The pilot whom Cathay removed from service, Liu Chung-yin, was released on bail after his arrest late last month. But the Chinese state news media noted that he had been allowed to continue flying, and warned that Cathay would “pay a painful price” for “tacitly encouraging antigovernment strikes.” Mr. Liu could not be reached for comment.

Other Cathay employees’ political activities attracted attention in mainland China after large numbers of the airline’s workers called in sick to take part in a recent general strike, which led to scores of flight cancellations.

Announcing the pilot’s suspension on Saturday, Cathay went out of its way to say that “we express no view whatsoever on the subject matter of any proceedings to which he may be subject.”

In a message to employees that day, Cathay’s chief executive, Rupert Hogg, said the airline planned to comply with the Chinese regulator’s new requirements. “Our primary focus must remain on delivering a safe, comfortable customer experience for everyone who chooses to fly with us,” Mr. Hogg wrote.

Just days earlier, the airline’s leaders had said employees’ political views were not their concern.

“We certainly wouldn’t dream of telling them what they have to think about something,” Cathay’s chairman, John Slosar, said at a news conference. “They’re all adults. They’re all service professionals. We respect them greatly.”

It is also unclear whether meeting the Chinese authorities’ demands will be enough to spare Cathay the wrath of Beijing’s propaganda machine. In a social media commentary on Sunday evening, the People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s mouthpiece, said that the airline’s actions had hardly resolved its “crisis.”

“Ground the flights that must be grounded, punish those who must be punished, rectify what must be rectified,” the commentary said. “In the face of such warnings, how can you joke around!”

Some Cathay workers said it might be for the best if they did not fly to the mainland after all, lest they risk being arrested or having their phones and other personal belongings searched.

“The airline must speak up and ensure the rights and personal safety of employees,” said another Cathay flight attendant, Karrie Chan, 24. “Otherwise I would feel unsafe even when at work.”

Cathay rose to pre-eminence by connecting Asia’s emerging economies to London, Los Angeles, New York and other centers of wealth in the developed world. Hong Kong prospered by connecting China to the global companies that wanted to do business there.

Today, though, more of those companies operate in mainland China directly, with less need for Hong Kong as a bridge.

And Cathay is now just one of many carriers linking East and West. China’s state-backed airlines can fly international passengers directly to and from the mainland’s megacities. The flag carriers of the Persian Gulf nations offer their own convenient routes to Asia for travelers from Europe and North America.

Cathay Pacific’s history is tied up with its home city’s emergence as a global hub in ways that date back to the company’s founding, in 1946.

The airline’s founders, Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow, were pilots who had flown missions across the Himalayas to supply Nationalist forces in China during World War II.

After the war ended, Mr. Farrell, a Texan, bought a surplus transport plane with the dream of flying goods to China from Australia, according to “Beyond Lion Rock,” a history of Cathay by the journalist Gavin Young.

The Roy Farrell Export-Import Company’s inaugural voyage from Sydney carried “three and a half tons of clothes — for the tattered of China,” The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Hong Kong at the time was in near ruin. Its harbor was cluttered with the wrecks of warships from the Japanese occupation, and air services were almost nonexistent. But as the British colony grew rich over the following decades, so did Cathay, transforming from a swashbuckling shoestring operation into a carrier of regional, then international, renown.

That the airline was British-controlled and flown largely by British and Australian pilots did not prevent it from becoming a source of pride for many people in Hong Kong — a respected global name associated with punctuality and good service.

The industry’s changing landscape began taking a toll on Cathay’s finances several years ago, and in 2017 the airline laid off hundreds of workers. It has since returned to profitability, although its image took another hit last year when it acknowledged that the personal data and travel histories of as many as 9.4 million people had been compromised in a computer breach.

Recently, Cathay bought Hong Kong Express, a low-cost airline, to help it better compete against budget upstarts in the region.

Cathay employees said over the weekend that they still trusted the company to treat its crew members fairly, and that concerns for their own jobs and safety were still outweighed by their desire to voice their convictions.

“The heavy-handed tactics of mainland China only make me feel that I must speak out so that they know how much we value freedom and democracy,” said Ms. Chu, the flight attendant. “Otherwise, they will only get worse.”

Raymond Zhong reported from Hong Kong, and Tiffany May from San Francisco.

Follow Raymond Zhong and Tiffany May on Twitter: @zhonggg and @nytmay.

Sahred From Source link Business

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[vitalmindandbody]

‘ We missed democracy ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems venture over?

As China tightens its grip on the city over which British govern intention 20 years ago, pro-democracy activists are still fighting against deterioration of freedoms

For President Xi Jinping, the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs return toChina is a moment to toast the reunification of a nation and herald its unstoppable rise. But for activists such as Eddie Chu, one of the leading lights of a new generation of pro-democracy politicians, it has become an moment for something quite different.

Boot-licking. Unprecedented boot-licking! he says, a smile cracking across his look as he reflects on how many members of the local elite have chosen to brand two decades of Chinese pattern by plastering their houses and transactions with patriotic mottoes and red flag in the hope, he supposes, of currying economic favour.

That is quite the opposite of what Hong Kong people wanted to see in 1997. We wanted to see republic. Democracy is not boot-licking.

On Saturday morning, Chinas authoritarian ruler, who is becoming a rare three-day tour of the former British colony, will guide galas of two decades of Chinese dominate alongside Hong Kongs incoming chief executive, Carrie Lam.

At a flag-raising ceremony merely down the road from where the umbrella revolution happened an extraordinary explosion of dissent in the fall of 2014 the pair will recollect the moment this city of 7. 3 million residents returned to China after 156 years of colonial principle. A flypast and a ocean ceremony are as follows. By nighttime, the skies over Victoria harbour, from where the royal boat Britannia varied on 1 July 1997, is likely to be illuminated by a magnificent 23 -minute blaze of fireworks.

The moving party of Hong Kongs return to the motherland like a long-separated child coming back to the warm espouse of his mother, is still vivid in our remembering, Xi told a dinner on Friday night.

But for members of Hong Kongs democracy movement, the anniversary is accompanied by a profound gumption of ambiguity and trepidation.

Eddie Chu and followers demonstrate against the detention of 26 parties reject the Chinese authority. Picture: Yan Lerval/ Sipa/ Rex/ Shutterstock

Twenty times after Britains departure thrust this hyperactive lair of capitalism into the hands of a Leninist dictatorship, campaigners such as Chu fear Beijing is about to up the bet in its battle for control.

Ten pro-democracy legislators, of which “hes one”, are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of government-backed legal challenges against them. There are fears that under Hong Kongs new commander, who was elected by a tightly ensure pick committee, there will be a regenerated move to ordain controversial anti-subversion legislation.

And while Xi has sought to impres an upbeat style during his visit, recent comments by another senior Communist party figure who committed to consolidate Chinas control of the former colony has put activists on edge.

The relationship between the central government and Hong Kong is that of delegation of influence , not power-sharing, Zhang Dejiang, Chinas number three agent, said, adding that Hong Kong could only be governed by those who posed no threat to[ its] prosperity and stability.

Feeding into activists sense of foreboding is the feeling that numerous western governments have now cut them release for dread of impairing their economic relationships with the worlds second largest economy.

Martin Lee, 79, the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement. Photo: The Guardian

The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, issued a carefully worded account about the commemoration on Thursday, saying it was vital that Hong Kongs autonomy be preserved. But Johnson stirred no direct mention of proliferating fears about the eroding of Hong Kongs exemptions, or even of Beijings alleged abduction of a neighbourhood bookseller who regarded a British passport.

The British government is just awful. Im afraid I cannot find any kind words to say about that, says Martin Lee, a 79 -year-old barrister who is the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement.

Like numerous, Lee is convinced that China is gradually depriving away the freedoms promised to Hong Kongs citizens under the one country, two systems formula and that Britain has done nothing to intervene.

On Friday, a spokeswoman for Chinas foreign ministry appeared to confirm those suspicions, telling reporters that the joint declaration, a bargain negotiated by London and Beijing pledging Hong Kongs way of life for 50 years, was a historical document that no longer had any practical meaning.

Suzanne Pepper, a veteran chronicler of the citys quest for democracy, says campaigners can no longer count on London or Washington for assistance: As long as there is not blood in the street, they dont care.

Not everybody is lamenting Saturdays landmark anniversary, however. The streets around Xis waterfront hotel are speck with the groups of pro-government partisans and embellished with placards that speak I enjoy Hong Kong and One country, two systems has the strong vigor. Lilac posters hanging from bridges and lampposts carry the celebrations official catchline: Together. Progress. Opportunity. Skyscrapers have been decked out in luminous blood-red banners and neon displays that speak: Warmly celebrate the 20 th anniversary of Hong Kongs return to China.

Amid the omnipresent propaganda, there is also sincere patriotic fervor. Hong Kong parties should be proud of the achievements of the motherland and all the progress home countries has obligated, enthused Li Li, a steer at a government-sponsored exhibit about Chinas space programme that has been erected in Victoria Park to coincide with this weeks party.

Many more have saluted the commemoration and the presidential visit with carelessnes.

Chu estimated that about a third of the population was divided between pro-democracy and pro-government followers. The remainder couldnt care less about the anniversary, and were most worried about the traffic jams caused by the massive insurance operation to protect Xi.

Swaths of the citys waterfront are sealed off with towering white-hot and blue-blooded obstructions, with agents patrolling the streets with assault rifles in their hands. Too numerous police! jokes one of hundreds of officers patrolling the province, sweat beading on his neck.

Lee says the lack of interest many young people are showing in Xis visit mark how detached they feel from mainland China and how Beijings programmes have lost their hearts and souls.

Oh, this is the ruler of a neighbouring country thats what they feeling, he says, pointing to a recent referendum suggesting that exclusively 3% of 18-to-29-year-olds consider themselves Chinese, the lowest proportion since 1997. The young people want republic. They dont want to be brainwashed.

For all the indifference and misgiving, Hong Kongs protest move appears in buoyant mood. Tens of thousands are expected to turn out on Saturday afternoon for an annual advance marking the return to China. Their rallying cry will be 20 years of lies.[ It] was going to be Communist party officers, get out of Hong Kong, but they decided that was a bit very provocative, says Pepper.

Last September, a record number of young anti-Beijing activists were elected to Hong Kongs legislative council, or Legco, in what one victor called a democratic miracle. Nonetheless, many of them could now be forced from role, chiefly because of government legal challenges over protests the activists took part in while being attested in last year.

If two to three of them lose their sets, then the whole political match will change totally, and then Beijing will have absolute control of this legislative term, tells Chu, which was intended to shout Democracy and self-determination and Tyranny must die while taking his oath.

Xi Jinping at a variety show to celebrate the handover anniversary. Photograph: Keith Tsuji/ Getty Images

Pepper said she was not rosy that Beijing would furnish agreements to activists, although there are Hong Kongs incoming leader has pledged to mended the divide and build bridges. This is a bridge between democracy and totalitarianism, said Pepper. How she is going to connection that, I dont know.

Chris Patten, Hong Kongs last head, has offered a more upbeat appraisal of the city he once flowed, saying he was encouraged by the really profound feel of citizenship of its young activists. Above all, I anticipate I am pleased about the style in which Hong Kong beings themselves are the reason for it still being a reason of confidence rather than pessimism.

Lee, who is famed for an impassioned defence of democracy that he demonstrated after Britains withdrawal, says he is an everlasting optimist about his progress chances under a new, young leader. These young person are our hope for the future. Im very proud of them.

Sitting in his assemblies between a failure of Winston Churchill and a statuette of the Goddess of Democracy, the symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square asserts, Lee remembers strolling through the umbrella motions prime camp, a sprawl of tents and political debate, three days before police lastly cleared it, in December 2015.

There were two little birds singing on the field.[ It was as if they were saying :] I please I were free, you are familiar with? The breeze was fresh, he remembers. I miss those days.

Additional reporting by Benjamin Haas and Wang Zhen .

Read more: www.theguardian.com

The post ‘ We missed democracy ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems venture over? appeared first on vitalmindandbody.com.

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[teachanarchy]

A post about an often overlooked role that speech and expression play in human interactions.

For the past few months the internet has been a buzz with fights and arguments over the concept of Free Speech. Its been quite varied and heated. Recently Libcom.org was the site of a textual slapfight with another blog, and while I don’t really think the position they offered is useful or even consistent really it did get me thinking.

The blog at one point stated there is a difference between speech and acts, the example given was that it is justified and correct to fight   the British Union Fascists (BUF) because they represented a paramilitary threat (debatable) rather than just an ideological one. This isn’t a unique distinction liberals who favour maximum speech rights for all do often give a concession to physical defence against unambiguous violence. But the problem is that speech in itself can and often is a form of violence as well.

This happens in a number of ways but one of the most common is the tactic of outing someone. Outing is most commonly associated with queer individuals and Milo Yiannopoulos himself a recent lightning rod for this argument outed a Trans student at a University in Milwaukee, and is believed to have planned on doing the same to undocumented students on the campus of the University of Berkley.

Quote:

"When you have a room full of people that are just laughing at you as if you're some freak of nature, like you have some kind of mental illness—which is how he described me—it's like, I don't even know how to describe it, but it was way too much,"

Now in this particular case the harassment remained verbal, but it could very easily have had a darker ending, in 2015 21 people were murdered for being transgender in the United States.[1]

In March of this year there have been seven recorded murders of Transgender individuals recorded in the United States.[2]

There’s also been an increase in hate crimes recorded with Transgender people being disproportionately targeted.

Quote:

“In its 2014 report, the FBI recognized 1,248 victims of hate crimes targeted due to their sexual orientation (18.6 percent of all hate crimes reported) and 109 victims of hate crimes targeted due to their gender identity (1.8 percent of all hate crimes reported). The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) reported that 2015 saw a 20% increase in the number of hate violence-related homicides of LGBTQ and HIV-affected people - noting that people of color and transgender people are disproportionally targeted. NCAVP reported that 62% of all LGBTQ homicide victims were people of color, and 54% of homicide victims were transgender women of color.”

[3]

But this isn’t a situation unique to LGBTQ people, on the contrary it’s a fairly common tactic that can be used against any group and often is.

In El Salvador Roberto D'Aubuisson (pictured) the leader of the extreme right wing ARENA party used to give televised speeches exposing people he claimed to be communist terrorists. In addition to naming them would show photographs of them so they could be recognized. Once outed if they didn’t escape (either abroad or to the underground) they would disappear. Their bodies would usually be found some days later showing signs of torture and mutilation.

Quote:

D'Aubuisson denounced union leaders, priests, academics, peasant organizers, students, professionals, government officials, and Christian Democrats. Among those he named was Archbishop Oscar Romero, whom he told, "You still have time to change your ways." He also attacked Mario Zamora, a leading Christian Democrat and member of the government who—like others identified in the broadcasts—was assassinated in a matter of weeks. “

[4]

Now obviously the Salvadoran civil war is an extreme case but it does demonstrate how speech can be used as a systemic tool of terror. And the only thing that makes it extreme is the circumstances, denouncing political enemies both real and imagined in the hopes or knowledge that fellow supporters will take care of the problem for you is very common.

This was how Mcarthyism and the Second Red Scare worked. Once someone was denounced as a suspected Red they were fair game for state harassment and investigations, employers would fire them and they could be publicly harassed and victimised. The once denounced the only way for a victim to save themselves from further attacks was to publicly cooperate with HUAC and denounce others.  

And you don’t have to rely on state backing to pull of this off the Fascists have made use of this for decades.  First they have an annoying habit of describing everyone and everything in opposition to them or they just don’t like as Jewish. Now this tendency is often cited as justification to write them off as loons, but there is method to the madness. By denouncing someone as Jewish, or a Zionist or a Globalist they’re telling their base to ignore what their targets are saying.  And at the same time egging on local Fascists to attack them because they’re not just dissidents they’re actively part of the vast conspiracy against the nation or the white race etc.

For examples I’m spoiled for choice. Indeed so common is this practice that it actually found me. I uploaded a video by Johnathan Meades to youtube about architecture during the Nazi regime. Now I expected some backlash but I was caught by surprise how much vitriol a documentary on urban planning and statues would cause. Most of the negative comments were revolved around Meades being a Jew and a liar, or just a Jew with the implication being that as a Jew he’s lying. One commenter mentioned that Meades mother was Jewish, which she was though she had a deathbed conversion to Anglcanism and Meades himself is an outspoken atheist.

The reaction to this revelation caught me by surprise; it was like a smoking gun to these people. The fact that this man has a connection to Judaism was all the vindication they needed, the holocaust is a lie, because that smug liberal on the screen has a Jewish mother. Like I said is easy to dismiss these people, but unfortunately they are still quite capable of considerable organized violence.

The White Nationalist website Stormfront is suspected of being used as a platform for the occasional violent crime up to and including murder.[5]

In April 2013 Italian users of the site were arrested for publishing a list of names and encouraging violence against the people named.

Quote:

“The blacklist included: Turin Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia; Riccardo Pacifici, the President of the Jewish Community in Rome; Adel Smith, the President of the Muslim Union of Italy; the Mayor of Padua, Flavio Zanonto; several members of the judiciary; and journalist Gad Lerner, a Jew, and veteran TV talkshow host Maurizio Constanzo. According to media reports, those on the list were targeted because of their support for immigrants. Also listed were then House Speaker Gianfranco Fini and then Minister for International Cooperation and Integration Andrea Riccardi, who have both spoken out about citizenship rights for immigrant children.”

[6]

And it’s not just this one website there are others like Red Watch. Red Watch is a catalogue of supposed communists with identifying information. When I was 16 a friend of mine an inoffensive wooly liberal was listed on the site with his photo and then address. Yes someone put a teenager on a database used to target people.

Now nothing had happened to him thankfully at the time and he and his family moved out of the area, (though now that I think about it that could just mean someone attacked the house when other people were living there) though the potential consequences can be serious. In 2006 (the same year my friend told me he was on Red Watch) another person recorded on the site was stabbed.

Quote:

“What McFadden did not realise at the time was that he was not being punched but stabbed. "I think it went on for a couple of minutes before I managed to get the door closed. I turned round and my daughter was screaming. It was only then, as I put my hand to my face and felt the blood, that I realised what had happened."[

7]

Oh and my speculation on my friends danger wasn’t completely unfounded, far right types are active in my area, in 2013 a couple of them attacked the local Mosque with petrol bombs, and the Synagogue has reported severe vandalism on several occasions.[8]

Now there is more to this topic but it’s already getting quite long so I’ll wrap up. I can anticipate some of the counter argument, that these are all violent acts and should be opposed, but that’s the rub. Every example I’ve cited was started and required the use of speech. The only way to stop sites like stormfront and redwatch from exposing hundreds to potential assault and murder is to shut them down. The only way to stop a politician inciting attacks on the marginalized or a right wing zealot exposing queer and migrant students to harassment is to remove their platforms for example causing so much disruption that no venue will knowingly host such people. It isn’t sufficient to attack and neutralise the ones who carry out the attacks, more will take their place so long as the infrastructure remains intact. But we can’t take effective action against any of this without infringing on another’s freedoms of speech and expression.  

___________________________________________________________________________________

1. http://www.hrc.org/resources/violence-against-the-transgender-community-in-2016

2. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/03/04/why-have-there-been-so-many-trans-murders-this-year.html

3. http://www.glaad.org/reference/hatecrimes

4. http://libcom.org/library/behind-death-squads-exclusive-report-us-role-el-salvadors-official-terror

5. https://www.splcenter.org/20140401/white-homicide-worldwide

6. http://www.gazzettadelsud.it/news/english/41782/Four-race-crime-convictions-for-neo-Nazi-website.html

7. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2006/oct/04/news.g2

8. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-25469555

[vitalmindandbody]

‘ We missed democracy ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems experiment over?

As China stiffens its grip on the city over which British principle culminated 20 years ago, pro-democracy activists are still fighting against erosion of freedoms

For President Xi Jinping, the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs return toChina is a moment to toast the reunification of a society and hail its unstoppable rise. But for activists such as Eddie Chu, one of the leading lights of a new generation of pro-democracy politicians, it has become an opportunity for something very different.

Boot-licking. Unprecedented boot-licking! he says, a smile separating across his face as he reflects on how many members of the neighbourhood society have chosen to rating two decades of Chinese ruler by plastering their homes and business with patriotic slogans and red flag in the hope, he suspects, of currying financial favour.

That is quite the opposite of what Hong Kong people wanted to see in 1997. We wanted to see republic. Democracy is not boot-licking.

On Saturday morning, Chinas authoritarian ruler, who is constructing a rare three-day tour of the former British settlement, will result observances of two decades of Chinese self-control alongside Hong Kongs incoming chief executive, Carrie Lam.

At a flag-raising ritual exactly down the road from where the umbrella change happened an extraordinary outburst of disagreement in the autumn of 2014 the pair will remember the moment this city of 7. 3 million residents returned to China after 156 years of colonial govern. A flypast and a sea procession will follow. By nighttime, the skies over Victoria harbour, from where the imperial yacht Britannia varied on 1 July 1997, is likely to be decorated by a fantastic 23 -minute blaze of fireworks.

The moving opportunity of Hong Kongs return to the motherland like a long-separated child coming back to the warm cuddle of his mother, is still color in our recall, Xi told a dinner on Friday night.

But in the membership of Hong Kongs democracy movement, the anniversary are complying with a profound gumption of skepticism and trepidation.

Eddie Chu and admirers demonstrate against the detention of 26 people opposed to the Chinese authority. Photograph: Yan Lerval/ Sipa/ Rex/ Shutterstock

Twenty times after Britains departure thrust this hyperactive lair of capitalism into the sides of a Leninist dictatorship, campaigners such as Chu fear Beijing is about to up the bet in its combat for control.

Ten pro-democracy legislators, of which “hes one”, are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of government-backed legal challenges against them. There are fears that under Hong Kongs new lead, who was elected by a tightly verified assortment committee, there will be a revitalized thrust to ordain controversial anti-subversion legislation.

And while Xi has sought to impres an upbeat tone during his visit, recent statements by another senior Communist party figure who devoted to consolidate Chinas control of the former colony has put activists on edge.

The relationship between the central government and Hong Kong is that among delegations of influence , not power-sharing, Zhang Dejiang, Chinas number three official, said, adding that Hong Kong could only be governed by those who posed no menace to[ its] prosperity and stability.

Feeding into activists feel of foreboding is the help feeling that numerous western governments have now cut them loose for suspicion of shattering their economic relationships with the worlds second largest economy.

Martin Lee, 79, the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement. Image: The Guardian

The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, problem a carefully worded proclamation about the anniversary on Thursday, saying it was vital that Hong Kongs autonomy be preserved. But Johnson shaped no direct mention of flourishing horrors about the deterioration of Hong Kongs impunities, or even of Beijings alleged abduction of a local bookseller who accommodated a British passport.

The British government is just awful. Im afraid I cannot find any kind words to say about that, says Martin Lee, a 79 -year-old barrister who is the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement.

Like many, Lee is convinced that China is gradually depriving away the freedoms promised to Hong Kongs citizens under the one country, two systems formula and that Britain has done nothing to occur.

On Friday, a spokeswoman for Chinas foreign ministry appeared to confirm those fears, telling reporters that the joint declaration, a cope negotiated by London and Beijing pledging Hong Kongs way of life for 50 years, was a historical report that no longer had any practical meaning.

Suzanne Pepper, a veteran chronicler of the citys quest for republic, says activists can no longer count on London or Washington for support: As long as there is no such thing as blood in the streets, they dont care.

Not everyone is lamenting Saturdays landmark anniversary, however. The streets around Xis waterfront hotel are flecked with the groups of pro-government supporters and embellished with banners that speak I adoration Hong Kong and One country, two systems has the strong vitality. Lilac posters hanging from connections and lampposts carry the celebrations official catchline: Together. Progress. Opportunity. Skyscrapers have been decked out in shining crimson flags and neon displays that speak: Warmly celebrate the 20 th commemoration of Hong Kongs return to China.

Amid the omnipresent information, there is also genuine patriotic fervour. Hong Kong beings should be proud of the achievements of the motherland and all the progress our country has prepared, enthused Li Li, a guidebook at a government-sponsored exhibit about Chinas space programme that has been erected in Victoria Park to coincide with this weeks party.

Many more have saluted the anniversary and the presidential visit with carelessnes.

Chu estimated that about a third of the population was divided between pro-democracy and pro-government advocates. The residual couldnt care less about the anniversary, and were most worried about the traffic jams caused by the massive protection operation to protect Xi.

Swaths of the citys waterfront are sealed off with towering white and blue-blooded roadblocks, with agents patrolling wall street with assault rifles in their hands. Too numerous police! jokes one of hundreds of officers patrolling the field, sweat beading on his neck.

Lee says the lack of interest numerous young people are showing in Xis visit underline how disconnected they appear from mainland China and how Beijings policies have lost their hearts and souls.

Oh, this is the ruler of a neighbouring country thats what they suffer, he says, pointing to a recent poll suggesting that only 3% of 18-to-29-year-olds consider themselves Chinese, the lowest rate since 1997. The young people want republic. They dont is intended to be brainwashed.

For all the irrelevance and indecision, Hong Kongs protest flow appears in buoyant climate. Tens of thousands are expected to turn out on Saturday afternoon for an annual rally tagging the return to China. Their rallying cry will be Twenty years of lies.[ It] was going to be Communist party officers, get out of Hong Kong, but they decided that was a bit too provoking, says Pepper.

Last September, a record number of young anti-Beijing activists were elected to Hong Kongs legislative council, or Legco, in what one conqueror called a democratic miracle. Nonetheless, many of them could now be forced from part, primarily because of government legal challenges over protests the activists took part in while being asserted in last year.

If two to three of them “losing ones” benches, then the whole political balance will change totally, and then Beijing will have absolute control of this legislature, alarms Chu, which was intended to wail Democracy and self-determination and Tyranny must die while taking his oath.

Xi Jinping at a variety show to celebrate the handover commemoration. Image: Keith Tsuji/ Getty Images

Pepper said she was not optimistic that Beijing would give franchises to activists, even though Hong Kongs incoming captain has pledged to mended the partition and build bridges. This is a bridge between democracy and dictatorship, said Pepper. How she is going to bridge that, I dont know.

Chris Patten, Hong Kongs last governor, has offered a more upbeat judgment of the city he once flowed, saying he was encouraged by the really profound feel of citizenship of its young activists. Above all, I feel I am pleased about the acces in which Hong Kong people themselves are the reason for it still being a make of confidence rather than pessimism.

Lee, who is famed for an impassioned defence of democracy that he granted after Britains withdrawal, says he is an everlasting optimist about his shifts occasions under a brand-new, young leader. These young people are our hope for the future. Im very proud of them.

Sitting in his chambers between a failure of Winston Churchill and a statuette of the Goddess of Democracy, the emblem of the 1989 Tiananmen Square asserts, Lee remembers strolling through the umbrella motions primary clique, a sprawling of tents and political debate, three days before police ultimately cleared it, in December 2015.

There were two little fowls singing on the floor.[ It was as if they were saying :] I care I were free, you are familiar with? The air was fresh, he remembers. I miss those days.

Additional reporting by Benjamin Haas and Wang Zhen .

Read more: www.theguardian.com

The post ‘ We missed democracy ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems experiment over? appeared first on vitalmindandbody.com.

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[vitalmindandbody]

‘ We craved democracy ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems venture over?

As China stiffens its grasp on the city over which British govern purposed 20 years ago, pro-democracy activists are still fighting against corrosion of freedoms

For President Xi Jinping, the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs return toChina is a moment to toast the reunification of a nation and acclaim its unstoppable rise. But for activists such as Eddie Chu, one of the leading lights of a new generation of pro-democracy politicians, it has become an reason for something very different.

Boot-licking. Unprecedented boot-licking! he says, a smile interrupting across his appearance as he reflects on how many members of the local society had been decided to marking two decades of Chinese govern by plastering their homes and business with patriotic slogans and red flags in the hope, he believes, of currying financial favour.

That is quite the opposite of what Hong Kong people wanted to see in 1997. We wanted to see republic. Democracy is not boot-licking.

On Saturday morning, Chinas authoritarian ruler, who is shaping a rare three-day tour of the former British settlement, will produce festivities of two decades of Chinese control alongside Hong Kongs incoming chief executive, Carrie Lam.

At a flag-raising formality simply down the road from where the umbrella revolution happened an unprecedented eruption of disagreement in the fall of 2014 the pair will recollect the moment this city of seven. 3 million residents returned to China after 156 years of colonial regulation. A flypast and a ocean procession will follow. By darknes, the skies over Victoria harbour, from where the imperial boat Britannia departed on 1 July 1997, is likely to be decorated by a splendid 23 -minute blaze of fireworks.

The moving reason of Hong Kongs return to the motherland like a long-separated child coming back to the heated espouse of his mother, is still color in our memory, Xi told a dinner on Friday night.

But for members of Hong Kongs democracy movement, the anniversary are complying with a profound feel of mistrust and trepidation.

Eddie Chu and followers support against the detention of 26 beings opposed to the Chinese authority. Photograph: Yan Lerval/ Sipa/ Rex/ Shutterstock

Twenty years after Britains departure thrust this hyperactive lair of capitalism into the hands of a Leninist dictatorship, activists such as Chu fear Beijing is about to up the bet in its duel for control.

Ten pro-democracy legislators, of which “hes one”, are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of government-backed legal challenges against them. There are fears that under Hong Kongs brand-new lead, who was elected by a tightly seen collection committee, there will be a regenerated push to pass controversial anti-subversion legislation.

And while Xi has sought to ten-strike an upbeat tone during his visit, recent commentaries by another senior Communist party figure who committed to consolidate Chinas control of the former colony has put activists on edge.

The relationship between the central government and Hong Kong is that of delegation of influence , not power-sharing, Zhang Dejiang, Chinas number three official, said, adding that Hong Kong could only be governed by those who posed no menace to[ its] prosperity and stability.

Feeding into activists gumption of foreboding is the feeling that numerous western governments have now cut them liberate for anxiety of damaging their economic relationships with “the worlds” second largest economy.

Martin Lee, 79, the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement. Picture: The Guardian

The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, questioned a carefully worded proclamation about the anniversary on Thursday, saying it was vital that Hong Kongs autonomy be preserved. But Johnson formed no direct mention of thriving anxieties about the erosion of Hong Kongs liberties, or even of Beijings alleged abduction of a local bookseller who nursed a British passport.

The British government is just awful. Im afraid I cannot find any kind words to say about that, says Martin Lee, a 79 -year-old barrister who is the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement.

Like numerous, Lee is convinced that China is gradually depriving away the freedom of the media promised to Hong Kongs citizens for the purposes of the one country, two systems formula and that Britain has done nothing to intervene.

On Friday, a spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry appeared to confirm those suspicions, telling reporters that the joint declaration, a transaction negotiated by London and Beijing pledging Hong Kongs way of life for 50 times, was a historical document that no longer had any practical relevance.

Suzanne Pepper, a veteran chronicler of the citys quest for democracy, says activists can no longer count on London or Washington for reinforcement: As long as there is no such thing as blood in wall street, they dont care.

Not everybody is lamenting Saturdays landmark anniversary, nonetheless. The streets around Xis waterfront hotel are scattered with clusters of pro-government boosters and decorated with banners that read I desire Hong Kong and One country, two systems has the strong verve. Lilac posters hanging from connections and lampposts carry the celebrations official catchline: Together. Progress. Opportunity. Skyscrapers have been decked out in shining blood-red banners and neon displays that read: Warmly celebrate the 20 th anniversary of Hong Kongs return to China.

Amid the omnipresent information, there is also sincere patriotic fervor. Hong Kong people should be proud of the achievements of the motherland and all the progress home countries has constructed, enthused Li Li, a steer at a government-sponsored exhibit about Chinas space programme that has been erected in Victoria Park to coincide with this weeks party.

Many more have saluted the commemoration and the presidential visit with carelessnes.

Chu estimated that about a third of the population was divided between pro-democracy and pro-government supporters. The remain couldnt care less about the commemoration, and is very much to be concerned about the traffic jams caused by the massive security operation to protect Xi.

Swaths of the citys waterfront are sealed off with towering grey and off-color obstructions, with agents patrolling the streets with assault rifles in their hands. Too many police! jokes one of hundreds of officers patrolling the field, sweat beading on his neck.

Lee says the lack of interest numerous young person are showing in Xis visit mark how disconnected they seem from mainland China and how Beijings programmes have lost their hearts and souls.

Oh, this is the ruler of a neighbour thats what they feel, he says, pointing to a recent poll suggesting that only 3% of 18-to-29-year-olds consider themselves Chinese, the lowest charge since 1997. The young people want republic. They dont is intended to be brainwashed.

For all the indifference and mistrust, Hong Kongs protest motion shall be published in buoyant feeling. Tens of thousands are expected to turn out on Saturday afternoon for an annual progress tagging the return to China. Their rallying cry will be Twenty years of lies.[ It] was going to be Communist party bureaucrats, get out of Hong Kong, but they decided that was a bit extremely provocative, says Pepper.

Last September, a record number of young anti-Beijing activists were elected to Hong Kongs legislative council, or Legco, in what one conqueror called a democratic miracle. However, many of them could now be forced from power, principally because of government legal challenges over protests the activists took part in while being blasphemed in last year.

If two to three of them “losing ones” fannies, then the whole political poise will change totally, and then Beijing will have absolute control of this legislature, alerts Chu, which was intended to call Democracy and self-determination and Tyranny must die while taking his oath.

Xi Jinping at a variety show to celebrate the handover commemoration. Photo: Keith Tsuji/ Getty Images

Pepper said she was not rosy that Beijing would volunteer concedings to activists, although there are Hong Kongs incoming chairman has pledged to heal the partition and build bridges. This is a bridge between democracy and tyranny, said Pepper. How she is going to bridge that, I dont know.

Chris Patten, Hong Kongs last governor, has offered a more upbeat rating of the city he formerly passed, saying he was encouraged by the really profound feel of citizenship of its young activists. Above all, I repute I am pleased about the acces in which Hong Kong people themselves are the reason for it still being a reason of optimism rather than pessimism.

Lee, who is famed for an impassioned defence of democracy that he granted after Britains withdrawal, says he is an eternal optimist about his movements hazards under a new, young leader. These young people are our hope for the future. Im very proud of them.

Sitting in his enclosures between a bust of Winston Churchill and a statuette of the Goddess of Democracy, the epitomize of the 1989 Tiananmen Square declarations, Lee recollects strolling through the umbrella flows main camp, a sprawling of tents and political debate, three days before police lastly cleared it, in December 2015.

There were two little birds singing on the ground.[ It was as if they were saying :] I please I were free, you are familiar with? The air was fresh, he remembers. I miss those days.

Additional reporting by Benjamin Haas and Wang Zhen .

Read more: www.theguardian.com

The post ‘ We craved democracy ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems venture over? appeared first on vitalmindandbody.com.

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[vitalmindandbody]

‘ We required republic ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems venture over?

As China stiffens its control on the city over which British convention dissolved 20 years ago, pro-democracy activists are still fighting against eroding of freedoms

For President Xi Jinping, the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs return toChina is a moment to toast the reunification of a nation and herald its unstoppable rise. But for activists such as Eddie Chu, one of the leading lights of a new generation of pro-democracy politicians, it has become an party for something very different.

Boot-licking. Unprecedented boot-licking! he says, a smile bursting across his look as he reflects on how many members of the local nobility had been decided to commemorate two decades of Chinese regulation by plastering their houses and professions with patriotic slogans and red flag in the hope, he supposes, of currying economic favour.

That is quite the opposite of what Hong Kong people wanted to see in 1997. We wanted to see democracy. Democracy is not boot-licking.

On Saturday morning, Chinas authoritarian ruler, who is establishing a rare three-day tour of the former British colony, will result celebrations of two decades of Chinese restrict alongside Hong Kongs incoming chief executive, Carrie Lam.

At a flag-raising ceremony merely down the road from where the umbrella revolution happened an extraordinary explosion of opposition in the autumn of 2014 the pair will remember the moment this city of seven. 3 million tenants turned over to China after 156 years of colonial regulate. A flypast and a ocean procession will follow. By darknes, the skies over Victoria harbour, from where the royal yacht Britannia departed on 1 July 1997, is likely to be decorated by a fantastic 23 -minute blaze of fireworks.

The moving party of Hong Kongs return to the motherland like a long-separated child coming back here to the warm cuddle of his mother, is still vivid in our recognition, Xi told a dinner on Friday night.

But in the membership of Hong Kongs democracy movement, the anniversary is accompanied by a profound gumption of misgiving and trepidation.

Eddie Chu and partisans support against the detention of 26 beings reject the Chinese authority. Photo: Yan Lerval/ Sipa/ Rex/ Shutterstock

Twenty times after Britains departure thrust this hyperactive lair of capitalism into the sides of a Leninist dictatorship, activists such as Chu fear Beijing is about to up the ante in its duel for control.

Ten pro-democracy legislators, of which “hes one”, are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of government-backed legal challenges against them. There are fears that under Hong Kongs new manager, who was elected by a tightly restricted pick committee, there will be a restored thrust to enact contentious anti-subversion legislation.

And while Xi has sought to impres an upbeat color during his visit, recent explains by another elderly Communist party figure who dedicated to consolidate Chinas control of the former settlement has put activists on edge.

The relationship between the central government and Hong Kong is that among delegations of strength , not power-sharing, Zhang Dejiang, Chinas number three official, said, adding that Hong Kong could only be governed by those who posed no threat to[ its] prosperity and stability.

Feeding into activists gumption of foreboding is the help feeling that numerous western governments have now cut them loose for panic of injury their economic relationships with the worlds second largest economy.

Martin Lee, 79, the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement. Photo: The Guardian

The foreign ministers, Boris Johnson, questioned a carefully worded word about the anniversary on Thursday, saying it was vital that Hong Kongs autonomy be preserved. But Johnson shaped no direct mention of growing frights about the corrosion of Hong Kongs discretions, or even of Beijings alleged abduction of a neighbourhood bookseller who viewed a British passport.

The British government is just awful. Im afraid I cannot find any kind words to say about that, says Martin Lee, a 79 -year-old barrister who is the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement.

Like numerous, Lee is convinced that China is gradually depriving away the freedoms promised to Hong Kongs citizens under the the different countries, two systems formula and that Britain has done nothing to occur.

On Friday, a spokeswoman for Chinas foreign ministry appeared to confirm those frights, telling reporters that the joint declaration, a slew negotiated by London and Beijing insuring Hong Kongs way of life for 50 years, was a historical report that no longer had any practical significance.

Suzanne Pepper, a veteran chronicler of the citys quest for democracy, says campaigners can no longer count on London or Washington for supporting: As long as there is no such thing as blood in wall street, they dont care.

Not everybody is mourning Saturdays landmark anniversary, nonetheless. The streets around Xis waterfront hotel are scattered with clusters of pro-government partisans and embellished with placards that read I love Hong Kong and One country, two systems has the strong vigour. Lilac signs hanging from bridges and lampposts carry the celebrations official catchline: Together. Progress. Opportunity. Skyscrapers have been decked out in bright red banners and neon displays that read: Warmly celebrate the 20 th commemoration of Hong Kongs return to China.

Amid the omnipresent propaganda, there is also sincere patriotic enthusiasm. Hong Kong people should be proud of the achievements of the motherland and all the progress our country has obligated, enthused Li Li, a guide at a government-sponsored exhibit about Chinas space programme that has been erected in Victoria Park to coincide with this weeks party.

Many more have greeted the anniversary and the presidential visit with carelessnes.

Chu estimated that about a third of the population was divided between pro-democracy and pro-government advocates. The residual couldnt care less about the commemoration, and were most worried about the traffic jams caused by the massive insurance operation to protect Xi.

Swaths of the citys waterfront are sealed off with towering white-hot and blue obstructions, with agents patrolling wall street with assault rifles in their hands. Too many police! jokes one of hundreds of officers patrolling the place, sweat beading on his neck.

Lee says the lack of interest numerous young person are showing in Xis visit underscore how detached they detect from mainland China and how Beijings plans have lost their hearts and souls.

Oh, this is the ruler of a neighbouring country thats what they suffer, he says, pointing to a recent canvas suggesting that only 3% of 18-to-29-year-olds consider themselves Chinese, the lowest frequency since 1997. The young people want democracy. They dont is intended to be brainwashed.

For all the irrelevance and hesitation, Hong Kongs protest movement appears in buoyant humor. Tens of thousands are expected to turn out on Saturday afternoon for an annual advance distinguishing the return to China. Their rallying cry will be 20 years of lies.[ It] was going to be Communist party bureaucrats, get out of Hong Kong, but they decided that was a bit very provoking, says Pepper.

Last September, a record number of young anti-Beijing activists were elected to Hong Kongs legislative council, or Legco, in what one victor called a democratic miracle. Nonetheless, many of them could now be forced from power, mainly because of government legal challenges over protests the activists took part in while being cuss in last year.

If two to three of them “losing ones” accommodates, then the whole political counterbalance will change totally, and then Beijing will have absolute control of this legislature, reminds Chu, who was to scream Democracy and self-determination and Tyranny must die while taking his oath.

Xi Jinping at a variety show to celebrate the handover anniversary. Photograph: Keith Tsuji/ Getty Images

Pepper said she was not optimistic that Beijing would give agreements to activists, although there are Hong Kongs incoming lead has pledged to healed the subdivide and build bridges. This is a bridge between democracy and dictatorship, said Pepper. How she is going to bridge that, I dont know.

Chris Patten, Hong Kongs last-place governor, has offered a more upbeat judgment of the city he once extended, saying he was encouraged by the really profound gumption of citizenship of its young activists. Above all, I speculate I am pleased about the practice in which Hong Kong parties themselves are the reason for it still being a justification of optimism rather than pessimism.

Lee, who is famed for an impassioned defence of democracy that he held after Britains withdrawal, says he is an everlasting optimist about his pushes hazards under a brand-new, young leader. These young people are our hope for the future. Im very proud of them.

Sitting in his enclosures between a failure of Winston Churchill and a statuette of the Goddess of Democracy, the token of the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrates, Lee recollects strolling through the umbrella moves main clique, a sprawl of tents and policy debate, three days before police finally cleared it, in December 2015.

There were two little fowls singing on the soil.[ It was as if they were saying :] I bid I were free, you know? The air was fresh, he reminisces. I miss those days.

Additional reporting by Benjamin Haas and Wang Zhen .

Read more: www.theguardian.com

The post ‘ We required republic ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems venture over? appeared first on vitalmindandbody.com.

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[vitalmindandbody]

‘ We craved republic ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems experimentation over?

As China stiffens its clutch on the city over which British principle discontinued 20 years ago, pro-democracy activists are still fighting against deterioration of freedoms

For President Xi Jinping, the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs return toChina is a moment to toast the reunification of a nation and herald its unstoppable rise. But for activists such as Eddie Chu, one of the leading lights of a new generation of pro-democracy politicians, it has become an occasion for something very different.

Boot-licking. Unprecedented boot-licking! he says, a smile separating across his face as he reflects on how many members of the local society have chosen to observe two decades of Chinese ruler by plastering their houses and jobs with patriotic slogans and red flags in the hope, he believes, of currying financial favour.

That is quite the opposite of what Hong Kong people wanted to see in 1997. We wanted to see democracy. Democracy is not boot-licking.

On Saturday morning, Chinas authoritarian ruler, who is shaping a rare three-day tour of the former British colony, will conduct fetes of two decades of Chinese domination alongside Hong Kongs incoming chief executive, Carrie Lam.

At a flag-raising ritual exactly down the road from where the umbrella change happened an extraordinary explosion of dissent in the fall of 2014 the pair will recollect the moment this city of 7. 3 million inhabitants turned over to China after 156 years of colonial pattern. A flypast and a ocean parade are as follows. By darknes, the skies over Victoria harbour, from where the royal ship Britannia differed on 1 July 1997, is likely to be crystallized by a impressive 23 -minute blaze of fireworks.

The moving reason of Hong Kongs return to the motherland like a long-separated child coming back here to the warm embrace of his mother, is still vivid in our remember, Xi told a dinner on Friday night.

But in the membership of Hong Kongs democracy movement, the anniversary are complying with a profound feel of hesitation and trepidation.

Eddie Chu and adherents express against the arrest of 26 people reject the Chinese authority. Image: Yan Lerval/ Sipa/ Rex/ Shutterstock

Twenty times after Britains departure thrust this hyperactive lair of capitalism into the sides of a Leninist dictatorship, activists such as Chu fear Beijing is about to up the bet in its duel for control.

Ten pro-democracy legislators, of which he is one, are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of government-backed legal challenges against them. There are fears that under Hong Kongs brand-new manager, who was elected by a tightly controlled pick committee, there will be a revitalized pushing to reenact controversial anti-subversion legislation.

And while Xi has sought to strike an upbeat color during his visit, recent statements by another senior Communist party figure who committed to consolidate Chinas control of the former colony has put activists on edge.

The relationship between the central government and Hong Kong is that among delegations of dominance , not power-sharing, Zhang Dejiang, Chinas number three agent, said, adding that Hong Kong could only be governed by those who constituted no threat to[ its] prosperity and stability.

Feeding into activists feel of foreboding is the help feeling that many western governments have now cut them liberate for anxiety of impairing their economic relationships with “the worlds” second largest economy.

Martin Lee, 79, the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement. Photograph: The Guardian

The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, questioned a carefully worded proclamation about the commemoration on Thursday, saying it was vital that Hong Kongs autonomy be preserved. But Johnson reached no direct mention of changing suspicions about the erosion of Hong Kongs exemptions, or even of Beijings alleged abduction of a neighbourhood bookseller who propped a British passport.

The British government is just awful. Im afraid I cannot find any kind words to say about that, says Martin Lee, a 79 -year-old barrister who is the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement.

Like numerous, Lee is convinced that China is gradually depriving away the freedom of the media promised to Hong Kongs citizens for the purposes of the the different countries, two systems formula and that Britain has done nothing to occur.

On Friday, a spokeswoman for Chinas foreign ministry appeared to confirm those horrors, telling reporters that the joint declaration, a transaction negotiated by London and Beijing ensure Hong Kongs way of life for 50 times, was a historical report that no longer had any practical relevance.

Suzanne Pepper, a veteran chronicler of the citys quest for republic, says campaigners can no longer count on London or Washington for approval: As long as there is no such thing as blood in wall street, they dont care.

Not everyone is deploring Saturdays landmark anniversary, nonetheless. The streets around Xis waterfront hotel are scattered with the groups of pro-government adherents and embellished with banners that read I affection Hong Kong and One country, two systems has the strong vigour. Lilac signs hanging from bridges and lampposts carry the celebrations official catchline: Together. Progress. Opportunity. Skyscrapers have been decked out in shining ruby-red banners and neon displays that speak: Warmly celebrate the 20 th anniversary of Hong Kongs return to China.

Amid the omnipresent publicity, there is also sincere patriotic enthusiasm. Hong Kong beings should be proud of the achievements of the motherland and all the progress our country has moved, enthused Li Li, a guidebook at a government-sponsored exhibit about Chinas space programme that has been erected in Victoria Park to coincide with this weeks party.

Many more have reacted the commemoration and the presidential visit with nonchalance.

Chu estimated that about a third of specific populations was split between pro-democracy and pro-government advocates. The remainder couldnt care less about the anniversary, and is very much worried about the traffic jams caused by the massive protection operation to protect Xi.

Swaths of the citys waterfront are sealed off with towering white-hot and blue-blooded barricades, with agents patrolling the streets with assault rifles in their hands. Too many police! jokes one of hundreds of officers patrolling the sphere, sweat beading on his neck.

Lee says the lack of interest numerous young people are showing in Xis visit mark how detached they appear from mainland China and how Beijings programmes have lost their hearts and souls.

Oh, this is the ruler of a neighbouring country thats what they feel, he says, pointing to a recent referendum suggesting that exclusively 3% of 18-to-29-year-olds consider themselves Chinese, the lowest pace since 1997. The young people want democracy. They dont is intended to be brainwashed.

For all the indifference and misgiving, Hong Kongs protest movement appears in buoyant mood. Tens of thousands are expected to turn out on Saturday afternoon for an annual parade differentiating the return to China. Their rallying cry will be Twenty years of lies.[ It] was going to be Communist party officials, get out of Hong Kong, but they decided that was a bit too provoking, says Pepper.

Last September, a record number of young anti-Beijing activists were elected to Hong Kongs legislative council, or Legco, in what one conqueror called a democratic miracle. Nonetheless, many of them could now be forced from agency, principally because of government legal challenges over protests the activists took part in while being asserted in last year.

If two to three of them “losing ones” tushes, then the whole political counterbalance will change totally, and then Beijing will have absolute control of this legislative term, reminds Chu, which was intended to call Democracy and self-determination and Tyranny must die while taking his oath.

Xi Jinping at a variety show to celebrate the handover anniversary. Image: Keith Tsuji/ Getty Images

Pepper said she was not optimistic that Beijing would offer concedings to activists, although there are Hong Kongs incoming leader has pledged to mended the partition and build bridges. This is a bridge between democracy and totalitarianism, said Pepper. How she is going to bridge that, I dont know.

Chris Patten, Hong Kongs last governor, has offered a more upbeat appraisal of the city he formerly flowed, saying he was encouraged by the really profound gumption of citizenship of its young activists. Above all, I thoughts I am pleased about the mode in which Hong Kong beings themselves are the reason for it still being a effect of optimism rather than pessimism.

Lee, who is famed for an impassioned defence of democracy that he established after Britains withdrawal, says he is an everlasting optimist about his pushes hazards under a new, young leadership. These young person are our hope for the future. Im very proud of them.

Sitting in his enclosures between a failure of Winston Churchill and a statuette of the Goddess of Democracy, the epitomize of the 1989 Tiananmen Square dissents, Lee recollects strolling through the umbrella progress prime clique, a sprawl of tents and political debate, three days before police finally cleared it, in December 2015.

There were two little birds singing on the dirt.[ It was as if they were saying :] I care I were free, you know? The breath was fresh, he reminisces. I miss those days.

Additional reporting by Benjamin Haas and Wang Zhen .

Read more: www.theguardian.com

The post ‘ We craved republic ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems experimentation over? appeared first on vitalmindandbody.com.

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[vitalmindandbody]

‘ We craved democracy ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems experimentation over?

As China stiffens its traction on the city over which British convention intent 20 years ago, pro-democracy activists are still fighting against erosion of freedoms

For President Xi Jinping, the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs return toChina is a moment to toast the reunification of a nation and acclaim its unstoppable rise. But for activists such as Eddie Chu, one of the leading lights of a new generation of pro-democracy legislators, it has become an party for something totally different.

Boot-licking. Unprecedented boot-licking! he suggests, a smile smashing across his look as he reflects on how many members of the neighbourhood nobility have chosen to celebrate two decades of Chinese convention by plastering their homes and enterprises with patriotic slogans and red flag in the hope, he supposes, of currying economic favour.

That is quite the opposite of what Hong Kong people wanted to see in 1997. We wanted to see democracy. Democracy is not boot-licking.

On Saturday morning, Chinas authoritarian ruler, who is forming a rare three-day tour of the former British settlement, will result fetes of two decades of Chinese ascendancy alongside Hong Kongs incoming chief executive, Carrie Lam.

At a flag-raising formality just down the road from where the umbrella revolution happened an extraordinary rash of difference in the autumn of 2014 the pair will remember the moment this city of 7. 3 million tenants turned over to China after 156 years of colonial govern. A flypast and a sea parade are as follows. By night, the skies over Victoria harbour, from where the royal yacht Britannia differed on 1 July 1997, is likely to be illuminated by a dazzling 23 -minute blaze of fireworks.

The moving opportunity of Hong Kongs return to the motherland like a long-separated infant coming back here to the heated embrace of his mother, is still color in our recollection, Xi told a dinner on Friday night.

But of the membership of Hong Kongs democracy movement, the anniversary are complying with a profound sense of uncertainty and trepidation.

Eddie Chu and partisans express against the two arrested of 26 parties opposed to the Chinese government. Photograph: Yan Lerval/ Sipa/ Rex/ Shutterstock

Twenty times after Britains departure thrust this hyperactive lair of capitalism into the sides of a Leninist dictatorship, activists such as Chu fear Beijing is about to up the ante in its combat for control.

Ten pro-democracy legislators, of which “hes one”, are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of government-backed legal challenges against them. There are fears that under Hong Kongs new commander, who was elected by a tightly limited collection committee, there will be a regenerated pushing to legislate contentious anti-subversion legislation.

And while Xi has sought to strike an upbeat tint during his visit, recent remarks by another senior Communist party figure who dedicated to consolidate Chinas control of the former colony has put activists on edge.

The relationship between the central government and Hong Kong is that of delegation of ability , not power-sharing, Zhang Dejiang, Chinas number three official, supposed, adding that Hong Kong could only be governed by the individuals who posed no menace to[ its] prosperity and stability.

Feeding into activists appreciation of foreboding is the feeling that many western governments have now cut them release for fear of damaging their economic relationships with the worlds second largest economy.

Martin Lee, 79, the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement. Photograph: The Guardian

The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, questioned a carefully worded account about the commemoration on Thursday, saying it was vital that Hong Kongs autonomy be preserved. But Johnson realized no direct mention of thriving horrors about the deterioration of Hong Kongs liberties, or even of Beijings alleged abduction of a local bookseller who harboured a British passport.

The British government is just awful. Im afraid I cannot find any kind words to say about that, tells Martin Lee, a 79 -year-old barrister who is the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement.

Like many, Lee is convinced that China is gradually stripping away the freedom of the media promised to Hong Kongs citizens for the purposes of the the different countries, two systems formula and that Britain has done nothing to occur.

On Friday, a spokeswoman for Chinas foreign ministry appeared to confirm those frights, telling reporters that the joint declaration, a deal negotiated by London and Beijing securing Hong Kongs way of life for 50 years, was a historical record that no longer had any practical relevance.

Suzanne Pepper, a veteran chronicler of the citys quest for democracy, tells campaigners can no longer count on London or Washington for assist: As long as there is not blood in wall street, they dont care.

Not everyone is mourning Saturdays landmark anniversary, however. The streets around Xis waterfront hotel are speck with the groups of pro-government backers and decorated with flags that read I affection Hong Kong and One country, two systems has the strong vitality. Lilac postings hanging from bridges and lampposts carry the celebrations official catchline: Together. Progress. Opportunity. Skyscrapers have been decked out in shining cherry-red flags and neon displays that speak: Warmly celebrate the 20 th anniversary of Hong Kongs return to China.

Amid the omnipresent propaganda, there is also genuine patriotic ardour. Hong Kong people should be proud of the achievements of the motherland and all the progress our country has stirred, enthused Li Li, a template at a government-sponsored exhibit about Chinas space programme that has been erected in Victoria Park to coincide with this weeks party.

Many more have reacted the anniversary and the presidential visit with carelessnes.

Chu estimated that about a third of the population was divided between pro-democracy and pro-government boosters. The residual couldnt care less about the commemoration, and were most to be concerned about the traffic jams caused by the massive insurance operation to protect Xi.

Swaths of the citys waterfront are sealed off with towering white and off-color obstructions, with agents patrolling wall street with assault rifles in their hands. Too numerous police! jokes one of hundreds of officers patrolling the orbit, sweat beading on his neck.

Lee reads the lack of interest many young people are showing in Xis visit underscore how unplugged they experience from mainland China and how Beijings plans have lost their hearts and souls.

Oh, this is the ruler of a neighbour thats what they experience, he adds, pointing to a recent referendum suggesting that only 3% of 18-to-29-year-olds consider themselves Chinese, the lowest charge since 1997. The young people want republic. They dont want to be brainwashed.

For all the insignificance and confusion, Hong Kongs protest movement shall be published in buoyant feeling. Tens of thousands are expected to turn out on Saturday afternoon for an annual procession recognizing the return to China. Their rallying cry will be Twenty years of lies.[ It] was going to be Communist party officials, get out of Hong Kong, but they decided that was a bit more provocative, replies Pepper.

Last September, a record number of young anti-Beijing activists were elected to Hong Kongs legislative council, or Legco, in what one victor called a democratic miracle. However, many of them could now be forced from power, primarily because of government legal challenges over protests the activists took its participation in while being blasphemed in last year.

If two to three of them lose their sets, then the whole political equilibrium will change totally, and then Beijing will have absolute control of this legislature, warns Chu, which was intended to scream Democracy and self-determination and Tyranny must die while taking his oath.

Xi Jinping at a variety show to celebrate the handover commemoration. Image: Keith Tsuji/ Getty Images

Pepper said she was not rosy that Beijing would give concessions to activists, although there are Hong Kongs incoming ruler has pledged to healed the segment and build bridges. This is a bridge between republic and dictatorship, told Pepper. How she is going to connection that, I dont know.

Chris Patten, Hong Kongs last minister, has offered a more upbeat rating of the city he once guided, saying he was encouraged by the really profound gumption of citizenship of its young activists. Above all, I contemplate I am pleased about the way in which Hong Kong beings themselves are the reason for it still being a reason of confidence rather than pessimism.

Lee, who is famed for an impassioned defence of republic that he rendered after Britains withdrawal, says he is an eternal optimist about his flows opportunities under a new, young leader. These young person are our hope for the future. Im very proud of them.

Sitting in his chambers between a failure of Winston Churchill and a statuette of the Goddess of Democracy, the symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square declarations, Lee remembers strolling through the umbrella shifts main clique, a sprawling of tents and political debate, three days before police ultimately cleared it, in December 2015.

There were two little chicks singing on the field.[ It was as if they were saying :] I wish I were free, you know? The breeze was fresh, he remembers. I miss those days.

Additional reporting by Benjamin Haas and Wang Zhen .

Read more: www.theguardian.com

The post ‘ We craved democracy ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems experimentation over? appeared first on vitalmindandbody.com.

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[vitalmindandbody]

‘ We missed democracy ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems experimentation over?

As China tightens its control on the city over which British convention objective 20 years ago, pro-democracy activists are still fighting against erosion of freedoms

For President Xi Jinping, the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs return toChina is a moment to toast the reunification of a nation and hail its unstoppable rise. But for activists such as Eddie Chu, one of the leading lights of a new generation of pro-democracy politicians, it has become an opportunity for something totally different.

Boot-licking. Unprecedented boot-licking! he reads, a smile divulging across his appearance as he reflects on how many members of the neighbourhood elite have chosen to mark two decades of Chinese convention by plastering their the house and business with patriotic slogans and red flags in the hope, he supposes, of currying financial favour.

That is quite the opposite of what Hong Kong people wanted to see in 1997. We wanted to see republic. Democracy is not boot-licking.

On Saturday morning, Chinas authoritarian ruler, who is forming a rare three-day tour of the former British colony, will contribute fetes of two decades of Chinese restrict alongside Hong Kongs incoming chief executive, Carrie Lam.

At a flag-raising ritual simply down the road from where the umbrella revolution happened an extraordinary outburst of disagreement in the autumn of 2014 the pair will recollect the moment this city of 7. 3 million tenants returned to China after 156 years of colonial govern. A flypast and a sea procession are as follows. By darknes, the skies over Victoria harbour, from where the imperial yacht Britannia started on 1 July 1997, is likely to be illuminated by a stunning 23 -minute blaze of fireworks.

The moving reason of Hong Kongs return to the motherland like a long-separated juvenile coming back here to the warm embracing of his mother, is still evocative in our remember, Xi told a dinner on Friday night.

But of the membership of Hong Kongs democracy movement, the anniversary are complying with a profound feel of hesitation and trepidation.

Eddie Chu and partisans illustrate against the arrest of 26 beings opposed to the Chinese authority. Image: Yan Lerval/ Sipa/ Rex/ Shutterstock

Twenty years after Britains departure thrust this hyperactive lair of capitalism into the mitts of a Leninist dictatorship, activists such as Chu fear Beijing is about to up the ante in its duel for control.

Ten pro-democracy legislators, of which “hes one”, are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of government-backed legal challenges against them. There are fears that under Hong Kongs new governor, who was elected by a tightly restrained selection committee, there will be a revamped pushing to pass contentious anti-subversion legislation.

And while Xi has sought to strike an upbeat tint during his visit, recent comments by another senior Communist party figure who vowed to consolidate Chinas control of the former settlement has put activists on edge.

The relationship between the central government and Hong Kong is that of delegation of ability , not power-sharing, Zhang Dejiang, Chinas number three official, enunciated, adding that Hong Kong could only be governed by those who posed no threat to[ its] prosperity and stability.

Feeding into activists appreciation of foreboding is the feeling that numerous western governments have now cut them loose for fright of marring their economic relationships with “the worlds” second largest economy.

Martin Lee, 79, the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement. Photo: The Guardian

The foreign ministers, Boris Johnson, problem a carefully worded announcement about the commemoration on Thursday, saying it was vital that Hong Kongs autonomy be preserved. But Johnson prepared no direct mention of thriving dreads about the erosion of Hong Kongs freedoms, or even of Beijings alleged abduction of a local bookseller who impounded a British passport.

The British government is just awful. Im afraid I cannot find any kind words to say about that, tells Martin Lee, a 79 -year-old barrister who is the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement.

Like numerous, Lee is convinced that China is gradually stripping away the freedom of the media promised to Hong Kongs citizens under the one country, two systems formula and that Britain has done nothing to occur.

On Friday, a spokeswoman for Chinas foreign ministry appeared to confirm those horrors, telling reporters that the joint declaration, a deal negotiated by London and Beijing securing Hong Kongs way of life for 50 times, was a historical record that no longer had any practical meaning.

Suzanne Pepper, a veteran chronicler of the citys quest for democracy, supposes activists can no longer count on London or Washington for aid: As long as there is not blood in the street, they dont care.

Not everyone is lamenting Saturdays landmark anniversary, however. The streets around Xis waterfront hotel are dotted with the groups of pro-government allies and decorated with banners that read I love Hong Kong and One country, two systems has the strong verve. Lilac posters hanging from connections and lampposts carry the celebrations official catchline: Together. Progress. Opportunity. Skyscrapers have been decked out in shining crimson banners and neon displays that speak: Warmly celebrate the 20 th anniversary of Hong Kongs return to China.

Amid the omnipresent publicity, there is also sincere patriotic fervour. Hong Kong people should be proud of the achievements of the motherland and all the progress our country has seen, enthused Li Li, a guide at a government-sponsored exhibit about Chinas space programme that has been made in Victoria Park to coincide with this weeks party.

Many more have saluted the commemoration and the presidential visit with nonchalance.

Chu estimated that about a third of the population was divided between pro-democracy and pro-government supporters. The rest couldnt care less about the anniversary, and were most worried about the traffic jams caused by the massive defence operation to protect Xi.

Swaths of the citys waterfront are sealed off with towering white and blue-blooded barricades, with agents patrolling wall street with assault rifles in their hands. Too numerous police! jokes one of hundreds of officers patrolling the region, sweat beading on his neck.

Lee announces the lack of interest many young person are showing in Xis visit stres how detached they experience from mainland China and how Beijings plans have lost their hearts and souls.

Oh, this is the ruler of a neighbouring country thats what they appear, he supposes, pointing to a recent referendum suggesting that merely 3% of 18-to-29-year-olds consider themselves Chinese, the lowest pace since 1997. The young people want democracy. They dont want to be brainwashed.

For all the insignificance and confusion, Hong Kongs protest change shall be published in buoyant humor. Tens of thousands are expected to turn out on Saturday afternoon for an annual progress recognizing the return to China. Their rallying cry is likely to be Twenty years of lies.[ It] was going to be Communist party officials, get out of Hong Kong, but they decided that was a bit more provocative, suggests Pepper.

Last September, a record number of young anti-Beijing activists were elected to Hong Kongs legislative council, or Legco, in what one victor called a democratic miracle. Nonetheless, many of them could now be forced from part, mainly because of government legal challenges over protests the activists took part in while being affirmed in last year.

If two to three of them lose their posteriors, then the whole political offset will change totally, and then Beijing will have absolute control of this legislature, forewarns Chu, who was to call Democracy and self-determination and Tyranny must die while taking his oath.

Xi Jinping at a variety show to celebrate the handover anniversary. Photograph: Keith Tsuji/ Getty Images

Pepper said she was not rosy that Beijing would give concessions to activists, although there are Hong Kongs incoming commander has pledged to mended the subdivide and build bridges. This is a bridge between republic and tyranny, said Pepper. How she is going to connection that, I dont know.

Chris Patten, Hong Kongs last-place governor, has offered a more upbeat rating of the city he formerly loped, saying he was encouraged by the really profound gumption of citizenship of its young activists. Above all, I visualize I am pleased about the acces in which Hong Kong beings themselves are the reason for it still being a lawsuit of confidence rather than pessimism.

Lee, who is famed for an impassioned defence of republic that he sacrificed after Britains withdrawal, says he is an everlasting optimist about his shifts opportunities under a new, young leadership. These young person are our hope for the future. Im very proud of them.

Sitting in his enclosures between a failure of Winston Churchill and a statuette of the Goddess of Democracy, the emblem of the 1989 Tiananmen Square declarations, Lee remembers strolling through the umbrella actions central camp, a sprawling of tents and policy debate, three days before police eventually cleared it, in December 2015.

There were two little birds singing on the field.[ It was as if they were saying :] I please I were free, you are familiar with? The breath was fresh, he reminisces. I miss those days.

Additional reporting by Benjamin Haas and Wang Zhen .

Read more: www.theguardian.com

The post ‘ We missed democracy ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems experimentation over? appeared first on vitalmindandbody.com.

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[vitalmindandbody]

‘ We required republic ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems experimentation over?

As China stiffens its traction on the city over which British regulate ended 20 years ago, pro-democracy activists are still fighting against erosion of freedoms

For President Xi Jinping, the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs return toChina is a moment to toast the reunification of a nation and hail its unstoppable rise. But for activists such as Eddie Chu, one of the leading lights of a new generation of pro-democracy politicians, it has become an moment for something quite different.

Boot-licking. Unprecedented boot-licking! he reads, a smile break-dance across his appearance as he reflects on how many members of the neighbourhood upper-clas had been decided to marking two decades of Chinese regulate by plastering their the house and firms with patriotic slogans and red flags in the hope, he supposes, of currying financial favour.

That is quite the opposite of what Hong Kong people wanted to see in 1997. We wanted to see democracy. Democracy is not boot-licking.

On Saturday morning, Chinas authoritarian ruler, who is becoming a rare three-day tour of the former British colony, will guide observances of two decades of Chinese command alongside Hong Kongs incoming chief executive, Carrie Lam.

At a flag-raising ceremony only down the road from where the umbrella revolution happened an extraordinary eruption of dissent in the fall of 2014 the pair will recollect the moment this city of seven. 3 million residents returned to China after 156 years of colonial principle. A flypast and a sea parade will follow. By darknes, the skies over Victoria harbour, from where the royal ship Britannia differed on 1 July 1997, is likely to be crystallized by a stunning 23 -minute blaze of fireworks.

The moving party of Hong Kongs return to the motherland like a long-separated infant coming back to the heated espouse of his mother, is still vivid in our retention, Xi told a dinner on Friday night.

But for members of Hong Kongs democracy movement, the anniversary are complying with a profound feel of mistrust and trepidation.

Eddie Chu and partisans substantiate against the two arrested of 26 parties opposes this Chinese government. Photograph: Yan Lerval/ Sipa/ Rex/ Shutterstock

Twenty times after Britains departure thrust this hyperactive lair of capitalism into the hands of a Leninist dictatorship, campaigners such as Chu fear Beijing is about to up the bet in its combat for control.

Ten pro-democracy legislators, of which “hes one”, are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of government-backed legal challenges against them. There are fears that under Hong Kongs brand-new governor, who was elected by a tightly restrained selection committee, there will be a revitalized move to ordain controversial anti-subversion legislation.

And while Xi has sought to ten-strike an upbeat color during his visit, recent commentaries by another elderly Communist party figure who swore to consolidate Chinas control of the former settlement has put activists on edge.

The relationship between the central government and Hong Kong is that of delegation of power , not power-sharing, Zhang Dejiang, Chinas number three official, articulated, adding that Hong Kong could have been be governed by those who posed no threat to[ its] prosperity and stability.

Feeding into activists appreciation of foreboding is the be thought that numerous western governments have now cut them release for suspicion of damaging their economic relationships with the worlds second largest economy.

Martin Lee, 79, the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement. Photograph: The Guardian

The foreign ministers, Boris Johnson, problem a carefully worded word about the anniversary on Thursday, saying it was vital that Hong Kongs autonomy be preserved. But Johnson made no direct mention of thriving horrors about the eroding of Hong Kongs impunities, or even of Beijings alleged abduction of a local bookseller who braced a British passport.

The British government is just awful. Im afraid I cannot find any kind words to say about that, suggests Martin Lee, a 79 -year-old barrister who is the elder statesman of Hong Kongs democracy movement.

Like numerous, Lee is convinced that China is gradually depriving away the freedoms promised to Hong Kongs citizens for the purposes of the one country, two systems formula and that Britain has done nothing to intervene.

On Friday, a spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry appeared to confirm those suspicions, telling reporters that the joint declaration, a cope negotiated by London and Beijing pledging Hong Kongs way of life for 50 times, was a historical report that no longer had any practical relevance.

Suzanne Pepper, a veteran chronicler of the citys quest for democracy, supposes activists can no longer count on London or Washington for supporter: As long as there is not blood in wall street, they dont care.

Not everybody is lamenting Saturdays landmark anniversary, nonetheless. The streets around Xis waterfront hotel are flecked with clusters of pro-government backers and embellished with placards that read I affection Hong Kong and One country, two systems has the strong sparkle. Lilac posters hanging from bridges and lampposts carry the celebrations official catchline: Together. Progress. Opportunity. Skyscrapers have been decked out in shining red banners and neon displays that read: Warmly celebrate the 20 th anniversary of Hong Kongs return to China.

Amid the omnipresent information, there is also genuine patriotic enthusiasm. Hong Kong parties should be proud of the attainment of the motherland and all the progress our country has cleared, enthused Li Li, a guidebook at a government-sponsored exhibit about Chinas space programme that has been made in Victoria Park to coincide with this weeks party.

Many more have reacted the anniversary and the presidential visit with nonchalance.

Chu estimated that about a third of the population was divided between pro-democracy and pro-government backers. The rest couldnt care less about the commemoration, and were most to be concerned about the traffic jams caused by the massive insurance operation to protect Xi.

Swaths of the citys waterfront are sealed off with towering grey and off-color obstructions, with agents patrolling the streets with assault rifles in their hands. Too many police! jokes one of hundreds of officers patrolling the orbit, sweat beading on his neck.

Lee remarks the lack of interest many young person are showing in Xis visit stres how detached they appear from mainland China and how Beijings programs have lost their hearts and souls.

Oh, this is the ruler of a neighbour thats what they seem, he replies, pointing to a recent canvas suggesting that merely 3% of 18-to-29-year-olds consider themselves Chinese, the lowest pace since 1997. The young people want democracy. They dont is intended to be brainwashed.

For all the phlegm and indecision, Hong Kongs protest flow appears in buoyant humor. Tens of thousands are expected to turn out on Saturday afternoon for an annual parade distinguishing the return to China. Their war cry is likely to be Twenty years of lies.[ It] was going to be Communist party officials, get out of Hong Kong, but they decided that was a bit extremely provocative, tells Pepper.

Last September, a record number of young anti-Beijing activists were elected to Hong Kongs legislative council, or Legco, in what one victor called a democratic miracle. However, many of them could now be forced from place, principally because of government legal challenges over protests the activists took part in while being cuss in last year.

If two to three of them “losing ones” benches, then the whole political counterbalance will change totally, and then Beijing will have absolute control of this legislative term, alarms Chu, who was to call Democracy and self-determination and Tyranny must die while taking his oath.

Xi Jinping at a variety show to celebrate the handover commemoration. Picture: Keith Tsuji/ Getty Images

Pepper said she was not optimistic that Beijing would give concessions to activists, even though Hong Kongs incoming ruler has pledged to heal the partition and build bridges. This is a bridge between democracy and totalitarianism, supposed Pepper. How she is going to connection that, I dont know.

Chris Patten, Hong Kongs last-place governor, has offered a more upbeat evaluation of the city he once led, saying he was encouraged by the really profound feel of citizenship of its young activists. Above all, I guess I am pleased about the route in which Hong Kong parties themselves are the reason for it still being a generate of optimism rather than pessimism.

Lee, who is famed for an impassioned defence of republic that he afforded after Britains withdrawal, says he is an eternal optimist about his pushes hazards under a brand-new, young leadership. These young person are our hope for the future. Im very proud of them.

Sitting in his enclosures between a bust of Winston Churchill and a statuette of the Goddess of Democracy, the typify of the 1989 Tiananmen Square declarations, Lee remembers strolling through the umbrella changes primary camp, a sprawl of tents and political debate, three days before police lastly cleared it, in December 2015.

There were two little chicks singing on the ground.[ It was as if they were saying :] I care I were free, you know? The breath was fresh, he remembers. I miss those days.

Additional reporting by Benjamin Haas and Wang Zhen .

Read more: www.theguardian.com

The post ‘ We required republic ‘: is Hong Kong’s two-systems experimentation over? appeared first on vitalmindandbody.com.

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