Hong Kong and China

China has gotten a lot richer since 1993.  Hong Kong hasn't, it might have slipped considerably I think.

With a government mostly owned by HK business class, who get set asides in the government, one might ask, "Why Not?"

If capitalism is such a wonderful system, why hasn't Hong Kong remained richer than Communist (or at least Authoritarian) China?

As I said not long ago, I'd be tempted to give the "protestors" what they want, and let the HK ship sink completely.  There is probably a geopolitical reason why China doesn't--it would be a beachhead.  And there had appeared to be a lot of people who did not go along with protestors--it might not be fair to them.

Now the "pro-democracy" forces have "won" some local elections.  That sounds like "becoming" part of the establishment, no question now.  I said they always were.  I am fine with winning elections--that's the way to move forwards, or somewards, and way beats violence.

Will they be able to produce anything other than angst?  I strongly doubt it.  I see nothing but a worse downhill spiral than before.  Just like in:

Libya

Iraq

Afghanistan

Honduras

Syria

Ukraine

and everyplace else touched by US "Democracy Promotion."

In 10 years will we look back to the protests of 2019 as being the beginning of a great worldwide liberation?

No.  

But 2020 could be, if Bernie is elected President.