Thread by @kazweida

This #SundayMorning we're trying to answer a question that many Americans have asked in the past few weeks?

Why can't we take to the streets as Hong Kong has done to protest the erosion of rights? Are we too lazy or complacent?

Where's the outrage, America?
(THREAD)

(2) Before we answer, it's important to understand the situation in Hong Kong. Protestors are not simply reacting to the extradition bill. They are protesting the slow erosion of their rights since 1997 under the "one country, two systems" rule.

vox.com/world/2019/8/2…

(3) Under the current system, Hong Kong doesn't really elect their own government. Carrie Lamb, Hong Kong's chief executive, is just a puppet of Beijing. And her support of police brutality against peaceful protestors has infuriated Hong Kong.

hongkongfp.com/2019/09/01/hon…

(4) Hong Kong also has gangs called triads, who operate as thugs for hire and currently seem to be inciting violence on behalf of the Chinese government.

In the face of such tactics, the commitment of protestors to remain non-violent is extraordinary.

nytimes.com/2019/07/24/wor…

(5) There are a few reasons why Hong Kong and America's situations differ, but let's start with the obvious. At the heart of things, Americans still believe they have power. The power of free elections.

Hong Kong citizens are desperate and vulnerable.
vox.com/2019/8/28/2079…

(6) Hong Kong protestors have 5 reasonable demands.
1) Lamb to withdraw the extradition bill
2) Lamb to step down
3) A third-party inquiry into police brutality
4) The arrested to be released
5) Guarantees of suffrage from Beijing

cnn.com/2019/08/13/asi…

(7) In the absence of a system with a democratic process, Hong Kong doesn't many options except protest

The looming handover of Hong Kong to China in 2047 is especially urgent for the young, living with the threat of China breathing down their necks daily
rantt.com/joshua-wong-in…

(8) The question of why Americans aren't as incensed as Hong Kong over the erosion of democratic process is a fair one. At its core, it's about our trust in elected government that we believe still works for us, even if the reality doesn't quite line up.

cnn.com/2019/08/19/opi…

(9) Should we be in the streets? Sure. But we also still have effective avenues to wield power in Congress and in state governments that aren't available to Hong Kong. And while climate change is a pressing issue, our urgency is less definite than Hong Kong's 2047 deadline.

(10) How can you support Hong Kong beyond amplifying folks like @joshuawongcf ? Press US representatives to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights & Democracy Act, a bipartisan bill affirming U.S. support for democracy in Hong Kong.

congress.gov/bill/116th-con…

(11) You can also urge Pennsylvania-based NonLethal Technologies Inc and Florida-based Pacem Defense Co to stop selling rubber bullets & tear gas to China

Britain has already stopped the export of these items to China at the request of Hong Kong activists

https://twitter.com/joshuawongcf/status/1155694530508668930?s=20

(END) Thanks to @buskimo for the #SundayMorning thread suggestion.

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In response to comments, there are geographical complications. If our capital was in NYC, a much denser population hub, we’d see much larger & sustained protests.

Coordinated national marches are more difficult. But as the woman’s march proved, possible if we’re motivated.