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Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (HRDA) Analysis
The HRDA seemingly has widespread support from anti-government protestors in HK despite it's glaring concerns.
I'll break down some of Lausan (HK) group's analysis & add some further observations here.
#HongKong
The HRDA seemingly has widespread support from anti-government protestors in HK despite it's glaring concerns.
I'll break down some of Lausan (HK) group's analysis & add some further observations here.
#HongKong
I'll start with a valuable quote.
Hong Kong labor activist Au Loong-yu says: “on the point of ‘courting foreign power,’ the tables may quickly turn on Hong Kong …."
An astute observation considering precedents already set by America elsewhere in the world.
Hong Kong labor activist Au Loong-yu says: “on the point of ‘courting foreign power,’ the tables may quickly turn on Hong Kong …."
An astute observation considering precedents already set by America elsewhere in the world.
Surveillance concerns. Cutting down supposed facial recognition lampposts & destroying MTR cameras shows an clear disdain for surveillance in HK. Ironically, Section 4(b) & 7 of the HRDA) creates a need for the US to maintain databases/records/info on the people of Hong Kong.
The INCONCEIVABLY ironic Section 6(c)1.A, speaks about extraditions. The very thing the protests were first founded on. This act would have required compliance in regards to extraditing Edward Snowden, had this bill existed then. HK was celebrated globally for protecting him.
This bill would also change HK's special trading status into a malleable state, where HK would be more venerable to being used as a bargaining tool / become a casualty of future US/China related issues, making HK in fact less autonomous from China and more bond to their issues.
Europe decided not to follow the US on abandoning agreements with Iran. US is powerless with them... They seemed to have learnt a lesson here and built in some power over HK on Thur point. HK wouldn't have the autonomous decision making ability like Europe does with this act.
Section 5.a.6 states HK should sufficiently enforce U.S. sanctions on certain nations or individuals whom present a threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.
This fact doesn't require any further commentary from me, other than.... WTF
This fact doesn't require any further commentary from me, other than.... WTF
Important to note, the US sanctions cause actual suffering in Iran. It's not only clear HRDA supporters want to sell themselves out to the Americans, but they also are willing to become complicit in the suffering of others if there are perceived potential benefits for themselves
Unlike China, US' government/administration can frequently change, and so with it, it's priorities & the way it leverages the tools of previous administration. As exemplified by recent fears surrounding Obama's Deferred Entry of Childhood Arrivals Act (“DACA”)
The DACA was designed to create a path to citizenship for young persons brought to the United States unlawfully as children. The government created a database of personal information, including fingerprints, of nearly one million DACA recipients.
Only 5yrs later the Trump Administration ended the program & there's strong reason to beleive may even use this tool, intended to help children, as a weapon against them.
HK's HRDA act clearly states the purpose of the Bill is to defend U.S. interests, which is subject to change
HK's HRDA act clearly states the purpose of the Bill is to defend U.S. interests, which is subject to change
Furthermore, what happens if HK tries to make it's own decision, contrary to US interests like Europe did? They get isolated & are put at risk of needing to relying further on the mainland. Arguably, even the mainland wouldn't have been able to devise & deploy a plan like this.
Given the US' well documented & undisputed history of international foul play, how would it even be conceivably possible to sell this act, which doesn't even try to hide it's true intent, which is counterproductive to HK's fight, and would provide a counterproductive result?
Put together an ignoramus dream team gullible HK sellouts including Denise Ho, Joshua Wong, Sunny Cheung, Sharon Hom. Then get them to join a 2 hour exhibition full of China fear mongering, outright lies & show an eager willingness and excitement toward subservience to America
If you want to see only a few of the many examples of what could only be best described as a Grade-A shi*show, check this thread out.
Now I want to theorize on Beijing's reaction. First, there were rumors that HK's neighbouring city, Shenzhen, would slowly begin trial programs to open up more voting opportunities like HK currently has (relative to Shenzhen). Apparently these rumblings have predictably now ended
Second, If there was any chance of Beijing eventually loosening their stance regarding on a direct vote for the CE, I'd imagine that likelihood has been substantially reduced. From their point of view this is what they can see.
1/HK has a widespread superiority complex & xenophobia problem towards ordinary mainlanders. This includes from their own elected city councillors. While this problem exists, a vote would surely further institutionalize this dangerous xenophobic hate. 
2/Lack of civility from anti-China protestors towards ordinary citizens who disagree w/ them, giving democratically inspired beatdowns to ordinary people, incl the elderly & women, shows that identity politics related violence, not uncommon in democracies, might be worse in HK
3/The apparent relative ease in which HK pop stars, "representatives" of the people, academics & aspiring leaders can be manipulated by infamous foreign powers, shows the high probability of having unchecked foreign influences & national security risks on its doorstep once again
Whether born from a dislike of the CCP, a superiority complex, or a willingness to compromise on autonomy as long as it means being ruled by white people again, the reasons behind this phenomena probably aren't really relevant to Beijing from a democracy evaluation perspective.
This raises an excellent point. The Greater Bay Area Project is a massive economic project designed to bring prosperity to the entire region, incl. HK.
America's plan doesn't create opportunities for HK, it creates ONLY restrictions.
Interesting saviour
America's plan doesn't create opportunities for HK, it creates ONLY restrictions.
Interesting saviour
If you're curious how widespread this gullibility problem is, check out this HRDMA supporter & elected HK counciler's stats. Although I question the quality of this survey, I don't doubt it really is an actual widespread issue.
Denise Ho, one of the performers at this hearing, stunned that anyone would call this circus anything short of a positively fabulous performance.
This act was so unconditionally celebrated by it's supposed beneficiaries, the ease of slipping in the most obvious of red FLAGS & lack of any concerns voiced in the hearing with supposed HK representatives in the US, has boosted confidence to dive deeper
Intentions of the US can be easily discerned by not only their track record, but by the obvious interest in trying to contain China. The ease in which they can convince others that there is no merit to China's system, despite the data, is a valuable tool
