In the United States of America -- the beacon of human rights -- riot police drive "democracy cars" literally on top of protesters. It's allowed in the 75th amendment or something like that.
Then, of course, we have the "only democracy" in the Middle East. This also happens to be America's best friend. Even a 12-year-old Palestinian girl gets to enjoy the full benefits of democracy in this country.
Deng Xiaoping's reform and opening up started in 1978.
1. But China did not right away embrace private enterprises and capitalism.
2. Private enterprises were illegal and not even officially recognized until 1988! (A few Special Economic Zones like Shenzhen had more freedom)
3. Some entrepreneurs in the 1980s were allowed to run private businesses under the "red hat" -- i.e., pretending to be collectives or government-owned.
4. 1980s: There were also high taxes and numerous restrictions such as maximum 5 employees in a private enterprise.
5. Only in 1994 did private enterprises get many legal protections and freedom.
6. In 1999, the Chinese Constitution was amended to acknowledge that the private sector is an "important component" of the economy.
Trump, Biden, Obama, Bush, Clinton, Reagan… it’s an American political tradition to impose tariffs, even though they have never helped create jobs or protect manufacturing! 😆