I guess this is sort of the America thread, but what do you guys make of the situation in Hong Kong?
So for anyone who doesn't know, although I suspect you all do, the protests were sparked by a new extradition bill introduced by the local government under the auspices of the mainland leadership. If the bill became law, it would permit the extradition of any Hong Kong citizen under criminal investigation to the mainland. Critics of the bill fear it would be used to target political opponents of the Communist Party. That fear is highly warranted, of course.
Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, suspended the bill indefinitely. However, the protesters are calling for its full withdrawal and for Lam to resign. They are also demanding an independent investigation into the local police's use of force against the population during the protests. Triads have been involved in violence against the protesters and regular commuters, and people suspect the police are in cahoots with the triads in organizing that violence.
China is blaming foreign influences (Western countries) for not simply inspiring but in fact instigating the protests. At the same time, they say the youth of Hong Kong need employment and affordable housing (to not become disillusioned).
It all seems par for the course to me. The One Country, Two Systems policy is a pretense while the real strategy is the ultimate full assimilation of the region. I suppose they'll get there eventually, but meanwhile it's quite rousing to see the people of Hong Kong fight back.
Looks like we're not going down after all, so nevermind.