Hong Kong “politics” has decomposed into a tiny repertoire of elemental clichés. Nonetheless, they can cause disproportional disruptions when deployed vociferously by ardent sloganeers with singular determination. By far the most overworked slogan is — of course — freedom and democracy. It’s become licence to do practically anything without consequence. Well, freedom is … [Read more...] about What Academic Freedom?
Second Enlightenment – Debunking Democracy
More people (even Professor Francis Fukuyama) seem to be waking up to the fact that populist democracy controlled by money (let’s call it Democracy with a big dee) is a political cul-de-sac. However, just as otherwise enlightened individuals such as Galileo and Newton dare not deny the existence of God, modern-day Democracy skeptics are hesitant to challenge its sanctity. … [Read more...] about Second Enlightenment – Debunking Democracy
Umbrella Revolution and Authoritarianism with Chinese Characteristics
Hong Kong’s Umbrella Freedom Fighters can’t possibly be fighting for “freedom” in one of the most indulging communities on earth; it’d be like fish keep asking for more salt in the ocean. If succeeded, it’d turn them into anchovies. A popular reason cited by supporters is that China’s an authoritarian state, therefore to be loathed unconditionally. Anyone who reads … [Read more...] about Umbrella Revolution and Authoritarianism with Chinese Characteristics
Democracy Mission – A Conspiracy Theory
This is a reprint from an old post that I think readers of this blog might find interesting. Whatever the merits of democracy, I’m more curious about its evangelical preachers. Democracy is a vague term, like “Christendom”, “Islamic World”, or “the West”. Besides the democratic banner, the political landscapes of the USA, Afghanistan, Iraq, Japan, India. . . don’t share … [Read more...] about Democracy Mission – A Conspiracy Theory
Helmut Schmidt: won’t sell Democracy to China
The following link is an interview of Helmut Schmidt. It’s rare and refreshing to see a Western politician speaking so freely and honestly about Democracy. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/01/china-democracy_n_5067120.html Based on the above interview, Bill, a thoughtful friend of mine, pretends to be an interlocutor shadowing Herr Helmut Schmidt with his own comments, … [Read more...] about Helmut Schmidt: won’t sell Democracy to China