The recent post by pugster about rioters in Hong Kong brought to my mind some thoughts I had as the Umbrella Revolution was flaming out a couple of years ago. One of the arguments many people in the West used to denigrate the HK and Mainland government in support of the Umbrella movement was that the rioters had a right to block streets and shut down districts to get their … [Read more...] about Free Speech Definitely Doesn’t Mean Cost Notwithstanding Speech
"China and Democracy"
DPP Wins in Taiwan
The writing has been on the wall for KMT's chances in the election this time around for some time. As I had discussed earlier, the battle between DPP and KMT in the 2016 election is not about independence vs. status quo as it had been 8 years back when Taiwan elected Ma Ying-jeou, or 16 years ago when Taiwan elected Chen Shui-Bian. That battle had been won long ago, with this … [Read more...] about DPP Wins in Taiwan
Hong Kong Legislature Rejects Election Reform
So it looks official now, Hong Kong's Legislature has officially rejected the Election Reform promulgated by PRC’s Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. (For more on this topic, see this previous post late last year) The central government has responded that the election rules stands and now it is the hope of many that Hong Kong will continue to find a way to … [Read more...] about Hong Kong Legislature Rejects Election Reform
Are the Occupy Protesters really about “Democracy”?
As the Occupy protests continue in Hong Kong, articles, editorials and op-eds in the Western press continue to characterize the conflict as one between those in Hong Kong demanding "real democracy" and Beijing reneging on its promise of "universal suffrage" under "one country two systems." Western media and leaders - including the New York Times Editorial Board and President … [Read more...] about Are the Occupy Protesters really about “Democracy”?
The Scotland Referendum and What it might teach us about Democracy
By the now, the results are in. Scotland has just rejected secession from U.K. in a historic referendum. There have been impassioned" pleas on both sides, but through it all, Scotland will remain a part of the U.K. If mainstream media is to be trusted, a big sigh of relief is heard around the world. Personally I have no feeling one way or another although I will admit, … [Read more...] about The Scotland Referendum and What it might teach us about Democracy