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==Back from Hong Kong==

==Back from Hong Kong==

I'm back from Hong Kong and it was certainly quite a week to be there (Oct. 1-7). Hong Kong was once a British colony, but it has been ruled by China since 1997. The city has a unique "one country, two systems" form of government that allows a British-style legal system to continue despite the fact that the local government is now appointed by the Chinese Communist Party. There have been pro-democracy protests in the city for the past four months. The protests expanded dramatically after a decree banning masks took effect on Oct. 5. Vandalism was so intense that the entire subway system had to be closed down.<br/>Hong Kong has one of the most serious housing bubbles in history. Rising land values make the rich richer and leave young couples without homes of their own. Everyone wants a piece of the action, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi has a villa in Hong Kong at Repulse Bay. When I talked to the protesters, I suggested that they take a look at that.

I'm back from Hong Kong and it was certainly quite a week to be there (Oct. 1-7). Hong Kong was once a British colony, but it has been ruled by China since 1997. The city has a unique "one country, two systems" form of government that allows a British-style legal system to continue despite the fact that the local government is now appointed by the Chinese Communist Party. There have been pro-democracy protests in the city for the past four months. The protests expanded dramatically after a decree banning masks took effect on Oct. 5. Vandalism was so intense that the entire subway system had to be closed down.<br/>Hong Kong has one of the most serious housing bubbles in history. Rising land values make the rich richer and leaves young couples without homes of their own. Everyone wants a piece of the action, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi has a villa in Hong Kong at Repulse Bay. When I talked to the protesters, I suggested that they take a look at that.

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File:V-Barracade across Nathan Road in Mongkok.jpg|A barricade in Mongkok District, Oct. 5. Although defended by a catapult, the police had little trouble taking it apart.

File:V-Barracade across Nathan Road in Mongkok.jpg|A barricade in Mongkok District, Oct. 5. Although defended by a catapult, the police had little trouble taking it apart.

File:China_Liaison_Office,_Hong_Kong.jpeg|This tower in Sai Ying Pun is the office of Hong Kong's "secret" Communist Party. (I didn't tell you.)

File:China_Liaison_Office,_Hong_Kong.jpeg|This tower in Sai Ying Pun is the office of Hong Kong's "secret" Communist Party. (I didn't tell you.)

File:Glass broken in Hong Kong protests.jpeg|The subway has experienced a wave of vandalism. This pane is at Mei Foo Station.

File:Glass broken in Hong Kong protests.jpeg|The subway has been overwhelmed by a wave of vandalism. This pane is at Mei Foo Station.

File:Poster on why attack subway.jpg|This poster addresses the aspect of the protest that is perhaps most perplexing: Why do the protesters attack the subway?  

File:Poster on why attack subway.jpg|This poster addresses the aspect of the protest that is perhaps most perplexing: Why do the protesters attack the subway?  

File:Dim sum.jpg|Dim sum, breakfast food in Hong Kong

File:Dim sum.jpg|Dim sum is what Hong Konger eat for breakfast.

File:Hong Kong Ferry.jpeg|You can get a magnificent view of the harbour aboard the white and green Hong Kong ferry.

File:Hong Kong Ferry.jpeg|You can get a magnificent view of the harbour aboard the white and green Hong Kong ferry.

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