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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.<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.

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.<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|This barricade is 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|This barricade is in Mongkok District, Oct. 5. Although defended by a catapult, the police had little trouble removing it.

File:China_Liaison_Office,_Hong_Kong.jpeg|Hong Kong's "chief executive" is just a puppet. This tower in Sai Ying Pun is the real center of power. It is the "secret" headquarters of the city's Communist Party.

File:China_Liaison_Office,_Hong_Kong.jpeg|While a puppet "chief executive" preens for the media, this tower in Sai Ying Pun is the city's real center of power. It is the "secret" headquarters of the Party.

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: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 the most perplexing: Why do the protesters attack the subway?

File:Poster on why attack subway.jpg|This poster addresses a phenomenon I find inscrutable: Why do the protesters attack the subway?

File:Pro-democracy march in Wanchai, Hong Kong.jpeg|This is at a march in the Wanchai District, site of some of the most serious rioting. I wore a mask just in case the police launched a tear gas attack.

File:Pro-democracy march in Wanchai, Hong Kong.jpeg|This is at a march in the Wanchai District, site of some of the most serious rioting. I wore a mask just in case the police launched another tear gas attack.

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

File:Dim sum.jpg|Dim sum is what Hong Kongers 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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