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PeterKa
Joined December 16, 2013
→Back from Hong Kong
==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 now works for the Chinese Communist Party. There have been pro-democracy protests in the city for the past four months. The protests grew 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 is currently experiencing 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 flourish despite the fact that the local government now works for the Chinese Communist Party. There have been pro-democracy protests in the city for the past four months. The protests mushroomed after Carrie Lam, the city's hapless chief executive, issued a decree banning masks on Oct. 5. The vandalism by protesters was so intense that the entire subway system had to closed for the first time in it's history. Not only that, but the city's High Court is likely to overturn the decree.<br/>With worldwide attention focused on the protests, it's easy to forget that Hong Kong has an even more serious problem: The city is experiencing one of the largest housing bubbles in economic history. Rising land values make the rich richer and leaves young couples unable to afford 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: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:Cookies from Jenny Bakery.jpg|Jenny Bakery in Mirador Mansion makes the city's favorite cookies.
File:Cookies from Jenny Bakery.jpg|Jenny Bakery in Mirador Mansion makes the city's favorite cookies.
File:Hong Kong Ferry.jpeg|You get a magnificent view of the harbor aboard the white and green Hong Kong ferry.
File:Hong Kong Ferry.jpeg|You get a magnificent view of the harbor aboard the white and green Hong Kong ferry.
File:Pro-democracy march in Wanchai, Hong Kong.jpeg|I stand in front of a pro-democracy march in Wanchai District, site of some of the most serious rioting. Masks provide protection against tear gas.
File:V-Barracade across Nathan Road in Mongkok.jpg|This barricade was built in Mongkok District on Oct. 5. Although defended by a catapult, the police had little trouble removing it.
File:Poster on why attack subway.jpg|This poster attempts to explain a phenomenon I find inscrutable: Why do protesters attack Mass Transit Railway, the city's subway provider?
File:Glass broken in Hong Kong protests.jpeg|The subway system has been overwhelmed by vandalism. This pane is at Mei Foo Station.
File:China_Liaison_Office,_Hong_Kong.jpeg|While Carrie Lam 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 Communist Party.
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