Hong Kong

[Urinal Cake]

Neither the protestors or the police were experienced in the 'theatre' of peaceful protest. Especially with protestors having 'shock troops' trying to practice 'near violence' theory or whatever and police who are on a constant power trip being frustrated that they couldn't bust some heads earlier.

In hindsight, the protesters got what they wanted the bill is dead and Lam was humiliated- they shouldnof quit. Then the leaders gone into hiding and plan the next protest when the HK government inevitably fucks up.

In a weird way it shows that the one country, two systems has been working due to the access, knowledge etc. Compared domestically to the repression of the Uighurs in Xianjing etc.

Or the shit in an apparently democratic India is pulling in Kashmir. Nearly a month, a population under martial law, a total electronic blackout. A few first hand stories about mistreatment and torture of Kashmiris. But lots of positive Indian press about improving the area economically and buying land. And a bit of tut-tutting from the majority of the Western press.

[Pingers]

I would like the protesters to prevail, but I think they are going to need to get their heads around strike action if they want to succeed. Protesting can get you so far, but out in the open against the might of a State machine your odds are not great. Stopping a capitalist system from functioning by striking is more effective and hits the ruling elite in their wallets. Plus, you can make someone stop protesting by using force, it's much harder to make them work.

[Mister Six]

Two general strikes have been called for this week - Monday and Wednesday, I think.

[Bazooka]

Umbrellas mate, that's all it took.

[imitationleather]

Indeed. Rhianna knew the score.

[Sebastian Cobb]

Seeing videos of the leaders etc defending police action and violence is pretty chilling. Saying things like "the police have a very difficult job" and "if citizens don't resort to violence then neither will the police". Very upsetting.

Similar things are said to justify kettling.

[Head Gardener]

at least skyscraper builders seem to have a sense of humour in the nearby Chinese province of Guangxi