I really don't agree with China's recent actions in Hong Kong. Any government that bans and supresses protest reveals itself as weak and lacking in credibility. None of us stand above criticism.
...But...
Given current events in Portland, the US has abrogated any moral high ground that it could have used to criticise. At this point there are literally groups of unidentifiable men roaming the streets in unmarked vehicles snatching people off the streets. These people are not being charged with any offense, no protocols are being followed (no Miranda rights, no identification of the offence being committed, no attempt by the agent to identify themselves). They are then being released without charge because, of course, there are no charges to answer. This is not to do with law enforcement, it is pure intimidation by a government of it's own citizens.
And, just to be clear, it's not a case of putting down violent protest or criminality, it's any random person off the street. Seriously, watch the footage of Christopher David (who's a frickin' End of Level Boss btw). He approaches them entirely peacefully, isn't engaged in anything that could be considered criminal in any way and is beaten with clubs and pepper sprayed.
This is being done in opposition to the elected State government. And Trump is openly stating that he is going to continue this practice across the rest of the nation.
I do not like the way the Chinese Government has behaved in recent years. I think there is much to criticize, up to and including the Ethnic Cleansing of the Uigher people. But how can the West challenge and criticise the Chinese Government when this is their own practice?
...But...
Given current events in Portland, the US has abrogated any moral high ground that it could have used to criticise. At this point there are literally groups of unidentifiable men roaming the streets in unmarked vehicles snatching people off the streets. These people are not being charged with any offense, no protocols are being followed (no Miranda rights, no identification of the offence being committed, no attempt by the agent to identify themselves). They are then being released without charge because, of course, there are no charges to answer. This is not to do with law enforcement, it is pure intimidation by a government of it's own citizens.
And, just to be clear, it's not a case of putting down violent protest or criminality, it's any random person off the street. Seriously, watch the footage of Christopher David (who's a frickin' End of Level Boss btw). He approaches them entirely peacefully, isn't engaged in anything that could be considered criminal in any way and is beaten with clubs and pepper sprayed.
This is being done in opposition to the elected State government. And Trump is openly stating that he is going to continue this practice across the rest of the nation.
I do not like the way the Chinese Government has behaved in recent years. I think there is much to criticize, up to and including the Ethnic Cleansing of the Uigher people. But how can the West challenge and criticise the Chinese Government when this is their own practice?