4 ms·

Just to be clear, I was in no way trying to tie them to a brutal dictatorship. But I think it's important to understand the political structure of the country,

Just to be clear, I was in no way trying to tie them to a brutal dictatorship. But I think it's important to understand the political structure of the country, not just the current economic/civil environment. For the political structure may help you determine what the civil/economic condition will be as things change, i.e. a change of leadership in an authoritarian regime will have more of an impact on economic and civil life than a change of leadership in a democracy (I don't know if this is true btw).

latch 15y ago
You are probably better off visiting the place and getting a feel for it rather than relying on "facts". For example, some people might see Hong Kong as part of China and thus conclude it's oppressive. However, it only takes a day or two here to realize that people enjoy a ton of freedom (I see protests all the time, and haven't seen anyone pepper sprayed or arrested yet).
- paulhauggis 15y ago
  "However, it only takes a day or two here to realize that people enjoy a ton of freedom (I see protests all the time, and haven't seen anyone pepper sprayed or arrested yet)." It won't be like this forever. I think the autonomous government deadline is 50 years. When this happens, it won't be as "free" as it is now. This is also only if the Chinese government doesn't go back on their word. If you truly want a free country, go to Taiwan. Taipei is just as vibrant as HK.
  - camz 15y ago
    If it helps, I'm go-authoring a book with Derek Sivers on Taiwan. Leaving next week for Taiwan to write the book over the next month. It's an awesome place to do business because of their low cost of living but their taxes are similar to the US>
    - mhartl 15y ago
      Coincidentally, the main reason I visited Singapore was to hang out with Derek. I'll be interested to see the result of your collaboration. P.S. I'm sure it's a typo, but I love the idea of "go-authoring" a book—it has a great ambitious ring to it.

latch 15y ago

You are probably better off visiting the place and getting a feel for it rather than relying on "facts". For example, some people might see Hong Kong as part of China and thus conclude it's oppressive. However, it only takes a day or two here to realize that people enjoy a ton of freedom (I see protests all the time, and haven't seen anyone pepper sprayed or arrested yet).

paulhauggis 15y ago
"However, it only takes a day or two here to realize that people enjoy a ton of freedom (I see protests all the time, and haven't seen anyone pepper sprayed or arrested yet)." It won't be like this forever. I think the autonomous government deadline is 50 years. When this happens, it won't be as "free" as it is now. This is also only if the Chinese government doesn't go back on their word. If you truly want a free country, go to Taiwan. Taipei is just as vibrant as HK.
- camz 15y ago
  If it helps, I'm go-authoring a book with Derek Sivers on Taiwan. Leaving next week for Taiwan to write the book over the next month. It's an awesome place to do business because of their low cost of living but their taxes are similar to the US>
  - mhartl 15y ago
    Coincidentally, the main reason I visited Singapore was to hang out with Derek. I'll be interested to see the result of your collaboration. P.S. I'm sure it's a typo, but I love the idea of "go-authoring" a book—it has a great ambitious ring to it.