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Wait, Hong Kong was socialist before the National Security Law was passed? I've spent some months in HK-Kowloon (2002-2016) and it was one of the most capitali
by kurthr 3y ago
Wait, Hong Kong was socialist before the National Security Law was passed?
I've spent some months in HK-Kowloon (2002-2016) and it was one of the most capitalist places I've ever visited from the entrepreneurs running food stalls and working night markets, to the media (granted my Cantonese is minimal, but there were english language newspapers), to the massive banking business. There was a desperation, hustle, and exploitation along with the positives I expect from capitalism. There seemed to be basic social support, housing, and medical care... but that's true in the US, which I think is not socialist. It seems to me that most of Europe is more socialist, but I'm not here to judge what people want or what's best for them.
Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and even Germany, France or England are more socialist than I've experienced in HK, TW, or Singapore. They have pretty well established democracies and rule of law, but basic needs like food/health/housing/child care are pretty well comfortably provided by their governments. More so than past the New Territories.
I really wish you the best in HK now. It's a beautiful place full of great people who've worked really hard. Financial leverage provided a lot of jobs and made the rich wealthy, but if that investment fails to turn a profit, everyone will have to pay for it.