Even the film Ten Years didn’t foresee the fate of the guy who – by chance – was issued car registration plate US8964…
On June 4, 2024, Anthony was driving out of Hong Kong Island for the third consecutive year. He was stopped by police on the Island Eastern Corridor and surrounded by at least 20 traffic officers and plainclothes detectives . He decided that was the last time and would never drive on the night of June 4 again. However, over the following year, he and his family continued to face threats and warnings, affecting their workplace, school, and even the public housing unit where their elderly family members lived. His six-year-old daughter was reported by a stranger posing as a parent for spreading remarks that threatened national security at school. His wife was also complained about at work, and all units in the building where they lived received anonymous letters detailing their personal information. He said, “I never imagined that the consequences of my actions would escalate to such a level, so complex and serious, affecting my family and my child. It was truly unforeseen.”
They emigrated and are now in the UK.
The Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association almost comes in for similar treatment, after reports suggested that they used the wrong flag at an international competition in Japan. (If they became ‘absconders’, would they be the HK Bail Skipping Association?)
The government cancels the passports of 12 of the 19 ‘absconders’ wanted in connection with the ‘Hong Kong Parliament’. You can also get seven years in prison for giving any of the 19 financial support.
On other matters – some pithy quotes in a thread by economist Anders Aslund on Donald Trump’s trade chaos…
…the greatest madness in economic policy in a developed country after WWII…
The only two countries Trump treat with respect are China & Russia…
Since no agreements are put on paper or being properly concluded, US trade policy will remain an enigma & unpredictable.
…Few government acts are more likely to attract bribes than the exemption from tariffs.
Among his other Twitter posts…
The European Union and Ukraine are facing a bizarre conundrum: How to handle a narcissistic and lawless senile toddler who has become almighty president of the United States
The Western alliance system is falling apart, helping dictatorships around the world … The UN is likely to be taken over by China & its ilk.
It is bizarre that the GOP & its billionaire donors (Koch, Schwartzman, Griffin et al) allow Trump to pursue an economic policy that will hurt them all.
“They emigrated and are now in the UK.”
Another great way to retain talent.
“The only two countries Trump treat with respect are China & Russia…”
What? No Israel or NorKo?
“It is bizarre that the GOP & its billionaire donors (Koch, Schwartzman, Griffin et al) allow Trump to pursue an economic policy that will hurt them all.”
Economics be damned. It’s ALL about White-Christo-fascist nationalism, the total subjugation of women and eradication of anyone deemed “of color” and not wealthy. (wealthy “of color” folks get a pass – just look at the VP’s wife and bug eyed FBI director)