The Hong Kong Protestors

Headline: Hong Kong protesters confront tear gas with petrol bombs in 15th weekend of protests. The determination and persistence of Hong Kong protestors, as well as their numbers, are extraordinary and instructive. When it becomes clear that freedom  –– basic human rights –– are under mortal attack by a far more powerful government, besieged people may act as if their lives were at stake. Sometimes their heroic efforts are successful. More often they are crushed. An honorable, courageous, and inspiring  U.S. president could do a lot to persuade Xi Jinping that it is in his interest to desist from oppressing these people. Trump, as he demonstrates every day, has none of these qualities.The protestors are on their own.