The America Effect: Hong Kong

By: Ariel Rivera-Diaz

October 4th, 2019

It is 1776 in Hong Kong after the streets are filled with protesters in response to China’s attempt to extradite executives from Hong Kong. Hong Kong, since 1997, suffered under the tyrannical rule of China. Hong Kong generates enough GDP to become its own country however, China refuses to let go of Hong Kong. Despite having its own political and economic system, it is still not independent of China’s grueling rule. Therefore, Chinese lawmakers see this as an opportunity to violate Hong Kong’s economic freedoms.

The bill would allow the Chinese government to take control of businesses in Hong Kong and arrest business owners they believe are breaking the law. Carrie Lam, the chief executive of Hong Kong, pushed the bill that will intervene in Hong Kong businesses.

After the bill was announced, on June 11th,  1 million Hong Kong residents took to the streets waving American flags expressing their distaste against the Chinese government. Police responded to the protests with tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets; 81 people were injured. Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, pulled the bill thinking that the protests will subside however, the people of Hong Kong found another reason to fight, freedom.

People around the world are starting to notice the importance of freedom of expression, a right that is guaranteed in the United States. Protesters proudly waving the American Flag sends a clear indication that the United States is an example of what freedom is. It sends the message that communism and socialism lead to oppression and that free market is the start of a free society.

People around the world are starting to notice the importance of freedom of expression, a right that is guaranteed in the United States. Protesters proudly waving the American Flag is a clear indication that the United States is an example of what freedom is. It sends the message that communism and socialism lead to oppression and that free market is the start of a free society.

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Ariel Rivera-Diaz ran for State Assembly in the 2018 NYS Elections. He served as Bronx Borough Coordinator for 2017 NYC Mayoral Candidate Nicole Malliotakis. Ariel has traveled to Nicaragua as a volunteer to help teach people English and rebuild a mental health hospital for children. Ariel is an active member of the Bronx GOP and has assisted in grassroots efforts to increase civic engagement among voters. He is a recipient of the James H. Hackett Oratory Award.