Hong Kong

In 1978 China opened its economy to the forces of the free market and all of the experts predicted that economic freedom will lead to political freedom but it hasn't happened. Recent activities in Hong Kong will once again test this theory but in reverse. Hong Kong was ruled by England and developed under the free market capitalist system. It grew from a farming area into a huge business center. Many people became wealthy but the poor also benefited and today the average income is $65,000 which is more than the US. China is now trying to curtail the political freedom that the people of Hong Kong have enjoyed and the people are protesting in the streets. China will either take over by force or risk the freedom in the small area spreading to Mainland China. The taste of freedom is powerful force.