[TinyRedLeaf]

I'm curious about the extent that bleak economic and housing prospects are the underlying factors for the widespread discontent with the Hong Kong government. Several commentators have highlighted these factors, but I personally wonder if they matter as much as some analysts seem to think they do.

I would add that anyone in Hong Kong who thinks the city can be independent from China is deeply delusional. Even if every Hong Kong citizen were to serve mandatory military service — and that's a big if — independence is completely impossible, both militarily, and economically.

Don't expect anyone to come to Hong Kong's help if there's a military crackdown.

Hong Kong's future, like it or not, will be inextricably linked to that of China, and it's about time to reconcile with that fact, or make plans to emigrate.