A promise is a promise... unless it's from the Chinese authorities regarding civil liberties. Don't complain about it over the telephone though. You may remember back in 1997, when the People's Republic of China took over Hong Kong, there were strict, inviolable assurances made as to the protection of Hong Kong's civil liberties and freedoms. After "redesigning" the legislature (packing it with pro-mainland delegates) and limiting the number of electable positions, it's no wonder that laws like this get passed from time to time.

Sure, what's going on in Lebanon or Iraq is difficult, wrenching at times. And even in Asia, the example that North Korea sets for the region makes a simple phone-tapping bill seem tame. Especially in comparison to people boiling grass to survive. But try to remember that Hong Kong was once one of the most free cities, if not the freest city, in the world. Once, this barren rock had a flourishing democratic tradition. Once it was an example, not only to China, but to the world, of the power of capitalism, rather than a golden egg.

Once.