As I write this protests, serious dedicated, and disruptive protests are going on in Hong Kong and have been for months. Sparked by a proposal, now tabled, that would allow people extradited from Hong Kong to mainland communist China, the protests and demonstrations reflect very real and very justified fears of the Hong Kong citizenry concerning their freedom and their lives as China tightens its grip on the former British colony.

Twenty Thirty (where dos the time go?) years ago this year another similar series of demonstrations were launch in mainland China itself as protesters took over and occupied Tiananmen Square for more than a month. That protest ended with the Chinese army moving in and what outside of Chinese political influence is referred to as the Tiananmen Square Massacre. The death toll from the communist government’s crackdown range from China’s official tally of 300 to as many as three thousand.

There are many who fear a repeat of the brutal suppression demonstrated by the government of China. I have heard a number of specialists in Chinese matters speculating that such a crackdown is unlikely because the authorities in China were deeply embarrassed by the swift international condemnation over the brutality. I respect the knowledge and experience of these experts, but I also fear that all systems have their breaking point and I find it hard to believe that either side of this crisis in Hong Kong is likely to capitulate to the other. For the people of Hong Kong I desperately hope for their freedom and their safety.

If there is bloody violent repression in Hong Kong I have no confidence that this will be handled well by our current administration in Washington D.C.

I expect that parts of the professional diplomatic corps and governmental apparatus will condemn any slaughter, repression, or brutality on the part of the Chinese authorities, but I also suspect that at best Trump himself will make excuses for the China’s heavy handiness throwing blame and aspersions on the protesters. It has been his nature for many years to admire the ‘strong man’ and brutal governments of the world, referring even to the Tiananmen Square slaughter as an act of strength. His sympathies will be with the dictators of China’s brutal government.

Elected Republican officials may mouth words of displeasure at Trump’s stance, but I doubt that any substantive act will appear in any meaningful manner. The Democratic controlled House will pass legislation, but it will wither in the Senate. Unwilling to cross Trump and his very popular base the GOP officials will make noise and nothing more.

If such a crackdown occurs and should the Senate be in session busy with an impeachment trial the US media will likely giver the carnage short coverage, something may actually induce China to act.

I fear for Hong Kong, a city I have visited, and if I were a praying person, I would pray for them.