China’s Hong Kong nightmare, and the US response
by Mel Gurtov
788 words
Donald Trump has kept his promise, reportedly made to Xi Jinping in June, that Washington would "tone down" its comments on the spiraling HK protests. "Very tough situation" Trump tweeted on August 12. "I hope it works out for everybody, including China."
Memo to Trump: It won't “work out” on its own, and you would do well to try something else if you don't want to see a bloodbath there.
True to form, Trump seems to be tying the US attitude on the Hong Kong demonstrations to Xi’s willingness to come to terms—Trump’s that is—on trade and investment. “Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first!” Trump tweeted on August 14. That approach is likely to be a non-starter. The Chinese leadership, which regards Hong Kong, like Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang, as an exclusively internal matter (Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said as much), will surely reject bargaining over Hong Kong to get a better trade deal.
If linking Hong Kong to trade is the best the Trump administration can suggest, it will have no influence over an explosive situation that could, if it continues to escalate, result in direct Chinese intervention. Chinese sources say the Hong Kong demos are "descending into terrorism," using language reminiscent of the months before military intervention to remove mass protesters from Tiananmen square in 1989. Chinese of a certain age will remember the People’s Daily editorial of April 26, 1989, a warning signal to the demonstrators that eventuated in the June 4 crackdown. The editorial, "We Must Take a Clear-cut Stand against Disturbances,” warned against chaos and charged that "an extremely small group of people" wanted to overthrow the communist party and system.
Flaunting the banner of democracy, they undermined democracy and the legal system. Their purpose was to sow dissension among the people, plunge the whole country into chaos and sabotage the political situation of stability and unity. This is a planned conspiracy and a disturbance. Its essence is to, once and for all, negate the leadership of the CPC [Communist Party of China] and the socialist system. This is a serious political struggle confronting the whole party and the people of all nationalities throughout the country. If we are tolerant of or conniving with this disturbance and let it go unchecked, a seriously chaotic state will appear.
“Chaos” has deep meaning in Chinese history, and the highest priority of every Chinese leader from Mao to Xi has been to maintain “stability” and order. In 1989 Deng Xiaoping and colleagues warned that ongoing protests might bring China’s economic reforms to a halt, and today, similarly, the leaders’ concern is preventing any social movement from disrupting China’s drive for economic heights and great-power status. Now as then, the young people in the streets were characterized as a small number, not representative of the greater population but a threat to communist party rule.
In a tweet on August 14, Trump said: "I have ZERO doubt that if President Xi wants to quickly and humanely solve the Hong Kong problem, he can do it. Personal meeting?" Pick up the phone and talk to the man, Mr. President, but don't expect Xi to be in the least interested in the idea. Not only would Xi regard a meeting with the protesters as a grant of legitimacy to them. (First the Hong Kongers, then the Uyghers!) Trump's credibility with Beijing is about as low as one can imagine, thanks to his barrage of tariffs, branding of China as a currency manipulator, and constantly chortling that the longer the trade war goes on, the better it is for America. John Bolton, ever unhelpful, further alienated Beijing by warning China that a “misstep” would politically and economically costly. Thus does this administration demonstrate anew its ignorance of its opponent.
Trump would do better to work with US allies that have a direct interest in avoiding further violence in Hong Kong and further damage to US-China relations. Together they can make clear to Xi that while they do not support violent protesting, and accept China's sovereignty over Hong Kong, a crackdown there would be disastrous for China’s international political and economic relations. Seeking a peaceful solution that meets some of the protesters’ demands, on the other hand—such as having the Hong Kong chief executive, Carrie Lam, step down, permanently removing the extradition law, and reaffirming commitment to Hong Kong’s social and political autonomy—would be a sign that China is indeed a “responsible great power.”
And while he’s at it, Trump might reexamine his tariffs-based trade policy that is causing worldwide economic chaos and great harm to both the Chinese and US economies. But don’t hold your breath.
--*************--
Mel Gurtov, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Portland State University.
===================
Hi Jim,
The article below is free for your publication's use. For an interview, comments, or a unique article from Elaine Eisenman and Susan Stautberg, please reach out and I will be happy to coordinate.
Ashley
Business Betrayals: Protecting
Yourself From Workplace Treachery
Betrayal in business can come in many forms.
A supervisor who gives specific directions for a project, then lays the blame squarely on you when things go awry. An employee who fails to inform you of a high-end client’s unhappiness, leaving you blindsided and feeling the CEO’s wrath when the client cancels a contract.
In such scenarios, the person betrayed can feel angry, devastated and perhaps unsure whether to ever trust anyone again, say Elaine Eisenman, PhD, and Susan Stautberg, co-authors of Betrayed: A Survivor’s Guide to Lying, Cheating, & Double-Dealing. These two successful business women say they themselves have experienced betrayal professionally and personally.
“In all relationships we trust others, believing that while they will look out for their own best interest, they will also respect ours,” Stautberg says. “Unfortunately, that’s not always so.”
In business, there’s no guarantee that even a good friend or family member deserves your confidence.
“Regardless of how well you know someone, treat any business arrangement with due diligence,” Eisenman says. “Motives can be hidden, even with the best of friends.”
So, how can business leaders and their employees avoid betrayals that can harm them and their organizations? And how should they handle the fallout if they are betrayed? Eisenman and Stautberg offer a few suggestions:
Learn to trust wisely. Blind trust can make you an easy target because you ignore the potential for human nature’s darker side, Stautberg says. But it’s also ill-advised to assume no one can be trusted ever. What you’re after, she says, is “wise trust,” which allows you to weigh each situation, assessing whether there is low or high probability of betrayal.
Listen to what your gut tells you. So-called “gut feelings” act as an early warning system. “Ignore those feelings at your own peril,” Eisenman says. She shares the story of a woman named Ingrid, a chief finance officer in the public sector who was involved in the recruiting of a comptroller who came highly recommended. Ingrid preferred to handle reference checks herself, but that was HR’s job so she backed off, even though something told her this job candidate’s credentials were too good to be true. She shouldn’t have ignored her instinct because after he was hired the comptroller was charged with white-collar crimes committed in another state. For Ingrid, this became a triple betrayal – by colleagues who tried to make her the scapegoat, by HR, who didn’t perform a thorough background check, and, of course, she was betrayed by the man she hired.
Don’t seek revenge immediately – if at all. Planning revenge continues to provide the betrayer with power over you rather than allowing you to take that power into your own hands. It’s more productive to distance yourself from the betrayal and shore up your emotions with rational thoughts. That will help you begin to derive lessons from the traumatic event.
If you are betrayed, there is no need to beat up on yourself. “It is critical to recognize that what you are feeling is completely normal,” Eisenman says. “If you blow the event out of proportion, exaggerating its impact on all aspects of your life, you’ll only postpone your recovery.”
“The key to moving forward is self-compassion,” Stautberg says. “Get yourself to a safe space, both physically and emotionally, and get some sleep. Being rested will help you think clearly and you’re going to need your wits to survive.”
Reactions to stress differ. So, don’t worry if your immediate reaction includes anger. Try to balance it and take the energy to hold onto your power. Surround yourself with friends. Have the courage to move forward and leave the past behind. Learn to pivot. Eisenman and Stautberg discovered that the formula for success is creating a new positive, self-confidence about work and informed risk taking. Learn how to BOUNCE – Be Bold, Optimistic, Undaunted, Nimble, Courageous, and Empowered.
About Elaine Eisenman, PhD
Elaine Eisenman, PhD, co-author with Susan Stautberg of Betrayed: A Survivor’s Guide to Lying, Cheating, & Double Dealing, currently serves as an independent Board Director for DBI, Inc. (NYSE), as well as for AtmosXR and Miravan, both privately held companies. She is the Managing Director of Saeje Advisors, LLC, an advisory firm for high growth ventures. Former Dean of Executive and Enterprise Education at Babson College, she works closely with CEOs and their executive teams to create cultures that accelerate growth. She is a frequent speaker on the topic of turning risk into opportunity.
About Susan Stautberg
Susan Stautberg is Governance Advisor to the portfolio companies of Atlantic Street Capital, a private equity firm. She is also President and CEO of PartnerCom Corporation and Chair Emeritus of the WomenCorporateDirectors Education and Development Foundation (WCD). Susan addresses groups around the world, including leading business schools and CEO conferences. She has written or been featured in numerous articles including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times and her on-air experience includes Oprah, The Today Show, CBS Evening News, CNNand many others.
======================
onsistently ranked as a can't miss education conference, the National Summit is the place to connect and engage with 1,000 other fellow education reformers, policymakers and leaders in the education space.
Time is running out to reserve your spot and take advantage of early registration rates!
We can't wait to see you in San Diego!
====================================
Hello Jim
Please feel free to use this article as is. If you’d like to interview John or have him provide comments for an article you are working on, please let me know and I will coordinate.
Best,
Terry
How Early Orthodontic Evaluation Can Save Your Child A Mouthful Of Problems
Oral diseases affect almost half the global population, and recent research indicates they persist because oral health has not been prioritized as much as traditional healthcare.
One factor, cited in research published in the Lancet Series on Oral Health led by University College London: Dentistry focuses more on technology and treatment than on prevention.
One avenue of prevention is early orthodontic evaluation – not necessarily to start orthodontic treatment, such as the application of braces, but to uncover any lurking bite problems and determine appropriate solutions. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic visit and evaluation by the age of 7.
“As dental professionals, we need to do a better job of educating the parents of young children — specifically as to why it’s important to monitor the development of their bite,” says Dr. Ana Castilla, an orthodontist and the author of the book Smile of Your Life: Everything You Need to Know for Your Orthodontic Journey (dranacastilla.com).
“Most children do not need early orthodontic treatment, but by the age of 7 there has been sufficient jaw development and enough permanent (adult) teeth have erupted for an orthodontist to be able to identify if there are any problems developing. When these problems are caught early, it helps to avoid more aggressive and more costly treatment later on.”
Castilla lists three ways in which early diagnosis and interceptive orthodontic can be effective:
“You can be completely unaware that a problem exists with your child’s teeth — simply because you can’t see it or don’t know what to look for,” Dr. Castilla says. “Early detection and treatment can resolve issues early before they become complicated and difficult to correct.”
About Dr. Ana Castilla
Dr. Ana Castilla is an orthodontist and the author of the book Smile of Your Life: Everything You Need to Know for Your Orthodontic Journey (www.castillaortho.com). Dr. Castilla is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and is dedicated to both education and research in the field of orthodontics. Her research on indirect-bonding techniques has been published in the Angle Orthodontist journal. Dr. Castilla was born in Ecuador and grew up in the United States.
======================
View Web Version
Italian Canola Capitalizes on Uphill Finish for
Stage Success in Salt Lake City
Hermans Take G.C. Lead into Final Weekend of Tour of Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 16, 2019) – Marco Canola of NIPPO-Vini Fantini-Faizanè surged to victory in a thrilling Stage 4 presented by America First Credit Union at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah on Friday. In a fast and furious circuit race, the Italian claimed his second victory in downtown Salt Lake City in three years, in a time of 1 hour and 56 seconds.
“The director said we have to win today. We have one more chance and we have to take it. We have to ride like a strong team, and we wanted to bring it all together on the last climb. I felt again this great feeling to win here in Salt Lake. It's really fantastic for me. I like this city. It's really perfect for me,” said Canola, who had one leg entirely wrapped from a crash on Stage 1 presented Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. “Three days ago, I couldn't think to win again, because I had a big crash, so I'm really, really happy. It was really hard today to beat Travis (McCabe).”
In a hard-fought sprint, second place went to four-time Tour of Utah stage winner Travis McCabe (USA) of Worthy Pro Cycling. Brendan Rhim (USA) of Arapahoe l Hincapie powered by BMC rolled across the line in third. With points at the line and top points in two of three intermediate sprints, McCabe took over the Utah Sports Commission Sprint leader jersey.
“That was a big goal coming into this week. I won it in 2017 and 2018 so we're going to try to take it again for the third time,” said McCabe about the Sprint classification jersey. “A win would have been fantastic, but Canola knows this course better than I do. It's his second time winning it. I'm happy that he took it and glad that I was able to come away with second after spending two hours in a miserable break.”
Overall race leader Ben Hermans (BEL) of Israel Cycling Academy finished ninth and retained the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies Overall Leader jersey. With little change in the overall standings, Hermans continued to hold a 44-second advantage over James Piccoli (CAN) of Elevate-KHS Pro Cycling, and 1 minute, 6 seconds lead over Nilkas Eg (DEN) of Trek-Segafredo.
Huge crowds turned out along the 6.7-mile (10.8-kilometer) course, including on the steep ascent of State Street that extends from the iconic Eagle Gate to the Utah State Capitol. After eight laps, the 102 riders completed 53.7 miles (86.5 kilometers) and a total of 4,460 feet of elevation gain. A group of 16 riders escaped, but the decimated field led by NIPPO-Vini Fantini-Faizane was back together in the final kilometer to battle for the top step of the podium.
“I think it allows people to come off work, watch a brutal race that is two hours long. We had people lined up on the course the entire time. It's a great afternoon environment and then it gets people out in the city. I think doing it at night is a pretty cool experience and I hope that the Tour of Utah does it again next year,” added McCabe about the stage being held from 5:55 to 8 p.m. MT.
Finishing in the main group, João Almeida (POR) of Hagens Berman Axeon remained in seventh overall and retained the WCF Insurance Best Young Rider jersey. Very dynamic in the breakaway, Hayden McCormick (NZL) of Team BridgeLane was awarded the Larry H. Miller Dealerships Most Aggressive Rider jersey. Bernat Font Mas (ESP) of 303 Project was voted the America First Credit Union Fan Favorite, in the category of Most Inspiring Comeback.
“The goal of the race today for us was to have representation in the break, and then for me to sit back and sprint at the end,” said Rhim about his Arapahoe Hincapie powered by BMC team strategy. Two of his teammates are from Utah, TJ Eisenhart and Tanner Putt. “TJ (Eisenhart) got into the break. We had some good representation. He would have been a good guy if the break had made it. I sat back, waited, waited, waited and then sprinted with 300 meters to go. It was a good day.”
For the first time in race history, Canyons Village at Park City Mountain will host both the start and finish on Saturday, Aug. 17 for Stage 5 presented by University of Utah Health. A winding trail across Summit County will take the race past Jordanelle and Rockport reservoirs for a total 85.1 miles (137 kilometers) and 5,236 feet of climbing. The route will twist around Kimball Junction for a possible General Classification shakeup in the final KOM through Utah Olympic Park.
The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah is free to all spectators, making professional cycling one of the most unique sports in the world today. The Tour of Utah is a internationally sanctioned as a 2.HC-rated stage race on the UCI America Tour, and is part of USA Cycling’s Pro Road Tour. More information about the Tour of Utah can be found by visiting www.tourofutah.com, as well as social channels Facebook (tourofutah), Twitter (tourofutah), Instagram (thetourofutah) and YouTube (tourofutah).
RESULTS AND STANDINGS
www.tourofutah.com/race/results
Stage 4 presented by America First Credit Union - Top 10
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION (After Stage 4)
PICCOLI James (CAN) ELEVATE-KHS PRO CYCLING 12:28:02 +0:00:44
EG Niklas (DEN) TREK-SEGAFREDO 12:28:24 +0:01:06
MURPHY Kyle (USA) RALLY UHC CYCLING 12:29:04 +0:01:46
STETINA Peter (USA) TREK-SEGAFREDO 12:29:20 +0:02:02
DOMBROWSKI Joseph Lloyd (USA) EF EDUCATION FIRST 12:29:22 +0:02:04
ALMEIDA João (POR) HAGENS BERMAN AXEON 12:30:06 +0:02:48
CRADDOCK Lawson (USA) EF EDUCATION FIRST 12:30:35 +0:03:17
BRITTON Robert (CAN) RALLY UHC CYCLING 12:30:40 +0:03:22
BADILATTI Matteo (SUI) ISRAEL CYCLING ACADEMY 12:31:12 +0:03:54
AWARD JERSEYS
About the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah
The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, referred to as "America's Toughest Stage RaceTM," is a week-long, professional cycling stage race for the best men’s teams in the world. The 2019 event will be held Aug. 12-18, covering 477 miles of racing and 37,882 feet of elevation gain. Now in its 15th year, the event was elevated in 2015 as a 2.HC-rated UCI stage race, making it one of the premier events in North America. The Tour of Utah is owned by Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment. More information about the Tour of Utah can be found by visiting www.tourofutah.com.
=====================
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Mayo Family Home Reveal Day
The Mayo Family Will get A First look at Their New Home in Washington Terrace on Saturday
Washington Terrace, UT (August 16, 2019) - On August 17, the Mayo family will receive the gift of a lifetime, a new home located in Washington Terrace, Utah. The home was built as part of HGTV’s iconic home renovation series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that showcases great community stories, inspired volunteers and state of the art home renovations for families who give back to their communities. The new iteration of the series also features a new host, actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
The Mayo family’s new home was built by Wadman Corporation with support from dozens of subcontractors and hundreds of volunteers in under a week. The new home was constructed on the site of their old home. The Mayo family will be moving into a new 2,700 sq. ft home that includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and comes fully furnished and decorated by show’s new designers, Carrie Locklyn, Breegan Jane and Darren Keefe. The series
The community is encouraged to take part in the reveal and help the Mayo Family “Move that Bus” and celebrate a new beginning with the Mayo family. Those who cannot attend this event, but are interested in helping the Mayo Family can donate directly to the family at https://www.wadman.com/extrememakeover.
Fans can follow HGTV on Facebook and Twitter and follow Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates. Join the conversation online using #HGTVEXTREME.
