HONG KONG LIBERTIES ALREADY AT RISK

The United States has long worried what would happen when China assumes control of Hong Kong. Those fears are already coming to pass even though the territory remains under British control a few more days.

Hong Kong's future legislature wasted no time in limiting political demonstrations and political fund raising. Of course, the laws won't take effect until July 1, the date when China assumes control.

China had promised Hong Kong would keep its freedoms, capitalist economy and legal system. Recent votes by Hong Kong's provisional legislature don't bode well for China's pledge.

Hong Kong's most popular party, the Democrats, have been excluded from the provisional legislature, no doubt due to outspoken criticisms of China.

A spokesman of the legislature said the restrictions are merely a protection. He said people often use freedom as an excuse to commit crime.

The handwriting is on the wall. Hong Kong's thriving cosmopolitan and economic affluence will certainly be threatened by the impending changes.

The United States, Britain and much of the rest of the world was right to worry about the future of Hong Kong. But being right will bring no satisfaction.