Re: China: Mandate of heaven?

On May 25, 4:30=A0am, Jim Walsh <jimNOwalsSPA...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> On Sun, 25 May 2008 08:03:35 +0800, BobLee1964 wrote
> (in article
> <e9e3cf0d-b750-4339-a0df-53b57b78d...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>):
>
> > On May 22, 8:48=A0am, Jim Walsh <jimNOwalsSPA...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> >> On Thu, 22 May 2008 13:36:49 +0800, BobLee1964 wrote
> >> (in article
> >> <7f5279d3-dfc4-4e04-b1ed-49814a13d...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>):
> >>> Hong Kong is autocratic.
>
> >> No, it is not. Autocratic countries do not permit free speech, free
pre=
ss,
> >> freedom of religion etc.
>
> >> Autocratic countries do not permit substantial economic freedom.
>
> > Autorcratic only means that the ruler (theoretically) has the power
> > exclusively. ....
>
> According to your definition, Hong Kong is not autocratic because the
> executive does not have the power, even theoretically, to change the
> decisions of the courts.

Chief executive can still, theoretically, change the decisions of the
courts. He can ask the National People's Congress to amend the basic
law.

He can appoint the like-minded judges to the courts at the first place.