Free Republic

...Beijing and its minions have subjected politicians, journalists and individual voters in that city to some ugly threats, and worse.... Despite widespread popular support, democratic candidates are not expected to gain effective control of the Legislative Council (LegCo).... [E]arlier this year it looked like pro-democracy forces might win at least 30 seats. Then China went on the offensive, denigrating or intimidating democratic candidates and sympathizers. The leader of the pro-democracy camp, the dignified Martin Lee, was called a "clown" and unpatriotic. Mr. Lee's late father was branded a "traitor." China's government hounded other pro-democracy candidates, throwing one into a mainland...