The Supreme Court just dealt a blow to the Center for Medical Progress, a California-based anti-abortion group that released a series of videos in which Planned Parenthood employees appear to discuss the sale of fetal tissue. David Daleiden, the pro-life auteur behind the videos, asked Justice Anthony Kennedy to block an order from a district judge…
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If Trump Wins, It Won’t Be Because Of His Insults
By Geoff Blades
A top headline said, “Trump plans to insult his way to victory over Clinton.” While it is true that Donald Trump is a skilled insulter, in believing that he crushed sixteen of his GOP rivals by slapping a few labels on them, many observers fail to see the true source of his winning.
In the debate in Nevada last December, Jeb Bush said to Trump, “You’re never going to be president of the United States by insulting your way to the presidency.”
Trump replied, “Well, let’s see, I’m at 42 (percent) and you’re at 3 (percent), so so far I’m doing better.” In thinking that Trump was insulting his way to the presidency, Bush failed to see how Trump was thumping him, and those who make the same mistake will keep missing Trump’s real threat to Hillary.
It is of course true that Trump is already insulting with his favorite phrase, “Crooked Hillary,” but that’s only a small part of Trump’s winning playbook, and the way that he plans to beat Hillary.
And, the truth is, like tuning into a chess match that is already half way through, most of the game has already been played, and Trumps has already made most of his winning moves. Here’s five of his most crucial ones:
1. Trump’s insults are the rifle shot:
Trump insults his rivals as a way to easily disarm their attacks on him, as well as to destroy their campaigns. Consider that by labeling Ted Cruz, “Lyin’ Ted,” no matter what Cruz would throw at Trump, including legitimate accusations, Trump simply redirected to his form of character assassination. An example being lines like, “No, no. You’re the liar. You’re the lying guy up here.”
It’s a savvy move that Trump uses exceptionally well, but his insults are merely the smoking gun in his winning campaign.
2. His campaign isn’t about his rivals:
Every time a politician focuses on attacking their rival, they fail to keep driving their own messaging.
A reason that Donald upstaged all of his rivals in the debates was that, prompted or unprompted, they kept focusing attention on him. This handed Trump what he most desperately sought: More airtime and the most potent weapon of his campaign: the mic.
Of course, with mic in hand, Donald cleverly insulted a number of his rivals out of the race, but they’ve never been the target of his winning campaign.
3. Trump targets voters:
In a boxing match, the winner is the fighter who successfully beats down their opponent, but in an election, the winner is chosen by the voters.
While one way Trump beat Jeb Bush was having voters associate him as “Low Energy,” Trump’s hasn’t built his campaign on beating down his rivals, but by offering voters a more compelling vision and message.
Trump, by far, developed the best messaging of any candidate, and won the nomination by bringing millions of voters along with his campaign.
4. It’s about America:
Whereas Jeb Bush was running based on his name, exclamation point included, and Hillary is running as a woman, Barack Obama took over the country running on a platform of “Hope,” “Change,” and “Yes we can.”
Trump has done the same. Despite having a powerful brand and personality, perhaps ironically, Trump’s campaign has never been about him, but about his rally cry to “Make America great again.”
While a number of his rivals have stood for themselves or “not Trump,” Donald stands for America, and, of course…
5. How we can be great again:
Of the many lessons to be gleaned from Barack Obama’s masterful 2008 campaign, perhaps the greatest lesson is the way in which he moved voters with his optimistic vision for the country.
Optimism sells. And beyond Trump’s attention-grabbing insults and controversial comments that he has used to masterfully hog the spotlight, Trump has built his movement the same way.
I’m told that Jeb Bush still believes that Donald thrashed him with his school yard taunting, and by failing to see that he lost because he entered the race without an optimistic vision and powerful messaging, we all fail to learn the lesson.
If Trump wins, it won’t be through insults, but because he has offered American’s something they desperately want more: A leader who can make us great again.
Geoff Blades is the author of the new book, “The Trump Presidential Playbook”. A former investment banker at Goldman Sachs and investor at the Carlyle Group, Geoff Blades is an advisor to CEOs and other leaders on all topics related to winning and getting what they want. For more information, www.geoffblades.com.
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in public affairs. You can write for us.
Cover Photo Credit: Patrik Nygren/Flickr (CC By 2.0)
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What The Revolution Wrought: The Umbrella Movement Two Years On
By Joy Pamnani
HONG KONG-It’s been two years since Hong Kong people took to the streets to fight for genuine universal suffrage.
The protests drew global attention, as protestors expressed their demands in peaceful, artistic ways.
The movement seems to have worked in bringing about a different political reality in Hong Kong.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the major events throughout the protests, and changes in Hong Kong’s political scene since.
Political background in the 852
Hong Kong was ruled by the British in the 20th century, and got handed over to China in 1997.
The great difference between Hong Kong and the mainland’s political atmosphere at the time saw both sides reach a deal of “one country, two systems”, granting the city a semi-autonomous status.
That deal lasts until 2047.
Debate however, continues about liberties granted under the agreement. A hot topic being universal suffrage.
Read More: Does The Government Even Want To Save Cantonese From Going Extinct In Hong Kong?
According to Article 45 of the Basic Law, “the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be selected by election or through consultations held locally and be appointed by the Central People’s Government.”
Moreover, the article states “ the ultimate aim is the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures.”
Media from around the world came to report on the growing Occupy movement in Hong Kong. Photo Credit: Max/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
Controversy began in August 2014 when Beijing ruled out public nomination, saying Hong Kong voters would only be able to choose from a list of two or three candidates selected by a nominating committee.
The committee likely to contain pro-Beijing election candidates, saw democracy activists argue the announcement was a way for China the ability to screen out any candidates it disapproves of.
Criticism was ignited across the city.
Young people’s call for action
On September 22, 2014, a student class boycott was held at the Chinese University in Hong Kong, at the same time some of Hong Kong’s top tycoons crossed the border to discuss politics with President Xi Jinping.
Students from more than 20 universities and colleges joined the movement.
During the week of 26 September, activist groups Scholarism and the Hong Kong Federation of Students, had staged protests outside government offices in Admiralty.
The Galvanizing Effect
As the protests escalated, police used pepper spray against the demonstrators.
Benny Tai, initiator of the Occupy Central movement, officially declared the start of Occupy Central at the central government offices.
Later that evening, police also used the tear gas in dismissing the protests.
The tear gas surprisingly proved galvanizing, drawing Hong Kongers from all walks of life to occupy streets for 79 days.
@occupy #ows #OccupyHK #OccupyCentral pic.twitter.com/kutLqe76L1
— Occupy Toronto (@OccupyToronto) September 29, 2015
The name “Umbrella Movement” came up after protestors were seen using umbrellas to protect themselves against tear gas. Photo Credit: Studio Incendo/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
Don’t afraid, whole World is with you #HongKong. Freedom, Justice & Democracy can’t be compromised. #OccupyCentral pic.twitter.com/6XBSPEiOYH
— Dr. Imran H Sarker (@deborahrubio191) July 11, 2016
Protest elementals
During the days, activists blocked several traffic junctions, shutting down the city’s central business districts.
Aside from the Admiralty camp outside government offices, protestors occupied areas in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and Canton Road.
The protest spirits were held high in the city, as the yellow ribbon symbol was seen across social media sites in the city.
Read More: What Are The Wukan Protests And Why Should Young People Care?
Many artists contributed to the protest’s peaceful forms of expression, from creating paintings of politicians, origami-inspired yellow umbrellas, and periodic tables defining Hong Kong core values.
RT OccupyToronto: Happy June 4th to everyone fighting the CCP. Respect and love from Toronto! #ows #OccupyCentral pic.twitter.com/vkzwPB3tU2
— Anonymous (@CovertAnonymous) June 4, 2015
Ernüchtert, aber nicht resigniert: Hongkongs Protestbewegung #OccupyCentral ein Jahr danach: http://t.co/rwPApjTq1l pic.twitter.com/jnPPLFqn93
— DW | Politik (@dw_politik) September 27, 2015
Artists gathered to express political opinions of Hong Kong people
The street #art/posters in #Umbrellamovement at Umbrella Festival at JCCAC, Shek Kip Mei, #HongKong. #OccupyCentral pic.twitter.com/qkj5vxEdA8
— Fion Li (@fion_li) May 31, 2015
A periodic table defining Hong Kong’s core values.
Also spotted a periodic table defining HK’s core values #occupycentral #UmbrellaRevolution #hongkong pic.twitter.com/rGu6mlnAkD
— Joy Pamnani (@joypamnani) November 2, 2014
An origami umbrella making stand where people learnt how to make their own little paper umbrellas #occupycentral pic.twitter.com/J95ar6uV4w
— Joy Pamnani (@joypamnani) October 17, 2014
Protestors even hung a banner on Lion Rock Tunnel, calling on CY Leung to step down
#梁振英 #下台 直幡在 #獅子山 #雨傘運動 #佔領中環 #HK1213 #CY #StepDown #LionRock #UmbrellaMovement #OccupyCentral @hu_jia @OCLPHK @aiww pic.twitter.com/4aUTTUGARZ
— P H Yang Photography (@TravelFoto) December 14, 2014
Subjects of debate
According to an article by the Australian news network ABC, ANZ economists sent out a research estimating the protests may have cost retailers $400 million, given occupation of roads at core business districts such as Tsim Sha Tsui.
Ordinary citizens fed up of the demonstrations formed an anti-Occupy group in an attempt to dismantle camps across core business districts in the city.
Another debate triggered was the role of police in the protests.
Read More: Was There Massive Voter Fraud In The Hong Kong LegCo Elections?
Throughout the protest, a viral video showing police beating up protestors went viral in the city, triggering a debate about police violence.
City opinion was divided on the issue, but those who supported the police wore blue ribbons.
A man was filmed being kicked and punched by seven police officers near government headquarters in Admiralty during the movement:
Yellow ribbon photos spread across social media sites in Hong Kong.
Why #UmbrellaRevolution Is the Most Important Story of 2014 #OccupyHK #OccupyCentral #HongKong http://t.co/dqLCLdn7Nw pic.twitter.com/8WcYIkCNcE
— Bridget Johnson (@Bridget_PJM) December 31, 2014
Political progress
Students managed to hold talks with the government, yet didn’t gain much ground through official channels.
Alex Chow of the Hong Kong Federation of Students and two other activists sought a meeting with China’s leaders to discuss the issue.
However, their visas were declared invalid after they tried to cross the border.
Clearing Camps
In later stages of the movement, camps began to be cleared off after the High Court stepped in.
In early December, three organizers of Hong Kong’s Occupy Central movement turned themselves in to the police for “participating in an unauthorized assembly”, calling their act a symbolic way to end the street protests.
They called for a shift in the movement’s focus to a long-term march towards democracy.
The three leaders were quickly released.
On 11 December, over 7,000 police arrived at the protest sites, and began making arrests.
The main camp was cleared out, thereby putting an end to the 79-day political movement.
Last days of #OccupyHK, one year ago today CWB clearance @krislc pic.twitter.com/SDIUETHemY
— 2cats (@2cats4) December 15, 2015
Success of the movement
Despite securing international attention, the Umbrella Revolution failed to win concessions from Beijing.
As of now, Hong Kong isn’t seeing universal suffrage, and many believe the movement wasn’t successful in changing the longterm political agenda.
Some, however, disagree, on the grounds of the fact that political momentum was gained among the population.
“Even if we cannot change the system immediately, if the movement provided more momentum for the fight for democracy, then it’s not a failure,” Dr Chan Kin-man, an Occupy organizer said in an interview with the South China Morning Post.
Two years on
Hong Kongers gathered to commemorate the second anniversary of the Umbrella Revolution last Wednesday (28 Sept).
Right before 6pm, protestors stood in silence to mark police firing tear gas on those who gathered early in the protest timelines.
Nathan Law is the youngest lawmaker in Hong Kong’s legislature.
Photo: Facebook/Nathan Law.Although the Umbrella Revolution isn’t occupying the streets of Hong Kong, its leaders have continued to persist in their democratic demands, as evidenced in the July 1st March and June 4th Tiananmen Massacre Anniversary gatherings celebrated every year.
In April 2015, the government formally announced a new voting system, but it failed to gather two-thirds vote at the Legislative Council because it had ignored calls for a more democratic process.
This would leave Hong Kong with the same political system that brought the current chief executive to power.
However, the city’s political scene saw hope after lawmaker elections were held last month.
Being the city’s first major elections since Occupy Central, the results spoke volumes for political sentiment.
A few Occupy politicians secured seats, including student leader Nathan Law, who participated in the protests and is Legco’s youngest ever lawmaker.
Law sees people voting for a democratic future, and with the trust and support of the public, he hopes to bring about political change in the future. “We inherited some spirit from the (Umbrella) Movement and I hope that that can continue in the future,” Law said, in an interview with Hong Kong Free Press.
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.
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Cover Photo Credit: Studio Incendo/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
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RISE Reporter “Bumps” Into Unexpected Demonstration At Thai Consulate in Admiralty After Wong’s Deportation
By Raphael Blet
Around a hundred protesters marched to the Thai consulate, prompting the Thai government to explain Joshua Wong’s deportation.
On Wednesday afternoon, about one-hundred protesters marched to Fairmont House in Admiralty, where the Thai consulate is located.
The protesters attempted to enter the office building to reach the consulate but were blocked by the police and security guards who cordoned the building’s main lobby.
Protesters demanded Thailand’s government some explanations on Joshua Wong’s detention and removal from the country.
Amongst the protesters were Demosistō members, legislators Leung Kwok-hung (Long Hair), Raymond Chan, Fernando Cheung and the newly elected Eddie Chu.
Protesters were later able to handle petitions to representatives from the delegation.
Joshua Wong was due to give a speech at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. He was invited by local students activists to commemorate the the fortieth anniversary of the Thammasat University massacre.
After spending hours being detained at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport, Wong arrived in Hong Kong during the evening.
While it is too early to determine the official reason behind Wong’s detention, a Thai immigration officer reportedly said that Wong was blacklisted ‘on Beijing’s request’. However, the Thai government denied the officer’s allegations.
Before departing for Bangkok where he is due to head a delegation promoting Hong Kong’s legal profession, Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen promised to use this opportunity get more information from the Thai authorities and Chinese government.
Speaking to the press, Wong said that he was prepared to such a situation. Last year, Wong was barred from entering Malaysia and returned to Hong Kong on the same plane.
Hong Kong citizens visiting Thailand are not required to hold visas prior to their arrivals.
Hong Kong residents who need consular help abroad can contact the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents 24-Hour Hotline (+852) 1868.
This is a developing story. Stay with RISE NEWS.
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.
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