American statesmen have breathed a lot of fire over the passage of Hong Kong's draconian, dissent-crushing national-security law. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in particular has been keen to lash out at China, the territory's increasingly overbearing parent-state. Blustering bully Pompeo has claimed that, in passing the law, China's reigning Communist Party "chose to crush the freedoms and autonomy." of Hong Kong's citizens. Doubtless, the legislation is chilling and authoritarian. But in the ever-more autocratic U.S., just how deep does the hypocrisy run? Just last week, it was revealed that William Barr's Justice Department encouraged federal prosecutors to seek sedition charges (max. 20 years jail-time) for violent protestors at racial-justice demonstrations. It is exactly the sort of charge that many activists in Hong Kong are facing for advocating democracy. Pompeo and Barr claim to support dissidents in Hong Kong. But they condemn the very same in their own country. The current administration's rhetoric regarding Hong Kong, it seems, is not about principles. It amounts to little more than political pomp and posture.
Adbusters is one of a handful of magazines in the world that receives zero funding from advertising (print or online), corporate sponsorship or government/foundation grants. We are entirely reader-supported, allowing us to remain fiercely independent in what we do and say. We operate as a non-profit organization, which means that every dollar we raise through the sales of our magazines and other merchandise goes directly back into our campaigns and the production of the magazine. When you subscribe to Adbusters, you are joining a network of artists and activists committed to speaking truth to power without reservation.
