I'm not sure if Hong Kong's development as of 30th June '97 is
actually that much of a disgrace, even if it isn't exactly the envy
of the world. If anything, it's certainly a blessing in disguise
that this was once a British colony (just compare British colonies
to those under the French/Portuguese/Dutch rule) and the advantage
- especially in terms of trade and economics - Singapore has had as
a result of British influence. Afterall, you don't see that many
Portuguese-speaking sovereign states enjoying the same growth as
many Commonwealth nations, do you?
That said, I'd certainly prefer colonial rule to fascism any
day...
