17 September 2016

談判

政客們知否迫使政府加快收地(或回購西隧等)可能會令政府在談判時處於不利位置,包括時間上的壓力及別無他選(alternative)的壓力,最終可能會令納稅人多付了錢 ?

。。。

RTHK : "公開信又指出,今年3月政府向立法會提交有關橫洲發展的文件,沒提及摸底會面等,有關工程獲得財委會撥款。聯署議員認為有關立法會討論被嚴重誤導,要求政府調查撥款的公正性,又要求運輸及房屋局局長張炳良,盡快兌現承諾,提供全部橫洲規劃研究報告內容。"

。。。

提供全部內容? 盡快兌現承諾? 在談判時給對手知悉你的想法及敏感資料,如何制訂談判策略? 豈不是送錢給對方? 😓

所謂摸底,可能只是正式談判前(正式會議前)的預備工作。根本所有談判,包括外交及商業談判都需要這些事前工作,從而制訂談判策略。由於只是非正式會議,因此沒有任何記錄。難道政客們及傳媒不曉得這個道理?

日本人的驕傲

日本前首相安倍晉三在電視訪問中,就中國發生衝擊日資百貨店和領事館說:「在日本,不會發生日本人衝擊中資企業和焚燒中國國旗的事情,這就是日本值得驕傲的地方。」(傳自內地微博) 2012年

。。。

在日本不會發生,因為日本人愛國。但會在南京發生,因為屠殺的是我們中國同胞(及焚燒中國國旗)。

16 September 2016

道德標準

(意漢公眾場所自慰,法院引用新法判上訴得直)

歐美國家對某些人權概念,與東方傳統價值觀 / 傳統宗教有着越來越大的落差,包括 : 言論自由(例如容許侮辱宗教先知或領袖等)、同性戀婚姻、墮胎、聘用代母產子、槍械管制、禁穿burkini,以及在公眾場所自慰。法律的制訂,是否只要有多數票通過便等於符合道德標準呢?

。。。

美國、法國、意大利等國家如何搞不關我事,但請不要告訴我香港一定要跟這些所謂國際標準。

大數據

Big Data 大數據 :

擁有 Google 及 Facebook 的大數據,可以深入了解選民分佈而影響他們的投票取向,及預先了解股民的投資情緒而在股債市場興風作浪,不單在美國境內,還遍布全世界每一角落 (除了中國)。美國除了軍事力量遍布全球,其互聯網的威脅力度亦不可小覷。當然,Goliath 亦會遇上小 David 剋星,例如網絡黑客。其他高科技亦然,例如航母(1萬個水兵)面對東風系列導彈。總之有Goliath 便會有David 、有power 便會有negative power 。

。。。

世界視線
負面報道屢被刪 新聞自由得啖笑
09月16日(五)  

美國民主黨總統候選人希拉妮身患重疾的消息引發軒然大波,但美國一些主流媒體對希拉妮的病情三緘其口,不斷刪除其負面報道。號稱新聞自由的美國輿論界,其實有一隻看不見的黑手進行新聞審查。

美國《赫芬頓郵報》原本要刊出一篇希拉妮罹患帕金遜病的專欄文章,但隨後這篇文章被封殺,專欄作家也被迫離職。而在此之前,美國一家獨立媒體報料,指谷歌公司在搜索服務中明顯偏幫希拉妮,只要鍵入希拉妮等關鍵字眼,出現的多是顯揚其正面形象以及政績的文章,至於與財團勾結、洗錢等新聞,則很難找到。

今次美國大選,精英權貴階層悉數支持希拉妮,他們所控制的媒體為希拉妮保駕護航,對其政績大事宣揚,對其醜聞隱諱不言,期望以此影響選民。以谷歌為例,維基解密創始人阿桑奇就透露該機構是希拉妮的秘密武器,由谷歌執行董事長施密特資助的一家神秘初創公司The Groundwork,就是為希拉妮提供競選諮詢服務的,利用大數據分析為希拉妮隱惡揚善。

希拉妮在出任國務卿時,為谷歌拓展國際市場開疆闢土,甚至以網絡自由為名向北京施壓,要求中國全方位向谷歌開放,解除對谷歌的審查。希拉妮為谷歌鞍前馬後服務,自然得到谷歌投桃報李式的報效,在今次大選中一邊倒地向希拉妮提供服務以及資金支持。美國《財富》雜誌去年刊登的一份調查顯示,有偏向性的搜索排名可能改變超過百分之二十猶豫不決選民的態度。如果谷歌向用戶展示更多關於某位候選人的正面訊息,很可能令用戶對該候選人產生更好的印象。

言論自由、新聞自由、網絡自由是美式民主的核心價值觀,是美國政府不遺餘力向世界各國推廣的普世價值,如今看來,這些價值觀不過是美國精英階層的謊言而已,一旦觸及到這些精英階層的利益,新聞審查、網絡審查照樣大行其道,甚至變本加厲。今次美國大選猶如一面照妖鏡,將美國引以為豪的民主自由的醜惡性曝光於世人面前。

12 September 2016

新界發展

個人認為,有關開發土地的問题,是涉及城市人口大舉北移至新界(獅子山作為分隔)居住的問題,當中牽涉交通及其他配套。這不單是新界人與政府的矛盾,亦是本土與發展的矛盾、貧富之間的矛盾,以及新界發展與九龍及香港島的矛盾。獅子山下,如何取得共識?

11 September 2016

特首連任?

據報導,CY 對今次選舉結果竊笑,因為不少反對他連任的議員已經下台。我嘗試跟進分析如下 :

(a)  反對他連任的議員,包括不角逐連任的計有 : 梁家傑、陳家洛、林大輝,以及張國柱。未能連任的計有 : 劉慧卿、何俊仁、單仲偕、馮檢基、李卓人、何秀蘭、范國威、陳偉業、黄毓民,以及田北俊。(如無錯漏,共14人)

(b)  未能當選的計有王維基、黃洋達等。

(c)  特別一提是自由黨。田北俊經23條及政改甩轆兩役,再加上周永勤含沙射影的指控,自由黨若要重新爭取中央的信任,便須加倍努力。

(d)  似乎代表工商界(尤其是地產商)利益的自由黨在議會內的聲音已越來越少,包括唐英年的代言人田北俊及林大輝。

(e)  至於高舉港獨或自決旗幟而獲選的激進派,已聲言會在議會內進行更激烈的抗爭。有關新選的主席可以如何處理及主席裁決的權力來源,請參閱9月6日的貼文。

(f)  自從回歸以來,基本法第23條一直未能通過,政改亦未能落實,今屆議會肯定更加無望。事實上,23條與政改是一對孿兄弟(這是一個弔詭的問題),與港獨問題息息相關。中央如何佈局,拭目以待,但肯定會以國家安全為首要考慮。如何進一步處理港獨問題,亦視乎法庭(包括終審法院)未來如何判決。

(g)   誰是特首? 現時還未能排除 CY 連任的可能性,亦未必是近日傳聞的幾位,因為隨時有黑馬出現。




09 September 2016

實惠外交

"李克強強調,中國始終從維護地區和平穩定大局出發,以建設性態度負責任地處理南海問題。中方願與各方共同努力,將南海建設為造福地區各國人民的和平、合作、友誼之海。"

這是中國的【實惠】外交政策 : 共享安定繁榮。

08 September 2016

美國總統被菲律賓總統辱罵

美國總統被菲律賓總統辱罵,依然做不了甚麼,可想過去十數年,美國在國際社會的影響力已急速下降至可謂不堪程度,其原因是疚由自取,包括:

繞過聯合國打伊拉克的騙局拖累英國蒙羞、雷曼金融詐騙引發全球金融海嘯、為求自救而濫印美元因而溝淡對其他國家的欠債、中東失控引致伊斯蘭國崛起及難民問題、竊聽歐洲盟友,以及遠道而來東海南海搞局,只不過十數年,其誠信已臨破產,還有其他事情,罄竹難書。

07 September 2016

一枯一榮

軟件硬件都重要。香港的軟件即使有多好,但公然違法事件及拉布只會搞垮香港的法治及經濟,到時無論軟件硬件都一齊衰。國內的硬件不停進步,而軟件確實是走得很慢,但網民的力量日益壯大。現時仍有7億(?)農民,等到中產及大學畢業生人數越來越多時,民主便會發展起來。走不同的路,二十年後,一枯一榮。

06 September 2016

立法會主席

下一個戰場將會是立法會宣誓。

根據宣誓及聲明條例第21條 :
如任何人獲妥為邀請作出本部規定其須作出的某項誓言後,拒絕或忽略作出該項誓言─
(a) 該人若已就任,則必須離任,及
(b) 該人若未就任,則須被取消其就任資格。

再下一個戰場將會是立法會辯論。

根據基本法第79條,香港特別行政區立法會議員如有下列情況之一,由立法會主席宣告其喪失立法會議員的資格 ... 行為不檢或違反誓言而經立法會出席會議的議員三分之二通過譴責。 (三分之二這個數目應不包括那位議員。)

屆時,新主席如何處理將成為案例。

根據基本法第七十二條,立法會主席主持會議的權力來自基本法,而不是立法會議事規則所賦予的。立法會議事規則就有關規定只涉及“其他職權”。

第七十二條
香港特別行政區立法會主席行使下列職權:
( 一 ) 主持會議;
( 二 ) 決定議程,政府提出的議案須優先列入議程;
( 三 ) 決定開會時間;
( 四 ) 在休會期間可召開特別會議;
( 五 ) 應行政長官的要求召開緊急會議;
( 六 ) 立法會議事規則所規定的其他職權。

根據終審法院過往的判決,似乎不願干涉立法會的家事,畢竟三權分立。我認為主席的地位有如終審法院的法官(在處理立法會事宜而言)。

雖然如此,終審法院獲授權解釋基本法(並就本地立法(某程度上包括立法會議事規則)作出解釋),因此就上述所提及有關立法會主席所行使的職權而言, 終審法院的確有權作出解釋。

然而,有關主席如何運用他的個人才智包括政治智慧去處理個別情況,誰是誰非等個別問題,終審法院似乎不願“說三道四”。換言之,只要主席按足基本法所賦予的權力及按足立法會議事規則作出“主席的裁決”,應被視為最終裁決。

05 September 2016

老人票

網上有埋怨老人票的評論。以下是我的回應:

每一位年青人都會老。在現今民主社會,老人票應與青年票有同等價值,不可歧視。有說"未來”是屬於現時的年青人,那是未來的事情。"現時”卻屬於所有選民。

02 September 2016

永續沉淪

“永續基本法”,其實又係江湖佬賣药,雖然好聽,但無論是再加五十年或永世,在某年某月,人大都可以自行修改基本法,如同修改任何一條全國性法律一樣那麼簡單。

香港最實際是做好本份,搞好民主民生去影響內地,當國內的中產階級及大學畢業生人數越來越多時,民主便會發展起來。繼續做反面教材,反而只會“永續沉淪”。

01 September 2016

China and US

Canada being a neighbor of the US has finally decided to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), following the footprints of the UK, Australia and European countries among many others, leaving the US and Japan high and dry on the political and economic fronts. 

While the US has a history of creating chaos, mistrust, splits, ruins and destructions everywhere, China has the wisdom to focus on building and constructions, setting aside differences and grievances for future generations to resolve.

Through the investments in the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, countries involved will benefit from growth and prosperity, as well as cultural exchange that lays the foundation of regional peace.  The OBOR will go down in history as an edifying example to pursue human cooperation, mutual trust, harmony and prosperity, as well as a pragmatic way to address if not settle complex issues and differences.

The days of the US hegemony are numbered.  With the decline of the USD and the gradual rise of RMB, one day the US will face the final call on its national debt and the implosion of its economy.  Of course, this will have a tsunami impact on the world economy too.

To prevent all these from happening, the only way is to call for more trust and cooperation between the US and China.  After all, it's in everyone's interest to live in a peaceful and prosperous world.  Pragmatism, not idealism or fundamentalism, is the way to go to save the world.


29 August 2016

公務員政治中立

以我理解,公務員政治中立,是指在執行有關職務時要秉公辦理,不受其個人政治取態所影響。在民主社會,不同人士或黨派都有機會執政,而公務員都應遵守政治中立原則,無論誰人執政,都必須盡心盡力去執行新政府所推行的新政策。

事實上,中高層公務員每天都花不少時間處理政治問題。換句話說,公務員不是政治白痴,他們不是在政治真空狀態下工作,而是每天都要面對政治壓力(包括立法會),並且處理從四方八面而來的政治問題,過程中同樣要學習有關政治技巧。坊間認為公務員的工作與政治無關是一大誤解。

再說,我認為有關事件在合乎法理情的情況下,若公務員只按個人的政治取態或見解,而不盡心盡力去執行現行/新政策,反而是政治不中立。換言之,若有關公務員認為無論誰人執政,本人只會我行我素,那就不是政治中立了。

因此,若坊間認為政府干預了公務員政治中立,這個說法是否有點奇怪呢?我個人認為只要有關事情是合法的(是否合情合理可能因人而異,須按個別情況而定),便不應存在這個問題了。

舉一個例子,假如時任行政長官動用政府人員及資源去為他連任助選,那便是干預公務員政治中立了,因為有關行為不涉及公共政策。

公共政策的指向是一般市民大眾,公開了的政策能確保公務員執行時公平、公正及公開,一視同仁。換言之,公務員(一般來說)不能跳出某政策框架而為一個人服務,否則對其他不知情的市民來說便是不公平了,除非是特事特辦。政策的制訂亦可確保所有公務員都一視同仁地按本子辦事,除了少數的酌情權外。

因此,若有市民向公務員苛索,在沒有現行政策的情況下便不能照辦,否則那公務員便越了權。在有需要時,應向上級尋求指引。

反而奇怪的是,為何現任立法會議員卻可以動用議員辦事處(即公帑)的人員及資源去為他尋求連任而助選?


innovation

copycat is a futile act, devoid of innovation and adaptation to the local scene. even if we copy something, we do not have access to the vast knowledge base (i.e. all the trials and errors as recorded), without which while the original party can move forward and further improve and invent, we can only wait for another chance to copy the "next model". in short, trials and errors (we call them experiments) are important ingredients to innovation. they form the foundation of innovation. without such knowledge / database, even if we have copied the "first model", we will be unable to take any intelligent next step, as we might have to go through all the trials and errors anyway (all the time required) which the original party has already gone through.

spending and debts

I was talking to a relative the other day, and he is worried that China is buying up lots of properties in Canada. And I said, there's no problem in buying and selling. Just like, you sold me your car, and I gave you the money. The problem only arises if you spend it all on ice-cream. But if you spend it on education, then it's only fair.

So in the US, not only have they spent it on war machines, but they have also borrowed huge amounts of money from around the world, as if they are spending in advance at the expense of their future generations.

Then through Quantity Easing (QE), the US government succeeded in diluting all the loans!

From a critical analysis, the US has been riding on the sweats of the blacks and immigrants (some call it "internal colonization"), and then China, and now Vietnam, etc. The situation is somehow reversing, and contradictions are being imported back.

western civilisation

the western civilization is in chaos, so-called universal human rights are ditched, multiculturalism is banned, borders are closed while discriminatory laws are enacted. it started off with probably a "naive" (?) perception of humankind, a universal brotherhood and sisterhood. such naivety once existed in the embrace of communism, followed by the witnessing of its decline. these ultra right moves are not going to stop. the pandora's box is now opened. sooner or later other values once upheld and defended to death will be re-examined. indeed the traditional Christian faith which formed the cornerstone of western civilization has already been questioned and relegated and even suppressed to varying degrees. what other stones cannot be overturned? looks like the western world is going down a slippery slope. on the other hand, perhaps the asian values are on the rise, which seem more pragmatic, more middle of the road, and in that sense more embracing of harmony among peoples of all faiths.

paradoxically, atheist communist China has seen a more rapid growth in religions (including Christianity) (albeit under the auspices of State control), and capitalism practiced along with the embrace of globalization and free trade (albeit in the name of the "early stage of socialism" 社會主義初階). as the wise Chinese saying goes: 物極必反 as well as 中庸之道 ?

on the other hand, the ultra right (as well as populist) parties' call for the closure of mosques and the ban on Koran, etc. requires a re-write of their constitutions to curtail freedom of speech and freedom of religion !

23 August 2016

East meets West

One thing about China which Westerners may not know or understand is that after a chaotic century (the Opium Wars, imposition of unequal treaties of ceding Hong Kong and Macau, intrusion and ransacking by the Eight-Nation Alliance, overthrow of the Qing Dynasty, Japanese invasion, civil wars among KMT warlords and between CCP and KMT, cultural revolution, etc) Chinese people are desperate for peace, stability and prosperity at whatever costs.

The economic miracle and relative peace, stability and prosperity has been made possible by Deng’s economic reform in the past decades.  Arguably if we had followed the path of the ex-USSR (i.e. political reform preceding economic reform), China with a population of 1.3 billion would have been split by civil war again.  The colour revolutions instigated by the US in the Middle East have borne testimony to the thesis that western style of democracy may not fit in all situations, at least not when the countries are still not ready (economically, educationally, as well as other things such as inter-racial harmony, etc).

Deng said “Never mind whether a cat is black or white.  A cat that can catch mice is a good cat”.  We call it pragmatism.  Deng said “Let a part of the population get rich first.”  This means capital has to be accumulated and centralized, as family businesses in the West have grown in size and strength over the past centuries.  In the same vein, the accumulation of capital in State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) gives rise to the term “state capitalism”.  This has proven to be exceptionally powerful as capital is centralized in the State.  Given that China has lost many opportunities in the past century, it is catching up with all the time lost.

On the political front, back in the early 80’s there was much discussion on adopting the Singaporean model (namely, strong government built on meritocracy, a judicial system that will hand down severe punishment on “libel against the government”, etc.).  When China will become a multi-party system, we shall wait and see.

While liberal democracy is founded on the principle of individual human rights, for thousands of years and even today, Chinese people (and many other Asians too) still value families, villages/communities and the State.  We call it collectivism.  Perhaps our experience tells us that unity is our key to survival after a chaotic century.  Now that the East has met West, I believe we are somewhat in the middle, and need to strike a good balance.

On the issue of collectivism, Chinese people value Guanxi (the system of social networks and influential relationships which facilitate business and other dealings).  This gives rise to collective strength, but also corruption and sometimes mediocrity if Guanxi is favored instead of excellence.  Now that President Xi is confronting corruption at the Politburo level (highest level in China) and the highest ranks in the Army, any instability may neutralize all these efforts and bring the country into chaos again.

The Chinese government and intellectuals have done a lot of research and study on the rise of nations.  One point is quite interesting.  While the British Empire expanded with its gunboat policy (government efforts), its pirates also contributed in their own individual ways (private individuals with liberation of labour), in fact, very much in tune with the rise of capitalism.

As a joke, it appears that counterfeit goods (“pirated goods”) is a way of “catching up with time lost” in China, following the path of rise of other nations and the road to capitalism.

01 February 2016

立法會

我昨天看過立法會議事規則,有關 motion 方面,只有 adjourn (中止待續),沒有中止辯論,不知發叔所指是哪規則。至於剪布方面,法院已有定論(這是立法會的家事)。再說,按議事規則,無論是立法會主席,還是委員會主席,其裁決都是 final 的,故不存在立法會主席對委員會主席的裁決作出裁決。

09 January 2016

退休保障

嘩,好過買債券 !!!

:::::::::::::

羅致光:退休長者資產投放「純年金」可同時享長生津

2016-01-09 HKT 11:08

對於政府提出,可討論是否透過設立公共年金,解決退休保障問題。提出設立年金的扶貧委員會關愛基金專責小組主席羅致光表示,資產不多的退休長者,如果將資產投放於「純年金」,同時可享有長者生活津貼、甚至領取綜援。

羅致光解釋,年金計劃類似政府的ibond,風險較低,舉例退休長者若有100萬元資產,若全部投放在「純年金」計劃,即是等同沒有資產,就可申領2千多元的長生津;再加上預料投放「純年金」後每月有4千元回報,即是每月可有6千多元。

羅致光認為,設立年金對中產的保障更高,可確保穩定回報,亦能預計到每個月有多少錢用,不用擔心因長壽因素減少使費,從而壓縮消費,有助改善生活質素。他又認為,設立年金對整體經濟亦有幫助,當退休人士不用壓縮消費,社會累積的總消費就不會有下行壓力。

羅致光又說,尤其對於低收入人士,只有數十萬元資產,但什麼福利也沒有,若將資產投放年金上,每月領取一、二千元,再加上長生津甚至綜援金,相信這是最有效的保障。

27 December 2015

棋盤及數學

《棋王》(阿城)描述人在文革時期所處的困境中如何在棋盤上找到精神上的完全自由及自主世界,而數學則讓人一瞥一個完美的精神世界。

12 December 2015

science

To share the discussion with my brother.

[12/12 9:21 am] Philip Tang:

for 2000 years there have been interesting pursuits.  in the end, not talking about moral stuff, its science that prevails.  when i say science i mean the global scientific community, not a few scientists.

moral issues aside, i am glad that science has laid a solid foundation in human civilisation.

as i discussed things with portia and bryan, i always led them to science, logic, reality etc.  reality is also important, lest we will be armchair theorizing.

facts are important, i.e. reality.  what chains the facts together in meaningful ways is knowledge and theory.  theory can predict what comes next.  facts alone are bare facts.

there are all sorts of theories, scientific theory, conspiracy theory, yin and yang etc.

what you believe very much shapes your character, present and future.

07 December 2015

一地兩檢

problem solving: 可先建一地兩檢的配套設施,暫時兩地兩檢,等有政治互信時才作一地兩檢。

05 December 2015

二次創作

奇怪,保障二次創作,比保障原有創作更重要?

禁制令

只要境外已作報導而轉載便不違反禁令是奇怪的看法,正如於境外公開法庭已禁止公開強姦案女受害人的名字一樣,難道在港便可以公開嗎?我的看法是自法庭頒布臨時禁制令之後的報導皆屬違反禁制令。

28 November 2015

A hymn

Man is lonely by birth.
Man is only a pilgrim on earth.
Born to be king, time is but a temporary thing,
only on loan while on earth.

Like the wind in the tree,
man has been rather reckless and free.
Thrown far and wide, we long to settle down beside
the stream flowing through eternity.

Like the grass on the lawn,
we will pass by the way and be gone.
A lesson to learn, we walk but once there's no return.
Time is always moving on.

Man is longing for One,
for a song and a place in the sun,
a home up above where ev'ry day is lived in love, for
rest when the journey is done.

12 November 2015

强積金

强積金 : 問題不是不同年齡需要有不同的投資策略,平時我們可以這樣講。但对强積金而言,那是基本的退休保障,應該以保守的投資計算,因為輸不起。進取型的投資應該應用於閒資 (spare money),而不是强積金。

强積金多年來的低回報是另一個問題,不能混為一談。因為即使採用進取型,亦不表示必然賺錢,反而風險增加了而可能得不償失,屆時便退休無望了。

小學生有情緒問題是否需要找社工?

小學生有情緒問題是否需要找社工?可能需要,但更加需要幫助的是他們的父母,需引導他們如何教導孩子,培養孩子堅強的性格。

司法覆核

香港很奇怪,有一個玩具是有錢人不敢玩,玩不起,因為可以輸身家,但窮人卻可以免費玩,那就是司法覆核,全是納稅人付鈔,不單是律師費,還有延後的數以億計的社會成本。本來通過法律援助進行司法覆核旨在公平地伸張正義,但平衡點似乎過了頭。不知海外的法援是否這樣的?

01 November 2015

中美博弈

美國打軍事牌,僅此而矣,已露底牌。中國還有人民幣國際化牌、減持儲備牌、一帶一路牌、亞投行牌、中東歐洲英澳非洲南美牌,甚至俄國牌,當然還有最惡劣最不應該用的北韓牌。
中國用太極招數,以柔制剛,令美國"入唔倒位",找不到敵人,不能令美國人轉移視線忘記國內問題。這邊廂中國繼續建設、發展經濟及外交。這樣做比打美國更令美國傷。這其實是"國際游擊戰"。

30 August 2015

中國面臨的挑戰

中國正面臨一個嚴峻時刻,由低技術、低成本及低消費型邁向高技術、高成本及高消費型,最怕兩頭唔到岸卡在中間。

貨幣戰

現代戰爭不用流血。以本傷人的商業策略,與古時戰爭無異,近期貨幣戰亦然。幾年前美國實施量化寬鬆,溝淡所有持有美元貨幣的人(包括窮人)及其他國家的財富,以致美國獨大,繼續以不負責任的行為搶掠,以借貸維持其享樂,以量化寬鬆來減債,繼而以武力威嚇。如今中國實施人民幣貶值及減息,其殺傷力影響所及,美國可能需要延遲加息以致延遲其回歸經濟正常軌道,所種下的惡性投資可能越滾越大,不感想像。

05 August 2015

社會主義市場經濟

社會主義市場經濟與資本主義市場經濟的分別?

在整體生死存亡之際,不容許個別人士或機構成王,而引致國家經濟崩潰,因此不可以有惡性沽空?

11 July 2015

Greece

Tsipras is a genius politician.  First he won the election, then the referendum, and finally the votes of the opposition in parliament.  Now he has "united" the sentiments of the greek population.   And Europe happens to be still so romantic about people power.   Not only has Tsipras won Greece but also the leftist sentiment of Europe.  Having said that the latest proposal submitted by him is an indication of pragmatism after all.  By this weekend we will all know what is real politics or realpolitik, and Tsipras will make his mark in history one way or another.

28 June 2015

希臘

一個先使未來錢又拖欠還錢的西方民主國家,其領導人將會帶領國家走向衰敗,以為可以爭取保持高福利政策最後或許變成弄巧反拙,主要原因就是甚麼都"去到盡",幾十年來不顧後果(子孫)推行高福利政策,談判時又採取去到盡冇彎轉只談尊嚴不顧現實的策略,最終只會因為自私及/或自以為是而失販。

16 May 2015

電子商貿平台

個人認為,中國發展電子商貿平台,很快人民幣便會變成電子貨幣,這將會帶領並改革未來的商貿生態環境,對香港以至世界都會帶來很大的影響,更會有助提升內需以及人民幣國際化。

12 May 2015

普選

普選而來的行政長官及普選而來的立法會均會受到選民的強烈要求,而雙方不難聯手去改提名委員會的組成。屆時,提名委員會可由公司票改為個人票。因此何來袋住先,袋一世呢?

07 May 2015

pension

i was thinking if some people don't like means test because of its stigma, in the case of old aged pension, can we simply dish out the pension for everyone aged 65 or above, and then for those who have to file a tax return, at their senior age, there will be a separate section where they have to put in the amount of pension received and if their net income, apart from the pension amount, has reached a certain level then in ascending scale the whole amount of the pension will become tax.  this will do away with the stigma issue, and somehow will minimise all hassles and administrative work.  if we go along that line, only two questions remain: (1) the pension amount, and (2) the level of net income in a tax return that serves as the ultimate means test.

30 April 2015

energy revolution

The Western world has gone through industrial revolution (capitalisation), democratisation, information revolution (computerisation), but economic growth has been unsustainable in recent years.  Unless there is any success in the energy revolution (shale gas), the US economy will probably continue to suffer in the face of the rise of China and the economic growth in other countries associated with China.

從馬克思理論看,剝削的大本營東移了。

22 April 2015

處理投訴

申訴專員公署根據其指引不會處理瑣碎無聊的投訴,而立法會主席今次亦不接納瑣碎無聊的修訂,這是一個啓示。

21 April 2015

中巴鐵路建設

中巴新簽訂的鐵路建設,直達巴基斯坦的瓜達爾港口,將率先打破美日圍堵中國的計謀,同時亦增加與緬甸談判同類建設的籌碼。

20 April 2015

資本主義

數年前仍處於國家資本主義,如今股市興旺,全民炒股,互通炒股,中國已在資本主義道路上,再踏出一大步。

19 April 2015

中國的發展道路

中國的發展道路是這樣的 :

公路網、石油、天然氣
工廠、汽車
互聯網、服務行業
環保、再生能源、電動汽車
航天技術
加强鐵路網
研製大飛機、加建機場、開放空域
保衛航海路線

深化互聯網作商貿及創新協作平台 …

爭取民主,不進則退

以前爭取民主是指向港府、英國政府… 回歸後則指向特區政府及中央。若政改不獲通過,將會有一個很弔詭的情況,那就是,難道指向一半香港市民?民主路上不進則退,可悲。這個豪賭赢面甚低。若社會上出現大混亂,難道要中央介入?這不是特區政府將來的管治問題,而是與每一位香港市民息息相關的,包括經濟發展、民生等千萬個問題。看鄰近國家及地區已不停地抛離香港,何謂萬劫不復?這是一個唯心、理想的問題?還是一個唯物、實際的問題?不進則退,不知等待何時。

03 April 2015

西方與新加坡

其實這與新加坡不許吃香口膠沒有分別。

2015-04-03 HKT 21:19
法國國會下議院通過,禁止骨瘦如柴的人士,擔任模特兒,聘請被稱為「骨模」的過瘦模特兒的經理人公司或品牌,可能目臨最高7萬5千歐元的罰款及監禁6個月。法國全國模特兒經理人公司聯會批評,新法例會影響法國模特兒業的競爭力。

法新新通過的法例訂明,身高體重指數低於某一標準的人,不能當模特兒行天橋。衞生部長認為,年輕模特兒應該好好照顧自己健康。

《中华人民共和国和乌克兰友好合作条约》

《中华人民共和国和乌克兰友好合作条约》

标签:军事

乌克兰目前已经陷入内忧外患的局面,外部俄罗斯军事政治打压内部经济遭遇寒冬,此时的乌克兰该走向何处?中国是可以施以援手的,比如调停乌克兰与俄罗斯之间的冲突关系,俄罗斯现在有求于中国,这个面子普京还是会给的。那么乌克兰拿什么利益与北京交换呢?毫无疑问,中国或许将全面接盘乌克兰的军事技术遗产。

乌克兰过去是配套苏联的国防工业体系的,现在乌克兰的很多军工技术就是俄罗斯也没有,普京已经眼馋很久了。

2月28日,新华社播发的一条消息,引起舆论场的注意。在日前召开的第十二届全国人民代表大会常务委员会第十三次会议上,作出一项决定:批准2013年12月5日由中国领导人与时任乌克兰总统的亚努科维奇在北京签署的《中华人民共和国和乌克兰友好合作条约》。

虽然全国人大通过了这个条约,但舆论场有一种说法,亚努科维奇与中国签订这份“友好条约”回国三天后,就被反对派举行的“广场革命”推翻。

最近在乌东战场的冲突中,乌军方连连失守,况且乌克兰经济即将走向崩溃,乌克兰政府面临着前所未的困境,中国人大此时批准中乌“友好条约”,乌方是否承认并予以执行,还很难说得清楚。

但这个条约是中国和乌克兰的正式文件,根据维也纳公约法,这种正式的联合声明有条约的效力。这并不是一些人所说是中国和亚努科维奇签订的条约。

中国所保障的是乌克兰这个国家,而不是亚努科维奇这个政权。因此只要乌克兰国家还存在,这个条约就有效,双方就有义务遵守这个协议。

尽管如此,中国人大在现在这个节骨眼上批准这个条约,不免让人生疑。是形势的需要,还是有其它目的?

此前的中乌合作,出于欧美与俄罗斯的因素,可以说乌方是有所保留的。也就是说在某种程度上是中国有求于乌克兰。

而在危机的情况之下,为了缓解经济压力,恐怕乌克兰更大程度上的将有求于中国,如果想得到中国的支持与帮助,就必须加大与中国的合作力度。

更重要的是,乌克兰危机,有可能使俄罗斯与欧美的战略对抗升级,这必然的要缓解中国的战略压力。中国虽然会保持中立,但一定会给俄罗斯某种程度的支持。

因为有俄罗斯在,中国并不太担心欧洲的东扩计划,乌克兰危机在战略上对中国没有不利的影响,或者说不会给中国带来战略压力。

当然,中国能否在乌克兰危机中分得一杯羹,现在下结论还为时过早。但中国将对乌克兰采取的是务实主义态度,如果乌政府可以继续保持与中国的合作关系,确保中国在乌重要的经济和军事关系的利益份额,中国将会与乌方发展新的关系。

可以说,现在的乌克兰危机对中国有利。无论乌克兰最终成为欧盟、美国还是俄罗斯的友邦,都将致力于深化与中国的政经和军事合作。

观察人士为此作出的分析认为,中国实际上在为下一步介入解决乌克兰问题增加的筹码。如果乌方决定执行双方的“友好条约”,这可能意味着,中国将在未来的谈判中发挥积极作用。

客观的说,中国承担这类外交使命的经验不多,不过,在此问题上中国无疑比其他国家更有优势。首先,中国与俄罗斯 ... ...

11 February 2015

西九

西九支出龐大,但收入 ...

沒有地產項目(當年被迫取消了) ...

所謂本土文化的收入又有幾多? ...

所謂本土文化又如何長期吸引外來遊客或藝術發燒友來欣賞呢? ...

香港人何時才清醒呢?

07 February 2015

一地兩檢

一地兩檢是個複雜的問題,由於在香港特區境內進行,但換個角度,只要有關安檢地區被劃為非香港特區,問題便會消失。當然,這牽涉到政治互信這個問題了。

doctrine of necessity

Seriously, can the doctrine of necessity be applied in LegCo to resolve the impasse arising from filibustering?

"The Doctrine of Necessity is the basis on which extra-legal actions by state actors, which are designed to restore order, are found to be constitutional. The maxim on which the doctrine is based originated in the writings of the medieval jurist Henry de Bracton, and similar justifications for this kind of extra-legal action have been advanced by more recent legal authorities, including William Blackstone.

In modern times, the doctrine was first used in a controversial 1954 judgment in which Pakistani Chief Justice Muhammad Munir validated the extra-constitutional use of emergency powers by Governor General, Ghulam Mohammad.[1] In his judgment, the Chief Justice cited Bracton's maxim, 'that which is otherwise not lawful is made lawful by necessity', thereby providing the label that would come to be attached to the judgment and the doctrine that it was establishing.

The Doctrine of Necessity has since been applied in a number of Commonwealth countries, and in 2010 was invoked to justify extra-legal actions in Nigeria."

04 January 2015

Discussion on Democracy

29 December 2014 : 答應了 Portia Nora 與 Bryan Tang 討論民主,今天晚上吃過飯後 bryan 負責寫 bullet points 及劃 flow charts, 而 portia 則用 laptop 繼續寫她的論述。 bryan 寫了5張A4 紙,很有意思。 we started from occupy central versus anti-protest, then moved on to a comparative study of the westminster system, supremacy of the parliament, house of commons, house of lords, to the US system including congress, senate and the electoral college, and onto the bicameral legislature and the 2012 election committee in HK, followed by the 2017 proposal regarding the nominating committee and the counter arguments including the proposal for civil nomination, and then we talked about the basic law, national security present and past, and the failures and success if any of the occupy central and in particular its strategies vis a vis the local backlash and lack of support from mainlanders, the views of the judiciary, the waning interest from the media and governments around the world at the later stage, etc. (also democracy vs. meritocracy, etc.)

13 December 2014

civil strife

lines of decency crossed, no trust from both sides, posing threats to civil society and civilisation, credits and credibility, confidence and predictability.

hong kong

as asked, hong kong has already opened the pandora box.  everyone is talking and walking his or her own ways, while so called core (which means shared) values are no more shared.  families split, friendships torn, it takes years to heal and reestablish values, east meets west, collectivism vs individualism.

08 December 2014

中英聯合聲明

其實事情很簡單,就着中國拒絕英國國會代表團(不是政府代表團)來香港這一事實(或許即使是政府代表團),又違反了中英聯合聲明哪一條款呢?簡言之,哪一條款賦予英國國會代表團來香港高調地作出所謂調查的權力呢?

國與國之間,最理想是通過外交渠道解決問題或紛爭,最不希望當然是軍事行動。然而,美國便是最多使用軍事行動的國家。

還有,一直以來,英國是搞政治的能手。

02 November 2014

democracy - twisted logic?



Well, everyone intelligent or otherwise has his or her own values and we must respect one another. In a pluralist world, I think you will agree that we can't have everyone with the same value. Some people are driven by idealism, some pragmatism. I am somewhat in between. I think even an idealist needs to observe and re-calibrate his or her thinking having regard to the observable reality. In short, I believe that one needs to have a strategy to achieve what you want to achieve; and it's sad that many idealists may not achieve what they want to achieve. In the end, usually pragmatists do. Indeed I am most wary of the story (history) about Athenians vs Spartans; and it's the latter who prevailed in the end. ... ... ...

as i see it, at the end of the day, it all depends on what you want to achieve. and the question arises, does the means matter? is this a moral question? and if so, why shouldn't we have democracy in the work place? oh, is it because liberal democracy is simply democracy on the surface, while deep down all the capitalists / bosses indeed rule the country?!

democracy doesn't guarantee that you will have a good leader. usually its choosing the lesser evil supposedly, and mostly it has been choosing the worse evil. the beauty of it is to let people have another choice 4 to 5 years later, so that they can choose the worst evil. after all, the average IQ in society is simply average.

back to the question on work place. if workers have a vote, they'll vote for a pay rise and the company will soon go bankrupt.

the voting power rests with share holders and board members.

01 November 2014

time is on our side

甚麼是time is on our side?
每一代的年青人都想改變社會,
但每一代的年青人當他們長大了,
工作賺錢、成家立室、養兒育女  ...
看透了現實,懂得計算 ...
當代的熱血青年的人數自然減少而非增加,
剩下來的可能生活潦倒。
除非革命或科技突破,否則社會只會蛻變,
歷史不斷地重演。
至於革命的結果,不敢想像。
所以,甚麼是 time is on our side?
可能只是一句口號。

21 October 2014

佔中

法庭頒布禁制令,在某程度來說,是預先昭告,即使是公民抗命(即自我犧牲),亦不能以"犧牲他人"的途徑以達到目的。屆時學聯(泛民議員失去踪影)自首,然後到法庭抗辯時,未必能以純正公民抗命而答辯。唉!

02 October 2014

國際游擊戰

" 克里強調,美國歡迎一個和平、繁榮與穩定的中國崛起,歡迎中國在亞洲以至整個世界範圍內承擔更多責任。"

似乎美國要兼顧太多火頭,暫時寄望中國"負責任"地共同看顧着亞洲。日本亦似乎收斂了,畢竟日本已達到其提升"集體自衛權"的目的。當然中國亦成功地擴大了防空識別區,包括了釣魚島。若此情況維持一段長時間,則亞洲會取得新的平衡,而中國亦已在某程度上衝出了亞洲,包括與印度及南美等國家建立更緊密關係,當中亦包括最近在英國及過去在歐洲及非洲各國的投資。一直以來,中國都不跟美國硬碰,而是打"國際游擊戰"。

24 August 2014

drone

while helicopters cannot be used to rescue people in a fire zone given the wind it creates while hovering that fans the fire (my guess), what if we use 6 to 8 drones that can hover away from the fire zone with 6 or 8 ropes tied in the middle to rescue one person at a time.

such drones are easy  to manoeuvre while GPS provides the exact position of the fire zone and flying paths, with the distance among them remaining constant.

22 August 2014

democracy

democracy is a funny thing, e.g. ~

why can't a child vote in the family?
why can't a worker vote in the factory?
why can't every human being vote in any world affairs?

you may have your answers ready ...

the child is too ignorant, the worker will vote for a huge pay rise and bankrupt the company, and China will have too many votes ...

so, how does democracy actually work in society?  food for thoughts, apart from any standard answers.

22 July 2014

政改

人大常委會作出決定後,特區政府便可直話直說,不用怕司法覆核了。

14 July 2014

contemplating the universe

while reading about the big bang singularity and the big crunch singularity, it is unthinkable that i, a conscious self, exist to marvel at the beauty of the universe while the universe simply exists without any consciousness of its own existence and beauty and yet it begets me, a conscious being, to think about it, to contemplate it, without true understanding.

that in my opinion proves that God must exist to render the whole thing a meaning.


10 July 2014

my dialogue with david

資本主義本身就是建基於貧富懸殊。若每個人都一樣富有,搵鬼人做嘢。

事實上資本主義出現前,人民(農民,因為未有工業革命)一窮二白,貧富懸殊可能更嚴重,只不過無統計而已。

正是。在共產主義下,人失去動力。可能在未來世界,人類不用工作,交由機械人勞動。當然到時有另外的社會問題了。

機械人是資本,因此未來是資本大規模取代勞力的時代,只有少部分無法以機械人取代的工種才會存留。社會急須發展出新的工種以吸納勞動力,否則擁有資本(機械人)的人就會控制社會的財富。

即使有很多機械人,仍然需要人類通過不斷學習及創造才有發展及進步。在失去動力的時候,人類會懶於學習及創造,而交由機械人去代勞。擁有人工智慧的機械人不單做得更好,最終它們更取得了人性的尊嚴,反之人類逐漸感到機械人的優越性,那時人類的自尊會徹底消滅,人的存在價值沒有了,到時便是人類的滅亡。

26 June 2014

政治

政治是交易,不能一面倒。問題是取了甚麽,更重要是可以給甚麼。政治能量多少取決於後者。

20 June 2014

國際游擊戰

美國重返亞洲,中國不與美國正面交鋒,但採取"國際游擊戰",不用實彈,而用銀彈,直闖歐洲。

07 May 2014

普選的希望

"李源潮又提出「四點希望」,包括:1 支持行政長官 和特區政府依法施政;2 按照基本法和人大常委會 的有關決定,推動2017年實現特首普選;3 選出愛 國愛港的特首;4 推進香港繁榮穩定。"

從上述報導可以看出中央的優次!依法施政至為重要,有没有普選只是(第二)個希望,香港是否繁榮是最後考慮(即可能認為香港人那麽寸,便你死你事)。佔中有甚麽作用可想而知。

21 April 2014

creation

my outsight if not insight is that God created the world and creation or creativity is a wonder or is wonderful.  it has limitless possibilities.  that wonder and of course God's love thru salvation sustains me despite sufferings and emptiness.  where God comes from  i wouldnt have a clue.  but that is the only question i set aside and wait till He tells me one day.  i am content.

... while death and destruction has or is only one possibility

10 January 2014

基本法第18及23條

基本法第18條 : 全國人民代表大會常務委員會決定宣布戰爭狀態或因香港特別行政區內發生香港特別行政區政府不能控制的危及國家統一或安全的動亂而決定香港特別行政區進入緊急狀態,中央人民政府可發布命令將有關全國性法律在香港特別行政區實施。

那麼第23條便可能直接實施了。。。

26 December 2013

孩子的名字

很久很久以前我想過,我的第一名孩子叫鄧登櫈,而第二名叫鄧澄橙,那麽 ... 鄧登櫈、 鄧澄橙、 鄧登櫈、 鄧澄橙、 鄧登櫈、 鄧澄橙 ... 多麽開心。其實我差點把我的女兒名為鄧樂也,因此她給了自己一個 middle name 叫 Nora。

01 December 2013

東海防空識別區

下一步是中國飛機進入美、日的防空識別區而不作通報。

09 November 2013

01 November 2013

户藉制度

假如中央逐步放寬户藉制度,意味着人民享有的人身及經濟自由增大了,而中央規劃在某方面減少了,在某程度上貪腐的渠道也可能減少了。那麼,民主將向前邁進一步。

19 October 2013

李家天下

李家業務都與進入房屋有關。當然首先是房屋,然後電力、蒸餾水、電話、電訊、電視、食品、药物等。此外,還有能源、貨運 。。。

United States

given its national debt and the political and economic situation the only thing that can save the US is its shale gas.

17 October 2013

wall street, google and facebook

those who have access to the data in google and facebook (and even youtube) may be good at wall street too. among the three, wall street is most fair and open. after wall street came google and facebook all measuring human behaviour in a global sense.

13 October 2013

globalisation

one theory goes: globalisation is a way by which the rich nations export all the dirty jobs.

馬拉拉

學民思潮推倒國民教育,而馬拉拉為爭取女性接受教育而遭受鎗擊,繼而被提名諾貝爾和平獎。在接受訪問時,她公開對鎗擊她的人說,我會為你的女兒爭取接受教育的機會,不同意便放馬過來吧。與奥巴馬會面時,她呼籲美國不要再用無人機轟炸她的祖國巴基斯坦。她只有16嵗。

11 October 2013

內憂外患

香港人首先是內鬥,然後視周邊地區或國家為敵人,正所謂內憂外患。香港的優勢何在呢?

think out of the box

中国太空长臂怪战时秒杀美GPS 2013-10-09 07:27 来源:搜狐军事 资料图:“试验七号”卫星机械臂。 作者:彭庭华 据美联社报道:7月20日中国发射了三颗不 大星际卫星,中方对外宣称的是“试验七号”测试 卫星。但据五角大楼情报获悉,此次试验的竟 是太空抓捕实践。美一直密切跟踪这三颗卫星 的行踪,其中一颗装有“机械臂”的卫星在试验中 抓住了另外两颗卫星中的一颗。这一举动引起 了美国军方的恐慌。 虽然中国官方作出的解释:“试验七号”装有 机械臂是用来测试太空接轨中操作的一部分, 为打造2020年大型太空站做出的前期实验。但 是,“试验七号”轻而易举的将太空中高速飞行的 星际卫星捕捉到手,大有“九天揽月”的壮举对美 国来说真的不是一件好事。 近日,五角大楼宣称,中国在太空军事领 域迈出了惊人的一大步。美国防部国官员甚至 断言:中国在太空安置带有机械臂的卫星,显 示中国太空“星战”计划已进入实质性阶段,这将 严重威胁美国卫星。笔者以为,尽管美军将领 没有直言其危害有多重,但明白人一眼都偶偶 知道,“九天揽月”是何等概念? 卫星应用于军事这是三岁女娃都知道的事 情,美军近年频频对外出兵,对小国实施不接 触式的空中打击都离不开卫星。空袭所用导弹 和炸弹基本都是GPS制导,可以说,没有GPS立 下汗马功劳,美国就不可能轻易搞定伊拉克和 阿富汗,就不能让利比亚一夜之间改姓“美”。说 美军离开的军事卫星就是一群散兵游勇一点不 过分,像B-2战略隐形轰炸机,再有就是赫赫有 名的“全球鹰”,离开了GPS导航定位就像个无头 苍蝇。因此,美军的军用卫星是决定美军战无 不胜的根本。 那么,我将你之这一“根本”给毁掉,后果会 是怎么样呢,用通俗的说法就是,美国若要再 度与中国发生战争碰撞,那么,美军只能面临 的是善打常规性的战争解放军,中美高科技战 争一开始就将被终止,中国能毁掉美国的太空 卫星,当然美国也能。 陆战队少校

05 October 2013

港大校長

其實問題很簡單。港大校長人選是否合適不是問題所在。問題是有没有頂尖人物願意應徵 … 當港大學生趕走了現任校長 …

01 October 2013

Strange Music - Portia Tang 9 December 2012

03. Après un rêve/Bill (Gabrielle Fauré/"Show Boat") - Portia Tang

poverty

我比较明白新加坡做乜、西方社會做乜,以及內地做乜。其實一切都係 economics 話嘅income redistribution。以前做政府比較簡單。好懷疑有幾多人包括學者明白現時做緊乜。 with income redistribution for working class directed towards their take-home pay, what's the good use of trade unions? there are many such socio-economic questions but seldom do we find any informed debate on these matters. the political spectrum is such that includes : the have-nots; the low-income; the middle- and high-income; and the rich ... ... and we are now dealing with the low-income group.