System Failure

Deng Xiaoping, the architect of the "one country, two systems" formula that defines Hong Kong's relationship with China, once said: "With a good system, even evil men cannot do evil. Without a good system, even good men cannot do good but may be forced to do evil." This is the problem with the Basic Law, Hong Kong's constitution. Although it features safeguards to protect the territory's autonomy, the Basic Law falls woefully short in many critical areas. Most important, the system of government is wholly undemocratic.

I should know. I was on the Drafting Committee of the Basic...