A very interesting article. I particularly liked the bit where he claimed the majority of HKers supported a change in the electoral system so that directly-elected legislators became a small minority and the vast majority would be appointed by the CCP directly or indirectly.
Step 1: Change the political system so that your opponents cannot win, even if they have majority support from the public.
Step 2: Change the definition of democracy so that it no longer matters that directly elected seats are a minority, provided the public are "satisfied".
Step 3: Intimidate people to not cast blank ballots or express their dissatisfaction in a fashion that could show the majority are unhappy.
Step 4: Create an atmosphere were only a pro-government minority feel confident enough to express their opinions.
Step 5: Pat yourself on the back for ensuring the public are "satisfied", ignoring the fact that the majority are staying quiet out of fear.
I guess Hong Kong is currently in stage 3. I wonder how long it will take to get to stage 5.