-
Advertisement
Edward Snowden
Opinion
Alex Lo

My Take | US spoof speaks truth to power

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, Leung Kwok-hung (left), leads protesters as they shout slogans in support of former US spy Edward Snowden outside the US consulate in Hong Kong. Photo: AFP
Alex Loin Toronto

Run for cover. Stock up on food and water. The American imperialist army is coming.

Influential US Republican senator and one-time presidential wannabe John McCain has called for the invasion of Hong Kong over that traitor Edward Snowden.

"Either you're with us or you're against us," McCain reportedly told BBC World News. "And clearly the nation of Hong Kong is against us. By harbouring this known cybercriminal they pose a clear and present danger to the American people."

Advertisement

Well, not quite! This was actually a spoof from the satirical Daily Currant news service. Whatever you say about the declining state of American journalism, they sure have some hilarious news websites. This rather reminds me of a classic putdown by British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay aimed at a hapless kitchen student: "This dish has so much oil in it the Americans are going to invade."

But of course, all satire, through exaggeration, points to a certain truth. In this case, it's American paranoia. The good senator may not have demanded to invade tiny Hong Kong. But the US consulate in town has gotten a tad fearful.

Advertisement

The usual busybodies like lawmaker "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung have planned a protest march in support of Snowden to the consulate office in Garden Road today. That's enough for the consulate to issue a warning to Americans living in Hong Kong over the march. We all know how Leung makes a living as a protester-for-hire and would not hurt a fly.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x