Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

The nazi Germany had millions of citizens too, just like you and me. People who wanted to live a happy and fulfilling life.

We're not talking about bombing them. We're talking about economic boycott and economic sanctions.

What else do you have in mind? How do we act against countries that commit crimes against humanity? Do we just stand and watch because they have millions of good citizens?



Economic sanctions should be directed at leaders. I don't see much use in random people boycotting random things from China, having much effect on the leaders.

I guess it may have effect if you tell your favorite seller on Aliexpress, that sorry, I will not be buying anymore stuff from you, because XYZ. But just stopping, means nothing. Sends no discernible signal to the other side, and just increases economic suffering, which while it can lead to revolutions, only probably when it hits some extreme level. Just look at Syria, massive sanctions, people can barely eat, currency is spiraling to hyperinflation, and they still have not toppled the corrupt asshole in charge. And I doubt having to spend half a day just figuring out how to get something to eat helps in any way. In fact corrupt asshole in charge is using the sanctions, to rally his supporters.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/syria-s-assad-say...

And that's the ideal case of a country west doesn't really need anything from and can boycott/sanction at will.


Sanctions against leaders don't work if they don't have their assets in the west. Chinese officials wouldn't give a fuck about it.

And besides that, we're in an economic against them. Actually, they are in an economic war against us. We can't do business in their country freely but they can make their own companies here or buy the ones we already have with the money they are making from manufacturing our stuff. Nope.


> What else do you have in mind?

Clearly government is involved. When did a government of somewhere last express their displeasure at China's government for this? If they've done it, they must have buried the news. If you don't think a public rebuke will help anything, what do you propose?

If you don't think that it will help, don't do the wrong thing for the right reason. That will only clear your own conscience.

Let's not do things that harm the wrong people. Is not buying a toy from China really going to help anything? You'll put some toy guy out of business, but is he gonna lobby government to stop the prison camps?




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: