Hong Kong (CNN) -- Borrowed place, borrowed time. That was the mantra in Hong Kong as the clock ticked down to the British colony being handed back to China in 1997. And as the handover loomed, Hong Kongers were frantic to make money to get a passport before the communist mainland reclaimed the territory. They feared an end to the free-wheeling ways of capitalism where money brought power, prestige -- and if needed, an escape route. But there was a small, vocal minority who talked instead about the tail wagging the dog. Far from being subsumed by China's political system, Hong Kong would in fact lead it towards democracy.
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Beijing recently said no to Hong Kong voting for its leaders without approval
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One pro-democracy leader in Hong Kong admitted support for their campaign may be sliding
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In 1997 Hong Kongers were frantic to get a passport before China reclaimed the territory
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Others talked about Hong Kong helping to encourage democracy in the mainland
@placeholder's leadership has made it crystal clear that any form of democracy will only come attached to very powerful Chinese characteristics.
Yet @placeholder has hardly exploded in anger or frustration.