Although some protestors are still battling police, the "pro-democracy" protests in Hong Kong will eventually fizzle out, as Hong Kong residents' support for the protest is waning. Now it is time to examine the causes, effects and validity of the protests.

The effects of the seemingly "leaderless" campaign of "civil disobedience" and mindless sit-ins are clear: paralysis of key roads and a severe blow to financial activities in Hong Kong over the past few weeks. Such has been the deleterious effect on the economy of the city, a vital and vibrant global financial hub, that many Hong Kong residents across all ages and social backgrounds have confronted the (largely student) protesters to convey the harmful impact of their actions on the lives of ordinary, needy Hong Kong families and their children. This deleterious economic effect, therefore, requires further attention and publicity.

Hong Kong remains one of the key financial centers in the world and still acts as a bridge between the Chinese mainland's economy and the world economy. Hong Kong residents worried about the city's future feel the protests could dissuade overseas investors and businesses from expanding their operations on the mainland through the city. In fact, they fear that the international business community could opt for other markets and economies to further their expansion plans.

To examine the causes and validity of the "protests", it is important to know what sort of elements instigated and continue to stoke the protests. There is need to study the role of the United States government and some overseas organizations that are said to have acted as "consultants" to the "protesters". Despite the open position taken by the Hong Kong government on the protests, there has been no sign of any openness on the part of the US government-protester alliance.

Do the "protests" once again highlight the immense difficulty the US government continues to have because of the erosion of its power and global influence? You bet they do.