'Do citizens of Hong Kong have a better understanding of what it means to be free than millions of Americans do these days? Given many of the changes to our society - and what more and more of us seem to be willing to put up with - the answer is yes.

Here's a case in point. Recently, officials in Hong Kong backed off plans to force students there to take Chinese patriotism classes after a week of protests in the one-time British colony that were ignited over fears of pro-Beijing "brainwashing," the Associated Press reported.'

Read more: Hong Kong Citizens Protest Against Government Brainwashing While American Citizens Embrace Communist Ideals