100 HOURS AND MORE IN HONG KONG
In Thunder, Lightning, and Storm
Today, 1st October 2014, is an auspicious day, People’s Liberation Day.
Ironically, Hong Kong is seeking liberation too, liberation of another kind.
This cosmopolitan place where people come and go has been built by the hard work of all who live here. Hong Kongers are here to stay. The majority of Hong Kong people do not hold foreign passports and they will not up and leave when things don’t suit them.
The Occupy Central protest is a demonstration requesting choice. It is for the rightful selection of representation for our government, for a majority say — a free, transparent and open election. The protest is asking for freedom, for our country to be governed by democracy now and for generations to come. Those who oppose have a choice too; they may prefer communism, they could apply to be accepted by the liberated People’s Republic.
I fully support and greatly respect these young people of peace. I admire their persistence, their strong stance and their patriotism. They’re standing up for their future. It does not mean they disrespect the motherland. There is much talk of the motherland by the opposition. Does a mother not want her sons and daughters to progress, to move forward? Why is there only talk of gloom and damnation and punishment?
Mainland China, having destroyed its tradition, its art and culture, having murdered its writers and artists, having stamped on individuality, has still not learned an iron fist does not rule the world.
Under a Storm
Photo Felix Wong
I cannot be there but I feel myself in the midst of the protesters. They have been bombarded by tear gas, squirted in the face with pepper spray. They have endured extreme heat and humidity, and they’ve been hungry and thirsty. They have gone without beds to sleep in, they have had no shelter during lightning, thunder and downpour. This shows determination and strength of character. The rest of us have a right to hear them out.
Photo Sam Tsang
It is possible it will end in checkmate, in which case Hong Kong may have to back down. Our motherland may not relent but she’ll be a little more careful in future, withdraw her iron iron fist a little, knowing how our youth can rear their heads again. And next time be even stronger.
The world will remember. There will be support.
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Unusual tale, and quirky enough to be charming!
Thanks Rasana. This is still ongoing. All our university students are out there in the heat, rain and cold with temporary shelter, seeking our Hong Kong political future – Democracy. Peaceful protest started 28 Sept 2014.