We can only tackle pollution problems with real democracy
The current pollution problem is one of the most compelling reasons for the need for universal suffrage in Hong Kong.
I am angry and frustrated with the pollution and another day with itching eyes, but I have no meaningful mechanism for change. We have almost 7 million people living in this city, who would be willing to contribute to curb pollution, if we had leadership. There is no infrastructure for recycling. If there was, we would separate our waste, such as batteries and plastic bottles.
While I would think most of our air pollution comes from the mainland, our local power companies also contribute to the problem. Why is our government contemplating giving them until 2012 or 2017 to clean up their acts? Why would we consider letting them slide under carbon credit sales penalties when their real pollutants are particulates?
Further, how can we help Guangdong province clean up its act if we don't first do it ourselves? We have to do it first. Hong Kong needs to lead the rest of China in this regard. It is all about leadership, transparency and accountability. Beijing fears universal suffrage in Hong Kong because it might spread to the mainland. I say please do not worry, and please do not equate Hong Kong with the bulk of China. Let Hong Kong be a good experiment in this regard.
Everyone in Hong Kong knows we have pollution problems, and we know that our government is doing nothing meaningful to deal with the problems. The market always knows, and if I am any example, we should expect many people to relocate, because of the pollution and the elitist nature of our government. In a pure democracy, pollution would be a major issue. Our politicians would have to deal with our concerns or they would not be re-elected.
This is the essence of universal suffrage and, young or old, smart or stupid, it is our right.