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Poverty versus free enterprise

The gap between the rich and the poor in Hong Kong is the biggest in Asia and one of the highest in the developed world.

A widening wealth gap is difficult to halt, as most job opportunities are in the financial sector and many less-skilled jobs have disappeared.

We have a knowledge-based economy. But should we turn a blind eye to the worse-off in our society? It's really upsetting to see that there are still a lot of people with barely enough money for their daily necessities. People from all backgrounds have been hit hard by the global financial crisis, while the needy rely on welfare assistance to make ends meet.

In my opinion, the biggest problem lies in the government's economic policies which promote free enterprise. Under this system, businesses are allowed to operate with minimal government interference.

This is good for businessmen, but the lack of regulations allows them to cut workers' wages with little regard for the consequences.

Without a minimum wage law or a limit on the number of working hours, the life of low-skilled workers will always be difficult. Some of them live in appalling conditions. They have no resources to upgrade their skills. Their children could suffer the same fate and this could go on from generation to generation.

The government should spare no expense to alleviate poverty. Big infrastructure projects planned by the government might help provide employment, and new laws will help protect workers. Retraining programmes should also be launched to help workers enhance their skills.

The government should ensure youngsters aren't trapped by the poverty cycle. Only knowledge can change the future.

Sustained efforts are required to tackle the problem. We should never ignore those who have no voice. They are part of us and they shouldn't be treated as if they don't exist.

Tammy Ma Yuen-ying

Express your views

Do you often say 'I agree with you' while chatting with friends? Are you afraid of debate? It seems that teenagers do not want to express their personal opinions nowadays. What they say is often the same as the majority view.

I am not saying that you should argue with others just for the sake of it. Arguing over something like which restaurant you should go to for lunch with your friends is unnecessary. But if essential moral or political beliefs are up for discussion, you can always present your point of view energetically. Others may disagree with or laugh at you, but that doesn't matter. If you think your point of view is reasonable, you should present it with confidence.

Some people say thinking independently is a waste of time. They will never understand the meaning of life.

Tony Wong, SKH Bishop Baker Secondary School

Heroic act

I am proud of Wong Fuk-wing who sacrificed his life trying to save victims of the Qinghai earthquake.

He was just an ordinary truck driver working on his own initiative, but he saved several lives. He has shown that everyone can help others regardless of their ability, and be a hero.

Wong suffered from ill-health but still insisted on being a volunteer. We should praise his kindness and sincerity.

Jacqueline Siu, Hang Seng School of Commerce

Life-long learning

Self-education can help enhance our competitiveness. We shouldn't rely only on what we learn at school.

If we can make good use of our time, we can learn a lot of things. When we leave school, no one will force us to learn. However, if we stop learning, we won't be able to survive in this competitive society.

So lifelong learning is the answer.

Aaron Wong

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