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Work helps you stay on track
It's often said that many retired people lose their motivation, hopes and targets. This boredom may even shorten their lifespan. 
Yet there are so many people who constantly complain about being overworked. 
So is work good for us or not?
There are many types of work in the world. Some jobs are not very convenient. 
Take construction work, for example. You have to work really hard, come rain or shine. 
Yet I do believe that people need to work, not just to earn a living. Work keeps them occupied, and sharpens their mind. A career gives them targets and goals to strive for.
Without a job, many people have too much time to kill. They may become lazy. Work can help them stay positive and motivated. 
Even if we may not love our job, work is essential for our wellbeing. 
 Nelson Leung, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College 
No to cross-border driving scheme
I am concerned about a new scheme that will allow more visitors from the mainland to drive across the border into Hong Kong. That would cause serious problems for locals.
 First, there are safety concerns. We all know there is a big difference between driving practices here and on the mainland. There are different road regulations and signs in the two places.
Driving conditions in Hong Kong are challenging because of its narrow and congested roads. Many mainland drivers are well-known for their bad driving habits.
How can the government ensure they will abide by our traffic rules?
Second, allowing more cars in would cause serious environmental problems. Our air pollution is bad enough as it is.  
I am not against mainlanders. Yet I believe we have to speak up in the face of legitimate concerns. 
Hong Kong has a well-developed public transport system. The MTR and buses are very convenient for travelling around town. There's no need for visitors to bring their cars. 
The government should scrap the scheme which would have a negative impact on Hong Kong. 
Melissa Yim Wai-man, Our Lady of the Rosary College
Let's not gang up on mainlanders
I am writing in response to the letter 'Kidnap rumours reflect our uneasy ties with mainland' by Joseph Bosco (SCMP, March 13). I agree with the writer that such rumours are unfounded and unreasonable. 
Hong Kong is a stable and harmonious society. We are protected by an efficient police force. I find it hard to imagine that mainland criminals would try to kidnap youngsters here.
But such rumours do serve as a good reminder for Hongkongers to rethink their relationship with mainlanders.
In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the number of mainlanders coming to Hong Kong. This influx has led to more and more conflicts. 
Many Hongkongers are worried about their relationship with the mainland. 
I think we have made too much of our cultural differences. 
It's true some mainlanders behave badly. But they are just a small minority. We should not discriminate against all mainlanders because of rare incidents that hit the headlines here.
Because of our colonial history, we have a different lifestyle and values. But we have to learn to accept mainlanders for who they are. Otherwise, I foresee serious problems.
Ken Ng, SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School
We don't like owning up to our faults
Hong Kong's chief executive candidates were in the news a lot recently - for the wrong reasons. 
Yet rather than apologise for their wrongdoing, they shrugged off the criticism and found excuses for their illegal or unethical conduct.
I think their behaviour is a sign of a common phenomenon among Hong Kong people: we do not like to own up to our mistakes. When we act badly, we prefer to be evasive, rather than come clean and apologise. 
Henry Tang Ying-yen even blamed his wife for an illegal underground complex in his Kowloon Tong home. 
 We have to learn to take responsibility for our actions. That especially goes for people who seek public office.
Hidy Ho Yan-kiu, Maryknoll Fathers' School




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