It's still not too late for Occupy to end well

The "umbrella movement" will be remembered not only for its political and civic bickering; it will also go down in history as the one event that caused a great schism in Hong Kong society.

In the past, irrespective of anything that transpired, the people of Hong Kong stood together. Now, we have an intolerant community where people are not only standing opposite each other, they are fighting one another. It has been an emotional and stressful period for the Occupy protesters, the Hong Kong government and the police - indeed for all citizens.

Many are debating how a world-class city could be held hostage for more than a month, and almost everyone, including the protesters, are questioning whether the occupation can end peacefully.

While ideas and strategies are being discussed within all camps, from the demonstrators and government, to the pro-Occupy pan-democrats and pro-establishment groups, there appears to be no way to avoid a physical confrontation. What is clear is that the government is running out of ideas and is determined to clear the protest sites. The demonstrators are running out of time and public goodwill as they remain steadfast to their principles.

A purported 1.8 million people have signed a petition asking for the streets to be returned to public use and in support of the police to uphold the rule of law. The public has come out in force, but the student leaders have been quick to denounce its legitimacy. The petition has had little or no effect in changing their minds and the stalemate is now not only with the government but also with a majority of the public.

Backed by High Court injunctions , the clearances have begun. There was little resistance from demonstrators as some barriers were removed in Admiralty. Yet if violence were to break out in the future, such confrontations could provoke more people to come out onto the streets in support of the protesters.