From Occupy Central to occupying the middle ground
Tom Plate says while both sides gained something from the protests, the time has come to employ some shrewd thinking, rather than more demonstrations, to break the impasse
Perhaps my optimistic Californian outlook is getting the better of me, but, peering over at Hong Kong from Los Angeles, I believe both sides made gains from the confrontation over the 2017 chief executive election.
The pro-democracy protesters can stand proud for the big statement they made and - up to a point - the way in which they made it. They brought attention to their perceptions of the deficiencies in the Beijing-approved process. They said they wanted more than half a loaf. And they did so, on the whole, with youthful bravery and a sense of principle.
But now it is time to move on to a new, more cerebral phase. No sense hitting your head against reality again. No more taunting.
As for Beijing, they have held true to their own principle - unitary sovereignty - without resorting to vicious force. The Hong Kong government used tear gas to contain street protests but not bullets to fell protesters. Compare this relatively restrained approach with the consistent and routine police overreactions in the United States, where blacks risk their lives just by raising their voices, hoisting placards or even brandishing toy guns.
The authorities were firm without escalating the tension to an international tragedy. There was careful calibration and they did not back down. At the same time, there is no reason for them to get their backs up again. (And please, no more contented self-slaps on the back for how strongly they stood.) They made their point - the central authorities did not change their mind, certainly not when confronted by the likes of fresh-faced students. And they obviously could, and would, make that point again if tested.
Instead, now is the time for reflective recalibration. In what ways can strong-minded and strong-willed officials take a moment and reflect carefully on what they went though and review future options? Standing your ground works only if history isn't threatening to move forward without you.
Consider that the central government and the Communist Party have overseen one of the greatest economic resurgences in history. That they did not do it the American way may trouble Americans, but the achievement cannot be denied, and in fact needs to be respected.