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Alex Lo

As they say, live and let live. I think the 20th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to China is a cause for celebration.
You may think it’s a complete waste of time, and that it’s far more meaningful to protest against whatever irks you about Hong Kong, or the local and central governments.
Well, you have your right and I have mine.
But I will be taking my children to visit the football fields in Victoria Park on July 1 – to the science and engineering expo featuring the Long March 1 rocket and the Tianzhou 1 cargo spacecraft.
As a former science reporter, I am fascinated by the nation’s space programme.
I think it’s great they are using the pitches for something fun and educational on July 1 for once, since 2004.
No political motivation involved in July 1 Victoria Park booking, insists Hong Kong pro-Beijing stalwart
I am sure they will go back to leasing them for anti-government rallies next year and forever thereafter.
So please, for just this one time on July 1, can we do something fun in Victoria Park?
After all, this is the first time in more than a decade the central lawn will be used for something other than as the starting point of the annual protest march.


Some people claim that’s political censorship.
I rather see a failed attempt at bullying by the Civil Human Rights Front, organisers of the annual rally, who seem to think it’s their God-given right to use the public pitches every year for the march.
No one is stopping them from marching, but why can’t we use the park for something else without being accused of trying to muffle opposition?
Why is it any more legitimate to stage a political rally than a national anniversary celebratory event, and a fun science fair at that?
Pro-Beijing group given priority for July 1 march venue at Victoria Park over annual event organiser
Some Hong Kong parents think it’s good civic education to take their children to the annual march.
I don’t question their parental right and choices to do it, though they are not mine. I prefer to take my kids to a science expo.
Why do you think you have the right to stop me from doing it? As a parent, I happen to think aeronautics is far more educational and fun than protesting.
We don’t have enough young people studying science and engineering as it is, though we have more than our fair share of student activists.


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My Take

Let our children experience science for a change, not protest

The Civil Human Rights Front, organisers of the annual rally on July 1st that starts from Victoria Park , claim they are being bully and pushed out from their location for their anti-government rallies. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Pro-Beijing group given priority for July 1 march venue at Victoria Park over annual event organiser

The July 1 marches usually start from the football pitches at Victoria Park. Photo: Dickson Lee

Citizens join the July 1st march in Victoria Park to voice their discontent over various social and political issues. 01JUL16 SCMP/Dickson Lee

The Civil Human Rights Front July 1st rally starts from Victoria Park. 01JUL16 SCMP/K. Y. Cheng

Opinion

Reclaiming Hong Kong’s Victoria Park from the annual July protest for the first time in years is a great thing for the city


Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Reclaiming Hong Kong’s Victoria Park from the annual July protest for the first time in years is a great thing for the city

Reclaiming Hong Kong’s Victoria Park from the annual July protest for the first time in years is a great thing for the city