Student protest leaders showed a lack of willingness to compromise during talks
It was clear from the meeting between the student leaders and senior officials, on Tuesday, that the protesters will only see or hear what they want.
It was clear from the meeting between the student leaders and senior officials, on Tuesday, that the protesters will only see or hear what they want.
Officials are required to be responsible. Their words may be deciphered in different ways no matter how cautious they are with their comments. By contrast, the students are often portrayed as passionate, idealistic, righteous, sincere and blameless.
The students were often emotional, talking about the demonstrators' suffering and sacrifices. The protesters at the Occupy sites on the streets responded with frantic cheers. When, however, the officials talked about the professionalism of the police force, their comments were met with boos. Was that the purpose of the meeting for the student leaders, to strengthen the conviction of these protesters instead of seeking a breakthrough in the current situation?
Students wanted the Basic Law changed, saying that it is the desire of the Hong Kong people. Is that really the majority view? When the legal requirements for making any change in the Basic Law were pointed out, I did not see the students exploring how to proceed.
The protesters were quickly interviewed about their reaction to the meeting. They all expressed disappointment in the government. Take note that these people can be readily interviewed.
I was in a taxi during the interview and if a reporter had interviewed me or the taxi driver, our views would have been quite different from those of the protesters.
The officials were criticised for repeating themselves, and for not making any concessions.
However, the officials did make proposals, including sending an informal report to the State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office. This report would reflect people's views expressed during the pro-democracy protests and a platform for dialogue on constitutional development could be set up. These were described by some as cosmetic.
Meanwhile, the students continue to threaten that more action will be taken, and the occupation will continue and more pressure should be put on the government. What concessions did the student leaders offer and are the protesters with their unlawful activities to be seen to be above the law?
