Letters to the Editor, September 23, 2016
Animal neglect problem is shaming city
The letter by Sirius Kong Tin- long (“Alarmed by escalation of animal cruelty”, September 17) echoed a grave concern among animal lovers in Hong Kong.
The behaviour of animal abusers amounts to inhumane atrocities that would shock any sensible person. A man killed a dog by throwing him from the 22nd floor of a building just because he barked too loudly.
An internet video showed a puppy placed in front of a python which swallowed him. Another video relayed a dog tied to the back of a car which the driver started slowly and then accelerated until the dog was dragged to its death.
The reasons behind these cruel acts boil down to a lack of respect for life. These people betray their egocentric obsession to exert power over weaker creatures which cannot speak for themselves. They are ignorant about the great service given to us by animals, especially pets. They offer companionship to people, give them long-term entertainment, and provide therapeutic help to those in need.
In particular, “man’s best friend” is adorably obedient and loyal to its owners. Specially trained dogs provide vital services. For instance, police dogs are used to sniff out illegal drugs. Guide dogs are an invaluable help to citizens who are blind.
As a dog lover, I would urge animal protection groups to band together and put an end to the serious animal abuse problems in our city.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals should ensure that existing legislation aimed at curbing animal abuse and punishing offenders is strictly enforced. This strict enforcement of the law can act as a deterrent. Stories of animal abuse damage Hong Kong’s reputation as an international city.
Public education campaigns are also important and should initially target young children and families.
All sectors of the community should learn to adopt a long overdue, animal-friendly attitude and this should be part of their daily lives. In so doing, we will do justice to all those animals created by God to serve mankind.
Patsy Leung, Mid-Levels
Act now to deal with staffing shortages
I read with some alarm your article on the staffing deficiencies in Hong Kong’s public health services (“Health system gasping for a lifeline”, September 17).
It is a matter of intense shame for the current and previous administrations, with their massive and ever-increasing fiscal reserves, that they have allowed this situation to develop and to continue.
It is an imperative for the government to introduce all necessary measures to overcome this problem as an urgent priority.
I would urge all politicians, office holders, special interest groups and other opinion formers to join together in a sustained demand that the government implement the necessary measures.
It should begin with an immediate public announcement of its commitment to the measures it proposes to undertake to rectify this appalling situation.
James Watkins, Mid-Levels
Trump’s ideas would hurt the US economy
I refer to the article, “Trump presidency would spell trouble for China’s economy, says Daiwa economist” (September 14).
I do not think there is any doubt that a Donald Trump presidency would be bad news for China’s economy, with his pledge to impose a 45 per cent tariff on Chinese goods imported to the US.
This trade makes up a relatively large proportion of China’s economy. A 45 per cent tariff could also be disastrous for the global economy.
If China was unable to find new export markets, many factories might shut down and the unemployment rate would rise. This would have an adverse effect globally and hurt emerging markets. There would be reprisals from those markets and this would hurt exporters in the US.
Trump’s proposals would harm other nations and not benefit America. He is a shrewd businessman; so why does he not understand this?
History shows that protectionism hampers the growth of international trade. The policies he is proposing show him to be a short-sighted politician. They would not help companies. Take the US steel industry as an example. Protectionist measures will not solve its fundamental problems. If he became president, the policies he has proposed would hurt the US economy.
As the world’s largest economy, the US should be actively promoting the development of free trade as a means of having a healthy global economy.
Cathy Yu , Shek Tong Tsui
Presidential election has turned nasty
Many Americans have said they are unhappy with the bitter US presidential election campaign and the trading of insults by the two mainstream candidates.
We recently had Donald Trump highlighting Hillary Clinton’s health problems and her sending of classified information on a private e-mail domain while secretary of state.
Clinton has fired back by saying that Trump discriminates against various groups of people, including women and Muslims.
Although Trump has no experience of government, some Americans will back him. They are unhappy with Barack Obama and think more of the same policies will not aid economic recovery.
I wish the candidates would focus more on policies that can really help US citizens and offer them a better future.
Carly Fung, Tseung Kwan O
Give start-ups subsidies to help with rent
Many young people are reluctant to launch their own companies in Hong Kong for a number of reasons.
They are concerned about their lack of experience if they only recently graduated and do not have the funds needed in a city like Hong Kong.
There might also be a lack of family support, because their parents are afraid they will fail.
The government should have subsidies that offer concrete help to young people wanting to launch a start-up. Subsidies should assist them with one of their biggest costs, paying the rent for an office.
Vicky Wong, Sheung Shui
In future, think about enjoying green festival
I refer to the letter by Joey Li (“Stop children buying toxic glow sticks”, September 19).
It has become more popular during the Mid-Autumn Festival for children to play with glow sticks. Sometimes they throw them into trees and make a wish which they hope will come true if the glow stick stays on the branch.
They may think what they are doing is fun and harmless, but these glow stocks with their chemicals inside damage the environment.
I hope next year young people will think about the real meaning of the festival, to enjoy the beauty of the moon and the legends connected with the festival, such as the one about Hou Yi and Chang’e.
Adults must get the right environmental message across to their children. and discourage them from buying glow sticks.
Connie Cheng, Tseung Kwan O
