Q How can the wealthy do more to help Hong Kong's needy?
Congratulations to the South China Morning Post for initiating another drive to help the elderly of Hong Kong.
In the past seven months, I have seen the Post initiate several drives to raise money and resources for different causes. What has impressed me the most is the transparency of how the funds were used. In a world where we are all victims of 'compassion fatigue', primarily because one doesn't really get to see how the resources one contributes are used or if they reach the people they are meant for, it is reassuring to see that by covering the story before and after, the Post ensures that the cause not only receives the appropriate attention but also that the benefits reach the people who need them most.
I have noticed that the bulk of goodwill comes from ordinary people. That is a good sign. The wealthy should not be relied upon to carry the burden of all the good that needs to be done. The resources in terms of time, money and opportunity can be offered by anybody. Even the smallest of contributions add up. If each Hongkonger contributed a dollar for the needy, with a population of about 6.7 million at last count, that adds up to a neat $6.7 million. All we should ask for in return is that we be shown where our money is used and whether the needy have actually benefited. We could drop a dollar each and never know the difference - our wallets won't be that much lighter but our spirits definitely will!
Jyoti Singh Visvanath, The Peak
Q Should same-sex marriage be allowed in Hong Kong?
Is this not the year 2003 AD, not 2003 BC? Are we not in the third millennium?
