Social unrest in Hong Kong obviously has many deep-rooted socioeconomic causes. Wide-ranging discussions and reforms aimed at improving people’s livelihood are in order. However, the underlying conflict seems to be political. Many are under the false impression that their voices must be heard and acted on and, if this does not happen, resorting to violence is a justifiable step. There are many voices, sometimes contradictory, and thus not all voices can be acted on; and when one’s voice fails, exiting – instead of resorting to violence – may be the next logical step. There are two main contradictory voices: one uses “two systems” to reject “one country”; the other brooks no compromises on political order and sovereignty. There seems to be no end to this contradiction. The truth of the matter is that the force of “one country” is insurmountable. Those emotionally attached to Hong Kong but fundamentally opposed to “one country”, instead of constantly protesting, may consider leaving. Western democracies supporting their cause should welcome them as immigrants or refugees , bringing wealth and skills. They should be happier enjoying the rights and freedoms they so desire in those countries. If they turn out to be disillusioned in the process, they may return – but with a changed voice. Those who choose to stay should be happier too, in a less-crowded and more affordable city. Hong Kong could once again return to the normalcy of an orderly and pluralistic society. However, this preferable alternative may not be realised because of a stubborn but misguided belief that every voice, including violent expressions, must be heard and acted on. This is slowly pushing Hong Kong to the verge of an ungovernable anarchy, which may ultimately require the equivalent of the National Guard in the US to intervene to restore and maintain order. So the political choice is simple for Hongkongers: accept “one country” or exit. Constant expressions of opinion to the contrary sound romantic, even heroic, but also are annoying, inefficacious and destructive. Michael Ng-Quinn, Redlands, California