It is 45 years since the founding of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, which began to transform Hong Kong’s once corrupt police into a respected institution. It has taken one summer of failed policies overseen by a tin-eared and arrogant chief executive and her cabinet to undo that success. On a scale of zero to 10, 48.3 per cent of Hongkongers now rate their trust in police a zero; in the fortnight ending June 5, just before the June 9 protest, only 6.5 per cent of respondents had zero trust in police. All Hongkongers, whether they are for or against the protests, understand this total mistrust is a social disaster. But our chief executive still insists poor communication is the problem and so-called dialogue the remedy – the arsonist offering herself as architect to rebuild what she destroyed. A graph by Leung Kai-chi that shows #HongKong people’s trust in the police force, with navy representing 0, compiled with data from CCPOS. Latest figures from early Sept shows 48.3% have 0 trust in police. pic.twitter.com/2NShwPwVY6 — Rachel Cheung (@rachel_cheung1) September 23, 2019 Hong Kong residents are neither blind, deaf nor socially isolated. They have personally observed, and told each other about, many instances of unreasonable police behaviour. The strategy of dividing peaceful demonstrators from aggressive protesters with heavy-handed police tactics has failed. Indeed, it has only radicalised the middle class, and frightened the business elite and tourists. As National Day approaches and Lam still insists she is right, further humiliation looms for government and police. Her resignation will then be inevitable. Paul Serfaty, Mid-Levels Confront hatred with critical thinking and empathy I am deeply worried by the rapid escalation in tensions between opposing political camps after weeks of protests, in which the internet has played a significant role. It is sad that hatred has come into play between protesters, pro-Beijing supporters and the police force. Unsurprisingly, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s withdrawal of the controversial bill has done little to mend social divisions, because the debate has already shifted to fundamental ideological differences in politics. To break the political deadlock, it is of paramount importance that people leave their respective echo chambers and return to rationality. Echo chambers, such as online forums, are not only a haven of fake news and unsubstantiated information, they can also spread hatred. Once divisions are entrenched, people will resort to violence and eventually society pays the price. Although the government has to bear much responsibility for this political storm , it is also important for Hongkongers to change their mindsets, otherwise the next generation will take their behaviour as an example. Why Hong Kong protesters view police as the enemy Sadly, it has become the norm that people choose to believe what they want to believe, instead of the truth. Critical thinking enables us to consider issues objectively and see the whole picture. Hong Kong also desperately needs empathy and tolerance of opposing views. I urge all parties to refrain from intimidating acts or speech, and to try to reach a consensus on how to solve Hong Kong’s problems. Anfield Tam, Quarry Bay