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Letters

Yes, Hong Kong is desperate for improvement in human rights. Unfortunately, America is incapable of helping (“The US is worried about unrest in Hong Kong? That’s rich”, November 24).
The recent bill, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, that was passed by the US Congress calls for sanctions against officials responsible for human rights abuses in Hong Kong.
It is quite obvious these American politicians have double standards. While they condemn abusers of human rights in Hong Kong, if any, these policymakers have abused and punished the bottom 80 per cent of Americans by creating one of the worst wealth gaps in the world and stunting middle-class income growth for about 40 years.
The human rights that the bottom 80 per cent of Hongkongers desperately need are their rights to:
(a) food on the table
(b) affordable housing at a minimum of 150 sq ft per person
(c) good and affordable health care
(d) good education and upward mobility for their children.
Middle-class Hong Kong areas record huge turnouts as voters want voice heard
Before lecturing other countries on human rights and freedom, American politicians should prove to the world that American democracy and capitalism work for all Americans, especially the middle class.
By continuing to ignore the pain and suffering of its own middle class, America will eventually squeeze the middle class out of existence, just like in Hong Kong.
K.W. Lau, Jiangmen, Guangdong


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Tracing the rise and fall of Hong Kong’s Democratic Party, now facing oblivion

Hong Kong protests

Yes, Hong Kong wants human rights – and no, America can’t help

An American flag and a slipper lie on the ground at a homeless encampment in Oakland, California. Photo: Bloomberg

In a divided Hong Kong, 11 things we the people do agree on

Civilians near City University of Hong Kong dormitories in Kowloon Tong clear the roads of bricks and obstacles on November 17. Photo: May Tse

Why America’s growing wealth gap spells trouble for the rest of the world

A homeless encampment in Oakland, California. The rise in inequality in America has been so sharp that it is no longer clear the American poor are better off than the rich in the poorest countries. Photo: Bloomberg

Hong Kong elections: middle-class voters desperate to make voice heard as prosperous areas see record turnouts of more than 80 per cent

Joshua Wong (second right) and Kelvin Lam arrive at the South Horizons polling station for the district council elections. Photo: May Tse

Dr. Andrew Chiu (right) appears for the district council election at polling stations in Tai Koo Shing. 24NOV19 SCMP / May Tse

Exterior view of Star Seafood Floating Restaurant and City One Shatin in Sha Tin. 20OCT17 SCMP / David Wong

Opinion

US-China relations

Human rights

Letters | Yes, Hong Kong wants human rights – and no, America can’t help