I refer to the article “As Joe Biden ’s ‘Summit for Democracy’ convenes, questions arise about how ‘democracy’ is defined” ( December 8 ). In Canada and the US, our first-past-the-post electoral system – which I find barely qualifies as democratic rule within the spectrum of democracy – seems to serve corporate interests better than those of the general public. It’s basically why those powerful interests resist attempts to change the system to one of proportional representation, as that would dilute lobbyist influence. Among the electoral systems that are friendly to big business, and thus are favoured by it, governments elected in a low-representation, first-past-the-post system – in which a relatively small portion of the population is electorally represented – are the easiest for lobbyists to manipulate or “buy”. Proportional representation creates a greater challenge for lobbyists. The elected government, which better represents the electorate as a whole, should be considerably harder for big business to steer, if at all. In our part of the world, big, powerful corporations actually write bills for our governing representatives to vote for and implement, supposedly to save elected officials time. I believe the practice has become so endemic that those who are aware of it (a group that likely includes the mainstream media) don’t bother publicly discussing it. Frank Sterle Jnr, British Columbia Free barbecued pork rice a better incentive to vote Responding to concerns about a low voter turnout for Sunday’s Legislative Council election – the first such election following Beijing-mandated electoral changes – the Hong Kong government is offering free rides on the MTR, buses and trams on polling day to try to boost the turnout. However, since for many Hongkongers the polling station is located near their home and there is no need to use public transport to get there, people are joking that they should enjoy the free rides by going to Stanley, Shek O or Tung Chung instead. To take full advantage of the government’s largesse, the further the better! There are also suggestions that free food should be offered: for instance, coupons for popular dishes such as barbecued pork rice, rice dumplings and roast duck rice. For my part, barbecued pork rice will serve my stomach well and sounds like a practical idea. I suggest the government have a think. Now is not too late to act and make the announcement. For Hongkongers who are planning to make a hike far from the hustle and bustle of the city or enjoy a lavish seafood dinner in the countryside that day, I suggest that we should first fulfil our duties as citizens and vote. Randy Lee, Ma On Shan Government transparency must not just be Lam’s words Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor speaks often of transparency when referring to her government. I wrote to the Lands Department months ago requesting information on why public land was given to a private company operating a private school to be used as a private playground, when it should be used as a public recreation area. I have received letters to say officers are investigating and a telephone call to say that the information is private and not open to the public. That’s not transparent. I have met Lam three times and she is a pleasant person and works hard, but the heads of her departments seem to be letting her down. John Fleming, Tung Chung Parental support vital to children pursuing sport With regard to your article “Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam tells schools to promote sport to bolster pupils’ national identity” ( December 2 ), I am writing to express my concern about the disregard for children’s dreams and independence. Ms Lam was officiating the naming of a classroom in Lam Tai Fai College after Tokyo Olympics hero Edgar Cheung Ka-long , who left the school in 2014. No one would disagree that becoming a professional athlete requires dedication and many sacrifices. Even with such attributes, how often is it that a teenager will quit school and develop an alternative career path? In most Asian countries with highly competitive education systems, parents may have already decided their children’s career paths – first give your full attention to your studies, go to university, get a degree, then get a professional job with a stable income, such as becoming a doctor or a lawyer. In 2017, about 1,000 young people between six and 17 years old in the UK were asked about their desired career. The top-ranked job was YouTuber, followed by blogger and musician. Interestingly, money was not a chief motivating factor. Attractive careers were those that brought fame and allowed creativity and self-expression. Parents who focus only on their children’s future earnings and job stability risk disregarding their children’s authentic hopes. Empathy is the key. By respecting the choices children make, we help them develop independence and determination. Parents should take the role of a good adviser and listener, but not the decider. We can take reference from how Cheung’s parents responded to his wish to quit school. They allowed him to pursue fencing for two years, with a promise that he would keep up his good performance in the sport or return to his studies at the end of the trial period. Formal education is a straight and predictable road, not so the route of a professional athlete. Cheung’s parents empathised with his aspirations and became his solid supporters on his road to success. Charles Tsang, Tsuen Wan