Source:
https://scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3033403/hong-kong-protesters-remember-city-was-built-peace-and-respect-not Letters
Hong Kong protesters, remember that the city was built on peace and respect, not democracy and rebellion
- Hong Kong has weathered many crises, from the 2008 financial crash to Sars. We will overcome this one too, but only if we remember the values that made the city great
Protesters set fire to an entrance to Causeway Bay MTR station on October 4. Photo: AFP
The recent violent unrest has deeply saddened the whole of Hong Kong. We must no longer tolerate the chaos engulfing our home.
I used to be proud of being a Hongkonger, but not any more. What has happened to the culture of civilised discussion and expression of views? What happened to the basic respect and manners which once distinguished us cultural from others? This is no longer the home I know. I had never once in my life been scared of walking by myself, insecure about strolling around Hong Kong at midnight or afraid of being robbed and punched in a back alley – until now.
Hong Kong’s global reputation for prosperity, stability and security, built upon the efforts of millions of people over the past century, has collapsed before our very eyes. We have overcome Typhoon Mangkhut, the 2008 financial crisis and severe acute respiratory syndrome. We will also overcome this challenge, but only with cooperation between the government and people.
I call upon everyone to think harder about the values that made Hong Kong the great city it once was. The “fragrant harbour” was not built on the values of democracy or rebellion. The foundations of the legend that is Hong Kong are the values of unity, peace and respect.
It is time for Hongkongers to revisit these ideas. We need to show the world once again what we are capable of in times of despair and uncertainty. Rebuild peace. Rebuild Hong Kong.
Justin Yam, North Point
Hong Kong needs a poll on whether Carrie Lam should resign
Here’s a way to end the protests in Hong Kong. Imagine that people of all political persuasions are invited to a walk for Hong Kong. At the end of the walk, people are asked to fill in a questionnaire along with their name, identity card number and signature – witnessed and stamped by an official.
One of the questions could be whether Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor should be:
1. allowed to continue in her post
2. allowed to resign (within two weeks)
3. sacked
4. sacked and charged (or fined and jailed)
Lam alone started this crisis and she alone can end it. The longer she stays, the bigger the problem; she is the problem.
Her job is to maintain control. If she can’t, she must go.
The buck stops at the top.
Colin Leung, Newington, Australia