WTO Protest

Local Words for Democracy in Hong Kong

There are so many thought and feelings from the people here in Hong Kong. I was treated to the words of a long time resident. One who has liver her whole life here and continues to hope for a free democratic society. These are her words…

“I was born and brought up in Hong Kong and have witnessed many major events that have decided our future. When the British were the Governor we had no awareness of the political issues, life seemed to be happy and people were satisfied. But things changed dramatically as soon as China took over Hong Kong in 1997. Mr. Tung became our Chief Executive and has been the worst since I can remember. Things continued to get worse even after SARS when Mr. Tung demonstrated his incapability to lead Hong Kong after a series of big events. As Hong Kong citizens, we felt so helpless but still wanted to control our own destiny.

Then the voice for freedom to elect our ideal Chief Executive began to emerge. People started to look at the "Basic Law" to find out what election rights we have. It's been clearly written down the schedule for universal suffrage (2007) but the Chinese Authority postponed it without any reasonable groundings. We are all resented by this. Our current Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang was not chosen by the people. In fact, he was nominated by the China Government to be our Chief Executive. We have no choice. We need basic human rights - the freedom election. Countries like Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand all have their freedom of election, why a place like Hong Kong which is so well-developed, so civilized has been deprived its basic right? The road for democracy has always been uneasy. But we will fight for it - until the day we win.”

For more information please visit two websites one by the Democratic party in Hong Kong that gives some brief ideas why the People if Hong Kong fight for universal suffrage as it has been written in the "Basic Law" which was drafted and agreed by both the British and Chinese Government. The other site reflects genuine opinions of the majorities in Hong Kong.

Major Pro Democracy Protest in Hong Kong

On Sunday December 4 as many as 250,000 people took to the streets in protest over the pro Chinese government system that has been put in place here in Hong Kong. Their slogan “one person, one vote” qualifies them in their action to have the right to choose the executive chair and the leadership of Hong Kong. Beijing has administered a project to allow people to vote (a mock democracy some say) for a selection of candidates that have been appointed to run for office from an 800 member election committee. This system although entitles one to vote, the candidates themselves are put their not by the people but (it is said) by pro China members of government (this said 800 member election committee). This protest could prove to be a monumental step for democracy in this country that has been overshadowed by the great walls of China. Since the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the Beijing central government has claimed a “one country, two system” formula that promised to give autonomy to Hong Kong. Yet there are obvious changes and influences sweeping this SAR (Special Administrative Region) that come from over the border. This thriving spec on the map is bringing international attention from its pro democracy protests and boasts to be one of the economic capitals of Asia. This takes place all in the buildup to the 2005 WTO (World Trade Organization) Ministerial Conference that will take place this coming week. (Photos compliments of Nancy Lo)

Global Peace

There was one point when I was younger when I thought that the famous two fingers up peace sign was unique to North America. Then I traveled to Europe and found it to be common there. Asia obsessed youth with the two fingers showed me that almost every picture was worthy of peace. Then I traveled to Africa and there to was no disputing it. These kids in a small village just out side of Pokhara, Nepal got it right and taught me about peace. Perhaps like them we should stretch our fingers in satisfaction to Global Peace.

Perambulators...what?

The other day I was kindly minding my own business on the typical double decker buses here in Hong Kong and this sign jumped up and hit me on the head. What the heck is a perambulator? The dictionary even calls this thing “old use” or “old fashioned.” Now as much as I've traveled and been all over the world these many years this was a new one to me. Sounds like something out of a science book or the arch nemesis of the Terminator. So for you who have kids or just want to sound intelligent feel free to use this very English term. For all you Pramies here is some advice on buying one of these old guys…Pass the pram please!?

Lost in Translation

Do you ever feel lost in a new country? Or perhaps you are just shocked out of your mind from all the chaos and unfamiliarity? What about when you follow the same path everyday for months in this world of craziness?

The other day I was walking on my usuall route through bustling markets selling fish, squid, hanging pieces of meat (I assumed it was beef or pig), birds, nuts, dried seahorses, fruit and many other things (some of which I don’t even know). Now for the average Canadian this would have been a movie scene and the smells and sensors would probably be on the edge of explosion. I on the other hand was just passing by on my way home and for a brief moment in time thought “some of these people I see everyday…it feels good to be home.”

Well my friend the verdict is simple…culture shock comes and goes in many forms. I walk past snakes and frogs being sold, chicken being slaughtered and feathered in this far off land and never once has it been a shock to my system. Whether I am habituated to funkiness, completely messed up or just adjust instantly it is unknown to me. The real problem is when I go back home. Yes…the dreaded reverse culture shock! It makes me turn blue and then I vomit from the plentyness, normalness, and boringness. I am addicted to the unusual.