Why are they representing Hong Kong?
Holly Anne, writer/
Seven Billion Today
Just read on the news that among other people, Joshua Wong and Denise Ho of Hong Kong, testified to the US Congress on 17 September 2019 with the intention of asking US Congress to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.
First of all, I do not understand how the both of them (and several others) got mandate to speak on behalf of everyone in Hong Kong. Countless times the protesters have declared that they have no leader and this is a movement initiated by the people. So why is it that Joshua Wong and Denise Ho are the people leading such talks?
Secondly, is it not ironic that this particular movement commenced because the Hong Kong Government proposed a bill that lacked public consultation and now we have “representatives” of Hong Kong pushing for an Act abroad without even remotely seeking whether this is what people of Hong Kong want? Remember, they are fighting for democracy. There is nothing democratic about what they are doing and at the end of the day, this is just what they want. Lastly, are they really naive enough to think that foreign countries like US will extend an aiding arm without anything to gain? Hong Kong is an important part of China, who is currently engaged in a trade war with the US. If this bunch really think US is democratic and upholds the rule of law in a just way, then they should go live there and see for themselves. With their own sets of problems boiling bigger by the day, why would US prioritize or even entertain the needs of the people of Hong Kong before their own?
I am sure some will probably come out and say there must be sacrifice and we should never stop fighting for democracy. I agree that this is the way to go but some people need a better understanding of what it actually means before flaunting themselves in front of places like Congress. Just because you are an activist does not mean you are always right and that whatever you are doing should be justified. Those who support them should also learn to be more critical. It is easy to just shout the words but it must also be reflected in their actions.
Before anyone goes off on what I have said, I understand that at the end of the day, you may not agree with me and I may not agree with you but I will choose to be respectful of your perspectives so I hope you respect mine.