About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests • Hacker News Board

Re: About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests

#41

Post by loyukfai » Sun, Jun 16, 2019, 5:16 PM UTC

dymk wrote: post #5

Every article I see about the HK protests makes sure to focus on how non-violent the gathering was. I see many people framing that non-violence as a better way to affect change in their government. I sincerely hope that a non-violent protest gets these people the change they want, but I take real issue in framing violent protests as unnecessary when your historically oppressive government refuses to listen to the wil…

As others have pointed out, HK government is not historically oppressive, physically speaking. So if the protesters initiate violence without being provoked, mass opinions may change real quick.

IMO we better consider this on a case-by-case basis. If non-violent protests can and will work in more places in future, why not?

Re: About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests

#42

Post by NotPaidToPost » Sun, Jun 16, 2019, 5:17 PM UTC

ori_b wrote: post #30

NotPaidToPost wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What I wrote is not an allegation. It is a fact as there is currently no extradition from HK to Macau/mainland China/Taiwan. The whole bill was brought forward because of a HK resident accused of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan and who fled back to HK. You can say that this was a pretext to bring the bill forward but it still highlights a real issue. The Taiwanese government is being cynical here. It's also diffic…

They've had extradition for more than 100 years. http://oelawhk.lib.hku.hk/items/show/2937

Cancel the protests, you're 100 years too late... Or are you?

Re: About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests

#43

Post by [deleted] » Sun, Jun 16, 2019, 5:17 PM UTC

manigandham wrote: post #38

swjz wrote: post #18

They've made it. The Chief Executive apologized and the government has suspended the fugitive law amendment. That's really a RARE concession in these years because the Chinese government typically doesn't compromise at all under pressure.

This is nothing but a temporary delay. It will still be passed soon enough. Remember Hong Kong is on a 50 year countdown anyway so there’s always an inevitable end coming.

[deleted]

Re: About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests

#44

Post by laydn » Sun, Jun 16, 2019, 5:18 PM UTC

booleandilemma wrote: post #20

tmp2846 wrote: post #11

It’s a bit sad feeling like this level of participation would never happen in the US. I’m not sure what the reason is, but likely a mix of being a highly individualistic society, apathy, distraction.

What do you expect us to rally for? Genderless bathrooms?

How about : "how come we have more than 500.000 people file for bankruptcy every year, due to medical bills?"

Re: About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests

#45

Post by b_tterc_p » Sun, Jun 16, 2019, 5:18 PM UTC

briandear wrote: post #8

dymk wrote: post #5

Every article I see about the HK protests makes sure to focus on how non-violent the gathering was. I see many people framing that non-violence as a better way to affect change in their government. I sincerely hope that a non-violent protest gets these people the change they want, but I take real issue in framing violent protests as unnecessary when your historically oppressive government refuses to listen to the wil…

Violent protests brings out the tanks and people start dying literally in the streets. Unless you are talking about actual revolution, violent protest accomplishes nothing and results in losing the moral high ground which is critical if one is to have international support. Violent protest in Hong Kong would result in Beijing sending in soldiers to suppress the rebellion under the guise of “public safety.” You get ma…

It would be a huge risk. China is on the ropes in the political theater. Sending military troops to put down civilians in a free trade capital of the world would not earn them any favors.

Re: About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests

#46

Post by xwdv » Sun, Jun 16, 2019, 5:18 PM UTC

tmp2846 wrote: post #11

It’s a bit sad feeling like this level of participation would never happen in the US. I’m not sure what the reason is, but likely a mix of being a highly individualistic society, apathy, distraction.

I feel the opposite, I’m glad we don’t need these protests because the solution is to just go out and vote.

Re: About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests

#47

Post by trevyn » Sun, Jun 16, 2019, 5:19 PM UTC

CydeWeys wrote: post #24

swjz wrote: post #18

They've made it. The Chief Executive apologized and the government has suspended the fugitive law amendment. That's really a RARE concession in these years because the Chinese government typically doesn't compromise at all under pressure.

"Suspended" just means that it would be passed as soon as the protest pressure lets up. That's not good enough. They haven't made it yet.

They could start protesting for regime change in Beijing.

Being part of China goes both ways. :-)

Re: About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests

#48

Post by chongli » Sun, Jun 16, 2019, 5:19 PM UTC

tmp2846 wrote: post #11

It’s a bit sad feeling like this level of participation would never happen in the US. I’m not sure what the reason is, but likely a mix of being a highly individualistic society, apathy, distraction.

I wouldn't be so sure. If the entire US decided to gang up on one city, especially a city with a strong identity (New York or Boston) then you might see this.

Look at how New York responded after 9/11. Now put yourself in the shoes of the people of Hong Kong. When a group of people come to believe they are facing an existential threat, they respond in extraordinary ways.

Re: About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests

#49

Post by darkpuma » Sun, Jun 16, 2019, 5:19 PM UTC

tmp2846 wrote: post #22

JumpCrisscross wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> this level of participation would never happen in the US It probably would. We just don’t have an issue that imminently and clearly threatens the wellbeing of 2/7ths of the population, and for which a simple solution ( e.g. withdrawing a bill) presents itself. When American cities get pissed off and form a consensus, they certainly turn out.

I’m sure more than 2/7 of the population would argue the current president immediately threatens their wellbeing, but won’t demonstrate to show it.

If they earnestly believe their wellbeing is immediately threatened, then what is your theory for why they don't care to mass protest about it?

Re: About 2M People Rally in Hong Kong Weekend Protests

#50

Post by eqing » Sun, Jun 16, 2019, 5:19 PM UTC

People at both sides think they are legit.

An average HKer: I don't trust China's Justice system, which is heavily influenced by their government. I could be sent to China for made-up crime.

An average Chinese: Its a shame that HK as a part of China has Extradition treaties with all other countries but not Macau/Taiwan/Mainland (historical law by british). Imagine the same case for Hawaii and US Mainland.