What Will China Gain if the Protests are Heard?
I have not set foot in the homeland of my birth in over 10 years. And yet, I still feel a close bond to the people of Hong Kong. And as I watch and hear and read of all taking place there - these tumultuous times - I can't help but to chime in here with my small, timid, perhaps unheard voice. Because we in America tout the virtues of democracy - but will we speak up for those who risk what they know not, who sit and protest and voice their own desire for freedom?
I will.
Though this is a small, not oft-read blog, I'll throw in my two-cents about this matter of democracy and freedom.
China stands to gain SO much if they heed and hear the cry and protests of those within its governance. Did you catch that? I said, 'those within its governance.' Catch that, please. It means not only those who raise their protest in a land claiming democracy - namely, Hong Kong. It also means those within the border of mainland China.
China is a huge country. It is a huge force for possible good globally. And the Chinese people as a whole are resourceful, courageous, hard-working, smart, industrious, family-honouring, smart, studious, daring, smart, delightful - and did I say, smart? 'Cuz I'll say it again. They are smart, clever, brilliant - however you want to put it. And these days the government of China can affirm the smarts of the people they govern or they can denounce it.
China has the power to quell the voice of protest. But they would lose so much if they did.
They would lose the wealth that Hong Kong generates - a 'who-cares' attitude would begin at the first squelching of their collective voice, and business would suffer. Tax revenues would fall - it would be the beginning of the end, and China would lose, BIG time.
They would lose the confidence, respect and honour of the people they govern and they would lose the respect of the watching world. They would face shame on a global scale. China would LOSE face, not gain it, if they refused to listen to the protests of the people.
China would again prove she is driven more by fear than by any other factor. Fear driven leadership, while perhaps effective in the short-term, only serves to crumble a nation. No-one respects actions taken on the basis of fear.
And China would gain SO much if she heard the cries of her people.
There would be breezes of hope and a future!
There would be economic gain and benefit.
There would be a 'We-Can-Work-Together' attitude!
There would be greater willingness to come together and see great things accomplished.
There would be public honour for the government.
There would be a better tomorrow.
If only the powers that be would sit up and take notice.
The people of Hong Kong have protested peacefully. They have enacted civil disobedience with an emphasis on the civil. They have pulled together to make their wishes clear. In many ways, they have demonstrated to China how orderly governmental and political ideas can be exchanged and heard.
Will China act wisely? Judiciously? Will she gain honour on a global scale? Or will she kow-tow to fear and set forth a hard-line approach, which will only bring further disaster and gloom on a struggling nation?
Ultimately, we know that politics isn't the only answer to a nation in struggle. We know there is no peace without the Prince of Peace. But until He is given His rightful place, a democratic process allows for access to basic freedoms for all. Will China allow such access to its people?
Only time will tell.
I will.
Though this is a small, not oft-read blog, I'll throw in my two-cents about this matter of democracy and freedom.
China stands to gain SO much if they heed and hear the cry and protests of those within its governance. Did you catch that? I said, 'those within its governance.' Catch that, please. It means not only those who raise their protest in a land claiming democracy - namely, Hong Kong. It also means those within the border of mainland China.
China is a huge country. It is a huge force for possible good globally. And the Chinese people as a whole are resourceful, courageous, hard-working, smart, industrious, family-honouring, smart, studious, daring, smart, delightful - and did I say, smart? 'Cuz I'll say it again. They are smart, clever, brilliant - however you want to put it. And these days the government of China can affirm the smarts of the people they govern or they can denounce it.
China has the power to quell the voice of protest. But they would lose so much if they did.
They would lose the wealth that Hong Kong generates - a 'who-cares' attitude would begin at the first squelching of their collective voice, and business would suffer. Tax revenues would fall - it would be the beginning of the end, and China would lose, BIG time.
They would lose the confidence, respect and honour of the people they govern and they would lose the respect of the watching world. They would face shame on a global scale. China would LOSE face, not gain it, if they refused to listen to the protests of the people.
China would again prove she is driven more by fear than by any other factor. Fear driven leadership, while perhaps effective in the short-term, only serves to crumble a nation. No-one respects actions taken on the basis of fear.
And China would gain SO much if she heard the cries of her people.
There would be breezes of hope and a future!
There would be economic gain and benefit.
There would be a 'We-Can-Work-Together' attitude!
There would be greater willingness to come together and see great things accomplished.
There would be public honour for the government.
There would be a better tomorrow.
If only the powers that be would sit up and take notice.
The people of Hong Kong have protested peacefully. They have enacted civil disobedience with an emphasis on the civil. They have pulled together to make their wishes clear. In many ways, they have demonstrated to China how orderly governmental and political ideas can be exchanged and heard.
Will China act wisely? Judiciously? Will she gain honour on a global scale? Or will she kow-tow to fear and set forth a hard-line approach, which will only bring further disaster and gloom on a struggling nation?
Ultimately, we know that politics isn't the only answer to a nation in struggle. We know there is no peace without the Prince of Peace. But until He is given His rightful place, a democratic process allows for access to basic freedoms for all. Will China allow such access to its people?
Only time will tell.
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