We believe a better Hong Kong is possible.
We believe in social justice, equality, freedom and democracy.
We believe the democratic right to vote is a basic human right and that universal suffrage and full democracy should be introduced immediately. We believe the democratic movement in Hong Kong should not be afraid to adopt new strategies to fight for real democracy. The pro-democratic camp needs to find the most effective tactics that suit the political and cultural conditions of present day Hong Kong. Power can be taken, but not given - the process of the taking is empowerment in itself. More activists need to come forward who are prepared to take a real stand. Pro-democratic groups need to think carefully to take the right kind of peaceful action - at the right moment - and in the right location, in order to maximize it's impact. See our non-violent direct action page and photos page for more details.
There are many ways in which the different democratic political groups here could empower themselves and ignite more public support. The democracy movement should be taking more courageos steps to build up more power and to do so in a controlled way to make it clear the movement is completely peaceful. The movement should be learning as much as it can about the struggles for power undertaken by the Suffragettes, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela - but finding unique strategies that are right for Hong Kong at this time and age. Other democratic groups here should not make the mistake of comparing Hong Kong and China to countries which are already democratic. Hong Kong is in great danger of ending up with a Singaporean-style of fake democracy. Once the Article 23 "anti-subversion" laws are passed it will be difficult to adopt the openly defiant, "lawful", demonstrations our group has been engaging in, which is why it is important not to allow the government to pass Article 23. Activists should be more effectively using the protection they have under the Basic Law and rule of law here, to more effectively put the government under greater pressure to listen to the people. Before taking any action it is important democratic groups find out as much about the law as possible and the consequences of their actions to be able to make calculated decisions. The democracy movement should be more effectively taking advantage of the fact that we have freedom of speech, a free media not directly controlled by the government, and the constitutional right to demonstrate.
We think the obscene gap between the rich and poor in Hong Kong is completely unacceptable. We believe Hong Kong should be looking at new ways of creating a stronger but fairer economy which benefits everyone, not just the few. We support, for example introducing a minimum wage and also would support taxation reform to tax the top 10% of the population more so that the poor and middle class have a chance to improve their life. Hong Kong is one of the last remaining developed economies in the world which still has a flat tax system and which has still not introduced minimum wage legislation.
We think corporate big business has too much power over society and that the government listens to tycoons more than the general public. Universal suffrage creates a fairer society because it means that all of us, from the person who cleans the street to the the richest tycoon, has the same power on election day. We oppose all vested interest groups which are stopping Hong Kong become a fairer society. We support, for example, bringing in a fair competition law to stand up to the corporate monopolies which pervade Hong Kong in everything from property development to supermarkets to horse racing.
We think that urgent measures need to be put in place to reduce the unacceptable levels of pollution in Hong Kong and Guangdong. In particular we think Hong Kong has a responsibility to "educate" the mainland Chinese authorities that economic growth is not much good if it means their environment and quality of life will suffer.
We dream of a world where people are treated equally and with respect regardless of their background, financial status, race, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation. We oppose prejudice in all its forms. We think young people and women should be treated equally within families - we believe the patriarchal system that dominates in Hong Kong, as it does in the world generally, is morally unjustifiable.
We think improvements could be made in the local education system to encourage more international and progressive minded thinking in young people. We consider that this would help them in employment in the new global economy and also help create a more harmonious society. We believe children from poorer families should be entitled to as good an education and start in life as anyone else. We also feel that the education given to young people by schools, parents, and religious organizations about sex and relationships simply isn't good enough in Hong Kong.
We believe in individual creativity, freedom and that people should be able to live without fear from the community's bullies. We speak for many young people when we say responsibility and a dedication to improving society can be achieved without conformity.
We believe Hong Kong should be putting more pressure on the Beijing government to release political prisoners in China.
We want to encourage more debate about the bigger picture rather than the petty grievances that most politicians in Hong Kong focus on. As well as fighting for big local issues like democracy and inequality in Hong Kong we at least want to attempt to raise a bit more awareness of the important world issues of our time - such as world poverty, AIDS, protecting the environment and building peace. We belong to the increasing number of young people of our generation who respect the philosophy of the United Nations ahead of loyalties based simply on race or nationality.
We also believe in giving credit to the Hong Kong government when credit is due.
We expect a small group of nutcases probably won't make much difference to the injustices in Hong Kong, but it won't stop us trying!!
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