Young and Old, Hong Kong People Send Out One Voice: Against Article 23 (photos)

The hottest topic in Hong Kong is tomorrow's (July 1) "Against Article 23, Return Government to the People" March. In the past few days media have carried extensive coverage of voices of lawyers, medical doctors, scholars and non governmental organizations against article 23. To further understand the opinions of people of different classes, reporters interviewed several Hong Kong citizens, young and old. Even though they may not go to participate in the march, they are all against Article 23. Some residents hope that through extensive participation and strong voice, they could change government's decision to erect article 23 by showing up in the march.

Mr. Zeng, manager of public housing had experience living under Chinese communist rule. He summarized the evilness of Article 23. "I support the July 1st historic march. Article 23 is very unfair to Hong Kong people. I have lived through the unfair treatment in Mainland and I experienced it myself. I have direct knowledge of the effect of Article 23 on Hong Kong." He said his family also supported the grand march. He hoped more warm hearted people to speak out, one more voice, one more action, will make government to change their decision in the end.

Ms. He is a kindergarten teacher. She expressed that from the resident's point of view, we all hope to have the right to choose freely. However the government would not understand people's feeling. She said, "I will participate in the march to express my rights."

Does the younger generation know about Article 23 and the July 1st march? The interviews showed that they are not just reading the book but they also are concerned with the current situation and have a good understanding of Hong Kong government. Fourth grader Xiao and Luo said, "We all have some idea of the effect of Article 23 on us. We are against Article 23. We believe the government won't care." They think tomorrow there will be many people such as the democratic party to participate in the march and will not need the youth to participate." They added, "We will support them from behind, but we will not go."

Also all universities' "democratic walls" all have against Article 23 postings by students. One of the slogans said, "Article 23 evil legislation is so scary. The occurrence of this evil law has its reason. The Hong Kong government ignores the people's opinion. The Communist's claw is extending to Hong Kong." The message expressed their resentment toward Article 23, the Hong Kong government and the central government.