NEWS: 500,000 Protest for Democracy in Hong Kong, page 1

posted on Jul, 1 2004 @ 09:35 PM

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Up to half a million protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong challenging Beijing's refusal to let them elect there own leaders. Chanting "Return power to the people, fight for democracy", protesters wanted more freedom not independence from China.

Hong Kong reform rally draws vast crowd

Hundreds of thousands of people in white shirts poured onto the streets of Hong Kong yesterday to vent their frustration at Chinese rule and challenge Beijing's refusal to allow them to elect their own leaders.

Waving green and black banners and carrying umbrellas to shield them from the sun, retirees joined mothers carrying children to chant "Return power to the people, fight for democracy" as they streamed from a city park to government offices in the heart of the city kilometers away.

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Related Story
US reaffirms push for political reform in Hong Kong after mass street protests

[edit on 1-7-2004 by JacKatMtn]

[edit on 2-7-2004 by John bull 1]

JacKatMtn

posted on Jul, 2 2004 @ 10:56 AM

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Another story with a pic....

Hong Kong Poll Indicates Pro-Democracy Protesters Not Anti-Beijing

A new survey says Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters are mostly focused on local government problems, not the central government in Beijing. Some activists say China's leaders misunderstand the political aspirations of the marchers, who have been accused of being anti-Beijing.

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AP Photo

FredT

posted on Jul, 2 2004 @ 11:01 AM

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This was discussed in anotehr thread, but its really staggering when you consider that 5% of the population was out on the streets protesting. Bejing is going to be more than a little stressed out about this. THe otehr report said 350,000

Ambient Sound

posted on Jul, 2 2004 @ 11:20 AM

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I stipulate that Hong Kong is the absolute best thing to happen to China in a long, long time. Good for us as well. It can only enhance and speed the spread of capitalism throughout the rest of their society. If China somehow managed to take Taiwan without having to destroy it to do so, it would have the same effect and speed the westernization of China that much more (not that I think Taiwan is in any danger).

Notice that I said capitalism, not democracy, because that is really what does it. Once capitalism takes hold and people start realizing that they have more opportunity, people generally start looking at forms of goverment that contribute to this enviorment, or at least allow it a mostly free reign.

However, nobody ever said it was going to be an easy process. China's brand of socialism isn't going to go down without a fight, but it eventually will.

muppet

posted on Jul, 2 2004 @ 11:57 AM

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Originally posted by Ambient Sound
Notice that I said capitalism, not democracy, because that is really what does it. Once capitalism takes hold and people start realizing that they have more opportunity, people generally start looking at forms of goverment that contribute to this enviorment, or at least allow it a mostly free reign.

Excellent point Ambient Sound.

I think it also illustrates how democracy is best nurtured by peaceful diplomatic and economic relationships, rather than by imposition or force.