A struggle for freedom

A struggle for freedom The people of Hong Kong are currently engaged in historic protests to secure their political rights of democratic self-government. In recent days they have endured pepper spray and tear gas, and some of the peaceful protestors have been beaten by riot police. This episode invokes painful memories of Tiananmen Square protests 25 years ago, which ended in a bloody massacre that the authorities in Beijing continue to deny ever happened. The Chinese Communist Party must not once again resort to more violent tactics in an attempt to end the protests. The people in Hong Kong are giving voice to the immutable desire for freedom that burns within each person, a desire that for too long has been suppressed in mainland China. The peaceful protests have captured the world's attention; now the question is: How will the Chinese government respond?  News about Hong Kong protests Stay up to date on the latest news out of Hong Kong:   "Mainlanders in Hong Kong see standoff as an inconvenience and inspiration" (New York Times) "Hong Kong government's strategy on protestors: wait them out" (New York Times) "Hong Kong protests 'beyond what I imagined,' says one key organizer" (Foreign Policy) "In 'Umbrella Revolution,' China confronts limits of its power" (Reuters) "Told to end protests, Organizers in Hong Kong vow to expand them" (New York Times) "For China, limited tools to quell unrest in Hong Kong" (New York Times) "Hong Kong protestors could change Beijing's thinking" (Washington Post commentary; video included) "Head off a Tiananmen massacre in Hong Kong" (Wall Street Journal; subscription required) "HK protests' 'Umbrella Revolution' tag escapes China's censors -- for now" (Reuters) Protestors clash with police in Hong Kong (Photo: Wally Santana/AP)   VOC Executive Director Marion Smith speaks in support of Hong Kong at rally organized by Initiatives for China on 10/1/2014