Yesterday I witnessed a dramatic confrontation/debate between pro and anti democracy voices on the streets of Hong Kong. You can see one video of some of it here.
Soon after the moments shown above, the anti democracy speakers left the scene and the protesters returned to the highway to continue their great patient wait for democracy. I shot this video about 15 minutes later.
The scene above is what it is like the majority of the time on the streets of the Hong Kong protests. Quiet waiting. It is a relentlessly patient determined peaceful demand for the basic right for every person to be able to vote and choose their leaders.
I spend the majority of my time yesterday at Mong Kok because it seems to be the front lines of this protest. If a crack down happens, I think it will happen first at Mong Kok before they attempt to take on the sprawling Admirality.
While sitting in vigil at Mong Kok, I met a man who agreed to let me interview him as long as I did not show his face on camera. He feared for his safety from the Communist Party. Here is a little peek into our conversation (though we talked about much more!)
Several adult protesters I spoke to have such as simple eloquence about what they want. They just want the right to all vote to choose their leaders. They do not believe it is right for a small group of people to decide everything for everyone in Hong Kong- without the people having the right to vote them out of control.
I have also met with a range of attitudes and expectations for what will happen. I’ve met a few who oppose the protests- but it seems mainly out of fear for economic or violent consequences. Of those who support it, some believe it will absolutely be ended with no change. Some believe it will only end with a harsh crackdown from the government and blood shed. And some believe it will succeed.
I don’t know what is going to happen. Seeing all of this first hand has completely changed my impression of the possibilities. I know, I am absolutely inspired by the students leading this movement. They have a spirit and bravery that is special and rare and I am honored to bear witness to it- no matter whether the forces against them relent or attack.
