As we approach the 12th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland, we can all take heart from the fact that the turnout for this year’s June 4th memorial at Victoria Park had a record number of attendees. Many no doubt felt the need to show their support as a direct response to Donald Tsang’s ill-advised comments on the topic, as well as his hubris in asserting that he speaks for all Hong Kong.

Whatever the reason, the world could not fail to be impressed by the photos and videos of tens of thousands of people peacefully gathered together to ensure that the world does not forget what happened on that day 20 years ago. Let us not forget that these are not revolutionaries; the vast majority are loyal Chinese citizens who are merely seeking a proper accounting of that horrendous event and, possibly, some expression of remorse or regret. They reject the notion that the blood of thousands can be “paid for” with economic progress. And they reject the ridiculous notion that they are not smart enough to have some say in how they are governed.

Rather than being encouraged by this peaceful assembly of loyal citizens, the Chinese government continues to run as fast as possible in the opposite direction. Their latest nonsensical decree is to require a piece of censorship software called Green Dam to be installed on every new PC sold in the country. Aside from blocking politically sensitive material, Green Dam has also been proven to be a poorly programmed piece of crap that leaves users’ computers vulnerable to hacker attacks.

Thomas Jefferson once wrote, ‘The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.’ As July 1st approaches, it’s more important than ever that we in Hong Kong should continue to celebrate and guard the freedoms we have and to continue the battle for universal suffrage. s