Following the Hong Kong Street

Train Derailment A train on the main line between Kowllon and the Chinese border at Lowu derailed yesterday morning at 8:30.  “Chaos,” read the SCMP headline.  However the paper was careful not to link this to actions of democracy protesters, saying only that the MTR and the police would launch separate investigations.  Nevertheless, such disruptions make one wonder.  The MTR has become an object of repeated damage.  Protesters complain the MTR has aided police.  It would not surprise anyone to find out that protesters caused this derailment.  Of course it could just as easily be a fluke mistake.  Or it could be staged by another party to make it appear that protesters chased it.  The possibilities are endless, and we know not where we stand. As of today’s SCMP, Sept. 19, the government is now looking into the possibility of sabotage.  This includes intentional action by disgruntled MTR employees.

Sept. 11 It’s the first week of school, and Hong Kong University is jam-packed, as usual.  Gone are the lazy days of summer break when you could have half the library to yourself.  Now the common areas on campus are full of people rushing about.  And the Democracy Movement activities have stepped up their game.  Immediately upon leaving the MTR you’re greeted by a sandwich board man with photos.  Another student is standing there handing out a “Humanitarian crisis in HK” flier, complete with a HKPROTEST1001 bingo game.  (“It’s a global battle for universal values.  Join us, or the threat of authoritarian force will loom over the world.”).  All of a sudden you realize the struggle has shifted onto another plane.  It’s not simply physical action, the constant cat-and-mouse shock mob actions that we saw all summer.  It’s now about messaging. China of course has already been in high gear with getting its messages out.  On ...