Thank you, Hong Kong!

Weekly column written for the Singapore Unbound newsletter. Sign up here.

This Thanksgiving I'm giving thanks for the Hong Kong protesters who struggled bravely for democracy and human rights, and for the brave Hong Kong people, who voted in record numbers and handed authoritarianism a stinging defeat. There is mourning amidst the thanksgiving, for the protesters who died or were badly injured in the struggle. For injured members of the Hong Kong police too, who are someone's father, brother, and son. It is unbridled authoritarianism that pitted one side against the other. There should be a commission of inquiry into excessive police violence and the higher-ups who gave the orders, not those who had to carry them out, have to be held responsible, but the commission should include not only the goal of truth, but also that of reconciliation.

The Hong Kong protests will, I hope, inspire those of us in the USA to take part in the mass movement to impeach Trump, if any inspiration is needed. Nearly 300 cities across the country will mobilize to demand impeachment on the eve of the House vote. You can sign up here for a rally near you. We need massive pressure on the lawmakers to do the right thing. We are not helpless observers. We can participate in mass non-violent action.

Last week Singapore Unbound launched our Year-End Fundraising Appeal "Doing A Lot With Very Little." We aim to raise USD10,000 to do all the work that we do, including organizing the 4th Singapore Lit Fest in NYC next year. Would you help us by making a generous donation? Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Jee Leong Koh
November 28, 2019

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