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Why Technical Talent Struggles in Bureaucratic Systems

In many countries, people believe technology is the key to progress. But in some places, especially where bureaucracy runs deep, technology tends to decline instead of thrive. This is not because there is a lack of talent, but because the system does not recognize or reward those who build, fix, and innovate.

Technical professionals such as engineers, developers, and craftsmen often face an unfair deal. They carry heavier responsibilities, solve harder problems, and continuously sharpen their skills, yet they receive the same pay and recognition as administrative staff who might not face the same level of challenge or pressure. Over time, this imbalance wears people down. Some ask themselves why they should work so hard when others do less and still get ahead. Others consider switching careers just to be seen and heard.

I experienced this personally while working as a software engineer in Hong Kong. I loved solving problems and building reliable systems. I took pride in writing clean code and making things work better for users. But no matter how much value I delivered, the recognition usually went to someone else, often a manager who didn’t write a single line of code. Promotions and raises were given based on how well you managed meetings or headcounts, not how much you contributed to the product or the customer experience. At one point, I realized that if I wanted to move up, I had to stop being an engineer and become a manager. That realization broke my heart. It made me question whether we truly value builders at all.

This problem is not new. In Chinese history, many people who had real skills started out as soldiers, merchants, or craftsmen but eventually became officials because that was the only path to respect and a decent life. Those who stayed in technical roles were treated like common laborers, working harder for less. Over time, this led to poor craftsmanship, lower quality, and a culture of cutting corners. When talent is not respected, excellence cannot survive.

In contrast, countries like Germany and Japan built cultures that honor craftsmanship. Skilled workers are respected, protected, and given space to master their trade. A watchmaker in Germany or a swordsmith in Japan could earn deep respect, not just for what they made, but for how they made it. They didn’t need to become managers to be valued. They were valued because they pursued excellence with discipline, pride, and care.

This difference in mindset still matters today. Countries that respect their builders lead in manufacturing, engineering, and innovation. Countries that ignore them fall behind and become dependent on others for progress.

If we want to build a better future, we need to stop telling our best minds that management is the only path to success. We need to reward people who create, who fix, who design, and who improve. We need to create cultures where technical excellence is celebrated, not overlooked. Let engineers stay engineers and still rise. Let craftsmen take pride in their work and still thrive. Let builders be heroes in their own right.

Because when we lift up our builders, we all rise together. A society that values its creators will never stop growing, and a team that believes in its talent can achieve the impossible.

Let us be the ones who build that culture. Let us lead by example. Let us make room for the makers, the doers, and the dreamers who turn ideas into reality.

The future belongs to those who build it.

為什麼技術人才在官僚體制中難以被重視

在許多國家，人們相信科技是推動進步的關鍵。但在某些地方，尤其是官僚體制根深蒂固的地方，科技不但無法蓬勃發展，反而會逐漸退化。這並不是因為缺乏人才，而是因為體制無法認可或獎勵那些真正動手創造、修復與創新的技術人員。

工程師、開發者、技工等技術專業人士經常面臨不公平的處境。他們肩負更重的責任、解決更複雜的問題，並持續提升自己的技能，卻只能獲得與行政人員相同的待遇與認可，而後者往往面對的挑戰和壓力遠遠較少。隨著時間過去，這種不平衡讓人感到心力交瘁。有些人會質疑，為什麼我要這麼辛苦，而其他人付出更少卻能更快升遷？也有些人開始考慮轉行，只為了能被看見、被重視。

我自己就有這樣的經歷，當時我在香港擔任軟體工程師。我熱愛解決問題，也喜歡打造穩定可靠的系統。我為自己寫出乾淨、可維護的程式碼感到自豪，也樂於讓使用者有更好的體驗。但不管我貢獻了多少價值，最終獲得認可的往往是別人，通常是那些從未寫過一行程式碼的管理者。升遷與加薪的標準，不是根據你為產品或客戶帶來了多少實際成果，而是看你主持了多少會議、帶了多少人。後來我明白，如果我想往上走，就必須放下工程師的身分，轉做管理職。這個體悟讓我非常難過，也讓我開始質疑，我們是否真的有在尊重那些真正「動手做事」的人。

其實，這樣的問題並不新。在中國歷史中，很多有真正技能的人，起初是士兵、商人或工匠，但最後不得不轉為官員，因為那是唯一一條能獲得尊重和穩定生活的道路。那些堅持技術工作的人，則被當成普通勞工看待，付出更多，得到更少。長久下來，這導致工藝水準下降、品質變差，甚至出現偷工減料的文化。當社會不尊重技術人才，卓越就無法存在。

反觀德國和日本這些國家，則建立起尊重工藝的文化。技術工作者在那裡受到尊重和保護，也有空間不斷磨練自己的技藝。在德國，一位製錶師，在日本，一位鑄劍師，都可能因其技術與專業而受到高度敬仰。他們不需要成為管理者才能被重視。他們之所以受到重視，是因為他們追求卓越、堅持紀律、以熱忱與細心完成每一件作品。

這種思維上的差異，直到今天依然深具影響力。那些重視技術人才的國家，在製造、工程與創新方面始終領先。相反地，忽視技術人才的國家，最終只能依賴他人提供進步的力量。

如果我們真的想打造一個更美好的未來，就不能再告訴我們最優秀的人才：「只有做管理才能成功」。我們應該獎勵那些創造、修復、設計與改善的人。我們要建立一種文化，讓技術上的卓越受到讚賞，而不是被忽略。讓工程師繼續當工程師，也能有所成就。讓工匠為自己的作品感到驕傲，也能活得精彩。讓建設者成為真正的英雄。

當我們一起提升那些默默做事的人，我們整個社會也會一起進步。一個尊重創造者的社會，永遠不會停止成長；一個相信人才的團隊，可以達成看似不可能的目標。

讓我們成為那種文化的開創者。讓我們以身作則。讓我們為那些真正把想法變成現實的人，留出空間。

因為未來，屬於願意動手去建造它的人。

Entrepreneurship with Purpose

Many people believe that change is driven by politicians, officials, or scholars. But some of the most powerful forces in society are small and medium-sized business leaders. These individuals are the quiet backbone of the economy. They create jobs, support families, and drive growth in their communities. They often work tirelessly, face uncertainty, and carry the heavy responsibility of making sure their businesses survive and thrive.

Running a business is never easy. Even a small mistake can cause big problems. In smaller companies, everything depends on the determination and strength of the person at the top. If the leader hesitates, the business can quickly fall apart. That is why leadership is not just about skills or strategies. It is about mindset, courage, and responsibility.

Success in business does not require complicated theories. What matters most is doing meaningful work, bringing value to customers, and earning the trust of others. When a business focuses on helping people and solving real problems, it becomes a positive force in society. Profit is important, but purpose is what gives a company real strength.

Businesses built on selfish motives may succeed for a short time, but they rarely last. Over time, people notice the difference between companies that care and those that do not. Customers stop supporting them. Employees lose motivation. True success comes from a desire to serve, to improve lives, and to create something greater than oneself.

In times of struggle, great leaders rise. They do not panic. They do not give up. They stay calm and push forward. Their energy lifts the entire team. Even when facing loss or failure, they keep going, knowing that their attitude shapes the future of the company. A strong leader inspires strength in others. A weak moment, on the other hand, can quickly spread doubt and fear.

Innovation is not just about big breakthroughs or expensive technology. It begins with small steps. It comes from asking how to make things better than yesterday, finding smarter ways to work, and never settling for good enough. When everyone in an organization is encouraged to think, improve, and challenge the norm, real progress happens.

A successful business is not built in a single day. It grows through purpose, persistence, and people who believe in doing things the right way. When companies are led by individuals who act with integrity, serve others, and commit to daily improvement, the impact goes far beyond financial results. They help create a better future for everyone around them.

In a world full of challenges, the greatest difference is often made not by those in power, but by the quiet strength of those who lead with heart and never stop moving forward.

有使命感的創業精神

許多人認為，社會的變革主要來自政治人物、公務員或學者。然而，社會中最具影響力的力量之一，其實是中小企業的經營者。他們是經濟體系中默默無聞的支柱，創造就業機會、扶養家庭，並帶動社區的成長。他們常常不辭辛勞地工作，面對各種不確定性，承擔沉重的責任，確保企業能夠生存並持續發展。

經營企業從來不是件容易的事。即使是一個小錯誤，也可能引發重大的問題。在中小企業中，一切都取決於領導者的決心與堅韌。如果領導人猶豫不決，企業很快就可能陷入危機。因此，領導力不僅是技巧與策略，更是心態、勇氣與責任感的體現。

企業的成功並不需要複雜的理論。最重要的是從事有意義的工作，為客戶創造價值，並贏得他人的信任。當一間企業專注於幫助他人、解決真實問題時，它就成為社會中的一股正面力量。利潤固然重要，但真正給予企業持久力量的是其使命與目標。

那些建立在自私動機上的企業，或許能短暫成功，但往往難以長久。時間一久，人們就能看出哪些公司是真正關心他人，哪些則否。顧客會停止支持，員工也會失去動力。真正的成功，來自服務他人的心志、改善生活的渴望，以及創造比自身更宏大價值的決心。

在艱難時期，偉大的領導者總是能夠挺身而出。他們不會驚慌失措，也不輕言放棄。他們保持冷靜，堅定向前。他們的能量能夠鼓舞整個團隊。即使面對失敗與困境，他們也不退縮，因為他們深知自己的態度將塑造企業的未來。一位堅強的領導者能激勵他人展現堅韌；而一絲軟弱，卻可能迅速蔓延並帶來士氣低落。

創新不只是關於重大突破或昂貴科技。它從小處著手，來自於每天問自己：今天怎麼能比昨天做得更好？怎麼樣的方式更聰明、更有效？永遠不滿足於現狀，才能讓真正的進步發生。當每一位員工都被鼓勵去思考、去改善、去挑戰常規，企業才會真正邁向成長。

一個成功的企業不是一天建立起來的。它來自於清晰的目標、持續的努力，以及一群堅信正確做事方式的人。當企業由有誠信、願意服務他人、並持續每天進步的人來領導時，其影響力遠遠超越財務成果。這些企業不僅壯大自身，也為身邊的人創造更好的未來。

在這個充滿挑戰的世界中，帶來真正改變的，往往不是掌權者，而是那些懷抱熱情、堅持前行的平凡領導者的安靜力量。

The Power of Staying True to Who You Are

Many people spend their lives trying to meet society’s expectations. They chase popular careers, follow trends, and copy others’ paths. But often, the best path forward begins inside you. You may not always know what the world needs, but you do know what lights you up. What gives you energy. What makes you feel alive. That is your compass.

When you do something you truly enjoy, you naturally become better at it. Whether it is painting, gaming, writing, or building, your passion fuels your skill. Even if others do not yet see the value in what you love, keep going. It is far better to grow strong in one area you love than to struggle in many you do not.

Human connection shapes who we are. When people are alone for too long, even basic habits can fade away. Without social interaction, we lose touch with routines, time, and even parts of ourselves. That is why it is so important to stay connected to purpose, curiosity, and structure. These help us remain grounded and fully alive, no matter where we are.

Sometimes, people feel they need to change themselves to fit in or succeed. They try to become more confident, more talkative, more focused, even if it feels unnatural. But real growth does not come from fighting who you are. It comes from understanding yourself and building on your strengths. You do not need to change into someone else to be successful. You need to become the best version of you.

Your instincts matter. They are shaped by your life, your body, and your experiences. When something feels right, pay attention. It is your inner wisdom guiding you. If a path feels forced or fake, it probably is. Instead of forcing yourself to follow a plan that does not fit, find one that does. The best strategy is the one that works for your true self.

If you often feel like you do not belong, maybe you just have not found your people yet. That does not mean you are the problem. It means your journey is still unfolding. There are people out there who will understand you, value you, and walk beside you. Keep showing up as yourself, and you will find them.

Everyone responds to the unknown differently. Some people take bold steps into new places. Others prefer the comfort of what they know. Both ways are valid. But growth begins when you take even a small step beyond your comfort zone. Facing the unknown is a sign of strength. It shows you are willing to grow, to learn, and to lead.

There is a lot of talk about making everything equal. But real fairness is not about treating everyone the same. It is about recognizing and respecting each person’s differences. Everyone has something unique to offer. When we try to make everyone identical, we lose the beauty of what makes us human. The world needs your voice, your story, and your strengths.

You are not only shaped by your thoughts. You are shaped by your past, your family, your environment, your emotions, and everything you have experienced. Change takes time. Growth takes patience. You do not need to become someone else overnight. You are not broken. You are becoming. And that process is powerful.

So instead of chasing perfection, choose authenticity. Instead of following the crowd, follow your heart. Your journey is one of a kind. Trust yourself, give yourself space to grow, and you will find strength, peace, and purpose beyond what you imagined.

堅持做自己，是你最大的力量

很多人一生都在努力迎合社會的期待。他們追逐熱門的職業、跟隨潮流、模仿別人的人生道路。但其實，最好的方向往往來自你的內心。你或許不總是知道世界需要什麼，但你一定知道什麼能讓你眼睛發亮、什麼讓你充滿活力、什麼讓你覺得活著。那，就是你的指引。

當你做自己真正熱愛的事時，你會自然變得更擅長。無論是畫畫、打遊戲、寫作還是建造，只要你有熱情，就能持續提升自己的能力。即使別人一時還看不懂你所愛的價值，也請繼續走下去。比起在不喜歡的領域裡掙扎，專注發展自己熱愛的事物會讓你成長得更扎實、更有力量。

人際連結塑造了我們的個性。當一個人長時間孤單，連最基本的生活習慣都可能慢慢消失。缺乏社會互動，我們會失去對生活節奏、時間感，甚至失去與自己內在的聯繫。因此，持續與目標、好奇心與生活結構保持連結，才是讓我們無論身處何地都能感受到活力與穩定的關鍵。

有時候，人們會覺得自己需要改變，才能融入或成功。他們嘗試變得更有自信、更健談、更集中注意力，儘管這些行為感覺不自然。但真正的成長，不是來自和自己對抗，而是來自理解自己、並從自己的優勢出發。你不需要變成別人，你只需要活出最好的自己。

你的直覺是重要的。它們來自你的生活經驗、你的身體、你的情感與過去的累積。如果有什麼事讓你感到對勁，就請重視那個感覺，那是你內在的智慧在指引你。如果一條路讓你覺得很勉強、很虛假，那它多半就不適合你。與其硬逼自己走一條不合身的路，不如去尋找那條真正屬於你的方向。最好的策略，就是適合你的那一個。

如果你經常覺得格格不入，或許不是你有問題，只是你還沒遇見真正屬於你的人。世界上有很多人，能懂你、欣賞你、並願意和你並肩前行。只要你持續做自己，他們總會出現。

每個人面對未知的方式都不同。有些人勇敢踏入新世界，有些人則喜歡待在熟悉的環境裡。兩種方式都沒有錯。但成長，往往從離開舒適圈的那一小步開始。願意面對未知，就是一種勇氣。它代表你願意學習、願意變強、願意帶領。

如今很多人談公平，追求每個人都一樣。但真正的公平，不是對每個人一視同仁，而是承認並尊重每個人的不同。每個人都有自己的獨特之處。如果我們硬要讓所有人都一樣，就會失去人類本身的美好差異。世界需要的是你的聲音、你的故事、你的強項。

你不是只被思想所塑造的。你也被過去、家庭、環境、情感和生活經驗所形塑。改變需要時間，成長需要耐心。你不需要一夜之間成為另一個人。你沒有壞掉，你只是正在蛻變。而這個過程，本身就是一種力量。

所以，與其追求完美，不如選擇真實。與其跟隨人群，不如傾聽內心。你的人生旅程是獨一無二的。相信自己，給自己空間成長，你將會找到比想像中更強大的力量、內心的平靜與真正的意義。

The U.S.-China Trade War is More Than a Clash of Interests

The U.S.-China trade war is often framed as a struggle over economic interests, including tariffs, technology access, and trade deficits. But this view misses the deeper story. What we are seeing today is not just a trade dispute, but a clash between two very different worldviews.

On the surface, it may seem like both nations are fighting over tangible things such as access to markets, control over critical technology, or economic dominance. However, the conflict is not only about interests. Interests can be negotiated and managed. What makes this trade war so persistent and tense is that it reflects two incompatible ways of understanding the world.

Since the 2008 financial crisis, the United States has increasingly interpreted China’s rise as an aggressive assertion of power, often described as “bullying the weak.” But from China’s perspective, this is a misunderstanding. China does not see itself as violating a shared global order. Instead, it questions whether the existing international order, built on Western values and power, is legitimate to begin with. In China’s view, the U.S.-led order is no more valid than past political systems it rejected, such as the Kuomintang’s constitution or the Soviet model it strategically tolerated.

In this worldview, admitting mistakes is not part of the narrative. When a policy fails, it is seen not as a flawed goal, but as a miscalculation of timing or strength. Even partners in the so-called “united front,” including foreign actors and local allies, are judged based on their continued usefulness rather than fixed alliances. Once they lose strategic value, they are discarded, sometimes with open statements about “correcting past misunderstandings.”

The strategy known as “hide your strength and bide your time” is another example. Many in the West viewed it as a temporary stance. In Beijing’s logic, however, it was a phase that ends when conditions change. Once China feels confident in its capabilities, it moves forward without apology or retreat. Policy shifts usually follow only after visible and material setbacks, not because of ideological change, but due to evolving circumstances.

Meanwhile, the United States views China's assertiveness with increasing concern. To Washington, China’s actions are not just defensive or developmental. They are seen as signs of a broader ambition for global influence or even dominance. As a result, U.S. policy has shifted from engagement to containment, especially in areas such as advanced technology and national security.

Recent developments, including the court ruling against Trump-era tariffs, the temporary tariff reduction agreement, and U.S. restrictions on semiconductor software exports, are surface-level events that reflect deeper tensions. These legal and economic moves are important, but they are shaped by long-standing mistrust and different ideas about global power and legitimacy.

In the end, this is not just a matter of trade or economics. It is a long-term contest between two systems that view the world, and their roles within it, in fundamentally different ways. Until both sides find a way to respect each other’s perspectives or build a new shared understanding, the trade war will continue to be part of a much larger and more complex struggle.

美中貿易戰不只是利益衝突

美中貿易戰經常被描繪成一場關於經濟利益的爭鬥，包括關稅、技術獲取與貿易逆差等問題。但這種觀點忽略了更深層的背景。今天我們所見的，不僅是一場貿易糾紛，而是一場來自兩種截然不同世界觀的衝突。

表面上看，兩國似乎是在爭奪具體的東西，例如市場的開放、關鍵技術的控制權，或是經濟主導地位。然而，這場衝突並不僅僅關乎利益。利益可以透過協商與管理來解決，真正讓這場貿易戰持續且緊張的原因，是雙方對世界的理解方式根本不相容。

自2008年金融危機以來，美國越來越將中國的崛起解讀為一種侵略性力量的展現，經常被形容為「以強凌弱」。但從中國的角度來看，這是一種誤解。中國並不認為自己違反了某個共同接受的全球秩序，反而質疑這個由西方價值與權力構築的秩序本身是否正當。對中國而言，由美國主導的國際秩序，與它過去所否定的政治體系如國民黨憲法或蘇聯模式並無本質不同，它們都是在實力不足時策略性地接受的安排。

在這種世界觀中，承認錯誤並不屬於敘事的一部分。當某項政策失敗時，這不是目標錯誤，而是對時機或實力的誤判。即便是所謂的「統一戰線」夥伴，包括外部勢力或本地盟友，其價值也是根據是否仍具戰略用途來評估。一旦失去戰略價值，就會被拋棄，有時甚至會公開表示過去的判斷需要修正。

「韜光養晦」這一策略就是另一個例子。西方普遍認為這是一種暫時性的策略，但在北京的邏輯中，它只是階段性策略，會隨著情勢變化而終止。一旦中國對自身能力充滿信心，就會毫無歉意地邁步向前。政策的轉變往往只會在遭遇明確且具體的挫折後發生，而不是因為意識形態上的轉變，而是情勢的演變所致。

與此同時，美國對中國日益強硬的姿態感到越來越擔憂。對華盛頓而言，中國的行動不只是防禦性或發展性的，更被視為對全球影響力甚至主導地位的野心。因此，美國政策已從接觸轉向遏制，特別是在高科技與國家安全領域。

近期的發展，例如法院對川普時期關稅政策的判決、短期的減稅協議，以及美國對半導體設計軟體出口的限制，雖是表層事件，卻反映出更深層的緊張關係。這些法律與經濟措施固然重要，但它們背後是長期的不信任，以及對全球權力與合法性的不同理解。

最終，這場衝突不僅僅是貿易或經濟的問題。它是一場長期的競爭，源自兩種對世界和自身角色有根本差異理解的體系。在雙方找到彼此尊重的方式，或建立一套新的共同認知之前，這場貿易戰將持續成為一場更大、更複雜鬥爭的一部分。

How Democracy Dies Without Action

Democracy is often pictured as peaceful debates, clean elections, and respectful leaders taking turns to speak. These images are comforting. They give people hope that if a country simply adopts the surface features of democracy, it will become one. But real democracy is not just a system of rules. It is a living promise that must be protected with strength, courage, and action.

Rules and speeches mean nothing if they are not backed by real power. You can hold debates, run mock elections, or quote the constitution. But if you cannot protect your rights when they are under threat, then the procedures become empty. They are like fake currency. The design may look official, but it carries no value if nothing stands behind it.

Even the strongest democracies were not born from calm discussions alone. They were forged through hardship, resistance, and sacrifice. The peaceful systems we admire today are the result of battles fought and freedoms defended. Behind every civil vote and every respectful debate was once a crowd of people who refused to be silent.

I saw this clearly in my home, Hong Kong. For years, people believed in democracy. They followed the rules. They marched peacefully, held candlelight vigils, and studied political science. They believed that acting like a democracy would one day make us one. But in 2019, when millions protested for the right to choose their leaders and hold their government accountable, we learned a hard truth. We had no real power behind our voices. The government controlled the courts, the police, and the military. We had signs, songs, and hope. But hope was not enough. Despite everything we did, democracy slipped further out of reach.

It was painful, but it taught me something important. Democracy is not given. It is not something you earn by being polite. It must be protected with action. Not just once, but again and again, by people who care enough to stand up when it matters most.

Some think that reading about democracy or learning the rules brings them closer to it. But studying the system is not enough. Knowing the rules is like learning the lines of a play. You can pretend to be a king, but pretending does not make you one. Real democracy comes when people are willing to take real risks to protect their freedom.

Democracy is a promise. But that promise only has power if people are willing to back it with action. If no one defends it, then it fades. It becomes an illusion. To make democracy real, we must do more than talk. We must be ready to protect it.

Right now, I want to speak directly to Americans. Your democracy is under pressure. Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked the rule of law, the free press, and the peaceful transfer of power. He questions fair elections and encourages distrust in democratic institutions. These are not small issues. These are signs that the foundation of your democracy is cracking.

But it is not too late. You still have a choice. You still have a voice. What you do now matters. If you believe in freedom, equality, and justice, then now is the time to act. Vote like democracy depends on it. Speak up for the truth. Stand together in your communities. Teach your children what it means to be free. Democracy will only survive if you are willing to fight for it.

I watched Hong Kong lose its future. I do not want to see the same happen to you. You have the power to protect what you have. Do not let it slip away.

當民主在沉默中死去

人們常常把民主想像成和平的辯論、乾淨的選舉，以及彼此尊重、輪流發言的領袖。這些畫面令人安心，也讓人相信，只要一個國家模仿這些民主的表面形式，它終將成為民主國家。但真正的民主不只是規則制度，它是一個活生生的承諾，必須靠力量、勇氣和行動來守護。

如果背後沒有真正的權力支持，規則和演說就毫無意義。你可以舉辦辯論、模擬選舉，甚至引用憲法，但如果在權利受到威脅時無法捍衛自己，那麼這些程序就是空洞的。它們就像偽鈔，印刷得再精美，沒有實質的保證也毫無價值。

即使是世界上最穩固的民主制度，也不是靠和平討論誕生的，而是在困難、抵抗與犧牲中鍛造出來的。我們今天所欣賞的和平制度，其背後是一場場捍衛自由的戰鬥。每一次文明的投票、每一次尊重的辯論，背後都曾有群眾拒絕沉默。

我在自己的家鄉香港，看到了這一切的真相。多年來，香港人相信民主，他們遵守規則，和平遊行、燭光守夜，認真學習政治。他們相信，只要像民主國家一樣行動，終有一天我們也會成為民主社會。但到了 2019 年，數百萬人上街爭取選舉權和政府問責，我們卻學到了殘酷的一課：我們的聲音背後沒有真正的力量。政府掌握法院、警察和軍隊，我們只有標語、歌曲和希望。但光靠希望是不夠的。儘管我們盡了一切努力，民主仍然一點一滴地遠離我們。

這是一段痛苦的經歷，但它教會我一件事：民主不是天賜的恩典，也不是靠禮貌換來的，它必須靠行動來守護。不是一次，而是一次又一次，由那些真正關心它的人，在關鍵時刻挺身而出。

有些人以為閱讀民主相關的書籍或熟悉程序就能更接近民主。但光是學習制度還不夠。了解規則就像是熟記劇本的台詞，你可以假扮成國王，但這不代表你就真的有王者的權力。真正的民主來自那些願意冒險保護自由的人。

民主是一個承諾。但這個承諾只有在人民願意用行動支持時，才有力量。若沒有人捍衛它，它就會逐漸消失，成為幻影。要讓民主真正存在，我們必須超越空談，準備好隨時保護它。

現在，我想直接對美國人說：你們的民主正面臨壓力。唐納·川普一再攻擊法治、新聞自由，以及和平交接的原則。他質疑選舉的公平性，鼓吹對民主制度的不信任。這些不是小問題，而是民主根基正在崩裂的徵兆。

但一切還未太晚。你們仍有選擇，仍有聲音。你們現在的行動至關重要。如果你相信自由、平等與正義，那現在就是站出來的時候。投票，用行動保衛民主。為真相發聲。在社區中團結一致。教導你們的孩子什麼是真正的自由。民主只有在人民願意為它而戰時，才能存活。

我親眼看著香港失去了未來。我不想看到同樣的事發生在你們身上。你們擁有保護民主的力量，請不要讓它悄悄地消逝。