Editorials
Friday, June 6, 1997THE demonstration in Hong Kong on the eighth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre of protesters against the Communist regime suggests that many Hong Kong citizens remain concerned about the British turnover of the colony to Beijing. An estimated 55,000 gathered in Hong Kong's Victoria Park -- probably a candidate for renaming after the turnover -- for a candlelight commemoration of the Tiananmen martyrs. Hong Kong recalls
Tiananmen massacreA question that must have been on many minds is whether another demonstration will be permitted on the 1998 anniversary, when Hong Kong will be under Chinese rule. Restrictions on public protests have already been announced by the Beijing-appointed governor, Tung Chee-hua, who takes office on July 1. Tung had urged Hong Kong residents to "put aside the baggage of June 4," but tens of thousands ignored that advice and attended the memorial program.
After the Tiananmen massacre, no city anywhere in the world reacted more strongly than Hong Kong. More than 1 million people marched through the central business district to mourn the mass killings in Beijing. Every year since, a memorial protest has been held, although the number attending has shrunk. However, this year's turnout reversed that trend -- perhaps because of the imminence of the transfer to Chinese rule.
Concern about the turnover may be a minority opinion in Hong Kong. Most reports suggest that the people generally welcome the transfer or are indifferent. This probably has to do with the nationalistic appeal of the Chinese homeland to the largely Chinese population of Hong Kong. The danger that the freedoms they have enjoyed under British administration may be endangered is complacently rejected.
But the specter of Tiananmen Square hangs over Hong Kong, and its politically conscious people are wondering whether something like that brutal crackdown could happen to them. They may find out soon enough.
HOW many dentists does it take to create a beautiful smile? That is a question that dentists are quarreling about vociferously in the wake of the selection of Hawaii's Brook Mahealani Lee as Miss Universe. Lee's quick wit has been credited for some of her success, but everyone knows her radiant, toothy grin gave her the real edge over other contestants from around the world. Dental artistry
Brook Lee was scheduled to return home from the pageant today. She is certain to be invited by reporters to enter the fray but may want to keep her glamorous mouth shut. Meanwhile, dentists in the city may be taking sides on this explosive issue, so patients should be advised to offer absolutely no opinion before going under the drill.
THERE have been many complaints from Gulf War veterans that their service in the combat zone left them suffering from a variety of ailments, including birth defects in their children. Now a government-sponsored study has found that their children have had no increased risk of defects. This was the largest, most comprehensive study of the question, involving more than 75,000 babies. It should put the issue to rest. Gulf War veterans
Rupert E. Phillips, CEO
John M. Flanagan, Editor & Publisher
David Shapiro, Managing Editor
Diane Yukihiro Chang, Senior Editor & Editorial Page Editor
Frank Bridgewater & Michael Rovner, Assistant Managing Editors
A.A. Smyser, Contributing Editor
