Saying “No Rain Protection, No Protests,” China Confiscates 1.7 Million Umbrellas In Hong Kong

Summary

China's communist authorities are confiscating over 1.7 million umbrellas in Hong Kong to deter democracy protestors from taking to the streets during the rainy season.

Abstract

In an attempt to suppress ongoing street demonstrations, Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the seizure of 1.7 million umbrellas from Hong Kong residents. The move comes after nearly one-third of Hong Kong's population used umbrellas to protect themselves from torrential rains during recent protests against China's efforts to limit democratic freedoms in the region. Despite the confiscations, protestors remain undeterred, with many expressing their determination to continue rallying for their rights, regardless of the weather or the loss of their umbrellas. The authorities' campaign, based on the belief that "No rain protection, no protests," is expected to continue through the week, while protests are planned to carry on over the weekend.

Opinions

President Xi Jinping believes that by removing umbrellas, protestors will be less inclined to demonstrate in the rain.
Protestors view the umbrella confiscation as a misguided attempt by the Chinese government to undermine their resolve.
One protestor called the strategy "dumb," suggesting that Hong Kongers would find alternative ways to stay dry and continue protesting.
Another protestor emphasized that their fight for autonomy and self-rule was more important than personal comfort against rain.
The general sentiment among protestors is that they will not be dissuaded by the loss of their umbrellas, with some willing to use other means to shield themselves from the rain.

Communist leaders impounded a sea of the multi-colored canopies in an effort to quell ongoing street disturbances

Communist Chinese officials believe that the protests will stop once the umbrellas are seized. (Credit: www.upi.com)

Convinced that without umbrellas, democracy protestors in Hong Kong will not bother taking to the streets, China’s communist authorities are in the process of confiscating more than 1.7 million umbrellas.

There are, apparently, 1.7 million angry protestors under this endless sea of umbrellas. (Credit: www.huffpost.com)

“No rain protection, no protests” was the reason given by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday when asked why seizing Hong Konger umbrellas has become his regime’s priority. “It’s rainy season now, very wet, not worth getting drenched to fight for freedoms.”

Over the weekend, almost one-third of Hong Kong’s citizens — about 1.7 million people — took to the streets to rally against mainland China’s attempts to limit democratic freedoms in the semi-independent territory. To a person, street protestors had a colored circular canopy over their heads to stay dry during torrential downpours. But none of the activist citizens said they would stay home if their umbrella was confiscated.

More protests are scheduled for this weekend — rain or shine. (Credit: www.asiatimes.com)

“That’s just dumb,” said one 30-year-old man with a Totes in one hand and a protest sign in the other. “If the Communist dictator thinks any Hong Konger would relinquish his or her rights before giving up his umbrella, Xi is more out of touch with reality than any of us realized.”

Another protestor added, “Here, take my umbrella. I’ll get a rain coat, a plastic garbage bag, a hat, or soaking wet! Our city’s independence, our right to self-rule, our autonomy are way more important than some temporary rain drops. RETAKE HONG KONG!”

China’s umbrella grab is expected to run through the end of the week. Protests — rain or shine — are scheduled for this coming weekend.

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Truth In Satire

Saying “No Rain Protection, No Protests,” China Confiscates 1.7 Million Umbrellas In Hong Kong

Communist leaders impounded a sea of the multi-colored canopies in an effort to quell ongoing street disturbances