An ignorant, short-sighted government disregarding popular opinions reflects its own political decay.. all it had to do was to look at a few case studies before its mindless decision... Star Ferry might've not been an equivalent to the Sydney Opera House, nevertheless it was a major symbolic & historic marker that stood at the heart of the city. London & Melbourne had dumped billions of dollars in attempts to create a symbol for their city to no avail, namely the Millennium Dome and Federation Square. They had better not think that the Conventional Centre or a few more Foster's projects will do the job for Hong Kong... The city of Toronto built the Gardiner Expressways along its lakeshore back in the 50s causing physical and mental separation from its waterfront, but now we're talking about the Victoria Harbour here, our harbour! In fact, Star Ferry is "more" than the the Opera House due to it being a part of the harbour, a part of daily lives, a part of an era that shaped Hong Kong.. & now a part of our collective political consciousness and dissatisfaction towards a reckless government.
I don't know what you want (is it a question with discussion or do you just want to air your opinion?) but wow, a more intellectual thread between the dumb formulated ones on this board is refreshing. Can you elaborate a little bit more about the current politcal state in HK for those like me who aren't so familair with?
Despite knowing for a fact it is a short sighted political decision, I guess it's a matter of dignity. To the Hong Kong government which is now reporting to China, many politicians are very careful with the possibly delicate feeling of the Chinese government -- think of it, the most recognizible symbol of Hong Kong being some reminants of its colonial days! It would be a slap to the oh-so-mighty Chinese government -- which to a certain extent make perfect sense since the Chinese government can totally get very fussy about any possible number of things. Plus, the ferry in fact was not much of a good business, after significant cuts to its schedule, it was really only the symbolic status that is left -- and that, is the main headache the Hong Kong politicians are having, since they can totally get sacked collectively for such a trivial matter as "Chinese dignity". I apologize if I sound very harsh, but just trying to see if I can play the devil's advocate here, bringing the other side of the argument into this discussion (I am really tired of the unanimous "discussions", is there a point to all of them? It strips the argument of their raison d'etre since there isn't anything to argue for) I personally adore the Star Ferry, it was one of the cheapest and most Hong Kong way to cross the port/harbour. I definitely will miss it after its retirement, but I guess everything has its time?
