Subject Line: Closing 2006 – For Friends of The Lion Rock Institute
Andrew Work (18 December 2006)
Chers Amis,
At year end, we often take a moment to reflect on what has been and what will be. I will indulge in this exercise with a short message on behalf of The Lion Rock Institute.
It has been a year of growth and change. We have added a collection of new writers (mostly in Cantonese), new members and new supporters to our ranks. Our identity as a clear, consistent and original voice supporting economic freedoms in Hong Kong is second to none. Not a week goes by without one of the Lion Rock Associate Scholars, co-founders or staff making their voice heard in print, radio, television** or in public appearances. While topics may change, the message is clear: Greater economic liberty leads to more freedom and more prosperity for the people of Hong Kong and everywhere.
Upcoming is a year when new voices must be found. Two greats, Milton Friedman and Sir John Cowperthwaite, were taken from us in 2006. One was an eloquent and tireless proponent of freedom and the sharpest mind of the 20th Century. The other was a man less given to eloquence, instead preferring action that laid the grounds for Hong Kong’s economic miracle. While we all have our issues with the city we love, a very short travel to so many of our neighbours reminds us of what we have to be grateful for.
In 2007 and on into the year of the Pig, we will continue to:
- Develop new voices for freedom in our very successful writer development programme.
- Speak to core issues relating to Hong Kong’s identity as a free market city, privatisation, taxation, antitrust policy and more.
- Clarify for the public the essential elements of a free market in the face of those who would obsfucate the message
In addition, we will:
- Improve our communications with people like you!
- Increase our research capabilities to find Hong Kong solutions
- Formalise our fundraising structures
- Launch at least 2 new projects in January to spread the free market message (watch out!)
There are many who have supported us behind the scenes in what is still a very sensitive political city. Some with detailed critique and analysis of our work, some with support in kind, and some with financial support. You know who you are and I hope that by the end of next year, more of you will be comfortable with public recognition of your contribution as it will encourage others to support freedom and Hong Kong’s future.
Hong Kong is at a pivotal point in its history. Many questions are being asked about who we are and what we aspire to as a city. We are inspired from the generaton ‘Under The Lion Rock’ and their spiritual antecedents and successors. Those who came to Hong Kong asking only freedom and an opportunity to build a life, from whatever origins under whatever conditions in whatever era.
Thank you again for your support of that inspiration and for the future of Hong Kong. On behalf of the Institute, we wish you well in the holiday season!
Sincerely,
Andrew Work
The Lion Rock Institute
on behalf of The Lion Rock Team
** Look for District Councillor Raymond Ho on ‘Prism’ on Dec. 20th (17:30h on ATC) representing The LRI. Or see here – http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/tv/pentaprism/20061213.html
Also, Andrew Work on The Pearl Report Dec. 31 at 18:55 disucssing the distinction between public and private property, externalities and the pending smoking ban.