Picture yourself as a pro-democracy protester in Hong Kong. The government has withdrawn the extradition bill. Should you keep demonstrating, or declare victory and go home?
It’s a tough decision. On the one hand, you’re tired, you’re afraid you could wind up in some dreadful black jail on the mainland, and you’re concerned about the level of violence that typically accompanies the protests. On the other hand, you know the ultimate stakes are much higher than the extradition bill, that battle isn’t remotely over, and it will be difficult to coax so many people out on the street at a later date without a serious provocation from the government, which undoubtedly has time on its side.
All I can say is, I’m glad I don’t have to make that choice. It’s the land of no good options.