Speeches and Articles by Former Consul General Michael Klosson

Remarks by U.S. Consul General Michael Klosson at Election Central 2000

Hong Kong, November 8, 2000

(As prepared)

Throughout America, Tuesday, November 7 is the day we choose our political leaders. So, I am delighted to join my fellow Americans here in Hong Kong, as well as other guests, for this celebration of our democracy at work.

Everyone here made a special effort to come today, and we have been richly rewarded for doing so. We have been treated to performances by The Hong Kong International School Upper Primary Choir and the High School Jazz Band. We have heard from distinguished guest commentators. We have received results not only on the presidential election, but also returns from state and local elections, thanks to good work of student volunteers from HKIS stationed at computer terminals around the room. Please join me in a round of applause to express our appreciation.

At Election Central 2000 today, we are witnessing how people in a democracy choose their leaders. Think about it: The campaigning is over. The candidates have had their say. Now it is up to Americans across the country and around the world to make their choice, based on how they view the candidates.

Our voters are not all well educated, they are not all well off, and they do not all have fancy jobs. That doesn't matter. Our system is founded on a very simple idea - government of, by and for the people - and that means all the people. The choice of government is entrusted to the people.

Good governance in our system is based on democratic principles, including free and fair elections, freedom of expression and rule of law. It respects our cultural diversity. It means freedom of choice and accountability. When government doesn't measure up, Americans have the right to make a change at the polling booth. It also means when elections are close that many people will have to accept an outcome for which they did not vote. Majority rule with minority rights -- that is the strength of the American system. Today's event is also a symbol of the way Americans do things. Election Central 2000 is a non-partisan, community event organized by volunteers from non-profit organizations such as The League of Women Voters, Republicans Abroad and Democrats Abroad, The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International School and the American Women's Association. Volunteers worked together to make this day a success. Funding was generously provided by sponsorships from leading individuals and companies from the United States and Hong Kong. Volunteerism by civic-minded citizens: that's the way Americans like to do things. The U.S. Government, through the Consulate, played a supporting role.

That said, most of you know the U.S. Consulate provides valuable assistance to Americans living in Hong Kong. Among other things, our Office of American Citizen Services helped American voters here to register with local election officials in their states of residence.

Judging from the numbers we have seen, interest in this general election was high in Hong Kong. Prior to the 1996 general election, the Consulate gave out about 2,500 ballot request forms. This year, we gave out about 4,500. That's an impressive increase. I should also mention those individuals from the League of Women Voters and other volunteer organizations who took advantage of our Federal Voting Assistance Training program. These volunteers helped get out the word on how to vote from overseas.

I'm sure I speak for everyone here today when I offer my thanks to the many volunteers who donated their time, and to the sponsors who provided the generous financial support that made Election Central 2000 such a success.