As the police move in to tear down the barricades built by the protesters in Hong Kong, I am reminded of scenes from the musical “Les Miserables,” and of this song:


Do you hear the people sing?
Singing the song of angry men?
It is the music of the people
Who will not be slaves again!


Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?


Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!

I hope that the students of Hong Kong will be more successful than the French students were in June 1832. This time, of course, the whole world is watching, and that may make some difference.