A Reflection on Division Within the Overseas Democracy Movement: A Call for Unity in the Spirit of Democracy
作者：张兴贵
编辑：何清风 责任编辑：罗志飞 鲁慧文 翻译：鲁慧文
我们每个致力于民主自由的公民，都致力于为社会带来更加公平、自由和公正的未来。尽管我们之间有着各自的思想、立场和经验，但我坚信，正是这种多样性，才成就了我们的民主运动，也让我们能够在民主这条道路上走得更远。
民主自由的事业是充满挑战和复杂性的。在这条道路上，不同的人可能有不同的立场和观点，甚至有时，这些不同的声音可能会导致分裂。我们无法否认，民主自由的追求本身便是多样性的体现，它包容了所有不同的思想和看法。而这种思想的多样性，无论在任何民主社会中，都是无法避免的。
然而，民主并非意味着分裂，它应该是寻求共识的过程。我们追求的不是分裂，而是通过相互理解和尊重，寻找共同的目标与理想。在这一点上，我们必须“求同”。我们要团结的是，所有为民主和自由而奋斗的人，不论他们的政治背景如何，立场如何，只要他们坚持那些普世的价值——如自由、平等和法治，我们就应该并肩作战。
我们要清楚，民主并不是完美无缺的，它也不意味着每个人都在同一条线上，统一地思考和行动。在民主的追求过程中，我们可能会有不同的路径和方式，但这一切的核心目标是一致的，那就是推进民主自由事业的实现。这种多样性和分歧并不可怕，反而正是民主力量的源泉之一。很多时候，理想与现实的差距让我们感到无奈。在强大的压力面前，有的人可能选择了妥协，有的人或许在某些时刻做出了错误的决定，甚至有些人可能在压力下背离了自己的初衷。但我想表达的是，尽管这些妥协与背叛可能让我们感到痛心，但只要他们在没有造成无法挽回的伤害时，我们仍应给予理解和包容。毕竟，民主与自由的实现，不是一步到位的过程，它是一个渐进的过程，每个人在不同的历史背景下都有自己的选择和难题。
有些人坚定的不妥协者，是硬骨头，为民主自由奋斗不息，为了民主自由，砍头也无所畏惧，令人敬佩；有些人为自由民主而努力过、奋斗过，但在现实的重压下做出了妥协，这无可厚非，我们是人，有人性的弱点；甚至有些人曾在极端压力下走向了背叛的道路，反噬了民主自由事业，但我们不能忘记他们为民主事业曾经付出的努力与牺牲，只要他们没有给民主事业带来致命的损害，那么他们也应被视为为民主事业贡献力量的同路人。我们必须以更加宽容的心态去看待那些曾经的“妥协”与“背叛”，因为正如任何历史经验所示，宽容与包容是我们向前迈进的力量源泉。
在我们的民主运动中，思想的多样性是一种动力，而非绊脚石。我们应当珍视每一个曾经为民主自由贡献力量的人，不论他们的选择是否符合我们的预期。这种包容的心态，将促使我们在推进民主自由的道路上更加坚韧与团结。民主社会所追求的，正是人们在思想、信仰、文化、价值观上的多样性和自由。
民主的真正实现，不仅仅是一个政治制度的改变，更是每个人思想和生活方式的自由选择。在民主的土壤中，我们应当允许不同的思想并存，鼓励每个人为自己的信仰和价值观辩护与争取。当我们实现了民主自由之后，我们将有更多的空间去探索不同的理念、不同的思想，甚至不同的生活方式。真正的民主不仅仅是容忍异见，更是承认异见，尊重每个个体的独立性与自由。
今天的我们，站在历史的十字路口，肩负着伟大的责任与使命。我们要从今天起，记住那份理想与信念，不断前行。团结是我们取得胜利的根本保证，在民主追求的过程中，我们要尽力“求同”；在民主实现之后，我们应当更加宽容与包容，勇敢地去“求异”。我们每一个人都是这场伟大斗争的参与者，只有团结在一起，我们才能实现真正的自由与平等。
A Reflection on Division Within the Overseas Democracy Movement: A Call for Unity in the Spirit of Democracy
By Zhang Xiaohua
Editor: He Qingfeng | Chief Editors: Luo Zhifei, Huiwen Lu | Translated by Huiwen Lu
Each of us committed to democracy and freedom is striving to bring about a fairer, freer, and more just society. Though we may differ in thought, perspective, and lived experience, I firmly believe it is precisely this diversity that gives strength to our democratic movement—and it is what allows us to move further along the path of democracy.
The pursuit of democratic freedom is both challenging and complex. Along the way, people will inevitably hold different views and take different stances. At times, these differences may even lead to divisions. Yet we must acknowledge that the very essence of democracy lies in its inclusivity—it embraces a multitude of thoughts and opinions. In any democratic society, such diversity of thought is not only inevitable but essential.
However, democracy should not be equated with division. It is, in fact, a process of seeking consensus. Our goal is not to be fragmented, but to find shared ideals and aspirations through mutual understanding and respect. In this pursuit, we must “seek common ground.” We must unite all who strive for democracy and freedom—regardless of their political background or ideological stance—so long as they uphold universal values such as liberty, equality, and the rule of law. These are the grounds on which we must stand together.
We must recognize that democracy is not flawless. It does not require uniformity in thought or action. In the process of pursuing democracy, we may walk different paths and adopt different methods. But our core goal remains the same: to advance the cause of freedom and democratic reform. These differences and disagreements should not be feared. On the contrary, they are one of the vital sources of democratic strength.
Often, the gap between ideal and reality leaves us feeling disheartened. Under enormous pressure, some may choose to compromise. Others might, at times, make regrettable decisions. Still others may even betray their original convictions when under extreme duress. While these choices may pain us deeply, I believe that as long as no irreparable harm has been done, we should still respond with understanding and compassion. After all, the realization of democracy and freedom is not a one-step process. It is gradual, and everyone faces unique circumstances and moral dilemmas within their own historical context.
Some people remain unwavering, unyielding in their refusal to compromise—willing to sacrifice everything, even their lives, for the cause of freedom. These individuals are deeply admirable. Others have also contributed and fought for democracy, but later made compromises under great pressure. This too is human. We all have weaknesses. Some, under extreme coercion, may have gone so far as to betray the movement and harm it. But even then, we must remember the contributions and sacrifices they made in earlier stages. As long as their actions did not cause irreversible damage to the democratic cause, they too should be regarded as fellow travelers. We must adopt a more tolerant mindset toward past “compromises” and “betrayals.” History teaches us time and again that tolerance and inclusion are essential forces for moving forward.
In our democratic movement, diversity of thought should be seen as a source of strength, not an obstacle. We should cherish everyone who has ever contributed to the cause of democracy and freedom—whether or not their choices align with our own expectations. It is this spirit of inclusion that will make our democratic pursuit more resilient and more united. After all, the democratic ideal embraces diversity—in thought, belief, culture, and values.
The true realization of democracy is not merely a change in political systems; it is also the freedom of thought and the right to choose how we live. In democratic soil, differing ideas should be allowed to coexist. Each individual should be encouraged to defend their beliefs and values. Once democracy and freedom are achieved, we will have even more space to explore competing ideologies and alternative ways of living. Real democracy goes beyond mere tolerance of dissent—it recognizes and respects each person’s independence and liberty.
Today, we stand at a historic crossroads, bearing the weight of great responsibility and mission. Let us remember our ideals and convictions and keep moving forward. Unity is the foundation of our success in the struggle for democracy. As we work to realize democracy, we must strive to “seek common ground.” And once democracy is achieved, we must have the courage and wisdom to “embrace differences.” Each one of us is a participant in this noble struggle. Only by standing united can we ultimately achieve true liberty and equality.
