Who should grow flowers?

Local government rather than citizens should shoulder the responsibility of preparing enough flowers for an upcoming flower conference, says an article on the website www.china.com.cn. The following is an excerpt:

Chuxiong city government recently asked all government workers to grow at least one pot of camellias at home to prepare for the upcoming world conference on the flower.

Growing flowers at home is a private matter for citizens. The government has no right to intervene in it. Of course, the government can issue a directive, calling the citizens to raise flowers, but they have the right to reject this call. If the government forces them to grow flowers of a certain type, like camellias, citizens are actually burdened with what should be an optional pastime.