Letter of the law
Before people make -- or report -- accusations ("Nobel Peace Prize winner facing fine," Mar. 9, Page 1), perhaps they should actually read the relevant laws. The fact that a legislator says something is illegal doesn't make it so.
Article 96 of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Law (總統副總統選舉罷免法) -- which is separate from the Public Officials Election and Recall Law (公職人員選罷法) -- merely lays down punishments for various violations. It prescribes fines for violations of Article 50, which states that "political parties or any person may not ... (paragraph 4) invite foreign or mainland nationals to participate in activities listed in Article 43," which include openly campaigning.
This is the only mention of this issue in the law; therefore, only the organizers of the campaign activities in question can be said to violate the law, if indeed they have "invited" a foreign or Chinese national. The visitor, on the other hand, bears no legal responsibility, nor do any other agencies connected with his or her visit. Furthermore, this is a clear case of selective punishment, because the Chinese National Party (KMT) has not been fined for its using the invitation of Nobel Laureate Lawrence Klein for campaign purposes ("Klein joins KMT think tank," Mar. 2, page 3).
However, simply handing out more fines will not improve the situation, because this restriction almost certainly violates Article 11 of the Constitution (freedom of speech), as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It is a remnant of authoritarianism which should be abolished. Unless any harm is caused to others, the voters' judgment of the appropriateness of campaign activities is the only one that counts.
Bo Tedards
Taipei
Peace, freedom are good
The record turnout of participants in the 228 Hand-in-Hand Rally last week established a milestone in Taiwan's democratic movement.
People from all walks of life joined together on this historic day of sorrow and turned it into a day of hope for peace and freedom in the future. The rally brought the people together, definitively and positively demonstrating the common moral principles shared among them to stand for and protect their beloved homeland called Taiwan.
Through the rally, the people have not only demonstrated their resolve to safeguard the country's democratic values, but also made a plea to the international community to lend its support to Taiwan's pursuit of long-lasting peace and freedom. As it turns out, the free world responded positively to their plea.
The solidarity among the people has been greatly solidified by the rally, which will definitely help them in their pursuit of a free and democratic society. Remember: united we stand; divided we fall.
Ching Li
Changhua
Just say no to China
On March 20, much more will be at stake in the election than whether the voters have more confidence in the ability of one candidate over the other to manage the economy and preserve peace. At stake is Taiwan's status as a sovereign nation.
If the people re-elect President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), the international community, and most particularly the US, will receive a clear and unambiguous message that Taiwan wishes to remain a sovereign and independent state, and that its people reject the idea of eventually falling victim to Chinese tyranny. The US and the rest of the world will then adjust their view of Taiwan and will accommodate it as a sovereign state.
The US State Department seems already prepared for this shift, and President George W. Bush's conservative base of support is already demanding it. The only minor stumbling block is China's "assistance" with the North Korean problem, but Washington's illusions on that point are quickly vanishing.
If, however, KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) is elected president, then the US is likely to view that as a message that the people intend to eventually fall under Chinese sovereignty.
Consequently, the ballots for the election could appropriately be rewritten to: "Do you wish to be ruled by China? If YES, then vote for Lien, if NO, then vote for Chen.
Daniel McCarthy
Salt Lake City, Utah
There is a modern roadway stretching from central Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa, to the partially recognized state’s Egal International Airport. Emblazoned on a gold plaque marking the road’s inauguration in July last year, just below the flags of Somaliland and the Republic of China (ROC), is the road’s official name: “Taiwan Avenue.” The first phase of construction of the upgraded road, with new sidewalks and a modern drainage system to reduce flooding, was 70 percent funded by Taipei, which contributed US$1.85 million. That is a relatively modest sum for the effect on international perception, and
At the end of last year, a diplomatic development with consequences reaching well beyond the regional level emerged. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state, paving the way for political, economic and strategic cooperation with the African nation. The diplomatic breakthrough yields, above all, substantial and tangible benefits for the two countries, enhancing Somaliland’s international posture, with a state prepared to champion its bid for broader legitimacy. With Israel’s support, Somaliland might also benefit from the expertise of Israeli companies in fields such as mineral exploration and water management, as underscored by Israeli Minister of
When former president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) first took office in 2016, she set ambitious goals for remaking the energy mix in Taiwan. At the core of this effort was a significant expansion of the percentage of renewable energy generated to keep pace with growing domestic and global demands to reduce emissions. This effort met with broad bipartisan support as all three major parties placed expanding renewable energy at the center of their energy platforms. However, over the past several years partisanship has become a major headwind in realizing a set of energy goals that all three parties profess to want. Tsai
On Sunday, elite free solo climber Alex Honnold — famous worldwide for scaling sheer rock faces without ropes — climbed Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building and still the most recognizable symbol of Taiwan’s modern identity. Widespread media coverage not only promoted Taiwan, but also saw the Republic of China (ROC) flag fluttering beside the building, breaking through China’s political constraints on Taiwan. That visual impact did not happen by accident. Credit belongs to Taipei 101 chairwoman Janet Chia (賈永婕), who reportedly took the extra step of replacing surrounding flags with the ROC flag ahead of the climb. Just
RSS