The assassination attempt against Chen and Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) was, ironically, a turning point for Taiwan. In the aftermath, the pan-blues threw their chance away by questioning the integrity of Chen and the pan-greens' campaign tactics -- all without regard for due evidence, logic, humanity and above all, respect for a democratically-elected president.
The assassination attempt was abominable to say the least. Yet the pan-blues did not seize the opportunity to show a righteous and empathetic side, for there clearly was none. In response, the electorate clearly revolted and justice has again been served. Regrettably, the melodramas continue to unfold from the pan-blues who simply refuse to respect the values of democracy.
In every democracy, the majority decision wins. Whether this is a system preferred by all is debatable, but under Taiwanese laws at least, Chen has been rightfully re-elected by the electorate regardless of how small the margin of victory. This salient fact is what everyone must come to accept and be at peace with.
On what should have been a day to celebrate Taiwan's slowly maturing democracy, the pan-blues' relentless antics marred even the re-election of the better and evidently more honorable candidate.
Instead of resorting to Oscar-quality performances, Lien and Soong should use legal channels to resolve the issue of the ballot recount -- as any responsible "leader" who claims to respect the laws that govern Taiwan would in the same position -- rather than seeking for the only acceptable election result by any means possible, including creating civil unrest in the country they claim to love.
The pan-blues should tread carefully to ensure their already-shaky existence -- for every step of the way, the Taiwanese electorate will be watching.
Melbourne, Australia
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