The biggest difference between President and Mayor Chen Shui-bian (
The redesigning of Presidential Office Plaza has been interpreted as a gesture symbolic of Chen's "liberalization" of the Presidential Office and his democratic ideologies. Mayor Chen had also liberalized Chiang's Shih-lin presidential residence and Yangmingshan manor.
One event is key to Chen's liberalization efforts -- the annual presidential inspection of troops to celebrate the "Double Ten Day (
In the Chiang era, the presidential inspection of troops during the "Double Ten Day" celebration showcased the Chiang family's power. Chiang Kai-shek, dressed in military attire and standing on the reviewing stand, returned the salute given by the marching troops. The loud and uniform sound of footsteps and the military equipment were meant to show off national strength and unity. Students who sat in front of the Presidential Office loudly chanted "Long live the President."
However, that chant has now been changed to the greeting "How do you do, President" and the inspection of troops on "Double Ten Day" is no longer an annual ritual, either.
From another standpoint, the inspection of troops during the martial law era also concealed the restlessness of the people, and the inadequacy of military equipment.
These days, Taiwan society does not need such a ritual to conceal anything. President Chen intends to open up the Presidential Residence for public tours. A large crowd congregated outside a barber shop as President Chen got a hair cut inside. In the future, press conferences by the Presidential Office may also be held on the vast green lawn in front of the office and in the bright sunlight.
All in all, does it matter any more whether we have the annual inspection of troops on "Double Ten Day?"
Chen Hsiao-yi is a reporter with The Liberty Times.
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