Taiwan's political parties are co-starring in a poorly-scripted performance these days. As all the politicians preoccupy themselves with pointing fingers, no one seems to bother think about how to give this show a happy ending for the people of Taiwan.
Most of us sympathize with KMT Chairman Lien Chan
"Are they for real?" People begin to wonder and whisper. If they are, imagine the tremendous social and political unrest, not to mention the nose-dive our stock market is expected to undergo. The feeling of sympathy will eventually turn into anger. At that point, how will the KMT get off its high horse?
It is probably fine for the KMT to have fun for a few more days. In any case, it did suffer a very devastating humiliation.
However, the KMT ought to know when to call it quits. If the move for recall is simply a bluff to have the DPP administration continue construction of the power plant, then when that happens, the KMT should cease the move for a recall.
This means the KMT must end the show as soon as a ruling by the Council of Grand Justices is handed down or the legislature enacts laws requiring the continuation of construction of the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant
The latter is certainly a preferable option for the KMT. The KMT is a sure winner in the latter situation, whereas no one knows for certain how the Council of Grand Justices will rule. The timing is ripe for such legislation, as the Chen administration, perhaps intimidated by the seemingly genuine efforts to recall the president, has already signaled willingness to "respect" any relevant legislation enacted.
If the KMT chooses to continue with the recall move, it will only be substantiating the allegation that it is simply being a "poor loser," and that it has no political justification for its actions. Chen would then become the first-ever president removed for rudeness toward the chairman of another party.
On the other hand, the DPP's recent performance has been pretty bad as well. The goal of "a nuclear-free homeland" is certainly a lofty one. However, the end never justifies the means. Chen ought to know better, because he is a man of law as well. With the controversy over the legality of a unilateral call for a halt to construction by the Executive Yuan, the Chen administration should have at least bothered to request a ruling by the Council of Grand Justices for the constitutionality of the move.
From a practical standpoint, compromise is the core of party politics. The Chen administration has stubbornly and absolutely refused to budge on the plant issue, at least not until the opposition parties joined forces and the threat of a recall seemed much more than just a threat.
Had the Chen administration at least faked a consideration of the compromises proposed by the opposition parties, it is unlikely it would now be facing its current predicament. A compromise by the administration against the backdrop of a genuine threat of recall seems so humiliating. At this point, the administration may just have to swallow its pride and take the insult until the opposition parties come to their senses.
For the sake of the people, it is time for both sides to stop their childish pranks and seek a way out of the current dilemma.
Amy Wu is a member of the state bars of California and New York.
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