I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute my best efforts to the people of Taiwanlong and difficult struggle for democracy, but I know that through this award you are not so much recognizing any individual achievement. Rather, you are paying homage to the struggles and achievements of the people of Taiwanas a whole. I humbly accept this honor degree in that spirit, while at the same time we are deeply moved by the compliment you are paying to the people of Taiwanby conferring this degree.
The award moves us deeply because it evokes solidarity between Taiwanese and Korean peoples in the international community. Our sense of solidarity comes from our struggles for democracy and our realization of those aspirations which we share as peoples.
There are three dimensions to the value of democracy. The first is its intrinsic importance in human life; the second is its instrumental function in pursuing political ideals; and the third is the constructive process of molding a value.
Democratic values are not regional or localized in character, as some individuals claim. Neither do they necessarily contradict the virtues of discipline and order. To give Asian values a one-sided definition, putting them in contradiction with a value system of democracy and basic human rights, in my view, will not bear critical scrutiny. The experiences of Korea and Taiwan have proven that democracy can be a universal value, shared by Asian peoples. Dictators who cite Asian values as a reason to refuse or delay democratic reforms are merely finding an excuse to maintain their hold on power.
Many people learn about Taiwan through the perspective of the rulers. They are led to believe that Taiwan's democratization came about because of an enlightened decision by the rulers at a particular historical juncture. This view neglects many historical facts, for it marks the people's struggle for democracy as an existing historical condition.
But in our personal experiences, we have witnessed human weakness in the face of oppressive rulers, and we have witnessed the cruelty of those rulers. However, at the same time we have also witnessed the inspiring strength of those who sacrificed by choosing to give up their lives for the struggle against relentless suppression. It was the choices made by these people, undaunted by authoritarian rulers, who held together the opposition force in Taiwan. It was the spirit of those willing to sacrifice for the land, the people, democracy and human rights, who touched the hearts of many Taiwanese so as to sustain and strengthen the momentum against the dictators. It was also this spirit which, after 30 years of struggle, in the spring of the year 2000, brought about Taiwan's first ever transfer of power from one party to another through peaceful, democratic means.
This historical experience tells me that democracy is not a mere political system. It is also a faith that can inflame passion. This faith has made the powerless around the world willing to sacrifice their youth, their freedom and even their precious lives. In my 30-year-long pursuit of democracy in Taiwan, I have clearly witnessed the strength of "human conviction." I came to understand that we cannot await the benevolence of the power-holders to grant democracy. It is only through the efforts of those who have conviction that democracy can be realized.
In the past, my comrades and I lived our lives in pursuit of democracy and justice. And today, our hearts are comforted as we look upon our country as one in which citizens, regardless of race, gender, or class, share equal political rights and opportunities. And as we cherish this accomplishment, which was by no means an easy one, we maintain great gratitude toward the individuals and nations all around the world who morally and materially supported our struggle for democracy.
By bestowing this honorary degree, you are giving the people of Taiwanmeaningful support and recognition. I believe this serves not only as a commemoration of past achievements, but as a pledge to work together for a world in which the democracy and freedom we cherish are enjoyed by all. Ladies and gentlemen, let us join hands, you and me, Taiwan and Korea, in a partnership for peace and prosperity, in Asia and in the world.
Lin I-hsiung is a former chairman of the DPP. This is the text of a speech he gave after reciving an honorary political science degree from Dong-A University in Pusan, South Korea.
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