Values survive attacks
Let's not feel too depressed by what happened to America on Sept. 11. There are two most precious things in this tumultuous world: freedom and democracy. One may dislike America but one cannot deny these two values which America symbolizes. What could be more valuable than freedom? And how can seeds of freedom flourish without the soil of democracy? Terrorists can attack America barbarously, like in the events of Sept. 11, but they cannot destroy those precious values belonging not only to Americans but to every decent and sober human being around the world.
I was moved by Cao Chang-ching's article: Twin towers were part of my Life (Sept. 19, page 8). Let us thoroughly acknowledge that the dead did not die for nothing. The terrorists must never be permitted to destroy freedom and democracy. For we, the living, have become stronger in our resolve to protect these values through the blood of the dead.
Kuojung Ni
Hsinchu City
Clean out the legislature
The lawmakers in Taiwan have yet again proven to the people that they are the least helpful and most detestable trouble-makers in the country. In the aftermath of the Sept.11 terrorist attack on the US and Typhoon Nari's record-breaking rainfall and consequent damage, our legislators were still preoccupied with finger-pointing and name-calling during the opening day of the legislative session, which also coincided with the second anniversary of the 921 earthquake.
The unity and solidarity shown by the US administration and Congress in condemning and combatting terrorism has been admirable. And the American people's readiness to extend a helping hand to their fellow citizens has been quite moving.
While a score of 921 quake victims in Chungliao (中寮), Nantou County, came all the way to Taipei to help clean up the mess left by Nari, our politicians and lawmakers apparently couldn't care less. This is really unbearable. Can't we voters, the so-called "masters" of the country, learn a lesson from this series of tragedies and kick those selfish and short-sighted politicians out in the year-end elections?
Ashley Wu
Taichung
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