Letters:

Give Thailand a break

Regarding your reports that Taiwan threatened to discontinue hiring workers from Thailand, it's unfortunate that the livelihoods of so many people are in the hand of one woman. If it were the US, I doubt Taiwan would still react so bitterly.

Frankly Taiwan-ese investors have been insensitive to the local environment. During the Asian financial crisis, Taiwan did not offer much help to Thailand. Now in an economic slump, Taiwan is willing to hire Thai workers only because it's hard to find cheap labor within the Taiwan itself. When Taiwanese tourists eat sharkfin soup in Bangkok's Chinatown, they should understand that affinity for things Chinese is already part of Thai history.

I hope the DPP respects the fact that Thailand, like most nations, has committed to a policy that contact with Taiwan is confined to trade issues in order to maintain ties with China.

The Thai government's mindless mistake should neither be considered as an "act of violating principles of mutual trust" nor impact Thailand-Taiwan relations. President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has pursued a "go south" policy and wants Taiwan to concentrate on its Southeast Asian friends. But what would Taiwan achieve by politicizing the issue of Thai workers? Only well-meaning efforts of both sides win real friendship.

AREE KITTAVORN

Bangkok

Economy over independence

Here in Taiwan we have a democratic society, which gives us freedom of speech, human rights and peace. Unfortunately the government is incompetent. The DPP always seems to challenge China. I want to say that we need a strong government that is concerned with our present difficulties.

The economy is in a slump, but we don't see the DDP government trying to improve this situation. They always want to put independence first and continually bicker about the issue. I don't think it's necessary for Taiwan to be independent now. The independence question will damage not only China but also Taiwan.

The government has to be pragmatic in order to restore the economy and provide a higher quality of life. I think that economic policy is more important than the issue of independence.

Maybe issue of Taiwan independence will be decided by referendum, but I hope the DDP government can respect the public's feelings. Our families, businesses and safety depend on the protection of this country. What will become of us if things continue this way?

Ho Kuei-hsi

Taipei

Status quo a coward's choice

Polls show the majority of people in Taiwan wish to retain the status quo when given a choice among independence, unification and status quo. But what does that really mean?

During its reign, the KMT crafted this ambiguous term to refute independence and unification advocates. It implies any change of Taiwan's status would bring about chaos and disaster. It coerced voters not to support the independence-minded DPP, lest they risk being attacked by China. It also rejected China's rule for fear Taiwan's freedom and prosperity would be lost. This was a "one-stone-two-bird" trick aimed at winning support from Taiwan's voters at election time.

However, the lingering effect still poisons the mindset of the people of Taiwan. Chen's recent factual statement of "one county on each side" of the Taiwan Strait caused a lot of concern in Taiwan. Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Sadly, many people in Taiwan do not have the courage and strength to express that fact to the world. They are constantly living under the threat and fear of a possible Chinese military attack. That in turns reinforces China's belligerence toward Taiwan.

Taiwanese around the world cherish freedom, democracy, stability and prosperity. The majority want to retain the status quo. But that is only a wish, and a cowardly one at best, because they refuse to stand up to the bully of China. They don't back up their wish and they don't have a clear direction. They are fudging the issue and playing it safe.

There is no status quo that can last forever. Microscopically, everything is changing. You either change for the better or for the worse.

In addition to the China and US factors, Taiwan's legislature and media itself can bring the nation chaos, while blind investment in China can lead to bankruptcy and the hollowing out of Taiwan's economy. There is no other choice between unification or independence. You are either independent or aren't.

Failing speak out clearly and bravely, Taiwan might end up losing everything. East Timor, like the US when it gained independence from Great Britain, paid its due and stood up against the giant of Indonesia.

When it comes to independence and sovereignty, you don't simply play safe. You play brave and smart.

Yang Ji-charng

Columbus, Ohio