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Shiny, happy democracy

I find your editorial's ending comment that "think how we might have to step outside the democratic system in order to save it. And how might that be done?" very alarming ("Chen's loss would be China's win," June 2, page 8).

Taiwan has gone through 50 years of struggle to achieve a glimmer of democracy, even if it is immature. It is for Taiwan-ese to treasure and nurture it into something shining and bright.

You have every right to denounce the blue camp and the so-called defeatism and pro-China politics. It is your job to convince people in Taiwan using your logic and rationale. Suggesting anything outside the democratic system to achieve it, however, is irresponsible and inflammatory.

Lee Yisheng
San Francisco, California

Confidence beats humanity

I feel uncomfortable whenever I read a news story that refers to the people of Taiwan as Taiwanese. Englishmen created the -nese ending to describe people of the countries they think inferior. If Englishmen could create such a word, why can't the people of Taiwan?

I have no better idea on this matter, but I truly wish one day to see a new word used to describe the people of Taiwan. A word which is full of pride and indicative of Taiwan's national identity. For example, "Tai-waner" (like New Zealander) or just simply "Taiwan." (Well, we can leave this matter to future generation.)

What I am concerned about is Taiwan getting into the World Health Organization (WHO) as an independent nation. Many countries are abetting China's vices. China is always the biggest bully.

Taiwan has had to fight and stand up for herself through all these hard years. We built up our own strong economy and we're experts in almost everything. Yet sadly, we're not very good at expressing our national pride.

If the WHO is willing to let the people of Taiwan suffer from SARS because China said it is already helping Taiwan, then why do we bother trying to join an organization which doesn't care for us?

We have the technology and people to succeed in everything and we will always have those things. We have to fight for our national identity and not be at the mercy of other countries.

Taiwan should not just stand up in front of the big bully, it should stand up in front of all countries. Humanity is not a reason for the world to accept Taiwan. Our love and sense of Taiwan is.

Tseng Kytkat
Taipei
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