Civics education needed
In response to Hsu Yung-ming's (
Day in and day out, the vast majority of editorials in this paper are aimed at criticizing the old regime, but one can only use that excuse for so long. I think most people recognize, as the author does, that a serious void exists in terms of integrity and moral and civic education (including respect for the rule of law) in Taiwan. If Taiwan's democracy is to continue to grow and mature, these things need to start being embedded in the collective subconscious of the society.
However, the problem that exists now is that the people in power have come to like their power too much, and have learned from thousands of years of Chinese tradition that they way to maintain power is for the people to be "blind."
What needs to happen is for the government to start putting more effort into educating the people about morality, integrity, the law and democracy. The "civics" classes that junior-high and senior-high students attend are obviously not doing the trick.
A massive public-education campaign needs to be undertaken in order to create a fundamental change in the way of thinking, and gradually move to a society where the principles of democracy, law and integrity are deeply embedded (perhaps just a pipe dream for most countries).
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) can't keep blaming the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) for past problems. If they want to win over the hearts of the people, they need to quit the mudslinging (of which this paper plays a major role) and start doing the right thing ... and understanding that doing the right thing will not always be easy, might take a long time to implement and will not necessarily be popular.
Hopefully the DPP leadership will learn to be more mature politicians.
David Evseeff
Taipei
Appeal to the UN
I today would like to say something for my country to the world forum, the UN: Taiwan should be a member of the UN.
The people of the world respect the UN because it is the place where the most just, frank and open discussions take place. Countries regard joining this great international organizations as the most important thing for them. To be a member of the UN is an honor.
Since 1945 Taiwan has been an independent country. We have 23 million people and our own government, including a taxation system. Taiwan is clearly an independent country with its own sovereignty.
However, we Taiwanese today face a very real threat from the other side of the Taiwan Strait. China is an evil power threatening all Asian nations. Taiwan has suffered at China's hands for decades. China has more than 450 missiles aimed at Taiwan's cities.
In addition, China uses all sorts of dirty tricks to try to damage Taiwan, such as sending spies, smuggling hookers into Taiwanese families and using false and sensationalist media reports. All Taiwanese feel hurt by our bad neighbor. We need international justice to protect us.
All over the world, people in democratic nations are living in liberty and equality. They can create economic achievements that better their living conditions and environment.
Most Taiwanese today are well-educated. Our nation is a strong economic power, ranking 14th in terms of international trade, with foreign exchange reserves amounting to more than US$1.95 billion. Moreover, Taiwan has a truly democratic political system, having held its first direct presidential election eight years ago.
Former president Lee Teng-hui (
Democracy-respecting people of the world, Taiwanese are good people. We just want fair treatment, to live peacefully, to be a member of international organizations and play a role as a good international companion.
Would you please give us your generous hand, just as you have assisted all human beings?
Lin Pyng-jin
Changhua County
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