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Letter of the law

Before people make -- or report -- accusations ("Nobel Peace Prize winner facing fine," Mar. 9, Page 1), perhaps they should actually read the relevant laws. The fact that a legislator says something is illegal doesn't make it so.

Article 96 of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Law (總統副總統選舉罷免法) -- which is separate from the Public Officials Election and Recall Law (公職人員選罷法) -- merely lays down punishments for various violations. It prescribes fines for violations of Article 50, which states that "political parties or any person may not ... (paragraph 4) invite foreign or mainland nationals to participate in activities listed in Article 43," which include openly campaigning.

This is the only mention of this issue in the law; therefore, only the organizers of the campaign activities in question can be said to violate the law, if indeed they have "invited" a foreign or Chinese national. The visitor, on the other hand, bears no legal responsibility, nor do any other agencies connected with his or her visit. Furthermore, this is a clear case of selective punishment, because the Chinese National Party (KMT) has not been fined for its using the invitation of Nobel Laureate Lawrence Klein for campaign purposes ("Klein joins KMT think tank," Mar. 2, page 3).

However, simply handing out more fines will not improve the situation, because this restriction almost certainly violates Article 11 of the Constitution (freedom of speech), as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It is a remnant of authoritarianism which should be abolished. Unless any harm is caused to others, the voters' judgment of the appropriateness of campaign activities is the only one that counts.

Bo Tedards
Taipei

Peace, freedom are good

The record turnout of participants in the 228 Hand-in-Hand Rally last week established a milestone in Taiwan's democratic movement.

People from all walks of life joined together on this historic day of sorrow and turned it into a day of hope for peace and freedom in the future. The rally brought the people together, definitively and positively demonstrating the common moral principles shared among them to stand for and protect their beloved homeland called Taiwan.

Through the rally, the people have not only demonstrated their resolve to safeguard the country's democratic values, but also made a plea to the international community to lend its support to Taiwan's pursuit of long-lasting peace and freedom. As it turns out, the free world responded positively to their plea.

The solidarity among the people has been greatly solidified by the rally, which will definitely help them in their pursuit of a free and democratic society. Remember: united we stand; divided we fall.

Ching Li
Changhua

Just say no to China

On March 20, much more will be at stake in the election than whether the voters have more confidence in the ability of one candidate over the other to manage the economy and preserve peace. At stake is Taiwan's status as a sovereign nation.

If the people re-elect President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), the international community, and most particularly the US, will receive a clear and unambiguous message that Taiwan wishes to remain a sovereign and independent state, and that its people reject the idea of eventually falling victim to Chinese tyranny. The US and the rest of the world will then adjust their view of Taiwan and will accommodate it as a sovereign state.

The US State Department seems already prepared for this shift, and President George W. Bush's conservative base of support is already demanding it. The only minor stumbling block is China's "assistance" with the North Korean problem, but Washington's illusions on that point are quickly vanishing.

If, however, KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) is elected president, then the US is likely to view that as a message that the people intend to eventually fall under Chinese sovereignty.

Consequently, the ballots for the election could appropriately be rewritten to: "Do you wish to be ruled by China? If YES, then vote for Lien, if NO, then vote for Chen.

Daniel McCarthy
Salt Lake City, Utah
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