Global box office sales for the Hollywood masterpiece The Passion of the Christ have already reached US$450 million (NT$1.5 billion), making it the eighth-hifghest grossing film in history. It depicts the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life, during which he was betrayed, humiliated, tortured and nailed on a cross to die.
Watching the film, one cannot but think of Taiwan, which is also suffering now, with its democratic election smeared, the elected president defamed, prosecutors' offices attacked, police stations smashed, the Central Election Commission trampled, as well as police and journalists beaten and hundreds of people wounded in only one night. Even the presidential inauguration ceremony risks being disturbed.
Since the removal of the bans on publication and political parties, Taiwan has gradually moved towards democracy and the rule of law. The peaceful transfer of power four years ago received worldwide praise, and the international community now sees it as one of the models for democracy in Asia. Every step Taiwan has taken towards democracy has been the envy of the Chinese people living under a dictatorship across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan has even become their most powerful weapon in their pursuit of liberal democracy: a democratic system is definitely feasible for a Chinese society.
However, Taiwan's image has been severely tarnished through the international media's coverage of the violence resulting from demonstrations incited by those who lost the election. This has even become an excuse for Beijing to prevent the implementation of direct elections in Hong Kong and democracy in China -- if it doesn't, these two places will go the same way as Taiwan.
Those who prostrated themselves to kiss the ground to show their love for Taiwan now stand up to slap Taiwan right in the face. The hate-filled mobs remind us of the villains in the film who whipped Jesus Christ with a grin. Every lash of the whip makes those who truly love and cherish Taiwan weep inside.
We cannot allow Taiwan, a country ruled by law, to be hijacked by villains and let people suffer. There have been media reports that a businessman wanted to donate NT$100 million to pay for the vote recount, in the hope that it will bring tranquility. This echoes the will of most people. Given the extent of Chinese intimidation, Taiwan cannot afford domestic unrest or mob rule. Taiwan has to restore social order and cherish its achievements and image. Let Taiwan move through this ordeal and stand tall again.
Cao Chang-ching is a writer based in the US.
Translated by Jennie Shih
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