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For peace, prepare for war

The Democratic Action Alliance was one of the principle organizers of Saturday's "peace rally" held to protest the government's US$18.25 billion arms procurement deal with the US. The purchase will strengthen Taiwan's military defenses with eight diesel-electric submarines, six PAC-3 anti-missile systems and 12 P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. The interest group is borrowing vocal opposition to the procurement plan from academics to advance its agenda.

Let's debunk the actions and words of the Democratic Action Alliance and its supporters, shall we?

First, promoting the protest as a "peace rally" is misleading. As a concerned citizen, I think the proponents of the arms purchase are pro-peace because they understand the heightened national security threat that comes not only from Taiwan's aggressive neighbor, but also from a weak and outdated military. China has always been a threat, and will only become a greater threat in the future.

The Chen administration has, on several occasions, offered an olive branch to Beijing, but only got insults and disappointment in return. And if there can be no peaceful dialogue between Taipei and Beijing, then one has to assume aggression is forthcoming. A sound defense is therefore critical to protect the nation.

Second, National Taiwan University's professor Huang Kuang-kuo (黃光國) authored the alliance's manifesto against arms procurement. The NTU psychology professor said: "Arms procurement cannot ensure the safety of Taiwan." Well, at least it'll level the playing field. We all know what will ensure the safety of Taiwan: the unconditional surrender to Chinese rule. But that's not what we want, is it? Strengthening the military is the next best option for securing the nation.

Third, the alliance whines that the arms deal violates the "spirit of democracy." Democracy is defined as "government by the people, either directly or through elected representatives," and Taiwan's government (as well as most other world democracies) is clearly the latter. Our elected representatives in the Legislature voice our concerns regarding bills and statues. That's what you do when you cast the ballot. Perhaps the alliance can elaborate on how it defines democracy?

Fourth, opponents always argue about arms procurement at the expense of social welfare. A strong military can only be sustained if there's a strong economy and vice versa, as we have witnessed during the Cold War; when the US outlasted the Soviet Union economically, later bringing about the collapse of the Communist government. Where will you work or where will your family get medical care when a Chinese invasion completely destroys Taiwan? We should aim to grow a strong army, navy, and air force, then we will deal with the rest, as we are a freedom-loving and hard-working people.

People like me are labeled "hawks" or "war mongers," but the threat of an invasion of Taiwan is very real. Beijing continues to actively deploy coastal missiles and modernize its military, and any reasonable person can understand why. Domestic social issues are crucial indeed, but they mean nothing if future generations cannot live freely.

Eugene Liu
Atlanta
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