I don't like politics, but I can't help hearing, watching or reading about it, because the media inundates our environment with political hyperbole. As a matter of fact, I don't dislike politics at all. After all, people must concern themselves with goings-on in the government. I just can't agree with politicians who don't seem to care about improving the country, but instead seem to chase their own personal dreams.
In my opinion, Taiwan is in a very risky situation. Our enemy is not China, but ourselves. Before, although China wanted to isolate Taiwan from the international community and threaten its survival in any way it could, Taiwan was not defeated, but became stronger. Now, that seems to be gradually changing.
The most critical point is the lack of unity in Taiwan. The "pan-green" and "pan-blue" political groups don't trust each other and seem to oppose issues just for the sake of being against them. All conflicts or arguments are means to get votes. The parties can't even agree about national recognition. One wants to be part of China, while the other insists on being an independent new country.
Realistically, Taiwan is an independent country. It governs its people and territory, and maintains authority and a military. The people of Taiwan take care of themselves and compete against other countries to survive. China hasn't given us a hand, but, instead, obstructs us. Because of China's interference, Taiwan can't participate in many international activities or be recognized as a country.
After all China's insults, how can we citizens of Taiwan accept it as our native country? Taiwan and China have been separate for more than 55 years. They have developed two absolutely different systems: one a democracy, the other a dictatorship. I don't refer to communism in China, because the nature of its government is a dictatorship.
After more than five decades, there are so many differences between Taiwan and China, especially in their degree of freedom and civil rights protections. But we can't deny that we all are Chinese people.
I think most Taiwanese don't care if Taiwan is independent or united with China. But it is impossible for the Taiwanese to choose to go backward. Every Taiwanese has a dream to be a world citizen, even though so many other citizens of other countries are born with that right. What a sad dream. Maybe that dream will come true in the future.
But I don't think the key point is whether or not we are all Chinese. "If the US is willing," some Taiwanese joke, "we would gladly be the 51st state of America." People just want to live with simple dignity.
Sean Chuang
Kaohsiung
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