Letter: Taiwan's street democracy

I truly believe that since the 2000 presidential election not a day has gone by in Taiwan without a protest or rally in the streets. Whether organized by the pan-blues or pan-greens, these events have likely made most folk see nothing but red.

It's an interesting phenomenon, especially to somebody who only sees them on CNN or reads about them on the Internet. Bad economy and high unemployment rate? Let's take it to the streets -- maybe the government will give us jobs so we don't become full-time demonstrators! Didn't like the outcome of an election? Let's rally our opposition friends and yell slogans on the streets -- that'll show the world how much we thrive in our democracy! And of course, the latest news that's keeping everyone glued to the TV (or not): The first lady and president's son-in-law may be involved in separate scandals! We shall impeach the president for that!

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) is leading the anti-Chen protests in an effort to gather momentum for a presidential impeachment. Thank you, Ma, for enunciating your clear position that one is responsible for the mistakes of others, especially with family ties. Next time Mrs Ma receives a speeding ticket or parking citation, the good citizens of Taiwan now know you will gladly give up your driver's license.

Unfortunately, the media frenzy surrounding President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) wife and his son-in-law has half the population deciding a "guilty" verdict in the court of public opinion, while the other half is busy organizing the next rally. Never mind that a suspect is innocent until proven guilty. For the pan-blues, the first lady and son-in-law must be guilty because they are Chen's family, and Chen must be impeached because of guilt by association.

The Taiwanese people should be proud of its democracy. But filling the streets with protests, banners and loud slogans week after week does not illustrate a sense of pride to the world. Most people are just going to flip to the next channel. In other words, the protesting message is lost and nobody cares.

Eugene Liu
Atlanta, Georgia