Print

Mail

wiki links

Letter: Name changes don't help

After the unsuccessful attempt to oust the president last year, this year, before a verdict is handed down in the first lady's embezzlement trial, it would seem that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is holding back just for the sake of it.

Just a few days ago, the government announced it would rename government-owned companies and places whose names referred to China. This included Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, one of the most important and remarkable landmarks and tourist attractions in the nation.

The reason for this move is to "restore and emphasize the importance of Taiwan's international status," government officials said.

In addition to the memorial, all government-owned industries -- including the post office, the petroleum company, the shipbuilding company and the partially privatized telecom company will be renamed to contain Taiwan in their names instead of Chunghwa or China.

Over the years since the DPP was formed, they have emphasized the importance of making Taiwan a country under the name Taiwan instead of the Republic of China, which the Nationalist Party (KMT) used.

Indeed, Taiwan is different from China, but ever since Chang Kai-shek (蔣介石) and his followers fled China for Taiwan, the historic link is undeniable. If we abolish everything that is linked to China, our history will only have begun in 1949, or even later, from when former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) was in charge.

Obviously the public disagrees with the change. Almost 70 percent of surveyed people believe the name change will not make any difference. But officials have said that the process will go-ahead

Is this democracy?

Regardless of when Taiwan's history started or who the founders of Taiwan are, the core motivation for this process is to get the world to recognize Taiwan as a democratic country.

Dealing with real problems in our system, such as governmental systems prone to corruption, would be the best way to gain the respect of the international community.

Changing street names doesn't prove anything.

Monica Hsueh
Taipei

This story has been viewed 1608 times.