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Letter: Government must serve

The news that the Control Yuan has not been in operation since February 2005 ("Control Yuan cases continue to pile up as legislature stalls," Feb. 24, page 2) is a shocking eye-opener.

Taiwanese should take action and not accept this situation passively. It is truly outrageous. It is irresponsible, makes a mockery of representative government and, most disturbingly, it genuinely endangers people's lives.

It is insulting to everyone because it has blatantly disregarded the functioning of an important branch of the government for two years, apparently in favor of political maneuvering.

People choose government representatives with the expectations that they will govern in such a way as to enhance the people's lives, security and environment, not that they will struggle for personal or party power.

Any official, whether pan-blue or pan-green, who has blocked motions that would put the Control Yuan back in operation must be considered irresponsible. Which leads us to mockery.

Did Taiwanese not choose representatives to govern? Do Taiwanese not expect that those chosen to govern should do so in a way that responds to their requests, needs and inquiries?

The electorate must not tolerate representation at any level of government that mocks representation of the people. By allowing the Control Yuan to lie fallow for so long, some people in power have obviously decided that representing the people is not nearly as important as positioning for power, which mocks the principles of representation.

This takes us to why it is genuinely dangerous to continue like this.

As cited in the report, the cases that have stacked up are not trite. There are cases involving the sale of pork from sick and dead hogs, and cases calling for action looking into the behavior of the judicial arm of government.

That these and other issues are not being addressed should raise worries. I have lived in Taiwan for a number of years and have seen the actions and heard the concerns of its citizens.

I believe that citizens want a government that concentrates on developing a secure, clean, economically viable society for their children's future as well as for themselves.

Allowing individuals who may have undermined law and order to operate in society is irresponsible of the government.

If leaders vie for power forever, they will become distant from the needs of the people. This may have worked for kings and emperors of old, but this is a modern age and people are now empowered.

Taiwanese should use their power to vote, write, protest, assemble and talk in groups, and demand a government that works entirely for the people. It's time for the people of Taiwan to demand government to serve.

Dan Neal
Taipei

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