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Editorial: Shining on the international stage

While politicians busily and loudly engage in meaningless wrangling and bickering, several groups of talented Taiwanese have been quietly and diligently making the nation proud.

Among them are a group of senior high school students who recently finished second among 20 countries competing in the 2007 Asian Physics Olympiad, winning Taiwan three gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

Young Taiwanese athletes -- with the word "TAIWAN" proudly displayed on their tournament jackets -- also returned triumphant from the world shotokan karate tournament held late last month in Japan. Taiwan's competitors came home with three gold and four bronze medals after competing against 800 tournament participants from 33 countries.

Then there is Tsai Bae-chun (蔡百峻), a nature photographer better known as "Mr Butterfly."

Tsai will soon introduce the world to the beauty of Taiwan's endemic butterfly species, with a display featuring his collection of 28 butterfly photos at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington.

Officials from the Council of Agriculture said the Smithsonian decided to exhibit Tsai's butterfly photography after stringent screening. Tsai is the first Asian photographer invited to exhibit his work at the museum.

Tsai will also give a lecture at the museum, which will not only give him a chance to share some of his experience after decades of hard work, but also to attract international attention to Taiwan's conservation efforts.

Politicians should give themselves a hard-earned break from all their infighting, stalling of legislation and throwing wild accusations at each other to admire how the determination and talent of these people have effectively promoted the many sides of Taiwan to the world.

Tsai and others may not be as boisterous as the nation's politicians and they may not be followed by reporters wherever they go, but they know a thing or two about diligence and devotion. They have worked hard, regardless of whether they were in the limelight. We can only hope for more like them, pursuing their talents and passion, and perhaps showing the world that Taiwan's identity consists of far more than the debate over its political status.

Many politicians seem to be the opposite of these quiet achievers. They stand in the limelight, promises dripping from their tongues, but they rarely deliver.

With next year's presidential election quickly approaching, the public can expect to hear even more than the usual dose of accusations and promises.

The WHO Secretariat recently rejected Taiwan's latest bid to participate in the international health body. The UN annually ignores the nation's appeal for membership.

The nation's politicians should spend less time talking and more time acting. They should highlight the achievements demonstrated by Tsai and other young achievers who help Taiwan shine on the international stage -- with no rhetoric required.
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