Print

Mail

wiki links

Johnny Neihu's Mailbag

Saturday, Jul 14, 2007, Page 8

Democracy in dire straits

Dear Johnny,

Reading your column ("Suffrage is best shaken, not stirred," July 7, page 8) where you commented on Julian Baum's article on "Taiwan's faltering democracy," I was surprised by your take on the political situation in Taiwan: you "weren't aware our democracy had any problems."

Perhaps jet lag from a recent long-haul trip with Cathy was the excuse for you believing that "who gains the most votes still wins" is the definition of stable democracy. But this doesn't apply to the KMT, (the largest opposition party!), which still refuses to accept the results of the previous presidential elections. And given that their party represents a whopping percentage of the citizens of this country, doesn't that in itself pose a bit of a problem for your theory of "Taiwan Democracy A-OK"?

And elections aside, if the shenanigans on the floor of the legislature represent the will of the people, then Taiwan may be democratic, but it certainly isn't civil. And as my experience of Taiwanese tells me otherwise, it is obvious to me at least that many of the democratically elected lawmakers in this country -- for reasons of self-centered arrogance or a deluded sense of loyalty to their parties -- are simply not doing their jobs, and it is democratic Taiwan that is suffering.

Stalling the passage of legislation and budgets vital to continued growth and development simply to get one over on the other side is a serious issue for a democratic country, Johnny.

Then you have some of these clowns, supposedly democratic leaders, who don't have the emotional self-control to restrain violent tendencies when things don't go their way. These guys shouldn't be managing a little league, never mind a nation's legislation!

Democracy has stalled in Taiwan because these elected officials are well overdue for a massive kick in the backside from the electorate.

And, by the way, every democratic country has issues, but you don't wash over your own by pointing the finger at the US. They're too easy a target!

Anonymous

Johnny replies: The points you make are sensible and I have made the same or similar points, too, along with others on the stupidity that goes on in the name of politics.

So, remember the context. Here's an experienced foreign journalist conflating the behavior of legislators with executive mischief, then sneering at "distressing trends" of national identity. I ask: What's wrong with defending your patch? And how the hell did he think Taiwan democratized?

He then quotes an Academia Sinecure boffin who claims a majority of Taiwanese no longer have faith in democratic mechanisms, but without asking: Which party has an interest in damaging faith in the viability of democracy?

Then he says the tragedy extends to Taiwan as a model for China. I say: Well, that's all very sad, but the Chinese can make their own damn bed.

Election results here are dependable. Voters choose their representatives and bear the burden of responsibility for the idiots who get elected. That's worth telling people. He didn't.

As for Americans, they may be an easy target, but they're the right target. Don't expect to rave on about democracy in Iraq and get away with it if you sweet-talk Chinese tyrants at every other opportunity.

Live Earth: get typing

Dear Johnny,

Your reply to Micha van den Berg (Johnny Neihu's Mailbag, July 7, page 8) was incorrect -- unless Ma "eventual unification" Ying-jeou (馬英九) was somewhere behind the scenes doing what spies do and messing with your head.

The listing for "Taiwan, Province Of China" on the Live Earth Web site is still there today. You can find it on this page: liveearthpledge.org/answer_the_call.php. It's in the dropdown menu at the lower right of the page labeled "Please Choose Your Country." Contact information for the organization can be found here: www.liveearth.org/contact_us.php.

CC

Johnny replies: Micha says the same, and that sets me straight.

Release the hounds.
This story has been viewed 2272 times.