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LETTERS: Identity issue is dead

Based on the results of Taiwan's recent legislative elections, it is clear the DPP must make significant changes for the presidential election in March, as well as for 2012, if it wishes to rectify its defeat.

First, the most immediate and obvious change is to reduce the amount of infighting and finger-pointing within the party. Divisiveness and a lack of unity among DPP members have been principal reasons for its recent political failures.

Next, the recent legislative defeat, as well President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) resignation as DPP chairman, have signaled to the DPP that it has lost touch with the Taiwanese, and that the party should take this opportunity to consider what the people are saying.

While identity politics is a significant topic to resolve, quality of life and economic competitiveness issues have become much more important. Playing the "identity card" no longer resonates as powerfully as it used to among Taiwanese, and it is overplayed. Certain individuals still do not comprehend this fact.

Additionally, because of the nature of the global economy, Taiwan's leaders must realize that aggressive efforts to disrupt the status quo will not be well received by the international community, especially the US.

The US has repeatedly issued statements expressing its concern over any change to the status quo, and that any attempts to do so would harm Taiwan's relationship with Washington.

In order to compete in the future, the DPP must develop a cohesive core platform that emphasizes issues outside of identity politics.

Continuing to play the "identity card," such as the referendum in March concerning Taiwan's UN membership name, is a continuation of a misguided campaign strategy that will only lead to more defeat.

Alvin Lin

Cambridge, Massachusetts
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