The Taiwanese have lost a chance to change the ambiguous situation that has endured for more than 50 years. We need to be courageous, brave and determined for the next generation; it is a pity to see the majority of Taiwanese being so selfish. I really hope that in the next election, Taiwanese will be mature enough to make the right decision for their own future.
Graziano Pia
Italy
In the course of political transition, Poland's communist party was buried in rubble and ashes. In 1993, however, the communists celebrated their return to power though elections. At that time we had a saying: "The old is coming back."
Now we see former KMT chairman Lien Chan (連戰) boasting about not participating in Saturday's referendums and calling a US member of Congress a stupid fellow. We could also see People First Party Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) talking about "our KMT." I have to ask myself the same question the Poles did 1993: Is the old coming back?
Ma voted against the repeal of Article 100 of the Criminal Code, which allowed for people suspected of plotting to overthrow the KMT regime to be charged with sedition. Ma was against allowing direct elections of the president, claiming that the president should be elected by the National Assembly. Ironically, this reform led to his election.
Several times in the past Ma tried to block the moves that brought democracy to Taiwan. All around him there are people who made up the previous regime. Is it then "a new Ma Ying-jeou" or might the old be back?
Hanna Shen
Taipei
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