The Cordillera Peoples Alliance is in unity with the Taiwanese indigenous peoples’ struggle for their rights to land and resources. We are with you in opposing the typhoon reconstruction legislation and salute you in your collective undertaking in overcoming this great difficulty in the aftermath of Morakot.
At this time of great difficulty, we must strengthen our solidarity and intensify our struggle for ancestral domains and self-determination. We must work for a world order and society that is socially just, democratic and ecologically sustainable, and one that respects self-determination in the development of indigenous peoples.
WINDEL BOLINGET
Baguio, Philippines
The green lane could be safer
Living and working on Dunhua Road, I am pleased with the efforts of the Taipei City Government in creating a suitable bike path on a major road. Before the bike lane opened, I was in and out of traffic, dodging taxis and buses that swerved to the curb to pick up or drop off passengers, or riding on the heels of pedestrians on the sidewalk. I risked my life on a daily basis for a simple 15-minute ride to work.
Now I can often ride safely to work on my green cement lane.
Yes, “often.” The majority of cab and bus drivers are doing their part in not blocking the bike lane, but scooter and car drivers are not.
People in Taipei like to complain about how the government is not doing its job, when in fact it is the public who are not doing theirs.
People of Taipei: You run red lights, you ride scooters on sidewalks, you overtake other motorists by driving into oncoming traffic, you ride and park in bike lanes and you never stop at stop signs. Your disrespect for others on the road puts other motorists, bike riders and especially pedestrians in harm’s way.
There is a reason that traffic is being restricted near Deaflympics venues — your driving might seriously injure our international guests, or worse.
Yes, the police need to be out in force, giving bad drivers tickets and taking away licenses. Yes, there needs to be better training for drivers. Blame the government all you want, but take it upon yourself as civilized people to drive better.
When Grandma and Grandpa are crossing the road, stop. Take a breath. Let them get to the other side. But, Gram and Gramps — please — look both ways before you begin your trek.
NAME WITHHELD
Taipei
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