Tue, Jun 08, 2010 page8

• [LETTERS]

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  Betrayal of the free market

  The government’s desire to sign an economic framework agreement (ECFA) with China must be vigorously resisted by anyone who cares for their freedom.

  Not only is the Chinese government run on a fraudulent and malicious modus operandi, but where there should be a clear demarcation between the actions of China’s government and those of so-called “private” Chinese companies, there is nothing but the blur of fascism. If a Chinese company defrauds you, you are no longer dealing with a company that you can take to court and sue for compensation, but the customs policy of the People’s Republic of China government itself.

  Yet the question is whether the same is increasingly true of Taiwan, with its blurry state-private empires in the healthcare and education markets. Is it also a trend embraced by the US under the present administration. Consider the extent of this fascistic blur in commercial banking, energy, housing, insurance, automotive and healthcare industries in the US.

  Although the Taiwan Solidarity Union has pursued a referendum on an ECFA, which has garnered much support, I cannot applaud their stance. And for all the fight they are showing, I’m sure that in private, their mood remains pessimistic.

  If they fail in their attempts to force the government into offering a referendum on an ECFA, then where democracy fails, only the market will be left to stand against state predation. It will be up to the Taiwanese to decide whether they accept the cost by refraining from purchasing Chinese goods and services wherever possible.

  We must never surrender our freedom to the fascists in Beijing or those in Taipei. The issue is very simple and it is and will always be the same: Do you want to live by the power of the market or the power of the government? Will you choose to embrace freedom of association and exchange or will you try to live under the threat of violence if you don’t get what you want? Will you stand up in defiance of tyrants or will you grovel and whine on the floor, begging to be absolved of responsibility, like a slave?

  MICHAEL FAGAN

  Tainan

  Give ambulances right of way

  Recently, I had my second trip in an ambulance from a hospital in Taipei to a hospital in Linkou and can no longer remain silent about an appalling and dangerous situation. It concerns other drivers on the streets of Taipei and on the freeway when an ambulance is in the vicinity.

  I can’t say that this behavior applies to all of Taiwan, but one would think that Taipei would perhaps be a bit more forward thinking than other areas of the country.

  The problem is that most drivers are unconcerned about a speeding ambulance and its occupants. If it was a member of your family being rushed to hospital in a life-or-death situation, would you not try your best to get out of the way so the ambulance could get by as safely and as quickly as possible?

  On both of my ambulance trips, my condition was not exactly a matter of life or death — I’m a cancer patient — but I remain astounded by the behavior of motorists in Taiwan. In general, Taipei is a more civilized city than it was even 10 years ago, and I’ve been living here off and on since 1983. But there’s something about peoples’ behavior when they are behind the wheel of a car, and it can’t just be because they are in a hurry.

  When an ambulance is behind you with its siren ­wailing, how can a driver not have the presence of mind to get out of the way? On a trip that lasted perhaps 20 minutes, I counted no less than 17 cars that appeared to be totally oblivious to our presence. Yes, many drivers did the right thing and moved out of the way, but then almost immediately there was another that didn’t seem to care — even when the driver turned the siren up even louder.

  Part of the problem with this issue is the lack of proper driving skills. A friend of mine from Canada recently told me that several of his Taiwanese buddies have asked him why he looks over his shoulder when he’s driving. He tells them it’s to check if there’s a car in your blind spot, but he is met with uncomprehending blank stares, as if they’ve never been told about blind spots.

  I don’t want to wax indignant about this problem as I expect it will make little difference, but for anyone reading this — if you’re out driving and there is an ambulance with its siren on and you see it in your rear-view mirror — get out of the way. The life you might help save may be someone you know and love.

  JOSEPH RUPP

  Linkou
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