The name says it all
Last week, Britons had a referendum called “Brexit.” The name itself predicts the referendum outcome that Britain would exit the EU. Surprisingly, stock markets and foreign exchanges around the world were hit hard, possibly because “Brexit” sounds like “breaks it.” The Dow Jones dropped by 610 points, or 3.39 percent. It is hoped that this is a short-term pain.
The US became independent from Britain in 1776. Two hundred and forty years later, Britain becomes independent from the EU. “Independence” is a permanent and universal word and even a big nation like Britain favors it. This word should be used with respect. The number of nations has tripled since World War II, and with good reason.
Equally surprising, within days of the referendum, some Britons are now trying to have a second referendum held in the hope of keeping Britain in the EU. The name of the new referendum has to be changed probably to “Brineu” or “Breu.” The former “brine you” makes you salty and the latter “brew” might get you drunk.
The names of some political parties in Taiwan, such as the Democratic Progressive Party, the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), and the New Power Party, do reflect their basic characteristics.
Some Taiwanese use labels or erase the word “China” on their passports to show that they are from Taiwan — not China.
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), who is visiting Panama and Paraguay, is hopefully not mistaken as the president of China or “Chinese Taipei.”
Charles Hong
Columbus, Ohio
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