So often we hear complaints by politicians that their rivals stir up ethnic tension by appealing to base instincts and Taiwan's history of ethnic discrimination. Occasionally, the "ethnic card" is played among the smaller minorities -- Hakka, Aborigines and marital immigrants -- for less spectacular results. But in election season, as legislators and party activists spit out language both offensive and florid, the chance presents itself to gain greater attention and exploit social inequalities.

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By Lin Cho-shui 林濁水
POPULAR CHINESE ECONOMIST Hu Angang (胡鞍剛) has famously commented that Taiwan would not last more than seven days if China were to initiate trade and economic warfare, as it is overly reliant on China. Some in Taiwan anxiously cite his words to oppose direct links and the lifting of the 40 percent cap on China-bound investment, because they believe such moves would make Taiwan even more dependent on China. These individuals demand that those in favor of direct links first convincingly refute Hu's argument before they discuss opening direct links or lifting the investment cap.

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By Han Pao-teh 漢寶德
CLOUD GATE DANCE THEATRE'S (雲門舞集) rehearsal studio was recently destroyed by a fire and the unexpected event became an interlude to the presidential election. The pan-blue camp has promised to raise the arts and culture budget to 4 percent of the central government's budget in the next four years; the pan-green camp promises 5 percent. Would this fire have been helpful to the arts industry had it come a few years earlier? If Cloud Gate's misfortunes can improve the government's arts and culture policy, then it would be an unwitting contribution to the industry.

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By Allen Houng 洪裕宏
TAIWAN'S RECOGNITION OF Kosovo's independence made headline news in the newly independent state, the Liberty Times (the Taipei Times' sister newspaper) reported. However, China insists that Taiwan is not a sovereign state, and has no right to recognize Kosovo. Loud complaints from Beijing compelled a Kosovo Web site to remove Taiwan from the list of countries that had recognized its independence. As a sovereign state, when will Taiwan's international status and dignity be secured?

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While US Republicans blamed the 'New York Times' for its liberal bias, the hints of a scandal may have some influence on independent voters
By Liz Sidoti
US presidential hopeful Senator John McCain sought to minimize damage to his "man of character" image and his presidential hopes, vigorously denying and denouncing a newspaper report suggesting an improper relationship with a female lobbyist.

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Thus far the presidential candidates haven't discussed what their plans are for defending what has become the most widely spread nation in all of history
By Richard Halloran
With due respect, you as candidates for the presidency of the US have so far shown little vision about where you would lead this nation in international affairs, including national security and foreign policy, should you enter the White House on Jan. 20 next year.

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By Jonathan Mann
One thing about Senator John McCain, he'd make a hell of a movie.

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