Chen's supporters rally to oppose Shih's campaign

PLACARDS

Chanting "Shih Ming-teh, you are wrong," and "pan-blue camp, stop," the protesters held banners and placards bearing blow-ups of an old picture of Shih and messages that described Shih as an alcoholic and a womanizer as well as a lunatic who needed to be committed to an asylum.

Wang Sing-nan, who had once served as Shih's campaign manager when Shih was running for legislator, tried to present the receipts that he had collected from Shih's donors, totaling NT$2 million (US$62,500), to Shih's office.

However, he was unable to get into the office because of all the barricades deployed by police around the area.

Calling the protest a success, Wang Sing-nan then led his group of demonstrators to the 228 Peace Park, where they joined another group of protesters who were being lead by Wang Ben-hu and Wang Shih-cheng.

CUTTING TIES

At the event, Wang Sing-nan used a pair of scissors to cut in half a yellow ribbon that bore the title of Shih's campaign manager.

"He is no longer the Shih Ming-teh of Taiwan but has become the Shih Ming-teh of China," Wang Sing-nan said.

He said it was with a heavy heart that they asked Shih to return the money because by doing so, they had to admit that they made a mistake in the past by supporting Shih's legislative bids and helping him get elected.

Lin called on the protest participants to voice their grievances rationally and peacefully and avoid letting the pro-Chen campaign degenerate into violence.

CONDO QUESTIONS

In addition to urging Shih to offer a clear account of his "secret" meeting with fugitive tycoon Chen Yu-hao (陳由豪) in Thailand last month, Lin asked Shih to explain how he obtained a condominium in Sijhih (汐止), Taipei County.

Lin has alleged that Chen Yu-hao had given Shih the condo.

Lin also criticized Shih's anti-president campaign, saying it would only cause political stability if 1 million people could ask that a president who was elected by 6 million people step down.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM

"If they are not satisfied with the Constitution and related laws, they should make efforts to amend them," he said.

"The pan-blue camp, after all, occupies a majority in the legislature," he said.