Pro-Independence groups are planning on holding a mass rally and other events on Feb. 28, 2008, in order to allow the voice of Taiwan's people's to be heard through, while China will attract the world's attention by hosting Olympic Games that year.
At a forum held by Taiwan New Century Foundation yesterday to discuss how to raise a Taiwanese consciousness, the organizers came up with the idea of holding independence-themed events in 2008.
"We would like to call the event the `2008 Taiwan Justice and Peace Olympics.' While China is preparing to host the Olympic Games, Taiwan needs to mobilize for another kind of Olympics," said William Lo (羅榮光), former general-secretary of Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, and currently the secretary-general of Taiwan UN Alliance.
The group hopes to attract six million people, said Chen Yen-hui (陳延輝), a professor of politics in National Taiwan Normal University.
"We hope the whole country will take part," Chen said.
The event will include people holding hands and forming a human chain in the shape of a feather. Although feathers are light and pliable, they are also very strong, which is symbolizes the spirit of Taiwanese people, Chen said.
In order to achieve their goals, Chen and Lo said that the most important thing is to arouse the conscience of the Taiwanese people on a daily basis. Lo suggested that President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) discard his "five no's" policy, as it discourages the people from pursuing independence.
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