Each day of rescue and reconstruction after the 921 earthquake is a chapter in the history of natural disasters in Taiwan. The people of Taiwan have come together in this time of trial, regardless of ethnicity, yet a small number of people have been overly critical of relief efforts, consistently airing their grievances in live talk shows set up at disaster sites. Although native to Taiwan, those who stir up trouble whenever Taiwan is enveloped by disaster are more like strangers to this land.
Taiwan is finally emerging from the depths of the tragedy of last month's tremor, and is hard at work at reconstruction.
Lee Yuan-tseh (
The destructive forces of nature are to be feared, but the moving stories and pictures of selfless heroes in Taiwan's tragedy prove that we have not been defeated.
Minor mishaps and oversights are bound to happen in any lengthy rescue and reconstruction process, and all errors should be corrected immediately. Disagreements may also break out over the order in which damage should be repaired, but these are inconsequential as long as the overall disaster relief continues unabated. Unsolicited and emotionally distorted criticism, however, is destructive at a time when a common sense of purpose and high levels of morale are required.
During the relief efforts, we witnessed a small number of people (including a small group of politicians, scholars, and media personalities) repeatedly criticizing relief efforts. Their criticism revealed the fact that some residents of Taiwan view themselves as little more than strangers in this land.
The beneficiaries of the old repressive political apparatus in Taiwan became alienated from society after democratization. Their social foundation eroded and they now look down upon new politicians much like a declining class of aristocrats, casting scorn on Taiwan's public as well.
While recovery efforts were still proceeding and the government was at its busiest, some individuals ceaselessly censured the government, proclaiming, in self-satisfaction, "Just as I predicted! The government is useless!"
This complacent attitude is Taiwan's real disaster.
Hu Wen-huei is Deputy Editor in Chief of the Liberty Times.
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