The most devastating earthquake of this past hundred years revealed a sense of compassion shared by the Taiwan people as a community. For the past three weeks, from the government, business enterprises, media, religions groups, educational institutions, down to all types of social organization, everyone has pitched in. The pleas of the media, ads and prominent figures awaken the compassionate side of every Taiwanese.
In time of disaster, both individuals and society do need encouragement through pleas for compassion. However, the effects of disasters are not indefinite. Society and individuals still need to face the reality of everyday life. Compassion does not solve the problems of survival and development. Rationality, the key to social progress, is what the people need for a stable and secure life.
The progression from the classical concept of democracy to the democracy installed in modern society is mankind's journey from a compassionate world to a rational world. People, although still trying to preserve their idealistic side, rely on rationality to promote social progress. As the modern democratic society becomes more diversified, and places more emphasis on freedom, the rule of law becomes increasingly important.
The identifying characteristics of rationality are science, positivism, professional knowledge and legal authority. In a diversified democracy, social benefits multiply, the awareness of freedom increases, and participation in elections is greatly expanded. A permanent government system is the greatest source of rationality in a society. The government's authority derives both from the people and the constitution.
During the relief efforts for the recent earthquake, the government's performance was severely questioned by many. Facing criticism from the public, the government officials and civil servants do not have the right to feel frustrated. Instead, they should recognize that only the government is legally authorized to shoulder the responsibility for post-earthquake reconstruction.
During the relief efforts, the performance of the private sector was highly praised by the public. In fact, some people came to have exaggerated expectations of certain figures in the private sector. However, diversified and complicated interests and systems exist in the private sector, in addition to which, participation by the private sector is voluntary and based on a sense of compassion. It lacks the organization and discipline of government efforts. If a volunteer worker or private sector relief organization discontinues its efforts, they cannot be blamed.
However, government personnel and civil servants are different. They bear the legal responsibility for finishing the job. Therefore, the private sector should assist and act as consultants to the government. The government should execute and lead the relief efforts. Popularly elected officials should shoulder the responsibility of supervising the government.
After the quake, some have suggested delaying the presidential election. The suggestion might appear appealing at first. The underlying logic of this is that nothing is more urgent than the post-earthquake reconstruction. However, regular elections are the core of political democracy.
The earthquake in Taiwan may have been devastating, but the devastation was only regional. For the sake of the country's long term democratic development, we should not postpone the presidential election. After all, if Taiwan still wants to continue on the path of democracy, it must have the vision to maintain the normal operation of democratic government.
Chen Yu-chun is the director of the Graduate School of American Studies at the Chinese Culture University.
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