It's time to stand together
If there is one thing that Taiwan can learn from the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the US, it is how Americans respond to a crisis. They are truly united behind the US. There is no squabbling among politicians, no babbling from the media, and no complaints from citizens. Everyone is united and has only one goal in mind, ie, to seek justice and rebuild the country. This is the real strength behind the mighty power of the US economy and its military. The country is stable and moving forward like an unsinkable aircraft carrier. By contrast, let's reflect on what happened in the first year of Taiwan's first transfer of power.
First the opposition leaders refused to show their support for Taiwan's achievement by boycotting President Chen's inauguration. This in effect set the tone for them to play the role of spoilers thereafter. The opposition parties and major media tried their best to create havoc against the government at every possible turn, hoping that instigating a disastrous term for Chen would ensure their return to power. Now, the cyclical world economy has reached its lowest point. There are rarely complaints from the US media or public against the Bush administration.
In Taiwan, however, the media and opposition parties continue their campaign, blaming Chen's government for every possible problem. They have undermined the people's confidence in the government and linked Taiwan's economic downturn to the stalemate in cross-strait relations. In effect, they have more respect for China, Taiwan's hostile neighbor, than for Taiwan itself. With opposition parties and a media like this, who needs an enemy in China? Taiwan's biggest problem lies not in the economy or in China, but in the lack of national identity and solidarity among its citizens. In the US, these days, it has become rather difficult to purchase a national flag from a store. In Taiwan, I am sure there are plenty, since the country is as divided as before.
John Yang
Columbus, Ohio
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