Ma not above criticism
In Ashley Hines' letter to the editor (letters, page 8, April 11), it was not a good idea to use the word "retarded" to describe someone's criticism, especially if this criticism is directed against Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
Drugs, prostitution and other problems are to be tackled by all levels of governments. Taipei cannot excuse itself from this responsibility even if these problems originate abroad.
Ma has become a defiant mayor ever since Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) became president. Ma has consistently acted as if his position were higher than that of Chen simply because he defeated Chen in the mayoral race.
Ma is one of several politicians who is always opposed to Chen, right or wrong. This is a major factor causing political instability in Taiwan. Ma even once asked a naive question, "Which has more freedom, China or Taiwan?" He also allowed the PRC flag to fly but banned his own national flag at an international sports event held in Taipei. He insists that Taiwan should adopt the transliteration system used in China, instead of the common transliteration system developed for languages in Taiwan. I don't think Ma is qualified to be a "new Taiwanese."
Charles Hong
Columbus, Ohio
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