Bright future for democracy
When experts become ignorant, when representatives become self-centered and only represent themselves or their cronies, when politicians become detached from the public, when the media, instead of reporting, project only their own agenda -- this is the sad state of politics in Taiwan today (Drafting a Cons-titution would alter status quo, Oct. 3, page 8.)
All these problems are deeply rooted in Taiwan after half a century of the Chinese Nationalist Party's (KMT) dictatorial, incestuous Chinese politics. One can call it incestuous because its closed nature does not allow it to learn from outside ideas to improve its way of thinking, just like a marriage of close relatives does not allow the outside gene pool to improve its stock. This eventually leads to all kinds of political monsters being born.
Creation of a new constitution deteriorating into a campaign trick? Are these words coming from an Academia Sinica researcher? What is more important than creating a constitution for democracy? Rule of law?
In a country such as Taiwan which, in the truest sense, has no constitution of its own? Does he really think the shortcomings in Taiwan's democracy cannot be addressed by any change?
Fortunately, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) does not think so. Judging by his brave push for a new constitution and reform, despite of all the obstructions and defamation by the KMT, the nation's democracy has a much brighter future than these experts are willing to admit. With a good leader and most countrymen willing to follow, as was evident at the name rectifying parade.
Altering the status quo? It depends on your interpretation of status quo. If it means changing political cultures and giving control back to the people, so be it. Isn't it what democracy is about? What does anyone, including the opposition, the US and China, have to complain about?
Doesn't Chinese propaganda always say that only a small fraction of Taiwanese demand independence? What if a major-ity voted for a name change? Can China still oppose it with a straight face?
Taiwan has become No. 1 in the world in some electronic products. Taiwanese ingenuity is quite amazing. This constitution thing -- I don't think there is any precedent. From where I am, I see another Taiwanese miracle brewing. Let's give it a fair chance. And try to lead or to follow, or get out of the way.
Chen Ming-chung
Chicago, Illinois
Publish results elsewhere
While I agree that Taiwan's inability to develop a proper foreign language policy and education is a national security threat, I do not believe that a newspaper is the best place to publish scientific results.
It appears that Liza Ling-Yu Lee and Jonathan Gardner do not agree with me ("Free Students from China's Shakles," Oct. 6, page 8).
I can tell nothing meaningful from the study reported in their article.
Was there a control group? How were the students selected? What does the vague term "considerable progress" mean?
These and numerous other important questions can simply not be answered in the space available in the popular media.
Scott Sommers
Taipei
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