The year 2003 is over, but the political clamor in Taiwan is the same as ever.
A new opportunity has come, as the nation is now moving again following various pains after the transition of power in 2000 -- just like a phoenix, the mythical bird that rises from its own ashes.
The presidential election seems to be a main focus of people's attention, as if the year 2003 was merely a transitional period, during which people's attention was mostly taken up by disturbances and unease.
I believe that it is impossible for Taiwan to step backward. The people have marched steadily forward over the past four years. Statistics speak for themselves, and no one should be suspicious of them.
Of course, some people just do not believe in Taiwan. Nor do they believe in their own people and government.
More pathetic, the Chinese people's attitude of "speaking without the slightest hesitation" (
As a result, the thinking of some people in China is so muddled that they do not even know what a country really is. They also have an unhealthy mind and are mentally ill, as they recklessly do whatever they want while violating laws, morals and common sense.
At the moment, those who should do the most introspection are the nation's politicians. They strengthen their influence by supporting major political parties -- which enjoy power and wealth and use public affairs for private gain.
All political parties should serve democratic politics, and should be viewed as public property.
However, some of them have damaged both democracy and Taiwan by pursuing their own interests.
Obviously, it is still necessary for us to carry out political and social reforms through direct democratic methods.
The Taiwanese people are both well-cultivated and law-abiding, and we cannot be easily taken advantage of anymore. Although some politicians acted arrogantly last year, sober voters will reject these dirty politicians this year.
Moreover, it is time for us to review the local media's performance. The media were filled with blood and filth during the last year, as they deceived both themselves and others with their reports.
They also covered up and lied about the truth, or hypnotized their audience so that no one knew what truth was.
Truth is what we need in Taiwan. We have to thoroughly examine the media, and demand self-respect and self-discipline based on the premise of press freedom.
I believe that Taiwan will be able to improve itself, and get rid of all evil forces. The people long for peace and purity. The media's self-discipline is a main force in the birth of a democratic society. This principle should not be broken.
Although the uproar over the Special Report (
Perhaps this is another inspirational moment for Taiwan's culture.
I believe that Taiwan will escape from its current predicament. This is not only our shared hope, but it can also consolidate our national consensus and strengthen our will, helping the 23 million people of Taiwan to fearlessly decide their own future.
Not only can the people cast their ballots bravely, but they can also force politicians and the media to stop making idle noise, while the people speak with the true voice of Taiwan.
Yeh Hai-yen is the director of the department of philosophy at Soochow University.
TRANSLATED BY EDDY CHANG
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