Two prominent foes during the red-shirt campaign aimed at forcing then president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) from office in 2006 patched up their differences yesterday.
With Chen currently under investigation for alleged money-laundering, the Reverend Kao Chun-ming (高俊明) asked for forgiveness from former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman and leader of the red-shirt campaign Shih Ming-teh (施明德).
During the campaign to topple Chen, Kao criticized Shih and called him a “greedy womanizer and the bravest among Taiwanese traitors.”
At the time, Shih — who was given protection by Kao when he was on the run following the 1979 Kaohsiung Incident — barely managed to refrain from filing a lawsuit against Kao.
Yesterday, however, Kao apologized in public to Shih, who responded by saying that not only had all his anger dissipated, but he was also filled with respect for Kao.
Kao said their ideals and opinions clashed during the campaign but he now deeply regrets having used such harsh language against Shih.
Calling Shih a devout Christian, Kao said he hoped Shih could forgive him for his inappropriate comments and that the two could rebuild their friendship based on their love of God, Taiwan and humanity and that this would help them build a true, good and beautiful Taiwan.
Kao added that when their two families shared a meal, Shih said he firmly believes Taiwan is not a part of China, that it is an independent and sovereign state, and that he will continue to fight for independence and sovereignty.
Commenting on Kao calling him greedy, Shih said that an influential politician once wanted to give him NT$150 million (US$5 million), but that he rejected the offer.
As for the comment that he was a womanizer, Kao said that when Shih and his family treated Kao and his wife to a meal yesterday, Shih’s daughter gave him a card that read: “Dear Reverend Kao, I am grateful to you for having saved my father before I was born. Please accept my late but heartfelt gratitude.”
Kao said this touched him deeply.
Shih said Kao’s comments had caused him much pain over the past two years but he did not want to take that pain with him to his grave.
Shih also said that in a society that lacks morality, sincerity, dignity, honesty and honor, Kao brings hope to Taiwan and demonstrates the value of good moral character.
He said that he is a sinner and although he has not committed any crimes in the legal sense, he has committed moral, ethical and religious wrongs and begged those that he had hurt for their forgiveness.
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