Conversations with Taiwan

Wrath of the Land: Our Land, their Mansion Penthouses

2011-04-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKw1N8zywTc&feature=player_embedded

This short video clip summaries how the land was acquired by the City of Taipei and slowly and subtly sold to developers for luxurious Mansion Penthouses.

Is such intricate maneuver purely KMT's practice or excelled by CCP's experiences land grab? Let the truth come out soon.

In Taiwan, an Earthquake Relief fund was renamed and then funneled to donate to an Elementary School in China

2011-04-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Attached please find the Youtube clip regarding how the Taiwan 921 Earthquake relief fund was renamed and donated to one Elementary School in China under the watch/guidance of the Haw Dynasty - Mayor. There are in fact more to the whole smooth operation of KMT using Taiwanese money to benefit their China - unification ambition. Please watch the Youtube clip below to learn the details. The Taipei City Councilwoman in the video is an amazing person...

One the other hand, I seriously question the IQ and EQ of the financially acute Taiwanese if they continue their support of KMT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B90Dgmy49RQ

To Taiwanese, your money will be of Chinese if Taiwan's sovereignty belongs to China...

2010-08-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

I am posting on side bar Jean Wu’s well-written article about ECFA on Taipei Times. I am glad that she pointed out one of the broken election promises by KMT Ma, 6-3-3.

Ma’s rosy picture on the ECFA for Taiwan has exposed his willingness of naivety and/or his degrading of the Taiwanese intelligence. Especially when saying “ ECFA is merely economic and no political issues are involved “, he fails to comprehend and see the weight of economical issues on politics. Or he simply once again intended to mislead the people of Taiwan.

Naturally, most people would like to make as much money as possible. If some Taiwanese big businesses were to get rich because of ECFA favor from China while Taiwan is losing her sovereignty to China, all the Taiwanese people’s properties will be under the mercy of Chinese Communists. How much do Taiwanese gain by signing ECFA? Do we see the conspiracy here: under the disguise of getting rich with ECFA and easy access to Chinese market, KMT high officials are getting better payoff from China by selling out the future of Taiwanese and their children?

For your reference, o the right side bar, I have included an article about a Chinese Capitalist in jail hopefully it will help some Taiwanese understand what kind of fate will be waiting for them.

The Chinese-nization of Taiwan...

2010-06-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

The two YouTube videos showed the two sides of one KMT coin: lies and hypocracy...

Taiwanese have been brainwashed since birth: don't get involved in politics. So those got into politics are mostly the clans or children of KMTs. Remember Diana Lee, the daughter of Lee Hwan? In the media, KMT teases that DPP has no talents. In fact, Taiwanese should simply counter Chinese KMT's propaganda and brainwashing: learn about politics, stay on top of the political situation and events, and get involved in politics whenever possible. Be the ones that are in charge, not the ones being tamed...

Please speak up for Taiwan where the media is controlled by pro-China forces

2010-05-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/business/global/13straits.html?src=busln&pagewanted=all

Taiwan Weighs Trade Deal With Mainland By JONATHAN ADAMS

Dear Editor:

I appreciate your report on the ECFA debate. However, it seems too simplified to separate economy from politics. Especially, the author quoted Ma's words, "We can handle diplomatic isolation, ...but economic isolation is fatal.”

The irony is that Ma's KMT and its dictator Chiang Kei-sek begot Taiwan's diplomatic isolation by refusing to use Taiwan's name to join United Nation in 1971 and adopting "One China policy". Such diplomatic isolation has given more impetus to China's aggression towards Taiwan. Such diplomatic isolation has also over last several decades eroded Taiwan's opportunity for economical cooperation.

The contents of the ECFA are still in the black box, yet the framework looks like Taiwan's sovereignty is subordinated to China. If ECFA is truly good for Taiwan, why Ma and KMT are afraid of publishing its contents? One could be very curious, if Ma and KMT are not trading away Taiwan's sovereignty, why not sign a Free Trade Agreement(FTA) with China? People of Taiwan are all for economical progress, as long as the proposed ECFA does not fit Taiwan into the Hong Kong model.

Is the US losing China? Or China losing the US?

2010-04-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2010/04/11/BUD31CR134.DTL

It is very interesting that few top executives of some US corporations that have manufacturing in China are still preaching the benefits of doing business in China. What do you think if you are one of those lost their jobs because their companies moved most of the manufacturing, R&D to China? Who actually benefits from such moves? The one who lost jobs? Or the top executives who got millions (if not billions) of bonus because the low Chinese cost increases the company's current stock price?

On one side, the free democratic Western world is still China's biggest market. On the other hand, the China market promised by so-called China Experts is not available to most of the Western Corporations.

The "China market" had lured a lot of capitals from the free Capitalist world. However, the "China Market" is controlled so much by the Chinese government that it is impossible for the Western corporations to reach. All these make the "China Market" mirage losing its luster. In our short term memory, the cases of Google and Rio Tinto have told us more than those smaller businesses that were quietly disappeared.

I hope the US policy makers can see through the false promises of China Market and the truth of who are paying for and being sacrificed by the China growth.

"Taiwan Disaster" - Professor Yuan's speech abstract in English

2010-01-29T15:19:00.000-08:00

In the evening of January 24, 2010, over 250 people packed into the large auditorium of Taiwan American Center. The speaker is Professor Yuan Hong Bing, the author of “Taiwan Disaster”.
After brief introduction of many made this presentation possible, Professor Yuan gave his speech.
Here is the abstract of the speech:
The disaster of human beings will start in Taiwan.
This is an era of demoralization: the extreme pursuit of materialism.
Those so-called “China Experts” (or Sinologists) have claimed that the economical freedom in China will lead to Chinese political freedom. The theory of “bourgeoisie” proposed by Aristotle over two thousand years ago has no political or social foundations in today’s China. We understand that the prerequisite for truly free Capitalism is that all men are equal in front of the law. Without “equal legal rights”, truly free Capitalism cannot exist. What has been practiced is the Chinese Communist Party’s one party dictatorship. Under such one party dictatorship, the law is only a tool for the Chinese Aristocracy to realize their political and economical gains. Aristotle in two thousand years ago also offered the difference between the good law and the bad law. In the essence of modern law, the law in China is a bad law. One of the characteristics of bad law is affirming privileges, not allowing all men being equal in front of the law. Therefore, there is no legal basis in China to establish free market or free capitalism.
I have concluded, what’s been practiced in China is an Authoritarian Market Economy (or Aristocratic Elite Economy). The basic characteristics of an Authoritarian Market Economy are as follows: the pivotal center is the corrupt power base, exchange of power and money as lubrication, operating as a market economy. Such market economy has produced two co-dependent results. One result is, with the operating of Authoritarian Market Economy, the Chinese society’s wealth is insanely fast sucked into the pockets of the authoritarian power-connected class. This results in the extreme division and disparity in power and wealth in today’s Chinese society. Now, 0.3% of the population controls China’s 70% of wealth. Such historically unseen, extreme divide is bloodily tearing the Chinese society apart. Even when the society is so torn, the ruling class with its power of iron and blood has a monopoly of the economic energy.
There are three factors producing such high economic energy:
1. Three billion + Chinese l slave laborers over last 20 years spilled their sweat and blood working. Each laborer’s average daily pay is $1.50 (US dollars).
2. The catastrophic exploitation and development of China’s environmental and natural resources: Many places in China are becoming “dead land” not suitable for human inhabitation. The tens of thousands square miles of prairies in my hometown in the Inner Mongolia Plateau, where roamed the horse-riding heroes in historical poetry, are getting close to wasted “dead land”.
3. The greed of all human beings: No one can deny that the basic model for the Chinese economical development is a development model of eliminating the basic human consciousness and human rationality. However, the businessmen in the world are worshipping such an economical model because this can bring them the maximum profits in the shortest time.
Facing such a common phenomenon in an era when human souls are rotting away in the material desires, I clearly can understand the looming tragedy. At the present time, the fate is coming to revenge the human’s demoralization. This revenge is the upcoming political steps of global expansion by the Chinese power of Iron and Blood that has been fostered by all human capitals.
After 1989’s Tiananmen Square massacre, Deng Xiaoping told the Chinese Communist Party “to conceal one’s ability and bide one’s time”. This was because the massacre was the total collapse of the CCP political moral foundation. And now, the Chinese Communist Party has regained the confidence of global domination. They have possessed huge amount of economic energy. And the upcoming disaster of Taiwan is unfolding in such a backdrop that human beings are facing another catastrophe. Simply put, the democracy and freedom in Taiwan are facing the reality of great danger.
History sometimes hides in the operation of lies and illusions. To beat the fate, humans many times have to face the reality, even though the reality is cruel. Now, under the big lies fabricated by the CCP and KMT power classes, assisted by Taiwan’s Ma Administration, the cross strait relationship is being portrayed as being “harmonious and win-win”. In June 2008, after Ma won Taiwan’s presidential election, in a luxurious underground palace – the Underground Strategy Command Center , the Chinese Communist Party’s Expanded Committee held a meeting “The Political Strategies for Solving the problem of Taiwan”. There were also two attachments, one called “Preparatory Bill for Military Conflict “and the other called “The Political and Legal Bill for Solving the Taiwan Problem”. These three documents summed up that the CCP is preparing in 2012, before the commencement of the 18th Council of the People’s Representatives, using Unification Tactics as main approach and aided by Military Conflict Tactics to completely solve the Taiwan problem. China is using social, political, economical, religious, and cultural and all means to completely destroy Taiwan’s democratic system.
The practical step of executing these strategies is “One Country, Two Systems”. This so-called “One Country, Two Systems” is an insult to the Chinese people and a big lie to the Taiwanese. Why? We know that under the tyranny of Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese people are essentially the political slaves of the ruling class of Chinese Communist Party. They have no political rights, no freedom of speech, no spiritual/religious freedom. Aren’t they political slaves? “One Country, Two systems” means that Chinese people are only worthy of living forever under the Chinese Communist Party’s tyranny rules and can only be Chinese Communist Party’s political slaves.
Why is it a big setup and lie for Taiwanese? Here, I would like to talk about the wretched and miserable experiences of another group of people, the Tibetans.
In the 1950s, the Chinese Communist Party negotiated with Tibetans and told them to sign a peace treaty so they can keep their own traditional culture and lifestyle. That was also “One country, two systems”. As a monk, Dali Lama trusted people. He believed China’s offer and signed the peace treaty. After the first two years of peace façade, while the Chinese finishing their military and economical build-up, they started destroying Tibetan’s ways of life and traditional culture. The temples have been a sacred place where the Tibetans heal their souls, as well as a medical, educational center, and occasionally an entertainment center. However, within two years, the temples in Tibet reduced from tens of thousands to only 1,000. This is why in 1959 the Tibetans were forced to rise up against China. Close to one million Tibetans perished and Dali Lama with ten thousand Tibetans exiled overseas, so they could keep their lifestyle.
This is the Communists’ “One country, two systems”!
To Taiwanese, “One country, two systems” is a big lie and a set-up. Practically, how will the Chinese Communist Party control, and then destroy Taiwan’s democratic system? The steps are first cultural integration, then economical integration, finally political integration (unification). Throughout the whole process, they will continuously utilize their social and economical energy to interfere Taiwan’s politics. They have made many strategies and bills to proceed with their plan.
The Chinese Communist Party prepares before the 2012 Taiwan Presidential election to use all kinds of economical benefits to insure Ma win the election.
First, from the end of 2011 to beginning of 2012, China would double the number of Chinese tourists to Taiwan. Then, at the end of 2011, they will high price purchase all agricultural products from South Taiwan where the base of DPP is. Again, from the end of 2011 to beginning of 2012, they will keep the Taiwanese stock market in the up position. With a series of man-made economical manipulations, they will keep Taiwan in the illusion of prosperity. Can Taiwanese resist such short term monetary temptation? This is a question everyone should seriously ponder.
In the process of such decision-making, asked one of the Chinese Communist Party officials who is inclined toward taking over Taiwan by military force, “wouldn’t we be making too much economical sacrifice for this approach”? The Chinese First vice Premier, Li Kochiang, answered: “As long as it’s using economical means to solve Taiwan problem, it’s always lower cost than using military means. However, it is up to Taiwanese to take care of their economy after that”. It means all the economical benefits before 2012 are simply political operations.
Some may ask why the Chinese Communist Party wants to destroy Taiwan’s freedom. We don’t want to provoke them; we don’t want to involve ourselves in their human right violation. We can even pretend we don’t see their people’s suffering.
For over four hundred years, had any of the occupiers and colonizers on Taiwan ever asked for your opinions? The Chin Dynasty gave Taiwan to Japan, did they ask any Taiwanese? Taiwan established (for one hundred days) the first Republic in Asia, because Taiwanese did not want to be ruled by Japanese. After WWII, the allies let Chiang Kai-shek rule Taiwan. The 228 massacres proved to be a sad disaster for Taiwan. In 228 massacre, all the murdered were elite. Did anyone consult with the Taiwanese then?
Today, the Chinese Communist Party is using “One country, two systems” to control and then destroy Taiwan’s democratic system. They will not consult you, nor will consider your willingness.
Why do they want to do this? They only conduct this way, because they want to. The reason is actually quite simple.
The democratization of Taiwan and the free society of Taiwan are the political demonstration to the 13 billion plus Chinese political slaves. This has caused the Chinese Communist Party great terror and shown them the deadly danger they are in.
Because the Chinese would think: Taiwan is democratic, why can’t we be? Taiwan is free, why can’t we be? The Taiwanese can elect their own president, why can’t we? Taiwanese can have freedoms of speech and religion, why can’t we? All the questions lingering in the mind of the 13 billion plus Chinese political slaves have established the gravest danger for the Chinese Communist Party. And to answer the deadly political threat, the Chinese Communist Party only can resolve to control and then destroy Taiwan’s free and democratic system. So they can show the 13 billion plus Chinese that you would forever be the political slaves of the Chinese Communist tyranny. Since they know the Chinese people want to learn from Taiwan, then, they would first put Taiwan in their Eastern Bastille (prison). This is the basic political root of Taiwan Disaster.
When facing such political attacks and conspiracy, what are the Taiwanese politicians doing? What we see is the complete surrender of the Ma/KMT government, from political, cultural, economical, foreign relations and surrenders of all aspects. Here I only list some examples of certain aspects:
Example 1. The political surrender: the KMTs keep fooling themselves by so-called “One China Each Proclaimed, Reciprocal Non-Denial” and “92 Consensus”, while China announces to the world, “ There is only one China, The People’s Republic of China, and Taiwan is the undividable part of China.” China totally denies the existence of Taiwan, denies the existence of Republic of China. What did Ma express when facing such defiant and forceful attitude by China? Dare he say “The Republic of China is the only legal representative of China and Taiwan is the undividable part of China”? Under this situation, how can KMTs claim “One China Each Proclaimed, Reciprocal Non-Denial”? When a little Chinese Communist official Chen Yuenlin visited Taiwan and addressed Ma, “Mr. Ma”, not “Mr. President”, Ma was elated. He does not understand why the 23 million Taiwanese were not happy? Doesn’t he understand that he was elected by the people of Taiwan? Not addressing him “President” is a political insult to the people of Taiwan. There are more cases of political surrender, but I cannot illustrate all due to the limited time.
Example 2, the Surrender of Diplomacy and Foreign policy: “Armistice of Diplomacy” is Ma’s foreign policy. But has China an Armistice on foreign policy? China is simply not chasing after those 20 plus little countries that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. They are insignificant to China. These countries have no practical value on the strategy of controlling and then destroying Taiwan.
In diplomacy, China is working on putting two shackles on Taiwan.
China is working with the U.S on the exchange of National Core Values. They are on three fronts:
On Iran issue: China can completely compromise on Iran issue with the U.S. and let Iran be under the U.S. sphere of influence. So the U.S. can keep the strategic security of oil source.
On the North Korea nuclear issue: N. Korea and China have been playing a “Double Reed” – “One making trouble on the surface, while the other pretending to be a peace-maker”. They have successfully fooled the world, making people believe that there are rifts between China and N. Korea.
Before the collapse of Soviet Union, North Korea had two supply lines, one of them was the Soviet Union. At that time, North Korea could use Soviet Union to play little games with China. However, today China is the only supplier for the despotic regime of North Korea. The supplies could be economic or political supplies. North Korea has no capital to disagree with China. All the disagreements and rifts are just for fooling the U.S. and are tools to squeeze some grease on the negotiation table.
The third front is about the problem of Terrorism: We all know the current regime of Chinese Communists is the strategic center of today’s Terrorism. All groups, regimes with terrorist nature and means are the actual allies of Communist China. From the Saddam Hussein’s Iraq to today’s Iran, and North Korea, the practices are the same. Additionally, the Chinese Communist regime has set up several terrorist training camps in the Heshi Corridor area. It only takes less than $20,000 (Chinese Yen) per terrorist training in China. Through their allies’ network, such trained terrorists-guerrilla was sent to the battlefields of Iraq or Lebanon. The purpose is to cost the US huge amount of economical and political energy, and also to cause the American casualty.
Chine is also doing exchange of national core values with the Japanese. The lure for Japan is for China to support Japan to become one of the permanent members of UN Security Council. This is very important for a WWII defeated country like Japan. 2nd exchange is to support Japan’s position in the dispute of the northern four islands. 3rd is a big compromise on the Eastern Sea oil fields. 4th is a recent proposal of “Establishing the Order of Economical Security in Northern Asia”, which is aiming at splitting the US-Japan alliance. China is using Taiwan as a paw in the chessboard in all of these exchanges with U.S. and Japan.
Some may say, the U.S. will not give up Taiwan. But, we should not forget that the U. S. had betrayed Taiwan (the loyal ally of the US) once during the Carter Administration.
If we only expect others to protect our dignity and safety without helping ourselves, then, even God cannot help us.
Under China’s overbearing attacks on foreign affairs, the Ma administration resorted to truce on diplomacy and told the world that the armistice on diplomacy was due to the establishment of confidence-building across the Taiwan Strait. What kind of “confidence-building”? China screamed and howled when the U.S. just recently sold some small weapons to Taiwan. China complained this was greatly threatening the US – China relations. However, every year China purchases huge amount of weapons from Russia. Is this the so-called “confidence-building” with Taiwan?
Another example is the Economical Surrender:
We now understand that the Chinese Communist regime’s strategy is to use economical integration as a step toward political integration. What is “economical integration”? It is to make Taiwan’s economy a vassal to Chinese economy. In the end, the Chinese mainland market becomes the only market for Taiwan. And China also becomes the only source of Taiwan’s important and strategic supplies. China wants to completely cut off any possibilities of Taiwan’s diversified and international economical development. A country’s economical security is based on the diversification of its international economical development. If a country loses the ability to diversify its international economical development, it will also lose the basis of its political independence.
What are the substantial steps for China to make Taiwan an economical vassal to Communist China? “MOU” and “ECFA”! These are the specific economical treaties aiming to restrict Taiwan’s economical development. They are for the gradual realization and execution of market integration and financial integration (between Taiwan and China). MOU is a complicated issue. Let’s talk about ECFA which Ma wants it to be signed at least by June, 2010. Lien Chien keeps telling people that Taiwan will be marginalized if Taiwan does not sign ECFA. But the question is “who” is marginalizing Taiwan.
Why cannot Taiwan sign economical or trade agreements with other free countries? It’s China that prevents Taiwan from signing any economical or trade agreements.
It is the Communist China that’s marginalizing Taiwan. China is using the method of global economic containment to isolate Taiwan.
What is ECFA? It is pretty simple. Ma doesn’t want to make it clear so he can fool Taiwanese. How can so many officials, scholars, professors not be able to explain it? All Taiwan’s resources in propaganda and media cannot explain it? It is not that they cannot explain it. It is that KMT does not want it to be known. Then, let me explain it.
ECFA is in fact a REGIONAL tariff and economical development agreement. Here, I want to emphasize “RERGIONAL”.
All countries have tariff system due their specific developmental conditions, resource consideration and specific situation on economical security, and etc. Therefore, they have to use the function of tariff system to create a balanced economical security for their own country. To prevent some countries keeping high tariffs, and help free trade, there came some economical agreements regulating the tariffs between countries. Among these trade/economical agreements, some are like ECFA, a typical regional territory trade agreement. Once the economical barriers are abolished, the economical power will be consolidated. They are typically used to balance other big economical powers, such as the US, Japan or China. However, the most noticeable feature of ECFA is that all the members of such regional tariff and economical agreements are of same or similar political structures. Such integration of economical development requires the basis of political integration. It is very hard to imagine the result of such economical integration between a authoritarian regime (like China) and a democratic country (like Taiwan). There will be political resistance.
Now, Ma prepares to sign ECFA with Communist China. This means the economical walls between Taiwan and China will come down. Such economical integration is not a fair one, because China has diverse trade relations but Taiwan has none under China’s containment.
One example is the average pay for a Chinese laborer $1.50. Under such economical integration, the middle class of Taiwan will disappear within a couple of years.
I predict, before 2012, Taiwan’s economy will be pretty good under China’s manipulation. However, after 2012, the result of functioning market economy will be obvious. Under such situation, Taiwan’s economy will be solely relying on the Chinese Communist regime which is also trying to destroy Taiwan. Wouldn’t the Taiwanese be wearing shackles on their wrists and ankles?
I also want to talk about Ma’s “no use of military”. Even though China mainly uses Unification Approach to solve Taiwan problem, it never gives up the preparation of Military Conflict. Under the disguise of cultural and economical activities, China is preparing for the Military Conflict. China has just established a Western Sea District and invited 6000 Taiwanese local representatives to China so CCP can corrupt them. In this so-called Western Sea District buries a conspiracy. Western Sea District contains mainly Fujian Province, and also includes Taiwan. In the name of cultural and economical development of Western Sea District, China will totally open up the front and make it possible for its military forces to arrive at two majors ports in Fujian within eight to nine hours.
In order to help KMT and Ma to win the presidential election in 2012, China will use all means to help the situation in Taiwan look good for Ma. For instance, Ma will call on China to take down the missiles that are aiming at Taiwan. However, the preparation of military conflict in the Western Sea District will continue and be expedited. And the removal of missiles will not deter or even weaken China’s preparation of Military Conflict.
All these are to deprive Taiwan of the culture of freedom and economical confidence. China wants to take away Taiwan’s confidence of independence and democracy. Taiwan is facing a catastrophic disaster.
Taiwan should make it clear this is not a ethnic conflict, it is a struggle between freedom and tyranny, a conflict between democracy and totalitarian.
This is human race’s final battle for democracy and freedom.
We want to call for the lesson from WWII when England and France used Appeasement police to deal with Nazi.
There are many Chinese in the audience. Some may ask me “aren’t you Chinese? Don’t you love your country?” My answer is that, the Chinese Communists have destroyed China. My homeland has fallen and gone, how can I love my country?”
Some may ask me the reason for writing the book “Taiwan Disaster”.
Freedom belongs to all human beings. When Taiwan is facing such a disaster, I have to speak up.
Plus, the first editions of all my books were published in Taiwan and forbidden by Chinese Communists. I would like to remind everyone that the eight-year administration of Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan was the first true democracy in Han people’s societies. Taiwan is the holy land of freedom where our souls can be free.
In 1989, when the whole world was watching Tiananmen Square Massacre in China, few noticed an incredible event took place across the Taiwan Strait. Zang Nan-Rong set fire on himself and died, to protest against the authoritarian KMT regime, to demonstrate his believe in freedom. This was an historical event, because it set in tune on opening the door for Taiwan’s freedom and democracy.
In the era of greed and demoralization, only the spirit of Zang Nan-Rong can help Taiwan. Taiwan needs to revive the spirit of Zang Nan-Rong to wake up Taiwanese sense of hardship and concerns. To combat the aggression from China, Taiwan should fight a battle of life and death, in the name of freedom.
During the Q & A, some questions were asked. Such as
• “Do you support Taiwan Independence?”
“We should not fall into the argument traps set up by the Chinese Communists. This is not an argument between independence verse unification. This is about freedom and democracy. This is about that Taiwanese should be able to decide their own destiny.”
I like one saying by Voltaire: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
No matter what, Taiwan should never surrender to the tyranny China. It will take the super-wisdom and super-courage of the intellectuals to work on strategies to stop China’s aggression. We need to remember, this is for the freedom and democracy of all human race. It is crucial to awake the world to the struggle of Taiwan. Taiwanese should not buy into the KMT’s and CCP’s propaganda – economical integration with China will benefit Taiwan. Taiwanese need to learn to control their own economical independence and future.
• How do you get your information source?
In China, there is no governmental official who is not corrupt. Corruption and taking bribery are fashionable pandemics. However, some were indicted and put in trial or even sentenced to death. These are all results of political struggles and conflicts within the Communist Party. The families of those being prosecuted had revealed and provided such information. For their safety, I will keep the specifics confidential.
My purpose of writing “Taiwan Disaster” is to expose the Communist China’s conspiracy. They will have to go back and redraw their strategies toward Taiwan.
The Chinese Unification conspiracy is utilizing the Taiwanese mood for momentary ease and safety to paralyze their political alertness, therefore, to destroy Taiwanese political wills. This will help the US and Japan excusing themselves and using excuse of “peaceful means of unification across strait”. So they will forfeit their promises and concerns for Taiwan, and exchange for China’s favors.
• About the accusation of Taiwanese “mob” during Chen Yuenlin’s visit
Professor Yuan simply replied: there is no “mob” of the people; however, there is only “tyranny” of the government.

Regarding his admiration of Zang Nan-Rong, Professor Yuen states in his book: “The gorgeous charm of sunset provides a philosophical metaphor – for a hero, the meaning of life desires only to be achieved to its triumphant zenith through glorious death.“

Website links to Voltaire’s quotation and story:
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Voltaire/31
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/voltaire.htm

This is not Taiwan are (in English also)

2010-01-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

This is not Taiwan area
Taiwan’s stock market stays continuously depressing. The “Ma-Shame-How” government of Taiwan gambled and lost all of people’s hopes.
The government officials are saying all bunch of absurd rubbish. Who at all would have confidence on them?
To revitalize the recession, they exhausted all the “Li-Doa, benefiting all” strategies – Tax reduction, Eight trillions saving stock market and Ten measures.
At the end of the day, they can only blame the big environment, the sub prime loans and Raymond Brothers. The responsibilities are never theirs.

The check written before the election is still in the mail. There went the economic growth and unemployment rate and the “Thirty thousand US dollars”…
(To president Ma)
After the election, the tone changed to that: you are unable to clean up the eight years corruption. The daily hardship Taiwan people are going through is none of your business. Your campaign promises are not feasible in the future, sorry oh… It turned out that you were saying it’s in your next term.
How sensational were your commercials. Your ad
lines were so assured; they turned out to be a political sham.

Listen to you, mouthfuls of righteousness and honesty. I’d really like to see that I-407.

There are so many important businesses to take care. They are way more important than going on TV, visiting night market or close-door politics.
You would be there for opening ceremony, Ribbon-cutting ceremony and birthday parties.
(Are you having too much to drink?! Not enough la~~)
Yet, you immediately retreated to second-line zone when there were Typhoon, flood, factory-closing or the unemployment problems.

Please open your eyes, this is not Taiwan area.
I don’t want to be a Chinese citizen and hand my fate to others.
It’s up to us to decide where this Land is sailing to and whether there will be free air for us.

I don’t really care about your daddy’s scandals or the names of your daughters. They don’t mean anything to me.

I’d only like to ask whose pockets you are hiding the big pie you promised before the election, or that was only a pie in the sky.
I still remembered what you said: since you love Taiwan, you promised not to get Taiwan into debts. Or I should never mind those were simply bubbles that burst out of your mouth: Expanding domestic demands, Annual budgets, Consumer coupons and Education allowances. Shall we glorify how considerate the Ma benevolent administration ever has been?

Graduates have to go back to school, or go to military services since there are no job opportunities.. They should go exercising their bodies and wait for the opportunity to arrive. So you can prove that you’re not that useless Ding-Ding in the Ting-Sham Babies.
My boss’s business can not survive and he told me to go home. I should not be sad; my position will be kept without pay. I don’t know where my next job would be. Who would hear the voice of the little commoners?

I have no Green Card and have no possibility to migrate. To endure this pain, I can only clench my teeth and continue working hard.

Even uncle Wei-Chien can not stand this Ninth class administration; you dare claim that most people are very satisfied with your performances.

The Chinese Official got tripped and felt in the park, you called our people mob; while those hidden among crowd and physically attacking Abian got your VIP treatment.
In reality, there are two sets of standard we just learned. Their original meanings have been laid to rest.

Please open your eyes, this is not Taiwan area.
I don’t want to be a Chinese citizen and hand my fate to others.
It’s up to us to decide where this Land is sailing to and whether there will be free air for us.

Endangered bridges have broken, the hotels have fallen and our homestead has been destroyed. Our lifetime endeavor can not be saved by these endless tears.
Where were you when the bodies of innocent victims were washed away? There were no victims of Typhoon in the swimming pool you’re in. When the families of the victims cried with reddened eyes, you told them everything had to wait for the settlement of National Liability Litigation. Everything has to follow the legal procedure. This is the typical response (from you) when facing questions. The result is like the forgotten Lincoln Mansion (林肯大郡) scandal.

Where are the “three to five thousands Chinese tourists”you promised? We are walking towards the well-designed trap. Toxic Chinese commodities, and Melamine milk are getting us all nervous. Yet, you just want us to pay attention to carrying our own handkerchiefs and tissues.
When Chinese official Chen Yu-Ling came, you changed your last name to “Ning” and our national flag became contraband. The hands of 波麗士大人are full of blood.

It’s as though the time has reversed backwards twenty, thirty years, back to the time of Marshal Law.

You declined Tibetan leader Dalai Lama’s visit, then why you claimed supporting him before the election.

You were so delighted when the two beasts from China arrived. Why ravage ourselves by giving them such outrageous names?

The electricity bill goes up, so does the gas bill as well as the health care fees. Why don’t you collect the 800 billions owed by the city of Taipei?

After all, Shou-Liou(潮寮) is not your next door neighbor. Simply ignore the protest of the villagers. In two days, they will go away.

Please open your eyes, this is not Taiwan area.
I don’t want to be a Chinese citizen and hand my fate to others.
It’s up to us to decide where this Land is sailing to and whether there will be free air for us.

這不是台灣地區
台灣股市表現還是持續低迷馬上
好的政府把人民的期望都賠了進去
官員說著一堆莫名其妙的言語但究竟有誰還懷抱著信心
因應景氣振興減稅八兆救股十大措施所有利多都出盡
最後怪罪大環境次級房貸和雷曼兄弟自己的責任就推得乾乾淨淨

選前支票開得多麼好聽經濟成長率失業率還有那三萬美金
選上就說八年貪腐難清理大家日子過不下去都不是你的事情
政見兌現遙遙無期喔抱歉原來你說的是下個任期
廣告拍得多麼煽情台詞唸得那麼篤定原來都是一場騙局
聽你滿口仁義與誠信我真的好想看一下那張i407
還有很多重要的事該處理比起上電視逛夜市搓湯圓都還要緊
開學典禮剪綵生日趴踢就有你 (你喝多了齁?!沒有啦~~)
遇到颱風淹水工廠倒閉失業問題你馬上就退守二線防區

睜開眼睛這不是台灣地區
我不要當中國人民命運交別人手裏
這塊土地明天要往哪裡去
會不會有自由空氣該讓我們來決定

你老爸的誹聞和女兒叫做甚麼名字對我來說真的沒有多大意義
只想問選前畫的大餅它藏在哪裡少數人的口袋或根本就是一場泡影
愛台不必舉債你說過的話我沒忘記還是那些嘴泡根本不用在意
擴大內需年度預算消費劵外加教育津貼馬冏德政多用心

畢業學生塞回校園沒事做的快去當兵練練身體等待時機來臨
你就能證明你不是天線寶寶裏那沒有用的丁丁
老闆撐不下去了叫我回家吃自己留職停薪不要傷心
下個工作不知道在哪裡誰能聽見小老百姓的聲音

我沒有綠卡也沒有能力移民為了生活只好咬緊牙關繼續拼
這種九流內閣連外省杯杯都看不下去竟然你還跟大家說超滿意
支那狗官公園跌倒說有暴民躲在人群偷踹阿扁屁屁奉為上賓
原來標準有兩套要認清真正的正義它早就已經安息

睜開眼睛這不是台灣地區
我不要當中國人民命運交別人手裏
這塊土地明天要往哪裡去
會不會有自由空氣該讓我們來決定

危橋斷了飯店垮了家園毀了再多的眼淚換不回一輩子的努力
無辜罹難的百姓屍體被沖到海裡你在哪裡游泳池裡沒有災民
家屬哭紅眼睛你說要先等責任釐清國賠訴訟
一切都要按照法定程序
這就是你面對問題的標準回應下場就會是那被遺忘的林肯大郡
搓湯圓
一天三五千個觀光客在哪裡我們正走向那設計好的陷阱
黑心商品毒奶搞得大家緊張兮兮你只注意手帕衛生紙有沒有帶齊
陳雲林來台你就改姓您國旗變成違禁品波麗士大人手上沾滿血腥
人人彷彿坐上時光機退回到二三十年前那個戒嚴時期

西藏領袖達賴訪台你說不適宜阿不然選前你跟人家聲援甚麼東西
兩隻畜生過來就歡天喜地甚麼名字不好取偏偏要這樣糟蹋自己
電費漲瓦斯漲還有健保費怎麼不去要那台北市欠的八百億
反正潮寮不在你家隔壁村民抗議不用理只要挺兩天就會過去

睜開眼睛這不是台灣地區
我不要當中國人民命運交別人手裏
這塊土地明天要往哪裡去
會不會有自由空氣該讓我們來決定

Korea can, why can't Taiwan?

2009-10-25T00:35:00.000-07:00

Korea can, (why) can’t Taiwan?
On October 15th, 2009, South Korea and the EU signed the draft of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This agreement will in EU's 22 official languages and the 27 Member States are to sign it. Although South Korea’s National Assembly still needs to pass the draft agreement for it to be effective, the South Korean Government's goal is to expedite it and make the agreement effective by July 2010.

According to South Korean media, after commencement of the FTA agreement, both sides will expect to increase the "annual gross transactions" to 130 billion euros (19.4 billion contract in U.S. dollars, 630 billion Taiwan dollars). Within the first three years of EU-Korea FTA, the tariffs on South Korean exports to the EU will be substantially lowered "93.3%", this will promote South Korea's consumer electronics products, LED, machinery and other goods and help expand its European trade. Since South Korea is one of Taiwan's major trade competitors, both countries exporting similar products to Europe; EU-Korea FTA will have a direct (adverse) impact on Taiwan.

South Korea has also successfully concluded with the US an FTA, it is also negotiating FTAs with Japan, India and China. After the signing of EU-Korea FTA, South Korea has completed half of the FTAs to the major end consumer markets (EU, USA and Japan). This will not only help South Korea's economic recovery, but also gain strategic advantage for Korean global operation chessboard on economy and trade.

Contrary to South Korea proactive strategies, the government of Taiwan has done nothing but advocating its main policy for signing secret ECFA trade agreement with China. As for any FTAs with the dominating end-consumer markets, such as the European Union, the United States and Japan, we have not actually seen any progress. It’s appalling and puzzling to see such depressing retreat of Taiwan's economic strategy in the world. Particularly, in 2008, after the spread of financial crisis, every country is seeking ways of economic recovery and reorganizing the layout of global trade, as well as strengthening the development and continuing in trade with major consumer countries. Under the WTO framework of the global trading system, signing FTA is regarded as the means of national Government to achieve such goal. However, as a WTO member, Taiwan’s government is ignorant, passive, and has no plan to sign FTA with any countries but China. This is solely dependent on China’s charity and goodwill of coming from the ECFA. In global trade competition, it sits back and watches competitors (South Korea) moving ahead. With Taiwan’s Government such passive attitude, in the foreseeable future, in the absence of FTA with many countries, the global deployment for the Taiwanese manufacturers is becoming their underlying problem. Instead of working on the signing of FTA with countries around the world, the Taiwan’s government, circumventing congressional oversight and
without people’s agreement, secretly signed ECFA with China, Taiwan will, thereafter, not only withdraw from the world's major competitive markets, willing to subordinate itself to a China's local economy, but also give up Taiwan's global interests. Isn’t it a rather bizarre affair for Taiwan’s government to be in such non-action that is paradox in the common sense and the country’s objectives?

Chian Chang HO, Chairman of the Taiwan European Union in-observe

2009/10/19

韓國能，台灣不能？

本〈十〉月十五日，韓國與歐盟簽署了「自由貿易協定」（FTA）草約。這項協議將用歐盟22種官方語言與27會員國簽署；雖然，該項草約仍須通過韓國國會同意後，才正式生效，但韓國政府的目標是最快於明年(2010)七月正式生效。

根據韓國媒體估計，此項FTA協定生效後，雙方將可提高「年交易總額」至130億歐元（合約194億美金，6300億台幣）。在韓歐盟FTA生效的三年內，韓國出口至歐盟貨物關稅幅度會大幅調降「93.3%」，這將會促進韓國消費性電子商品、LED、機械等商品對歐洲貿易之擴大。由於韓國是台灣貿易的主要競爭對手，兩國對歐出口產品有高度相似性，韓國、歐盟簽署FTA，將會直接衝擊台灣。

由於韓國已經與美國成功簽署FTA，也與日本、印度與中國展開FTA的洽談。在與歐盟簽署FTA之後，韓國對最終消費市場之主要國家（歐盟、美國及日本）之FTA簽署已完成大半。這不僅促進韓國經濟復甦，在韓國經貿的全球佈局上，亦具有戰略上之高度優勢。

相對韓國之積極作為，台灣政府除鼓吹對中國簽署ECFA密約為主要政策外，對於支配全球經濟之最終市場如歐盟、美國與日本之FTA簽署，竟未見任何進展。台灣在世界經濟策略如此消極退縮，令人驚訝與不解。特別是，在2008年金融風暴全球延燒之後，各國謀思經濟復甦與經貿重新佈局，並加強拓展主要消費國家之持續貿易往來；作為WTO架構下的全球貿易體系，簽署FTA被視為各國政府達成此目標的當務之急。然而，作為WTO會員的台灣，輕忽、消極，不圖與世界各國FTA的簽定，卻僅依附中國施捨與善意的ECFA，在全球貿易競爭下，拱手坐視對手(韓國)積極超越；台灣政府不積極作為下，可見的未來，在沒有與各國簽訂FTA，台灣廠商全球佈局已先天不良。不思與世界各國簽訂FTA，在規避國會監督，片面、秘密地與中國簽訂ECFA，台灣不僅將退出世界主要競爭市場，甘心倒退至從屬於中國的地方經濟，而放棄台灣全球利益，如此悖於常理與目標之不作為，寧非怪事？

台灣歐盟觀察主席何章獻
2009/10/19

Let’s get back to the basics of Taiwan Independence

2009-10-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

In a scene of “Formosa Betrayed”, someone carried a big green sign saying “Taiwan Independence is not a crime(台獨無罪)”.

This scene is ricocheting in my mind…

Without independence and sovereignty, Taiwan will have no freedoms. Supporting TI is supporting human rights and democracy. There are no “But”, no exceptions.

This is why I support DPP Chairwoman Tsai; while I abhor KMT Chairman Ma because of his records and deeds in assaulting and suppressing TI.

The attempts of equating Tsai to Ma are viewed as another assault on TI.

This is the same logic I support Abian. The trial of former president Abian is a test of the independence of Taiwan judicial system. The final result of the trial will be set in history to show whether Taiwan is a country of Rule of Law, or an area ruled by those on top (that is, Chairman Ma).

We want to ask for not only the respect of human rights, but also that judicial procedure be transparent, fair and unbiased. This is also why we don’t want to rush in to behalf like the judges of the case.

Such questions should be asked (but not limited to these) regarding Abian’s case: 1) How many pan-blue politicians should be punished under the same law and procedure that punishes Abian and acquitted Ma; and 2) The protection of the accused is a basic human right. We did not see Ma getting put in jail while the prosecutor investigated him.

We want to make sure Abian and his families are only tried for the corruption they are accused, not for Taiwan Independence he supports.

Please let us be united by our belief in and support for Taiwan Independence. Let us not be divided by “for-whom” or “anti-whom”.

回到台灣獨立的基礎

在“Formosa Betrayed”電影的一幕，有人舉著一個大牌子寫著：『台獨無罪』。

這一幕一直在我腦海裏彈跳著‧‧‧

沒有獨立與主權，台灣將不會有自由。支持台灣獨立就是支持人權與民主。這其中絕對沒有”可是”，也沒有例外的。

我也因此而支持民進黨蔡黨主席；而厭惡國民黨馬主席，因為他打擊與壓制台灣獨立的紀錄與行為。

試圖將蔡英文與馬英九畫等號的做法是另一種對台灣獨立的攻擊。

支持台灣獨立也是我支持阿扁的邏輯。前台灣總統阿扁的審判是對台灣司法是否獨立運作的測驗。這個審判的最後結果將在歷史上顯示：台灣是一個法治的國家，或是僅是一個由上(馬主席)往下統治的地區而已。

我們要要求的不只是對人權的尊敬；並且是司法程序做到透明化、公平與公正。這也是為甚麼我們不穿上此案的法官的外衣，急著下定論。

有關扁案，我們要問如下(但不限於此)的問題：1)在這個處罰阿扁但賜馬無罪的同樣法律(特別費/國務機要費)下，有多少泛藍官員該被判罪呢？ 2)對被告的保護是一種基本人權。當馬英九因是特別費被起訴時，我們沒看到他被關禁起來，而現在為何關陳水扁呢？

我們要進一步地確定，陳水扁與他家人是以他們被控告的貪污來裁判，而非以他支持台灣獨立而判罪。

請讓我們以我們對台灣獨立的相信與支持而團結。請不要因為我們護”誰”或反”誰” 而被分裂。

Conversations with an appeaser

2009-08-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

This is a series of conversations I had with an acquaintance J. who, I later learned, is an atheist and an appeaser.

J: You see, Hong Kong went back to China. Hong Kongnese are doing well. Why do you think it’s so bad for Taiwan to unite with China?
S: Why do people of Taiwan want let go of the human rights and democracy and freedom of speech they enjoy? That’s what Taiwanese fought for and got, they should not let Chinese come and take them away. Just in the name of “we are all Chinese”. Remember that, before WWII, the Nazi used the same nationalism to suppress its own people and attacked countries in Europe.
J: Well, not everyone wants democracy…
S: Then, why don’t you Canadians give up your democracy and human rights first?
J: No, that will not do… (He has a look of horror…)
S: Taiwanese are not Chinese. Regardless where are ancestors are from, we only recognize Taiwan as our country. We are not Chinese.
J: You should not join the violence…
S: What violence?
J: Well, Taiwan should not fight with China? Taiwanese should just give up the fight…
S: What fight?
J: Well, Taiwan should just accept what China claims and don’t fight back.
S: Taiwan fights back? Taiwan does not fight with any country.
J: Ah, well, I mean, Taiwan should not drag the US and the West into a nasty war with China.
S. Excuse me. Why do you portrait Taiwan as the one that causes the war? If there is going to be one, it’s started by China! China has over 1500 missiles aiming at Taiwan, so Taiwan should surrender sovereignty to China? You were a high school teacher, if a school bully aimed a gun at a girl; you suggest that the girl is causing a fight (war) because she yells for help? You suggest that it’s the victim’s fault if she does surrender herself to the guy-yielding bully?

(I looked at him with an expression of disapproval), J, why are so gullible? You are just falling into their trap. In the name of peace, the weaker should not defend themselves or call for help, and should let the bully dictate everybody’s life. Would you like to live a life on your own terms? Or live only on terms that the Communist China dictates?

J: Well, it seems clear to me that majority of Taiwanese want to unite with China. That’s why they elected Ma as president. Right?
S: Well, that Ma is a liar. Before the presidential election, he even told Taiwanese people that Taiwan Independency is one of Taiwanese options. Then, right after the election, he started all the steps of unification.
J: Wow, then, I would say, Taiwanese are stupid. (a long silence…)

J: But, you know, China has all the military power. Taiwan should not go head to head fighting China. Taiwan should learn from Hong Kong and not to get China angry, so there will be no war. Taiwanese don’t want their kids to be solders and go to war…

S: You mean, in order not to have China militarily attacking Taiwan, Taiwanese should become Chinese slaves – be a part of China. Tell this to the Jewish people when they were slaves in Egypt. Don’t forget that, their first born boys were slaughtered. If they knew that were the result, they should have fought before they lost the chances to fight.

Furthermore, in today’s war, we are talking about Mass Destruction Weapons. It is not just one or few solders die, it is the whole group or majority of them. We are talking about Mass Destruction. If China starts a war with Taiwan, the people of China need to realize that the Mass Destruction could also include them, too. In war, it’s not just the solders, it’s mostly the civilians. If the Chinese people want peace, they need to get their government in control.

On the other hand, China wants the pacifists like you to go around and tell people in the free world not to fight China while they are telling their own people and solders that Westerners are evil and preparing to harm anyone that may come to help Taiwan. For a guy as intelligent as you, I can not believe you could not see through that.

I suggest all the pacifists should go to China and preach the concept of peace to the Chinese. Taiwanese don’t want war, but that does not mean Taiwanese should not defend themselves. We would be fools if we disarm ourselves, especially when facing communist China that brutalizes their own people, all in the name of Chinese nationalism.

(At this moment, I found J. dozing off in the easy chair…)

(Conversation resumed in another day…)
J: …huh, I wonder what you would tell your kids about China? And about China and Taiwan? …

S.: Well, simple, just the truth, the facts.

J.: Oh, that would be the 1500+ missile thing,..

S.: And how Chinese government treat their own people! Nothing but the truth…

J. went quite again…

Listen to the arogant KMT official's call in conversation!

2009-08-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable Call in Taiwan TVBS 2100 Talk Show from the Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpbxoott_PU

I just witnessed Ma's cold-blooded government in action, explaining their inaction during the Morakot attack. Because their personal affairs (wedding celebration or Father's day celebration) were far more important than the lives of victims of Morakot Typhoon. How disgusting!

Fire these officials, let them go home to do their celebrations everyday. Please do not use Taiwanese taxpayers' money to feed and pay these cold-blooded bureaucrats!

Taiwanese people, what kind of president had you chosen?

2009-08-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

In the August 14th report by Associated Press (see the right side of this blog for the link), it mentions that "The criticism of Ma is reminiscent of the hostile reaction to former President George W. Bush's handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005". However, I would like to point out that Ma is way worse than Former US president Bush. Bush never blamed the victims of Katrina for their demise.

From Ma's action during Typhoon Morakot, it shows us how hostile and uncaring he is towards the people that elected him as the president. In my opinions, it's because his uncomfortable feelings towards Taiwanese, he has usually to say "I love Taiwan" to cover up the contradiction of his true feelings.

Unification by trade? Not reunification by trade?

2009-08-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

Just want to share with you an article from the Economist:

http://www.economis t.com/world/ asia/displaystor y.cfm?story_ id=14191252

Understand ECFA, the proposed economic agreement between China and Taiwan

2009-08-12T23:26:00.001-07:00

On July 8, 2009, the Chair of Taiwan Think Tank (www Taiwanthinktank.org), Prof. Pochih Chen gave a talk in TaiwanACenter of North California. The topic is “Understand the impacts of ECFA and how to deal with them”.. In the beginning of the speech, Professor Chen spoke about in the typical propaganda used regularly by K M T and blue media; such as "DPP locks up (isolate) our country", " Only KMT has talents in economy", " Taiwan's only hope is on China", and more. KMT's propaganda said again, according to its polls, Taiwan's public order and safety was the worst during DPP administration. However, K M T did not include in its polls the top three crimes - homicide, kidnaps, and rapes. As a matter of fact, these three top crimes during DPP administration decreased 50%; while they were all time high when Ma was the head of Judicial Ministry.

Professor Chen said: KMT announced that after the "Three Direct Links", Taiwan's economy has still not improved. So there's a need to sign ECFA, an agreement on economic cooperation across the Taiwan Strait. However, the contents of the C F A are not disclosed and, worse of all; it is in the wrong frame work.

Taiwan and China are both members of WTA (World Trade Association). According to WTA, the relationship between members should be equal, and there is a rule of non-discrimination between members. That also means that, if Taiwan's is to sign a trade agreement with China, Taiwan is also allowed to sign trade agreements with other countries. Yet, on April 24th 2009, China announced that only sovereignty countries can sign agreements. This means that if Taiwan were truly to sign EC F A with China, afterwards, China will not allow Taiwan signing any trade agreements with any countries. This is one of the key points that the Ma administration is clearly cheating the people of Taiwan.

Additionally, the Ma administration insists that ECFA is a "separation of politics and economy ". Nevertheless, we all know that China specializes in manipulating economic means to achieve its political ends. He asked, for example, are there any Taiwanese businessmen in China supporting DPP? Any Taiwanese businessmen in China dare say anything against Chinese government? The case of the formal president of Chi May Company is typical and well-known. The French president met with Dali Lama. Then the Chinese government immediately canceled the orders of French Airbus airplanes. After the French protested in Paris against Chinese Olympic torch relay, the Chinese government ordered their people not to travel to France for tour.

Professor Chen said, the closer Taiwan's economy is to China, the more control Taiwan will be under the Chinese. Taiwanese businessmen think they are using China to make money. However, the more you rely on China to make money, the more and worse control China has over you. He made an example: in the beginning the Taiwanese Textile industry went to China. Then, afterwards, its upstream suppliers slowly and completely moved to China. There seemed no mistakes in each single step. Nevertheless, continuing the path ones after another, something had gone very wrong. This is the so-called “Path Dependency". (For further information please google Path Dependency, or reference the following links: http://eh.net/encyclopedia/article/puffert.path.dependence ; http://www.utdallas.edu/~liebowit/palgrave/palpd.html )

Professor Chen briefly explained the business and trade development in Taiwan and the world: before the 1980's, the word trend helped Taiwan's exporting business, therefore, Taiwan's economical growth. Taiwan's cheaper labor and Taiwanese businessmen's quick thinking and business dealing definitely contributed to Taiwan’s economic prosperity. The most important issue is, there was an era that the developed countries did not do trade with Communist countries. However, after the 1980's the Communist countries such as China entered world trade businesses. That changed the entire landscaping of international trade business.

Professor Chen thinks the more frequent and convenient trade got between two countries, the closer the wages of the same skill will get between them. An example was that, there are two buckets of water, one with higher water level and one lower. If no connection, the water levels will remain the same. However, it is impossible not to have any exchange, in today’s globalization. The key is in the connecting water tube, the thing the better.

Professor Chen thinks, it is effective for the people of Taiwan to go on street to protest against ECFA. The Taiwanese people should stand up and speak for themselves.

When answering the question of " the intention of Ma being intentional or naive", Professor Chen emphasizes: Taiwan got to sign economical agreements with countries other than China (not just China). But, in the meantime, government should compensate the industry's that will be harmed (by the trade and economical agreements).

It's very clear that the Ma administration is lying with an open eye when it said that “if Taiwan were to sign ECFA, then other countries will follow suit wanting to sign economical agreements with Taiwan”. On April 24^th, 2009, China said clearly that it will not allow Taiwan to sign any economic our agreements with other countries. Professor Chen suggested, Taiwan should first sign economic agreements with countries like Japan and the U.S., and then it may sign an economic agreement with China.

The World Games in Kaohsiung, TAIWAN (July 2009)

2009-07-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

I like the way NICOLAI OUROUSSOFF of New York Times (see the article on the right of this blog) described the New Stadium of the World Games in Kaohsiung, TAIWAN,

Stadium Where Worlds Collide, Humanely.

Taiwan is not a big country, but the beauty of the essence is not the size. It is what emits from within. It's the humanity and hospitality, not the materialism. It is the kindness and sincerity, not just the smiley faces. The phenomenon of Taiwan is not just seen by the eyes, but also felt with your heart.

Go and visit Taiwan. Sometimes you can close your eyes and feel the human pulse of the land...

थे वर्ल्ड गमेस इन कोह्सिउंग, ताइवान, जुलाई २००९

2009-07-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Taiwan and Darwin Awards

2009-06-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

Taiwan is coming close to Darwin Awards ?
Each year there are Darwin Awards giving to people who ‘do a service to Humanity by removing themselves from the gene pool’. If Darwin Awards were to include category of country, could Taiwan be a Darwin Award winner?

According to Wikipedia, ‘a Darwin Award is a tongue-in-cheek honor named after evolutionary theorist Charles Darwin. Awards have been given for people who "do a service to Humanity by removing themselves from the gene pool" (i.e. lose the ability to reproduce either by death or sterilization in a stupid fashion).’

I would like to challenge the smart Taiwanese and Taiwan as a nation, whether she can survive this evolution, not eliminating herself from the human gene pool (as a country) in a stupid fashion.

The stupid fashion in Taiwan is to believe in any blue media’s rumors, hearsays or ‘famous-mouths’. The Taiwanese stupid fashion is electing KMT or so-called blue candidates in any level of elections; regardless ones received the meager thousand or tens of thousand Taiwanese dollars. The ultimately stupid Taiwanese fashion is that majority of Taiwanese are either afraid or unable to think on their own feet. The worst stupid Taiwanese fashion is to believe that the noble thing is not involving in politics. The unbelievably stupid Taiwanese fashion is to let any KMT in charge of your money, affairs, therefore, your and your children’s future.

Trusting indiscriminately is not a good merit; it would bring disaster if ones were foolish enough NOT to examine who say so and why.

Darwin Awards or not, this is a time to test the collective Taiwanese intelligence. The theory of Darwin evolution emphasizes that the fittest survives all. Can Taiwan survive as a nation? Though there are so many smart and intelligent Taiwanese individuals, and Taiwan had accomplished many political, economical and cultural achievements in the past few decades.

If the people on Taiwan or overseas Taiwanese fail to see the true face of KMT and their cronies or the agenda of blue moles in green camps, and underestimate the dividing force upon us; then, the existence of Taiwan Nation is in peril.

Can’t Taiwanese see that for KMTs Taiwan is simply the goose that lays the golden eggs as well as the leverage to win back China for themselves, so high-level KMTs can continue to be the Royal Class of Chinese? Based on the direction that KMTs are heading, the worst for the KMTs is annexing Taiwan to China. The KMT high officials do not care about the wellbeing of Taiwan. Don’t Taiwanese see the pro-unifications like Ma Ying-Jou, Lien Chien, James Song and etc. had long since made their children the citizens of the democratic Western countries? These people’s unification scheme is only for the Taiwanese people’s children to be the citizens of authoritative China.

Learn to look at what they do, not what they say. It will take Taiwanese collective wisdom and determination for Taiwan as a nation to avoid the irony of Darwin’s Evolution.

台灣快拿到達爾文獎了？
每一年的達爾文獎是頒給那些”把自己的基因從遺傳基因庫裏去除掉的人”。如果達爾文獎包括國家一類的話，台灣是否會是達爾文獎的贏家呢？
根據維基百科(Wikipedia)，達爾文獎是以演化論始祖查理士‧達爾文為名，一種不可當真的榮譽獎。此獎一直是給予那些”把自己基因從人類基因庫裏去除掉的人”(換句話說，以愚笨的手法造成己身的死亡或絕種)。
我要挑戰聰明的台灣人和台灣國家，我們的國家是否能在演化過程中倖存，而不會以愚笨的手法，將自己的國家基因從人類基因庫裏去除掉。
在台灣的愚笨時尚是，相信任何泛藍媒體的謠言、傳說或”名嘴”。台灣式的愚笨時尚是，無論拿到微薄的台幣幾千或幾萬塊與否，在各個的選舉裏把選票當給任何國民黨或所謂泛藍的候選人。最根本的台灣式愚笨時尚是，多數的台灣人不是不敢，就是無法自己獨立為自己想。最糟糕的台灣式愚笨時尚是，以為不參與政治是清高的。最讓人無法相信的台灣式愚笨時尚是，讓國民黨控制你的錢財、事務、因此，也控制你和你兒女的未來。
盲目的信任不是一種美德；如果愚笨到不分析檢查誰是這群人和為甚麼跟你講這樣的話，它會帶來災患的。
達爾文獎與否，這正是測試台灣集體智力的時候。達爾文的進化論強調適者生存，台灣這個國家是否能生存呢？雖然，這世界上有這麼多聰明又有智慧的台灣個人。雖然，過去幾十年台灣在政治、經濟與文化方面有相當的成就。
如果在台灣的人或海外台灣人看不出國民黨及其黨羽的真面目，與綠營中藍鼠的目的，並低估加諸在我們身上的分離勢力，那台灣國家的存在已瀕鄰險境了。
台灣人看不到，台灣只是國民黨人的搖錢樹與替他們贏回中國的手段嗎？台灣是國民黨高層可以回去中國繼續當貴族的跳板？以國民黨現在的路線走，國民黨人的最壞打算是失去台灣(變成中國的一部分)。國民黨的高幹根本不在乎台灣的福祉。台灣人看不清楚，走統一路線的馬英九、連戰、宋楚瑜等早就將他們的子女送到西方自由國家當公民了？這些人的統一陰謀是，只送台灣人的子女去當極權中國的公民。
學習看國民黨怎麼做，而不是聽他們怎麼說。台灣人如何集體避免走入進化論的諷刺，是需要台灣人集體的智慧與決心的。

May 29, 2009

2009-05-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

It has been over a year since Taiwanese elected a KMT for president. I did not have a heart to write about this country. I almost like to divorce her people who voted for KMT Ma. After economical slowdown (worse than most of the world), political prosecution of opposition members, erosion of human rights and backward in democratic procedure, there were many major protests on the streets of Taiwan. Are those who voted for Ma now regretted? Or are they still fooled by KMT’s mass propaganda?

Though I was extremely disappointed with people on Taiwan, I still believe that they deserve to know the truth, and deserve a democracy like the rest of civilized world.

we joined the Tibetans’ protest against China in the Olympic torch run

2008-04-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

4_9_08 San Francisco, we joined the Tibetans’ protest against China in the Olympic torch run

We heard the call for protest and joined the crowd yesterday on Embarcadero in SF. We could not find the Taiwanese American group organized by John Hieh, but ran into to some Taiwanese American ladies who were going for lunch after failing to find Hieh. So we bought two bagels and walked around. Not able to get some signs, we ended just using the bagel paper bag and making a sign of our own "Freedom". My friend J took off his jacket and simply wore and showed his Amnesty International T-shirt.

There were many Chinese busied in here, carrying their bloody red national flags and Olympic 2008 Beijing flags. Food and drinks were behind some of them, piling up in a corner of sidewalks on Embarcadero close to Market Street. We ran into few Chinese propagandists in fluent English debating with some “Save Darfur“ activists. Their talking points ranged from "Don't let politics interfere Olympics", "Let China take its time to improve human rights", "China's peaceful rising", “The Tibetans are lying” and more... My friend J had been in China and Tibet. He calmly told one Chinese propagandist that not a single Tibetan he met welcomed Chinese in Tibet. That seemed to shut up that Chinese for a second. Then, that Chinese replied with a line: "So what are you going to do about it? It's a fact that Tibet is Chinese land". Boy, it got my blood boiling. I angrily shouted to that Chinese "China, get out of Tibet". However, I found J's calm and unbiased approach was more effective in winning the argument and friends. A lady from the crowd came over to shake J's hand.

Some Chinese said the Americans did the same to Native Americans as the Chinese to Tibetans. (These Chinese seemed to mix up with the mentality of different era). I told my friend not to waste time with those living in the 21st century with a 19th century's mentality.

We still could not find John's Hsieh's group, so we just joined the Tibetans' group. Still holding on to our "Freedom" sign. It was emotional, but every one of them was disciplined. When facing the pro-China crowds and flags, I could feel the surge of emotion. There were some Tibetans also guiding the groups at those points so no violent confrontations could be further provoked by those Chinese. I could see in some instances that many young Chinese wearing triumphant smiles on their faces and using the flag poles of their huge flags to touch some Tibetans. If it's not a provocation, what could be?

Later on, some split into different directions. Three naked SF men ran along the boulevard slowly deserted by protesters. We heard the torch relay had gone somewhere else in the city. We heard that one of the torch bearers picked up a "Free Tibet" banner during the relay. But some Tibetans said they were not sure it's true or not anymore. There had been jammed cell phones and hoaxes.

Well, it was definitely San Francisco where the spirits of freedoms of speech and expressions prevail... I wish I could asked those brainwashed Chinese that, in China, can they have different voices expressed in this way without being beaten, jailed or prosecuted?

The wind from the Bay, the Pacific and everywhere seemed to roar here, yet the cry for "Free Tibet" echoed in the air and in my heart.

On the becoming of today's Taiwan

2008-04-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

**observations during a visit in Taiwan’s 3/22/08 presidential election**

The Ma's phenomenon's building has started at least over a decade ago. The process is like making a movie star for Hollywood movies. In Taiwan, it is beyond and above; it has became more like cult building. For some, Ma is like a god, he can not be wrong. Though his administration in Taipei mayor ship was less than mediocre, for his worshippers he is not the one to be blamed. Any of his wrongdoings is everyone's fault but his. Like the prosecution of his embezzling of public funds during Taipei Mayoralty, the conclusion was it was his subordinates’ fault that he transferred the official business expenses fund to his personal bank account. I see a severe twisting of facts and logics here.

Over six months ago, some followers of a famous Taiwanese temple佛光山 told me that there were talks of the fate of Ma, portrayed as an emperor. Yesterday in a small Tainan temple, I heard that he's becoming president of Taiwan is god's will. The utilization of people's superstition is well heard and seen.

We all know the cult building of Mar has a lot to do with the media. The media is a process of daily brainwash. Any wrong doing can explained and declared innocent, just give them time. It works, especially for the younger generations.

佛光山 is a famous temple and its leader 星雲大師is a mainlander who had said in his visit to China that Taiwan should be united with China. The KMT's support for佛光山 is a well known secret, the current KMT chairman Wu吳伯雄 is on 佛光山's board. 佛光山 also owns some University and some of the teaching faculties often ridicule DPP in the class, though 佛光山'claims they do not involve in politics.

Culturally speaking, Taiwan's society under KMT's control will be a big blow to social justice. If we simply look at the media bias, we can easily conclude that there are a 'green' standard (a much higher one) and a 'blue' standard (a very low one). The verdict would be depending on which side you take.

There are also practices targeting demographic groups . In addition to the government civil service people who receive approximately 18% interest on their retirement fund, KMT also targeted the first time voters. There are reportedly over one million first time voters (not verified) in this election. KMT and Ma took advantage of Ma's cult leader position, and turned many young girls to campaign for him.

There are also fast increasing Chinese brides in Taiwan, one reported that, they add approximately the population of one Hsinzun city per year. When I was in the traditional market, they were there, speaking perfect Taiwanese. Some are from Fujan, China. Those who don’t speak good Taiwanese simply smiled and kept quiet.

So, what did it leave for DPP?

I was hoping the news of Tibet can help waking up the blue dreamed Taiwanese. But it was too late. My understanding is that all the pro-China media minimized the coverage of Tibetan news, if not watering it down. One blue friend called it the Tibetan riot. It left my stomach turning...

The event in Tibet was too close to the election; such happening did not have time to sink into people's head if they knew exactly what happened. The election noise was also too laud.

We need to understand that Abien's winning twice in 2000 and 2004 was more on the surface. The structural unfairness did not diminish; the KMT's privileged still owns a much bigger share of the economical pie, the ill-gotten KMT party money still untouched... The social injustice continues...

Did DPP miss the window of opportunity to do some structural changes? Yes and no. It is always easier to put it this way afterwards. But, in my point of view, I believe during the first four years, Abian had to do many things to make sure the military and security personnel stay loyal to the new administration. It was a change of administration within the old political system, it was not a revolution.

However, I believe DPP did not do right on the media. I remembered the complaints about the TVBS, about its Chinese ownership. I understand Abian wanted a free and independent media. But, when China poses military threat to Taiwan, the media financially supported by China is also a weapon against Taiwan in a different form. It would be reasonable to ban a Chinese funded media.

Over the years, the pro-China media d not done unbiased reporting. Instead, it focuses on amplifying the ungraceful habits of few DPP officials and ignores any wrongdoings of the blue camp.

How is it going to be the next four years for Taiwanese politics and society? The KMT now is talking about the importance of using the right people to run the government. Of course, it’s always important to use the right people. But the serious problem is that, there will be no check and balance in next four years. This is a severely flawed structural deficiency.

Taiwan’s 228 Massacre

2008-02-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

This year is the sixty-first anniversary of Taiwan’s 228 Massacre. Starting many years ago, there is a tradition by many Taiwanese American organizations to hold 228 Memorial Concerts at this time. Music is a great way to sooth the wounds of the history. In this annual event, people are reminded of this historical fact. By commemorating such this atrocity, we are asked to forgive, but not to forget. When people forget the history, they tend to repeat it.

For a Taiwanese growing up in Taiwan, I did not know of this tragedy until I came to the United States in 1985. However, I did not want to know more of this massacre until year 2003. In my 2004 trip to Taiwan, I also learned that one of my relatives was a victim of 228. He was one of the lucky, though. He was not elite. He was only a high school student going to a meeting. At the meeting, he and many Taiwanese students were arrested. He was sentenced to 30 years in jail. His family sold five hectares of their land and used the money to bribe KMT people. So his sentence was reduced to five years. After released from prison, he became a doctor. But his beautiful children were growing up in a shadow that their dad was once a prisoner (regardless of the political reason). The engagement of one of the children was canceled because the fiancé’s family could not bring themselves up to having an in-law who had a prison record, even though he was a medical doctor. The cloud of 228 Massacre has had lingered…

In this time of the year (February 28), I would like to share with others the story of 228 Massacre. And the most famous one is the account of an American diplomat who was in Formosa at the time when it started. Here is the link to go to the entire text of the book, Formosa Betrayed:

http://www.romanization.com/books/formosabetrayed/index.html

George H. Kerr, the author of the book, was in Taiwan during that time, serving as vice consul at the U.S. consulate.

This book is a damning indictment of the KMT administration in Taiwan in the years just after World War II. It contains detailed information on Chiang Kai-shek, Chen Yi, 2-28 (the massacre of thousands of Taiwanese that began February 28, 1947), and many other subjects.

Cheers to Courageous former DPP Chairman Yu

2008-02-24T17:57:00.000-08:00

Cheers to Courageous former DPP Chairman Yu

指蔣介石是228元兇游錫堃獲判無罪確定

(據中廣新聞報導)前民進黨主席游錫堃因為曾經指稱蔣介石是二二八事件元兇，遭立委蔣孝嚴自訴誹謗。案件上訴經過台灣高等法院審理後，上午判決游錫堃無罪確定。

蔣孝嚴主張，游錫堃在「二二八大合唱記者會」和民進黨中常會中，指稱蔣孝嚴的祖父蔣介石是二二八事件的元兇，已經涉嫌誹謗，不過，台北地方法院調查認為，游錫堃使用原兇一詞，縱有稍嫌聳動或誇張之虞，不過，目的是為了喚起一般民眾注意，藉此增加一般民眾對公共事務的關注程度，並沒有逾越合理評論原則的範疇，應該受到憲法的保障，因此判決游錫堃無罪，雖然，蔣孝嚴不服上訴，但高院審理後，仍然判決游錫堃無罪。

This is another attempt by a KMT’s high level official and legislator to sue people stating facts or using the historical facts for statement.

The former DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) Chairman Yu pointed out that Chiang Kai-shek is the chief criminal of Taiwan’s 228 Massacre. Chiang’s grandson, a Legislator, sued former Chairman Yu slander. The first judgment was for Yu, but Chiang went on appealing the case. Finally, the Superior Court of Taiwan held the lower court’s judgment and declared that Yu was innocent.

I welcome Taiwanese stating fact like DPP former Chairman Yu did. Mr. Yu is a courageous man and deserves our applause. Chairman Yu, please have a press conference for this verdict and open a bottle of champagne toasting to the media.

Truth can right the wrong

2008-02-18T23:14:00.000-08:00

Truth can right the wrong

When speaking truth, you may run a risk being sued in Taiwan. I was just warned of that. If you read about Taiwanese KMT presidential candidate Ma suing so and so in the blue media, there seemed to be a message to the common timid Taiwanese: you may be the next one.

Are we told that truth is not welcome in Taiwan? Hum, only if you are not for the pan-blue. But it’s okay to dig out the true dirty laundry of the pan-green. Wait a minute, what is the rule?

I believe truth may not look pretty, but it can right the wrong in the long run. So here you go. I am digging out the 1991 Taiwan’s purchase of Lafayette-class frigates. To show the truth, I am simply copying the links from news reports.

http://epochtimes.com/b5/7/6/14/n1743274.htm

法國前外交部長杜馬曾表示，台灣政府當年支付了五億美元佣金，其中四億美元流入當時台灣執政黨國民黨秘書處，另外一億美元則流向中國共產黨的中央委員會。

I hereby cite the news and translate the above paragraph: “Former French Foreign Minister, 杜馬曾 , expressed that, at that time (1991) the Taiwan government (KMT one party dominating government) paid commission Five Hundred Millions US dollars; among this $520 Million US dollars, Four Hundred Millions was to go to KMT’s Secretariat (秘書處) and One Hundred Million was to go to Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee (中央委員會).

This was how the KMT took the Taiwanese taxpayers’ money and paid those aiming Taiwan with over one hundred missiles!

And this is what we know, how about what we dare not dig out???

KMT and its presidential candidate Ma said they love Taiwan, is saying “I love Taiwan” a tool to get hold of Taiwanese money?!

I hope Taiwanese are not that stupid. But I was wrong before(in January).

economy

2008-02-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

It’s always about economy

The concerns of Taiwan economy are definitely on many Taiwanese minds. I was surprised that Taiwanese think Taiwan’s economy is very bad. I just checked with Westerner friends who do international business and travel frequently between Western countries and Asia. Their replies have been: Taiwan’s economy is pretty good. When asked, “Compared with China or India, Taiwan’s economy is not that good.” Their replies are “but Taiwan is a more advanced country, the economical structure is very different from labor-intensive type of countries.” It looks like the blue media has done a good job of painting a gloomy picture of Taiwan.

On the other hand, DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) would not only need to in this very short period of time assure people of its future economic improvement, but also emphasize the links between economical improvement and Taiwan’s global presence. KMT is trying to discredit our efforts to join UN. DPP needs to show how a membership in UN would help tremendously Taiwan’s economy in the long run. I have included in this blog a link to another blog that shows all the financial benefits of becoming a member of the UN. Please see “Don't let Taiwanese know the Benefits of joining the UN!” and click on the link別讓台灣人知道入聯合國有多好康! Taiwan is missing such financial and economical benefits because she is not a member of the UN. It is very important to broadcast such information to people in Taiwan.

Improving economy involves not just economical development, but also economical justice, i.e., wealth distribution. KMT’s slogan and propaganda only fuzzily talk about恲經濟 (compete in economy), and grossly ignore the economical justice part. Even Taiwan does wonder in wealth creation, unfair wealth distribution would put many lower income Taiwanese in further despairs. As many Taiwanese talk about the M-type society created by globalization, that is, the rich gets richer and poor gets poorer; economical justice would also be an important topic for DPP to mention.

Let’s see KMT’s usual practice in the Legislative Yuan, huge budget for building villages and homes for 榮民 KMT’s old retire mainlander solders, where do the common Taiwanese stand here? Where does the economical justice go? I don’t mean not to take care of old retired solders, but the government should also take care of other minority groups in the society(弱勢團體). How about farmers, fishermen, other laborers? What happens if many Chinese from China took over Taiwanese lower paid jobs after “Three Direct Links”? How about KMT;s Ma talking about recognizing Chinese diploma? I am afraid that the US illegal immigration headache could be repeating in Taiwan in a worst scenario.

A lot of questions need to be asked, not just answered.

taipe, taipei

2008-02-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

Taipei, 台北

North Taiwan is like a big theater stage for blue movies. Plots have being mesmerized and the matching drum beats being arranged. I see the mass manipulation of the blue media, correspondingly, the fashion minded people follow suite without knowing why or wanting to know the reason behind.

(I ask: Isn’t media the forth right of democracy? There is only eerie silence.)

On this gigantic stage, a queue is started by gentleman-looking gorgeous actors, then the fashionable crowd joins. A long dragon line forms, people care not to know that at the beginning of the queue, behind that glamorous theater curtain, waiting for them are scenes of their lifetime fortunes being forfeited, and future of their children being traded. Liberty and human dignity are simply too extract to understand, and not worth more than these fashionable and gorgeous clothes.

Trendy Taipeinese wander from one fashionable shop to the next, while hunting for beautiful bargains – Made in China. Contents are immaterial, fake ingredients are acceptable, as long as they are glamorous and fashionable.

Here in Taipei, life is wonderful in its deepest blue. Cut down the trees, any shades of “green” are suspicious. So garbage bins are light blue and recycle bins pink.

Speaking your Taiwanese parents’ mother tongue is laughable and learning your Taiwanese parents’ history is idiotic. Therefore, soak in the pleasure of material stimulus and indulge yourself in the sadist’s game of ridiculing the public enemies. After all, it is in the name of “Democracy”.

(I ask again: What’s your definition of “democracy”? This time, even the eerie silence ignores me।)
January 18, 2008

Conversations with Taiwan

2008-02-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

Conversations with Taiwan

-On the trails before and after the Taiwan Election January 2008

January 29, 2008

January 5, 2008

In San Francisco airport, I saw in a short distance a few KMT (Komingtung, the Chinese Nationalist Party) people, one of them was a member of Taiwan’s last “永久國大代表Forever Congress”, now running a carpet shop in Cupertino, California. It looked like a gang of the KMT old guards were going to Taiwan for the January election; while I found that many pan-green (pro-Democratic Progressive Party) Taiwanese Americans could not afford airfare going to vote twice in three months.

There are pan-blue members (pro-KMT) in my family and relatives. Yet, I did not realize until this trip how deep the brainwash went. Before I traveled south, my blue sister restlessly criticized A-Bian. I got annoyed and told her we were not voting for A-Bian, but this time only for DPP. She said, true Taiwanese would only vote for TSU台聯 (a small pro-Taiwan political party). I had to remind her: “But you never admit you’re true Taiwanese.”

I found it useless and heartbreaking to debate with family members about Taiwan’s politics. On one hand, I was so disappointed to see their willingness to succumb to lies and manipulation; on the other hand, I felt so sorry for their sad situation of facing China’s military threat and burying their heads in the KMT’s sweet and intoxicating sand. On the KMT’s ultimate goal “to unite with China”, I asked them: aren’t you worried about being governed by Communist China. My blue relatives surprised me with one unspoken answer: with KMT, they don’t worry about Communist China. Oh, my goodness, what kind of blind faith?! Need I say more? All I could do was occasionally poking their blind faith with one rational question after another.

On the way to Kaohsiung, I slowly woke up to the very obvious pan-blue plot: using TSU台聯 to take away Taiwanese votes本土票 from DPP in this race. Sadly, it seemed working.

On January 12, 2008, my mom and I took a taxi and went back to our family homestead in the countryside of Chia-yi. Before going out to vote, we went next door to greet some great aunties. They told us they had voted this morning. I asked them whether they voted for the referendum. They said they did not pick up the referendum ballots because people in front of them did not do it.

We went on to visit another great auntie who came home several days ago for the election. However, I remembered in 2004, she did not come back to vote for the presidential election. I also asked her whether she picked up the referendum ballots. She said she did not because the people before her did not do it. I thought to myself, how it sounded interestingly familiar! Out of curiosity, I asked her: “Well, so, what’s the ongoing rate?” I was surprised at her strong and strange reaction. She said:” I did not take anything!” Then, she immediately added: “So-and-so of DPP did not come out to buy votes this time. I heard that he was arrested for buying votes.” I told her, it probably was a rumor. After all, KMT has all the money and DPP has no money to even do any media. Well, this auntie went on to say that A-Bian was corrupt and took our money. She said she voted for him both times in 2000 and 2004. (However, I knew very well that she did not come home to vote in 2004. I just shook my head and felt disgusted, thinking if you took money from KMT, you are guilty enough. Why smear DPP, just to cover up your crime and guilt?)

I started getting sick of those who willingly became KMT political mouthpieces spreading rumors and smearing DPP while taking bribery from KMT and doing the exact dirty tricks they accused DPP of doing…

In our walk to voting booth, we met many remote relatives and old acquaintances. Though my mom curiously inquired, most people avoided talking about this election. Under the warm sunlight of South Taiwan, I sensed an eerie chill in the air of the hometown of my familiar memory. The warm tears in my eyes came out cold in this strangely familiar town.

Our taxi rolled into the alley of our family homestead to pick us up. After we seated ourselves, he started the engine and said in a muted voice: “Oh my god, your alleyway is full of KMT people!” I asked him: ”Why do you say that?” He said, “Don’t you see those guys with KMT’s blue hats patrolling in the next yard?” I steadied my eyes and indeed, there were at least three older men in KMT blue hats standing and looking at our passing car. The scene scared me, if the hats they were wearing were red, I might think I was in an area governed the communists. As my cold tears rolled down my cheeks, the lines of good and evil in my old memory were getting blurry.

Mom whispered next to my ear: “Well, your so-and-so uncle is the Chief of our Alley (Neighborhood) 鄰長 and his son is a policeman. They are historically KMTs." As our taxi drove out of our alley and our town, my heart sank further into the darkness in the bright sunlight of South Taiwan.

Suddenly, I remembered in 2004 after the presidential campaign, my sister asked a friend who he voted for. His answer was very odd to me at that time: “Oh, my dad is the Chief of the Neighborhood里長, so I had to vote KMT.” Is this what has been done all these decades? (Like some said,) Most of the Chiefs of Alleys, Neighborhood and Villages (in the Household Register) have been the stakes and posts of KMT’s vote-buying? If so, I finally made sense of that friend’s “logics”. But, is such practice the foundation of “a democracy”?

Our taxi took us back to a restaurant in Kaohsiung for a cousin’s wedding banquet. Again, my mom told me: “No politics talks, these are mostly KMTs”. Sure enough, during the banquet, a KMT city councilman in his KMT vest went around all tables to “prost” with everyone. After the banquet, a cousin’s greetings went: “So, you are one of the voting parachutes. I heard your airplane tickets were paid by Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission (OCAC) 僑委會… Appalled by his unfriendly greetings, I countered: “I paid the airline ticket and every cent of my trip out of my very own packet. I did not spend any of Taiwanese taxpayers’ money. What you are saying is the tricks done by KMTs when the Taiwan's national treasury belonged to KMT…” He immediately replied, “Well, let’s not talk about politics.” Then, he switched his tactics (it was about two o'clock in the afternoon): “now, after this visit and election, you should think over and change your points of view?!” I replied before walking away politely: “Thinking over about issues should be on everyone’s mind, not just mines, but also yours. Changing viewpoints or not should be free-willed.”

After watching the election result, that evening I could not eat, and went to bed very early; while my heart was bleeding… I could not believe I was here in Taiwan witnessing the betrayal of Taiwanese against their children’s future.

The conversations with taxi drivers

I enjoyed traveling by High Speed Rail, and taking taxis to the destinations. Therefore, I had chances of listening to and talking to the drivers. Some of them didn’t talk much, most of them were very careful and not want to expose their political inclinations.

Among those that spoke, taxi driver number one told us about the experiences of taking many young Chinese from China claiming that they are Hong Kongnese here volunteering for Pan Blue candidates. I guess it’s hard to fool people when you don’t speak Cantonese yet claiming that you are from Hong Kong.

Taxi driver number two claimed that he was a Tai-San (Taiwanese business man doing business in China) and still had investment in China(東完). He said he went to China every month. I asked him: “Why do you drive a taxi in Taiwan?” He said he was bored in China, most Tai-Sans just drank and sang karaoke. He said driving taxi was not that profitable now, only about two thousand Taiwanese dollars a day. It’s not like how it was used to be. But it kept him busy and not feeling wasting life away.

Taxi driver number three was an interesting scene, but I doubt I would be in his taxi again. He had a little TV on, showing a quite engaging English-learning program. He said that was a great way of learning English, while I was hoping in my heart he would not watch the TV screen in front of him. When I was thinking why there is no regulation in Taiwan against having TV (or DVD players) in front of the drivers, he started complaining that the government should emphasize learning English and not ask kids to learn Taiwanese. I told him that, I agreed that learning English is important, but we should not limit ourselves and kids to only two languages. On the other hand, I happened to believe to have your kids learn your mother’s language, Taiwanese. I told him in Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and many other European countries, school children learn at least three or four languages. Taiwanese should be not just limited to being bi-lingual only. Slowly and skillfully, the topics turned to Taiwan’s economy and Three Direct Links with China. I was amazed at the one-sided(一廂情願) thinking of pan-blue propaganda. There are some people like this taxi driver believing that when the “Three Direct Links” opens, only the rich Chinese would come and spend money in Taiwan. I asked him, how about those poorly paid Chinese laborers coming to Taiwan and taking away jobs like his. Doesn’t he think that most of the lower paid Taiwanese would be affected most by this? I was appalled by his rosy wishes of the China calling. On the economic issue, he praised S. Korean economy and mentioned how Taiwan’s economy had underperformed. I told him that I did not think Taiwan’s economy is that bad. But, in the era of globalization, a country like Taiwan with not enough diplomatic relationships or connections in the international community, is very difficult to have an equal footing to compete with economies like S. Korea or Singapore. I gave him an example. Once the S. Korean formal foreign minister, Bang Ki-moon became UN’s Secretary General, the US president signed immediately a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with S. Korea. Why? Because US knows there are many tasks needing Bang’s help in the UN and a FTA with US would definitely help S. Korea’s economy. I told him also, if Taiwan wants to work on improving economy, diplomatic relations with many countries and connections in the international community are even more important.