The National Holiday paradox - a sad story and other unpinned thoughts
The National Holiday Paradox
Taiwan.
On October 10th, 2006, a crowd of protesters created chaos at the National Holiday ceremony in front of Taiwan's Presidential House. They were calling for the deposition of President Chen on various counts of untrustworthy behavior - supposed embezzlement and corruption, unclearness on the spending of funds. The protesters stopped traffic, shook the cars of foreign delegates invited to attend the ceremony, fought whilst the ceremony was commencing, and in general ruined our National Holiday. It is also alleged that among the most demonstrative protestors were several assemblymen who had been in scandals involving corruption in the past few years. Appearantly they hoped their exuberant presence in the protest would both whitewash their 'misunderstandings' with public duty and also give them a plateform to show themselves.
It's the National Holiday. I'm not going to say I'm for or against the deposition of President a-Flat. I'm just saying that if their is any amount of justice or patriotism in the overthrowing of the Prez, it's all gone to moot with ruining our National Holiday. This day was not made for our president, it wasn't even made for the party he represents - it was made for our country. This country really isn't that bad. Simply protesting won't make it better. Actively voting for people who don't bribe, instead of not voting and letting vile, corrupt people (and their families) get elected, might help. A woman president known for lack of foresight won't make it better. Revolution will definitely make it worse. The greatest upheaval is in the hearts of the red/green(christmas colors, did you notice?)-shirted men and women. There are bigger fish to fry, sirs, and more effective ways to fry them.
On parties.
The history of a Party is suppose to represent its spirit. That's why teaching the history of a party, especially in a good light, is important for parties. But circumstances change, and what was idealism then when put to the test of power often cannot blossom into the visions it promised.
Taiwan.
On October 10th, 2006, a crowd of protesters created chaos at the National Holiday ceremony in front of Taiwan's Presidential House. They were calling for the deposition of President Chen on various counts of untrustworthy behavior - supposed embezzlement and corruption, unclearness on the spending of funds. The protesters stopped traffic, shook the cars of foreign delegates invited to attend the ceremony, fought whilst the ceremony was commencing, and in general ruined our National Holiday. It is also alleged that among the most demonstrative protestors were several assemblymen who had been in scandals involving corruption in the past few years. Appearantly they hoped their exuberant presence in the protest would both whitewash their 'misunderstandings' with public duty and also give them a plateform to show themselves.
It's the National Holiday. I'm not going to say I'm for or against the deposition of President a-Flat. I'm just saying that if their is any amount of justice or patriotism in the overthrowing of the Prez, it's all gone to moot with ruining our National Holiday. This day was not made for our president, it wasn't even made for the party he represents - it was made for our country. This country really isn't that bad. Simply protesting won't make it better. Actively voting for people who don't bribe, instead of not voting and letting vile, corrupt people (and their families) get elected, might help. A woman president known for lack of foresight won't make it better. Revolution will definitely make it worse. The greatest upheaval is in the hearts of the red/green(christmas colors, did you notice?)-shirted men and women. There are bigger fish to fry, sirs, and more effective ways to fry them.
On parties.
The history of a Party is suppose to represent its spirit. That's why teaching the history of a party, especially in a good light, is important for parties. But circumstances change, and what was idealism then when put to the test of power often cannot blossom into the visions it promised.
posted by Mignon Chang at 6:11 AM
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