Comments on: Human rights under attack in Taiwan http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/2008/11/human-rights-under-attack/ commentary on all things Taiwanese -- Taichung, Taiwan Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:46:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Robert http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/2008/11/human-rights-under-attack/comment-page-1/#comment-84584 Robert Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:38:35 +0000 http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/?p=2292#comment-84584 Yes, David, all too true. In fact, Taiwan's self-capitulation, as evidenced by the mangled flag in your latest blog, is clear indication of this. Unfortunately, for most part of the world, a crucial balance on economics has been lost. Only too late do we realise that by affording TOO MUCH dependency on China (and this is true from LA to Japan), we have virtually surrendered/transferred our own economies to it. This was never a wise decision from the very beginning, any kid on the block will tell you that; even with all the hooplah about opening China up to the world. No one can be against China opening herself up to the world. But in our <b>MISGUIDEDNESS</b>, we have neglected our very selves. China will never reciprocate our “good intentions,” because there never were any. She knows it’s all about money and profit, and that is how she will deal also. We thought we knew what was good for China, but she has proven otherwise and trumped us instead. And this is just the tip of the iceberg because even as I write these words, efforts are being made by China to replace everything else into pure Chinese products (without the foreigners who were gullible enough to invest in the first place). I have seen this "shoot-yourself-in-the-foot" process at work for a number of years. Ironic how it all played out, isn't it? I would rather that we have a boisterous, self-dependent, economy than recieve a $3,600 coupon that I will inevitably be paying later in the day anyway. (You probably think I'm lucky, but this proves that I'm not.) ------------------ Okay, I need to get my ass off the chair and get ready for work. I've been up since 5, but the day still looks dreary. Ugh! Dropped A Hungry Girl a thank you note, like you said. Yes, David, all too true. In fact, Taiwan’s self-capitulation, as evidenced by the mangled flag in your latest blog, is clear indication of this. Unfortunately, for most part of the world, a crucial balance on economics has been lost. Only too late do we realise that by affording TOO MUCH dependency on China (and this is true from LA to Japan), we have virtually surrendered/transferred our own economies to it. This was never a wise decision from the very beginning, any kid on the block will tell you that; even with all the hooplah about opening China up to the world.

No one can be against China opening herself up to the world. But in our MISGUIDEDNESS, we have neglected our very selves. China will never reciprocate our “good intentions,” because there never were any. She knows it’s all about money and profit, and that is how she will deal also.

We thought we knew what was good for China, but she has proven otherwise and trumped us instead. And this is just the tip of the iceberg because even as I write these words, efforts are being made by China to replace everything else into pure Chinese products (without the foreigners who were gullible enough to invest in the first place). I have seen this “shoot-yourself-in-the-foot” process at work for a number of years. Ironic how it all played out, isn’t it?

I would rather that we have a boisterous, self-dependent, economy than recieve a $3,600 coupon that I will inevitably be paying later in the day anyway. (You probably think I’m lucky, but this proves that I’m not.)
——————

Okay, I need to get my ass off the chair and get ready for work. I’ve been up since 5, but the day still looks dreary. Ugh!

Dropped A Hungry Girl a thank you note, like you said.

]]> By: David Reid http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/2008/11/human-rights-under-attack/comment-page-1/#comment-84570 David Reid Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:42:47 +0000 http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/?p=2292#comment-84570 Scott, I don't think your scenario is far fetched at all. I think too many people fall into the trap of thinking China can only take Taiwan by launching a full-scale war. Actually there are a range of scenarios by which Taiwan could come under Chinese control without a war. Scott, I don’t think your scenario is far fetched at all. I think too many people fall into the trap of thinking China can only take Taiwan by launching a full-scale war. Actually there are a range of scenarios by which Taiwan could come under Chinese control without a war.

]]> By: Scott in Tainan http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/2008/11/human-rights-under-attack/comment-page-1/#comment-84568 Scott in Tainan Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:45:08 +0000 http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/?p=2292#comment-84568 The way the Ma administration and the KMT-dominated judiciary has been acting lately, it almost looks as if they have forgotten that their conduct will be judged again in the next election. And soon after he was elected president/regional administrator, Ma was already speaking confindently of serving TWO consecutive terms. The way Ma acts with such little regard for public opinion makes me wonder if he believes that he has found a way to remain in power indefinitely without having to worry about details like public opinion and the next election. It would not surprise me very much if Ma and high-ranking KMT members are actually planning (in cooperation with Bejing) some well-timed incident or sudden crisis in the Strait to occur in 2012 (such as a blockade, a boarding of a Chinese ship by Taiwan's coastguard, attack on Chinese tourists or buisnessmen in Jinmen, etc.), that would regrettably necessitate an indefinite suspension of the normal election process, thus leaving Ma and the KMT perpetually in control. Of course many Taiwanese see him as shifty, two-faced and unpatriotic, but a lot of people, he fits their image of an up-right Chinese scholar-official perfectly. In a 2012 crisis secario, Ma would use his charisma to play the "good cop" to Beijing's "bad cop", assuring Taiwanese that he is the only man who can protect their interests in negotiations with Beijing. It would be the end of Taiwan's sovereignty as we know it, but many Taiwanese will still be grateful to Ma for standing up for Taiwan and steering Taiwan though the crisis without any large-scale disruption of the economy. What do you think? Is that so extremely far-fetched? scott in Tainan The way the Ma administration and the KMT-dominated judiciary has been acting lately, it almost looks as if they have forgotten that their conduct will be judged again in the next election. And soon after he was elected president/regional administrator, Ma was already speaking confindently of serving TWO consecutive terms.

The way Ma acts with such little regard for public opinion makes me wonder if he believes that he has found a way to remain in power indefinitely without having to worry about details like public opinion and the next election.

It would not surprise me very much if Ma and high-ranking KMT members are actually planning (in cooperation with Bejing) some well-timed incident or sudden crisis in the Strait to occur in 2012 (such as a blockade, a boarding of a Chinese ship by Taiwan’s coastguard, attack on Chinese tourists or buisnessmen in Jinmen, etc.), that would regrettably necessitate an indefinite suspension of the normal election process, thus leaving Ma and the KMT perpetually in control.

Of course many Taiwanese see him as shifty, two-faced and unpatriotic, but a lot of people, he fits their image of an up-right Chinese scholar-official perfectly.

In a 2012 crisis secario, Ma would use his charisma to play the “good cop” to Beijing’s “bad cop”, assuring Taiwanese that he is the only man who can protect their interests in negotiations with Beijing. It would be the end of Taiwan’s sovereignty as we know it, but many Taiwanese will still be grateful to Ma for standing up for Taiwan and steering Taiwan though the crisis without any large-scale disruption of the economy.

What do you think? Is that so extremely far-fetched?

scott in Tainan

]]> By: R Cheers http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/2008/11/human-rights-under-attack/comment-page-1/#comment-84565 R Cheers Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:55:21 +0000 http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/?p=2292#comment-84565 Here's something from Sunday's Yahoo! News: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081122/ap_on_re_as/as_obama_the_china_challenge Here’s something from Sunday’s Yahoo! News:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081122/ap_on_re_as/as_obama_the_china_challenge

]]> By: R Cheers http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/2008/11/human-rights-under-attack/comment-page-1/#comment-84560 R Cheers Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:28:16 +0000 http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/?p=2292#comment-84560 @ AK, I have a feeling, just a feeling, that the Chinese government is largely operating under the same assumption. Bring down the DPP, have their malfeasance exposed, and you ultimately bring down the ideals of which they stand for. The question is: Is this assumption 100% true? The way Taiwan has been dealt with is a double-edged sword. On the one side, seek to extinguish the foe; and on the other, extend economic goodwill to the point that "the Taiwanese don't bite the hand that feeds them." And look, this situation now even applies to the US. Who wants to offend the banker? As an aside, I am curious where our government will conjure up the money to bring the $3600 cash voucher into reality. @ AK,

I have a feeling, just a feeling, that the Chinese government is largely operating under the same assumption. Bring down the DPP, have their malfeasance exposed, and you ultimately bring down the ideals of which they stand for. The question is: Is this assumption 100% true?

The way Taiwan has been dealt with is a double-edged sword. On the one side, seek to extinguish the foe; and on the other, extend economic goodwill to the point that “the Taiwanese don’t bite the hand that feeds them.” And look, this situation now even applies to the US. Who wants to offend the banker?

As an aside, I am curious where our government will conjure up the money to bring the $3600 cash voucher into reality.

]]> By: AK http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/2008/11/human-rights-under-attack/comment-page-1/#comment-84558 AK Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:06:39 +0000 http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/?p=2292#comment-84558 Yes, it's funny... if you are out making a big deal about the importance of human rights and the rule of law, a large sector of society turns off as they equate those movements with the DPP. It is almost sad the DPP has been so closely identified with those other movements, because when the DPP falters they bring everything else down with them. Yes, it’s funny… if you are out making a big deal about the importance of human rights and the rule of law, a large sector of society turns off as they equate those movements with the DPP. It is almost sad the DPP has been so closely identified with those other movements, because when the DPP falters they bring everything else down with them.

]]> By: R Cheers http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/2008/11/human-rights-under-attack/comment-page-1/#comment-84551 R Cheers Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:17:34 +0000 http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/?p=2292#comment-84551 Quite true. It all feels like a vendetta is being carried out. At least, that is my impression of the current state of affairs. I'm not saying that corruption should be condoned by passing it up with an excuse such as 將心比心, but the KMT people seem to be gloating over the current mishap of the DPP. With such an antagonistic attitude, there really is little hope for Taiwan to gain grounds on important issues and crises that are currently besetting the nation (classical "divide and conquer"). However, here's the ironic thing, how can we talk of Reunification when we are ourselves are showing no inclination to make peace with our own people? (Not that I support Reunification, mind you.) I was once an avid supporter of the DPP, but have, for the past months, been disenchanted with the party. Clearly, this is an act of perfidy to the people; and I hope all politicians, regardless of creed, learn from it. Though, I'm sure that there are still a lot of good politicians in the DPP, even as there are also good politicians in the KMT. Quite true. It all feels like a vendetta is being carried out. At least, that is my impression of the current state of affairs. I’m not saying that corruption should be condoned by passing it up with an excuse such as 將心比心, but the KMT people seem to be gloating over the current mishap of the DPP. With such an antagonistic attitude, there really is little hope for Taiwan to gain grounds on important issues and crises that are currently besetting the nation (classical “divide and conquer”). However, here’s the ironic thing, how can we talk of Reunification when we are ourselves are showing no inclination to make peace with our own people? (Not that I support Reunification, mind you.)

I was once an avid supporter of the DPP, but have, for the past months, been disenchanted with the party. Clearly, this is an act of perfidy to the people; and I hope all politicians, regardless of creed, learn from it. Though, I’m sure that there are still a lot of good politicians in the DPP, even as there are also good politicians in the KMT.

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