The party's over...

I'm writing this entry using the backdrop of sweeping changes in both the American House and Senate. In the U.S., it would seem that President Bush's hobbled policies in Iraq has given American voters a referendum on those said policies: Change is a Must. Whether those changes can be put into solid, working plans by Democrats (and Republicans) still remains to be seen. In my country, the bipartisan spirit has never seemed to really exist. Our sitting president is muddled with deep corruption scandals, and is intent on holding power. When will Taiwanese citizens be given a chance to sound out their opinions on the direction of our country? Will there be bipartisanship if one of the partners in this cherished democracy of ours slowly becomes an anachronism.

With President Chen refusing to resign for his wife and aides' involvment in several corruption scandals [Chen himself has been implicated but is protected by the constitution as a sitting president], the ruling DPP has basically decided to go down with the sinking ship. Whether you see this as brave, uncompromising resolve or plain stupidity, the DPP's decision has potentially long ranging implications.

1 The DPP may lose upcoming elections in 2006, 2007 and perhaps even the 2008 Presidential elections.

2 The DPP may cease to become an effective political party as it cannot sever its ties to corruption [sound familiar?].

3 The loss of a pan-green centrist force will create domestic chaos and an increasingly radical pan-green camp if DPP loses translate into TSU gains [Frm. President Lee is up to something with a "Third Way"].

The rivals of the pan-Green might be content to see Chen drag the DPP into the dust bin of history, but the implications of a resurgent pan-Blue without a viable pan-Green opposition OR prolonged pan-Green mis-leadership will certainly be felt as society becomes ever more polarized.

Let's hope the party isn't over and that the forces that fostered, nurtured and inculcated good retrospective change in Taiwan can save itself from Chen's goons and return to its rightful place in the minds of the people of this island.

The Judicial Cavalry?

An uneventful day at the office ended with news from Taipei: the first lady, and several presidential aides were indicted with corruption charges involving a funds to be used for secret diplomatic purposes. The president himself could not be charged while he still holds office, but pressure has increased for his resignation. Opposition lawmakers have called for a third Recall Motion, and TSU has issued statements confirming their support for the motion in the Legislative Yuan. After months of doubt, I feel a deep sigh of relief that the judiciary of the Republic of China is still an independent body capable of creating at least the veneer of hope that all are equal under the Law. We now await the next move of the ruling DPP.

A political bombshell with great social implications for Taiwanese society---Reactions from observations coming soon.

On days like these, I wish I was closer to home. Luckily, the internet and satillite technology means even the most rural corners of the island can be kept up to date with the latest.

Cheers!

Background literature:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/03/news/taiwan.php
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6112668.stm