Taiwan, tell us who you are
Most Americans learned about Taiwan because of the Little League World Series, which it seems was always won by the Taiwanese kids. Other than that, Taiwan rarely comes up on the average American's radar screen. This is because our media here in the States is dominated by liberals, who are rapidly becoming a minority as they continue to criticize the Bush administration and the policies of the Republicans. The Democratic Party here is no longer in touch with the people and their interests. Between big business interests (drooling over the looming consumer market in China) and the liberals' eagerness to avoid conflict, we do not get a clear picture of Taiwan. And Taiwan does not help clarify the situation.
As a result of these dynamics, all the average person hears is that there is some sort of confusion about this possible rogue province of mainland China that sits on the brink of yet another American war.
I wonder if the world knows how strongly the American people support Bush and his administration. He is supported because he is strong in principle and resolve; he speaks for the greater good.
Americans need to hear from Taiwan about its identity. Who are you? Where are you going? Clean up your politics and create a new constitution that is legitimate. (Note that Japan is talking about a new constitution.) Declare yourselves Taiwanese. Make it clear that the Chinese flight from the mainland was little more than an occupation like the one the Japanese perpetrated. Reveal your culture and Taiwanese heritage to the world in a massive public relations campaign. Continue the policy of an official name change. Hold a referendum on independence. I know the US is putting strong pressure against this -- they must, in light of their special interest in China. But once the people of Taiwan have spoken, the people of the US will absolutely support a position as democratic as this. Then our politicians will have a hard time telling us lies and suppressing the evolution of Taiwan as a free nation. Look how far we are willing to go to protect the rights of people in the Middle East.
The UN should have long before now accepted Taiwan, but they too can plead confusion as to exactly what Taiwan is and what it wants.
Taiwan -- a country with its own heritage (mixed with other regional influences), a modern constitution, a referendum mandate for self-determination, a representative government, and a formidable economic and developmental entity -- is something that Americans can understand. If this is something that Taiwan is willing to fight for, then I think you will find a friend and willing ally at your side. Just tell us who you are and what you want. Be strong in principle and resolve. Speak for the greater good of your people and let's move beyond old world threats into the future.
John Rieder
Ballwin, Missouri
Quality English teachers
Mark Wilbur (Letters, Nov 19, page 8) missed three important criteria: one, professional training in foreign language education; two, personality traits and talent; and three, a driving force of learning and growing.
The current situation in Taiwan reflects a kind of reverse discrimination. Native speakers of English are hired, regardless of their professional training, personality and professional attitude. Talented and well-trained local teachers don't even get interviewed.
On top of this, "native speakers are usually given far more power than they deserve," as Stephen Krashen said (Letter, Nov. 15, page 8). Many American teachers know that and take advantage of it.
"Black cats, white cats, or yellow cats, any cat that catches mice is a good cat." Yellow cats and black cats deserve equal opportunity.
Wu Ching-shyue
Associate professor
Chaoyang University
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