The competition during the election campaign was the fiercest in Taiwan's election history. The chaos during the campaign was also unprecedented.
Specious statements were disseminated both domestically and internationally in attempts to influence the election, and politicians used freedom of speech as an excuse to have the media spread information aimed at slandering their opponents. The mass media's unrestricted dissemination of politicians' undisciplined behavior led to immeasurable social damage, affected public order and halted the development of social fairness and justness.
Democratic societies are particular about the freedom of speech, and encouraging everyone to express their different ideas is a phenomenon particular to diversified societies. Democratic societies, however, are not societies where one can do whatever irresponsible thing one pleases -- we all have to take responsibility for our actions.
In other words, without verifying facts, politicians may not arbitrarily challenge the integrity and morals of others and use the ubiquitous media apparatus to slander opponents and destroy their reputation, claiming that they are doing so to reveal a malpractice. Evidence in support of the truth may then begin to appear, proving that the target has been the victim of slander. But even though the truth then is clear for all to see, the damage has already been done because the untruths have been so widely disseminated.
Advanced societies should possess mature soul-searching capabilities and be restricted by legal and moral standards.
We have all seen the chaos following in the wake of the presidential election. Politicians doing their utmost to slander and humiliate their opponents obviously provide negative examples for social education in Taiwan. If we are incapable of standing up against their disorderly behavior, then Taiwan will see the disappearance of justice and the further spread of social confusion and unease.
Chen Lung-chu is the chairman of the Taiwan New Century Foundation.
Translated by Perry Svensson
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