A perplexing struggle
The struggle for independence is a long unresolved matter. US President Barack Obama’s confirmation of arms sales to Taiwan was a symbolic gesture, condemning Taiwan never to be an independent country — a verdict that has been confirmed by former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) in previous statements.
A recent front-page article in this paper (“Obama informs Congress of arms sales,” Jan. 27, page 1) raises the question of how to define “true independence.”
While Taiwan has sovereignty in terms of an independent government, it does not have sufficient arms to protect itself. Instead, it has to rely on overpriced arms from the US.
The truth is, no country can be truly independent of others economically or culturally.
So the question becomes: “What are we fighting for?”
Mandy Chou
Taipei
Scientology is humanitarian
I am writing in response to the Guardian’s article on Scientology that appeared in this paper (Planet Pop, Jan. 25, page 13).
Scientology’s Volunteer Ministers are well known for their effective work in disaster response and have served at 145 worst-case disaster sites, including Ground Zero after Sept. 11, the Southeast Asian Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, as well as after Typhoon Morakot hit southern Taiwan last year.
In Taiwan, our volunteer ministers have worked with other relief agencies and government organizations and have been commended for truly selfless work many times with the Ministry of the Interior’s Excellent Religious Group Award (績優宗教團體表揚).
The Volunteer Ministers’ great work has been acknowledged by a number of officials.
Emily Tsai
Director of Public Affairs
Church of Scientology Taiwan
Hey, ISO: Taiwan isn’t China
While doing some research for business I happened to reference the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) country code listing for Taiwan. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the ISO, which I would assume to be non-political, has listed Taiwan (ISO country code TW) as: Taiwan, Province of China.
I find this insulting — and I’m not even a citizen of this country. This should be outrageous and unacceptable to all citizens. I urge the people of Taiwan to visit the ISO Web site at: www.iso.org/iso/english_country_names_and_code_elements to express their distaste.
Craig Crawford
Tainan, Taiwan
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