There have been lots of complaints around the web and in the media that the name changes have come too late, that they should have happened earlier, that it is all for the next election....How come the Chen Administration didn't change the names back in 2000 when they were first elected? It's hard now to recall those heady days, but let me point out a few things:
-- Chen had no confidence he'd win another election -- he'd only received 39% of the vote. It is pointless to change names that will only be changed back when the new administration came in. The current wave shows the DPP's growing confidence, openly expressed by Chen in an interview yesterday, that they have the advantage in '08 and the name changes will be permanent.
-- the first Premier was Tang Fei, a Blue.
-- the Administration was under fire for its decision to shut down the nuclear plant.
-- the Administration had no experience of national government and was still feeling its way through the issues.
-- Oh yeah, it was facing a recall vote at that time too. Remember? Every time Chen has tried to do something, the Blue team has attempted to have him recalled.
-- Chen had received a huge dose of support as Taipei mayor from people hoping for energetic and efficient administration, which he delivered, in spades. In 2000 there was probably still the belief that there were "moderate voters" or "swing voters" who would go over to the Greens if the DPP moved cautiously. Over time -- and particular during the 2004 presidential election -- both parties have realized that the electorate is polarized into three groups, Blues, Greens, and non-voters who have declared a plague on both houses, but who are more likely to be disaffected Greens. Chen need no longer please "moderates" since they are few and far between.
-- there was still some lingering fear China would do something.
No doubt the name changes were withheld for election purposes. Guess what: the DPP has to win elections; it is a political party. Can anyone describe a scenario in which the name changes could be made and (1) not be seen as political and (2) not fall near an election? If the DPP can leverage this into election victory, more power to 'em.
[Taiwan] [DPP] [Chen Shui-bian] [name rectification]
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Speaking of name changes -- I'm looking forward to changing my name next year. :>)
Have a great weekend, everyone!
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It's such a stupid argument to say that people are doing something only for the sake of an election. What is the alternative? A government that is not answerable to the people? The Legislature writes laws that are counter to public opinion? What kind of argument is this?
ReplyDeleteIt WOULD be correct to criticize they said the administration was pleasing some kind of irrational one-issue interest group that doesn't have the interests of the majority in mind, such as in America, let's say, the NRA. Or if they were making a policy change that didn't correctly account for true costs (i.e. tax rebate that people are short-term supportive of but long-term is irresponsible) or that was a cosmetic change that actually is pummelling the politicians supporters but he's calling it "Love of My Supporters Bill" and the supporters are buying it.
Otherwise, I take a government responsible to the people over an unresponsive, authoritarian do-whatever-I-please Chiang Kai-shek any day.
Great photo...What name is it now? Haha....I concur with all your views and would like to hear some about the recent decision from the U.S. and A. to increase the "defense" of Taiwan. So what is that food?
ReplyDeleteI guess ppl felt disappointed when this rectification of names did not come sooner because:
ReplyDelete1. Those ppl who voted for A-bian in those elections was because they wanted and supported a clear, unambigous cut between Taiwan and China. Perhaps not specifically the rectification of names,however, this mades a great impact on setting that clear cut difference between the two countries.
2. There is no point in trying to suck up to the blue and reds, because they didn't vote for him and probably will never vote for him. So he should take note of WHY his supported him and elected him.
It was a feeling of expectations shattered I suppose. It gave a feeling of A-bian not in-tune with, or perhaps not looking after, his supportors.
However, I am glad it is being done now. Better late than never I say!^____^