Sunday, November 13, 2016

The Undetermined Status of Taiwan Makes Me Admire The Democracy You Have


As a foreigner, I would like to address to protesters in the United States: “Respect the electoral system and your president-elect.” 

It seems like none of my business, but coming from Taiwan it makes me disappointed to see Americans becomes the “Divided States.” I am here with my American dream and bunches of admiration towards this great country. The United States has glorious history striving to become independent, fighting for fairness, and eventually becoming one of the mighty countries in the world. 

President Obama names Taiwan as model Asian democracy. However, I am embarrassed  to say that you can find fistfights taking place in Taiwan’s legislature. Also, in Taiwan, losing candidates don’t give concession speeches. As a matter of fact, it would be the president-elect’s luck if he/she did not receive abuse from losing candidates. 

Taiwanese are still fighting for independent sovereignty and seeking international recognitions. The undetermined status of my own country makes me admire the mature democracy you have. We do not enjoy the fruit of mature democracy, but you do.


I mean you can hate Donald Trump and the system of course, but you can not degrade the fruit of democracy. The Founding Fathers of the United States established the Electoral College System in the Constitution. You’ve followed the rules for many years, if you disagree with the system, then no problem, follow the rules to abolish it. 

“Over the 200 years, over 700 proposals have been introduced in Congress to reform or eliminate the Electoral College,” according to the National Archives and Records Administration. But the proposals were not passed. This is democracy. It sucks sometimes but it makes the society work for most of the time. If you regard the system in contrast with the goal of democracy, maximizing happiness, then strive harder to eliminate it. Or, you live with it.

The current Taiwan president is Tsai Ing Wen. I don’t like and will not like her but most of the Taiwanese voted for her. I live with the fact that people are seeking changes within our country. I accept it and respect it. I know and I have to believe President Tsai Ing Wen will lead this country better (or worse) and we all will face the future together. This is the belief of  democracy and unity.

It is an extremely critical moment for least a half of the Americans, but you have to believe. You have to believe in the glorious history of your country and the promising future you may have. Americans, you are the people of the UNITED STATES.

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your interesting perspective on the issue. I think a lot of people are just anger at their current situation and feel the need to take action. a A lot of people are extremely upset by the results of this crazy election. At the same time, however, it's fair to say that many have failed to take a step back and really see how we can make things better for ourselves, the right and proper way. We should all probably heed your advise and be a little more optimistic.

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  2. " I am embarrassed to say that you can find fistfights taking place in Taiwan’s legislature."
    The Senate used to be just as bad.
    https://infogalactic.com/info/Caning_of_Charles_Sumner

    "Taiwanese are still fighting for independent sovereignty and seeking international recognitions."
    I've been watching the mainland-island dynamic since "Nixon went to China". The delicate balance between realpolitik and favoring democracy over communism reminds me of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy towards gays in the military.

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  3. As Americans we do take quite a bit for granted, you phrased this really well Wei. Even if I don't agree with our president-elect, I will respect the process.

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  4. Wei thanks for your post. As participants, sometimes it's hard to take a step back and really look at the whole picture. Respecting our government as a whole and being grateful for the everyday life we have is definitely something to remember. Perhaps as a result of this election, people will become more aware and involved in the entirety of our democratic process, which can only be a good thing.

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