RoR: Forum

Post 0

Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 3:36pm

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This editorial mentions nothing about the political situation in Taiwan. The Independence Party under Chen Shui Bian that has been maintaining a pro-independence stance are left-leaning, environmentalist, anti-nuclear power morons that have shut down Taiwan's 400 million dollar nuclear power program. They have also run the economy into the ground. No major political player in Taiwan supports reunification with China. The Independence Party simply wants to piss off China to get votes.

Jim

Post 1

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:58am

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Well, given that the US doesn't want to "piss off" China, they wouldn't take part in any struggle for Indpendence.

Although I'd like to know more about the situation of the Taiwan parties, or if there is a libertarian party or at least a good conservative party, whose roots are clearly individualist and pro-liberty. The fact that these movements are rather week in the Eastern societies and more so in the eastern philosophy, may have an impact on the direction of the independency fighters.

Post 2

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 9:23am

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The major political parties in Taiwan are KMT (remnants of the old fascist Kuomintang) led by Lien, the People's Party (Reformed Kuomintang) led by Soong, and the Independence Party led by Chen. Interestingly, both the KMT and government of mainland China favor a "One China" policy in the abstract, they disagree on whose China it should be.

Taiwan is an interesting place to visit. They have a 6% income tax rate with about half of governmental revenues spent on defense. They have the death penalty for certain non-homicide offences such as drug smuggling and kidnapping. They also have very little liability law.

Jim

Post 3

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 9:30am

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By the way, I support James Soong's People's Party because they are reasonably pro-business without the rampant corruption of the KMT.

Jim

Post 4

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 9:58am

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I'd also like to say that this editorial shows again the typical lack of nuance from ARI. What would it have meant for President Bush to support an Independence Party led rally against mainland China? Would it mean that he endorses the policies of the Independence Party? How does this square with their view on sanction?

Jim