Democracy under seige by partisan politics, ideology

These charges and counter-charges are evidence of a nation torn apart by political ideology, national identity, and ethnic differences. More than a decade since Taiwan held its first presidential election in 1996, the island’s democracy has been backtracking, not moving forward.

Violence is returning to the streets and the legislative floor, as the DPP is vowing to escalate the battle against the ruling Kuomintang which is in firm control of both the executive and legislative branches of government.

The development is especially worrisome as Taiwan’s survival and development depend on domestic unity and the consolidation of democracy. Taiwan cannot afford to be divided along party and ethnic lines. “Opposition for the sake of opposition” is partisan politics that should be avoided by politicians of all stripes in favor of political unity.

Democracy is Taiwan’s most precious asset which should be cherished and protected by all means. Last week’s violent protests gave democracy a bad name. People on the mainland would wonder whether democracy is good for them if it means lawlessness and free for all.

Now the chaotic and bloody confrontation was over, but the murmurs of the injured police officer worrying about a nation torn apart and democracy in retreat were ringing in my ears. Taiwan won’t have a future if the two compelling issues were not resolved.

Perhaps we should look eastward to the United States. On November 5, America woke up to a new world. From a nightmare of a nation torn apart and democracy in retreat, Barack Obama, the first black presidential candidate won the election and made America a proud nation again overnight by demonstrating the strength of democracy.

It is the strength of democracy that makes America strong and respected. All of a sudden, the billions of people on this planet who had loathed America a week ago are looking up to the country in awe.

Obama’s call for national unity and his promise to end poisonous partisanship give hope to millions of Americans for a national revival after eight disastrous years under President George W. Bush. If we look east, we’d learn two lessons: democracy brooks no retreat, and a divided house cannot stand.

Perhaps there is more, especially for our political leaders like President Ma and Chairman Tsai: Obama treats his rivals as friends, not enemies.

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