Chen is full of 'passionate intensity'

Some of Chen's old comrades at the DPP are not amused by the bombshell. However, many in the KMT are immensely amused. Legislator Lee Ching-hua quipped: “Chen's Taiwan Independence Party would better be called 'Taiwan Imposters Party' (TIP) with a fitting emblem of a five-karat diamond.” Spot-on observation, isn't it? A five-karat diamond for TIP? There should be no shortage of followers, with diamond lighting the way.

Of late, the struggling former president talks and acts only in political language. He has just published a book he penned behind bars, written poems, and composed a number of songs singing the praises of Taiwan, and wrapped himself in Taiwanese flag, now studded with diamonds. This week, his lawyers and his office spokesman indicated that Chen is demanding to meet foreign journalists to bring his case to the world. Wang Ching-feng, the justice minister, told lawmakers at the Legislative Yuan that her ministry would grant permission to foreign journalists requesting interviews with Chen, provided that such interviews possess “educational functions” for the general public.

But I tend to believe it would be a good idea to open the case to the foreign media even if there are no “educational functions.” For one thing, Taiwan is a democratic country with a free press. But more important is the fact that Taiwan today is a place where “the best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity” just as the Irish poet lamented 90 years ago. It is better to let the world's prestigious journalists come here and find out the truth. That is, to do Chen Shui-bian the justice he deserves if he is innocent, and to expose his true colors if he is indeed guilty.

There is only one truth in this case: Corruption or no corruption; justice or travesty of justice. It brooks no cover-up. If our judiciary is blamed, fairly or unfairly, for being less than independent, let the credible foreign journalists help us find out.

Chen Shui-bian's frothy-mouthed drivel in court, defiant and unchastened, evokes the images of Ron Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois who was impeached and ousted from office two months ago for “plotting to sell” Illinois' senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama. “Blago” too, denied he had ever done anything wrong. Yes, if by A-bian's standard. The youthful-looking Serb descendant was only guilty of “plotting” to sell the plum position, and had his political career ruined. Was Blagojevich aggrieved? The international media showed no sympathy for him. It seems, therefore, our ex-president may have made the wrong bet by trying to politicize his case with the help of foreign media, which may cut both ways.

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