Updated Saturday, June 27, 2009 9:53 am TWN, By Dr. William Fang, Special to The China Post

A few words in defense of our local 'famous mouths'

In an article on the Forum page of a major local newspaper published on June 25 and in an interview the following day, Tsai Shih-ping, a noted writer and political commentator, blasted “famous mouths” on TV talk shows for “self-degenerating” and losing their “progressive ideas.” Tsai said he had not appeared on TV for quite a while because he was ashamed of being called a “famous mouth,” particularly in view of the recent controversy stemming from several “famous mouths” being invited to a lavish banquet hosted by the prosecutor-general's close friends, who are alleged suspects in corruption cases now under investigation. These people have been attacked for “eating the shark fin” while demanding that the prosecutor-general step down for mishandling the embezzlement case of former President Chen. With Tsai among the latest to join the battle against the “famous mouths,” this writer feels compelled to pinpoint and refute some of the fallacies in the current nationwide uproar.

First, it must be noted that not all “famous mouths” are biased or “senseless” in their political comments. In fact, many of them are whistle-blowers or observers with insight, who have made great contributions to the ongoing probe of corruption by former President Chen and other high officials.

Second, ample evidence collected so far has shown that most of the charges against former President Chen are justified, and, hence, much of the arguments among the “famous mouths” about the matter cannot and should not be branded as a political dispute between “blue” and “green” camps; instead, it should be viewed as a debate of right and wrong, which stands above and beyond political colors.

Third, it is not morally and practically right to have “green” supporters sit on a panel of discussion merely for the sake of political “balance” as it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for any one to defend A-bien logically, fairly and confidently without infuriating decent audiences or making them feel sick and tired.

Fourth, there should be no problem with “famous mouths” attending the aforesaid dinner party since they are not government officials. There is even less justification to blame them for their continued criticism of the prosecutor-general because none of these prestigious figures in Taiwan society can be bought in such a way.

Fifth, the person most unsuitable to appear at the expensive banquet was Prosecutor-general Chen due to his status as the nation's highest official responsible for upholding justice and as such, he should do his best to avoid engaging in any activities that might compromise his integrity and authority and undermine the judicial system as a whole. Thus, any attempt to denounce “famous mouths” for attending the dinner while ignoring the gravity of the prosecutor-general's presence at the same party and the fact that he had lied about it would, intentionally or unintentionally, result in blurring or shifting the real focus of the issue.

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