Where is Taiwan's Ted Kennedy?

Nowhere was his bold and non-partisan leadership more eminently demonstrated than when Ted helped President George W. Bush pass controversial legislation, such as the No Child Left Behind law, and the creation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit. He decided to lend his prestige and credibility to the Bush administration for certain issues despite opposition from his party caucus, because he thought his move advanced the well-being of the American people.

He was gravely concerned about the enactment of a good health care program for all Americans even in the final days of his life. It was because of this common conviction that prompted Ted to give surprising support to Obama, then a junior senator from Illinois, in his quest for the U.S. presidency in 2008.

Ted was often called the “Lion of the Senate” or a “legislative master.” He knew fully well the art of compromise, an indispensable skill for a successful politician, and his influence was matched by few public figures in the modern history of the United States.

Some critics assert that Ted's accomplishments as a legislator, no matter how glittering they were, could not overshadow his blunders and personal flaws. But, apparently he had learned lessons from his experiences to become the “greatest United States senator of our time,” who was also a merciful and kind-hearted hero, as President Obama put it.

His unswerving life-long dedication to the cause of the liberal ideology, his sense of justice and humanity and his undaunted spirit in facing difficulties will be forever remembered by all. In a word, he was a consummate politician.

This is exactly the kind of leader that Taiwan needs today, one who is neither just a decent nice guy nor a political careerist but rather a competent and astute pragmatist knowing how to solve problems for the good of the people and the country. So, in view of the chaotic situation prevailing in this land nowadays, we cannot but ask: Where is Taiwan's Kennedy?

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