Behind the two pandas

Two Chinese pandas and the “return” of the Nationalist party leader Lian back “home” have been the two most important headline news in Taiwan today.

Only that one of the headlines is mixed with criticism and analysis that strongly suggested a certain level of dishonesty, dirty political games, and perhaps a bit of promotion for the next election (bonus point with support from the Chinese – and the puppet show) have been parts of the entire incident. In reality, the attitude broke many Taiwanese’s hearts. How could one claim that it was for the good of the country when the majority of the people (the REAL residents) have opposed so strongly? It not only stirred controversies with the lead government, furthermore it created extreme unsettled emotions of conflicts, flights and doubts between people in the country.

One who doesn’t respect the ruling government’s decisions, who honestly thought Chinese government’s hospitality of “presidential” treatment with lavish receptions was out of pure respect with no other intention, one who wiped off emotional tears when a song titled “Mr. Lian, you have come back” (“BACK”? excuse me?? While today another song was composed in Taiwan, titled “Mr. Lian, don’t come back”) was sang at a primary school he attended that brought back so much memories of being a youth in China, who allegedly claimed the trip was as a “private citizen’s visit”... It is doubtful that “think in the best interests of the Taiwanese people” ever came to mind?

One of the funniest comments reported (from a major local Taiwanese newspapers) on China’s persuasion urging Taipei’s acceptance of the two pandas to “think about the happiness the animals are going to bring to the Taiwanese children”. What kind of happiness can justify the possible sacrifice of the children (whom the Chinese so much cared about) that may not able to call themselves “Taiwanese”? Taiwan does not need its future to be decided for, nor would it allow to be part of something it is not.