The last 24 hours have found me close to tears as well, and now again by the loving yet clear-eyed tribute you bring in this post. My lived experience of Taiwan reaches back to 1980, when in the confluence of my linguistic and cultural naivete, an almost equal disdain for the CCP and KMT, and aspirational idealism for a democratic Taiwan, there was a kind of pervading intellectual loneliness that the Taiwan for which *I* aspired was perhaps a fiction. So, so much has changed, and while there remain anxieties about the security of Taiwan, and many frontiers within the nation into which democracy must continue to extend, you and Michelle time and again confirm what is increasingly evident to the world community: that Taiwan’s story is one for us all. And yes, so many more are drawn positively to that story. Notwithstanding the DPPs missteps in local governance, we have so much to be grateful for Tsai Ying-wen’s transformational leadership and influence. Hsiao Bi-khim brings intellect, clarity and humanity to the role of leader, and yes, Miao Po-ya is such an anchor to the vision of Taiwan’s democracy!
I am slowly back to some level of energy, covered it for 3Sat and then Friday and Saturday shot for CBC including live links into Canadian News Programs.... It was crazy as usually and inspiring, not the same as shooting for Invisible Nation but still.... shot a last interview with Freddy Lim in his now almost empty office... you actually got me on one of your pics, the "Bi-Khim Hsiao waving to the crowd" one, I am on the media platform doing a live link just at that time.... just to the right and below of that photographer in yellow, next to the two red flags.... of course all in black.... we will see how that legislative split will go, coming from Europe it's normal to have coalitions but it will be a new chapter to Taiwans democracy... Cheers, Michael
I love the optimistic tone of your article. Thanks for the fantastic review of Taiwan's political and social progression. Have you considered getting the article published in the US media? I'd love more people to know about the new normal and what an extraordinary country Taiwan is. Just an idea!
As always I learn SO MUCH from you!! This story is so hopeful even though things are not perfect. I am so worried about democracy surviving in the USA. Sending warmest wishes to you!!!
Yes, an excellent recap of the election and the larger context of Taiwan’s bumpy road to democracy. You are rightly proud of what Taiwan has achieved! Western press still tends to put the election in only one context - Taiwan’s relationship with China and the US - and it’s refreshing to see the focus here on the internal dynamics of Taiwanese politics and the individuals involved (though I’d like to see more about Mr. Lai!)
The last 24 hours have found me close to tears as well, and now again by the loving yet clear-eyed tribute you bring in this post. My lived experience of Taiwan reaches back to 1980, when in the confluence of my linguistic and cultural naivete, an almost equal disdain for the CCP and KMT, and aspirational idealism for a democratic Taiwan, there was a kind of pervading intellectual loneliness that the Taiwan for which *I* aspired was perhaps a fiction. So, so much has changed, and while there remain anxieties about the security of Taiwan, and many frontiers within the nation into which democracy must continue to extend, you and Michelle time and again confirm what is increasingly evident to the world community: that Taiwan’s story is one for us all. And yes, so many more are drawn positively to that story. Notwithstanding the DPPs missteps in local governance, we have so much to be grateful for Tsai Ying-wen’s transformational leadership and influence. Hsiao Bi-khim brings intellect, clarity and humanity to the role of leader, and yes, Miao Po-ya is such an anchor to the vision of Taiwan’s democracy!
Fantastic summary of the progression of democracy in Taiwan 👏🏽
I am slowly back to some level of energy, covered it for 3Sat and then Friday and Saturday shot for CBC including live links into Canadian News Programs.... It was crazy as usually and inspiring, not the same as shooting for Invisible Nation but still.... shot a last interview with Freddy Lim in his now almost empty office... you actually got me on one of your pics, the "Bi-Khim Hsiao waving to the crowd" one, I am on the media platform doing a live link just at that time.... just to the right and below of that photographer in yellow, next to the two red flags.... of course all in black.... we will see how that legislative split will go, coming from Europe it's normal to have coalitions but it will be a new chapter to Taiwans democracy... Cheers, Michael
I love the optimistic tone of your article. Thanks for the fantastic review of Taiwan's political and social progression. Have you considered getting the article published in the US media? I'd love more people to know about the new normal and what an extraordinary country Taiwan is. Just an idea!
As always I learn SO MUCH from you!! This story is so hopeful even though things are not perfect. I am so worried about democracy surviving in the USA. Sending warmest wishes to you!!!
Yes, an excellent recap of the election and the larger context of Taiwan’s bumpy road to democracy. You are rightly proud of what Taiwan has achieved! Western press still tends to put the election in only one context - Taiwan’s relationship with China and the US - and it’s refreshing to see the focus here on the internal dynamics of Taiwanese politics and the individuals involved (though I’d like to see more about Mr. Lai!)