Taiwan Presdential Election

My father called me a month ago asking me to go back home to cast my vote, he is very worried the party he supported is going to lose the seat to the green party. Unfortunately, the election day coincides with Japan's spring break, I cannot find cheap ticket to get back to Tokyo. So I consoled my father that I will stay in Japan, and make sure Irene doesn't go back to Taipei to cast her vote, efficient and economical.

I am generally not attached to politics, I don't read politics news only if that might impact taxation law or my investment strategy. However, being influenced by my family background, I am a blue party supporter. As growing older, I start to understand the green party's theme, heated by nationalism and identity pride, it makes sense that Taiwanese would like to be recognized as a nation. However, the strategies Green party utilizes in elections are far beyond my comprehension, such as divisive politics (instingate the hatred and resentment between native Taiwanese and people migrated to Taiwan with KMT in 1949) or indiscriminative denial of anything Chinese in Taiwanese soil.

My feelings toward China is very complicated. I am pretty good in adapting to a new environment because, for some reasons, I can see the bright side of things, and meet some great people. And life is not too bad after all. However, during my stay in Beijing, I found myself complain more because the culture shock is greater. It is also a good thing in a way I am toughed up. After being treated rudely in Beijing, you can cope with any ill-manner bank teller, waiters and train ticket office clerks around the world. I've learnt to have thick skin and never feel shy to get what you want, even it means you have to stand up from your seat to get yourself a pair of chopsticks in a restaurant.

Anyhow, I think the rude and brutal nature of Mainlanders has made a lot of green party supporters to think who would like to unit with such a country, such a government. However, unification might not happen in our life time, wouldn't it be nice to work with China in the mean time? Hoping there is going to be a direct flight from Taipei to Beijing soon.