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Could it be that the political pendulum is poised to finally relieve a tad of the profound misery of the last 8 years? When I was younger, I used to joke that if either one of my countries went to hell in a handbasket, I could move to the other. In recent years it became near impossible to express the deep, sickening dread that spread within me as the two countries I love most were corroded by two hate mongering parties led by President* W. Bush and Taiwan President* Chen. (The * were recommend by a journalist to denote the rather controversial nature of the presidency. In each of these elections there were phenomenal levels of corruption, substantiated allegations of election fraud, fear as a tactic, disinformation, and xenophobia.)
Yet now, in the U.S there is a glimmer of hope. Two in fact, as I would happily take either Hilary or Barack. Could it be that American Republicans can now too see how they have been duped by those who abused their ‘values"? These Republicans have been looser with the financial and moral assets of Americans than any in history.
Late on St, Patrick’s day, P and I drove mom to SFO. P parked the Rav as I wheeled in mom’s luggage, and then turned to find her missing. A small pack of Taiwan citizens with a huge political banner was there taking photos. Many of them wore big, gaudy vests with photos of the KMT candidates displayed. Mom had leaped in and joined their group photo. I had to laugh, they were all so exuberant, so….patriotic and full of hope. They were all traveling thousands of miles (no absentee voting allowed)to cast their vote in our young democracy (martial law in Taiwan was only lifted in the late 80’s).
Yet all this week, I clenched my heart quietly…for I had already learned the folly of getting too hopeful about elections. My heart broke when the first Bush was elected. When Ann Richards, am incredibly admirable governor, lost to Dubya Bush. (And we all know how things kept on rolling downhill from there.) I lost all respect for the California voter when Ah-nold won the governor’s spot- a man who had never even been a school board member or mayor.
And now the news from Taiwan:
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/03/23/2003406724
Ma Yeong Jeoh has won. Holy cow. President Ma!! The Harvard educated, friendly man who came to run races and visit with us Taiwan/Americans at Lake Elizabeth years ago when he was Mayor of Taipei.
Perhaps 2008’s political sunrise can atone for the heartaches of 2007 after all…
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