|
|
|
|
克城消息
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An Opinion by Charleston C K Wang, |
|
.jpg)
|
|
C K Wang |
|
|
|
|
Yesterday, the people of Taiwan cast their votes for a new
legislature and gave the opposition National Party (aka Kuomintang) a
landslide victory (KMT 81 seats, Democratic Progressive Party 27
seats, Others 5 seats). Facing this debacle, President Chen Sui-Bian
promptly announced his resignation as DPP chairman. Democracy again
appears to be flourishing in Taiwan. The presidential election in
Taiwan is scheduled for March 1 and I hope for another peaceful
reaffirmation of the democratic process. For you see, democracy should
suit not only the West, but Asia as well.
In the meantime, China is feverishly putting on the final
touches for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games scheduled to begin on August
8, 2008. By this world event, Beijing intends to showcase China as a
world power in sports, economics, and whatever else that makes a
Nation such. As a state under the solid tutelage of a single political
party, much can be completed in the shortest time towards a national
objective, in this case the hosting of tourists and sports enthusiasts
from all corners of the Earth. True to the original spirit of the
ancient Greeks who "invented" the Games as well as democracy, sports
shall replace war, at least for the duration of the gathering under
the Sanctuary of Zeus.
Meanwhile, back in the USA, certain lawmakers in Congress
have declared their intention to use the limelight of the Olympics to
focus attention on their various grievances against Beijing. For
example, Rep. Chris Smith, (R-N.J.) urged in an interview, "The
Chinese want this ‘Show’ - with a capital ‘S’ - to showcase their
government to the world. Congress should use that as leverage to
‘bring maximum scrutiny and light to their egregious human rights
abuses.’" Global politics once again will scramble to bask under the
glory of sports.
Meanwhile, back in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the end of December, 2007,
the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce completed an
election for a new Board of Trustees. 17 volunteers were elected to
the Board - never mind the small number of voters, it was a good start
- a small but nice tribute to the democratic process. The volunteers
deserve our congratulations and the previous individuals who gave of
their time and effort, our thanks.
Given the global issues that are looming across the Pacific,
just three of whichare mentioned above, 2008 promises to be an
interesting year for the Chinese Chamber. The US will feel the push
from China and China will also be discomfited by opinions from the
USA. Recent developments in Taiwan offer a new opportunity for the
expansion of international trade, although not without risks and the
potential for set-back. I look personally look forward to a continued
improvement of travel and exchange between the two countries.
Cincinnati, despite that immortal quip of Mark
Twain about our inability to sense the end of the world, surely will
also feel every bulge and surge. Global love-hate pressures surely
will be felt locally and in all directions. The Chinese Chamber must
develop the vision to see what the future portends and maintain the
wherewithal to turn the forces of challenge into showcases of
opportunity. That famous adage, “Think Global and Act Local” is
entirely appropriate here.
The leadership of the Chinese Chamber must first think and then rise
above personal self interest and pursue broad action for the common
good. This means the provision of value to its membership which
includes American companies interested in trade with China, and the
advance of the Chinese American community, and the community-at-large.
And all in fair and commendable proportions. A conscientious effort
must be made to avoid even appearances of favoritism and
conflict-of-interest, maintain budgetary discipline, and provide
transparency. Because of global forces from without and narrow forces
from within, the pressure for discord is ever present but so are the
opportunities to do good. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/12/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
