Why I Oughta!
I assume there has to be legislation in Taiwan forbidding physical assault. For some reason this legislation is not abided by in the legislature itself. Politics are so charged here, with two opposing sides unwilling to make concession to one another, that debates often descend into brawls on the legislature floor. Yesterday's papers had photos of a member of parliament with blood streaming down his face after he’d been bludgeoned with another member’s cell phone. I don’t know why the behavior is tolerated. I suppose maybe convention allows for very physical debates in the legislature. However Taiwan should consider revising its stance on public fights in the parliament. I don’t argue this from some sort of moral-high-ground proper behavior standpoint. Rather I feel the spectacle does little to help Taiwan’s international relations.
The one international trump card Taiwan holds is that of the “democratic nation.” When its sovereignty is brought into question Taiwan can turn to the international community and argue: “But we are a thriving democracy. Look compare us to China we have civil rights, elections, and a thriving economy.” However with the situation as it is China can turn to its citizens and say: “Do you see what democracy will get you? Bloody brawls on the legislature floor.” Meanwhile the international community shakes its head as Taiwanese politics descend to violence and the USA becomes frustrated as a bill to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan is repeatedly kept off the legislature floor by the opposition. I can’t help but imagine that a little bit of decorum would go a long way towards improving the sense of legitimacy of the Taiwanese government.