Gloomy Weather, Gloomy Outlook

The seminar this afternoon was very “informative”. Informative in the way of knowing more about the history of Taiwan that has led to this current situation, and informative as in knowing that there is no clear solution in sight.

If by solution, however difficult, could be obtained, I would say those wary of war, wary of the constant bickering or even warmongering, would find a general consensus. But if pigs had wings, it would fly.

Regardless, I would say Prof. Williams did an excellent job of describing the various groups, or “identities” present in Taiwan. In the hour long presentation, he went through a brief history of Taiwan and of her people as well as the precarious situation that all those involved are in. Divided by ethnicity, political ideology or a combination of both, it’s hard to see a clear end in sight; coupled with the region’s volatile nature, perhaps “status quo” is what should be maintained, at least, for now.

But what of the respect that should have been and should be there now for the Taiwan people? What of their dreams? Should they accept and suffer in silence, the treatment dispensed by the international community? Or should they become their own masters, even with the risk of war, just to assert their rights?

Like the weather today, gloomy.