Alejandro Morales retweetledi
People forget how much Taiwan has sacrificed for its freedoms.
I was recently in the ballroom where the end of martial law was declared (Grand Hotel, Taipei). After, I visited the Nylon Cheng (鄭南榕) memorial museum, where his daughter told me about his tragic self-immolation.
Cheng fought and died for freedom of speech. His publication, Freedom Era Weekly, was the subject of constant state harassment. After he published a proposal for a constitution for the Republic of Taiwan, he was charged with sedition, and ordered to appear before court.
He wouldn't go.
He stayed in his locked office for 71 days. Eventually, as the police prepared to storm the building to arrest him, he sent his family to shelter from the coming blaze, and set his own office on fire.
Today, the charred remains of that office are preserved as they were. Even the burned boots he was wearing when he died. His daughter (鄭竹梅) now shows people around the museum. She showed me the last letter she wrote him. She was too young to understand what was happening. Showing it to me, 37 years later, she was still visibly upset.
Cheng's story of self-sacrifice was not unique. 30 years since their first presidential elections, some foreign onlookers doubt the power of these raw memories in the collective Taiwanese consciousness, and the yearning they represent.
Some even speculate about the commitment of Taiwan to its democracy. I don't understand this. Everywhere I go, I encounter the spirit that gave rise to a figure like Nylon Cheng, together with a profound understanding of the price of democracy that, frankly, puts many in my own country to shame.
Remembering him today, and on April 7th, now an official day to honour his memory. Do visit the museum if you're in Taipei. share.google/xpBv0sQPISM2V7…
Bi-khim Hsiao 蕭美琴@bikhim
Exactly 30 years ago Taiwan held our first presidential elections. Since then & although imperfect, our young democracy has thrived and matured, but we are constantly reminded that freedom cannot be taken for granted, it has to be cherished and protected.
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