Ten years ago, when Taiwan experienced century-level-9-21-Earth Quake, the emergency relieve work to rescue and to rebuild the community exhibited by both Taiwan government (Lee Tung Huei then Chen Shuei-Ping administration) and Taiwanese people earned international respect. I remember that the pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Appleton, WI (USA) openly praised Taiwanese people.
In 2009, Taiwan experienced another century-level-8-8-Flooding disaster. The government shows incompetence in handling the emergency rescue and relief while Taiwanese shows love and compassion.
I have a student at National Chung-Hsing University sending me the following e-mail illustrating the current situation of Taiwan, a week after Morakot flooding. She said she was in tears when she sent that e-mail to me. Here is her message:
Dear Dr. Chen
I went back to my hometown in Kaohsiung yesterday, it's very hot right now and let me lazy.Many villagers in Jia-Sen (甲仙) were buried alive during the typhoon. We all hope this disaster will end soon.
President Ma was criticized by delaying rescue; he refused international rescue, except China. Everyday when we turn on the TV, all we can watch is victims crying and the government official showing around. Taiwanese are really sad, or, we're just deserving it.
Our farmers' market farmers also donated some money, even though they also suffered lots of loss. One fruit juice store next to my home in Taichung also donated their 3-day turnover for this disaster.From this typhoon, not only can we understand the corrupt politician deeply, but also feel the love and kindness among Taiwanese.
Yours sincerely,
XXX
Photo on the left the aftermath of the flooding; photo on the right shows Taiwanese volunteers worked to clean-up the mud in the village.
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