Small Talk:
The Taipei mayoral race has officially entered a phase of intense offensive and defensive maneuvers. Just yesterday, candidate Shen introduced an anti-drug initiative as part of his educational policy. Shortly thereafter, candidate Chiang’s campaign retaliated by digging up an article written by Shen 12 years ago, accusing him of equating illicit drugs with legal medicine, supporting the decriminalization of drug use, and advocating for the government to provide drugs and clean needles to users.
However, these accusations turned out to be quotes taken out of context, sparking immediate public outrage. Within just a few hours, hundreds of thousands of negative comments flooded Chiang’s Facebook page.
For a long time, Taiwan's election culture has repeatedly degenerated into personal attacks, with mudslinging and rumor-mongering running rampant. This prevents candidates' actual political platforms from being rationally examined, ultimately leaving the general public disillusioned with politics and deeply resentful of politicians.
We urge all candidates to engage in a gentlemanly competition and properly articulate their platforms to the voters. Should there be differing opinions, let them be addressed through rational discussion and debate. That is the only way to earn the respect and support of the people. Otherwise, even if one manages to get elected by foul means through despicable tactics, they will be nothing more than an unprincipled politician despised and rejected by the public.
