#Taiwan Election

[china-press]

台灣2024總統大選 民進黨「賴蕭配」558萬票獲勝

[reality-detective]

Arizona just announced that it could take 10-13 days to tabulate all votes…

Taiwan just held their election.

They require photo ID and use paper ballots. They hand-count the votes of each station one by one, in public view. There are no mail ballots. And it’s all done in 6 hours. 🤔

[ketrindoll]

As someone from the Baltic states it fills me with absolute dread that my life and everything I hold dear depends entirely how smart Americans will be in their upcoming election.

To the point that if I won a lottery I wouldn't even spend a dime till November, as Trump winning would likely result in russian invasion and total destruction of everyone and everything I know.

Like it or not, the US really is the most important country in the world, because total shift towards global dictatorships or balance of democracies depends entirely on who will win this election. If Trump wins: Taiwan, Ukraine, whole Eastern Europe, and every other country where right-wingers are getting more popular would be fucked. If Biden wins, we still have a chance until the next election cycle.

Without the US, democracies won't be able to do shit to defend themselves either. America is a democracy on steroids. It has most nukes and supplies arms to other allies. If suddenly Trump started selling US weaponry to China or russia - it's game over.

And it all hangs on this:

[taiwantalk]

here, william lai spoke very eloquently without sounding like he's reading a script. he clearly has a deep institutional knowledge and is unlike any of those kmt candidates who are always just indoctrinated and have no idea about taiwan's journey other than what they've been told by their privileged autocratic predecessors.

ok, talk about taiwan a little as election is heating up and now the countdown begins with less than 5 months to go to be held on 1/13/2024.

william lai (aka lai ching-te) is presently the frontrunner recently polling around 40% for the dpp (democratic progressive party).

here's the thing that people outside of taiwan likely didn't know. he saved the incumbent tsai ing-wen to win the 2nd term in 2020.

at that time, many dpp supporters, mostly younger voters and the more moderate voters often were vocal in criticizing him as being too much pro-sovereignty. back then, i strongly disagreed and had since predicted accurately that he is well supported instead of being...

[depressedpanda69]

US Elections 2024

I fear the international ramifications of the US population fucking this up!!!

Goodbye:

Ukraine,

Taiwan,

South Korea,

Palestine,

…

[frida-kahl-of-the-rocky-horror]

World War 3 is beginning:

Americas - Guyana / Venezuela

South East Asia - Myanmar / Myanmar

East Asia - Taiwan / China

Middle East - Palestine / Israel

North Africa - Sudan / Sudan

Europe - Ukraine / Russia

Eurasia - Armenia / Azerbaijan

Africa - Eritrea / Ethiopia, Congo / Congo

United States - 2024 Election

South Asia

Oceania

Antarctica

This time it’ll actually be a WORLD WAR

[jackass-democrats]

As always, never buy anything made in china. Don't ever trust a democrat and NEVER leave your child alone with one.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Dave Granlund

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

April 10, 2024 (Wednesday)

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

APR 11, 2024

Prime minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and his wife, Yuko Kishida, are in Washington, D.C., tonight at a state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The dinner is part of a state visit, the fifth for this administration.

Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have worked to strengthen ties to countries in the Indo-Pacific to weaken the dominance of China in the region, and Japan is the key nation in that partnership. “We celebrate the flourishing friendship between the United States and Japan,” Dr. Biden said Tuesday. “Our nations are partners in building a world where we choose creation over destruction, peace over bloodshed, and democracy over autocracy.”

During talks today, Biden and Kishida committed to strengthening the defense and security frameworks of the two countries so they can work together effectively, especially in a crisis. The new frameworks include intelligence sharing, defense production, satellite cooperation, pilot training, cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance, and technological cooperation. Affirming the ties of science and education between the countries, the leaders announced that two Japanese astronauts would join future American missions and, Biden said, “one will become the first non-American ever to land on the moon.” 

That cooperation both takes advantage of and builds on economic ties between the two countries. In a press conference with Kishida on Wednesday, Biden noted that Japan is the top foreign investor in the U.S., and the U.S. is the top foreign investor in Japan. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have announced investments of $2.9 billion, $1 billion, and $15 billion respectively in Japan over the next several years, largely in computer and digital advances. Japanese corporations Daiichi Sankyo, Toyota, Honda Aircraft, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Mitsui E&S, and Fujifilm announced investments in the U.S., primarily in manufacturing.

In a press conference, Kishida told reporters that “[t]he international community stands at a historical turning point. In order for Japan, the U.S., the Indo-Pacific region, and, for that matter, the whole world to enjoy peace, stability, and prosperity lasting into the future, we must resolutely defend and further solidify a free and open international order based on the rule of law.”

���This is the most significant upgrade in our alliance…since it was first established,” Biden said. While he noted that lines of communication with China remain open—he spoke with Chinese president Xi Jinping last week—the strengthening of ties to Japan comes in part from concern about the Chinese threat  to Taiwan, a self-ruled island that the Chinese government considers its own. Leaders are increasingly concerned that the Republicans’ refusal to fund Ukraine has emboldened not only Russia but also China. 

Tomorrow, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., of the Philippines will join Biden in a bilateral meeting before Marcos, Biden, and Kishida join in the first trilateral meeting of the three. Kishida will also address a joint session of Congress.

Kenneth Weinstein of the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank, suggested today that Japan “has quietly become America’s most important ally,” “playing a central role in meeting our nation’s principal strategic challenge: the threat posed by the People’s Republic of China, especially the defense of Taiwan.” Weinstein also notes that Japan’s longstanding engagement in Southeast Asia means it has “forged relations of deep trust” there among countries that often eye the U.S. with deep distrust. 

Outside of news about the Japanese prime minister’s visit, U.S. news today was consumed by reactions to yesterday’s decision by the Arizona Supreme Court to permit the enforcement of an 1864 law that is currently interpreted as a ban on all abortions except to save the mother’s life. 

President Biden issued a statement condemning the “extreme and dangerous abortion ban,” calling it “a result of the extreme agenda of Republican elected officials who are committed to ripping away women’s freedom.”

“Vice President Harris and I stand with the vast majority of Americans who support a woman’s right to choose,” he continued. “We will continue to fight to protect reproductive rights and call on Congress to pass a law restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade for women in every state.”

Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Tucson, Arizona, on Friday to respond to the ruling. According to Hans Nichols of Axios, she had been planning to travel to Arizona anyway but quickly shifted her visit to make it a campaign trip, allowing her to comment more freely on Trump and the Republicans who were responsible for the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the imposition of abortion bans since. 

Harris has been out front on the issue of reproductive rights, meeting more than 50 times with groups in at least 16 states since the Supreme Court handed down the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in June 2022, overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that recognized the right to abortion. This year, on the January 22 anniversary of the Roe decision, she announced a “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour. 

“Extremists across our country continue to wage a full-on attack against hard-won, hard-fought freedoms as they push their radical policies,” she said. “I will continue to fight for our fundamental freedoms while bringing together those throughout America who agree that every woman should have the right to make decisions about her own body—not the government.”

Yesterday illustrated what the overturning of Roe v. Wade has wrought. The Republicans who were celebrating that overturning two years ago are now facing an extraordinary backlash, and they are well aware that Arizona is a key state in the 2024 presidential election. Former president Trump has boasted repeatedly that he was responsible for nominating the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe, supported a national abortion ban, and even called for women who get an abortion to be punished. 

But today he swung around again, telling reporters that he would not sign a national abortion ban if it came to his desk. To be sure, as Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo notes, there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t sign such a bill, but the fact he is denying that he would and is running away from the issue shows just how much it hurts the Republicans with voters. 

Harris’s trip, along with Biden’s constant travel, shows a willingness to crisscross the country to meet voters that dovetails with new statistics out about the Biden-Harris campaign. While Trump has largely stayed at Mar-a-Lago, has fewer than five staffers in each of the battlefield states, and has closed all the offices that made up the Republican National Committee’s minority outreach program, the Biden-Harris campaign has 300 paid staffers in 9 states, and 100 offices in regions crucial to the 2024 election. 

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[oloreaa]

Election day!!

[shihlun]

Election in Taichung, 1964

Photo: 余如季

[bopinion]

2024 / 21

Aperçu of the Week

"That these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

(US-President Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg address 1863)

Bad News of the Week

“Fuck you, international order!” is apparently the current motto of the Netanyahu government. I almost wrote “the Israeli junta”. Because the style is the same. Of course Israel and its citizens have become victims of a despicable attack by Hamas. And of course they have the right to defend themselves against it. And to do their utmost to free the hostages who are still being held by the terrorists. But like this?

What probably upsets me the most is the timing. First the International Court of Justice at The Hague demands an immediate halt to the military offensive in Rafah because it is victimizing the civilian population there and the civilian population from northern Gaza that has fled there. The humanitarian situation in the city is “catastrophic”. This is actually a binding decision by the highest court on earth. And which Israel is responding to by bombing a refugee tent camp in - exactly - Rafah.

Any criticism of this (and in fact any) decision by the Israeli government is reflexively interpreted as anti-Semitic. As if it were a carte blanche to be able to get away with anything. At least it gives me hope that so many Israeli citizens are taking to the streets against Benjamin Netanyahu and his hardline coalition. Because these are voters. Who will probably not vote for him (again) next time. But for politicians with a sense of proportion. And humanity. So that this maltreated region can finally find some peace.

Good News of the Week

Germany has just celebrated the 75th anniversary of his constitution: the "Basic Law" (Grundgesetz). Yes, we are a very young democracy. It was only founded after the Second World War. We were lucky enough to be able to benefit not only from our own experiences (Weimar Republic), but also from those of other nations. That is why we do not have the dominance of a leading state or unelected parliamentarians as in the United Kingdom. There are also no glaring imbalances in federalism or political influence on the highest court as in the USA.

Basically, it can be said that our political system works. And that, by and large, it lives up to the standards that should be expected of a modern democracy. To be honest, I would just like to see a little more direct co-determination like in Switzerland and question the proportional representation of states in the Bundesrat (the German federal chamber) - but those are other issues. I'm not popping open any champagne to celebrate our Basic Law. But I am simply satisfied.

Perhaps it's no coincidence that French President Emmanuel Macron was coming to Germany for an extended state visit precisely on this anniversary. After all, the relationship between our two countries has evolved from arch-enemies to friendly neighbors (see the hint, Bibi?). And assume joint responsibility in Europe. Hand in hand. Perhaps I should think again about the champagne - after all, it comes from France.

Personal happy moment of the week

My son reached the minimum age of 16 just in time for the European elections. And he had been thinking about it before the election. So I'm not only pleased that he can now have an active say in politics. But also that he probably made a good choice (I don't know, because I hold the secrecy of the ballot sacred) when he and his mother went to the town hall to vote. After all, political education is first and foremost the responsibility of the parental home. I am satisfied that I seem to have lived up to my role model function.

I couldn't care less...

...that the CDU/CSU (Conservatives), SPD (Social Democrats), Greens, FDP (Liberals) and Left parties have agreed on a code of conduct to comply with fairness rules in election campaigns. After all, these are just the “usual suspects” from the democratic party spectrum. The far-right AfD (Alternative für Deutschland / Alternative for Germany) is not one of them. Logical really, because they are neither fair nor democratic.

It's fine with me...

...that Spain, Ireland and Norway have recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. I realize that this is rather symbolic. But it's a strong sign. For which Germany is too weak. For the well-known reasons.

As I write this...

...China is sending more fighter jets into Taiwan's airspace than ever before. Because Lai Ching-te, a (democratically elected!) president who is clearly critical of China, has taken office. Which can certainly be understood as a declaration of the will of the people.

Post Scriptum

In Thuringia - the German federal state in which it has the highest approval ratings - the AfD failed to make the feared breakthrough into local political bodies in the community elections. Yes, they were able to make gains. And yes, a recognized neo-Nazi made it into the run-off election for district administrator. But the signal effect for the upcoming state elections in the fall did not materialize. Probably also because even the most uninformed voter had to be aware of the new scandals of this more than questionable party that emerge every week. Maybe this will also happen in the USA with Donald Trump and his Republican puppet theater. Maybe.

[taiwantalk]

Taiwan will be coming to a big milestone in presidential politics in whether Taiwan can have a consecutive presidency of the same political party for the first time.

It is time for Taiwan to mature from the naive mentality of treating politics like it’s similar to sports teams. It’s time after 30 years to grow up and understand that in a healthy democracy, economy rests in the hands of citizens and the govt is to regulate and ensure good balance of growth and social benefits. foreign policies cannot simply be a burden to politicians but that each citizen must be cognizant.

Taiwan needs a Zelenskyy. People of Taiwan need to prepare to face the possibility of betrayal from within the govt, military, and citizens. Above all, taiwan need to prepare for destruction to civilian structures and critical infrastructure. Prepare for attrition.

Taiwan also must also develop a counteroffensive plan. A plan for regime change of China and going on attack if china’s navy and air force suddenly vanished or significantly inhibited. Taiwan needs to drill for rapid mobilization and coordination between govt and civilian militias. Be able to tell false flags and saboteurs.

[originalleftist]

Biden achievements since yesterday.

-New minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes.

-Expanded guaranteed time and a half overtime pay.

-Eliminating nearly all noncompete agreements.

-Ukraine/Israel/Taiwan aid bill passes the Senate.

ONE DAY.

#FourMoreYears

#VoteBlue