Don’t Turn Fake Consolation into Persecution in Disguise

 Don’t Turn Fake Consolation into Persecution in Disguise

 United Daily News Editorial (Taipei, Taiwan, ROC)

February 28, 2017

 Translation of an Except

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the February 28 Incident. Among the various commemorative activities, two merit our attention: one is that the Tsai government, besides leading an investigation into the truth and pursuing accountability for the incident, conducts political maneuverings in the name of transformational justice; the second is the CCP’s commemorations of the February 28 Incident with a high profile, seeking the right of historical interpretation of the February 28 Incident to oppose "Taiwan independence" and promote reunification while interpreting the incident as an uprising by the “Taiwan-CCP Chapter” against brutal rule in Taiwan.

On the eve of the February 28 Incident, Tsai indicated that the government would take the lead to investigate the truth in order to pursue accountability. However, we must remind everyone that in 1992 during the Lee Teng-hui era, the first investigation report was released. A good 25 years has elapsed. If today's President still talks loudly about investigating the truth and pursuing accountability, what would be the place for the report authored 25 years ago? Furthermore, who should carry out the more important work of clearing up the lingering feelings, dissolving hatred, and promoting reconciliation?

The CCP has depicted the February 28 Incident as an “uprising against brutal rule,” but the Tsai government only knows ridiculing the CCP’s commemoration of the incident, not knowing this is precisely the wrestling for the right of historical interpretation and even the exclusive right to a narrative that might concern Taiwan’s future. If the DPP can only respond with its usual sleight of hand approach, we are afraid it would be difficult to follow in the future.

To commemorate the February 28 Incident, we should not shout slogans for reconciliation and solidarity while performing dirty tricks of revenge and tearing and dividing. We should, even less so, wave the banners of democracy and justice, and pursue populist and unconstitutional dealings. Facing the wounds and pains in history, the powers that be must engage in soul-searching with humility and console the people with sincerity; they should not pursue their own persecution in the name of consoling the pains and difficulties of the people. Only by doing so can we march forward on the road of reconciliation and justice.

Attachment : none