President Ma - Stupidest Remark of The Year

“I think my administration handles it rather well,” he said, adding that Beijing does not seek political gains in all its dealings with Taiwan and that a win-win situation for both sides of the Strait is possible.

From this article in the TaipeiTimes, discussing the issue of Ma's opinion on peace talks and whether it will happen during his presidency.

Since when has China ever acted on behalf of Taiwan? Ma is clearly lying to the public, as I'm sure a Harvard grad is intelligent enough about the ways of China. China only thinks about their own well being and their own agenda. Anyone slightly intelligent knows that Taiwan is a super materialistic country in that the majority of Taiwanese think in terms of money and not about their future. Let's review the two main reasons why Ma was elected:

1) Ma and his administration promised "633" economic figures, high stock prices, and gold in the streets-- what's not to love?
2) To "teach" the DPP (specifically against CSB) a lesson

Taiwanese voted in Ma, not because they necessarily liked him, but because of the above two. So what better way for Ma to get re-elected than by cuddling with China and trying to get them to throw money into the Taiwan economy in order to fulfill his lost cause of the "633". Yeah, did you forget about that promise he made? You might have, and that's what the KMT and Ma hope you do. Because the original promise of 6% GDP Growth Rate, 3% Unemployment, and 30k per capita income, is clearly off track. What do we have now? Projections of anywhere from 0% GDP Growth Rate for 2009 to the negative percentage GDP Growth Rate, 5.7% Unemployment rate, and per capita income of about 17k. So what does the government do? Boost the stock market for what it's worth, and hopefully the Taiwanese are dumb enough to re-elect him- that's what he's thinking- and he's counting on it.

But that's not the end of it, China knows this too, and will do everything in their power to keep the KMT in power and prevent the DPP from coming back on 2012. So what do they do? Make it seem like Ma is doing great things in these cross-strait talks. Here's the giveaway:

Ma said Beijing was hesitant to sign an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA), possibly because of differences between Taiwan’s ruling and opposition parties. However, Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) and Premier Wen Jiabao (溫家寶) have both expressed interest in an ECFA.

From this we can surmise that China and their commies have already planned out how to get Ma re-elected in 2012. Why else would they sign all these agreements if they thought the DPP had a chance to comeback in 2012?

So what's there left to do? Taiwanese still have the right to protest, as of now. Use it. No, of course one "May 17th protest" isn't going to solve the problem of Ma's continual disregard for the opinion of the people, and lack of transparency in what the KMT/CCP are doing- but, it's a start. How did Taiwan get to this democracatic state that we have today? It was done in the same way, slowly gathering and protesting against the government.

For those who think the people who have been critical of Ma and the KMT (including me and this blog) are exaggerating and thinking Ma will never take Taiwan towards the path of unification-- take a step back, and think about what is happening objectively. Chinese police in Taiwan? Economic agreements to allow Chinese workers in Taiwan? Chinese investments in Taiwanese companies? Chinese students in Taiwan colleges?

I know what you're thinking-- this is good! They can help boost the economy in Taiwan, do the dirty low-level work, and increase the revenue of Taiwan colleges. Well what about the Chinese police? Do we seriously need communists in Taiwan? And again, look at the "economic boost" from another angle. If Taiwan puts all its eggs in one basket (China), what happens when China's economic busts as well (and it will, what goes up, must come down)-- or what happens when China uses their economic leverage they have on Taiwan as a way towards achieving their political agenda. Taiwan will have nothing it can do by be swallowed up. That is a shitty way to go out.

All But In Name

More delightful news for Taiwanese, as it seems like a possibility that Chinese police will be brought into Taiwan to help "crime prevention."

If you are a Taiwanese and this doesn't scare you/make you flinch/read what I just said, then there is something wrong with you! What Taiwan doesn't need is more police that will not respect the rights of the people. Have you noticed that the Taiwanese police here don't even do a good job at what they are supposed to do (see below post)? And now we want to bring in Chinese police so that anyone against the KMT can be threatened and live in even more fear?

Even you people who voted for Ma Ying-Jeou and are KMT, you have got to admit--- this is getting ridiculous and is going too far. Taiwan is just about becoming a part of China, all but in name. Sure, Ma made the promise of no-unification, but it seems like he can basically unify the two countries without actually doing so.

So here's my call to you guys. Put aside your disgust with Chen Shui-Bian, and come out on May 17 to protest against Taiwan's government's inability to protect Taiwan's sovereignty and democracy. This isn't about the DPP vs KMT, this is about Taiwanese vs KMT/CCP. So yes, if you're one of those that want to unify with China, then stay at home- otherwise come out on May 17 to voice your opinion about what Ma is doing to Taiwan.

The Censoring Continues

Haven't posted on Taiwan issues in a while, but it's the same old same old. Everyday, more stories about how people who have opinions that differ from the KMT-line, are continued to be silenced and unfairly treated. It's textbook fear tactics to maintain political control- suppress and bring down anyone who dares to voice an opinion other than the ruling party.

The recent bill to alter the "Assembly and Parade Act" is just a show to appease the previous protestors, including the "Wild Strawberry" students who protested for a change in the current Assembly and Parade Act. Yes, the petty bickering and fighting tactics of the Taiwan Legislative Yuan is petty and stupid. But, (and no, I'm not justifying it) what else can the DPP do to attempt to block bills? The KMT have full control, and are unwilling to let the voice of the people be heard. So the only form of protest that the people actually have-- is to protest on the streets. The KMT obviously no longer holds deep regard for their leader Dr. Sun Yat Sen's, Principle of Democracy-- stating that the people should have the right to referendums, among other things. So, the opposition party is left to rally on the streets.

What does the KMT do then? It decides to formulate a "new" bill that claims to improve upon the previous, but in actuality- allows more room for discouraging rallies and protests from happening. For example, slapping a $50,000NT fine on the organizers if they do not properly disclose what they will do, where they will go, etc.

Is this really how Taiwan will end? At the hands of the KMT with a larger percentage of Taiwanese who actually do not want to unify with China? It's okay to be wrong, but it's not okay to stand by and watch as the president and party you voted for, takes not only your money, but also your livelihood away.

Much coverage on the blogs already about the student protestors in Tainan getting mobbed by mobs/gangsters. Holding signs and shouting in public is now due for a beating. Michael Turton over at, The View From Taiwan, always with spot-on commentary on Taiwan news and issues has much of the story about the students covered. Check it out to feel even more sad about the state of Taiwan. May 17th is the rally against Ma's policies. Some information about the rally can be found here, but briefly quoted from the article:

The four demands in the May 17 rally are to safeguard Taiwan, protect sovereignty, save unemployment, and care for minority groups, said DPP.

Participants will gather at 2 pm on May 17 in four places in Taipei including National Taiwan University entrance, Chungshan Soccer Stadium, Ding-Hau Plaza in east district, and Wanhua Train Station. The march will commence at 3 pm and all groups are expected to assemble at the Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office at 5 pm, according to DPP.

I'll be out there on the 17th, snapping photos and trying to avoid getting beat down by any gangsters.

BTW: There's pretty much only two places to get non-KMT slandered English news about Taiwan, www.taipeitimes.com, as well as Taiwan blogs. It's fascinating to me to see that there are hardly any (actually I've never seen one) pro-KMT blogs that are frequently updated. Anyone care to point me to one?

Took The Loss

And we make it above 900 SPX. More upside may be in-store, although getting long here may be late-game. I have exited all front-month puts. Capitulation on my part, nothing I could do.

A Top May Be Near

I've got bulls breathing up my sides now, and there are certain things that cause me to think, wow, everyone is getting bullish. I just had another comment made to me about this, and so... this is just a friendly reminder to myself...

I definitely could be wrong, and the market may just run-up to 1000, but I've got my money bet that we turn south before going to 1000 SPX. If we bust above 900SPX, it may be done for the bears temporarily, and I'll have to take the loss.

Don't get caught up in all the bull! As many people say, in bear markets, stocks rise on bad news and fall on good news. What have we been seeing? Exactly this.

This is going to become more common in the next few years...

"Man shot after metro bus incidence" is the article title, but it seems to make the man shot the victim here. Although not much information is given, apparently the woman was being harassed in the bus (no level of harassment is indicated), which led to the woman shooting the man after they got off the bus.

I tip my hat to the woman. I know some of you are probably like, wow that woman is crazy, pulled the gun on a guy just because he was harassing her. Maybe some of you girls are thinking, "I get harassed on the bus all the time, and I don't pull a gun on the guy." Yeah, well maybe you should. Let's disregard for now whether the man was just throwing snark remarks at the woman, or taking it to the next level. Just because it happens everyday and you are used to it, does not make it right. It should be a good warning message to those men on metro busses.

Think about this for a moment, how messed up is it that the woman is now in jail for trying to protect herself? This is ridiculous. The woman is smart to be carrying around a concealed weapon in Seattle, especially on the metros. Seattle is getting to be one dangerous place- I'm glad I'm done with school at the U.

Obama, Bush, What's The Difference?

So I'm sitting here wondering where has all the political fervor, enthusiasm for politics, and voting for 'change', have gone? Less than six months ago, a large percentage of people of my age group took to the streets on Nov 4th, 2008 to celebrate Obama being elected to office. All their attention (or what little attention they actually had) towards Obama's policies and what "change" was, has suddenly dropped off the face of the earth.

I barely hear a peep from any of the Obama supporters of how Obama has backed off on many of his promises. Most recently, Obama is quietly backing some of the "state-secrets" that Bush kept, meanwhile flamboyantly announcing when he makes a stark turn away from the previous administration's policies- press conferences live on television, yes sir. But when he sides with Bush's policies, there are no press conferences, they are quietly funneled through the courts while Obama is overseas.

What about the additional funding that Obama wants towards the war? So you guys get mad when Bush asks for additional funding, but when Obama does it, you guys look the other way?

Or how about the reneging on his original 16-month withdrawal plan of combat troops from Iraq? Even now, it's only 2 months extended to 18-months later, but I wouldn't count on it if I were a solider in Iraq.

Okay, so really, what's the difference? Not much, except now we're spending more tax dollars more than ever, and this time the people of the United States don't care, don't know, or don't seem to give a damn because they don't wan't to be told they were "wrong" in voting for Obama. But, this isn't about who we voted for anymore- what's done is done. What makes me mad is that you vote Obama into office and then do not hold him and our government accountable for what they do and promised. Seriously, do you all really want to pay a shitload of taxes in the next 5-10 years when we are all working? All this TARP CRAP went to buying up toxic assets and letting the robber barons run away with their loot. Just because Obama is a Democrat, don't be so naive into thinking he doesn't have friends he needs to appease on Wall Street.

I find it amazing that despite polls showing that the average American (yes Democrats and Republicans included) was against the initial bailouts by anywhere from 100-1 to 300-1, our representatives and our president decided to disregard our opinion and do what they thought was best for themselves and their payroll. Think about this clearly, our government has now spent hundreds of billions towards bailout failed banks that have cheated their ways to profit over the past 5-10 years. Think of what hundreds of billions of dollars could have done towards a real national healthcare (something that you Obama supporters apparently support), or perhaps towards simplying helping balance the Social Secruity net that is running out of money. But no, that money has disappeared into the pockets of a few, rather than the many. Does this sound familiar? Isn't this what you Democrats campaigned against when you spoke of Bush's "tax cuts for the rich?"-- which weren't actually just for the rich, rather for everyone, including me.