No to US meat!!

I got to the department of consular affairs, and was greeted by a gathering crowd of protesters. Pig and cattle farmers from all over the country gathered to demonstrate their anger at the government's sudden and sneaky move to lift the ban of US beef and pork produce-- despite clear evidence that US beef and pork produce are often contaminated with growth hormones (and in the case of beef, "mad cow" disease). The ban was lifted in the middle of the night, when no one was awake to make a fuss, and contrary to promises this newly installed government made during the elections back in January. Another sign of what kind of deceptive and ugly regime this is that would betray the people's trust and jeopardise the public's health and cave in to pressure from outside influences...

I walked around and watched the protesters a bit. It was a proud moment to witness the protesters marching en masse and chanting slogans and calling for the responsible officials to step down. It was democracy in progress, a freedom that we taiwanese take for granted and are able to exercise freely, unlike many around the world. It was a moment I found so proud to be from this country where we have the freedom to disagree, the freedom to dissent, and not have to fear being thrown in prison for standing up for your beliefs. I only hope these freedoms will thrive and forever be be protected and be a fundamental, unchallenged right of the people of this tiny, but great nation...