A protester holds a sign reading "Taiwan independence, give me justice" as President Ma Ying-jeou delivers a speech at a 228 event in 2009. Photo credit: AP
228 is not just some vague historical date when Taiwanese people were harmed by The Nationalist Chinese. It means much more than this.
Like the Boston Massacre in the 1770's did for the United States leading up to its war for independence from England, this massacre in Taipei in 1947 also marks a very similar historical turning point and beginning for Taiwan. It marked the birth of a nation. A painful birth maybe, but one that has been steadily striving towards the light despite the passage of so much time and tears.
Now more than ever before, while sovereignty is once again under attack, Taiwanese must hold on tightly to their history and identity with 228!
Make no mistake about it, the natural conclusion and result of 228 and its memory is the awakening of the Taiwanese soul and a realization that the Taiwanese people do not need or want Chinese domination and control. Its a revolution of identity and a revolution for the rightful future of Taiwan. Everything is at stake if this touchstone 228 event is ever allowed to be lost or somehow demoted.
Long live the memory of 228 and the national awakening it represents...
Chiang Kai-Shek and Mao meet shortly after the US defeat of Japan in 1945. Did either one of these guys represent true freedom for Taiwan?
