15th Monthly Vigil for Taiwan at Harvard Square: September 10th, 2011
Article and photos by Howard G. Fass September 14, 2011
This vigil was somewhat smaller in size because of all the good work that so many people have been doing in preparation for the visit of Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen to Boston to speak at Harvard. Its a busy time, but nevertheless, the vigil must go on.
David and I were there at Harvard Square to speak out for Taiwan and share. We met with several people who took the time to speak with us. One Chinese gentleman associated with Harvard from Shanghai was particularly encouraging. In his words; "freedom and the rights of all peoples to have self-determination are a no-brainer". He was very supportive and also supported the same rights for those in Tibet, East Turkistan and Inner Mongolia.
We will continue our mission here at Harvard Square rain or shine until Taiwan's precarious situation is fully resolved and China finally formally renounces the use of military aggression and oppression against the legal wishes of the Taiwanese people to be free, independent and live in a democratic society with a rule of law.
It must be remembered that despite all the news reports of a so-called "rising China" by the monied media and big business corporate political-interests; this China is not free and represents the most inhumane and unfree society the world has ever known. Since the advent of the CCP regime, perhaps over 80-million people have perished as a result (most of these Chinese themselves). Chinese, Tibetan, Uyghur, Mongolian, Manchu and others have been the victims of crimes against humanity. How can we keep quiet and not speak up when Taiwanese could themselves be added to this list?
Some say that there is growing peace and prosperity in the Taiwan Straits now; this is what the corporate media is attempting to sell, but on every meaningful point it is completely confounded by the truth. Think about it...
1. The CCP has still not renounced the use of force to suppress Taiwan's internationally legal rights to independence if this is the will of the Taiwanese people.
2. The CCP has still not relented in its efforts to internationally marginalize and isolate Taiwan; such as by joining the UN and The World Health Organization etc.
3. The CCP has continued to add to its growing arsenal and military capacity to project death and destruction to the Taiwanese people by aerial bombing of civilian and military targets, missile launches, cyber attacks and military invasion with ground forces etc.
...with "friends" and so-called "trading partners" as this, who needs enemies?!!
This vigil and the people who take part in it are not supported by any political party whatsoever. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.
We will continue our event on the second Saturday of every month. The next vigil will be October 8th, from Noon to 2PM.
