Read the breaking news of Kaohsiung Mayor, Mr. Han’s recall…like every election, some people cheered for the result while others was very upset on the unfairness. Putting politics and judgment aside, Mayor Han’s rise and fall provided lesson for all of us.
For Kaohsiung, a city has been ruled by Green (DPP) party for the past 20 years+, nobody thought Han, a Blue (KMT) party candidate would have a chance, yet he turned the tide around, not only won the election in good margin but also inspired people across Taiwan to raise the flag and sing the national anthem. Everywhere he went, huge crowd followed, including oversea. The popularity brought Han to the top yet also triggered the downfall. His unsuccessful presidential run ignited the opposing party’s revenge and the recall movement. To be fair, the unprecedented win and popularity made it difficult for anybody to refuse the temptation and it would not be easy for any Blue mayor to govern a long-time ‘deep Green’ city and have a Green president. However, if Han declined running for president soon after elected as mayor and does well in Kaohsiung, he will have a very good shot to be the president in a few years.
Han’s success showed that there is always possibility and his fall reminded every politician to be accountable. Regardless what party/ color you’re and how popular you are, people are watching and justice will come.