I don't like the KMT or their candidate Ma that much.
That said, I'd have to endorse him for the following reasons:
1. Taiwan needs to open up to China. If Taiwanese incomes are stagnating at least let the Taiwanese consumer get cheaper products. Its depressing to see DPP ads about how the KMT will put the island's towel makers out of business. Seriously, keeping Taiwan's remaining 4 towel manufacturers in profit at the expense of 23 million Taiwanese consumers is not a good idea. Ammo factories? Maybe even basic foodstuffs, sure, I can see that, but towels?. Ironically, I just bought a new set of towels at Costco...made in the USA. Worry about China and the folks from Alabama sneak in the back door with their thick, absorbent towels made from American cotton. And a shout out to Jennifer who did the QC.
2. I support the use of economic benchmarks, and Ma's advertising his benchmarks as:
6% economic growth
3% unemployment
US$ 30,000 per capita income.
The first two are possible in the short term. The third one is not. Still, let's see if he can live up to these promises. If he does the first two via expanding government jobs, I will puke.
I'd prefer if politicians used even more specific benchmarks, promising an overall tax rate, government spending, debt, as % of GDP, etc., as they actually control that shit. Promising growth rates and unemployment seems stupid, but at least he's put his ass on the line.
BTW, some people talk about "holding their noses while voting." In Taiwan, the electoral choices involve gagging, vomiting, and some hard grimaces.
Note: All of the above based on watching a few minutes of advertising over the last couple of months and does not reflect any serious reflection on my part. I feel lucky that I can't vote.
2. I support the use of economic benchmarks, and Ma's advertising his benchmarks as:
6% economic growth
3% unemployment
US$ 30,000 per capita income.
The first two are possible in the short term. The third one is not. Still, let's see if he can live up to these promises. If he does the first two via expanding government jobs, I will puke.
I'd prefer if politicians used even more specific benchmarks, promising an overall tax rate, government spending, debt, as % of GDP, etc., as they actually control that shit. Promising growth rates and unemployment seems stupid, but at least he's put his ass on the line.
BTW, some people talk about "holding their noses while voting." In Taiwan, the electoral choices involve gagging, vomiting, and some hard grimaces.
Note: All of the above based on watching a few minutes of advertising over the last couple of months and does not reflect any serious reflection on my part. I feel lucky that I can't vote.
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