So everyone has heard about the devastation in Taiwan left behind by typhoon Morakot. Rumor has it that President Ma didn't announce national emergency, turned away outside relief [including the US], and offered no resources from the central government because he wanted to get aid from China. Politically, this is a very good move for Ma. More than half of Taiwan's exports go to China, and good ties with China means good economic times for Taiwan. Ma has been kissing China's brocaded butt ever since he got elected, hinting towards unification to milk China for all its worth. China has responded positively, rewarding Taiwan with Pandas named "Uni" & "Fication", opening up direct flights and tourism, hinting at the prosperity the Motherland can offer its renegade son should he renounce his independence.


SO. When disaster strikes, villages engulfed by mud and rock and uprooted trees, over 500 people buried alive and more stranded on tree tops and toppling buildings, Ma thinks, what a great opportunity to kill 2 birds with 1 stone: Clearly Taiwan doesn't have the resources to have a fully coordinated rescue attempt. Let's bring in Chinese troops. That way Taiwan saves energy and resources, and China thinks we really want to unify. Unfortunately, Ma doesn't realize that a national emergency is an emergency, and people are dying, starving, stranded, and this is no time to be playing mind games with China. Your people are in need, and time is something you don't have.


All hell broke loose. Not only did Chinese troops not show up, more people died, more people were found missing, and Taiwan didn't have the leadership to get its act together. Instead of apologizing, Ma goes on a blaming spree, from blaming the weather department to sacking high officials. This hasn't eased tensions; in fact, it fueled even greater public outrage. People protest, demanding his resignation. What does Ma do?


He swings to the other extreme. He invites the Da Lai Lama to Taiwan to say prayers for the dead folk. If there is a way of completely pissing off and alienating China, it's to invite the Da Lai Lama. To Taiwan.

So. There you have it. Dear Mr. Ma, had you sent the Central troops to the southern countryside when they needed you the most, maybe you wouldn't have had to invite China's #1 Public Enemy to say prayers for them after they DROWNED.

[note: Rumor has it that it was the opposing political party that invited the Da Lai Lama in to Taiwan to screw up Taiwan's previously-budding relationship with China. But Ma OKed the trip, so I highly doubt its ALL the DDP's fault]