“I’ve had enough of reading things
By neurotic, psychotic, pig-headed politicians
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth”
-John Lennon, Just Gimme Some Truth
I arrived in time for the political campaigns in Taiwan. There are campaign offices everywhere around the city and trucks driving around with loudspeakers telling people to vote for one candidate or the other (I can’t comment about the candidates because I have no idea who these people are). These loudspeakers around the streets get rather annoying, especially when I’m trying to sleep or work. At least the campaign is change from the huge protests I witnessed last time I was in the city.
Sometimes the campaigns are amusing and/or confusing.
The other day I came across this campaign vehicle while walking around Taipei. I’m not sure what the political party is or the candidate, but I would guess that the agenda is related to an anti-mainland China doctrine filled with larger purchases of military equipment from the U.S. Nothing says vote for me like a campaign tank.
I’ve seen that tank cruising around my neighbourhood! Bizarre to say the least.
My favourite campaign is probably candidate no. 4 in my district. Her poster is like an online game, and she’s wielding a sword and wearing a long, billowing coat. Candidate no. 9 would get my vote though – he’s the cutest by far, and said hello to me in the street. Swoon.
I think British elections need to take heed. The UK just winds up with a few months of politicians who all went to the same school telling lies and bashing each other, then changing their policies as soon as they get into power. Sigh.
The election is a bit more interesting here (though I haven’t been paying attention to who’s who). Still rather disturbing to see all the barbed wire barriers on the roads today.