Embattled Taiwan Leader Lauds Democracy
mbattled President Chen Shui-bian on Saturday told tens of thousands of applauding supporters to value democratic freedoms, even as protesters use those rights to call for his resignation. “You can swear at the government, and swear at the president, and that’s why democracy is so valuable,” Chen told his audience in Taiwan’s second city of Kaohsiung. The event was billed as a commemoration of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s 20th anniversary, but was widely seen as an outpouring of support for Chen. His 15-minute speech praising democracy was frequently interrupted by applause from the crowds. Full Story