I was following a Toyota Prius yesterday that was going slow enough to cause a hazard. As my car does not even idle at those speeds I was forced closer to the environmentally conscious driver’s rear bumper than I really wanted to be. I was close enough to read the Free Tibet bumper sticker and since I was not going to get to my destination in a hurry it gave me time to think.

Why is it that the leftisits who are so vocal in support of Tibetian soverignity and their right of self determination are so often critical of The United States Government support of Taiwan? Like Tibet, The People’s Republic of China considers Taiwan (Formosa) to be a province within their soverign territory. The big difference between the two is that Taiwan has built a strong economy and a military presence over the years. Why then is one territory the darling of the left and the other is at best, ignored?

I believe the answer is that the American left is enamoured of the helpless and resent strength. Tibet as the conquered state engenders sympathy due to the brutal occupiers, while Taiwan is considered a militaristic rabble rouser. Democracy is not always the romantic story but it is the picture of freedom. It can grow but it must be fought for and protected, even to the death. Taiwan flies under the radar in the eyes of the left because they refuse to be victims and stand up for their independence from those that would oppress and enslave them. There has been saber rattling from both sides but as long as Taiwan stops short of a verbal decree of independence they have been left alone. President Clinton nearly upset the apple cart during his second term by accepting China’s concept that Taiwan was indeed legitimate Chinese territory. A liberal misconception is that peace exists merely by the abscence of war or open hostility. Ask Tibet or even the average citizen of the PRC how that has worked out. Taiwan has thrived and overcome its early authoritarian roots because it has shown strength in the face of threat. The United States has been a force in helping them build that strength and should remain a staunch ally. While international diplomatic concerns are obvious we must support the Taiwanese right to a Democratically elected government even if it stops short of a declaration of independence.

Any discussions our next President may have with the Chinese Communists should have a pre-condition that recognizes Taiwan’s right to free elections. Perhaps the left can consider our image abroad that they seem to be so worried about. What would it look like if we abandon a democratically elected government to the totalitarian oppressors? I know it is much more romantic to support the lost cause that is Tibet but reality is that a show of strength is far more effective.

If Tibet has a right to be free (and they do) then why not endorse the same right in Taiwan and even mainland China? So the next time we see a greenie driving down the street with a “Free Tibet” placard on their bumper maybe we ought to offer a Preserve Democracy in Taiwan one to go with it. Because we care.