I know the topic has been raised before, but now against the spectacle of this latest trip, is anyone besides me absolutely disgusted to see CSB once again playing Santa Claus in Central America with millions of US$, courtesy of the Taiwanese taxpayer?
I remember only about two or three weeks ago, there was a story in the Taipei Times where CSB was urging everyone to conserver energy. Drive less, don’t make unnecessary trips, etc. Then he jets around the world, wasting millions of gallons of jet fuel and millions of taxpayer’s dollars so he can wave to cheering crowds, pick up a bought-and-paid-for Human Rights Award, and splash around money like it was water. He also took the time to announce another US$250 million aid package on top the billions that is already being given away.
And what will Taiwan get in return? Pledges from the “diplomatic allies” to continue supporting Taiwan’s futile efforts to gain membership in the WHO.
Well, at least it’s nice to see the president having a good time. Just too bad that he didn’t charge it all to his Mastercard.
It’s just funny that the Pan-Blues are not making political hay with this. Instead, they’re busy making themselves look like idiots with their boneheaded NCC bill. Meanwhile the DPP is preoccupied throwing tantrums and demanding that the legislature be dissolved because of the military procurement bill that isn’t being passed. Perhaps some of the millions that CSB is spending on his world tour and “Christmas gifts” could have instead gone to the military? Just a thought.
Taiwan has a huge budget deficit, and in a few years will be totally broke. The amount of money spent on the giveaways is classified, so we can only speculate on how much it really is. Whatever the amount, with present spending levels, Taiwan won’t be able to buy their soldiers bullets, let alone high-tech missile defense systems.
It’s times like this that I’m ready to pack it up and head out of here. Anybody want to buy a house?