Wednesday, July 04, 2007
I'm not a big fan of politics, but I do like to tune once in awhile to hear what the ministers have to say, and listen to some of the interesting arguments put up by opposition parties. Of course I refer to Australian politics, because let's face it, Singapore will never reach that level of politics. In Australia the politicians fight for their people by standing up for them, but I think the term is taken too literally in some countries such a Taiwan, where fighting with fists, and riots inside parliament house are common sights. But here's something I bet you never knew.
In early May, "scores" of Taiwan lawmakers brawled on the floor of parliament, wrestling, throwing punches and spraying water at each other over an election reform bill, according to a Reuters dispatch. However, a week later, one legislator, and also a U.S. political scientist who follows the Taiwan legislature, told a Reuters reporter that most of the legendary brawls on the floor are staged in order to impress constituents that their members "fight" for them. One legislator said a leader may call in advance for his allies to wear soft shoes, in anticipation of a shoe-throwing fight, to limit injuries. [MSNBC-Reuters, 5-8-07; Reuters, 5-17-07]
Dan
11:51 pm
