Nothing Mary Cluney writes strikes me as being racist. Nothing she wrote implies he is not guilty simply because he is Chinese. She does make the obvious point that there is generally little love for mainland Chinese among native Taiwanese of Mr. Lee's generation. Native Taiwanese make up about 80% of the population of Taiwan, Post-1949 mainland refugees make up 15% and the balance are indigenous people. The political beliefs of most native Taiwanese of that generation were greatly influenced by the heavy-handed tactics of the KMT occupying forces in the late 1940's. (Ask anyone of that generation what 2-28 means - for almost 40 years, it was forbidden to speak of that in public, but any man, woman, or child can give you the answer). Although nothing is impossible, it is unlikely for a Taiwanese to spy on behalf of China.
If Mr. Lee is guilty of spying, the government should bring the charges to a court of law, not use "off the record" conversations with journalists to make unsubstantiated allegations. These "rumors" have been around for months and the situation has exacerbated the continuing morale problems at these important laboratories.
To assume that all ethnic Han Chinese are alike, no matter which side of the Taiwan Straits they hail from, is racist. It seems to me that you are spoiling for a fight after enjoying run-ins with others elsewhere on SI. Regards |
