"Oh, you're one of those."

Yes, damnit, that's right. I am. I'm one of those people that call myself Taiwanese, not Chinese, and will school anyone that tries to tell me otherwise.

And I'm angry--angry at the power-hungry, oppressive Chinese Nationalist government that has been the source of such identity fraud. And while the historical claims to power are disputable, what cannot be denied are the corrupt politics and 40+ years of repressive martial law, targeted massacre of over 20,000 of the country's most educated, imprisonment and execution of perceived political dissidence, attempted extinction of the Taiwanese language, and continual use of missiles pointed at the island as a threat. What's more is the fact that Taiwan has been a thriving sovereignty with one of the world's strongest economies, richest cultures, and newest democratic values. They flourish best independent from China, who continues to stand in the way of Taiwan's self-actualization and inclusion in the global community.

Taiwanese Independence--hopefully this old rhetoric will be realized one day, but for now, I say to China and their bullying tactics..."Step off, Biotch!"

- Leslie L.