Join the Green Party for Tea on 21 February
Take a stand for the Earth by giving the Green Party a seat in the Legislature!
You Are Cordially Invited to Tea at the Green Party Campaign Headquarters for candidate Calvin Wen in the Legislative By-election in Taipei's Sixth Constituency (Daan District)
Calvin Wen
Date: February 21, 2009 (Saturday)
Time: Tea begins at 2 p.m. (the tea will be preceded by lunch at 12:30; please let us know in advance if you wish to come to
lunch)
Place: No. 52-1 Andong St., Taipei (a one minute walk from the MRT Blue Line Jhongsiao/Fusing Station, Exit 1 -- turn right after exiting)
Contact (telephone):
(02) 2711-3901,
(02) 2711-3902
Take a stand for the Earth by giving the Green Party a seat in the Legislature!
In the legislative by-election for Taipei City's Daan District to be held on March 28, we finally will have an election unshackled by party politics. By supporting and voting for the Green Party candidate, you can send a crucial message to our government: the message that now is the time to stop squabbling and get down to the work that really matters -- creating a better, healthier, and more beautiful environment for ourselves and our children.
As a key cultural and educational center of Taipei, Daan District is a gem in our nation's capital. Daan will shine even brighter by becoming the first locale in all of Asia to elect a Green Party representative to a national legislature!
By taking a stand and making the Green Party our lever in the Legislature, we can lift the Earth. Join us in making history. Bring your dreams. Let's make a pledge to a better future, a pledge that we can keep!
Green Party Taiwan Office:
(02) 2392-0508
5F, No.13, Sec.1, Jhongsiao E. Rd., Jhongjheng District, Taipei City 100,Taiwan (R.O.C.)
contact@greenparty.org.tw
Election Blog:
http://igreen.bigsound.org
Account for campaign contributions:
Postal Remittance Account: 50100521 (Control Yuan Post Office)
Account name: Political Contribution Account for Prospective Candidate Calvin Wen for By-Election to the 7th Legislature (第7屆立法委員補選擬參選人溫炳原政治獻金專戶)
Profile of Calvin Wen
Hakka descent. M.A., Graduate Institute Of Building And Planning, National Taiwan University (NTU). B.A. in Agriculture, NTU. Formerly has served as secretary-general of the Green Party Taiwan, as a director of the Taiwan Environmental Action Network Association, as a Legislative Yuan congressional assistant; as a research assistant with the National Science Council, as general convener of the Taiwan delegation to the Global Greens 2008 Congress in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and as a Taiwan delegate to the Asia Pacific Greens Kyoto Meeting 2005.
Take a stand for the Earth by giving the Green Party a seat in the Legislature!
You Are Cordially Invited to Tea at the Green Party Campaign Headquarters for candidate Calvin Wen in the Legislative By-election in Taipei's Sixth Constituency (Daan District)
Calvin Wen
Date: February 21, 2009 (Saturday)
Time: Tea begins at 2 p.m. (the tea will be preceded by lunch at 12:30; please let us know in advance if you wish to come to
lunch)
Place: No. 52-1 Andong St., Taipei (a one minute walk from the MRT Blue Line Jhongsiao/Fusing Station, Exit 1 -- turn right after exiting)
Contact (telephone):
(02) 2711-3901,
(02) 2711-3902
Take a stand for the Earth by giving the Green Party a seat in the Legislature!
In the legislative by-election for Taipei City's Daan District to be held on March 28, we finally will have an election unshackled by party politics. By supporting and voting for the Green Party candidate, you can send a crucial message to our government: the message that now is the time to stop squabbling and get down to the work that really matters -- creating a better, healthier, and more beautiful environment for ourselves and our children.
As a key cultural and educational center of Taipei, Daan District is a gem in our nation's capital. Daan will shine even brighter by becoming the first locale in all of Asia to elect a Green Party representative to a national legislature!
By taking a stand and making the Green Party our lever in the Legislature, we can lift the Earth. Join us in making history. Bring your dreams. Let's make a pledge to a better future, a pledge that we can keep!
Green Party Taiwan Office:
(02) 2392-0508
5F, No.13, Sec.1, Jhongsiao E. Rd., Jhongjheng District, Taipei City 100,Taiwan (R.O.C.)
contact@greenparty.org.tw
Election Blog:
http://igreen.bigsound.org
Account for campaign contributions:
Postal Remittance Account: 50100521 (Control Yuan Post Office)
Account name: Political Contribution Account for Prospective Candidate Calvin Wen for By-Election to the 7th Legislature (第7屆立法委員補選擬參選人溫炳原政治獻金專戶)
Profile of Calvin Wen
Hakka descent. M.A., Graduate Institute Of Building And Planning, National Taiwan University (NTU). B.A. in Agriculture, NTU. Formerly has served as secretary-general of the Green Party Taiwan, as a director of the Taiwan Environmental Action Network Association, as a Legislative Yuan congressional assistant; as a research assistant with the National Science Council, as general convener of the Taiwan delegation to the Global Greens 2008 Congress in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and as a Taiwan delegate to the Asia Pacific Greens Kyoto Meeting 2005.
Category:Green Party Taiwan
Posted by: Calvin Date: 02/18/2009
INTERVIEW:Green Party unafraid of longshot in by-election
Although the Green Party Taiwan (GPT) had originally planned to nominate US-born naturalized-Taiwanese Robin Winkler to represent the party in the legislative by-election for Taipei City’s Da-an District next month, a clause in the Nationality Act forced the GPT to name former party secretary-general Calvin Wen instead. Wen sat down with ‘Taipei Times’ staff reporter Meggie Lu last Wednesday to speak about the party’s mission and its slim chance of winning
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009, Page 3
Taipei Times: The GPT has been a strong advocate of environmentally friendly policies. How are you going to balance environmental prosperity with economic gain?
Calvin Wen (溫炳原): What Taiwan needs most is a green economy and a sustainable homeland. The GPT proposes that the key to achieving a green economy is to shift the economic structure of the island by collecting carbon taxes and lowering income taxes. In Europe, [this approach] has successfully [discouraged] industries with high carbon emissions and helped maintain a balance between the economy and the environment.
I do not deny that this will at first have a negative impact on some industries, but these industries may have caused some of Taiwan’s problems to begin with.
For example, the government gives the Formosa Plastics Group (FPG) a lot of subsidies and tax breaks every year. But while all Taiwanese suffer from the environmental consequences caused by FPG, the group’s profits are not shared by all. This is economically unjust.
Industries are starting to weigh environmental costs against economic gains, but ultimately their direction is driven by government policy. Without clear policies, businesses are less likely to change.
With the imposition of carbon taxes, FPG may be pressured to develop renewable energy, because its profit will be maximized where economics meets the environment.
TT: Give an example of a green policy for Taipei.
Wen: The city’s mass transportation should be made more convenient, efficient and punctual. As private cars and scooters have been a main contributor to the city’s traffic congestion and bad air, we propose a total cap on the number of private vehicles. When this happens, the need for mass transportation will increase and pressure will exist for its improvement.
The MRT system has been good, but statistics show that it has not increased the number of people who take mass transportation. It has absorbed some of the bus takers and thus has been competing with other means of mass transportation.
Instead, we want bicycles to be used for transportation instead of just leisure.
We have no doubt that Taipei residents already love their bicycles, riding them every weekend along the riverside paths. The city has also employed a variation of Paris’ bicycle rental program that was proposed by the French city's deputy mayor, a Green Party member.
However, we hope that the government can make it feasible for people to ride bicycles to work and to shop, without having to worry about being hit by cars.
When cars decrease, bikers and drivers can share the roads. From Europe’s experience, we know that drivers can treat pedestrians and bikers with courtesy and respect. While this is cultural, it also needs to be supported by policy.
TT: GPT Secretary-General Pan Han-shen (潘翰聲) has said the GPT has a slim chance of winning the election. Why are you running?
Wen: I admit that we are at a disadvantage, but we hope that voters can recognize our efforts.
At this time, small parties may provide a momentum for voters to change. From past experience, we know that without much baggage, small parties can propose aggressive and innovative policies that larger parties may adopt to secure votes.
We offer voters a different point of view, which is important for small parties. In turn, small parties are very important to large parties, because we keep them in check. In addition to the GPT, we call on other small parties, such as the New Party, to participate in this election.
On the other hand, our chances may not be so slim Although 60 percent to 70 percent of voters in the Da-an District traditionally support the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), the controversy surrounding [former KMT legislator] Diane Lee [李慶安] could make people rethink their support and perhaps not vote for the KMT. Therefore, these voters’ ballots are still up for grabs.
We have suggested that the Central Election Commission hold a debate for all candidates so that voters can get a better grasp of our views.
TT: If you are elected, the GPT will have only one seat in the legislature. How would you plan on utilizing your only seat?
Wen: We know that in the legislature we are unlikely to win votes in policy proposals. As such I would act as the people’s watchdog in the legislature and report to voters any injustice and pocketing or exchanging of funds I see, hear and witness.
Instead of engaging in political mudslinging, I would inspect the legal system from the bottom up and seek improvements. I would of course propose laws, but I understand that it will take time [for them to be accepted].
Although the Green Party Taiwan (GPT) had originally planned to nominate US-born naturalized-Taiwanese Robin Winkler to represent the party in the legislative by-election for Taipei City’s Da-an District next month, a clause in the Nationality Act forced the GPT to name former party secretary-general Calvin Wen instead. Wen sat down with ‘Taipei Times’ staff reporter Meggie Lu last Wednesday to speak about the party’s mission and its slim chance of winning
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009, Page 3
Taipei Times: The GPT has been a strong advocate of environmentally friendly policies. How are you going to balance environmental prosperity with economic gain?
Calvin Wen (溫炳原): What Taiwan needs most is a green economy and a sustainable homeland. The GPT proposes that the key to achieving a green economy is to shift the economic structure of the island by collecting carbon taxes and lowering income taxes. In Europe, [this approach] has successfully [discouraged] industries with high carbon emissions and helped maintain a balance between the economy and the environment.
I do not deny that this will at first have a negative impact on some industries, but these industries may have caused some of Taiwan’s problems to begin with.
For example, the government gives the Formosa Plastics Group (FPG) a lot of subsidies and tax breaks every year. But while all Taiwanese suffer from the environmental consequences caused by FPG, the group’s profits are not shared by all. This is economically unjust.
Industries are starting to weigh environmental costs against economic gains, but ultimately their direction is driven by government policy. Without clear policies, businesses are less likely to change.
With the imposition of carbon taxes, FPG may be pressured to develop renewable energy, because its profit will be maximized where economics meets the environment.
TT: Give an example of a green policy for Taipei.
Wen: The city’s mass transportation should be made more convenient, efficient and punctual. As private cars and scooters have been a main contributor to the city’s traffic congestion and bad air, we propose a total cap on the number of private vehicles. When this happens, the need for mass transportation will increase and pressure will exist for its improvement.
The MRT system has been good, but statistics show that it has not increased the number of people who take mass transportation. It has absorbed some of the bus takers and thus has been competing with other means of mass transportation.
Instead, we want bicycles to be used for transportation instead of just leisure.
We have no doubt that Taipei residents already love their bicycles, riding them every weekend along the riverside paths. The city has also employed a variation of Paris’ bicycle rental program that was proposed by the French city's deputy mayor, a Green Party member.
However, we hope that the government can make it feasible for people to ride bicycles to work and to shop, without having to worry about being hit by cars.
When cars decrease, bikers and drivers can share the roads. From Europe’s experience, we know that drivers can treat pedestrians and bikers with courtesy and respect. While this is cultural, it also needs to be supported by policy.
TT: GPT Secretary-General Pan Han-shen (潘翰聲) has said the GPT has a slim chance of winning the election. Why are you running?
Wen: I admit that we are at a disadvantage, but we hope that voters can recognize our efforts.
At this time, small parties may provide a momentum for voters to change. From past experience, we know that without much baggage, small parties can propose aggressive and innovative policies that larger parties may adopt to secure votes.
We offer voters a different point of view, which is important for small parties. In turn, small parties are very important to large parties, because we keep them in check. In addition to the GPT, we call on other small parties, such as the New Party, to participate in this election.
On the other hand, our chances may not be so slim Although 60 percent to 70 percent of voters in the Da-an District traditionally support the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), the controversy surrounding [former KMT legislator] Diane Lee [李慶安] could make people rethink their support and perhaps not vote for the KMT. Therefore, these voters’ ballots are still up for grabs.
We have suggested that the Central Election Commission hold a debate for all candidates so that voters can get a better grasp of our views.
TT: If you are elected, the GPT will have only one seat in the legislature. How would you plan on utilizing your only seat?
Wen: We know that in the legislature we are unlikely to win votes in policy proposals. As such I would act as the people’s watchdog in the legislature and report to voters any injustice and pocketing or exchanging of funds I see, hear and witness.
Instead of engaging in political mudslinging, I would inspect the legal system from the bottom up and seek improvements. I would of course propose laws, but I understand that it will take time [for them to be accepted].
Category:Green Party Taiwan
Posted by: Calvin Date: 02/18/2009
By Meggie Lu, STAFF REPORTER,Thursday, Feb 12, 2009, Page 3
Calvin Wen, former secretary-general of Green Party Taiwan, holds up a Green Party sign after he was nominated as the party’s candidate for the legislative by-election in Taipei City’s sixth constituency yesterday.PHOTO: CNA
» » » Read More
Category:Introduction
Posted by: Calvin Date: 02/17/2009
By Robin Winkler, Han-Sheng Pan, Frank LaMacchia and Calvin Wen
As part of the Global Climate Campaign's Action day, Green Party Taiwan hosted a march and concert on Dec. 6th here in Taipei. The parade began at Liberty Square, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and ended up at Da-an Forest Park. Protesters dressed themselves up in diverse costumes such as polar bears, ghosts and birds, representing how climate change has already claimed many defenceless victims. After everyone marched through the streets of Taipei, we were treated to a wonderful musical performance that combined the efforts of independent singers and local activists, which entertained the audience while engaging their social, political and environmental consciousness.
The campaign against global climate change for Taiwan this year was titled "Taiwan: Get up!" The initiator groups drew attention to the facts of Taiwan's inconvenient truth, while demanding change, highlighting issues such as:
As part of the Global Climate Campaign's Action day, Green Party Taiwan hosted a march and concert on Dec. 6th here in Taipei. The parade began at Liberty Square, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and ended up at Da-an Forest Park. Protesters dressed themselves up in diverse costumes such as polar bears, ghosts and birds, representing how climate change has already claimed many defenceless victims. After everyone marched through the streets of Taipei, we were treated to a wonderful musical performance that combined the efforts of independent singers and local activists, which entertained the audience while engaging their social, political and environmental consciousness.
The campaign against global climate change for Taiwan this year was titled "Taiwan: Get up!" The initiator groups drew attention to the facts of Taiwan's inconvenient truth, while demanding change, highlighting issues such as:
» » » Read More
Category:Introduction
Posted by: Calvin Date: 12/25/2008
Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard. Together with Taiwan Watch and the Taiwan Green Party we have produced the Kanji character subtitles for Annie Leonard's brilliant, succinct and basic lesson on what's been going on in America during the last half century and what we around the world seem so very eager to emulate. The three Taiwan groups will be visiting leading economists in Taiwan to encourage support for a public debate about the advisability of stimulating consumption through consumption coupons and other measures the government has recently promoted. For the original video, please go to their website http://www.storyofstuff.com/. Already nearly 5 million viewers have watched the twenty minute clip and we at Wild are very pleased to be part of the programs presentation to kanji (the traditional Chinese characters used in Taiwan) readers around the world. For more information in kanji on this video as well as a full translation of Annie's well-researched notes, please see Taiwan Watch Institute's site http://www.taiwanwatch.org.tw/sos/sos-01.htm.
» » » Read More
Category:Introduction
Posted by: Calvin Date: 12/21/2008
Time: 6 December 2008 1300
Liberty Square marchers assemble
Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall bicycles assemble
Time: 6 December 2008 1500-1700
Music performances at the Da An Forest Park
Taiwan’s per capita green house emissions are three times the world average, have grown faster than any other developed country and are growing at twice the rate of the world’s average. As an island nation the threats are even greater: landslides and flooding, dengue fever and other disease, and rising costs of daily necessities are but a few of the consequences of our failure to face the fact of climate change. The government needs to take an active role and come up with specific policies and action plans.
» » » Read More
Category:Action Calls
Posted by: Calvin Date: 12/01/2008
At Sao Paolo we agreed on a Global Greens Declaration, Climate Change – Time for Transformation. It calls on the international community to negotiate in good faith to ensure that a binding and equitable regime for global greenhouse gas reductions, that is consistent with avoiding dangerous climate change, is agreed at COP 15 at Copenhagen in 2009 (see full text at http://plan21.globalgreens.org/node/106; english only at this stage; translations will be arranged).
» » » Read More
Category:Green Party Taiwan
Posted by: Calvin Date: 11/29/2008
The "green wedding celebration" of longstanding Green Party Taiwan supporter Chen Rui-bin was covered in the local English language media. The news was a welcome relief from the daily outpouring of urgings from the government for the nation to go on a consumer frenzy as a way of "saving the economy". Already the government has announced "consumption coupons" for every one of us 23 million Taiwanese, subsidies ranging from the equivalent of EU1150 to 2300 for people who buy new cars, and is now getting ready to seek out international loans to support plans to subsidize real estate speculation and community destruction under the guise of "urban renewal."
» » » Read More
Category:Green Party Taiwan
Posted by: Calvin Date: 11/28/2008
With the return of the Chinese nationalist KMT to nearly absolute power in Taiwan last May, we are going through national deja vu so far as abuses of economic, social and political power go. Organized violence by police, condoned by the government is but one of the manifestations of a return to martial law. Green Party Taiwan Secretary General has been an outspoken advocate of legislative reform for Taiwan's assembly laws. His views were featured in Chinese and English language media.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Published on Taipei Times，the article link
Copyright © 1999-2008 The Taipei Times. All rights reserved.
Put an end to meddling in freedom of assembly
By Pan Han-shen 潘翰聲
Wednesday, Nov 26, 2008, Page 8
It has Become traditional for the annual year-end conference of the signatories to the UN Climate Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol to be accompanied by parades, concerts and other activities worldwide to raise public awareness.
This year, the activities in Taiwan are scheduled for Dec. 6 and organizers include the Green Party Taiwan and the Taiwan Environmental Action Network (台灣環境行動網), among many others.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Published on Taipei Times，the article link
Copyright © 1999-2008 The Taipei Times. All rights reserved.
Put an end to meddling in freedom of assembly
By Pan Han-shen 潘翰聲
Wednesday, Nov 26, 2008, Page 8
It has Become traditional for the annual year-end conference of the signatories to the UN Climate Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol to be accompanied by parades, concerts and other activities worldwide to raise public awareness.
This year, the activities in Taiwan are scheduled for Dec. 6 and organizers include the Green Party Taiwan and the Taiwan Environmental Action Network (台灣環境行動網), among many others.
» » » Read More
Category:Green Party Taiwan
Posted by: Calvin Date: 11/26/2008
With the return of the Chinese nationalist KMT to nearly absolute power in Taiwan last May, we are going through national deja vu so far as abuses of economic, social and political power go. Organized violence by police, condoned by the government is but one of the manifestations of a return to martial law. Green Party Taiwan Secretary General has been an outspoken advocate of legislative reform for Taiwan's assembly laws. His views were featured in Chinese and English language media.
» » » Read More
Category:Green Party Taiwan
Posted by: Calvin Date: 11/26/2008
