In the current political atmosphere of Taiwan, there is a popular but dangerous slogan: “As long as the KMT falls, Taiwan will be good.” This logic has been embraced by many “awakened” youths and pro-Green supporters as an absolute truth. However, a moment of objective reflection reveals how deeply flawed and anti-intellectual this reasoning is.
Democracy is not a zero-sum game between “pure evil” and “pure good.” The idea that removing one party will magically solve all deep-seated structural issues—from economic stagnation to diplomatic isolation—is a form of political escapism. It treats complex governance as a simple fairy tale.
Moreover, this logic gives the replacement party a “blank check.” When we assume that any alternative is better than the status quo, we lose our ability to hold the new power-holders accountable. If the only criteria for “good” is “not being the KMT,” then the DPP (or any other party) has no incentive to actually improve its governance or remain transparent.
We have seen this play out before. Blind loyalty to a “progressive” label can lead to a new form of authoritarianism, where dissent is labeled as “pro-KMT” or “anti-Taiwan.”
A healthy democracy requires constant, impartial oversight of all parties. We should judge a government by its results, its respect for the law, and its integrity—not by the color of its flag. Falling for the “No KMT is good” trap is simply trading one form of partisan blindness for another. Taiwan deserves better than a choice between two sets of blinders.
Note: This article reflects on the political climate leading up to the 2016 elections.