Alina and Jeff Blumls language barrier 2008, photographed at Saatchi Gallery, London

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang

"Security lies in right and wrong, not strength or weakness; survival lies in truth and falsehood, not numbers or scarcity."

Han Feizi

Facing today's paradoxical presidential election, the clash between the blue and green camps' "incompetents" and "novices" has widened ethnic divides, filling society with conflict and anxiety. Although polls suggest President Tsai may win, there remains an inexplicable anxiety about the future before the votes are counted. Taiwan lacks no "illiterates," yet this election reveals a vast expanse of "reason-blindness," prompting deep reflection. We can no longer wait; we face a battle for national security and survival. With courage, we must demonstrate our democratic literacy through action, facing forward to exercise rationality, distinguish right from wrong, and verify truth. As French writer Sartre said, "Freedom is a choice; our future depends on the choices we make today." Otherwise, we will have tears but none to cry. Indeed, "if there are no tears in the eyes, there will be no rainbows in the heart."