June 20~26, 2011
Editorial
Editorial: Less personal convenience for more common security
Translated by Lydia Ma
On May 30, 2011, the German government led by Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that Germany would eliminate all nuclear plants by 2022, making Germany the first industrialized country to abolish nuclear energy.
The decision was a difficult one to make for the German government because a few months before this announcement Merkel had proposed extending the lifespan of Germany’s nuclear reactors just before her re-election campaign.
But after mulling over this issue with her cabinet in the weeks following the nuclear spill in Japan, her government announced that in 2022 Germany would bid farewell to nuclear energy and added that the decision would not irrevocable.
In contrast, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan recently passed a national budget on June 13, 2011, which included a NT$14 billion allocation to finish construction of Nuclear Power Plant No.4.
Just as the world’s national leaders are realizing the perils of nuclear energy, Taiwan’s ruling KMT party is refusing to consider the opposition DPP party’s request that the matter be put to a national referendum.
As a sign to confirm the KMT’s intention to proceed with plans to finish Nuclear Power Plant No.4, a giant cargo ship from Holland carrying 1,100 tons of reactor pressure vessel approached Keelung harbor in northern Taiwan on the morning of June 19, 2011.
When it comes to nuclear energy, Germany’s decision to forgo nuclear energy and explore alternative and renewable energy reflects the Biblical adage, “For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self?”. In contrast, the KMT government still has its head in the sand.
As our humankind pursues greater convenience, comfort, and happiness, we will often use our God-given wisdom to invent and discover new technologies – such as nuclear fission. However, as we learn about the dangers that accompany these new technologies, we must also question if the way in which we use them are against God’s intention for creation – such as and using nuclear energy for electricity.
Germany has chosen to exchange less individual convenience for greater common security. What about our government?