President Chen Shui-bian showed up at a variety of activities held at the plaza in front of the Presidential Office on the morning of October 23, 2005 and viewed the goods offered by roadside buskers, joining in the fun.
Following is the content of his address:
First, A-Bian would like to congratulate you and offer my most heartfelt appreciation for your enthusiasm in preparing this very complete "Presidential Office Local Culture Exhibition." It is your hard work that has allowed this 22nd "Presidential Office Local Culture Exhibition" and, on its last stop, the Chiayi City "True heart, Old ways, Jhuluo City" exhibit to become top-notch attractions. As you all already know, Chiayi City was once called Jhuluo and that it is the smallest of municipalities directly under the central government. As such, it has obtained the fine reputation for being "a small city with true art," "the capital of painting," and the "arts Mecca of Taiwan." Chiayi City is the home of many national treasures and a home for many of the nation's artists. Oil painter Mr. Chen Cheng-po, renowned for his depiction of the 228 Incident; painter and calligrapher Lin Yu-shan; calligrapher Professor Chen Ding-chi; Ceramics craftsman Lin Tien-mu are all members of the corona of artists from Chiayi who together have contributed to Taiwan with their works.
Chiayi has been a "baseball kingdom" and "a bastion of democracy" for a long time. Many democracy movements have their roots in Chiayi. Not only that, but Chiayi is also well known for setting an example with its "woman-centered households." Since 1982, when the city became a municipality directly under the central government, there have been four female mayors of Chiayi City, including the current mayor, Chen Li-chen—all exemplary women with outstanding political careers. With Chiayi City’s long-term plan, I'm confident that the municipality will become a cultural gathering place and a superior location for recreation.
Taiwan's democracy has taken an important step with its first change of power from one party to the next. The previous authoritarian regime has gradually collapsed and new national process and a new emphasis on the value of democracy have gradually formed. As a result, previous restrictions on the Presidential Office interior have been relaxed and people have been allowed to come in to share the space. What was previously a solemn, authoritarian government space has been liberalized and new opportunities have emerged, adding further diversity to the building, creating a sort of melting pot. In this multi-colored atmosphere, all have been given the freedom to voice their opinions, giving everyone a chance to join in the discussion and share the emotions and spirit of their heritage—this is the true spirit of democracy.
A-Bian is extremely grateful to the Council of Cultural Affairs and all who have worked on the Presidential Office project. All of the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into the "Presidential Office Local Cultural Exhibition" since its inception have allowed people to have a chance to appreciate the beauty of Taiwan. We here at the Presidential Office would like to offer special thanks to Chiayi City Mayor Chen Li-chen, who has earned respect and honor from all. She had taken time from her busy schedule to participate in the "True heart, Old ways, Jhuluo City."
Aside from presenting a cultural banquet, we aim for peaceful coexistence and there has been significant improvement in the area of public safety. Still, when an issue that is drawing the concern of all arises, the government must step in and take responsibility. So A-Bian is very grateful to Minister of the Interior Su Chia-chyuan for his leadership this year, but we need to press forward and I believe that under Minister Su's leadership, public security will continue to improve—and we must all continue to believe that this will happen. Finally, A-Bian would like to wish everyone good health and the best of everything, and that Chiayi City has prosperity and its culture flourishes.