閃靈Freddy Lim 佛來敵

The 228 festival, from my understanding and personal experience, is a
rockfest to celebrate Taiwan democracy. It is above politics, sponsors and
opinions. This is why Consider The Meek played it last year. We wanted to be
part of a demonstration of freedom. It is an opportunity for people to come
together and observe freedom of expression in action. Taiwan has been under
oppression from China for a long time. Over 800 Chinese missiles are
directed at this peaceful nation, simply for Taiwan people wanting to
explore their true identity. It is fitting that the promoters put it on the
massacre of February 28, 1947 in Taiwan during KMT ruling. A massacre that
should not have happened and promoters of the 228 festival help people in
Taiwan and abroad not to forget. The tragedy of 228 is a reminder of how
fragile a relationship between government and people can be and the innocent
Taiwanese who were killed deserve our remembrance. There have been some
opposition from a very concentrated minority who have accused the 228
festival of being more harm than good. These people have claimed that the
issue of Taiwan independence surrounding the festival, and the public
display of being "Taiwanese" may lead to more conflict with China. However,
they have not considered the postive international reaction from this
festival. International acts like Muse, Strike Anywhere and Akiakane come to
rock out on an island of 23 million people who are constantly under threat,
ignored, exploited and isolated. Whether you agree with "saying yes to
Taiwan" or not, the 228 festival has become a demonstration of peace and
solidarity between peoples, which also includes people from China.

Kev Lee (Consider The Meek)