公義論壇成立方案

公義論壇成立方案
2007/5/21

一、名稱
本論壇將定名為公義論壇
二、緣起
台灣社會經過五十多年KMT一黨獨大，專制統治以後，DPP領導的新政府，七年多來已使台灣的民主體制步上令人憂心之路。尤其從2004年總統大選後，整個社會任由政客挑撥離間，製造對立，媒體意識掛帥，偏頗扭曲，導致台灣社會嚴重撕裂，人心惶恐不安，壓抑怨恨。而執政黨與反對黨似乎從來不知倫理道德為何物，更勿論leadership之有無了。台灣目前不但面對倫理道德喪失、價值觀混亂，僅有的選舉民主也面臨困境，而且正感受到剛萌芽、微弱的公民意識，即將夭折的危機。公義論壇的成立就是要站出來撥亂反正，鼓勵民眾積極，熱心參與公共事務，厚植人民的力量，發揮民間的監督力量，幫助台灣成為一個真正尊重倫理、法治、理性、自律、包容的公民社會。
三、公民社會的內涵
要建立台灣成為一個真正的公民社會，我們必須Highlight這樣一個公民社會的主要內涵如下：
1. Vision（願景）是大家努力的方向與目標。
2. 誠實(Honesty)與正直(Integrity)。
3. 信任(Trust)是凡事的根本。
4. 有是非，有對錯才會有原則、有正義，也才會擇善固執。
5. 尊重法治及程序正義(Due process of Law)。
6. 尊重倫理道德。
7. 熱心參與公共事務及公益事業。
8. 顧全大局，發揮大我的團隊精神。
9. 具有遠見，自尊並培養幽默感。
10. 胸襟開放，容納異己。
11. 尊重Leadership，培育Sportsmanship。
12. 善於自律及自我反省。
四、公義論壇成員之Qualifications
論壇成員除了必須對以上公民社會的主要內涵具有共識及認同外，他（她）還必須具備以下幾個條件：
1. 高度的專業知識及豐富的社會經驗。
2. 相當的學術水準與修養。
3. 充滿熱情活力，且具親和力，能接近群眾。
4. 高度的可信度（Credibility）及可靠性（Reliability）。
5. 高度的倫理標準與道德觀。
6. 只問是非，不問立場；只問對錯，不問黨派。
7. 勇於仗義執言，發揮道德勇氣，堅持只有死掉的魚才會隨波逐流(Only dead fishes swim with the stream)。
8. 秉持並堅信愛與關懷，是公民社會不可或缺的元素。
9. 以超然、公正、理性、中道自我期許。
10. 具有良好的溝通能力及技巧並願意寬宏大量參與理性的、開放的、自由的、及坦白的溝通、討論與辯論者。
五、參與程序(手續)
本論壇採介紹入會制。初期以具有社會聲望，對社會有影響力的意見領袖為主幹，凡符合公義論壇成員之Qualifications都可以用個人名義參加而成為本論壇的創始成員。爾後本論壇的成員可往外徵詢本論壇認同的社會菁英人士，由兩位論壇成員的介紹，經工作小組初審通過，再經全體論壇認可，即可成為論壇的成員，參與本論壇的活動與運作。
六、公義論壇的目標與行動綱領
我們的目標是幫助建立台灣成為一個真正尊重倫理、法治、理性、自律、包容的公民社會。我們的行動綱領（Action Plan）可Highlight如下：
1. 積極促進並支持上述公民社會內涵的所有活動。
2. 不定期出版Working paper promoting and supporting issues on building a civil society.
3. 對所有公眾人物（政府官員、立法委員、媒體……）之言行基於〝Public persons are subject to public scrutiny〞之崇高原則，提出事實，客觀且中肯的評論，批判與監督。
4. 對所有政府政策，立法議案，etc.，提出深入、專業、高水準、有公信力之評論；並提出不同的觀點及方案。
5. 基於對貪污、枉法、舞弊、盜國、政治分贓etc.之深痛惡絕，將對此作全力且永不止息的聲討。
6. 建立一個開放且自由平等的辯論平台，讓所有關係台灣公民社會內涵的議題，有充分、透明、理性、公開且徹底的討論與辯論的機會，用以形成社會共識。
7. 應積極建立固定的發表模式、園地、尋求各種媒體的合作，以擴大效果。
8. 針對相同議題，可與相關團體結盟合作，相得益彰，並達到加乘的效果。
9. 選舉時就各政黨提名人選之從政成績，政商關係等等進行評估，將真相向選民說明，供選民參考。
10. 本論壇將視實際情形，下設若干小組，譬如族群與國家認同、倫理道德的提升、法治社會的建立、媒體的社會責任、民主文化的建立、人文素養的提昇、兩岸與台美關係、政黨與民主發展、政商關係等等議題，每小組公推一人為召集人，原則上關於小組活動方式，以及論述議題的選定由每小組自行討論決定。議題經由小組內部討論形成共識後，提交論壇作必要的補充，最後由論壇成員具名連署共同發表。
11. 本論壇成員以電子郵件聯繫為主，並建立本論壇網址，對外開放，以廣納各方意見。
12. 本論壇必須充分發揮所有成員的智力（Intellectual Power）、智慧（Wisdom）、專業知識（Professional Knowledge）、學術內涵（Academic Insights）、創意（Creativity and Originality）、合作（Cooperation and Collaboration）、超然的態度及團隊精神，積極並快速有效的建立本論壇之信譽（Reputation）。一旦建立我們的信譽，我們就能匯集廣大的合作夥伴，並進而達到我們的目標。

Adam Smith and Taiwan

Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand, Part I Taiwan
Jerome F. Keating Ph.D.

Like it or not, Taiwan’s destiny is to be the Island in the Stream. For while Taiwan always has had trade with the islands around it and with the Asian continent, it was only when the “invisible hand” that Adam Smith speaks of in The Wealth of Nations took hold of many Europeans that Taiwan’s future would be shaped. This invisible hand would drive the Europeans to enter Asian waters; they came in search of many things but first primarily in search of spices known for their taste, medicinal value and even preservative aspects and other commodities of trade. This quest had a major role in putting Taiwan on the “radar screen” and maps of Europe and in so plotting Taiwan’s future and often turbulent destiny.

In the 16th Century, Spain and Portugal, the then two major European maritime powers, explored Asian waters to gain access to the Spice Islands and to expand their trade routes. The Portuguese had rounded Africa’s Cape of Storms (re-naming it the Cape of Good Hope) on their way to India in 1497; by 1557 they would also colonize Macau; from there it would be one of their ships on its way to Japan that would pass and name Taiwan as Ihla Formosa (beautiful island). Despite giving it a lasting name, the Portuguese would never settle on Taiwan.

Because of the Treaty of Tordesillas, the Spanish, however, had to find a different route than that of the Portuguese around Africa. And so they came to Asia from the opposite direction with Magellan rounding the tip of South America. He reached the Philippines in 1521. Spanish colonization of Manila would follow some fifty years later (1571). And in another 55 years the Spanish would colonize Taiwan (1626). They would be driven out in 1643 by a 17th Century competitor and follower of the invisible hand, the Dutch. The relative isolation that Taiwan once enjoyed would never be the same.

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Adam Smith and the Invisible Hand: Part II, the Manila-Acapulco Trade Route

Now while Taiwan is often the center my writings, as far as Spain was concerned in the 16th and 17th centuries, Taiwan was only one part of the larger picture of its trade, empire and expansion. An oft-forgotten part of that picture is the long standing Manila-Acapulco Trade Route, whose establishment and history have enough tales, challenges and adventures to create several novels. For though the Spanish had arrived in the Philippines as early as 1521 and a remnant of Magellan’s men would continue west to complete their round-the-world journey, the Spanish faced yet another problem. If they were to develop consistent trade with Asia, they would need to find a way back east across the Pacific Ocean.

We often read of the Spanish galleons bringing gold and treasures from Mexico back to Spain, but we seldom realize that there was a whole different theatre of trade developing on the Pacific side of Mexico. Why? As the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided the lands bordering the Atlantic Ocean between the Spanish and Portuguese, so the subsequent Treaty of Saragossa (1526) divided the lands on the Asian side of the globe. This meant that for Spain, most of the lands west of the Philippines were in Portuguese waters. The Spanish were not to sail to, trade with or conquer lands in that area. For Spanish trade ships therefore even to venture through Portuguese trade routes was risky and provocative.

In today’s age of steam and even nuclear powered ships, to go from the Philippines back to Mexico is no challenge. Going in any direction is natural but in the 16th Century, when ships were solely dependent on wind and current it was a different story. There were no winds or currents that went direct from Manila to Acapulco. They had to be found, and it would take the Spaniards some forty plus years of exploring to realize that they lay much further north off the coast of Japan.

Two Spaniards, Andres de Urdaneta and Alonso de Arellano, discovered this route almost simultaneously in 1565.by following the Kuroshio Stream up to Japan. Arellano completed the return trip to Mexico first by about three months, but Urdaneta is given more credit since his records were more detailed and accurate allowing others to follow more easily.

While driven by the invisible hand, one must nevertheless admire the courage and daring of men setting out through uncharted Pacific waters on a trip filled with dangers of typhoons, storms, potentially hostile territories for a journey that could take 100 days or longer.

The Spanish ships would pass by Taiwan on this route, but Taiwan even after the Spanish settlements (1626-1643) would serve only as an adjustment point or a port in a storm if needed rather than a regular stop over. Since the ships were well laden with cargo and setting out for what would be a trip of anywhere from 80 to 120 days, the captains were more interested in making as much time as possible on this trek than in stopping for a rest so soon.
. .
Once established, this trade route from Manila to Acapulco would continue from 1565 to 1815 with the main commodities being the Spanish bringing silver from Mexico to use in Asia and bringing back to Mexico the much sought after Chinese silk. It is hard to imagine and picture such a world but it was there. This thriving trade carried on for over 250 years with its ups and downs, risks and rewards and the invisible hand bringing people together in ways they did not dream of. This too was part of Taiwan’s past. Part III to follow.


Other writings can be found at http://zen.sandiego.edu:8080/Jerome

11 Ways to Live to 100

11 Ways to Live to 100

Our modern day version of the search for a fountain of youth takes place in Big Pharma's research and development labs, as they vie to make the pill orpotion that will stave off the ravages of age। Is there a better, more natural way? I've been seeing lots of great research focusing on secrets to longer life. Here are some of the best that I've found. These very simple and low-tech steps can make enormous impact on your health and longevity.

1. Run for Your Life People who run in midlife and beyond live longer, report researchers in the August 11, 2008, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. The authors concluded that vigorous exercise such as running at middle and older ages was associated with reduced disability in life and a higher survival rate. Older runners (50 years and over) remained more fit than older people who did not run, and were about twice as likely to be alive after 20 years. Especially as we grow older, exercise is essential to keeping the body strong and supple, boosting blood supply to the brain, maintaining bone density and controlling stress and anxiety. Of course, any physical activity is better than none -- and the more, the better. Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise -- brisk walking, bicycling, swimming, dancing -- most days of the week.

2. Daily Brain Training It's not just physical exercise that pays dividends over time -- successfulaging requires a commitment to brain fitness as well. To stay sharp and stave off cognitive decline, challenge your mind as well as your muscles, urges Robert N. Butler, MD, president and CEO of the International Longevity
Center and author of The Longevity Revolution: The Benefits and Challenges of Living a Long Life. His suggestions for good brain workouts include learning a new language or playing a musical instrument. Other ideas include doing daily puzzles, such as crossword or Sudoku, and joining discussion groups on books, current events, religion or other topics you find stimulating. Also useful -- a growing number of electronic programs, ranging from a Nintendo game system called Brain Age (www.brainage.com) to a computer program by Posit Science called Brain Fitness Program Classic (www.positscience.com).

3. Food for ThoughtSpecific substances shown to help fight aging include resveratrol (in grapes, grape juice and red wine) and other similar polyphenols (in blueberries, raspberries and cranberries). These help discourage inflammation, which is believed to lie at the root of cognitive decline,
cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and more. Other youth-enhancing foods and beverages include walnuts, strawberries, pomegranate juice, green tea, sweet potatoes and spinach. These will fortify wellness and longevity.

4. Flaxseed, Fish and Other Sources of Omega-3 Fatty AcidsOmega-3 fatty acids support heart, brain, joint and skin health and more. One of them -- docosahexaenoic acid or DHA -- may help prevent cognitive decline, and in animal studies shows promise in limiting development of the amyloid plaques in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer's disease. Good food sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish (salmon, tuna, herring, etc.), flaxseeds and walnuts. Supplements are another way to go -- best bet is either Nordic Naturals or the fish oil line from Pharmax.

5. Turn to TurmericLike omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric confers cognitive benefits -- its main
biologically active phytochemical component is antioxidant-rich curcumin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage and improve learning and memory. Interestingly, Alzheimer's disease is rarer in India, where curry is frequently consumed, than in other cultures.
6. Cut CaloriesResearch indicates staying slim may add years of healthy living to your life. Excess weight has been shown time and time again to lead to all sorts of life-threatening diseases. In contrast, calorie restriction has been known to slow aging in animals, and a new study in the June 2008 issue of Rejuvenation Research suggests that it may have the same impact on humans. According to researchers at Washington University, reducing your intake by just 300 to 500 calories a day (skip the extra slice of pepperoni pizza for lunch or forego the chocolate cake for dessert) may slow the aging process by lowering
levels of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine. Learn more about this approach at the Web site of the Calorie Restriction Society (www.calorierestriction.org).

7. Let the Sunshine Vitamin InVitamin D plays an ever more important role in our health as we age -- yet an increasing number of Americans are deficient in it, says Daily Health News contributing medical editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND. It's a phenomenon heblames on the sun avoidance urged by dermatologists and sunscreen marketers, which has the unintended result of blocking our ability to synthesize vitamin D from the sun. Lack of the sunshine vitamin may not only harm the bones, it may influence your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. One study in the June 9, 2008, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine linked low levels of vitamin D to increased heart attack risk, and another in the June 23 edition found that a vitamin D
deficiency more than doubled the risk of death from any cause. For protection against vitamin D deficiency, Dr. Rubman suggests 15 minutes of sunshine daily (hold the sunscreen). Dietary sources of vitamin D include salmon, tuna, eggs and enriched dairy products. If your doctor orders a vitamin D test and your levels are still low, he/she may also prescribe up to 2,000 IU/ daily.

8. Attack AnxietyAnxiety is the enemy of longevity. In one study, conducted in part at Purdue University, and which included more than 1,600 men aged 43 to 91, researchers used personality tests to identify "neurotic" individuals-- those who worried too much and reacted to stress negatively. After 12 years, only half the men who measured "high" or "increasing"(meaning their anxiety levels were going up, not down, as they aged) on the neuroticism scale were still alive, as compared with about 80% of the others. These
results were published in the May 2008 edition of Psychological Science.

9. Work for LivingPurpose and passion are essential. Older people need to define goals, keep busy and continue to give themselves a good reason to get out of bed each morning, Dr. Butler emphasizes. In his view, people who like their work would most likely enjoy happier and healthier lives if they postponed retirement, or perhaps just cut back to part-time. Alternatively, there are ways to keep your hand in, even after retirement. For example, retired journalists can teach classes at city colleges and bankers may volunteer to help people with their finances at public libraries.

10. Friends for LifeSocializing, including staying in touch with your friends and family, as well as being part of some kind of community, grows more important as you age. In fact, social isolation in seniors is a risk factor for stress, health
problems and even early death. The stress hormone cortisol contributes to damage of the hippocampus (the part of the brain essential to the formation of memories, and the region most impacted by cognitive decline).

11. Take Time to PlayWhile work is important, so is play. There's truth in that old saying:It's important to stop and smell the roses. Throughout life, make time to take vacations, enjoy lazy weekends, laugh with friends, play with grandchildren and continue to build the memories that go into making a long life a good one.

Source(s):
Robert N. Butler, MD, president and CEO of the International Longevity Center and author of The Longevity Revolution: The Benefits and Challenges of Living a Long Life (PublicAffairs). Dr. Butler was the founding director of the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health, which he directed from 1976 to 1982.Andrew L.
Rubman, ND, director, Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines, Southbury, Connecticut.