Taiwan Votes, Ancient Disorders, and How Space Smells

Taiwan Elections

Taiwanese voters head to the polls today to choose the island's next president and legislature, marking the world's first big election of the year. The winner of the elections could have major implications for Taiwan's fate and its strained relationship with China.

Beijing views the self-governing island of Taiwan as part of China, while Taiwan maintains it is a sovereign nation (see background). The incoming leader's position on the issue could impact China's future actions; China's government has framed the elections as "a choice between war and peace."

Taiwan's close presidential race features three top contenders: Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih of the leading opposition party Kuomintang, and former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, founder of the center-left Taiwan People’s Party.

Lai seeks to maintain the status quo while protecting Taiwan's independence, while Hou seeks to renew diplomatic ties with China (which broke off in 2016 when current Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who has stood up against the "One China" policy, was elected). Ko claims he seeks a middle-of-the-road approach. 

In partnership with Pendulum

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Fran B. in Mexico, Maine.

"Our community was hit with a devastating rain storm Dec. 18 .... a lot of our town and the surrounding towns of Rumford, Dixfield, and many other towns were flooded. The two apartments on the first floor of our building took in over 5 inches of water; our apartment was damaged the worst. Our entire neighborhood had over 5 feet of water in it. We had to be taken to safety by boat. We were taken to the Rumford high school where I saw other people who had also been flooded out of their homes and lost most, if not all, of their belongings."

"We didn't know how much we had lost until we were able to get back to the house to assess our losses; we lost all of our clothes and the majority of our furniture .... While I was at the high school, I saw a community pull together like I've never seen in my life! People started bringing in donations and they didn't stop for days. Toys, clothes, toiletries, you name it, it was there and school workers were there making food .... I started thanking people individually on their way in or out of the school and I tried to thank the school workers, too.

My heart was so full. I'm so proud of my community."

What act(s) of kindness did you experience this week? Tell us here.