In the process by which politics progresses towards modernization, the Legislative Yuan has become a political structure of utmost importance. The mass media, both at home and abroad, have always been deeply concerned with the words and actions of the legislators. During the past two years the shows of contention and arguing within the Yuan and the sudden, often dramatic actions of some members have been quickly transmitted throughout society by means of television and newspaper reports, thus acting as a vent for some parts of society. On the other hand, however, objective social and economic conditions, the establishment of a democratic model for the populace, and the promotion of rational behavior are especially essential to democracy. As the focus of public attention, members of the Legislative Yuan will undoubtedly have an effect on society and determine whether the ROC succeeds in democratic reforms.

On account of this we naturally emphasize the results of political reforms. At the same time, however, we should pay close attention to the means by which reforms are made in order to avoid excesses from occurring.

In the present stage of democratic reform in the ROC, the question which is attracting the most attention and is also most controversial is that of the retirement of senior parliamentarians. The difficult draft, "The Retirement of Senior Parliamentary Members," has adopted a plan by which senior members may retire if they desire to do so. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), however, is seeking a complete overhaul. When this bill reaches the Legislative Yuan for deliberation, there is sure to be much contention. The reform touches the basic problem of a balance between modernism and traditionalism. Only when the forces of the two are blended together can political reform have a far-reaching effect and lay the foundation for future political stability.

Political reform is an adjustment of the political structure and function to changes in the social environment. Therefore, any reforms must take into consideration various factors in reality. They shouldn't be influ enced by the subjective view of a certain group or individual, nor should emotional words and deeds be used as a means of opposition.

For future security of the nation, the ruling party must maintain an attitude of open-mindedness, look towards the future, and consider the opinions of society as it lays a good foundation for the revitalization of the parliament. On the other hand, we hope that the opposition party will remain calm and maintain a logical and rational attitude as this bill goes before the Legislative Yuan, in order to complete an important political law for the nation.

When taking a look at successful democracies of various Western nations, we can see that their democratic systems are able to grow steadily because they recognize and accept new social forces in a changing social environment. On the other hand, these nations are also able to maintain a corresponding respect for tradition and obtain cooperation and support from traditional influences. Modernization emphasizes harmony between the traditional and the modern, rather than advocates a total rejection or destruction of tradition. As the ROC lends impetus to democratization in all areas, whether this concept will be commonly accepted among political leaders is perhaps the key factor to the ROC's future democratic stability.

The Legislative Yuan is an important part of the political system of the nation. Society looks on anxiously so that every word and action of the legislators has an educational function on the people. Excessive emotionalism--whether in words or actions--will not benefit the development of the nation's democracy. We hope that members of the Legislative Yuan will show restraint in their actions and public speeches and realize that the changes of the system should be gradual and that tradition and modernization must be harmonized. Only in this way will the reforms of the ROC result in long-term political stability.