Taipei Tried to Manipulate 2006 Nicaragua Election
Submitted by fyl on Sat, 2011/06/04 - 05:47.
The Taipei Times reports that Taiwan wanted the US to help them manipulate the 2006 presidetial election in Nicaragua. The information is based on a cable leaked by Wikileaks. The concern was that an Ortega goverment would shift diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China. What is interesting is that Nicaragua is one of the few nations in the world who maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. (You have to pick—:China will not open diplomatic relations with a country who officially recognizes Taiwan.)
The information is not really a surprise. It is mostly interesting that thanks to Wikileaks, we found out about it now rather than 20 years from now.
In July, Ko Jai-son (柯吉生), then director-general of Central and South American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requested a meeting with the AIT on July 19, urging the US to encourage anti-Sandinista candidates to cooperate and field a single candidate against Ortega.
Manipulation
Here is why I picked that word. To me, the common usage seems to differ the same way propaganda can mean marketing or be a bad word. I, however, picked manipulate because it felt more accurate.
Seldom is someone helped by another government because the helping government is just being nice. That is, they expect something in return. In many cases, rejection of that help is also politicized. Let me take a specific example.
After Hurricane Katrina wiped out New Orlenes, the US asked for aid from, for example, the EU. Other countries offered aid but, in some cases, it was rejected. The following is from Wikipedia- If you happen to not trust Wikipedia, the article inclues lots of references.
Were these offers purely humanitarian or were their intended to influence? I would guess influence. In this case, to me, influence is the right word. Why? Because what is being offered would be a clear benefit to the recipients. Specificially, what Cuba had to offered could have been delivered very early on when it was critically needed.
On the other hand, when a country or person just wants to change something thinking only of their/their country's benefit (this article, Oliver North, ...), I would pick the word manipulate.
Feel free to apply your own translaiton to my words but that was my criteria for what I selected.
ummm
You're very selective !!!!
Thank you.
Thank you.
I was trying to be as precise as possible in my explanation.
manipulate?
You choose the word "manipulate." The article says "influence." There is a significant connotative difference I believe. There was evidently an attempt to persuade opposition candidates to reduce the field in order to insure a continued diplomatic relationship with Nicaragua. How awful! You wouldn't be trying to manipulate the readers response would you?
Geez RoyH...
Splitting hairs to the power ten...
Welcome to the real world.
"Manipulation of the readers", give us all a bit of credit will you old chap!!
Of course, generating the sway of the crowd the other way could be because one has recently moved here and in the export business (coffee to start) who is also needing to stay onside with the government. (or at the very least convince oneself that they made good decision)
The readers can work out the vested interests of those who have them.
Dr. Fyl's are legendary, for those who have that perception about him.
If you think
manipulate and influence are hair splitting differences..especially in the way the "alternate" word was used, you need to stand in the rain for a bit. But maybe I am misreading you post J...did I get a a bit lost in sarcasm...not to be confused with pique. Even if those of us who have been on for a while recognize the frequent prevaricative methods of the fyl, we still need to call him on it. ZZT
I was being a bit of CB
But as a matter of interest:
Ollie North In Managua for the 2006 election...Manipulating or Influencing?
Jebb Bush's three quarter page ad in the national papers, (Florida State Seal and all)...Manipulating or Influencing?
more
500 millions dollars a year from Chavez....Manipulating or Influencing?
$195.8 million pardon debt from Libya...Manipulating or Influencing?
support from our President to Libyan genocide...result of Manipulation or influence?
I guess we could go on....
But nicanor is manipulating my posts and trying to influence the readers.
Seems like the Taiwanese
have vast experience dealing with communists and were just trying to pass on some good advice to the Nicaraguan liberales.Too bad the libereles are such slow learners. they still don`t get it.
``Vote for me—I`ll set you free`` Anon.