Politician's Remark on Sheltered Workshops Sparks Outrage, Contrasted with Abe's Support for Vulnerable Groups

A proposal by Taiwanese legislator Weng Hsiao-ling to eliminate the Presidential Office's "state affairs fund" has sparked criticism, particularly after it was revealed the fund includes purchasing gifts from sheltered workshops. Weng's dismissive response that the president could "pay out of her own pocket" has drawn sharp condemnation.

“

If the president really wants to care for the vulnerable, she can pay out of her own pocket.

In response, strategist Yoichi Igarashi shared a story about former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abe's government distributed cloth masks, a policy initially mocked as "Abenomasks." However, Igarashi recounted how visually impaired individuals, who lost work due to lockdowns, found employment in the production and packaging of these masks. This government procurement provided them with income and dignity during a difficult period.

“

The best way for the government to care for the disadvantaged is not just to give them money, but to give them work.

Igarashi argued that Weng fundamentally misunderstands the role of government. While personal charity, like the president buying gift boxes herself, is commendable, government procurement from sheltered workshops represents a systemic effort to support vulnerable populations. It's not about handouts, but about creating opportunities for self-reliance and preserving dignity through meaningful work.

“

A box of pineapple cakes, a bar of handmade soap, may seem insignificant, but behind it may be one person's job, one family's income.

The strategist emphasized that purchasing items like pineapple cakes or handmade soaps from these workshops, though seemingly small, can represent a crucial source of income for individuals and their families. He criticized the focus on the monetary value of the fund, urging lawmakers to consider the human impact of such cuts. Failing to recognize the value of these programs, he concluded, demonstrates a profound lack of empathy essential for any political figure.

“

So when many people were mocking the 'Abenomasks,' Daishan and some visually impaired friends saw a completely different landscape.