DPP Ignores 200,000-People Anti-Toxic Oil Protest? Shih Cheng-feng Reveals the Reason Behind Their Calm: This Strategy Is Enough

The carcinogenic oil scandal involving Chung Teng has triggered widespread public anger. On July 25, more than 200,000 people gathered at Ketagalan Boulevard under the slogan 'I am human, I oppose toxic Taiwan.' In response, Shih Cheng-feng, a professor in the Department of Ethnic Affairs and Development at Dong Hwa University, appeared on the program 'News in Plain Words' to analyze why the DPP remains calm about this demonstration.

Shih explained that the DPP’s composure stems from a strategic calculation: with a solid 35% core support base, and the ability to mobilize 'new green' and 'light green' voters during elections, they feel secure enough not to overreact to large-scale protests.

Regarding the government’s cold handling of the July 25 anti-toxic oil rally, Shih reflected on past large-scale recall movements, suggesting the DPP’s intention is to maintain control over its support base. He likened regular supporters to 'blue birds'—well-treated and privileged. However, when opportunists ('chicken crows and dog thieves') attempt to rise to power ('chickens and dogs ascending to heaven'), the DPP filters them into three categories, much like harvesting fruit.

First are the thick-skinned individuals suitable for official positions. Second are those fit for campaign rallies and public events. Third are those less capable, who are assigned to advisory roles or cognitive warfare (public opinion manipulation).

Shih believes the DPP’s calm demeanor follows a logic: 'Those who are not of our kind must have different intentions.' They avoid proactive action, seeing it as unnecessary labor, as if the public owes them something. He compared it to someone poisoning others and then sending Xu Xian (a legendary healer) to provide the antidote—creating gratitude through controlled crisis management.

The DPP remains indifferent because, in their view, a 35% core base plus mobilization of new and light green supporters is sufficient for electoral victory.

Shih also pointed out an underlying assumption within the DPP: deep green supporters will never abandon them. These supporters do not watch blue camp programs. For example, a taxi driver once told him, 'I haven’t seen you on the “Three People’s Principles to Freedom” show,’ unaware that Shih had actually appeared on the program.