Sunday Morning, Speaking Out Through McDonald’s Breakfast!

Walking into McDonald’s, I can’t help but wonder about their secret to success. The consistent system and the unwavering standard of service are undoubtedly key to their market presence. But for me, McDonald’s is more than just a place to eat. I’ll let you in on a secret: I come here more for the air conditioning and a bit of tranquility. Just like an AI server needs the right temperature to function, McDonald’s air conditioning is my summer haven.

However, even on this beautiful Sunday morning, the world’s troubles can’t be ignored. A piece of news on YouTube this morning weighed heavily on my mind. In this interconnected global village, unfortunate events in one place often affect every corner of the world. It’s hard to avoid politics entirely, so let’s talk about some political anecdotes and thoughts.

Recently, a heartbreaking news story from Shanghai, China emerged. A young woman in her early thirties, full of life and academically accomplished, decided to apply for a civil service position to avoid burdening her elderly parents financially. Despite excelling in her exams, she was unjustly rejected by certain corrupt institutions. Ultimately, to avoid becoming a burden to her parents, she chose the most extreme way to end her life: starving herself to death. This news not only highlights issues in Chinese society but also reminds us that, as members of the global village, we can’t remain indifferent to such tragedies.

Humanity seems to repeat the same mistakes. Just like the rise of Hitler and Stalin, when people become disillusioned with existing systems, some choose to overthrow everything. In 1949, the Communist Party took over mainland China, not because of superior systems or members, but by enticing the public and overthrowing capitalists to gain support. Ironically, all resources and land eventually fell into the hands of the Communist Party.

Recently, a disheartening event occurred on the political stage in Taiwan. A self-proclaimed clean politician, a doctor from National Taiwan University, intended to reform the political arena but was involved in campaign fund embezzlement during his tenure as Taipei Mayor. He was even exposed for abusing power and colluding with land developers for personal gain during his second term. This disappointed many and reminded us that regardless of age, the higher the position, the more cautious one must be to guard against greed.

Faced with these political chaos, many may feel powerless. However, the simplest and smartest approach might be actively participating in the democratic process. If our society’s judiciary and press freedom are strong enough, allowing different parties to take turns in power might be a way to promote social progress. Only through party rotation can society become better.

Finally, let’s turn our attention to the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. No matter which side you support, it’s important to remember: absolute power often leads to absolute corruption. From China’s Xi Jinping to Russia’s Putin, we have seen this. Therefore, even if we choose to remain silent, we must remember to go out and exercise our right to vote. It’s not just our right; it’s our responsibility.

On this seemingly ordinary Sunday morning, let’s enjoy McDonald’s breakfast while thinking about how we can contribute to building a better world. After all, change starts with each person, every day.