我的決心

鄉下人口的流失，耕地面積的銳減，種田人高齡化的趨勢，和年輕人因為觀念、社會價值的轉變，不能也不想承繼種田的工作，在在凸顯了農業問題的惡化。當現有種田的人漸漸老去，又沒有年輕人肯援手種田的工作時，農業、農村、農民的未來該走向何處？年底要在香港舉行的WTO談判會議，期盼參加的代表能有助於農民的「未來」。

絕食是一種決心的展現，為的是表達出對於農業困境的焦急與憂慮。持續六天的時間，是一種身體的慾望與心靈的渴求之間的拉鋸戰。要有多大的動力，多強的意志，才能支持繼續地維持所設定的絕食天數，而不受到外界的干擾與身體妥協的動搖？！

一個人的力量有其限度。要真實表達出內心的感受，需要肯定的告訴自己，堅持理想的正當性與不變性，那是一種緩慢而又冗長的過程，並不會因為身繫囹圄而有所改變。深植心頭的那一股力量與熱情，經過時間的考驗，更加鞏固了我的信念。

當上帝關上一扇門時，一定會再開啟另一扇窗，而那一扇窗，正是我所尋求的。

楊儒門 2005年11月21日於北所

My Resolution:

A Statement from Yang Ru-Men Written During his Hunger Strike in Prison

The loss of population in rural areas, the shrinking of available farm land, the graying of farming population, and the inability or unwillingness on the part of younger generation to take over and continue farming work due to shifts in social values and personal considerations—all these demonstrate the problem of ongoing deterioration in current agricultural situations. As our farmers continue to age with no helping replacement from the young, in what conditions do our agriculture, farmers, and rural villages end? WTO negotiation sessions are taking place in Hong Kong. I hope all the delegates work together for the “future” of our farmers.

Hunger strike is a manifestation of one’s resolution. It expresses my worries and anxieties regarding agriculture’s dire condition. The six days of this strike unfolded as a to and fro strife between my bodily needs and my mind’s longings. How much will power and resoluteness does it need for one to persevere to the end of the day, all the while keeping one’ body and mind intact and external distractions at bay?

One’s strength has its limits. When one wishes to express one’s true feelings, one needs to remind oneself that one’s ideas are legitimate and tolerate no wavering. This is a long and arduous process, but it does not and will not change simply because one is imprisoned. My passions and the fortitude welling up from the depth of my heart as well, when tested by time, only strengthen my belief.

When God closes a door, He leaves another window open. This open window is what I am looking for.

Yang Ru Men 11. 21, 2005 Taipei Jail

Translated by Briankle G. Chang

Please contact: tc.yang@msa.hinet.net in Taipei, Taiwan