Bravo! Kaohsiung

Wow, talking about going out with a BANG. The opening ceremony was very impressive, and the closing one certainly did not disappoint.

This editorial said it the best:

Kaohsiung's success is rooted in the deep sense of community and solidarity in the southern port city around the values of democracy, human rights, free expression, citizen participation and, last but not least, Taiwan national dignity.

It is this set of values that the PRC boycotted and that Ma's KMT government have downplayed since coming to power last May which have now been dramatically returned to the view of Taiwan's people by the World Games.

Congratulation to the citizens of Kaohsiung.

EDIT:
Claudia Jean has a lot of nice reports, information and links on this.