Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu faces an exceptionally strong backlash after she pointed the finger at the central government for the devastating flooding that hit the southern port city last Sunday. The results of the latest opinion poll show that her approval rating has dropped 7 percent. The drop is dismal, given the popularity she has enjoyed in the city during her terms in office. The plunge is less to do with the right or wrong of her finger-pointing and more a reflection of public aversion to the political blame game that inevitably occurs after every natural or human disaster in Taiwan. What flood victims need most at moments like this is concern and assistance, not a bagful of rhetorical tricks aimed at avoiding taking responsibility. Local government chiefs have an unshirkable responsibility for each and every calamity that affects the livelihoods of residents in areas under their jurisdiction. As a politician who has endured many adversities, Chen is well aware of the impact of her remarks on her re-election bid. She has apologized, but she should never forget that modesty and humility are always two of a politician's greatest assets. (Editorial abstract -- Sept. 24, 2010). 