ID :
31479
Fri, 11/21/2008 - 17:04
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/31479
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(EDITORIAL from the JoongAng Daily on Nov. 21) - Time for Lee to act
The Grand National Party, which is in charge of state affairs and should provide a breakthrough in this worsening economic turmoil, is behaving deplorably.
Some GNP legislators have recently fled President Lee Myung-bak???s side and
moved to his rival Park Geun-hye???s faction in the party.
It is natural for people in politics to get together with those who share the
same ideas or interests. Moreover, it is desirable in a democracy to see various
points of view competing at an appropriate level of tension.
However the behavior of factions in the GNP does not fit into either of these
categories.
The prevalence of pursuing factional interests is so severe that it is hard to
discern any conviction or philosophy within anyone in the party. The problem lies
in the fact that nobody takes responsibility for the neglect of state affairs
because of factional struggles.
The conflicts arose as a result of public disappointment with President Lee. The
declining rate of support for the president is provoking the departure of members
of Lee???s faction.
It is not just the president???s personal misfortune that supporters are
deserting him less than a year after his inauguration. The real misfortune falls
on the people who are suffering from the economic crisis.
The direct cause of the fuss in the GNP seems to be the possible return of former
legislator Lee Jae-o, who is staying in the United States.
When Lee Jae-o???s supporters called for his return, Park???s faction showed
strong resistance.
This conflict can be seen as a test of the extent of the power struggle that will
take place before the new year, when the reshuffling of the rank-and-file is
scheduled.
President Lee should step up and resolve the conflict.
Settling domestic affairs is no less important than engaging in overseas
activities to overcome the economic crisis. The best way to settle internal
disputes and recover public support is through fair allocation of power.
The American President-elect Barack Obama is reported to have offered the post of
secretary of state to former rival Hillary Clinton.
President Lee should calm the unease of the people and the isolation of Park???s
faction by being fair and appointing the best people to important posts,
regardless of loyalty.
(END)
Some GNP legislators have recently fled President Lee Myung-bak???s side and
moved to his rival Park Geun-hye???s faction in the party.
It is natural for people in politics to get together with those who share the
same ideas or interests. Moreover, it is desirable in a democracy to see various
points of view competing at an appropriate level of tension.
However the behavior of factions in the GNP does not fit into either of these
categories.
The prevalence of pursuing factional interests is so severe that it is hard to
discern any conviction or philosophy within anyone in the party. The problem lies
in the fact that nobody takes responsibility for the neglect of state affairs
because of factional struggles.
The conflicts arose as a result of public disappointment with President Lee. The
declining rate of support for the president is provoking the departure of members
of Lee???s faction.
It is not just the president???s personal misfortune that supporters are
deserting him less than a year after his inauguration. The real misfortune falls
on the people who are suffering from the economic crisis.
The direct cause of the fuss in the GNP seems to be the possible return of former
legislator Lee Jae-o, who is staying in the United States.
When Lee Jae-o???s supporters called for his return, Park???s faction showed
strong resistance.
This conflict can be seen as a test of the extent of the power struggle that will
take place before the new year, when the reshuffling of the rank-and-file is
scheduled.
President Lee should step up and resolve the conflict.
Settling domestic affairs is no less important than engaging in overseas
activities to overcome the economic crisis. The best way to settle internal
disputes and recover public support is through fair allocation of power.
The American President-elect Barack Obama is reported to have offered the post of
secretary of state to former rival Hillary Clinton.
President Lee should calm the unease of the people and the isolation of Park???s
faction by being fair and appointing the best people to important posts,
regardless of loyalty.
(END)
