Korea's "social elders" and representatives from various areas of society have released something called the "2005 Hope Proposal," in which they propose an economy and society centered on people in order to create a new community through social integration and the creation of jobs. Theirs is a timely proposal that comes as a loud cry when ideological conflict and conflict between the rich and poor is tearing things apart and causing a loss of energy and sinking desperation. It is itself reason for hope when progressive, centrist, and conservative figures join to speak with the same voice.
They say there is an urgent need for a massive project to create jobs. Concretely, they call for the adoption of a system of "lifelong learning" to create 3 million jobs. They call on the politicians to stop their factional fighting, on companies to avoid management that reduces people, on unions to refrain from demands for excessive wage increases, and on intellectuals to abandon their divisive ways.
As symbolized in how Korea's massive jaebeol are going global while people with low income have no money to spend, the country has become extremely polarized. Overcoming that makes it urgent that there be a positive cycle of growth and wealth distribution. That has to begin with reviving the common people's economy through the creation of jobs. The appeal of these elders is in this sense even a desperate one. The question is how to add adequate content to their call in order to implement it in the realities the country is currently facing. That is the reason one hopes the government, business, and unions will give ear to their ardent call and respond favorably with a concrete plan.
However, people need to guard against the tendency to see this as the same as the negation of the reform tasks of the people, including the abolishment of evil laws such as the National Security Law (NSL) and the real estate problem. Instead, it must be remembered that social reform facilitates economic recovery and national unity. It should be remembered that the current crisis originated in the inadequacy of reform following the financial crisis of 1997.
This appeal by elders and representatives of various groups in society can be summarized as a call to create a people-oriented community. That will only be possible when people realize that all are members of the community and when everyone cares and respects one another. Hope for 2005 will be created in hurting for the pain of others and seeking to share in their suffering.
The Hankyoreh, 7 January 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Listen to 'Hope Proposal' |
