[Editorial] Vote for Better Future

We will choose today the 16th president of this country, a leader who will guide the country at this dawn of the new millennium. We will also see the end of the so-called `Three Kim Era.` Then, voters are required to exercise their rights to vote more than any other time. Every one of us has a right to vote and is obliged to vote. We will be a part of the great history that opens a new era by not giving up the right to vote.

We are at a critical juncture and facing a decision time. The conflicts between North Korea and the Bush administration over the North`s nuclear program might lead to a major crisis in the Korean peninsula and economic uncertainties are still prevailing. Yet, we are still mired in the divisionism between the two Koreas and between different regions in the south. We have yet to find a hope for a new era.

Today must be the day of hope. To make it happen, we must all go to the polls and cast a ballot for what we think is right for our future for the next 5 years. Before choosing the one, however, we must think again who will work better for this country and the people. It`s time to break ourselves free from the old practice of sticking to region, kinship and school.

Who will be able to root out rampant corruption? Who will be able to change the boss politics to the politics of checks and balances? Who will be able to solve the peninsula crisis for the interests of the country and the people?

Who will be more competent in reviving the economy and improving the quality of lives for people? It`s also important to look at who are with the candidates, where they are from and whether they are ready to listen to and work with people around.

The choice we make today will change this country`s history for the next five years. We should make wise choice for what`s is good for the country`s future.