[Editorial] Reading Public Sentiment

Chusok is still one of the nation`s biggest holidays, although things are not kind for now. Homebound travelers take a laborious journey home to be with their loving families. Yet, Economic woes are being felt on people`s faces. It just seems that thing are not going well for this country – economic slump, bad harvest and emigration boom. What is more troubling is that there are no signs of recovery, yet.

The government and the ruling party are avoiding taking responsibilities, saying that they are going through a transitional period. They have failed to understand what people want. The Chusok holidays are a good time to read public sentiment. The government, therefore, must take this chance to read public sentiment and serve the people duly.

The incumbent government seems to `stick to its faith too much ` as pointed out by Cardinal Kim recently. At the center is President Roh Moo-hyun. There is nothing about keeping faith, of course. The problem is whether his faith is shared by the public.

President Roh must be serious about criticism heard across the country. Expectations have turned to disappointment. Opinion polls also found that approval rating for the president has nosedived. President Roh must read public sentiment objectively and correctly during the holiday period to find out whether his faith is shared and supported by the public.

Established politicians must have a time of true reflection. President`s close associates even look arrogant by turning a deaf year to mounting criticism. They have to have an open heart to serve people, unite the country and solve challenging tasks.