Progressives for the people`s livelihood

Main opposition Democratic Party leader Sohn Hak-kyu said at his party’s supreme council meeting Friday, “Progressive groups should not be bound by ideological barriers and should thoroughly put priority on the people’s livelihood,” adding, “Sometimes, there could be conflict with outdated progressivism contained in old-fashioned ideology, but progressives should not be afraid.” In a radio speech Tuesday, Sohn also urged the need for “progressivism for the people’s livelihood” that confronts “outdated progressivism.” He elaborated on the concept of outdated progressivism by defining it as “an act of irresponsibly advocating progressivism, creating a divide, and disregarding rationalism and transparency.” He stopped short of taking specific examples of outdated progressivism. In light of the context of his comments, he seems to be referring to political forces in the opposition camp that focus on ideological struggle rather than suggesting rational alternatives.

Pro-North Korea groups, which have intentionally turned a deaf ear to Pyongyang’s hereditary power succession and human rights violations, seek to follow outmoded practices disguised in the name of progressivism. They are typical of outdated progressives who blindly side with the North as their inherent approach without making rational criticism. While imposing stern criteria on South Korea and the U.S., they turned a blind eye to the North’s attacks on the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan and Yeonpyeong Island, which killed dozens of innocent people, and kept silent over prison camps in the North.

The Democratic Party can regain power only when it severs ties with pro-North Korea forces and garners voters with moderate ideology by keeping a balanced position. If the party fails to win the battle for moderate voters, who account for 30 to 40 percent of eligible voters, it has no chance to regain power. This is a harsh reality it faces. Sohn won the Bundang B district of Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, in the April 27 by-elections, effectively representing the voters’ message that he must find a path toward the presidency through a balanced position. Democratic Party Rep. Lee Hyo-seok, who will form a "progressive group for the people’s livelihood" in June to develop a centrist policy, also said, “Those who emphasize ideology are outmoded progressives. We will have a chance to win the presidential election only when we can secure the centrist group.”

If the Democratic Party seeks to regain power only by banking on a coalition of anti-ruling Grand National Party groups without real efforts and strategy to improve the people’s livelihood, it will see its party ideology severely damaged and end up embracing the progressive Democratic Labor Party, which has a pro-Pyongyang ideology. More than anything, Sohn should be wary of discussions meant to help the blind pursuit of integration of opposition groups.

Progressives for the people’s livelihood as mentioned by Sohn should not just make rhetoric. The public wants action and practice. Whether it will join the ruling camp to ratify the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, a hot issue in next month`s extraordinary parliamentary session, will serve as a litmus test to determine whether Sohn`s declaration of progressivism for the people’s livelihood is true or not.