The legislature`s level equals the people`s level

If a person meets lawmakers one by one, he or she would think most of them are nice. They possess personal charm, experience, knowledge, a sense of duty and a vision for the country`s future. I was surprised when I met lawmakers in person for the first time at the National Assembly because they were different from how they are depicted on TV. To best other candidates in party elections and win a seat in parliament, self-culture, shrewd judgment and boldness are required. Proportional representatives are also qualified figures who have won a name in their respective fields.

So why do such qualified people leave the National Assembly in tatters? Their supporters are also responsible because they hardly give politicians room to maneuver. A legislator whose constituency is a rural area cannot speak his or her mind though he or she supports the free trade agreement with the U.S. Though certain lawmakers think a parliamentarian who hurls tear gas in the National Assembly should be punished, they should refrain from expressing this opinion if the supporters of the offending lawmaker call it a "revolt against oppression." National Assembly members also cannot punish a candidate who made reckless remarks because he is a podcast star.

Voter tastes and demands are growing more complex. In the past, voters campaigned against those deemed immoral and corrupt but they now turn their backs to politicians who disagree with their opinions. Voters blast politicians with different stances than theirs not only on big policy issues such as the four-river restoration project and free trade agreements, but also relatively small issues such as nuclear power plants, for-profit hospitals, reconstruction of apartment complexes, and taxation of pet treatment. With the influence of politicians declining, however, few of them have the power to persuade their supporters or try to do so.

It is pathetic if this is the inevitable result of democracy and a representative system. If so, calling lawmakers with inferior quality is tantamount to "cutting off the nose to spite the face." The level of parliament reflects that of the people. In parliamentary election campaigns, candidates say they will become servants of the people. If they only focus on the role of servants, however, they cannot become politicians with their beliefs. If beliefs are ignored by political interests, cheating and pretense will be all the rage. If the people do not want this situation, they should give lawmakers room to put their beliefs into action. Voters should be open-minded and self-critical by breaking from political divisions and "catharsis politics."

Industry Desk Reporter Jang Gang-myeong (tesomiom@donga.com)