&#91EDITORIALS&#93Tell us what you stand for

Five Grand National lawmakers, often called progressives, bolted from the conservative party yesterday. The party and the departing lawmakers wished each other well before parting ways, showing our politics have matured. We take this opportunity to urge each political party to clarify why it exists.
The five lawmakers must keep in mind the people do not approve their decision. When they joined the Grand National Party, did they not know its political identity? Many people wonder if they would leave the Grand National Party if it were the ruling party. The lawmakers should listen humbly to such criticism and use their ability to build a new political power. If they brag about leaving the Grand National Party by calling their move a “heroic deed, motivated by their ardent patriotic sentiment,” their intentions will become the subject of ridicule.
The Grand National Party must reflect on its closed operations -- so closed that it cannot accept the changes of the new era, leaving no space for sound conservatism. The progressives are not the sole owners of reform. The Grand Nationals can lead political reform if they want to.
The ruling party must sort out the issues of forming a new party as soon as possible. The opposition party took the initiative after all. The Millennium Democrats have wrangled among themselves over the new party for six months. The people are confused about why the young reform-minded ruling party lawmakers wanted to form a new party. Political reform is in the people’s interest, not the new party. If the Millennium Democrats want to form a new party, they should act promptly. If not, they should perform the role of the ruling party flawlessly.
We are also skeptical about the political identity of the Millennium Democrat old-timers. Their taking hostage of Jeolla voters and competition to be seen closer to former President Kim are lamentable. They should tell us why the Millennium Democratic Party is necessary and what its aims and policies are. The people want to see politicians competing against each other with their visions, policies and methods of political reform.