living up to a personal sacrifice

 South Korea President Lee Myung Bak was elected into office in a landslide victory.

 

Three months into governance, the tide has turned.  His decision to resume import of US beef against public concern over mad cow disease triggered major protests so serious that his cabinet offers to resign.

 

The issue with beef import was only the straw that broke the camel’s back.  The crux of the matter it seems lies in the President’s CEO style of governance – he hardly hears the voices of the people.

 

The turn of events is disappointing.  I was rather impressed when he pledged in March to donate all 5 years of his presidential salary to charity.

 

 

Maybe his arrogance and confidence have got to do with this very pledge.  His work now becomes a personal sacrifice for the nation, thereby justifying his calling the shots any which way he alone deems fit.