HUFSan’s Voice

Dear dad,
Sorry for not calling you for a while. I have been too busy these days.
 
You probably know why. The whole country is on a rampage, all because of the president’s political scandal. Our radios are on fire, and the entire force in our police station are on standby 24/7.

You may wonder why I am writing to you since it is not a very common occurrence. But guess what? Today I made a lifelong promise to myself that you might be interested in, too.

Remember the day before I first entered middle school? The evening when the whole family went to Sejong Center of Performing Arts to watch a clarinet solo by an Austrian guy? My squad and I had a backup call from there last weekend. Yet, it was not so artistic as 10 years ago.

The place seemed more like a battlefield. A few dozen policemen were being squashed at the main gate of the building, blocking the mob from rushing toward the Blue House. Some fellow policemen with their uniforms ripped off were lying behind the vanguard, fainting or screaming in pain while covering their limbs. Anything throw-able-paving rocks, water bottles, fire extinguishers-were hovering overhead. Lots of effing were too, as usual.
Dad, after all these 17 months in this uniform, I have tried so hard to understand, but I still do not get it. What is wrong with them? Why do people out there simply see what they want to see and only care about themselves?

The media drools over reporting about how violent the police are, but remain silent about my fellow officers’ injuries. Violent protesters heckle us as traitors of justice, though we are actually the ones trying to protect it. I see lots of angry people fuming at us, shouting, “Would you do the same to your parents as you do to us?” But their red-rimmed eyes and pale, clenched fists do not seem like they are seeing us as their children. There are other options galore, though, and they still favor violent and irrational ways to make their ends meet. They say they act upon a good cause, but can anything be right if the only means to make them heard are assault and insult?

It is all the same with those politicians, who always trigger this kind of a mess. What could they ever see beyond the lining of their own pockets? If the president were able to see public interests clearly, other than just hers, would this sort of event have happened? As has always happened throughout history, the very same corruption plot repeats: shunning their charges and covering up their wrongdoings. What a cliche.

It is too exhausting to bear these self-centered individuals. What I have expected is not about enlightenment on something like saintly, agape-style philanthropy, but just the simplest details. Simplest, and the most basic qualities as a human being?thinking of the consequences my actions would bring about, seeking what seems right, and most importantly, valuing others’ as I value mine.

After another bout of clashes at Jong-ro and classic denials on today’s news (again!), I had to admit that, yes, those qualities are too much to ask for. They just cannot do it. So, I gave up and chose to not to be bothered for now.

Instead, I made a promise to myself for the rest of my life. The promise that I shall never be one of them.

However, I do not want to be indifferent. I would rather choose to be backed up with constant encouragement and fervent hopes, knowing that my actions could inspire others. One little thought, one decision, one person can drastically change everything.

The world will continue on changing for the better, if the inspired can do the same to others. It feels like we can brave anything if the warm-hearted begin to triumph over selfishness. If they can beat it up someday, that is enough for my scheme.

 

저작권자 © The Argus 무단전재 및 재배포 금지