One day after Roh's impeachment, the sun still rose

Alls quiet on the Ansan front

Things were quiet today in Ansan. People were playing soccer and basketball in the park. Some of my students were practicing for our college's singing contest. Birds were chirping. Children were laughing. Life was going on as normal.

I did come across a protest near Ansan City Hall this afternoon. Street vendors were protesting against police harassment.

Are the people down with OOP?

I've heard that there was a big (20,000-30,000 people) protest in Seoul today but that it was peaceful.

As everybody predicted, public opinion in Korea is widely against the impeachment. Here is the result of a survey taken this weekend:

A poll of 700 people by the centrist Munhwa Ilbo newspaper showed that 76.2 percent said the impeachment was a mistake, with 21.2 percent supporting it. The margin of error was 3.7 percent.

The same poll showed that public support for the pro-Roh Uri Party surged to 47 percent, while support for the two opposition parties sank to 13.5 percent and 7.9 percent, respectively.

If the election were held today, the OOP (Uri Party) would probably win an outright majority in the General Assembly.

Mr. Stability is in da house (but not the Blue House)

Goh Kun is now acting president until this impeachment mess is worked out. From looking at his resume (Seoul mayor twice, three Cabinet posts, governor of South Jeolla Province, prime minister) and his personal style (cautious and steady), he may be the perfect man for the job and the fact that someone like him is in that position is one of the few bright spots I can see in this whole fiasco.

To get a feel for the man, here are a couple of quotes (Yonhap News):

As the manager of state affairs under the Constitution, I will try my best to overcome the difficulties facing the nation with the utmost determination and sense of responsibility.
* * *
I will strengthen policing efforts to make sure that illegal collective actions do not happen and the domestic security order is not shaken. I will strictly exercise law enforcement power in accordance with the law for the sake of social stabilization.

From what I understand, Goh will administrate the government from his ministry office as Roh Moo-hyun will continue to stay in the Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House).

BTW, Goh had an international visitor today; US Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge.

Acting president Goh meets Tom Ridge (REUTERS/Kim Jae-Hwan pic)

I wonder if this will get some of our more loopy friends talking conspiracy.

Comments

[hanin]

I have to admit; Ridge looks a little to happy there. Maybe the State Dept should get in touch with him to tone down the enthusiasm.

[sugar shin]

hanin, maybe Mr. Ridge had a huge bowl of Bibimbab with a bottle of Soju before the meeting and was simply satisfied. PM Goh (now acting boss)had no sleep overnight, but is also grinning. I guess, even the pausing boss Roh is smiling in Cheong Wa Dae.

"How will I laugh tomorrow, when I can´t even smile today?"-Suicidal Tendencies (US hardcore rock band)