An Old Man's Ruminations (I)
An Old Man's Ruminations (I)
Oct. 15th. 1945
1. To hear the Koreans talk about running a democratic government sounds to me very much like hearing a chid of six talking about driving an automobile or piloting an airplane. England and the U.S. of America are two countries (only two) in the world which have made a success of democracy. The Germans with their wonderful civic virtues and the French with all their logic and learning haven't got to the standard of democracy as set by the English. Which of the numerous Latin American republic can one point at as a real democratic state? Korea is today no better prepared for democracy than China or Manchuria.
2. Some Koreans are wishing for communism. Too bad! If England with all her political sagacity and practical wisdom goes slow in introducing socialistic policies how can Korea hope to manage a communistic republic without knowing even the a, b, c, of real socialism? By the way, Korean communists, with the aid of their tutors, in the North (of the 38th degree N. L.) have, during the last two months, given us sample (ample) taste of what we may expect to suffer, if communism were to triumph in Korea. Between the loving kindness and tender mercies of the plundering, raping and slaughtering brand of communism and the repressive, suppressive and oppressive Japanese militarism, between the devil and the deep what is there to choose?
3. Hence, what Korea needs today, and for many years to come, is a benevolent Paternalism. I wish some strongman would arise who could, with a firm hand and unselfish devotion, keep the demagogue and communists from imposing, in the uneducated and undisciplined masses of Korea, the mere forms and slogans of democracy, on one hand; and on the other, the atrocities and absurdities of communism. We, Koreans, are not yet politically prepared for pure democracy of radical communism. We are in great danger of mistaking unbridled license for liberty and brigandage for communism.
4. Whatever from the new government to be set up in Korea may assume, let the Koreans keep their ancient custom and usage, introducing new ones, when and where it is necessary, step by step.
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