Dear editor,

Regarding an April 16 op-ed article, ``Coexistence,'' about the government which has shown an allergic reaction to critical voices, I think the government should be more attentive in hearing the public's opinions with different views.

First, the Republic of Korea is a democratic nation as written in Article 1 of the Constitution. Freedom of speech is guaranteed by the Constitution. Also, we can have different points of view. No one has a right to inhibit this. The government's negative reaction to critical voices is getting it bad press.

Secondly, controlling press reports just because those press reports are not agreeable to the government infringes on the freedom of the press. The print media and broadcasting companies have to be independent of those in power.

Also, the press has the responsibility of providing the right information. When the government does not play a role in solving social issues, the mass media have to act as a check to this power and stand up for the socially weak.

Finally, the public has a right to hear different voices. The government, however, tries to make broadcasting companies become its puppets.

The public loudly expressed their worries regarding the broadcasting companies' recent inappropriate measures to unseat journalists and entertainers.

The government has to pay attention to the opinion of the people even though their voices are distasteful. If the government wants the public to follow its policies without criticism, it may easily lose its direction.

Song Jong-hwa
song0304@hanmail.net