No such thing as a free lunch

Dear editor,

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has been receiving some negative press for the logical stand against free school lunches and the proper use of public plazas. As a resident of Seoul, I would like to thank him for taking the right position on these issues and not bending to the “popular” position.

The great Martin Luther King Jr. stated, "Cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ But, conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’ And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because one's conscience tells one that it is right."

As a politician, Mayor Oh could easily abandon his position and let what appears to be popular sentiment reign. It would be safe, but thankfully, our elected Mayor Oh is not a coward. Throughout his term, he has had to make some very tough decisions, but he has always made the right call, regardless of how it has impacted his perceived popularity with the public that he has been entrusted to faithfully serve.

There is no such thing as a “free lunch” in this or any other society. The money has to come from somewhere in the budget. Should we expand “free subway rides” to all citizens and not just the aged? How about free gas, free electricity, and free medical care?

Though “free” may be popular, the arguments used to support the “free lunch” program are not based on logic or reason. To be sure, there are many that would love a “free everything” policy, but how could it be justified?

The educated know that might does not make right, but their continued silence will only allow the wrong-headed thinking of others to manifest itself (like so many protests from the recent past). The loud rumblings from the opposition have created the appearance of might, as they drown out all logic and reason.

Our Mayor is doing his part, and now it is our time to stand up. "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others."

Steve Austin

Seoul