2009 is the Year of the Ox. According to the ancient agricultural history of Korea, oxen were the most essential machines a farmer could possess. The ox started the day early with its master to help him farm and ended the day at dusk, or whenever its master was done. Since oxen symbolize diligence and prosperity, Koreans pray that in the Year of the Ox all of the hard work we put forward will pay in each industry and put an end to the economic crisis by the end of the year.
The impact of the economic recession on every industrial area has been overwhelming, but as long as we keep working to support our nation's policy direction, the golden rice will be ready for harvest late in the year on a lot that was once vacant. (In Spring, the field is empty.)
American singer Billy Ocean once sang, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Indeed, the time of crisis will eventually pass as long as the dice keep on rolling. The Lee administration is determined to drill our way out of the crisis, and seek collaboration with other leaders who share the same philosophy: reform and hope. According to the Presidential Briefing on December 29, Korea is going to strive to turn the crisis into an opportunity, rather than stand still in despair. The Mbnomic plan to create 300,000 Digital New Deal and Energy New Deal jobs, 50,000 youth jobs, 4,300 New Renewable Energy jobs, 196 Green Car Related jobs, and 10,000 LED jobs is enough to make us start crossing our fingers. With effort and prayers, let the tough get going.
We pray:
- May the 22 ministries work as one to bring efficiency and speed to the Mbnomics Plan,
- May the Mbnomics Plan and Obama-Biden Plan collaborate to share hope and drive for change,
- May the New Growth Engine Industry pursue its agenda to create jobs and bring profits,
- May the wind be at Green Technology's back to ensure that Korean workers have the skills and tools we need to pioneer the first wave of GT,
- May the Renewable Energy Industry sector get a boost to create new jobs and increase the quality of our environmentally friendly lives,
- May the Digital New Deal, or a convergence between the IT New Deal and the Software New Deal jumpstart the economy,
- May the iron and steel industry find the hidden key to rise up with the falling construction industry and retrieve their glory,
- May the sun shine through the clouds on trade markets with a practical strategy,
- And last but not least, may we always remember that the early bird catches the worm and continue to be driven regardless of the current status.
