Food comes first.
(Baonghean)Did you watch the recent questioning session of the National Assembly representatives on TV, Chắt?
- Absolutely! It would be a shame not to follow such hot, trending current events!
So, what did you think after watching it?
- As one newspaper headlined, "The hall was filled with the voices of the people!"
- I'm not asking what the press thinks or says, I'm just asking for your personal opinion!
- I think that…
- What does that mean?
- It's all about macro-level issues, with very few specific matters that directly relate to people's lives!
- What does Chắt mean...?
- While national affairs and important matters should be discussed and talked about, time should also be allocated to specific issues that the people need and expect.
- Specifically, like…
- When asking the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, the question should be about solutions to prevent the people of Central Vietnam from suffering from several floods a year. Then there's the need to ensure the well-being of flood-affected areas and those living in polluted coastal regions. Compensation money is available, but how should it be distributed and used effectively in the long term? We shouldn't let it run out in a few weeks or months, leaving people with nothing but money and food... Instead of just questioning whether there are vested interests involved... It sounds good, but ultimately it doesn't solve any practical problems for the people!
- And then what?
- When asking the Minister of Education, you should ask how to help children learn more with less study, instead of the current situation where they learn a lot but understand little. Don't get bogged down in trivial matters like assigning teachers to entertain guests, or ask about high-level issues like what the philosophy of education is… The people listen but don't understand anything; they don't see where the issues they need addressed as soon as possible are!
- Well, small matters need to be discussed and questioned, but important matters and major projects also need to be discussed and questioned, don't they, Chắt?
- I'm not against that! But the specific issues and the location should be carefully considered and discussed at more specialized meetings. Here, we should address common, public matters that the people truly need. The people elect their representatives to voice their thoughts and aspirations. There's an old saying, "The nation is founded on the people, and the people prioritize food." This means: the nation is based on the people, and the people prioritize food. "Food" here doesn't just refer to eating and drinking, but to their overall well-being. They only need and hope for a secure life in all aspects. That's enough. Therefore, whatever we say or discuss, the ultimate focus should be on the people's lives. And always remember: the people prioritize food!
Duy Huong
