Hold your breath as you cross the river.

(Baonghean) - Why do you look so pensive today?

- We just finished a party branch meeting, sir!

- Is there something awkward or difficult to talk about? You seem so secretive.

- Seeing everyone sitting in meetings looking so pensive and mysterious, I just did the same!

- How can something so strange happen!

- I'm asking myself the same question you're asking me!

- Having asked yourself that question, have you found the answer yet?

- While I can't say for sure yet, I can confidently say that we've found the root cause of the problem.

So, in your opinion, what is the cause?

- Because many people are being overly cautious!

- What do you mean…?

- After hearing the brief announcement of the Central Committee Resolution No. 4 (12th Congress) on strengthening Party building and rectification, with criteria for identifying ideological and political degradation, moral decay, lifestyle issues, and specific manifestations of "self-evolution" and "self-transformation," many people who were usually enthusiastic and actively participated in discussions suddenly fell silent.

- Perhaps they're hesitant, or more precisely, afraid of speaking carelessly, of making a slight slip-up that might be perceived as...?

- You're right, I think so too!

- But I think they're worrying too much! An upright tree doesn't fear falling; just look straight ahead, speak the truth, speak with a pure heart, and with a high level of constructive spirit to help the organization and our comrades progress, and what's there to fear from anyone accusing us of this or that!

- I also told them that idea. But someone reminded me of the saying, "If you wait for justice to come, your face will be swollen." Then…

- And then what?

- Some people even said that since the year-end review is coming up, it will inevitably involve combating recession, so it's best to "walk softly, speak quietly, and smile gracefully" to avoid trouble!

So...

- Quite a few officials and Party members are thinking that way, withdrawing into themselves, ignoring everything and waiting until the year-end review, evaluation, and election period is over. Then, whatever happens, happens. In ancient military strategy, that's called "holding your breath while crossing the river"!

- Yeah, "holding your breath while crossing the river" sounds strange and sad. If everyone holds their breath like that, where will the fighting spirit of the Party organization and its members be left?

Phuc Vinh