By The usual anti-us groups were out in force protesting US Defense Secretary Robert Gates visit to Seoul:
Top American defense officials maintained a tough stand Wednesday against North Korea, calling its threat more lethal than ever even as an envoy from the communist regime was headed to the United States to discuss nuclear programs.U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates accused North Korea of attempting widespread nuclear proliferation. “Everything they make they seem to be willing to sell,” Gates told a group of American and South Korean troops at the U.S. military headquarters in central Seoul.
“We do not today – nor will we ever – accept a North Korea with nuclear weapons,” he said. [Stars & Stripes]
I’m sure Secretary Gates is just repeating the established government line on North Korea like he has for months now, but assuredly he has to know that the North Koreans have no intention of disarming?
Anyway as far as these protesters I wish the Stars & Stripes would have interviewed and asked who they are? There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of them judging by the photograph. I do always find it interesting when I see females protesting to give Afghanistan back to the Taliban when the women there, who already have tough lives, would only be further mistreated under Taliban rule.
11:10 am on October 21st, 2009 1
“Everything they make they seem to be willing to sell,” . Well, isn't Gates the sharpest knife in the drawer or what. He seems to be baffled by the premise.
1:12 am on October 22nd, 2009 2
I've been teaching Korean adults for nine years now and I can tell you, the majority of Koreans want nothing to do with Americans, except their money of course. A very large majority have said that they hated Americans.
I've lived in Daegu, Busan, Incheon and Seoul and can say that it's basically the same everywhere. A few will say some anit-US bullshit and the majority of students will join in on the message.
I'm not an American, so I've had to hear a lot anti-US bullshit. Koreans who hate the US are not in the minority. Do not be mistaken.
I don't care what people say. I don't care if you are married to a Korean or work for a Korean company or whatever. I've taught thousands of Korean adults and know better-there are very few exceptions when dealing with the general Korean public. Now, there is a minority who are different, a very small minority.
If you are an American, a Korean will probably not tell you they don't like Americans unless it's a situation like in 2002 or they are drunk.
Believe me, when a Korean thinks you are an American and then learns otherwise, the truth comes out them whether it's in a classroom, in a bar, on the train or wherever.
It's sickening this anti-US bullshit. There are exceptions, but in my experience, they are a very small group. Believe it or not I don't care.
2:58 am on October 22nd, 2009 3
So you're telling us you're Canadian, eh?
Koreans are noted for their anymousity toward outsiders. Not only Americans but the Japanese as well. Some of it is historical and some of it is political. The news media promotes it, politicians use and abuse it, and business can demand reparations and concessions as well. The overall population buys into it, because they don't know better.
So it seems to work for Korea, why would they want to do otherwise?
3:14 am on October 22nd, 2009 4
SO you are saying that Koreans are very sneeky and dishonest when it comes to their true feelings about the USA. I agree BEEN THERE DONE THAT.
6:10 am on October 22nd, 2009 5
I've seen it myself. While I enjoyed my time in Korea (most of it) (not 2002).
I will state this again; we need to leave Korea to it's own future, without the U.S.
I've heard all the arguments for our remaining there. Same one's they had for the Philippines. We left the philippines and they are so much happier
Time to leave Korea — past time. Mission accomplished. Other missions await in other lands.
1:11 pm on October 22nd, 2009 6
OP:
Anyway as far as these protesters I wish the Stars & Stripes would have interviewed and asked who they are?
Who are they? They're the chinboistas. I don't think the S&S can get into that, though.
12:12 am on October 23rd, 2009 7
Do not lose the faith! Koreans are good people.
Anti-Americanism is actually quite odd by American or Western Standards.
I watched a number of Korean films with friends and remarked on the uncessary anti-american elements that did not advance the story or were over done. Mostly honest people who I trust told me I was being over sensitive and they did not pick up the same feeling. In reality they are desensitized since it is overly used.
In one day: I watch a sitcom where a couple in LA flee dangerous looking black men, they run away and are held up by two kind looking white men. The dangerous black men turn out to be cops and save them. The Conclusion: America is dangerous, lets get back home! laughs all around.
Second Drama: Night Club singer suddenly sees a US Army Captain in the audience (period 1960?) He speaks no Korean and has no one with him. He confronts the singer and I assume tries to rape her but a gallant busboy beats him up. She falls in love and I change the channel.
Third, Movie: Param Fighter (wind fighter) "Overall" good story, good movie." After sneaking into Japan to be a pilot, the hero has a great opportunity to address what life in Colonial Korea was like…he refuses to be a Kamakazi…good. One fight with Yakuza, he loses.
Instead we are treated to ten minutes of him beating the crap out of US Military rapists. About four complete scenes where he meets his GF. What the Hell… More insulting, the actors are not Americans,Don't look like Americans and don't even speak English well for the most part/Integrated Units/Long Hair/God McArthur defiance of regulations… pure BS.
And yet, Koreans who saw it with me didn't see the anti-american bias. I kid you not. I'm told by people just like tom that I'm seeing things.
But then..All my coworkers want to go out for drinks with me. They don't want to have a Birthday party without me. They are genuinely nice people.
You need to work everyday to overcome the communist-nk/liberal platform/Supported-antiwestern bias. They are all connected.
Judge each South Korean on his character.They pulled a small country out of the mud and guts of 1950(with some help from good friends) to become one of the top produces in the world. That took some hard work.
1:31 am on October 23rd, 2009 8
Funny. Koreans are all the same when it's good for them, but when it's not, they are all individuals and should be treated as such. Typical bs from them.
1:33 am on October 23rd, 2009 9
The koreans you are talking about are obviously the minority #2 was talking about.