[KS] Re: Still Invaded Economically and Culturally

[Martin Hart-Landsberg]

Facts #3 and #4 (see below) seem more opinion than fact.  The U.S.
dominates the region's politics more than Japan, China, or Russia.  It is
the strongest military power and has had the most direct influence over
past South Korean political developments.  It is far from some distant,
neutral party.  Therefore, it is not an obvious fact to me that a unified
Korea would want to maintain any close formal alliance with the U.S. (as
opposed to peaceful relations) much less encourage or desire a continuing
U.S. military presence.


Marty Hart-Landsberg


On Thu, 27 Jul 2000, Dr. John Caruso Jr. wrote:

> A FEW FACTS & ONE OPINION
> 
> There are some facts about Korea that won't go away.
> 
> Fact #1.  Korea, even reunited, is smaller and weaker than any of its three
> neighbors.
> 
> Fact #2.  It is likely one of its three neighbors will attempt to control
> Korea, via alliance or threat, rather than the three agreeing to leave it
> alone.
> 
> Fact #3.  Given Facts #1 and #2, it is likely that a unified Korea would
> seek to maintain an alliance with the United States, a distant world power
> but favorite destination of Korean immigrants.  The alliance gives Korea
> some freedom of action, and prevents control by any of its three neighbors.
> 
> Fact #4.  Because of Fact #3, it is likely there will be some type of
> continuous U. S. military presence in Korea - air, ground, naval,
> anti-missile systems, surveillance, etc.
> 
> Fact #5.  Because of Fact #4, there will be tension between local civilians,
> students, the police, and U. S. military personnel.
> 
> Opinion #1  Because these facts leave little room for chitchat, a few
> members will continue to whine about eating dogs and hiss about drinking cat
> juice.
> 
> John
> 
> 



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