José Rocha

If you watch the news around the world today, you’ll get a handful of anti-American sentiment.  But, after witnessing a recent news show (60 Minutes) covering a story in South Korea, a nerve was struck that reached to the very core of my soul. 

South Koreans rallying by the thousands to not only protest anti-U.S. sentiment in their streets and universities; but in front of the U.S. Embassy and around the walls of the U.S. Army post in Seoul, South Korea where 37,000 U.S. troops are stationed. 

Protests, which are filled with a barrage of burning American flags and echoing chants that cry “YANKEE GO HOME!”  The difference between this story, and the rest, circling the globe, is that this one travels back a half a century, leaving a lingering trail of blood, sweat, and tears.

The story begins on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea, initiating the Korean War.  Soon after, the United States rushes to the aid of South Korea, with the support of the United Nations.  The result:  one of the bloodiest battles in U.S. military history, and after three years, the fighting ends.  But, not before 33,651 U.S. service members die in battle, and 7,140 become prisoners of war.  An Armistice is signed, agreeing on the Korean Peninsula otherwise known as the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in which to separate the North from the South. No peace treaty is ever signed between North Korea and South Korea, which leaves the U.S. to remain in the South in order to deter the threat from the north. 

Half a century later, not much has changed.  U.S. troops are still lined up along the southern side of the DMZ, face to face with the North. The border serves as a constant reminder of the great sacrifices made by South Korea and the U.S. in their fight against communism.  Only today, the battle once shared by South Korea and the U.S., is quite possibly becoming a distant memory.  Anti-American sentiment has always existed in South Korea, but in recent months, anti-U.S. sentiment has grown in great magnitude.  Protests, that once consisted mostly of communists and students, are now shared by the majority of the population.

Why, might you ask?  This could be due to a number of things; first, over the last few years S.Korean President Kim Dae-jung has improved relations between the north and the south.  So much, that he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. With new feelings of unity among the north and south, South Koreans have felt less need for U.S. presence.  Second, recent events have added much fuel to the flame of anti-U.S. sentiment.  Need more fuel? 

Last June, a U.S. Army armored-vehicle killed two South Korean teenage girls during a training exercise; the soldiers were later acquitted of negligent homicide by a military tribunal.  And to top it all off, President Bush includes North Korea in the “axis of evil” along with Iraq and Iran; possibly damaging relations between North Korea and South Korea. 

And so the flame of anti-U.S. sentiment burns strong, and I guess its safe to say, our time is up America.  For it appears that we have worn out our welcome.  But, before we go, lets take a look at the last fifty years.  Even though the Korean War has become a distant memory to many South Koreans, let it not be forgotten that there was once a time when South Korea and the U.S. shared the same battle—communism.  A time when our fathers, and their fathers, once shared the same foxhole, or once shared the same food or even the same purpose…freedom perhaps.  Or even shared the same battlefield, where they shed the same blood.  We not only stood side by side, but we fought that way.  Now, it appears that many South Koreans wish the battle to lie solely on American shoulders. 

Be it as it may, North Korea is revamping its nuclear program, breaking nuclear arms treaties both U.S. and U.N., flaunting it in every direction.  Whether or not South Korea cares to acknowledge it; for the U.S. it’s not something to be ignored.  Even now, North Korea urges “all Koreans, North and South” to join in confronting the United States.  (Not to mention, North Korea receiving outside food aid from the U.N. World Food Program, most of it funded by the United States.)  Yet, it’s no wonder they are stamped as part of an “Axis of evil”.  Please excuse President Bush if he damaged relations between the two nations, I really don’t think that was his intention.  It could be due to the strong possibility of Nuclear Warfare!  You be the judge.

Today, South Koreans have become a free and democratic state, as well as one of the strongest economies in their region.  It’s no wonder they protest U.S presence; it’s not like we helped them get there or anything.  I mean, what if the communist country up north did successfully invade them that half a century ago.  I’m sure they would have had 50 years of security and economic growth.  Hmmm…  Maybe, I’m just rubbing it in a little.  But aren’t thousands of South Korean protesters rubbing it in a little when they stand outside U.S. soldiers barracks, burning American flags, or when the students from Korean Universities rally by the thousands to engage in American flag burning ceremonies.  Isn’t it rubbing it in America’s face just a little, when we are the very reason that they have the opportunity to do so?

Maybe that’s just the price the United States has to pay for their actions.  Right!  I mean the U.S. has made some serious mistakes.  Don’t get me wrong, nobody’s perfect, and mistakes are going to be made.  But, there is no excuse for the United States; we are perfect...Aren’t we?  Whether or not we are, is that the price U.S. soldiers have to pay?  These are the brave people that took an oath to protect this nation foreign and domestic, and have spent half a century helping protect that DMZ.  Doing their everyday jobs, just like you.  The only difference is, when they walk outside the walls of their post, they’re not wanted.  These were supposed to be our allies who we have helped to the bitter end, and now, many of them don’t like us anymore.  I guess 33,651 U.S. service members and 7,140 prisoners of war along with 50 years of selfless service, just isn’t enough these days to get a little appreciation.

In closing, in no way do I mean to attack South Korea, or the soldiers of South Korea.  Many U.S. soldiers still stand side by side the ROK (Republic of Korea) soldiers along the south side of the DMZ.  I am just addressing the great injustice that the United States continues to pay for with its selfless service.  From South Korea, to France and Germany, with help from the United States, nations like these have grown to be strong and independent.  Today, if you watch the international news, these nations knowledge of the United States great service to them has become a distant memory.  With each generation, U.S. appreciation continues to diminish.  Though our selfless service may not always pay off, and at times possibly even coming back to bite us in the ass.  We will continue, because that is the nature of the free world.  “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

 With that being said, as people, many of us believe that we should “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.  And so, if we can do that as people, then why can’t we do that as nations?
Headlines

Melissa McGuire

I am about a quart low on my caffeine quota today, so I’ll have a cup too. You don’t mind, do you?

I thought in celebration of President’s Day I’d send a letter to the White House.  So I did.  I have a copy of it here for you to read, if you want. 

It just seemed important to me, as an individual, a voter, a mom, a student, a waitress, a writer and a future shrink, that I let President Bush know what I am thinking. John and Jane Q. Public are never heard and their opinions are never registered unless they speak up. 

So, I spoke up.  I bet you five bucks that my phone is tapped by early next week.  And, I promise if the “pizza van” keeps circling my house, I’ll bring in a picture for novelty..  Here’s my note to the “Big Guy:”

Dear Mr. President,

I strongly oppose war with Iraq.  We, collectively as a nation, as the American people, do not want to provoke the wrath of the Muslim world.  It would be folly to do so. 

I am writing to express my deep concerns about your motives in moving forward with any plans to engage Iraq in conflict. 

I know, for a fact, that a large percentage of Americans do not support this action.  I have spoken to people of both major parties, a few minor parties, children, elderly and college students.  Did you know that only one in eight thinks war with Iraq is unavoidable and only one in 20 is pro-war? 

I have a feeling.  Those that are pro-war would be for conflict with anyone, as long as the U.S. could flaunt it’s military power.  The rest of us think that war is not the right option to be exercised at this time.

I fear that you are making decisions that this country will never live down.  The world agrees with me, except Spain and England. 

I would like to see the U.N. inspections team finish their job, as an unbiased/neutral third party, and let them recommend judgment. 

Let the system work, as it should.  A mediator, or a Judge, in this case the U.N. Security Counsel, will met out justice.  Like it or not, that is the way of the legal system in the U.S.  It was designed that way for a purpose—to prevent “King George-like” justice. 

Please, take into consideration that we have a diplomatic solution.  Even if you, personally, Mr. President, do not like the solution, it is probably the best way to resolve this conflict at this time. 

Sometimes, the most remarkable show of power is not rigidity; rather, it is flexibility. 

I thank you for your time, and I sincerely hope that you will heed the will of the people that you represent and find a peaceful means to resolve this conflict with Iraq.

Sincerely,

X.

Honestly, I love this country.  I love the diversity, the freedoms, and the opportunity.  America is exactly what I choose to make of it, good or bad. 

Anything I want to do, if I have the ability to do it, is attainable.  I can practice any religion I choose, or none at all.  I can be educated at my will, anyone can.  I can work, dine, and play at the park with the “wee ones,” all with little fear of anything. 

I love that freedom.  Yet, I fear that too few of us understand that with this freedom comes the responsibility of making conscientious decisions.  External consideration; what is going to be good for the whole, not just me at this moment.  Well, perhaps you and the President will do the same.

Refill?  Or, do you want to wait for a fresh pot?
Sometimes, the most remarkable  show of power is not rigidity; rather, it is flexibility.

Headlines

Joel Tagert

A brief synopsis of Bush’s State of the Union address:

            “Bomb Iraq!  Let’s destroy civil rights.  Bomb Iraq!  Let’s give huge tax cuts to the rich.  Bomb Iraq!  Let’s scrap Medicare.  Bomb Iraq!  Let’s create an enormous budget deficit.  Bomb Iraq!  Let’s outlaw abortion.  Bomb Iraq!  Let’s empower the Christian right.  And hey, did I mention – BOMB IRAQ!  God bless America.”

            And education?  Well, according to George, “We achieved historic education reform - which must now be carried out in every school and in every classroom, so that every child in America can read and learn and succeed in life.”  But be careful not to ask him where the money’s going to come from, because his priorities are made very clear in his 2004 budget message, released Feb. 3: “…winning the war against terrorism, securing the homeland, and generating long-term economic growth.”  For those of you who don’t know Bushspeak, this translates as “war, war, and tax cuts.”  Education didn’t even make the list.

            This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone here on campus, with our schools facing enormous cutbacks and possible layoffs, and students likely to end up paying for it one way or another.  Higher education is a low priority for Republicans.  First priority is the military: $400 billion this year for the Pentagon – up $60 billion from two years ago – not including the cost of war with Iraq ($200 billion plus).

            Operation Attack to Distract proceeds as planned, with the media’s eyes fixed on Iraq, ignoring the enormous snatch-and-grab going on under our noses.  Our social services are being eviscerated in the name of defeating terrorism and helping the economy, under the preposterous notions that war will lead to security and that making the rich richer will somehow create jobs.  What’s going to create more jobs and security for more people: huge tax cuts for the rich and increased military spending with a concomitant reduction in social services across the board, or using those billions to fully fund Medicare, Social Security, and education?

            Consider what just ten percent of our military budget could accomplish.  With $40 billion,  we could provide Pell grants of $4000/year for ten million students: that’s a grant for every unemployed person in the United States.  With the cost of war with Iraq, we could give grants to fifty million students.  College graduates consistently make higher wages than workers without a degree.

            It’s time to reclaim the budget.  What we need is not more pork fat for our already bloated military, or tax cuts for the rich: it’s full funding for education, medical care, and social security.  We need an Operation Ten Percent to counter Republicans’ Operation Attack to Distract.  The goal: ten percent of the military budget to be directed towards education.  The method: creative, nonviolent activism.  The time: now.
Headlines

The Gadfly
Brian P. Reed
Opinion Editor

When the stars threw down their spears
And water’d heaven with their tears:
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

—William Blake
The Tyger

In 264 BC, three pairs of gladiators fought to the death during the funeral of Junius Brutus.  As the games became more frequent and more plebeian-oriented, temporary seating was replaced by the “amphitheater..”  The oldest stone amphitheater dates back to the first century in Pompeii.

Now, bubba, you ask, “What the hell does this have to do with anything?”

Plenty.  Just keep your mind’s eye on my twisted logic and consider the 20th century in, say, Denver, CO.  Colorado entered the union on August 1, 1876 as the 38th state.  McNichols arena was built in the early 1970’s and, later, replaced with  “Pepsi Center,” a few years ago.

My point, bubba:  It took approximately 350 years for the Romans to build a permanent amphitheater, whereas Denver built an amphitheater in less than 100 years.  We are more advanced than the Romans, kind of.  We will deteriorate more quickly, however.  But, we love our venues.  Look at physical indoor sports like boxing, indoor football, hockey, etc . . . and, most importantly, the success of the WWE, and you can begin to parallel (or parallax).

Why, then, not go back to the days of an empire that ruled the world for approximately 700 years and used it as a doctrine for ourselves?  (Oh, the conservatives are drooling.) Let’s, perhaps, accept the rubric of a society that dictated the conquered fight against each other for the amusement of the conqueror?  

How much would you pay to see Saddam Hussein fight Osama bin Laden?  (“Hussein, now favored 3 to 1,” yells my  bookie.)  Hell, with pay per view, we could outright pay for the entire war!  What’s the worst that could happen?  Hussein and bin Laden swear to Muhammed to not kill each other in the name of corrupt, U.S. Imperialism?  Pié de torta!  Sauce too thick?  Toss in a couple of lions and “Tygers!”

Millions, if not billions, of bucks could be made, even after Sharpton’s and McMahon’s fees, and, perhaps, even the friggin’, finicky French would not whine. Oh, I am but dreaming . . .

I am just so busy thinking, bubba, it simply scares me.

For instance, did you know that it is easier to recycle an old computer with a 12 ga. than a .45?  Less trash.

Trust me, bubba, I know.
Headlines

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