03-05-2003, 09:55 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-05-2003, 10:00 PM by Occhidiangela.)
Korean citizens are as stupid as any Americans, no surprise, as the current Status of Forces agreements between the respective governments spell out who has jurisdiction in such cases. The Korean Government is a full partner in crafting and maintaining the Status of Forces agreements that keep Americans on their soil as a deterrent to NK aggression. Should the folks in Seoul choose to do so, they, like President Aquino in the Philippines, will tell us to leave. I for one will be in support of that move, as IMO South Korea has been given 50 years to grow its own ability to counter NK aggression. Time for them to stand or fall on their own merits. Trouble is, our governments have gotten into the habit of working together, and our presence in Korea is tied to security in Japan as well. It aint as simple as I wish it was.
The anti American sentiment is what it is, and is promoted by those who oppose American presence in Korea in the first place: some South Koreans are very much "Yankee Go Home" sorts, as are some operatives whose loyalty lies elsewhere, a bit further north.
The call for a retrial is purest bullsh**, as the jurisdiction was correctly laid down per the Status of Forces agreements between governments. If the Koreans want to yell at someone, they need to yell at their own government. Xenophobia being a historic Korean habit for about 600 years, it is no surprise that such calls for retribution against the 'round eyes' are heard. Not a difficult sentiment to trigger in that culture.
Our Constitution protects our citizens against double jeopardy, and I repeat, for those who are unsure on this, U.S. Citizens do not forfeit their constitutional rights when sent by their government into harms way, or overseas to fulfill treaty obligations to our allies.
If it creates image problems, then so be it: that is the price for being at the top of the heap.
And I wonder if the prosecutor was not set up to fail in succumbing to political pressure to go for a negligent homicide charge rather than a manslaughter charge: that charge is usually an easier conviction, though this case doubtless had its own weirdness.
The anti American sentiment is what it is, and is promoted by those who oppose American presence in Korea in the first place: some South Koreans are very much "Yankee Go Home" sorts, as are some operatives whose loyalty lies elsewhere, a bit further north.
The call for a retrial is purest bullsh**, as the jurisdiction was correctly laid down per the Status of Forces agreements between governments. If the Koreans want to yell at someone, they need to yell at their own government. Xenophobia being a historic Korean habit for about 600 years, it is no surprise that such calls for retribution against the 'round eyes' are heard. Not a difficult sentiment to trigger in that culture.
Our Constitution protects our citizens against double jeopardy, and I repeat, for those who are unsure on this, U.S. Citizens do not forfeit their constitutional rights when sent by their government into harms way, or overseas to fulfill treaty obligations to our allies.
If it creates image problems, then so be it: that is the price for being at the top of the heap.
And I wonder if the prosecutor was not set up to fail in succumbing to political pressure to go for a negligent homicide charge rather than a manslaughter charge: that charge is usually an easier conviction, though this case doubtless had its own weirdness.
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete