U.S. stands "shoulder to shoulder" with South Korea - Obama

[News_Editor]

U.S. stands "shoulder to shoulder" with South Korea - Obama

2010-11-24 22:04:25 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday evening told South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak that the U.S. "stands shoulder to shoulder" with South Korea, the White House said Wednesday.

Obama condemned the attack by North Korea on the South Korean island of Yeonpyeoung, which took the lives of two South Korean soldiers and two civilians, and injured many more.

During their conversation, the two Presidents also agreed to hold combined military exercises and enhanced training in the days ahead to continue the close security cooperation between our two countries, and to underscore the strength of our Alliance and commitment to peace and security in the region.

President Obama said that North Korea must stop its provocative actions, which will only lead to further isolation, and fully abide by the terms of the Armistice Agreement and its obligations under international law.

The U.S. remains firmly and fully committed to the defense of its "close friend and ally," the Republic of Korea, Obama said, adding that the U.S. would work with the international community "to strongly condemn this outrageous action by North Korea," and to advance peace and security in the region.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-11-24

[SergeiY]

If it were for the South Korean people to decide - a lot of them would probably tell the USA to bleep off.

[metisdead]

If it were for the South Korean people to decide - a lot of them would probably tell the USA to bleep off.

And you know this how? Show us your propaganda about this.

I'm sure the South Koreans would just roll-over to welcome the North - NOT!!!

[koheesti]

If it were for the South Korean people to decide - a lot of them would probably tell the USA to bleep off.

The South Koreans are like most everyone else on the planet. They love to protest against the USA but when their bully neighbor comes streaming across the border they'll welcome the Americans with open arms.

That said, I wish we would pull out of South Korea (& Japan). Last I heard we have about 30,000 troops along the DMZ compared to over 700,000 South Koreans. If we left, the North Koreans very well might overrun the south.Then what? Then Japan goes nuclear in two weeks time, China shits itself. Japan (like Germany in Europe) should be the regional security guarantor not the USA. They are both rich enough, big enough, and highly capable. Because of their history, the local bullies (Russia, China) would respect them enough not to find out if the current generation is as tough as their grandparents were. When Japan & Germany finally stand up instead of relying on the USA to subsidize their defense, then Yankee can finally go home from those regions.

[moetownblues]

The yanks are not doing this just because they are good guys. The yanks don't do anything for nothing there has to be something gained from it. If there was nothing in it for the yanks then they would tell south Korea to burn in hel_l.

[SergeiY]

If it were for the South Korean people to decide - a lot of them would probably tell the USA to bleep off.

And you know this how? Show us your propaganda about this.

I'm sure the South Koreans would just roll-over to welcome the North - NOT!!!

Yes, i know it and its not propaganda, its true.

I am not in the mood to write here lengthly entries why the South Koreans don't have to most open heart for the Americans.

Simple accept it, American soldiers are not welcomed or loved everywhere, specially not by the very proud and very nationalistic Koreans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-American_sentiment_in_Korea

[koheesti]

The yanks are not doing this just because they are good guys. The yanks don't do anything for nothing there has to be something gained from it. If there was nothing in it for the yanks then they would tell south Korea to burn in hel_l.

We would leave them to their own fate but we would tell them to burn in hel_l.

Every country has their own interests. Only a handful can actually act on them. The ones who complain the most are usually frustrated because they are impotent.

[Tywais]

Japan (like Germany in Europe) should be the regional security guarantor not the USA.

You may need to convince them to change their constitution then.

Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution is a clause in the National Constitution of Japan that prohibits an act of war by the state. The Constitution came into effect on May 3, 1947, immediately following World War II. In its text, the state formally renounces war as a sovereign right and bans settlement of international disputes through the use of force. The article also states that, to accomplish these aims, armed forces with war potential will not be maintained, although Japan maintains de facto armed forces, referred to as the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

[hammered]

Loads of talk. Now the back room stuff to avoid anything that might affect the world economy. So its China up center again

[Ulysses G.]

The yanks are not doing this just because they are good guys. The yanks don't do anything for nothing there has to be something gained from it.

Oh really now/

Marshall Plan

The Marshall Plan (officially the European Recovery Program, ERP) was the primary program, 194751, of the United States for rebuilding and creating a stronger economic foundation for the countries of Europe. The initiative was named after Secretary of State George Marshall and was largely the creation of State Department officials, especially William L. Clayton and George F. Kennan. Marshall spoke of urgent need to help the European recovery in his address at Harvard University in June 1947.^[1]

The reconstruction plan, developed at a meeting of the participating European states, was established on June 5, 1947. It offered the same aid to the Soviet Union and its allies, but they did not accept it.^[2][3] The plan was in operation for four years beginning in April 1948. During that period some US $13 billion in economic and technical assistance were given to help the recovery of the European countries that had joined in the Organization for European Economic Co-operation. This $13 billion was in the context of a U.S. GDP of $258 billion in 1948, and was on top of $12 billion in American aid to Europe between the end of the war and the start of the Plan that is counted separately from the Marshall Plan.^[4]

The ERP addressed each of the obstacles to postwar recovery. The plan looked to the future, and did not focus on the destruction caused by the war. Much more important were efforts to modernize European industrial and business practices using high-efficiency American models, reduce artificial trade barriers, and instill a sense of hope and self-reliance.^[5]

By 1952 as the funding ended, the economy of every participant state had surpassed pre-war levels; for all Marshall plan recipients, output in 1951 was 35% higher than in 1938.^[6] Over the next two decades, Western Europe enjoyed unprecedented growth and prosperity, but economists are not sure what proportion was due directly to the ERP, what proportion indirectly, and how much would have happened without it. The Marshall Plan was one of the first elements of European integration, as it erased trade barriers and set up institutions to coordinate the economy on a continental levelthat is, it stimulated the total political reconstruction of western Europe.^[7]

Belgian economic historian Herman Van der Wee concludes the Marshall Plan was a "great success":

"It gave a new impetus to reconstruction in Western Europe and made a decisive contribution to the renewal of the transport system, the modernization of industrial and agricultural equipment, the resumption of normal production, the raising of productivity, and the facilitating of intra-European trade."^[8]

^{http://en.wikipedia....i/Marshall_Plan}

Edited November 25, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[Ulysses G.]

The yanks are not doing this just because they are good guys. The yanks don't do anything for nothing there has to be something gained from it.

Oh really now/

Marshall Plan

The Marshall Plan (officially the European Recovery Program, ERP) was the primary program, 1947–51, of the United States for rebuilding and creating a stronger economic foundation for the countries of Europe. The initiative was named after Secretary of State George Marshall and was largely the creation of State Department officials, especially William L. Clayton and George F. Kennan. Marshall spoke of urgent need to help the European recovery in his address at Harvard University in June 1947.^[1]

The reconstruction plan, developed at a meeting of the participating European states, was established on June 5, 1947. It offered the same aid to the Soviet Union and its allies, but they did not accept it.^[2][3] The plan was in operation for four years beginning in April 1948. During that period some US $13 billion in economic and technical assistance were given to help the recovery of the European countries that had joined in the Organization for European Economic Co-operation. This $13 billion was in the context of a U.S. GDP of $258 billion in 1948, and was on top of $12 billion in American aid to Europe between the end of the war and the start of the Plan that is counted separately from the Marshall Plan.^[4]

The ERP addressed each of the obstacles to postwar recovery. The plan looked to the future, and did not focus on the destruction caused by the war. Much more important were efforts to modernize European industrial and business practices using high-efficiency American models, reduce artificial trade barriers, and instill a sense of hope and self-reliance.^[5]

By 1952 as the funding ended, the economy of every participant state had surpassed pre-war levels; for all Marshall plan recipients, output in 1951 was 35% higher than in 1938.^[6] Over the next two decades, Western Europe enjoyed unprecedented growth and prosperity, but economists are not sure what proportion was due directly to the ERP, what proportion indirectly, and how much would have happened without it. The Marshall Plan was one of the first elements of European integration, as it erased trade barriers and set up institutions to coordinate the economy on a continental level—that is, it stimulated the total political reconstruction of western Europe.^[7]

Belgian economic historian Herman Van der Wee concludes the Marshall Plan was a "great success":

"It gave a new impetus to reconstruction in Western Europe and made a decisive contribution to the renewal of the transport system, the modernization of industrial and agricultural equipment, the resumption of normal production, the raising of productivity, and the facilitating of intra-European trade."^[8]

^{http://en.wikipedia....i/Marshall_Plan}

Let us hope that there is no need to protect South Korea.

[geriatrickid]

There has been a distinct change in South Korean public sentiment. It is the younger generation pushing for retaliation. The older generation that remembers the devastation of war is counseling patience. I believe the old folks are right. Nothing good will come of a war. I have yet to see one public poll (from a reputable source) that backs up any anti American claims. The grievances are for the most part related to the expropriation of land for military use. From time to time, the locals get angry when some military personnel have vehicle incidents or misbehave. When a drunk Russian embassy employee mowed down a Canadian woman killing her and her dog, there was also great anger in the local community, particularly since the Russian was able to claim diplomatic protection. Does this mean that Canadians hate Russians? No.

Ideally, the US troops should be pulled out of South Korea. However, if they were to leave now or as long as the Kim family is running the North, the North Koreans would attack South Korea. All trade between Asia and North America would be disrupted. Without Canadian resources flowing to China, and without Asian finished goods going to the USA and Canada, the Asian economies would grind to a halt.

As much as the Chinese say the Americans are intruding, they also want them to stay in South Korea. This is why China doesn't push too hard. China can't afford any trade disruptions. A war started by China's North Korean ally would lead to a Chinese product boycott and the Chinese economy would collapse.

It's all up to China now. it wants to be a world leader. Well, now it has to lead.

[rijb]

If it were for the South Korean people to decide - a lot of them would probably tell the USA to bleep off.

And you know this how? Show us your propaganda about this.

I'm sure the South Koreans would just roll-over to welcome the North - NOT!!!

Yes, i know it and its not propaganda, its true.

I am not in the mood to write here lengthly entries why the South Koreans don't have to most open heart for the Americans.

Simple accept it, American soldiers are not welcomed or loved everywhere, specially not by the very proud and very nationalistic Koreans.

http://en.wikipedia....timent_in_Korea

Do you think they would be proud to have a dictator who never needs to defecate? http://www.onlineschools.org/blog/the-craziest-country-in-the-world/

[Naam]

When Japan & Germany finally stand up...

then hopefully the world does not experience the same shit as it experienced 70 years ago

[moetownblues]

<br />

<br />

<br />If it were for the South Korean people to decide - a lot of them would probably tell the USA to bleep off.<br />

<br /><br /><br /><br />And you know this how? Show us your propaganda about this.<br /><br />I'm sure the South Koreans would just roll-over to welcome the North - NOT!!!<br />

<br /><br />Yes, i know it and its not propaganda, its true.<br />I am not in the mood to write here lengthly entries why the South Koreans don't have to most open heart for the Americans.<br />Simple accept it, American soldiers are not welcomed or loved everywhere, specially not by the very proud and very nationalistic Koreans.<br /><br /><a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-American_sentiment_in_Korea' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://en.wikipedia....timent_in_Korea</a><br />

<br /><br /><br />

Australians think very little of Americans also I think the entire world dislikes Americans, They will tell you tho that we love them but it is only thier thoughts.

Edited November 25, 2010 by moetownblues

[Ulysses G.]

Australians think very little of Americans also I think the entire world dislikes Americans, They will tell you tho that we love them but it is only thier thoughts.

Some of the world, but all you have to do is read the anti-American, hate-filled drivel that is posted on Thai Visa to realize that that some people's opinions are not all that important anyway.

[elcent]

The right move by the US.

By the way, Germany summoned the North Korean Ambassador over this issue. Way to go for the beginning.

I guess for China's double and triple strategists there will by a very high price to pay - economically - if it fails to get it's baby in line.

It is just upsetting how pale their reaction(Chinese regime) is to the North Korean aggressive acts and then quickly to blame the South Korean manoeuvrings with the Americans around there.

In meanwhile North Korea threatens a second round of attacks and even a third while the Chinese regime giggles behind closed doors.

Things will change when people get up and throw out all Chinese products.

American bashing is not longer suitable, because it's wrong.

Americans have learned from mistakes. I remember an incident when American top agencies apologized over mistakes which was and is a great sign. China does not, has not and doesn't want to.

[rijb]

<br />

<br />

<br />If it were for the South Korean people to decide - a lot of them would probably tell the USA to bleep off.<br />

<br /><br /><br /><br />And you know this how? Show us your propaganda about this.<br /><br />I'm sure the South Koreans would just roll-over to welcome the North - NOT!!!<br />

<br /><br />Yes, i know it and its not propaganda, its true.<br />I am not in the mood to write here lengthly entries why the South Koreans don't have to most open heart for the Americans.<br />Simple accept it, American soldiers are not welcomed or loved everywhere, specially not by the very proud and very nationalistic Koreans.<br /><br /><a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-American_sentiment_in_Korea' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://en.wikipedia....timent_in_Korea</a><br />

<br /><br /><br />

Australians think very little of Americans also I think the entire world dislikes Americans, They will tell you tho that we love them but it is only thier thoughts.

Australians must be so proud to have you speak for them.

[elcent]

China is on the way to to destruct itself from within.

The collateral damage for others will be with multinational companies and corporations who are getting ready for a good spanking. The Chinese take it for granted that they are it's shields so it can continue it's nasty politics. They(MNC multinational corporations/companies) too have left the path of reasonableness.

But as nature doesn't accept a vacuum there's nothing much to worry. The gaps will be filled by non Chinese and non of those selfish multinational comp's.

[koheesti]

Japan (like Germany in Europe) should be the regional security guarantor not the USA.

You may need to convince them to change their constitution then.

I know - the USA wrote it for them. But they can still vote to change it just like anywhere else.

[koheesti]

then hopefully the world does not experience the same shit as it experienced 70 years ago

IMO, Germany has more than "paid for its past sins" and should be encouraged to take a leadership role which comes so natural. There is no one else on the European continent that comes close*. The Japanese may not like to admit some atrocities of the past, but they have "behaved" extremely well and contributed one helluva lot to the world (like Germany) since the war and should also take their rightful place. The reason the Germans and Japanese did such damage in the first place is because they are highly competent (just in the old days got suckered in by some facists)

Germany and Japan should be made permanent members of the UN Security Council. Russia & China would surely veto that but f**** 'em if they don't like it.

* The Brits are more of an international force than a European one. Perhaps if they were located in the center of Europe instead of an island off France it would be different.

Edited November 25, 2010 by koheesti

[elcent]

then hopefully the world does not experience the same shit as it experienced 70 years ago

IMO, Germany has more than "paid for its past sins" and should be encouraged to take a leadership role which comes so natural. There is no one else on the European continent that comes close*. The Japanese may not like to admit some atrocities of the past, but they have "behaved" extremely well and contributed one helluva lot to the world (like Germany) since the war and should also take their rightful place. The reason the Germans and Japanese did such damage in the first place is because they are highly competent (just in the old days got suckered in by some facists)

Germany and Japan should be made permanent members of the UN Security Council. Russia & China would surely veto that but f**** 'em if they don't like it.

* The Brits are more of an international force than a European one. Perhaps if they were located in the center of Europe instead of an island off France it would be different.

I second that. Well done!