Not long ago, angry chants of "murderous American GIs" and the somber flicker of anti-U.S. candlelight vigils filled the downtown streets of Seoul. But as tension builds over North Korea's suspected nuclear weapons program, pro-American rallies are drawing big crowds in the South Korean capital. "The majority has been silent too long," said Kim Bum-soo, who is helping organize a major pro-U.S. demonstration March 1 urging Washington to keep its troops here.Starting to feel a little naked, are we?
Supporters hope to attract 500,000 people. It follows two pro-American rallies last month that each attracted tens of thousands to support South Korea's top ally. The more vocal pro-American mood swing is a turnaround from just months ago. At that time, pro-U.S. counterrallies managed to muster only dozens. Now with the tide shifted, anti-U.S. protests are now small and localized, such as a recent one opposing a construction project at a U.S. base. Giving impetus to the turnaround is talk in Washington of cutting back on the 37,000 U.S. troops based in South Korea as a deterrent against a North Korean attack.
Not only are they facing the prospect of having to duke it out with the NKors themselves, but those 37,000 paychecks are walking away, too. And so are all the jobs associated with the 37,000 paychecks. Tusk, tusk, as the elephant said. I still haven't forgotten this. I don't intend to, either...
