Who Does the Government Represent: Americans or Koreans?

One of the more baffling news stories we have been covering on WORLDMEETS.US is that over the resumption of American beef imports to South Korea. For the past two months, daily protests and candlelight vigils have paralyzed the heart of Seoul over what appears to most Americans as a severe over-reaction to a minor trade issue.

But as this editorial from South Korea’s Hankyoreh newspaper shows, the issue really centers on suspicions shared by many South Koreans that the government cares more about pleasing Washington than it does for the welfare of its own people.

The editorial says in part:

“Most of the nation opposes resuming American beef imports and yet the government is going ahead with its plans anyway, which makes one seriously wonder: Who does this government exist for in the first place?

Then, highlighting a lack of trust in the U.S. meat inspection process, the editorial goes on:

“But most Koreans don’t think the safety of American beef can be guaranteed through the voluntary self-regulation of American exporters. There was a time when there was an export certification program backed by the U.S. Federal Government, and over half of the beef imported from the United States was found to contain bone chips [these were prohibited]. How, then, is one supposed to believe now, at a time when there far less U.S. federal government regulation – in this voluntary private regulation? … This is why it’s a matter of course that the majority of this nation wants to postpone the resumption of American beef imports and renegotiate the beef deal. With the country so ill at ease, going ahead with imports under this “additional agreement” requires dictatorial thinking and is a direct challenge to the people.”

EDITORIAL

June 26, 2008

South Korea – The Hankyoreh – Original Article (English)

Most of the nation opposes resuming American beef imports and yet the government is going ahead with its plans anyway, which makes one seriously wonder: Who does this government exist for in the first place?

The government says that through an “additional agreement,” it will ensure that the beef of cows older than 30 months at time of slaughter won’t be imported. That includes four body parts – even from younger cows – that are at particular risk of carrying mad cow disease: the brain, the eye, the spinal cord and the skull from cows.

But most Koreans don’t think the safety of American beef can be guaranteed through the voluntary self-regulation of American exporters. There was a time when there was an export certification program backed by the U.S. Federal Government, and over half of the beef imported from the United States was found to contain bone chips [these were prohibited]. How, then, is one supposed to believe now, at a time when there far less U.S. federal government regulation – in this voluntary private regulation? In addition, risk materials like intestines and spine from cows under 30 months old will still be permitted to enter the country.

This is why it’s a matter of course that the majority of this nation wants to postpone the resumption of American beef imports and renegotiate the beef deal. With the country so ill at ease, going ahead with imports under this “additional agreement” requires dictatorial thinking and is a direct challenge to the people.

READ ON AT WORLDMEETS.US, along with continuing South Korean coverage of issues that implicate the United States.