Replies

I still have not heard why the US needs to defend SK in 2006 when SK has its own army. Is this so they can rebuild their war battered economy, build up manufacturing, sell TVs and autos for export ? I think they're already doing that pretty well.
After all our sacrifice of lives and treasure for their country, the SKs last year actually took bids from the French for a new fighter jet for their air force. When they did this, many people concluded it was time to leave.

I would also ask, where are the SKs going to sell their TVs and autos ? To the Chinese ? To the French ?

I still have not heard why the US needs to defend SK in 2006 when SK has its own army

=====================================

OK, I'll try it one more time....there are reasons beyond first line defense of SK for keeping troops there. The two Koreas will unite, it is just a matter of time. The form and political tone of the new country will be of significant importance to us. If we are not there we will have little influence.

Our force on the peninsula is our only mainland Asia presence. You want to surrender that. Others think we should keep it as a balance against China and as assurance for Taiwan and Japan. I agree with that position but I am willing to hear the wisdom behind your position of abandonment of our last ground position in Asia.