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Wed, September 19, 2018 | 18:09

Opinion > Columnists > Michael Breen >

Why putting the US first is timely

The vision of the new American president, Donald Trump to “put America first” captures the shift in the American role in the world that has been going on for the past 25 years. For all the policy nervousness it is causing here and in other capitals, this new vision is not a bad thing. In fact, I would argue, it is both timely and good. To make this point, consider the role the U.S. has played internationally in the last century and consider what may lie ahead in the next century. One hundred years ago this April, the U.S. joined World War One and emerged as a major actor on the international...

Michael Breen | 2017-01-23 16:33

Park's defense team scores an own goal

Lawyers representing President Park Geun-hye made some good points in the impeachment hearings at the Constitutional Court last week that anyone who cares about democracy should bear in mind.

Michael Breen | 2017-01-09 16:43

Why women not rallying around President Park

Foremost among the sounds which I have come to associate with the regular weekend protests against President Park Geun-hye are the amplified cries and chants of women protest leaders addressing the crowds.

Michael Breen | 2016-12-26 17:24

Can we respect the Constitutional Court?

Despite the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, the protests against her continue.

Michael Breen | 2016-12-12 17:12

Me and my liberal tribe

For most of my adult life, I have adhered to a broad pro-democracy, anti-racism and anti nasty things mentality, swinging back and forth between liberalism and conservatism depending on the issue and on the personalities in power.

Michael Breen | 2016-11-29 16:09

President Park and the beast of public sentiment

The peaceful and good-natured behavior of the crowds which have gathered these past few Saturdays in Seoul to demand the resignation of President Park Geun-hye is a welcome departure from the usual style of anti-government protest in Korea.

Michael Breen | 2016-11-28 17:33

Making Korea great again

Last week, as my taxi was waiting at a red light, a motorcyclist pulled alongside and started shouting at no-one in particular.

Michael Breen | 2016-11-14 15:48

Take care with any constitutional change

The proposal last week by President Park Geun-hye that Korea change its Constitution presents lawmakers with a long overdue chance to improve the country’s governance.

Michael Breen | 2016-10-31 17:36

Importance of respecting politicians

In a recent survey, university students chose firefighters and street sweepers as the people they respect most. Teachers and others were included, but not one of the 600 people polled said they respected politicians.

Michael Breen | 2016-10-17 17:02

The other part of ending corruption

Under a tough new law which went into effect last week, the public official who demands cash and benefits may be jailed for up to three years. Similarly, the person who requests a favor of a public official could be put away for two years.

Michael Breen | 2016-10-03 16:50

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