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| In this file photo taken on Oct. 25 U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press before departing the White House in Washington, D.C. for South Carolina. AFP-Yonhap |
By Oh Young-jin
On Oh Young-jin's Nov. 1 column (in the Nov. 2-3 weekend edition), entitled "Why Trump hates Koreans," two conflicting groups of readers sent emails and posted comments. Aliases or nicknames for the email senders and commentators are used because at least one asked for anonymity, citing his fear that his pension may be affected. We have tried to minimize editing so the opinions are presented in as unfiltered a manner as possible, even though some information is incorrect. ― ED.
'Trump is not Asian hater but bad-tempered child'
I think it is safe to say that President Trump does not hate Korea, or Asia, but he thinks like a businessman and looks at everything as an investment. Every savvy businessman looks at his investments and if the investment over time does not pay off, he will get rid of it. In his mind Asians (and every other country where the U.S. has a military presence, like Germany) are wasting American taxpayers' money. In a way he is right, but one has to assist his allies if they are smaller and weaker. Plus, to ask other nations to pay for America's military presence would degrade the U.S. military to mercenaries. In contrast, if Korea, Japan and China would ban exporting all their technology to the U.S., both markets would take a major hit. But in the long run, the U.S. would suffer most, because it cannot sustain business without outside technology.
Trump's stance on immigration is understandable, but questionable because he wants to deny entry to many who would benefit the U.S. He sees what other countries are going through right now with immigrants overrunning Europe, causing huge spending deficits. To bring in immigrants who want to integrate and be part of the host nations culture and values is of benefit, but a large majority of those entering Europe daily does not want to adapt, work, or learn the host nation's language. They want to receive free housing, health care and just live of the welfare state. In some European countries, the immigrant sitting at home makes more money than the hard-working native does.
The truth is, Trump acts like a megalomaniac and a child with a bad temper, but the last elections were not about who was best for America, but who was the least evil and corrupt. Hillary Clinton would have been the worst possible choice for America and its people (and maybe for other countries, too). While Trump blows a lot of hot air and steam, especially on Twitter, he works for free. How many democratic candidates, including the Clintons, have become filthy rich while being politicians and that accumulation of wealth does not come from their pay checks, but rather from corruption and dirty business transactions? From Danny
'Sour kimchi' ― stop slandering Trump
As a MAGA (Make American Great Again) Trump supporter, I take exception to your venal globalist views of my President, who singularly holds your country's future in his right hand. We educate your students and defend your existence, allow your export products into our auto dealerships and retail stores.
As a former Japanese ally in World War II, America could have sought retribution and left the Korean Peninsula to the devices of Red China and the Soviet Union. From Ed
'We Americans are concerned about Trump'
It was reassuring to me on several levels to read your excellent summary of South Korea's concerns about Trump. Please know that the majority of Americans share your concerns. As you very nicely indicated, Trump's days in office are looking increasingly shorter. ("Make it so!"). Finally, as an American who has the privilege to spend virtually almost half my time in your country, I have developed both admiration and affection for South Koreans. As a teacher of oral and written English fluency to Korean professionals, I have the opportunity to converse regularly with many corporate and government professionals in your country. And, as I often say to all of them: I'm deeply sorry as an American. Though I never voted for him, I humbly apologize to your country for having inflicted this clearly unfit leader on the world. From Edie
Stop race baiting
Your article, entitled "Why Trump Hates Koreans," was one of the most illogical pieces I've ever read.
Currently, race and racism is not the dominant factor in U.S. foreign policy decisions. Your article provided no examples of how the president hates Asians. It only mentioned Trump's policy proposals about requiring the entire world to pay more for U.S. support. Does Trump hate Belgians because he wants them to pay more for NATO? No, of course not. Please find another more logical scapegoat than race. From Bryce
Wakeup call to Trump
That was a real piece of work on Trump and his "Make America great" crowd! Very American, yet Korean (Asian) perspective well put. From H.J.
Trump used Samsung phone
Trump doesn't hate Koreans. In a weird way, he admires Koreans for advanced tech such as TVs and phones. He had a Samsung phone for a long time. He simply views everything similar to how chaebol views small business in Korea. Except he just talks big like a drunk uncle, and doesn't do anything bad. But chaebol actually silently does the bad stuff. From AAGOC
Americans tired of helping wealthy people like Koreans
This has nothing to do with racism but is, in fact, his very real attempt to get the burden of our people paying taxes to protect you and your neighbors from your brethren to the North. You might be surprised to learn that a huge number of Americans are sick and tired of pouring billions of dollars into a nation that has hosted two Olympics and one World Cup event. Any nation that can afford to do that can afford to pay for its defense .... either with its own troops or via mercenary troops (USFK).
Any nation that proposes to construct a vast underground highway system in Seoul, improved ground level train networks, a network of E-buses, etc. can also afford to pay for its own defense. Yes, we have an opioid problem in America and most of us now realize that to cure this issue requires a vast network of long-term care facilities and professionals and the money we spend for YOUR defense would go a long ways toward alleviating the problem.
You are very critical of our President while yours continues to suck up to the murderous Kim in North Korea … and yet, you expect Americans to fork over their hard-earned money to protect your unappreciative self? From Paul
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