Monday, May 30, 2005

I didn't see a thing.


Well, it seems the "kids" are back at it.
http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20050529/610000000020050529221823E2.html
Anti-U.S. rally leaves 12 seriously injured
SEOUL, May 29 (Yonhap) -- Thousands of student activists took part in protests in Seoul on Sunday, calling for the withdrawal of United States troops here and the renunciation of the U.S.' hostile policy toward North Korea.


City center traffic was halted for hours as demonstrators marched through the streets.Demonstrators tried to physically surround the U.S. military headquarters in Yongsan before attempting to enter the compound.

Scuffles with riot police left more than 20 protesters arrested, with 12 being seriously injured and taken to a nearby hospital.A reporter covering the demonstration for a local newspaper was also sent to hospital after being hit by a stone hurled by a protester.Demonstrators also gathered near the U.S. embassy in Gwanghwamun in downtown Seoul and criticized the U.S. ambassador to South Korea for refusing their demands for public discussion.

Sunday's rally was the largest-scale anti-U.S. protest of late. Such demonstrations, routine in the 1980s and 1990s when they were often put down by riot police and tear gas, had been largely replaced by more peaceful candlelight vigils in recent years.

I'm not sure who organized it or for what exact purpose, but generally I'm not a fan of student demonstrations (especially violent ones). For some, students represent the balancing force. Something akin to a "pure moral compass". However for me they seem more like a bunch of idealistic punks, who often have conflicting ideas in their heads with no real basis in reality.

The truth is, most of these kids would give their left nut to study/live in the States. Does that mean they shouldn't protest? No. But it often hints at an odd conflict; they believe the US is evil but yet they gobble up that same ideal (in the form of consumerism usually). None of them have the true conviction to actually ... permanently, press against the US.

What usually happens is, they get wise, get a job, buy a house, and start to realize something;

That stability is what people 30+ want. Stability for their investments, future and family.

These will be the same adults who now look at these demonstrations with detachment and disinterest. Stop jumping on the band-wagon students! Wake up and get some foresight!

No comments: