I am not a big fan of Hillary Clinton, but I like her response to the Anti-U.S. protests.

U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) recently accused South Korea of having forgotten the role of the United States in its economic development, stunning Seoul's leftist ruling Uri Party.

The government of President Roh Moo-Hyun believed it was in line with the U.S. Democratic Party when it blasted the Bush administration's hardline policies on the Korean peninsula.

The senator's remarks came at a time when anti-American sentiment has grown among South Koreans, paralleling a thawing of relations with communist North Korea.

Clinton's comments embarrassed Seoul's ruling camp led by Roh who was elected on a strong wave of anti-Americanism. Clinton is a Democratic Party presidential hopeful.

During a confirmation hearing in Washington for Gen. Burwell B. Bell who was nominated as commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Hillary Clinton chastised South Korea for what she claimed was a fog of "historical amnesia" clouding its relationship with the U.S.


The U.S. role in bringing about South Korea's remarkable economic success since the 1950-53 Korean War was significant, but lack of recognition of that view in South Korea bordered on "historical amnesia," Clinton said, noting the decades-long security alliance between Seoul and Washington was at a "critical juncture."

The changing bilateral ties have to do with South Koreans' "understanding of the importance of our position there and what we have done over so many decades to provide them the freedom that they have enjoyed to develop the economy that is now providing so many benefits for South Koreans," she said.

Seoul's presidential office and the Uri Party downplayed Clinton's remarks. "We are not considering her remarks as the U.S. Democratic Party's official stance," one Uri Party official said.

Some activists have recently campaigned to remove a statue of U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who for decades was viewed by South Koreans as a hero for turning the tide in the Korean War.

During his visit to Seoul earlier this month, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld also expressed regret at the anti-MacArthur campaign in the South, highlighting the sacrifices and contribution the U.S. has made to enable South Korea's rapid economic growth after the Korean War, in which Macarthur played a decisive role.

Some analysts in Seoul said Clinton's comments indicated the so-called fatigue syndrome of the South Korea-U.S. relationship was spreading to the center of the Democratic Party. Previously, Republican conservatives had expressed concerns about the crack in the Korea-U.S. relationship.

The United States and South Korea have remained at odds over how to resolve the North Korean nuclear standoff.

The Foreign Ministry official said it received a letter from Clinton's office saying that her remarks sought to emphasize the "importance of bilateral relations."

Clinton "continues to believe that a strong relationship between the United States and South Korea is critical to meeting the challenges posed by North Korea and other issues," the letter reportedly said.

__________________
Visit USFK Classifieds, the FREE classifieds in Korea!

I'm Afraid This Will Be A Non-issue For The Korean Politicians...they Don't Recognize Hillary As A Serious Politician Because Of Who She Is. They Don't Put Much Stock In Female Opinions.

__________________
DAN BURESS

I am not so sure about that. Most Americans and many Koreans believe she will be the next Democrat nominee for President in 2008.

Yea, You Might Be Right, But I Don't Think The American Public Is Ready For A Woman President...

__________________
DAN BURESS

No woman yet. Not even the secretary of state. The Clinton name carries some magic, whether it is Bill or Hillary. I can't imagine why, except that economic life was good during their reign of terror. (Thanks to Regan's legacy.)

I hope a charismatic leader shows up from some party soon. Won't be easy. I see that the Sheriff of Mayberry got the presidential Freedom Award! I would vote for Andy Griffith!

Poll after poll pus Hillary ahead in the Democratic party. I will never vote for her. It will be Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, John Edwards, and a few others running in 2008. As for Republicans, I think Rudy Guliani, John McCain, Bill Frist and Romney will be the likely candidates in 2008 for the Republican party. Condi Rice may be a contender for a vice president spot leading to her eventual run as President. Just my thoughts.

Mike

CONDI RICE HAS SAID SEVERAL TIMES THAT SHE WILL NOT RUN FOR PRES. GULIANI HAS THE NAME, BUT NOT THE EXPERIENCE OR MONEY...McCAIN WILL PROBABLY LEAD THE PACK, AND THERE SHOULDN'T BE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS MILITARY SERVICE AFTER THAT MOVIE CAME OUT ON TV ABOUT HIS PRISONER OF WAR EXPERIENCES...

__________________
DAN BURESS

Yes, Condi has said she sill not run for President, but nothing about Vice President. As for Gulliani's experience, being the Mayor of New York is far more experience than being a Senator of New York. Senators pass legislation, but Mayors actually manage people, budgets and lead millions (in large cities). This is why Senators do not become President and Governors do. Just look at the last few Presidents.

President George Bush - Governor of Texas
President Bill Clinton - Governor of Arkansas
President Bush Sr. - Ronald Reagan VP
President Regan - Governor of California

Also, Senators have too much history that gets examined. Every time they vote for a bill, it is recorded and in many ways used against them. History is against Hillary as Senators do not become Presidents.

Giuliani, has the best chance I believe, if he rejects the New York mentality on gun control. McCain I respect, and voted for once, but he could not get backing before, and he voted the wrong way too many times. Kerry is a LOSER. John Wayne is dead, and Charlton Heston has alzheimers. How about former (D) WV Governor Jay Rockefeller?
Which movie star will run?

I'd love to see a Hillary-Rice show off.

McCain will never win the Republican nomination.

Giuliani is a likely choice, but anything can happen in politics. Who were Clinton (Bill) and Carter before they won the whole thing?