The New York Times editorial that recently appeared which advocated the withdrawal of US Forces Korea (USFK) seems to have attracted quite a lot of attention in the Korean press. The irony is, the Korean press which inflamed so much misinformation and anti-American rhetoric is now blaming Americans for misunderstanding the "true intentions" of the Korean people. It is time for the Korean press to take responsibility for their own actions and admit its own hypocrisy.

It is hypocritical for the Korean press to provide such one-sided coverage of the tragic death of the two school girls and at the same time criticize the US for not "understanding" the situation. What Americans understand from such boorish behavior is that Koreans want support and protection from the US but reserve the right to be anti-american.

Once again, Koreans demonstrate a significant amount of ignorance about America and her intentions. Contrary to the suspicions of many Koreans, USFK presence exists because America feels responsible for the security of the ROK. It is not part of an evil plan to control the world. As demonstrated in the Philippines in 1992, Americans are very content to withdraw their forces where they are not wanted. From the American point of view, the 30,000 American lives given for the defense and prosperity of the ROK is a contribution that can never be repayed. Even with the tragic accident that took the lives of two young girls, Americans are still offended by the reaction of the Korean press and public.

If the US withdraws from Korea, the Korean press and the Korean people need not blame the United States.

Joseph Chung