Since the end of World War II, the US and Korea have had a strong, intimate relationship. That relationship has never been perfect but that it has enabled Korea to grow economically, culturally and intellectually. It is not surprising that Korea has become more independent from the US as it has strengthened its institutions and that is as it should be. However, the hatred expressed by the Korean people toward the US has not gone unnoticed and will forever affect our relationship. If Korea no longer wishes to remain under an umbrella of American security that necessitates the deployment of Americans in Korea, so be it.

The US should remove all American military personnel from Korea and do so quickly. The US needs to reexamine our strategy in Northeast Asia. A renewed strategic emphasis needs to arise and that requires a stronger Japan. Because of the inherent Korean threat to world order, the Japanese need to develop a much strong military capability to deal with the nuclear capability of Korea. It is quite unfortunate that Korea has chosen to separate themselves but now that they have chosen, the US needs to act accordingly.

David Boman Chicago