February 12, 2008

• Delayed Commentary

  http://www.koreatimes.com/article/articleview.asp?id=432432

  
  

  http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080212/wl_nm/korea_gate_dc_5

  
  

  I had initially thought of writting a very vitriolic post regarding the burning of  남대문 (Namdaemun).  However, I held back to wait until more evidence was gathered.  As bad as it may sound, when I first heard about and read about it, my first reaction was it was probably the North Koreans.  So on Monday afternoon, I sat down at my computer getting ready to write, but I could not get the words outs.  Normally, I would have no problem being vitriolic and scathing in my commentary about Communists and the like.  This time, I just couldn't write anything.  What could I say? 

  
  

  I'm glad that I held back.  The latest news is that the authorites have a suspect in custody.  Apparently he is a 70 year old man that was upset over a land dispute, and has had a history of arson on national landmarks.  Well, now that we know who and the why, I will allow myself to become a little indignant and maybe a little vitriolic.  I say they hang this guy from 남산 (Namsan) tower.  Okay, I feel better now.

  
  

  Right now, a lot of questions and fingers are being pointed over there.  And even I have to be a little critical somewhat.  The tactical response by the fire brigade was a little questionable.  They should have appoached the fire from the inside rather than the outside.  The security should have been much better.  I mean, think about it,  you declare something as the Number One National Treasure wouldn't you want to protect it.  There really is a lot of blame to go around, but that really os a moot point.  How can you replace something that has survived invasion after invasion, occupation, and constant bombing?  This structure was one of the few ancient buildings that was still stanidng after the Japanese ocupation and the Civil War (Korean War to Westerners).  They may rebuild it, but the history is lost. 

  • 11:34 am
  • 3 Comments