| Statement of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich |
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Statement of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and the fifty-seventh anniversary of the signing of the July 1953 Armistice Agreement. The Korean War cost the lives of over 4 million people and a lasting peace remains elusive. The people on the Korean peninsula continue to suffer as they are caught in the midst of a perpetual state of war and heightened tension. Families are divided and they are left voiceless. The recent sinking of the Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Cheonan in May and the subsequent announcement that North Korea was severing all relations with South Korea is a symptom of a failed policy in the region. It highlights the need for a permanent peace settlement and for diplomatic efforts to bring North and South Korea to such a settlement. Following the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan, officials in the Administration vowed that the attack would not go unanswered. After 60 years, the United States has failed to establish formal diplomatic channels with North Korea that would be vital in diffusing such crises. The United States spends over one billion dollars per year to maintain its military presence in South Korea. At a time when millions of Americans are out of work and are struggling to pay their bills, one billion dollars per year is needlessly poured into further militarizing the Korean peninsula. There are debates in Washington over how we are going to pay for unemployment benefits. Yet no one asks how we are going to pay to maintain hundreds of U.S. military bases around the world. No one questions the costs to U.S. tax payers or the Korean people. I believe strongly in the power and necessity of diplomacy. The United States has a responsibility to utilize its unique role as an ally of South Korea to bring the nation closer to resolution with North Korea. The Administration can better express support for the people of the Republic of Korea by recommitting to promoting dialogue between the two nations. The expression of support for a possible military response to North Korea's actions can only serve to heighten the likelihood of a military confrontation. Military action in retaliation to North Korea's attack on the South Korean ship can only result in the further loss of life. Further militarization in the region can have adverse affects on U.S. national security and our support of a military response to North Korean can only undermine future prospects of peace. Further isolating North Korea from South Korea and the international community does not serve the interest of any country truly dedicated to regional stability. Let us use this somber anniversary to work toward peace and facilitate a lasting peace settlement between North and South Korea. Nathan White |