Of course the Koreans aren't happy with the new deal proposed. They think the new voluntary program - QSA (Quality System Assessment) program, set up by the USDA is not sufficient. That it does include the coverage of such items as specified risk materials (such as spinal cord, eyes, brains, etc.), and that no verification can be made that the animal is under 30 months of age.
The Korean people are still protesting; but luckily the numbers turning out for them are dwindling. The sentiment for the protests is turning bad and the violence is increasing; as reported by the following newspapers:
June 24, 2008, Donga Ilbo, A survey result by Donga Ilbo showed that 58.5% of respondents wanted the anti U.S. beef import candlelight vigil to stop while 35.5% wanted it to continue; Survey result shows 63.5% of Koreans say candlelight vigil must be held responsible for the violence and illegal actions.
JoongDaily June 24, 2008: About 58 police buses have been destroyed and 188 policemen have been injured trying to break up protesters in the daily rallies that began May 2, police sources said. Of the injured officers, 16 are known to be in critical condition.
So, I think it is a good sign people want the protesting to stop. And that the group "the People's Association Against Mad Cow Disease" will finally be held responsible for the damage and fearful sentiment they have been creating. Also, according to newspapers (only written in Korean), people are starting to worry about trade policies with the US if the protests continue; meaning you keep messing with the US, the US just may stop buying Korean made cars and cell phones; and was actually estimated be worth $120 million if that occurs.
President Lee has officially replaced some of his cabinet (7 members) and has publicly apologized twice for not taking Korean persons health into considerations when he made the beef deal in April. So it is still very much political. Basically, once the Koreans simmer down, then the government will officially release the details of the negotiation; which I am told may be another couple of weeks. In the meantime my co-workers have been trying to answer media questions and have been going to meetings to try and get things ready for the market to open.
As for me, nothing new to report. I was told today by my co-workers that they like the fact that I am not picky and I am willing to try any food item. They said it makes it very easy on where and what we can eat for lunch. So I think that was a nice compliment. One thing I cannot get over is that the "BBQ" here is eaten with so much fat still attached to the meat. And for those of you who know me well, you know I am not a fat eater; so that is taking some getting used to.
I checked into going to the top of the Samsung Building or the Seoul Tower for dinner; and for a mere $70+ I can enjoy a nice romantic dinner by myself- as great as that sounds I think I will pass; and just visit them as a tourist.
Plans for the week: visit a sensory lab on Thursday; Saturday I need to hit the Costco bus again, as I am down to Ramen noodles, tuna, and cereal.
Hope all is well. Missing you all. xoxo
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3 comments:
Wow, still alot of unhappy people about! I guess you better still take care when you go out!
It does'nt look like the Beef import discussion is going to be resolved any time soon!
I think you are right to trim that fat off your food, who wants to eat pure fat?
Take care, I love you!
Do you try to mush up the fat and chase it with a big glass of milk?? That would make me just gag.I will be getting a box in the mail to you this week!!
Well I wold try to trim the fat off, but a butter knife is not am option. So if I can kinda pull it off then I will, but if not then I just eat it, and swallow as qucikly as possible.
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