GNP leader calls for more flexibility in NK policy by Chung Min-uck (The Korea Times)

South Korean officials are trying to mend ties with North Korea after a year of virtually no exchange or cooperation between the two following president Lee Myung-bak's execution of the "May 24 Measures" in reaction to the sinking of the warship Cheonan and the bombing of Yeonpyeong Island. Chairman of the Grand National Party (in the U.S.=Republican Party) representative Hong Joon-pyo recently visited the Gaeseong Industrial Complex just across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to survey the 120 South Korean companies with factories setup there to promote economic cooperation (cheap labor for the South and jobs for the North), but who have been hit hard by downturns in the economy, and especially, the frozen relations between the two countries. I can see the benefits for both sides (47,000 North Korean out of work and 120 companies with no employees), so renewed relations are in the best interest of both countries, economically. The bigger issue of unification and dealing with North Korea in other political matters are much more complex. The writer's tone does not give me knowledge of his intent, but his lack of negative response leads me to believe he is in agreeance with inter-Korean dialogue and possibly unification.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/10/116_95826.html

Blogging About Local Politicians Using Microthemes

Students,

Start a new post and respond to the following prompt:

Find an online newspaper article concerning a local politician's role in a recent policy change or debate. Describe the issue as you understand it. Do you agree with the politician's decision regarding the issue? What does this article tell you about this politician's role in local government? Does the language or tone of the article reveal anything about the writer's political stance?

Guidelines for Microtheme post:

• Use the title and author of your article as your post title. Put a link at the end of your post if you think it will be hard to find using google.
• Your post should not be longer than 200 words (approximately the size of the posting box without scrolling using the default text).
• Space is limited: plan your words carefully. Decide what the most important details are and write accordingly. Be pithy! This assignment is graded both on your understanding of your research (8/10 points) and your ability to write within the parameters of the assignment (2/10 points)
• You may use as many labels as you want for your post, but please also label your post "Microtheme." 

This assignment is due no later than Sunday night at 9:00pm CST so I have time to look through and comment before class.

See you on Monday,

- Mr. Lundberg