Note to self: Never make the front page of Stars & Stripes
ChickenHead
11 months ago
“DODEA HQ’s Chief of Staff arrested in human trafficking sting”
“Note to self: Never make the front page of Stars & Stripes”
The real lesson here is don’t meet some ho in a motel room unless it’s free or you will be labeled a “human trafficker”.
Be a man and fly on your buddy’s private jet to his private island and meet some teen ho in his guesthouse so you can be an unwitting victim.
setnaffa
11 months ago
And don’t forget that, in some jurisdictions, the “ho” might be an “undercover” cop. Yes, some cops commit crimes in order to catch “the bug fish”. Look up Donnie Brasco/Joseph Pistone.
Best to polish up those IRL/offline social skills so you don’t need to colonize someone else’s territory.
And if you don’t know who else has been where you’re going, you might be the one being colonized… As in, “Meet your new roommate Bubba. He’s here for Life plus 700 years.”
Korean Man
11 months ago
South Korean media reports South Korea has sold 100,000 rounds of ammo to Israel, with possibly more coming down the pipe. Israel’s Jerusalem Post reports that North Korea’s fingers are all over not just Hamas’s arms supply, but also well as NK giving training/knowledge to Hamas’s tactical raid over Israel, and giving technological aid on how to tunnel. North Korea also gave tons of war materials to Russia in return for Russian military technology and Russian fuel. South Korea indirectly supports Ukraine through the ammunition sales to the US and Europe. So both Koreas are heavily involved in both of the major conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East by supplying each respective side with materials and advice.
Last edited 11 months ago by Korean Man
ChickenHead
11 months ago
“South Korean media reports South Korea has sold 100,000 rounds of ammo to Israel, with possibly more coming down the pipe.”
Isn’t it against Korean law to sell weapons and ammo to countries at war?
The Koreas have a nice racket if they are supplying opposite sides in every global hotspot.
As more and more useless and unskilled people start moving into pods, eating the bugs¹, and not owning cars, Korea’s auto industry will suffer.
But sales of tanks and such might make up for it.
¹Aspire Food Group and Lotte Confectionery Co. Ltd., have formalized their cooperation in the “distribution and promotion of crickets as food.” You are their target market, pod dwellers.
setnaffa
11 months ago
I’m not 100% certain that Soylent Green is more repugnant than bugs.
As long as it’s properly sterilized, seasoned, and cooked. Also, we don’t want “drumsticks” or “sausages”, just “patties”.
ChickenHead
11 months ago
Setnaffa, you should really reduce your dependence on unhealthy processed food.
An active lifestyle with restricted calorie intake makes Chinese prisoner less gamey than freerange schoolgirl with less exposure to harmful drugs than unorganic hitchhiker or missing prostitute.
setnaffa
11 months ago
CH, I may need to just take your word on that…
I have never eaten “hitchhiker”, “schoolgirl”, nor “prostitute”. I tend to go with domestic produce from farms I can trust.
The three mentioned previously tend to not be FDA-approved, even as dinner guests.
And made-in-China might be okay for electronics; but certainly not comestibles. Not interested in what I’ve seen…
Wait. We are talking actual food here, not more spotted dick (and jane), right?
Korean Person
11 months ago
The Chosun Ilbo, known for its pro-US, pro-Japan, right-wing stance, is recommending Yoon’s resignation should the PPP lose in the upcoming parliamentary elections in April.
This move by the Chosun Ilbo signals the distress within the Korean right wing, highlighting the troubled state of affairs. Yoon’s actions contribute to this turmoil, a fact underscored by the newspaper’s potential disavowal.
Amidst the chaos instigated by Yoon, GIKorea and the Setnaffarians persist in their unwavering support for him. Their sole concern seems to be the perpetual presence of the USFK in Korea, overshadowing the larger issues faced by the country.
If the ruling party loses in the election, President Yoon’s government practically loses its function. This is due to a lack of trust from the majority of the population. There won’t be another election during the president’s term, making this the final assessment. Moreover, facing the excessive dominance of the ambitious leftist forces, the president cannot survive. It’s not about Yoon’s abilities; stepping down, regardless of the term, is the only way to avoid the chaos and gloom of a country without a ‘captain’.
ChickenHead
11 months ago
“Their sole concern seems to be the perpetual presence of the USFK in Korea.”
That’s why the Setnaffarians are the absolute worst Putin stooges ever.
They keep supporting things good for Korea and America.
Xi is going to have to straighten them out.
Korean Person
11 months ago
That’s why the Setnaffarians are the absolute worst Putin stooges ever.
They keep supporting things good for Korea and America.
Given that the presence of the USFK in Korea establishes a dependency on the US for defense, and an abrupt withdrawal would leave Korea susceptible to China and Russia, it becomes evident that the Setnaffarians serve as effective proxies for Putin’s interests.
ChickenHead
11 months ago
Confused.
An abrupt withdrawl of USFK would leave Korea susceptible to Putin…
…but wanting to keep USFK in Korea is somehow… serving Putin’s interests?
Somebody help me make sense of it all.
Also: Korea is on the cusp of being a top global weapons supplier.
It is almost as if Korea was not really innocently dependent all this time…
…but more curious, observant, and crafty.
Korean Person
11 months ago
Anyone with brains would realize that ChickenH oops setnaffa is cherry picking and ignoring the inconvenient fact.
ChickenHead
11 months ago
Lefties don’t even try to make sense…
…as facing logic, reason, and historical observation, would destroy their entire contrived worldview.
They can only spew the instant gratification catchphrases they have been conditioned with… which gives them a momentary sense of false superiority in an otherwise powerless life.
Liberalism is a catch-all for fúckups and misfits…
…and the upper class of sociopathic predators who use them with no real concern for the ideology they push.
(The same predators who shamelessly take private jets to climate conferences where they discuss how little heat you need in the winter and how little meat you need on your plate.)
Anybody who identifies as a Democrat should be ashamed of themselves… the party of concequence-free criminality, chronic dependence, and child trannies…
…with a president who touches children while everyone pretends he does not.
(Not so fast, Republicans. You should be ashamed too, but for different reasons.)
Korean Person
11 months ago
From the confusing rant made by ChickH, I mean setnaffa, no doubt that I’ve hit him where it matters the most and unable to logically argue my points have decided to go the path of illogical ranting.
Stephen
11 months ago
The Drew Ortiz and Sora Tanaka of Rokdrop.
Last edited 11 months ago by Stephen
ChickenHead
11 months ago
“unable to logically argue my points”
Why would I need to?
You have made two points:
– “(USFK) withdrawal would leave Korea susceptible to China and Russia, it becomes evident that the Setnaffarians serve as effective proxies for Putin’s interests”
– “Their sole concern seems to be the perpetual presence of the USFK in Korea,”
You are arguing with yourself.
There is no reason for me to get involved until you decide which way you want to go.
Let’s discuss this again after you take your Clozapine.
Korean Person
11 months ago
Ah yes, as usual, ChickenH oops setnaffa’s low brain power is preventing him from understanding the entire issue.
Either that they don’t want to admit that they’re working for the Russians.
To break it down so that these dumb Setnaffarians can understand
If USFK stays in Korea forever, South Korea will not be motivated to invest in its defense thus increasing its dependency on the US for its defense
This makes South Korea weak
If and when USFK decides to withdraw from Korea, a weak South Korea will get desperate and will probably cut deals with Russia and China in return for security.
As such, it is best that South Korea live with the prospect that the USFK will withdraw from South Korea one day since this means that South Korea will invest in its defense and be stronger.
A strong South Korea will be less susceptible to Russia and China if and when USFK withdraws.
But the Setnaffarians want the USFK to stay in Korea forever, since a weak Korea that is dependent on the US and later be susceptible to Russia and China, if and when the USFK withdraws, is in their interests.
ChickenHead
11 months ago
In your scenario, how will a militarily weak Korea also be a top global weapons supplier?
I guess you don’t have to pay for the dirty movie if you just want to sniff the tissue.
@Stephen, I had to Google those names and laugh at how far Sports Illustrated has fallen. It makes me wonder how many other magazines are using AI generated authors and head shots?
Korean Person
11 months ago
In your scenario, how will a militarily weak Korea also be a top global weapons supplier?
You do know that “global weapons supplier” means those weapons are exported and not being used by the Korean military. Not to mention those weapons need people to operate and maintain.
It’s like Japan where its full-sized cars are exported and produced overseas, but the local population uses small-sized cars.
Two different things, my brainless right-wing friend.
ChickenHead
11 months ago
Got it.
Korea has no confidence in the weapons they will produce or the professional soldiers they will train.
(I hope word of this doesn’t get out to potential customers.)
Korea will forever be reliant on Uncle Sam… sorta like The Crack Hoe Welfare Mother¹ of Asia.
¹but with fewer children
Your opinion of Korea’s abilities certainly aligns with Chinese and North Korean interests, chinabot.
Nonetheless…
If USFK stays, Korea is dependent.
If USFK goes, Korea is vulnerable.
Looks like Korea is going to have to make the Trophy Wife’s choice.
GrayBlack
11 months ago
Large scale defense industry can only exist with government funding. That both Koreas are exporting weapons means their industries can grow far larger than otherwise sustainable if purely funded domestically by their government’s tax revenues. It also means a large skilled labor force that can be activated when needed. See America’s struggle with producing 155mm. Large scale production doesn’t just happen. It takes time to build capacity. In the event of a large scale attrition war, all of that capacity can be redirected for domestic consumption.
Since military power is highly dependent on logistics, it’s rather obvious that anything that increases logistical capability increases military power. Arms exports are largely beneficial… provided they’re not exported to the wrong people.
On USFK leaving. SK would have to make a deal with Japan for shipping security rather than using America as an intermediary. That would be an absolute shit show. It’s also far from the truth that USFK has weakened SK military. SK has built a fairly substantial military and modernization is proceeding at a steady though bumpy pace. Nothing in the NK air force or surface navy is likely to survive long. SK counter battery fire has also proven to be quite effective. NK developed nuclear weapons because they couldn’t match conventional capabilities.
SK does have real problems that come with the American presence. USFK comes with an unfortunate side of State Department, feminism, BLM, LGBT, and progressive democracy. All which have been a disaster for SK demographics. SK can conscripts soldiers, but it can’t conscript wombs which make future conscripts. With the way things are going, NK will win purely on the demographics.
ChickenHead
11 months ago
GrayBlack, as always, thoughful writing from you.
My thoughts on:
“but it can’t conscript wombs which make future conscripts. With the way things are going, NK will win purely on the demographics.”
I have long stated that Korea doesn’t need more babies, it needs better babies.
This applies to the military where a smaller number of professional soldiers controlling automated weapons is far more effective and cost effective for Korea’s defense than a bunch of conscripts needing busywork and waiting around for war so they can charge up a hill.
A large number of Boots on the Ground would be useful if North Korea collapsed and SK needed to beat the Chinese to Pyongyang…
…but probably better to prop up the NK regime to assist in an eventual soft landing (but making the limits very clear on how much shít SK will take in the meantime).
As distasteful as that is…
…it is probably cheaper than maintaining a large conscripted military…
…and certainly cheaper than war.
Korean Person
11 months ago
Looks like Korea is going to have to make the Trophy Wife’s choice.
Why does Korea need to make a choice?
The US has already made that choice by progressively reducing the number of USFK units and personnel in Korea.
If I’m not mistaken it’s a matter of time before the US realizes its long time dream of pulling out completely from Korea.
It is only the Setnaffarians who are advocating for a weaker Korea and finds it in their interest for the USFK to maintain a perpetual presence in Korea, establishing a dependency on the USFK for its defense.
ChickenHead
11 months ago
The most satisfying thing is that if USFK stays… or goes quickly… or gradually… or expands…
…you will be tormented to no end.
Nobody here will care.
Whatever happens, it will be thoughtful and to Korea’s benefit…
…and probably to America’s benefit as well.
As a Korea and USA hating chinabot, happy and productive relationships make you sour.
If you spent more time bettering yourself instead of being a tool, you would be happier.
Chickenhead, Trump, who’s leading at the US election polls, has promised to pull the US troops out of SK. The only thing that will stop that from happening will be SK giving the US $15 billion a year for USFK bills, AS WELL AS subsidizing the US naval fleet in the Pacific.
Trump has already said this. Once Trump is back in power and he un-dos Biden policies, I predict Yoon’s party will look ridiculous holding their worthless bag full of US promises that will never happen. It will be the end of the Korean right party.
Last edited 11 months ago by Korean Man
ChickenHead
11 months ago
Korea gets a really good deal on American defense.
Now that there is no capitalist/communist ideological war, Trump wants the going rate.
He wll ask more, Korea will ask less, the real value will be agreed upon, everyone will declare victory.
But don’t worry, as my predictions from 2015 about Trump all came true, so shall my predictions about 2024.
Lawfare is only making him more popular.
They will kill him before they let him become president.
Ideally, it will be by a white supremist “with ties to Russian intelligence” with a 3D printed ghost gun and assisted by AI. He will then be killed by Secret Service.
So don’t worry.
America will get whichever selected globalist can be hyped up the most when Trump’s vacancy needs filled.
Korean Man
11 months ago
Worried? Not at all. I want him to win the presidency. It will destroy and discredit the Rightwing Party of Korea. It will finally be the end of SK’s dependence on the US. That’s going to change the entire dynamics in Asia. South and North Korea will have to sign the peace treaty (as Trump almost signed the agreement with NK in 2018), and SK will finally get the nuke bombs. Without US meddling in the region, will be a blessing in disguise despite all the stupid handwringings from the Cold War Conservatives. And don’t worry, the next party that will come to power, will never give into US financial blackmails. From 2018 to 2021, South Korea almost gave the US, “do whatever you want” after Trump threatened to pull troops out of Korea because he didn’t get the money.
Last edited 11 months ago by Korean Man
GrayBlack
11 months ago
@KM, KP
SK was able to industrialize because it could freely ship materials from and to anywhere in the world. Its massive industrial base today continues to be feuled by secure shipping. China is the same. Russia can’t supply much over land because Siberia is cold and harsh. Also moving over land is much, much, much more expensive than moving over water.
Again I point out a post USFK Korea is going to have to cut deals with the Japanese more so than the Chinese or the Russians. Neither the Chinese nor Russians can provide maritime security to SK, and SK literally goes on a starvation diet should it loses shipping lanes. SK is a net calorie importer by the tens of billions of USD. Only Japan can keep SK shipping lines open due to their massive navy and their geographic location. The end of USFK is not just the end of SK right wing, but also the left wing. An entire new political reality will set in. One that will be much harsher. All of your progressive left wing values will not survive.
@ChickenHead
The quality of babies is a moot point if babies aren’t being born in the first place. Eugenics is naturally promoted by patriarchy because fathers want to ensure the viability of their daughter’s children. They want to make sure their daughters marry and have children with good men. Feminism not only destroys fertility, but also means the few women that do have children often do so with the worst sort of men because women are pretty terrible at selecting men. Just talk to corrections officers working in prisons to find out what the female employees get up to with the prison population… hybristophilia.
It’s also not wise to discount the quality of quantity. The war in Ukraine has reasserted the reality of attrition warfare. It is very likely any potential conflict on the Korean peninsula would be even more attritional given the mountainous terrain, entrenchment, and tunnels. SK simply needs babies.
ChickenHead
11 months ago
GrayBlack, I see your points.
More babies certainly solves a lot of issues… and has for thousands of years.
So let’s fast forward to 2070 when Korea’s aging population is 80 million people living in a country covered in 60% more concrete with 60% more sewage dumped upstream from the next megacity’s water supply (as is done now).
Robots are serving fries and building flying cars and farming.
The high-quality people are hypercompetitive for the few great jobs… which doesn’t always bring out the best people or the best in people.
The bottom 50% of the population have mostly given up and sit in their public assistance pod eating government protein bars, supplied by the lowest bidder, and escape into the VR world.
If only we had more babies to create more jobs! But the “every hungry mouth is born with two working hands” theory of economics is dying as we create working hands without hungry mouths.
While we are watching Ukraine fail for many clearly predictable reasons, including inferior demographics, WWI thinking is not the future.
A soldier is far less effective than a swarm of cheap loitering drones looking for people on the battlefield so they can swoop down and explode… or guide an ecen cheaper drone to swoop down and explode.
I doesnt seem most people realize how fundamentally the world is going to change due to AI.
More babies, at least low quality ones, are not the answer to tomorrow’s issues… it’s like designing the next generation of buggy whips in 1910… or making an even better flip phone in 2007 (looking at you, Nokia).
Thanks GI, it is truly a year to count our blessings and be grateful! As is, in fact, every year.
Particularly thankful this Thanksgiving season that I’m not this guy:
DODEA HQ’s Chief of Staff arrested in human trafficking sting
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-11-24/dodea-administrator-leave-human-trafficking-sting-12150198.html
Note to self: Never make the front page of Stars & Stripes
“DODEA HQ’s Chief of Staff arrested in human trafficking sting”
“Note to self: Never make the front page of Stars & Stripes”
The real lesson here is don’t meet some ho in a motel room unless it’s free or you will be labeled a “human trafficker”.
Be a man and fly on your buddy’s private jet to his private island and meet some teen ho in his guesthouse so you can be an unwitting victim.
And don’t forget that, in some jurisdictions, the “ho” might be an “undercover” cop. Yes, some cops commit crimes in order to catch “the bug fish”. Look up Donnie Brasco/Joseph Pistone.
Best to polish up those IRL/offline social skills so you don’t need to colonize someone else’s territory.
And if you don’t know who else has been where you’re going, you might be the one being colonized… As in, “Meet your new roommate Bubba. He’s here for Life plus 700 years.”
South Korean media reports South Korea has sold 100,000 rounds of ammo to Israel, with possibly more coming down the pipe. Israel’s Jerusalem Post reports that North Korea’s fingers are all over not just Hamas’s arms supply, but also well as NK giving training/knowledge to Hamas’s tactical raid over Israel, and giving technological aid on how to tunnel. North Korea also gave tons of war materials to Russia in return for Russian military technology and Russian fuel. South Korea indirectly supports Ukraine through the ammunition sales to the US and Europe. So both Koreas are heavily involved in both of the major conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East by supplying each respective side with materials and advice.
“South Korean media reports South Korea has sold 100,000 rounds of ammo to Israel, with possibly more coming down the pipe.”
Isn’t it against Korean law to sell weapons and ammo to countries at war?
The Koreas have a nice racket if they are supplying opposite sides in every global hotspot.
As more and more useless and unskilled people start moving into pods, eating the bugs¹, and not owning cars, Korea’s auto industry will suffer.
But sales of tanks and such might make up for it.
¹Aspire Food Group and Lotte Confectionery Co. Ltd., have formalized their cooperation in the “distribution and promotion of crickets as food.” You are their target market, pod dwellers.
I’m not 100% certain that Soylent Green is more repugnant than bugs.
As long as it’s properly sterilized, seasoned, and cooked. Also, we don’t want “drumsticks” or “sausages”, just “patties”.
Setnaffa, you should really reduce your dependence on unhealthy processed food.
An active lifestyle with restricted calorie intake makes Chinese prisoner less gamey than freerange schoolgirl with less exposure to harmful drugs than unorganic hitchhiker or missing prostitute.
CH, I may need to just take your word on that…
I have never eaten “hitchhiker”, “schoolgirl”, nor “prostitute”. I tend to go with domestic produce from farms I can trust.
The three mentioned previously tend to not be FDA-approved, even as dinner guests.
And made-in-China might be okay for electronics; but certainly not comestibles. Not interested in what I’ve seen…
Wait. We are talking actual food here, not more spotted dick (and jane), right?
The Chosun Ilbo, known for its pro-US, pro-Japan, right-wing stance, is recommending Yoon’s resignation should the PPP lose in the upcoming parliamentary elections in April.
This move by the Chosun Ilbo signals the distress within the Korean right wing, highlighting the troubled state of affairs. Yoon’s actions contribute to this turmoil, a fact underscored by the newspaper’s potential disavowal.
Amidst the chaos instigated by Yoon, GIKorea and the Setnaffarians persist in their unwavering support for him. Their sole concern seems to be the perpetual presence of the USFK in Korea, overshadowing the larger issues faced by the country.
https://www.chosun.com/opinion/column/2023/11/21/OAVVAGUZ7RCPNAFJ3IZSSJP6J4/
If the ruling party loses in the election, President Yoon’s government practically loses its function. This is due to a lack of trust from the majority of the population. There won’t be another election during the president’s term, making this the final assessment. Moreover, facing the excessive dominance of the ambitious leftist forces, the president cannot survive. It’s not about Yoon’s abilities; stepping down, regardless of the term, is the only way to avoid the chaos and gloom of a country without a ‘captain’.
“Their sole concern seems to be the perpetual presence of the USFK in Korea.”
That’s why the Setnaffarians are the absolute worst Putin stooges ever.
They keep supporting things good for Korea and America.
Xi is going to have to straighten them out.
That’s why the Setnaffarians are the absolute worst Putin stooges ever.
They keep supporting things good for Korea and America.
Given that the presence of the USFK in Korea establishes a dependency on the US for defense, and an abrupt withdrawal would leave Korea susceptible to China and Russia, it becomes evident that the Setnaffarians serve as effective proxies for Putin’s interests.
Confused.
An abrupt withdrawl of USFK would leave Korea susceptible to Putin…
…but wanting to keep USFK in Korea is somehow… serving Putin’s interests?
Somebody help me make sense of it all.
Also: Korea is on the cusp of being a top global weapons supplier.
It is almost as if Korea was not really innocently dependent all this time…
…but more curious, observant, and crafty.
Anyone with brains would realize that ChickenH oops setnaffa is cherry picking and ignoring the inconvenient fact.
Lefties don’t even try to make sense…
…as facing logic, reason, and historical observation, would destroy their entire contrived worldview.
They can only spew the instant gratification catchphrases they have been conditioned with… which gives them a momentary sense of false superiority in an otherwise powerless life.
Liberalism is a catch-all for fúckups and misfits…
…and the upper class of sociopathic predators who use them with no real concern for the ideology they push.
(The same predators who shamelessly take private jets to climate conferences where they discuss how little heat you need in the winter and how little meat you need on your plate.)
Anybody who identifies as a Democrat should be ashamed of themselves… the party of concequence-free criminality, chronic dependence, and child trannies…
…with a president who touches children while everyone pretends he does not.
(Not so fast, Republicans. You should be ashamed too, but for different reasons.)
From the confusing rant made by ChickH, I mean setnaffa, no doubt that I’ve hit him where it matters the most and unable to logically argue my points have decided to go the path of illogical ranting.
The Drew Ortiz and Sora Tanaka of Rokdrop.
“unable to logically argue my points”
Why would I need to?
You have made two points:
– “(USFK) withdrawal would leave Korea susceptible to China and Russia, it becomes evident that the Setnaffarians serve as effective proxies for Putin’s interests”
– “Their sole concern seems to be the perpetual presence of the USFK in Korea,”
You are arguing with yourself.
There is no reason for me to get involved until you decide which way you want to go.
Let’s discuss this again after you take your Clozapine.
Ah yes, as usual, ChickenH oops setnaffa’s low brain power is preventing him from understanding the entire issue.
Either that they don’t want to admit that they’re working for the Russians.
To break it down so that these dumb Setnaffarians can understand
But the Setnaffarians want the USFK to stay in Korea forever, since a weak Korea that is dependent on the US and later be susceptible to Russia and China, if and when the USFK withdraws, is in their interests.
In your scenario, how will a militarily weak Korea also be a top global weapons supplier?
I guess you don’t have to pay for the dirty movie if you just want to sniff the tissue.
@Stephen, I had to Google those names and laugh at how far Sports Illustrated has fallen. It makes me wonder how many other magazines are using AI generated authors and head shots?
In your scenario, how will a militarily weak Korea also be a top global weapons supplier?
You do know that “global weapons supplier” means those weapons are exported and not being used by the Korean military. Not to mention those weapons need people to operate and maintain.
It’s like Japan where its full-sized cars are exported and produced overseas, but the local population uses small-sized cars.
Two different things, my brainless right-wing friend.
Got it.
Korea has no confidence in the weapons they will produce or the professional soldiers they will train.
(I hope word of this doesn’t get out to potential customers.)
Korea will forever be reliant on Uncle Sam… sorta like The Crack Hoe Welfare Mother¹ of Asia.
¹but with fewer children
Your opinion of Korea’s abilities certainly aligns with Chinese and North Korean interests, chinabot.
Nonetheless…
If USFK stays, Korea is dependent.
If USFK goes, Korea is vulnerable.
Looks like Korea is going to have to make the Trophy Wife’s choice.
Large scale defense industry can only exist with government funding. That both Koreas are exporting weapons means their industries can grow far larger than otherwise sustainable if purely funded domestically by their government’s tax revenues. It also means a large skilled labor force that can be activated when needed. See America’s struggle with producing 155mm. Large scale production doesn’t just happen. It takes time to build capacity. In the event of a large scale attrition war, all of that capacity can be redirected for domestic consumption.
Since military power is highly dependent on logistics, it’s rather obvious that anything that increases logistical capability increases military power. Arms exports are largely beneficial… provided they’re not exported to the wrong people.
On USFK leaving. SK would have to make a deal with Japan for shipping security rather than using America as an intermediary. That would be an absolute shit show. It’s also far from the truth that USFK has weakened SK military. SK has built a fairly substantial military and modernization is proceeding at a steady though bumpy pace. Nothing in the NK air force or surface navy is likely to survive long. SK counter battery fire has also proven to be quite effective. NK developed nuclear weapons because they couldn’t match conventional capabilities.
SK does have real problems that come with the American presence. USFK comes with an unfortunate side of State Department, feminism, BLM, LGBT, and progressive democracy. All which have been a disaster for SK demographics. SK can conscripts soldiers, but it can’t conscript wombs which make future conscripts. With the way things are going, NK will win purely on the demographics.
GrayBlack, as always, thoughful writing from you.
My thoughts on:
“but it can’t conscript wombs which make future conscripts. With the way things are going, NK will win purely on the demographics.”
I have long stated that Korea doesn’t need more babies, it needs better babies.
This applies to the military where a smaller number of professional soldiers controlling automated weapons is far more effective and cost effective for Korea’s defense than a bunch of conscripts needing busywork and waiting around for war so they can charge up a hill.
A large number of Boots on the Ground would be useful if North Korea collapsed and SK needed to beat the Chinese to Pyongyang…
…but probably better to prop up the NK regime to assist in an eventual soft landing (but making the limits very clear on how much shít SK will take in the meantime).
As distasteful as that is…
…it is probably cheaper than maintaining a large conscripted military…
…and certainly cheaper than war.
Looks like Korea is going to have to make the Trophy Wife’s choice.
Why does Korea need to make a choice?
The US has already made that choice by progressively reducing the number of USFK units and personnel in Korea.
If I’m not mistaken it’s a matter of time before the US realizes its long time dream of pulling out completely from Korea.
It is only the Setnaffarians who are advocating for a weaker Korea and finds it in their interest for the USFK to maintain a perpetual presence in Korea, establishing a dependency on the USFK for its defense.
The most satisfying thing is that if USFK stays… or goes quickly… or gradually… or expands…
…you will be tormented to no end.
Nobody here will care.
Whatever happens, it will be thoughtful and to Korea’s benefit…
…and probably to America’s benefit as well.
As a Korea and USA hating chinabot, happy and productive relationships make you sour.
If you spent more time bettering yourself instead of being a tool, you would be happier.
Chickenhead, Trump, who’s leading at the US election polls, has promised to pull the US troops out of SK. The only thing that will stop that from happening will be SK giving the US $15 billion a year for USFK bills, AS WELL AS subsidizing the US naval fleet in the Pacific.
Trump has already said this. Once Trump is back in power and he un-dos Biden policies, I predict Yoon’s party will look ridiculous holding their worthless bag full of US promises that will never happen. It will be the end of the Korean right party.
Korea gets a really good deal on American defense.
Now that there is no capitalist/communist ideological war, Trump wants the going rate.
He wll ask more, Korea will ask less, the real value will be agreed upon, everyone will declare victory.
But don’t worry, as my predictions from 2015 about Trump all came true, so shall my predictions about 2024.
Lawfare is only making him more popular.
They will kill him before they let him become president.
Ideally, it will be by a white supremist “with ties to Russian intelligence” with a 3D printed ghost gun and assisted by AI. He will then be killed by Secret Service.
So don’t worry.
America will get whichever selected globalist can be hyped up the most when Trump’s vacancy needs filled.
Worried? Not at all. I want him to win the presidency. It will destroy and discredit the Rightwing Party of Korea. It will finally be the end of SK’s dependence on the US. That’s going to change the entire dynamics in Asia. South and North Korea will have to sign the peace treaty (as Trump almost signed the agreement with NK in 2018), and SK will finally get the nuke bombs. Without US meddling in the region, will be a blessing in disguise despite all the stupid handwringings from the Cold War Conservatives. And don’t worry, the next party that will come to power, will never give into US financial blackmails. From 2018 to 2021, South Korea almost gave the US, “do whatever you want” after Trump threatened to pull troops out of Korea because he didn’t get the money.
@KM, KP
SK was able to industrialize because it could freely ship materials from and to anywhere in the world. Its massive industrial base today continues to be feuled by secure shipping. China is the same. Russia can’t supply much over land because Siberia is cold and harsh. Also moving over land is much, much, much more expensive than moving over water.
Again I point out a post USFK Korea is going to have to cut deals with the Japanese more so than the Chinese or the Russians. Neither the Chinese nor Russians can provide maritime security to SK, and SK literally goes on a starvation diet should it loses shipping lanes. SK is a net calorie importer by the tens of billions of USD. Only Japan can keep SK shipping lines open due to their massive navy and their geographic location. The end of USFK is not just the end of SK right wing, but also the left wing. An entire new political reality will set in. One that will be much harsher. All of your progressive left wing values will not survive.
@ChickenHead
The quality of babies is a moot point if babies aren’t being born in the first place. Eugenics is naturally promoted by patriarchy because fathers want to ensure the viability of their daughter’s children. They want to make sure their daughters marry and have children with good men. Feminism not only destroys fertility, but also means the few women that do have children often do so with the worst sort of men because women are pretty terrible at selecting men. Just talk to corrections officers working in prisons to find out what the female employees get up to with the prison population… hybristophilia.
It’s also not wise to discount the quality of quantity. The war in Ukraine has reasserted the reality of attrition warfare. It is very likely any potential conflict on the Korean peninsula would be even more attritional given the mountainous terrain, entrenchment, and tunnels. SK simply needs babies.
GrayBlack, I see your points.
More babies certainly solves a lot of issues… and has for thousands of years.
So let’s fast forward to 2070 when Korea’s aging population is 80 million people living in a country covered in 60% more concrete with 60% more sewage dumped upstream from the next megacity’s water supply (as is done now).
Robots are serving fries and building flying cars and farming.
The high-quality people are hypercompetitive for the few great jobs… which doesn’t always bring out the best people or the best in people.
The bottom 50% of the population have mostly given up and sit in their public assistance pod eating government protein bars, supplied by the lowest bidder, and escape into the VR world.
If only we had more babies to create more jobs! But the “every hungry mouth is born with two working hands” theory of economics is dying as we create working hands without hungry mouths.
While we are watching Ukraine fail for many clearly predictable reasons, including inferior demographics, WWI thinking is not the future.
A soldier is far less effective than a swarm of cheap loitering drones looking for people on the battlefield so they can swoop down and explode… or guide an ecen cheaper drone to swoop down and explode.
I doesnt seem most people realize how fundamentally the world is going to change due to AI.
More babies, at least low quality ones, are not the answer to tomorrow’s issues… it’s like designing the next generation of buggy whips in 1910… or making an even better flip phone in 2007 (looking at you, Nokia).