Green Options

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak’s public approval ratings took a dramatic nose dive last month when he okayed a deal with President Bush to import low-grade US beef — banned since the 2003 outbreak of mad cow disease – into South Korea. Demonstrations, first against US beef and then against the president himself, swelled throughout the country, climaxing at weekly protests 80,000 strong in the capitol. Oops.

So how do you make an angry populace happy again? President Lee decided that the best way to appease voters (and mark his 100th day as president) was to pardon 2.8 million petty thieves and scammers, and also to give drunk drivers a clean driving slate. Does anyone follow the logic here?

In Seoul, South Korea, this past Friday 10,000 people took to the streets in a candle light vigil to oppose US beef imports that many fear may be tainted with mad cow disease. Overnight, the number of peaceful protesters doubled and by Saturday night, 20,000 - 25,000 South Koreans held candles and raised their voices against American beef imports.

I joined the protests on Saturday to learn more.