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guildensterned
Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Location: Jangyu, South Korea
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Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 6:31 pm Post subject: FTA Fans Public Opposition In Washington (Reufers) |
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Warning: Sensitive Information
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FTA Fans Public Opposition
By J. Daniel Daniels
WASHINGTON, July 10. (Reufers) Police reports from the capitol confirmed late last night that approximately one million people gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Washington Monument. The vigil was organized in opposition to the U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement for which public concern has grown considerably over the safety of electric fans from the peninsular Asian nation.
According to the Department of Public Safety, a ban on electric fans from South Korea has been in effect since 2003 when a growing number of deaths were linked to Electro Dioxygen Displacement Asphyxiation (EDDA), the fatal exposure to an electric fan in a closed room, more commonly known as fan death. Yet, in an agreement struck between President Bush and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak at Camp David in May, the import ban will be lifted in order to accommodate requests made by the South Korean parliament prior to ratification of the deal.
"What are they trying to do?" asked Ms. Jones, a young woman in the crowd. "This deal is totally in favor of the South Koreans, and shows [that] the President really just wants to kill us."
Such accusations have gained precedence in recent weeks as a CBS Special Report revealed that American citizens are at least ninety-nine percent more susceptible to EDDA than their South Korean counterparts due to a recessive gene. The report also showed that EDDA poses the greatest threat to individuals who spend time indoors with their windows closed.
Throughout the night the vigil remained peaceful as the protesters blanketed the National Mall with points of light and sang rallying hymns. Painted banners could be seen waving over the multitudes, many adorned with the slogan � Bush Blows � inferring similarities between the deadliness of EDDA and the President.
Speaking before the large crowd, a spirited Jane Fonda declared that she "would rather be sprayed with acid than use a Korean fan" prompting a supportive roar. She then challenged President Bush to use one of the South Korean fans in his office with the windows closed, though the response from the White House has been far more reserved.
"It's good to see the American public so interestingly in issues," President Bush said this morning. "The lights were really awesome last night."
In recent months, President Bush has seen his four year high approval rating of twenty percent dip into incomprehensibly negative digits despite political forecasts of warming public opinion. Still, the White House remains firm on the U.S.-South Korea FTA, saying, "Think of the savings we'll get on their sweet cell phones and LCD TVs."
Capitol Hill insiders have hinted recently that the White House might consider an addendum to the deal prohibiting fans manufactured more than 30 months prior to shipment, as these are generally considered the most at risk models. However, unsatisfied protesters seem committed to continue their haranguing of the FTA, pushing for congressional lawmakers to strike down the proposed agreement.
"If this goes through," said Ima Koonte of Memphis, "we'll have no say over who uses those cheap electric fans. What if they get put in a classroom with them closed windows and one [of] my children get fan death?"
The U.S.-South Korea FTA will go before congress for approval when they return from recess next month.
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For more information on the perils of fan death, go to http://www.fandeath.net or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_death
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Last edited by guildensterned on Sat Jul 12, 2008 6:42 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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globalgirlk
Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Location: Livingston, La
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Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 6:38 pm Post subject: |
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However, could it be for once, someone who isn't Southern making a dumba** statement? |
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guildensterned
Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Location: Jangyu, South Korea
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Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:16 pm Post subject: |
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Dear globalgirlk,
As a Southerner, I understand your criticism. In the future I shall encourage all our staff writers to be more discriminate in their choice of quotes. This week we shall be sending J. Daniel Daniels to the Southern Understanding Culture Conference in Tennessee (SUCCiT). Perhaps he will have a few things to share from his experience when he returns next week.
Still, I do support Mr. Daniel Daniels use of Ima Koonte's words, as they reflect the emotional torment that many mothers have expressed. The rising opposition to the FTA and the growing awareness of EDDA, have seen many use words which they might otherwise think twice about saying. In particular, we the press must be particularly careful in how we address public sentiment during these difficult times.
Thank you for your concern,
Mr. G. Sterned
Editor in Chief, Reufers |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject: Spoof |
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Great Spoof! You have obviously missed your calling to SNL or some other comedy show that is desperately in need of fresh material. Thank you for brightening my day  |
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endo

Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Location: Seoul...my home
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Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 8:24 pm Post subject: |
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| Brilliant~! |
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globalgirlk
Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Location: Livingston, La
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Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:19 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="guildensterned"]Dear globalgirlk,
As a Southerner, I understand your criticism. In the future I shall encourage all our staff writers to be more discriminate in their choice of quotes. This week we shall be sending J. Daniel Daniels to the Southern Understanding Culture Conference in Tennessee (SUCCiT). Perhaps he will have a few things to share from his experience when he returns next week.
Still, I do support Mr. Daniel Daniels use of Ima Koonte's words, as they reflect the emotional torment that many mothers have expressed. The rising opposition to the FTA and the growing awareness of EDDA, have seen many use words which they might otherwise think twice about saying. In particular, we the press must be particularly careful in how we address public sentiment during these difficult times.
Thank you for your concern,
Mr. G. Sterned
Editor in Chief, Reufers[/quote]
Thank you  |
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