Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ReeseDog]

I'd be very interested to hear from folks from places other than the United States how America's choice of presidents affects them. Specifically, how does election of McCain or Obama help or hurt your own country?

I realize the question is pretty broad, but I also realize that I have no idea what the rest of the world thinks or if they give a flying @#%* at all.

[Summer Wine]

For my country I am not sure it would make a big direct impact. We have seen both democrats and republicans in power and pretty much they just ignored us unless they needed something.

Having a strong alliance with countries means more than just twisting their arms behind thier backs when you need them. It also means dropping over for a regular bbq even when there is not much going on in the region and just sitting back with a coldie.

Whether it was Regan, Bush, Clinton or Bush, it never seemed to make that much of a beneficial impact, though the future may change. Personally I always thought it would be nice for the US to build on the relationship even when they don't need your help or at least offering us a cold one the next time we are in town.

[Ya-ta Boy]

This could be an interesting thread. It's a good question.

[Neil]

I don't think it'll affect my country one bit. However I do depend on Korea for my paycheck and Korea depends on the US to a great extent with regards to exports and national security. So I guess it's more natural to wonder how it would affect them.

[peppermint]

Canada's government is expected to call an election this week. The next election wasn't due until October 2009, but the Conservatives have a minority rule at the moment, and it seems they don't like their chances of getting re elected if Obama takes the US presidency.

There's a bit of a sovereignty dispute over the Northwest Passage between Canada and the States, that seems like it might become a campaign issue here. If it does, it will be interesting to see Sara Palin's take on it.

[mises]

Peppermint, why would Harper not like his chances if Obama were president? That's nuts.

He is calling an election because the economy is likely to melt down further over the next 6-12 months. Best to get the election out of the way while things are starting.
http://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/08/16/the-politics-of-collapse/

[Ya-ta Boy]

Side note: Are there any parallels between the Northwest Passage and Dok-do?

[peppermint]

Ya-ta, the Marmot seems to think so:
http://www.rjkoehler.com/2008/09/01/well-now-that-you-ask/

though I haven't heard much about it, other than a passing mention that talks were underway. If it comes to that, though, we've got way better protest songs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_RMuHWq2_4

mises, Harper got elected by being Bush lite, it's fairly clear that if Obama and his "time for change" get a mandate, things could get a little dicy north of the border too. I want Harper gone, and the sooner the better.

[mises]