Dram Man

US ROK FTA - Break out the Hot Dogs in Seattle

Seattle is the site of the third round of FTA talks between the US and Korea, and what are trade talks involving Korea without the chance of two legged BBQ's? That's right the farmers are set to go to Seattle:

More than 100 South Korean farmers and activists will go to Seattle next week to stage rallies against a free trade agreement (FTA) between Seoul and Washington, a chief organizer told Yonhap News Agency yesterday.

They say they will be non-violent and cite the earlier 50 person protest in Washington DC. I am not so sure.

First the farmers have a history of violent protests in Korea and now abroad in light of the Hong Kong arrests last year. Further Seattle has the dubious distinction as the site of the "Battle of Seattle" brought on in part, one must honestly say, by the politics in the area (to be polite). One must wonder if the 100 will combine forces with other anti-globalization groups and have a explosive synergistic effect.

I would really hate to be Seattle riot cop right now.

posted by Dram Man @ 5:28 PM