War clouds hang over the land where there is to be U.S. base expansion in Pyeongtaek. Three days ago the Ministry of National Defense (MND) broke off dialogue with local residents and civic groups. Once minister Yoon Kwang-ung gives the order, the evictions will begin. The MND is going to forcibly occupy thousands of acres of rice fields that have been planted and the local school building, surround the area with barbed wire, and name it an official military zone. In response, locals and activists are calling for people to gather at Daechu-ri. It appears a clash will be unavoidable.
Eminent domain is not appropriate in a democratic society in peacetime. It is especially hard to tolerate, as a sovereign nation, having land virtually plundered for use by a foreign military to be stationed there. Furthermore, residents there will be having their land taken from them twice, land that was cultivated after they blocked the ocean. How could they sit back and take it when they will be forced to away from land they value more than life, neighbors they've shared lives of warmth with, and a village community that has become family?
The MND must not use physical force against them. It must persuade them on the following three points and win their agreement. To begin with, it must convince them of the goals of the reorganization of the United States Forces Korea (USFK), and what role the U.S. facility in Pyeongtaek will play. If it is urgent and vital importance for peace on the Korean peninsula, local citizens will understand. Secondly, it needs to persuade them about the appropriateness of the location and scale of the expansion. Finally, it needs to work on compensation. Currently land is being appropriated at prices lower than land in surrounding areas, and people must not be given land in exchange if it is located in preposterous places. As long as the goal is right, it must not try and avoid any form of dialogue or debate. That has to be the approach if it is to gain legitimacy.
During the short history of our democratic republic there have been far too many clashes between the military and civilians. Even now we suffer from the collective wounds that resulted from invocations of the garrison act, martial law, and massacres of civilians. There must not be a physical collision between the military and the population this time around, in any form.
No Physical Force In Daechu-ri |
