Monday, January 20, 2014
Saturday, January 18, 2014
La Miss japonaise qui défie les yakuza
http://www.france24.com/fr/20131220-miss-international-yakuza-ikumi-yoshimatsu-concour-beaute-mafia-lien-economie-japon/
La Miss japonaise qui défie les yakuza
0 print
© AFP
Texte par Sébastian SEIBT
Dernière modification : 21/12/2013
Ikumi Yoshimatsu, première "Miss International" japonaise, a crée un électrochoc dans l’archipel en dénonçant l’influence de la mafia dans le "show-biz". Un acte de résistance qui intervient alors que Tokyo durcit le ton contre les yakuza.
Ikumi Yoshimatsu, la “Miss International” 2012, n’était pas présente pour féliciter la lauréate 2013 de ce concours de beauté international. La reine de beauté japonaise avait expliqué la veille lors d’une conférence de presse, que les organisateurs du prix avaient cédé aux pressions d’un agent lié aux yakuza et lui avaient demandé de se “faire porter pâle”.
Elle a avoué avoir subi durant plus d’un an des pressions de personnes liées au crime organisé japonais. Des déclarations qui ont fait d’elle une nouvelle icône de la résistance au milieu mafieux japonais, infiltré dans des pans entiers de l’économie de l’archipel. Depuis lors, son blog a reçu plus d’un million de visites.
Pour la "Miss International 2012", les problèmes commencent au printemps de l’année dernière, avant même son élection. La plus puissante des agences d’artistes dans le pays, “Burning Productions”, veut alors avoir son mot à dire sur la carrière de la star montante. Ikumi Yoshimatsu est priée de prendre un nouvel agent “ami”.
Ikumi Yoshimatsu, au fait des liens supposés de cette agence avec les Yamagushi-Gumi (le plus puissant gang de yakuza), ne veut pas en entendre parler. “Pour des raisons morales et éthiques, je ne pouvais pas travailler avec ces gens et leurs partenaires”, a-t-elle expliqué par la suite. Ce refus, dans un milieu où l’influence de la mafia est considérée comme un fait établi, passe mal.
Genichi Taniguchi, l’homme qui était “destiné” à s’occuper de la carrière du mannequin s’est alors, d’après la star, mis à la harceler. Coups de fils menaçants à sa famille, irruption violente sur des plateaux de “shooting” photos et détectives payés pour la suivre, voici ce qu’Ikumi Yoshimatsu invoque aujourd’hui pour déposer plainte contre cet agent de star. Lui nie les allégations de harcèlement et assure simplement avoir un différend d’ordre financier avec l’agent américain que la star japonaise s’est choisie pour gérer sa carrière.
“Goldman Sachs avec des flingues”
La résistance de la reine de beauté est un acte isolé, mais reste néanmoins symptômatique d’une évolution de la société japonaise. Jusqu’à récemment, l’influence des yakuza passait pour normale dans bon nombre de secteurs d’activités. “Ce sont des entités semi-légales, avec des bureaux qui ont pignon sur rue, des cartes de visites et des magazines”, explique, dans le journal "Foreign Policy", Jake Adelstein, ex-journaliste américain spécialisé dans les faits divers pour un média japonais et fin connaisseur du crime organisé au Japon.
Les quelque 60 000 Yakuza, regroupés en 22 gangs, que compte l’archipel ont d’ailleurs beaucoup diversifié leurs compétences. Le racket, la prostitution, le trafic d’influence et le meurtre sont toujours des domaines dans lesquels ils excellent, mais des lois de 2011 ont beaucoup restreint la possibilité de faire affaire avec eux. Ils se sont alors intéressés à des métiers plus respectables comme la finance ou le show-business, sans délaisser pour autant des méthodes crapuleuses pour arriver à leurs fins.
Une diversification qui a particulièrement bien réussi aux Yamagushi-Gumi et à ses près de 40 000 membres. Une organisation plus proche de “Goldman Sachs avec des flingues”, d’après Jake Adelstein, que des brutes épaisses dépeintes dans les films. Jeff Kingston, auteur de “Le Japon contemporain”, juge que si les Yamagushi-Gumi décidaient d’entrer en bourse ils auraient un poids financier “comparable à celui de Toyota”.
Pas facile de s’opposer à une telle puissance économique qui, en outre, ne recule pas devant l’utilisation de la violence. Mais si Ikumi Yoshimatsu s’est sentie suffisamment à l’aise pour faire de la résistance, c’est que Tokyo semble décidé à durcir le ton. La reine de beauté a, en effet, bien choisi son moment : les autorités financières ont décidé de lancer des enquêtes contre plusieurs importantes banques japonaises pour leur liens supposés avec le milieu du crime organisé.
Un regain d’activité policière qui fait suite à la décision américaine de mettre, en 2012, les Yamagushi-Gumi sur la liste noire des organisations criminelles internationales. Le président américain Barack Obama avait, un an plus tôt, signé un décret appelant les institutions financières internationales à saisir les comptes, notamment, des clans mafieux japonais. Ce doigt accusateur que le chef de la première puissance mondiale a pointé en direction du Japon semble avoir convaincu Tokyo que les yakuza ne peuvent plus être considérés comme un mal nécessaire à l’économie japonaise. Et cela devient une vraie question d’image sur la scène internationale, à l'heure où l'archipel se prépare à organiser les JO de 2020.
Première publication : 20/12/2013
La Miss japonaise qui défie les yakuza
0 print
© AFP
Texte par Sébastian SEIBT
Dernière modification : 21/12/2013
Ikumi Yoshimatsu, première "Miss International" japonaise, a crée un électrochoc dans l’archipel en dénonçant l’influence de la mafia dans le "show-biz". Un acte de résistance qui intervient alors que Tokyo durcit le ton contre les yakuza.
Ikumi Yoshimatsu, la “Miss International” 2012, n’était pas présente pour féliciter la lauréate 2013 de ce concours de beauté international. La reine de beauté japonaise avait expliqué la veille lors d’une conférence de presse, que les organisateurs du prix avaient cédé aux pressions d’un agent lié aux yakuza et lui avaient demandé de se “faire porter pâle”.
Elle a avoué avoir subi durant plus d’un an des pressions de personnes liées au crime organisé japonais. Des déclarations qui ont fait d’elle une nouvelle icône de la résistance au milieu mafieux japonais, infiltré dans des pans entiers de l’économie de l’archipel. Depuis lors, son blog a reçu plus d’un million de visites.
Pour la "Miss International 2012", les problèmes commencent au printemps de l’année dernière, avant même son élection. La plus puissante des agences d’artistes dans le pays, “Burning Productions”, veut alors avoir son mot à dire sur la carrière de la star montante. Ikumi Yoshimatsu est priée de prendre un nouvel agent “ami”.
Ikumi Yoshimatsu, au fait des liens supposés de cette agence avec les Yamagushi-Gumi (le plus puissant gang de yakuza), ne veut pas en entendre parler. “Pour des raisons morales et éthiques, je ne pouvais pas travailler avec ces gens et leurs partenaires”, a-t-elle expliqué par la suite. Ce refus, dans un milieu où l’influence de la mafia est considérée comme un fait établi, passe mal.
Genichi Taniguchi, l’homme qui était “destiné” à s’occuper de la carrière du mannequin s’est alors, d’après la star, mis à la harceler. Coups de fils menaçants à sa famille, irruption violente sur des plateaux de “shooting” photos et détectives payés pour la suivre, voici ce qu’Ikumi Yoshimatsu invoque aujourd’hui pour déposer plainte contre cet agent de star. Lui nie les allégations de harcèlement et assure simplement avoir un différend d’ordre financier avec l’agent américain que la star japonaise s’est choisie pour gérer sa carrière.
“Goldman Sachs avec des flingues”
La résistance de la reine de beauté est un acte isolé, mais reste néanmoins symptômatique d’une évolution de la société japonaise. Jusqu’à récemment, l’influence des yakuza passait pour normale dans bon nombre de secteurs d’activités. “Ce sont des entités semi-légales, avec des bureaux qui ont pignon sur rue, des cartes de visites et des magazines”, explique, dans le journal "Foreign Policy", Jake Adelstein, ex-journaliste américain spécialisé dans les faits divers pour un média japonais et fin connaisseur du crime organisé au Japon.
Les quelque 60 000 Yakuza, regroupés en 22 gangs, que compte l’archipel ont d’ailleurs beaucoup diversifié leurs compétences. Le racket, la prostitution, le trafic d’influence et le meurtre sont toujours des domaines dans lesquels ils excellent, mais des lois de 2011 ont beaucoup restreint la possibilité de faire affaire avec eux. Ils se sont alors intéressés à des métiers plus respectables comme la finance ou le show-business, sans délaisser pour autant des méthodes crapuleuses pour arriver à leurs fins.
Une diversification qui a particulièrement bien réussi aux Yamagushi-Gumi et à ses près de 40 000 membres. Une organisation plus proche de “Goldman Sachs avec des flingues”, d’après Jake Adelstein, que des brutes épaisses dépeintes dans les films. Jeff Kingston, auteur de “Le Japon contemporain”, juge que si les Yamagushi-Gumi décidaient d’entrer en bourse ils auraient un poids financier “comparable à celui de Toyota”.
Pas facile de s’opposer à une telle puissance économique qui, en outre, ne recule pas devant l’utilisation de la violence. Mais si Ikumi Yoshimatsu s’est sentie suffisamment à l’aise pour faire de la résistance, c’est que Tokyo semble décidé à durcir le ton. La reine de beauté a, en effet, bien choisi son moment : les autorités financières ont décidé de lancer des enquêtes contre plusieurs importantes banques japonaises pour leur liens supposés avec le milieu du crime organisé.
Un regain d’activité policière qui fait suite à la décision américaine de mettre, en 2012, les Yamagushi-Gumi sur la liste noire des organisations criminelles internationales. Le président américain Barack Obama avait, un an plus tôt, signé un décret appelant les institutions financières internationales à saisir les comptes, notamment, des clans mafieux japonais. Ce doigt accusateur que le chef de la première puissance mondiale a pointé en direction du Japon semble avoir convaincu Tokyo que les yakuza ne peuvent plus être considérés comme un mal nécessaire à l’économie japonaise. Et cela devient une vraie question d’image sur la scène internationale, à l'heure où l'archipel se prépare à organiser les JO de 2020.
Première publication : 20/12/2013
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Ju Hong, UC Berkeley Graduate, Heckles President Obama on Deportation
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Ju-Hong-UC-Berkley-Graduate-Heckles-Obama-on-Deportation-233362861.html
Ju Hong, UC Berkeley Graduate, Heckles President Obama on Deportation
By Lisa Fernandez | Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013 | Updated 10:23 AM PSTView Comments (38) | Email | Print
President Barack Obama was heckled by a man behind him during a speech in San Francisco on Monday. The man shouted: "I need your help. My family will be separated on Thanksgiving. Please use your executive order. You have power to stop deportation." Obama responded with an explanation of the process that needs to take place to address immigration reform.
Obama Heckled in San Francisco
A University of California, Berkeley graduate who has been vocal about championing the rights of undocumented people heckled President Barack Obama on Monday during a speech in San Francisco's Chinatown on immigration reform.
Ju Hong, 24, of Alameda, who graduated with a political science degree last year from Cal, was standing behind Obama when he began shouting.
"I need your help. My family will be separated on Thanksgiving," he said. "Please use your executive order. You have the power to stop deportation."
Others at the Betty Ong Center in San Francisco joined Hong and shouted, "Stop deportation, yes we can."
RAW VIDEO: Obama Heckled in San Francisco
Obama firmly insisted that he does not have the constitutional power to bypass Congress on the issue.
When the Secret Service rushed in to whisk Hong away, the president said Hong could stay, and the audience cheered in response. Hong later told NBC Bay Area that he supported Obama but has been disappointed about his efforts on immigration reform.
"I respect the passion of these young people," Obama said, noting they're fighting to keep their families together. "But we're also a nation of laws, that's our tradition."
"The easy way out is to yell and pretend I can do something" without addressing the laws that require such deportations, he said. "It's not just a matter of us saying we're going to violate the law."
"Ultimately, justice and truth win out," Obama said.
MORE: President Obama Talks Immigration, Fundraises in SF, LA
"We look like the world -- you've got a president named 'Obama,'" the president said. "What makes us Americans is our shared belief in certain enduring principles, our allegiance to a set of ideas, to a creed, to the enduring promise of this country."
Later, people who worked at his organization, ASPIRE, stated that Hong is not going to be ripped apart from his parents during the holidays, but that he can't go visit extended family in South Korea, because of his undocumented status.
Hong came to the United States when he was 11 with his mother and sister on a tourist visa, but told reporters later that they ended up staying after the paperwork expired.
Hong is currently a research assistant at Harvard University and serves on the DREAMer Advisory Committee at the International Institute of the Bay Area, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Previously, he listed himself as an outreach coordinator at the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, a legislative intern for San Francisco and a senator at Associated Students of the University of California.
While a student at Cal, Hong was featured in a UC Berkeley Campus Life YouTube video in 2012, produced in conjunction with a $1 million grant from the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund for scholarships to go to undocumented students. At the time, UC Berkeley had 200 undocumented students from 20 countries.
In Hong's video profile, he talked about how he had lived an upstanding life all the way through high school, earning a 3.8 GPA and participating in student activities, only to learn of his tenuous legal status while filling out college applications.
He said he spoke out publicly about his undocumented status because staying "silent would be worse."
NBC Bay Area's Cheryl Hurd contributed to this report.
http://news.yahoo.com/obama-heckler-ju-hong-161617642.html
Obama heckler has history of civil disobedience
Dylan Stableford, Yahoo News By Dylan Stableford, Yahoo News
9 hours ago
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Heckler Interrupts Obama in California
Related Stories
Heckled on immigration, Obama says won't act unilaterally Reuters
Obama's Immigration Speech Was Interrupted by a Heckler on Stage with Him The Atlantic Wire
Can Obama choose to stop deportations? The Week (RSS)
Obama invokes Thanksgiving spirit on immigration Associated Press
Obama Immigration Speech Gets Heated Input The Wall Street Journal
A heckler who interrupted President Barack Obama's speech on immigration in San Francisco on Monday says he spoke out because his family has been torn apart by U.S. immigration policy — and the administration has done nothing to help them.
"Usually we're supposed to be props," Ju Hong told the San Jose Mercury News. "I was shaking a little bit, but thinking about me and my family and my community and my friends, the pain they have suffered under the Obama administration ... it really sparked a buildup of my anger. It made me speak out."
The 24-year-old, who came to the United States from South Korea when he was 11, pleaded with the president to use an executive order to stop deportation of immigrants living in the country illegally.
“My family has been separated for 19 months now,” Hong, standing on a riser behind Obama, shouted. “I need your help. You have a power to stop deportation for all undocumented immigrants in this country.”
"Actually, I don't," Obama said, "and that's why we're here."
As members of the Secret Service moved in to remove Hong, the president called them off, telling Hong his speech was part of an effort to get Congress to pass immigration reform.
"The easy way out is to try to yell and pretend like I can do something by violating our laws. What I’m proposing is the harder path, which is to use our democratic processes to achieve the same goal that you want to achieve. But it won’t be as easy as just shouting.”
“He blames Congress but not himself,” Hong told the Daily Californian. “He said he’s in full support [of immigration reform], but he’s not doing anything. An executive order is not violating the law.”
It's not the first time Hong, who graduated in 2012, has taken to civil disobedience to make his point.
In August, he was one of six protesters arrested after interrupting a ceremony welcoming former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano as the new president of UC-Berkeley.
In 2011, Hong and six other undocumented student activists were arrested at a rally in San Bernadino, Calif., after blocking a street in protest of Arizona's anti-immigration laws. (The rally was in support of the Dream Act, which enabled undocumented students to qualify for financial aid.)
“This is my last year at Cal," Hong said after his 2011 arrest. "After I graduate, now what? Even with a degree from UC-Berkeley, I cannot legally work."
Hong was part of a group of San Francisco-based activists (Asian Students Promoting Immigrant Rights through Education) in attendance at Obama's speech.
"Mr. President, I did not heckle you," Hong wrote on Twitter. "I was speaking the truth."
Monique 7 hours ago 22 1.5k
Illegal immigrants face deportation, that is one of the risks of illegal immigration. Why not go through legal channels and wait your turn like all the rest who immigrate legally? If you take the quick and easy path of illegal immigration then you must also deal with the consequences of all the problems that come with being undocumented. Take that responsibility for your actions and make the decision to either go back to Korea or now go to the back of the line and wait your turn. There is no way an America citizen is just going to break into Korea without consequences, so why is he expecting us to roll out the carpet for him and his family. Approach citizenship the legal way and there won't be any problems.
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john
john 4 hours ago 9 104
Monique......Well said. I know many illegal immigrates that are great people and would be good productive citizens, but we have to have laws regulating immigration.
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Erik O
Erik O 8 hours ago 37 2.6k
If I went without a visa or immigration papers to S. Korea, I wonder what would happen to me?
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Steve
Steve 6 hours ago 10 769
I worked in South Korea 3 years ago for about a 6 month time frame. I was working for the Korean Air Force at their behest. Even with my high level clearances, I had to leave the country every 30 days and travel to Japan for a weekend because of issues with their immigration dept. I guess what I'm saying to Hong is that you have to do things the right way even if you don't like it. If you and your family like it here then go about making it happen the legal way.
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Delta
Delta 8 hours ago 21 1.6k
Immigrants from all over the world have been coming to America LEGALLY for over 200 years. What is it with the mindset that you can ignore the laws and get away with it?
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Rob Grendale
Rob Grendale 8 hours ago 38 2.3k
I am an immigrant from South Korea too. I am US citizen now. Most of my family are still in South Korea still. I already petitioned for them. If it happens, it happens. But I don't complain or question the US immigration. They have their own process and I respect it. I am just grateful US wecome and accepted me. As an immigrant, I did not come here to act like a brat and expect US to cater to my every needs.
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Valerie
Valerie 6 hours ago 3 280
My parents came to the US from another country. They did it the right way. They had someone sponsor them, worked hard, went to school and was granted citizenships! They even learned English very well. Can someone please tell me why all of a sudden people from another country can not go through the same channels that other people did before them to become citizens? Why does the US need to incorporate another country's lanugage into ours so that they can read a book, get a license, or go to school? If you go to another country I promise you that they will not conform to the English language. You will have to learn and adopt their way of life, so why does Hong get to be here undocumented and to boot gets to disrespect the President and apparently anyone else that he wants to since 2011, and not be sent back to his country. I think that I can freely speak up for alot of Americans in saying that WE don't want him here. And if his family is anything like him they can stay where they are also.
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MILES
MILES 2 hours ago 0 36
Something is not right here, if you can believe the news this man was invited to listen to the President speak. Does that mean the Secret Service that conducts the background checks didn't know about his recent past including his prior arrest? Perhaps the goal was to have him make the news and then let the President show his compassion and gather more support for his immigration program. I'm a white middle class US citizen thats also a combat veteran who served 36 years in public service. I wonder what would have happened if I had stood up and heckled the President demanding he immediately deport all illegals and spend the savings on helping all the US citizens of all ethnic backgrounds that can't even put food on their table.
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pc
pc 3 hours ago 2 173
It took me 10 years to become a permanent resident of the United States. During this time, I worked very hard to remain in the US legally, did my best at every job I held, treated everyone with respect and was in turn, treated with respect. I was a student, earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry, worked as a professor, went back to school to get a MD. All this I did while raising two kids and working, so that my kids will have a good future. I did it because my kids are my responsibility and not the taxpayer's responsibility.
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RAYON
RAYON 7 hours ago 11 733
Look I'm an immigrant. I can here using the process laid out by immigration. I became a citizen and I pay taxes. Do things the right way and doors will open. I have no problems deporting immigrants who come to the US illegally. Mr. Hong should be thankful that there is a place like the US where you can making a living if you work for it. If he misses his family so much then have apply for US citizenship. Of course if the behavior of the family displayed so far is anything to gauge them by then I don't think they belong here.
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Ken
Ken 1 hour ago 0 22
I am Taiwanese American. My parents came to the US legally, paid taxes for the last fifty years or so and did not milk the system. I volunteer and give to charities. I pay taxes.
All these illegals wanting a hand out or some type of exception make me sick. They are lucky they arent deported right away. When they enter illegally, they inevitably use resources that legal documented taxpayers/citizens/permanent residents paid for. Why should I pay for someone else when they break the law? Why should anyone reward criminals rather than encourage productive citizens?
Send them all back.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 55 minutes ago 0 6
In California there is a commercial with undocumented kids asking when they will get healthcare. They state that they pay taxes. How can this be???? They pay taxes and are undocumented and still in this country????
Part of the problem is the politicians will say anything to get the votes and don't want to stand firm on illegals.
I believe in the statement "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything". We need to stand firm on deportation of illegals. I have no issue with someone that goes through the process and is in the country legally.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 0 12
It never ceases to amaze me how illegals think they have a right to be in the USA even though they didn't come here legally. Now he is whining that he is about to graduate with a degree but won't be able to find a job. Well, guess what? Millions of other graduates who are actually here legally won't be able to find jobs either. Maybe he should go back to Korea with that degree and work there. That is an option most U.S. students don't have.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 1 hour ago 0 6
5 years ago I was with a friends wife (He was deployed) when she got sworn in. It was the biggest day of her life she told me. She had to complete all of the test and did all the requirements. She was in the US Legaly, and when it was all over she said that she was proud to be an American. I asked if she meant Korean-American, she said no, She was an American. Maybe this guy should understand that it should be something that has pride, not something that is given out like a campaign sticker.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 0 9
"pleaded with the president to use an executive order to stop deportation of immigrants living in the country illegally"
“My family has been separated for 19 months now,” Hong, standing on a riser behind Obama, shouted. “I need your help. You have a power to stop deportation for all undocumented immigrants in this country.”
There is no such thing as an undocumented immigrant... there is immigrant and illegal immigrant. One has taken the many arduous steps with the final pay-off being citizenship. the other is cheating the system and breaking the law. Deport those who break the law... Other countries all around the world deport illegal immigrants, why should the U.S. be the ones who are forced to kowtow to people like that?
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 0 9
Illegal immigration is a criminal act. If we're going to become selective on which laws we choose to enforce, then why have laws? Why not just do whatever puts the most money into my pocket at the end of the day? Why not do whatever makes you feel good? Then register righteous indignation. "How dare you deport me. I've come up here from mexico to seek free medical care, education, housing and food and not pay for it. My boy was involved in a drive-by shooting but was racially profiled so he shouldn't be charged with a crime. My pregnant daughters are demanding stuff they haven't earned. Why do you keep complaining, gringos?"
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 20 minutes ago 0 0
So he came here at 11, and is now 24? 13 years ago was a different President, eh?
My spouse came to this country from an Asian country, too, and did everything the system asked and has been a legal citizen for many, many years. I am sympathetic to folks that flee oppression, but South Korea seems a reasonably normal country, right? I must be missing something. I don't know how this is an Obama Admin problem. Sounds like something that existed before Obama and will probably exist with the next President.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 1 hour ago 0 2
I spend 20 years trying to get financial aid so I could return to school to finish my degree. I was always told that I could only qualify for a loan. Unpaid student loans may be one of the next financial bubbles to burst, so I guess I can say I wasn't part of that problem. I think that as long as there is any natural-born American citezen who needs financial aid to attend an instituttion of higher learning in this country, no funds should be available to undocumented / illegal immigrants. And I suspect there is a silent majority in this country that feels the same way I do.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 38 minutes ago 0 0
Why are these illegals exempt from Obamacare? Even if Amnesty passes, they are still exempt for 10 years!!!! Why would a company hire n American, they have to give insurance to, if they can hire a newly legal illegal, and not give them #$%$ for 10 years. I think, if you go to an ER with no insurance and no papers, the ICE should pick you up, and send you to an ER in your country. The illegal, will need to pay for the ride of course.
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LS
LS 1 hour ago 0 1
But if you noticed once Obama started to talk to him after Obama let him speak, because it looked like from what Obama was telling his Secret Service that it was o.k. let him speak, so he was and probably the first President of the United States to let this guy vamp, once he was done, and Obama said that he had a right to say what he had to say concerning his family and immigration, if you noticed once he said what he had to say, he sat down quietly and listen to what Obama had to say.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 53 minutes ago 0 0
It took my Filipina wife 8 years and congressmans oiffice to force Immigration to admit that she applied. New Orleans and Memphis said the other office had the application and finally New Orleans admitted the application had "been misplaced." She was sworn in finally as a US citizen. I would welcome Hong and other South Koreans because they are an ally to the US and I spent 9 months there as a US Army soldier and found the people hard working and friendly.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 1 hour ago 0 2
We should look at Mexico's immigration policy and compare it to what is proposed and see which one makes more sense for a country protecting its own interests. Here are some key points:
Upon entering Mexico, immigrants must prove who they are, that they are mentally fit, and that they can contribute to Mexican society. If they do that, they sign their papers, are given a number, and are allowed to entry into the country. Failure to play by these rules carries a stiff penalty.
- An illegal immigrant who sneaks into the country, or fails to file his papers, will face fines, jail, deportation, or a combination of the three.
- An illegal immigrant who forges his documents, or falsifies them by lying when he fills them out, will face fines, jail, deportation, or a combination of the three.
- An illegal immigrant who takes a job faces fines, up to six years in prison, and deportation.
- All immigrants must provide proof of their legal status if the authorities demand it. Failure to
do so will result, once more, in fines, jail, deportation, or a combination of the three.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 1 hour ago 0 0
Legal immigration is the only way. People willing to go through the system the right way earn their place in our society, perhaps even more than those of us born in the USA. Illegal immigrants have no allegiance to the USA and no desire to integrate themselves or assimilate their families as new Americans. The notions of Re-conquista will keep them isolated, alien and hostile to American citizens and their culture. They will be used as left wing pawns, be seen widely as a societal cancer and that is beyond sad!
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 3 hours ago 1 63
So we have anchor babies already... Does this guy want anchor students now too? Why is it SO difficult to just follow the laws?? If you're in Singapore and your Visa expires, they come looking for you within a day, 2 days max, and absolutely will boot you out immediately if you don't have a way to get your paperwork in order. Almost happened to a German work colleague of mine that didn't leave the country and come back within the time frame.
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Commenter 2 hours ago 0 5
These awsians are getting very bold. I have this ching chong chinese girl in my class and she is on Obama's defeered action because she is illegally here. She gets instate tuition whereas international students and Americans out of state have to pay out of state fees. She also told me that her family members get pregnant and come to the US and have their babies here and then take them back to China and then send them back when they are old enough for a US education and also to obtain the freebies.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 0 5
Obama is correct. Only congress can change the laws for immigration. Under the 14th Amendment Citizenship clause, you are either born in the United States or US Territories which makes you a "natural born citizen" or you where born in a foreign nation to parents who are Natural Born Citizens of the United States, then you are considered a "Statutory Citizen" and then there is become a "Naturalized Citizen" which is through the immigration process.
Why is it that the majority of illegal immigrants demand a process to cut corners and approve there illegal acts. Imagine if every murderer wanted their acts to be forgiven because a few people beat the system. Chaos right
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 1 hour ago 0 1
This guy and his cause are not what I found interesting - ---- This was -
"The easy way out is to try to yell and pretend like I can do something by violating our laws. What I’m proposing is the harder path, which is to use our democratic processes to achieve the same goal that you want to achieve."
I am curious ? - - - Why is doing things using the "democratic process" the hardest way to do anything. And even when you try to do something, nothing gets done?
Doesn't that say everything about how intentionally convoluted, and messed up our government really is?
Our system is broken, and needs a complete overhaul - back to the basics, and having the actual "people" representing we the people - not career politicians who are out of touch millionaires, living like untouchable kings, and spoiled children, on the taxpayers dime - filling their own pockets, and those of their corporate, and banker friends.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 0 4
Hong has a choice. He can move back to South Korea. South Korea is not a dictator-led country. Its people are not oppressed. The standard of living for South Koreans is very good given the economy in the country over the past 25 years. If he was brought here at 11 years old, someone brought him here, and it sounds like they did so illegally as he is still undocumented. His parent or family member broke the law. And, now, he is demanding that his family be welcomed into our country. That takes balls.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 8 hours ago 9 511
“This is my last year at Cal," Hong said after his 2011 arrest. "After I graduate, now what? Even with a degree from UC-Berkeley, I cannot legally work."
Since it costs about $38k a year to attend and live on campus for in-state students, I wonder how he was able to afford going to the college if he can't work and federal loans/scholarships are not available to him?
But all is not lost! He can legally work in South Korea. I bet many companies would hire a UC graduate.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 0 0
Executive orders could violate the law if they rescind an act of Congress that has been signed into law. Executive orders have the force of law, but not the power to overturn existing law. The President can't just go around throwing out executive orders to accomplish what ever he wants, or he would be a king and not a president. You went to UC Berkeley for four years and they didn't teach you the difference between a monarch and a democratically elected president?
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Commenter 2 hours ago 0 1
The young man is passionate at least about the things important to him. Educated, hopefully he appreciates the opportuniy for that education. While passionate about wanting to rejoin his family, his education didn't seem to include that his parents can't sneak into a country without consequences, or that he could have written to his parents about the legal entry process which they may not have known. At his point he should use his passion first to educate his parents of our rules and opportunities, then move on to use that energy to educate others desiring entry.
Activist is not a dirty word when it is used to advance good legal things. But not even a President can sidestep our laws. The young man would have been dealt with more severely in most other countries. Kudos to the President for acting patiently and instructively, like a good parent role model for dealing with an impetous teen.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 0 2
Why are we expected to allow everyone in when other countries (even our neighbors) do not do that. Try an live in any industrialized nation as an "illegal immigrant" and see how long it takes for them to arrest and deport you. I bet you can't live and work in Korea indefinitely. I know for a fact you cannot in many European nations and Australia/New Zealand. Try to vote in any of those as a non citizen and you may be jailed.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 0 1
This person is no different than someone who is protesting the arrest of someone for bank robbery, arson, rape or any other crime. Entering the country illegally is against the law. End of discussion. His parents broke the law and were deported. He also broke the law and should be deported. He is an adult graduating from college and he entered the country when he was eleven. He has had over ten years to do something about his immigration status but has refused to do so. I have zero sympathy for these people. I look at them the same way I look at the person who stole my bicycle.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 0 0
"The easy way out is to try to yell and pretend like I can do something by violating our laws. What I’m proposing is the harder path, which is to use our democratic processes to achieve the same goal that you want to achieve."
I am curious ? - - - Why is doing things using the "democratic process" the hardest way to do anything. And even when you try to do something, nothing gets done?
Doesn't that say everything about how intentionally convoluted, and messed up our government really is?
Our system is broken, and needs a complete overhaul - back to the basics, and having the actual "people" representing we the people - not career politicians who are out of touch millionaires, living like untouchable kings, and spoiled children, on the taxpayers dime - filling their own pockets, and those of their corporate, and banker friends.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 3 hours ago 0 3
"After I graduate, now what?" Now you can go back to your own country and use the much more superior education you got in the US (probably pushing out a kid that is a legal US citizen from getting into the school) than you ever could have gotten in Korea and get a job over there. Then you can apply and come back as a legal citizen like millions of people before you. Why should you take a job from a legal US citizen like you took a spot in your school?
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 0 1
Can anyone say "planted heckler". Also some comments mention the fact that a lot of these illegals don't want to learn english. Well they don't have to, because the U.S. has never passed a law making english the law of the land, in other words we have no official language. I think before they pass a law making illegals legal a law should be passed making english our official language, and anyone who wants to become a citizen, they must learn the language so we could save money by not having multiple language notices!
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 6 hours ago 6 332
So sick of people coming to the US Illegally, living here Illegally, taking advantage of our resources then telling us we need to change the laws we already have to address Illegal Immigration to accomodate their desires. I agree with Erik, but we know you can't even board an interenational flight unless you have the proper documentation in order. Why is it they feel they are above our laws. The only thing that needs reforming or changing is the 14th Anchor Baby Amendment. It should include language that ensures at least one parent of a child born on US soil is a legal US Citizen in good standing before that child can be considered/awared US citizenship. Where are our gutless lawmakers at in addressing this critical point. If the 14th is not changed to protect the US from Illegals dropping kids on US soil , all of the "Immigration Reform" talk is pointless. US citizens deserve to have the laws of this land upheld and changed to ensure they are protected against the Illegal theft of resources.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 3 hours ago 0 3
I hate it when a person thinks, that the rest owe them a living and legalizing an obvious cheating of the system. An illegal immigrant heckling for his rights to legalization? Possible only in the USA I guess. I bet 90% of those who claim persecution and refugee status, are false and freebeeing the system. To me, negotiating with terrorists and legalizing fraudulent refugees and illegal immigrants are the wrong signals a country can send out to potential offenders. Don't open Pandora's box.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 2 122
Here is an interesting point. First of all, in the first place Mr. Hong being where Obama was speaking and identified himself as an illegal immigrant would get him deported if he was in South Korea and said that to the president. If he says he is an illegal immigrant in any country other than the US he would be immediately deported and arrested as he is there illegally. The fact that there is even a debate about this issue is disturbing. Mr. Hong should try to illegally immigrate to another country and say this to another government official and see how it goes.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 6 hours ago 2 133
That's why it's called illegal immigration. You are not here legally ! Reform should come by way of sponsorship to enter this country. If a US born citizen sponsors you and puts their neck out then you will get to apply to become a citizen ! That's the way it should be and not just to let in anyone who wants. This country can't affor to keep paying for these people to come in and not have to do a thing. Just suck off the tit of the Government that we the people are footing the bill for. Someone needs to put together logic in the reform and change the way things are done. We have enough issues right now and 75% of Americans can't take any more money going out of their pockets. With the current government being full of idiots this issue will be a hard one to pass until things are changed.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 4 hours ago 0 5
Obama keeps saying we need immigration reform. What does he mean by reform, amnesty for all those who broke or are still breaking our laws? Since this country no longer enforces immigration laws why don't we just have open borders and all the working USA citizens and legal residents can support the non USA citizens who want to come here and collect welfare.
As a veteran I am so disappointed with the direction that our once great country is going. If someone is here illegally, send them back to their home country and let them apply for residency like they are suppose to. Try this in Mexico, China, South Korea etc and see what happens.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 3 hours ago 0 1
Mr. Hong: Who said you heckled the President? Did he say you heckled him? He allowed you to speak rather than letting the secret service cart your butt out of the place. It just amazes me at how the undocumented person can be so bold as to think they have more rights to be in this country than those of us who were born here. It's everybody's fault except theirs that they broke American laws to get here. And it's never enough no matter what any politician does. You got the Dream Act that helps you with financial aid for your college education and now you're whining about you can't find a job with that high priced education. You and thousands of other documented American students. So why are you so special? You give the impression that you deserve something more than those who have done things by the book and who are American citizens.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 4 hours ago 0 6
No disrespect to the protester - I wouldn't want to be separated from my family like that and I know that he is suffering - but I have to jump through hoops every semester when I register for college. When I first registered, they wanted a copy of my birth certificate and my DD-214. And every semester since I've had to document something to the effect that I'm a citizen because of the Patriot Act. But this undocumented immigrant has been attending Berkeley?
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 3 hours ago 0 3
Enforce the laws we have on the books now ! If your here illegally your a class "A" felon ..... Now in America there are millions ether in jail or prison for class"A" felonies . So if we reward these people for breaking the law what type of message are we sending to the world . Come to the U.S. And break the law it's ok ?! Or let the people in jail go . Hell no you say ?! Then get theFUCK out and take your anchor baby's with you .
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 4 hours ago 0 6
What I really can't understand is why the president, actually most politicians, do not enforce laws we have, but always want to create more laws to fix problems? Take immigration, they do not enforce our immigration laws so we have all kinds of problems, instead of starting the process of enforcing current laws to fix the problems, they start calling for new laws and changes to existing laws. Gun control is another big issue on this front, they do the same thing. We have thousands of firearms related laws on the books that are not enforced, when we start having problems because of it, they start screaming we need more laws. More laws only make things harder on the ones who try to follow the law.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 3 hours ago 0 1
@ Monique:
It is not as easy as going to the back of the line when you cannot work or live here comfortably, this young man was brought here by no choice of his own. I am sure if he was in Korea he could get entry to the US easily and even get a well paying job with his now education. The problem with some (emphasis on some) immigrants is that they came here as children and their parents did not or could not find a way for them to become legal immigrants. Now, after going through school and becoming law abiding immigrants, these young men and women still cannot find jobs or even drive. I agree with the president that the solution is not as easy as shouting 'Stop Deportation", congress need to pass laws that will ensure immigration reform happens faster and more smoothly for those who want to remain in this great country of ours. Please put yourself in their shoes at times and stop being so inhumane.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 4 hours ago 0 3
Another #$%$-hole who think's the country he illegally resides in owe's him something; bleating about an "executive order" to let in more "undocumented immigrants". One good day, mr Hong will be 'hung and quartered' by his own civil disobedient petard that seeks attention to himself - to be noticed with his uncivil manners.
Will he dare this in South Korea? Of course no. They could easily have moved to their nearest neighbour, North Korea; then he truly would have known what does happen to "undocumented immigrants"
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 7
As Mr Hong states that he came to the U.S. as an 11 year old with his parents, and has been here 11 years, I am sure that he should apply for citizenship. Then he would be legally to get work any where in the United States.
Any one who comes here illegally should do the same. I am very much disturbed about illegal aliens coming here when the people should come here the right way.
I have always wanted to state my view and I just did!
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 4 hours ago 0 2
This administration has broken more laws than we can count.It's like the law concerning marijuana. I could care less if they make it legal but this administration refuses to enforce federal law that trumps state law. As a state you cannot make a law in conflict with federal law (The Harrison Act) You must repeal the Harrison Act first but when you have a president who's whole intention is to rule by edict this is what happens. This and many other things have given rise to lawlessness and it all stems from Barak Oama
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 5
I wish nothing but the best for everyone living around the entire world. However, our country has to put an end to the thousands of people that flock to the U.S. year after year. Our economy and unemployment rates have been at all-time lows. Allowing illegal immigrants to flock to our country only ads to our problems. When the government tells you our unemployment rates are at 8% (or whatever they may be at that given time), that's only quoting people who are registered at the unemployment office and actively seeking work. The true unemployment number are anywhere from 2 to 3 times the numbers that are reported when you take in the people who are unemployed and are not registered with the unemployment office. Allowing illegal immigrants to come in to our country only ads to the problem in one of two ways. Either they take jobs (illegally and under the table) that an American citizen could have been given legally or they don't find work at all and now we have even more unemployed people living in our country. Obviously illegal immigrants will not like my comments because they will not agree with anything that doesn't allow them or their families to stay in the U.S. However, that is how it should be and I think many U.S. citizens feel the same way. Our government is supposed to be "For the People". If we were to take a vote on how each and every American citizen feels about allowing hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants remaining within our borders, I guarantee a majority vote would be to deport them. If we have a government that truely represents what their citizens want, then that's what should be enforced. The only problem with that logic is it doesn't always work....because we get elected officials in the office that care about their personal agendas more than they do protecting the rights of U.S. Citizens.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 4 hours ago 0 2
OK...so, let me get this straight...a 24 year old illegal, who has been here illegally for 13 years...and during that time he got a college education...is b!tching that some of his illegal relatives got caught and sent back to Korea?
First of all, he shouldn't even freaking be here. 2nd, how much taxpayer money was taken away from legal citizens and given to this illegal so he could get a degree from UC-Berkley? Third, why hasn't he been arrested and sent back to Korea?
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 3 hours ago 0 1
Taking the easy way out isn't so good after all is it?
I am sure we are paying for his school via the government and if not great!
There are enough free rides now and we don't need more illegal immigration in this country. Sorry to all this may offend but right is right!
The last time I was in South Korea I had a glitch on my paperwork at customs and liked not to have gotten in but with his effort I made it once whatever it was taken care of. If not, I would have been returned to the States! Plan and simple!!!
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 4 hours ago 0 4
I read a lot of these comments and feel that all people need to follow the law of this nation. If they want to come in, then get in line. My parents did it and I had to do it. The problem is that those that want amnesty and their supporters have a louder voice than those that want people to come here legally. Although those that believe in following the rules are the majority, they are silent. Start making phone calls people!! Call your reps and senators in Washington. Start fighting back! You are not a racist (although you will be called one) just because you want people to follow the same rules everyone else has to.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 6
i;m more tired of illegal's than this young man is of not being allowed amnesty he has no rights here, his parents may have brought him in, but he now needs to leave, and by the way he needs to give the thousands of dollars americans paid for his education too. the people of california are just plain stupid for allowing it. i lived there for 17 yrs, back when there was some sense of patriotism and not all of this liberal socialism that is going to tear this country down if we don't do something.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 2
If Obama succeeds in suspending the US Constitution and declares Martial law, YOU must realize that the United States of America, at that moment, instantly ceases to exist as the United States of America. Our Constitution is the only thing that grants authority to a national government and was ratified by the individual nation states and then other states applied to join that Confederacy and were accepted into the Constitutional Republic. If the founding document is suspended so then is that nation established on it suspended as well.
I would suggest that the Central States NOT follow after Washington DC's edicts, but unite in and under own Constitution Convention and thereby establish our own nation and leave the socialist states to flounder in their own mess. We have our original State Constitutions to govern our actions while we re-unite as one free nation as envisioned by some very intelligent and well educated men.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 4 hours ago 0 0
You want your family to stop being separated, take the necessary steps to be an American Citizen instead of continuing to live here illegally.
Is it hard to become a citizen? Probably, but then there's your problem. Make it easier so that the people who come here for a better life can actually get it and the ones that dont leave.
But dont expect to be a good guy doing bad guy things and think the law won't apply to you the same.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 2 hours ago 1 45
Something is not right here, if you can believe the news this man was invited to listen to the President speak. Does that mean the Secret Service that conducts the background checks didn't know about his recent past including his prior arrest? Perhaps the goal was to have him make the news and then let the President show his compassion and gather more support for his immigration program. I'm a white middle class US citizen thats also a combat veteran who served 36 years in public service. I wonder what would have happened if I had stood up and heckled the President demanding he immediately deport all illegals and spend the savings on helping all the US citizens of all ethnic backgrounds that can't even put food on their table.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 2
There really is a serious double standard. Here we have undocumented immigrants granted amnesty for violating the rules sure they may have earned their stay by working but that does not change the fact that they violated the rules to obtain it. Then on the flip side families that want to bring a family member for a visit are denied a visa even after paying $100 and showing significant proof that they can be funded by the host family and they can easily show that they will go back to their original country when the time is up. Its as if people who want to follow the rules have to go through extraordinary lengths to bring a family member for a simple visit but hey you can just hop the Mexican border and eventually enjoy all the opportunities that #$%$ citizen can have.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 7 hours ago 3 178
So we are supposed to let foreigners come to the US and study on a Visa and when they have completed their studies and their student visa runs out, we are supposed to let them stay here illegally?
Or is he trying to say, that since he is here on a student visa and getting an education, his family is allowed to stay or come to this country illegally?
I am not sure which is worse, but this heckler thinks he gets to make the rules for this country? I don't think so,,,why don't we pull your student visa and send you back home now .......
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 3
As a proud American whose grandparents, parents, and myself have served in the armed forces to protect this great land and its laws, all I have to say is...#$%$ Hong and your tribe who expect something for nothing. I G I V E A DAMN about how long your family has ben separate because you fail to follow our laws. And now you expect the POTUS to grant you a special preference. We will continue to be a troubled nation until we realize that we need to enfrce these laws, not give in to parties who would only want to violate them
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 1 58
This young man seems to think an executive order will solve the problem, and is thinking only of himself.
The President doesn't have the authority to unilaterally override federal law by issuing an executive order to the contrary. If this young man had taken civics 101, he'd have learned that.
I believe that a path to citizenship should be made for anyone who wants to come here, but with conditions. Number one, they have to apply, in person, through the embassy of their country of origin. Number two, they must learn to speak, read and write English to a sixth grade level before citizenship will be granted. Number three, they must do that before a five year deadline.
This young man has decided to stay in America to get his education. He should have stayed in Korea, since they have a better schooling system and he could have gotten a job there. And heckling is interrupting a speaker to promote one's own agenda, so he was, in fact, heckling the President regardless of what he thinks. He has much growing up to do.
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almostnuts
almostnuts 5 hours ago 0 4
Okay, so he is a student, peanut butter days and all, so how does he get the money to travel to different events, gain an audience just where he needs to be. Kind of like the protestors during the sixties, showed up all over the nation for antiwar protests with no visible means of support, and al sharpton, or jesse jackson, some more gadflys, that show up at the most opportune times for the most press coverage. Let me guess, they are financed by someone for some reason. And as a reminder, you got your degree, where you work is your problem, find a job, somewhere else. Maybe barry can find a job for you peddling obama phones.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 1
First, lets take a short look into the history of America formation, you'll notice everyone came from different backgrounds - descendants to form America. Secondly, immigration reform law may have been broken long before now by all these descendants as it didn't just start today nor will it end tomorrow. Now for Hong, that's not the proper way to fight your way through. Your unwelcomed statement in between Mr. President speech was totally rude as I'm very sure that you will not do that to your own president in your counry Soth Korea.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 1
South Korea is not a dictatorship. You are not in danger. Sorry but why should we take in everyone who wants to come here illegally? I also know a lot of Koreans who have immigrated and they do not want to assimilate. They only want to marry Koreans, so why should we take in all these people? I bet a lot of Americans would like to go to UC Berkeley and they can't. Be happy Mr Hong. And by the way, the president cannot do anything himself. Lerner how our government works before you call it out.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 6 hours ago 0 7
Questipon is why are our children declared to dumb to fill jobs because they can't afford to go to college? Then american taxpayers are expected to pay thru scholarships for the education of students from other countries who will not let them leave the country unless their parents are well off or connected to the governing parties.When they arrive here it's tuition, fees,room and board.Plus most of them cannot really verify their grade average.
This country needs to get back on track.The attiude of the american people is admirable but you only have to look around and see we are like the Romans, Ancient Eqypt and other great societies of the past. We are getting played. How can Russia be our advisary when we give them the keys to a trillion dollar space station and pay them 60 million to take our guy up, Then we supply it.
China loans us billions but ewe turn around and give them billions i aid
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 4 hours ago 0 0
Hong you know nothing about our country clearly, the president cannot just say, "Okay this family can come to america legally because I said so." That is not how this country works how dare you! You may have been here since you were 11 but by himself the president by himself cannot do much and by the way that order you are talking about is for war not for your family! Get your #$%$ straight you were lucky to not be thrown in jail!
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 0
One shortcut and a method of empowerment and a path to citizenship is enlisting in the military. With a degree and finished paperwork, oath of allegience, etc, may a commision in the Armed Forces. He (Hong) could use that to eventually work towards his goals.
It is a slower path but I think is honorable enough for him to be listened to by all sections of society. On top of all of it his story will be sound and based on experience and he will have a powerful tool in that he DID serve his country and take it from there.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 3 155
I am of Asian decent and my parents legally immigrated to the US. It took them time and they followed the laws and requirements set by immigration officials. What makes this kid and his family more special then my family. Why does he get special treatment and skip the line to US citizenship. All I can say is you are a selfish person, and all these government officials skirting the laws by allowing this to happen is also selfish. Enforcement is the only way to solve the illegal immigration problem. We allow the problem to fester and grow by not enforcing the laws.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 2
Here is just a thought kid. we only said you could study here the rest is up to you and your family to do what comes next . I could care less which party is in office I certainly wouldn't expect any President to just wave their magic wand and make it ok without Congress being involved that is how we are supposed to do it . Perhaps you should study our system of Government before wanting to be a part of it just because you are uncomfortable
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 2
If he had applied for a student F1 visa, he could have obtained his education legally. They even allow you to stay 1 year after graduation under the OPT or Occupational Training Program if you find a job within 6 months of graduating, even an internship.
They make it very attractive to employers to hire employees under OPT by making both the employee and employer exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes on that person's wages.
Student visas are around $350.00 and all of our student visa employees had complete assistance through their colleges with the process. He could afford to pay for Berkley, certainly he could afford that.
He wants to blame the President, but not himself. Also, he's lucky he didn't get deported during one of the TWO times he's been arrested now.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 4 hours ago 2 97
Why is it that illegal aliens can march, protest and demand things from our government in front of the White House of all places, and actually get some of those things granted to them and "We the people" can't? We hear all the time how we can't find all the illegal aliens and deport them and I have to ask why not? Finding them is so very easy that most anybody able to breath could do it. I mean with all the NSA and this administration spying on American citizens why can't they locate the illegal? Talk about creating jobs, just put a bounty on finding them and turning them in. Problem solved on so many levels.
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theimperfectsolution
theimperfectsolution 7 hours ago 4 210
If he has been here since he was 11 like the story said, why hasnt he been deported yet? He grew up here and went to a great college here, I would ask who paid for that education, and he has been an illegal the entire time. Now he wants to heckle the President and be upset that the government wont do something to stop depotation of illegals?? None of this makes sense. I dont care if his family have been seperated, I dont care that he cant work here. You got an education now go back to South Korea and put that education to work. Get a work visa and then come back to America and you can work. There isnt anything wrong with the system if it is forcing people to be here legally!!
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Michael J
Michael J 4 hours ago 1 3
I'm OK with the fact that he heckled the president. More people should have the right to do so...as he certainly has done more that his share to deserve it.
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d
d 8 hours ago 1 67
Hong should go back to South Korea if he misses his family so much. I don't think anyone in the US put a gun to the head of anyone in his family and forced them to move to the US in the first place. Their actions are the entire reason for their displeasure with US immigration policy. See Rob Grendale's poste below mine - it has more "umph" because he is originally from South Korea while I was simply fortunate enough to be born in the US.
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Jon
Jon 7 hours ago 0 3
Hong is not understanding why the President's way is better. Executive orders have a distinct disadvantage compared to legislation. Most remarkably that they have not gone through the legislative process so they do not have broad support from congress or their supporters. Also, executive orders tend not to have the advantage of funds to back them up because they have not undergone the legislative process. Once a law is enacted by congress they tend to enact funding to make it operational. Lastly, executive orders, again, because they don't have the advantage of congressional support, lack any real teeth legally. This kid wants a magic pill, so do a lot of people on a lot of issues. But magic pills don't exist in any pragmatic sense.
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Ben Stephens
Ben Stephens 6 hours ago 0 1
Any way you look at this situation of immergration and illegals. some i just finished were from Korea and they came through the immergration system the legal way and they like all american Citizws are also protesting those like Hong that did Heckle the President any way you look at it he was demanding rights that he doesn't have because he camehere illegal . Those that came legl even say this is the best way to come to america is through th immergration syatem wait your turn and when you get here and become a citizen then you Mr. Houng will have the right to Heckle the President but not for being illegal you have no rights you broke the constitutional laws and should be eported that is unless you report to te immergration Dept. and sign up to become a citizen of this country do it e legal way and then you will possible be able to get a job thast is if the President stops destroying the companies that are going broke becauseof him. And his non respect of our constiution that has worked very well for this country for approx. 300 years. until he got into office then he started his closing of the Coal companies ,shut down some of the Drilling for Oil and gas. he hs gotten a few jobs but they are low wage paying jobs such as dish washers in Resturants or working in grocery stores at minmium wage.
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anonymous
anonymous 4 hours ago 1 42
There are consequences for your actions. Sneaking illegally into the US results in being deported back to your own country. That is your fault not our fault. Stealing the place of an American student at UC Berkeley should never have happened and it resulted in your feeling "entitled" to the education and to the life of a citizens with the rights of a citizen. You are not a US Citizen. You should never have been treated as a citizen in the American school system. That was and always has been a huge error of the American Government and the American legal system to not have stopped illegals from work and a free education in the US.
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Noel
Noel 7 hours ago 3 152
The whole idea of people like him coming to our country to get educated & return to improve their own country is a good one if we would enforce it. Registered guest workers & students are great but illeagals are illeagal by any name you want to call them & we have addiquit laws to solve the problem if the states & feds were allowed to use them. Go after the businesses that knowingly hire them & in some cases actually smuggle hundreds of them in, like Tyson meats was caught doing some years back. All they got was a small fine when they should have been closed up.
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Mercytime
Mercytime 3 hours ago 0 0
JESUS CHRIST speaking,the Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.Luke-4-18-19."Can you think of any matter more serious for a man,woman,or a child to consider, then to be sure that his or her name is written in the book of life?.This important book in which names of God's people are.JESUS CHRIST said here I am! I stand at the door of your heart and knock.If anyone hears my voice and opend the door I will come in and eat with him and he with Me.PLS,let Him.(read-Rev-3-20)Salvation is only in Christ Jesus Acts 4-12.written.(read-Rev-20-15.Luke-10-20)Jesus Christ loves you. Christ's return is imminent; Reject 666 Revelation 13:8-18: 9"He who has an ear, let him hear.
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a realist
a realist 7 hours ago 1 49
First he and his friends should have done the right thing and entered the country legally, then when they graduate they could get a job and work toward citizenship. There is a right way and a wrong way and he and his friends seem to have chose the wrong way to do things. I think that when Obama choses the people to stand behind him, it's all a ploy to state something that he wants to get across to the public
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Ken
Ken 2 hours ago 1 28
I am Taiwanese American. My parents came to the US legally, paid taxes for the last fifty years or so and did not milk the system. I volunteer and give to charities. I pay taxes.
All these illegals wanting a hand out or some type of exception make me sick. They are lucky they arent deported right away. When they enter illegally, they inevitably use resources that legal documented taxpayers/citizens/permanent residents paid for. Why should I pay for someone else when they break the law? Why should anyone reward criminals rather than encourage productive citizens?
Send them all back.
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Rob
Rob 4 hours ago 3 128
If you don't want to be deported, don't come into the United States illegally. It's that simple. And frankly, no one BUT US citizens should qualify for student aid. I don't pay taxes to fund illegal immigrants education. If they can't pay their own way, they shouldn't be here. And after they attend college they should go back where they came from. It would be nice if the US spent it's money on it's citizens and not trying to curry favor all over the world!
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 2
Im sick of these illegal immigrants shooting their mouths off about their "rights" when they violated our laws to come here but they want a law so everyone who sets foot here can stay...Apparently they dont consider our border laws to be respected but a law to benefit them should be abided by....South Korea is a beautiful, free country, with lots of opportunity, it's not like they are fleeing persecution!! Hey, I have an idea why don't YOU go back to South Korea with your American education and be reunited with your family and make your own country better....AND don't they check out the background of the people who are selected to stand behind the President???
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 8 hours ago 3 150
After he graduates, he cannot work? He means he cannot work in the USA without first going through the process all other foreign nationals must go through to work in another foreign (to them) country. There is a process, both for immigration and employment, as well as for changing existing laws of a nation.
Whatever people may think of the current US president, he handled it well. The issuing of an Executive Order is a serious thing which is the thin edge of a wedge for dictatorial powers.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 7 hours ago 1 47
What about all the people in Koea and around the world waiting in line for visas to come here legally? I guess Ju Hong and his family are special and get to cut in line? I imagine all 30+ M illegals here already and 10's of M more don't need to wait in line. Many of them also feel they don't need to work either. This is the new face he democratic party machine. Say farewell to waiting your turn and working.
Finally, how long would I last in Korea or any other country if I was there illegally and demanding the president let me and my family stay?
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 0 1
he admitted the problem himself. "undocumented immigrants" and "immigrants living in this country illegally". you see these folks know they are here illegally and dont really care. just break the law then blame the law for the problems they are having. its like going 100 mph in a 70 mph speed zone, getting caught then saying the law isnt fair because he should be able to go as fast as he wants so change the speed limit. another problem here is this, mr obummer has just spoken at times and its happened. no questions it just happened. now there are those that believe "god" can just speak and and all will be ok. not really the case. obey the laws of this country or go back to your own country. think about it if you could get the education you wanted/needed there you wouldnt have had to come here. break the law in your country and where does that get you there?
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 6 hours ago 1 45
What a prick he is. He needs to be deported himself. They enter the country illegally, then they are illegal immigrants, they have broken the law. They come here to steal jobs from the unemployed and homeless.
I'm tired of illegal immigrants thinking they have some kind of rights. In a city near us it wasn't that long ago that the illegal immigrants where in the middle of the road blocking traffic in the middle of a large city, and they didn't even get arrested or deported over it.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 1 37
I am a new U.S. citizen this year. I disagree with Hong. I am a moderate Republican. I am not a tea party supporter. I think he should come back to his country throughout the South Korea embassy and make a new legal document paper like a passport. I came here at 11 years old with a legal paper like he came here at the same age without the legal paper. I think he should blame his parents or immigrant lawyer cause his problem. I love this country.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 5 hours ago 1 30
I don't understand why people can't go through the process of legally coming here. Is it too long and convoluted? Too expensive? What is it? Are we closing our borders to some but not others? My grandfather legally came here almost 100 years ago. It wasn't easy but he did it. I realize it was a different world back then but at least the system was in place to enter legally. Does it still exist today? (I'm legitimately asking. I have no idea about immigration procedures these days.)
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 8 hours ago 2 177
Both parties are trying to figure out how they can spin immigration reform to get the most votes. Don't believe me? Just watch what happens. Average Americans are not going to be happy no matter how they work it out.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 7 hours ago 1 40
If you ask me, this guy is quite fortunate. Where in the world would an undocumented person manage to get an education from a school like UC Berkley. Lets talk about the tuition and fees along. What about the living expenses. How in the world does a person without his family manage to meet those living expenses unless he has family and friends support. Even American citizens cannot get into these schools, but this guy manages to graduate from it and yet he is not even a legal resident? This is what is so messed up about the whole immigration pleas we keep reading about. Those who are citizens, who are here legally are struggling to make ends meet, get and education, pay loans and then you have someone who IS illegally in the country(breaking a law) making demands on what the system still owes him? Common now... In countries like Germany, you can be born there, but that alone doesn't give you citizenship, in the EU the priority of employment follows a path, Citizens always come first and then the rest follow. Basically, even if you sneak in there and have a child, there is absolutely no future or motivation to stay there. You cannot qualify for key elements in the system that motivate people to come to the US. On the other side. As citizen, you shouldn't have to fall behind a non citizen for a basic job, citizens should always come first. As for this guy heckling, maybe he should start counting his blessings and if he is so good at whatever field he graduated from, he can find a job and make a path for himself first and then sponsor his family. There is no easy way. While he is at it, maybe he can tell us how he funded his UC Berkeley education, given that he is not allowed to work and his family is separated.
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DEFAULT_USERNAME
Commenter 8 hours ago 7 304
From the link to the San Jose Mercury News : "Like many Asian immigrants in the country illegally, Hong and his mother and sister all entered the country on tourist visas that expired soon after they arrived. Hong, however, now has a work permit, driver's license and cannot be deported because of the Obama administration's order last year granting a reprieve to young immigrants like him. He is now pursing a master's in public administration at San Francisco State."
Hong and his family came to the US when he was 11, so they have been here illegally for 13 years. Instead of being thankful this arrogant loudmouth is "angry" that the government does not do what he wants. I am not for deporting everybody who is here illegally but this one needs to go back to South Korea.
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Korean whores in US camp, the korean comfort stations
cnn기지촌
http://www.sisainlive.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=14234
연극 <일곱집매>
‘일곱집매’는 일곱 집이 다정한 자매처럼 살았다고 해서 불려진 안정리의 옛 이름. 연극은 과거 평택 안정리 캠프 험프리 부근 기지촌을 배경으로 한다. 미군을 대상으로 일했지만, 지금은 독거노인이 되어 방치된 할머니들이 모여 사는 7개의 작고 허름한 방에서 첫 장면이 시작된다.
그곳에 한국 기지촌 여성 인권에 대한 논문을 쓰기 위한 자료 조사차 하나가 찾아온다. 그가 과거 기지촌 할머니들과 현재 클럽에서 일하는 필리핀 여성 선희, 미군기지 공사장에서 일하는 춘권 등과 만나면서 벌어지는 일을 담담하게 그리고 있다.
연극의 배경이 되는 평택시 팽성읍 안정리는 일본군 군사비행장이 있었던 곳. 6·25 전쟁이 발발하자 다시 미국 공군 비행장이 들어섰다. ‘양공주’ ‘양색시’라 부르며 손가락질하는 사회적 편견 속에서 스스로 죄의식을 키우며 산 피해 여성들의 이야기다. (서울 대학로 연우소극장/070-8236-0445)
ⓒ 시사IN(http://www.sisainlive.com) 무단전재 및 재배포금지ㅣ저작권문의
정리 고재열·임지영 기자의 다른기사 보기
미군 기지촌에서 살다 간 어느 혼혈인의 죽음
옛 미군 기지촌에서 이제 혼혈인을 만나기는 쉽지 않다. 대부분 입양·이민을 가거나 자살·객사 등으로 목숨을 잃었다. 파주 선유4리의 김종철씨도 기구하게 살다 세상을 떠났다.
변진경 기자 | alm242@sisain.co.kr
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[50호] 승인 2008.08.26 11:27:21
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ⓒ시사IN 한향란
고 김종철씨의 장례식. 한 이웃이 지적장애인인 그의 돈을 빼앗기 위해 찍게 한 증명사진이 영정이 됐다. 한 지적장애인 혼혈인이 있었다. 미군 기지촌에서 태어나 48년을 살다 8월15일 숨진 고(故) 김종철씨. 무연고 장으로 치를 뻔했는데, 유일한 혈육인 동생 김민수씨(가명·39)가 나타나 빈소를 지켰다. 동생과 마을 사람 등이 증언한 김종철씨의 기구한 삶과 죽음을, 동생 김민수씨의 일인칭 시점으로 재구성했다.
형이 죽었다. 2008년 8월20일 새벽 6시, 경기시 파주시 문산장례식장 5호실에 내가 서 있다. 영정 사진 속 형은 피부가 검고 입술이 두껍다. 상복을 입은 나는 평범한 한국계 얼굴이다. 우리는 어머니가 같다. 파주시 문산읍 선유4리 옛 미군 기지촌에 살던 어머니는 아홉 살 터울로 우리 형제를 낳았다. 형과 나는 아버지가 누구인지 모른다. 다만 각자 아버지가 다르다는 건 안다. 형의 아버지는 흑인이고 내 아버지는 한국인이다.
우리 형제의 고향은 ‘미군 기지촌’이라 불렸다. 바와 클럽, 햄버거 집, 세탁방이 일렬로 늘어선 거리에는 늘 외출 나온 미군이 북적였다. 어릴 적 어머니가 집을 나간 뒤 우리 형제는 이웃의 한 할머니 밑에서 미군에게 껌을 팔며 생계를 이었다. 나는 고향에서 고등학교를 마쳤지만 ‘10살 미만의 지능을 가진 흑인계 혼혈인’ 형은 초등학교 2학년까지만 학교를 다닐 수 있었다. 1995년, 길러주던 할머니가 돌아가신 뒤 나는 고향을 떠났다. 그로부터 9년 후 미군 기지가 철수했다는 소식을 들었다. 4년이 더 흐른 2008년 8월에는 48년간 고향을 지키던 형이 죽었다는 전화를 받았다.
돈이 화근이었다. 가족도, 집도, 정신도 없이 살던 형을 위해 마을 어르신이 모아준 기초생활수급비 1200여 만원이 형을 죽음에 이르게 했다. 동네 사람들 가게 물건도 날라주고, 물도 떠오고, 눈이 오면 동네에 쌓인 눈도 치우던 형이었다. 허드렛일로 한푼 두푼 마을 사람들에게 용돈을 받으며 살던 형은 1년 전쯤부터 술이 늘기 시작했다. 마을 재개발로 빈집이 많아지자 외지인이 싼 월세로 그곳에 들어왔다. 형은 그들 중 몇몇과 어울리며 매일 술을 마셔댔다.
형은 발가벗은 채 튕겨져 나왔다
형의 ‘술친구’ 중 한 명이 나쁜 마음을 먹었다. 정 아무개씨는 형 명의의 기초생활수급비 통장이 있다는 사실을 알아챘다. ‘김종철’ 이름 석 자밖에 쓸 줄 모르는 형을 데리고 증명사진을 찍고, 동사무소·농협에 데려가서 통장 분실신고를 내고, 현금카드를 만들었다. 돈 400여 만원을 뽑아 자기 오토바이와 어머니를 위한 순금 팔찌, 아버지를 위한 손목시계를 샀다. 8월14일, 동네 주민이 신고해 정씨는 사기 혐의로 불구속 입건됐다.
그날 경찰서에서 동네 사람들은 형을 지적장애인으로 등록할 수 있다는 사실을 처음 알았다. 장애인 수당이 나오고 정씨의 처벌도 더 강해진다는 말에 다음 날 큰 병원에 가서 정식 진단을 받게 하기로 했다. 형을 이발시키고 속옷도 사서 갈아입혔다. 자고 내일 보자고 마을에서 만들어준 방에 형을 데려다줬다. 저녁에 형은 방을 나와 또 술을 마셨다. 자기 돈을 빼앗은 정씨와 또 다른 ‘술친구’인 김 아무개씨(50)가 형과 함께 있는 걸 주민이 목격했다.
이튿날인 8월15일 새벽 0시30분쯤, 마을 사람 5명은 김씨가 세들어 사는 방에서 형이 발가벗은 채 튕겨져 나오는 걸 봤다. 누가 세게 민 것 같았다고 한다. 형은 ‘퍽’ 소리가 날 정도로 머리를 땅에 크게 부딪친 뒤 의식이 없었다. 김씨가 형을 질질 끌어 방에 집어넣고 문을 잠근 후, 경찰이 왔다. 경찰은 당시 형이 눈을 뜨는 걸 보고 돌아갔다고 주장한다. 목격자들 말은 다르다. 열린 문 사이로 안을 쓱 보더니 ‘술 취했는데 자게 냅둬’라고만 했단다. 광복절인 그날 아침 8시40분쯤 형은 뇌출혈로 숨진 채 발견됐다. 김씨가 옆에서 자고 있었다. 저녁 때 함께 술을 마신 정씨가 경찰에 신고했다.
마을 사람 몇몇은 김씨가 정씨처럼 형 돈을 빼앗으려다 죽인 것이라고 의심한다. 8월14일 밤, 정씨 사건으로 형에게 돈이 있다는 걸 안 김씨가 형에게 방 보증금 100만원을 빌려달라고 채근했다는 것이다. 형이 그날 밤 자기 통장을 관리해주는 ‘바비 할머니’(70) 집 앞에서 뱅뱅 도는 걸 누가 목격했단다. 평소 잔소리를 많이 하는 바비 할머니가 무서워서 형은 빈손으로 돌아갔다. 형과 비슷한 나이의 혼혈인 아들을 둬 형에게 애착을 가졌던 바비 할머니는 “겨울에 따뜻하게 잘 집 한 칸 마련해주려고 수급비를 모아줬는데… 이 돈이 종철이를 죽게 만들었다”라며 장례식 내내 흐느꼈다.
주민 “더 잘해주지 못해 미안”
생전에 형은 동네에서 인기가 좋았다. 약장수가 와 음악을 틀면 신나게 춤을 잘 췄다. 술을 많이 먹어도 남한테 해코지 한번 하는 일이 없었다. 2004년 MBC <생방송 화제집중>에 나온 뒤로 형은 동네에서 스타가 됐다고 한다. 식당에서는 밥을 주고, 편의점에서는 라면을 주고, 청년회에서는 컨테이너 방을 마련해줬다. 겨울에 전열선 코드를 안 뽑고 외출하는 형을 위해 밤 9시에 켜지고 아침 9시에 꺼지는 자동타이머까지 만들어줬다. 마을 어른 한 분은 동네 사람이 형에게 가진 부채 의식을 얘기했다. “종철이는 피해자다. 종철이 같은 아이를 만든 우리 모두가 책임이 있다고 생각해서 보살펴줬는데 부족한 점이 많았다.”
사실 난 형이 끔찍이 싫었다. 밖에서는 착한 형이었지만 나에게는 폭력을 많이 휘둘렀다. 서로를 싫어했다. 같은 뱃속에서 났지만 씨가 다르다고 생각하니 형이 원수 같았다. 형이 때릴 때면 나도 피부색을 들먹이며 형을 욕했다. 친구가, 친구 여동생이, 친구 부모님이 나와 형을 안다는 사실 자체가 싫었다. 지금도 고향 친구 집에 가면 친구 부모님 앞에서 괜스레 주눅이 든다. 애를 셋 낳았는데, ‘저런 놈이 애를 뭘 그리 많이 낳았나’라는 눈빛을 보내는 것 같다. 1999년에 결혼한 아내도 내 형을 이번에 처음 알았다. 내 아이들은 아직 삼촌의 존재를 모른다.
매일 껌을 팔고 구걸하고 미군 벙커에서 자는 지긋지긋한 어린 시절을 보냈지만, 나는 미군을 싫어하지 않았다. 그들은 나와 형이 먹고살아가는 데 실질적인 도움을 줬다. 거지 취급하며 주든, 예뻐하며 주든 뭘 주는 건 그들밖에 없었다. 미군이 학대해도 내가 아쉬워서 구걸하는 것이니 당연하다고 생각했다. 형은 나보다 미군을 싫어하는 것 같았다. “장가 안 가냐”라고 물으면 “장가가면 뭐해, 깜둥이나 낳을 것을”이라고 대답했다고 청년회 총무가 전했다.
형도 가고, 선유4리도 곧 사라진다. 2년 전 근처 당동리에 LG필립스 협력업체 단지가 들어서면서 마을은 상업·주택 지구 재개발 붐으로 들썩였다. 부동산 가게가 40군데 개업하고 땅값은 평당 1000만원까지 올랐다. 8월20일 오후, 형 장례식을 치른 뒤 나는 드문드문 가게를 지키고 있는 마을 사람들에게 인사를 다녔다. 형에게 밥을 준 매운탕집 아주머니와 돈을 잘 쥐어준 철물점 아저씨, 아직도 눈물이 글썽이는 편의점 주인 부부 등 형을 기억하고 애도하는 분들 앞에서 처음으로 내가 형의 동생임을 밝혔다. 이웃은 “형에게 더 잘해주지 못해 미안하다”라고 울었다. 형과 고향이 싫어 도망쳤던 나는 그들 앞에서 고개를 숙였다.
바비 할머니와 형 유품을 갖고 승강이를 벌였다. 형은 빼앗기고 남은 수급비 800여 만원을 남겼다. 형이 죽자 사기 피의자 정씨가 겁을 먹고 이장님께 반환한 오토바이와 금팔찌·시계도 유품이 됐다. 형을 죽게 한 수급비는 장례비용으로 쓰였다. 내가 나타나지 않았을 때는 남은 돈과 귀금속을 국가에 귀속시키거나 펄벅 재단에 기부하려 했다고 한다. 나는 절대로 받지 않겠다고 하는데 동네 분들은 조카가 학교 다니는 데 삼촌이 남긴 돈을 쓸 수 있으면 좋지 않으냐고 나를 설득했다. 그래도 받지 않고 떠났다.
8월20일 오전 10시 벽제 화장터. 형의 관이 불 속에 있다. 영정 사진을 가만히 본다. 죽기 바로 며칠 전, 사기 피의자 정씨가 돈을 빼앗기 위해 형을 사진관에 데리고 가 찍은 사진이다. 그게 영정 사진이 됐다. 마지막으로 형을 본 건 지난 설 때였다. 친구를 만나러 왔다가 우연히 만났다. “밥 먹었어?” “응.” “요새도 술 많이 먹어?” “아냐.” “많이 먹지 마.” “안 먹어.” 형이 싫어 떠났지만, 살면서 형을 잊은 적은 없다. 나는 형의 시신과 유리창 하나를 사이에 두고 울었다.
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http://www.fnnews.com/view?ra=Sent1301m_View&corp=fnnews&arcid=13061418505431&cDateYear=2013&cDateMonth=06&cDateDay=14
미군 기지촌 여성의 생생한 육성 기록
기사입력 2013-06-14 18:50기사수정 2013-06-14 18:50 트위터페이스북싸이월드확대 축소 프린트
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<미군 기지촌 여성의 생생한 육성 기록>
신간 ‘미군 위안부 기지촌의 숨겨진 진실’ 출간
(서울=연합뉴스) 신창용 기자 = ‘미군 위안부 기지촌의 숨겨진 진실’은 우리 사회의 어두운 구석인 미군 기지촌 문제를 생생한 증언과 함께 기록한 책이다.
자기 실명을 밝힌 기지촌 출신 여성이 책을 엮은 김현선 씨와 함께 처음 인신매매돼 간 곳인 ‘파주 용주골 기지촌’부터 마지막 기지촌인 ‘동두천 보산리 기지촌’까지 전국의 기지촌을 찾아간다.
그곳에서 자신이 겪은 기지촌 여성으로서 삶과 고통에 대한 기억을 글과 사진으로 기록했다.
편안하게 읽을 수 있는 책은 아니다. 이 책은 기지촌 출신 여성의 말을 그대로 옮겼다. 사실 그녀에게 ‘그곳’을 방문하는 것은 마음의 상처를 다시 떠올리는 일이다.
이 책은 고통스러운 기억을 떠올리며 눈물을 흘리거나 감정이 북받쳐 말을 잇지 못하는 그녀의 ‘비언어적 표현’까지 모두 기록했다. 그래서 그녀의 인생과 고통이 생생하게 전달된다.
“저 문산 장파리에는 미군들 훈련 가는 데…. 클럽에 나가면 미군들 훈련장에 쫓아가래. 그럼 산을 넘어서 (중략) 하늘을 지붕으로 삼고, 땅을 방바닥으로 삼고, 그러면서 미군을 받았다…. 동지섣달에 구덩이를 이렇게 파구서, 거기에 들어가 팔으라 하면 팔고…몸을…한 놈 하고 나면은 고담에 또 딴 놈, 또 딴 놈, 또 딴 놈 (중략) 살아온 게 진짜…죽지 않고 여기까지 이 나이 먹도록 살아온 것만 해도 진짜…참…살아온 게 미쳐버리겠다…흑흑흑….”(102∼103쪽)
그녀는 “기지촌 언니들의 삶을 알리고자 증언을 결정했다”고 말한다. 지금까지 기지촌에 대한 자료나 서적들이 없었던 것은 아니지만 기지촌의 문제가 아직도 제대로 알려지지 않았다고 말한다.
이 책은 미군 감축이 단행됐던 1970년대 초 정부가 각 기지촌에 성병진료소를 설치하고 미군의 ‘위안시설’들을 재정비한 사업은 국가가 직접 나서 건강한 ‘양공주’ 기지를 만든 것이라고 주장한다.
권인숙 명지대 교수는 추천사에서 “국가폭력의 실상을 알리고 미군 위안부에 대한 정당한 평가가 이루어져 우리 사회가 진심으로 이들에게 사과하고 포옹하도록 이끄는 제물로 제대로 쓰일 수 있기를 바라는 마음 간절하다”고 썼다.
한울아카데미. 344쪽. 2만8천원.
changyong@yna.co.kr
公開日: 2012/08/31
(서울=News1) 하지수 기자=1960~70년대 미군이 국내에 주둔하던 시절 기지촌 성매매로 정신적·육체적 충격을 당한 여성들의 인권회복을 목적으로 하는'기지촌여성인권연대'가 31일 발족식을 가졌다.
한국정신대문제대책협의회, 성매매근절을 위한 한소리회, 두레방 등 7개 단체로 이루어진 기지촌여성인권연대는 이날 서울 종로구 흥사단에서 4년여간의 준비기간을 마치고 출범을 선언했다.
이들은 과거 '외화벌이의 주역'이라는 미명 아래 인권 사각지대 속으로 떠밀렸지만 정부로부터 적절한 보상을 받지 못한고 있다고 목소리를 높였다.
과거 기지촌에서 일했던 엄숙자 할머니는 "젊었을 때 우리가 늙으면 정부에서 집도 지어준다고 하더니 그 말을 한 사람들은 지금 다 어디 갔느냐"며 "우리는 꽃 같은 인생을 나라에 바친 거나 마찬가지다"고 울분을 토했다.
또 "일본군 위안부 피해자들처럼 우리도 외국 군인에 의한 피해자라"며 "쌀이라도 줘서 먹고사는데 걱정을 덜 하게 도와달라"고 호소했다.
유영님 기지촌여성인권연대 상임대표는 "우리가 함께하는 이 순간들이 기쁨과 화해의 길, 나와 너의 치유의 길이 되고있다"며 "우리가 가는 길을 지켜보며 '같이 걷고싶다'고 생각한다면 언제든지 환영한다. 우리의 여정에 많은 분들의 동참을 바란다"고 눈물을 참기도 했다.
윤미향 한국정신대문제대책협의회 대표는 축사를 통해 "입을 닫고 있다고 역사가 없어지는 것이 아니다"며 "한국과 미국정부에 요구할 것이 있으면 요구해야 한다"고 강조했다.
그러면서 "한국정신대문제대책협의회도 그동안의 경험을 교과서 삼아 기지촌여성인권연대와 손잡고 열심히 길을 걷겠다"며 "식민주의를 좋아하고 꿈꾸는 사람들에게 평화를 사랑하는 사람들의 목소리가 얼마나 무서운지 깨우쳐주겠다"고 의지를 보였다.
기지촌여성인권연대는 앞으로 기지촌 성매매 피해여성 진상규명 및 지원 등을 위한 특별법 제정 촉구, 한미 양국 정부를 상대로 기지촌 여성들의 개별적·집단적인 소송 등을 진행할 예정이다.
기지촌
이제는 말할 수 있다 [061회_3 섹스 동맹, 기지촌] 2003.02.09
이제는 말할수 있다 섹스 동맹 기지촌
http://www.sisainlive.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=14234
연극 <일곱집매>
‘일곱집매’는 일곱 집이 다정한 자매처럼 살았다고 해서 불려진 안정리의 옛 이름. 연극은 과거 평택 안정리 캠프 험프리 부근 기지촌을 배경으로 한다. 미군을 대상으로 일했지만, 지금은 독거노인이 되어 방치된 할머니들이 모여 사는 7개의 작고 허름한 방에서 첫 장면이 시작된다.
그곳에 한국 기지촌 여성 인권에 대한 논문을 쓰기 위한 자료 조사차 하나가 찾아온다. 그가 과거 기지촌 할머니들과 현재 클럽에서 일하는 필리핀 여성 선희, 미군기지 공사장에서 일하는 춘권 등과 만나면서 벌어지는 일을 담담하게 그리고 있다.
연극의 배경이 되는 평택시 팽성읍 안정리는 일본군 군사비행장이 있었던 곳. 6·25 전쟁이 발발하자 다시 미국 공군 비행장이 들어섰다. ‘양공주’ ‘양색시’라 부르며 손가락질하는 사회적 편견 속에서 스스로 죄의식을 키우며 산 피해 여성들의 이야기다. (서울 대학로 연우소극장/070-8236-0445)
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미군 기지촌에서 살다 간 어느 혼혈인의 죽음
옛 미군 기지촌에서 이제 혼혈인을 만나기는 쉽지 않다. 대부분 입양·이민을 가거나 자살·객사 등으로 목숨을 잃었다. 파주 선유4리의 김종철씨도 기구하게 살다 세상을 떠났다.
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고 김종철씨의 장례식. 한 이웃이 지적장애인인 그의 돈을 빼앗기 위해 찍게 한 증명사진이 영정이 됐다. 한 지적장애인 혼혈인이 있었다. 미군 기지촌에서 태어나 48년을 살다 8월15일 숨진 고(故) 김종철씨. 무연고 장으로 치를 뻔했는데, 유일한 혈육인 동생 김민수씨(가명·39)가 나타나 빈소를 지켰다. 동생과 마을 사람 등이 증언한 김종철씨의 기구한 삶과 죽음을, 동생 김민수씨의 일인칭 시점으로 재구성했다.
형이 죽었다. 2008년 8월20일 새벽 6시, 경기시 파주시 문산장례식장 5호실에 내가 서 있다. 영정 사진 속 형은 피부가 검고 입술이 두껍다. 상복을 입은 나는 평범한 한국계 얼굴이다. 우리는 어머니가 같다. 파주시 문산읍 선유4리 옛 미군 기지촌에 살던 어머니는 아홉 살 터울로 우리 형제를 낳았다. 형과 나는 아버지가 누구인지 모른다. 다만 각자 아버지가 다르다는 건 안다. 형의 아버지는 흑인이고 내 아버지는 한국인이다.
우리 형제의 고향은 ‘미군 기지촌’이라 불렸다. 바와 클럽, 햄버거 집, 세탁방이 일렬로 늘어선 거리에는 늘 외출 나온 미군이 북적였다. 어릴 적 어머니가 집을 나간 뒤 우리 형제는 이웃의 한 할머니 밑에서 미군에게 껌을 팔며 생계를 이었다. 나는 고향에서 고등학교를 마쳤지만 ‘10살 미만의 지능을 가진 흑인계 혼혈인’ 형은 초등학교 2학년까지만 학교를 다닐 수 있었다. 1995년, 길러주던 할머니가 돌아가신 뒤 나는 고향을 떠났다. 그로부터 9년 후 미군 기지가 철수했다는 소식을 들었다. 4년이 더 흐른 2008년 8월에는 48년간 고향을 지키던 형이 죽었다는 전화를 받았다.
돈이 화근이었다. 가족도, 집도, 정신도 없이 살던 형을 위해 마을 어르신이 모아준 기초생활수급비 1200여 만원이 형을 죽음에 이르게 했다. 동네 사람들 가게 물건도 날라주고, 물도 떠오고, 눈이 오면 동네에 쌓인 눈도 치우던 형이었다. 허드렛일로 한푼 두푼 마을 사람들에게 용돈을 받으며 살던 형은 1년 전쯤부터 술이 늘기 시작했다. 마을 재개발로 빈집이 많아지자 외지인이 싼 월세로 그곳에 들어왔다. 형은 그들 중 몇몇과 어울리며 매일 술을 마셔댔다.
형은 발가벗은 채 튕겨져 나왔다
형의 ‘술친구’ 중 한 명이 나쁜 마음을 먹었다. 정 아무개씨는 형 명의의 기초생활수급비 통장이 있다는 사실을 알아챘다. ‘김종철’ 이름 석 자밖에 쓸 줄 모르는 형을 데리고 증명사진을 찍고, 동사무소·농협에 데려가서 통장 분실신고를 내고, 현금카드를 만들었다. 돈 400여 만원을 뽑아 자기 오토바이와 어머니를 위한 순금 팔찌, 아버지를 위한 손목시계를 샀다. 8월14일, 동네 주민이 신고해 정씨는 사기 혐의로 불구속 입건됐다.
그날 경찰서에서 동네 사람들은 형을 지적장애인으로 등록할 수 있다는 사실을 처음 알았다. 장애인 수당이 나오고 정씨의 처벌도 더 강해진다는 말에 다음 날 큰 병원에 가서 정식 진단을 받게 하기로 했다. 형을 이발시키고 속옷도 사서 갈아입혔다. 자고 내일 보자고 마을에서 만들어준 방에 형을 데려다줬다. 저녁에 형은 방을 나와 또 술을 마셨다. 자기 돈을 빼앗은 정씨와 또 다른 ‘술친구’인 김 아무개씨(50)가 형과 함께 있는 걸 주민이 목격했다.
이튿날인 8월15일 새벽 0시30분쯤, 마을 사람 5명은 김씨가 세들어 사는 방에서 형이 발가벗은 채 튕겨져 나오는 걸 봤다. 누가 세게 민 것 같았다고 한다. 형은 ‘퍽’ 소리가 날 정도로 머리를 땅에 크게 부딪친 뒤 의식이 없었다. 김씨가 형을 질질 끌어 방에 집어넣고 문을 잠근 후, 경찰이 왔다. 경찰은 당시 형이 눈을 뜨는 걸 보고 돌아갔다고 주장한다. 목격자들 말은 다르다. 열린 문 사이로 안을 쓱 보더니 ‘술 취했는데 자게 냅둬’라고만 했단다. 광복절인 그날 아침 8시40분쯤 형은 뇌출혈로 숨진 채 발견됐다. 김씨가 옆에서 자고 있었다. 저녁 때 함께 술을 마신 정씨가 경찰에 신고했다.
마을 사람 몇몇은 김씨가 정씨처럼 형 돈을 빼앗으려다 죽인 것이라고 의심한다. 8월14일 밤, 정씨 사건으로 형에게 돈이 있다는 걸 안 김씨가 형에게 방 보증금 100만원을 빌려달라고 채근했다는 것이다. 형이 그날 밤 자기 통장을 관리해주는 ‘바비 할머니’(70) 집 앞에서 뱅뱅 도는 걸 누가 목격했단다. 평소 잔소리를 많이 하는 바비 할머니가 무서워서 형은 빈손으로 돌아갔다. 형과 비슷한 나이의 혼혈인 아들을 둬 형에게 애착을 가졌던 바비 할머니는 “겨울에 따뜻하게 잘 집 한 칸 마련해주려고 수급비를 모아줬는데… 이 돈이 종철이를 죽게 만들었다”라며 장례식 내내 흐느꼈다.
주민 “더 잘해주지 못해 미안”
생전에 형은 동네에서 인기가 좋았다. 약장수가 와 음악을 틀면 신나게 춤을 잘 췄다. 술을 많이 먹어도 남한테 해코지 한번 하는 일이 없었다. 2004년 MBC <생방송 화제집중>에 나온 뒤로 형은 동네에서 스타가 됐다고 한다. 식당에서는 밥을 주고, 편의점에서는 라면을 주고, 청년회에서는 컨테이너 방을 마련해줬다. 겨울에 전열선 코드를 안 뽑고 외출하는 형을 위해 밤 9시에 켜지고 아침 9시에 꺼지는 자동타이머까지 만들어줬다. 마을 어른 한 분은 동네 사람이 형에게 가진 부채 의식을 얘기했다. “종철이는 피해자다. 종철이 같은 아이를 만든 우리 모두가 책임이 있다고 생각해서 보살펴줬는데 부족한 점이 많았다.”
사실 난 형이 끔찍이 싫었다. 밖에서는 착한 형이었지만 나에게는 폭력을 많이 휘둘렀다. 서로를 싫어했다. 같은 뱃속에서 났지만 씨가 다르다고 생각하니 형이 원수 같았다. 형이 때릴 때면 나도 피부색을 들먹이며 형을 욕했다. 친구가, 친구 여동생이, 친구 부모님이 나와 형을 안다는 사실 자체가 싫었다. 지금도 고향 친구 집에 가면 친구 부모님 앞에서 괜스레 주눅이 든다. 애를 셋 낳았는데, ‘저런 놈이 애를 뭘 그리 많이 낳았나’라는 눈빛을 보내는 것 같다. 1999년에 결혼한 아내도 내 형을 이번에 처음 알았다. 내 아이들은 아직 삼촌의 존재를 모른다.
매일 껌을 팔고 구걸하고 미군 벙커에서 자는 지긋지긋한 어린 시절을 보냈지만, 나는 미군을 싫어하지 않았다. 그들은 나와 형이 먹고살아가는 데 실질적인 도움을 줬다. 거지 취급하며 주든, 예뻐하며 주든 뭘 주는 건 그들밖에 없었다. 미군이 학대해도 내가 아쉬워서 구걸하는 것이니 당연하다고 생각했다. 형은 나보다 미군을 싫어하는 것 같았다. “장가 안 가냐”라고 물으면 “장가가면 뭐해, 깜둥이나 낳을 것을”이라고 대답했다고 청년회 총무가 전했다.
형도 가고, 선유4리도 곧 사라진다. 2년 전 근처 당동리에 LG필립스 협력업체 단지가 들어서면서 마을은 상업·주택 지구 재개발 붐으로 들썩였다. 부동산 가게가 40군데 개업하고 땅값은 평당 1000만원까지 올랐다. 8월20일 오후, 형 장례식을 치른 뒤 나는 드문드문 가게를 지키고 있는 마을 사람들에게 인사를 다녔다. 형에게 밥을 준 매운탕집 아주머니와 돈을 잘 쥐어준 철물점 아저씨, 아직도 눈물이 글썽이는 편의점 주인 부부 등 형을 기억하고 애도하는 분들 앞에서 처음으로 내가 형의 동생임을 밝혔다. 이웃은 “형에게 더 잘해주지 못해 미안하다”라고 울었다. 형과 고향이 싫어 도망쳤던 나는 그들 앞에서 고개를 숙였다.
바비 할머니와 형 유품을 갖고 승강이를 벌였다. 형은 빼앗기고 남은 수급비 800여 만원을 남겼다. 형이 죽자 사기 피의자 정씨가 겁을 먹고 이장님께 반환한 오토바이와 금팔찌·시계도 유품이 됐다. 형을 죽게 한 수급비는 장례비용으로 쓰였다. 내가 나타나지 않았을 때는 남은 돈과 귀금속을 국가에 귀속시키거나 펄벅 재단에 기부하려 했다고 한다. 나는 절대로 받지 않겠다고 하는데 동네 분들은 조카가 학교 다니는 데 삼촌이 남긴 돈을 쓸 수 있으면 좋지 않으냐고 나를 설득했다. 그래도 받지 않고 떠났다.
8월20일 오전 10시 벽제 화장터. 형의 관이 불 속에 있다. 영정 사진을 가만히 본다. 죽기 바로 며칠 전, 사기 피의자 정씨가 돈을 빼앗기 위해 형을 사진관에 데리고 가 찍은 사진이다. 그게 영정 사진이 됐다. 마지막으로 형을 본 건 지난 설 때였다. 친구를 만나러 왔다가 우연히 만났다. “밥 먹었어?” “응.” “요새도 술 많이 먹어?” “아냐.” “많이 먹지 마.” “안 먹어.” 형이 싫어 떠났지만, 살면서 형을 잊은 적은 없다. 나는 형의 시신과 유리창 하나를 사이에 두고 울었다.
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미군 기지촌 여성의 생생한 육성 기록
기사입력 2013-06-14 18:50기사수정 2013-06-14 18:50 트위터페이스북싸이월드확대 축소 프린트
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신간 ‘미군 위안부 기지촌의 숨겨진 진실’ 출간
(서울=연합뉴스) 신창용 기자 = ‘미군 위안부 기지촌의 숨겨진 진실’은 우리 사회의 어두운 구석인 미군 기지촌 문제를 생생한 증언과 함께 기록한 책이다.
자기 실명을 밝힌 기지촌 출신 여성이 책을 엮은 김현선 씨와 함께 처음 인신매매돼 간 곳인 ‘파주 용주골 기지촌’부터 마지막 기지촌인 ‘동두천 보산리 기지촌’까지 전국의 기지촌을 찾아간다.
그곳에서 자신이 겪은 기지촌 여성으로서 삶과 고통에 대한 기억을 글과 사진으로 기록했다.
편안하게 읽을 수 있는 책은 아니다. 이 책은 기지촌 출신 여성의 말을 그대로 옮겼다. 사실 그녀에게 ‘그곳’을 방문하는 것은 마음의 상처를 다시 떠올리는 일이다.
이 책은 고통스러운 기억을 떠올리며 눈물을 흘리거나 감정이 북받쳐 말을 잇지 못하는 그녀의 ‘비언어적 표현’까지 모두 기록했다. 그래서 그녀의 인생과 고통이 생생하게 전달된다.
“저 문산 장파리에는 미군들 훈련 가는 데…. 클럽에 나가면 미군들 훈련장에 쫓아가래. 그럼 산을 넘어서 (중략) 하늘을 지붕으로 삼고, 땅을 방바닥으로 삼고, 그러면서 미군을 받았다…. 동지섣달에 구덩이를 이렇게 파구서, 거기에 들어가 팔으라 하면 팔고…몸을…한 놈 하고 나면은 고담에 또 딴 놈, 또 딴 놈, 또 딴 놈 (중략) 살아온 게 진짜…죽지 않고 여기까지 이 나이 먹도록 살아온 것만 해도 진짜…참…살아온 게 미쳐버리겠다…흑흑흑….”(102∼103쪽)
그녀는 “기지촌 언니들의 삶을 알리고자 증언을 결정했다”고 말한다. 지금까지 기지촌에 대한 자료나 서적들이 없었던 것은 아니지만 기지촌의 문제가 아직도 제대로 알려지지 않았다고 말한다.
이 책은 미군 감축이 단행됐던 1970년대 초 정부가 각 기지촌에 성병진료소를 설치하고 미군의 ‘위안시설’들을 재정비한 사업은 국가가 직접 나서 건강한 ‘양공주’ 기지를 만든 것이라고 주장한다.
권인숙 명지대 교수는 추천사에서 “국가폭력의 실상을 알리고 미군 위안부에 대한 정당한 평가가 이루어져 우리 사회가 진심으로 이들에게 사과하고 포옹하도록 이끄는 제물로 제대로 쓰일 수 있기를 바라는 마음 간절하다”고 썼다.
한울아카데미. 344쪽. 2만8천원.
changyong@yna.co.kr
公開日: 2012/08/31
(서울=News1) 하지수 기자=1960~70년대 미군이 국내에 주둔하던 시절 기지촌 성매매로 정신적·육체적 충격을 당한 여성들의 인권회복을 목적으로 하는'기지촌여성인권연대'가 31일 발족식을 가졌다.
한국정신대문제대책협의회, 성매매근절을 위한 한소리회, 두레방 등 7개 단체로 이루어진 기지촌여성인권연대는 이날 서울 종로구 흥사단에서 4년여간의 준비기간을 마치고 출범을 선언했다.
이들은 과거 '외화벌이의 주역'이라는 미명 아래 인권 사각지대 속으로 떠밀렸지만 정부로부터 적절한 보상을 받지 못한고 있다고 목소리를 높였다.
과거 기지촌에서 일했던 엄숙자 할머니는 "젊었을 때 우리가 늙으면 정부에서 집도 지어준다고 하더니 그 말을 한 사람들은 지금 다 어디 갔느냐"며 "우리는 꽃 같은 인생을 나라에 바친 거나 마찬가지다"고 울분을 토했다.
또 "일본군 위안부 피해자들처럼 우리도 외국 군인에 의한 피해자라"며 "쌀이라도 줘서 먹고사는데 걱정을 덜 하게 도와달라"고 호소했다.
유영님 기지촌여성인권연대 상임대표는 "우리가 함께하는 이 순간들이 기쁨과 화해의 길, 나와 너의 치유의 길이 되고있다"며 "우리가 가는 길을 지켜보며 '같이 걷고싶다'고 생각한다면 언제든지 환영한다. 우리의 여정에 많은 분들의 동참을 바란다"고 눈물을 참기도 했다.
윤미향 한국정신대문제대책협의회 대표는 축사를 통해 "입을 닫고 있다고 역사가 없어지는 것이 아니다"며 "한국과 미국정부에 요구할 것이 있으면 요구해야 한다"고 강조했다.
그러면서 "한국정신대문제대책협의회도 그동안의 경험을 교과서 삼아 기지촌여성인권연대와 손잡고 열심히 길을 걷겠다"며 "식민주의를 좋아하고 꿈꾸는 사람들에게 평화를 사랑하는 사람들의 목소리가 얼마나 무서운지 깨우쳐주겠다"고 의지를 보였다.
기지촌여성인권연대는 앞으로 기지촌 성매매 피해여성 진상규명 및 지원 등을 위한 특별법 제정 촉구, 한미 양국 정부를 상대로 기지촌 여성들의 개별적·집단적인 소송 등을 진행할 예정이다.
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