"Safety Without Security Is an Illusion...
The Defense Industry Is Nonsan's Survival Strategy"
Safety is the nation's highest priority in protecting lives. However, Baek Seonghyun, Mayor of Nonsan in South Chungcheong Province, drew a clear line by stating, "Safety that only refers to disasters and accidents is a half-baked logic." He argued that safety without the power to prevent war ultimately fails to protect the lives of citizens.
Mayor Baek asserted that the national defense industry being promoted in Nonsan is both a "future value and a survival strategy," and he criticized the political conflicts and opposition surrounding it.
On December 29, through his social networking service (SNS), Mayor Baek addressed the local controversy over the defense industry, stating, "If we cannot determine which value takes precedence, our security and lives will be at risk."
He added, "Safety is a national value that must be protected, and every life is dignified." However, he emphasized, "Safety is not only about protection from disasters or accidents. Sometimes, safety from war is even more important."
He made it clear that the defense industry cluster being promoted by Nonsan is "the future value and survival strategy of Nonsan."
He continued, "If we try to suppress this future industry by force or fuel political division and conflict, we are choosing to be on the wrong side of history."
In particular, he said, "There may be individual opposition, but if the majority of citizens want it, following the greater good is the right attitude." He also stated, "Power is not given to be exercised for its own sake, but to alleviate the suffering of the people." He made it clear that administration should be the practice of trust, not command, and that policy should be a source of hope, not control.
Mayor Baek mentioned Huntsville, a world-renowned defense city in the United States, and explained, "At Redstone Arsenal, where weapons, information, and space commands are concentrated, tens of thousands of people are employed in quality jobs." He then questioned, "Why can't Nonsan become the Huntsville of Korea?"
He said, "It is a matter of survival, providing safe and quality jobs," and added, "The logic that Yeongju can do it but Nonsan cannot does not hold. Safety does not change depending on location."
He continued, "Accidents can happen anywhere. That is why prevention is important, but that does not mean we should do nothing."
Mayor Baek argued, "The safety of the national defense weapons industry is managed by state institutions, and the production of conventional weapons is the best preventive security strategy to deter war."
He referred to the president's policy of making Korea one of the world's top four defense powers through conventional weapons production and stated, "Nonsan City will actively support this policy."
He appealed, "Do not ruin Nonsan's future with ongoing division and conflict. Nonsan is already busy forging its own path," and added, "If you cannot help, at least do not sabotage our efforts."
He especially emphasized, "The majority of Nonsan citizens, except for a few, welcome Nonsan as a defense industry city," and urged, "Do not miss this golden opportunity for quality jobs, increased tax revenue, and revitalization of the local economy."
He added, "Young people who are waiting for the next recruitment opportunity are already in despair."
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