Cross-posting this letter to the editor, as submitted to the Kansas City Star. A slightly edited version of this letter was published in the Kansas City Star on August 23, 2026 (source):
Dear folks back home,
As I’m typing this in South Korea, I hear jets flying over as part of the US-ROK annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises. This Missouri girl, working in Korea since 2019, is grateful that President Donald Trump reduced the size of these exercises this year.
It seems his motivations in scaling back is to punish South Korea for refusing to join his war in Iran, nevertheless, I believe reducing war games is a step in the right direction to open space for dialogue and diplomacy with the DPRK. In addition to regaining operational control of their own military (the US still has opcon of South Korea’s military during wartime), peace talks with the North is something that the government of South Korea wants.
On August 15th, South Korean President Lee called for a peace agreement to finally end the Korean War and for direct talks between North and South Korea to normalize their relationships and to coexist peacefully. I support these efforts, and I encourage Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmidtt to do their best to return opcon to South Korea and ask Missouri Representative Emanuel Cleaver to support the Peace on the Korea Peninsula Act (HR1841).
If any other Missourians believe the Korean people should have the sovereignty to operate their own military and negotiate directly about their inter-Korean relationships, please contact Congress and the White House to let them know. 76 years after the Korean War began, I believe it’s time to officially make peace.
Sincerely,
Jennie Telfer
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