yoink 321 #1 April 23, 2017 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39683518 I'm sorry, but whether this guy is a spy or not I have no sympathy for any American who goes to north Korea and gets incarcerated. Or any foreigner, for that matter. It happens every time and NK just uses it as an excuse for propaganda. The US will make a public apology in 3 months, along with some sort of symbolic trade negotiation and he'll be released back to his family. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DanG 1 #2 April 24, 2017 QuoteI'm sorry, but whether this guy is a spy or not I have no sympathy for any American who goes to north Korea and gets incarcerated. Or any foreigner, for that matter. So assuming he is a spy, which is hardly been shown, you have no sympathy for a man who volunteered to serve his country in a hostile foreign land, knowing the result could be life imprisonment or death? How do feel about soldiers wounded in combat? It happens all the time, they should have known better. No sympathy! Sad! - Dan G Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 893 #3 April 24, 2017 There are also a surprising number of people willing to risk everything to make the world better. Here in our town we have New Tribes Mission, a worldwide christian ministry and mission. While I don't agree with their message, I do understand the sacrifice that goes into their efforts to make the areas they serve better in many ways. They really do make significant life improvements in those areas. I would have sympathy and respect for the selfless humans who would put their life on the line for others. I don't think many of us here would risk our life in North Korea to help improve anything. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #4 April 24, 2017 yoinkhttp://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39683518 It happens every time and NK just uses it as an excuse for propaganda. It doesn't happen every time. in 2014 North Korea had approximately 100,000 foreign visitors. This number has been growing since then. It clearly isn't without risk, but I wouldn't say it happens every time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #5 April 24, 2017 DanGQuoteI'm sorry, but whether this guy is a spy or not I have no sympathy for any American who goes to north Korea and gets incarcerated. Or any foreigner, for that matter. So assuming he is a spy, which is hardly been shown, you have no sympathy for a man who volunteered to serve his country in a hostile foreign land, knowing the result could be life imprisonment or death? How do feel about soldiers wounded in combat? It happens all the time, they should have known better. No sympathy! Sad! Well, from a purely pragmatic standpoint, it's unlikely he's a US intelligence officer. I doubt they'd send an actual US citizen in to do that. Very limited freedom of movement, very strong suspicion and close attention from the "minders", huge propaganda value to the DPRK if caught. I'm actually a bit surprised it took this long. This is very typical of them. The DPRK gets caught with their "hand in the cookie jar" (the killing of KJU's brother), stupid posturing and provocative statements from both sides, some sort of demonstration of the "power of the DPRK" (missile test), more posturing and statements, then the DPRK grabs a foreign national (usually an American), claiming they are a "spy." Lots more posturing and stupid statements, then someone of stature (like an ex-pres) goes over and 'negotiates' the release. The crimes committed by the DPRK are forgotten, KJU (or his dad when KJI was alive) looks very good to the citizens subjects of the DPRK, and life goes on. I would bet very heavily that the 'spy' is an actual aid volunteer. I'm not sure if I would call him "brave" for going, or "not all that smart." I get the idea that, for a lot of those sorts of volunteers, the calling to help others is stronger than the fear/risk of going to dangerous places. But the DPRK has a long, long history of these sorts of arrests. Especially during times of tension, like we have now. Being there now, or staying there if he's been there a while, wasn't a really smart move. Edit to add: SkyDekkerIt doesn't happen every time. in 2014 North Korea had approximately 100,000 foreign visitors. This number has been growing since then. It clearly isn't without risk, but I wouldn't say it happens every time. Well, it kind of depends on how you define "Happens every time." As I noted above, it seems like every time the DPRK gets itself into trouble, the end up grabbing a foreign national and calling him (or her) a "spy.""There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
