Thank you Former President Jimmy Carter. Evidently, Democratic Presidents know how diplomacy actually works with North Korea.

Former President Carter is a magnificent example of a Great American.  He and his spouse have remained vital and active within the diplomatic world since leaving office. 

Carter leaves Pyongyang with U.S. citizen

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/video/2010-08/27/c_13465705.htm


They are safely home.

Aijalon Gomes, Freed By N. Korea, In U.S. With Jimmy Carter

by Frank James

U.S. citizen Aijalon Gomes who had been imprisoned in North Korea for seven months for illegally entering the reclusive communist state, returned to his native Boston Friday, accompanied by former President Jimmy Carter who won his release.
Gomes, appearing thin, tired but relieved, arrived in the U.S. by private jet and was greeted by family members, some of whom held small American flags.
As family members huddled around and took turns hugging him, Carter stood off to the side and watched, a smile on his face.
Gomes' return marked the end of an odyssey that began when the man, a teacher of English in South Korea, crossed into the north from China for reasons that remain unclear.


http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/08/27/129478308/aijalon-gomes-freed-by-n-korea-in-u-s-with-jimmy-carter


Former President Carter has been extremely instrumental in many venues internationally, including, the Middle East and Cuba.  He frequently speaks about the potential of human dignity that overcomes hatred and voids in understanding. 

Americans in South Korea have to stop causing such outrageous issues.  The world knows there is poverty in North Korea, but, if the diplomacy is to work to bring about a "Peace Peninusla" near China and Russia it can't continue to be complicated by border crossings.

We all know the poeple of North Korea are needy.  They were severely compromised when the Bush White House insisted on cutting off oil supplies to the North.  That act didni't bring about any pressure to resolve the issues of 'The Koreas.'  That act only hurt the very citizens we seek to help when doors finally open between these two countries that have been separated by The Cold War over fifty years ago.

The entire Brinkmanship of North Korea was instilled over fifty years ago.  This is the year 2010.  We have a wonderful President in the USA that has set high standards for peace and non-proliferation.  This is a perfect time for Kim to reach beyond the Cold War of decades ago to open the border between the two Koreas to unite families and allow people to come to North Korea to help improve the life styles of the North Koreans. 

If the two Presidents of the Koreas can find 'in roads' to end the suffering of their own people when longing for family and friends then why can't the rest of the world? 

It seems fairly obvious to me that 'trust' between these two countries can happen.  The entire mess of 'power struggles' over nuclear potential is such a ridiculous agenda for both these countries and for the USA.  We don't want it.  We don't want nuclear war. 

I believe Kim knows peace and non-proliferation is a venue that can open potential for growth for both the Koreas while honoring their borders.  The reason this hideous dynamic continues is because the Pacific is still 'in play,' and it should not be.  There is One China Policy.  There is hope for Non-Proliferation and nuclear disarmament between the USA and Russia.  The entire dynamic that Kim became 'used to' really has melted away except on the Korean Peninsula. 

It's time to end this silliness and allow the North Koreans contact with the people of the South and to encourage trade and cultural exchange.  There should be students from North Korea attending South Korean universities to begin a change in paradigm for the future in a 'balance' of power that provides for better health and well being to the people of both countries.
Kim can do this.  He truly should.

27 August 2010

...In a message marking the first-ever International Day against Nuclear Tests (click title to entry - thank you), which is observed on Sunday, Mr. Ban stressed that “a world free of nuclear weapons is achievable,” adding that there had been important progress in 2010....