The trial of two journalists who allegedly entered North Korea illegally have been sentenced to 12 years in a labor camp by a North Korean court. Needless to say, Americans are outraged. Most of us do not understand how these two women, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, could be a threat to North Korea. The North Koreans apparently see it differently. We all hope for their safe return — soon.
That said, we need to take a look at our own country’s response to those who we consider threats to our security. Need I bring up Gitmo? I suppose not. But, quite honestly, it seems that we have a double standard. I cannot see the two journalists as a threat to anyone, except maybe exposing some of the social injustices of a country. But, then again, I do not know exactly what their mission was. I know what has been reported, but that’s it.
While we are outraged at the 12 years in a labor camp that appears to be the future for these women, perhaps we should think for a minute about the 7 years some have spent in Gitmo without even the benefit of a kangaroo court. Last week another Gitmo detainee committed suicide. That, too, is a social injustice.
Of course, there has already been talk of the two journalists becoming bargaining chips and I believe it is safe to say that some sort of behind the scenes negotiations are going on as I write. I feel for these women and their families. This event has hit close to home for all of us. As sad as this situation is at the present time, perhaps there is a lesson for us all.
We, as Americans, need to stop and take a look at some of our nation’s practices. We have detained terrorists, potential terrorists, and some innocents. While we look at North Korea and claim the innocence of these two women, perhaps we should first look at our own house.
This brings me to the issue of torture, waterboarding in particular. We know that under the Bush/Cheney administration waterboarding was accepted. Are we not to expect that we have set the tone? We have detained innocents, without the benefit of a “trial” for seven years. Should we expect more from other nations?
Of course, we sincerely wish a successful release for these women — and soon. But, perhaps this is a wake up call for America. Other countries, no matter how rogue or how civilized, have seen our behavior over the past years. When we felt threatened, whether real or imagined, we have put aside our core principles in the name of security. It is a bad precedent and it looks as if these unfortunate women are paying the price.
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