On Traveling to North Korea.

[Lady_Chat]

118. Mineral Man and anyone else- Remember Kenneth Bae AND Matthew Todd Miller?

I bring this up for several reasons: 1. They were both held hostage by N. Korea., Bae was sentenced (charges of planning to overthrow the North Korean government) to 15 years hard labor, Matthew Todd Miller ( espionage) for 6 years of hard labor. 2. They were both released in 2014, thanks to an intervention by James Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence.

2. While Trump blamed Obama for Otto Warmbier's death, it makes me wonder why the other 2 weren't as brutalized. Their crimes seemed far more serious than Warmbiers. Of course Trump made made no mention of these two being released during the Obama administration.

Warmbier's family doesnot want an autopsy performed, I can understand their feelings, but since this is being called a "murder", wouldn't that be the appropriate procedure?

How do we know when Warmbier's injuries were sustained? Is it possible it happened when Trump was threatening N Korea, that they started taking it out on Warmbier? That they finally decided to release him in that condition, to taunt Trump, sort of an in your face, what do you think you can do about it now?

I'm also thinking back to when two journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling, who were kidnapped and taken hostage by N. Korea and eventually released via private diplomacy undertaken by former President Clinton and White House advisor John Podesta. They were also released during Obama's administration. Again, Trump will never mention that.

I agree with you Mineral Man, I don't think you can equate traveling to a country governed by a madman can be compared to the same risk of bungee jumping, nor do I think our country should be responsible for getting them out of a situation they put themselves in.

All opinions are welcomed, whether you think I am right or wrong. I'm really curious about this.
Thanks!