I don't know if anyone is jumping on a pious horse here (though whoever made that and others who read it might), some people really don't know some of the extreme and sad conditions that North Koreans live in. I agree, no need to compare in an "us vs them" way. We Americans are gonna think we're better no matter how it's presented, that's our "thing".

SOPA is insane. I write and complain to my senator monthly, he's spear heading it. It's sad it doesn't get the attention it deserves but then again, who owns the media? The companies who want internet control so they stop losing money from downloads

You guys should read this.

Although it's true that it's hard to know exactly how bad conditions are in the North, it's obvious when you visit South Korea that the whole situation on the peninsula is just tragic. The two countries have been in a hostile standoff for over 50 years, and it really does affect everyday life in the South. Seoul has 10m-11m people, and is actually under constant threat of annihilation from the North's military from nukes and chemical weapons. The military is everywhere, and sucks a lot of resources that could be used for better purposes.

Koreans are wonderful people and really deserve better. I just hope that at some point the generals who have to know more about the outside world and how things are going so much better in the South will stage a coup and start opening things up, even just so they can profit themselves. Though I don't see how you will lift all the brainwashing that generations have grown up with.

I shall read this, it looks very interesting, thanks S.

I understand completely what you're saying backtrack. And yes, not less than 5 years ago I started thinking that in the US they don't have a lot of the freedom they think they have. Not that we do either, we just don't brag about it everytime we can. And now it's more obvious than before.

Also, I see what you mean with the US military budget being ridiculously big and then comparing it with NKs. One thing I'm sure of is that it's not the amount you direct to each budget item but the percentage it represents of the whole. You said this too but I think it does make a difference. And while yes, in the US it's almost 40% of the budget (5.2% of their GDP), and NK's, although there is no easy to find info, I believe it to be over 70%. In this same vein, South Korea spends almost 4 times what the North does, but it really is under 3% of their GDP. You see what I mean?

What I don't understand backtrack and it's not that it bothers me you saying what you think, I actually think it's quite valuable, is what is making you upset here? That we think NK is in a terrible situation and then not looking in the mirror? Still, I don't think there's a lot of other countries that have it as bad as NK does. And what is worse, they don't even know it. But then again, ignorance is bliss, right?



Jeff it's true there's no need to compare, but I agree with you too that not a lot of people know about how bad North Koreans have it and I wish there were easier and smarter ways to do it, but are there? I mean, to really get to those people that aren't really even interested? And what about Palestine, South Papua or even Mexico.

* haha just read this again and noticed I wrote South P. when I really meant West Papua.