They’re home
American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee have landed in California after former president Bill Clinton’s meeting in North Korea with Kim Jong Il.
I’m glad they are home. I’ll leave you with this passage from the wire report preceding their arrival:
Their expected arrival was a jubilant conclusion to a more than four-month ordeal for the women, who were arrested near the North Korean-Chinese border in March while on a reporting trip for Current TV, the media venture founded by former Vice President Al Gore.
Gore was expected to be at the Burbank airport to greet the women, who were sentenced in June for illegal entry and engaging in “hostile acts.”
Hillary Clinton had urged North Korea last month to grant them amnesty, saying they were remorseful and their families anguished.
The release also amounted to a successful diplomatic foray for the former president, who traveled as an unofficial envoy, with approval and coordination from the administration. He was uniquely positioned for it as the only recent president who had considered visiting North Korea while in office, and one who had sent his secretary of state, Madeleine Albright.
But the backchannel genesis of the mission was not immediately clear, whether Obama called on him, North Korea asked for him or his wife suggested him.
His landmark visit to Pyongyang to free the Americans was a coup that came at a time of heightened tensions over North Korea’s nuclear program.
Hillary Clinton also rejected an official report by the North Korean news agency that said Bill Clinton had delivered an apology about the incident to the country’s ailing leader.
“That is not true,” she said. “That did not occur.”
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Trackbacks
- This Hostage Negotiation Thing — It’s A Man’s Job! « Ztower
- Bill Clinton NOT Hillary convinces Kim Jong-Il to pardon Euna Lee and Laura Ling | Fire Andrea Mitchell!
- Oh, To Be A Fly On Hillary Clinton’s Wall! « Grand Rants
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This is a good thing no matter how it happened.
I am so glad these two are home. I bet their beds never felt so good!
I am glad they are safe.
At the same time, we Americans are less safe – perhaps just a teeny bit less, but less safe nonetheless – as we travel abroad; as bad behavior – hostage taking – has just been rewarded…again.
Just wait and see: we will get more bad behavior.
granite – we can expect bad behavior because world leaders have no respect for that dweeb who sits in the big boy chair.
I am glad they are home, but I do not for a minute believe that NoKo gave them up just because Slick Willy came a calling.
I want to know what we gave up to get them back.
We gained much more than we potentially gave up. Bill Clinton had the opportunity to assess the condition both mentally and physically of the dear leader. All of our many intelligence agencies will put this ground truth data to good use.
On August 5th, 2009 at 9:08 am, zyzzyg said:
You have won an all expense paid trip to North Korea, zyzzyg! No need to pack; the Secret Service will be at your house in a few minutes.
I understand Kim Jong-il was heard to say, “Yes, I love it when a plan comes together!” Then he high-fived some old general.
I’m not sure how Bill did it, but I wonder if it went like this:
Jake: [fakes accent] How much for the little girl? How much for the women?
Father: What?
Jake: Your women. I want to buy your women. The little girl, your daughters… sell them to me. Sell me your children
Let’s not overlook a few of the basic facts. These knuckleheads ignored all the warnings and did a whole lot of stupid things. It’s nice that they are back, but I hope someone whumps each one upside the head and screams at them: “What the f*ck were you thinking when you decided to sneak into North Korea?” Still no word on why algore did not do anything to help out his own employees…
Oh, and the same goes for the “hikers” who are now guests of Iran.
Lil Dear Leader does nothing out of the goodness of his heart because, there is no goodness there. The fact that these women were never transferred to the prisons shows the NK’s feared the response from the US. Obambi let them off the hook just as they knew he would.
Obama and Hilary showed their true international impotence. Our local news writer for the talking heads at NBC11 in San Jose wrote that Obama was “careful” not to interfere with the negotiations. In other words, he had to have big Bubba do the job since he made NO efforts to bring those ladies home. And our SOS Hilary? Hmmmmm.
Visualize THIS: Bill Clinton flying back from North Korea on a private jet, spending hours with TWO young women. Hmmm.
Cigars all around!
Bill owes Obama for this one.
Taking care of business in Kenya.
et #6
Why does Walter Duranty come to mind…??
Huh?
I fail to see any connection to what I said and your comment.
The release is a good thing. At this moment what did it cost us? A picture with an ex-President. At this moment what did we get? The return of a mother, wives, daughters, sisters, and children of Americans.
I am thinking we got the best of the deal. We got our citizens back, they got a photo op.
Were you held hostage, I would celebrate your release, too. I would hold my tongue for a bit before going negative. There will be plenty of time to deconstruct and critique exactly what did, and did ,happen, as more information becomes available.
I too do not believe for a moment that Clinton charmed Kim into releasing the two ladies with just the sheer force of his personality. We traded them for something – what, we will probably find out in a year or two.
The Current TV employees were rescued by their boss’ (AlGore) former boss (William Clinton) sort of like when Ross Perot rescued his employees during the Iranian revolution.
Yes, they were stupid to go there, but I would take no joy in their imprisonment, either.
If Barry Sotoero had been imprisioned while he was in Pakistan and it was illegal for US citizens to go there, well, the world would be a different place, wouldn’t it?
Now that they are home, I would record all the time spent by any government official on this incident, every phone call made, every mile traveled, and any other related expense. I would total these costs up divide it by two and present a bill to each of these two idiots.
Sneaking into North Korea. What an insane thing to do. They should pay for it.
“Life is tough; it’s tougher when you’re stupid.” John Wayne
Although I’m glad they’re back, I too am wondering what we gave up in exchange.
OTOH, I wonder if we sentenced people that crossed our border illegally to 12 years hard labor, an ex President of Mexico would come and get them? And probably bearing gifts to trade no less?
Sounds like a better plan than giving them free health care and a job and free education for their children.
Consistent with the current administration Slick Willy goes over and apologizes.
Yet another ratchet down of American prestige.
Somebody in DC needs to grow a pair.
I liken these two journalists to those who will go on dangerous mountain climbing expeditions and when trouble comes expect the world to stop and spare no expense to rescue them on the taxpayers dime.
These two broke a lot of rules for a story and after the initial back slapping and glad handing is over, we may see what the actual damage has been to this country.
Expect something similar for the 3 who are held in Iran. This country will be reduced to more groveling to another rogue nation.
But, hey, Bush was so mean to these sponsors of terror, maybe playing nicey nice will placate them and they’ll just love us to death.
On August 5th, 2009 at 9:52 am, zyzzyg said:
Color me shocked.
You made an absurd statement that implied that the return of these two ladies was worth any price. I implied that you would be taking their place. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes, and I doubt you would, either.
Remember, when you casually toss about absolutes, the sky is the limit.
Logan Act
From CSMonitor:
From CNN:
And more at another CNN article:
I totally agree!! While I echo everyone here who express happiness at these women’s release, I also say to them…MORONS! They put themselves in that position. Same with the ones in Iran. I believe those three were referred to as “an activist” “an environmentalist” and “a journalist”. Maybe they were lucky they were arrested before they stood in front of a bulldozer and got run over! These moonbats with their naivete brought this on themselves and cost the taxpayers millions to bail them out. Again, I AM GLAD THEY ARE FREE! So, lgm, zzz, et al…this isn’t about that!
I’m glad they’re out. I’m sure we lost something in this transaction, but for the sake of the families, I guess I’m okay with it. As for other Americans being less safe now, guess what: you walk on the edge of the volcano and you can darn well fall in. Hikers in freakin’ Kurdistan? Look, you can’t just assume you’re going to be safe and treated well if you cross a disputed, unmarked border between two warring countries. I know, not very adventurous of me, but get a grip, folks. The Islamists play for keeps.
How disappointed was Bubba when he got there and found out this mission to “go pick up a couple of Asian women” was nothing like his usual weekends?
I too am glad they are back home. However, their passports should be revoked.
I also think we should send Jimmy Carter to Iran to get those three released. Although, Jimmy might be so happy to be with his old friends again he may forget why he’s there.
One has to wonder what did we give up. Did we agree to turn a blind eye to NK’s nuclear program? Did Obama agree to meet one-on-one with Kim Jong Il? So many questions and we’ll probably not know the answers until it’s too late.
Or perhaps just some photos… like those in some smut magazines?
“Kim, what do you think of these here centerfold pictures? A lot better lookin than those two wayward journalists ain’t they? Heh heh…”
Bill: How ’bout you lovely ladies come back here and show me how much you appreciate my getting you out of prison? Have you ever heard of the 5-mile high club?
***
The lady journalists are quite lucky–they would never have survived 12 years in a North Korean concentration camp. Read about what happened to some other prisoners who finally escaped. Some were innocent children who were imprisoned and tortured for their parents “crimes” against the state. It is WW2 Japanese or German Nazi style abuse all over again.
***
Negotiation with evil dictators only kicks the can down the road. The Norks will make their move on South Korea when they think the Messiah will not commit our military against them. Coming soon–Korean War II. Sending messages of weakness always leads to war. Like President Ronald Reagan said, “No one ever attacked America because they thought we were too strong!”.
***
John Bibb
***
Don’t be shocked, you were less than explicit in your comment. And, that is why I said what I did. Thank you for expanding and revising your comment. It happens to us all.
I suppose ‘absurb’ is in the eye of the beholder.
The reality is that at this moment the facts are that NoK got a photo op, and we got two of our citizens back.
My ‘no matter how it happened’ references the known facts. We may come to find out that there was a greater price paid. We may come to find out that the only price paid was the Photo op.
Should anything be taken away from my initial statement, it should be based on the known facts, and not on exagerrated speculation.
Your point is well taken and I failed to be more specific about what I meant by ‘no matter how it happened.’
Were it currently known that the actual cost was that we build two nuclear power plants for NoK in return for our two citizens then my initial statement would have certainly been different.
Again, the public record demonstrates what the actual costs have been. And, until we learn more, those costs are minimal. That is what does not matter. The actual costs and not speculating about what we do not know.
In my initial statement maybe I should have said -
This is a good thing
no matter how it happenedbecause, at this moment we know that the price we paid was a photo op with an ex President to get our citizens back.At this point there has been criticism of what did happen, and it has been characterized as taking former Pres Clinton to task for bestowing some kind of legitamacy to NoK. The cost of which has been called too great. I disagree, and his presence in NoK does not impact, or change, my opinion of them. Does Pres Clinton’s presence change how you feel about NoK?
Why would suggest that I would be taking their place? That is just mean. Are you normally a mean person?
Nope. It was not an absolute. You read too deeply into my comment, and failed to understand I was speaking to the actual cost paid.
Nope. I said it before, and I’ll say it again. I failed to be explicit and allowed speculative inferences to be made about my initial statement.
they flew on a private 747, I believe.
Does that jibe with the Goracle’s plan?
Don’t they ‘work’ for Gore-owned TV station?
Not to worry about the expenses other than a photo op. I’m sure Al Gore’s company will pay all expenses of flying Clinton and his entourage to N. Korea to obtain the release of his two journalists. It won’t cost the taxpayer one dime, just a little prestige and embolden other rogue regimes /sarc.
I am glad they are home, however I’m not happy that our already poor relations with this rogue country have been exacerbated by these recent events. These gals should have never been there in the first place but I’m sure Gore won’t mind footing the bill as he has become extremely wealthy off the backs of the greenies.
Talk about tough choices……..
North Korea prison…….OR 9HRS with Billy Jeff in a plane……….
The country just lost a little bit more respect and Obama and Gore just fielded a handful. Obama for reaping the ’success’ and Gore for showing his good intentions were worth this ‘rescue’ anyway. As for Kim & ilk; just snap your fingers and you can have the most powerful people in world running and groveling at your feet to look like Sir Galahads bringing home the damsel. I don’t want to sound cruel, but it’s not like those two (multi-warned) women weren’t going to literally lose heads for their ‘crime’ like some poor souls we knew. I can’t recall it exactly, but someone on that surveillance plane force-landed by China (?) said something about wishing they’d crashed the plane or stayed in prison years rather than dishonor the country. That’s tough love of country.
James Greenidge
Queens, NY
I’m obviously happy for the two journalists and their families but the whole incident points out how naive and reckless some Americans are. What did these two THINK was gonna happen if they were caught sneaking into North Korea? The entire country is a prison camp. They are lucky they weren’t shot on sight.
Years ago, a reporter friend of mine (Taiwanese citizen) was permitted to go to NK for journalistic purposes and armed guards followed her around wherever she went and refused to let her take pictures of anything that suggested NK was not a Commie paradise. If they exert this much control over journalists they actually permit to come into the country, what do you think they do to journalists who sneak in?
And all this for their ego and ambition? And once again, the American people will pay the price, one way or another. There’s no way that Kim gave them up for free. No way. Why would he?
I am glad they are back as well. Like others, I wonder why were these people sent to that area, what was the pay-off to the commies, why send that lady’s man to pick them up?
Several people have written in this thread that the two women expected the government to rescue them. How do you know what they expected, moron? Did you meet with them? Have a phone conversation with them on their flight back? Go over to North Korea and ask them? No you didn’t, so stfu!
It’s too bad these ladies didn’t get away with sneaking into NK and getting some good pictures of how those folks actually live. Because that is what Al Gore with his global warming crap is trying to do to THIS country!
Wow. Sounds like you have some anger management issues. Are you trying to pick a fight?
Glad they’ve been sprung, but I had the same thought that Bradley did–
It would be just like him to collect a little finder’s fee from a, uhhhh, captive audience.
Well why not release them? Bill Clinton gave them nuclear power technology and supplies to make the bomb and threaten Hawaii and the US with it…Why not release two Left-wing honeys in prison for such a deal?
Probably why he went there. He likes left-wing, supplicating women for his amusement.
So Al Gore sends two women to North Korea so Bill can ride in on his white jet to rescue them?
How much did it cost for us to send Bill over there?
How much of our farm did Obama give away to ol’ Kim to get this release?
Wait till we get the Whitehouse and Congress back, then do it.
Honeys working for AlGore, no less. It’s an family thing. Think Billy Jack would rescue anyone stuck in hell from when Bush was president?
I nominate Bill Clinton for the Nobel Peace Prize! (retch!) Darn! I just projectile vomited all over myself!
Anyhoo, I predict Bill Clinton and the NPP! You saw it here first!
THANK GOD those two Americans were rescued and brought back home from a dictatorial state where government control saps every individual liberty and human freedom, from one’s cradle to one’s grave…
Hey, wait a minute!!
Ahhh…. two young women freed from a represive regime – and what do the people on this site do?
They complain.
I wonder if any of you folks love this country? Or do you just love the Republican party?
He heard one of them was plump.
Mean, maybe. Glad they’re home – yes. Do I think they were stupid for being there – yes. Does Hillary need longer jackets on her pantsuits – yes.
#52…
Is that a trick question?
I thought someone on your side once said (in a high-pitched, screeching manner): “there’s nothing more patriotic than obnoxious and incessant complaining.”
If you agree with her, then I guess that makes liberals the most patriotic peoples on the face of Mother Earth.
Conservatives can only dream.
So how much food and fuel did Slick Willy give them this time?
Oh, you meant the North Koreans, I thought….
So which is more dangerous? Being a prisoner in North Korea, or being alone on a trans-pacific flight with Bill Clinton?
My collie says:
Maybe they’re Democrats.
I’m annoyed at people here writing their assumptions about people they don’t know or have met and then, criticise Gates (another moron) for making assumptions about the police. I can’t stand hypocrits.
Anger management? Please. PC B.S. at its finest.
Did anyone else notice earlier on Fox, they were showing some footage of Clinton and others coming off the plane that John Podesta was there? Why would he have been on that flight?
jwm: You mean we can’t comment on the actions of two journalists or three hikers who venture into areas where their safety is unsure and then they require rescuing? Why not, when it will require substantial costs from the taxpayers to bail their sorry a$$es out of jail?
Whenever I had troops get hauled in for DWI, I let them spend some extra time in the brig BEFORE I reamed them a new one for being stupid. That didn’t require that I know their life history, just that they (to coin a phrase) ‘acted stupidly.’
So, it’s BRAVE for a few people to shout down their congressman at some town hall meeting. And EVIL for anyone to criticize them or question their motives. And it’s STUPID for two reporters to attempt to report on events within a dictatorial, starvation state because….they work for Al Gore?
If these two nit-wits had to fulfill their sentence in NK, so be it, they broke the laws of a sovereign nation, irregardless as to what political beliefs the said country follows.
We won’t know the cost of getting those fools back until down the road, no matter what the cost it will be expensive…Bubba didn’t negotiate their release and if you think he did, you’ve had way too much kool aid.
Whose next to insult and demean my once great country, Iran maybe? I believe 3 dumb ass bikers are being held there now…”Where’s Bill”
KEEP THE JET FUELED.
Even tho I nearly teared up watching it live this am, I was thinking …’who’s the first Americans grabbed NEAR a border that doesn’t work for AlGore’?
How many ex-presidents do we have? How could Iran be thinking of anything but a trade now after today and, kidnapping 3 hikers?
We can be pretty sure if you vote (R) Obama won’t go get you?
I hope willy, hillary and barry didn’t just start a high profile kidnapping industry.
Thank God they’re home safe, pray to God this is the only time an ex-pres goes to do this.