NK - where in the world is your democratic people's republic?
We know that North Korea is probably the most isolated nation in this world. And with so much lack of freedom. I've recently learned that if you so much as say a word against the dictator Kims' regime, you suddenly "disappear" from the community, because in secret you are either put to death or put in a gruesome prison where you work or starv to death. I think such horror has been the natural consequence of the lack of accountability that can restrain the human tendency to abuse power. I don't think the problem is necessarily the dictators themselves, but it's the system that enables them. To me, everyone has the potential to be just like them.
But...the more I learn about such ridiculous form of government that exists in North Korea, the more I come to appreciate the U.S. government, no matter how many people complain about it. It may not be perfect, but wwaaaayyyyy better than NK, don't you think?
Mmm... so... I've been reading Kang Cheol-Hwan's book about his experience in one of the North Korean gulags, and began to realize the value of the freedom of speech and of press, which many Americans seem to take for granted. What's more, we have the freedom to do pretty much whatever we wish, be that for good causes or for bad, as long as we have the means ($$$+time).
I guess one can do countless things to serve so many helpless people. But I feel a particular connection with the North Koreans, perhaps because of my upbringing. When I brought up the financial issues against the reunification between the North and South Koreas, my parents said, "if they were your own family, you wouldn't turn your back on their hunger and pain, even if it costs you."
Okay... so...according to parents (and I don't mean in an undermining way), the North Koreans are like my family, and I have the "familial obligation" to help them out as best as I can. Beautiful. I really admire this Asian collectivistic way of thinking. But rather than the "familial obligation," I hope love would be what drives me to want to help. Expecting nothing in return. And with that same love, help non-"families" as well ;)
I heard that when the Berlin Wall fell, the wealthy West side of Germany suffered financially because the East was so poor. But now it seems to be a prosperous nation as a whole. Though this example may be substantially different from the North and South Koreas, it does demonstrate that it can happen, and that both can survive together.
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"For you were called to freedom... Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
- Apostle Paul (Galatians 5:13)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
- Christ Jesus (John 13:34)