Hyeonseo Lee tells the story of her escape from North Korea

Every now and then we hear a poignant story about someone’s escape from Communism. We often forget what that type of economic and government system brings to a society. There was a time when the word itself brought apprehension and fear. This is a story of a young women, Hyeonseo Lee, who escaped into and out of Communism China and North Korea. She was able to finally escape to freedom. In the hearts of many who do succeed, there is the seed of guilt, and a desire to help those they left behind.

Hyeonseo Lee's Personal story
FILMED FEB 2013 • POSTED MAR 2013 • TED2013

Hyeonseo Lee speaks out for those who can’t in her native country of North Korea. She tells of how pride and programming work well in indoctrinating a society.  In fighting for freedom, she almost lost her life, but never lost perspective or hope. Today, for example, Communist China’s economic health is feared more than its economic demise. We were taught Communism doesn't work. It doesn't for those still living in China’s peasantry. Those who once believed a great communist leadership would lead them out of misery. Instead, the same hardships they faced in the past still exist.

The story of Communist North Korea is a sad one. We can remember the joy the world felt when Germany was reunited, and in a way the world feels the same about North and South Korea. They were once one nation and one people. Divided by other countries, against their will, and assimilated into different cultures; North Korea’s intense discipline opposing the South’s thirst for freedom.

 As seen on Examiner.com

Pakistan leaders arrest and isolate Musharraf

Pervez Musharraf, former President of Pakistan is facing prosecution. Last week he returned to Pakistan, after a 4 year self-imposed exile in London. Instead of a welcome, he faced an arrested. According to the The New York Times, last Thursday, Musharraf sped out of the city courthouse in a black S.U.V., trying to avoid being arrested. He was nonetheless picked up by police on Friday at his home, and taken to central Islamabad before a magistrate, where he was formally charged with the unlawful detention of judges during his term as president in 2007. During his Presidency, he placed Pakistan on an "emergency rule", and had the country's Chief Justice, Mohammad Iftikhar Chaudhry, dismissed. According to the BBC, he is also suspect in two murders, the deaths of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and a tribal leader by the name of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. At this time, he has not been indicted for murder related charges.

The Islamabad magistrate ordered him to be kept in detention for 48 hours, to later be put before an anti-terrorism court. He is being held in a luxurious farmhouse, yet isolated with no access to staff or lawyers, according to The Express Tribune. The State Department has not issued any statements about Musharraf's arrest, mostly likely because of the U.S.'s shaky history with Pakistan. When 9/11 happened, the U.S. turned to Pakistan for assistance in capturing terrorists. Musharraf, who was President at the time, was very understanding, cooperative and receptive to to the idea; and of course U.S. financial backing was helpful in making the alliance possible. In a press conference with George W. Bush, both men are seen together in an effort to fight terrorism.

The President Bush News Conference
With President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan

Musharraf’s term as President of Pakistan paralleled George Bush’s, he governed from 2001 to 2008, but unlike Bush, he took power through a military coup. Both presidents lost popularity towards the end of 2008, and Musharraf resigned as Pakistan's president to avoid the possibility of an impeachment from opponents.

Musharraf was able to keep equilibrium in his country when he was president. Most of the public had already suspected that Osama bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan after 9/11. So on one end, Musharraf was able to receive aid, money, and military equipment, for his country’s cooperation, yet ultimately he had the trump card: Osama bin laden. When bin Laden was caught and executed, it was clear that the former Pakistan president did not like it, neither did the Taliban. The Pakistan Taliban had vowed to assassinate Musharraf, and harbored resentment towards him since he seized power of Pakistan in 1999. Once Bin laden was captured and executed, he changed his supportive opinion, and in an interview with Morgan Pierce on CNN, he made it very clear that he perceived that act as an invasion of Pakistan.

Musharraf’s return to his homeland was fueled by his desire to return to politics, and he had hoped he could run for the presidency. He was declined the opportunity when he requested in March, and now he may pay the ultimate price for stepping forward at all. 

As published on Examiner.com

Boston Bombing effect on issues: Gun control -1, Immigration +2

City under siege
by National Guard

America has seen a horrendous scene play out in the last few days. Citizens being asked to stay indoors, while others are removed from their home by police, some with babies and blankets in hand. This played out in an effort to search for the Boston Marathon bombing suspect still at large. Anytime citizens are held at gun point for any reason, they tend to think one thing: “Am I safe?” Feeling weak and “under the gun” makes anyone think of ways to protect themselves. There is really only one way to you can be protected from a gun, and that’s by having your own.

The announcement that the Senate has hit a road block in its gun control law negotiations, has hit the President even harder, and made a deep dent in his passionate fervor to push for the legislation. So not only does the President go from a plus one, at the point he had a bipartisan compromise to discuss the legislation; he now gets a negative, for losing it. He receives a second negative for the fact that Americans who have guns, want to keep them now more than ever. The media showing armed militia men in suburbia didn't make them "lean forward."

Immigration on the other hand, went from a plus one; simply for the fact that the legislation started from the onset through a bipartisan initiation to a plus two. Boston has changed matters now that the media and law enforcement have verified that the “loose” immigration laws we have, allowed a non-U.S. Citizen leave the United States, return in a few months; then is red flagged as a possible Muslim terrorist, yet was never stopped from walking among us like a regular patriot loving American. If there was ever a major reason to support immigration reform, this is it.

Immigration needs to be addressed, and now more than ever. Without stepping too far into the politically incorrect, let’s face it, many terrorist Muslims can look Hispanic. We have unsecured Mexican and Canadian borders. Even hopping on a plane and entering the United States is not hard to do. The overwhelming focus in airport security is on stopping a bomb from going off on a plane, or not letting a high jacking occur. Maybe it’s time to look at our immigration laws: work visas, student visas, and travel permits. Our new proposed immigration laws are still on the table; so the score stands: Gun Control -1, Immigration +2.

Boston shut down: Manhunt for 'Jahar", Dxhokhar A. Tsarnaev, 19

The FBI is on a manhunt for the second suspect of the Boston Marathon bombing. One suspect was apprehended, but died at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital.  The suspect names have been released. They are brothers from Chechnya: Dxhokhar A. Tsarnaev, 19 and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26.  The older of the two is the suspect apprehended and now deceased. The police and investigators are trying to find any and all connections known about the subject at large, who is known to be from Chechnya and attended an American high school with Eric Machado. Machado was interviewed this morning by CNN. He explained he was in shock, and that the suspect showed no signs of violence, nor had any of his friends suspected that he would be involved in such a crime. He was described as a student attending the University of Amherst, and had worked as a life guard at Harvard University, according to Machado.

Yesterday, the FBI released pictures of the two men suspected of having being involved in the bombing. In the FBI photos, of the two, the suspect still at large is the one wearing the white baseball cap. Late Wednesday night, at around 10:20 pm, there was a shootout at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, resulting in the death of an MIT police officer. This incident was followed by a police chase, resulting from a call informing them of a Mercedes Benz SUV carjacking. The car jack victim was held at gun point for half an hour until released by the suspects. The suspects took off in the stolen car, and a police car chase followed them into the town of Watertown, Massachusetts. 

According to press releases issued early this morning by Police Commissioner Robert Haas, Middlesex District Attorney Michael Pelgro, and MIT Police Chief John Difava, the police chase led to the men throwing explosives out of the stolen car, and an exchange of gun fire. One of the suspects was injured and taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. He later died from his wounds. In a press conference early this morning, Dr. David Schoenfeld answered questions about the deceased man. He disclosed that the victim suffered shrapnel injuries and died of multiple gun shot wounds.

Police officers and FBI agents are on the manhunt for the second man that fled the scene of the shoot out. Chief John Difava spoke in an early morning press conference confirming that the suspect they are searching for in the Watertown area, is the same man wearing the white cap in the FBI photos released earlier today. Earlier this morning, Watertown officials asked residents to stay indoors, while law enforcers started performing door to door searches in the east side of the town. This search has now been expanded to all of the Boston area, with the public school system, public transportation, and airports being been shut down.

FBI: Video of suspect
www.fbi.org/

Black Tie Yacht: The 'gun control' parties are over

A yacht owned in part by Senator Joe Manchin, Democrat from West Virginia, had been the host to parties and get-togethers for senators debating the proposed gun legislation. The boat, named the "Black Tie" was docked on National Harbor, near Washington D.C.; making it an easy access after a long day at the office. With alcohol and parties at night, and beautiful sun filled fun during the day; this yacht had become the hang out for Senate members that had crossed over in favor of gun control legislation.

Senator Mark Kirk, Republican from Illinois, had spoken out to disclose this new negotiation method, giving a new definition to what Machin calls “breaking the ice”. He’s not shy to say it worked, Kirk broke away from his parties ideologies to join forces with the Democrat proposed gun control laws. With yacht parties, and a final bash that included TV host Joe Scarborough, the deal was sealed .

Announcing the deal were, Senator Joe Machin (D-W.Va) and Senator Pat Toomey (R-Penn.). They emphasized that the new gun laws would keep criminals and the mentally ill from getting firearms. They also agreed on having a commission on violence. Clearly a compromise creating more government jobs. It’s interesting that they agreed to debate, when this law has so much more to do than Senate views. It also has to do with the House of Representatives. It is not often that you see a senator get a national platform to speak for his legislation, so there is always a senator willing to change policies, or take the lead in just about any issue in order to gain some notoriety. Nothing is sweeter than their attempts being successful.

What a fail! Some senators have jeopardized their career for a boat party and fifteen minutes of fame. The gun legislation has failed to do what it intended to do. The major issue: background check, didn't pass the test. There are not enough senators agreeing to allow this section of the legislation to go through. The compromising senators must now face their next election knowing they will have disgruntled constituents. The President has openly announced that he feels betrayed. It is not that the public does not want background checks, it is true that the majority do. It seems that it is more about trusting the government. World events have promoted fear. National uprisings and dictatorships around the globe remind Americans of the reasoning behind the 2nd Amendment.

Boston attack still a mystery; meanwhile back in North Korea

Boston Marathon Bomb
http://www.theweek.co.uk/

America was attacked, but by who? The news stations are flooded with the events and aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing. There have been victims interviewed and the scene and evidence under FBI analysis. The reason so many are on pins in needles is that there is no answer as to why and who did this.

The bomb is not unique. The bomb may even be able to be traced. There have been three casualties to this tragedy, and one of them was a Chinese female national. We don’t know her name or why we don’t. Her family has requested that her name not be mentioned. When has the media ever really cared, or when has a leak not happened?  Is this a sanctioned secret. Understandably so, with all that is happening in North and South Korea today, no Chinese national would like to have their name in the media.

If it is subsequently found that the North Koreans, or an individual North Korean was responsible for this tragedy, then that would mean that any Chinese nationals here in the United States would be fearful of just about everything. We know that China will try to help calm North Korea and their leader’s rhetoric, but we also know it will defend it. If China has to choose sides, it will not be the side of the Americans.

South Korea Demonstrates 4-15-13
http://blogs.defensenews.com/intercepts/2013/04/photo-of-the-day-april-15-2013/

Yesterday South Korean’s took to the streets in an abrasive demonstration against the North Korean lead, Kim Jong-un. The young leader did not appreciate this, and sent out his next warning that he will not notify South Korea, nor warn it of an eminent attack. It is possible that the young ruler feels he has been held back, and missed on the great “anniversary” celebration opportunity and may be willing to give a display of force. Nothing more than a missile test should be expected, but with loose cannon Kim, you never know.

Obama vs. Rubio "gun control and immigration"

A defining legal battle is at hand. The first is Obama's battle for gun control. He has traveled the nation, gathered supporters, and putting victims front and center in his quest. Convincing the House of Representatives as well, will lead him further into his battle, entertaining his time and efforts. On the other battle front, we have Marco Rubio's fight for a bi-partisan immigration law. The two are simultaneously allying for different causes. Who will be success in their battles, is yet to be seen.

Obama has the support of many in his fight, and the distraction is much needed during a time when our economy continues to struggle, and enemies threatening our borders with nuclear weapons. Marco Rubio has chosen his battle, and will try hard to win it with bipartisan participation. They call them the "Gang of Eight."  Marco Rubio has made the network station rounds, and spoke on behalf of the main points to his proposed legislation, and the word is getting out. Mr. Rubio is making sure that he makes a name for himself during his senate tenure, in order to contrast Obama's one term as senator, where many criticized  him for his lack of attendance and leadership.

Although the battles are different, they may be one in the same. Democrat leader vs. Republican leader. Who can make legislation happen? Who works better through bipartisan means? Who is successful as a leader? Many Democratic law makers who come from rural districts, are hesitant to jump on board the gun control wagon. The immigration fight may be a better alternative. It can definitely help the Democrat in Capital Hill that needs to shy away from supporting the President's fight. Not only has Marco Rubio initiated his proposal through bipartisan means, he has also done it all with little water to drink at hand, much to the dismay of his opponents.

It is understood why the Democrats are desperately trying to start a similar gun control bill through the House of Representative and make the law pass quicker. Rubio is starting from the ground up in the Senate for his immigration bill, while the President is already resolving a possible bipartisan compromise in the Senate for his gun control bill. Rubio needs to do the same if he plans to succeed. In our legislative branch, we have a lot of "compromising", or "I'll do this, if you do that". By the time the gun control bill hits the House of Representatives, it will be harder for Rubio to get Democrat lawmaker votes for his immigration bill, "unless" some Republicans sign the gun control legislature; and the battles then are taken to war.

North Korea and Iran show each other love.

North Korea Nuclear Test Site
http://bigstory.ap.org/photo/north-korea-nuclear-test-site-0

Last fall, North Korea and Iran made a scientific-cooperation pact. Back in 2002, North Korea signed a similar pact with Syria. Today, North Korea is threatening the United States with a nuclear war. This holds true to the statement, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." North Korea does not have much in common with neither Iran, nor Syria, with the exception of one thing; both Iran and North Korea have been fighting it out with the world in order to possess nuclear technology.

This week, Iran unveiled its secret uranium mines and processing facilities. Did the agreement between North Korea and Iran include a uranium exchange, as well as a "scientific" exchange?  If this is the case, we may see this growing incident with North Korea have greater repercussions than the world may have first thought it would. Even though North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, is a young leader, he comes from a family with a long history. He was raised seeing both his father and grandfather lead North Korea's communist regime. His father, he saw make continual threats towards countries that had tried to reign in North Korea's advances in nuclear technology. Each time, this young leader had to see his mentors back down, or find a way to avoid carrying out actions to match their rhetoric. He may think it's time to change that.

Today, or tomorrow, but soon, we will be at war, if you believe the young ruler's words.  Either way, the United States' promises, as well, can't be ignored. The United States has promised to protect South Korea and Japan in case of any attack. If North Korea forces war on the United States, it will then make the United States choose to either enter decisively, or risk American casualties.

National Autism Day

I am so happy to hear that there are finally studies showing what I learned so long ago. When a child is speech delayed or autistic, a one to one study is the vehicle out of their despair. When my son was about two years old, he started saying a few words, and then suddenly it stopped. He started doing repetitive behavior, turning the lights on and off, or taking a pen and whirling it. I became worried. I wondered if he was autistic. With great fear and apprehension, I contacted the county for testing. When the testing was finished, the counselor said he was a year and a half speech delayed, but there were no signs of autism. I was so relieved. We were asked to take him to speech class twice a week, where we would be able to monitor the instruction from a one way mirror. There really wasn't much progress, and I felt I needed to act.

I put my career aside and started teaching my son at home. Before long, he knew shapes, he loved numbers, but no talking. After a year of county therapy, we had a final meeting and they advised me to put my son in the early school program for exceptional students. As a teacher I knew exactly what that meant. I tried to explain to the supervisor that he was able to understand, and I knew that he could learn. She quite coldly turned to me and said., "He can't talk". I picked up my papers and exited saying, "No thank you, and goodbye." I kept teaching my son, he loved numbers so much that with the few words he learned, he was doing excellent work. I started looking for the perfect daycare for him, that had instruction as well. I must have visited over twenty schools.

I found the perfect one. It was Baptist School with kind teachers, yet my son at three years old, had to be placed with the two year olds. He still wasn't potty trained, and after a year in this school, they would not advance him to his own age group until he was. His father wanted to send him to a psychologist. I said no. The following weekend, I put us both in the bathroom, and I read to him, and read to him, as he sat. We stayed there all weekend until he finally went. This little four year old boy cried tears of happiness. He knew he had done it. From that day on, he never went potty anywhere else.

Finally, it was time for him to enter the school system. I put him in Kindergarten; what a horrible experience for my son. He was picked on by the teacher because she saw his lack of immediate response as a discipline issue. Giving him smiley or sad faces in a book, depending on his behavior. I had enough. I pulled him out. I decided he would be home schooled. He excelled so quickly it was amazing. I was so proud. I didn't want to give up on letting him go to school, because I knew he needed socializing, so when he was ready for first grade, I put him back in school. He was still somewhat immature and delayed. What a difference a teacher makes! She knew something was "different" about him, so she asked if for 12 weeks, once a week, he could step out for observational therapy, I agreed. By the end of the session, the psychologist told me there was absolutely nothing wrong with my son, if anything  he was a delight.

For second and third grade, I decide to teach at a Catholic school, were I could take my son with me and monitor his progress. He flourished, by the fourth grade I put him back in the public school system, and in fourth grade he received the school's highest FCAT math score. He started learning Karate, playing soccer, learning the guitar, and making friends. He is still shy, but gets straight As in school. Once I was able to help, I let go, every and each grade he as earned from that point on, he has earned on his own, I don't even help him with his homework. He is a delight! He is my love! ..and he's doing just fine!

by Marilyn Daly

Hilary's Nightmare on Pennsylvania Avenue

When the Kennedys endorsed Obama in January 2008, to Hilary Clinton, it was a slap in the face, and it looks like she may be slapped again. Caroline Kennedy may soon be tapped to be the United States' Ambassador to Japan. Why would she come forth as a political figure this late in the game? During Obama's campaign, the Kennedys were not only supportive, but they actually became admirers. Caroline herself commented that Obama made her realize why the public had been so inspired by her father.

Although Hilary Clinton did not receive any such endorsement from the Kennedys, she agreed to be Secretary of State under the Obama administration. She just stayed away. According to the State Department Hilary Clinton is the most-traveled Secretary of State in our history. During her tenure as Secretary of State, she visited 112 countries, traveled 956,733 miles and spending 401 days on the road, not to mention the others days she was meeting, negotiating. preparing, and reporting. Her separation from the Obama administration was probably the only way she could stomach being part of his team. If she wanted to run for president one more time, she needed to stay relevant, so this position would not only add foreign affairs credentials to her resume, but it would also allow her to keep away from the biggest governmental issue: the economy. Most irritating to her must have been the president's decision to make healthcare more important; universal health care was Ted Kennedy's biggest quest as senator and Obama made sure he paid homage.

It was Bill Clinton, Hilary's husband and former president, that had to take the hit for her. He served as a supporter of Obama, campaigning hard for him. Why Democrats did not shout out "betrayal", towards the once impeached president? We don't know. Why wasn't he shouted at in the Democratic Convention as a "gay hater", since he passed the Defense of Marriage Act? We don't know. Why were the needy and poor advocates not standing up against him, since Clinton signed the Welfare Reform Bill that ended federal aid guarantees, imposing a five-year limit on benefits, and required healthy recipients to go to work after two years? We don't know. What we do know is that the wind of ignorance seems to blow towards the Democratic Party. If you can be easily swayed with rhetoric, or you know how to mimic a phrase or two, like a magnet this party will draw you.

Now we may be seeing a new ambassador to Japan, a Kennedy no less. If Caroline Kennedy ran against Hilary Clinton for president, does anyone have an opinion on who may win? I think we all know the answer to that question. What a nightmare for Hilary, to think she almost had the office of the Presidency, and it was taken by a fast running candidate sneaking up behind her in the race. This was followed by her joining an administration who's policies she had to tolerate, yet she pays her dues working non stop as Secretary of State, only to possibly be denied and betrayed once again by her political party and it's machine.