The current situation can not be addressed by the United States alone. It is my fear that the Republican majority in all branches of U.S. government will continue with the typical and ineffective go-it-alone strategy that has not won us the key support needed in protect our international interests. The international community is the only body capable of effectively handling the North Korean situation which has now developed into a global problem.

Global issues need to be met by the global community. This does not mean that the United States can not lead the way. Obviously, there will always be the need for someone to take the initiative, but it has to be done in a way that does not isolate us from the other global players and delay effective resolution.

First, in a global economy, it is necessary for voters in the upcoming election to cast their votes to bring a more Democratic balance into the make-up of our current govenment. Democrats would be more effective in diplomacy and can speak the international tongue. Whether you agree with their policies and beliefs or not, they are more likely to restore trust and a sense of humanity to our foreign agenda.

Second, if the international community is the channel of tough sanctions, China is the key. The country of China is an emerging dominate player in the Asian region and is also responsible for trade that equates to roughly 50% of North Korea’s energy and food imports. If China does not accept its new international role in a responsible fashion, then the world will continue in its struggle to suppress renegade dictatorships.

Finally, North Korea has already been warned in their efforts to develop nuclear capabilities, but apparently decided not to listen. We should impose the toughest of sanctions and work with our allies to allow for massive refugee transportation out of North Korea. At this point, deadlines should be drawn up for an international force to work together in removing this dictator from power if president Kim Jong-il does not comply and agree to dismantle his nuclear program.

In regards to a potential North Korean attack on South Korea, we already know that underground tunnels have been discovered to be dug deep into South Korean territory. The scary thing to note is that millions of people live in the capital of Seoul, South Korea, which is not very from the border with the north. If it is already assumed that some tunnels have not yet been discovered, what is to stop North Korea from detonating a nuclear weapon right under the heels of a major South Korean city such as Seoul? This would cause millions of people to suffer a horrific death.

President Bush had called North Korea part of the “Axis of Evil”?. This of course insulted many North Koreans and the United States was subsequently identified by North Korea’s leader as evil. It is well-known that the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, is a tight-handed dictator. He has never allowed himself to be interviewed. He is not an elected president, so there is no vote to keep him in power. He retains power through his authority over all aspects of North Korean life.

There is only one television channel in the country, and only 10% of the population own television sets. The Western world is effectively kept at bay.So an American orchestra being invited into North Korea had huge political implications. There is no doubt that for many people, this was their first experience of Western music. Kim Jong-il rules by an all-pervasive “cult of personality” in North Korea. As far as music is concerned, North Koreans love music, but the only music allowed is that which supports him and Communism. The implications of the symphony’s visit deepen.

North Koreans are forbidden to perform, sing, or listen to any other music, even in the privacy of their own homes. Those who were caught doing so in the past were arrested and, in some cases, tortured and imprisoned for years. Imagine what passed through these people’s minds as they watched the Philharmonic’s performance! Should they show emotion? Would their names be taken down? Defectors from North Korea to other countries watched in amazement.

Korean listeners heard the American National Anthem played. Orchestra members were amazed also. They didn’t know what to expect, and at first the audience was quiet and stone-faced. But soon smiles appeared, and after the finale of a popular Korean folk tune, the audience exploded into smiles, cheers and applause, with audience and orchestra waving to each other.