[LETTERS TO THE EDITOR]Tokto outrage is misplaced

It is interesting to note the difference in official government reactions to the plight of suffering North Koreans in China and North Korea and a few islets in the sea of water between Korea and Japan. The first elicits a despicable “say and do nothing” action called “silent diplomacy” which amounts to the continual suffering of South Korea’s northern brothers. No concern is taken with this suffering and there is certainly no talk about the pride and dignity of (North) Koreans being violated.
Contrast that lack of action to the government’s outrage and flurry of political activity over the Tokto islands. Government officials are queueing up to bash Japan, and the Foreign Minister canceled his trip to Japan.
I just wish that even one-tenth of the energy and passion being given to the Tokto issue was being channeled to improving the plight of North Koreans. If it was, China and North Korea may be inclined to improve the human rights of North Koreans: a far more worthy cause to fight for in my book. On a related note, I have to wonder of what quality the supposed human rights lawyer President Roh Moo-hyun was. He places such low emphasis on improving human rights of North Koreans.

by Brendan Brown