What exactly is a grave crime? It remains a mystery as Americans watch, google, and research the happenings in North Korea where journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee have been sentenced to twelve years in a labor camp. Seems incredible to me that human beings can still be used as political pawns in an international game of what? Who wrote what? Who said what? Who did what? Who launched what?



The mystery of this story adds to the desire to learn more. Scant details are available about the camp where they are or will be detained. The pair were arrested on March 17; they had been reporting on the trafficking of women. The reason for the arrest? Few details are available. Maybe they tried to conduct their own sting operation. Maybe they got into a scuffle with border patrol. Maybe someone just didn't like the questions they were asking.

So, how many of us take for granted that we can say or write what we like? I, for one, am guilty of such. This world of easy access to, basically, anything has made it incredibly simple to make your thoughts and beliefs known to all who care to read. We have news at the tips of our fingers. We have opportunity to educate at the tips of our fingers.

These latest attempts to quell freedoms come at a price. What will that price be and how will it affect the HR and Recruiting community? If you think this is far away from you and will have no bearing on your day, your week, or your career or your life, you are wrong. Injustice anywhere creates a stinky mess that permeates the globe. This will touch all.

When freedoms are trampled, when opposition is feared more than it is questioned, when life has so little value then we return to uncivilized ways and rogue thinking, the path to harmony becomes dusty and/or muddy and passage is a mess. But not completely blocked nor impossible.

Put your boots on, shore up the trail and remember Ling and Lee, who have faced more than you or I can possibly imagine. Their trial and indignation not only serve as a reminder of what we take for granted, but also how fragile communication truly is and how quickly it can break down. Mind what you presume.

"The press is not only free, it is powerful. That power is ours. It is the proudest that man can enjoy." ~Benjamin Disraeli (1804 - 1881)


by rayannethorn