These days, even the good days are pretty bad. This past week, by all objective accounts, I had a great week. Two comic books that I created got picked up to be developed as television shows. I was advised to expect an “offer” on another idea I have been working on as a television show. I actually got multiple offers on a new non-fiction book I am writing. And I pitched a non-scripted travel show to a bunch of tv networks, all of which received it very very well. Boys and girls, forget a great week, that’s an f’ing awesome week…
But these days, no matter the achievements, I can’t really manage to get too up because deeply rooted in my consciousness is an agonizing despair over the unresolved fate of my friend Laura Ling and her colleague Euna Lee, now detained for over 4 months in the black box that is North Korea. To be honest, after a litany of blogs, articles, Op Ed pieces, and the like, I am almost all out of words to express my sense of frustration, agony, anger, desperation, resentment, hopelessness, and sorrow. Every time a new Google Alert pops up in my inbox, I pray it carries with it the miraculous news that Laura and Euna may have been released and on their way back home. Last week, there was a blitz of optimism when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other US officials formally requested amnesty for Laura and Euna and clearly expressed their regret for whatever crimes the two women may have committed while reporting on a news story back in March when they were initially arrested by NK border guards. News reports quickly followed that quiet backroom talks were underway focused on the girls’ imminent release. Hope knew no bounds…
And then…a flurry of almost incredulous remarks out of Thailand first by Secretary Clinton regarding the North Koreans, followed by their equally mocking remarks of her. Frankly – considering the stakes at play here – neither of the comments are worth repeating at the risk of inflaming more already most delicate sensibilities. In question though, particularly in regards to our own highest appointed international diplomat Mrs. Clinton, is how she could possibly go so far off-script. No matter what her personal feelings and frustrations are in dealing with the North Koreans, it’s incredulous to imagine how she may have thought her glib remarks could help matters.
In the wake of it all, for all of those who care deeply about Laura and Euna, and pray for their prompt return every waking and sleeping moment, there’s just more agony, anger, desperation, resentment, hopelessness, and sorrow. No matter the combination, these are not healthy emotions, rather a toxic cocktail that undermines whatever other achievements and successes we encounter in our daily lives. Personally, I am searching for any reason these days to feel hopeful and optimistic regarding the situation. Apart from my own inability to come up with more words, pleas, or reasons that Laura and Euna should be sent home, I now find myself paralyzed by the fear that something I may say could be misinterpreted, trigger an outcry, fray emotions, and as a consequence prolong Laura and Euna’s detainment.
So instead of saying anything else for now, I’d request anyone who reads this – that hasn’t already – sign the petition seeking the release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee and their prompt return home to their families. Every single day, someone asks me if there is “anything the can do.” This is what you can do.
Here’s to a better week than last. Truthfully, only one thing matters these days.
Please Sign the Petition for Amnesty for Laura Ling and Euna Lee
For more information about Laura and Euna and how you can help please go to – http://www.lauraandeuna.com
Related Articles:
- Michael Jackson and Kim Jong Il
- Euna Lee – Still A Mom in Captivity
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- Laura Ling & Euna Lee – A Foreign Policy Crisis
- Obama and North Korea – Not Too Much to Ask
- Intend the Return of Laura Ling and Euna Lee
- Sign the Petition to Free Laura Ling and Euna Lee
Wow, thank you for your honesty and courage to speak your truth.
I may be like many hundreds or thousands of others who watch or listen or read the news and hope above all hope that these courageous women will return. I confess my perspective is sort of impersonal or idealistic.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to be a friend to one of them as you are. The only thing I can offer at this moment is to pray it comforts you and the others personally connected to them who agonize over their captivity that many support you as well as the captives in prayer.
What I believe I must do now is take one step closer to this situation -one step away from passively enduring the distress and frustration and begin praying that their purpose in captivity may bless somehow those who initiated and perpetuate their confinement, so that the loss those who know and love them will not grieve their absence in vain.
Really well written article. I too have been thinking about our fellow friends/journalists Laura and Euna – and was thinking what I could do besides urge everyone to keep their stories alive through the media and vigils happening around the world. I hate this hopeless feeling… I've been attending vigils and even help publicize/plan a silent vigil with the Academy of Art, where I am currently teaching… So I was thinking about contacting Laura's husband, Iain, and Laura and Euna's friends and asking them to tell a couple of stories, a testimonial package with a quick blurb about memories with them, so people can connect. What do you think Gotham? Let me know if you're game.
e-mail:
ToanLam@goinspirego.com
http://www.GoInspireGo.com
I'm praying.
-Ellen
I hope by posting the petition link along with their photos on the Chopra community will help spread the love we are all feeling towards their release.
Lily S.
http://www.thechopracommunity.ning.com
Hi Gotham
Yesterday I was thinking about asking you and your sister about Laura and Euna. I can't even begin to imagine what their families and friends like yourselves must be feeling.
Antagonizing North Korea, I totally agree with you, will not help their cause. I hope that the pettition and all the love people are sending Laura and Euna will help them. I also wish in the love we all send your friends we should send light and wisdom to the people who are holding them. If we send these people, as difficult as it may be, vibrations of love it might touch their hearts and set your friends free.
Fernanda
Gotham, I was also suprised at Hillarys words and not happy at all.
My prayers go toi Laura and Euna and all of the families and friends.
Keeping them in our minds is important.
Renay
X
I have prayed for world peace and freedom, as well as for these two young ladies; and I have signed the petition. God bless the world!
'I am almost all out of words to express my sense of frustration, agony, anger, desperation, resentment, hopelessness, and sorrow.'
This is how i feel all the time about what humans do to animals in factory farms, slaughter houses, fur farms, circuses, the oceans, the laboratories. How so many can learn about their participation in the violence and still not change breaks me down more every day.
My only way out of this misery is to wake up to Self.
Until I wake up I am always suffering in this awareness.
Indeed, Gotham. A bad week for Hillary Clinton. Often, less words or no words at all, are far more effective than empty ones.
That toxic coctail of emotions undermines not other achievements, but the achievement of your very desire to see them free.
Why do you look for reasons "out there" to be optimistic? The world out there is created from in here. See them free and trust the power of your intention no matter how the situation out there seems at the moment. Lots of things are going on that are not visible in the news, not visible yet.
Nobody can know the full effects of Hillary's remark or of anything said and done in this world. But we can hold a clear intention, in full trust. Why trust? Because that's the place where the ego's terror stories are out of the way, the place to create from.
Dear Gotham,
When we believe collectively without question that they are free, our faith will move forces that seem as solid as mountains. In the meantime, I will pray God to shine her face upon Laura and Euna and give them, their family and friends peace.
Thank you for shining your light. Blessed are you!
with Love, Hermien
I wouldn't worry too much whether your words will be misinterpreted on the world's political stage–come off it!
Bob
Rosalie Cushman
Gotham—
My husband was a political prisoner in Iran many years ago. Different country, different generation. The same waiting. Nelson Mandela – he helps me in times like these. I will also add, for whatever the karmic reason for the women's detentions, try to take comfort in the knowledge that there is likely a higher purpose being served. Rest on that, grieve on that even, if you must, but know all will be well.