Swords And Ploughshares

The events of the past week or so have caused me to look inward more, sticking close to my own borders. That didn't keep things from happening around the world, however. For instance, across the ocean from me, North Korea continues to exist in a technical state of war with their neighbors to the south, as well as their arch enemies here on these shores. They continue to move missiles about and make threatening sabre-rattling statements that are designed to send fear through anyone who listens. "Is there anyone in the world who doesn't worry about war?" North Korean Lieutenant Colonel Nam Dong Ho told the Associated Press on Tuesday. "We don't want a war. But if the American imperialists provoke us unjustifiably, we will answer with a nuclear war." I apologize for not paying attention.
There was another message sent last week from those above the thirty-eighth parallel: It's Spring. That means it's time to plant. All along the watchtowers of the DMZ, North Korean soldiers could be seen putting down their weapons and heading out to the fields to help with the spring planting. Knee-deep in the mud, they took a pause in their preparations for war and worked shoulder to shoulder with the farmers of that region. What can we make of this?
At first glance, we recognize that aside from its attempts to become a world power, the North Koreans are starving. If they don't grow food, they will go hungry. United Nations sanctions have all but cut off imports and exports from their country. If they want to eat, they'll have to plant. It also speaks to the sense of duty the North Korean army has to its own. At least within view of the guards posted on the other side of the border. As Colonel Nam said, "... we have made it clear: Our army is capable of striking any place on earth." Especially when that place happens to be in the range of news cameras.