Dear citizen of North Korea,
We have researched about your country. We have learned that your country has only one leader. In this letter we will be telling you about a democracy (democratic government).
It's great in America from our point of view. Democracy is probably the best way to run a country. We have lots of freedom. Rights are guaranteed to all citizens. Our leaders are chosen by the people. We have the right to a free education up until age 18. We have freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a free trial by jury if we are accused of a crime.
Our leaders can not take control of the people. We vote them into office and they listen to us. They speak for the people. For example, if the president wanted to attack a country, he can not declare war on them just because he wants to. One person doesn't have absolute power. He has to have the approval of the people and the government to make most decisions for the country. We are not saying your government is illegal, it is just that we have been taught that your government takes control of the people, and we do not think that is right. We think that people should be able to vote freely for the rulers of their country. In America, we are allowed to vote for our leaders. We also have a choice for who we vote for. When we vote, our choice is confidential. No one knows who you vote for unless you tell someone.
We have a couple questions about you. How many people are in your family? How old are you? What city do you live in? What do your parents do for a living? Do you have any pets? How long have you lived in North Korea? If you had the chance, would you move to America? How are job opportunities in your town? Do you and your family like your leaders? We have heard about the famine happening right now in your country. How are you and your family getting by? Do you have enough food? How about your friends and their families. Do they have enough? How bad is the famine in the bigger cities?
It was nice writing to you. We would like to learn more about your country. If you can, maybe you could visit us. If not, we could at least keep writing. Write back explaining about your country and answering our questions please.
Sincerely,
AJ S., Matt S., Sam W., and Tanner C.
Dear citizens of America,
Thank you for writing to me. I really enjoyed your letter. I respect your point of view, but I like life in North Korea. I think the government is fair to its citizens. America sounds like a nice country from the information provided in your letter.
When we vote, the government knows who we vote for. I do not like this, but that's the way it is. We do not have freedom of speech like you do. We have to be careful what we say in public.
Now to answer your questions. My name is Satoshi. I am 15 years old and am an only child. I was born in North Korea and have lived here all my life. I live in a small town outside of the capital city. I have no pets. My parents own a grocery store. I would not move to America. My parents like our leaders. I have a good job, and jobs are plentiful in our town. I hope we can keep writing to each other.
About the famine. My family and I are getting along just fine. We have enough food to survive. My friends are also fine. The people of the town outside of ours aren't so lucky. So far, 27 kids have died and many more are dying. The local fisherman have been sending some of their catches to help the town. In the big cities hundreds of children have died of lack of food. Hospitals are full of starving children. I hope the famine will end soon.
Thank you,
Satoshi
Source: Time Magazine-Week of June 13, 1994
Written by: Bruce W. Nellan
Title: Diplomacy-Down The Risky Path
Pages: 24-28
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