Street Talk 12-26

Question: What do you think the United States should do now that North Korea has restarted its nuclear weapons program? 

Ashley Fantz, Miami, journalist, 26 

“We’re at war with Iraq and the elusive al Qaeda already. I would much prefer that we go back to a multilateral approach to international crises like we had under Clinton. I would like some direct evidence before we act, and plain talk and the truth some time. We’re not getting that regarding Iraq and the Middle East, and it’s all related. The diplomatic route should be taken first.”  

Robert Powell, Miami, journalist, 34 

“I can’t think of a thing to say because it doesn’t seem relevant to me. I have no idea what they should do. I have no idea what the problem is. It sounds like a problem, but I don’t know. This could affect my life if we go to war, but I don’t know if we will. I have no expertise or power. I don’t think about it.” 

Adrian Kirby, Miami Beach, designer, 30 

“I think the more important threat is from Iraq. It’s more documented and it’s more real. But I think it should be dealt with as a very serious matter on the political level. They’ve violated agreements that gave them economic incentives not to create nuclear weapons. The trigger point would be if they sold nuclear weapons to the wrong people. That would call for military action, but whether by the U.S. or by helping South Korea is a tough one.”  

Gabriel Liberator, Miami Beach, designer, 35 

“That’s a tough one. Probably mind our own business a little more instead of spending all that money on war. We should spend money instead on things like finding alternative fuels for cars. We could have cars running on water instead of all the money spent for oil. Instead of going into the Middle East, which is all about oil, covered up. As far as North Korea, the U.N. should try to control it. It’s a U.N. thing.” 

Adina Davidson, Cleveland, OH, social worker, 40 

“I think that we need to take it seriously, obviously, and maybe start an embargo to let them know how seriously we take it. Clearly, if you’re starting an embargo, it’s not particularly useful unless it’s an international effort.”

(photos & interviews by Tony Guzman)