July 13, 2006

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

What should the world’s response be to North Korea’s firing of test missiles? And, what role should the United States play in this matter?
(Asked at Almaden Oaks Plaza)


“I really think they should stop all aid and back off. We do too much for other countries and we need to do more for our own people. The United States should not give any more aid to North Korea until they get their act together [and stop firing off missiles]."

Gay Deasy, 69
Almaden
Semi-retired


“If [North Korea] isn’t part of the United Nations, then they should become one so that like all the other countries, it would have to adhere to all UN rules and regulations and anything else it has to do to ensure world peace. The world as a whole should cut off all aid and trade with North Korea and embargo anything going there until the country wants to be part of the world. Right now they are too close [to other countries] and have too much knowledge and power. The United States should be in the forefront, making these things happen and ensuring all the other UN countries follow the rules.”

Debbie Welling, 50
Murrieta, Calif.
Homemaker


“I’m not sure what the world should do, but countries should isolate them [North Korea] and then take care of the problem. The United States should be the leader. We’re the most powerful country in the world. If they have missiles capable of reaching California then we must fight back.”

Doug Proudfoot, 19
Almaden
Junior at Long Beach State University


“I think the world should show that nothing can be resolved by using force and weapons and the world should get North Korea to understand that shooting off these weapons won’t accomplish anything. The United States should be a peacemaker; we should always be a peacemaker. The world knows that we are its policemen. "

Daisy Wu, 40ish
Almaden
Homemaker


“I think the world should be concerned because these things keep happening and questions come up and they are not being answered. As for the U.S. role, I don’t think we need any more drama in the world with Iraq and everything. I think people should know more, they should really think it through and they shouldn’t make quick decisions.”

Amanda Ramey, 18
Almaden
Sophomore at San Jose City College


"I think the world should ignore North Korea until they actually hit something, then they should fight back. It’s just some guy trying to engage the world’s attention. The United States should stay out of it."

Frank Coffaro, 32
Almaden
Landscaping


"It’s a little scary to know that North Korea is firing off missiles. I guess we [the United States] still do too. I think the U.S. should stay out of it."

Adam Longoria, 27
Almaden
Pool contractor