My heart goes out to Mr. Newman and his family... BUTT... OMG, how could this man even think of going back or into North Korea....How stupid of him.

Very sorry for him, and I would guess that he will never be released. What a HUGE propaganda piece for N.Korea...

And I doubt if our wussie govt with the present "leadership" will do much real good or help.

I'm sad.

George:

He will be released - shortly I'm sure, and without the help of Dennis Rodman. He is being held in a hotel and according to Swedish sources who visited him - he is being treated well. But of course he is elder and has health issues - so hopefully it is sooner rather than later.

Holding a 85 year old man - irregardless of his past - is only a HUGE propaganda piece in the mind of Kim Jong-un and evidently you.

And of course the US govt is doing as much as possible to secure his release. Any adminstration, Republican or Democrat would do the same.

@George You are assuming the signed confession is even remotely accurate. For all you know he was in NK in the past, but it was far less of an event than the letter states. If you were being held, possibly for life, you would probably sign anything to get out too, since you can always retract it later at home.

@Ron

From what I read in NYT and Wash Post the "confession" is not too far off the mark. This guy has lead an interesting life. But of course his endeavors were performed over 50 years ago. But NK is evidently still at war

I have known Merrill and his family for more than 30 years. Merrill has always been people oriented and has a desire for travel and adventure. Hopefully he will be released soon so he can return to his family and friends.