SevenCubed - 8:37 pm on Jan 12, 2013 (gmt 0)

I think the underlying theme here isn't about Schmidt. It's about another instance of Bill Richardson interceding on behalf of another American citizen probably being detained for ransom (most likely not because he actually did anything to be held for "alleged crimes against the state"). It's probably something as simple as this time it's Schmidt who is footing the bill to buy-back the American citizen Kenneth Bae and in return he probably got to tag along in tow to get value for his purchase. He probably just wanted to observe first-hand how other dictatorships function.

Rather than the story I'm more amused by the picture of the minions sitting in that study room -- most of them have one hand on a mouse and the other one propping up their chins. They couldn't look any less enthusiastic if they tried. I'm also wondering about the group standing around what appears to be a lobby staring at monitors with wonder shinning in their eyes -- why are they all wearing winter coats indoors, can't afford to pay the heating bills?