The New York Philharmonic has been peddling this insane, unethical project as a humanitarian effort. But it looks more like a vanity project for the orchestra's board and its conductor Maazel, who think they are some sort of UN peace ambassadors. But this circus is not purely altruistic: the NYPhil is gaining immense publicity through TV broadcasting and general media coverage (that means boffo box office back in New York). The orchestra and its patrons are paying millions of dollars to subsidize this trip. But if the Phil was truly dedicated to helping the oppressed, or bridging political chasms, here are some modest proposals here their efforts would make an immediate, definite impact: a) play benefit concerts for New Orleans (Brad Pitt needs you), b) play in Israel AND Palestine (ok, we know the Zionists would never let that happen); c) give the Korea trips' multi-million dollar budget to organisations which help North Korean dissidents rotting in concetration camps for their beliefs.