There was a documentary on the other night about North Korea. Some British film crew was allowed to "roam around" a little bit with a bunch of people guiding them about and keeping a close watch. Man, talk about depressing. The whole country, and apparently a large portion of the budget, is is devoted to nothing more than stroking that loons ego.
The whole place (what they were allowed to see) is like a Potemkin Village with ridiculously elaborate and expensive buildings that are empty. The streets were empty. The "guide" at this incredible library talks about "The Leader" like he's god -- like a supernatural presence. Sure enough there is a statue of him sitting on a cloud. The tv crew at one point had to "pay their respects" to a statue of the guy. It's just crazy. I knew it was bad, but sheesh, it's like something out of a movie.
The worst part was a bunch of little kids were practicing some crazy ritual they'll have to perform and they were practicing for six hours, waving some sticks around.
It looks like he's got a pretty tight grip on that place. Hopefully someone shoots him.
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