thecages

Word of the Day:

Kleptocracy (klep to kra cy), n.
1. A body of people ruled by thieves.
2. Describing the regime of North Korea's Kim Jong Il.

Ever since being inducted into the Axis-of-Evil club of mega-evildoers by George W. he's been anaylsed, hated upon, lobbied against and tracked.

But he deserves some credit for not doing things by half measures. His regime is the most creatively fraudulent and loopy out there.


The Kim Jong-il Lowdown

Born:
According to his official biography, Kim was born on 16 February 1942, near Mt Paektu in North Korea. His birth, or so the propaganda goes, was foretold by a swallow and as soon as little Kim emerged into the world, a double rainbow appeared over the mountain and a new star formed in the skies.
Soviet records show, however, that he was born in the Siberian village of Vyatskoye, near Khabarovsk.

Best of times:
His elevation to the position of general secretary of the Korean Workers' party in 1997, the final step before being named ruler of North Korea a year later, four years after the death of his father, Kim Il-sung. It was the first and, so far, only dynastic transfer of power in a communist state.

Worst of times:
Seemingly irritating his old friends in China and Russia last week after test-launching seven missiles, including an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the US.

What he says:
'Glory to the heroic soldiers of the people's army!'
Kim's only recorded public utterance, made into a microphone during a 1992 military parade.

What others say:
'An illustrious commander, endowed with outstanding commandership art and matchless courage and pluck.'
Rodong Shinmun, the official paper of the Korean Workers' party, on the occasion of Kim's 63rd birthday in February 2005.

Fun fact:
Number of candidates besides Kim Jong Il nominated this year for each of the 687 seats in North Korea's legislature: 0.

Also, finally conservatives with a sense of humour.