N. Korea launches rocket, defying world pressure

[Patroklos]

Where did Che go?

[Dinner]

No doubt dreaming of a communist utopia.

[Patroklos]

Well at least its always nice and dark there for undisturbed dreaming

[Alexander's Horse]

we want rice

There was an interesting report today that Kim Jong-il sobbed that he couldn't spend more money on his people. That suggests the launch didn't go over that well with the population, who are always on the brink of starvation. His security services would have picked up any grumbling.

[Zero]

KJI apparently has watched this movie.



IIRC he didnt like it. thats too bad.

[Elok]

DPRK isn't a communist country. They use money.

Well, they would if they had any...hmm, I tried to find a night image of Somalia for comparison, but no luck.

[Kidlicious]

Strange how they "black out" the entire country except for Pyongyang (the capital).

Because that's where the elite lives.

North Korea is a disaster.

[Velociryx]

Another example of the Communist Paradise gone awry.

-=Vel=-

[Kidlicious]

Another example of the Communist Paradise gone awry.

-=Vel=-

Market reforms began in 2002.

[Elok]

And prior to 2002, how did the DPRK look at night?

[Kidlicious]

And prior to 2002, how did the DPRK look at night?

Like your mama's house

[Elok]

Well, in 2001 my family was living in Prince George's County, so that's not really what you'd call a good thing...

[Kidlicious]

This is the first time we've agreed in a long time.

[Velociryx]

Market reforms began in 2002.

Have you actually bothered to read about the scope and depth (or lack thereof) of those "market reforms," or that the Beloved Father began repealing them in '06?

Skin deep nods to the superior system don't work. Half-hearted attempts don't do anything but cause bitterness and confusion.

It is hardly surprising that all this would escape you, however, or be glossed over.

By all means, carry on.

-=Vel=-

EDIT: Essentially, the "market reforms" Kid mentions were largely driven by local populations after the famines etc that the government proved absolutely useless against (unable to provide for any but the upper tiers of the utopic state, causing mass starvation). What happened was, people started creating their own markets...mostly barter and in very primitive form, but better than what the Benevolent Father could provide). These were later formally allowed by the state (since they apparently had nothing better up their sleeves). Later, some restrictions on the state determined wage were eased and investment restrictions likewise eased, and have since begun to be taken back.

Hardly the kind of sweeping reforms Kid would have us believe, but no matter.

[Kidlicious]

Have you actually bothered to read about the scope and depth (or lack thereof) of those "market reforms," or that the Beloved Father began repealing them in '06.

I would scale them back too if they weren't doing anything but raising prices. I guess he's got at least a little bit of common sense.