| This has been a somewhat somber weekend as we as a nation -- some reluctantly, as Lynn's observation about setting a price tag so high for a memorial nobody thought it achievable -- commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Ceasefire. There are a number of good stories that have come out about the war, too. For once most of the press is respectful and not making silly comparisons, but honoring the veterans for their service. Even the Chinese have had some very somber and low-key commemorations. But -- then you have this... http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm Nothing shows the impact of a totally controlled perception management campaign than reading KCNA -- the official news service (e.g. the ONLY news service) for the DPRK. In the last few days you would find out that -- -- The DPRK singlehandedly stopped US Imperialist aggression in the "Great Fatherland Liberation War"; -- Forced the US to a humiliating humbling and having to sue for a ceasefire to save face; -- Kim Il Sung has been vindicated as the "Great Leader" and in commemoration another 310 of his great works have been published. Here's the official press release of what's left of the Soviet Communist Party congratulating them: "DPRK War Victory anniversary celebrated "Moscow, July 25 (KCNA) -- The party for peace and unity of Russia sponsored a meeting in Moscow on July 23 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Korean people's victory in the Great Fatherland Liberlation War. Chairwoman of the party Sazhi Umalatova, addressing the meeting, said that the gifted military strategy and distinguished commanding art of President Kim Il Sung brought about the victory of the Korean people in the Great Fatherland Liberlation War. "Georgy Trapeznikov, president of the International Academy of Mental Unity of the World People, said that leader Kim Jong Il's Songun policy made the national power of Korea invincible. "Pointing out that Kim Jong Il is now creditably carrying forward the cause of Kim Il Sung, prof. Olga Ishenko, doctor of history, noted that his Songun policy is a model to be followed by many countries." The scariest thing is that they seriously believe this drivel. I do worry that such dimbulbs could eventually start a nuclear war on the grounds they think they can win, even though the Chinese and Russians both realize what really happened and what a close-run thing it was to snatch a tie for these bumblers. I would hate to have all of the sacrifices made to prevent this overturned by stupidity, but there is no limit to the depths of ignorance that totalitarian states can create. Cookie Sewell AMPS |