Little Man, Big Worry

The propaganda on the American street is "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-Il, of North Korea, has some issues with his mind. The government, through back channels, characterize him as a loathing midget who is essentially an idiot. I dare say that is not true. True, he may not be the tallest man in the world, but he understands precisely what he is doing. He is provoking some attention for his faltering regime.

By test firing short range and long range missiles, Kim creates world interest in his country. He pegs himself as a world power, who deserves attention and respect. North Korea devotes almost 25% of its GDP (according to published US estimates) toward its military. That's a heck of a lot. You'd imagine they are developing something with that much funding. Of course, they are developing missile technology. They are developing nuclear technology in the form of weapons. They have a kick ass biological and chemical warfare program. In addition to their advancements, they have the fourth largest standing army in the world. That's not too shabby for a little country that inhabits half of a peninsula!

So in all fairness, let's give Kim Jong-Il the respect he deserves, even if he is cut from the same cloth as George W. Bush, a despot with megalomania.