Kim Jong-Il Was an "Internet Expert" 238
pigrabbitbear writes "The late Kim Jong Il made many bizarre claims and bestowed upon himself many extravagant titles during his iron-clad rule over North Korea. But here's one that's particularly interesting in light of the recent SOPA debate – 'Internet expert.' The DPRK's Dear Leader fancied himself as such during an international summit in 2007. Seven years prior, he had asked U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright for her email address, indicating that the North Korean internet black hole was perhaps not as thoroughly opaque as we made it out to be — at least not for those at the top."
Re:Pr0n expert? (Score:5, Insightful)
in NK it does.
why? if you're the only dude around using internet, then you're the internet expert. simple as that. it's always about contrast.
Well duh! (Score:5, Insightful)
Look at the picture... (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Well duh! (Score:5, Insightful)
Anybody who thought that North Korea's draconian rules applied to those at the top (especially to the one at the very pinnacle) does not understand how totalitarian systems work, or what their purpose is.
Oh they will. Governments of formerly free countries are working feverishly to ensure a totalitarian system will be thrust upon us all very soon.
Don't worry. It is 1) for the children, or 2) to keep you safe from terrorists.
And all the sheep slept well.
Re:Sure, Al Gore may have INVENTED it (Score:4, Insightful)
Oh don't bother. For some reason /. hates Al Gore. One of the most technically literate people in office. Actaully facts will ahv eno bearing on that.
Re:Trust me... (Score:5, Insightful)
This could apply to other areas of North Korean life.
"I'm a food expert, and I've seen what damage it can do... you don't want it."
Re:Sure, Al Gore may have INVENTED it (Score:5, Insightful)
Dude, we all fucking know this. Just like we know that when Chuck Norris does pushups, he does actually push himself up and not push the world down. The veracity of the statement is not the focus of the humor.
Not quite. (Score:5, Insightful)
What people who fall for the "they create jobs" meme fail to see is that they don't need a job, they need money. The job is just the means to the end, not the end itself.
A job is much, much more than just "a way to make money".
Being able to work for your own and your family's sustenance and improvement gives people a purpose in life, makes them proud of their own accomplishments and basically makes them MORE than mere consumers.
Which is what just giving them money makes them into.
Mind you, I am not speaking against government or anyone else helping out those in need or those unable to work or fully support themselves or their families through their work.
Personally, I believe that acts like that don't just make us more civilized but also "good". Or at least better.
Monetary help - good and often needed.
Sustaining and fulfilling work - much better.