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Korean Central TV of the North via Reuters
The body of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il lies in state at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang in this still picture taken from video footage of still images aired by KRT (Korean Central TV of the North) on Dec. 20, 2011.
The Associated Press reports from PYONGYANG, North Korea:
The body of North Korea's long-time ruler Kim Jong Il was laid out in a memorial palace Tuesday as weeping mourners filled public plazas and state media fed a budding personality cult around his third son, hailing him as "born of heaven."
Indicating the leadership transition in the world's only communist dynasty is on track, Kim Jong Un — Kim's youngest known son and successor — visited the body with top military and Workers' Party officials and held what state media called a "solemn ceremony" in the capital, Pyongyang, as the country mourned.
The Korean people were in "deep sorrow at the loss of the benevolent father of our nation," Ri Ho Il, a lecturer at the Korean Revolutionary History Museum, told The Associated Press in Pyongyang.
"He defended our people's happiness, carrying on his forced march both night and day," Ri said.
Korean Central TV of the North via Reuters
Medals belonging to Kim Jong Il are displayed as he lies in state at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace.
Still images aired on state TV showed that the glass coffin holding Kim's body was surrounded by his namesake flowers — red "kimjongilia" blossoms. He was covered with a red blanket, his head placed on a white pillow.
The coffin was in a room of the Kumsusan Memorial Palace, a mausoleum where the embalmed body of his father — national founder Kim Il Sung — has been on display in a glass sarcophagus since his death in 1994.
The state funeral is to be held at the palace on Dec. 28. Read the full story.
Korean Central TV of the North via Reuters
Kim Jong Un pays his respects to his father lying in state at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace.
As the body of North Korea's long-time ruler Kim Jong Il lies on display in a glass coffin, the world is trying to figure out what direction the secretive nation will take now. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.
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Leave a Comment:
What does Saddam Hussein, Khadafi, and this idiot have in common? They all died at the age of 69. Sixty-nine years were too many for these people. I'm not religious, but if there is a higher power... Mr Il here is in for some eternal hurt.
I wouldn't bet my chips on that. If no "higher power" stopped him for the last sixty-nine years, it's unlikely that a "higher power" will do anything to him now that he's dead.
The Higher Power as you call it gives every man free will...... These people were all evil and will be in hell for eternity.
Except Kim. He'll be in herr for arr eternity.
Higher power or no, this evil bastard looks a lot better when he's not breathing.
Indigo-Rage - hilarious. A bit racist, but hilarious. :-)
Good riddance pal!
Hopefully his son won't follow blindly in the old mans footsteps, and maybe, just MAYBE, take less of a hard-line stance politically so as to ease tensions between north and south.
Too much to hope for?
Maybe. Only time will tell.
Just as a preemptive "strike" to anyone who thinks people here are being too harsh or mean about that monster's death: He systematically starved, tortured, and imprisoned so many in the populace that there are still many people unaccounted for. If a person managed to skip town, not only were they jailed (if caught) and tortured but they were made aware that their entire family, from grandparents to children, would be imprisoned in their stead, for YEARS, with the same torture and abuse. The average jail time there for speaking out against his rule, or trying to leave the country, is 10 years. Women who gave birth in prison got to watch their children abused and forced to work from when they were a toddler. If you were too capable of causing political dissention, you simply disappeared. That animal was a blight on the human race. Period.
Always the stumper. If "god" is omnipotent, he knows in advance what road you will take, therefore, flying in the face of logic of the concept of "free will" or "god."
Not the higher power everyone is thinking of....I think his contract with the devil just ran out......just like all the other names mentioned. 69 must be the contract limit for satan before he starts collecting.
He looks a lot better dead.
odd that so many always want to bash the free will part of our life, and if god is all knowing then he already knows and therefore its not free will. it always seems to be strange logic to me, free will simply means that we have the right and the ability to make our own decisions WITHOUT INTERFERENCE. just because he knows what decision we will make doesnt mean its not free will, as long as he doesnt interfere with your choice then its still ur choice. quit making things more difficult than they are, and you will understand.
If you know the outcome of the game before it starts, it's rigged. Christianity was made the official religion of the Roman Empire to suppress the masses. You will receive your reward in the after life--now shut up and accept the crumbs. The man, Jesus, would not approve of his name being used in the name of war or oppression of people, nor would he approve of production of weaponry or racial biases. That "bible" was written by Constantine's monks. He killed every dissenting monk that refused to throw out books of the bible that referred to Jesus as merely a man.
Really? A higher power? This a--hole died a quick death at the height of his malevolent power. He's dead...nothing more can be done. He won the a--hole sweepstakes by living well above what he deserved for 69 long years, and dropped dead quickly, unfortunately not as millions of his starving countrymen died.
He was scum as all those who oppress others while they live in the lap of luxury. He refined the art of 1%ers, as did Mubarak, Sadam, Gadhafi and Grover NOrquist and his minions in Congress.
They should have sent him to the taxidermist and then pinned him up on a wall so people can throw darts at him.
This man was a disgrace and should not be admired by anyone.
All knowing means that God knows what you are thinking and what you are doing at the moment. It also means that He knows what your present actions will lead you to. He does NOT know what you will choose to do in the future....especially people who disrespect and disregard Him. If you don't want Him in your life, you are free to do as you please... but it doesn't mean He won't interfere or intervene from time to time.
A Christian who asks for guidance will get guidance from God. Again, He knows the path He wants for you. It's up to you to stay on it. If you don't..... have a nice trip!!
Oh, and by the way, those of you who are judging these freaks to hell already.....very unwise. Judge NOT, lest ye be judged. Do you want to serve their sentence?
here is a man who made mischief on earth. let us take lessons from him on how NOT to die and leave this life.
Yeah, sounds just like George W. Bush and his Republican oil and banking comrades , when it comes to 'mischief'
Yea Bush is forever in my mind!!!!!!!!!!
Worships some dead guy on a stick!
Oil tycoon ran our country into hell
killed 4,500 troops for NOTHING!
yea Bush is on my mind! forever his damage will show!
I'm glad your so easily messed up and defeated. Bush stole your mind what a hoot. He sure didn't get much.
Hey righty:
F**K St. George.
F**K St. Ronald.
And F**K you.
Your so-called party has done nothing but serve the interests of the enemies of America by lining their pockets, and the pockets of their constituents all while serving their foreign masters in a plot to overthrow this nation not by force of arms but by economic defeat.
Prove otherwise.
In the Court of Public Opinion you are guilty until you prove innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.
But please, by all means, tell us all the wonderful and beneficial things you have done for this country.
"Oh man, does EVERYTHING have to be about Bush with you liberals?
Bush really did a number on your psyche if you can equate the sins of a monster like Kim Jong Il with anything that Bush did."
___________________________________________________________________
They use Bush as a figurehead for the disastrous GOP policies from the early to mid 00's. But of course he was hardly the architect of any of them. As for comparing him to Kim Jung think about that the next time you see someone from your side of the aisle compare Obama to Pol Pot or Stalin!
The alarming thing is that Bush comes across as a moderate compared to todays GOP and the candidates they are putting forward. And I will say he has been relatively quiet in the past 3 years exactly as a former President should be after office. Very few know the stress of that job. I guarantee he secretly sympathizes with Obama.
Dylanesq - Sounds as if you are just like all the other sycophants that ply the waters of the internet. Do you still believe that Al Gore invented it?
Slow Boy: Bush killed 4,500 but John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson killed 58,200. We would need to have 12 more W's before we get to their body count!
...but then, you probably didn't want to hear that. Care to know how many troops Franklin Roosevelt killed in World War 2 for nothing?
So give the body count rest, eh? We're probably not going to know for another 10 years how Iraq is going to turn out.
Mark - WW2 for nothing??? Are you serious?
Observing2: Iraq was for nothing??? Are you serious?
It's all a matter of perspective. I knew older people when I was a child that still thought we had no business fighting in Europe... again.
Iraq was a media smokescreen for not perusing Osama bin Ladin. We are all so very quick to forget, so allow me to remind you of this:
During the 2nd campaign of unconvicted war-criminal George W. Bush, his opponent, John Kerry confronted his opponent with a harsh FACT: that he had very specifically stated, live, on the air, that he had thought very little about Osama bin Ladin, and had the video of that address to the nation played to support this claim. He quoted him verbatim, and had this confrontation brushed off as a mere "exaggeration", when in fact, it was an exact quote.
And to further demonstrate how the media cows to the contestants, that particular video clip was never seen again.
See? Doesn't that read better now? LEARN YOUR HISTORY and stop getting all your news from one source. By your logic *every* American President except for Ford is a war criminal.
And Garfield.. he didn't live long enough to do anything wrong.
Oh My God, so many North Koreans are crying for his death. I doubt anybody would drop a single tear for the death of Baby George or Father George. Even if their family members were to pay Hollywood actors to cry for Baby or Father George, there is no way to imitate the intensity of their cries for their North Korean Leader.
1500 people were crushed to death at Stalin's funeral. I hope that doesn't repeat here.
They are crying because the government is paying them to cry. It would look bad if the people were celebrating...
Some people wonder if the Koreans were ordered to cry. It all looks like every occasion that the Koreans stage for the media. Perhaps if this was the order, no wonder they cry or die.
They are not explicitly ordered to cry. However, they know well enough that if they don't pretend to cry, their career and family/themselve WILL be in danger. I am pretty sure behind closed door, they are cursing, celebrating, and preparing for the turmoil in government power that is about to unravel.
Chris is right. Read Barbara Demick's extraordinary book, Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea, and you'll see why all the North Koreans are "crying" so realistically.
David: as they are ordered to, in fear of imprisonment if they don't. Just as they were ordered to assemble in large numbers to "protest" or show their love of that monster.
Crying is not ordered here... it's just tradition....if your not with the masses, then your against it type tradition. Fake tears just keep you alive a little longer.
@ David Smith - That is about the dumbest comment I have heard in a long time. What is your IQ - 60? You people who have it out for George Bush are, well I better not say, it's your right to speak your mind, you are all stuck in some time warp. Why don't you look around and see how many people lost jobs and houses under Obama. But an intelligent comment would probably be to figure out who will be NK's next leader and how that might affect the world, but especially us. Nothing is lost with this guy gone, don't know why people cry or maybe they are tears of happiness or fear that the son may rule next and we have all heard he is worse than his father. People in NK are starving big time, have no jobs, live with many in one house, pretty much like what is happening here. Our groceries are going up up and up in prices and pretty soon people can't afford food anymore. Obama has had three years to fix what he said was wrong and he hasn't done a darn thing! The Bush comments are dumb and unintelligent. Focus people, focus!
Never looked better there kimmy boy. Rot in hell.
and fatboy takes over.....lets put an end to North Korea...worthless, meaningless country
Larry Dash said, "worthless, meaningless country"
How did you know that? None of the North Koreans have lost their monies to our Wall Street Con-Artists and they still have their homes and 401K. There is no government bailouts of banks in North Korea. Who is worthless?
Really?-1739510, you really have a hard on for liberals don't you? LOL I think it's kind of funny given you mention them in ever post I've read thus far. lol
When a tinhorn dictator obtains power and says jump the people jump. When he says he is god they worship him, when he starves them into submission they thank him, when he kills those who oppose him they help him. Get ready folks it's all coming to a city near you. He is already in office. Can you really stop him?
Ray T,
How's the weather on Jupiter? You can't be living on this planet if you actually think that... And here I thought people couldn't be anymore out there and think such idiotic thoughts... Ray T, you proved me wrong... Thanks...
Make sure you pick up extra tinfoil on the way home from the funny farm.
Really...very good basic explanation and response to whats his name...Its too bad you spent time attempting to outlline the very basic differences between N.Korea and the U.S. but alas I'm afraid your information..correct at that...is lost on these small simple little minds so easily indoctrinated with 6th grade level propaganda foisted on us by the like of MSNBC and the rest.
@Really?-1739510
Can you stop throwing around the Liberal card? You make good points, and then go and group all the asanine comments made into a rant about liberals. As soon as I read that, I skip the rest of your points because all I can see is you spitting onto your monitor and grabbing your crotch in glee.
I'd like to see just one msnbc article where the comments don't turn into a Bush/Obama Liberal/Conservative pissing contest, regardless of how unrelated it is. Face it guys, Bush and Obama are both terrible, and so are the Dems and Repubs, which, btw, do not represent you one iota so I don't know why anybody gets all defensive over them. Things are not all black and white (or blue and red). Those in washington will continue to sell our futures down the river as long as we remain weak and divided and unable to do anything about it.
@David Smith...it's moronic comments like yours that give "liberals" a bad name. I would say that you are less a liberal and more just plain ignorant...something that transcends both parties.
Doctors in North Korea announced that Kim Jong Ils condition has been downgraded from Kim Jong Il to Kim Jong Dead.
Poor Kim Jong, I didn't know he was il
LOL Jeff P-14 I didn't either but am glad he was.
Benevolent father ? Let's get real. A dictator who ruled a starving people with an iron fist by means of military force and brainwashing . Sounds to me like parental abuse at it's worst.
All these meat-headed statements about someone you don't and didn't even know. OK he was a dictator, so what. That's the way they do things in Korea, people. What makes you think that the Americans are any better, we're NOT. I am sure that the North and South Koreans as well as everyone else living outside the US thinks we are just as wierd in how we go about doing things. This kind of talk from you ignorant idiots is the cause of much trouble in our world. Everyone thinks they are better than someone else. Get over your primal, high school atitudes people and start respecting others and their life styles.
I agree Really, from what Reed wrote, it sounds like he's the one with the primal, high school attitude. How can you compare the atrocities he committed against his own people to the way other countries conduct their business?!
Reed Rolai - I guess what Asad is doing in Syria is just weird too? Killing your own people for your own gain is absolutely appalling. It's not weird, its down right sick! And to keep comparing America and other civilized countries to the types of this dictator is absolutely absurd. Do us all a favor and move to N. Korea because it appears you are just as weird as they are... Knucklehead!!!
Pretty strong stuff in your bong this morning.
Take it from an American serviceman who lived in Korea for 7 years; the difference between the north and south is as black & white as the opinions of those who have been there & those who have not. Reed Rolai you should really know your subject before spouting opinions that make you appear like the old saying goes ... opinions are like ...... ; but in this case you apparently are one instead of just having one.
Reed Rolai, If you feel we are equal to North Korea why don't you buy a one way ticket over there?
So many people crying, but no tears. Classic faking...anybody can see that.
May he rot in hell. Hopefully, the North Koreans people will raise up and put an end to this evil family once and for all. The world would be a better place.
In case anyone misses the witty tirades of The sadly departed "Dear One" Here is a list of my top 10 favorite North Korean Condemnations as uttered by His self or one of his spokesmen.
10. You despicable militarist, such a provocation will be regarded as a declaration of war!
9. You politically illiterate philistine, we will thwart your frantic attempts to stifle us!
8. You bourgeois running dog!
7. You reckless gangster, you would be well advised to behave with discretion!
6. You sycophantic reactionary, you have glaringly revealed your true colours
5. You swollen-headed running dog, your accusation against the DPRK is no more than barking at the moon!
4. You loudmouthed political dwarf!
3. You swollen-headed lackey, you are sadly mistaken if you think you can browbeat the DPRK!
2. You shameless reactionary, we will mercilessly crush you with the weapon of singlehearted unity!
And the number 1 Insult from the DPRK......
1. You bellicose flunkey! You extra-large traitor, you will be dealt a thousandfold retaliatory blow!
If you want more Gems from the Dear One go to the North Korean Random Insult Generator at,
http://www.nk-news.net/extras/insult_generator.php
Reminds me of catholic school.
Just so you know. I do speak Korean, I am not Korean. Exact translation between Korean into English is not always possible. Therefore, what someone said in Korean is always a matter of interpretation and is often wrong or incorrectly understood by English speakers.
I'm not saying he said smart things, I'm not saying he said ridiculous things.
If I had the Korean, I could tell you what his intention to communicate was. He did NOT say these things in English.
Just to add - this man was a crazy and dangerous person. I know many Koreans. Interesting that the older Koreans hold no hope of a revolutions any time soon and the younger set does. As far as I'm concerned, this man cannot be dead enough.
Sounds like a DNC speech!! LMAO!!! Those were quotes from Andy Stern right??
Thugs like these filthy creatures are always put on display. Ataturk of Turkey.... Gamal Abdelnasser of Egypt.... and others who were just as horrible.... are put on display for people to learn NOT to be like them.
Earth cannot stand them inside it.... and those follower and supporters know it.
Ataturk was burried 3 times, and everytime earth expels his rotten body... earth spits out the stinking body that tortured... killed... assassinated.... gave his people nothing but misery and poverty....
Gamal Abdelnasser of Egypt was the deceptive, liar, rotten double-faced jackal who told his own people that he was with them when he was with the enemy....
Now, this piece of crap.... not even tried to be placed inside the earth knowing he will be kicked out.
The only place for these creatures is hell and nothing but hell!!!!
Isn't that the same glass covering they put over Sleeping Beauty? Why do they need guards with guns if he was so well liked and is now dead?
Oh No, Natasha! Fearless Leader gone!
I think they need to put his Fat Ass kid on a diet. He ought to have the same diet that the people have, Two potatoe's a day. Uncooked and no salt or pepper.
I've done tons of reading on North Korea. The average person gets nowhere near this ration of food. 2 potatoes or a handful of rice would be reserved for the 1st class citizen.
Mourning: Tears of sadness & grief... tears of joy??
One down, to many to go.
In that coffin they made him look a lot taller than he was. Move the feet up about two feet and you get closer to the runt's actual height.
It's the first thing I noticed. I wonder what they did with his real feet?
This may actually be a case of "Better the devil that you know...". Young Son Il may make dad seem relatively benign.
The N. Korean horticulturists are working night and day on a new Kimjongunia blossom. No doubt it will be one huge blossom surrounded by many smaller underfed withered blossoms.
The stability of the Korean peninsula rests in Kim Jong-un's ability to gain control of the National Defense Commission, the country's supreme ruling body. As warped as it is, the continuation of the line of dictators at leasts preserves the status quo of the armistice. We can only hope that Kim Jong-un isn't usurped by the military through a coup, or at worse, a fabricated crisis which leads to war. I just wrote an article outlining the challenges the younger Kim now faces, you can read more at:
SOoooooooo
People are only weeping because if they didn't they'd get sent to some crazy concentration camp by the new Dear Dictator Dickhead.
I will bet that not all North Koreans are crying....... There are the majority that are laughing, dancing , and lighting up fireworks and having a jubilant time.
Ted: I'm guessing the entire North Korean military is hunting the one poor bastard who, they were told, said he was "glad the son-of-a-bitch is dead!"
LOL, he's behind bullet proof glass. They know he's dead already, right?
That's actually urine-proof glass.
medals for what? i guess i could have that many medals if i was giving them to myself!! what a joke!