Kim the Merciless

This is coolbert:

This headline today from the Chicago Tribune:

"NATION & WORLD"

"Report: N. Korea missile ready"

"SEOUL - - North Korea has positioned its most sophisticated lone-rang ballistic missile at a launch site for a test firing"

BUT - - from the same Tribune article, here is the most important item:

"North Korea has told its diplomatic missions that Kim's Jong Il's youngest son will be the next leader"

"The Hankook Ilbo reported that the communist regime sent the message right after its May 25 nuclear test and demanded diplomats pledge allegiance to Kim's 26-year-old third son, Jong Un."

"The . . . National Intelligence Service [South Korea], briefed lawmakers Monday on the North's move"

So Kim is undoubtedly ill? Near death even? Been given a terminal determination by his doctors? Has now set the stage for the heir apparent and demands that diplomats of the DPRK make obeisance and supplication to Jong? [and woe to those that do not!]

Expect a power struggle of epic proportions if all factions in the North do not agree with Kim. The demise of Kim will mean some real trouble ahead for that entire part of northeast Asia?

coolbert.