Great Confiscation Updates: So Much for That “Collective Spirit”

So much for that “collective spirit” Christine Ahn is so fond of talking about:

In January and February at neighborhood meetings, participants from many regions spoke out and threw objects at the chiefs who said the currency reform has been successful and that people should show devotion to the party. Since the currency reform, many people have become homeless; and for that, they took their frustrations out on the neighborhood chiefs who are the mouth-piece of the government.

Such incidents were unheard of prior to the currency reform. If it did happen, the “rebel” would be prosecuted and punished. However, due to the currency remain silent. Such incidents are seen as the beginning process of widespread anti-government sentiments. People’s outward expression gains more strength because Kim Jong-Il acknowledged the failure of the currency reform. [Open News]

Just add cell phones, hope, and guns. Surely in a place where domestic institutions are so oppressive and international institutions are so ineffective, no human right is so fundamental to securing the others as the right to bear arms. And in a place where “peace” is so deadly to so many, it would be difficult to argue that a revolution to destroy that oppressive system would increase the net suffering of the people.

People are still killing themselves over the effects of The Great Confiscation. Another is reported to have died of shock.

If you’re a Wall Street Journal subscriber, here’s a link to a story on an apparent official North Korean acknowledgment that The Great Confiscation was a failure.

Open News thinks that the dismissal of financial official Park Nam Ki means that the military is winning a power struggle. Always bet on the guys with guns.