Kim Jong-il gives Castro a going away present

by Andy Jackson on December 13, 2006

Not that Castro will notice, but he has been honored by Pyongyang (Gramma Internacional):

THE Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea has awarded President Fidel Castro with the Golden Medal (Hammer and Sickle) and the First Class Order of the National Flag.

The decorations were received yesterday by Esteban Lazo, vice president of the Council of State and member of the Political Bureau of the (Communist) Party, from Pak Tong Chun, ambassador of that sister country.

The diplomat explained that the awards were given for Fidel’s 80th birthday, for his support and active backing for the Korean people’s fight for the independent and peaceful reunification of their homeland and the construction of socialism, and his special contribution to the strengthening and development of the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

Castro was named a ‘Labor Hero’ (Yonhap):

“A ceremony awarding the title of Labor Hero to the chairman of the national committee of Cuba, Fidel Castro, was held on the occasion of his 80th birthday at the DPRK Embassy in Cuba on the 11th (Tuesday),” the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said…

“Chairman Castro is a leader who has actively supported the DPRK people’s struggle for independence, unification of their motherland and construction of a socialist nation,” Pak Tong-chun, the North’s envoy to Havana, was quoted as saying at the ceremony.

Hat Tip to Michelle Malkin (like she needs it).

Why is Kim Jong-il thinking of Castro now?  My guess is that he would like to emulate Catro’s exit; dying in bed while the wreck of a country he leaves behind limps on into history without him.  It certainly beats the alternative.

While we are on the subject, here is a comparison of Castro and Pinochet.

{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Mark December 13, 2006 at 10:41 pm

Axis of Feeble.

2 michael December 14, 2006 at 9:04 am

Another thing the two have in common is they’re both communist billionaires.

3 dogbertt December 14, 2006 at 9:25 am

So where’s the dancing Korean dude in the afro?

4 Wedge December 14, 2006 at 9:57 am

Were Spielberg or Stone on hand to film the festivities?

5 Bipolar Mindscrew December 14, 2006 at 1:52 pm

Where’s the reciprocity? I’ll lick your ass if you lick mine.

6 Breaktrack December 14, 2006 at 2:03 pm

Castro has more charm and charisma in my opinion.

7 SomeguyinKorea December 14, 2006 at 3:56 pm

Castro is generally viewed quite favorably outside of the US.

8 seouldout December 14, 2006 at 8:43 pm

“This breaking news just in, Generalísimo Francisco Franco is still dead!”

9 trachys December 15, 2006 at 12:00 am

This entry may well contain the most propaganda-laden 295 words I’ve yet to encounter at this blog. Hats off Mr Jackson!

10 fred_random December 15, 2006 at 5:10 am

I believe that it should be “Granma Internacional” not “Gramma.”

11 yankabroad December 24, 2006 at 11:12 pm

The interesting thing about Castro and Kim Jong-il Kim Il-sung is that these are somr of the only men on Earth to try and keep their countries completely free of the not necessarily healthy influences of the surrounding world.

Terrible regimes? Perhaps. But trying to be INDEPENDENT. And you Americans who are so enamored with Independence have to respect this. Or is it not independence when others do it?

But on a more serious note. How do you compare Castro and Pinochet? The US never supported Castro.

Therefore, Castro is better.

12 railwaycharm December 25, 2006 at 10:30 am

Yankabroad,

If Castro was on the correct side of the fight, Uncle Sam would prop him up.

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