Almost sounds like the landing on the Moon, "one small step for man..." Or is it more like Reagan telling Gorbacev to tear "that wall" down?

While one wants to be positive at times like these, other images come to mind also. Both Presidents are in dire need of support. The North has always seemed on the verge of collapse. And though Kim showed precious little in the way of emotion compared to his excitement in 2000, it is almost assured that his condescending into the world of men for a few days will have a huge price tag attached.

For his part, Roh has a serious election coming up. Need I say more?

So what will they talk about, this "King of the North" and "King of the South," to use Biblical imagery. We hope the Biblical picture portrayed of these two kings is not true of Kim and Roh: "speaking lies at one table." We hope and earnestly desire that they are sincere and honest and... well, it is possible, you know.

They say they will discuss the ending of the Korean War. Always sound strange to Western ears, but, yes, the War is still on. Trouble is, the United States and China will need to get in on this discussion before it can be officially over. Maybe Russia and Japan, too?

Then there's the economy. The North's economy. Oh how we pray that whatever support is pledged will be connected to freeing slaves in Hoeryong and the other Gulag communities. And that if food goes over it goes into the mouths of the truly hungry.

And they will talk of lasting peace. Everyone wants it. Everyone defines it differently. For Kim of the North, it means the peninsula is Communist. For Roh of the South, it means the peninsula is free. Unfortunately, historically the surrounding countries have considered a peaceful Korea to be a Korea to which they can all lay claim for their own purposes.