People want to know how in the world North Korea has kept on tickin' for so long. There was no question in some people's minds that this nation would fall when its first leader died. In fact, it remained, and did some pretty amazing things technologically (while its people died by the 10's of thousands from starvation). It was during this period (mid 90's on) that North Korea entered the nuclear club. How can this be?

There is an ultimate answer, involving the perfect will and timing of God, and/or prayerlessness of God's people, and/or the powers of darkness and all the rest, but today I'm looking at more surface realities (with Becker's eyes). What factors have kept the Red Korean Machine rolling down the road, if only in low gear?

• Kim Jong Il's continued personal power over the Korean people. He forces them to do his will. And his will is that North Korea survive... his way.
• Kim bluffs his neighbors. They thought he was about to attack them if they caused him any trouble. Would he have?
• Foreign aid. Yes, this empire is being propped up by well-meaning nations. Aid that was given was passed on to party faithful and the government-chosen elite, producing even more loyalty from them.
• China stopped refugees from getting too far. So many would have been long gone from the nightmare if China had not intervened, and sent many of them back to a certain death either by execution or famine or disease.

Becker compares North Korea to a huge concentration camp in which the inmates are slowly being worked to death. When certain portions of the population of the "camp" are no longer necessary they are allowed to die. Less and less aid is sent to them. They grow weak, unable to rise in rebellion. They perish.

Still there are citizens who are wise to what is coming, and believe it or not, while they are strong, they do rebel. There are strikes. Takeovers of buildings. Even murders of government officials. Kim fights back, though, with the wrath at his disposal. Public "trials". Public executions. At one time he demanded the execution of all criminals was to take place within 3 months.

During reprisals, killings become more and more gruesome. Prisoners tied to a stake while relatives are forced to light the fire (as in Medieval Romanism). Stoned to death. Bayoneted to death. And crimes become more and more petty, to be sure everyone who needs to be punished is covered. Stealing 2 pounds of maize. Stealing a couple of eggs. Killing a cow. It's all state property, so you've committed a crime against the state. You die.

Enough for today. Thanks again, Mr. Becker, for your insights.