It's a North Korean version of Christmas, with Kim Jong Il playing Santa Claus. In past years, the authoritarian leader has celebrated his birthday by handing out gifts to his people ranging from rice to Rolexes, an annual attempt to buy loyalty and stability.
But this year, there are signs that gift baskets may be lighter and knockoff Gucci could replace the real thing as Kim celebrates his 69th birthday on Wednesday.
Cheap knock-offs? Sure, in the short run it feels good to pay less, but can the regime survive this belt tightening at the expense of the pampered elites?
Good grief, Kim Jong-Il is one step away from regifting.
