Licking the Hand of a Dictator Can Be Expensive

I do not lick the hands of dictators.

         An anti Kim Jong-il website, Chosun.com, reported that “..the regime imports dozens of German Shepherds, Shi Tzus and other pet dogs from France and Switzerland every year as well as expensive pet shampoo, veterinary equipment and supplies. It "frequently flies in a veterinarian from France to check up on the dogs," the source added, paying altogether US$10,000 for the airfare and fees.”                          Actually flying in a vet from France for $10,000 including fee and airfare sounds almost reasonable.  I would bet that the vet would be going there just for the dog and not for the sightseeing (“here are some starving people and here are more starving people”) or the luxury hotel stays (“your suite comes equipped with its own torture chamber, if you choose to use it”). 

                                                                                                Lumping all the entertainment for the Maximum, Eternal Leader of North Korea, the site noted that, “In 2008, the regime spent around $100 million on expensive liquor, cars, luxury goods and other items including pet dogs and their care products.”  Of course, under the header of “It’s sometimes good to be dictator,” Kim Jong-il never has to submit to an IRS audit about his entertainment expenses. 



 “Inside every Newfoundland, Boxer, Elkhound and Great Dane is a puppy longing to climb on to your lap.”  Helen Thomson