Good news from North Korea. U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright presented North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il with a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan; the dictator treated the diplomat to a spectacular theatrical performance. Rejoice: Peace in East Asia is at hand.
A half year ago, North Korea was a rogue state; now it is a popular destination for members of President Bill Clinton's administration. Last summer the White House was concerned about North Korea's missile program. Today it is concerned about the gift Clinton should carry to Pyongyang. The options are staggering: a round-trip ticket to Disneyland? An extra-large pizza? Perhaps a skateboard?
The North Korean leader must like this kind of stuff. Even though he doesn't allow his subjects to use the Internet, he is an enthusiastic Web-surfer. He has three computers in his office. Wow. Perhaps he considers himself part of Generation X. Would he appreciate a discount coupon for the Gap or Banana Republic?