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The current crisis reminds me of one of Mao Zedong's favorite sayings, "There is great chaos under heaven and the situation is excellent." By sinking a small naval vessel of the South Korean lackeys, I have created massive anxiety in Seoul, Washington, Beijing, and Tokyo. Everyone fears that the crisis will spin out of control, but they don't want to appear weak. Mao would have been proud.

Now there was a leader. Mao didn't care if a few people died of starvation. He knew how to deal with counterrevolutionary scum. And by taking risks he kept his adversaries off balance.

But my mind is wandering. That happens a lot these days.