From the Community: Kim Jong Il, Gingrich, and troops exit Iraq

We're taking a look at some of the most popular stories from the Current community, and we've rounded up some highlights to share. Check them out and add your two cents:

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Il, 69, Has Died
Submitted by JRBarilla

North Korea's notorious leader, Kim Jong Il died Saturday of a heart attack at age 69. Thousands of North Koreans are mourning over the news of their "dear leader's" death.

"He passed away too suddenly to our profound regret," said a statement carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. "The heart of Kim Jong Il stopped beating, but his noble and august name and benevolent image will always be remembered by our army and people."

North Korean state media fell short of calling Kim Jong Un the country's next leader, but gave clear indications that the third son of Kim Jong Il would succeed his father.

Gingrich: I’ll send a ‘U.S. Marshall’ to arrest any judge
Submitted by KB723

While on Face The Nation, Newt Gingrich said he would arrest any judge who he disagrees with.

“Sure, if you had to,” he said. “Or you’d instruct the Justice Department to send a U.S. Marshal.”

Gingrich called the judicial branch of the U.S. government “the weakest branch of the three.”

The community doesn't necessarily agree with Gingrich's comments, however, they share its views on the judicial branch:

keithponder: "While I do not support Gingrich, I do believe that it's about time that U.S. Marshalls start arresting Federal judges. These judges are in bed with the corporate banks. Their pensions are directly tied to the big banks. Most of them did nothing to stop these foreclosure scandals. They turned their backs on the people that they're sworn to protect and serve."

thinkingfree: "The root problem is it doesn't matter who sits in the White House anymore. Otherwise we would have some real candidates to look at. Now its devolved to who corporations think they can throw up there and get elected, qualified or not. Our votes mean nothing anymore, we've all been outbid."

Last troops exit Iraq in subdued end to 9-year war
Submitted by letsliveinpeace

The last convoy crossed the border out of Iraq, as it marks the final withdrawal from the roughly 9 year war that cost 4,500 Americans and more than 100,000 Iraqi lives. President Barack Obama stopped short of calling the U.S. effort in Iraq a victory:

"I would describe our troops as having succeeded in the mission of giving to the Iraqis their country in a way that gives them a chance for a successful future."

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