If you’ve paid much attention to the news lately, you’ve surely heard about the major hacking attack Sony Pictures has suffered.  (This is an active news story, so I’m not going to put in links, because things may have changed considerably between the time I write this and you read it. Edited to add: Risk Based Security is compiling daily updates here.)

Everything stems from a movie called “The Interview”, the plot of which involves an attempt to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.  The movie, a comedy, stars Seth Rogen and James Franco.  The movie was originally scheduled to be released on Christmas Day.  That’s not going to happen now after several major theater chains pulled the film and refused to show it.  It’s questionable now if “The Interview” will ever be released, at least officially. Someone leaked the death scene and posted it on YouTube today.  That’s it below.

The attack was launched by a group calling itself Guardians of Peace, which threatened violence at theaters where the movie was shown.  Today the US government released a statement claiming that they had evidence that North Korea was behind the attacks.

How is this not an act of war?

It’s still too early to tell what the US response is going to be.

Kim Jong Un seems to think he’s above criticism.  He’s not.  He’s a two bit dictator who deserves to be put on trial for numerous crimes and human rights violations.  And then executed.

No one in public life is above criticism.  Or being the subject of satire.  Not Congress.  Not the President.  Not the Queen.  Not the Pope.  Not a bunch ayatollahs.  Not ISIS.  Not monarchs, prime ministers, chancellors, members of parliament, university presidents, or celebrities.  And certainly not a sorry excuse for a human being like Kim Jong Un.

I’m appalled at the pathetic response of the theaters and the studio.  Cowards.  Craven cowards.  When you give the bullies what they want, they win.  And it only encourages them.  I get that theaters are worried about liabilities if something were to actually happen.  But let the public decide if they want to take the risk.  “The Interview” isn’t a movie I would normally have any interest in seeing.  But now I do.  That’s the way bullying and censorship always work.

In the meantime, I think we should show the Supreme Leader of North Korea all the respect he deserves.