Don Firth, right you are. Folkies and "rhythm guitarists" often want to use their left thumbs, not only for hitchhiking. Both is legal, but not part of virtuoso technique.

Murray, gymnast Olga Korbut was a Soviet citizen as a child, not Romanian. If she is in "rehab" (as indeed are many sportswomen, sportsmen, and instrumentalists, having started as kids, youngsters, or adults), it is a well-kept secret. With her harvest of medals and fame, many would envy her even if they knew her to be a wreck now.

Many kids want to be challenged to the limits of their special talents, and are refused this wish. Others are considered "mentally challenged" and thus frustrated. Street gangs and terrorist armies are recruited from both groups. This applies to all societies including North Korean.