What the United States needs and of course what the world needs is a leader that can sell democracy.
Donald Trump is completely unbelievable . Believe me when I tell you the whole world knows he's a crook except for those 40 million deplorable's. Him trying to sell democracy around the world is remarkable in its ridiculousness.
Donald Trump is completely unbelievable . Believe me when I tell you the whole world knows he's a crook except for those 40 million deplorable's. Him trying to sell democracy around the world is remarkable in its ridiculousness.
3
Once Trump cuts corporate and job-creator taxes we could have a Reagan-sized jobs explosion, up into the tens of millions. THAT will change the future of both political parties despite the fact that Trump doesn't fit in either one.
Remember, he defeated Republicans before he defeated Hillary & Obama.
You could end up with fifteen or twenty little islands of Democrats and 95% of the counties in the U.S. solidly GOP.
Remember, he defeated Republicans before he defeated Hillary & Obama.
You could end up with fifteen or twenty little islands of Democrats and 95% of the counties in the U.S. solidly GOP.
Pyongyang media coverage of today's festivities does not mention the United States. And Kim Jung-un appeared in a suit and tie, not his usual military garb.
I'd say the North Koreans blinked.
I'd say the North Koreans blinked.
3
It's irresponsible to use such language. We're talking about A couple of immature, insecure, spoiled 10-year-olds with their hands on weapons of mass distraction. They do not have the intellectual depth to know what they're doing. We need one of them to play the grownup here. The other one we can impeach or vote out of office.
5
If only this stand off weren't predictable since the evening of November 8. Elections have consequences. #sad
2
We should all be demanding that Donald Trump release his taxes.
This will be a sure fire way to get him out of office.
We should have a Huge protest rally in Washington DC and all of the country. We better do it soon, our lives depend on it.
This will be a sure fire way to get him out of office.
We should have a Huge protest rally in Washington DC and all of the country. We better do it soon, our lives depend on it.
4
China has posted 150,000 troops on the border between China and North Korea, so USA should use the weaknesses in the North Korean regime and drop flyers over the poverty stricken starving areas explaining to the peasants that they need to rise up and overthrow their government. Also EXPLAIN to them how liberation would result in freedom and jobs and housing and food from the western world. Maybe drop some guns for them to use, as well as solar powered radios (with instructions on how to use them) that can reach other nations frequencies.
I don't think Donald Trump is the best person to sell democracy right now.
4
As I contemplate impending war with North Korea, I can't help but ask myself "how can I make money from it?"
2
Love those who think somehow that after decades of failing to contain North Korea that somehow diplomacy will work. The only way diplomacy works is if it is backed by force which is what we are finally showing.
You can keep whining if you want, my whiny liberal friends, but what are you going to do 10 years from now when the US has dithered and North Korea has enough ICBMs and warheads to devastate our allies in Asia and hit the US as well? At that point there will be no opportunity for negotiation or for coercing N. Korea into giving up their nukes. Then what?
You can keep whining if you want, my whiny liberal friends, but what are you going to do 10 years from now when the US has dithered and North Korea has enough ICBMs and warheads to devastate our allies in Asia and hit the US as well? At that point there will be no opportunity for negotiation or for coercing N. Korea into giving up their nukes. Then what?
1
Maybe they will dictate to us like the Republican Congress.
3
Look: it's serious. We can talk all we want, but we have a leader who's very quick on the trigger, and who may act. Congress may want to maneuver quickly and put the stops on any unilateral action or directive from the president. There should be a comprehensive plan in place for diplomacy, pressure from China, offers of economic assistance from China, pressure and sweet economic deals from other countries in the region to get North Korea to abandon their nukes. Ordinary people in North Korea have suffered from food shortages and starvation, they don't want to suffer more. Other peoples in the region don't want to suffer. All our smart thinkers, military and civilian, need to be employed to try to find a solution to this problem.
2
Good luck if you think this Congress is capable of doing anything -- let alone "maneuver quickly".
But your point is absolutely valid. The everyday North Korean people have endured immense hardships at the hands of this decades-long dictatorship, and they (like we do!), deserve a more efficient leadership, instead of all this needless macho grandstanding.
But your point is absolutely valid. The everyday North Korean people have endured immense hardships at the hands of this decades-long dictatorship, and they (like we do!), deserve a more efficient leadership, instead of all this needless macho grandstanding.
2
Having watched the heads talking overnight, I'm satisfied that this phony crisis will probably blow over. Mike Pence is going to South Korea to clean up the mess created by another bloviation from his boss. But the issues we have discussed in these responses will not blow away, and will be there the next time this issue raises its ugly head. It's sickening to see the vicious military spectacle North Korea's baby-boy tyrant puts on to celebrate his self-glorification, but we have to ask ourselves just who in our own political apparatus has the wisdom, the steady nerves and the insight to deal with this guy and his patrons in China. As for the various fools who in this discussion seem eager to hash it out, once for all, I have exactly one response: my nephew who teaches leadership to U.S. Army officers has done his time in Afghanistan and Iraq, and elsewhere not on the official books. Now the Army is pulling him off the shelf to send back to South Korea so his wife and babies can live with still another season of anxiety and torment. This ain't fun and games, fools.
1
No one here is more repulsed by Trump than I am.
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But we have to admit that the crisis with N. Korea was ignored by by the last 3 U.S. Presidents. Obama did the least to to dissuade N. Korea from developing nuclear weapons and missiles.
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Trump is in a tough position. If N. Korea develops ICBMs carrying nuclear bombs, there will be no end the the blackmail than it can subject the world to.
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But we have to admit that the crisis with N. Korea was ignored by by the last 3 U.S. Presidents. Obama did the least to to dissuade N. Korea from developing nuclear weapons and missiles.
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Trump is in a tough position. If N. Korea develops ICBMs carrying nuclear bombs, there will be no end the the blackmail than it can subject the world to.
1
Just or the record. Obama didn't "ignore" North Korea -- he just didn't engage in provoking its puerile and bellicose leader in a game of tit-for-tat, which is all it would have come down to, and
what it is all coming down to now, with our puerile and bellicose "leader".
what it is all coming down to now, with our puerile and bellicose "leader".
3
What was Jefferson thinking when he wrote that the common denominator of human experience is pursuit of happiness?
1
What was Jefferson thinking? -- he obviously wasn't thnking of a Donald J. Trump.
1
The Electoral College is a bad idea for the record books. The US compromise with slavery still haunts it.
1
I believe the Chinese are saying, with probably a lot of sense, too, is bullies should be careful about what they wish for. The hothead-in-chief on our side could start a war with a tweet. The reciprocal won't be pretty, either.
1
Thinking people should realize North Korea is simply proxy China. Why would China want to disarm Korea? They're in this together. Of course, it's mutually beneficial for the asian horde (enemies of the West) to continue the aggravation. They conclude the West will eventually tire, lose the will to resist. They are cunning, patient people..
1
The current situation highlights the dilemma of our time. If you have a nuclear doomsday machine, you can do anything, you can extort money from the world in perpetuity, you are impervious to attack, and your masses feel big and proud.
But if you use it, all is lost.
More and more nations, and terrorists groups, are saying Yes! to this ultimate power. Everyone is moving in that direction as fast as possible. Nuclear material can be picked up in the bazaars of Moldova and Bulgaria at a discounted cost. Completed ready-to-go warheads from the former Soviet Union are a bit more.
When everyone's doing it, wouldn't you, too, want to join the club? It might be irresponsible not to.
So this is the way the world ends; in fire. The sad part is we may deserve it - it's not like we've been saints.
But if you use it, all is lost.
More and more nations, and terrorists groups, are saying Yes! to this ultimate power. Everyone is moving in that direction as fast as possible. Nuclear material can be picked up in the bazaars of Moldova and Bulgaria at a discounted cost. Completed ready-to-go warheads from the former Soviet Union are a bit more.
When everyone's doing it, wouldn't you, too, want to join the club? It might be irresponsible not to.
So this is the way the world ends; in fire. The sad part is we may deserve it - it's not like we've been saints.
1
Far too many people believe they'll buy a ticket to Paradise doing something stupid promoted by some con artist.
At the beginning of EVERY newly U.S. president's term North Korea has done something provacative to test where the new boundaries are. Just like Russia starts accidently flying too close to our planes, and China's ships start bumping into ours at the beginning of EVERY new US president's tenure It was entirely predictable, and historically to be expected that North Korea would lob some missiles into the sea and start talking big just to see what we would do. Just like every other time In every past instance all they ultimately wanted was to know that they had a seat at the grown-up table when it comes to regional negotiations. Every time. Like a two-year-old who just learned the word "no", a five-year-old wanting to cross the street by themselves, or a fifteen-year-old with a new learner's permit to drive, they're just pushing, prodding, and testing. Every time there's a new US president this happens. Every time. The big difference this time: OUR new president has neither experience nor impulse control, and only looks for the quick fix that impacts his Nielsen ratings (I mean 'polling numbers'). This compounded with his hiring into the Executive Branch of the least experienced group of people in US history, and their letting go of most of the career people with historical institutional knowledge, and this has the potential to needlessly kill millions of innocents. Needlessly.
5
I don't blame them for thinking the US presidency is a booby prize for narcissists.
2
Robert - you're right neither Trump or Kim Jong-Un are religious. I found it odd that Mike Pence, the religious one, is being sent to South Korea over the Easter weekend. I guess his boss, Trump, was prepping for the Easter Egg roll & his golf game.
1
He sent the Bible beating Pence instead. If his pious religious drivel doesn't bore them to death, his hyping and stumping for Trump will.
Trump is far too much of a coward to have gone himself.
Trump is far too much of a coward to have gone himself.
3
Korea seems particularly susceptible to religious charlatans. It is the home of Sun Myung Moon's "Unification Church" as well as more obscure sects like the one the recently impeached president got mixed up with.
1
Moon was an arms dealer responsible for more robots, human or otherwise, than any Sci fi writer.
China supports the rogue countries to advance their foreign policy to replace United States in global affairs. They use North Korea to play against Japan and South Korea. They use Pakistan to play against India and United States. China is very much interested to see what United States would do if North Korea detonates atomic bomb or fire intercontinental ballistic missile or both. Are we willing to see the destruction of South Korea or Japan under nuclear attack by North Korea? If Trump is unpredictable, his junior partner Kim Jong-un is even more unpredictable. The political polemic stand off between two crazy people could go out of control in short notice. North Korea is not going to do anything if we ignore them and eliminate all trade sanctions. The trade sanctions make North Korea depend more on China. Our foreign policy should focus on normalizing relations rather than sanctions and isolation.
1
I am very concerned about the evacuation story. It's not a defensive maneuver but an aggressive one. It signals a first strike intent. Trump is not steady enough to handle this well. I don't like how this is going.
1
Stop. Think. Reject impulse.
2
Kim is new, and has never been rattled back as he test-fires those longer range nuke missiles; the South never responds to the North's hyperbolic language. What has only stopped the North has been the US umbrella. Naked force stops them. And as a bully, he will step back and ponder. How long?
He needs missiles that can reach the US to really be a contender to get what he wants in negotiation, and to do that he needs to test them, but those long range missiles are Trump's red line.
So now we have two leaders using the same Nixon "mad man" approach, and that is highly dangerous. (If the NVA think I'm crazy and will do anything, they'll step back.)
But if Trump fired off missiles to Syria fast, will Kim go "Jm Jones" (launch the nukes assuming he's going to die anyway) assuming a nuclear strike is coming? W did a unilateral invasion when that had not been US policy. And that now shows the world a strike may be coming even when we say one will not be.
Then again, W struck at what he said was WMD; and Trump at chemical weapons; so it's not as if we're invading to pass the time. There was a reason, a provocation.
Therefore, if past is prologue, Kim will likely slow his provocation. But seeing he has truly provoked the US, and that Trump is a far different president than any before him, will he assume a strike is coming and pre-launch? His generals are still terrified of this new boy-tyrant, so will they reign him in? Perhaps it's time for a military coup there finally.
He needs missiles that can reach the US to really be a contender to get what he wants in negotiation, and to do that he needs to test them, but those long range missiles are Trump's red line.
So now we have two leaders using the same Nixon "mad man" approach, and that is highly dangerous. (If the NVA think I'm crazy and will do anything, they'll step back.)
But if Trump fired off missiles to Syria fast, will Kim go "Jm Jones" (launch the nukes assuming he's going to die anyway) assuming a nuclear strike is coming? W did a unilateral invasion when that had not been US policy. And that now shows the world a strike may be coming even when we say one will not be.
Then again, W struck at what he said was WMD; and Trump at chemical weapons; so it's not as if we're invading to pass the time. There was a reason, a provocation.
Therefore, if past is prologue, Kim will likely slow his provocation. But seeing he has truly provoked the US, and that Trump is a far different president than any before him, will he assume a strike is coming and pre-launch? His generals are still terrified of this new boy-tyrant, so will they reign him in? Perhaps it's time for a military coup there finally.
There was not need doing what he did lately bombing Syria and Afghanistan. He is an irresponsible being surrounded with other irresponsible beings. I do not say human. Do not forget they will make money with warfare and not only that but destroyed lots of lives. They could not care less. Please for the sake of USA and the whole world get rid of Donald Trump.
I am French born Canadian and in the 60s we used to go to the Plattsburgh (New York) Drive-in to see a movie crossing US border at least 6 times a year. Even though in the 60s Americans we encountered were often rednecks and very sexist, racist and homophobic, we could feel it in the way they would look at us when we stopped at a restaurant or in a bar. Yes, the problem runs deeper - - as in some Americans negativity feelings have been buried deep in their hearts and before the 60s’ era. Donald Trump is a catalyst for some of them. USA is Manichean presently more than it has ever been in their past history. No one I know around me in Canada wish to go to USA to shop or a holiday anymore - USA has a horrific stench with Trump. Under Obama USA had some class.
Let people be: Trump started with this grand (faux-pas) executive order ban: Muslim ban of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Donald Trump is really the reflection of ignorance.
I am French born Canadian and in the 60s we used to go to the Plattsburgh (New York) Drive-in to see a movie crossing US border at least 6 times a year. Even though in the 60s Americans we encountered were often rednecks and very sexist, racist and homophobic, we could feel it in the way they would look at us when we stopped at a restaurant or in a bar. Yes, the problem runs deeper - - as in some Americans negativity feelings have been buried deep in their hearts and before the 60s’ era. Donald Trump is a catalyst for some of them. USA is Manichean presently more than it has ever been in their past history. No one I know around me in Canada wish to go to USA to shop or a holiday anymore - USA has a horrific stench with Trump. Under Obama USA had some class.
Let people be: Trump started with this grand (faux-pas) executive order ban: Muslim ban of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Donald Trump is really the reflection of ignorance.
2
I agree with all that you are saying. There are shadow selves that have dwelled in our population for a long time, and DT has given them explicit permission to express themselves. These are deeply repressed negative psychologies. See recent comments by Deepak Chopra who explains this well.
1
If Mr. Trump foolishly initiates a "preemptive" military strike against North Korea, the consequences will be decades long direct and indirect attacks against the United States and it's allies by North Korea and its agents.
With such a strike, Mr. Trump would unleash direct continuous hostile actions by a nation with far more resources than ISIS against the United States and its allies. That would be Mr. Trump's permanent legacy to the American People and the World.
What would Mr. Trump's next move be? A travel ban against all Asian countries? After all, how could anyone tell who was a North Korean agent from that region of the world.
With such a strike, Mr. Trump would unleash direct continuous hostile actions by a nation with far more resources than ISIS against the United States and its allies. That would be Mr. Trump's permanent legacy to the American People and the World.
What would Mr. Trump's next move be? A travel ban against all Asian countries? After all, how could anyone tell who was a North Korean agent from that region of the world.
1
Judging on how often Trump bluffs and then blinks first, I'm not surprise about the outcome of this latest stand off. He epitomizes why we need a steady hand on the tiller. Buyer remorse anyone?!
1
I will blame the Democratic Party for tying Trumps hands, if North Korea launches a nuclear strike first.
Why? Haven't you read the papers from November? The Republicans control the White House, the Senate, the House of Representatives, a majority of state houses and now the Supreme Court. And yet, you will blame the Democratic Party. You should really explain.
2
North Korea, Please remember what happened to Libya when it stopped its Nuclear Defense Program. Since we are living in a Dog eat Dog world, your Offensive ability is your Best Strategy for Defense.
China has escaped the clutches of Colonialism and Bullying (gunboats up the Yangtze Rive), it is now its duty to same stand by the smaller nations.
China has escaped the clutches of Colonialism and Bullying (gunboats up the Yangtze Rive), it is now its duty to same stand by the smaller nations.
Let's not call it the "Mother" of all bombs. Mothers have never produced bombs. It should be called the Daddy of all bombs or
Father of all bombs. Women suffer most from bombs, and would never design a lethal weapon like the one Daddy Trump ordered to be dropped on Afghanistan.
Father of all bombs. Women suffer most from bombs, and would never design a lethal weapon like the one Daddy Trump ordered to be dropped on Afghanistan.
Why not go to war since the past 3 or 4 have been such huge successes for us we should start one as soon as possible. Teddy Roosevelt enjoyed a productive seven years as POTUS, but later in life he said his greatest complaint about being president was that he never had a chance to lead the US in a major war. It appears Trump will not miss his chance.
2
America hypocrisy, cant, has its own flavor. American bully behaviour is so starkly shown in its demand on China. America wants China to do its bidding: take whatever actions necessary to affect North Korea behavour; but it does nothing to change the behavour of the monkey on its shoulder called Israel. Muslim Nations have pleaded for America to control Israel’s inhuman behaviour towards Arabs, but to no effect. North Korea is a sovereign nation; it has as much right to NUCLEAR arsenal as America, or China.
3
Fore!
Sure just play through.
Sure just play through.
4
Herman Kahn is riding high again
Along with Dr. Strangelove
For enlightenment try Randy Newman
Along with Dr. Strangelove
For enlightenment try Randy Newman
4
For this, you can thank and applaud your president Trump inciting with his orders, his rhetoric, tweets and lies, and moreover his bully ways with international politics. No diplomacy. No decorum. No protocol.
At least under Obama's administration, they were containing with good strategies North Korea.
It is impossible to change the world. Not even possible to change oneself in a tweak of an eye. Obama knew that. Trump does not know that as his ego takes all the place. Poor USA! You are in the hands of an abuser.
At least under Obama's administration, they were containing with good strategies North Korea.
It is impossible to change the world. Not even possible to change oneself in a tweak of an eye. Obama knew that. Trump does not know that as his ego takes all the place. Poor USA! You are in the hands of an abuser.
7
One is known by whom one chooses to represent oneself.
I consider people like Trump Mobius Loops wrapped into their own navels. I have no use for them.
I consider people like Trump Mobius Loops wrapped into their own navels. I have no use for them.
1
You cannot negotiate with someone who is mentally challenged!!!!
Donald Trump shut your ignorant mouth,it's not your life you're putting in jeopardy,it's hundreds of thousands of South Koreans,American soldiers and others.You don't know what you're doing you never did and you never will.
Get out of the office you are disgracing.
Donald Trump shut your ignorant mouth,it's not your life you're putting in jeopardy,it's hundreds of thousands of South Koreans,American soldiers and others.You don't know what you're doing you never did and you never will.
Get out of the office you are disgracing.
14
It seems inconceivable that Kim Jong-un has absolute power in all decisions. He surely must have advisors who give him an assessment of options available and consequences in this matter. Militarily, North Korea has limitation should it decide to initiate any action against the US; it does not have a navy or air force or missiles to reach the US mainland. Even a loose canon like Kim Jong-un must realize that the US has the ability to annihilate any country anywhere on earth without stepping one foot in North Korea. The hope. then, is that North Korea's show of military might is just that - a show and that China take effective steps to convince North Korea of it's folly in threatening the US.
3
Three generations of Koreans have experienced this Kim family state religion. They're brainwashed.
Just like the three generations of Americans who have developed some weird connection between their government and God.
Just like the three generations of Americans who have developed some weird connection between their government and God.
4
Red China and the Soviet Union created this monster -- N. Korea. It's long overdue for them to fix the problem... instead of expecting the US to sit and wait until N. Korea fires a nuclear bomb at Tokyo or Seattle.
3
A mad man sits in his office with his finger on the nuclear trigger. The slightest provocation could set him off.
In the meantime, Kim Jung-un contemplates his options.
In the meantime, Kim Jung-un contemplates his options.
11
Not upset, angry and fearful of this administration yet? You should be.
13
There is and has been, an understandable impulse to find a way to negotiate with the regime in North Korea. However, it is more of a projection of our own values on the crime family that runs that state than it is a thing that will do anything but kick the can down the road for another administration to cope with. The fact is that, like the Assad family in Syria, the regime in North Korea cares not at all about its citizens well being and would sacrifice all of them without blinking in order to maintain ownership of what it regards as its private property. So, negotiating with North Korea is an admission that they have won another round and will continue to blackmail us with their threats, because that is what they do. No, if anyone is sincerely concerned that North Korea should never have nukes and missiles to deliver them, then the only way to prevent that is to obliterate the country, striking it with our most destructive munitions until it is gone. This is a very regrettable thing and many would die in North Korea who are prisoners more that citizens but, that is all on the North Korean crime family who have, over the years, been holding them hostage for use as pawns and counting on the good will and humanity of their adversary. That is it, and it isn't pretty, and I can certainly understand why so many world leaders seek an alternative, but, as we have seen in Syria, there isn't one.
4
China actually has little incentive to solve this problem entirely. NK is a source of perpetual influence for China in the world stage, a bargaining chip that never quits. China wants status quo, essentially.
3
They do not want a million plus starvcing Koreans.
4
And to think, all during the campaign there were voices in the wilderness ranting about how HRC was a "warhawk".
At least she wouldn't have defunded the State Department so significantly that the only alternative to diplomacy, was a military one.
Is America great again yet?
At least she wouldn't have defunded the State Department so significantly that the only alternative to diplomacy, was a military one.
Is America great again yet?
13
China has an official policy of political non-interference but I don't see how they can avoid that situation with S and N Korea right next door. The reality is that there are very few hot points in the world with the potential for nuclear exchange. This is one of them. China's leadership needs to stand up and be counted to stop this tit-for-tat nonsense right in its own backyard.
Whatever the new Trump administration is doing is irrelevant. This situation has persisted for 60 years. Doesn't anyone in the world think it is time to end this stupid nonsense? Going to war is how we got into this mess. Has anyone tried to just "stop"? All of the people who fought in the Korean War are DEAD (or close to it). Time to solve it and move on. The world has other long-term intractable problems.
Whatever the new Trump administration is doing is irrelevant. This situation has persisted for 60 years. Doesn't anyone in the world think it is time to end this stupid nonsense? Going to war is how we got into this mess. Has anyone tried to just "stop"? All of the people who fought in the Korean War are DEAD (or close to it). Time to solve it and move on. The world has other long-term intractable problems.
Where is Congress in all of this? It needs to speak out and control Trump so that he does not engage the United States in a war that no one wants, that threatens Americans in many locations, and that otherwise puts us at risk of having to defend, at a minimum, South Korea...where we have thousands of troops at risk.
The United States does not give a free hand to anyone, President or otherwise, to simply begin a war on a whim. The United States Congress is the entity that declares war, not some lazy ill-informed President that could otherwise jeopardize us all. He neither makes us safe nor puts America first.
The United States does not give a free hand to anyone, President or otherwise, to simply begin a war on a whim. The United States Congress is the entity that declares war, not some lazy ill-informed President that could otherwise jeopardize us all. He neither makes us safe nor puts America first.
4
Attacking American military bases is tantamount to North Korea committing suicide. A mistake that could not be undone.
7
Suicide to get other people to kill each other is one of the most creepy common occurrences of these millenarian times. The Kim crowd may nurture a hope to get China and the US to obliterate each other, leaving them to emerge from their deep bunkers to enjoy a golden age.
Too bad death is the only beam-up off this rock. The majority of people are stark raving mad.
Too bad death is the only beam-up off this rock. The majority of people are stark raving mad.
6
Another worry is, could Kimmy pass off some of his nuclear warheads to ISIS? He could use the Jihadis as a delivery system to NYC, London, wherever by way of commercial shipping. That would be impossible to trace and much better than his unreliable long range missiles.
3
I'm no fan of Trump but let's get things straight... fluffy-headed tweety bird started his inane, hostile chirping about North Korea well after little Kim started his serious testing of new ICBM's that could reach the west coast at minimum. That capability alone is the game changer that cannot go unheeded. How we address that provocation is debatable but not the real and present danger this new development presents to us as a nation.
1
Kim's provocation points east and west.
If Trump and Xi don't understand that the Young Un wants to get them to kill each other, they're dumber than sacks of rocks.
If Trump and Xi don't understand that the Young Un wants to get them to kill each other, they're dumber than sacks of rocks.
4
Thinking a bit out of the box here, but shouldn't the US encourage North Korea to test as much (like all) of their fissile material as possible. Testing isn't use, and the more they test the less they'll have to use!
2
Donald Trump vs. Kim Jong-un.
Aren't we lucky. Can you think of two bigger losers just when the world needs some wisdom?
Aren't we lucky. Can you think of two bigger losers just when the world needs some wisdom?
9
Trump and Kim will obliterate North and South Korea, including our fleet off shore. and Japan. Initial nuclear fallout will harm China, Japan, Alaska, Western Canada, California, etc. Nuclear haze over the planet and fewer people to burn gas and oil will rapidly slow global warming. Millions will die quickly. Billions slowly from loss of oxygen and breathing nuclear dust. "Higher" species and poorer people will go first. China will "own" the Korean Peninsula which will uninhabitable. America will lose its heart for war. US Republican government will instate the draft leading to civil war. As talented techies flee to Canada, West Coast economic engines collapse. Initially the US economy grows by producing war material, but ultimately it runs out of food/money/will. Trump is re-elected in 2020 - Ivanka and Jared's senile puppet. Trump doesn't care if species die off - as long as he is re-elected. His sons daughters will continue to lead lives shielded from reality, as his voters survive on tweets and branding.
Billions overrun Western Europe, displaced from deserts like Syria.
Nuclear explosions create dust in the upper atmosphere, blocking the sun for decades, perhaps centuries. Billions of people, animals, and fish starve and become extinct. Fewer people pump less carbon into the atmosphere and oceans, but oxygen falls: sunlight enables plants to produce oxygen - the fuel of all life on Earth. So we will die out. Christian Sharia forbids teaching science in public schools.
Billions overrun Western Europe, displaced from deserts like Syria.
Nuclear explosions create dust in the upper atmosphere, blocking the sun for decades, perhaps centuries. Billions of people, animals, and fish starve and become extinct. Fewer people pump less carbon into the atmosphere and oceans, but oxygen falls: sunlight enables plants to produce oxygen - the fuel of all life on Earth. So we will die out. Christian Sharia forbids teaching science in public schools.
2
Yeah, but what about the e-mails?
6
I could wax sapiently and senditious on the issue, however I believe if the principals took the time to review the Jason Robards & John Lithgow classic, "The Day After," perhaps, maybe just perhaps, cooler, judicious and sane heads will rule the day. As Steveland Morris noted, "I Wish."
3
No one seems to appreciate how deep and how far this goes. This wouldn't even be an issue if China would stop supplying NK with missle parts and guidance systems. China has been doing this for decades and through many presidents just to see how far they can push our buttons. And Dump is falling for it hook, line, and sinker. China can wait through generations to gain the high ground, Dump can't see the end of his nose.
3
There is only on long term solution to this crisis and that begins with the goal of a unified, democratic, nuclear-free, secure Korea. The first and most important step is for the United States to pack up and leave. All US forces must leave. Secondly, the United Korea must deal with the current leadership vacuum in South Korea and the nut ruling North Korea. A US free Korea is hard for American colonialists to grasp, but this problem is of our own making. You cannot interrupt history without consequences.
2
I have absolutely no idea how this will pan out. Approaching N.Korea are a lot of big scary US ships and two "leaders" who do not wish to lose face. I imagine that if anything goes bang, the first response from N. Korea will be to zap Seoul. N. Korean weapons may not be state of the art, but they have a heck of a lot of them. They also have a huge army of apparently determined combatants. China would be less than pleased if a lot of fallout drifted their way, so that probably rules out the nuclear option. For many ordinary people out here, This is brinkmanship of the most terrifying variety. I wonder who will blink first?
4
If it comes to the point that we must preeminently attack North Korea, I hope Trump realizes it must be massive in scope. It cannot be just a small "signal" attack on his nuclear sites. Why not? Because Kim would immediately attack Seoul and our troops in South Korea and cause many deaths and casualties. Therefore, a massive attack against all of his ability to strike South Korea is needed. However, this too is not a really good option either for a lot of reasons. Hopefully, it will never be necessary. A better option, if it ever can be arranged, is for a joint resolution between the US and China that a state of war will exist if North Korea attacks any Country with conventional or nuclear weapons, making it clear the full power of the US and China will completely destroy North Korea.
2
The North Koreans always bluster, but due to the weakness of the past 3 US presidents they have become a nuclear adversary.
Buying them off with oil, food etc. has totally failed and has only allowed them to continue their militaristic buildup.
Ring any bells? At first, Hitler only wanted to get a toehold back in the Rheinland, then militarize it, then engage in pan-Germanism (Austria, Sudetenland, the Polish Corridor). Well, guess what followed?
Appeasement doesn't work. We should tell China bluntly: rein in your terrorist ally or we will take them out--and make it clear that we have no other designs in the area other than getting rid of the Kim clan and their claque of militarists.
And if we don't act, then what? Wait for nuclear tipped warheads that can strike the US? Continued violations of pointless UN resolutions? More missile launches and threats to Japan?
Too bad it has come to this, but the usual suspects have no alternative answer. Appeasers mouth wonderful words but those words mean nothing and usually wind up in a pile of ashes--like the current state of affairs in Syria. If only Obama had taken out Assad's air forces in 2013. There would be far fewer dead Syrians and far fewer refugees. Appeasement and empty words don't work.
Buying them off with oil, food etc. has totally failed and has only allowed them to continue their militaristic buildup.
Ring any bells? At first, Hitler only wanted to get a toehold back in the Rheinland, then militarize it, then engage in pan-Germanism (Austria, Sudetenland, the Polish Corridor). Well, guess what followed?
Appeasement doesn't work. We should tell China bluntly: rein in your terrorist ally or we will take them out--and make it clear that we have no other designs in the area other than getting rid of the Kim clan and their claque of militarists.
And if we don't act, then what? Wait for nuclear tipped warheads that can strike the US? Continued violations of pointless UN resolutions? More missile launches and threats to Japan?
Too bad it has come to this, but the usual suspects have no alternative answer. Appeasers mouth wonderful words but those words mean nothing and usually wind up in a pile of ashes--like the current state of affairs in Syria. If only Obama had taken out Assad's air forces in 2013. There would be far fewer dead Syrians and far fewer refugees. Appeasement and empty words don't work.
3
too bad the GOP congress refused to give him authorization.
6
I'd bet your not writing from Seoul. Easy to be a tough guy thousands of miles away.
4
It is time for north korea to fade into oblivion.
1
It may be a better idea to speak to your enemy before you begin the war.
3
The investigations into trump's dealings with the Russian government are still continuing.
We're still digging donald.
We're still digging donald.
5
Well this may result in unexpected outcome.
Have you ever watched two 4-yr-olds play together?
Let's hope there is an adult in each country's operations room guiding the two rapidly maturing toddlers responsible for making decisions in whether to start a war that would kill hundreds of thousands of civilians ... this includes babies Mr. Trump.
Have you ever watched two 4-yr-olds play together?
Let's hope there is an adult in each country's operations room guiding the two rapidly maturing toddlers responsible for making decisions in whether to start a war that would kill hundreds of thousands of civilians ... this includes babies Mr. Trump.
5
Whats the problem 25M Vs >400M
1
There is little doubt that, sadly, we still have a few medieval human societies still inhabiting our planet. Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Syria of course easily come to mind.
But among them the most menacing is the nation that has closed itself off and decided to remain a fully militarized, Nazi-style, Stalinist-born menace to humankind: North Korea.
Though small and relatively insignificant overall, the protection China has given it over the years allowed it to fester like an infected pus-hole for years, because it served to provide a little geo-strategic power balance.
No more. There will be no strategic value any longer. Had North Korea simply remained it's backwards self, and not threatened its neighbors proactively -- we'd probably just lump it in with all there other contaminated, evil dictatorships of the planet. But it has not remained quiet: Like Nazi Germany bristling with weapons, it longs to use them. What's the point of marching with red Nazi-Stalinist flags if there's nobody to kill?
You can believe in the Love Everybody school of international relations, as Barack Obama did. No problem, it's your right. With borderline menaces, it can even work.
With metastasized dictatorships like ISIS or North Korea, only full and total force gets their attention.
China: Your smartest strategic move is to remove this clownish little fat baby leading North Korea. Replace him with someone from the 21st century. Now..
But among them the most menacing is the nation that has closed itself off and decided to remain a fully militarized, Nazi-style, Stalinist-born menace to humankind: North Korea.
Though small and relatively insignificant overall, the protection China has given it over the years allowed it to fester like an infected pus-hole for years, because it served to provide a little geo-strategic power balance.
No more. There will be no strategic value any longer. Had North Korea simply remained it's backwards self, and not threatened its neighbors proactively -- we'd probably just lump it in with all there other contaminated, evil dictatorships of the planet. But it has not remained quiet: Like Nazi Germany bristling with weapons, it longs to use them. What's the point of marching with red Nazi-Stalinist flags if there's nobody to kill?
You can believe in the Love Everybody school of international relations, as Barack Obama did. No problem, it's your right. With borderline menaces, it can even work.
With metastasized dictatorships like ISIS or North Korea, only full and total force gets their attention.
China: Your smartest strategic move is to remove this clownish little fat baby leading North Korea. Replace him with someone from the 21st century. Now..
11
Hopefully we can remove our own fat baby man dictator wannabe. Look in the mirror.
5
@Gideon Marks. Your analysis seems to align with past words out of Trump's mouth, but saner minds now seem to hold sway. Generals McMaster and Mattis are sober, educated realists and the Goldman Sachs crowd in the cabinet know war is bad for business. So Trump is really the outlier (leaving aside he's the illegitimately elected puppet of Putin). Let's hope neither he nor your sentiments rule the day. Otherwise there will be a lot of dead Koreans along with significant numbers of US servicemen and Japanese.
1
With all due respect, this is simply factually wrong. North Korea was minding its own business for years, so much so that it was invariably referred to as the "hermit kingdom."
Eventually, The Economist magazine ran a cover featuring North Korea's leader with a headline "Hello World." The magazine claimed that it was time for North Korea to become part of the rest of the world -- that is, part of the US-controlled international economy on the search for new cheap Asian labor markets.
The US, and South Korea, and Japan, wanted control of North Korea in their search for (1) new markets, (2) new sources of raw materials, and (3) new cheap labor -- the same they have sought everywhere else in Asia. North Koreans could be put to work as new cheap labor manufacturing textiles and sneakers, and parts for computers (its population is well-educated, but can be made to work for peanuts if the US can dictate terms, as elsewhere in Asia).
Increasingly, the US authorities have talked of "regime change" -- as they did in Iraq, Libya, and Syria, with the disastrous results in those countries that we have seen. North Korea's leaders, like the rest of the world, watched as the US went to war against those countries as soon as they gave up their nuclear and WMD deterrents. I doubt that any more countries will now make the same mistake, given US behavior. On the contrary, like North Korea, they will hasten to build them. Who can blame them?
Eventually, The Economist magazine ran a cover featuring North Korea's leader with a headline "Hello World." The magazine claimed that it was time for North Korea to become part of the rest of the world -- that is, part of the US-controlled international economy on the search for new cheap Asian labor markets.
The US, and South Korea, and Japan, wanted control of North Korea in their search for (1) new markets, (2) new sources of raw materials, and (3) new cheap labor -- the same they have sought everywhere else in Asia. North Koreans could be put to work as new cheap labor manufacturing textiles and sneakers, and parts for computers (its population is well-educated, but can be made to work for peanuts if the US can dictate terms, as elsewhere in Asia).
Increasingly, the US authorities have talked of "regime change" -- as they did in Iraq, Libya, and Syria, with the disastrous results in those countries that we have seen. North Korea's leaders, like the rest of the world, watched as the US went to war against those countries as soon as they gave up their nuclear and WMD deterrents. I doubt that any more countries will now make the same mistake, given US behavior. On the contrary, like North Korea, they will hasten to build them. Who can blame them?
1. N. Korea has legitimate security concerns, facing superior military powers, including , for that matter, China
2. It's defence policy is rational, given US military invasions
3. China has rational security concern of not having US troops at his borders - which would happen if N and S Korea were united and the US would not withdraw. Failure to withdraw appear likely given US policy to contain a rising China with allies (Japan [former enemy], Taiwan, Vietnam [former enemy] , Philippines, Australia, India) . The UK pursued the same containment strategy against a rising competitor, Germany, as the US settling conflicts with former adversaries to achieve i(France, Russia) its goal. The result was WW I.
4. History shows that stable arrangement between large powers benefit from the presence of small buffer States , scrupulously neutral. Belgium, Finland, Switzerland, being examples
5. The outline of a solution have long been clear. A US -China deal in which the US withdrawal from S.Korea, turning S. Korea into a neutral buffer State, in return, joint US and China security guaranties for both N and S Korea, and economic development of N. Korea for nuclear disarmament.
6. A successful precedent was Austria following WW II where both the US and the USSR withdrew their occupying forces in return for neutrality
6. Why has it not yet happened ?
a) See 3
b) S. Korea , as Germany after WW II, is too valuable to US commercial
interests to be traded
2. It's defence policy is rational, given US military invasions
3. China has rational security concern of not having US troops at his borders - which would happen if N and S Korea were united and the US would not withdraw. Failure to withdraw appear likely given US policy to contain a rising China with allies (Japan [former enemy], Taiwan, Vietnam [former enemy] , Philippines, Australia, India) . The UK pursued the same containment strategy against a rising competitor, Germany, as the US settling conflicts with former adversaries to achieve i(France, Russia) its goal. The result was WW I.
4. History shows that stable arrangement between large powers benefit from the presence of small buffer States , scrupulously neutral. Belgium, Finland, Switzerland, being examples
5. The outline of a solution have long been clear. A US -China deal in which the US withdrawal from S.Korea, turning S. Korea into a neutral buffer State, in return, joint US and China security guaranties for both N and S Korea, and economic development of N. Korea for nuclear disarmament.
6. A successful precedent was Austria following WW II where both the US and the USSR withdrew their occupying forces in return for neutrality
6. Why has it not yet happened ?
a) See 3
b) S. Korea , as Germany after WW II, is too valuable to US commercial
interests to be traded
14
This rocky and rather barren and harsh patch of land has delusions of grandeur about anyone else wanting to conquer it.
1
Talesofgenji, your points are well stated and insightful. I believe that 95%+ of Americans either are not cognizant or do not understand #1 & #2. And I believe over an extended period of time with consistent focus and persistent internationally coordinated effort it would work. However there are three problems.
1. Violent dictatorships like the current one in North Korea require an object of fear to be sustained. Your confidence in their willingness to bring about a broader succession of tensions exceeds my own confidence in their ultimate willingness.
2. Consider the current American administration and the words "over an extended period of time with consistent focus and persistent internationally coordinated effort" required for any major departure from historic patterns, and I would question anyone's confidence. Orchestrating an Easter egg hunt is a challenge to those people.
3. What would the South Korean defense requirements be without the American presence? To counter balance the enormous investment in the North Korean military, would it crush their vital albeit small economy?
But I very much appreciate your ideas which are very new to me and could lay the basis for more reasonable policies in a future administration, especially a competent Republican administration. "Only Nixon could go to China".
1. Violent dictatorships like the current one in North Korea require an object of fear to be sustained. Your confidence in their willingness to bring about a broader succession of tensions exceeds my own confidence in their ultimate willingness.
2. Consider the current American administration and the words "over an extended period of time with consistent focus and persistent internationally coordinated effort" required for any major departure from historic patterns, and I would question anyone's confidence. Orchestrating an Easter egg hunt is a challenge to those people.
3. What would the South Korean defense requirements be without the American presence? To counter balance the enormous investment in the North Korean military, would it crush their vital albeit small economy?
But I very much appreciate your ideas which are very new to me and could lay the basis for more reasonable policies in a future administration, especially a competent Republican administration. "Only Nixon could go to China".
1
It is hard to imagine how close to the DMZ is to Seoul SK. For NK lobbing shells on it would be the same as Dulles Airport lobbing shells on the Capitol Building. South korea would bare the brunt of any attack at this moment as North Korea is only now developing systems that can deliver Nuclear weapons further. Is Kim willing to destroy the Korean people in total for his own sense of pride. For us it is hard to imagine, but the history of the human race has seen many examples of this. How to face our own inhumanity and overcome it is the Question.
11
There are obviously many Americans inclined to destroy what they cannot have as well. The general tribal population competition for hegemony of the whole planet includes many people with this attitude. And then there are those who just want the world to die with them, since they know they cannot escape death themselves.
5
The Republicans, the DC military culture, the national security apparatus, the military contractors, all want this -- a bombing, tough, bullying, military bigshot America throwing its weight around the world, just like in the movies. That culture, that mindset, is, curiously about on par with the culture or mindset of North Korea -- no wonder we're now on the brink of war with them.
Look at how the media, the DC establishment, the military-industrial complex praised Trump for dropping 59 bombs on Syria, and now there's Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan. We've been down this road with the military before; they're clueless blockheads (do remember Viet Nam, Iraq). He's apparently "unleashed them," while silencing and suppressing the State Department. Just great.
This is on you too, NYT.
Look at how the media, the DC establishment, the military-industrial complex praised Trump for dropping 59 bombs on Syria, and now there's Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan. We've been down this road with the military before; they're clueless blockheads (do remember Viet Nam, Iraq). He's apparently "unleashed them," while silencing and suppressing the State Department. Just great.
This is on you too, NYT.
12
China should put a muzzle on its pet bulldog, North Korea. China has always had the power and position to stop NK from attaining nukes. A pox on them and their underling.
9
Trump is the right man to handle this sensitive nuclear showdown.
5
Now is no time for jokes.
5
Ironically China is acting like the grownups in this situation. However since they enable North Korea by doing business with them they need to do more to rein in North Korea. We have a shoot first and ask questions later kind of President who's not up to the task.
Frankly this situation with North Korea grows old. They always throw military temper tantrums to get concessions and it always works. Their new leader just wants to show he's as though as his father and grandfather before him.
Frankly this situation with North Korea grows old. They always throw military temper tantrums to get concessions and it always works. Their new leader just wants to show he's as though as his father and grandfather before him.
7
What you say may be true, but at the same time, his father and grandfather didn't have nuclear weapons.
That changes matters significantly.
That changes matters significantly.
3
Mr. Xi there is an saying in the US. If you are part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Time to get moving Mr. Xi. The problem of North Korea today is a small fraction of what it will be in 2 years.
The time for waiting is past.
The time for waiting is past.
7
Mr. Xi knows that US officials said exactly the same thing about China when they acquired the bomb in 1963. China was said to be ruled by madmen. China was on the march: first Vietnam, then Cambodia and Laos, then Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, then Australia, with nothing to stop them between there and San Diego. China had to be stopped immediately. Two years later would be too late.
Eventually, RAND Corporation and later Cornell Professor David Mozingo made the argument that Chinese statements in the 1960s were actually a call for China to withdraw from its International commitments, that its nuclear program was a deterrent, and that it wasn't China that had invaded every rock and island in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea: it was the US.
It took the failure of US murderous idiocy in Vietnam for Washington to realize that it was suffering from the psychological disorder known as projection, and to make the deal with China that they could have made years before -- the same as they could have made with North Korea, and still can.
But don't expect North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons: China didn't, nor should it have. The world has seen what the US and NATO did to Iraq, Libya and Syria, and knows that it would be utterly mad for any country to give up any deterrent they have.
Eventually, RAND Corporation and later Cornell Professor David Mozingo made the argument that Chinese statements in the 1960s were actually a call for China to withdraw from its International commitments, that its nuclear program was a deterrent, and that it wasn't China that had invaded every rock and island in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea: it was the US.
It took the failure of US murderous idiocy in Vietnam for Washington to realize that it was suffering from the psychological disorder known as projection, and to make the deal with China that they could have made years before -- the same as they could have made with North Korea, and still can.
But don't expect North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons: China didn't, nor should it have. The world has seen what the US and NATO did to Iraq, Libya and Syria, and knows that it would be utterly mad for any country to give up any deterrent they have.
The world is not big enough for two immature babies. United States has the ability to remove one of them. Let the rest of the world get together to remove the other.
10
A question to all of you Trump voters who "just wanted to shake things up": Are you shaking yet?
11
No. A solution is required in N. Korea and Trump is up to the challenge, unlike his predecessor.
2
Just watched a documentary on PBS about WWI. After several years Wilson, an intellectual and religious man very reluctantly had the United States enter the war. Unfortunately both Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump do not at all have these character traits. They have character traits more in line with the people in power who started and sustained the war. The same is true for WWII.
4
US aggression is not limited to N. Korea, but the South China Sea and another 'weapons of mass destruction' scenario in Syria, in its pursuit to take out seven countries in five years in the middle east (General Wesley Clarke). Trump is a puppet for the military Industrial complex and his elitist billionaire, Zionist friends whose depopulation, resource stealing, power and profit addiction are the outcome of psychopaths whose take over of our government puts the American people (and has already put our foreign friends) in the way of destruction, displacement and death.
What is being done to others will be done to us too. This is what happens when power is left unchecked. The Russians, Chinese, and Syrians and other countries not affiliated with the Saudis or Israelis want PEACE.
The epitome of sociopathic behavior is war packaged as humanitarian intervention. ONLY sociopaths think war is a better approach than peace.
The elites care not for the American people...
What is being done to others will be done to us too. This is what happens when power is left unchecked. The Russians, Chinese, and Syrians and other countries not affiliated with the Saudis or Israelis want PEACE.
The epitome of sociopathic behavior is war packaged as humanitarian intervention. ONLY sociopaths think war is a better approach than peace.
The elites care not for the American people...
2
China needs to curb its dog before someone has to shoot it. It wouldn't be easy; it would be like facing a Rotweiller armed with a stout stick. You'd likely win but get hurt in the process.
Or its owner could shorten its leash.
Or its owner could shorten its leash.
3
Commentators have uniformly failed to understand the true nature of the threat from NK: everyone says that NK wants nukes for defense, to deter the US from attacking, and that consequently, the US needs to sign a peace treaty and accept NK as a nuclear power. This is manifestly false. NK does not need and has never needed nukes to defend itself, nor to deter a US attack. Deterrence was accomplished many years ago when NK placed thousands of artillery pieces and short-range missiles within striking range of Seoul, capable of devastating the most populated part of SK within hours. These weapon systems are extremely well defended in tunnels such that they cannot be neutralized quickly, and are more than adequate for continuing deterrence. NK also has huge amounts of chemical weapons which can be loaded onto medium range missiles to strike anywhere in Japan and as far away as Guam. It also has biological weapons, which have probably been placed overseas with agents, capable of surreptitious use in case of war. Nuclear weapons are completely unnecessary for the defense of NK. Rather, they have an OFFENSIVE intended use: to extort concessions from Japan, SK and the US, to checkmate China from trying to impose truly effective sanctions, and to force the US off of the Korean Peninsula, once the situation becomes so perilous that the US simply decides to abandon the defense of SK. It will be difficult and dangerous to try to disabuse NK of its mindset about the utility of WMD.
8
What are you saying?
Think about what happened to other small countries without nuke - Iraq, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan.
It is perfectly *rational* for North Korea as well as Iran to pursue nuclear weapon as ultimate deterrent.
They can't be at the mercy of trusting Americans to always elect statesmen like JFK or Obama and more importantly not to elect novice fools with no understanding of policy like Trump or Bush.
It is better to be safe than sorry from their point of view. Of course individual rational decisions are not necessarily safe for humanity as a whole, climate change and coal policies by individual countries being another example.
Think about what happened to other small countries without nuke - Iraq, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan.
It is perfectly *rational* for North Korea as well as Iran to pursue nuclear weapon as ultimate deterrent.
They can't be at the mercy of trusting Americans to always elect statesmen like JFK or Obama and more importantly not to elect novice fools with no understanding of policy like Trump or Bush.
It is better to be safe than sorry from their point of view. Of course individual rational decisions are not necessarily safe for humanity as a whole, climate change and coal policies by individual countries being another example.
1
Just as it took Putin to rescue Obama from the Syrian quagmire of his own making, so too it will be Putin that will come to Trump’s rescue from the impending Korean Peninsula quagmire of his own making.
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose n’est pas!
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose n’est pas!
1
Nothing to worry about. The lunatic from North Korea is a blowhard like Trump. He's not interested in blowing up his country, and Trump blurts out statements that he absolutely no matter ntention of backing up hopeing the press and the public will soon forget he ever made them. Rembrandt those two private detectives gives he supposedly sent to Hawaii to check on Obamas birth cirtificate. I'd give a million bucks if he can produce those two withe so called report, their plane tickets and hotel receipts. BTW how's the Vice President and his special committee doing researching those 3 million illegal voters that all voted for Hillary? huh?
4
It's 103 years since the First World War of Empire was started among some of the European HQed Empires, 78 years since one economically punished European Empire, headed by and an overtly arrogant 'Empire-thinking' and acting 'Leader' (German term Fuhrer) aggressively launched the Second World War of Empires, now a former country and former democratic Republic, that birthed itself against an Empire, but is now headed by an Empire-builder, Empire-branded, 'Empire-thinking' (and acting) Emperor is apparently unconcerned --- or hasn't yet thought about trying to go beyond being a "policeman to the world", or even, he says, "The President of the World" --- but seems to be moving toward being the 'Emperor of the World'.
3
Terror. We have one belligerent, authorian maniac in a stand-off with our own belligerent, authoritarian maniac. One would feel better if our maniac could demonstrate some consistency in policy or discipline in strategic thinking. All that we know about him is that such reliability is not present. That, alone, should make the rest of the world -- peace-loving and not -- shudder. Imagine how nervous our traditional allies must be with this wholly unpredictable man in charge -- a man with no central core of belief -- about anything except his ego. What we surely know is the now reasonable fear that on a whim his trigger-happy rhetoric can become realized into military action. We are wise to trust that his instincts are undisciplined by advice, knowledge, or even compassion. Would someone -- anyone -- please stand between Donald Trump and his authority to set the world aflame?
7
On one side is an authoritarian, xenophobic nationalist, with an us versus them mentality, armed with the bomb with a supporting cast in the government who are interested in only thing, maintaining power at any cost. On the other side, there is North Korea.
10
The Republicans criticized Obama for drawing the red line in Syria. However, Trump is drawing red lines all over the place. He is painting our country into a corner. Idiot diplomacy, I call it.
13
A couple of observations:
1. China has called our bluff.
2. A lot of empty gestures from Xi to Trump about what they're doing to "contain" NK.
3. Trump is banking on Xi turning his back on NK.
In sum: China is playing along to the point where Trump is going to back himself into a corner. We have a lot more to lose than NK. And no way China turns their back on an ally to appease/help the US. This is going to either end up in war, or another embarrassment for this administration.
1. China has called our bluff.
2. A lot of empty gestures from Xi to Trump about what they're doing to "contain" NK.
3. Trump is banking on Xi turning his back on NK.
In sum: China is playing along to the point where Trump is going to back himself into a corner. We have a lot more to lose than NK. And no way China turns their back on an ally to appease/help the US. This is going to either end up in war, or another embarrassment for this administration.
1
Our intelligence services receive an underwhelming amount of information about and from NK, we citizens know even less. China and its leadership could help us with more information flow, but play their cards close to the chest and trust with China remains at a premium. We are essentially flying in the dark.
The known facts are stark:
1. We have rogue regime in NK with an extremely unpredictable leader
2. NK has nuclear capability and continues it's program of development
3. NK continues it's missile development program
3. NK has ICBM ambitions
4. Kim and his regime have expressed hatred toward us (and the west in general)
5. The diplomatic route (sanctions) has had limited success, and Kim continues to threaten
One facet remains clear, we cannot allow NK to advance their nuclear program and marry it to their advancing missile (ICBM) development. This is a CRITICAL matter of national security for the U.S. and our allies- China has been informed.
The real scary aspect to this is ALL the 'game playing' scenarios played-out at the Pentagon result in our use of nukes, very possibly preemptively. Our start point may be a 'lesson' from the Cuban Missile crisis and Pres. Kennedy's 'quarantine'. but that relies heavily on China. Can we trust China?
China's role is critical. Watch and listen to China- how NK behaves, what NK does is almost incidental. Is China with us, or against us? Trump is currently negotiating the biggest deal of OUR lives in the background. Make it work.
The known facts are stark:
1. We have rogue regime in NK with an extremely unpredictable leader
2. NK has nuclear capability and continues it's program of development
3. NK continues it's missile development program
3. NK has ICBM ambitions
4. Kim and his regime have expressed hatred toward us (and the west in general)
5. The diplomatic route (sanctions) has had limited success, and Kim continues to threaten
One facet remains clear, we cannot allow NK to advance their nuclear program and marry it to their advancing missile (ICBM) development. This is a CRITICAL matter of national security for the U.S. and our allies- China has been informed.
The real scary aspect to this is ALL the 'game playing' scenarios played-out at the Pentagon result in our use of nukes, very possibly preemptively. Our start point may be a 'lesson' from the Cuban Missile crisis and Pres. Kennedy's 'quarantine'. but that relies heavily on China. Can we trust China?
China's role is critical. Watch and listen to China- how NK behaves, what NK does is almost incidental. Is China with us, or against us? Trump is currently negotiating the biggest deal of OUR lives in the background. Make it work.
3
The known facts, for North Korea and much of the rest of the world, are stark:
1. We have rogue regime in Washington with an extremely unpredictable leader
2. US has nuclear capability and continues its program of development
3. US is the only country ever to have used atomic weapons in war, and constantly threatens to use them again ("no option off the table"; " tactical nuclear weapons," "nuclear bunker busters"; "nuke Hanoi/Teheran/Baghdad" etc. )
4. US continues its missile development program
5. US has ICBM capability
6. Trump and his regime have expressed hatred toward North Korea and much of the rest of the world, and US authorities constantly carry out completely illegal and unprovoked invasions ("regime change") with disastrous results for the countries involved
7. The diplomatic route has had limited success, and Trump continues to threaten
One facet remains clear, we cannot allow Trump to advance his nuclear program and threaten the rest of the world. This is a CRITICAL matter of national security for the North Korea and many other countries where US rulers plan "regime change."
China has been informed.
The real scary aspect to this is ALL the 'game playing' scenarios played-out at the Pentagon result in US use of nukes, very possibly preemptively.
The only thing holding back the warlords in Washington, as far as North Korea is concerned, is North Korea's nuclear deterrent.
.
1. We have rogue regime in Washington with an extremely unpredictable leader
2. US has nuclear capability and continues its program of development
3. US is the only country ever to have used atomic weapons in war, and constantly threatens to use them again ("no option off the table"; " tactical nuclear weapons," "nuclear bunker busters"; "nuke Hanoi/Teheran/Baghdad" etc. )
4. US continues its missile development program
5. US has ICBM capability
6. Trump and his regime have expressed hatred toward North Korea and much of the rest of the world, and US authorities constantly carry out completely illegal and unprovoked invasions ("regime change") with disastrous results for the countries involved
7. The diplomatic route has had limited success, and Trump continues to threaten
One facet remains clear, we cannot allow Trump to advance his nuclear program and threaten the rest of the world. This is a CRITICAL matter of national security for the North Korea and many other countries where US rulers plan "regime change."
China has been informed.
The real scary aspect to this is ALL the 'game playing' scenarios played-out at the Pentagon result in US use of nukes, very possibly preemptively.
The only thing holding back the warlords in Washington, as far as North Korea is concerned, is North Korea's nuclear deterrent.
.
NK is an extremely hierarchical society based on deification of one man and his dead relatives. Kim has methodically eliminated many of his strongest subordinates over the last five years. It is clear that there is not a single military action which would avoid devastating consequences to either us and/or our allies even if we clearly prevailed. Nor is a diplomatic solution seemingly possible as Kim understands that having a nuclear deterrent is the only way to insure his rule is maintained...
And so... rather than contemplating the threat of thermonuclear war, or years of more useless diplomacy as he continues to develop his program and become more dangerous -- wouldn't the more intelligent strategy be to figure out how to eliminate the single source of the problem quietly -- the way his half-brother exited the stage...?
And so... rather than contemplating the threat of thermonuclear war, or years of more useless diplomacy as he continues to develop his program and become more dangerous -- wouldn't the more intelligent strategy be to figure out how to eliminate the single source of the problem quietly -- the way his half-brother exited the stage...?
2
Perhaps Trump should be shown the videos/pictures after Nagasaki/Hiroshima. Maybe he could learn something from these pictures, since he doesn't read or listen. Is there anyone, ANYONE, who has his ear to convince him what a dangerous path we are going down? Does he not know the ramifications of a nuclear war? Why has this man been totally devoid of any learning throughout his lifetime? Oh yes, I forgot, his main purpose was getting in front of the camera and calling in phony information about himself to the media so he could be looked upon as a successful virile man. This is sickening.
1
China is our wheather man that watches the radar for storms? Is it not China that helped develop North Korea? And futhermore it is the wish of China to keep North Korea a dictator state so that it does not lose the Communist influence and a communist ally. As the saying goes, a communist will not wage a war on another communist but internal rivalries co-exist in both the democratic world and the communist world. So, China should use its influence to deter North Korea not to go ballistic with its whims and fancies and a false pride of being a super power, because North Korea is lesser of the least in terms of super power and their missiles can be easily destroyed by our intercepting patriot missiles. Therefore North Korea does not have class when it comes to warfare; all they have is a large army of men and women. What are the North Koreans thinking? Hand to hand combat fight with their bayonets?
2
Sometime near the end, or after, of fighting the Korean war, North Korea urged China to withdraw its troops quickly. China, recognizing that there was more strength in North Korea than they had heretofore recognized, decided to engage North Korea to "Teach it a lesson". Nk kicked China's butt. China withdrew declaring that it had taught NK a lesson. Does anyone remember this?
4
The man in the Oval Office is too busy playing his 19th round of golf and twittering more inane childish stupidity to focus on this.
6
Apropos N. Korea warning:
Do we remember Saddam Hussein's prior to 1990 and 2003 wars?
Do we remember Saddam Hussein's prior to 1990 and 2003 wars?
3
"American officials contend that the two countries have also agreed to share some intelligence — a highly unusual step — about suspected North Korean shipments of arms and other illicit goods... The Bush administration began such a program, called the Proliferation Security Initiative, more than a decade ago, but attention to it has waxed and waned".
Yea, it waned under the Obama administration. Does anyone doubt the proliferation of North Korean nuclear tests and advancement of their ICBM development program during the same period was happenstance?
Yea, it waned under the Obama administration. Does anyone doubt the proliferation of North Korean nuclear tests and advancement of their ICBM development program during the same period was happenstance?
3
Mad King Donald plays golf and eats cake in Mar-a-Lago while the world sits and waits for his latest revelations, and hopes that a conflagration won't be started because of his astute stupidity and arrogance.
Hopefully, the demons in this man's head will grow tired and bored with this insecure and seriously damaged demigod.
Hopefully, the demons in this man's head will grow tired and bored with this insecure and seriously damaged demigod.
3
With mercurial North Korea leader Kim in charge brandishing nuclear weapons and the US building a significant armed force in that region to oppose him the stakes for everyone are very high. If the US responds militarily to another nuclear test by North Korea or if Kim orders an preemptive attack the consequences could be catastrophic for millions. China, as North Korea's only real influential benefactor, can play a role in defusing this potential maelstrom. Under current circumstances the smallest misstep could prove disastrous. "Men do not stumble over mountains but molehills." -- Confucius
3
I have only read scattered articles about issues in Korea and China. I'm no expert. As a citizen, I hope to hear others who have more expertise lay out their views. What I decide is whom to believe has both expertise and wisdom. I don't expect our elected officials to have expertise in all the matters they deal with. What I hope for is elected officials who listen to advisors with both expertise and wisdom. Unfortunately, elected officials choose their advisors. With Trump, I have very little confidence he has selected many with expertise. I have no read on what they are wise about. There are some who are competent, I'm sure. Definitely some who are not. There is nothing to be gained by cornering the N. Koreans who are likely to act impulsively. Their leaders are fearful; the people are cowed. Deescalation will serve us better. Might the N. Koreans use a nuclear weapon some day. Perhaps, but let's not provoke it by clumsy efforts and beating our breasts.
I recommend that President Trump and his Family move to Seoul for a while to demonstrate his confidence in his foreign policy maneuvers.
6
Why are so many world leaders clinically insane? And not for the first time, as we all know. What is it about the rise to power that favors those with seriously nutty characters? I'm sure someone can explain this, but I can't. I have children and grandchildren in South Korea. I have never been so terrified, which started on election night. I will never forgive Trump voters, regardless of what Nick Kristoff advises. Never.
5
It sure feels like Easter after reading the lead stories for this weekend . . . Syria, N Korea, Afghanistan . . . Nice to see Jesus has had such a positive impact on us.
4
"mutual provocation"? The [nasty] mouse that roared.
1
Wow - this week's episode of Apprentice President is the best one yet! Like cats, Lyin' Donnie Trump's supporters just love to see what happens when you push stuff off the edge of the table and onto the floor.
It's entertaining when the cat knocks the pen off the desk, terrifying when an inexperienced and ignorant president who craves adulation starts poking a nuclear despot without any thought to the consequences.
It's entertaining when the cat knocks the pen off the desk, terrifying when an inexperienced and ignorant president who craves adulation starts poking a nuclear despot without any thought to the consequences.
2
Newsflash: President Hillary would be doing exactly the same thing just now. China, South Korea and the U.S. have settled for kicking the can down the road for decades to avoid the unthinkable, diplomacy by the most skilled of the diplomatic diplomats and sanctions have not worked, the U.N. has not worked. Now it is only a choice of forcing the issue before or after he as nuclear ICBMs that can hit Los Angeles, all the while threatening to do it. China is the only lever left to pull. Detest Trump but all of this Trump-blaming is pathetic.
4
1) Trump started his administration by hurling insults at China.
2) He could have top notch talent and expertise guiding a well thought out plan. He refuses.
He took an already fragile situation and made it a thousand times worse.
2) He could have top notch talent and expertise guiding a well thought out plan. He refuses.
He took an already fragile situation and made it a thousand times worse.
@Bob Burns
Why don't you Donald, Jr., Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany Trump along with Jared Kushner lead the way to stop Kim ?
North Korea has not attacked the American homeland. North Korea has no troops near America. America has troops near North Korea and has threatened North Korea. North Korea is a problem for South Korea, China and Japan.
North Korea with nukes is much less of a threat to world peace than Israel, India and Pakistan with nukes.
Why don't you Donald, Jr., Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany Trump along with Jared Kushner lead the way to stop Kim ?
North Korea has not attacked the American homeland. North Korea has no troops near America. America has troops near North Korea and has threatened North Korea. North Korea is a problem for South Korea, China and Japan.
North Korea with nukes is much less of a threat to world peace than Israel, India and Pakistan with nukes.
3
An important element missing from this analysis is the possibility of a coup by the NK military. In a country of 25,000,000 that has been subjected to decades of brutal police state tactics, including mass starvation, surely there are factions that would rejoice in the demise of the Kim dynasty. Perhaps a junta would exchange Jong-Un and his nukes for a UN brokered stable future and lasting peace.
2
Nukes in the hands of the International Mafia, aka The Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/Radical Religion Good Old Boys Party/Corporate Cabal and their hand-picked fellow Robber Barons and mentally deficient who have taken over OUR governments in America at all levels and are attempting to destroy democracy in the world.
What could go wrong? Thanks to deplorable voters across America for your contribution to WW3. Guess it's better than a damn woman being President.
What could go wrong? Thanks to deplorable voters across America for your contribution to WW3. Guess it's better than a damn woman being President.
35
No, we let our globalist elite president leave office eight weeks ago. This administration is the most solidly anti-globalist, anti-elite-snob administration since the 1950's. Sorry to hear that you were trained to hate religious people, though.
2
It would be just as apt to blame the woman and the people who selected her.
Way past the time to stop the blaming of every body who exercised their Constitutional right to their own vote and opinion in an election. Perhaps even if the opinion was "none of the above." Being a woman was not the reason the candidate lost and as I keep saying if that is all you can see you will just keep losing.
Way past the time to stop the blaming of every body who exercised their Constitutional right to their own vote and opinion in an election. Perhaps even if the opinion was "none of the above." Being a woman was not the reason the candidate lost and as I keep saying if that is all you can see you will just keep losing.
2
With every comment you post in this paper, I am more and more convinced you have been hurt and are unhinged, looking for something to glom on to since the cats keep running away.
1
In an ideal world, the United States would agree to sever relations with Saudi Arabia and China would agree to sever relations with North Korea--at the same time. Saudi Arabia and North Korea are both ruled by governments that simply do not deserve external support from a great power. But Donald recently cozied up to Saudi Arabia's leaders in a big way, so that idea is out the window.
I suppose, at the very least, that China's leaders can take comfort in the fact that their support of North Korea hasn't resulted in blowback, e.g. 15 North Korean citizens hijacking four airliners on the same day and crashing them into the skyscrapers and government buildings of Shanghai and Beijing, killing thousands of people.
Donald is a native New Yorker and he saw what happened there on 9/11/2001. Why again did this man treat visiting Saudi leaders with such deference and respect? I'm sure China's leaders watched that and wondered why on earth anybody should give them flak for supporting North Korea.
I suppose, at the very least, that China's leaders can take comfort in the fact that their support of North Korea hasn't resulted in blowback, e.g. 15 North Korean citizens hijacking four airliners on the same day and crashing them into the skyscrapers and government buildings of Shanghai and Beijing, killing thousands of people.
Donald is a native New Yorker and he saw what happened there on 9/11/2001. Why again did this man treat visiting Saudi leaders with such deference and respect? I'm sure China's leaders watched that and wondered why on earth anybody should give them flak for supporting North Korea.
12
Worship of the Kim family is the North Korean state religion.
1
Or to get to the hard truth - get rid of relations with Israel and there would have never been a 9/11. We've got multiple high liability allies
2
I'm not a supporter of Saudi Arabia but I think a comparison to NK is a bit over the top. The government of Saudi Arabia does not regularly threaten to destroy America.
2
Kim may be insane, but he's not stupid. He remembers the last leader of a country that voluntarily gave up it's nuclear weapons- Moammar Gadhafi of Libya. Remember what Obama and Hillary did to him to him?
9
That's quite a twist in history. Qaddafi was threatened by rebellion and threaten to annihilate the opposition. Alarmed NATO chose to help your position. You and Trump get your facts mixed up. Or is it you and Republicans.
2
What a twist this is- China is now the adult warning the two psychologically
defective leaders of North Korea and the US to grow up. Can the Trump lemmings finally see what they've done to America?
defective leaders of North Korea and the US to grow up. Can the Trump lemmings finally see what they've done to America?
23
The answer is unfortunately no.
1
The Democratic party war mongers are in on the gig. WE. ARE. NOT. FREE.
Both corrupt parties work for corporation and the MIC. The American people have no one representing their interests
Both corrupt parties work for corporation and the MIC. The American people have no one representing their interests
3
Bill Eddy, specialist in High-Conflict personalities predicted over a year ago that if trump were elected we would be at war within a year.
Does anyone remember him saying that Hillary was unqualified to be Commander-in-Chief because she was "trigger happy"?
How does the base poll on this? Will starting a nuclear make America great again? It's all about the ratings, you know.
Does anyone remember him saying that Hillary was unqualified to be Commander-in-Chief because she was "trigger happy"?
How does the base poll on this? Will starting a nuclear make America great again? It's all about the ratings, you know.
17
"... and a United States naval group neared the peninsula — an American effort to sow doubt in Pyongyang over how President Trump might respond."
Sow doubt in Pyongyang? Pyongyang? Every thinking human being on every continent should be quaking in their boots about how "President" Trump might respond. If our Republican leaders don't come up with a plan to prevent him from pushing the proverbial button, we will all reap what is being 'sown'. How can so few fools have so much destructive power? I weep for our world.
Sow doubt in Pyongyang? Pyongyang? Every thinking human being on every continent should be quaking in their boots about how "President" Trump might respond. If our Republican leaders don't come up with a plan to prevent him from pushing the proverbial button, we will all reap what is being 'sown'. How can so few fools have so much destructive power? I weep for our world.
22
They have already sown this in the middle east too. There is a pipeline in Syria. Robert Kennedy Jr. wrote a long, but brilliant article about the Syrian pipeline, called the Syrian pipeline war. I can't post the article here but a Google search should bring it up.
Remember weapons of mass destruction? 1 MILLION people died in Iraq. That does not include what has been done to the Sudanese, Libyans, Yemenis, Syrians.....American deaths will be in the millions too before Trump and the elites are done
Remember weapons of mass destruction? 1 MILLION people died in Iraq. That does not include what has been done to the Sudanese, Libyans, Yemenis, Syrians.....American deaths will be in the millions too before Trump and the elites are done
1
And how are those Russia investigations going?
25
Russia! Russia! Russia!!
A government invested in peace does not demonize another for the sole purpose of war.
A government invested in peace does not demonize another for the sole purpose of war.
1
Kim Jong-un is more unpredictable, ego-driven and power-mad than Trump is. These two are dangerous children sniping at one another, but it's Trump who is on shaky ground. Of all the countries and leaders in the world to toy with, North Korea and Kim Jong-un are not the ones to choose. Kim is not quite the buffoon that Trump is, and Kim is absolutely ruthless, has a fanatically devoted military, and would destroy millions of his own people to achieve his aims. I don't believe he would hesitate for a minute to deploy a nuclear weapon. Trump can't be sure that his military is ready to sacrifice themselves for him, like the North Koreans would for Kim. Kim could lead his people off a cliff and into the sea. Trump has less than 40% that support him. I doubt many Americans are ready to die for Trump, while millions of North Koreans would welcome the chance to do so for Kim.
13
So North Korea has the bomb. So what?
1. In 1963 China tested its first nuclear weapon, and entered the Club of Nuclear Powers. There was hysteria in Washington. Eight years later, Kissinger was in Beijing, and Nixon came the following year. In the US media, China suddenly changed from dangerous-evil-threat-to-us-all to a wonderful country.
2. Like other countries, North Korea wants to be in the Nuclear Club as a deterrent to the kind of war that the United States and NATO have inflicted on Iraq, Libya, and Syria. Those countries were (and are) dictatorships, but like North Korea they had highways, hospitals, schools, good public transit systems -- all now destroyed. Iraq's and Libya's leaders were humiliated and killed; their family members and associates are now being tortured.
3. Given US behavior in Iraq, Libya, and Syria, North Korea's leaders would have to be utterly mad to give up the bomb. Just as China would have had to have been utterly mad to give up the bomb in the 1960s when the US was going to war in neighboring Vietnam -- and talking about going to war with China.
1. In 1963 China tested its first nuclear weapon, and entered the Club of Nuclear Powers. There was hysteria in Washington. Eight years later, Kissinger was in Beijing, and Nixon came the following year. In the US media, China suddenly changed from dangerous-evil-threat-to-us-all to a wonderful country.
2. Like other countries, North Korea wants to be in the Nuclear Club as a deterrent to the kind of war that the United States and NATO have inflicted on Iraq, Libya, and Syria. Those countries were (and are) dictatorships, but like North Korea they had highways, hospitals, schools, good public transit systems -- all now destroyed. Iraq's and Libya's leaders were humiliated and killed; their family members and associates are now being tortured.
3. Given US behavior in Iraq, Libya, and Syria, North Korea's leaders would have to be utterly mad to give up the bomb. Just as China would have had to have been utterly mad to give up the bomb in the 1960s when the US was going to war in neighboring Vietnam -- and talking about going to war with China.
13
The US should drop a MOAB on the North Korean military parade.
In one fell swoop, the Kim family wiped out, the upper echelon of the party and the military wiped out, at least one sample of their latest technology and weapon wiped out.
It would cost a lot less loss of innocent or civilian lives. Sure, there'll be some, but still a lot less than a protracted war.
In one fell swoop, the Kim family wiped out, the upper echelon of the party and the military wiped out, at least one sample of their latest technology and weapon wiped out.
It would cost a lot less loss of innocent or civilian lives. Sure, there'll be some, but still a lot less than a protracted war.
2
Mmmmm. Bad idea. Unfortunately, there are generals who are loyal to Kim. They could kill tens of thousands, and more, within minutes in South Korea. Better if someone on the inside takes out Kim.
3
Kim is not a Trump. Kim knows how far he can go, since Obama gave him lots of leeway. Trump is a loose cannon and might overplay his hand. In the end, nothing happens. Kim keeps his toys and Trump appears presidential.
4
Elections have consequences, so America needs to stop being so pusillanimous, you voted for him--or didn't vote at all (that means YOU Millenials), so enjoy a lesson in life (hopefully) experiences. Reap now, weep later.
4
Trump is going to lose this one big time. First, he got the answer from China's president and now as always, figures he'll play two ends against the middle games.
He figures the closer he gets to war with North Korea, the faster China will run to US aid.
This just proves how lame Trump is. He always says "I go with my gut instincts." That only works in Trump Organization where, if his gut instincts are wrong, he can fire any traces of dissent in employees. Or, even better, "punish" his employees by making the workplace as miserable as it can get. The record of Trump's hire and fire is already obvious. Little more than a fiscal quarter and he's had his "employees" in DC bailing or he removes them. After all, that is what the Emperor of the United States of Trump would do should anyone step out of line, right?
The ball is ONLY in Trump's court. He cannot force China to deal with North Korea. They've already told him why they won't. Now, the most immature minded president in US history, with his Republican right wing cheerleaders is certain he will get his way.
Will this be before or after Kim Jung Un takes out Trump Tower and half of the East Coast?
He figures the closer he gets to war with North Korea, the faster China will run to US aid.
This just proves how lame Trump is. He always says "I go with my gut instincts." That only works in Trump Organization where, if his gut instincts are wrong, he can fire any traces of dissent in employees. Or, even better, "punish" his employees by making the workplace as miserable as it can get. The record of Trump's hire and fire is already obvious. Little more than a fiscal quarter and he's had his "employees" in DC bailing or he removes them. After all, that is what the Emperor of the United States of Trump would do should anyone step out of line, right?
The ball is ONLY in Trump's court. He cannot force China to deal with North Korea. They've already told him why they won't. Now, the most immature minded president in US history, with his Republican right wing cheerleaders is certain he will get his way.
Will this be before or after Kim Jung Un takes out Trump Tower and half of the East Coast?
3
Well, now, Kim does not have the weaponry for something like that, and won't for a very long time. However I agree with you regarding Trump. The man is a menace to the world.
2
It' the West Coast, not the East Coast, at risk. His missiles reach as far as the West Coast, maybe Seattle.
1
Just how much is Mr. Trump paying KJU under the table to rattle his sabers? Sure takes some of the heat off of Trump in other quarters, and guarantees swift passage of the military budget.
6
...cautioning that tensions on the Korean Peninsula could run out of control. Uh, no, we'll just run out of little Fatty.
4
If we all just agree Trump has the biggest ^*%@ ever in the whole wide world -- no one else's is bigger or better or more amazing and fabulous -- do you think he'll settle down, grow up and stop trying to kill everyone?
8
People attribute this behavior to Trump when his cabinet is filled with billionaire banking cronies and oil executives and military Industrial complex mad men. Just as they care not for the people of other countries they care not for US either
1
I'm always amazed at how countries allow the most unstable people to be elevated to their leaders. North Korea has little choice, but the US has no excuse. Kim Jung Un was educated in the West and although would like to join the Nuclear Club, understands that an exchange of that nature is a losing proposition. He can emerge from his bunker and examine the carbon profiles that are left of his people. He knows this and is also aware of Trump's unpredictability. Hopefully this crisis will just go down in history as another lesson in the world becoming tired of these types of threats and North Korea will blink. Having tens of millions of people die in an instant is hardly a good approach in being a tough guy. Although I believe Trump is unfit to serve his degree of ignorance and unpredictability does have some of the world's bad actors thinking twice about human rights, expansion plans and other destabilizing activity. I think we can only hope that sanity prevails and our incoherent foreign policy ends up with some stabilizing elements that will stop the crazy behavior going forward. Then we can go back to the status quo which isn't so bad when compared to the alternatives we're now experiencing.
6
Nobody knew international diplomacy could be so complicated. Nobody know.... well, except Clinton.
23
Clinton is the QUEEN of WAR. The destabilizer of the middle east. This war mongering pimp for the MIC would have waged the same consequences. People who think Clinton would have been the answer know nothing of foreign policy
2
Takes me back to the end of WW2 when I was in the USAirForce. Luckily Gen. McArthur and Pres. Trumaan figured out a way to send me to College instead. JGAIA-
6
Our scientists have warned us for years that our electric grid is not upgraded to guard against a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the sun or a Nuclear air burst over the country's mid section. A CME in 1859 fried telegraph cables. If it happened today, transformers would blow all over the country. They could take years to replace and are no longer made in this country.
The same effect will happen if a Nuclear detonation is set off high above us.
Our representatives have been warned about this over and over. They have done nothing.
As with a snake bite. Once the detonation happens , the enemy just has to wait for us to fall apart. No electricity for yrs. No cooling for our nuclear power plants. They will all melt down. No nothing ! No food deliveries. We will be back in the age of coal (dug by hand). The enemy will wait, then march in.
All because our "Representatives" did nothing to protect us.
All our defenses are a Maginot Line, a cruel hoax against this very real, simple way to go around our defenses and occupy us.
Trump shouldn't be shooting his mouth off.
The same effect will happen if a Nuclear detonation is set off high above us.
Our representatives have been warned about this over and over. They have done nothing.
As with a snake bite. Once the detonation happens , the enemy just has to wait for us to fall apart. No electricity for yrs. No cooling for our nuclear power plants. They will all melt down. No nothing ! No food deliveries. We will be back in the age of coal (dug by hand). The enemy will wait, then march in.
All because our "Representatives" did nothing to protect us.
All our defenses are a Maginot Line, a cruel hoax against this very real, simple way to go around our defenses and occupy us.
Trump shouldn't be shooting his mouth off.
9
A nuclear airburst would fry our electrical system, but of course our enemies must know that such an airburst would cause a full nuclear response by the USA.
2
You are correct. However, the nuke would have to be huge, and we can at least deter its use. A CME is just a matter of time, like a great quake in CA or a tsunami on the Oregon coast. Upgrading the power grid is critical.
1
Steve;
Full Nuclear Response. (More Radiation in our atmosphere).
The geographical launch site would not necessarily indicate who was behind it.
Yes, we would blindly lash out to get our shot off,( with what we were still able to muster). But we would have to destroy everyone. Everyone! Every enemy. Russia, China, N Korea, Iran, etc. Everyone that had the smarts to inoculate themselves from an EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) while our republicans were busy with the 50th vote to end health care.
It would just be a matter of time before an enemy's tanks rolled down main street. Who would be in them?
Out of bullets, defending what meager food we had from bandits, we might only have bows and arrows against the occupiers.
Then we would know how the Native Americans felt against an advanced army.
These tanks would certainly be avoiding all our Chernobyl's and all our Fukushima's that would have riddled our nation with radiation. Causing mutants that would have rather never been born.
But by that time pregnancy termination would be illegal.
If you were born as a mutant. You would have to live a life as an inhuman looking pitiful thing until death mercifully ended your suffering, the way we do today for an animal.
Full Nuclear Response. (More Radiation in our atmosphere).
The geographical launch site would not necessarily indicate who was behind it.
Yes, we would blindly lash out to get our shot off,( with what we were still able to muster). But we would have to destroy everyone. Everyone! Every enemy. Russia, China, N Korea, Iran, etc. Everyone that had the smarts to inoculate themselves from an EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) while our republicans were busy with the 50th vote to end health care.
It would just be a matter of time before an enemy's tanks rolled down main street. Who would be in them?
Out of bullets, defending what meager food we had from bandits, we might only have bows and arrows against the occupiers.
Then we would know how the Native Americans felt against an advanced army.
These tanks would certainly be avoiding all our Chernobyl's and all our Fukushima's that would have riddled our nation with radiation. Causing mutants that would have rather never been born.
But by that time pregnancy termination would be illegal.
If you were born as a mutant. You would have to live a life as an inhuman looking pitiful thing until death mercifully ended your suffering, the way we do today for an animal.
Ttrump and the generals has given complete military decision-making to seem to think the best way to deal with a rattlesnake is to poke at him. Curious logic. The NK dictator suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and delusion. One way or another, he will unleash the fury of a mad man on his own people and everyone around him. Why would the U.S. goad him?
2
Only Americans can stop further development of this madness. Mr. America First cares only the opinions expressed by the people who might take away his power in 2018. Push that button right now. Exercise your right as an American. You don't want your country turned into another NK. People suffer the crazy narcissistic leader because they have no tools to fight back such as weapons, social media, and democracy. Do all you can before it is too late.
3
A nation of puppets or scared "frozen" people. Where's the joy in any of this?
Meanwhile we all live under the threat of nuclear war. Two juvenile, power mad lunatics playing chicken. C'mon China, step up to the plate. You breathe the same air as the rest of us.
Meanwhile we all live under the threat of nuclear war. Two juvenile, power mad lunatics playing chicken. C'mon China, step up to the plate. You breathe the same air as the rest of us.
7
Well, this didn't take long. I wish we were back in the days when all we had to be concerned with were e-mails. Next time, if we get to next time, we should elect less insecure leaders with longer fingers.
10
What scares me is the idea that trump would be willing to go to war to bring attention away from the Russian collusion. DO NOT FORGET.
4
Both leaders have achieved supremacy in ridiculous hair. Can't they just leave it at that?
6
Literally nothing here that suggests any mechanism for opening a rational dialogue with N. Korea. Standard sanction regimes have been useless. If anything the present leader of the NK is more obdurate, belligerent and given to nuclear brinkmanship than ever.
This is likely the most brainwashed, paranoid, and isolated nation on the planet, and certainly the most singularly totalitarian.
Efforts to penetrate this locked down society in the face of the extraordinary scope and level of internal oppression and the amazingly brutal treatment of its populace have been unsuccessful in altering the absolute and maniacal central control of the Kim dynasty.
N. Korean nuclear weapons were unconscionable enough, the addition of nuclear armed medium and worse yet intercontinental ballistic missiles presents what is the most profound threat of a nuclear war anywhere anywhere on the globe today.
This is likely the most brainwashed, paranoid, and isolated nation on the planet, and certainly the most singularly totalitarian.
Efforts to penetrate this locked down society in the face of the extraordinary scope and level of internal oppression and the amazingly brutal treatment of its populace have been unsuccessful in altering the absolute and maniacal central control of the Kim dynasty.
N. Korean nuclear weapons were unconscionable enough, the addition of nuclear armed medium and worse yet intercontinental ballistic missiles presents what is the most profound threat of a nuclear war anywhere anywhere on the globe today.
2
Let's not forget that cruel Assad is not crazy Kim. With unstable Kim, we will be dealing with nuclear weapons. Assad's chemical attack would pale in comparison. I am not justifying nor condoning the tyrant's chemical attack on his poor people. But Assad is the Devil we know while crazy Kim is the Devil we don't and therefore even more dangerous. Crazy Kim is starving his people to death but his nuclear arsenal is getting bigger, more far-ranging and sophisticated thanks to rogue countries like Pakistan. It might just be a boast but there is evidence to the contrary. Not only will the entire Far East be under a mushroom cloud but there maybe nuclear warheads coming our way too. Why take a chance of a possible armageddon? Let's heed China's warning even if it means eating humble pie which goes against our grain.
4
One aircraft carrier isn't going to make much difference. Air missile defense systems are notoriously unreliable and the Navy doesn't carry nuclear payloads on aircraft carriers. The operation is a show of force. The same is true of North Korea's nuclear test. Kim knows he can't launch a preemptive thermonuclear missile without facing national ruin.
Even if Trump has the restraint to avoid launching a nuclear counter attack, North Korea is done. China will have to respond. They'll blame the US but the global community won't stand for Chinese complacency. One way or the other, North Korea will fall. The question is whether Trump will give China enough excuse to justify North Korea's use of thermonuclear weapons. I think that's the hint Wang Yi is trying to drop.
When North Korea fires the test, Trump will be shamed if he doesn't respond. However, any military response allows China to wash their hands of the conflict. The United States is more or less cornered unless they can launch an unverifiable covert attack. Otherwise, you're left with just diplomacy. This all sounds very un-Trump to me. That's why the world is nervous.
Even if Trump has the restraint to avoid launching a nuclear counter attack, North Korea is done. China will have to respond. They'll blame the US but the global community won't stand for Chinese complacency. One way or the other, North Korea will fall. The question is whether Trump will give China enough excuse to justify North Korea's use of thermonuclear weapons. I think that's the hint Wang Yi is trying to drop.
When North Korea fires the test, Trump will be shamed if he doesn't respond. However, any military response allows China to wash their hands of the conflict. The United States is more or less cornered unless they can launch an unverifiable covert attack. Otherwise, you're left with just diplomacy. This all sounds very un-Trump to me. That's why the world is nervous.
2
"the Navy doesn't carry nuclear payloads on aircraft carriers." Well, Andy it is apparent that you never served on a carrier.
1
this kid is crazy. Any attack on us, U.S, Japan, or South Korea would annihilate his country on the face of the earth.
3
Your first statement is correct. He is crazy. That is the problem: He won't necessarily make a rational decision.
2
America beware. this is what happens when Generals decide policy.
10
Will this be Trump's legacy, that he got us into yet another war during his first hundred days? Somebody should tell him that a nuclear war will be bad for his hotel business. He doesn't care about anything else.
11
North Korea has thousands of artillery pieces, missiles, and rockets aimed at South Korea and in any engagement that we do not initiate it has the element of surprise. The peninsula will be unapproachable by American forces within hours of an attack.
Ultimately, North Korea can not and will not win an armed conflict on the peninsula. Trumpy should inform the Chinese to stay out of any conflict that North Korea initiates, and then annihilate the country as soon as it begins an attack. It will be the only way to halt further attack upon the tens of millions of South Koreans, and possibly the Japanese as well. Anything short of a nuclear response will allow a continued attack on South Korea and possibly escalation to the Japanese Islands. WHere does that end?
Kim Jong-un knows this. Despite what people are saying I don't think he is irrational at all. I think he is making a rational and calculated approach to ensure his country's security interests, as he sees it, are maintained.
I don't think Kim Jong-un has any intention of attacking the South because he knows the risk. But Trumpy needs to make it very clear that any unprovoked attack by the North will result in the gravest of responses that will end the conflict immediately.
BUT if Trumpy thinks a "limited" military strike against the North's ability to launch missiles or engage in nuclear testing will not initiate a peninsula-wide conflict I think he'd be terribly mistaken. That's an act of war that Kim won't tolerate.
Ultimately, North Korea can not and will not win an armed conflict on the peninsula. Trumpy should inform the Chinese to stay out of any conflict that North Korea initiates, and then annihilate the country as soon as it begins an attack. It will be the only way to halt further attack upon the tens of millions of South Koreans, and possibly the Japanese as well. Anything short of a nuclear response will allow a continued attack on South Korea and possibly escalation to the Japanese Islands. WHere does that end?
Kim Jong-un knows this. Despite what people are saying I don't think he is irrational at all. I think he is making a rational and calculated approach to ensure his country's security interests, as he sees it, are maintained.
I don't think Kim Jong-un has any intention of attacking the South because he knows the risk. But Trumpy needs to make it very clear that any unprovoked attack by the North will result in the gravest of responses that will end the conflict immediately.
BUT if Trumpy thinks a "limited" military strike against the North's ability to launch missiles or engage in nuclear testing will not initiate a peninsula-wide conflict I think he'd be terribly mistaken. That's an act of war that Kim won't tolerate.
5
China is a peace loving nation, who knew! The truth is N Korea shouldn't have happened but it did. And a mini bully has to deal with a mega bully now. A bully in a China shop! N Korea's usual threats won't work because Trump has little regards for diplomacy with his usual "hit back harder" approach any nation with a decent profiling department should know. Besides, does he really care about Japan or S Korea? He may just be the cure for the Asia bully blue - except the cure may be worse than the disease
6
Nothing has changed except that the American President is new and has already demonstrated a steely resolve to not put up with NK extortion of his administration as Obama proved with Iran. China is in the hot seat and it will need to reign in NK.
3
Yes, because nothing describes Trump better than "steely resolve." Give me a break.
14
Nothing going to happen here, nobody is going to mess with China,all nonsense.
4
what continues to baffle me is, from who/where is NK getting the material and expertise to continue their nuclear program? are the other dictators of the world really working so hard to keep the transfer of these materials to NK a secret from US, British, and other nation's intelligence communities? what would be the rational reason for them to spend so much effort to do so? what could NK possibly offer in return?
with each new development of their bomb and missile programs, the stench of rat grows stronger.
with each new development of their bomb and missile programs, the stench of rat grows stronger.
3
Sorry but a no-brainer. Russia gave them a reactor in the 1960s for the material, nuclear technology is not all secret but in their a Pakistani nuclear weapons scientist, AQ Khan, defected to them about 25 years ago and told them much of what to do. Pakistan, India, recall they have nuclear weapons too. And if the poorest of poor countries spends their few billions unchecked on building them, they have.
Sun Tsu said that war is deception. You fool the enemy. The Pentagon got it wrong. They think it means fooling the American People. So they have made their own people the enemy.
4
How to get rich in China quickly,
When becoming President Trump intentionally intimidated,insulted and destabilized China as he claimed that China was hellbent in taking over the US no1 position globally and was stealing US jobs. Steven Bannon and Peter Navarro increased the rhetoric as Bannon was talking about the coming clash of civilizations. Then Trump called the Taiwanese leader and also pronounced China a currency manipulator.
How things have all changed now : China has granted Trump/Kushner 35/37 patents to develop anything they want in China and are not blocking the steaming of the "US Armada" to the Korean Peninsula. China is also helping Trump in tightening the noose by blocking N Korean coal exports. Trump has sidelined Bannon in lieu of the Kusher/Goldman/business clique. And as icing on the cake : Trump " China is NOT a currency manipulator". So no more trade wars with 40% import duties. This is a VERY important change for China as China is desperate to keep it's factories going .
Expect a lot of bluster from Trump , but why would Kim give his nuclear weapons to Trump? Remember Ghadaffi and Saddam? And Kim can destroy Seoul and US military bases within a few days. A deal will eventually be announced that N Korea might and will do bladibla... but won't really do anything to give it's leverage away and lose face.
So behind all this bluster you will see many Trump signs rise in China.
L
When becoming President Trump intentionally intimidated,insulted and destabilized China as he claimed that China was hellbent in taking over the US no1 position globally and was stealing US jobs. Steven Bannon and Peter Navarro increased the rhetoric as Bannon was talking about the coming clash of civilizations. Then Trump called the Taiwanese leader and also pronounced China a currency manipulator.
How things have all changed now : China has granted Trump/Kushner 35/37 patents to develop anything they want in China and are not blocking the steaming of the "US Armada" to the Korean Peninsula. China is also helping Trump in tightening the noose by blocking N Korean coal exports. Trump has sidelined Bannon in lieu of the Kusher/Goldman/business clique. And as icing on the cake : Trump " China is NOT a currency manipulator". So no more trade wars with 40% import duties. This is a VERY important change for China as China is desperate to keep it's factories going .
Expect a lot of bluster from Trump , but why would Kim give his nuclear weapons to Trump? Remember Ghadaffi and Saddam? And Kim can destroy Seoul and US military bases within a few days. A deal will eventually be announced that N Korea might and will do bladibla... but won't really do anything to give it's leverage away and lose face.
So behind all this bluster you will see many Trump signs rise in China.
L
2
I'm puzzled how a festering wound existing since the 1960's and largely ignored can now be laid at the feet of the current President. However, it has!
N. Korea can be controlled by it's prime provider, neighbor and large Ally!
Both look to USA as a "Mark" to be played. Our Ex-President might have paid pallets of our currency to delay a negative outcome as he did with Iran.
Is that what we have become? I sincerely hope not.
Let's attempt to be A Roosevelt, Truman or Reagan kind of confident Government. Not a sniveling, conniving, wheedling 3rd world nation willing to accept outcomes not in our best long term interest.
We could pull away and allow chaos.
This is a true test for our new President!
N. Korea can be controlled by it's prime provider, neighbor and large Ally!
Both look to USA as a "Mark" to be played. Our Ex-President might have paid pallets of our currency to delay a negative outcome as he did with Iran.
Is that what we have become? I sincerely hope not.
Let's attempt to be A Roosevelt, Truman or Reagan kind of confident Government. Not a sniveling, conniving, wheedling 3rd world nation willing to accept outcomes not in our best long term interest.
We could pull away and allow chaos.
This is a true test for our new President!
5
Professorial? You think Reagan was someone for Trump to emulate? Do you mean the cut and run Reagan after 240 Marines were killed in Lebanon? The Reagan who was taking a nap when we bombed Khadafi? The Reagan who got shot? The Reagan who lied to Congress about selling weapons to terrorists? The Reagan who called his wife mommy? Which Reagan?
3
To all the democrat liberals, socialists and outright communists hiding behind a computer screen blathering your self righteous indignant politically correct hate speech against Trump, the military and the US in general, you can go right ahead and do so, and why because generations of blood was spilled to give you the right and the ability to do so, but like most democrats you have no skin in the game.
If you are under the age of 40 chances are you never served your country on a foreign battlefield because only 1% of Americans ever do. These people are the best of the best of America, unlike what Donna the Iguana thought. They are the true 1% and not the faux 1% democrats rage about.
My only son is a distinguished military officer deploying to South Korea in a few weeks and will be there serving with 40,000 of his fellow service men. If conflict breaks out while he is there and anything happens to him I will have the comfort of knowing if he is wounded or dies while serving his country on foreign soil I will proudly tell anyone who will listen to me he was not only a great soldier, but an even greater human being.
If you are under the age of 40 chances are you never served your country on a foreign battlefield because only 1% of Americans ever do. These people are the best of the best of America, unlike what Donna the Iguana thought. They are the true 1% and not the faux 1% democrats rage about.
My only son is a distinguished military officer deploying to South Korea in a few weeks and will be there serving with 40,000 of his fellow service men. If conflict breaks out while he is there and anything happens to him I will have the comfort of knowing if he is wounded or dies while serving his country on foreign soil I will proudly tell anyone who will listen to me he was not only a great soldier, but an even greater human being.
8
Hmm, so "We're" Hiding behind our CPUs and yet you (have to?) hide behind your son in comparison. For I don't see any of us Socialists, Libruls,...invoking our kids to camouflage our POV? Well I know I'm not Man Enuff to do it.
CONgrats.
CONgrats.
6
Mac
I got to the end of your first line and realized what you are.
A withered heart conservative who will hurt the rest of us every chance he gets.
From A Vietnam era vet. (1965-1967)
I got to the end of your first line and realized what you are.
A withered heart conservative who will hurt the rest of us every chance he gets.
From A Vietnam era vet. (1965-1967)
4
You assume we would survive such a conflict. I REFUSE to give in to this narrative of yours. While I understand the pride you feel for your Son, I know two kids under 40, who did two tours in Afghanistan. They both fulfilled their obligations and when asked to do another tour, they refused. Both suffer from PTSD and physical problems from their service. When I saw one of them after he got home and thanked him for his service to this country he became angry and upset.
"DON'T thank me!!", he exclaimed. "What you don't understand is that we all know why we are there, and it's not to keep Americans free, it's because we are fighting for BANKS!"
He went on to say that when he signed up it was because of pressure from his military family. And he had to tell himself over and over, that he was fighting for American safety and freedom even though, after he came home from those tours he knew it wasn't true. THEY ALL KNOW.
He told me that the best thing I could do is not to thank him but to tell the truth as to why our military is being used to fight on behalf of banks.
He said that WAR should only be the very LAST option and not the first.
Praying for your son's safety..
"DON'T thank me!!", he exclaimed. "What you don't understand is that we all know why we are there, and it's not to keep Americans free, it's because we are fighting for BANKS!"
He went on to say that when he signed up it was because of pressure from his military family. And he had to tell himself over and over, that he was fighting for American safety and freedom even though, after he came home from those tours he knew it wasn't true. THEY ALL KNOW.
He told me that the best thing I could do is not to thank him but to tell the truth as to why our military is being used to fight on behalf of banks.
He said that WAR should only be the very LAST option and not the first.
Praying for your son's safety..
1
Didn't take the Unfit, Dangerous Trump long to get us to the brink of Nuclear war, as well as gut the protections "We The People" had in place to guard our environment.
The Electoral College was warned, over and over, how dangerous he is.
"We The People" didn't vote for him. Why did they ignore the warnings of danger from so many sources and install him anyway? They HAD to know how mentally unfit he is.
The Electoral College was warned, over and over, how dangerous he is.
"We The People" didn't vote for him. Why did they ignore the warnings of danger from so many sources and install him anyway? They HAD to know how mentally unfit he is.
11
We as a nation whether we are aware or not are bound and determined to commit national suicide. There is ennui, absence of meaning . The drug epidemic is one small manifestation. Our electing Trump is the epitome.
Stop look and listen.
Stop look and listen.
3
The NEOLIBERAL democratic party is responsible for Trump. Their failure to act on behalf of the people, their carrying on of policies set out by the BUSH REGIME, and Obama seven illegal wars, removal of our civil liberties and privacy, and a party that works for the billionaire elite, led to the SHAM that was the 2016 election. Whether it's sociopath Clinton or Trump the outcome would be the SAME...
Jared should go over and meet Kim. I mean he's been to Israel, Iran, Russia, so why stop this tour of the world's hot spots? Introduce the great leader to the idea of khakis worn with a tailored jacket and a certain sangfroid never mind a bullet-proof vest. Drop a hint about Brioni (more tailored, better to conceal the larger figure) while also mentioning Banana Republic for instance if Kim wants something casual and affordable with a distinct US style bent. Add some of Mar a Lag chocolate cake and surely no bombs, not even the mother of them, required.
7
Extraordinary how this thoroughly unnecessary situation has arisen, with 2 juvenile delinquent-brains and their military enablers backing it. Is anyone in the Trump White House aware of what a nuclear war means? Have they read history? Do they understand what "diplomacy" entails? Tillerson at State is as clueless as Trump. Yet one more mindless and disgusting non-policy emanating from our GOP "brightboys."
NOT MY PRESIDENT, EVER!
NOT MY PRESIDENT, EVER!
14
If the silly progs would stop their Trump bashing for a half second and THINK, unlikely as that is, here's what you might discover. First, the bad actor here is N. Korea. The US has no interest, nor does S.Korea, in invading the North. What the US and S.Korea and Japan wants -- as China may also want -- is a neutered N.Korea that isn't a threat to ignite a local conflagration -- perhaps even a global one.
Second, Trump is only doing what Obama should have done...ensure the safety of our allies in the area as well as defend against potential long term threats to the US. Unfortunately, progs seem to think if you just ignore a problem it will go away. It won't.
Third, it is much better to confront N.Korea now. Future confrontation will likely end up with us facing a militarily stronger N.Korea with greater nuclear capabilities, but weaker economically so their leadership will have less to lose in a confrontation.
Fourth -- as N.Koreans spend on nuclear weapons and ICBMs they can recoup their investment by selling weapons to state or non state actors who want to harm the US or our allies. We don't want that.
So trying to paint Trump as somehow unhinged like Kim Jong-Un is not only disingenuous, it is simply ranting by unhinged lefties who can't get over the fact that dear ineffective Obama is gone and a real leader has taken his place.
Prog commenters don't offer any concrete ideas. They are one trick Trump bashing ponies, easily led astray.
Second, Trump is only doing what Obama should have done...ensure the safety of our allies in the area as well as defend against potential long term threats to the US. Unfortunately, progs seem to think if you just ignore a problem it will go away. It won't.
Third, it is much better to confront N.Korea now. Future confrontation will likely end up with us facing a militarily stronger N.Korea with greater nuclear capabilities, but weaker economically so their leadership will have less to lose in a confrontation.
Fourth -- as N.Koreans spend on nuclear weapons and ICBMs they can recoup their investment by selling weapons to state or non state actors who want to harm the US or our allies. We don't want that.
So trying to paint Trump as somehow unhinged like Kim Jong-Un is not only disingenuous, it is simply ranting by unhinged lefties who can't get over the fact that dear ineffective Obama is gone and a real leader has taken his place.
Prog commenters don't offer any concrete ideas. They are one trick Trump bashing ponies, easily led astray.
8
Ralphie
Aren't you late for your paintball game?
Aren't you late for your paintball game?
4
A very good compromise which has been discussed is that the Chinese and the Americans come to the table and discuss reunification. The Americans get rid of not only a nuclear armed regime, but also the potential that the nuclear materiel fall off the grid, only to pop up in lower Manhattan 10 years later. In return, the Americans would pull out of the Korean peninsula entirely, and it would serve as a neutral country right on China's borders. That would surely reduce tensions in the region and between the world's two superpowers.
2
The Two Koreas might have something to say about a post-colonialist "resolution" of their differences.
6
For many, the mental picture of war and all it's delusions of grandeur come from the past. Present-day total war will be nothing like previous wars with bombers and amphibious invasions. World War III will be over in about 15 minutes.
11
With both parties on the war mongering train, US citizens do not have much time left to put a STOP to this insanity. Does ANYONE wonder why Trump and both parties cheer leading his insanity, would push so hard for war all over the world KNOWING what the outcome might be??? Why is our government putting us in harms way??
They have lavish bunkers to run too.
We do not.
They have lavish bunkers to run too.
We do not.
1
Do you think Donald Trump would be threatening a trade war with Mexico and building a wall with their money if they could hit major US populations with Nukes and had a large standing army?
North Korea has nuclear weapons and missiles that can hit South Korea and Japan, they can also hit China. Unlike Japan and South Korea, China doesn't have the US protecting it.
It's easy for us sitting thousands of miles away to say that China should threaten a nuclear armed maniac with sanctions. Unlike the US, China is actually in harms way.
I'm sure the Chinese would love to be the only nuclear power in the region, they aren't.
North Korea has nuclear weapons and missiles that can hit South Korea and Japan, they can also hit China. Unlike Japan and South Korea, China doesn't have the US protecting it.
It's easy for us sitting thousands of miles away to say that China should threaten a nuclear armed maniac with sanctions. Unlike the US, China is actually in harms way.
I'm sure the Chinese would love to be the only nuclear power in the region, they aren't.
5
Yeah but April the giraffe is giving birth and no breaking news alerts from the NYT. Sad.
7
I am amazed that it took Trump this long to precipitate dangerous international confrontations. His brag that he is unpredictable ergo: can keep adversaries guessing. What if they guess wrong and high lob a missile in to wrong place. Some dependability of strength from the U. S. is not a bad thing.
8
Trump's belief that he can lead foreign policy via Twitter merely showcases his shallowness and naivete. His penchant for negotiating deals by bluster and intimidation is simply inadequate to deal with the three dimensional chess going on between the players in the region. He lacks the expertise, intellectual rigor and moral certitude to negotiate an acceptable resolution to this terrible predicament. I pray the Chinese find a path for all out of this puzzle box, as nuclear weapons, desperation, ego and thirst for power are a combustible mix in the hands of inexperienced, self-centered leaders like Kim Jong-un and Donald J. Trump.
6
War is obsolete. Conventional war. Civil war. Nuclear war. All war. There are MANY more reliable ways of producing security in the world today than war. They are relationship-based, and work FAR BETTER than bombs, threats, ordinance, rounds, drones, sanctions, boots on the ground or the showing of force.
Our planet is reeling with the damage inflicted upon it by an ignorant, mostly male, humanity. We need sophisticated thinking and inclusive, non-military action. As Duane Elgin has suggested, we are acting like adolescents, thinking we can do whatever we want, without worrying about the consequences.
The Website http://www.alternatives2war.com has over 60 relationship-based ways to replace war. Some are easy, some harder. But all of them are preventative, and are based in the reality that relationship is the key to security, not war. And all of them require thinking beyond war.
Americans. President Trump. Congress. Journalists. Governors. CEOs of great corporations. Military generals. Think you are world leaders? Then lead with spirit, not killing.
Our planet is reeling with the damage inflicted upon it by an ignorant, mostly male, humanity. We need sophisticated thinking and inclusive, non-military action. As Duane Elgin has suggested, we are acting like adolescents, thinking we can do whatever we want, without worrying about the consequences.
The Website http://www.alternatives2war.com has over 60 relationship-based ways to replace war. Some are easy, some harder. But all of them are preventative, and are based in the reality that relationship is the key to security, not war. And all of them require thinking beyond war.
Americans. President Trump. Congress. Journalists. Governors. CEOs of great corporations. Military generals. Think you are world leaders? Then lead with spirit, not killing.
4
Every president from Truman to Obama figured out that there was no good options to deal with North Korea. Nothing has changed but now we have an emotional tweeter who thinks risking millions of innocent lives is worth protecting his ego.
8
The Chinese have had lots of fun propping up North Korea, to the consternation of the rest of the planet. Those days are over.
A nuclear armed North Korea run by autocratic idiots is not acceptable.
If the Chinese don't act definitively, and real soon, to remove the Kim family from the power structure, then they will have ringside seats for the fight.
Their Maoist-era empty rhetoric about the Yalu River is pointless. They have an opportunity to handle this themselves. If they don't then they should expect to see friendly forces eating McDonalds hamburgers on the opposite side of the riverbank.
They already know there is no intent to cross, or to install a hostile government. Their whining is particularly hollow, and transparent.
They allowed this problem to fester - in fact, they encouraged it.
The Kims have used threats of violence as shakedown tactics for decades, but with nuclear weapons on the table the game has now changed.
They have one final opportunity to act; inaction will bring external forces to bear on the problem. This is their mess and they need to clean it up, right now.
A nuclear armed North Korea run by autocratic idiots is not acceptable.
If the Chinese don't act definitively, and real soon, to remove the Kim family from the power structure, then they will have ringside seats for the fight.
Their Maoist-era empty rhetoric about the Yalu River is pointless. They have an opportunity to handle this themselves. If they don't then they should expect to see friendly forces eating McDonalds hamburgers on the opposite side of the riverbank.
They already know there is no intent to cross, or to install a hostile government. Their whining is particularly hollow, and transparent.
They allowed this problem to fester - in fact, they encouraged it.
The Kims have used threats of violence as shakedown tactics for decades, but with nuclear weapons on the table the game has now changed.
They have one final opportunity to act; inaction will bring external forces to bear on the problem. This is their mess and they need to clean it up, right now.
3
Xi is playing Trump spectacularly and holds all the cards. He certainly is in control and despite Trump's ridiculous bluster that he will go it alone he, desperately needs China's help.
It's Trump who is cornered now by his own tweets. Will Xi bail Trump out? It's all up to Trump to please him.
It's Trump who is cornered now by his own tweets. Will Xi bail Trump out? It's all up to Trump to please him.
3
I see two guys in a bar arguing over the football game and forgetting the original discussion as it escalates to the point they both show they are carrying a gun while refusing to back down in front of their friends. The Chinese bartender is desperately trying to talk sense into them before his bar gets shot up. How did we get world leaders of this caliber?
4
That same Chinese bartender sat around for over 12 years watching their favorite customer buy gun after gun.
2
Kim Jong Un, young and unstable VS Donald Trump, old and unstable: What could go wrong!
2
All these NYT pundits with no knowledge of what is going on in the minds of our leaders. Amazing how they can postulate the possible outcomes with some much certainty.
President Trump is deferring to the best military minds on Earth. He is knows well what can happen given any actions we may take. The bottom line is the US and its allies in the region are being threatened by a punk with a nuclear arsenal.
Unlike his predecessors, President Trump will address the problem with or without the help of China which has already sent strong signals to NK and Kim. Besides criticizing our President, does any pundit here have a viable solution?
President Trump is deferring to the best military minds on Earth. He is knows well what can happen given any actions we may take. The bottom line is the US and its allies in the region are being threatened by a punk with a nuclear arsenal.
Unlike his predecessors, President Trump will address the problem with or without the help of China which has already sent strong signals to NK and Kim. Besides criticizing our President, does any pundit here have a viable solution?
2
On the Friday before the stock market crashed, ending the dot boom, I told my husband that I thought it was over and we should sell off our dot com stocks immediately. Not trusting my instincts, I waited 2 days, and we lost $35,000.
In January 2005, I told my husband that I believed the housing market had temporarily peaked, and we sold our co-op for a profit, purchasing a small, older house at a good price. That time, I followed my instincts. We were hit by the housing crisis, as was everyone, but were never underwater.
In September 2015 – over a year before electioj, after visiting middle class white, ethnic relatives in Nassau County and listening to them at rave about Trump, I told my husband that I thought he could win. My husband told me I was crazy. A year later, a cousin, an HRC supporter, shared my view that Trump was going to win. We were both incredibly upset. Our husbands told us we were paranoid - but we were right.
The day after Trump won, I told my husband that we should leave the NYC metro area, if not head for Canada, because Trump was going to start a nuclear war. My husband, who firmly believes that the economy is heading south (and the small and mid-size construction industry in New York City – always a canary in the mine field – is sending us those signals), resisted me on the actual physical danger point.
He is now coming around. Trump is stupid, unstable and incompetent. He must be removed from office. Those of us who are terrified, are correct.
In January 2005, I told my husband that I believed the housing market had temporarily peaked, and we sold our co-op for a profit, purchasing a small, older house at a good price. That time, I followed my instincts. We were hit by the housing crisis, as was everyone, but were never underwater.
In September 2015 – over a year before electioj, after visiting middle class white, ethnic relatives in Nassau County and listening to them at rave about Trump, I told my husband that I thought he could win. My husband told me I was crazy. A year later, a cousin, an HRC supporter, shared my view that Trump was going to win. We were both incredibly upset. Our husbands told us we were paranoid - but we were right.
The day after Trump won, I told my husband that we should leave the NYC metro area, if not head for Canada, because Trump was going to start a nuclear war. My husband, who firmly believes that the economy is heading south (and the small and mid-size construction industry in New York City – always a canary in the mine field – is sending us those signals), resisted me on the actual physical danger point.
He is now coming around. Trump is stupid, unstable and incompetent. He must be removed from office. Those of us who are terrified, are correct.
5
So, all you needed to tell the world was that you were smarter than your husband. Very smart indeed…
1
Here's a lyric from Sammy Davis Junior a little mashed up to fit the moment, "What kind of fools are they, both empty suits and empty minds in which two empty souls must dwell. Why can't they feel the love like any other kind of man? What kind of clowns are they? Why can't they cast away the mask of hate and let us live our lives? Why can't they feel some love for us and everyone? What kind of fools are they?" Well, they can't and they won't because like Dr. Strangelove they expect us to love the bomb...but...we don't and never will so in a burst of thermonuclear energy the egos of two infantile narcissists will wipe out civilization unless...think impeach and peace brothers and sisters all over this world...Go get 'em!!!
Trump is trying to clean up the mess left over by his predecessors. Indeed the Middle East is a big problem thanks to non-action by Obama and sweet promises by Angela Merkel. Regarding North Korea, Obama wasted 8 years by only having discussions, again Trump is left holding the bag. Perhaps Trump is the wrong guy, time will tell, but the problems were created before he became the president.
3
It is a contest between two mega-egos. The North Korean president is intent on his country demonstrating, and the rest of the world acknowledging, that it is one of the "super" powers. The American president is intent on making America "great" -- great, in his mind, meaning that when the US says "jump" the rest of the planet will immediately respond with "how high?". America voted, last November, to install a new reality show in Washington. It got what it voted for: a megalomanic madman in the Oval Office, an "alternative facts" pedler ( read "liar") White House press secretary, a criminal Attorney General, and a host of self-promoting thugs whose qualifications to govern are -- well, 'alternative facts.' This is the America the people voted for. To quote Bette Davis: "What a dump!"
7
China does not need North or South Korea and China really does not need the US. China is warching, waiting, planning for all outcomes. Trump, with his netherworld grasp of history, falsely assumes because cake was offered and shared, that China is a friend....like Russia......
6
China is the grownup in the room keeping the peace between the two-year-olds. Just make sure Xi that the slices of chocolate cake are exactly the same size.
6
It is absolutely mandatory the the USA get China behind it on this issue. NK is a clear and present danger not only to the West but to China itself. Those nukes need to be taken out and the ability to make them, as well. Kim Jong Un is flat out inept and therefore dangerous.
One wonders what his generals must be thinking as he proceeds to directly threaten the United States. If it comes to military action, the peninsula will certainly explode but North Korea will also most certainly cease to exist as a state.
The best deal is one in which the Chinese either directly help or at least look the other way as Kim is taken out and Korea reunites, and any vestige of American troops are removed from the Korean peninsula and brought home (and not to Japan).
On the other hand, I doubt this administration is anywhere near adept enough to finesse their way through this crisis. This will not end well.
One wonders what his generals must be thinking as he proceeds to directly threaten the United States. If it comes to military action, the peninsula will certainly explode but North Korea will also most certainly cease to exist as a state.
The best deal is one in which the Chinese either directly help or at least look the other way as Kim is taken out and Korea reunites, and any vestige of American troops are removed from the Korean peninsula and brought home (and not to Japan).
On the other hand, I doubt this administration is anywhere near adept enough to finesse their way through this crisis. This will not end well.
39
Nor did the last six administrations have the requisite finesse, because it didn't do any good. China is the key to avoiding this and they are who have kept Kim alive for their own purposes. Now it has come to this and people are pathetically trying to blame Trump.
Right now, today, the problem with North Korea is as simple and least deadly as it is going to be. When, not if, they put a nuke on a launcher than can reach the West Coast it all becomes much, much more complicated and deadly. Acting sooner is much better than acting later.
What makes you say, "NK is a clear and present danger not only to the West but to China itself"? As if China, with its own nukes a more historical reality, would let North Korea gain an edge over them? Or do you think the Chinese will join North Korea in pursuing a nuclear war? And... if you think the Koreas will reunite that is no more likely than our Republicans sending Bernie Sanders money.
A little well-placed saber rattling, with two childish ignoramuses squaring off and squealing with pleasure over their big penile-shaped things that go boom, sure gets all the recent failures and the Russia investigations off the front pages, doesn't it? How about Kim Jong Un and Trump strip down and just WWE it, instead of WWIII it?
1
As much as the anti-Trump groups like to do ridiculous characterizations of Trump and even blame Trump for the escalation of the crisis with North Korea, let's keep in mind that we have reached the threat of a nuclear war precisely because previous US administrations did not have the will to halt the NK nuclear program, nor did China for that matter who bears the principal responsibility for allowing North Korea to develop its nuclear weapons program.
Trump's message is clear and credible. The US will end the nuclear threat from North Korea with or without China's help. Much preferably if China has the will, for they certainly have the ability to convince Kim Jong-on that if he thought his regime could only survive with the nuclear threat, he better be convinced that his regime can only survive if he gives up his nuclear program.
It certainly seems that Mr. Xi believes Mr. Trump is prepared to use a massive preemptive strike which might bring an end to the North Korean regime which is already fragile, much more fragile than one might think. Certainly, the Pentagon has several plans in place which will include maximum damage to the regime including targeting the decapitation of the regime.
So what has changed? President Trump means business. He will end the North Korean nuclear threat. More importantly, China and North Korea believe it. No doubt, Mr. Trump is willing to give China the opportunity exercise its influence over North Korea. So we shall see.
Trump's message is clear and credible. The US will end the nuclear threat from North Korea with or without China's help. Much preferably if China has the will, for they certainly have the ability to convince Kim Jong-on that if he thought his regime could only survive with the nuclear threat, he better be convinced that his regime can only survive if he gives up his nuclear program.
It certainly seems that Mr. Xi believes Mr. Trump is prepared to use a massive preemptive strike which might bring an end to the North Korean regime which is already fragile, much more fragile than one might think. Certainly, the Pentagon has several plans in place which will include maximum damage to the regime including targeting the decapitation of the regime.
So what has changed? President Trump means business. He will end the North Korean nuclear threat. More importantly, China and North Korea believe it. No doubt, Mr. Trump is willing to give China the opportunity exercise its influence over North Korea. So we shall see.
2
Was a beautiful piece of chocolate cake served with each bombing or just the one?
2
Trump sees these photos and drools. He slaps his name on everything while Kim Jong Un slaps his picture on everything. Kim Jong Un parades his weapons through the streets while Trump drops his from the sky. Two peas in a pod.
1
Two blatant narcissists with nuclear weapons---what could go wrong.
4
President Obama can you please come back?
1
Trump and Jong are both irrational nut jobs. Unbelievable to most of us that we are lead by such. But the red states wanted it, so there you are.
But before we go to war, and it looks like we will in some form, all of trump's children should be place literally on the front lines with the infantry. Same for all the members of congress who support trump. That should be the law.
The rest of us who can't conceive of supporting a fool like trump will be placed in harms way regardless of what we want. Seems we're all circling the drain. Just not comprehendible to rational people but the stark reality today.
But before we go to war, and it looks like we will in some form, all of trump's children should be place literally on the front lines with the infantry. Same for all the members of congress who support trump. That should be the law.
The rest of us who can't conceive of supporting a fool like trump will be placed in harms way regardless of what we want. Seems we're all circling the drain. Just not comprehendible to rational people but the stark reality today.
1
Everyone is concerned about Donald Trump's unpredictability. but he is quite predictable. Indeed, he behaves like one of B.F. Skinner's pigeons. When they peck at a bar and get a peanut, they increase their rate of pecking. When Donald Trump bombs Syria and gets positive feedback from liberals and conservatives, he increases his rate of bombing.
How astute! Pun alert! Up till then everything he tried health care, Muslim ban, he failed. Or colloquially he bombed. Then he bombed and was successful in terms of approval. He has outdone Faulty Towers.
Excellent pun! Also, the comparison with Fawlty Towers works well, except that Mr. Fawlty was a harmless bumbler--as was Inspector Clouseau.
Trump is trying to bluff the bluffer. He'll lose and be forced to back down. He'll use Twitter to blame it on the Chinese. The dropping of the bomb in Afghanistan had no effect on the dictator. Kim won't lose face, even if it means war, while Trump will have destroyed any leverage the U.S. had. Sad.
2
North Korea needs to be wiped off the map. The U.S. wants it and China does as well.
War always leads to more war. It never leads to peace. War is always damaging....to the humans who fight in the wars, to those whom we call 'collaterals' - civilians who have the terrible luck to be in the way of a bomb or a bullet or the other side's chemical weapon attack. War is always damaging to property - people's homes, land, their cities, and their country's infrastructures. War is always destructive to relations between countries and within countries- for example, look at the Middle East. Wars damage the environment. A nuclear war could end much life on the planet. A nuclear war would send radioactive substance into the ocean, our atmosphere, and if we survived, would take generations to clean up.
I don't know what Donald trump is thinking. Does he think about consequences? What we see so far is a man with little forethought and a very low ability to control his impulses.
I am praying that something, anything happens to intervene and stop this complete madness. That Trump finds his conscience and remembers the sight of those sweet innocent babies who got in the way of the sarin gas chemical attack in Syria.
Babies and children always die in wars. It doesn't matter what war, when, who or how....they always die, they are always in harm's way wherever wars are fought. We must always remember that. They are the best reason to avoid war and negotiate peace.
I don't know what Donald trump is thinking. Does he think about consequences? What we see so far is a man with little forethought and a very low ability to control his impulses.
I am praying that something, anything happens to intervene and stop this complete madness. That Trump finds his conscience and remembers the sight of those sweet innocent babies who got in the way of the sarin gas chemical attack in Syria.
Babies and children always die in wars. It doesn't matter what war, when, who or how....they always die, they are always in harm's way wherever wars are fought. We must always remember that. They are the best reason to avoid war and negotiate peace.
And so there you have it: We have the real possibility of the first thermonuclear war in human history mushrooming (pun intended) because of the narcissistic and egotistic personalities of Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Drumpf, the two leaders of North Korea and America respectively.
So basically we have 2 little boys, one leading the U.S. and one leading North Korea, descending into a measuring contest of their private parts.
2
Close, actually they're Making Up for their "Short" Comings.
1
Well he did proclaim he knows more than the Generals.
3
Trump's gambit with the cruise missiles and MOAB, if they were meant to freighten Kim with US military might, is NOT working! Kim will call Trump's bluff and go to war with the US in a premptive strike.
Maybe China can defuse the tension and avoid a thermonuclear war. But given that we have two egomaniacs with guns drawn and hurling insults at each other, maybe not.
Maybe China can defuse the tension and avoid a thermonuclear war. But given that we have two egomaniacs with guns drawn and hurling insults at each other, maybe not.
2
Two special causes for concern are what this president knows and what the American people know, to the extent that they listen to this president.
It may be that President Trump is deliberately playing the "wild man" card, trying to convince the North Koreans that they'd better be the cautious ones because he's liable to do anything. That ploy is not new, but it's for a risk-taker who has a perfect grasp of the risk in all its ramifications -- who understands just how wild the adversary is, what the consequences of a blunder might be, and what might be gained by less risky methods. It's impossible to believe that Donald Trump grasps these things or even understands that this is not a case for uninformed improvisation.
And when President Trump tries to promote, say, the view that China is cracking down on North Korea by turning away imports, can the public accept that as information and not hot air? Having heard it, can we assume that we know what China is doing, or even what Trump thinks China is doing, or even that Trump is truthfully representing what he thinks China is doing? Donald Trump may be solvent as the proprietor of Mar-a-Lago, but as the leader of the nation he's long since bankrupt.
http://thefamilyproperty.blogspot.jp/
It may be that President Trump is deliberately playing the "wild man" card, trying to convince the North Koreans that they'd better be the cautious ones because he's liable to do anything. That ploy is not new, but it's for a risk-taker who has a perfect grasp of the risk in all its ramifications -- who understands just how wild the adversary is, what the consequences of a blunder might be, and what might be gained by less risky methods. It's impossible to believe that Donald Trump grasps these things or even understands that this is not a case for uninformed improvisation.
And when President Trump tries to promote, say, the view that China is cracking down on North Korea by turning away imports, can the public accept that as information and not hot air? Having heard it, can we assume that we know what China is doing, or even what Trump thinks China is doing, or even that Trump is truthfully representing what he thinks China is doing? Donald Trump may be solvent as the proprietor of Mar-a-Lago, but as the leader of the nation he's long since bankrupt.
http://thefamilyproperty.blogspot.jp/
We reap what we sow. If we vote for a doofus, that is what we get. No surprises.
2
I guess war with North Korea is on. What can you say, it's clear that the North Korean president will give nuclear weapons to terrorists like ISIS to detonate in the US. Do we wait?
I fear that if a shooting war begins, the American people will suffer privation far greater than the inconveniences and angst that followed 9/11.
Other than the immediate victims and their families then, and my God have mercy on them, most Americans just reacted by being scared and putting talisman-like flag decals on their new SUVs (the bigger SUV the better, to protect suburban children from bad things).
Of course Americans would tut tut were Seoul be be obliterated, but North Korea is not al Qaeda. I doubt their ICBMs would work as advertised, but they have another weapon that Richard Clarke has warned us of for years and years: a potent cyberwar capability. We might see our power-grids fail for months.
If China is dragged in, we will be in deep trouble. They have the ability, through code in chips installed in Chinese-made devices, to shut us down for months: banking, e-commerce, power, water. Game over without a single mushroom cloud.
In other words, start a war with China and your flag decal won't help at all this go round.
Other than the immediate victims and their families then, and my God have mercy on them, most Americans just reacted by being scared and putting talisman-like flag decals on their new SUVs (the bigger SUV the better, to protect suburban children from bad things).
Of course Americans would tut tut were Seoul be be obliterated, but North Korea is not al Qaeda. I doubt their ICBMs would work as advertised, but they have another weapon that Richard Clarke has warned us of for years and years: a potent cyberwar capability. We might see our power-grids fail for months.
If China is dragged in, we will be in deep trouble. They have the ability, through code in chips installed in Chinese-made devices, to shut us down for months: banking, e-commerce, power, water. Game over without a single mushroom cloud.
In other words, start a war with China and your flag decal won't help at all this go round.
2
I'm no fan of trump or NK but as far as China goes, they have had over 12 years to get control of NK and they have failed miserably.
1
Since we're basically dealing with a battle of egos, the best way to avoid war is for someone to create a fake Twitter account for Kim, and send out the message "Mr. Trump, you are the best US president, and clearly have huge hands and bombs. You win. Let's just you, me and Dennis be friends @realDonaldTrump #KimchiNotNukes
3
There is a big crisis and where is our president? Playing golf in his private golf course (charging to the taxpayers for the trip, of course)
1
Trump should invite him to Mar-a-Lago.
Funny that the guy who has paid no taxes from at least 1995 to 2011 should tout how strong our military is, don't ya think?
3
It is rather disingenuous to say the least given Chinas insistence on preserving a significant hostile military buffer zone on its flank, and at the same time utilising the usual fascist 'historic right' to Other peoples space, whilst creating a 'ring' of steel. China will be responsible along with the secondary free-riders such as Obama for not confronting evil as soon as it arises. Conflict with China was inevitable when China started utilising the exact same excuses, strategy and tactics Japan did economically and militarily before WWII. As with Japan and Germany prior to WWII the Chinese and Russian tag team was not created for the benefit of humanity.
1
It is almost Sunday in N. Korea. If they don't conduct a new test or test another missile, let's declare victory and send the fleet home.
1
Adding to Chinese unease, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that "the problem of North Korea" would be "taken care of".
"If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A."
That about says it all, hey world, just leave it to the bully-in-chief.
SAD?
"If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A."
That about says it all, hey world, just leave it to the bully-in-chief.
SAD?
5
Sure takes one's mind off the fact that Trump is in kahoots with the Russians.
4
So Dump Trump drops the bomb now what? This whole thing is crazy.
Two crazy people and what do you get a GOP without it's pant's on.
Two crazy people and what do you get a GOP without it's pant's on.
2
The Summer Blockbuster Movie,...
"Small Man vs Small Hands"
This time it's Ridiculous.
"Small Man vs Small Hands"
This time it's Ridiculous.
2
So Trump is trying to start a war with North Korea? This is how Don the Con plans to make America Great again? Impeach now!
4
Two shallow, narcissistic despots thumping their chests and rattling their sabers, spewing tough-sounding jingoistic slogans with the intent of distracting the citizens of their respective countries as well as the rest of the world away from their self-serving, corrupt and incompetent leadership.
This will not end well for anyone. What's worse is that it's quite clear that neither of these despots really care as long as they can claim to have won once the smoke clears.
This will not end well for anyone. What's worse is that it's quite clear that neither of these despots really care as long as they can claim to have won once the smoke clears.
4
since the wealthy do not want to pay taxes how about they pay by example... their kids first on the battlefields...
7
Potentially, it's the perfect storm. Kim wants nothing more than to goad the sitting US President into a fight of any sort. He now has someone in that seat who has historically low self-control and even less introspection and foresight. Kim has the same sociopathic mindset as Trump: my personal importance is paramount, truth and social consequences be dashed. Yes, China needs a stable NK, they have yet to step in to stop any of Kim's sabre-rattling, but the new variable is Trump. His about-face on China (with no germane diplomatic interaction other than being scolded by US business leaders) shows Xe that Trump can be manipulated. Trump was as surprised as anyone that he won the presidency - his lack of preparation for the job is becoming increasingly - and perhaps disastrously - evident.
3
Can the world really afford a war of egos with two verifiable maniacs that control nuclear arsenals? Are we living the incarnation of the movie Dr. Strangelove? Do we have a choice here? Trump should stand down forget the event forecasting (military gaming) and stop the art of the deal maneuvering.
Way too much at stake here with too many variables. How could our vaunted leader think that leveraging/threatening with "weapons of mass destruction" is a sane negotiating tactic. Things may go badly awry.
Trump should stick to playing golf.
Way too much at stake here with too many variables. How could our vaunted leader think that leveraging/threatening with "weapons of mass destruction" is a sane negotiating tactic. Things may go badly awry.
Trump should stick to playing golf.
Keep your eve on the ball: Conspiring with the Russians to change the Presidential election results.....tax returns.
5
"Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, visiting Seoul in March, said the United States would not negotiate with the North unless it first gave up both its nuclear and missile programs. "
If the North gives up their nuclear and missile programs what's left to negotiate and for what? I hate to say this but it's true look at what happened in Iraq and Libya. Both of them turned into terrorist havens. Even Trump said that as bad as Saddam and Khadafy were things got worse with the rise of ISIS. I agree. But Trump suffers from amnesia. He even forgot he told Obama not to engage Syria militarily after the 2013 saran gas attack on his people that we will be worse off. I think Americans should never make a similar mistake to elect a president like Trump again. He and the young Kim are both irrational making threats. And Trump is worse because no one seems to approve his Twitter tweets before he posts them and he has the codes to most of the nuclear weapons in the world. A very bad combination. No wonder the evangelicals voted for him overwhelmingly. They love to talk about Armageddon and finally found the man who can take them there in the 21st century.
If the North gives up their nuclear and missile programs what's left to negotiate and for what? I hate to say this but it's true look at what happened in Iraq and Libya. Both of them turned into terrorist havens. Even Trump said that as bad as Saddam and Khadafy were things got worse with the rise of ISIS. I agree. But Trump suffers from amnesia. He even forgot he told Obama not to engage Syria militarily after the 2013 saran gas attack on his people that we will be worse off. I think Americans should never make a similar mistake to elect a president like Trump again. He and the young Kim are both irrational making threats. And Trump is worse because no one seems to approve his Twitter tweets before he posts them and he has the codes to most of the nuclear weapons in the world. A very bad combination. No wonder the evangelicals voted for him overwhelmingly. They love to talk about Armageddon and finally found the man who can take them there in the 21st century.
2
What's the deal on this guy's haircut? Will he feed his barber to a lion or what ?
1
So this is how the world ends - not with a whimper but with a bang?
Just the way it started?
I'm going to miss rock n roll, my family, my cats, my friends, my motorcycle, my mountains, my ocean, my deserts. And yes, even my life.
What will you all miss?
I'm not sure of the North Korean equivalency here but it does depress me that we are the country where Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt and yes, even Barak Obama occupied our White House but we now have an idiot sitting in there thinking whatever the t.v. prods him to think. And in Pyongyang's palace there dwells a fat, paranoid, violent, sightless toad of a dictator with perhaps the world's worst haircut.
How ignoble for these two to initiate the deaths of millions. They should be facing each other in a mud and jello bath nerf bat battle on some reality show.
This can't be how the worlds end. Not by a bang or a whimper but by separated at birth twin idiots -
Just the way it started?
I'm going to miss rock n roll, my family, my cats, my friends, my motorcycle, my mountains, my ocean, my deserts. And yes, even my life.
What will you all miss?
I'm not sure of the North Korean equivalency here but it does depress me that we are the country where Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt and yes, even Barak Obama occupied our White House but we now have an idiot sitting in there thinking whatever the t.v. prods him to think. And in Pyongyang's palace there dwells a fat, paranoid, violent, sightless toad of a dictator with perhaps the world's worst haircut.
How ignoble for these two to initiate the deaths of millions. They should be facing each other in a mud and jello bath nerf bat battle on some reality show.
This can't be how the worlds end. Not by a bang or a whimper but by separated at birth twin idiots -
4
Looking back- (a.k.a. 'hindsight'!). . . it is now obvious that General Douglas MacArthur was correct in advising President Harry Truman that U.S. Military then engaged against the North Korea regime; march right on past the 38th parallel to the Yalu River, and 'wipe-out' the rogue state of North Korea.
Truman was 'concerned' that the Chinese would come to the military aid of the North Koreans. However, Gen. MacArthur assured Mr. Truman that China was no serious threat to the U.S.; -stating that: 'China didn't even have an Air Force!'.
Had Mr. Truman had allowed that to happened in 1951; -the price of Kimchi would have dropped precipitously on the International Food Market!
Oh well- lesson learned(?) We'll see. . .
Truman was 'concerned' that the Chinese would come to the military aid of the North Koreans. However, Gen. MacArthur assured Mr. Truman that China was no serious threat to the U.S.; -stating that: 'China didn't even have an Air Force!'.
Had Mr. Truman had allowed that to happened in 1951; -the price of Kimchi would have dropped precipitously on the International Food Market!
Oh well- lesson learned(?) We'll see. . .
2
During the recent "let him eat chocolate cake" weekend at Mar-a-Lago, Trump took a 10 minute lesson on NK from the Chinese leader and went away convinced that he and Xi are now bosom buddies, in exchange for more favorable trade terms.
Transactional Don is deluded if he doesn't know that bombing over dessert is a losing-face-causing gesture, a gross insult to another world leader, especially one from an Asian culture. Xi will long remember that surprise jumping out of the cake.
No doubt he saw Trump for the ignoramus that he is, playing with big boy toys. Remember the Putin bromance, now shattered. Trump thinks "leaving it to China" will solve his world problem? He hasn't read his Machiavelli. China has many moves it can make, and with Xi having been so insulted, he doesn't have to play nice with The Don.
Donald needs to read "The Art of the Real." He's living in his own fantasy world, at the center of his Me First universe.
Transactional Don is deluded if he doesn't know that bombing over dessert is a losing-face-causing gesture, a gross insult to another world leader, especially one from an Asian culture. Xi will long remember that surprise jumping out of the cake.
No doubt he saw Trump for the ignoramus that he is, playing with big boy toys. Remember the Putin bromance, now shattered. Trump thinks "leaving it to China" will solve his world problem? He hasn't read his Machiavelli. China has many moves it can make, and with Xi having been so insulted, he doesn't have to play nice with The Don.
Donald needs to read "The Art of the Real." He's living in his own fantasy world, at the center of his Me First universe.
3
Welcome to Trump's America. It is becoming exciting: a new crisis every few days and no one in the wings to set it all straight. It's a sad day for our country.
3
North Korea has the intent, but how much are they bluffing? The U.S. will have to figure out whether they will actually do it.
To the rest of the world who will be affected by this I say, don't worry, this so-called president claims he knows more that the generals, he alone can fix things, and to prove it 62 million morons, I mean Americans voted for him.
Good night and good luck.
Good night and good luck.
5
Does this make 7,8 or 9 counties we are bombing? I cant remember at this point. How can one country be in a world war without knowing?
4
If Trump dies have ties to Russia that he needs to cover up, then we are in deep trouble big league. Or is it bigly?
1
I watched some of that parade....The people of N Korea seem obsessed with the Boy King. The looks on their faces as they put on those super-sized displays was ...scary. Scary because....this is exactly what Trump wants for himself
3
In a way, war with North Korea is inevitable. America's policy towards it has been - for the last two decades - irresponsible and now we are all paying the price. I - for one - do not doubt that an American invasion would not be successful and that many North Koreans would welcome the liberation of their country. But the real risks are to Japan and South Korea. If a nuclear bomb is successfully detonated on Seoul or even on any Japanese major city it is hard for me to imagine how America's prestige - as a guarantor of world peace - would survive this holocaust. Japan & South Korea would recover. No doubt about it! But not America. It's hegemony would dissipate and its status would be relegated to regional power.
32
Do you live in the most vulnerable US states most likely to be the targets of North Korea's nukes? If not, don't you or anyone else DARE ask people on the East Coast to go through another monstrous bombing like 9/11.
How about we make sure the North Koreans have a map of the states that are the ones who won't EVER be in the way of Korean nukes?
I am so fed up with MEN in this country too cowardly to enlist in the military playing armchair military generals with our children's lives.
You want war? Good. Make sure Kim Jung Un has a map of your state.
How about we make sure the North Koreans have a map of the states that are the ones who won't EVER be in the way of Korean nukes?
I am so fed up with MEN in this country too cowardly to enlist in the military playing armchair military generals with our children's lives.
You want war? Good. Make sure Kim Jung Un has a map of your state.
1
I love the phrase: "America as a guarantor of world peace". It warms your heart
I think we would have the same or worse welcome that we had in Iraq. The NK people have been brainwashed for generations. We are the boogieman that children are afraid of in the night. They cling to their leader to protect them from us.
People have to quit thinking that we are viewed by the world as the cavalry coming to their rescue. Anyone who has done much traveling knows that is not true.
Trump is to blame for this situation. He and Kim Jon-un are like two spoiled and dangerous children. Let's hope China can defuse it. Who could have imagined we would look at China as the stable one?
People have to quit thinking that we are viewed by the world as the cavalry coming to their rescue. Anyone who has done much traveling knows that is not true.
Trump is to blame for this situation. He and Kim Jon-un are like two spoiled and dangerous children. Let's hope China can defuse it. Who could have imagined we would look at China as the stable one?
No one is capable of influencing Kim Jong-Un more strongly than China.
If China does not want to have on their border a nuclear power headed by a young despot, then China needs to take action. Trade between China and NK is at an all time high. That clearly encourages Kim. If he succeeds in making viable nuclear weapons, and if he uses them, which wouldn't surprise me, China wants it that way.
Maybe they see him as someone who is willing to do their dirty work for them in return for his own little contribute to dominate.
If China does not want to have on their border a nuclear power headed by a young despot, then China needs to take action. Trade between China and NK is at an all time high. That clearly encourages Kim. If he succeeds in making viable nuclear weapons, and if he uses them, which wouldn't surprise me, China wants it that way.
Maybe they see him as someone who is willing to do their dirty work for them in return for his own little contribute to dominate.
7
Dang typos! I try so hard to be perfect. :o(
The last sentence should read, "his own little COUNTRY to dominate."
The last sentence should read, "his own little COUNTRY to dominate."
Then you're missing the entire point to why NK has pursued nuclear weapons since the 50s. NK LIKES being the tail that wags the dog, yet it knows that it's dependent on China, the U.S., and Japan for food, materials, resources, and energy. That's what drives their foreign policy. Things get a little shaky at home, perhaps food stocks start running a little low, and out come the threats. The nuclear stick is the biggest one they can shake, and for them represents the ultimate in security. The problem is in the stability of the NK leader. Should HE finally be insane enough to believe that HE personally could survive a nuclear exchange, the delicate balance of MAD is upset entirely, because MAD itself is reliant on the stability of the mindsets of the various nuclear armed leaders. Worse, is that we now seem to have 2 of them: Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump.
I beat Assad comes down sooner than Kim.
How long will it take before Donald The 1st fires a moab on Assad's bunker and/or palace ?
How long will it take before Donald The 1st fires a moab on Assad's bunker and/or palace ?
2
One doesn't fly C-130s over places with strong air defenses.
3
That would be plain stupid.
1
If Kim Sung Il is such an enemy of the West then why does he wear Western clothes in the photo they parade around? Maybe he sees us as feels envy?
4
I wouldn't count on it. The whole population wears a uniform outfit, , by the way, and what, exactly, are "western clothes"? This man is a powerful tyrant, like his father and grandfather, and you need to understand that he is dangerous.
1
Thanks for this insightful comment. Who knew that we could judge the danger from dictators by the clothes they wear? Wow.
1
Seriously though, he is dressed like an Englishman. It's similar to when Japan was conquered, they started wearing western clothes. There's some deep seated inferiority complex -- on some level, they want to be more like us.
Recalling the several days of terror surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis, the current North Korean situation appears to be a forced error on the part of the US. Threatening words from the US regarding a preemptive strike if the US decides North Korea is going to test another nuclear device are unnecessarily provocative, creating a red line. Soviet missiles carrying nuclear warheads aimed at the US ninety miles from our shores demanded a strong declaration as a red line had already been crossed.
China, the best hope for resolution, is unlikely to work very hard in punishing its ally and territorial buffer from western capitalist influences. North Korea is leverage for China regardless of China's slight embrace of western capitalism.
The dilemma faced is this: North Korea will likely have the ability to threaten the US with nuclear weapons in a couple of years. The US has apparently decided this is unacceptable. North Korea could be serving as a proxy warmongering state and threat for Chinese benefit.
The US putting its faith in China to deliver some relief from the threats posed by China's North Korean puppet is disingenuous. China would be blamed by our president, who cannot take responsibility for anything, but the world will blame the US.
China, the best hope for resolution, is unlikely to work very hard in punishing its ally and territorial buffer from western capitalist influences. North Korea is leverage for China regardless of China's slight embrace of western capitalism.
The dilemma faced is this: North Korea will likely have the ability to threaten the US with nuclear weapons in a couple of years. The US has apparently decided this is unacceptable. North Korea could be serving as a proxy warmongering state and threat for Chinese benefit.
The US putting its faith in China to deliver some relief from the threats posed by China's North Korean puppet is disingenuous. China would be blamed by our president, who cannot take responsibility for anything, but the world will blame the US.
2
As trump to putin, Kim J un to Xi Jinping that how their complex relationship go.
China wouldn't want US meddle with their back door - South East Sea Region. Besides, with trump policy America soon become an open market for China. As a result America MTGA.
China wouldn't want US meddle with their back door - South East Sea Region. Besides, with trump policy America soon become an open market for China. As a result America MTGA.
“...in tit for tat, with swords drawn and bows bent...storm clouds gathering,” China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, said in Beijing," ...mixing metaphors with the best of 'em. Well...the chickens are coming home to roost for the White House.
5
We have two unbalanced national leaders yelling at one another. Both have massive weapons at their disposal. Millions of people are at risk. North Korea has been run by dictators since the middle of the last century. The U.S. should no better, not particularly the leader in charge but the people who put him in office after hearing his rants for over a year!
5
From Chinese foreign minster Wang Yi not long ago: "On the Korean Peninsula issue, it is not the one who espouses harsher rhetoric or raises a bigger fist that will win," Wang said. "If war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, multiple parties will lose and no one will win."
As an ordinary American citizen I see China as a superpower, not just an economic superpower, not "the" superpower, and I'm not sure why it matters who is or if there are multiple, as long as they govern well and wisely, with the overall aim of peace (not to overlook prosperity and happiness). I may be naive, but right now I don't see this escalation in threats of war of any kind by either party to be governing well. "The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government." -- Thomas Jefferson
I see foreign minister Wang Yi's words as a breath of fresh air in reason, as I comb through article after article of doom and gloom in these latest current events, and think...okay, this is wise and well put...please hear them, Tweedledum and Tweetledee. The fate of so many humans rests on simply 2. Two. Perhaps this is just a bad dream or we are all extras in an Austin Powers movie.
"And so I plead for non-violence and yet more nonviolence. I do so not without knowledge but with sixty years’ experience behind me." -- Mahatma Gandhi
As an ordinary American citizen I see China as a superpower, not just an economic superpower, not "the" superpower, and I'm not sure why it matters who is or if there are multiple, as long as they govern well and wisely, with the overall aim of peace (not to overlook prosperity and happiness). I may be naive, but right now I don't see this escalation in threats of war of any kind by either party to be governing well. "The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government." -- Thomas Jefferson
I see foreign minister Wang Yi's words as a breath of fresh air in reason, as I comb through article after article of doom and gloom in these latest current events, and think...okay, this is wise and well put...please hear them, Tweedledum and Tweetledee. The fate of so many humans rests on simply 2. Two. Perhaps this is just a bad dream or we are all extras in an Austin Powers movie.
"And so I plead for non-violence and yet more nonviolence. I do so not without knowledge but with sixty years’ experience behind me." -- Mahatma Gandhi
3
I don't think Kim would act belligerently if he didn't think China "had his back". China talks a good game by pleading with everyone to be calm and reasonable. But they have huge influence over the economic survival of NK and they refuse to use that influence to pressure Kim to give up nukes. It seems they want him to have them. With economic cooperation between the 2 countries at an all time high they are practically rewarding Kim for his belligerence.
1
It amazes me that so many people commenting in this thread are lambasting Trump. Surely he is addressing a foreign policy crisis that has been ignored in the most cowardly way by a succession of US administrations. It is time to lance the boil.
6
Were you (also) "amazed" when POTUS Lambasted: China, NATO,..praised Putin?
2
Boil is usually lanced with scalpel ( diplomacy), not a hatchet ( trump). You prefer Trumps method then make sure you scrub in, join the military's front line.
1
"Lance the boil"? By causing how many innocent deaths? Are you volunteering?
1
And here we go......
Trump flaps his mouth and this is what emerges.
This is why words have meaning and the POTUS has to know how to use them carefully and like an adult.
Trump flaps his mouth and this is what emerges.
This is why words have meaning and the POTUS has to know how to use them carefully and like an adult.
8
President Donald "Touts His Ego Everywhere" Trump is in way over his head. He's incapable of realizing the global military, economic and social effects of his actions, because he has always lived his life under the delusion that he will be successful at anything he attempts and that he can bully his way through life.
The U.S. has the weaker hand because it does not hold the trump card.
I agree with other commentators that the U.S. is the weaker player and that China is the only player who can force NK to give up its arms. Trump wants to go down in history in bigly ways. He just might accomplish that, big league, as others have mentioned, by starting the world's first thermonuclear war. Now, more than ever, he needs superior advisors he will listen to, who will steer him away from global destruction. We have not been at such risk. Ever.
The U.S. has the weaker hand because it does not hold the trump card.
I agree with other commentators that the U.S. is the weaker player and that China is the only player who can force NK to give up its arms. Trump wants to go down in history in bigly ways. He just might accomplish that, big league, as others have mentioned, by starting the world's first thermonuclear war. Now, more than ever, he needs superior advisors he will listen to, who will steer him away from global destruction. We have not been at such risk. Ever.
14
China needs to exert more pressure - except China loves the instigator. Between Putin and XI in China, they will play instigator with Trump. Trump can't bomb his way to solutions.
1
You'll know things are heating up when North Korea stops concentrating its military in compact formations at these events.
3
Its parading never-before-seen weapons isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Given China's intentions in that territory, it's time it bore some of the responsibility that goes along with the power it seeks. Keeping China busy with NK might be a strategic win (reprieve) for Japan, which has to increasingly deal with Chinese aircraft invading its space.
Given China's intentions in that territory, it's time it bore some of the responsibility that goes along with the power it seeks. Keeping China busy with NK might be a strategic win (reprieve) for Japan, which has to increasingly deal with Chinese aircraft invading its space.
Trump: He kept us sa- . . . .
11
As a veteran, I've seen this military worship more often than I'd like. It affects mostly men, but sometimes women. It goes something like this.
As a younger person they have no interest in military service. During the draft they took active measures to avoid/evade the draft. When the draft was no longer in force, it was easy to simply ignore any idea of service.
Then, at some point in their lives (and it's different for everyone so afflicted), and for a wide variety of reasons, they begin to "regret" not serving. And that's where things go off the rails.
There's a sudden fascination with all things military. Sometimes they actually play "dress up" on weekends. They strongly "encourage" their kids to serve, so they can bask in the reflected "glory".
We can see that syndrome in Fox News's abhorrent version of the MOAB strike video, complete with background music. The blast was even called "beautiful". Did anyone notice that not a single on-camera person has done so much as one day of military service?
And that's our problem, very, very few in the US have served. Too many "tough guys" out there, cheering this stuff on to prove their "manhood".
I'm not sure where it ends, but I suspect we need restoration of the military draft to find out where people REALLY stand on these attacks.
As a younger person they have no interest in military service. During the draft they took active measures to avoid/evade the draft. When the draft was no longer in force, it was easy to simply ignore any idea of service.
Then, at some point in their lives (and it's different for everyone so afflicted), and for a wide variety of reasons, they begin to "regret" not serving. And that's where things go off the rails.
There's a sudden fascination with all things military. Sometimes they actually play "dress up" on weekends. They strongly "encourage" their kids to serve, so they can bask in the reflected "glory".
We can see that syndrome in Fox News's abhorrent version of the MOAB strike video, complete with background music. The blast was even called "beautiful". Did anyone notice that not a single on-camera person has done so much as one day of military service?
And that's our problem, very, very few in the US have served. Too many "tough guys" out there, cheering this stuff on to prove their "manhood".
I'm not sure where it ends, but I suspect we need restoration of the military draft to find out where people REALLY stand on these attacks.
287
Bravo Joe We should have mandatory service of some sort.Too many of the millennial age group do nothing for this country.How's this sound after the prom give mom and dad the cell phone and off to boot camp.No exemptions !
1
I'll skip the banal "thank you for your service" and say the more meaningful "thank you for your informed insight."
I hope our President heeds calm and experienced voices of those like you who served.
I hope our President heeds calm and experienced voices of those like you who served.
1
Most American youth are too uneducated, fat, drug-addled (including ADD drugs), asthmatic, or with criminal records to support a draft under today's military standards. Only about 30% of draft age American youth are even eligible for service, based on the high standards of today's all volunteer force. That's why our military is so effective. The draftees of the 60s and 70s would be hopeless in high tech tanks, ballistic radar, computer driven ground to ground and ground to air missile systems--and that's just in the Army, much less the Air Force and Navy. People talk about it, but we really have no draft option, other than a super selective, draconian process that would pluck specific individuals out of their jobs or their colleges. But, then again, this is Trumpamerica.
1
The sight of all these men thumping their chests and showing off their war toys is laughable. Donald Trumps tweets are laughable. When will we grow up? War may or may not break out. If it does, and millions of people are taken off this planet, she will not care a whit. My question is, Why do we allow these little boys to be in charge?
157
If only we had proportional representation of the sexes in government. I'd say time's up on letting the boys figure this out alone.
1
We allow stupid little boys to be in charge because we just can't shake misogyny.
1
"Why do we allow these little boys to be in charge?" Because so many other little boys are frustrated with their lives that they voted for this man-child who can barely read and has the attention span of a gnat- add in the racists, nationalists, other non-readers, those with the same lack of morals and ethics as trump and you have enough votes for the worst mistake in the history of our country. Evidence of tampering with voting machines in 5 states- three of which gave him the electoral college votes he needed to follow soon.
1
More chaos from our dunce president. What does he hope to accomplish?
15
Trump bombing Syria gave him a lift in the polls. The calculation being made is whether bombing NK will do the same. There might be some other considerations, having to do with the Trump Brand. You'd have to ask Jared.
4
General comment/thoughts - I think the reason this crisis is not getting the full attention it should (and it should) is that this is a totally different world today. We are all on news overload. We are bombarded daily by so much information and "Breaking News", that we don't listen anymore when someone calls "Wolf!". Sad !
2
Today's cable news is not news. It is entertainment, a 24 hour variety show. Rather than stupid pet tricks, we have children and talking heads filling the 24 hour cycle with nothingness.
This is the endgame of Capitalism. Everything is monetized. If it does not turn a profit and benefit shareholders fuggeddaboudit.
This is the endgame of Capitalism. Everything is monetized. If it does not turn a profit and benefit shareholders fuggeddaboudit.
4
The problem here, is that the U.S., Bush and YES, Obama TOO all you liberals, allowed North Korea to get the bomb in the first place. And Obama allowed North Korea to continue to develop the ICBM capabilities. Now we have Trump, of all people, to deal with it - all because the Democrats ignored middle class America and rammed things like Obamacare down their throats, and rigged a louse Democratic presidential candidate, Clinton.
2
Right, and the idiots that actually voted for Trump aren't to blame?
Your juvenile hate is clouding your thinking.
Your juvenile hate is clouding your thinking.
2
You left out: Carter, Kennedy, Gore, Geraldine Ferraro, Michael Moore, Dr King, and perhaps FDR?
2
Just another reason to regret that the North won the Civil war. Had history been kinder and the South had successfully seceded there would never have been a New Deal, which rescued the South from its parochialism, dirt roads, lack of electricity, migrants from the north ( NC's research triangle), etc. In fact, Atlanta's sewer system was built during the New Deal and the South still receives more in taxes from Washington than it remits. That part of th
2
Invite Kim to Mar-a-Lago for a little R&R. Both men just need a little love and understanding. Getting them together may help them both realize that they're brothers-in-arms. Combined, these two men could form the ultimate axis-of-evil.
14
Iraq has Weapons of mass distruction , we had to go to war.
No weapons found. War for 14 years and 3 trillion dollars later we are still there.
The War Machine is looking for it's next big payday.
What happened to the Trump is such a liar when something in the world happens how can we trust him?
No weapons found. War for 14 years and 3 trillion dollars later we are still there.
The War Machine is looking for it's next big payday.
What happened to the Trump is such a liar when something in the world happens how can we trust him?
6
Is Asia next?
With all this going on Trump is once again at Mar-a-Lago golfing and running up a YUGE travel tap. Shouldn't he be at the White House WORKING?
17
I have been on this planet since nineteen sixty one all the while the US military has been killing it's way across the planet while stealing resources, destroying peace and lives. The US military is and always has been humanities greatest threat as they destroy everything in their path starting with the environment and ending with the truth. Thus country is as evil as it is ignorant.
5
Absolutely evil.
1
Amen Reaper, here on Earth since '51 and Nothing has changed except we get more and more evil.
1
On the military side, the administration seems like it's doing what most American administrations would do. The US clearly views multiple nuclear and missile tests as a provocation. I think the Obama administration would have responded similarly to this.
On the diplomatic side, Trump should be more willing to engage in bilateral talks as an alternative route to defuse the situation. Basically, North Korea wants to extort concessions from the US, and it can't do that if it has to go around six party talks. It's not great that we keep repeating the cycle of brinkmanship and negotiation, but it looks better than a military confrontation these days. Anyway, the costs to us doing that are low enough that, since military confrontation is the worst case scenario and the alternative is simply careening toward conflict, negotiations are comparatively better than what we're doing.
On the diplomatic side, Trump should be more willing to engage in bilateral talks as an alternative route to defuse the situation. Basically, North Korea wants to extort concessions from the US, and it can't do that if it has to go around six party talks. It's not great that we keep repeating the cycle of brinkmanship and negotiation, but it looks better than a military confrontation these days. Anyway, the costs to us doing that are low enough that, since military confrontation is the worst case scenario and the alternative is simply careening toward conflict, negotiations are comparatively better than what we're doing.
4
Is there really a "talking" option with NK? I think making China responsible is a smart move and long overdue. It has had the freedom to develop expansion plans while not having to deal with extremism on its doorstep. Instead NK has been everyone else's problem.
This is exactly what I feared when Trump took the seat of Commander and Chief.
His physical stature , his facial expressions, his relentless erratic tweets, his paranoid accusations, his lies, his "flip flops"etc.that are viewed by the world, continue to be a red flag to me.
I firmly believe the motto he has followed his whole entitled life in the Trump Kingdom is "might is right" and, Trump has surrounded himself with a staff of like minded people.
Trump vs Kim Jong-un ? A battle of sick and weak egos, the need to win at all costs? Xi Jinping is playing a mindful game of chess, sitting back waiting for Trumps next move.
Ya, I afraid , very afraid!
His physical stature , his facial expressions, his relentless erratic tweets, his paranoid accusations, his lies, his "flip flops"etc.that are viewed by the world, continue to be a red flag to me.
I firmly believe the motto he has followed his whole entitled life in the Trump Kingdom is "might is right" and, Trump has surrounded himself with a staff of like minded people.
Trump vs Kim Jong-un ? A battle of sick and weak egos, the need to win at all costs? Xi Jinping is playing a mindful game of chess, sitting back waiting for Trumps next move.
Ya, I afraid , very afraid!
9
The US military have been preparing plans for decades for bombing North Korea. It is their job to figure out the worse case scenarios.
Now we have a president who determines the worst case scenarios from watching Fox News. If you want to know when he will give the OK, tune into what those guys are saying and the pictures they show. Don't listen to China, Japan, South Korea, Europe or the American people.
Trump is looking for an excuse that he can identify as the provocation from NK and while waiting for that excuse, he is provoking Kim Jong-un with all the bluster and cant words he can manage. Trump has used this tactic for years in the real estate business. How different can it be provoking people to sue them from provoking a militarized power to strike first.
It is doubtful that Kim already has a nuke that can be delivered but he certainly can restart the Korean War. The US military would probably advise dealing with Kim now before he has the bomb ready to go. It would take a controlled and considered president to resist the siren call of showing US might when all it takes is a nod and the plan becomes action.
Now we have a president who determines the worst case scenarios from watching Fox News. If you want to know when he will give the OK, tune into what those guys are saying and the pictures they show. Don't listen to China, Japan, South Korea, Europe or the American people.
Trump is looking for an excuse that he can identify as the provocation from NK and while waiting for that excuse, he is provoking Kim Jong-un with all the bluster and cant words he can manage. Trump has used this tactic for years in the real estate business. How different can it be provoking people to sue them from provoking a militarized power to strike first.
It is doubtful that Kim already has a nuke that can be delivered but he certainly can restart the Korean War. The US military would probably advise dealing with Kim now before he has the bomb ready to go. It would take a controlled and considered president to resist the siren call of showing US might when all it takes is a nod and the plan becomes action.
2
It would take a controlled and considered president to resist the siren call of showing US might when all it takes is a nod and the plan becomes action.
Sadly, that is NOT what 62 million Americans voted for.
Sadly, that is NOT what 62 million Americans voted for.
1
Trump has been in office less than 100 days and we are already have the possibility of war being mentioned by China, and not in some distant hypothetical sense but rather as a current danger. How many will suffer and die for him to prove to himself how tough he is?
It's astounding. This is what happens when an insecure, immature, ignorant bully and personal coward is given the mightiest military in the world to play with.
It's astounding. This is what happens when an insecure, immature, ignorant bully and personal coward is given the mightiest military in the world to play with.
6
I agree with the commenters who acknowledge how dire this situation is, and am looking for some kind of hope. It's hard to come by, however, with Donald Trump remaining in office.
If someone has irrefutable proof that Trump himself colluded with Russia to win the election, I hope it will come to light soon. I do not agree with Mike Pence's policies, but I don't believe he has a personality disorder either, and I do not think anyone on the current political stage is as ignorant, as ill-equipped for the job or president, as Trump.
If someone has irrefutable proof that Trump himself colluded with Russia to win the election, I hope it will come to light soon. I do not agree with Mike Pence's policies, but I don't believe he has a personality disorder either, and I do not think anyone on the current political stage is as ignorant, as ill-equipped for the job or president, as Trump.
4
men with outrageous egos and their toys.
all of so unnecessary and heart breaking.
will men ever learn?
Read: World Made By Hand
A quartet by James Howard Kunstler
Fascinating look into the future if this nonsense continues in this vein to appease the vain.
all of so unnecessary and heart breaking.
will men ever learn?
Read: World Made By Hand
A quartet by James Howard Kunstler
Fascinating look into the future if this nonsense continues in this vein to appease the vain.
I assume that Xi took Trump's measure during their recent face to face. We are about to see what conclusion he came to. The pattern that developed during the Clinton administration MUST be broken. The thugocracy in Pyongyang needs to understand that it cannot continually threaten war and receive gifts in tribute. Maybe Trump's employment of a carrier battle group signals that the days of extortion are over and that lil Kim needs to find a different way to behave if he wants help from the international community. If war must come, I hope for the sake of the South Koreans, especially in Seoul, that all those years of practice by our combined forces leads to a swift decapitation of his nukes and most of his artillery tubes that are zeroed on Seoul. At some point, this madness must end.
2
War. The earliest one we have records of was about three thousand years BC.
What was it about? Who knows? Who was it between? Who knows? Who won? Who cares? How many lives were lost? Only their loved ones, who are long gone themselves, grieved.
What ground was lost or gained? What empire enriched or demeaned? What leader won or lost? What people enslaved or became slave owners five thousand years ago?
Our deadly enemies of only decades ago, Vietnam and Germany and Japan - on who we dropped nuclear bombs on residential targets - who hundreds of thousands died fighting against - are now allies.
Be very careful young people, who and what you are willing to be cannon fodder for. Five thousand years from now, decades from now, will it matter?
What was it about? Who knows? Who was it between? Who knows? Who won? Who cares? How many lives were lost? Only their loved ones, who are long gone themselves, grieved.
What ground was lost or gained? What empire enriched or demeaned? What leader won or lost? What people enslaved or became slave owners five thousand years ago?
Our deadly enemies of only decades ago, Vietnam and Germany and Japan - on who we dropped nuclear bombs on residential targets - who hundreds of thousands died fighting against - are now allies.
Be very careful young people, who and what you are willing to be cannon fodder for. Five thousand years from now, decades from now, will it matter?
11
Think twice before taunting a narcissistic crackpot with nukes. Taunting the N. Korean dude is probably not a good idea either.
19
In national security matters, let's hope our mouths don't get too far ahead of our brains. The results could be anatomically unpleasant for a lot of people who hadn't spoken.
www.thewaryouknow.com
www.thewaryouknow.com
1
The situation is a clear result of the previous American foreign policy. The Americans have not been willing to follow any rules on the international arena that people could understand; their intentions have never been clear. Therefore, there is no guarantee of safety that the Americans can offer to NK on the condition he gives up the weapons: Kim won't trust. How does he know the US won't bomb Pyongyang just like it bombed Assad's air-base, for a whim? Therefore, Kim's only rational (albeit crazy) move is to develop an atomic bomb and an intercontinental missile. Which he certainly has no right to do, but he's in a desperate situation now…
Why has this mad policy been taking place? Because the Americans have the perverted vision of what constitutes a world order. They think they are somehow responsible for everything and are required to do what they deem the good. While the actual great corner-stone of the world order is the existence of the rules that set the constraints to what *every nation* does to influence the world. That works just like the prosecutor has no right to state a matter of fact by himself and has no right to set the sentence for a suspect; all that does an independent body, the court.
Why has this mad policy been taking place? Because the Americans have the perverted vision of what constitutes a world order. They think they are somehow responsible for everything and are required to do what they deem the good. While the actual great corner-stone of the world order is the existence of the rules that set the constraints to what *every nation* does to influence the world. That works just like the prosecutor has no right to state a matter of fact by himself and has no right to set the sentence for a suspect; all that does an independent body, the court.
1
I am curious why you feel kim has no right to develop the exact same types of weapons that America now threatens nk with? not that i favor nk having nukes -- but i really don't like the idea of america(the only country to ever use them) having them either.
why is america allowed to develop the most horrific weaponry known to man and use it against many sovereign nations and not nk?
why is america allowed to develop the most horrific weaponry known to man and use it against many sovereign nations and not nk?
The way I think is this. Any matter of right is a question of agreement. Whatever rule that people agree about becomes a matter of right.
The purpose of agreement is to get some trust in the future. If I have some rights, that means that my future depends on my decisions, which is what people like and value.
The same applies to the nations. People agreed that only those nations can have nuclear arms that have had it from the start. That's a good, practical agreement. The good is this: in principle, it could be enforced, because it is natural to trust in the notion that that's what people really want and value: non-proliferation. What people do in the future depends on what they really want, so it's indeed a matter of trust and likelihood.
Of course, getting the world completely free of nukes is the best we can have. America is no exception in this matter. But we need something more enforceable and practical for the moment.
The purpose of agreement is to get some trust in the future. If I have some rights, that means that my future depends on my decisions, which is what people like and value.
The same applies to the nations. People agreed that only those nations can have nuclear arms that have had it from the start. That's a good, practical agreement. The good is this: in principle, it could be enforced, because it is natural to trust in the notion that that's what people really want and value: non-proliferation. What people do in the future depends on what they really want, so it's indeed a matter of trust and likelihood.
Of course, getting the world completely free of nukes is the best we can have. America is no exception in this matter. But we need something more enforceable and practical for the moment.
This is a big test for China and Trump appears to be making it a binary choice: Maintaining the status quo of antagonism with its little brother or accept the responsibilities of being a great power. China has worked very hard to get to this point and NK could lose it for them.
1
Yes, China has been coasting as a superpower, free to focus on its economy. Welcome to the real world.
Trump playing out his "warrior" stance, especially now that he has had a taste of the big-boy toys and "his" military, is a danger to our national security, and I doubt impressed or intimidated President Xi. How embarrassing this man is as a representation of who America is. A perfect example is that in his haste to show President Xi what a tough guy he is, fell all over his excitement during the "best chocolate cake ever", and misstated that he had just sent 59 Tomhawk missiles into IRAQ! Further, Xi probably knows more about what people need and want, having spent the early part of his life doing enforced farm labor, and having lived and worked on an Iowa farm. We are a mockery in China, and Xi is probably influenced by his visit to Trump's flashy property as much as a kid who had a 25 cent ride on a mechanized pony instead of being able to go to the arcade. I would also almost bet that his trip to the US cost less than Trump/Melania trips to Mar-a-lago (where's Barron?). All that aside, Xi will probably keep North Korea in line for their own purposes, not because it benefits either the US or our inept president.
2
Kim Jongun is pretending to be crazy as a deliberate strategy. He is not deviating from the North Korean norm. Trump really is crazy. His tweets are destabilizing in the extreme. He is the greatest threat to world peace on the planet today.
3
We had the perfect opportunity to eliminate the murderous, tyrannical and despotic leadership in both China and North Korea in 1951, but Truman blinked. MacArthur was 100% right.
3
I cannot recall having seen China so engaged in events there. Trump has actually succeeded in making NK China's problem too, which is something the US has tried but failed at for years.
It's a risky maneuver, but it is also the first time we have a president who isn't letting other countries dictate terms to the US. He's forcing China to act.
It's a risky maneuver, but it is also the first time we have a president who isn't letting other countries dictate terms to the US. He's forcing China to act.
1
It's time to stop this nonsense. Trump is incapable of understanding where this path is leading to. This is not a real estate deal !!
3
It is unbelievable that we have someone in the White House who has such a great need for adulation that he is willing to risk millions of lives for the sake of a pat on the back.
3
I think that "barking dog does not bite" ... Kim Jong-un, is a man who sinks his regime on a small state with a military plan that in my opinion, is not a winner, and that is beginning to lose the support of his old historical allies. The underground nuclear test, which was expected, was not carried out, thanks to the deployment of your naval force, and this is a great victory for the President Trump and all the American people. And it is also proof that where there is the rule of one at the expense of all, dialogue is not needed.
2
North Korea already is a Nuclear power and can attack South Korea and Japan. It seems to me we should with the Chinese, do an about face, end the confrontation, and Bless North Korea with the respect, economic aid, to bring them along into the modern world. There are lot of areas we can negotiate this upon.
If not, thousands, maybe millions will die.
If not, thousands, maybe millions will die.
2
The Korean Peninsula is currently in a highly charged state similar to India and Pakistan in the final decade of the last century when both became nuclear powers and developed short and long range missiles. Despite tensions for 65+ years and conventional wars, the shaky peace has held up. Hopefully lessons from their experience will be learned and if North Korea tests a missile so be it as long as it does not develop a destructive nuclear program. I have a feeling that after Kim IL-Sung parade, the situation will simmer down and reason will prevail with Chinese intervention.
1
Not even 100 days in...Trump is dangerous to world peace.
2
Donald Trump wants America to have the biggest, best, most advanced nuclear arsenal in the world (as if USA is currently lacking) -- what right does America or any other country have to say that NK must not have nukes?
Not that I am in favor of them possessing them -- afterall, I live in South Korea.
But I just can't help but see the hypocricy in all this.
I have read some comments here that say America is well within her right to attack NK and even to use tactical nuclear weapons!
Think about that logic: We must nuke then with our nukes because they are trying to build deadly nuclear weapons which they could then use to protect themselves or threaten others with in times of war!!!!
How about back off -- sign a peace treaty with them, and pull your numerous military bases away from them..... how about that???
How about ceasing to be an existential threat to north korea.... lets see how that goes first....you never know, maybe they will stop being so paranoid about being attacked by america then....
Not that I am in favor of them possessing them -- afterall, I live in South Korea.
But I just can't help but see the hypocricy in all this.
I have read some comments here that say America is well within her right to attack NK and even to use tactical nuclear weapons!
Think about that logic: We must nuke then with our nukes because they are trying to build deadly nuclear weapons which they could then use to protect themselves or threaten others with in times of war!!!!
How about back off -- sign a peace treaty with them, and pull your numerous military bases away from them..... how about that???
How about ceasing to be an existential threat to north korea.... lets see how that goes first....you never know, maybe they will stop being so paranoid about being attacked by america then....
4
Once again NYT where's the update the Russian collusion/hacking investigation? Are you still all googly-eyed about MOAB? One teensy tiny article House’s Inquiry Into Russia Points a Congressman to Cyprus buried in "Other Politics" is hardly sufficient. And of course the Con Don won't even release WH visit logs but hey who cares if the Grifter in the White House rips off the American public. Apparently our supposed wonderful media has better things to do like print articles about the poor, poor Hampton's crowd and their run down mansions.
6
And to think if Trump hadn't mindlessly trashed the TPP we might have a bit if leverage with China.
2
Would Trump start a war to interrupt the collusion investigations between himself and Russia? Could he? Could Congress override him, if he sought to do this?
2
How narcissistic can you be? Note to Trump haters: The entire world isn't colluding to protect Trump and Putin. Events are not being masterminded to protect them from...your allegations.
There's a big world outside the anti-Trump bubble. It is proceeding without you and certainly not at all interested in participating in your vendetta against Trump. Time to put "The Conspiracy" to rest.
There's a big world outside the anti-Trump bubble. It is proceeding without you and certainly not at all interested in participating in your vendetta against Trump. Time to put "The Conspiracy" to rest.
jobs bill ? not yet
infrastructure plan ? uhhh, working on it
health care ? were trying, sort of
war w n/korea -- right on it
7
those of you on the west coast of the usa
better have your easter dinner early on sunday
oh, and drink up
1
Trump has punted to the generals cause they know less than him? The generals love them big toys that go boom. Guess they need to buy some more new toys. Trump sez there was "an armada" sent to the Sea of Japan. Trump sez he likes "powerful submarines". Who knew winning would be this easy?
2
The last thing China wants is American troops at its border. Yet that is exactly what an American attack on North Korea might mean. So be prepared for World War III.
2
All about ego and bluster,check out Trump's sons remarks about dropping bombs. Tough talk from the cowards.
7
If US Americans had a bit of good sense (which is sadly lacking), they would listen to people like Noam Chomsky, AND heed his advice. But when lead by a nincompoop like Trump, there is little hope for mental sanity. Rather it is the warmongers and bellicose who set out US foreign policy, - sadly.
4
The North Koreans are within 3-5 years of having the ability to place a nuclear device in orbit capable of detonating an EMP over the US.
Multiple choice: The US should:
1) Offer sanction relief (Clinton doctrine)
2) Axis of evil" - but no follow up (Bush)
3) Continue wringing our hands (Obama doctrine)
4) Rely on China to "Reset" the situation (Hillary)
5) Prevent that- by any means necessary (Trump)
6) Time for Seal Team Six (My vote)
Multiple choice: The US should:
1) Offer sanction relief (Clinton doctrine)
2) Axis of evil" - but no follow up (Bush)
3) Continue wringing our hands (Obama doctrine)
4) Rely on China to "Reset" the situation (Hillary)
5) Prevent that- by any means necessary (Trump)
6) Time for Seal Team Six (My vote)
2
Why does the US keep cranking up the pressure on stressed-out and nutty North Korea. It's a failed strategy. What's needed is friendship.
In the years prior to Gorbymania and the end to the cold war with Russia, it brought, hundreds of American groups of all kinds reached out to the Russian community with friendship. That's the proper way forward.
In the years prior to Gorbymania and the end to the cold war with Russia, it brought, hundreds of American groups of all kinds reached out to the Russian community with friendship. That's the proper way forward.
If the US Congress does not take a stand and get involved, what good are they?
We're paying these people to keep our country safe and they stand by and allow Donald Trump, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump to run our country? Throw in a couple generals?
This is deplorable. Hillary Clinton was right. Trump supporters can go and sign up for the military, too. North Korea is a loose cannon and Trump just throws them bait.
We're paying these people to keep our country safe and they stand by and allow Donald Trump, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump to run our country? Throw in a couple generals?
This is deplorable. Hillary Clinton was right. Trump supporters can go and sign up for the military, too. North Korea is a loose cannon and Trump just throws them bait.
5
In the latest escalation over what may be an imminent preemptive airstrike on North Korea by US warships now located just 300 miles away from the North Korean nuclear test site, moments ago China's national airline, Air China, announced it was suspending flights from Beijing to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, from late on Friday, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said. It did not say why the flights, which operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, were being suspended.
meanwhile, in trumplandia ...
President Trump arrived Thursday evening in Florida, where he will be spending a three-day weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach in celebration of the Easter holiday.
Trump announced his plan to be back at Mar-a-Lago earlier this week in an interview with The Palm Beach Daily News.
"Yes, I’ll be here for Easter," he told the publication. "Is Easter next week? Well then, I guess I’ll be back next week."
According to pool reports, Air Force One touched down at 6:34 p.m. local time. Other reporters said that no senior White House staff were on board with Trump, nor were they expected to meet with him at Mar-a-Lago this weekend.
The Easter weekend trip marks Trump's seventh visit to Mar-a-Lago since his inauguration in January.
3
I read recently that parts of the missiles that Korea launch are manufactured by Chinese companies. If the Chinese stop supplying Kim with these parts, the missiles won't fly. End of problem.
1
Oh, the defense industry everywhere operates on a different set of rules that overrides the political. Look at who sends weapons to Saudi Arabia, for instance.
reply to pealass:
It's important enough that we can stop every nation from supplying the parts, even Iran.
It's important enough that we can stop every nation from supplying the parts, even Iran.
America's only reasonable option at this stage is to appoint Dennis Rodman Ambassador to North Korea. The nation's hopes ride on his unique ability to appeal to the Dear Leader's better reason, and to persuade him that, without the WMD's, he will be his own worst enemy. That is a prospect any despot should relish.
China holds the key....
4
The major players now are America and North Korea. I feel, China will not engaged much in this episode because if North Korea attacks the U.S., the attention of America will shift to dealing with the attack and China, in the meantime can flex its muscles elsewhere and build air strips etc. South Korea is a mere puppet in the hands of the Americans and therefore, they have very little say.
We cannot hereafter expect North Korean leader to think pragmatically. He has no regard for his own people. Hence he will not worry about war.
Likewise, we cannot expect Trump to think and act like Obama. Trump, much like Korean leader, lives in his own world, surrounded by his cronies, with no understanding of ground realities.
Given the situation, let us hope that the situation does not escalate and WW III does not happen.
We cannot hereafter expect North Korean leader to think pragmatically. He has no regard for his own people. Hence he will not worry about war.
Likewise, we cannot expect Trump to think and act like Obama. Trump, much like Korean leader, lives in his own world, surrounded by his cronies, with no understanding of ground realities.
Given the situation, let us hope that the situation does not escalate and WW III does not happen.
2
A lunatic in the Far East.
A lunatic in the not-so-far West.
Yuge problems, folks, Yuge problems.
But don't mind us - you know, the Everybody Else in The World getting dragged along to the brink of disaster by one of the most ridiculous people in the world (and his creepy, super-dangerous in his own way VP) - we're perfectly happy to watch Trump experimenting with the Big Boy Toys, and his variants of "And what does This button do? What does That button do?"
Well, I say 'happy' - aghast, mortified, horrified, furious, unnerved, irate, opposed, critical, unsupportive would all be much better words - but hey! The Donald doesn't need to think about anyone else, The Donald Does.
Big Bomb make Big Bang. Yuge. Let's just hope that his manchild posturing - which seemingly Nobody in the US Military has courage or strength enough to oppose, never mind that nonsense about blindly doing what the Prez says - off the coast of North Korea (and, later, when Russia/China decides "Enough of this oaf" and sets the scene for an actual confrontation) doesn't turn America's Worst President into America's Last President...
A lunatic in the not-so-far West.
Yuge problems, folks, Yuge problems.
But don't mind us - you know, the Everybody Else in The World getting dragged along to the brink of disaster by one of the most ridiculous people in the world (and his creepy, super-dangerous in his own way VP) - we're perfectly happy to watch Trump experimenting with the Big Boy Toys, and his variants of "And what does This button do? What does That button do?"
Well, I say 'happy' - aghast, mortified, horrified, furious, unnerved, irate, opposed, critical, unsupportive would all be much better words - but hey! The Donald doesn't need to think about anyone else, The Donald Does.
Big Bomb make Big Bang. Yuge. Let's just hope that his manchild posturing - which seemingly Nobody in the US Military has courage or strength enough to oppose, never mind that nonsense about blindly doing what the Prez says - off the coast of North Korea (and, later, when Russia/China decides "Enough of this oaf" and sets the scene for an actual confrontation) doesn't turn America's Worst President into America's Last President...
17
If the U.S were to use Nuclear bombs on North Korea, that would pretty much devastate South Korea or at the very least Seoul in terms of radioactive fallout.
Surely the American Military is far wiser than that?
Regardless, American provocations are the only reason that things might change from the status quo held for years in which North Korea has not done or said anything different to cause heightened risk, let alone war.
America needs to stop railroading, bombing and attacking whoever and whatever country it decides or feels it has the right.
It doesn't.
Surely the American Military is far wiser than that?
Regardless, American provocations are the only reason that things might change from the status quo held for years in which North Korea has not done or said anything different to cause heightened risk, let alone war.
America needs to stop railroading, bombing and attacking whoever and whatever country it decides or feels it has the right.
It doesn't.
16
So the United States is responsible for NK developing a nuclear capability? That's an awfully naive and a-historic view of the situation. The status quo you speak of is simply a fiction. North Korea has been steadily working towards an operational, nuclear-tipped ICBM for years, they didn't just start when trump was elected. Furthermore, they have been declaring they will "annihilate" the US and SK for years. Faced with those realities, should the US take an approach of appeasement, and continue to give NK economic aid while turning a blind eye to this? Kim getting a nuclear ICBM is only good for his oppressive dictatorial regime, period.
It's an interesting position for you to be in, in Australia, to opine on a situation taking place in your own backyard that your government will likely never do anything to solve. What would your opinion be if the constant rhetoric out of Pyongyang was that they were actively developing weapons to annihilate Sydney or Canberra? Likely not appeasement.
As an American I've grow awfully tired of back-bench criticism of US efforts to maintain global peace and security. What is everyone else's brilliant, peaceful, timely, and responsive solution to all the world's ills? Please help us hapless Americans and share the secret to world peace.
It's an interesting position for you to be in, in Australia, to opine on a situation taking place in your own backyard that your government will likely never do anything to solve. What would your opinion be if the constant rhetoric out of Pyongyang was that they were actively developing weapons to annihilate Sydney or Canberra? Likely not appeasement.
As an American I've grow awfully tired of back-bench criticism of US efforts to maintain global peace and security. What is everyone else's brilliant, peaceful, timely, and responsive solution to all the world's ills? Please help us hapless Americans and share the secret to world peace.
The reason North Korea has and continues to develop its nuclear weapons program is to ensure that America will not attack or try to invade/attempt regime change. Their rhetoric and threats are at their highest the more it feels threatened or insecure at what it thinks may be American provocations or possible actions against it.
You must be awfully naive if you think North Korea's Great Leader and Co don't understand they wouldn't survive a second if they launched a Nuclear Bomb at the U.S? But they aren't going to say that are they.
They are producing a Nuclear Deterrence to DETER America from doing something stupid and attacking them. Btw, if they wanted to destroy South Korea or Seoul as you believe, why haven't they? they have had the nuclear bombs to do it for years.
Why haven't Japan or South Korea been in continuous panic or developed their own Nuclear Bombs to save themselves from what you say is assured destruction? Go visit Seoul and ask yourself why the city is NOT living day to day in fear.
My point was similar to that of North Korea and the same as what China and South Korea has been saying to America which is: Don't do anything provocative that threatens what North Korea will see as a threat to their survival...America is not at risk unless it does something stupid.
As for U.S efforts to maintain Global peace and security there are far better and obvious ways to lessen most of the world's ills, U.S actions have only increased them and made it worse.
You must be awfully naive if you think North Korea's Great Leader and Co don't understand they wouldn't survive a second if they launched a Nuclear Bomb at the U.S? But they aren't going to say that are they.
They are producing a Nuclear Deterrence to DETER America from doing something stupid and attacking them. Btw, if they wanted to destroy South Korea or Seoul as you believe, why haven't they? they have had the nuclear bombs to do it for years.
Why haven't Japan or South Korea been in continuous panic or developed their own Nuclear Bombs to save themselves from what you say is assured destruction? Go visit Seoul and ask yourself why the city is NOT living day to day in fear.
My point was similar to that of North Korea and the same as what China and South Korea has been saying to America which is: Don't do anything provocative that threatens what North Korea will see as a threat to their survival...America is not at risk unless it does something stupid.
As for U.S efforts to maintain Global peace and security there are far better and obvious ways to lessen most of the world's ills, U.S actions have only increased them and made it worse.
not even 100 days into his presidency and look at all the messes we're already in. if I could, I would personally send Trump, his Mafia-style family he installed, his department appointees and all of his gun-slinging voters over there for a first-hand taste of bombs bursting in air.
yep, Hillary was right, they're all deplorables...every last one of them.
yep, Hillary was right, they're all deplorables...every last one of them.
34
I guess there are no " Headlines " for the Internet Version of the
New York Times.
We seem to be bumbling our way toward possible Nuclear War
much like Europe stumbled into World War I.
Kim is more egotistical and egomaniacal than Fidel Castro ever was.
Castro wanted the Russians to launch Nuclear Weapons at America
and admitted he would have done so had he controlled the missiles that
Russia had ready to launch in October of 1962. [ Yes, Robert McNamara
was surprised beyond belief when he heard that from Castro himself - as can be seen in the documentary "Fog of War". ]
Can the New York Times please inform us whether:
a) North Korea can actually launch Nuclear Tipped Missiles
at South Korea/Japan and the United States ?
b) Does the US/Japan/South Korea have any missile defences that has any realistic ability in destroying those missiles once they are launched ?
c) What will the US do if a such a missile is launched and hits South Korea, Japan or the US ?
d) How long will it take the US to destroy the North Korea's Nuclear Missile Program if a War begins ?
e) Are we going to war very soon ?
If we are, I would like to thank the Comment Approvers for the New York Times
and all the people who commented on my Comments - even though most of you bashed them, no hard feelings, and I hope you have personal bomb shelters and food/water for you and your families.
I shall be praying for all of you.
New York Times.
We seem to be bumbling our way toward possible Nuclear War
much like Europe stumbled into World War I.
Kim is more egotistical and egomaniacal than Fidel Castro ever was.
Castro wanted the Russians to launch Nuclear Weapons at America
and admitted he would have done so had he controlled the missiles that
Russia had ready to launch in October of 1962. [ Yes, Robert McNamara
was surprised beyond belief when he heard that from Castro himself - as can be seen in the documentary "Fog of War". ]
Can the New York Times please inform us whether:
a) North Korea can actually launch Nuclear Tipped Missiles
at South Korea/Japan and the United States ?
b) Does the US/Japan/South Korea have any missile defences that has any realistic ability in destroying those missiles once they are launched ?
c) What will the US do if a such a missile is launched and hits South Korea, Japan or the US ?
d) How long will it take the US to destroy the North Korea's Nuclear Missile Program if a War begins ?
e) Are we going to war very soon ?
If we are, I would like to thank the Comment Approvers for the New York Times
and all the people who commented on my Comments - even though most of you bashed them, no hard feelings, and I hope you have personal bomb shelters and food/water for you and your families.
I shall be praying for all of you.
5
Trump clearly needs to remove KIM from his nuclear weapons. And remove Kim from this earth too. I hope that Trump doesn't suddenly have a change of heart. He's been doing very well in the last 10 days and I feel sure that his approval ratings have skyrocketed.
Something to seriously consider. Trump is not Obama.
Something to seriously consider. Trump is not Obama.
2
In my opinion ,U.S. is the only super power in the world even today.Why President Trump is not warning China and N.Korea ,two villains of world peace?
That's an Indian perspective, my friend. Simply calling someone a villain can make them a villain. Time to talk. Not threaten. Seoul and the villages of the southern border of North Korea are so much closer to armageddon then Mumbai and Calcutta.
1
The lonely peon,
holding place in his phalanx
Has purpose;
Lost on his messy desk,
The Western plumage
Of decadent intrigue
Is consumed.
holding place in his phalanx
Has purpose;
Lost on his messy desk,
The Western plumage
Of decadent intrigue
Is consumed.
4
As we used to say in the '60's: "What do you do in case of nuclear war? Kiss your children good bye".
6
I repeat, war is mostly bad for equities, including the Chinese stock markets, and Ex Communists (or current Communists) make the best capitalists
so a Nork US war will harm Chinese stock values, and all sides know that
so a Nork US war will harm Chinese stock values, and all sides know that
Trump follows classic populist dictator playbook. When things are not going well at home (ties with Russia, lukewarm economy, failures on policy front, super low ratings): start a war. Too bad even liberal media is falling for and sucking up to it. This must be exposed for what it is.
32
There is one common and rather frightening link between Trump and Kim Jong-un: Both at this very moment are catering to their respective base. Both sides have shown a lot of bluster and ironically, both sides have fired off or exploded ineffective, but high profile weapons.
Kim Jong-un is an antagonist, works out last minute "deals" with no intention of honoring and enjoys his own form of brinksmanship. He is the product of two previous generations of iron fisted dictatorships. However he is not suicidal. He will do everything he can to preserve a living legacy.
Kim Jong-un is an antagonist, works out last minute "deals" with no intention of honoring and enjoys his own form of brinksmanship. He is the product of two previous generations of iron fisted dictatorships. However he is not suicidal. He will do everything he can to preserve a living legacy.
1
Trump is itching to find out if the US nuclear arsenal really works. His Syria bombing may not have inflicted any real damage on the Assad dictatorship or its partnership with Putin's Russia (formerly Donald's BFF), but it did grab top billing in the Twitterverse away from the Republicans' spectacular failure to repeal (or replace) Obamacare. So why not break up Kim's next underground nuclear test party with a cluster of bunker busters like the one we just used to smoke out a handful of Afghan ISIS dudes? Sure, Kim is likely to retaliate with a missile or two aimed at our longtime buddies in South Korea. But nothing should or will deter our Leader from firing up his bombastic tweets to bolster the appetite for war of the Seoulistas who just deposed their own leader.
5
Implicit in comments like this is a belief that Clinton would have been more "peaceful:"
"Will anyone in Congress, anyone, do something to stop a war?"
When the Iraq War came up for a vote in October 2002 and Hillary Clinton raised her hand and said "yes," I never imagined, in my wildest dreams, that any semi-educated human being would ever again speak her name in the same sentence as the word "peace."
"Will anyone in Congress, anyone, do something to stop a war?"
When the Iraq War came up for a vote in October 2002 and Hillary Clinton raised her hand and said "yes," I never imagined, in my wildest dreams, that any semi-educated human being would ever again speak her name in the same sentence as the word "peace."
3
Lock him up in the booby hatch. He's planning to nuke us and even his own grandchildren!
1
The US cannot realistically wait until North Korea has an ICBM able to hit the mainland. Prior presidents had a supposed greater luxury of time. This is what happens when you put off sane solutions to problems. We now have a mentally unstable leader when it's almost time to call. China allowed this situation get to this point as well and they are as to blame as all the rest of the involved parties.
2
the U.S. is going in the wrong direction under the Trumph reign. However, we cannot subside that the U.S. and South Korea now conducting a huge military exercise, and new sanctions recently imposed on North Korea, it’s no wonder that Pyongyang is feeling beleaguered. Only hours after North Korea announced its alleged miniaturization breakthrough, a U.S. artillery brigade launched a barrage of rockets close to the border town of Cheorwon, something bound to jangle North Korean nerves even more. I believe in simple words U.S. is going to first time kill its soldiers and killing the North Koreans as well.
1
Storm clouds are not just gathering; they have (ac)cumulated & are full to saturation, if I may be permitted to exploit the metaphor to its fullest. With a con artist exemplar-in-chief at the helm, less than 100 days in, America is about to ride the buckin'-est bull it has ever rode on the global war front. And what did it expect with such an insecure, attention-seeking, testosterone-driven, marketeering president who named all his closest advisers as military men? The military's main goal is to squash the enemy, whomever that may be, however they can, wherever they may be. The president may wish to wash his hands of any blood which flows henceforth; however, the buck stops at his signature, no matter how much (like Pilate & Lady Macbeth) he may try to wash out those damn spots. If all he sees & knows are the worth/value of dollar bills, all of America & their allies world-wide are in urgent, very dark trouble.
2
Trump is crazy impulsive and cannot restrain himself. If he doesn't stop tweeting he will destroy us all. Where are his brains??
10
Remember, this is the President who asked why we don't use our nuclear weapons - he just showed his competition how far he could pee with his "mother of all bombs", to pee any further he will need to go nuclear.
Many more will learn to regret President Obama.
Many more will learn to regret President Obama.
4
Why regret Obama?
LOL.Today is decisive on who is the BOSS of the Earth. Even Trump has to surrender to Kim.
2
Yes, the pictures and statements coming out from North Korea are scary and becoming more so daily by the media but the facts are clear, North Korea is no more than the "Mouse that Roar". Yes, they, unlike Saddam Husain's Iraq, have nuclear weapons and yes, the crazy child who leads them may really try to use them but all "experts" that advise "to understand him and try to accommodate him in order to prevent global calamity.." are leaving in la-la land, nothing but total acceptance of his demands, will "accommodate the son of god Mr. Kim Jong-in. Yet a preemptive attack is not necessary yet. What is necessary is a real commitment of China and Russia to cut all relations with him, to really isolate him. Yes, by doing so the North Korean peoples will suffer terribly but with such crazies there is no other way. I have the feeling it want help and the kid may react violently and at that time 15 MOABs can stop the damage but until it happens a real embargo could help, perhaps will convince some of his lieutenants to revolt.
2
It's pretty amazing the amount of comments saying we should bomb N Korea. Just astounding ignorance. If we attack N Korea it is almost guaranteed they will strike at South Korea, & maybe Japan. Knowing that we would respond with full force there is a good chance they will let all they have go right away. I don't know how many nuclear weapons they have but they certainly have enough to destroy all of the South. And a conventional force that is the 4th largest in the world with plenty of missiles.
S Korea has 50 million people, 25 mill in the capitol Seoul. So your talking about millions dead & many more hurt. Also 45% of the South's energy comes from nuclear power, so if any power plants were hit that means meltdowns all over the country. Plus the fallout (nuclear winter) would leave it unlivable. 40 million refugees give or take a million.
Once we destroyed the North which has a population of 25 million, that would be also unlivable, so add another 20 million refugees. Plus depending on the winds & tides in the oceans, there would be contamination spread all over the area, certainly into China & Japan. And this is without striking Japan which the North very well might do.
Because the South would be pretty much gone, the economy would no longer exist. So the world economy may very well go into a tailspin from losing one of the largest & productive members. Also if the world decided to try to rebuild it would cost trillions. This is just for starters.
Orange, NJ
S Korea has 50 million people, 25 mill in the capitol Seoul. So your talking about millions dead & many more hurt. Also 45% of the South's energy comes from nuclear power, so if any power plants were hit that means meltdowns all over the country. Plus the fallout (nuclear winter) would leave it unlivable. 40 million refugees give or take a million.
Once we destroyed the North which has a population of 25 million, that would be also unlivable, so add another 20 million refugees. Plus depending on the winds & tides in the oceans, there would be contamination spread all over the area, certainly into China & Japan. And this is without striking Japan which the North very well might do.
Because the South would be pretty much gone, the economy would no longer exist. So the world economy may very well go into a tailspin from losing one of the largest & productive members. Also if the world decided to try to rebuild it would cost trillions. This is just for starters.
Orange, NJ
16
And, in addition, that would mean the destruction of the South Korean democracy which is a unique cultural phenomenon in the world… That's a nation of people who understand their civilian duty to respect the truth. A nation of people where a ruler does not profit from trying to plead indispensable for the public good, democracy or whatever. A nation of people who do not confuse democracy with the desire to control the world abroad. And all that, not just some part of intelligentsia, but the whole nation. Where else in the world do we encounter that? Maybe Japan… I wonder…
I like the idea of pulling out completely, no provocation, no joint military exercises. Arm Japan and S. Korea with scores of nuclear bombs and see what happens.
We should be out of there.
We should be out of there.
2
OMG, Now we ruined another of Trump's weekends at Mar-a-Lago.
10
Watching his conflict over almost 50 years, I have never understood why America has not given China "carte blanche" and passively supported China to move in, take over North Korea and make the world a safer place?
It is naive to believe that North and South would unite one day in a happy democracy. In the light of all recent scandals it will be difficult enough to keep a corrupt South Korea on course.
It is naive to believe that North and South would unite one day in a happy democracy. In the light of all recent scandals it will be difficult enough to keep a corrupt South Korea on course.
2
It's time for the FBI and other agencies to lay it out for us. I'm not ready for the end of the world as I've known it to preserve the dignity of the office of the president. I'm sick to death of my taxes going to the military, to death, and wars in countries that can hardly threaten us compared to the threats we pose to each other. Let's go to war on ourselves. Let's fight our institutional stupidity, the planned obsolescence of our country, the smug dismissal of science, the disdain for educated Americans, a tax code that makes a violent revolution all but inevitable, the death panels feverishly trying to kill health care and by extension, the American people, and on and on. Insane.
3
The end of MAGA!
The Trump's administration first 100 days is turning out to be our last 100 days!
The Trump's administration first 100 days is turning out to be our last 100 days!
1
I urge everyone to read the Chinese foreign ministry's press release - the tone is very alarming. I can't remember the last time the Chinese issued such a strongly worded warning to the United States...maybe the Hainan Island aircraft-collision incident.
Russian and American relations are at an all-time low, a deterioration in Chinese and American relations could soon follow. And Trump has been ceding more power to his generals.
I fear we are on a path towards war. Not now, perhaps not even 5 -10 years from now, but I fear that another big war will eventually happen.
Russian and American relations are at an all-time low, a deterioration in Chinese and American relations could soon follow. And Trump has been ceding more power to his generals.
I fear we are on a path towards war. Not now, perhaps not even 5 -10 years from now, but I fear that another big war will eventually happen.
5
Yes, I happened to read Tolstoy's publications of 1890s… About the alliance of France & Russia… And I was surprised to find out how imminent the war between France & Germany was felt by then already… Both nations preached for peace, people swore that the peace would be eternal, and yet both nations were quite happy to show off how victorious they could happen to be… if only, well, they allowed the war to happen. The lesson is: if you call the big war to come, eventually it comes. People lose their brakes one by one, imperceptibly, until they have no brakes at all.
The 'mouse that roared' North Korea poses no threat to any US territories, even if they somehow figured out how to build a ICBM and had some means to arm it with a thermonuclear tip. It's true they currently can kill millions of South Korean's and 10's of thousands of US troops stationed in South Korea. South Korea has a iron dome system, similar to what Israel uses plus we've also recently deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) to also protect Japan and elsewhere. Sitting right off their coast and throughout the pacific and south seas are the latest in state of art US nuclear submarines, we currently have over 70 nuclear submarines. More then half are attack submarines equipped with submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with nuclear warheads for attacking strategic targets and many are multiple independently target-able reentry vehicles or MIRV's. The UGM-133A Trident II is a submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM), and used by the US Navy and carries 8-12 thermonuclear Multiple Independently Target-able re-entry Vehicles at a speed of 18,030 mph or Mach 24, with a operational range of more than 7,456 miles. Literally with the blink of an eye, North Korea will cease to exist. The flash would be the last nanosecond of thought that crosses the mind of Kim Jung-un.
1
The United States should have pulled out of Korea decades ago. South Korea is capable of defending itself. If we weren't over there Kim wouldn't be threatening to nuke us. He could stick with running his gulags and threatening the Japanese.
2
And I had been fearful of Clinton's willingness to threaten, even obliterate Iran, a country that has no nuclear weapon with which to obliterate anyone. But Trump can with a few Tomahawk missiles targeted on North bring about the obliteration of South and, moments later, North Korea.
And then?
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-US SE
And then?
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-US SE
2
@ myself LL - -That short comment was deliberately cryptic; with 1392 comments showing when it was accepted it perhaps would not appear until comments were closed.
But comments are still open so here is one journalist's views of the possible alternative ways bad things may happen. https://qz.com/950488/nasty-brutish-and-short-what-the-next-korean-war-w...
But comments are still open so here is one journalist's views of the possible alternative ways bad things may happen. https://qz.com/950488/nasty-brutish-and-short-what-the-next-korean-war-w...
2
Right on que China pulls out its monster at every trade impasse with the US. Like Chinese handcuffs; the harder we pull the tighter they get. Policy change on steel and currency “Monster On”; Allow the destruction of another industry and IP theft with a feckless response and “Monster Off”. The furry puppet does not go to the boy’s room without a hall pass. The Japanese model of US industrial destruction has been taken to a new level by the ultimate proxy war pragmatists. Trump which rhymes with chump; played just as every president following Nixon trading the US middle class for peace with Asia.
War avoidance has been worth it but it has come at a cost. I was told by a military attaché ret. in the 80’s from the US embassy in Tokyo that the US kept Japan out of the arms business by allowing abuse; “If they banged out tanks like they bang out Toyotas; it would change the balance of power”. We adopted a similar policy with China, however the ambitions are far greater. The interplay of expansion and the gaming of its monster has now caused Japan to re-arm, something that’s never been good for China or the world. There are truly two Chinas; one trade powerhouse cheat; the other Military expansionist and tech espionage China.
Rather than a new hot war with a Chinese client we could shut down all US ports to the Chinese and all fiber optic lines until all nuclear weapons and Kim Jong-un are gone. We built this dysfunction with trade and it may be the only peaceful way out.
War avoidance has been worth it but it has come at a cost. I was told by a military attaché ret. in the 80’s from the US embassy in Tokyo that the US kept Japan out of the arms business by allowing abuse; “If they banged out tanks like they bang out Toyotas; it would change the balance of power”. We adopted a similar policy with China, however the ambitions are far greater. The interplay of expansion and the gaming of its monster has now caused Japan to re-arm, something that’s never been good for China or the world. There are truly two Chinas; one trade powerhouse cheat; the other Military expansionist and tech espionage China.
Rather than a new hot war with a Chinese client we could shut down all US ports to the Chinese and all fiber optic lines until all nuclear weapons and Kim Jong-un are gone. We built this dysfunction with trade and it may be the only peaceful way out.
Ironic. China is the only adult in the room.
3
The problem here is the US and Donald Trump and his gang of know-nothing incompetents. Why did Tillerson go to South Korea and close off all diplomatic possibilities? Why is Trump sending an aircraft carrier group towards Korea, a clearly provocative move, after having said that there will be no diplomatic avenue of contact? North Korea is eminently containable; it can be kept under control using diplomacy and throwing it a bone from time to time. This is not ideal, but it is infinitely preferable to the alternative. If there is another war in Korea, North Korea will be destroyed, but hundreds of thousands of people -maybe millions - will die. Even without nuclear weapons, the North is a formidable opponent. It can kill about 100,000 people in Seoul inside an hour with artillery alone. Yet Trump seems determined to push this situation into crisis. Why? As many have said, Trump is a man who craves praise and who has been lavishly praised for his actions in Syria. He is also a frighteningly ignorant man. Could it be he does not understand what is at stake in Korea and how it is different from Syria? Either way, Trump is stumbling into a totally preventable conflict that has the potential to cause enormous harm.
5
This is crazy. It's like our dear leader has found some new buttons to push and play with: What happens when I push this one, or that one, or that?
We have a thin-skinned megalonarcisstic president who has finally stumbled upon something from which he can win accolades - and simultaneously provide the latest and greatest distractions: "my military's " (that is to say, Donald Trump's military) action, the 'mother of all bombs' and the flotilla of ships and submarines currently in route to his crazy counterpart in N. Korea.
Trump has boxed himself - and the USA - into a corner. Under no circumstances - none whatsoever- should he or the generals and admirals, et. al., to whom he has given full rein, be able to order the U.S. into any kind of conflict against N. Korea without the consent of Congress.
We have a thin-skinned megalonarcisstic president who has finally stumbled upon something from which he can win accolades - and simultaneously provide the latest and greatest distractions: "my military's " (that is to say, Donald Trump's military) action, the 'mother of all bombs' and the flotilla of ships and submarines currently in route to his crazy counterpart in N. Korea.
Trump has boxed himself - and the USA - into a corner. Under no circumstances - none whatsoever- should he or the generals and admirals, et. al., to whom he has given full rein, be able to order the U.S. into any kind of conflict against N. Korea without the consent of Congress.
4
Well, New York Times editors, how well have you done your job of informing the citizenry of our democracy? Your solid year of training hatred and fear of Donald Trump has resulted in supposedly grown adults babbling here like a seventh-grader who has gotten into the liquor cabinet.
There are actual writers responsible for this awful last year, people who went to college to follow the giants of journalism, and now they find themselves doing what Pravda did when the Slavs needed stirring up against the Nazis.
There are actual writers responsible for this awful last year, people who went to college to follow the giants of journalism, and now they find themselves doing what Pravda did when the Slavs needed stirring up against the Nazis.
2
Why? We don't need another war. It's a male thing. Territorial. Asset grabbing and cruel. Fight to the death. Or for the glory of physical contact..the power over thing. And wars make a ton of money..a no brainer. Except look at who suffers for it..the innocent people..little children, women, fathers, brothers and the old. Men beat and abuse women and each other around the world. This is not an issue women can fix. Women don't run things for the most part. Men, brave and exceptional, must bring themselves under control. This is a human problem, but it is overwhelmingly male. There are women who participate, but they are a very small minority. It is not Syrian, Saudi, Iranian, English, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Korean or American..it is a male problem, this war business. It's no different than the bucks on my upper pasture. The weakness for conflict is laughable if it didn't have such tragic effects on so many innocent people.
25
Very well put. The world history of male domination, a strategy that may have helped cro-magnon jump the gap to homo sapiens, is like an experiment with a control group. The results were in thousands of years ago. We just keep trying the same way, while expecting different results.
Be patient. A positive change in body and mind can take a 100's of thousands of yers. And I'm not sure we are an improvement over Neanderthals.
"Thinking Man" needs to evolve into "Ethical Man" so he can handle the powerful necrophilac impulses streaming from the older lizard-brain inside all those "big brains" that Vonnegut talked about in "Galapagos." Maybe the DNA will figure it out.
Be patient. A positive change in body and mind can take a 100's of thousands of yers. And I'm not sure we are an improvement over Neanderthals.
"Thinking Man" needs to evolve into "Ethical Man" so he can handle the powerful necrophilac impulses streaming from the older lizard-brain inside all those "big brains" that Vonnegut talked about in "Galapagos." Maybe the DNA will figure it out.
1
Yep. It's all the fault of men.
2
The bucks on your upper pasture? Just had to slip that in, eh.
Hard to predict how this would be going if Hillary was POTUS, but you have to think better. Trump tweets and leaves the decisions to his military. The military must decide because Trump is afraid of failure. With his many business failures he just walked away, moved on to the next deal, left the mess behind. He cant walk away from the job of president, there is no moving on, except in disgrace. Trump knows that any bucks that reach him stop with him and he doesn't like that, so his strategy is not to let the bucks reach him. and if things don't go well to fire the underlings.
Hard to predict how this would be going if Hillary was POTUS, but you have to think better. Trump tweets and leaves the decisions to his military. The military must decide because Trump is afraid of failure. With his many business failures he just walked away, moved on to the next deal, left the mess behind. He cant walk away from the job of president, there is no moving on, except in disgrace. Trump knows that any bucks that reach him stop with him and he doesn't like that, so his strategy is not to let the bucks reach him. and if things don't go well to fire the underlings.
On the US-North Korea face off not only China plays a self-styled arbitrator cautioning Washington against destabilising its borders but also retains its option of using North Korea as an effective strategic asset against the US and its Asian allies. Yes, one could have a cake and eat it too, if the adversary like the Trump ruled US happens to be the competitor in the game.
7
If the United States must flex its rhetorical muscle over the global security risk in the Korean penninsula, it should wait until after the South Korean elections. We want to at least sound believable.
4
If Trump would have appointed Dennis Rodman as Secretary of State, we wouldn't be having these problems.
42
Get out your booklets from the early '60s on how to build a fallout shelter.
All Trump knows is that he gets good press when he fires cruise missiles or drops bunker-busting super ordnance.
The North Korean Army has thousands of tanks ready to roll and heavy artillery ready to bombard Seoul the moment Trump attacks. And they may be able to put a nuke on an American base in South Korea.
The bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki must be the last ever used in war. If not, the human experiment is over.
Military leaders have wanted to go nuclear in the Korean War and in Indochina and in Cuba, but wise leaders have stopped them.
Wisdom is non-existent in the Trump White House. If parents care about their children now is the time to protest. There won't be a second chance.
All Trump knows is that he gets good press when he fires cruise missiles or drops bunker-busting super ordnance.
The North Korean Army has thousands of tanks ready to roll and heavy artillery ready to bombard Seoul the moment Trump attacks. And they may be able to put a nuke on an American base in South Korea.
The bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki must be the last ever used in war. If not, the human experiment is over.
Military leaders have wanted to go nuclear in the Korean War and in Indochina and in Cuba, but wise leaders have stopped them.
Wisdom is non-existent in the Trump White House. If parents care about their children now is the time to protest. There won't be a second chance.
79
To Doug Broome in Vancouver.
Re; "Military leaders have wanted to go nuclear in the Korean War and in Indochina and in Cuba, ..... "
I can assure you that this is a totally inaccurate statement.
Period - end of report.
Re; "Military leaders have wanted to go nuclear in the Korean War and in Indochina and in Cuba, ..... "
I can assure you that this is a totally inaccurate statement.
Period - end of report.
McArthur wanted nukes on China and in opposition to the Viet Minh, most senior staff advocated nukes on Cuba.
Mr. Trump, I hope your over inflated opinion of yourself and your God complex don't get a lot of "your military" killed because you want everyone to know how important and in charge of the situation you are.
And by the way, the American military belongs to the people and to the country. They aren't your personal property. It's too bad they have such an incompetent Commander in Chief. They deserve so much better.
And by the way, the American military belongs to the people and to the country. They aren't your personal property. It's too bad they have such an incompetent Commander in Chief. They deserve so much better.
111
And the diplomatic arm of our government is the weakest its ever been ... and 90% of high sub-cabinet level positions have not been filled ... and Trumps family members are stooge-players obstructing professionals ... and president is incompetent and pathological ... and republican legislature is impotent on purpose ... and ...
56
Men everywhere in the world, time to give Women the reigns of power for a while...it would be a nice change over the bloated egos & crotch grabbing for the last several 1000 years that always lead to wars.
51
Sure Wendy then the men can parade around on weekends wearing those cute pink p u s s y hats protesting for more VIRIAGA
The pesident of south korea was just ousted because of incredible corruption and nepotism. She was as bad as any man. Not that I think women havent been mistreated, but people are people.
1
MANY many of us (Men) tried to do that very thing recently. But got shot down. Too many men are still afraid (Afraid ? Oh yes. Men are much more fearful than most women) to give up the reins to a woman.
We have needed just such an outcome for a long time.
We have needed just such an outcome for a long time.
Kim Jong-Un is ruthless, driven by madness . But President Trump is a stalwart, driven by principle. North Korea's path to war is set. Instead of escalation, we should seek resolution. Using our tactical nukes, we should lay waste to targets capable of striking at us with nukes. It can be done with minimal loss of life. This threat to us is existential, it must be extinguished, vigorously and immediately.
10
The only principle he is driven by is lining his own pockets.
3
Trump is not a stalwart and has no principles besides no normally functioning brain. Nuclear escalation is utter folly. There are other avenues. Diplomacy is one. Smart under the radar interference with NK's program is another. Of course these don't flatter egomaniacs.
2
If you think Trump has any principles you are Sad, Sad, Sad...poking a finger in the eye of the derangered Kim Jung-Un is clearly crazy. It's not presidential and proves Trump knows nothing about diplomacy.. he shoul send his magnificent chocolate cake from Mar-a-lago for the birthday celebration.
3
So, now the generals get to show us how it is done without any civilian interference. Will this be like mining before there was any regulation, or logging before clear-cutting was stopped? Get ready for the nuclear wars that MacArthur always felt civilians stopped him from initiating.
32
Donald Trump needs to be stopped -- fast! He knows now that he and his family will be protected and put in the bunker -- but what about the rest of us. Mr. Trump does not belong in the WH, he belongs in jail.
35
October, you can bet his bunker is the "best, most beautiful, and most luxurious; staffed with the best employees." No wonder he doesn't care about air and water quality - he doesn't plan on him or his family having to breathe or drink unfiltered air or water. Remember him asking why we haven't used those nukes yet?
"Are we Great Again yet? Well, hold my beer and watch this!!"
"Are we Great Again yet? Well, hold my beer and watch this!!"
I didn't vote, and I would have voted for Hillary if I had. Last time I voted was for Obama.
I like this, though. Let's get rid of these dirtballs. Down with China and down with North Korea. The world would actually be better off if there was no China and was no North Korea.
Anyway, let's be honest, Hillary or Obama might have responded to this the same way.
I like this, though. Let's get rid of these dirtballs. Down with China and down with North Korea. The world would actually be better off if there was no China and was no North Korea.
Anyway, let's be honest, Hillary or Obama might have responded to this the same way.
6
Thank you for not voting. Sadly, your comments make the case for having to take and pass courses in civics as well as world and US history in order to be allowed to vote.
4
Do you realize that USA Has Killed More Than 20 Million People while attacking/invading 37 sovereign nations Since World War II? If you care to go back further all the way back to America's inception, you will find that America has been at war for approximately 220 of it's 235 years of existence. You would be harnessed to find a country with a similar lineage.
How many countries has North Korea attacked in that time? 1 sovereign nations: South Korea.
How many countries has China attacked, invaded, or had skirmishes with in that time?
around 4 nations: India, Tibet, Vietnam, and USA/SK via the Korean war.
So who really are the dirtballs? Perhaps the world would have been a lot better off without having had endure those 220+ years of American wars.....?
How many countries has North Korea attacked in that time? 1 sovereign nations: South Korea.
How many countries has China attacked, invaded, or had skirmishes with in that time?
around 4 nations: India, Tibet, Vietnam, and USA/SK via the Korean war.
So who really are the dirtballs? Perhaps the world would have been a lot better off without having had endure those 220+ years of American wars.....?
1
What?????
And who has been seeding those clouds Mr. Yi?
In a century from now when historians look back on these events and what led to them, I believe these historians will find that it was China that was culpable for what transpired on the Korean peninsula. Historians will point to and primarily focus on China's continued support of the Kim family regime and in particular China's support of the brutal Kim Jung-un.
Mr. Yi must also know that in order to attain perfection, all of the circumstances have to be correct. The right players at the right time in the right place in the right amount. The same is true for chaos.
In a century from now when historians look back on these events and what led to them, I believe these historians will find that it was China that was culpable for what transpired on the Korean peninsula. Historians will point to and primarily focus on China's continued support of the Kim family regime and in particular China's support of the brutal Kim Jung-un.
Mr. Yi must also know that in order to attain perfection, all of the circumstances have to be correct. The right players at the right time in the right place in the right amount. The same is true for chaos.
7
Some of the comments here just boggle the mind of sane people. Two of the most idiotic cartoon caricatures are playing war like it's a video game so they can beat their chests mostly...mostly to cover up their incompetence & treachery.
53
You are right. This is exactly what it is. No less no more.
Some of the comments here just boggle the mind of sane people.
esp how casually they accept the idea a nuclear war
perhaps theyve never seen images of hiroshima victims ?
esp how casually they accept the idea a nuclear war
perhaps theyve never seen images of hiroshima victims ?
It's time for the diplomacy to take the helm, rather than saber threatening. It is good to remember that when the temperature is too hot, one should get out of the kitchen.
17
as much of a sociopath as the little fat boy is, he's a one trick pony. plus before everyone wets themselves, he's several years (maybe a decade) away from the miniaturization, precise machining and detonation electronics to make even a simple bomb. but he dosent need one. a conventionally armed ones air burst like the MOAB was yesterday, would do just fine. plus if he would use chem weapons he's be yesterdays kimchee before the nightly news was broadcast and he knows it. this guy runs a country that makes parts of africa (or rural mississippi) look like the high rent district. he literally starves his people to the point they are physically smaller (like 2"-3"shorter) than south koreans and hunger is rampant for anyone who dosent suck up to the party line. it'd be like an 1850's us calvary sized-men vs seal team 6 lean and mean warriors. please. thats why nk needs to keep this an artillery battle which he is somewhat prepared to fight. a guy with one card to play has to act the part of the crazy man; like trump and assad and that warmonger in isreal. china can reign him in it'll just cost them alot to do it in terms of trade and cash money. what say donnie gives them a little incentive? if there ever was a case for taking out a leader and watching their military crumble, its this place. with him gone, its a western-friendly country right on chinas border and trhey rightly want none of that.
6
The sooner we as a species can let our borders down, the sooner we as a species may advance to a new mode of existence. Presently, however, our Allies in Asia have asked our involvement and we should honor that and help create a United Korea.
You are 100% correct. NK is an expression of china policy towards the west. The only thing is: it's not clear to me that they really could end it at this point. They are definitely responsible for this, though.
Glad you 've figured everything out. Problem is, this ain't a John Ford movie and the last two times we stomped around in Asia as though the conclusion were foregone ended in disaster. Remind me, btw, what is that one line definition of insanity?
It is very amusing to read the comments about Donald J. Trump and Kim Jong-Un being erratic know nothings, lunatics, mentally unfit to be President, etc., etc.
It's like reading that an orange must be peel all the way through, as you can easily see by watching its exterior.
Wake up, people! both Trump and Jong-Un are playing games to satisfy certain large sections of their people.
If the present "heated" dispute really ends in a thermonuclear war, I promise to supply you with flint arrowheads for the rest of your lives.
It's like reading that an orange must be peel all the way through, as you can easily see by watching its exterior.
Wake up, people! both Trump and Jong-Un are playing games to satisfy certain large sections of their people.
If the present "heated" dispute really ends in a thermonuclear war, I promise to supply you with flint arrowheads for the rest of your lives.
7
I am awake -- unfortunately I live in south Korea so it's pretty hard to be as flippant about this.
I for one do not think it would end in a thermonuclear war -- BUT: it would end in the destruction of Seoul and the death of millions of South Korean not to mention the millions that would die in the north.....
And for what? So trump can tweet U.S.A and pump his fist in the air?
I for one do not think it would end in a thermonuclear war -- BUT: it would end in the destruction of Seoul and the death of millions of South Korean not to mention the millions that would die in the north.....
And for what? So trump can tweet U.S.A and pump his fist in the air?
2
Will anyone in Congress, anyone, do something to stop a war???
49
Not if it could come back to haunt them during a future campaign.
1
Spring Recess.
1
A village idiot heads the most powerful country on this planet. Concatenated with a string of inepts and total simpletons lacking any diplomatic skill to manage and contain critical situations. Why would they anyway because the want to do away with the administrative state?
Know nothings on social, scientific and cultural matters. A group of punks.
What, for heaven's sake, what has the Union been fighting for, what have the veterans of WWII been fighting for, that a band of utter vacuum heads run this country and the world into the ground.
You guessed it, I am fuming.
Know nothings on social, scientific and cultural matters. A group of punks.
What, for heaven's sake, what has the Union been fighting for, what have the veterans of WWII been fighting for, that a band of utter vacuum heads run this country and the world into the ground.
You guessed it, I am fuming.
53
Preach!
3
DJ - I don't want to read or know what you mean to write. Please just save it for your inner dialog.
The least Trump can do is give the country a brush-up on what our Civil Defense Plan is for nuclear war. He appears bent on showing off US military might and his ego engages on a hair trigger.
So bring us up to speed quickly, please, like the Japanese gov't is doing to try to save their people.
I hope there even is a plan, given the horrible health care attempted to be foisted on us and gutting of anything with "protection" in title, e.g. EPA, CFPB.
So bring us up to speed quickly, please, like the Japanese gov't is doing to try to save their people.
I hope there even is a plan, given the horrible health care attempted to be foisted on us and gutting of anything with "protection" in title, e.g. EPA, CFPB.
20
Do you believe that humans will always be at war? I choose no. But at this time, we have to consider the risk vs reward of answering the call of our Allies in Asia. We may not have a better opportunity to assist a bloodless (relatively) coup of the Kim regime. Do the Korean people want to be United Korea? Are we as a people prepared to let a regime of bizarre social experiments continue in a land where the people are in a matrix of strenuous conditioning and mind control? I wish it was Senator Sanders who had deal with this probability, but America deserves President Trump.
as old saying goes if have viscous dog soon or later it was bite the hand that feed it; if the owner loses control they have put the dog down.
4
Consider this; Pyongyang has marched forward from its perspective by coming close to the ultimate weapon an intercontinental missile armed with a nuclear warhead, why should it stop now. It is seeking the security, in this age, derived from a small taste of MAD.
It has the capacity now to reign destruction on South Korea and parts of Japan if the US tries to end its program by force as a response to the destruction it will face; not a bad bargaining situation. China in all prospects will do what is expected lean on Pyongyang as well as it can but only the initial demands of jointly assured security by China and the US is a feasible solution for that régime. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson like those who came before him is a fool to close of the option of more talks. Let them talk and resolve.
It has the capacity now to reign destruction on South Korea and parts of Japan if the US tries to end its program by force as a response to the destruction it will face; not a bad bargaining situation. China in all prospects will do what is expected lean on Pyongyang as well as it can but only the initial demands of jointly assured security by China and the US is a feasible solution for that régime. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson like those who came before him is a fool to close of the option of more talks. Let them talk and resolve.
10
Beware of alternative news :)
Rex Tillerson hasn't closed the options of future talks, he has only said he will, which is quite different ball game.
Strong declarations are a common first step in the commencement of negotiations.
Rex Tillerson hasn't closed the options of future talks, he has only said he will, which is quite different ball game.
Strong declarations are a common first step in the commencement of negotiations.
5
"Diplomacy without weapons is like an orchestra without instruments" Usually attributed to Count Otto von Bismark.
I fail to understand why anyone would think China wants to help the US in essentially removing China's only poxy state in the region. I suppose we can blame our education system (K-12) for not teaching about the Korean war. I guess that's why people call it the forgotten war? Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin supported and encouraged Choe Yong-gon and Kim Il-Sung to invade the South. South Korea was an abomination to the communists and the Koreas needed to be united under communist rule. Fortunately, that never came to be. The existence of North Korea is the product of China's and Russia's doing. But to be honest the US bares blame for brushing off intelligence reports that China was going to invade. Aside from this crash course in world history; North Korea only serves one purpose. North Korea is proxy nation for both China and Russia. North Korea is the only nation in the region that blocks the US from being right at China's and Russia's front door. Both the Chinese nor Russians will ever allow that to change. Having a democratic ruled untied Korea is an unacceptable reality for China. China is in the process of controlling the South China Sea and inching closer to invading Taiwan. I must say I was disgusted by Trump when he said Xi was a good man. The Donald is a fool and the Chinese will soon show him that.
27
... many people fail to understand how simple DT is ... if someone gratifies his narcissism, he moves them from the bad pile to the good pile and compliments them ... nothing he says is based on data, history, analysis, philosophy ...
22
We can make North Korea the price of China continuing to trade with the US, a minor detail worth US$465 Billion every year. I also wonder if China will run into nukes if and when it invades Taiwan. Taiwan, Israel and South Africa cooperated a great deal at one time, and South Africa had them.
Sure hope Trump does not start a nuclear war over the weekend.
Of course, this will disappoint all the Trump voters who so desperately want to blow everything up.
Of course, this will disappoint all the Trump voters who so desperately want to blow everything up.
35
America is a super power; a super power involved in a 15 year endless warf in Iraq and Afghanistan! As with any superpower, there are those who attempt to test America' s limitations. Realistically, America is weakenrf, overly committed and no great appetite for another war! Because of geo -political realities , President Trump believes in NATO's relevancy.. The bombing in Syria and the mega bomb in Afghanistan shows Americ'a resolve and mostly telegraphed toward N. Korea, Iran, and Russia. Countries that are waiting and watching, hoping for further US involvement in Asia. NATO must provide assistance , share the burden and become deputies in policing the world! N Korea must not become nuclear; and China must be the disarming factor. It is believed that Russia is aiding the Taliban. The more committed the US is in World affairs; the Russians and Iranians seek opportunity to hinder US efforts. The task in Afghanistan and Iraq must be finished and NATO must provide assistance in disarming N Korea!
3
Thanks for stopping by and letting us know Xi. Perhaps China should be more concerned about how many nukes Kim can toss toward Beijing, eh?
4
North Korea wont bite the hand that feeds it
6
Are you willing to bet odds on that?
China owns the fact that North Korea exists as it is and all that North Korea does.This is China and Mao's doing and that is what history will recall.
4
A good story often repeated but not accurate, NK invaded SK and pushed their defense effectively until the UN forces intervened and the tide turned as the boarded with the PRC was approached Mao launched 300, 000 ‘Chinese volunteers’ and they drove deep into Korea. It wasn’t Mao’s war he was too busy tried to put new PRC into order.
2
If we have the world's greatest deal maker in charge, why is he going to bombs first now that the chance is his? Where exactly are all these great deals he promised? This one only hangs nuclear Armageddon in the balance; you'd think an ego maniac deal maker might be tempted to have a go where none have succeeded previously. But so far, all we get is bombs and meeting threats and bombast with threats and bombast.
26
Peace Through Strength
4
"On Saturday, with Kim Jong-un watching from a raised platform, North Korea began a military parade in central Pyongyang to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the birth of his grandfather,"
This article was written on Friday, one day before the celebrations ??
This article was written on Friday, one day before the celebrations ??
2
International dateline
5
Maybe you need to learn about time zones.
14
North Korea's thirteen hours ahead of our east coast. As I write this at 11:40 Friday night, it's Saturday afternoon in Pyongyang.
5
Seems familiar in today's society - Kim jung il obviously never spanked his spoiled rotten kid and this is what happens. Now Trump (the stepfather) has to step on and do what the father didn't.
1
What Trump are you talking about? Not the erratic know nothing in the White House, surely.
24
Containment has worked for over a half century. No need to risk lives unless something actually big comes up. Let them have their 6th detonation. It is not in our "vital national interest" to prevent them from doing so. Then work with China diplomatically and economically to encourage the people of NK to effect regime change.
8
China allowed the N.K. regime to evolve into the threat it is today.
Now China must satisfactorily reign in N.K. or face grave economic sanctions, even if it hurts the USA.
There just has to be some economic bullet biting, but N.K. can't be allowed to have a nuclear capability.
Now China must satisfactorily reign in N.K. or face grave economic sanctions, even if it hurts the USA.
There just has to be some economic bullet biting, but N.K. can't be allowed to have a nuclear capability.
3
No one cares to hear this but China had very little interaction with NK politically; 2016 that changed as necessity demanded. Their relationship was based on trade relations not Beijing contacts. There were the six nation talks for years but these were negotiation driven within that context. Many Pyongyang leaders never saw Beijing and likewise.
1
It already has nuclear capability. We don't know, however, if it can deliver nuclear bombs on warheads.
if youre killed in a nuclear war, it wont be a problem that trump took your social security or medicare away
see, theres always a silver lining
you just have to look for it
26
The real problem here isn't Kim Jong-Un. It's Donald Trump.
34
I think Donald Trump is the yin to Kin Jong-Un's yang. Both are bad, but Donald Trump is pushing the envelope.
8
Comments here comparing Trump to Kim Jung Un are completely off base. Trump has his flaws and you may disagree with his policies. To say he is as bad as a dictator who starves his own people and murders his political opponents is utterly ridiculous. Of course we may fear Trump heads down a path of authoritarianism, but the difference between the two as it stands is several orders of magnitude. Please pull your head out of the sand and try to have some perspective. Such hyperbole doesn't advance any conversation.
12
Only because Trump has not had the chance yet.
14
The dems have harassed anyone who talks to Trump, even musicians who were to play at the inauguration. If it appears Trump isn't listening to the dems, it may be because they're not talking. If you want Trump to run our foreign policy, military operations and other things without hearing your point of view, well, let it be so. A few years you'll be whining about him not listening for the last four years, whether he wins or even wants a second term. But then there will be no absolution, you had your chance to advise him, and you chose not to. Anything he does right will be his achievement, and anything wrong may simply be that those who knew wouldn't say. A fine tactic, although at some point you'll realize you're irrelevant, and that might mean something to you. Good luck screaming in this echo chamber for the next four years. What's that? He'll be impeached? By Paul Ryan? Really?
PH7
You're free to pursue other threads that praise POTUS Bullying, Narcissism, Immaturity,...positives.
You're free to pursue other threads that praise POTUS Bullying, Narcissism, Immaturity,...positives.
For those who called Hillary Clinton a hawk and refused to vote for her this past November:
Were she in the WH, Clinton would never reach this point with the unstable, shoot-first-ask-questions-later leader of North Korea . . . not only is she smarter than that, but she would also have much better advisors, *to whom she would listen*.
Were she in the WH, Clinton would never reach this point with the unstable, shoot-first-ask-questions-later leader of North Korea . . . not only is she smarter than that, but she would also have much better advisors, *to whom she would listen*.
56
Oh well. It looks like the nuclear genie will finally get out of the bottle. I guess it was inevitable. So I'd like the people here to suggest how the everyday person should deal with it. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
11
I suggest learning Portuguese and emigrating to Brazil! The southern hemisphere is pleasantly removed from the constant tension north of the equator.
5
You will be dead. So will everyone else. There is no escaping the nuclear poison, no matter where you live.
The voters in the Red States will be so happy. Finally the rest of the world will be taken down to their level.
The voters in the Red States will be so happy. Finally the rest of the world will be taken down to their level.
10
Yes, I think this face is lost on those in voters in the red states who are hankering to use nukes against North Korea. We will all cease to exist once the nuclear genie is out of the bottle. There's no coming back, no do overs. That's no exaggeration or fake news. We will be gone. Period.
6
We have psychotics and liars in play everywhere.
This reminds me of what I was told about The Great War...
Is this the nuclear nightmare that produced On the Beach in my youth?
Is Donald Trump unstable? Kim Jong-un killed his brother - and appears to be nuts. China has no hold - Russia is busy justifying Ukraine, The Black Sea, and Syria... among others. Putin is a world class kleptomaniac. Wealth Chinese are fleeing to Canada and the USA. EB-5 visas are hot.
Our untrained president has not staffed up. Generals Mattis and McMaster are well trained. Sec. Tillerson is not a pro, nor is he a lightweight.
The White House is hot air and tweets. Pence appears to be a robot.
Free speech on the campus is no longer assured, as faculty promotes rebellion and suppression in students. Title IX is misused by government and the campus.
The American economy is not reflected in equity markets, and yields will rise soon, in my view. A rise in rates will affect equity.
Obesity is epidemic.
All of this relates... to the informed eye.
This reminds me of what I was told about The Great War...
Is this the nuclear nightmare that produced On the Beach in my youth?
Is Donald Trump unstable? Kim Jong-un killed his brother - and appears to be nuts. China has no hold - Russia is busy justifying Ukraine, The Black Sea, and Syria... among others. Putin is a world class kleptomaniac. Wealth Chinese are fleeing to Canada and the USA. EB-5 visas are hot.
Our untrained president has not staffed up. Generals Mattis and McMaster are well trained. Sec. Tillerson is not a pro, nor is he a lightweight.
The White House is hot air and tweets. Pence appears to be a robot.
Free speech on the campus is no longer assured, as faculty promotes rebellion and suppression in students. Title IX is misused by government and the campus.
The American economy is not reflected in equity markets, and yields will rise soon, in my view. A rise in rates will affect equity.
Obesity is epidemic.
All of this relates... to the informed eye.
9
I'm currently very ticked off at Russia for electing Trump but I'll take a minute to admire their diplomats and China for remaining rational regarding two irrational and utterly insane leaders ready to fight each other. Diplomacy should always be the first course of any action, exhaustively continued indefinitely to maintain the peace.
I think we can all agree Trump is first mentally unfit to be President, and second reacts reflexively, impulsively and instinctively in a moment to public opinion and news. He is not a thinker and most likely totally held by the Pentagon that has been cultivating a lead up to conflict in Asia ever since they invented the "Pivot To Asia" as the war in Afghanistan wore down.
Trump is an easily manipulated puppet driven by public opinion. He wants to appear grand and make everyone happy so they love him. He is very insecure.
This standoff is in the military's hands and diplomatic efforts must take place in a big way including ridiculing the two hotheads going at each other.
Almost three months into his Presidency, and Trump has resorted to using military force three times already, giving open authority to the Pentagon. I will begin preparing for the inevitable imposition of martial law in America, as Trump alluded to during his nomination acceptance speech.
I will resist.
I think we can all agree Trump is first mentally unfit to be President, and second reacts reflexively, impulsively and instinctively in a moment to public opinion and news. He is not a thinker and most likely totally held by the Pentagon that has been cultivating a lead up to conflict in Asia ever since they invented the "Pivot To Asia" as the war in Afghanistan wore down.
Trump is an easily manipulated puppet driven by public opinion. He wants to appear grand and make everyone happy so they love him. He is very insecure.
This standoff is in the military's hands and diplomatic efforts must take place in a big way including ridiculing the two hotheads going at each other.
Almost three months into his Presidency, and Trump has resorted to using military force three times already, giving open authority to the Pentagon. I will begin preparing for the inevitable imposition of martial law in America, as Trump alluded to during his nomination acceptance speech.
I will resist.
39
Let me break the news to you. Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Iowa elected Trump.
3
Edward; you're not very thoughtful either. Russia manipulated public opinion. So did the F.B.I.
The unfortunate part of the Korean conflict over the years is in the beginning it was between brothers, cousins, and close friends. Now it is between distant relatives of 2nd & 3rd cousins, who do not know each other. I can imagine that once they talked about each other and how they had a brother/sister or grand-parents/kids on the other side. Now those conversations are likely that you have a distant relative who has a common great great grandparent.
I bet in the beginning they tried to keep track of each other on both sides because they believed a re-unification would occur. I can only hope they still know who the relatives are across the border.
As time goes on the two countries drift further apart with less commonalities. The idea of a One-Korea has diminished and becomes less likely as each generation passes.
I bet in the beginning they tried to keep track of each other on both sides because they believed a re-unification would occur. I can only hope they still know who the relatives are across the border.
As time goes on the two countries drift further apart with less commonalities. The idea of a One-Korea has diminished and becomes less likely as each generation passes.
Trump "missiled" Syria and concussion-bombed Afghanistan... the next step up for Trump in his military toy box is nukes. In a way, NK's Great Leader and our President are two peas in a pod. They'll do anything to get publicity. The scary part is Great Leader believes he is divine, whereas Trump is just selling a brand.
10
"Administration officials flatly denied a report on NBC News that the United States was planning for a pre-emptive strike ahead of any nuclear test." I wish I could believe this, but the last 3-1/2 months have shown it is unwise to believe any statement from the Trump administration.
12
When you have two undisciplined unpredictable men as Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump you have danger waiting to happen.
These two show offs who could care less how many innocent people in their own countries and neighboring countries will pay the price.
Unless the United States of America is ACTUALLY attacked, President Trump needs to tread lightly and wisely.
These two show offs who could care less how many innocent people in their own countries and neighboring countries will pay the price.
Unless the United States of America is ACTUALLY attacked, President Trump needs to tread lightly and wisely.
9
Chinese-North Korean trade has increased dramatically, despite China's pledge not to import North Korean coal. There now also appears to be proof Chinese factories and distributors provide critical parts that allow North Korea's missile program to succeed and advance. The Chinese clearly have no interest in "reigning in" North Korea because China views the United States as its principal long-term enemy. North Korea will continue to develop their nuclear and intercontinental missile programs and improve their strategic nuclear weapons. All the while, the United States must just wait idly by until its ability to affect world events gradually falls farther and farther, faster and faster. Our time is over. We need to pull our forces out of South Korea and let the Koreans deal with their fate. After all, South Korea hardly feels particularly positive about the United States. At best, the South Koreans who support our presence there do so grudgingly and for their own selfish purposes. We are fools to remain there. And if Europe can't handle Russia, so be it. Our founders unanimously decried foreign entanglements. Let's get back to our roots.
2
I feel that something, by somebody, needs to be done about the bully and nutcase that North Korea's leader and regime are. But at the same time, I sense for some reason that Trump has some sort of President Kennedy complex and wants this to be his own personal "Bay of Pigs" moment. For our sake, I hope that he and Korea's leader back off on any such escalations.
1
It's striking that so many of the most popular comments equate, explicitly or implicitly, the leadership of North Korea and the United States. The First Amendment authorizes the utterance of this absurdity, but the fact that it's propounded points to the presence of many dimwits in this country's chattering class.
5
We certainly learned about the presence of so many dimwits in this country on November 8, 2016.
15
Touché, Holly. I got a chuckle out of your post. You may be right. I'd only say that, true or not, they were preceded by millions of dimwits who thought Hillary was inevitable. I was one of them.
1
Is this our destiny, just sitting back and complaining while our totally incompetent Alt-President leads us to nuclear war? Time is running out quickly only three months into this faux presidency. If congress won't or can't do something what choices do we the people have to make? The mind boggles, but something must be done and done quickly if we are to survive.
Nuclear war might be the only way to rid the world of rogue regimes in North Korea and Iran -- and anywhere else they may pop up in the future.
For the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have faded from memory, and the modern age longs for an absolute standard of intolerance.
And the USA is the only player who can set it.
For the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have faded from memory, and the modern age longs for an absolute standard of intolerance.
And the USA is the only player who can set it.
4
You do understand that they can nuke us? The difference in WWII is that only 2 countries (US & Germany) had a nuclear weapon. Now, about 30 countries have some type of nuke. And the nukes of today are 1000 times more powerful than what was used in WWII. This is not an avenue we want to go down, at any cost.
10
germany did not have a nuclear weapon in ww2
1
We already had one ignorant dilettante of an American President light a never-ending conflagration in the Middle East....wars, refugees, death and destruction which is only getting worse. Now it's Trump's turn to light a fire at the other end. What is wrong with us?
7
President Trump should visit North Korea for face-to-face talks with Kim Jong-un. While Trump is negotiating, the USA should conduct a stealth preemptive attack to obliterate North Korea. With this brilliant diversion, problem solved.
4
This is a threat and should be investigated.
China has suspended all air flights between Beijing and Pyongyang from Monday. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4411108/North-Korea-hits-Trump-a...
1
NK cares most about the survival of its leadership and the integrity of the country. If war comes, it will try to fight to a stalemate while keeping China on its side. That means it must hold something in reserve and make clear there are vulnerable targets it can still reach unless hostilities end at least marginally in its favor. But it will also want to demonstrate right out of the gate that it can inflict substantial costs on SK, Japan, and the US.
If the US initiates even a limited attack, my guess is that NK will respond with substantial conventional attacks against the US and its allies with thousands dead. They will hold chemical and nuclear weapons in reserve as a greater threat, hoping the US doesn't use nuclear weapons preemptively. At that point China may well threaten its own unspecified involvement if the two sides don't stand down. They don't want a conflagration or collapse in NK.
If the US goes nuclear trying to eliminate the NK leadership and as much of the nuclear threat as possible, NK will probably deliver one or more nuclear weapons in a tit for tat manner, again hoping to survive by making further attacks too costly.
I'm sure this has all been war-gamed by both sides, and the best informed know it's madness. But that is more than counterbalanced by the two incompetent but egotistical leaders facing off. We can't have nuclear tipped ICBMs in NK, so a crisis is coming soon unless NK can be bribed or convinced to give up. I'm not hopeful.
If the US initiates even a limited attack, my guess is that NK will respond with substantial conventional attacks against the US and its allies with thousands dead. They will hold chemical and nuclear weapons in reserve as a greater threat, hoping the US doesn't use nuclear weapons preemptively. At that point China may well threaten its own unspecified involvement if the two sides don't stand down. They don't want a conflagration or collapse in NK.
If the US goes nuclear trying to eliminate the NK leadership and as much of the nuclear threat as possible, NK will probably deliver one or more nuclear weapons in a tit for tat manner, again hoping to survive by making further attacks too costly.
I'm sure this has all been war-gamed by both sides, and the best informed know it's madness. But that is more than counterbalanced by the two incompetent but egotistical leaders facing off. We can't have nuclear tipped ICBMs in NK, so a crisis is coming soon unless NK can be bribed or convinced to give up. I'm not hopeful.
115
If war comes, due to the strategic situation with South Korea and the proximity of their most populous region to North Korea, there is little choice but for engagement to be massive and full throttle. US use nuclear weapons? Unlikely, we don't need to.
@JPR. You may be right, but my basic point is that the NK leadership is not crazy or irrational but focused on survival. I don't think KJU cares too much about the sacrifices of his people nor the potential deaths of innocent civilians of other nations, nor will anyone's best decisions necessarily be made in a war setting. Also, I have no idea how Trump will value countless NK, SK and Japanese lives hanging in the balance. The strategies by each side could easily change by the hour if not the minute.
A punitive US strike could play out as in my original comment but quickly degenerate into full scale war. But it's not to NK"s advantage to go max at the beginning since that probably guarantees its demise. No doubt it's part of our possible strategies to go after command and control, including decapitation of the leadership, but how quickly or successfully?
NK probably has a plan for a massive US first strike, but as long as it's not nuclear our attack will take days at least. That gives NK leverage due to its massive conventional forces and the threat to up the kill rate or threaten chemical or nuclear retaliation. The SK and to a lesser extent Japanese populations have always been virtual hostages. That requires our response to be measured and somewhat linked to NK's actions. And I think they'll approach it intending to survive hostilities and drag China in if necessary.
If we go nuclear, then all bets are off and casualties could be massive on all sides.
A punitive US strike could play out as in my original comment but quickly degenerate into full scale war. But it's not to NK"s advantage to go max at the beginning since that probably guarantees its demise. No doubt it's part of our possible strategies to go after command and control, including decapitation of the leadership, but how quickly or successfully?
NK probably has a plan for a massive US first strike, but as long as it's not nuclear our attack will take days at least. That gives NK leverage due to its massive conventional forces and the threat to up the kill rate or threaten chemical or nuclear retaliation. The SK and to a lesser extent Japanese populations have always been virtual hostages. That requires our response to be measured and somewhat linked to NK's actions. And I think they'll approach it intending to survive hostilities and drag China in if necessary.
If we go nuclear, then all bets are off and casualties could be massive on all sides.
Americans have a weird way of looking at the world. All other countries are supposed to stay away from nuclear weapons except our friend Israel. With trump in the White House we're back to being the bully of the world and for some unknown reason many Americans think the little kids of the world should just take our word that we won't hurt them. Trump reminds me of kids who would pull the wings off of insects just because they were bored. The scariest thing in the world to me is trump with access to weapons. He talks about eating cake while ordering missiles to be fired at Syria- that's Caligula or Nero- whoever he thinks he is we need to get rid of him.
1
Pre emptive strike...take out the North Korean ability to use Thermonuclear
weapons..
The UN must act...
and by the way ...this is the ONLY news to talk about
weapons..
The UN must act...
and by the way ...this is the ONLY news to talk about
2
miss one, and it is good bye Seoul.
5
First of all, most of Korean including me thank USA for helping South Korea to maintain military stability threatened by North Korea of a despotic regime. There are some strong countries surrounding the Korean peninsula like China, Russia, and especially Japan which brought about WW2 still denying committing the war-time crimes of Nanjing massacre and comfort women so on. And what I want to say is that there is a surest and reliable way to deal with NK nuclear crisis. In my opinion, South and North Korean have to meet and talk with each other to interact actively and make a peaceful relationship, which could eventually lead to the unification of two-divided Korea. Simultaneously it is needed that USA, China, Russia, NK, Japan gather again and talk one another. Most of people don't know or intentionally overlook this fact for some reasons. We are victims of The Cold War because we weren't strong enough then. We suffered fratricidal war over ideological differences. Although some conservative people in us are now urging the hostile confrontation, we are going to try to achieve peaceful unification. And I want to ask you to have a new angle on this problem and give us more support as you have done it so far for the sake of safe and peace for many countries. Thanks for reading!
32
Jongkyu - We are praying for you, your country, and for peace. Thank you for sharing your thoughts as this is directly affecting you and your country. God bless you : )
12
How caring and thoughtful you are Kathy C. I appreciate it. May happiness live with you.
11
May there be Reunited Goguryeo peoples nation reclaiming its ancestral land in Liaoning, Jilin, and other places. Too secure the peace, the Korean people need arable land to feed a malnourished people who have been fenced on a mountain range by PRC and Russia to scratch a living (?) off rock. We in the US and other peoples of the world await the ROK's lead.
China does not engage in military wars. Perhaps the US could learn from this and helped the poor economies of the world succeed. When everyone has enough to eat there will be no war.
4
Peggy, really? Religious wars will stop?
Not for Africa - at every opportunity they deride the West. Thay also have many dictators like NK.
Keep in mind that the most importantly objective for China is regaining full control of Taiwan. So if Trump really wants China to effect regime change in North Korea and remove their nukes he will likely have to sell Taiwanese independence down the river, and also concede the nine dash line to China. Essentially moving up China's reunification plan by 50 years.
5
No Doug, China will take Taiwan because they know the US is not going to spill American blood for Taiwan anymore than China will spill Chinese blood for NK. China is just waiting for the right opportunity and it is fast approaching.
2
It's pretty dang clear the Chinese have no influence on this descendant of dictators. Strike the head of the snake with a bomb just for him right over his reptile nest. The long suffering North Koreans have been brainwashed and starved for decades by this family of vipers.
6
Trumpists want the 1950's back so bad they're ready to reignite the Korean War.
The North Korean side sacrificed perhaps 3/4 of a million of their own and as many wounded just to retreat to a stalemate. 2.5 Million civilians were killed or wounded in the Korean War. That dog of war needs to stay leashed.
The North Korean side sacrificed perhaps 3/4 of a million of their own and as many wounded just to retreat to a stalemate. 2.5 Million civilians were killed or wounded in the Korean War. That dog of war needs to stay leashed.
18
There are over 28,000 U.S. Military personnel in South Korea, they could be killed in a flash if Trump does something stupid, even the Americans who voted for him I can't believe want this.
Also all the incinerated Koreans be they North or South and their beautiful babies will be victims.
Ok Trump, cut Obama care, cut medicare, cut Planed Parenthood, cut Social Security, cut meals on wheels, cut everything the American people need, but don't start killing millions of innocent people, yes I believe your crazy.
Also all the incinerated Koreans be they North or South and their beautiful babies will be victims.
Ok Trump, cut Obama care, cut medicare, cut Planed Parenthood, cut Social Security, cut meals on wheels, cut everything the American people need, but don't start killing millions of innocent people, yes I believe your crazy.
17
North Korea is a beautiful & peaceful country as of now, why US wants to turn it into another Syria? Right now, they are not a threat to anyone unless we strike them first. Trump may take a minute to decide on strike. But Kim don't even think a second to nuke South korea, Japan & all possible US allies within their missile range.
China is the biggest loser in such event, both trade loss & refugee crisis. It's high time for China to announce any attack on North Korea will be considered equivalent to attack on China's land. China has SAM-400 bought from Russia & other advanced anti-missile systems, they can prevent any possible attack on NK or just their deployment itself will back off Trump.
China is the biggest loser in such event, both trade loss & refugee crisis. It's high time for China to announce any attack on North Korea will be considered equivalent to attack on China's land. China has SAM-400 bought from Russia & other advanced anti-missile systems, they can prevent any possible attack on NK or just their deployment itself will back off Trump.
3
This has the smell of the years leading up to WW I, with vain leaders of the then Great Powers making belligerent noises to bluff each other, ultimately stumbling into war. They at least had the excuse that modern warfare was then a largely unknown quantity. Today's leaders have no such excuse. The Chinese may be urging moderation but make no mistake, they won't take kindly to any American intervention in North Korea that would destabilize China's neighbor. They won't tolerate an ally of the West on their border.
Once World War I began, people in London were in the streets cheering on their leaders who told them it would all be over by Christmas. I don't like the cheering in American political and media circles (including liberal ones) in reaction to the Tomahawk missiles and the big bomb - exactly what we don't need with such an ego in the White House. Over a lifetime that spanned WW II, the Cuba Missile Crisis, the Cold War and 9/11, I can't recall ever feeling such a deep sense of foreboding
Once World War I began, people in London were in the streets cheering on their leaders who told them it would all be over by Christmas. I don't like the cheering in American political and media circles (including liberal ones) in reaction to the Tomahawk missiles and the big bomb - exactly what we don't need with such an ego in the White House. Over a lifetime that spanned WW II, the Cuba Missile Crisis, the Cold War and 9/11, I can't recall ever feeling such a deep sense of foreboding
42
Remember also there is a turn of history at play here, as those who understood the results of a global cataclysm directly are mostly passed on. Scary stuff, to your point.
6
My dear uncle served in the Korean War. For the past few days, he has been shaking his head and wiping the occasion tear from his eye, asking why he and his army pals were there in the first place and did so many of his friends die in vain. Now the US is tampering with the possibility of WWIII. He feels betrayed on so many levels.
20
They were tampering with WWIII back then and they did it stop communism.
We're faced with a choice of allowing Kim Jong-un to continue expansion of his nuclear program until he can reach the US or ending/slowing it. China has failed to reign this in and NK refuses to stop.
If Kim Jong-un disappeared, this would likely end. Not any good choices here.
If Kim Jong-un disappeared, this would likely end. Not any good choices here.
2
Bless him he was there to save a United Korea and almost succeeded. Had the Chinese not intervened to save the NoKoreans, there would be no nuclear madman in No.Korea today. He was on the right side, fighting for the right cause and for a purpose, as today's news has amply highlighted.
1
If Trump attacks North Korea, there is an excellent chance that N.K. will go south, and they have enough conventional military force to make mincemeat out of the South Korean military and the American forces stationed there. And, of course, North Korea has nukes which may not be able yet to reach the US but which can easily reach South Korea. Kim Jong Un may be a mad man as depicted in the Western media, but Donald Trump is demonstrably mentally unstable. We are all in very real danger.
19
N Korea will not last 4 days if that should they storm south. The US owns the air and the night. The NK airforce, armor and supply lines will disappear quickly. The air power the US will flex will be awesome. SK based, Japan based, Guam, carrier based... Many of NK's tunnels have been identified and targeted.
North Korean nukes are basically dirty bombs. We've moved in anti-missile batteries throughout the region to counter any launches. Chemical and biological weapons are more of a threat because NK has large stockpiles.
NK refuses to stop nuclear development and we do not want to wait until they can reach the US. Choices are narrowing as is time. If Kim Jong-un would disappear, the nuke program would likely be stopped and this would probably end.
If Kim does go with unconventional weapons we do have nuclear subs in the area with low yield tactical nuclear missiles that would end this quick fast.
North Korean nukes are basically dirty bombs. We've moved in anti-missile batteries throughout the region to counter any launches. Chemical and biological weapons are more of a threat because NK has large stockpiles.
NK refuses to stop nuclear development and we do not want to wait until they can reach the US. Choices are narrowing as is time. If Kim Jong-un would disappear, the nuke program would likely be stopped and this would probably end.
If Kim does go with unconventional weapons we do have nuclear subs in the area with low yield tactical nuclear missiles that would end this quick fast.
3
There are people asking why anyone might ever hate the US. Now see what you propose: the small risk that Kim might damage the US if the US does not start the war (indeed very small: why would he need it?) means more for you than the near certainty that Kim would greatly damage South Korea if the US does start the war. Perhaps it's the way you treat your allies?
There is no more dangerous conflict than on the Korean Peninsula. Kim Jung-un and Donald Trump have nothing in common with John Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev. In 1962, there was intelligence and common sense and perspective that by chance prevailed on both sides. Now stupidity and ego could reign and precipitate disastrous consequences.
30
If Donald Trumps only "wins" have come from bombings with no warning, coherence, or aggression towards the United States on its shores, who thinks he won't go for a third?
Whenever I hear the words "preemptive strike" I get physically nauseous. And yet that's a phrase that's been circulating, so far falsely, far too often these days.
Has it really only been 100 days?
Whenever I hear the words "preemptive strike" I get physically nauseous. And yet that's a phrase that's been circulating, so far falsely, far too often these days.
Has it really only been 100 days?
69
North Korea is being foolish. An armistice has been in place since the fifties and clearly North Korea is threatening the stability of the region with threats of nuclear war.
The US would be in the right to proceed as if the armistice had ended and opt out of any nuclear understandings in the non proliferation area in view of North Koreas manifest threat to non proliferation.
In other words, the actions of North Korea's leader have justified use of nuclear weapons against North Korea beyond any shadow of doubt.
The US would be in the right to proceed as if the armistice had ended and opt out of any nuclear understandings in the non proliferation area in view of North Koreas manifest threat to non proliferation.
In other words, the actions of North Korea's leader have justified use of nuclear weapons against North Korea beyond any shadow of doubt.
5
The U.S. would be incapable of launching a "surprise" nuclear attack on North Korea. Even if the North Koreans were incapable of carrying out a direct retaliatory strike against the continental U.S., they would target U.S. military bases in South Korea while inflicting millions of casualties on the South Korean population.
Do you not understand that based on your rationale, other nuclear powers could view U.S. aggression in other parts of the world, as ample "justification" for reprisals on your country?
Do you not understand that based on your rationale, other nuclear powers could view U.S. aggression in other parts of the world, as ample "justification" for reprisals on your country?
4
I was unaware that USA is threatening a nuclear attack against anybody. The bomb has not been used since 1945. We are not the problem.
We could simply withdraw and watch as nation after nation began arming with nukes as a way of protecting themselves - Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, VietNam......is that really what you want?
We could simply withdraw and watch as nation after nation began arming with nukes as a way of protecting themselves - Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, VietNam......is that really what you want?
This is simply another attempt by Trump to erase the headlines with stories about Russia's interference with America's elections and the clearly unexplainable Russian contacts with Trumps team.
The fact that a sitting US President would use war or the threat of war to obfuscate, delay or pivot the real threat that Trump poses to America is utterly reprehensible. Now we have this threat of war paced by the US Navy's armada transiting the Pacific to an end state that is clearly dangerous and unwarranted. Trump is learning that war porn is a much more lucrative form of changing the channel from his pre-election Russian buffoonery.
North Korea's leader is simply using the military posture to unite his people around their collective enemy, to pivot from their misery, after all he's got to do something with all that military "might" Hey?! Wait a minute! Trump's doing the same thing.
Relax fellow, Americans, the National Security Council's General HR McMaster knows full well that North Korea would annihilate Seoul with a tsunami of well protected artillery in minutes, no high tech needed. America is not going to attack North Korea that would simply be too idiotic---oh wait!
The fact that a sitting US President would use war or the threat of war to obfuscate, delay or pivot the real threat that Trump poses to America is utterly reprehensible. Now we have this threat of war paced by the US Navy's armada transiting the Pacific to an end state that is clearly dangerous and unwarranted. Trump is learning that war porn is a much more lucrative form of changing the channel from his pre-election Russian buffoonery.
North Korea's leader is simply using the military posture to unite his people around their collective enemy, to pivot from their misery, after all he's got to do something with all that military "might" Hey?! Wait a minute! Trump's doing the same thing.
Relax fellow, Americans, the National Security Council's General HR McMaster knows full well that North Korea would annihilate Seoul with a tsunami of well protected artillery in minutes, no high tech needed. America is not going to attack North Korea that would simply be too idiotic---oh wait!
23
A war between super powers has such high stakes it is nearly impossible to comprehend them. Such a war will truly be the “war to end all wars “. In the words of Einstein, “I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought with, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones”
The sad thing is, the human species will not perish by the natural forces of extinction, but by their own hubris and stupidity.
The sad thing is, the human species will not perish by the natural forces of extinction, but by their own hubris and stupidity.
23
America needs a steady, deft hand at the helm, with historical knowledge and the long view. Trump's job is to buy time, another 5 or 6 years, without conflagration. War on that peninsula is unthinkable. Trump, do your job. If it's too hard, resign.
14
This is the pefect storm for trump enabling him to raise a false flag operation aimed at distancing him from his Russian overlords in the face of increasing public and congressional scrutiny in regards to the 2016 elections. That it's lethal stuff he's recklessly playing with doesn't matter. Everything trump does is a stunt with a very calculated eventual outcome. His actions are not 'normal' or benevolent in any way. He's an evil, manipulative man.
33
The Cuban Missile Crisis movie Thirteen Days (2000) is most famous for Kevin Costner's Massachusetts accent but it also has this monologue by Bruce Greenwood as JFK about having read the Guns of August: "It's World War One; there's thirteen million killed; it was all because the militaries of both alliances believed they were so highly attuned to one another's movements and dispositions, they could predict one another's intentions, but all their theories were based on the last war. And the world and technology had changed, and those lessons were no longer valid, but it was all they knew, so the orders went out, couldn't be rescinded. And your man in the field, his family at home, they couldn't even tell you the reasons why their lives were being destroyed. But why couldn't they stop it? What could they have done? Here we are, fifty years later. Think if one of (the Russian) ships resists the inspection, and we shoot out its rudder, and board. (The Soviets) shoot down one of our planes, in response, so we bomb their anti-aircraft sites in response to that, and they attack Berlin, so we invade Cuba. [pause] And they fire their missiles... And we fire ours."
The reassuring thing is the idea of a civilian leader thinking through the implications of a grave military crisis. I fear we don't have that now. But the other thing is the realization that events can spiral out of control. That one provocative action can start a chain of actions. I am not reassured in any sense.
The reassuring thing is the idea of a civilian leader thinking through the implications of a grave military crisis. I fear we don't have that now. But the other thing is the realization that events can spiral out of control. That one provocative action can start a chain of actions. I am not reassured in any sense.
14
It was predictable that this would happen, but astonishing how quickly it is all rolling out.
38
It's understandable why North Korea would want to develop a nuclear deterrent -- countries that don't (e.g. Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, Grenada, Vietnam) tend to fall victim to US aggression. President Kim may be smarter than the US mainstream media depict him as!
7
Rather than constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop as in onto to Seattle, it's time to slap this fat little garden gnome down. This little school yard bully needs a spanking and we got just the guy to give it to him! USA. USA.
3
Tell me you don't work for the State Department.
1
It is surprising that there have been no massive demonstrations converging toward the American Embassy in Seoul as it is certain millions would perish soon if war started. It is also surprising that there have been no discernible outcries against Trump in Tokyo as it is certain all these American and Japanese military bases and vital (or fatal) facilities in Japan suffer missile attacks from North if war started. Korea and Japan are on the brink of total ruin with a not-so-small probability and yet this muteness. South Korea and Japan should consider switch allegiance to China from a unpredictable US as it was always the case before modernization.
3
Perhaps the Japanese and South Koreans realise the inevitability of the situation. North Korea with ICBMs is unthinkable. If Trump has the courage to rid this world of such a menace then he must.
2
North Korea is truly a miracle state - the only communist state that survived the madness of communism and somehow gets its people to get up in the morning and go to work.
5
brainwashed.
Feel sorry for the people of North Korea, don't condemn what you cannot possibly understand.
Denigrate the leaders by all means, but the captives? No sir, have some compassion for your fellow (innocent) human beings.
Feel sorry for the people of North Korea, don't condemn what you cannot possibly understand.
Denigrate the leaders by all means, but the captives? No sir, have some compassion for your fellow (innocent) human beings.
4
A frequent comment.
They tell us that Donald Trump won, so someone voted for this. It is times like these that I find this hard to comprehend. It would be easier to imagine that the voting machines were hacked. The FBI denies it. However, this is coming from an agency headed by Comey, who made the infamous announcement in November. Where was Comey when CIA and Brittish intelligence was warning us about Trump's campaign funds and contact between the Kremlin and Trump's aids? Where was the announcement about the investigation of the Trump campaign's connection to Russian meddling? LAWD!
39
Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by a little under 3 million votes. The finger points to the feckless, clueless people of the Electoral College who ignored their mandate to ward off what we have here: a President unfit to lead.
5
If only we could solve this matter peacefully. We should all follow China's lead in negotiating on such a dangerous matter.
11
I have learned Australian so let me translate - As a destination Australia would prefer not to participate in any further global population shifts not of our making.
Trump, having the least experience in the foreign affairs beside having no idea about how to run the domestic politics, is making one belligerent statements after another in relation to North Korea's impending 6th nuclear test.
But what he doesn't understand is that saber rattling can only take him so far.
Sooner or later he has to realize that rogue North Korea is impossible to tame.
Why ?
Because once a country acquires Nuclear capabilities there is very little one can do to that country.
That's the reason why Trump has to study how the nuclear fusion works before he drops any bomb on North Korea's nuclear reactors.
What happened in Russia's Chernobyl reactor on April 26th,1986 was a piece of cake compared to what will happen if Trump goes crazy on his head and orders either nuclear or conventional attack on Pyongyang's thermonuclear test sites.
That is the reason why Trump the arrogant who never liked to listen to any reasoning from any one, should listen to the Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi who warned Trump very bluntly that "there have been storm clouds gathering" in the Korean peninsula which is going to drench all the countries near to North Korea with highly toxic radio isotopes.
That was also the message that the leaders of Russia, South Korea and Japan beside Chinese premier is giving to Trump so that he doesn't behave like an idiot like he always did.
And that'll be message what all of us should give to Trump,"Stop being a stupid all your life."
But what he doesn't understand is that saber rattling can only take him so far.
Sooner or later he has to realize that rogue North Korea is impossible to tame.
Why ?
Because once a country acquires Nuclear capabilities there is very little one can do to that country.
That's the reason why Trump has to study how the nuclear fusion works before he drops any bomb on North Korea's nuclear reactors.
What happened in Russia's Chernobyl reactor on April 26th,1986 was a piece of cake compared to what will happen if Trump goes crazy on his head and orders either nuclear or conventional attack on Pyongyang's thermonuclear test sites.
That is the reason why Trump the arrogant who never liked to listen to any reasoning from any one, should listen to the Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi who warned Trump very bluntly that "there have been storm clouds gathering" in the Korean peninsula which is going to drench all the countries near to North Korea with highly toxic radio isotopes.
That was also the message that the leaders of Russia, South Korea and Japan beside Chinese premier is giving to Trump so that he doesn't behave like an idiot like he always did.
And that'll be message what all of us should give to Trump,"Stop being a stupid all your life."
11
Maybe it's there and I missed it, but I'd like to know why this "strike force" is different from the "task force" the U.S. routinely sends to the South China Sea. During more normal times (like the Obama administration), China saw U.S. carrier activity there as a threat to its right to dominance in the region. The U.S. carriers were there to send a message about China's building of artificial islands, and the expansion of China's military reach with the air bases it built on the artificial islands. Does a "task force" turn into a "strike force" when "there's a new sheriff in town?" Hoping not to get blown up this weekend ...
5
It is fairly obvious what is different. Your current president and his ridiculous, shallow, belligerent commentary on twitter, provoking confrontation. We could trust that Barack Obama was not going to do something that precipitated a nuclear strike but we have no faith that Trump will exercise restraint and wisdom.
3
War is the Insanity of Humanity.
That speaks volumes about the leaders of our nation and North Korea.
N.B.C. should be boycotted by everyone for attempting to spark a war by their public proclamation that a strike was planned. N.B.C. is Trump's Alma Mater and a very good friend of the government.
That speaks volumes about the leaders of our nation and North Korea.
N.B.C. should be boycotted by everyone for attempting to spark a war by their public proclamation that a strike was planned. N.B.C. is Trump's Alma Mater and a very good friend of the government.
1
All of us baby boomers with draft age kids had better intervene, now. I'm no Senators son, no exclusions here. So, why follow this blowhard in pursuit of the end of his world, 70+ with a bunker. He is following his inflated ego directly into the sandbox that he ruled 65 years ago. What a joke on us, we are pathetic if we let this happen under our privileged noses. Watch out kids the boomers may be doing something very dumb, again.
15
China seems to be the only player playing with a full deck.
So-called president Trump seems to like big phallic systems that explode as only some over sexed men can or want to remember when they could. Chaos is his thing and a few nuclear bombs come close to his fantasy of being that powerful, smooth talker who knows what no one else knows except the wizard behind the curtain and is the only person on earth who can fix what he broke.
The new billionaire school T. V. repair person is now starting the motor to transform education so that the one percent never have to fear the masses who know the facts. Once the loan repayment money starts to flow to the one percent with high interest rates the lies and an occasional war or external threat, real or not, will keep the masses in their places.
War, stupidity and lies.
G-d bless America.
So-called president Trump seems to like big phallic systems that explode as only some over sexed men can or want to remember when they could. Chaos is his thing and a few nuclear bombs come close to his fantasy of being that powerful, smooth talker who knows what no one else knows except the wizard behind the curtain and is the only person on earth who can fix what he broke.
The new billionaire school T. V. repair person is now starting the motor to transform education so that the one percent never have to fear the masses who know the facts. Once the loan repayment money starts to flow to the one percent with high interest rates the lies and an occasional war or external threat, real or not, will keep the masses in their places.
War, stupidity and lies.
G-d bless America.
10
Any excuse to invade and wipe out the ruthless dictatorship of Kim Jong-un and his progenitors is justified. We are talking about a whole country that is brainwashed and several generations that are malnourished here, for heaven's sake.
4
Kim Jong -un has lethal weapons too, and Trump's saber rattling is extremely dangerous because it puts the people of South Korea and the U.S soldiers stationed there at great risk.
7
And wiping out Kim Jong-un and his government will help those people how? We can't "wipe out" the regime without war, a war that would probably kill tens of millions of people, or more. Things aren't that simple, for heavens sake.
7
Of course it's not simple and of course it will be bloody. But to get rid of cancer the body has to take the beating of radiation treatment, and most people would think it's worth it. You can't get everything for nothing for heaven's sake.
2
So, we're repeating Waco all over again - only on a much grander and awful(er) scale. A cult leader sealed off from the world & surrounded by brainwashed followers is about to be attacked by. Wait for it. The US Government. Only this time, David Koresh has the bomb. Greeeaat.
13
So the New York Times instead of reporting news is now encouraging foreign policy. So wrong!
1
Please quote the passage in this article in which the times encouraged foreign policy.
6
Should've voted for President Hillary Clinton and the Dems instead.
Time to get rid of the Trumpet regime and all Republican'ts now today immediately before they do any more damage to countless lives, this nation, this earth, Democracy. All they want is war and destruction.
Instead put President Obama and John Kerry and Secretary Clinton back in charge to correct this problem that the Republican'ts started before a war starts or worse. Once again, a Democrat has to clean up a child Republican'ts mess.
Should've voted for President Hillary Clinton and the Dems instead.
Time to get rid of the Trumpet regime and all Republican'ts now today immediately before they do any more damage to countless lives, this nation, this earth, Democracy. All they want is war and destruction.
Instead put President Obama and John Kerry and Secretary Clinton back in charge to correct this problem that the Republican'ts started before a war starts or worse. Once again, a Democrat has to clean up a child Republican'ts mess.
Should've voted for President Hillary Clinton and the Dems instead.
15
shoulda, coulda ...
Thanks for nothing
Thanks for nothing
4
Let's not be puritanical and hypocritical. If the US, Israel, China, Pakistan, South Africa, etc. has nuclear weapons, then North Korea or any other countries should not be interfered with as they develop nuclear weapons. Have and use are different matters. Let them have. But if they use, then check then with use which is sure to end in annihilation sadly for the people of North Korea and its regime. This is Foreign Policy in a world that wants to build its war arsenal. Let's not pick who can have or not have. Sadly, this may result in global annihilation of the human species sooner than later but isn't that what we want since the countries of the world continue to spend more on war than they do on peace and education?
1
Truth, does smoke from the "smoking" section wind up in the "no smoking" section?
1
I understand the comments of both sides. That Trump is standing up to the North Koreans through the threat of unilateral action if the North Koreans test their nuclear capability and the opposing view that Trump is irresponsibly escalating the situation through the gamble that the North Koreans will back down.
Sorry but I'm in the later camp. Why do we want to attack North Korea unless they are attacking us or our allies. Let them blow up their countryside or fire rockets into the ocean. Who are we in the US to take unilateral military action only to have the consequences fall on Japan and South Korea. This isn't protecting them but exposing them to unnecessary danger without their consent.
Rather than threaten and take violent and potentially dangerous unilateral action Trump should work with our Asian allies to develop a united front. Let them help decide what should be done since they have much more at stake in this situation.
Sorry but I'm in the later camp. Why do we want to attack North Korea unless they are attacking us or our allies. Let them blow up their countryside or fire rockets into the ocean. Who are we in the US to take unilateral military action only to have the consequences fall on Japan and South Korea. This isn't protecting them but exposing them to unnecessary danger without their consent.
Rather than threaten and take violent and potentially dangerous unilateral action Trump should work with our Asian allies to develop a united front. Let them help decide what should be done since they have much more at stake in this situation.
7
Modern humans have existed for a bit less than 200,000 years. Multi-cellular life (as far as we know) has existed for just over 4 billion years. The earth has been around for 4.5 billion years, and the universe for 13.7 billion years. We humans are tiny and fleeting and insignificant (and not that different from each other); our lives are precious to us beyond measure.
Two fickle dictators bent on thermonuclear war (Kim and Trump) might decide the future of humanity on a whim, a tweet. One hundred and forty characters to wipe out 13,700,000,000 years of progress. How did we end up here? How do we stop this?
Two fickle dictators bent on thermonuclear war (Kim and Trump) might decide the future of humanity on a whim, a tweet. One hundred and forty characters to wipe out 13,700,000,000 years of progress. How did we end up here? How do we stop this?
20
Over past decades when normal intimidation fails to work for NKorea then the next step is to bark louder. This has been very successful for NKorea as they have greatly progressed over the years building their nuclear "threat." Assuming the U.S. has the "greatest" arsenal to combat this threat, I hope the U.S. doesn't back down, and if necessary, then maybe it is time to show NKorea, and others, we will no longer play this intimidation game. Bomb their launch pads.
1
What interest does Trump have in cooling this down? The hotter it is the more people like him.
I can't imagine the mindset of South Koreans, especially those who are parents with young children at home. The worry must be constant and it is surely warranted. I do not know if it does any good at all but I am facing towards the Korean peninsula from my home in Florida and sending them love and comfort and calm.
The crisis calls for a diplomatic solution brokered by an American who understands basic rules of grammar as well as the advanced calibration of nuance. Lacking that, I pray that a military official issues a stand down and the ships sail back into less provocative waters. That would be an act of respect for South Korea and, perhaps, the world.
now that Mr. Trump has played his hand by sending his "armada" to the Korean peninsula, will he be able to return without something tangible in hand?
Where is Congress. They should call an emergency session ending in a resolution of impeachment if Trump attach North Korea without their authorization. It is time for congress to do its job!
26
We strongly need diplomacy right now, but we have an underqualified secretary of state and a gutted state department (and of course an inept president) ...
11
pretty scary when the two most dysfunctonal countries in the world--both with leaders with egos second to none--ratchet it up.
10
Where is the House and Senate, are the already in their bunker, for heavens sake do something!
16
Dictators don't need the House and Senate. Congressmen and women are all keeping their mouths shut so that when/if things go south, it's all on Trump.
2
Looks to me that the United States and China are in it for the long haul --- Putin - Kin Jong In and other boys are going to ride the pine.
The Korean Peninsula might be the subject of some sci-fi films soon.
The Korean Peninsula might be the subject of some sci-fi films soon.
3
North Korea is a failed state that cannot last. They likely see an invasion of the South as a smart and desirable strategic move, as they did prior to the Korean War. Time and time again Kim Il Sung was held back by Stalin, until he finally convinced Stalin to give him the green light, after which Kim II Sung convinced a reluctant China to back his invasion, while Russia sat back and left it up to China.
Before this is over, South Korea will be overrun and sacrificed. But North Korea will not invade until it has nuclear ballistic missiles capable of hitting the US. This will thwart the nuclear response that would otherwise destroy North Korea and stop its invasion. China will then step in and fund the reconstruction, solidifying its position in Asia.
Only a preemptive nuclear attack on North Korea will save South Korea from the inevitable invasion, and also stop North Korea's inevitable development of nuclear capable intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Is there a non-nuclear possibility? Maybe China has one.
Before this is over, South Korea will be overrun and sacrificed. But North Korea will not invade until it has nuclear ballistic missiles capable of hitting the US. This will thwart the nuclear response that would otherwise destroy North Korea and stop its invasion. China will then step in and fund the reconstruction, solidifying its position in Asia.
Only a preemptive nuclear attack on North Korea will save South Korea from the inevitable invasion, and also stop North Korea's inevitable development of nuclear capable intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Is there a non-nuclear possibility? Maybe China has one.
3
Where is the talk of the humanitarian crisis that has been underway in North Korea for over half a century? The heads of state of powerful nations are throwing their weight around. China likes North Korea's position on the peninsula and the US needs to maintain its presence in South Korea. Everyone volleying for power. Let's spend more time strategizing on how to help the extremely marginalized citizens of the DPRK.
3
Lets be clear about this for a minute. This isn't Self-Defense if the U.S. does a Preemptive Strike on North Korea. Its an escalation on our part. You might as well say were starting a war with them. If the Trump Administration is wise then he better not make such a reckless decison. He needs to pull back and pay attention to the people who voted for him who are more concerned about dealing with problems on our own soil. Another war with North Korea will only drive the U.S. further into debt and could easily result in World War 3. Money would better be used rebuilding our infrastructure. This sitauation with North Korea is exactly one of the reasons that made me too concerned to vote for Donald Trump. Lets be smart about this.
21
Hey! We did it in Iraq.....and apparently didn't learn our lesson. The only "mission accomplished" then has been an endless war in the Middle East, thousand of refugees, and millions of innocents killed.
Has anyone checked the Doomsday Clock lately?
6
In December, the Stars and Stripes published an article ( https://www.stripes.com/news/s-korea-calls-north-s-mock-attack-on-blue-h... ) about North Korea's mock attack on the Blue House, where South Korea's president lives.
They are waving the red cape; Trump can be like a raging bull.
They are waving the red cape; Trump can be like a raging bull.
2
Our president is using "Twitter "as a lethal weapon . He should not be allowed to use his phone to provoke unstable countries like N Korea into acting militarily . That could lead to a catastrophic world crisis .
But how do you contain N Korea ? China needs to take more of an active role since our president has the temperament of a
10 year old .
It seems that Trump isn't happy unless he's fighting with someone .
Thanks to all of the voters who dismissed the fact that Trump is temperamentally unfit to be Commander -in-Chief . Thanks a lot . I hope you're all happy watching our country's downward spiral.
But how do you contain N Korea ? China needs to take more of an active role since our president has the temperament of a
10 year old .
It seems that Trump isn't happy unless he's fighting with someone .
Thanks to all of the voters who dismissed the fact that Trump is temperamentally unfit to be Commander -in-Chief . Thanks a lot . I hope you're all happy watching our country's downward spiral.
20
For those on the west coast this week there was an underreported flurry of activity by the military using P3 Orion submarine hunting aircraft over the Pacific Coast. Is this an overlooked threat? Are we so naive to believe that we have to wait for an ICBM to be within range of North Korea's nuclear weapons? With over 50 submarines, North Korea could slowly and silently approach a west coast city with a nuke aboard, and hit Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle with a near shore blast. Let us not repeat our last failure at Pearl Harbor. What risk do we have of a North Korean sub armed with a nuclear bomb and suicide crew?
3
Beware of men with strange hairstyles. A pity the situation is so serious!
10
I'm so glad that when Presidents George W. Bush and Dick Cheney were looking for non-existent WMDs in Iraq to start trillion dollar phony war that they completely ignored the country that actually had them: North Korea.
Now we have this never ending headache, just one of many we're still dealing with as a result of the 2000 election.
Now we have this never ending headache, just one of many we're still dealing with as a result of the 2000 election.
14
That would be a colossal mistake.
Were the United States to unilaterally deal a nuclear strike on North Korea, not only would it open the U.S. to a possible retaliatory blow from the North Koreans, but would also increase the likelihood of other nuclear nations taking the position that they must strike the U.S. first. In other words, these nations would be behaving exactly in the manner that you propose.
No thank you, right now we need to go with calm and diplomacy as our primary weapons of choice.
Were the United States to unilaterally deal a nuclear strike on North Korea, not only would it open the U.S. to a possible retaliatory blow from the North Koreans, but would also increase the likelihood of other nuclear nations taking the position that they must strike the U.S. first. In other words, these nations would be behaving exactly in the manner that you propose.
No thank you, right now we need to go with calm and diplomacy as our primary weapons of choice.
13
This would not have happened if Hillary was president.
The goal of Trump's administrations is money and to start a war so he can stay in power and get more money from us.
Why doesn't someone start impeachment proceedings...... someone impeach this criminal!
The goal of Trump's administrations is money and to start a war so he can stay in power and get more money from us.
Why doesn't someone start impeachment proceedings...... someone impeach this criminal!
22
Two disasters that Hillary Clinton fully supported: The Iraq war; and, the removal of Libyan leader Qaddafi.
Trump's judgement notwithstanding, Hillary Clinton's foreign policy is not a gold standard for others to follow.
Trump's judgement notwithstanding, Hillary Clinton's foreign policy is not a gold standard for others to follow.
3
trumps at maraloco for easter, surprise, surprise, but he left the nuclear fooball w jared and ivanka
theyre very trustworthy
really, they are
10
Our increasingly tense relations with North Korea are can be profitably compared with the Cuban Missile Crisis. Then the Soviet Union, which had placed missiles in Cuba, was publicly challenged by the United States to remove them. Some of President Kennedy's military advisers wanted him to attack Cuba. Others, including Robert Kennedy, argued for a blockade and watchful waiting. It was later revealed that the President promised Chairman Khruschev that the U. S. would remove its missiles from Turkey in return. The
Soviet leadership eventually deposed Khruschev partly for his public backdown.
History is full of such contingencies. Hardly anyone thinks a thermonuclear exchange with North Korea is likely. But it is a contingent possibility.
Soviet leadership eventually deposed Khruschev partly for his public backdown.
History is full of such contingencies. Hardly anyone thinks a thermonuclear exchange with North Korea is likely. But it is a contingent possibility.
6
As an American currently living in South Korea, this situation is absolutely absurd. South Koreans have acclimated to the North testing nuclear missiles every so often. That is just a part of everyday life and something President Trump and the vast majority of Americans do not understand. The likelihood that North Korea is able to attack the continental US is minimal, given US intelligence reports on North Korea's ICBM program. The US should not be allowed to provoke a war with North Korea using South Korea and Japan as shields to take the brunt of the devastation. Even the idea that the US may preemptively strike North Korea is utterly insane. If sanctions are placed on North Korea to cut off the import of oil, that is enough to cripple their nuclear program, and the regime, in a matter of months. Members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats, were up in arms when Trump launched Tomahawk missiles at Syrian airbases, calling the act unconstitutional without congressional approval. Where are these politicians now, as the Trump Administration is taking a step forward each day towards throwing countries into chaos at safe distance?
26
A few weeks after Trump became President I said to my friend: "Trump won't be able to keep all his promises. And what then? Will he start a war to win domestic support and get reelected like Bush did? Is he crazy enough?"
It seems that, three months later, we are almost there. But the difference is: Iraq 2003 was "only" a huge disaster for the Middle East and Europe and destroyed the credibility of the western world. But here it is North Korea and that could lead to WW3. China will never accept american (or south korean) troops on north korean soil near the chinese border. In this case, I am sure Russia would react and form an alliance with China. For Europe, this would mean the worst situation since 1945 with all russian nukes pointing at us and being able to destroy the continent within minutes. What would happen then? Nothing. Nothing! That would be the end of everything related to mankind.
Maybe this won't happen in the end, but your President made it more likely than anyone before him. And you Americans voted for him....
Greeting form the country that "treats you so unfairly"
It seems that, three months later, we are almost there. But the difference is: Iraq 2003 was "only" a huge disaster for the Middle East and Europe and destroyed the credibility of the western world. But here it is North Korea and that could lead to WW3. China will never accept american (or south korean) troops on north korean soil near the chinese border. In this case, I am sure Russia would react and form an alliance with China. For Europe, this would mean the worst situation since 1945 with all russian nukes pointing at us and being able to destroy the continent within minutes. What would happen then? Nothing. Nothing! That would be the end of everything related to mankind.
Maybe this won't happen in the end, but your President made it more likely than anyone before him. And you Americans voted for him....
Greeting form the country that "treats you so unfairly"
20
I didn't vote for Trump, and was so distraught at Clinton's loss that my hair started falling out. There are many Americans anguished and sickened by what has become of us.
1
The one problem here: with DT we have as erratic a POTUS as the North Koreans have a Leader.
18
Exactly.
3
China can easily curtail North Korea's development of nuclear weapons. They can cut off the flow of oil and other essential commodities into that regime. Instead the China use North Korea like a bargaining chip to intimidate South Korea, Japan and the USA. If something bad happens in Korea, the Chinese are going to burned too.
4
Precisely - China does not want the problem solved, because for them it is a lose-lose scenario: either a border w/a South Korea backed by US troops, or a flood of North Korean refugess. The current impasse, in which they can play play off their efforts to rein in the DPRK against various pressures exerted by the US, is preferable. Kim will never place his country under the protection of the Chinese, even though his regime currently survives only due to their largess. He knows what happened Christmas day 1989 in Romania, and that China is capable of doing to him exactly what he has done to members of his own family.
1
China acting as the elder statesman is laughable.
6
@Louis
Best to boost your testosterone watching NFL, not geopolitics. Your president is Donald Trump. Nothing is more laughable.
Best to boost your testosterone watching NFL, not geopolitics. Your president is Donald Trump. Nothing is more laughable.
Better them than Trump.
5
China is worthless ins this case and I support Trump's contention that someone must do something. The other world countries are cowards. Always have been, look at ww 1 and 2 for an example. No one lifted a finger when Russia took Crimea and so it is not for China or Russia or anyone to lecture the USA. We must do what we have to do to prevent this psycho country once and for all, from issuing its threats and 'perhaps' going through with it. Bomb them? Certainly. Will there be casualties? For sure but for the greater good, something must be done and Trump, for better or worse, is doing something instead drawing lines 'in the sand'.
2
Bomb them? With what, exactly? And what if North Korea takes Seoul hostage? Are you saying that limited nuclear conflict is acceptable? If so, are you saying that the thousands of US military personnel stationed in South Korea, and tens of millions of South Koreans, are acceptable collateral fatalities? What about the nuclear cloud that would waft its way toward the western U.S.?
All because our man-baby has decided to reenact The Bay of Pigs...
All because our man-baby has decided to reenact The Bay of Pigs...
7
WWI and WWII? You're joking right? The rest of the world fought Germany hard and valiantly long before we decided to join the fight. And starting WWIII isn't what I want our country to do.
3
This particular boil has been allowed to fester far too long and needs to be lanced. Waiting will not let the fever subside and ensures even more pain the longer the maniacs of NK are allowed to continue development of their WMD.
The Chinese are deeply culpable as they alone have the leverage to force change in NK and they have refused to use it. They prefer to let NK remain as a risk to the US and it's neighbors and this risk is now growing intolerable. Does anyone think that anything less then force will divert NK from it's present path towards the capability to take out US cities at will?
Will we just evacuate the whole West Coast everytime one of the Kim's threatens?
The Chinese are deeply culpable as they alone have the leverage to force change in NK and they have refused to use it. They prefer to let NK remain as a risk to the US and it's neighbors and this risk is now growing intolerable. Does anyone think that anything less then force will divert NK from it's present path towards the capability to take out US cities at will?
Will we just evacuate the whole West Coast everytime one of the Kim's threatens?
2
There is an infinitely better solution than nuclear conflict with NK. Tim Kane, below, sketches it nicely: economically pressure China to fix the mess with this country, which it knows far better than we. To be sure, this risks a trade war with China. Better that than even limited nuclear warfare, which would end the lives we know, and probably worse.
2
"with swords drawn and bows bent, and there have been storm clouds gathering" I am not an admirer of the Chinese government, exactly the opposite. But we have to recognized the elegance of the wording in their statement, probably rooted in traditional Chinese literature and also in the Bible.
My comment: "Blessed are the peacemakers because they are the children of God"
My comment: "Blessed are the peacemakers because they are the children of God"
7
Unfortunately, the current administration fired almost all of the peacemakers and probably most of the people who understood Chinese.
5
When Bush Jr became president, I recall the Onion prescient comical headline "Our Long National Nighmare of Peace and Prosperity is over."
When Trump became president, I looked around for something similar and thought I saw it on SNL around Christmas time when it did a parady of "Love Actually" with a Hillary Clinton character attempting to woo an elector away from Trump with sign board messaging.
One of the last sign boards said "He'll kill us all."
I though that perhaps that's the prescient semi comedic, semi alarming foreshadowing incident. Trump is belligerently ignorant, incurious, and not able to accept responsibility. Bush looked like Alfred E Newman, but Trump apes his "who me?" character.
I submit, this administration inherited a thorny problem with N. Korean nuclear weapons - mostly because Bush dismantled a working nuclear arrangement with N. Korea after he made his list of enemies, axis of evil, and proceeded to invade the one at the top of the list. Everyone else on that list was busy trying to develop a nuclear bomb as protection against becoming the next Saddam Hussein.
If we are serious about this, we'll put a moratorium on trade with China until it is solved. That will hurt just about everybody, but it will hurt China the most.
The solution probably involves an agreement to make a unified Korea the Switzerland of East Asia and removing of U.S. troops from there. That'd probably make everyone happy.
When Trump became president, I looked around for something similar and thought I saw it on SNL around Christmas time when it did a parady of "Love Actually" with a Hillary Clinton character attempting to woo an elector away from Trump with sign board messaging.
One of the last sign boards said "He'll kill us all."
I though that perhaps that's the prescient semi comedic, semi alarming foreshadowing incident. Trump is belligerently ignorant, incurious, and not able to accept responsibility. Bush looked like Alfred E Newman, but Trump apes his "who me?" character.
I submit, this administration inherited a thorny problem with N. Korean nuclear weapons - mostly because Bush dismantled a working nuclear arrangement with N. Korea after he made his list of enemies, axis of evil, and proceeded to invade the one at the top of the list. Everyone else on that list was busy trying to develop a nuclear bomb as protection against becoming the next Saddam Hussein.
If we are serious about this, we'll put a moratorium on trade with China until it is solved. That will hurt just about everybody, but it will hurt China the most.
The solution probably involves an agreement to make a unified Korea the Switzerland of East Asia and removing of U.S. troops from there. That'd probably make everyone happy.
9
There has never been any agreement ''with'' North Korea. As with Iran, everything we think that we have talked them into become vapor 5 minutes after they quit talking.
Your party, the party of people who spit on American soldiers coming home from Vietnam, is a bit worse for fooling itself into thinking despots will stand by agreements than the GOP. The NKs only deal honestly with the Red Chinese.
But of course you think that the communists won't invade the South once the Americans leave. We would have expected this.
Your party, the party of people who spit on American soldiers coming home from Vietnam, is a bit worse for fooling itself into thinking despots will stand by agreements than the GOP. The NKs only deal honestly with the Red Chinese.
But of course you think that the communists won't invade the South once the Americans leave. We would have expected this.
2
"The solution probably involves an agreement to make a unified Korea the Switzerland of East Asia and removing of U.S. troops from there. That'd probably make everyone happy."
Not Kim! It would put him out of power and quite possible into the afterworld.
Not Kim! It would put him out of power and quite possible into the afterworld.
3
South Korea needs to quit its foolishness and align itself with China to peacefully solve the North Korea problem.
1
That's like saying the Poles should have aligned themselves with the Nazis to solve the Polish problem.
Not saying the Chinese are akin to Nazis, only that South Korea has the right to decide its own fate. And they want to be aligned with the West.
Not saying the Chinese are akin to Nazis, only that South Korea has the right to decide its own fate. And they want to be aligned with the West.
5
gosh, why didnt we think of that
3
Why don't you ask Vietnam to forget its independence and also ask t become another extension of either Red China or Thailand, or Russia? South Korea had almost no industry when the richer North attacked it. Noe SK is worth trillions more.
1
If it runs out of control, China is to blame by letting crazy dictators develop nuclear weapons. China itself must be crazy.
8
China and Syria are mixed with an eye to fight for power.
63% of white males, and 53% of white females, voted Donald Trump into the White House, despite his obvious unfitness to be president. But they loved his racism, white supremacy, and his hate filled message. Consequently, our country, our democracy, and possibly our well being are in danger. Way to go, good job.
We may be about to learn a terrible lesson about how important it is to elect a solid person as president. I hope and pray that is not the case.
22
So glad they covered this at NY Miiltary Academy where Trump went to high school. Otherwise, he might not know what he was doing.
This is a contest between two unpredictable unstable people with enormous egos. What could go wrong?
This is a contest between two unpredictable unstable people with enormous egos. What could go wrong?
23
I'm just hoping we can make it to Monday without WW3 starting.
21
From your lips to God's ears...
1
But if we have a nuclear war on Sunday, we won't have to go to work on Monday. It's all good, right?
4
Exactly what I was thinking!
Trump shouldn't be golfing while this world sits on the precipice of a real crisis. Kim doesn't seem to be a rational actor on the world stage. The Cuban missile crisis involved rational parties and this doesn't involve rational parties on all sides. And do we really know who's in charge in North Korea? Bravado could be the world's undoing.
10
As Mr Trump was flying to Florida to give his first campaign-style rally since he took office on Saturday, his sons, Eric and Donald, opened a Trump-branded golf course in Dubai.
Taxpayers will be footing the bill for secret service costs. The Washington Post reported this week that the security bill has already surpassed $16,000.
Taxpayers will be footing the bill for secret service costs. The Washington Post reported this week that the security bill has already surpassed $16,000.
12
How many times has Trump played golf as President of the United States? Since taking office on Jan. 20, 2017, Mr. Trump has reportedly been on the grounds of his golf courses 16 times since becoming President, and that's as of April 9
13
Please, everyone keep calm and carry on. There's nothing here scarier or worse than what has been going on for the last 20 years with the DPRK regime.
3
You have got to be kidding, in the past 20 years they have developed nuclear capability. They are on the verge of building a successful ICBM, and they scream bloody war all day. A day of reckoning is coming, it can't go on like this forever.
2
Poppycock! Trump's so-called "armada" is speeding toward a Bay of Pigs scenario, except that this one involves two madmen, neither of whom is allowing any opportunity for the other to save face. Instead of bleating platitudes, you might consider cashing out of the stock market and stuffing a grand or two in the mattress, or safe deposit box. And oh, yes -- pray!
4
Let's figure a way to keep Trump ensconced at Mar-A-Ego, at least until impeachment hearings begin.
24
Gitmo is only a few nautical miles away. Maybe Air Force One can do an "oops, wrong chart".
4
If I were a South Korean, I would take a nice long holiday, far, far away.
9
Enjoy Easter, folks. This may very well be your (our) last one.
18
worry not, americans
trump is working hard this weekend to avert war
----
President Trump arrived Thursday evening in Florida, where he will be spending a three-day weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach in celebration of the Easter holiday.
Trump announced his plan to be back at Mar-a-Lago earlier this week in an interview with The Palm Beach Daily News.
"Yes, I’ll be here for Easter," he told the publication. "Is Easter next week? Well then, I guess I’ll be back next week."
According to pool reports, Air Force One touched down at 6:34 p.m. local time. Other reporters said that no senior White House staff were on board with Trump, nor were they expected to meet with him at Mar-a-Lago this weekend.
The Easter weekend trip marks Trump's seventh visit to Mar-a-Lago since his inauguration in January.
---
well, hes golfing against war, anyway
48
Out of morbid curiosity, did you care for the Secret Service money that went to protect President Obama on his many golf outings? Or perhaps worry every spring break when his wife, daughter's and mother in law when to such exotic vacations as Africa? How about when the Secret Service had to pick up the tab, along with the Chicago police when Valerie Jared ( who, bizarrely, had her own detail) daughter was married? This august newspaper detailed the later.
3
“I would rarely leave the White House because there’s so much work to be done,” Trump, 69, tells ITK. "I would not be a president who took vacations. I would not be a president that takes time off.”
8
red herring
your argument is moot
your argument is moot
3
The strike on Thursday targeted a set of mountain tunnels in the Achin district, a stronghold of the Islamic State’s regional affiliate, and it was the first use in combat of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast, referred to as the “mother of all bombs.” The bombing was part of an intense air campaign against the Islamic State, with American airstrikes in Afghanistan averaging as many as 10 a day in the first two weeks of April.
Gen. Dawlat Waziri, a spokesman for the Afghan Defense Ministry, said initial information indicated that 36 militants had been killed and three large caves destroyed in the bombing in Nangarhar Province. However, Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the provincial governor’s office, said 82 militants had been killed.
--American airstrikes in Afghanistan averaging as many as 10 a day in the first two weeks of April.
di8dnt trump say he would withdraw from all the wars obama had us in ?
btw, how mnay innocents did the bomb kill ?
oh, none, i suppose an 'investigation' will reveal;
back to sleep, yanks
trump is on the job
Gen. Dawlat Waziri, a spokesman for the Afghan Defense Ministry, said initial information indicated that 36 militants had been killed and three large caves destroyed in the bombing in Nangarhar Province. However, Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the provincial governor’s office, said 82 militants had been killed.
--American airstrikes in Afghanistan averaging as many as 10 a day in the first two weeks of April.
di8dnt trump say he would withdraw from all the wars obama had us in ?
btw, how mnay innocents did the bomb kill ?
oh, none, i suppose an 'investigation' will reveal;
back to sleep, yanks
trump is on the job
9
I'm no fan of Trump, but he may be uniquely qualified to handle this issue. Despite the efforts of several US administrations, China has done nothing to halt NK's aggressive weapons development and testing. Now, they finally seem to be paying attention. I chalk their sudden interest and public comments up to having a man in the White House who's threats seem uniquely credible--for better or worse. And lest anyone make light of the NK threat, it ought be pointed out that they are inching closer and closer to having a successful system of delivery for some very scary weapons; and they have been gleefully vocal over about where they'd like to point those weapons. Like I said, I'm not a Trump fan; but NK is out of control and I'm glad we're assuming a more aggressive posture.
13
This above anything is a true test for China- They can no longer leverage their relationship with Pyongyang to irritate the United States. If China wants to play Hegemon in the modern world they can no longer attach themselves to this rogue nation. The U.S. needs to stand firm and tell China's elite class: if they want to keep buying lavish second homes, educate their children at our Universities or undergo a major surgery at one of our modern hospitals- they'll need to keep North Korea in check. Otherwise we should start freezing their assets and begin deportation procedures on all of them.
10
Agreed. And not only that: They'll have to deal with a million refugees crossing the Yalu. For 20+ years, the NKs have been making fools of the US while they build a nuclear arsenal and send a tenth of their population to prison camps. Clinton, Bush2, and Obama were all well intentioned but were played nevertheless. Moreover, much of NK's population outside the capital is starving/undernourished. Time for China and the rest of the world to stand up against aggression and genocide.
1
I hope that the leaders in NK and China realize that "America First" could mean that hundreds of thousands of South Korean and Japanese lives now don't count for much compared to similar or larger numbers of American lives in the future scenario where NK launches long range nuclear armed ballistic missiles towards the US. If we believe that that future scenario is even remotely likely, and we recognize that NK has only a minuscule record of compliance with international agreements and a long record of cheating, then the only American choice is to physically eliminate NK's ability to develop such weapons. So if China isn't able to convince NK to surrender its weapons and allow continuous intrusive monitoring, then it becomes not just possible but likely that the US will attempt a massive preemptive strike. There will be huge casualties on the Korean Peninsula and maybe Japan, but not in the continental US. But even if China ends up absorbing NK all the way to the demilitarized zone, the action will be viewed on this side of Pacific as justified and successful. Or in other words, a win for the Trump administration.
Should we have confidence in a president who is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis and instead of sweating over the issues went out to play? Today, Good Friday April 14 in 1865 President Lincoln's last day was after the Civil War ended. If you look at his activities that day it included a 3 hour cabinet meeting and numerous other meetings. Trump should take notice.
13
The Trump picks for confronting North Korea are in sound hands...
Trump knows that he knows NOTHING...about being a military career expert.
Hence: I think that Trump has allowed to be the US Military spokesperson...
and this is perhaps a glimpse of sanity as far as Trump is concerned.
We have to remember...Trump is completely ill-suited to be our US President.
and
North Korea is as Obama told Trump...the eminent priority...so I simply hope
that the media catches up to the BBC...because the commercial media is
in soap opera mode as it has been all along...do not follow suit Editors..
Trump knows that he knows NOTHING...about being a military career expert.
Hence: I think that Trump has allowed to be the US Military spokesperson...
and this is perhaps a glimpse of sanity as far as Trump is concerned.
We have to remember...Trump is completely ill-suited to be our US President.
and
North Korea is as Obama told Trump...the eminent priority...so I simply hope
that the media catches up to the BBC...because the commercial media is
in soap opera mode as it has been all along...do not follow suit Editors..
2
Eight years of quiet diplomacy under President Obama led to an ever-advancing North Korean nuclear program. While I understand the general handwringing here, it's not so much a threat of nuclear war as it's probably more like "glorified short-range DPNK dirty bombs" versus actual US arsenal.
Regardless, the partisanship here is absurd. I only criticize you lefties because I expect more from you. For all your compassion and respect for human rights, the fact that the general response to Trump standing up to a *real* authoritarian dictator that is *actually* committing atrocities to his own people on top of developing nuclear weapons for the *express purpose of murdering innocent people and maintaining power* is to equate our president and that same man in the same breath? Or accuse Trump of bullying and instigating?
My God people. This is a legit madman dictator with unchecked power who won't stop testing and building up his nuclear weapons program. I don't like Trump either, but stop letting your own ideology blind yourself to the reality of the situation.
Regardless, the partisanship here is absurd. I only criticize you lefties because I expect more from you. For all your compassion and respect for human rights, the fact that the general response to Trump standing up to a *real* authoritarian dictator that is *actually* committing atrocities to his own people on top of developing nuclear weapons for the *express purpose of murdering innocent people and maintaining power* is to equate our president and that same man in the same breath? Or accuse Trump of bullying and instigating?
My God people. This is a legit madman dictator with unchecked power who won't stop testing and building up his nuclear weapons program. I don't like Trump either, but stop letting your own ideology blind yourself to the reality of the situation.
10
Can you point out anything that Donald Trump has done since assuming the presidency that could possibly inspire confidence that he has the capacity to handle this complex situation? He has succeeded in alienating allies like my own country despite the support mouthed by our Prime Minister? He has undermined NATO and European allies. Do you think that Mike Pence rushing around the world really overcomes the damage done by tweets and belligerent commentary? He is widely despised internationally let alone in the US. His lies and shallowness give none of us any reason to respect his judgement.
Some of us agree with you. It's Trump we don't trust.
4
Yes, indeed, the partisanship here is absurd. I know a handful of posters here have to accept this as a gross departure from the NY Times of past generations, but they say nothing.
I suppose that with the NY Post and the Wall Street Journal, New York only need one or two legitimate papers, and so the Times can just be one more tiny emotion-based group aligned with progressivism.
I think the NYT occupies half of its pretty building now.
I suppose that with the NY Post and the Wall Street Journal, New York only need one or two legitimate papers, and so the Times can just be one more tiny emotion-based group aligned with progressivism.
I think the NYT occupies half of its pretty building now.
This is Trump's Cuban Missile Crisis. Let's hope he can be as cool and calm as Kennedy was when the fate of the human race was on a razor's edge for 2 months.
10
Trump's radical core think they can drive to a survivalist compound, while 3 billion people on Earth die from Trumpism-Kimism. This is the way the world ends.
13
the flag painted on the moab is facing the wrong orientation
and whats the point of painting the thing all nice and pretty anyway ?
5
The flag's orientation is correct. The canton (the rectangle with the stars) should give the observer the appearance of forward motion, as if the flag was in a headwind. The reverse side's flag will appear 'correct'. Military tradition.
3
Your fellow progressives have always painted weapons up to look good in May Day parades. We did this to make you feel at home.
When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the American flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. No other flag or pennant should be placed above, or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea...for personnel of the Navy...when the church pennant may be flown above the flag.
http://www.flagandbanner.com/flags/flag_etiquette.asp
Make no mistake, this is a very dangerous situation when superpowers speak of thermonuclear war. This entire situation, and any conflict which might result, is totally unnecessary and a result of Trump's bellicose, immature, and combative personality.
We should make sure that Ivanka, Donald Jr., Milania, Barron and Eric Trump are all in Seoul if and when "President" Trump lights up the Korean peninsula. If Trump has such a casual attitude towards wars, military conflict and killing people, let him start with his own children and see how he likes it.
We should make sure that Ivanka, Donald Jr., Milania, Barron and Eric Trump are all in Seoul if and when "President" Trump lights up the Korean peninsula. If Trump has such a casual attitude towards wars, military conflict and killing people, let him start with his own children and see how he likes it.
36
The administration is doing the right thing by flexing the big muscles of the US army. The language of force is the only thing the N. Korean boy-dictator and his henchmen understand. The US should strike N. Korea to prevent any future missile launch or nuclear test. Bombing Pyongyang should be on the table.
The henchmen of N. Korea talk loud but that only betrays their cowardice. They will chicken out if shown resolve on the part of the US. After all all that matter to them is keeping their privileges and wealth while the people of their country starves.
The henchmen of N. Korea talk loud but that only betrays their cowardice. They will chicken out if shown resolve on the part of the US. After all all that matter to them is keeping their privileges and wealth while the people of their country starves.
8
And what, pray tell, would be the consequence of bombing Pyongyang? The world -- especially the 20 million people of nearby metropolitan Seoul --
await your pearls of wisdom.
await your pearls of wisdom.
3
Now is the time to read Bob Altemeyer's "The Authoritarians" (free at his website), a recounting of his studies of authoritarians over many years.
Most disturbing was his telling about a world future game, in which different teams pretended to be various countries in control of world affairs. The high authoritarian team took the world to nuclear holocaust. At that point, they shut the lights off, stopped the game, and explained what had happened. Then they backed up and let them try it again.
The high authoritarians took it right back to nuclear holocaust.
This is not a joke. We don't need two blustering authoritarian fools one-upping each other, with no idea of any other way to proceed.
Most disturbing was his telling about a world future game, in which different teams pretended to be various countries in control of world affairs. The high authoritarian team took the world to nuclear holocaust. At that point, they shut the lights off, stopped the game, and explained what had happened. Then they backed up and let them try it again.
The high authoritarians took it right back to nuclear holocaust.
This is not a joke. We don't need two blustering authoritarian fools one-upping each other, with no idea of any other way to proceed.
13
I struggle to see how the US can bear sole blame for any violent action that may take place on the Korean peninsula. Sending a naval fleet to the region was an action taken by the Obama administration, and while China calls for negotiations, North Korea has shown no evidence that they are serious about slowing down their weapons program. I get our President is unpredictable but I'd rather have him calling the shots with the advise of the US military than Kim Jung-un and his regime.
8
Hmm...when will the Simpleton-in-Chief figure out that this tete-a-tete with a crazy person like Kim Jong-un, is, well, "complicated"? Hopefully before he tries to play with US military lives and the lives of millions of Asians in order to win some more accolades, as if they were his own personal toy soldiers. Trump is pathetically unprepared, uneducated and uninterested unless he can win BIGLY. How did we come to this? Where is the Congress?
7
Kim is Xi's stalking horse and will do as he's told unless he's lost his mind completely and dares to disobey his masters in Beijing. In that case, Xi may very well give Trump a free hand in return for the main prize, economic concessions. Trump gets the win, China gets the money and Putin gets to scratch his head.
2
North Korea gives Trump the excuse he needs to be elevated to the status of a demigod in the minds of his brainless supporters. As a narcissist inebriated with his own ego, Trump won`t let the opportunity to attack North Korea pass him by.
By all accounts, the eerily muted reaction of the West leaves China as the only nation with enough understanding of the situation as to raise the alarm. The World is about to witness what can happen when utter ignorance replaces wisdom in the most powerful country on Earth. It won`t be a pretty picture.
By all accounts, the eerily muted reaction of the West leaves China as the only nation with enough understanding of the situation as to raise the alarm. The World is about to witness what can happen when utter ignorance replaces wisdom in the most powerful country on Earth. It won`t be a pretty picture.
24
Gee, we did no better than fight the Koreans from the north to a draw back in the 1950s--before they had nuclear capabilities.
We also lost our last land war in Asia pretty definitively, though more in a southerly direction.
Trump may imagine he can simply bomb N. Korea back into the stone age, as our generals thought about Vietnam, but somehow that didn't work. How many $23 million dollar MOABs is Trump willing to let loose on N. Korea? We know he thinks that US government money is there to be wasted by the military.
We also lost our last land war in Asia pretty definitively, though more in a southerly direction.
Trump may imagine he can simply bomb N. Korea back into the stone age, as our generals thought about Vietnam, but somehow that didn't work. How many $23 million dollar MOABs is Trump willing to let loose on N. Korea? We know he thinks that US government money is there to be wasted by the military.
18
Okay, enough with the elephant in the living room. I see no peaceful means of stopping North Korea's increasingly threatening nuclear potential. I take their leader seriously. All attempts at negotiation have failed. So why wait until they can strike a nuclear blow against the US mainland? I say strike North Korea now. War. That's right-- war. Against North Korea. And if China wants to take us on for that, well then let's get it over with while we still have the advantage.
10
as hard as it may be to admit, you do present a valid point of view. north Korea is becoming an increasingly desperate nation, whose sole means of survival is living off of Chinese economic handouts. they have no economic viability moving forward. it's only a matter of time before they bring the war to the rest of the world, and as badly as I feel for their oppressed people, we need to act before they can cause any harm to our allies in Japan and south korea. I'm not advocating the us bombing the entire northern half of the 38th parallel, but a surgical strike on Pyongyang may be a necessary step.
4
Many of us feel very strongly in this country that 'we ain't going to study war no more'. One nuclear explosion will destroy our planet because it will inevitably lead to more. Why should we provoke war when we need to create dialogue? I heard a radio show yesterday with with a former CIA officer Donald Gregg who was Vice President George H.W. Bush’s national security advisor and United States Ambassador to South Korea. Perhaps you should listen to an expert on Korea rather than make your insane proposal.
https://fdmedia.org/background_briefing/april-13-2017/
https://fdmedia.org/background_briefing/april-13-2017/
6
Or you could look at it another way: North Korea's threat is defensive - they are not about to seize any territory from any neighbors - they basically want to be guaranteed survival. Consider their thoughts when they look at Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria. They would not be unreasonable to feel pretty insecure, and nuclear capabilities added to their formidable military would look like security. All this is to suggest that if they did come up with worlking nuclear missiles, there is no particular reason to expect they would immediately launch them at us. More likely they would just keep them. Until at some point, their regime evolved to a reasonable state - at which point they would probably still keep them, just like India and Pakistan and Israel and all the other nuclear powers we live with...
1
How do you deal with a madman?
No, I'm not referring to President Trump.
No, I'm not referring to President Trump.
9
My immediate thought is that the U.S. is inexcusably vulnerable because we have a State Department working with less than a skeleton crew. Trump fired all the career employees - people who have served many administrations. Key State positions are still unfilled. These are the people who have the expertise to navigate troubled waters.
Trump, the part-time commander in chief and illegitimate president is in charge until or unless he chooses to make some other clueless clown in charge. Hey, I'll let the Kush-kid handle this - tweet me if something comes up I need to know about - I'll be on the golf course. Try not to mess up while I'm gone.
Two crazy people with nuclear weapons - what can go wrong?
Trump, the part-time commander in chief and illegitimate president is in charge until or unless he chooses to make some other clueless clown in charge. Hey, I'll let the Kush-kid handle this - tweet me if something comes up I need to know about - I'll be on the golf course. Try not to mess up while I'm gone.
Two crazy people with nuclear weapons - what can go wrong?
26
Mr. Trump - king of bankruptcies who has never done anything right but made money on someone's back - he is too naive to know that this is not child's play.
Any stupid move by him - people in Seoul will pay the price and not US
Any stupid move by him - people in Seoul will pay the price and not US
11
I cannot help but think that many (most?) of the folks who voted for Trump were expecting exactly this type of "excitement."
I am 61 and I would readily go into combat today if our nation were under attack or under imminent threat of attack. But the idea of our own President intentionally provoking what could be a nuclear war is so un-American it shocks my conscience.
In all honesty, Trump is an enemy of the American people. HE is the clear and present danger to us all.
There must be enough brave souls in our Congress who are willing to take immediate action to stop this craziness. To those who are not cowards and who also truly love our country, please take whatever action is necessary (and, of course, legal), to remove this madman from our White House. Our very existence is at stake.
I am 61 and I would readily go into combat today if our nation were under attack or under imminent threat of attack. But the idea of our own President intentionally provoking what could be a nuclear war is so un-American it shocks my conscience.
In all honesty, Trump is an enemy of the American people. HE is the clear and present danger to us all.
There must be enough brave souls in our Congress who are willing to take immediate action to stop this craziness. To those who are not cowards and who also truly love our country, please take whatever action is necessary (and, of course, legal), to remove this madman from our White House. Our very existence is at stake.
54
Here comes Armageddon. Another macho arrogant leader itching for war and I don't mean Kim Jong-il. What is it with you conservatives? You have an unhealthy fixation with killing people even your own. You just might get your wish. If only the nukes could drop on your heads and spare everyone especially the people who didn't vote for that maniac in the white house.
22
World War I started in a similar way.
If the US is going to launch attacks on North Korea either to prevent
the use of Nuclear Weapons/Poison Gas Weapons on South Korea, Japan
or the US then we better have far more forces in the area to make sure
it finishes the task of making it impossible for North Korea to launch such
weapons, otherwise North Korea will just try again.
Meanwhile cannot China do something to prevent this possible war ?
If the US is going to launch attacks on North Korea either to prevent
the use of Nuclear Weapons/Poison Gas Weapons on South Korea, Japan
or the US then we better have far more forces in the area to make sure
it finishes the task of making it impossible for North Korea to launch such
weapons, otherwise North Korea will just try again.
Meanwhile cannot China do something to prevent this possible war ?
5
Not even one hundred days into this adm. and we are here. Mr. Trump, is your ego that fragile to bring the world to the brink of WWIII? And Mr. Kim, you should take a breather, and begin to see the world as it is, not as your portray it to your enslaved, and captive country. None of the rest of the world believes either of you.
13
Amazing the number of Trump supporters sitting in their recliners thinking that nuclear war in Asia is a good idea. Reminds me of shock and awe and mission accomplished.
32
In the wild west the shooters rarely thought about what they were doing but only reacted wiith deadly force. Law and order or talking things out were considered not the manly way to go. Ego reuled and it was good that they had only six bullets at a time.
But now we have two egotists who have never had a thought of consequences facing off with nuclear weapons.
Our country supposedly sensible one elected one of these wild men and faces the consequences. Stupid, stupid , stupid . Well you wanted change and you are about to get it.
But now we have two egotists who have never had a thought of consequences facing off with nuclear weapons.
Our country supposedly sensible one elected one of these wild men and faces the consequences. Stupid, stupid , stupid . Well you wanted change and you are about to get it.
10
Little Fat Boy Kim has two choices: Run to China for Exile or take a dirt nap. I prefer a dirt nap the way he did to other NK citizens at the of a Anti Aircraft gun.
6
We're all going to die because a bunch of hicks from Hicksville voted in a lunatic. A lunatic who is leading us into war.
19
You've been reading and listening to the wrong material down there in the mini outback. I am so so happy that I am a hick and voted for Trump.
4
Matty13, what are you happy about? Since this administration, that more than 12 million americans, nearly lost their healthcare? That we could be on the brink of a nuclear war? That countless human beings will lose their lives as they may be forced to go to war that no one can win. Because in the end, what will be realized after those lives are lost is that it was a wasted effort. How do we explain that to their loves ones, when it is all over. That there is a veil of secrecy with this administration, and when it is lifted and we as Americans find out what we did not know, we will have to collect ourselves after the shock to rebuild the confidence and trust in our government that seems to have forgotten that they are in office to serve the people and look out for our well-being. That women who are low income and cannot afford health care and receive services through Planned Parenthood, now may not have a place to go for those service. Is that what you are happy about?
7
Could anyone come up with the worst possible circumstance? An unpredictable, immature, vain, and incompetent leader in charge of nuclear missiles on one side. . And Kim Jong-un on the other. This has been framed by failure to act of three prior presidents. And now we have little choice but to act given where Kim wants to go and we have the worst possible leader at the helm. Once can only hope that he sticks to playing golf and lets McMaster figure this one out.
12
This is chinese provocation. The Chinese want to drag the US into another endless conflict. They are the only country that could stop North Korea nuclear program. If North Korea still exists, it is because of Chinese economic help. But they are playing with fire, because Trump is an umpredictable fool.
3
Meanwhile, news is that that $16-million (+ delivery) Fat Momma bomb took out the colossal total of 38 ISIS fighters. Whee-hoo, Donald, you're makin' America Great Again.
17
Trump = flip flopper. He flips and he flops. TGIF: Trump on the way to Florida, his so-called southern WH.
4
The fact that a potential "nuclear exchange" is being discussed on these pages in such a cavalier manner should scare the American people clear out of their recliners. This is real folks. If not now than later, Trump will make a fatal miscalculation. Congress, quit obsessing about your next reelection and do your duty. Remove the clear and present danger sitting in the Oval office.
17
The Republicans in Congress are consumed by Trump's promise of tax breaks for the billionaires who fund them... even if they force the world to endure a couple of nuclear wars to get them...
12
Munitions themselves are lucrative for the 1%, but not without war. We are constantly at war somewhere to feed this industry. If war were not so enriching to the few, we might not have lost our children to these senseless provocations.
It's pretty sad that it is China that has to step up and act like the adult in the room. But however self-interested their plea may be, it is, of course, most welcome. At this point, I am not sure whether it is North Korea or the United States whose leader is more deranged.
9
Trump is rapidly painting himself (and the US) into a corner.
Trump is applying significant pressure by sending a US carrier group into the region and by very publicly urging China to stop supporting North Korea. Don't forget, too, he just dropped the "Mother of All Bombs" in Afghanistan, which in addition to the emotionally-driven Syrian missile strike, were not so subtle messages to the DPRK demonstrating Trump's willingness to act unilaterally.
If North Korea calls his bluff and conducts another nuclear test this weekend, I fear that one man's outsized ego could be the catalyst for regional conflagration. North Korea is a significant problem, but creating a situation in which confrontation is a likely outcome is not the way to solve a nuclear crisis.
Normally, I'd have faith that cooler heads will prevail, but we're talking about Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump.
Trump is applying significant pressure by sending a US carrier group into the region and by very publicly urging China to stop supporting North Korea. Don't forget, too, he just dropped the "Mother of All Bombs" in Afghanistan, which in addition to the emotionally-driven Syrian missile strike, were not so subtle messages to the DPRK demonstrating Trump's willingness to act unilaterally.
If North Korea calls his bluff and conducts another nuclear test this weekend, I fear that one man's outsized ego could be the catalyst for regional conflagration. North Korea is a significant problem, but creating a situation in which confrontation is a likely outcome is not the way to solve a nuclear crisis.
Normally, I'd have faith that cooler heads will prevail, but we're talking about Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump.
22
Comparing the two leaders is horrendous. We need to deal with this psycho. Fat Kid, Sr. was a horrible dictator, but he acted like a toddler with nikes to get what he wanted. Not his son. I fear he's actually crazy enough to use nukes. We have to stop him.
4
Kim is just the latest tinhorn tyrant to tie the big boys in knots...but he has the help of China, or even he couldn't bring it off. China will manipulate this situation to its clear advantage, and to keep Trump and his Grade D team off-balance. Trump is master of the Art of the Deal--the two-bit, build-a-hotel, buy-a-golf course, host a TV show deal--but he and the gas station owner Tillerson, and the crippled State Department, are in way over their heads on this. An essential factor in all of this is Trump's tenacious, never-say-die, never-back-down refusal to lose face. THAT is the wild card in this situation, and China's/North Korea's psy-war experts are right on top of those factors. True, wild cards are unpredictable, but the unexpected outcomes here are almost all "lurking negatives" for a United States that has fielded an amateur swimmer in a tank of sharks.
7
Strike first. They have forewarned us that they will lob one at the US, when they can. Why wait for that? One small nuke on the revered leader's head and the rest is history.
China knew what's next.
China knew what's next.
3
And, supposing it stops at "one small nuke." What do you see as the collateral effect in its killzone and windstream '-- say, metropolitan Seoul, Northern Japan, and eventually, Seattle?
. My son lives in Japan and daughter in California. I feel we must stop the mad leader of N Korea before my family is incinerated. It seems to have come down to that. China is useless for the task. Must put extreme pressure on China, and plan attack with S Korea and Japan carefully. American "diplomacy" has failed!
8
Do not give upon diplomacy, the only viable option. While your concern for the safety of your children is understandable, please have concern for the children in Seoul, with its 22 million inhabitants- all within range of 10,000 or so dug in conventional artillery pieces, not to mention nuclear.
6
You are unfortunately correct. Just say the word ROK.
What is the Chinese word for "chutzpah".
Warning America to back off from on monster in Beijing's payroll is exactly the wrong message in the current climate here.
It's time Trump warn China they are the bad actor.
Warning America to back off from on monster in Beijing's payroll is exactly the wrong message in the current climate here.
It's time Trump warn China they are the bad actor.
We live in a world governed by the use of force. Obama's refusal to come to that realization was one of his biggest shortcomings. I sincerely hope, however, that Trump is being very pragmatic about this. I am concerned he isn't being as practical as he thinks he is. Time and again he has shown that he is not to be underestimated which is a good thing when dealing with bad actors such as North Korea and Iran. But if it comes to military intervention, what is the goal of the United States? That remains unexplained to me.
5
I'm assuming that the goal would be to bomb the facilities producing the North Korean bombs.
1
None of this would be happening if the ape and the man-child understood that egos can never be satisfied and should not be the basis for action of any kind.
4
I'm still hopeful that China will fix this but Tump is bad news. His tweets, such as "North Korea is looking for trouble. If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A." .. are just egging NK on. I'm very worried.
Made in China doesn't bother me in the least.
Made in China doesn't bother me in the least.
11
Can Trump legally strike at North Korea? Have they agreed not to develop or test nuclear weapons? Is this an act of war? Striking Syria after they said they had surrendered all chemical weapons and then violated their word is one thing...but a strike at North Korea requires Congress permission. No. Mr Trump. Now is not the time to act.
8
trump and legal should not be used in the same sentence
if the pres does it, its legal
Let's wait until Florida and North Carolina are in ruins and that famous actor Chuck Schumer (Amy's brother) agrees. My God, the utter stupidity.
2
Somebody send a tweet to Donald, please.
Sunday's headline:
North Korea stands down, yet world is doomed. Global hyperventilation leads to exponential rise in CO2 - polar ice caps melt overnight - world underwater
North Korea stands down, yet world is doomed. Global hyperventilation leads to exponential rise in CO2 - polar ice caps melt overnight - world underwater
5
@Ann
And Times pundits shriek that Trump is to blame...
And Times pundits shriek that Trump is to blame...
It's all an elaborate chess game with China thinking they are in the drivers seat. Take a good look China without our markets to dump you "made in China" goods what would be your fate? Not to good with all your people now demanding cars, new furniture and expectations that only can be realized by the economic benefits of selling to a country with DEEP POCKETS... the good old USA.
Everyone is predicting that a Trump presidency will be a failure, but my bet is that he is a lot smarter than all you pundits and will end up getting re-elected for a second term as the economy takes off and the country finally finds a balance in the demands of the Democrats with their "Rainbow Dreams" and the Conservative view of Constitutional rule laid out by our Founding Fathers. Yes we can all get along and part of this process is re-establishing the power of our country. Allow us to police the world of people like Assad and other power brokers that have been running rampant for the past Eight Years. Now only USA Great Again, but the World Great Again...........
Everyone is predicting that a Trump presidency will be a failure, but my bet is that he is a lot smarter than all you pundits and will end up getting re-elected for a second term as the economy takes off and the country finally finds a balance in the demands of the Democrats with their "Rainbow Dreams" and the Conservative view of Constitutional rule laid out by our Founding Fathers. Yes we can all get along and part of this process is re-establishing the power of our country. Allow us to police the world of people like Assad and other power brokers that have been running rampant for the past Eight Years. Now only USA Great Again, but the World Great Again...........
3
I'm afraid the majority of voters do not share your excitement about Trump or optimism of how he will fix the economy and make America Great Again (didn't realize it was not great) and all of those other promises he has yet to deliver on (health care, plan to destroy ISIS within 30 days, the great and grand wall, and foremost, drain the swamp).
I believe you have been the victim of bait and switch. Sad.
I believe you have been the victim of bait and switch. Sad.
7
Consider Michael Bloomberg's speech at the Democratic National Convention:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n3vuf-rbd8
"...we need a president who is a problem solver, not a bomb thrower."
It's only a matter of time before our Bully-in-Chief kicks sand in the wrong beachgoer's face and ends up in a fight he'll find he can't win. If he uses a pre-emptive nuclear strike against North Korea, establishing a first strike precedent, I can't see why China wouldn't think 'we're all inn, boys; let the U.S. have it,' because at that point why would they wait for Mr. Big Shot's next volley?
Let Lil Kim talk and bluster. Let him blow off steam. On a global scale, he's a nobody. That's apparently how China handles him and they're physically much closer to any immediate damage he could do.
How could my fellow citizens give Donald Trump the keys to the Humvee? He's not qualified to ride a bicycle. He's gonna get us killed, either vaporized or a lingering death from radiation illness. What's the 'pro-life' position on that?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n3vuf-rbd8
"...we need a president who is a problem solver, not a bomb thrower."
It's only a matter of time before our Bully-in-Chief kicks sand in the wrong beachgoer's face and ends up in a fight he'll find he can't win. If he uses a pre-emptive nuclear strike against North Korea, establishing a first strike precedent, I can't see why China wouldn't think 'we're all inn, boys; let the U.S. have it,' because at that point why would they wait for Mr. Big Shot's next volley?
Let Lil Kim talk and bluster. Let him blow off steam. On a global scale, he's a nobody. That's apparently how China handles him and they're physically much closer to any immediate damage he could do.
How could my fellow citizens give Donald Trump the keys to the Humvee? He's not qualified to ride a bicycle. He's gonna get us killed, either vaporized or a lingering death from radiation illness. What's the 'pro-life' position on that?
28
It's sweet how China thinks there will be a future in which to judge past war provocation on the Korean Peninsula. In 2017, the first thermonuclear war will be the last. Game over.
6
Where is the New York Times editorial warning President Trump to cease this brinkmanship? I am disturbed by this apparent lack of urgency in what seems to be a dangerous tipping point. I am terrified by what this ignorant, unpredictable and incapable man Americans have elected as president is about to inflict on the rest of the world. Where are the loud voices in opposition, the masses marching in the streets? It is as if Americans have been lulled into passivity.
20
Trump should think about arranging with Japan for the Carl Vinson to go to Tokyo for a little R & R as a way of taking half a step back without leaving the area or standing down. We need to look like the more level headed player here without actually giving in.
2
All those new, shiny missiles and thousands of goose stepping troops.May even get Kim at the same time.
But seriously, Trump is in over his head. He has not a clue.
I guess sending Pence to S Korea on the same weekend was a sign nothing was going down. Unless he'd like to see Ryan become VP.
We have way too many troops too close to the border in harms way or that maniac.
China doesn't want to see regime change or war in Korea. Millions of refugees pouring across the border would be a nightmare for them.
As it is, the only people not starving in N Korea are the ones in the military.
Question: Why worry so much about Korean ICBMs when the have submarine launch capabilities?