I am not a hawk, but I do believe that the US must launch a precision bombing of Kim's test sites and R&D facilities - right now. The US currently enjoys support from the UN; in addition, Kim has threatened Guam. China has stated it will remain neutral if Kim launches at Guam. But if the US launched a premptive non-nuclear strike against missile sites and nuclear R&D facilities, I believe China would remain neutral militarily but get involved diplomatically.
The reality is, Kim will never ever back off his nuclear ICBM objectives. He is irrational and delusional, and believes it is his historic and familial legacy to put NK on the nuclear map - and perhaps even to be "The One" to launch against the US. No amount of sanctions, no amount of diplomacy will stop him. The only other possibility is assassination, perhaps by a general or family member.
The time for action is now. Right now. As in TONIGHT.
The reality is, Kim will never ever back off his nuclear ICBM objectives. He is irrational and delusional, and believes it is his historic and familial legacy to put NK on the nuclear map - and perhaps even to be "The One" to launch against the US. No amount of sanctions, no amount of diplomacy will stop him. The only other possibility is assassination, perhaps by a general or family member.
The time for action is now. Right now. As in TONIGHT.
3
Attention New York Times and all its devoted readers:
The crisis in Korea is being created by Kim not Trump.
The crisis in Korea is being created by Kim not Trump.
2
He thanked Putin for "saving us money" by expelling U.S. diplomats but feels the need to provoke North Korea with bullying? Time for him to go!
1
When I hear pundits and politicians contemplating a preemptive military strike against North Korea, I want to scream. If there is one lesson I would hope we would have learned from the debacle that was the war in Iraq, it is a lesson about the folly of believing that the United States, alone among nations, has any right or business attacking a country that has not attacked us, based on the perception that the other country represents some real or imagined threat.
Any time the subject of war comes up, we need to remember that there are forces influencing the debate who stand to profit majorly from the conduct of war that simply cannot be trusted to offer an honest assessment of any 'threat' we face.
Threatening a nuclear strike against a country that has not attacked us is tantamount to threatening mass murder. How that itself is not an impeachable offense is beyond me.
Any time the subject of war comes up, we need to remember that there are forces influencing the debate who stand to profit majorly from the conduct of war that simply cannot be trusted to offer an honest assessment of any 'threat' we face.
Threatening a nuclear strike against a country that has not attacked us is tantamount to threatening mass murder. How that itself is not an impeachable offense is beyond me.
1
What more must this man do before someone in our government starts the impeachment process? Could it be that the reason Mueller raided Manafort's home pre-dawn because he really knows there is evidence and he's trying to do this as quickly as possible and send a message of that? Perhaps there is "there there" and perhaps it's Trump's own family who will be arrested. He'll pardon them, but he won't be able to pardon himself.
In a weird way the quicker this happens the better for Trump so he can still be president in order to pardon his family members. But we need to impeach this man before the world is destroyed!!!
Please!.... aren't there any republicans out there who still want to preserve life on the planet and get the impeachment ball rolling? If this doesn't show folks they need to vote out the entire GOP in 2018 I don't know if there is anything else that can.
In a weird way the quicker this happens the better for Trump so he can still be president in order to pardon his family members. But we need to impeach this man before the world is destroyed!!!
Please!.... aren't there any republicans out there who still want to preserve life on the planet and get the impeachment ball rolling? If this doesn't show folks they need to vote out the entire GOP in 2018 I don't know if there is anything else that can.
4
To remove this existential threat, the U.S. must strike first and destroy Bedminster, N.J. and everyone in it immediately.
2
Real men don't play Gotchalast !
1
If a few years ago some had said not only will Donald Trump be President one day but we would also be on the brink of an avoidable Nuclear War with North Korea and the only person who could save the world from certain apocalypse through verbal negotiations is Dennis Rodman I would have applauded their imagination for a great Science Fiction Fantasy Comedy mash up Novel! How did we get here?
4
South Korea should fully accept responsibility for the war.
Mr. Trump desperately needs this war. Many before him, in similar political circumstances, have engaged in similar wars: 1) against a vilain that everyone dislikes; 2) against a vilain where the difference in military strength is evident; 3) against a vilain who is very far away; 4) a war that begins with high levels of rhetoric and chest beating. Our only hope is that someone backs down or that adults and other cooler heads prevail somehow...
4
The lesson to learn here, is this; no one is going to unleash any atomic attack on anyone else.
No one would benefit from the years of contamination clean up, or otherwise, so the sabers will rattle for another week or so, followed by an announcement of agreement between North Korea and the United States, arrived at from secret negotiations begun by Trump and Kim Jong-un, some weeks back.
The tough guy personnae, exhibited by both authoritarian leaders will have served it's purpose; increasing respect and patriotic support for Trump, the American President who made peace with North Korea, and Kim Jong-un, the dear leader of North Korea will be feted and adored by his people, as he, in spite of all odds, showed that the United States is indeed a paper tiger, and he will have proved to his adorning people that security only come from a display of strength and derring-do.
Markets will ramp back up, and all will be well again as the 1%ters tally the financial benefits from the the successful end to the doom and gloom of the engineered fake war talk.
What I'm curious about is how close to the edge will this charade be pushed, so the money can rush in and buy, buy, buy, the ride to a new high.
No one would benefit from the years of contamination clean up, or otherwise, so the sabers will rattle for another week or so, followed by an announcement of agreement between North Korea and the United States, arrived at from secret negotiations begun by Trump and Kim Jong-un, some weeks back.
The tough guy personnae, exhibited by both authoritarian leaders will have served it's purpose; increasing respect and patriotic support for Trump, the American President who made peace with North Korea, and Kim Jong-un, the dear leader of North Korea will be feted and adored by his people, as he, in spite of all odds, showed that the United States is indeed a paper tiger, and he will have proved to his adorning people that security only come from a display of strength and derring-do.
Markets will ramp back up, and all will be well again as the 1%ters tally the financial benefits from the the successful end to the doom and gloom of the engineered fake war talk.
What I'm curious about is how close to the edge will this charade be pushed, so the money can rush in and buy, buy, buy, the ride to a new high.
1
Is the president aware that only Congress can declare war? Further, has he ever read the Constitution? I suspect it's no on both counts.
1
Congress hasn't declared war since WWII. You may have noticed the U.S. involved in a continuous series of wars since then. Most presidents break the rules; this one will break the country if not the world.
Another diversion away from the Russia investigation. He's getting desperate. Hurry Mueller. Hurry.
7
STOP THIS MAN, before he kills us all!
He is risking NUCLEAR WAR!!
He is risking NUCLEAR WAR!!
6
"He’s fourth in line to the presidency. He carries a big stick.”
Read the XXV Amendment.
Read the XXV Amendment.
2
Apparently Donald's sole communication style is to "say something first and think about it later." Sorry, but presidential statements (including tweets) are not first drafts subject to further editing.
President Obama measured every word, using the at times annoying "uhh..." not to disguise a loss of words but to think ahead and filter the next orderly thought; I am told it is a technique common to debaters and lawyers.
President Obama measured every word, using the at times annoying "uhh..." not to disguise a loss of words but to think ahead and filter the next orderly thought; I am told it is a technique common to debaters and lawyers.
2
Being a narcissistic bombast, like Kim Jong-un, Trump may enjoy a unique insight on how to deal with him. Of course, if he's wrong, then, in the words of Tom Lehrer:
"We'll all go together when we go, bathed in an incandescent glow."
"We'll all go together when we go, bathed in an incandescent glow."
1
Now that Trump's is getting backed into a corner with the current Mueller investigation, start a nuclear war, that will certainly distract everyone for awhile. Fellow citizens, we have a crazy, deeply disturbed man running this country, and unless we stop him, he will destroy us all.
8
So many sages posting their considered opinions. Too bad that in the past they always got things wrong. In view of their poor track record, one would think they'd give pause, But no, the endless Trump bashing continues unabated. But considered this--he's a counterpuncher and always gives back what he gets only better. Kim Jong Un will soon learn that lesson. Maybe Trump's critics will learn it, too.
"In the past they always got things wrong" you write. Really? Who got things wrong and when, exactly? And what "things" are you talking about? Please specify.
Idolizing a semi-literate, insecure fool like Trump is, to say the least, less than wise.
Idolizing a semi-literate, insecure fool like Trump is, to say the least, less than wise.
5
I'm sorry. I meant October, 1962.
Was just going to say that. Wonder what is happening with the Russian investigation?
Ha ha! Mr Gorka strikes again. One way ticket back to Hungary, his beloved homeland.
Ha ha! Mr Gorka strikes again. One way ticket back to Hungary, his beloved homeland.
My my mother told me that in November, 1962 she and I were walking on Lexington Avenue when there was a loud pop. It scared her half to death and she first thought the end was near. We're near that point today. The two psychopaths we have might make it certain.
Getting in his head a little, if this was truly your strategy--to appear as though you were acting on unprocessed emotion--why make it this obvious? The only possible strategy I can imagine is to appear as unhinged as NK leadership, and that brings so many negatives to the table at the same time that it's mind-boggling. As amateurish as this is though, the only difference between it and leadership "strategies" going back 20 years is the flavor of sheer obviousness involved. We've deserved better for at least that long, and the political structure we've been evolving does not appear to be improving things.
Americans cling to the fiction that our invasion of Iraq was justified because we deposed an "evil dictator" who killed his own citizens (Kurds), attacked neighbors (Iraq, Kuwait) and threatened US interests in the Middle East. Never mind the missing WMDs.
Americans have now made an even larger mistake; electing a belligerent reality-TV star to the office of President, one who faces another "evil dictator" A dictator who actually does have a nuclear program and threatens neighbors and US allies. Low-intelligence Americans believe the diplomacy of the past 20 years painted the USA as "weak" and are calling for forceful action. To avoid losing face Trump must act. A war would also distract the American public from Trump's treasonous and impeachable offenses.
Like two grade school boys trading insults in front of a crowd, eventually one will feel he is losing the war of words and will swing a fist.
Americans have no remaining tolerance for ground wars, a military draft, or sending troops to foreign lands. If a decapitation of the DPRK leadership fails and Seoul is attacked or DPRK's missiles strike Japan or Guam, America's mightiest nuclear weapons will be used. Count on it.
The time for China to act is now. Put a leash on Kim Jong-un and end DPRK's provocative missile tests. Save your "little brother" from the mighty US military who will indeed turn large swaths of DPRK into a glassy parking lot.
Americans have now made an even larger mistake; electing a belligerent reality-TV star to the office of President, one who faces another "evil dictator" A dictator who actually does have a nuclear program and threatens neighbors and US allies. Low-intelligence Americans believe the diplomacy of the past 20 years painted the USA as "weak" and are calling for forceful action. To avoid losing face Trump must act. A war would also distract the American public from Trump's treasonous and impeachable offenses.
Like two grade school boys trading insults in front of a crowd, eventually one will feel he is losing the war of words and will swing a fist.
Americans have no remaining tolerance for ground wars, a military draft, or sending troops to foreign lands. If a decapitation of the DPRK leadership fails and Seoul is attacked or DPRK's missiles strike Japan or Guam, America's mightiest nuclear weapons will be used. Count on it.
The time for China to act is now. Put a leash on Kim Jong-un and end DPRK's provocative missile tests. Save your "little brother" from the mighty US military who will indeed turn large swaths of DPRK into a glassy parking lot.
2
China isn't responsible for installing an existential threat to the survival of the world in the White House.
Russia, on the other hand...
Russia, on the other hand...
1
"If you can keep your head while all around you are losing theirs, then you're a better man than I am, Gunga Din." I think the hysterical Democrats fall into the latter category. Then when Trump has successfully carried the day, they will be preening themselves as usual with their own virtuousness.
Trump has been baited once again into a tirade of verbal abuse. He can't resist. Lack of self-control doesn't make him tough, it makes him weak. He's fake.
3
You're mashing up two different Rudyard Kipling poems, as if you knew who Rudyard Kipling was (an infamous imperialist and racist, for starters.) Your ignorance of literature is nothing compared to your mindless and destructive political views.
2
What's better than a war to take the heat off the Russian investigation?
8
What better way to take the conversation away from the Russian Investigation then to threaten North Korea? Right out of Ex President Bushes play book.
8
The only reliable resource for security in the world today is relationship. When there is dialogue, the chances of escalation and war are markedly reduced. War is obsolete. Please, Mr. Trump. Knock it off with the "locked and loaded" rhetoric and try to engage North Korea in a conversation. Just because you don't know how to do this doesn't mean it can't be done.
4
How long are we, the citizens of the United States going to be subject to a man who very well may not be sane? While he is threatening nuclear war what are we to do? Who in this government, Democrat or Republican is going to stand up and take the reins here? This is a perilous situation and I see nothing but chaos coming from the White House.
4
Perhaps this dangerous and unnecessary escalation of threats is merely a distraction technique to cause the American public to look away from the fact that Trumps campaign chairman Paul Manafort had the FBI enter his home at 4 AM with a No Knock warrant - as the noose tightens on the Russia investigation. He did this throughout the campaign with bombastic rhetoric - look over here instead of at the real problem. Now this man is playing with the lives of the entire Asia Pacific region and potentially significant portions of the USA if North Korea truly has the capability to strike with a nuke. 25th Ammendment please.
6
Of course! Another diversion tactic. But very dangerous.
3
Pence's brown nose has spread to his entire head.
7
No Mr Trump. True strength is shown by the maturity and wisdom to not fight.
"Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight" - Bob Dyan.
"Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight" - Bob Dyan.
3
Everyday, everyday...he just keeps ratcheting it up, not incrementally or gradually, but by leaps and bounds and now here we are just over six months into this catastrophic presidency and we are approaching brink of a nuclear war. This man is mentally ill, he is totally unfit for the position he is in, and the richest and most powerful nation on earth is leaderless and unable to do anything about it.
8
What this proves is that Republicans are not fit to even vote.
They certainly can't govern. And they put a maniacal guy in the White House and leave him there while everybody frets. He gets in a verbal with the other lunatic in North Korea and all that proves is that they are both immature imbeciles. Nothing worse than an overblown immature man as a leader. How embarrassing.
Anyone who votes Republican has to have their IQ checked.
More women in leadership roles would keep the earth around much longer. Trump is such a bad example of a human being.
They certainly can't govern. And they put a maniacal guy in the White House and leave him there while everybody frets. He gets in a verbal with the other lunatic in North Korea and all that proves is that they are both immature imbeciles. Nothing worse than an overblown immature man as a leader. How embarrassing.
Anyone who votes Republican has to have their IQ checked.
More women in leadership roles would keep the earth around much longer. Trump is such a bad example of a human being.
5
No one wants war, but the difference between Obama and Trump is that one has a backbone. Obama is responsible for nuclear proliferation in Iran and Korea.
He handed them billions to use for that purpose. The blood of war will be on his hands. Obama wanted to kiss his enemies and tell them how wrong the U.S. was.
He handed them billions to use for that purpose. The blood of war will be on his hands. Obama wanted to kiss his enemies and tell them how wrong the U.S. was.
More Fox News baloney. Among other inaccuracies, it was W that broke the agreement with N Korea, not them. Trump doesn't have a backbone. He's a spoiled psychiatrically-disturbed emotionally chaotic rich kid bully with a big nasty mouth and zero leadership who throws tantrums. He uses fake wrestling rhetoric for real conflicts and the "reality"-TV audience eats it up. It would be a sick joke if it weren't actually tipping the US and the whole world into real chaos. The blood will be on Trump's little hands.
8
China is not going to do anything. They would like the little idiot gone just as well. Now go Trump and take him out.
1
You must be insane! A nuclear strike against NK would wreak catastrophic destruction upon much of Northern Asia. Think about that for a minute. You might not realise this but the rationale for countries like yours to have nuclear weapons capability is to deter and so the possession of nuclear weapons keeps the peace. So far, amazingly, since the end of WW2, deterrence has worked. That is until the idiot Trump became your President. Now the world is watching with growing alarm. My Prime Minister said yesterday that our country would invoke the ANZUS Alliance and stand with the US if they were to go to war against North Korea. This is getting bloody serious. It's not some game. Can't your institutions of government get rid of Trump? It's beyond ridiculous that enough people voted for him to be the US President.
3
Two demented little boy buffoons waving their you-know-whats at each other. This is not just pathetic, but extremely dangerous. What happened to speak softly and carry a big stick?
Trump needs to be removed from office, if only for saying "like the world has never seen" ad nauseum.
Seriously, congress just remove him from office for incompetency, and mental illness. Every time he opens his mouth, one cringes. If he starts a shooting war that kills a few million people, then what?
Trump needs to be removed from office, if only for saying "like the world has never seen" ad nauseum.
Seriously, congress just remove him from office for incompetency, and mental illness. Every time he opens his mouth, one cringes. If he starts a shooting war that kills a few million people, then what?
4
Not a fan, but Trump is stating a fact. The US can withstand a nuclear strike and the loss of several cities, North Korea will be decimated. The genie is out of the bottle. We have seen what North K. does with reasonable men. What will they do with our current President? President Trump asked early in his tenure, if we can never use these weapons, why do we have them? I guess we will find out. And I guess those Evangelicals on the West coast may find out if there is the Rapture.
"The US can withstand a nuclear strike and the loss of several cities." How can anyone even think this way? No, it can't. It will lead to military dictatorship and civil war.
5
We'll be sure to locate you at ground zero so that you can watch the missle's arrival.
Again, we keep hearing from these internet warriors about the need for war. Let's put them and their children all in Guam and let's see their toughness.
The only rational solution is to remove Trump from office. Pence is no rose, but he isn't crazy and is more likely to approach Kim in a conventional, tested way.
6
People have commented on Trump's "cinematic" version of reality where he always gets to play the star. This rings truer than ever with Kim, a third rate tin pot black hat who would be too cliche even for a Bond pic. And how is Trump getting his lines? The only "film director" in the WH is Bannon who has a wall white boarded in his office filled with plots and counter plots. All to serve as episodic distractions from the reality that is no show: Mueller and Company.
Action!
Action!
6
I hope the Trump bashers in here are not typical of Democrats in this country. They're in these comments busy calling our president names and spewing insults towards him while North Korea has fired ICBM's in our direction and threatened war against the United States. I don't care if you don't like president Trump personally, now is not the time to be doing that. Now is the time to get behind the president to show Kim Jong Un our national resolve not to be intimidated by him and to strike back if he dares to arm one of those ICBM's.
Look: we're not the ones firing unarmed ICBM's in the direction of North Korea or threatening to attack. Jong Un is doing that, and all our president is doing is letting him know, in no uncertain terms, what is going to happen he does arm one of those missiles. We will defend ourselves, which we have every right to do. Those of you hurling theinsults at the president, and pretending he's the one who provoked this are on the wrong side, and that is why I hope you are not typical of Democrats. Because if you are, you are painting Democrats in a very bad light at the wrong time.
Look: we're not the ones firing unarmed ICBM's in the direction of North Korea or threatening to attack. Jong Un is doing that, and all our president is doing is letting him know, in no uncertain terms, what is going to happen he does arm one of those missiles. We will defend ourselves, which we have every right to do. Those of you hurling theinsults at the president, and pretending he's the one who provoked this are on the wrong side, and that is why I hope you are not typical of Democrats. Because if you are, you are painting Democrats in a very bad light at the wrong time.
2
Yea, let's hear it for "national resolve" and death and destruction!
RichD, I'd like to agree with your sobering comment but the so-called leader of this country has zero credibility and is in the minds of millions of good honest American citizens (some of whom are Democrats many of whom are not) ILLEGITIMATE. The presidency is too important a position to have this happen to the country. Leadership requires credibility. Blind loyalty leads to self-destruction. All the more reason for a swift completion of the investigations, application (as opposed to obstruction) of justice and all appropriate remedies so we can move on from this nightmare.
1
For all his "fiery bellicosity", least we forget this warrior president couldn't even save his companies from bankruptcy - five times - and has lost and/or settled several "bigly" lawsuits against him. Makes you feel good to have his finger on the nuclear trigger doesn't it?
7
Maybe the Democrats are right. Maybe Trump really is mentally ill. And maybe Kim Jung Un really will believe Trump is crazy enough to go through with his threats--crazy like a fox.
2
China, Russia and the international community watch with incredulous glee as Trump fumes, rants and recklessly threatens and makes a fool out of himself. A legitimate leader would keep his mouth shut and not respond to Kim Jong-in. The schoolyard threats and double dares only escalate until some type of apocalyptic scenario occurs. Who advocates for the millions (yes millions) of innocent victims who will suffer because of these two madmen?
3
My 9 year old grand-daughter asked if having Mr. Trump as our president meant we were now a Third-World country.
4
What really bother me is not just the rhetoric but also, once and again, the message from our GREAT PRESIDENT come through Twitter. Should we include Twitter as our official government release office now!
2
I guess this is all part of making America great again - dropping the bomb to prove to the rest of the world how strong we are. This man needs to be removed before he destroys all of us. Surely the 25th amendment would cover this kind of behavior?
4
Whats so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
1
Trump has completely failed to identify what is a "threat". Is it a simple missile test off Guam? Or is it a simple test anywhere?
Why is a missile test being conflated with "an attack?" Is Trump unable to distinguish the two, or is he consciously provoking a war ... one that could go nuclear?
As we have seen before, Trump is once again creating a problem under the delusion that he is solving one. It is the same process by which he has sabotaged his own legislative agenda, his Mexican Wall, his Muslim Ban, and his Transgender Ban.
Why is a missile test being conflated with "an attack?" Is Trump unable to distinguish the two, or is he consciously provoking a war ... one that could go nuclear?
As we have seen before, Trump is once again creating a problem under the delusion that he is solving one. It is the same process by which he has sabotaged his own legislative agenda, his Mexican Wall, his Muslim Ban, and his Transgender Ban.
2
The libs don't get it, but Trump is simply calling Kim Jong Um's bluff. There is no way that he will ever go through with his threats, but he can't be sure Trump will not go through with his. When this is all over, we'll be dealing with a much subdued Kim Jung Un who will finally be cut down to size. So the Democrats who are always sniffing around for yet another reason to denounce Trump can scrap their phony expressions of concern and dismay. They always stunk in foreign relations anyway.
Perhaps you should consult a recent history book - GOP stalwarts destabilized the Middle East, prolonged Vietnam and now threaten to wreak havoc on the Korean peninsula.
7
I recall that the Dems including Hillary ("We came. We saw. We killed.") voted for the Iraq War resolution. "Prolonged" the Vietnam War? As I recall, the Democrats started it, but Nixon finished it. Nuclear confrontation with North Korea? Well, that hasn't played out yet, has it? You will see that Trump is merely calling Kim Jong Un's bluff, and Un will back down. Then the Dems and the liberal media will look stupid because Trump's playing you, too.
Nuclear tensions will escalate until all sides, including North Korea, the United States, China, and Russia, announce that talks began some weeks ago, and that agreements have been reached to accept the reality that North Korea is a nuclear power, and will remain a nuclear power.
Part of the end game will be an agreement to begin easing tensions, end the bellicose rants, and establish communications, with the end goal being the slow easing of sanctions, discussions on easing trade restrictions, and eventually result in the implementation of an Iranian like agreement.
It's all about the ability to partake in the wealth developing world markets, becoming an accepted elite, perhaps not liked, but tolerated, a new player at the table where the masters play, rubbing shoulders, carousing, and complimenting each other on the ease with which the game was one.
The game ? The game is economic slavery for the masses, with the corporate / military / industrial alliance, the pre-arranged winner, cementing ownership of world governments, and ownership of world resources and wealth.
Part of the end game will be an agreement to begin easing tensions, end the bellicose rants, and establish communications, with the end goal being the slow easing of sanctions, discussions on easing trade restrictions, and eventually result in the implementation of an Iranian like agreement.
It's all about the ability to partake in the wealth developing world markets, becoming an accepted elite, perhaps not liked, but tolerated, a new player at the table where the masters play, rubbing shoulders, carousing, and complimenting each other on the ease with which the game was one.
The game ? The game is economic slavery for the masses, with the corporate / military / industrial alliance, the pre-arranged winner, cementing ownership of world governments, and ownership of world resources and wealth.
1
"Won", excuse the error.
Trumps actions are stupid and dangerous and will only push North Korea to save face by doing something stupid. Trump will continue to act like the unstable bully he has always been..all of which will only lead to death for millions of people..
Why not instead of of a closed fist of treat try an open hand of friendship and cooperation? South and North Korea still are at war after all this time maybe it's time to accept the North Korea is not going away any time soon and sign a peace treaty between North and South Korea and ramp up economic aid and development for North Korea ? Accept that North Korea is a nuclear armed country and at this point nothing is going to change that fact short of another war which no one wants with maybe the exception of Trump who is so unqualified and unsuited to be president that he is a Clear and Present Danger to America and the world and should be removed from office before the unthinkable happens..
.
Why not instead of of a closed fist of treat try an open hand of friendship and cooperation? South and North Korea still are at war after all this time maybe it's time to accept the North Korea is not going away any time soon and sign a peace treaty between North and South Korea and ramp up economic aid and development for North Korea ? Accept that North Korea is a nuclear armed country and at this point nothing is going to change that fact short of another war which no one wants with maybe the exception of Trump who is so unqualified and unsuited to be president that he is a Clear and Present Danger to America and the world and should be removed from office before the unthinkable happens..
.
1
"Trumps actions are stupid and dangerous and will only push North Korea to save face by doing something stupid. "
North Korea does not do stupid things. They do not save face.
Clearly you misunderstand North Korea.
North Korea does not do stupid things. They do not save face.
Clearly you misunderstand North Korea.
Frank,
Please explain how I "Misunderstand North Korea "
I do know they have been in a state of war for over 60 years with South Korea and the USA and that saber-rattling with them has Never worked... maybe its time for a time out ? call off our planned military exercise this month and sit down with the leader of North Korea and sign a peace treaty between north and south Korea.
Please explain how I "Misunderstand North Korea "
I do know they have been in a state of war for over 60 years with South Korea and the USA and that saber-rattling with them has Never worked... maybe its time for a time out ? call off our planned military exercise this month and sit down with the leader of North Korea and sign a peace treaty between north and south Korea.
1
Mr. Trump has intensified his rhetoric. Defense Secretary James Mattis has stated the US is prepared to strike.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/11/world/asia/trump-north-korea-locked-a...
This is welcome news. Enough capitulation to the insane musings and barbaric threats of Kim Jong Un. There must never be a repeat of Munich in 1938.
Sometimes historical circumstances require leadership. Whatever one's assessment of Mr. Trump, he is all we have at the moment. Let's pray that he is getting sound advice from his intelligence and military staff.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/11/world/asia/trump-north-korea-locked-a...
This is welcome news. Enough capitulation to the insane musings and barbaric threats of Kim Jong Un. There must never be a repeat of Munich in 1938.
Sometimes historical circumstances require leadership. Whatever one's assessment of Mr. Trump, he is all we have at the moment. Let's pray that he is getting sound advice from his intelligence and military staff.
1
This article encourages one want to simply enjoy the moment, hug a spouse, child, grandchild, friend or amend a enemy. "Look at this moment. Then make a choice to live it as if it were your last one." Victor Frankel.
4
This is all part and parcel with Trump, diminishing the stature of the United States. We are a super-power. Why pick a fight with a small time, fourth rate thug like the Kim Jung-un. Everyone in the world knows including, North Korea, that any confrontation with the US would be suicide. The UN, including key members like Russia and China, have already slapped more punishing sanctions against the North Koreans. Trump should give those sanctions a chance to work. This sabre rattling by these two unhinged leaders is already affecting, negatively, global markets. I pray cooler heads will prevail before a miscalculation by either side brings us to a point of no return. God help us all.
3
Donald, Donald, Donald... Kim Jong-un is much younger than you and has much more testosterone. You're a 70 year old testosterone wannabe. Haven't your retired generals warned you that this is a battle that could end human existence on earth?
3
What will Kim Jong-un do?
Prolly just watch and wait while Trump burns a million dollars a minute with the US military locking, loading and all that.
There is really no pressure on Kim to do anything to relieve tensions.
Prolly just watch and wait while Trump burns a million dollars a minute with the US military locking, loading and all that.
There is really no pressure on Kim to do anything to relieve tensions.
3
Our president's hate-filled record goes like this: Kim Jung-Un is a nut but so is James Comey. Mitch McConnell is incompetent, and the Pope isn't very cool either. Paul Ryan doesn't know what he is doing. Chuck Schumer is a waste and Nancy Pelosi belongs in jail; she should share a cell with Hillary. Paul Manafort, I hardly know but he's looking like a loser. The justices in our judicial system are idiots. The State Department is unnecessary. Our security agencies don't know what they are doing 'cause Russia is our friend. NATO is a waste.
Is there any American institution besides the police and military that Mr. Trump does like? It is obvious to all but the most naive that he knows a lot about "nut jobs". As the old cliche says, it takes one to know one. WHEN will Congress impeach this unfit, incompetent and dangerous man from the Presidency? I do believe that if he's not removed from power, he will use nukes. He has said on several occasions, "What's the sense in having nuclear weapons if you can't use them?" Seriously America, is this the road we want to go down?
Is there any American institution besides the police and military that Mr. Trump does like? It is obvious to all but the most naive that he knows a lot about "nut jobs". As the old cliche says, it takes one to know one. WHEN will Congress impeach this unfit, incompetent and dangerous man from the Presidency? I do believe that if he's not removed from power, he will use nukes. He has said on several occasions, "What's the sense in having nuclear weapons if you can't use them?" Seriously America, is this the road we want to go down?
5
Enough is whatever it takes to prevent war. The lunatic in NK is intentionally provoking our lunatic in chief and vice versa. Our lunatic obviously is missing a few screws and vice versa. Someone needs to seriously take Trump aside and explain to him that words matter and that an itchy trigger finger is not in the best interest of humanity. If he can not grasp that fact then it is seriously time to begin the extrication process. Trump for all intent and purpose via his reckless and careless words is a legitimate threat to humanity. We need a well reasoned level headed person of good character and intellect to guide this country. Near as I can tell Trump is severely lacking in all those qualities.
3
"Saber-rattling" really? That went out with the dinosaurs. This is post Hiroshima. A new age. The whole braggadocios thing amounts to a big fat zero these days. The cards are already on the table- all the world's players already known for their fire power. So save your breath Trump. You only make yourself look stupid by resorting to tactics from a by-gone era.
Two thugs meet in an alley way. One displays a knife the other hauls out a machine gun. Kim J U knows a knife isn't cutting it. So Trump, zip it and get on with diplomacy. It's the modern age, not the days jousts and musket balls!
Two thugs meet in an alley way. One displays a knife the other hauls out a machine gun. Kim J U knows a knife isn't cutting it. So Trump, zip it and get on with diplomacy. It's the modern age, not the days jousts and musket balls!
1
Anyone who has done serious research into the Cuban Missile Crises of 1962 knows that the Kennedy brothers did everything humanly possible to Dial Back the threats and rhetoric and throw water on all the hotheads who demanded Cuba be bombed into the Stone Age. Because of their brilliant handling of this potential W.W.3 real life situation disaster was averted. They understood the Russians were not insane; and in the end cooler heads prevailed. Fast forward to 2017 and the differences could not possibly be more stark. Trump actually believes he can out threaten the nut in North Korea with his own Mr. Take-no-prisoners crap. Instead of throwing water, Trump throws gasoline. BRILLIANT!
4
And one other thing. Kim Jung Un really is crazy. How would Kennedy deal with that?
I read a hour by hour account of that including interviews with Russians. Khrushchev seemed to be a true adult, maybe more so than our leaders.
Included in the book, Bobby Kennedy's insane constant attacks on the Cuban factories and food supply leading up to the crises. It went way beyond the Bay of Pigs.
Khrushchev had legitimate worries about missiles in Turkey. Khrushchev was a modestly born man who rose through the ranks through leadership skill, and he had modest habits.
None of this applies to NK.
Included in the book, Bobby Kennedy's insane constant attacks on the Cuban factories and food supply leading up to the crises. It went way beyond the Bay of Pigs.
Khrushchev had legitimate worries about missiles in Turkey. Khrushchev was a modestly born man who rose through the ranks through leadership skill, and he had modest habits.
None of this applies to NK.
1
The greatest service that #45's new chief of staff can render, is to curb the fool's tongue and/or confiscate his personal access to twitter. Another approach might be to embargo all of #45's comments for 24 hours and insist that he read them again, before hitting POST. The majority of his Seriously Stupid remarks have come via twitter and good heavens, does he understand what a genuine fool he has become? A few loyalists and the media are the only one that read his tweets and invariably, they make him appear a fool. (OK, so he probably is!) The U.S. screwed up in electing this hot head and I can only pray that he does not nuke N. Korea, at least until well after they do something stupid. Think before you shoot, Mr. #45, please. He should NOT have his fingers that close to the Red Button and yes, he frightens me. The only suitable response is to remove the guy from office; all methods (save one) are difficult and expensive. (And no, I do not advocate the quick option. Violence is never the right answer.) God Save this Nation!!
s
s
4
Keep your eye on the stock market. It's the most important opinion poll. Since there would probably be no economic boom associated with this war (the missiles are built, and there are plenty of them) the market can only go down, perhaps taking Boomer retirement with it. The White House might spin it: The stock market was overvalued, and the president restored the equity premium.
A crazy man against another, younger crazy man, neither of whom think they are crazy. CRAZY!!!
If Trump were to kill millions and change the world forever, he would be proud, not horrified.
What a world!!!
If Trump were to kill millions and change the world forever, he would be proud, not horrified.
What a world!!!
4
trump reminds me of Tony Montana in "Scarface" trapped, doped and desperate to evade all the forces of his demise closing in on him and he pulls out his biggest weapon: "Say hello to my little friend!" And of course he uses it.
This dangerous imbecile will go hot against North Korea. He's painted himself into a corner. Even another unarmed missile test could do it. If the national security team and all of the generals around him have a shred of spine they will have already agreed amongst themselves not to execute his command.
This dangerous imbecile will go hot against North Korea. He's painted himself into a corner. Even another unarmed missile test could do it. If the national security team and all of the generals around him have a shred of spine they will have already agreed amongst themselves not to execute his command.
3
The description in this artilce of what is going on between the US and North Korea as "as nuclear tensions between the two nations" is outright ridiculous. Not a single person in America who upon hearing that North Korea will soon have the ability to nuke the US registered this anything more than some political news. Not a single American takes this as something to be fearful of, that they had lost their sense of security and that the future holds a most terrifying prospect of getting nuked.
When the news came out that North Korea has tested a new missile that can now hit Chicago and NYC the residents of those cities did not take this news as having any practical relevance to their lives.
Therefore the matter of North Korea and its nuclear program has nothing to do with the actual use of nuclear weapons and neither does Washington's approach to dealing with that program.
What its about is a decades long American effort to block North Korea from obtaining those weapons, not because they are an actual threat to the US, but because it makes the objective of regime change so much harder.
So to speak of North Korea and its leader as if they are ready to nuke the US and the president of the most powerful nation on earth should be careful with what he said for we dare not provoke them is to frame and present this issue many more times seriously than it actually is.
When the news came out that North Korea has tested a new missile that can now hit Chicago and NYC the residents of those cities did not take this news as having any practical relevance to their lives.
Therefore the matter of North Korea and its nuclear program has nothing to do with the actual use of nuclear weapons and neither does Washington's approach to dealing with that program.
What its about is a decades long American effort to block North Korea from obtaining those weapons, not because they are an actual threat to the US, but because it makes the objective of regime change so much harder.
So to speak of North Korea and its leader as if they are ready to nuke the US and the president of the most powerful nation on earth should be careful with what he said for we dare not provoke them is to frame and present this issue many more times seriously than it actually is.
I take it as something to be fearful about.
Trump behaves as though we are a weak, sniveling country. He gives too much power to North Korea, and has elevated that backwards nation into our equal on the world stage.
2
If Trump and his sons and son-in-law would just man-up and put on a uniform.... The testosterone charged chest thumping doesn't mean a thing from someone unwilling to actually serve this country by putting his own life on the line.
2
take this man out by any means possible. he is a menace to the planet.
do to him what we did to hitler, musollini, and tojo.
executing him after he commits war crimes will do nothing for millions of lives at stake.
take him out now.
do to him what we did to hitler, musollini, and tojo.
executing him after he commits war crimes will do nothing for millions of lives at stake.
take him out now.
3
Unclear whether you are referring to Trump or Kim-Jong un.
3
45 obviously. his name is the first word in the headline.
The images Trump sees are those coming from his head.
What is in it?
Sun-Tzu says that first, a leader must understand himself.
What does Trump know of himself? -- other than a few expressions that have become worn cliches.
What does he know about KOREA? or Anything?
What does he know about our own history and how people think?
Trump doesn't understand US culture and is incapable of communicating in any meaningful way with the vast majority of citizens.
He doesn't understand that.
Many wars have begun because of cultural misunderstanding.
[Vietnam has a long history of defeating much larger adversaries.]
Using reckless language is likely to have reckless consequences.
Remember the movie Cool Hand Luke?
And what happened when Luke said
"What we have here is a failure to communicate!"
BANG!!
How is it we were able to move so quickly on impeachment over a stain on a blue dress, yet are frozen in national impotence with respect to the stains of outright lies that affect our political process, our national security, our national honor, the well-being (health & education) of all citizens, and even planetary survival?
How does the world end? with a bang? or a whimper?
The secret of ancient Egypt was "Hotep" -- a word that combines the meaning of food and peace. They make for longevity.
What is in it?
Sun-Tzu says that first, a leader must understand himself.
What does Trump know of himself? -- other than a few expressions that have become worn cliches.
What does he know about KOREA? or Anything?
What does he know about our own history and how people think?
Trump doesn't understand US culture and is incapable of communicating in any meaningful way with the vast majority of citizens.
He doesn't understand that.
Many wars have begun because of cultural misunderstanding.
[Vietnam has a long history of defeating much larger adversaries.]
Using reckless language is likely to have reckless consequences.
Remember the movie Cool Hand Luke?
And what happened when Luke said
"What we have here is a failure to communicate!"
BANG!!
How is it we were able to move so quickly on impeachment over a stain on a blue dress, yet are frozen in national impotence with respect to the stains of outright lies that affect our political process, our national security, our national honor, the well-being (health & education) of all citizens, and even planetary survival?
How does the world end? with a bang? or a whimper?
The secret of ancient Egypt was "Hotep" -- a word that combines the meaning of food and peace. They make for longevity.
5
His conduct in this North Korea situation is a new low, even for him. Way past disgracing himself and debasing the office, he's actually playing with our lives now. The sight of him talking today -- in yet another contiguous stream of self-aggrandizing delusions and lies -- actually, literally, made me want to vomit.
And, to the supporters: if you actually get your kicks from watching him run off at the mouth like this, then it's a new low for you too. If it is not clear to you that this insecure, unhinged fool would sell your kids' lives for a nickel, well, that's too bad. But I guess it sheds some light as to how you could have voted for him in the first place.
And, to the supporters: if you actually get your kicks from watching him run off at the mouth like this, then it's a new low for you too. If it is not clear to you that this insecure, unhinged fool would sell your kids' lives for a nickel, well, that's too bad. But I guess it sheds some light as to how you could have voted for him in the first place.
5
"Asked what would be “tougher” than “fire and fury,” he demurred. “Well, you’ll see, you’ll see.”"
When have we heard that before? "You will see in a couple of weeks."
Still waiting...
When have we heard that before? "You will see in a couple of weeks."
Still waiting...
3
Trump of course knows about sacrifice in war personally. He evaded sacrifice not once but five times in the Viet Nam war ... a draft dodger par excellence while over 50,000 of his fellow americans let it all go as he carried on his hedonistic life style with absolutely no regrets or second thoughts.
4
I'm not a big fan of Trump. I'm not a big fan of war. But if a Country attacks a U.S. territory as a result of sanctions that the U.N. has in place then game on.
1
Trump tweeted the morning "Military solutions are now fully in place,locked and loaded,should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!"
The Global Times, a Chinese state run English language newspaper advised: “If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so.”
This is Trump's "tar baby". He will find it difficult to extricate himself and the US from this morass.
The Global Times, a Chinese state run English language newspaper advised: “If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so.”
This is Trump's "tar baby". He will find it difficult to extricate himself and the US from this morass.
1
The actions of President Trump vis-à-vis North Korea, which have driven so many of you into paroxysms of hateful criticism, are the first priority of any US leader: warning a foreign power that has been warning and working toward the capability of "raining fire and death upon millions of Americans" that unless such actions are stopped, the US will use its powers to stop it.
It is interesting that you find the thought of the US defending itself a nightmare. Certainly, the past administration never did. Rather than sending the 25 US Marine guards a US ambassador repeatedly begged for in dozens of official wires, they removed the 16 he had and let him be murdered undefended in the ruins of his burning US consulate.
And for those of you who would offer as an year-late excuse the claim that the US did not have the funds to send them, I point out that at about the same time, the US sent 3800 soldiers and $500,000,000 to West Africa to stop an Ebola epidemic that never happened because Ebola is not an epidemic disease and has never produced an epidemic, even in the centuries before modern medicine existed. The clinics they built sit empty and unused while Chris Stevens lies in a martyr's grave.
This is a different president, who will destroy those intending and promising millions of American deaths before they can produce them, rather than doing nothing and then telling their surviving relatives that he or she "weeps with them, but nothing could be done."
It is interesting that you find the thought of the US defending itself a nightmare. Certainly, the past administration never did. Rather than sending the 25 US Marine guards a US ambassador repeatedly begged for in dozens of official wires, they removed the 16 he had and let him be murdered undefended in the ruins of his burning US consulate.
And for those of you who would offer as an year-late excuse the claim that the US did not have the funds to send them, I point out that at about the same time, the US sent 3800 soldiers and $500,000,000 to West Africa to stop an Ebola epidemic that never happened because Ebola is not an epidemic disease and has never produced an epidemic, even in the centuries before modern medicine existed. The clinics they built sit empty and unused while Chris Stevens lies in a martyr's grave.
This is a different president, who will destroy those intending and promising millions of American deaths before they can produce them, rather than doing nothing and then telling their surviving relatives that he or she "weeps with them, but nothing could be done."
Sooner or later Kim Jong-um will need to be dealt with. Would you rather face North Korea before or after they have succeeded in fitting a nuclear warhead on an ICBM? The Clinton White House enabled Kim Jong to fulfill his nuclear dream and now a Trump is stuck dealing with it. What the liberal left Trump haters do not have an effective solution to is a nuclear North Korea, which came to fruition under the Obama administration ( an undeniable fact)! North Korea has weapons of mass destruction.
Donald Trump is unstable and a threat to our national security. Inevitably, if only to spit in his political opponents' eyes, he is going to start a military action in Korea. If not Korea someplace else; but Korea is the obvious place and, if we attack Korea, the greatest threat to world security.
At least some members of Congress, including at least one Republican, have already called for Donald Trump's removal from office. Clearly, his behavior over the last few months has shown that he is umqualified to serve.
The fact that the Republicans are so afraid of Trump's base, that they will not move against him, shows that they put political interests above the interests – indeed, the safety – of those they were elected to serve. They violate their oaths every day that they allow that imcompetemt demented man to remain in the office, or anywhere near nuclear weapons. That his advisers, including Gen. Kelly, did not anticipate Trump's comments about Korea earlier this week - rhetoric taken, apparently, from a Steve Bannon-produced war video game -shows that the theory that they can control him is incorrect.
What are you waiting for, Ryan and McConnell? For history to blame you for the catastrophe that is looming?
Don't say that you did not know. Get him out of there.
At least some members of Congress, including at least one Republican, have already called for Donald Trump's removal from office. Clearly, his behavior over the last few months has shown that he is umqualified to serve.
The fact that the Republicans are so afraid of Trump's base, that they will not move against him, shows that they put political interests above the interests – indeed, the safety – of those they were elected to serve. They violate their oaths every day that they allow that imcompetemt demented man to remain in the office, or anywhere near nuclear weapons. That his advisers, including Gen. Kelly, did not anticipate Trump's comments about Korea earlier this week - rhetoric taken, apparently, from a Steve Bannon-produced war video game -shows that the theory that they can control him is incorrect.
What are you waiting for, Ryan and McConnell? For history to blame you for the catastrophe that is looming?
Don't say that you did not know. Get him out of there.
5
Donald Trump is unstable and a threat to national security. Inevitably, if only to spit in his political opponents' eyes, he is going to start a military action in Korea. If not Korea, then someplace else; but Korea is the obvious place and, if we attack Korea, the greatest threat to world security.
At least some members of Congress, including at least one Republican, have already called for Donald Trump's removal from office. Clearly, his behavior over the last few months has shown that he is unqualified to serve.
The fact that the Republicans are so afraid of Trump's base, that they will not move against him, shows that they put political interests above the interests – indeed, the safety – of those they were elected to serve. They violate their oaths every day that they allow that incompetent, demented man to remain in public office, or anywhere near nuclear weapons. That his advisers, including Gen. Kelly, did not anticipate Trump's comments about Korea earlier this week - rhetoric taken, apparently, from a Steve Bannon-produced war video game -shows that the theory that they can control him is incorrect.
What are you waiting for, Ryan and McConnell? For history to blame you for the catastrophe that is looming?
Don't say that you did not know. Get him out of there.
At least some members of Congress, including at least one Republican, have already called for Donald Trump's removal from office. Clearly, his behavior over the last few months has shown that he is unqualified to serve.
The fact that the Republicans are so afraid of Trump's base, that they will not move against him, shows that they put political interests above the interests – indeed, the safety – of those they were elected to serve. They violate their oaths every day that they allow that incompetent, demented man to remain in public office, or anywhere near nuclear weapons. That his advisers, including Gen. Kelly, did not anticipate Trump's comments about Korea earlier this week - rhetoric taken, apparently, from a Steve Bannon-produced war video game -shows that the theory that they can control him is incorrect.
What are you waiting for, Ryan and McConnell? For history to blame you for the catastrophe that is looming?
Don't say that you did not know. Get him out of there.
1
What a great opportunity to save his presidency : go to war and outdo those who became immortal by the number of death they brought about .
Are we going to stand by and let this unstable baby man, who has already done so much damage to our democracy, throw us into World War 3? The Republicans need to reign him in NOW, and put country before party. Trump will start a war just to further gratify his huge ego. He really doesn't care about the lives that will be lost, or the fear that will ensue all over the world making life not worth living for those who do survive. Cooler heads need to prevail and get rid of this menace immediately, before he can do further harm.
2
This will not end well. Even if Kim is forced to back down to Trump's bullying, he'll get his revenge and someone will be made to suffer.
1
Don, you simply don't know what you're doing. You're a 5th-grade playground bully who thinks that all matters are solved with a punch to the face. International affairs are much more complicated than playgrounds. While I'm sure your base is delighted to hear you threatening a small-time thug, giving said thug all this attention is the LAST thing you should be doing. Please, let the adults take care of this.
1
This is why the appointment of Kelly was utterly useless because if he can't muzzle Trump and shut him up in tense moments like this then what is the point of him being Chief of Staff? All the kings men cannot stop the disaster that Trump is to this country. Trump cares nothing for the thousands of lives on Guam who might die over his bluster, he only cares about winning verbal spats. Universe help us all.
1
If donald's "fury and fire" will be deployment of increased manpower and weapons to the S. Korean peninsula, which would take a considerable amount of time, giving N. Korea time to access and react with force on the city of Seoul long before the deployment is complete. Just enlarging any military force would certainly trigger war. Retaliation by N. Korea would be their only choice. A tally of the loss of life in S. Korea would be devastating.
If donald's threat is not a deployment of this sort then a nuclear attack is his only option. Probably a strike first on the forces gathered just across the DMZ, quickly followed by an attack on their missile and nuclear facilities if all can be found in time. Regardless, if N. Korea thought all is lost, would they as a last resort fire off a nuclear attack on the south, maybe including Japan.
What would China do in response, what would Russia do in response?
The bombastic bellowing of donald is a threat not only to the rest of the world but to this nation as well.
We now have our own home grown terrorist.
If donald's threat is not a deployment of this sort then a nuclear attack is his only option. Probably a strike first on the forces gathered just across the DMZ, quickly followed by an attack on their missile and nuclear facilities if all can be found in time. Regardless, if N. Korea thought all is lost, would they as a last resort fire off a nuclear attack on the south, maybe including Japan.
What would China do in response, what would Russia do in response?
The bombastic bellowing of donald is a threat not only to the rest of the world but to this nation as well.
We now have our own home grown terrorist.
Notice Pence nodding approvingly with such a love struck gaze.
3
Our President is an idiot. Pure and simple. He's a 'business man' not a diplomat. His diatribe about North Korea sounded more like a high schooler than a U.S. President. He should really resign as he doesn't know what he is doing. No one takes him seriously and if his family truly loves him they will talk him into quitting a job he is ill prepared to handle. While not a big admirer of Pence I think he could handle the job till the next election. So Donald leave us already. Go far away someplace and write your memoirs. Do us all a big favor and for God sakes keep your mouth shut!
At what point is Trump considered a clear and present danger to this country? Is it actually possible for the FBI to go in, handcuff him, and escort him out of office?
I posted this last night but it hasn't been published here yet, so excuse me if there are 2 similar posts on this topic from me. BUT! Someone HAS done what we are all clamoring for: Stepped UP to get trump removed from office - via Section 4 of the 25th Amendment! Jamie Raskin filed the legislation in May, but gave the story to the press right after trump fired Comey.
"Oversight Commission on Presidential Capacity Act’ (H.R. 1987) filed by Maryland's House member Jamie Raskin.
Before I paste in the info and the links, my question to the Times is Why hasn't the Times reported on this? Did I miss it?
Can Peter Baker or Charlie Savage please look into this and update the status of HR 1987 in the Times?
I'm going to do further research, and then call my House Rep and Senate Reps to do what I can to support this already existing legislative proposal to have trump removed from office.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/is-trump-unfit-to-serve...
https://raskin.house.gov/media/press-releases/raskin-introduces-bill-est...
"Oversight Commission on Presidential Capacity Act’ (H.R. 1987) filed by Maryland's House member Jamie Raskin.
Before I paste in the info and the links, my question to the Times is Why hasn't the Times reported on this? Did I miss it?
Can Peter Baker or Charlie Savage please look into this and update the status of HR 1987 in the Times?
I'm going to do further research, and then call my House Rep and Senate Reps to do what I can to support this already existing legislative proposal to have trump removed from office.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/is-trump-unfit-to-serve...
https://raskin.house.gov/media/press-releases/raskin-introduces-bill-est...
2
Correction: Raskin filed HR1987 in April, not May as I state above. Here is the link to the actual legislation:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1987
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1987
2
While I think Trump is a lunatic, I'm also disgusted with Pence fawning over Trump like Pence is a school girl and Trump the football captain. Get a room, boys.
Since his first threat was not tough but rather childish; doubling down with a second childish threat only reinforces the image of man who has no concept as to how to act in a crisis made large by his incompetence, petulance, and inability to bone-up on the issues.
Keep in mind Trump launched Trump TV a few days ago. "Join Kayleigh McEnany as she provides you the news of the week from Trump Tower in New York!"
With his own fake news program, Trump is now generating soundbites that will play well to his base. Huge ratings.
How he looks on TV is Trump's only thought process here.
As long as in his mind, he looks tough and strong.
That he may kill millions is not part of his thinking.
With his own fake news program, Trump is now generating soundbites that will play well to his base. Huge ratings.
How he looks on TV is Trump's only thought process here.
As long as in his mind, he looks tough and strong.
That he may kill millions is not part of his thinking.
A draft doger eager to send tens of thousands of young Americans to their deaths in order to divert attention from his Russia problems ...
2
Tough guy? Stupid child. He doesn't know the meaning of the word diplomacy, which given MAD for the last 60+ years has avoided exactly what he has precipitated.
How long are Americans going to tolerate this orange faced, cognitively impaired madman to present this clear and present danger to yourselves and the rest of the world?
How long are Americans going to tolerate this orange faced, cognitively impaired madman to present this clear and present danger to yourselves and the rest of the world?
It is definitely time to Dump Trump. This nonsensical idiocy has gone on long enough. The office of the President of the United States can not easily be defended when the holder of that office constantly denigrates it by slandering not only every other government on the globe, but the people of the United States, as well.
Dump Trump!
Dump Trump!
We Americans have only ourselves to blame for electing a reality TV sociopath with a manhood complex just because he was rich. We deserve whatever ills befall us.
...." Speak softly . . . and carry a Big Stick "...
Maybe Kelley can smarten up Mr. Trump until he grasps that this not like playing Risk and that the cheapest thing about a bomb is dropping it. The president acts like an 11 year old bully who pushes and taunts and uses his 'followers' as shields until someone knocks him down. At which time he cries.
Trump is simply proving that the North Korean leadership does indeed need to fear the US, especially with a mentally unstable and ignorant President with his finger on the nuclear trigger. I fear the US today much, much more than I fear North Korea.
Mao had a term for this sort of chest pounding bluster: paper tiger.
If ever there was a paper tiger, this empty headed blowhard is it.
If ever there was a paper tiger, this empty headed blowhard is it.
1
What a crazy blustering hypocrite! America has taken up for other country's causes! Donald is the one building the wall for heaven's sakes, to keep other people out. Make up your mind Donald, you and your clan are irresponsible and awful awful awful. Where IS Ivanka? Where has she disappeared to? I thought she was his 'voice of reason'? This scary old fool is a menace to this society and every other one. Help!
Trump says '...have pushed the United States and the rest of the world for too long ... and it’s about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries'
I am one of the people of other countries. God forbid that Trump stick up for me!
A US President is, let us be honest, 'the other countries' unelected leader. Until now we have played along, as it has been more or less in everone's interest. But enough is enough and it is time that our elected leaders stand their ground and stop acting like the Republican party.
I am one of the people of other countries. God forbid that Trump stick up for me!
A US President is, let us be honest, 'the other countries' unelected leader. Until now we have played along, as it has been more or less in everone's interest. But enough is enough and it is time that our elected leaders stand their ground and stop acting like the Republican party.
1
Trump is provoking NK. Kim Jong-un is a moody young man and Trump is a moody old man. Both on a power trip. Trump will start WW3 just because he care less about the innocent.
Impulsive coward. Narcissist.
An old 71 year old sour man.
Throwing his weight around on the world stage.
Threatening all of us
Sickening
Can somebody muzzle him?
An old 71 year old sour man.
Throwing his weight around on the world stage.
Threatening all of us
Sickening
Can somebody muzzle him?
1
Donald Trump is using the problem of North Korea to give himself cover from the Russian investigation. A blowhard blowing blue smoke.
2
Trump needs this! He needs the bombastic rhetoric, the threats and posturing. He is a small man playing a big man's game and he needs to do two things.
1) Show his base what a big strong man he is, bigger and better and badder than anyone the world has ever seen!
2) Deflect all this pesky attention away from hs criminal activities and ties with Russia.
Starting a war is the perfect answer to a man of his stature, an ex game show host and failed buisnesman with a severely limited understanding of his responsibilities, not only this country but to his place on the planet.
1) Show his base what a big strong man he is, bigger and better and badder than anyone the world has ever seen!
2) Deflect all this pesky attention away from hs criminal activities and ties with Russia.
Starting a war is the perfect answer to a man of his stature, an ex game show host and failed buisnesman with a severely limited understanding of his responsibilities, not only this country but to his place on the planet.
2
The failure of China to restore and enforce peace and order in their region indicates they are ally to the North Korean "agititaion". The quality for NK
ballistics is questionable --- the real threat then may be more mouth than might.. but explosive destruction is one matter -- radiation another realm entirely... Fukishima .. Chernobyl..
ballistics is questionable --- the real threat then may be more mouth than might.. but explosive destruction is one matter -- radiation another realm entirely... Fukishima .. Chernobyl..
Donald Trump seems to be permanently stuck in his 1950's Marky Maypo phase when the young brat rants, "I want my maypo".
Since both Trump and Jong-un seem to have a need to be the alpha male, couldn't they just meet on an small island and fight it out with common national implements. Jong-un could bring chop sticks and Trump a set of steak knives. That way, at most, only two nutcases get hurt.
Well,frankly speaking US administration good with their gimmick and flexing muscle. Truth is Trump and US administration just can't take the risk on nuclear war cause they know that they will be on the losing side compare to N.Korean, cause they NK got nothing much to lose.
Well, international community also not that fool to believe on such drama, propaganda, gimmick by the US administration.
Accept the fact that US can't do much about NK. Just at the age of 30 Supreme leader of N.korea made the USA kneeing down. I think by the title"Super Power" shouldn't be used by Americas.
Well, international community also not that fool to believe on such drama, propaganda, gimmick by the US administration.
Accept the fact that US can't do much about NK. Just at the age of 30 Supreme leader of N.korea made the USA kneeing down. I think by the title"Super Power" shouldn't be used by Americas.
Fire, fury, and five (count 'em) military deferments during 'Nam when his own keester was on the line. Meanwhile Russiaprobe continues. Beware the instincts of a cornered chickenhawk
1
Wonder of Trump knows that Kim-Jong Il played golf only once and scored an 18. He could continue his one-upping the N. Korean regime pretty easily since he's at his golf club right now. It would be interesting to see if he can score a 17...
This is slightly off topic but did anyone bother checking out that despicable puff piece about Kim Jon-Un. It was practically a love letter to North Korea's mysterious, inscruitable leader. What's next--Springtime for Kim?
1
So,lets see:
- war with North Korea
- ousting Mitch McConnell
- national opioid crisis
- Cuba diplomat attack
- Gorka dismissing Tillerson
- Kelley being silent on this
It's all nice and good. But it won't distract ME from the fact that there is an active Grand Jury investigating the links between Russia and the Trump campaign/organization/DJT himself/his family.
It's a pity that the world must burn before this man is removed from office, but so be it. Maybe it's good for Germany: after DJT starts WW3 to distract from his illegal business dealings Adolf Hitler might only be considered the SECOND worst monster in human history...
- war with North Korea
- ousting Mitch McConnell
- national opioid crisis
- Cuba diplomat attack
- Gorka dismissing Tillerson
- Kelley being silent on this
It's all nice and good. But it won't distract ME from the fact that there is an active Grand Jury investigating the links between Russia and the Trump campaign/organization/DJT himself/his family.
It's a pity that the world must burn before this man is removed from office, but so be it. Maybe it's good for Germany: after DJT starts WW3 to distract from his illegal business dealings Adolf Hitler might only be considered the SECOND worst monster in human history...
5
My, my, my, it's enjoying the attention that intemperate remark received, isn't it? That's all that matters to it.
2
Trump wants to destroy the world through nuclear war. No wonder he does not care about climate change. He is the antichrist.
4
Every time I hear more or see more of President Donald Trump I am reminded of what Rome was going through during the vicious rule of Nero. Fortunately the Roman Senators and their wives had finally had enough and the Senators quietly encouraged the Palace Guard to relieve Rome of the burden of having such as Nero ruling them. But Nero heard of the plot and fled Rome and finally wound up cornered by the Palace Guard on the Italian shore. Not wanting to be taken alive, Nero killed himself, an unfortunate way for a rich kid, used to all the good things in life, to go. Perhaps our current President should read some history.
2
Broken record , time to heave his garbage load
let it finish rotting in his own backyard
let it finish rotting in his own backyard
2
Incompetent at best. Lunatic at worst. Impeach, impeach, impeach.
4
These two fools are going to kill us all unless some sort of brake is put on the rhetoric. Of the two, Trump is the greater threat to world peace. Kim is trying with all his might and main to stay in power. His threats, while real, are just a means -- we hope! -- to warn us off. Trump, however, is a deranged toddler who cannot make the connect between incendiary rhetoric and actually putting the country on wartime footing. He must be removed, and fast.
Maybe it's time to actually confront the matter.
1
A clear-thinking US could end the crisis this morning because the US has a major bargaining chip that we know N. Korea will pay heed to.
N. Korea doesn't want the annual US-S.Korea military exercises, set for this month, to take place at all.
What will N. Korea offer in return if the exercises are cancelled? A complete stand-down and reassurance of no further threats or tests? Why not?
It would be a good deal for everyone. Pres. Trump should get a trade deal on the table to help N. Korea spend the billions of dollars it can save annually by not spending on nuclear futility? Maybe the US should do likewise.
N. Korea doesn't want the annual US-S.Korea military exercises, set for this month, to take place at all.
What will N. Korea offer in return if the exercises are cancelled? A complete stand-down and reassurance of no further threats or tests? Why not?
It would be a good deal for everyone. Pres. Trump should get a trade deal on the table to help N. Korea spend the billions of dollars it can save annually by not spending on nuclear futility? Maybe the US should do likewise.
He's deflecting from the fact that his words did escalate the tensions between the U.S. and N.K.
1
Of course, Trump and Kim welcome this distraction from their abysmal domestic policy performance. They must think that they are now perceived as the strong men they so longs to be perceived. That war of words will go on for a while. It suits these two all too well.
1
Let Trump mouth off as much as he wants, just not as the POTUS. Get him out of that office now! He has reduced the office of the president to a third grade class room. How undignified and untrustworthy that office has become. We've gone from Washington, Lincoln, and FDR to Trump. I didn't think we could sink lower than W. Bush. Boy was I wrong.
1
First, I don't even think we should have troops in S. Korea. However, we have created this situation over decades. This is not Trumps doing, the situation is coming to a head. The US believed the N. Koreans to be a few years away from miniaturization of a warhead - that intelligence was seemingly off. The last sanctions passed by the UN, with Chinese approval, are the last ditch effort to get N. Korea to comply or war is in the future, with or without Trump. The Chinese have recently amassed troops along its border with N. Korea and Russia has made military moves as well. The N. Korean leadership feels it can ride this out, they are wrong. Last year, before Trump, we discussed this exact situation in US history class. Listen to Lindsey Graham, notice there are already plans on the table for an attack. This didn't just happen because Trump opened his mouth no matter how much you hate him. We are dealing with inevitability here. The only nation that has a chance to prevent war is China and I'm not quite sure even they can actually successfully intervene. I wish it were not so, I live in Japan.
Trump is a complete and total fraud and should be sidelined as soon as possible before (hopefully) he can do any real damage. War with Korea? Yes, that will keep him out of jail! Thank goodness for North Korea - an excellent distraction from the his partnering with Putin.
Nuclear weapons? Trump should absolutely not be allowed near them without first a congressional declaration of war. Our military should fully resist any unlawful order to use them.
Nuclear weapons? Trump should absolutely not be allowed near them without first a congressional declaration of war. Our military should fully resist any unlawful order to use them.
I know Trump was looking for a distraction from the Russia probe but this is taking it to the extreme. Shame on all the Republicans who enabled, and continue to enable, this terrible excuse for a human being. Impeachment now!
2
Thank goodness he's on vacation! Imagine if he was working.
2
President Trump is unhinged. He should be removed from office.
2
A football analogy is apt, being the season is upon us. The United States are the New England Patriots, champions, alleged cheaters, purported spies, and still the envy of the nations. North Korea is an expansion team, nasty, playing with house money, and little to lose. Trump is Coach Belichick, reviled by the many, one step ahead of the competition. with an unapologetic drive to succeed. North Korea has the edge in unpredictability, no one knows how their leader will respond, and so the United States must play it close to the vest. A little dink and dunk. A little run attack, and save the deep threat if the game gets close. And stout defense. It's not that close right now, North Korea offers little to be afraid of, but a mismanaged game plan could let the North Koreans keep the game interesting. A good football team can win in so many ways. But, no one goes undefeated. Great football teams lose time to time, but rarely do they get beaten. Mr. Trump should head this lesson.
It is an interesting bit of synchronicity that just as media is abuzz with the raid on Manafort (indicating that the investigation is getting very serious), war is suddenly all over the news. This crazed administration is following in detail the prescription for selling a war that was laid down by Hermann Goering decades ago, and one cannot but wonder if this manufactured crisis is not a classic ploy to avoid the seemingly inevitable and disastrous (for trump) conclusion of the Mueller probe.
In this case, however, the most immediate victims would be the citizens of Seoul who are literally "under the gun". I have not heard much about how the South Koreans feel, but I doubt that they are happy with the irresponsible and deliberately provocative actions of their big "ally", who it seems will be happy to sacrifice them in order to "protect" them. Everyone should read "The Guns of August" again.
In this case, however, the most immediate victims would be the citizens of Seoul who are literally "under the gun". I have not heard much about how the South Koreans feel, but I doubt that they are happy with the irresponsible and deliberately provocative actions of their big "ally", who it seems will be happy to sacrifice them in order to "protect" them. Everyone should read "The Guns of August" again.
A prep school bully who morphs into a draft dodger and later becomes a saber rattling and extremely dangerous American president who is all too willing to commit others' family members to war and carnage. History does repeat itself. This is George W. Bush (and Dick Cheney) all over again.
Anyone notice the chirping crickets where the voices of our usual allies used to be heard when we were were threatened. Maybe Theresa May, Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron etc are all hoping that if they say nothing and dont take sides these two crazy schoolyard bullies will take each other out and their countries wont have to participate in WW III.
The Civil War, Pearl Harbor, 9/11, Trump.
3
Why do we allow people from previous administration's to talk about North Korea when they had their chance and failed! Let the people in power now to do what they failed to do and crawl back under the rock you came from and shut your trap! We don't need to hear what you think! Been there, done that!
Because, Randy, we live in a democracy where speech remains free for the moment.
But let's examine, for the moment, the following sentence-like utterance:
' Let the people in power now to do what they failed to do and crawl back under the rock you came from and shut your trap!'
Hmm:
--You are asking for the people in power now 'to do what they failed to do'.
--What 'they failed to do' would be, according to your syntax, to crawl back under the rock 'you' [apparently the commentator] allegedly came from.
Question: Don't the people in power now have had better things to do than to identify and climb under particular rocks? (Obama had an economy to rescue, and healthcare to provide to people who didn't have it, for example.)
Trump, a person in power now (alas), has things to do, too. For example: provide his tax returns; resign.
But let's examine, for the moment, the following sentence-like utterance:
' Let the people in power now to do what they failed to do and crawl back under the rock you came from and shut your trap!'
Hmm:
--You are asking for the people in power now 'to do what they failed to do'.
--What 'they failed to do' would be, according to your syntax, to crawl back under the rock 'you' [apparently the commentator] allegedly came from.
Question: Don't the people in power now have had better things to do than to identify and climb under particular rocks? (Obama had an economy to rescue, and healthcare to provide to people who didn't have it, for example.)
Trump, a person in power now (alas), has things to do, too. For example: provide his tax returns; resign.
Every time he speaks I'm embarrassed to be American. That we let this buffoon lead the country.
3
It's extremely dangerous to have an arrogant and pompous and self-promoting windbag as our president.
It's extremely dangerous to have an emotional infant with absolutely no self-control or adult behavior as our president.
It's extremely dangerous to have someone clearly confused, dimwitted, obtuse and obviously overwhelmed as our president.
It's extremely dangerous to have someone showing signs of extreme paranoia, delusional behavior, and possible dementia as our president.
But to have one person who shows all of the above and worse in his day-to-day behavior and actions increases the danger to all of us on an exponential scale.
And in an age with unimaginable destruction from nuclear weapons possible at his slightest whim, at what point do we, the American people, become complicit in possible mass murder and destruction of the planet's very ecosystem everyday that we continue to allow this unhinged, ignorant maniac to frolic in the trappings of power and the luxury of the White House and Air Force One?
Clearly, the time has come to remove Donald Trump from office. quite literally, our survival is at stake and we can't sit back and simply hope for the best any longer. The time to remove this man is now.
It's extremely dangerous to have an emotional infant with absolutely no self-control or adult behavior as our president.
It's extremely dangerous to have someone clearly confused, dimwitted, obtuse and obviously overwhelmed as our president.
It's extremely dangerous to have someone showing signs of extreme paranoia, delusional behavior, and possible dementia as our president.
But to have one person who shows all of the above and worse in his day-to-day behavior and actions increases the danger to all of us on an exponential scale.
And in an age with unimaginable destruction from nuclear weapons possible at his slightest whim, at what point do we, the American people, become complicit in possible mass murder and destruction of the planet's very ecosystem everyday that we continue to allow this unhinged, ignorant maniac to frolic in the trappings of power and the luxury of the White House and Air Force One?
Clearly, the time has come to remove Donald Trump from office. quite literally, our survival is at stake and we can't sit back and simply hope for the best any longer. The time to remove this man is now.
2
The man who received multiple deferments to the draft, including one for a heel spur, talks tough... The Tweeter in Chief is an American and World beating joke...
1
It is good to see that NYT has finally dropped global warming from the front page two days ago to zero today and focused on more pressing issues, like NK. Let's see if the NYT can focus more on the NK leadership than Trump for a short while, at least, before it returns to wasting America's time with non-stories about Russian "collusion".
Manafort. Search warrant from Federal judge means finding of probable cause, means evidence. Calling it a "non-story" is pure fantasy.
Trump's an incompetent fool, aside from being corrupt, chaotic, and in bed with the Russians ("thank you, Putin"). As always, without exception, he has made himself the story.
Trump's an incompetent fool, aside from being corrupt, chaotic, and in bed with the Russians ("thank you, Putin"). As always, without exception, he has made himself the story.
A war is the perfect old fashioned antidote to #45's domestic problems. Older than history.
1
That fool will not stop till war is the only inevitable.
Since he (and his family) will be safe, what does it matter with the rest of us?
And Pence looks as though he disbelieves reality...
Since he (and his family) will be safe, what does it matter with the rest of us?
And Pence looks as though he disbelieves reality...
The first thought that came to my mind: what else is going on that the White House doesn't want scrutinized? Basic strategy of a con - look over here while I pick your back pocket.
1
When is this lunatic going to be removed from office? We cannot afford a nuclear war. Do we even have a moral compass anymore? I'm sick to death of his antics.
2
I"ll fight - well, actually not, for I've got spurs in my heels
to the last drop of blood - of my fellow Americans, not me of course!
Over the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake you've ever seen!
to the last drop of blood - of my fellow Americans, not me of course!
Over the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake you've ever seen!
1
I just want to again thank all the thoughtful, mature American voters who donned their red MAGA hats, snarled toward Mexico, and cast their vote for this immature, self-obsessed lunatic as the next president. It's taken only seven months for this imbecile and his cabal to bring us to a brink as he plays his role in his new "reality show". Thank you for making America "great again".
(I realize that few will see my thanks here. )
(I realize that few will see my thanks here. )
2
When in power, the cowardly democrats mess things up for America. They leave the necessary hard decisions to republicans. They then criticize, ridicule what needs to be done. You can rest assured these scoundrels would never sacrifice for the homeland..
We convinced Iraq to get rid of its nuclear weapon program, then destroyed the place after inspectors certified they had complied. The lesson for NK would be that they shouldn't give up the nukes, because they are the only thing preventing a U.S. invasion. For instance, we didn't invade Pakistan, despite their harboring Osama Bin Laden. Nukes must be the reason. I am pretty sure if we "diplomacied" NK to the point where we were sure there was no chance of their nuking us, we'd invade the place to look for hidden WMDs, destroy their country, execute Kim, and leave them in poverty. I could be wrong, but the lessons of history are probably not lost on Kim, even though they are on Trump.
1
When can we get rid of this nightmare. The reckless fool is going to get us all killed. Loathe him more each and every day.
2
War will never replace diplomacy. And Trump is no diplomat. He is instead a stupid hot- head as crazy as his North Korean counterpart. Nuclear war doesn't just kill outright. He can main and sicken survivors in the long run. And what about the air we breathe? The man should quit raving like a maniac and let sensible advisors speak with the North Koreans. The trouble is that there are no sensible individuals in his administration or the Republican Party.
1
With "defenders" like Trump, South Korea needs no enemies. When Trump gets a couple of million South Koreans incinerated to prove how big his hands are, I'm sure they'll be very grateful.
I would be very pleased to have the liar-in-chief stick up for me but only if it
was Trump himself who would be out on the battlefield.
was Trump himself who would be out on the battlefield.
Trump is saying that we are threatened by North Korea, while he is threatening them and threatening to threat more. This is a man full of his power, bullying, driven by what he can do, or say that he can do. He plays with it so the world can see how powerful he is. and always the con-man, he is selling that as protecting us, as strength. Again it's all about him.
Trump himself is the threat to us, as from the first, unfit to this office of immense power. The threat to world we pose by Trump's unchecked tactic here is at least being checked by China, They are saying, thankfully, and if Trump hears it, they will defend North Korea if we dare to pre-empt.
This administration needs to first of all make the line clear to North Korea that an attack on Guam, as they threaten is an attack on the U.S. Then we need to start talking diplomatically, not shouting as per Trump. Trump should shut up.
Trump himself is the threat to us, as from the first, unfit to this office of immense power. The threat to world we pose by Trump's unchecked tactic here is at least being checked by China, They are saying, thankfully, and if Trump hears it, they will defend North Korea if we dare to pre-empt.
This administration needs to first of all make the line clear to North Korea that an attack on Guam, as they threaten is an attack on the U.S. Then we need to start talking diplomatically, not shouting as per Trump. Trump should shut up.
1
It appears as always, that there is a division of support for our erstwhile President. But in my opinion, he still acts like he is on his TV show. I am in charge and can say anything I want. When lhe wakes up and decides to start acting like a president then someone may actually pay attention to him. Hopefully that happens before we get into a shooting war. But then again, his attention span will wander and he will have another topic. I find it hard to believe that \he went a WHOLE DAY without "fake news."
Guam is in effect part of the United States. An attack on Guam is an attack on the US. Let us say North Korea drops some shells into the water off Guam is that an attack on the US? What if a shell kills a fisherman off Guam.
Let us assume Donald J. Trump reacts and orders an attack on North Korea.
Would the generals follow through? Or would they prevent Trump to follow through on his order. Would Trump start firing every general down the line until there was a general who would follow through?
Let us assume Donald J. Trump reacts and orders an attack on North Korea.
Would the generals follow through? Or would they prevent Trump to follow through on his order. Would Trump start firing every general down the line until there was a general who would follow through?
Gather the Cabinet, Gen. Kelly, to exercise the
ammendment that allows them to remove a
president.
ammendment that allows them to remove a
president.
1
Thanks President Coward for putting half our country in danger of a nuclear strike--as well as europe--simply by shooting your mouth off. Our family and friends are in plenty of danger now while you enjoy more golf at your cushy home away from home. This weekend, why don't you take a trip to Muir woods or visit Guam? Are we going to be dead by Labor Day? You are disgusting.
1
Trump should meet with the NKs in China. He should offer to recognize NK and pull out all American military out of SK over a 10 year period- if NK ends all further testing of nukes and ICBMs. NK will never give up its nukes but if it stops testing, it shouldn't be much of a threat to anyone. Maybe offer some aid too. This solution would be a lot better than a war!
14
Pure fantasy. Pulling out of "SK" means turning a functioning democracy over to a Communist military dictatorship. After using nuclear weapons to win the 65-year Korean War (even without exploding them on us or the South Koreans), the North Koreans "shouldn't be much of a threat to anyone." Are you out of your mind?
Should we also give them a ransom? Maybe most favored nation status as well. That'll do it.
North Korean leaders are interested in weapons of mass destruction for their offensive utility political or otherwise. The choices that the President of the United States faces in trying to head off North Korea nuclear weapons capabilities are the most agonising for an American president has faced in recent memory even more than the 1991 Gulf war. There are those in the United States who prefer diplomatic channels like like UN and Idea knowing fully well the impotence of these institutions. For the United States both action and inaction are fraught with dangers. The United States Administration must understand that North Korea is an outlawed regime driven by radical ideology unappeasesably hostile to the world community.
2
Scary to think Trump would risk nuclear war with North Korea to try and divert attention away from the Russia investigation which is steadily gaining momentum.
5
Rather than a president who uses a "bully pulpit" we have a bully in the playground who has never grown up.
3
Two points-
1 Trump looked frightened with his arms tightly crossed when he made this comment.
2 He said there'd be "fire" etc "if we are threatened again." Guam was then threatened and Trump hasn't done a thing.
1 Trump looked frightened with his arms tightly crossed when he made this comment.
2 He said there'd be "fire" etc "if we are threatened again." Guam was then threatened and Trump hasn't done a thing.
1
If it is any comfort this is all a no interest subject in China where preparing for a transition in leadership next month is holding the party's attention. Trump is viewed as "unreliable" a term with many meaning departing from statesman by a wide margin but war is not expected. Of course they do not read our press or see our TV coverage. They wish talks and a solution.
see: http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1060791.shtml
see: http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1060791.shtml
Put the TV down and start seeing this as they've done for 60+ years in South Korea. Trump has incorporated too much TV blustering for our own good.
1
The NYT should run an article on what ethics experts think of nuclear warfare. I think Trump's bellicose threats (along with No. Korea's) are immoral. Trump is threatening a disproportionate response to what seems like a possible military exercise, albeit an unnecessary one, i.e. the launch of missiles near Guam. Let's say the dominoes fall: NK missiles fall into the sea, US bombs or nukes some NK launch sites, NK rains down rockets on Seoul, US obliterates Peongyang, all resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent people. How is this moral?
1
It's not moral in any sense. But Trump has a favorite evil fundamentalist pastor who has assured him it is not a sin to cause the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and maybe many times more. Pure depravity all for vanity.
It's not about "moral." For Trump it's about "winning."
That low hum emanating from the midwest and all the up to Chicago way - folks just beside themselves, all jazzed up for The Rapture and chanting in unison: Thank you, Lord for Donald Trump.
Food not bombs.
2
I thought most people grew out of this by middle school. The little kid idea that if somebody says something you don't like you're justified in hitting him.
Nope.
Nope.
2
Thank God we don't have Obama, Hillary of Bernie in the White House. Guam would be a cinder by now.
People are acting as if this is the first time that North Korea has provoked the US. Check the Pueblo incident that happened in 1968 where North Korea captured a US spy ship in international waters. A US sailor was killed during that capture. In fact, the Pueblo is still held by the North Koreans. We didn't go to war at that time probably because Vietnam was just starting to heat up. The point is that we've had cause enough in the past to go to war with North Korea and we chose not to.
Unlike many other countries, America has for two hundred years not endured war across its own territory, with all the misery that means for its people. "War" has always been somewhere else - yes, some families lose loved ones in the armed services, but civilians have stayed safe at home.
To those who are encouraging Mr Trump in this foolish bravado - please try to imagine what a nuclear strike near your home town might mean.
I recently visited the "secret bunker" in Scotland, a Cold War nuclear refuge for the administration. (Including defences against invasion by ordinary citizens sekking shelter). Even for someone like me who lived fearfully through the Bay of Pigs era, it was chilling.
We cannot return to those days. Please, America, try to rein in your President - for all our sakes.
To those who are encouraging Mr Trump in this foolish bravado - please try to imagine what a nuclear strike near your home town might mean.
I recently visited the "secret bunker" in Scotland, a Cold War nuclear refuge for the administration. (Including defences against invasion by ordinary citizens sekking shelter). Even for someone like me who lived fearfully through the Bay of Pigs era, it was chilling.
We cannot return to those days. Please, America, try to rein in your President - for all our sakes.
3
Mr. President, the world is not one of your rallies, and we are not cheering your tough talk.
5
Which is it?
Gen. Mattis is saying that diplomatic overtures are making some headway. But now, Trump is tweeting that the military solutions are "locked and loaded."
How can we get through to him that he is playing a very dangerous game of chicken? That is this not only between him and Kim? How much longer can he keep undercutting those cooler heads who are trying to avoid "fire and fury"? Can they all possibly try to be on the same message, for just this once in this administration's short, miserable history?
One minute we are told that things aren't as bad as they look. The next, we seem to be one step closer to war. This dissonance has been going on for days. We deserve better. The world deserves better. Can there be any lingering doubt that Trump is incompetent, and just as dangerous as Kim?
Never have I felt less confident that the U.S. will act prudently.
Gen. Mattis is saying that diplomatic overtures are making some headway. But now, Trump is tweeting that the military solutions are "locked and loaded."
How can we get through to him that he is playing a very dangerous game of chicken? That is this not only between him and Kim? How much longer can he keep undercutting those cooler heads who are trying to avoid "fire and fury"? Can they all possibly try to be on the same message, for just this once in this administration's short, miserable history?
One minute we are told that things aren't as bad as they look. The next, we seem to be one step closer to war. This dissonance has been going on for days. We deserve better. The world deserves better. Can there be any lingering doubt that Trump is incompetent, and just as dangerous as Kim?
Never have I felt less confident that the U.S. will act prudently.
5
Pity the poor oppressed people in North Korea suffering for years under a cruel dictatorship and now threatened, almost casually,with annihilation by an unstable US President. And imagine how it must feel for the people of South Korea just a short distance away who are also in effect threatened with the same fate by the same man.
6
"Asked if that was a dare, Mr. Trump said: “It’s not a dare. It’s a statement. Has nothing to do with dare. That’s a statement. He’s not going to go around threatening Guam and he’s not going to threaten the United States and he’s not going to threaten Japan, and he’s not going to threaten South Korea. No, that’s not a dare, as you say. That is a statement of fact.”
Is this "statement of fact" support by others on the hill or is Trump falsely "shouting fire in the theater" ?
Does anyone know for a fact that Kim would actually push a button on a nuclear warhead? Does Trump have the support of both houses to act on these words? Does anyone have a strategy supporting these threats? Am I just a witnessing yet another one of Trump's loud mouth, pounding his chest bulling tactics ?
I really do not know. What I do know is that he has got to be Stopped.
Is this "statement of fact" support by others on the hill or is Trump falsely "shouting fire in the theater" ?
Does anyone know for a fact that Kim would actually push a button on a nuclear warhead? Does Trump have the support of both houses to act on these words? Does anyone have a strategy supporting these threats? Am I just a witnessing yet another one of Trump's loud mouth, pounding his chest bulling tactics ?
I really do not know. What I do know is that he has got to be Stopped.
3
I wonder where Trump thinks this is going. What does he think will be the result of his threats? Kim will stop making threats? Kim will stop nuclear testing? Kim will stop missile testing.? Kim will believe that Trump might initiate an attack that could cost the lives of millions and millions of South Koreans and Japanese? Kim will become fearful and bow down to Trump's power?
If the threats have no effect on Kim and he just carries on, what is Trump's next move? Where does he go from here? Will any countries of the world be willing to join with Trump? To commit to "fire and fury"?
There has been no thought to any of this. This is is not even what can be called a US government action. This is Trump, personally, mouthing off while on vacation. This is road rage.
If the threats have no effect on Kim and he just carries on, what is Trump's next move? Where does he go from here? Will any countries of the world be willing to join with Trump? To commit to "fire and fury"?
There has been no thought to any of this. This is is not even what can be called a US government action. This is Trump, personally, mouthing off while on vacation. This is road rage.
5
um, remember the attack on pearl harbor? and why it happened?
1
Yes, I do remember. What's your point?
I do not think it is true that Clinton, Bush and Obama got us into this situation, as Trump would have us believe. The reality is they kept it from heating up to the point we are now. It is Trump's rhetoric and threats that are putting the Country in grave danger. Some one should put tape over his mouth so he cannot talk and tie his hands behind his back so he cannot tweet. It is his impetuousness and bullying ways that are taking us down the path of possible war. Trump has managed in 8 months to destroy our reputation as a Democracy and the Congress and Senate remain silent. They are equally to blame in this game.
Mitch McConnell is "disgraceful" but not for the reasons Trump states. He is disgraceful for his inhumane behavior towards those less fortunate than him. And the only reason McConnell is in his fortunate position is due to some very naïve voters who put him there. We the taxpayers pay for his soulless behavior.
And Trump's statement about saving payroll costs thanks to Putin is laughable. Just another sign of Trump's support of Putin.
Trump needs to be removed from office before he destroys us in a Nuclear war. He would do this out of spite, just because he can.
Mitch McConnell is "disgraceful" but not for the reasons Trump states. He is disgraceful for his inhumane behavior towards those less fortunate than him. And the only reason McConnell is in his fortunate position is due to some very naïve voters who put him there. We the taxpayers pay for his soulless behavior.
And Trump's statement about saving payroll costs thanks to Putin is laughable. Just another sign of Trump's support of Putin.
Trump needs to be removed from office before he destroys us in a Nuclear war. He would do this out of spite, just because he can.
6
Is this Trump's 'Falklands Island' moment/play?
Is Trump aware that China will not sit idly by and watch the US preemptively strike N. K.? Does anyone believe that US allies will support such an act and support the US? Those people who support Trump's bellicose braggadocio need to think beyond the tip of their very short noses.
1
As I commented before on this topic, the current situation in NK is a result of Obama's do nothing policy of "strategic patience;" a type of sit back and wait and see. Well America sat back an and waited for 8 years, and see what happened. NK developed and tested its nuclear weapons, 5 alone tests alone under Obama; miniaturized the weapons to fit atop ICBMs; developed and tested an ICBM capable of reaching the US. A lot can happen in eight years of doing nothing. Thank God America has Donald Trump in this time of urgency, I support the President. I support Trump! Thank you.
1
You don't have any relatives or friends in S. Korea or Guam, do you?
Is it time for a "man on horseback" to rid us of this clear and present danger named Trump?
We have a President who is threatening nuclear war to cover up the fact we elected a Russian Spy to be our POTUS. America has never been in more danger. Mr. Mueller please save us.
1
Bottom line: six months in and we are talking scenarios for nuclear war. Who knew it would be so hard - not to kill everybody?
the north korean leader knows we can destroy his country. he doesn't know if we plan a regime change attack.
we do have these regime changes on our resume.
our tough talk is unnecessary and increases risk.
we do have these regime changes on our resume.
our tough talk is unnecessary and increases risk.
We Californians are supposed to be shaking in our boots because some small country 5500 miles away, roughly the size of Pennsylvania with a population equivalent of Texas, and a GDP similar to Montana or Wyoming, is waving some imagined boogie man in our face. Frankly, I'm far more afraid of the bozo in the white house. When does this country get a grip on reality?
If you can't beat them, bully them! It doesn't work, but this is all he apparently knows.
1
The "adults" left the room a long time ago.
1
Look, things have changed. Pres. Trump should be sending Nikki R. Haley over to the U.N to convene an emergency U.N. Security Council session to deliver the message to the world that since NoKo has acknowledged possession of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver same, the United States will be forced to consider it an act of nuclear War against the United States if NoKo fires any missiles in the direction of any allied country in the region.
Pres. Trump may want to address the nation with the same announcement."
ps: Note to Kim Jong-Un, Welcome to the Club.
Pres. Trump may want to address the nation with the same announcement."
ps: Note to Kim Jong-Un, Welcome to the Club.
Are there no patriots left in the Republican Party who are willing to stand in Trump's way as he tries to send untold scores of thousands to their death for his pwn evil purposes?
1
This is terrifying. And maybe because I'm not US-based, but where is the outrage on the streets? Why are there no massive protests against Trump's lunacy? Trump is actually threatening a NUCLEAR ATTACK.
I'm not trying to sow panic, but why does everyone still seem relatively calm? Where are the Democrats? Who is going to step in? You would think there would be riots by now..!!
Do we not think this is actually going to happen?
I'm not trying to sow panic, but why does everyone still seem relatively calm? Where are the Democrats? Who is going to step in? You would think there would be riots by now..!!
Do we not think this is actually going to happen?
It's 2am, the bar is closing and just a few people remain.
A man, clearly drunk and semi-coherent, sits alone at the far end of bar. He's mumbling nonsense, loose thoughts.
One of the few patrons left approaches him.
"Hey, pal, you look pretty out of if…may I ask you a question?"
"Sure," he blurts his response.
"Well, you seem a bit crazed and you're not making sense… How's about we make you president and put you in charge of large decisions like war and mass casualties?"
"Sure!"
And, that's, essentially, where we are.
A man, clearly drunk and semi-coherent, sits alone at the far end of bar. He's mumbling nonsense, loose thoughts.
One of the few patrons left approaches him.
"Hey, pal, you look pretty out of if…may I ask you a question?"
"Sure," he blurts his response.
"Well, you seem a bit crazed and you're not making sense… How's about we make you president and put you in charge of large decisions like war and mass casualties?"
"Sure!"
And, that's, essentially, where we are.
1
I believe this is what 'checkmate' feels like. And the victor is not Kim Jung Un, but the PRC. With no course of action likely to serve America's interests, and virtually all guaranteed to improve Beijing's, it seems the long game belongs to China.
1
Impeach Trump before it is too late, dear American people. Condemn Trump, Mr. President of South Korea and Mr. Prime Minister of Japan lest Kim becomes as deranged as Trump.
For those who haven't noticed it's not Donnie who has been launching missiles in the Pacific while threatening the whole world. Negotiations with a regime? It'd be hypocritical and inneffective. A la française. A special elite unit has to take Kim down and liberate Korean. Now. Or we need to wait for another Pearl Harbor and then start a nuclear war for real?
Trump had the chance to stand up for America in his younger days, but he preferred to take questionable deferments and let others risk their lives. He seems to be following the same pattern now.
1
Article 25. Now!
Our presidents have been appeasing North Korea since at least Bill Clinton. -- the president who gave them several billion dollars and *asked* them not to build nuclear weapons. President Clinton doing that set the tone for North Korea to openly insult our nation with threats of destruction and more.
Since it is a fact that an attack on America from North Korea would bring fire and fury to North Korea, what argument does any normal person have to object to the president stating this fact?
For decades, the New York Times truly was considered and treated as the paper of record.
But in the last decade or so, the Times has not only lost its way but gone back to siding with our country's blood enemies.
Somebody should inform the dwindling leadership of this formerly truly great news organization that a majority of rational people in America not only disagrees harshly with the bulk of your radical leftist agenda, but we are also laughing at you in pity.
The depravity to which you now stoop to obstruct our president has become literally and legally criminal.
Since it is a fact that an attack on America from North Korea would bring fire and fury to North Korea, what argument does any normal person have to object to the president stating this fact?
For decades, the New York Times truly was considered and treated as the paper of record.
But in the last decade or so, the Times has not only lost its way but gone back to siding with our country's blood enemies.
Somebody should inform the dwindling leadership of this formerly truly great news organization that a majority of rational people in America not only disagrees harshly with the bulk of your radical leftist agenda, but we are also laughing at you in pity.
The depravity to which you now stoop to obstruct our president has become literally and legally criminal.
It was Republicans, both GW Bush and in Congress, that broke the agreement Clinton had made first, before North Korea resumed building nukes. The majority of American voters has pretty consistently voted for Democrats for the last 25 years, and didn't vote for the monstrous fool in the White House. The NYT is pretty much middle-of-the-road, same as it's always been, you've just gone off the deep end on the right and have lost all perspective on what "radical" and "leftist" actually mean. The majority of rational people in America think it's Trump who is "siding with our country's blood enemies," and think there's a good chance Mueller will prove this in court. Depravity is one of Trump's most prominent features.
1
This country has sent a boy to do a man's job.
2
Trump takes "he'll do anything for TV ratings" to a new level of insanity. Someone please tell him this is not a reality show on Fox.
'It’s about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries.' Indeed: by invoking the Twenty-Fifth Amendment and removing this menace, Trump, from office.
Perhaps some NBA basketball players could make an appointment with Kim Jong-un to initiate talking? Someone, please!
The problem is there are two narcissistic huge egos as leaders of these two countries, where their self-love is really self-hate and they simply don't care about people.
The problem is there are two narcissistic huge egos as leaders of these two countries, where their self-love is really self-hate and they simply don't care about people.
1
Threatening North Korea is a ploy to get General Kelly off his back. Kelly ought to resign. And there should be no expectations that anyone should follow the president's directions if he doesn't think they are wise.
A counter ploy for Kelly, but too much trouble for him, would be to stick with the president but not engage him. Just manage the staff as they wonder how to prevent the end of the world. Or how to evacuate the Americans. I'd suggest putting them up in Trump hotels.
A counter ploy for Kelly, but too much trouble for him, would be to stick with the president but not engage him. Just manage the staff as they wonder how to prevent the end of the world. Or how to evacuate the Americans. I'd suggest putting them up in Trump hotels.
There's another article in the NYT today - Meet Kim Jong-un, a moody young man with a nuclear arsenal.
Quite frankly, it's Donald Trump, a cranky old man with a nuclear arsenal, who terrifies me. His overblown ego is what is driving him, nothing more. He needs to be seen as the winner, no matter the cost.
There is no reason or rational on display here. No knowledge. Just his gut.
Is it bad enough yet, McConnell and Ryan?
452 days till the 2018 Midterms.
I hope we get there intact.
Quite frankly, it's Donald Trump, a cranky old man with a nuclear arsenal, who terrifies me. His overblown ego is what is driving him, nothing more. He needs to be seen as the winner, no matter the cost.
There is no reason or rational on display here. No knowledge. Just his gut.
Is it bad enough yet, McConnell and Ryan?
452 days till the 2018 Midterms.
I hope we get there intact.
Trump is determined to restart the war that never ended. If he secedes, it will be another Vietnam swallowing up yong men and mountains of bodies, One war, after another, beginning with WW II. Keep the Military Industrial Complex in business. Keep population down. Keep unemployment down. My father died in the Korean War. I never knew him. I was only a baby when he went off to fight. A Father in Korea, two Husbands KIA, Vietnam, I served two tours at combat hospitals in Nam, two children currently serving in Afghanistan that never knew their father ... Thankfully they are doctors in the medical corps and somewhat safer.
.
Enough has been sacrificed. This man in not fit to lead us through a war. This man who cheated his way out of Vietnam and service on bone spurs, What a joke, it is a very simple surgery to remove them. It wasn’t like his family was too poor to afford the surgery.
.
Enough has been sacrificed. This man in not fit to lead us through a war. This man who cheated his way out of Vietnam and service on bone spurs, What a joke, it is a very simple surgery to remove them. It wasn’t like his family was too poor to afford the surgery.
1
So how's that Kelly thing working out for us?
1
On August 21, 1940, Winston Churchill said "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."
Now we're about to enter the field of conflict owing to the few rational minds at the top levers of power in this country. VP, security advisers, secretaries, chief of staff, generals... somebody... anybody... MUST tell Trump to stand down on his war of words. His blustering ego could end up stained by the blood of millions.
Now we're about to enter the field of conflict owing to the few rational minds at the top levers of power in this country. VP, security advisers, secretaries, chief of staff, generals... somebody... anybody... MUST tell Trump to stand down on his war of words. His blustering ego could end up stained by the blood of millions.
1
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
- Edmund Burke
- Edmund Burke
Why are we taking the bait? Trump is trying to distract us from Russia-gate, healthcare, and his seriously slumping approval ratings with this ridiculous argument made for world wide wrestling. We should wake up.
1
The proof that #45 knows nothing about anything important, including Kim Jong Un and North Korea lies in the comments he made two months ago about Mr. Kim. ("He must be one smart cookie." and "It would be an an honor to meet him.) You may recall at the time, that his sycophants made the ludicrous claim that the comments demonstrated his diplomatic and statesman-like demeanor.
How much longer will it take until the Times recognizes that #45's only area of expertise lies in bullying everyone with whom he comes into contact. Indeed, when will the Editorial Board call him out for what he really is: a clear and present danger to the country and the planet. The clock is ticking.
How much longer will it take until the Times recognizes that #45's only area of expertise lies in bullying everyone with whom he comes into contact. Indeed, when will the Editorial Board call him out for what he really is: a clear and present danger to the country and the planet. The clock is ticking.
Mr. Trump's tenuous connection with reality is frighteningly obvious as he "deals" with North Korea. Perhaps if he had not avoided the draft and had served in Vietnam as did most of my male friends and I, he might have a more visceral appreciation of the horrors of war. The world now faces an increased chance of nuclear war as two petulant and immature men, one in his 30s and one in his 70s, joust over the size of their manhood. If either man had actually earned his own success, rather than having it handed to him by a wealthy and powerful parent, we might be at less risk.
He has his bomb shelter and couldn't care less about the rest of us.
1
Hurry, Mr. Mueller, hurry!
3
Margaret Thatcher saved her premiership by way of the Falkland war, it completely turned around what had been a dismal premiership in rapid decline. She became a war hero. I sincerely hope your dear Mr Trump is not thinking of doing the same except on a much larger and more destructive scale!
Many many Security Council meetings of UN.
Many many negotiations, assistances, and sanctions for decades has helped the nuclear experiments and launching ICBMs.
Even the threat to Guam now.
NK has declared repeatedly "We will never abandon nuks. We will sell the nuks to terrorists over the world".
South Korea will be absorbed by NK soon.
Many many negotiations, assistances, and sanctions for decades has helped the nuclear experiments and launching ICBMs.
Even the threat to Guam now.
NK has declared repeatedly "We will never abandon nuks. We will sell the nuks to terrorists over the world".
South Korea will be absorbed by NK soon.
Two lunatics. We're in deep trouble.
1
Alt-Left is allergic to the common sense in the Whitehouse.
North Korea crisis is not of Trump's making and has been long in coming. For decades, there is no good solution and there remains none. It is unfortunate that now the ball fall in Mr. Trump's court, a most amoral, ignorant and thoughtless man. It is not only many Americans are in danger but many of our friends in Korea and Japan.
14
Time to remove Trump. The 25th Amendment standard is whether "the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." It takes a 2/3 vote of both Houses of Congress to remove him. In the quiet of their own consciences, 2/3 of our Senators and Congressmen cannot possibly believe Trump is able to discharge the powers and duties of his office. We need a national movement to get him removed.
13
This one article alone reads like a weekend update bit it's so surreal. hard to believe this is our reality.
3
Middle east crisis is different story, if North Korea is attacked, that will certainly trigger world war.
Diplomacy of fear and threatening worked in middle east, but the same old trick does not apply everywhere and all the time. There should be a solid dialogue between state leaders on give and take basis.
When enemy becomes strong make him a friend and watch carefully.
Kim has miniaturized nuclear weapon that can be put on Missile system means it might go to ISIS or other terrorist. So this is the time for decisive diplomacy.
So threatening in harsh words , showing F16, B12 and other deadly weapons time has run out.
Hunting Kim and his Missile like Bin Laden might work but not guaranteed and it would be too risky. Any small mistake will result Third world war.
Because When Korean start to die, It will be near south Korea and China.
Diplomacy of fear and threatening worked in middle east, but the same old trick does not apply everywhere and all the time. There should be a solid dialogue between state leaders on give and take basis.
When enemy becomes strong make him a friend and watch carefully.
Kim has miniaturized nuclear weapon that can be put on Missile system means it might go to ISIS or other terrorist. So this is the time for decisive diplomacy.
So threatening in harsh words , showing F16, B12 and other deadly weapons time has run out.
Hunting Kim and his Missile like Bin Laden might work but not guaranteed and it would be too risky. Any small mistake will result Third world war.
Because When Korean start to die, It will be near south Korea and China.
1
A nuclear war against North Korea is not only reckless and immoral, it is also practically impossible to carry out without contaminating and wrecking South Korea with nuclear fallout for decades to come. Why doesn't anyone ever mention this fact?
The death toll in South Korea would be in the thousands, and its economy would be wrecked for decades (think practically: what country would ever import South Korean products such as cars, mobile phones and appliances contaminated by radioactive fallout?). Any child can look at a map of Korea and realize this, but apparently not the President or his advisers.
The death toll in South Korea would be in the thousands, and its economy would be wrecked for decades (think practically: what country would ever import South Korean products such as cars, mobile phones and appliances contaminated by radioactive fallout?). Any child can look at a map of Korea and realize this, but apparently not the President or his advisers.
3
Trump Doubles Down on Threats Against North Korea as Nuclear Tensions Escalate: Peter Baker
This week in the times once again our president and the adverse situations around the world caught my eye. For years now tensions with North Korea have been growing worse and worse. The Times covered more about Trump's seemingly dangerous approach towards the North Koreans as it is one of showing strength and no signs of backing down. This includes lots of tough talks which is quite different than policies we have seen in recent years. I was quite interested in the "fiery" statements that were put out from the White House this week. After reading the statements I can only wonder when military action will be taken. It is easy to say these things but we are dealing with a hostile situation and massive amounts of human lives are at risk. A war of any type would be disastrous. It is shocking how public these talks are. In addition to North Korea, the Times interested me by all of the other issues surrounding the presidency. North Korea is only a fraction of the controversy surrounding the White House. I was also interested to read about Trump's defense to his ban on transgender service members. His reasons for the ban didn't show any evidence that this was helping the military. It gets worse, he is shaming his own party for not passing a health care bill. This was a shocking and eye catching article in the Times this week. There seems to be much more to come.
This week in the times once again our president and the adverse situations around the world caught my eye. For years now tensions with North Korea have been growing worse and worse. The Times covered more about Trump's seemingly dangerous approach towards the North Koreans as it is one of showing strength and no signs of backing down. This includes lots of tough talks which is quite different than policies we have seen in recent years. I was quite interested in the "fiery" statements that were put out from the White House this week. After reading the statements I can only wonder when military action will be taken. It is easy to say these things but we are dealing with a hostile situation and massive amounts of human lives are at risk. A war of any type would be disastrous. It is shocking how public these talks are. In addition to North Korea, the Times interested me by all of the other issues surrounding the presidency. North Korea is only a fraction of the controversy surrounding the White House. I was also interested to read about Trump's defense to his ban on transgender service members. His reasons for the ban didn't show any evidence that this was helping the military. It gets worse, he is shaming his own party for not passing a health care bill. This was a shocking and eye catching article in the Times this week. There seems to be much more to come.
1
I suggest that the only practical solution to tin horn dictators taking over the entire economic and military powers of a country for their own personal benefit is for the international community to develop a protocol that will absolutely isolate any country in which there is an autocracy with the following characteristics:
* no free and fair elections
* persecution of journalists
* confiscation of more than 5% of GDP for ruler
* adherence to a written constitution
Any country that violates these guidelines would be prohibited from any trade with the outside world including bank accounts and travel by its rulers.
* no free and fair elections
* persecution of journalists
* confiscation of more than 5% of GDP for ruler
* adherence to a written constitution
Any country that violates these guidelines would be prohibited from any trade with the outside world including bank accounts and travel by its rulers.
Trump's provocative statements regarding North Korea started after a news article stated the DIA had determined the DPRK had been able to miniaturization nuclear warheads. (I think the DIA stated the same thing four or five years ago.) I have not read any articles showing agreement among the remaining intelligence agencies, nor have there been public statements from the government agencies on this.
I am a bit skeptical since the Bush administration intelligence agencies statements concluding Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. These analyses were the basis for the Iraq war, which demonstrated there were no WMD in Iraq.
The president's statements are unnecessary in the context of the success at the UN in passing sanctions against the DPRK to include support from China and Russia. Of course, I am assuming the president was provoked by something to speak publicly like a 12-year-old tinpot dictator.
I am a bit skeptical since the Bush administration intelligence agencies statements concluding Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. These analyses were the basis for the Iraq war, which demonstrated there were no WMD in Iraq.
The president's statements are unnecessary in the context of the success at the UN in passing sanctions against the DPRK to include support from China and Russia. Of course, I am assuming the president was provoked by something to speak publicly like a 12-year-old tinpot dictator.
The UN Security Council will end up imposing sanctions on the United States. Any threat of using nuclear weapons coming from our president or assisting South Korea in their use may be in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. If our own Congress will not remove him from office it may end up coming from the United Nations.
This situation/quagmire has not changed in seventy years, except that North Korea now has its own nuclear capabilities. During the Korean War, MacArthur supported the idea of using nukes but when China entered the conflict via its "volunteers," that strategy was removed to keep from widening the war.North Korea's neighbors, China and Russia, won't like the idea of US nukes raining down on North Korea, creating radioactive fallout that knows no borders. So as Kim plays with his new toys and hurls threats, if he launches the Guam plan, this old game of chicken will come to a violent conclusion that has global consequences for us all.
We are at the 55th anniversary of the publication of "The Guns of August" and it is still relevant as we watch leaders in North Korea and the USA blunder and bluster toward war, with no concept of the uncontrollable results if that should happen.
Unfortunately those who most need to read and understand the book will never read it -- what is President Trump's reading limit, one paragraph double-spaced?
Unfortunately those who most need to read and understand the book will never read it -- what is President Trump's reading limit, one paragraph double-spaced?
1
Well, a war would certainly provide a distraction from Mueller's investigation of Trump's finances.
4
Yep. A Republican tactic.
1
To those commentators suggesting that military action with NKorea or even China may be an option, please be aware that you are on your own.
You are not sending my kids into this battlefield and I would be very surprised if any of Trump's kids or grandkids find their way there either.
You are not sending my kids into this battlefield and I would be very surprised if any of Trump's kids or grandkids find their way there either.
1
Trump is playing to his base. They applaud and cheer when he's "strong;."
The big problem is that Kim Jong-un is also playing to his base. He uses real and imaginary threats to his regime to help keep the people of North Korea in line.
I believe that no one knows how to be most effective in stopping the North Koreans from developing dangerous nuclear capacities. Ultimately, there will have to be fundamental changes in its regime and the foreign relations to lessen the threat.
Achieving that change is complicated. Ultimately, it's likely the best response won't look much like "winning."
The big problem is that Kim Jong-un is also playing to his base. He uses real and imaginary threats to his regime to help keep the people of North Korea in line.
I believe that no one knows how to be most effective in stopping the North Koreans from developing dangerous nuclear capacities. Ultimately, there will have to be fundamental changes in its regime and the foreign relations to lessen the threat.
Achieving that change is complicated. Ultimately, it's likely the best response won't look much like "winning."
A war, even a conventional one, with N. Korea will plunge the world into an economic crisis. Putting aside for a minute the hundreds of thousands dead on the Korean peninsula and surrounding area, so many trade routes and manufacturing is done in that part of the world that if they were interrupted, economies will crash.
Trump is going to use the "Tail that wags the Dog" theory to get everyone's mind off the Mueller investigation. If the world pays a price, well so be it. The rich and powerful will be insulated.
Trump is going to use the "Tail that wags the Dog" theory to get everyone's mind off the Mueller investigation. If the world pays a price, well so be it. The rich and powerful will be insulated.
The main assessment here is the true risk of North Korea initiating an attack (even if they have the capability to do so).
If there is a US preventive attack, that Risk is very high, most likely a certainty, unless the preventive attack can wipe out the country's offensive capabilities, which is unlikely before they can launch an attack on South Korea.
What if there is no preventive attack? Will North Korea make the first strike? It's hard to understand how and why, unless they've been cornered and have no other option. If they do strike first, they know there's absolutely nothing preventing them to be wiped out by the entire world, with perhaps the opposition of Cuba and Venezuela. It's suicidal: even with one of the largest armies in the world, they're well aware than they'd be crushed.
North Korea hasn't made any serious attack since the cessation of hostilities half a century ago, so what can possibly be the motivation for them to make a first strike?
If Trump orders an attack, then it's certain that, at the very least, many thousands of South (and North) Korean civilians will die. Isn't it just best to continue to ignore them and let them do their showings of fireworks?
If there is a US preventive attack, that Risk is very high, most likely a certainty, unless the preventive attack can wipe out the country's offensive capabilities, which is unlikely before they can launch an attack on South Korea.
What if there is no preventive attack? Will North Korea make the first strike? It's hard to understand how and why, unless they've been cornered and have no other option. If they do strike first, they know there's absolutely nothing preventing them to be wiped out by the entire world, with perhaps the opposition of Cuba and Venezuela. It's suicidal: even with one of the largest armies in the world, they're well aware than they'd be crushed.
North Korea hasn't made any serious attack since the cessation of hostilities half a century ago, so what can possibly be the motivation for them to make a first strike?
If Trump orders an attack, then it's certain that, at the very least, many thousands of South (and North) Korean civilians will die. Isn't it just best to continue to ignore them and let them do their showings of fireworks?
1
In my lifetime, I have already seen my President insist on the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (58,000 dead), and drag us into war on Iraq (5,000 + dead). Congress does have a role in the war game Trump is playing. We need the Senate and House off their summer recess and in Washington managing this administration. Trump is out of control.
2
What makes Americans think that Kim could be persuaded by China to back down ? Kim family's power came from Russia more than China at the end of Japanese invasion. North Korean textsbooks barely mentions China's help during the Korean War, although China paid a heavy price for the war in terms of death and poverty. Kim now even scolded China for siding with U.S. suppression. China cannot afford to irritate this neighbor for it could be the victim of Kim's eractic unstable missles; it has heavy population near the border.
What better way to distract from domestic failures and Russian collusion investigations than a nice big nuclear war!
3
Precisely sort of rhetoric one expects from a punk who has always run from a fight, or paid others to fight the fights he'd lose in a man-to-man confrontation. A classic chicken hawk, one who refused to serve his country when called but who is more than willing to put others in harm's way to assuage his feelings of inadequacy as a man. How can veterans support him?
1
It's becoming clear Trump is setting up the context for a preemptive strike unless North Korea capitulates in a week or two. You can fault Trump for bellicose rhetoric, but after the failures of Clinton, Bush, and Obama, he needs some way to make North Korea appreciate that he will not acquiesce in the same fashion. Diplomacy is needed to get Russia and China to allow us a free hand for military operations and to get South Korea and Japan on board. Big question is what sort of follow up does Trump have planned if a first strike doesn't get North Korea to scuttle their nuclear and missile programs, but instead ignites conventional attacks on South Korea or missile attacks on Japan. Trump should get a declaration of war by Congress before embarking on this path.
I have always been fascinated by the Trump's whole presidency. He is not like most presidents who would stray from confrontation by the top dogs such as North Korea or Russia. But with this new attribute of not standing down from any duel, he has also jeopardized the lives of all American citizens as well. Throughout this whole article, he repeatedly seemed to bash on North Korea stating that they would not even go near Guam, pretty much calling them cowards. More than 60 House of Democrats supported and wrote a letter to the Secretary of State Rex. W Tillerson to restrain the president for his " irresponsible " and " dangerous " actions. While some believe that President Trump is acting out of hand and rashly, some actually seemed enlightened by the fact that Trump has taken the confrontation. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that, " The President was entitled to use whatever language he thought was appropriate, " also saying that, " I was not elected, " and " The American people elected the president. " The whole presidency of Trump has left the government like headless chickens. They ramble and walk about but they cannot do anything because they do not have the power to restrain his power.
Who said this in 1993 responding to a threat from North Korea:
“It would mean the end of their country as they know it”
Yes, Bill Clinton. Yet somehow Trump's statement is bad because he said "fire". The NYT pens an article yesterday which alluded to Clinton's statements without quoting them - calling them "strong admonitions" - then actually tries to argue there is a difference between "end of their country" and "fire". The NYT is delving very close to giving aid and comfort to the enemy.
“It would mean the end of their country as they know it”
Yes, Bill Clinton. Yet somehow Trump's statement is bad because he said "fire". The NYT pens an article yesterday which alluded to Clinton's statements without quoting them - calling them "strong admonitions" - then actually tries to argue there is a difference between "end of their country" and "fire". The NYT is delving very close to giving aid and comfort to the enemy.
Clinton's statement was regarding a nuclear first strike by North Korea; Trump's was about North Korea making threats and doing tests. The situations are apples-and-oranges.
" On his weekend visit to South Korea, President Clinton warned that if North Korea developed and used an atomic weapon, 'we would quickly and overwhelmingly retaliate.'
'It would mean the end of their country as they know it,' he said.."
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/13/world/clinton-s-warning-irks-north-kor...
Your last sentence is McCarthyite drivel.
" On his weekend visit to South Korea, President Clinton warned that if North Korea developed and used an atomic weapon, 'we would quickly and overwhelmingly retaliate.'
'It would mean the end of their country as they know it,' he said.."
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/13/world/clinton-s-warning-irks-north-kor...
Your last sentence is McCarthyite drivel.
Oh Bill, do I need to list all the nuclear threats made by NK against the US in the past year?
Stop it, Joe. Clinton was talking about the response to an actual attack, as Bill B said. Trump is threatening action against North Korea for making threats. Clinton wasn't escalating the conflict and Trump obviously is. It's downright stupid and has more to do with Trump's pathetic ego and need to think he looks good to an audience than with actually protecting us in any sensible and effective way.
Let me also join Bill in calling you out on the pathetic "aid and comfort" comment; it's Joe McCarthy's own heir, Trump, who studied making outrageous attacks at the feet of Roy Cohn, and who is actually in bed with America's enemies ("thank you, Putin").
Let me also join Bill in calling you out on the pathetic "aid and comfort" comment; it's Joe McCarthy's own heir, Trump, who studied making outrageous attacks at the feet of Roy Cohn, and who is actually in bed with America's enemies ("thank you, Putin").
Autocrats like Trump love the drums of war when they are feeling the heat at home. Is there no bottom line for this man?
1
His voters didn't want a seasoned politician. Instead, the chose an unfit president.
1
It takes intelligence, diplomacy, and humility to temper a dangerously ill-conceived blurted out remark, which is what Trump made with his "fire and fury" rant. Unfortunately this president lacks those three characteristics. Ironically it will take military men who appreciate the use of military force only as a last resort (Kelly, McMaster, Mattis) to harness a president with a hair-trigger temper completely out of touch with reality and averse to the use of diplomacy in order to avoid Armageddon.
This is exactly why I voted for Mr. Trump. It's about time that we have a leader in the White House that speaks his mind and has our enemies on edge. He is handling this issue perfectly in my opinion.
1
Time for me to ask: How much of a warning would we get if a missle was heading to Seattle? How long would it take to get here?
Amazing how strong his words are about affording our citizens and even foreigners protection from North Korea, yet, when it comes to protecting citizens from heart disease, diabetes and cancer, far more likely causes of death, he can't stop crying about how the GOP failed to put 22 million Americans at much greater risk of these diseases.
As to paragraph two: A man who flatly refused to serve his country in his youth, and then took full advantage of freedoms that others sought to defend, has no place in this argument.
Serving as president is a privilege not to be misused or abused. Neither should we tolerate threats to misuse members of our military.
Serving as president is a privilege not to be misused or abused. Neither should we tolerate threats to misuse members of our military.
Unfortunately, a considerable number of people not only continue to support Trump, but are reinforced by his bloviating. Interesting to speculate whether a mushroom cloud over Chicago or Denver might persuade them that he's a pathological narcissist supremely indifferent to their welfare.
They would thank God that he is the President to deal with the crisis that Obama and Clinton (both of them) created. When we are attacked, that is when we really need a strong leader, etc
Many of them would be dead, sir.
Trump strikes the pose of a strong leader, with the thought processes and speech of an emotionally disturbed child. You've been conned, Gerard.
1
I'm just glad that we have someone in power who will protect American lives. The President of North Korea now has a nuclear weapon and is threatening to use it on the US. Trump must respond. A strong response is the only thing that North Korea is capable of understanding. Go Trump! Diplomatic attempts to diffuse the situation have unfortunately failed. The stark differences between North Korea and South Korea reveals everything. South Korea is a small, but wealthy and technologically advanced nation. You get your Samsung phones, TVs and appliances from that nation. North Korea is a communist nation. There you get child and slave labor. Big differences.
I wonder if we will be awoken in the night or by someone
rushing into tell us that North Korea has launched nuclear weapons
and they have exploded over...
Meanwhile the vast majority of comments still blame Trump,
and not Kim for this walk toward oblivion.
rushing into tell us that North Korea has launched nuclear weapons
and they have exploded over...
Meanwhile the vast majority of comments still blame Trump,
and not Kim for this walk toward oblivion.
I DO NOT agree with Trump's bombastic rhetoric. Nor do I agree that we should become the original aggressor.
However, the one button that Trump reacts to, the years of puerile and bullying rhetoric from the leaders of North Korea, is on the nose, so to speak. How does the world, not just us, allow the same behaviors by North Korea to repeat year after year? It's the definition of insanity on our part to respond the same way and yet not get the results that we seek. Do I like Trump's response , NO. Is it a different response to North Korea, YES. Does anyone have a better alternative? I hope!
However, the one button that Trump reacts to, the years of puerile and bullying rhetoric from the leaders of North Korea, is on the nose, so to speak. How does the world, not just us, allow the same behaviors by North Korea to repeat year after year? It's the definition of insanity on our part to respond the same way and yet not get the results that we seek. Do I like Trump's response , NO. Is it a different response to North Korea, YES. Does anyone have a better alternative? I hope!
1
The way Bush the elder kicked Saddam back out of Kuwait, with measured rhetoric, strong alliances, and most of the world behind him.
Thank you GOP. Seven months in office, and we are close to a war. That's even better than Bush, although he did provide two conflicts
At least Americans know exactly what to expect from the Republicans.
At least Americans know exactly what to expect from the Republicans.
This president should be required to ask permission before launching nuclear weapons.
It may not be Trump's or anyone's design, a war might very well be the final straw for the world to wake up what humanity has done to this beautiful earth.
This is not just about Trump. Putin, Kim, Xi and even Duterte and Maduro, they are all hurting their own people. And it is the people who put them there to begin with. What does it say about humanity at large? And we have not even mentioned other lunatics like ISIL and Boko Haram, and many of their sympathizers and impressionable youths.
This is not just about Trump. Putin, Kim, Xi and even Duterte and Maduro, they are all hurting their own people. And it is the people who put them there to begin with. What does it say about humanity at large? And we have not even mentioned other lunatics like ISIL and Boko Haram, and many of their sympathizers and impressionable youths.
13
Knowing no self-restraint the two immature heads of state- Trump and Kim Jong-un with their mutually threatening war cries have not only exposed the dangers of having ignorant and immature leaders in office, specially when the nuclear buttons are under their thumbs but also pushed the world to the brink of war.
26
When I listen to Trump's response to North Korea's bellicose rhetoric, it reminds me of his braggadocio during the campaign: "Part of the beauty of me is that I am very rich."
He doesn't need to remind North Korea of America's military might - it's not a suicidal regime. Kim Jong-un is half of his age and still wants to rule North Korea for a long time, so he won't want to wage war against the US.
Trump has to learn from Michelle Obama: "We go high, when they go low."
He doesn't need to remind North Korea of America's military might - it's not a suicidal regime. Kim Jong-un is half of his age and still wants to rule North Korea for a long time, so he won't want to wage war against the US.
Trump has to learn from Michelle Obama: "We go high, when they go low."
20
Yes, but Trump needs a war to distract us from the Russia investigation.
1
There is no 'high' with Trump. There is only low and lower, and dumb and dumber.
Everybody should calm down. North Korea can't attack the US and they're not going to make the mistake of attacking Guam or Japan or South Korea.
.
And Sebastian Gorka should keep his mouth shut. He knows nothing and is a nobody within a clown car administration. Everyone ignore whatever he says.
.
It is however entirely appropriate for Tillerson to make comments related to this issue with North Korea and to reassure Americans that their insane fears of imminent nuclear war with North Korea are just that.
.
And Sebastian Gorka should keep his mouth shut. He knows nothing and is a nobody within a clown car administration. Everyone ignore whatever he says.
.
It is however entirely appropriate for Tillerson to make comments related to this issue with North Korea and to reassure Americans that their insane fears of imminent nuclear war with North Korea are just that.
18
You should be instructing Kim Jong Un to ignore Sebastian Gorka. Good luck.
And there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Don't underestimate stupidity, machismo and power. It's a deadly combination. See W. Bush.
Maybe it wasn’t tough enough,” he told reporters at his golf club....
At his golf club, good lord. At least the North Koreans didn't elect their great leader. We have no such excuse for having a wacko blabbermouth in power.
I hope they keep Trump away from the big toys, because it seems like he's all enthused about playing. Fire storms and blazing destruction, they'll remember me for sure.
At his golf club, good lord. At least the North Koreans didn't elect their great leader. We have no such excuse for having a wacko blabbermouth in power.
I hope they keep Trump away from the big toys, because it seems like he's all enthused about playing. Fire storms and blazing destruction, they'll remember me for sure.
59
To keep the criminal investigations into his Russia connections, "Trump Doubles Down on Threats Against North Korea as Nuclear Tensions Escalate"
22
To Trump this is a worldwide reality show starring Donald Trump.
44
This is a perfect opportunity for Trump to play to his school-yard-bully base. They'll eat this stuff up - the US tough guy. But Trump doesn't get any prizes for beating up on the runt. After all, does anyone really doubt that the United States could obliterate North Korea? Even the Korean leader knows he has nothing up his sleeve beyond bluster. He's all hot air, and everyone knows it. If he were to launch missiles that would splash down near Guam, could anyone blame the US for launching a retaliatory strike before Korea's missiles landed? He would have to be a fool to think he would get away with such a provocative move. These are two mediocre minds fueled by testosterone.
25
Trump needs someone to insult and bully. He is nothing without a crooked Hilary, or a lyin Ted, or a sweaty Marco, being as he is not capable of actually carrying out the duties of the presidency himself. While there are still some brainwashed sheeple who cry lock her up, the campaign opponents are water under the bridge to most people. So why not promote someone safe? The dictator of a third world country that relishes attention the same way Trump does.
25
Our worst fear realized. A madman with the nuclear codes.
42
The leader of our country warning a foreign nation not to follow through on a threat to drop nuclear bombs on our mainland is not the act of a madman.
Madness is wanting to continue decades of appeasement when it has never worked in North Korea.
Madness is wanting to continue decades of appeasement when it has never worked in North Korea.
Will the cabinet let the President start a nuclear war or will they have the courage and decency to remove him from office before annihilation begins?
26
I would say stock the bunker, because the GOP has shown nothing but poor judgement and a lack of intelligence for decades.
NYT, remember the term "Mutual Assured Destruction (MSD)"? Hiroshima by John Hersey?
Could we do without the warmongering headlines like we are in a football game?
I don't see you covering this story:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/08/10/more-60-house-dems-denounce...
"Trump must immediately cease talk of pre-emptive war—which must be authorized by Congress—and commit to the diplomatic path advocated by both American experts and the South Korean government."
—Rep. John Conyers
Bravo Rep. Conyers!
Could we do without the warmongering headlines like we are in a football game?
I don't see you covering this story:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/08/10/more-60-house-dems-denounce...
"Trump must immediately cease talk of pre-emptive war—which must be authorized by Congress—and commit to the diplomatic path advocated by both American experts and the South Korean government."
—Rep. John Conyers
Bravo Rep. Conyers!
24
We should not be so foolish as to believe Trump needs Congress to declare war. He has the power to run a war for months before asking permission.
Get him out of the White House now! Now! We will look back on this time wonder why we didn't do it. Now!
39
Trump will declare war to distract from the Russian probe. He knows a nation won't impeach its leader during war. He is playing his last card !
Call your senator at 202 2243121 URGE HI ?HER TO VOTE FOR
H.R.669 - Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2017 so no president alone pushes the nuclear button!
Call your senator at 202 2243121 URGE HI ?HER TO VOTE FOR
H.R.669 - Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2017 so no president alone pushes the nuclear button!
32
I think his bullying distracts from other things. Still dangerous and uncalled for.
17
Our president once said about himself, "When I look at myself in the first grade and I look at myself now, I’m basically the same. The temperament is not that different."
He nailed it. Our president has the wisdom, judgement and tact of a six year old. Instead of a global strategy, he threatens a food fight with nuclear weapons.
He nailed it. Our president has the wisdom, judgement and tact of a six year old. Instead of a global strategy, he threatens a food fight with nuclear weapons.
28
People gasped when President Ronald Reagan called the Soviet Union an "evil empire." "How dare a US president talk tough about the USSR" was what we heard. But that statement started a cascade of events which resulted in the Soviet Union's collapse 8 years later and that threat diminished. Now I'm not saying Donald Trump is anywhere near the man, or president, that Ronald Reagan was, but I do think he and his generals are smart enough to out-duel chubby Kim Jung Un.
5
I think North Korea has demonstrated the no matter the impoverishment, the Kids can remain in control of a smallish, highly uniform, and totally subjugated country, which is very different from the Soviet Union.
Think again. His generals may be smart but The Donald isn't smart enough to listen to and follow their advice.
Reagan also proposed and promoted SDI or the "Star Wars" initiative. The folks on the Left went ballistic, accusing Reagan of being a warmonger. It would be nice if we had developed our missile defence capabilities a bit more . . .
Wow, I really wish Hillary Clinton were President right now. Somebody very capable and very smart. This is frightening.
32
Two boys in grade school would begin mouthing off to each other, always in front of a crowd. Eventually one of them would begin to lose the war of words, perhaps get laughed at by the crowd and throw the first punch. Obviously Kim Jong-un will be forced to throw the first punch since our President has the bestest words, yuge words! Fire and Fury! Covfefe! I fear we are about to enter a very sad chapter of history because of two grown men with the maturity of grade schoolers. "Dad, why did the USA use nuclear weapons against a tiny country that couldn't even feed its own people? Weren't there any other choices?"
15
Where is China in all of this? They certainly don't want tons of radiation fallout blowing across the border in their direction. They nurtured and enabled this lunatic North Korean family since the Korean War. They should send in a million "volunteers" as they did in 1950 but this time eradicate the whole Kim bloodline and install a cooperative and sensible regime whose mission is to elevate its people.
11
Yes, that would be ideal. And it would be ideal for me to buy a Bentley. But I won't, and for the same reason China won't fulfill your fantasy. The price tag is way too high.
Don't you think that if that outcome was realistic, China wouldn't have intervened already? No one would condemn them and they certainly have the ability. My guess is, unlike Trump, they know there's no point in this type of buffoonery. Just let them be.
1
We are in danger of imminent catastrophe, but I don't yet see a widespread public sense of alarm. I'm not saying it's probable that Trump is about to start a war with North Korea, but it is a real possibility.
If Trump does start such a war, it will mean injury and death on a vast scale. Shouldn't we all be doing something to prevent this?
If Trump does start such a war, it will mean injury and death on a vast scale. Shouldn't we all be doing something to prevent this?
14
We could annihilate North Korea while without harming a hair on any resident of the continental U.S. However, North Korea would have time to launch a conventional artillery and rocket barrage against South Korea which would kill millions of South Koreans and thousands of Americans , both civilian and military. Is this the right thing to do? I don't think so.
The majority of Americans tried last November. Every day Trump drops a new crisis and after awhile PTSD sets in and and our incredulity battery goes dead.
Yes, most mature thoughtful Americans tried taking preventive actions last November. But that didn't work so well. Any new ideas are most welcome.
China, the land of wisdom and patience, can be quiet no more. They have deduced by now that they too would be drawn into a conflict on the Korean appendage that would escalate any war as wars always do. It is in China's best interests to see the wisdom of reigning in North Korea before that nation embroils them in a war none of us can survive. I know the buffer zone strategy China relies on to insulate it from American forces in the south, which constitutes a beach head for further reinforcements. The young North Korean Nuclear program is an unfortunate seed of escalation that would draw in Chinese nuclear power. If China truly wanted to fend off an Asia wide nuclear conflagration, they would take steps to convince North Korea to abandon their Nuclear weapons program with a promise of umbrella protection for them, which was always a given and would not change anyway. The Chinese cunningly depend on military posturing and political adversity by North Korea to defend the Buffer zone that they are. North Korea is an unwitting puppet of China that has morphed into a more independent nation so embroiled by the hostility with the south that war is distinctly possible now and that would ultimately mean disaster for China as well because they so energetically sought to maintain the Korean hostilities, and like all manipulation, those that are manipulated ultimately understand it.
It is in China's interests to put a leash on North Korea, not the U.S.
It is in China's interests to put a leash on North Korea, not the U.S.
4
Unless you're wrong and China does think they have the situation under control (despite North Korea's show of fireworks).
There is a better way to eliminate the nuclear arsenal in
North Korea, it will save lives and in a way cheaper,but the trouble is
the arms industry will not like.
It might take at the most two years.
I will not say how,but in a way is simple.
North Korea, it will save lives and in a way cheaper,but the trouble is
the arms industry will not like.
It might take at the most two years.
I will not say how,but in a way is simple.
1
If President Trump were sincere about "sticking up" for the American people, he would immediately implement a national mobilization of the entire population. Start the draft, begin induction and training of every young person, male, female, straight, gay, TG, everyone, to facilitate fighting and SURVIVING an nuclear attack. Implement strong civil defense measures, to enable as many of our civilian population as possible to survive and transcend the inevitable nuclear exchange. National mobilization is a necessary precursor to any approach to nuclear war.
The President's present course of action is putting the cart way in front of the horse. Trump has managed to goad Kim into playing Annie Oakley with ICBMs and Guam, a very dangerous stunt. What's going to be next? We have no effective plan that enables our civilian population to survive the inevitable nuclear exchange that all this bluster is leading to. So why go there until we are well-prepared?
The President's present course of action is putting the cart way in front of the horse. Trump has managed to goad Kim into playing Annie Oakley with ICBMs and Guam, a very dangerous stunt. What's going to be next? We have no effective plan that enables our civilian population to survive the inevitable nuclear exchange that all this bluster is leading to. So why go there until we are well-prepared?
3
For Trump and Kim to erupt into a hyperbolic shouting match tells us that both parties are in serious trouble.
Trump obviously is facing an ever declining support at home and the expanding RussiaGate investigation.
Kim likely is dealing a very serious economic crisis due to the economic sanction, and may be even facing somekind of famine. A crisis with its biggest enemy is the only way to distract its suffering people and to rally around him.
Trump obviously is facing an ever declining support at home and the expanding RussiaGate investigation.
Kim likely is dealing a very serious economic crisis due to the economic sanction, and may be even facing somekind of famine. A crisis with its biggest enemy is the only way to distract its suffering people and to rally around him.
8
I love how the partisan media starts chasing its tail in these situations.
Yes, there are these little details here and some good quotes there, but what the progressive media is being told to do is replace the Russia scare with the Nork scare.
It is crucial in propagandizing a population that one of the elements is ALWAYS outside the country. The ''spirits causing volcanoes'' to erupt worked for a time in the propaganda process, but that passed, and the alien-abduction scare still isn't getting off the ground yet, despite the lack of explanation for Maxine Waters' existence on this planet.
So the fact that the Russia nothingburger (cf. Van Jones) has melted and turned into an intelligence test is here, and the next who-knows-what's-next is North Korea. This should, if properly managed, be a story all the way to the next election.
Since the people who figured out how to make you pay good money for drinking water are involved here, this scare should have serious legs. Prepare for a good 500 agitating stories on blaming Trump for the very existence of Korea.
The only problem for the coastal media is there is no connection of any Trump people to that hermit kingdom, but there aren't any Trump people left in the Russia-collusion scare either, and a solid tenth of the progressives signing in here still buy that.
Yes, there are these little details here and some good quotes there, but what the progressive media is being told to do is replace the Russia scare with the Nork scare.
It is crucial in propagandizing a population that one of the elements is ALWAYS outside the country. The ''spirits causing volcanoes'' to erupt worked for a time in the propaganda process, but that passed, and the alien-abduction scare still isn't getting off the ground yet, despite the lack of explanation for Maxine Waters' existence on this planet.
So the fact that the Russia nothingburger (cf. Van Jones) has melted and turned into an intelligence test is here, and the next who-knows-what's-next is North Korea. This should, if properly managed, be a story all the way to the next election.
Since the people who figured out how to make you pay good money for drinking water are involved here, this scare should have serious legs. Prepare for a good 500 agitating stories on blaming Trump for the very existence of Korea.
The only problem for the coastal media is there is no connection of any Trump people to that hermit kingdom, but there aren't any Trump people left in the Russia-collusion scare either, and a solid tenth of the progressives signing in here still buy that.
Why don't you wait until Special Counsel Mueller has completed his investigation before you holler "nothing burger." Trumpsters are not interested in finding out the facts, in fact, they don't believe in facts.
I'd like to boil this down to essentials, if possible: Manafort, raid, search warrant, Federal judge, probable cause, evidence. No conviction yet, true, but "nothing" is pure fantasy, or propaganda, or both.
It's Trump who's "replacing" Russia with North Korea in his pathetic efforts to fake the appearance of strength and leadership, and change the subject.
It's Trump who's "replacing" Russia with North Korea in his pathetic efforts to fake the appearance of strength and leadership, and change the subject.
If this situation goes south it will be impossible for Americans and other civilians to vacate South Korea. There will be total chaos at air terminals. That tipping point may be rapidly approaching. Like a bank run.
3
When the U.S. announces the immediate evacuation of military dependents and nonessential civilians from South Korea, then you will know this business is going from bad to worse.
War is certainly not an answer to the present situation. Let not the ego of Trump and Kim destroy the lives of innocent people. The ultimate sufferers will be mostly Koreans, both North and South and Japanese. The need of the hour is, to talk to North Koreans. Use U.N., China or Russia. Just talk to them.
Let both sides remember one thing clearly. War has never given any solution in this world. It has only left deep scars.
Let both sides remember one thing clearly. War has never given any solution in this world. It has only left deep scars.
7
Prime Minister Abe is intensely unpopular in Japan for cozying up to to Trump.
Millions of people in Japan have the wits scared out of them now in the real
fear that Japan will be the principal target of North Korea's missiles in war between the US and North Korea. The US Seventh Fleet base at Yokosuka near Tokyo, and Okinawa with its large Marine and Navy base , are obvious targets,
and within range of the missiles NK already has. Abe's government could fall over this, in a couple of days. If so, Japan, China, and South Korea could well decide to remove the former US as a player. Trump has set the course for the Japanese finally to kick out the US occupation after 72 years. Trump chose to make these nuclear preemptive threats on the anniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That is not lost on the Japanese.
Millions will die in South Korea and Japan should Trump decide on a preemptive nuclear attack. Thousands at the US bases will die also. Even Trump knows this. They all know it. These US threats of preemptive nuclear destruction on the aniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are not only not going to work, they are going to get the Empire run out of the Far East, war or no war.
Millions of people in Japan have the wits scared out of them now in the real
fear that Japan will be the principal target of North Korea's missiles in war between the US and North Korea. The US Seventh Fleet base at Yokosuka near Tokyo, and Okinawa with its large Marine and Navy base , are obvious targets,
and within range of the missiles NK already has. Abe's government could fall over this, in a couple of days. If so, Japan, China, and South Korea could well decide to remove the former US as a player. Trump has set the course for the Japanese finally to kick out the US occupation after 72 years. Trump chose to make these nuclear preemptive threats on the anniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That is not lost on the Japanese.
Millions will die in South Korea and Japan should Trump decide on a preemptive nuclear attack. Thousands at the US bases will die also. Even Trump knows this. They all know it. These US threats of preemptive nuclear destruction on the aniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are not only not going to work, they are going to get the Empire run out of the Far East, war or no war.
2
There is no cause in this whole world that justifies even the consideration of the use of nuclear weapons. Period.
Our precious blue globe must be handed on intact to our future generations.
We are all losers in any nuclear exchange.
Our precious blue globe must be handed on intact to our future generations.
We are all losers in any nuclear exchange.
3
According to the US Constitution, the Congress, not the President declares war. For our survival, the Congress needs to reclaim this power from the President. It is extremely dangerous for a single man to have completely unchecked power over an arsenal of weapons that may end this world if they are ever used.
12
I'll second that... NK is not Russia. Checks and Balances MUST be restored. The current "President" Not is the best evidence.
It's discouraging that we have a President who talks like a child, with his playground-level bravado and matching vocabulary. But I supposed a lot of his supporters only respond to that level of discourse and want the bully to stick up for them without realizing any of the complex, catastrophic ramifications. Sadly, while it makes him look idiotic to other world leaders, it gives Kim Jong-un endless fodder for convincing the North Korean people that we're ready to wipe out a large percentage of their population, just like we did during the Korean War.
1
Putting up smoke to this degree must mean that the Russian investigation is getting close to home.
4
Thank You for taking us into war.
...Mr. Trump!
this is will be Our Undoing.
...Mr. Trump!
this is will be Our Undoing.
1
He is so angry that he is getting ready to be found out by Mueller about his financial dependence on Russia and also probable obstruction of justice, that he's creating the ultimate distraction by threatening a war without listening to his Secretary of State and his Generals. He is as crazy as K. Jong-un! Where is CONGRESS?
10
Trump managed to evade the military draft five times . . . one would think he could manage to evade war with North Korea.
8
Seriously, how long is Congress going to let this continue? Get this joker out of office before he causes irreparable damage to us, and to the world. Mike Pence will still push through your ultra-conservative agenda, Repubs...which, alternatively, will be rather impossible to do when we're fighting the North Koreans and some proxy mix of China + Russia.
2
Does President Trump want to send Premier Kim a REAL message? One he can't ignore? The very best messages are unspoken; words being only so much hot air. Accomplished deeds, subtlety accomplished, are so much more meaningful.
If Trump wants to get Kim's attention, launch a cyber attack against his foreign bank accounts, and steal all of his filthy, ill-gotten lucre. Leave the man penniless. Kim's foreign funds are the source of his power, without them he's just another penurious rag picker. No more money, no more power; and Kim would quickly disappear without a trace. No one would know why, and Trump could sport a legitimate Cheshire smile a yard wide.
Not a word need be spoken. The world would get the message.
If Trump wants to get Kim's attention, launch a cyber attack against his foreign bank accounts, and steal all of his filthy, ill-gotten lucre. Leave the man penniless. Kim's foreign funds are the source of his power, without them he's just another penurious rag picker. No more money, no more power; and Kim would quickly disappear without a trace. No one would know why, and Trump could sport a legitimate Cheshire smile a yard wide.
Not a word need be spoken. The world would get the message.
1
I was stationed in Korea and can attest to the Cold War atmosphere along the DMZ.
Every war game had an unhappy ending.
Any path Trump chooses is risky. If he is seen as weak he may invite war in Korea and other parts of the world. Likewise if he is too aggressive.
There is no easy answer and the comments from the Trump haters are not helpful.
Every war game had an unhappy ending.
Any path Trump chooses is risky. If he is seen as weak he may invite war in Korea and other parts of the world. Likewise if he is too aggressive.
There is no easy answer and the comments from the Trump haters are not helpful.
6
So North Korea has technology that a far more open and non isolated country like Iran does not? Nuke Weapon technology is now more than 70 years old. It was developed in the pre digital- pre computer age. Is this a magic technology? What is the impetus behind this recent dust up with the character in North Korea? Why would he challenge an obviously superior power? None of this makes the slightest sense.
2
Great observation!
The only solution to this problem, short of a shooting war is to embargo all manufactured goods from China until THEY deal with the problem. I guarantee that closing all West Coast ports to Chinese containers for 6 weeks OR LESS will generate the desired response by China. Nobody in America will die if Wal-Mart's shelves go empty for a few weeks. Seriously. And nobody in Korea, North or South needs to die either.
8
Any why should the US embargo China? Because they said they will defend NK if US strikes first? China is not the one who should deal with the problem, the US and their president need to DEAL with it. The US is still the only country who has used nuclear weapons in a war. If the US strikes first, I guess there will be massive repercussions in their relationship to European countries too, let alone the rest of the world. It is you and uncle Donald (and aunt Theresa I guess) versus the rest of the world. Get you head out of the hole please and stop acting like an ostrich.
2
Bravo, well stated Mr. Nelson!
2
@Wade Nelson
Hard to tell you where to start to unravel your confusions on PRC/DPRK relations they are largely nonexistence. Simple Google search might help.
Today a piece was recommended in the Comments that could help you see Pyongyang as Beijing does as an Allie if attacked but a threat to the world otherwise:
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1060791.shtml
Hard to tell you where to start to unravel your confusions on PRC/DPRK relations they are largely nonexistence. Simple Google search might help.
Today a piece was recommended in the Comments that could help you see Pyongyang as Beijing does as an Allie if attacked but a threat to the world otherwise:
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1060791.shtml
I realize this is probably a rhetorical question because it is Trump. I didn't vote for him. There is rarely a day that goes by that he doesn't do something deplorable. However, the sanctions that were put through were a big win for him (he actually won bigly). So why didn't he respond by playing off his win? Something like... If he is unhappy about the sanctions then we invite him to the negatiation table?? Wouldn't that have made more sense? Some people are saying his rhetoric is a stategy but is it really?
4
@Kathy
A questions others have asked as well but he seems to have a weak hold on the relationship between cause and effect; and loves to Hold Forth.
He does view himself as an effective bargainer, he and Tillerson should have a go at it. What a Win that would be if he is still POTUS.
A questions others have asked as well but he seems to have a weak hold on the relationship between cause and effect; and loves to Hold Forth.
He does view himself as an effective bargainer, he and Tillerson should have a go at it. What a Win that would be if he is still POTUS.
1
Kathy - It's not strategy; it's not even rhetoric. It's just a continuing series of random, impulsive outbursts by someone who hasn't got the slightest idea what he's looking at. It's unbelievable that this describes the President of the United States - yet it's the truth.
1
The definition of insanity, I am told, is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.
We have placated N. Korea with exchanges of aid for halts to their nuclear program - they've cheated both times. Clearly, that doesn't work.
Meanwhile, China has spread nuclear weapons technology not only to N. Korea (hoping to neutralize S. Korea and Japan), but also to Pakistan (hoping to neutralize India). And, oh, by the way, if either of these countries ends up dropping a nuc on NYC, all the better, from China's perspective.
The solution is simple: crash programs in S. Korea, Japan, and maybe even the Philippines, to develop nuclear weapons technology.
We do this, and China will tighten their invisible leash on Kim and bring him to heel, and we will see sudden urgency on China's part to de-nuclearize the entire region.
We have placated N. Korea with exchanges of aid for halts to their nuclear program - they've cheated both times. Clearly, that doesn't work.
Meanwhile, China has spread nuclear weapons technology not only to N. Korea (hoping to neutralize S. Korea and Japan), but also to Pakistan (hoping to neutralize India). And, oh, by the way, if either of these countries ends up dropping a nuc on NYC, all the better, from China's perspective.
The solution is simple: crash programs in S. Korea, Japan, and maybe even the Philippines, to develop nuclear weapons technology.
We do this, and China will tighten their invisible leash on Kim and bring him to heel, and we will see sudden urgency on China's part to de-nuclearize the entire region.
2
Yes, China is the problem even more than NK. Time to recognize that.
As a current soldier I was asked at a register what my opinion was about the situation about to turn "hot", my response was "What will be, will be; therefore I prefer not to think to much about things that have yet to happen". That said, I find his statements to be both reckless and irresponsible. Not only are his statements causing anxiety in the region, but American public as well.
What is striking to me is that War is, traditionally, a last resort. However, in this case we have not even exhausted any of the other options, and we are talking to military options. SERIOUSLY? What else to expect when you have an aid, dismissing a secretary of state. Could this administration be more amateurish?
What is striking to me is that War is, traditionally, a last resort. However, in this case we have not even exhausted any of the other options, and we are talking to military options. SERIOUSLY? What else to expect when you have an aid, dismissing a secretary of state. Could this administration be more amateurish?
9
After a day thinking it over, the why of this matter is likely to be linked to Trump's tendency to do anything for money. Perhaps he lost a bet or was trying to win one, on the other hand he might have been challenged and his pride got the better of him. Also, since he has so little respect for the average American, it's possible that he will be richer from having said what he said. After all - "I'm the President, who are you?"
1
Hillary Clinton warned us specifically of this, but 47% of those voting chose Trump anyway. (And somehow he became President despite 3 million fewer votes, but that's a different story.)
9
If you want to understand Trump's focus and priorities in the midst of the crisis with North Korea, two observations as he took questions from reporters following his national security meeting in Bedminster, New Jersey (beyond all the "I won", "I went to Wisconsin" talk): first, the President is discussing nuclear arsenals and threats of nuclear war at Trump National Golf Club; not the people's property, not the Oval Office, but his personal profit-making club, with his name emblazoned: Trump. Also, in full view on the table in front of the President and Vice President were two plastic bottles of "TRUMP" water. Self-promotion and branding while discussing issues that might lead to nuclear war. Sad? No: terrifying.
13
Trump must love all this NK stuff, as it takes the heat off the Russia problem.
It is truly astonishing that Trump, a man who can be goaded by a Tweet, is in a position to launch a nuclear war.
It is truly astonishing that Trump, a man who can be goaded by a Tweet, is in a position to launch a nuclear war.
12
Donald thinks that "sticking up" for the country - like everything he calls accomplishment - is a matter of words alone. He's unable both to recognize the profound complexity and depth of the situation and to understand the need for (let alone implement) a commensurately careful and nuanced strategy. So he's winging it in the realm of nuclear war.
That's a fundamental limitation of his; we knew it going in and we can't expect to alter the reality of what he is. But while his domestic-policy disasters can be met with calls for the adults in the room to give him a time out, this situation is like finding a child playing with matches. There's no time for calls for anything. The adults have to race in NOW and grab the matches away.
That's a fundamental limitation of his; we knew it going in and we can't expect to alter the reality of what he is. But while his domestic-policy disasters can be met with calls for the adults in the room to give him a time out, this situation is like finding a child playing with matches. There's no time for calls for anything. The adults have to race in NOW and grab the matches away.
5
Trump has played this brilliantly. If NK engages by sending missiles to Guam, not only does Trump have the moral high ground to engage, China recently stated they would stand neutral in that scenario. If NK doesn't engage, then Trump has backed them down and won with his powerful rhetoric, to the chagrin of the left.
1
Yes, in this case his craziness and big mouth might be effective.
In 1815, Clausewitz asserted that when nations chose to war with each other, there was "no logical limit" to the force they might apply to achieve their ends--a notion that became obsolete later that century with the advent of the machine gun, followed in a few decade by poison gas, the the airplane, and the atomic bomb. What logical limit might there be to the escalating war of words between Trump and Kim and their aftermath? If either one of them fulfills the grotesque promises they utter, by what standard will any of us be able to measure our humanity?
2
"Trump Doubles Down on Threats Against North Korea as Nuclear Tensions Escalate" by Peter Baker
It doesn't seem that Trump understands when to stop, that he doesn't feel like nuclear weapons are a big deal. He is so addicted to the power from being president and having his own empire that he doesn't make sense of the fact that just because he is president of the United States, the whole world isn't under his control. He ignores the fact that North Korea could defeat the United States with their nuclear bombs, and he keeps trying to intimidate them. He is so ignorant to the fact that when it comes down to it, he is just going to start a war that he isn't going to win. Trump has way more bark than he has a bite. Trump thinks that just because he believes something, everyone else should agree with him. This isn't primary school, and you can't get everyone else to do something you want by bullying them. His strategy is to just eliminate North Korea's nuclear research, but how does he propose we do that? Trump needs to face the reality that he has no power over North Korea, and they definitely aren't going to do something just because he told them to. The United States is already so far in debt that if we were to go into war where would he get the funds to support this. As president, Trump should be trying to relieve tensions between the U. S. and different countries, not making them so badly they result in a war.
It doesn't seem that Trump understands when to stop, that he doesn't feel like nuclear weapons are a big deal. He is so addicted to the power from being president and having his own empire that he doesn't make sense of the fact that just because he is president of the United States, the whole world isn't under his control. He ignores the fact that North Korea could defeat the United States with their nuclear bombs, and he keeps trying to intimidate them. He is so ignorant to the fact that when it comes down to it, he is just going to start a war that he isn't going to win. Trump has way more bark than he has a bite. Trump thinks that just because he believes something, everyone else should agree with him. This isn't primary school, and you can't get everyone else to do something you want by bullying them. His strategy is to just eliminate North Korea's nuclear research, but how does he propose we do that? Trump needs to face the reality that he has no power over North Korea, and they definitely aren't going to do something just because he told them to. The United States is already so far in debt that if we were to go into war where would he get the funds to support this. As president, Trump should be trying to relieve tensions between the U. S. and different countries, not making them so badly they result in a war.
3
Julia-- Of all the ludicrous comments I've read in the past couple years, this one by you takes the cake!
Your statement is so absurd it really doesn't warrant a response, but I am a sucker I guess. First, you said "North Korea could defeat the United States with their nuclear bombs..." Whose nuclear bombs? The 20 undeliverable atomic bombs that North Korea possesses, OR the 2000+ thermonuclear ICBM's, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, tactical and strategic nuclear smart bombs that can be delivered by bombers, artillery, cruise missiles or stealth bombers/fighters that the UNITED STATES possesses?? I think I've made my point. Excuse me now while I wipe my eyes from the tears of laughter your comment has brought me!
Your statement is so absurd it really doesn't warrant a response, but I am a sucker I guess. First, you said "North Korea could defeat the United States with their nuclear bombs..." Whose nuclear bombs? The 20 undeliverable atomic bombs that North Korea possesses, OR the 2000+ thermonuclear ICBM's, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, tactical and strategic nuclear smart bombs that can be delivered by bombers, artillery, cruise missiles or stealth bombers/fighters that the UNITED STATES possesses?? I think I've made my point. Excuse me now while I wipe my eyes from the tears of laughter your comment has brought me!
Trump is easily played, a chump, in large part because he always thinks he's the one hustling others, but also in part because he doesn't seem to be able to focus - a short attention span - and he seems frightfully insecure. All in all Trump is a clear and present danger to us all: time for 25th Amendment procedures.
6
Those who voted for Trump should be the first on the line if TSHTF.
It's a real pickle because if the U.S. strikes first, there's no way to be seen as the good guys, given all that's at stake. And if we don't strike first, who knows what will happen? We have to bank on their bluster vs. a real attack. Trump seems to barely comprehend such "subtleties" of engagement.
It's a real pickle because if the U.S. strikes first, there's no way to be seen as the good guys, given all that's at stake. And if we don't strike first, who knows what will happen? We have to bank on their bluster vs. a real attack. Trump seems to barely comprehend such "subtleties" of engagement.
2
Trump needs a good distraction when he fires Mueller and deep sixes the entire Russian election interference investigation. Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell would certainly prefer shoveling billions into the coffers of billionaires rather than investigating their president. So throw in a raft of preemptive presidential pardons and we're all good here.
A 'small' war on the Korean peninsula is just what the doctor ordered. Trump is far more suited to carnival barker than the presidency, but his predicament dictates he sacrifice tens or hundreds of thousands of Koreans in service to his frail ego and potential criminal liability.
My only question is whether Trump cleared a new Korean war with Vladimir Putin.
A 'small' war on the Korean peninsula is just what the doctor ordered. Trump is far more suited to carnival barker than the presidency, but his predicament dictates he sacrifice tens or hundreds of thousands of Koreans in service to his frail ego and potential criminal liability.
My only question is whether Trump cleared a new Korean war with Vladimir Putin.
4
Don't be surprised or affected by Trump's ever-hyped rhetoric.
This clown enjoys it and he doesn't give a dime about the consequences (even it is the cause of a war.)
Trump just doesn't care as long as his desire to be on the spotlight all the hour and all the time is fulfilled.
By now, we all know this crook's shameless self aggrandizement knows no bounds.
This clown enjoys it and he doesn't give a dime about the consequences (even it is the cause of a war.)
Trump just doesn't care as long as his desire to be on the spotlight all the hour and all the time is fulfilled.
By now, we all know this crook's shameless self aggrandizement knows no bounds.
2
I cannot compute the fact that reasonable Americans have allowed this man to lead the clueless population in another direction of hatred and anger towards real widespread discussion of impending war that would escalate to superpower participation. Where are the voices of reason and civility? Why is such a reflexive reactionary instinctively acting man allowed to steer this nation to utter doom? Do you rely on our little abstract comments to change the course of history? Where are the leaders of civilization? Where are the intellects and policy wonks that steer American history? Where are the great statesmen that hold sway over the population conveying a sense of right and wrong? Is everyone plugged into their Televisions being fed their new memories of the moment, their Saturday night telecast of the big fight?
It's a living nightmare nobody has the courage to confront. I do but feel powerless to stop this mass suicide by both sides. I fear the machine and it is whirring away our lives as we watch.
People of peace and civilization must see the looming danger and act in concert to condemn this madness once and for all. We need international diplomatic intervention to defuse these aberrational leaders before we become the victims of the international community seeking to punish us for our chaos.
After every war, there is peace, so avoid the death and suffering of war and go directly to the peace, then the war will not have been fought.
This is so insane.
It's a living nightmare nobody has the courage to confront. I do but feel powerless to stop this mass suicide by both sides. I fear the machine and it is whirring away our lives as we watch.
People of peace and civilization must see the looming danger and act in concert to condemn this madness once and for all. We need international diplomatic intervention to defuse these aberrational leaders before we become the victims of the international community seeking to punish us for our chaos.
After every war, there is peace, so avoid the death and suffering of war and go directly to the peace, then the war will not have been fought.
This is so insane.
5
The solution I would offer is for the UN to step in and offer a neutral 3rd party to act as an mediator before this escalates any further. The world needs to speak in one voice.
We have a standoff that if left unchecked could result in massive loss of life and war and shows no signs of abating. Horror must be averted by clearer heads.
We have a standoff that if left unchecked could result in massive loss of life and war and shows no signs of abating. Horror must be averted by clearer heads.
1
Is it not about time for our democracy to take the power of a preemptive nuclear strike out of the hands of a single person? Right now our only hope is that the military would disobey such an order from this president.
3
Flawed intelligence exposes the unwise, Mr Trump have been very dismissive of our intelligent service's, now he is fuming nonsense based on by my assessment a rehashed Intel by a pro-cop about miniaturization of plutonium. War is apparently imminent as ego seems to be taken over rationale minds. Someone needs to be educated about the Korean war again. we never worn it. we may this time with a Nuke but starving innocent people in the Korean pennisula are at the messy of rationality. God bless America.
How soon the media forgets, "shock and awe", and it's twin "fire and fury"
The media is giving this too much oxygen, and Trump is dangerously unstable.
At the end even Saddam said he would have negotiated.
The media is giving this too much oxygen, and Trump is dangerously unstable.
At the end even Saddam said he would have negotiated.
1
Look at the way Pence is looking at Trump. So full of passionate and subservient devotion. Careful, Mrs. Pence may get jealous. We know you have to act well, Mike, what with all that super-PAC business on the side, six months into the presidency. Tsk-tsk-tsk...
2
Can USA not see the hypocrisy in their breast thumping about other countries not obtaining nuclear arms?
USA is the ONLY country in the world to have actually USED nuclear arms. That dubious distinction should disqualify USA entirely from the right to determine which countries can develop or own nuclear arms.
USA is the ONLY country in the world to have actually USED nuclear arms. That dubious distinction should disqualify USA entirely from the right to determine which countries can develop or own nuclear arms.
1
I find it curious that noone calls Trump out on his pathetic ignorance of diplomacy and policy. Can it be this is just "business as usual?" Everytime Trump opens his mouth, his ignorance and incompetency is on full display. We must be the laughing stock of the world. Is there nothing that can save us from this menace before he starts an all out war?
6
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to turn this chatter off it is so ego-driven it’s embarrassing. Unfortunately words can matter at some point; comforting to know often they do not.
"Civilization, in fact, grows more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. Wars are no longer waged by the will of superior men, capable of judging dispassionately and intelligently the causes behind them and the effects flowing out of them. The are now begun by first throwing a mob into a panic; they are ended only when it has spent its ferine fury.” - H.L. Mencken
Get Dennis Rodman back over to Norh Korea. Quickly! That should do the trick.
What else can one say with the likes of Trump in the White House with paranoid levels of self control and a cavalier understanding of what a tiny nuclear bomb can do? This lose talk is very serious and the Republican establishment is silent. Why don't they cut this talk off tomorrow and remove Trump from office?
What else can one say with the likes of Trump in the White House with paranoid levels of self control and a cavalier understanding of what a tiny nuclear bomb can do? This lose talk is very serious and the Republican establishment is silent. Why don't they cut this talk off tomorrow and remove Trump from office?
We are being had, Tellerson cut a deal with NK, money is going to flow into the coffers of nk from another country, perhaps Russia,, Mr. Kim is going to back down (to save face from entreaties from China) but for us it will be the great negotiator, making Mr. Kim back down.
We are being playing like a stradivarius. Mr. Trump will look like he was able to do the impossible and bring Mr. Kim to the negotiationg table.
go about you business absolutely nothing is going to occur. Do not lose any sleep.
We are being playing like a stradivarius. Mr. Trump will look like he was able to do the impossible and bring Mr. Kim to the negotiationg table.
go about you business absolutely nothing is going to occur. Do not lose any sleep.
I have been worried about Trump starting aware ever since he was elected. he is irresponsible, ill-informed, and completely unsuited to his job. How do we get rid of him - and soon?? It's critical for the survival of our country that either he shuts up and gives up Twitter or is somehow removed from office. He is completely mishandling North Korea and is making this dangerous situation worse by the day.
3
Trump's real calculation: In North Korea takes out a major American city, Trump wins.
First of all, he will get a rally-round-whoever-is-President boost, a la 9/11.
Second of all, all Major American Cities are filled with Democrats and minorities. Trump loses internal enemies.
Third, following from the second item, Trump's supporters will be quite happy about a Democratic city being taken out. Think I'm crazy? How crazy is it that Republicans and their voters have virtually nothing to say about Russia hacking our election?
Fourth, of course, Trump gets to outdo George W. Bush, and nuke North Korea. Who's going to stop him?
Et voila, Trump in 2020.
First of all, he will get a rally-round-whoever-is-President boost, a la 9/11.
Second of all, all Major American Cities are filled with Democrats and minorities. Trump loses internal enemies.
Third, following from the second item, Trump's supporters will be quite happy about a Democratic city being taken out. Think I'm crazy? How crazy is it that Republicans and their voters have virtually nothing to say about Russia hacking our election?
Fourth, of course, Trump gets to outdo George W. Bush, and nuke North Korea. Who's going to stop him?
Et voila, Trump in 2020.
Republicans desperately wanted Trump to be entrusted with the nuclear launch codes.
They got what they wanted.
Mankind didn't.
They got what they wanted.
Mankind didn't.
2
Trump is out of control and a danger to the American people and the world. The Congress should remove him from office now.
4
Donald mocked when President Obama’s nuanced, informed and intelligent approach to an international situation caused him to appear (to people with a too-limited view) merely to be backing away from his own “red line.”
Is Donald now repeatedly scribing his own deep red line, one that would lead to Calamity if crossed (but that we can fairly expect him to be dunce enough to cross)?
Is Donald now repeatedly scribing his own deep red line, one that would lead to Calamity if crossed (but that we can fairly expect him to be dunce enough to cross)?
It's difficult to comprehend that NK would launch a suicide mission if the US were to shoot down one of their missiles aimed just short of Guam but overflying Japan. Merely a NK artillery or rocket barrage aimed at Seoul would cause the US to unload relentlessly on their military, infrastructure and government. Kim is not irrational; he's just blustering like the tin pot dictator he is and has no interest in martyrdom. We know that diplomacy is pointless as a means to stop the NK nuke program. Maybe knocking down some of his missiles before they become more advanced would cause him to reassess his situation. And if we give China advance notification of our intentions, they may throw a net over Kim and keep NK missiles grounded.
Four rockets launched as a barrage towards our US territory of Guam IS the definition of an act of war by NK. Should we wait for them to land to see if they have Nuke warheads?
I think it's time to move Trump to Korea. We can save enough on what we waste on him here to build him a tower with his name in HUGE letters. It's far easier to let things take their course than to watch this criminal cover up his transgressions at the expense of millions of lives in the balance.
2
How much longer will the North Korean people suffer?
What is worse, war or the continued oppression and brutality against the North Korean people by one man? How many more generations of Kim tyrants will be enough for this civilized world? The Kim family and its reign of violence must come to an end before there is a male heir to the seat of power.
Freedom is often bloody in the beginning, but there is no end to the bloodshed for an oppressed people.
What is worse, war or the continued oppression and brutality against the North Korean people by one man? How many more generations of Kim tyrants will be enough for this civilized world? The Kim family and its reign of violence must come to an end before there is a male heir to the seat of power.
Freedom is often bloody in the beginning, but there is no end to the bloodshed for an oppressed people.
The Australian Prime Minister has just announced that IF the USA is attacked by NK that Australia would support the USA under the provisions of the ANZAS treaty. He didn't say what he would do if Trump starts a war though. We had all better hope that no one starts anything any time soon.
1
All this tough talk from a draft dodger whose body language emanates fear. I am afraid that he's actually scared to death and and busy painting himself and the country into a corner that we all will regret.
1
When is Trumps medical exam due? Both physical and especially mental?
4
“It’s about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries,” he said.
Good for Trump. Why is Mueller being so mean to him? He seems like a good egg.
At some stage, probably not in the too distant future, we will be talking about re-unification of North and South Korea.
Good for Trump. Why is Mueller being so mean to him? He seems like a good egg.
At some stage, probably not in the too distant future, we will be talking about re-unification of North and South Korea.
It seems curious that, just when he is achieving his goal of becoming a nuclear power to protect survival of his regime, Kim goads our no-nothing "entertainer" President with extreme provocations that may cause his downfall with an impulsive catastrophic nuclear war.
11
Hmmm. Is Kim truly a wacko? We already know the Apprentice is. The big issue with #45 is this is not a "you and me" equation. There are several countries involved and millions of people. There is nothing that has transpired between DPRK and the US that warrants all out war. We have two people with little impulse control exchanging deadly threats. Cooler heads must prevail.
12
Is Trump so simple-minded that he thinks no one has ever "stuck up" for our country and other countries in the face of North Korea? Apparently, yes, he is that simple-minded.
19
It is unfortunate that despite 5000 nuclear weapons and a $600 billion military budget, the US is held in check by a pudgy kid with a $10 billion military budget who running his starving country deeper into the ground.
Nuclear weapons might not be a deterrent to those we don'think should have them after all. Might be best to spend that money on roads and bridges and whatnot.
Nuclear weapons might not be a deterrent to those we don'think should have them after all. Might be best to spend that money on roads and bridges and whatnot.
14
The Commander in Chief needs to play the surprise card in this game the best rule of war is never let the enemy know your next move. Mr Trump this is time to learn to use restrain in speech and action. The screaming has no effect on people after a while try a different approach this time. You should send Kim a card from your grandchildren (on his level of maturity) and all the little kids from different US schools with hugs and kisses for the North Korean people asking Kim these simple questions: Sir, why are you so angry all the time? Why do you want to kill innocent kids in Guam? The ridicule will kill him when he receives the cards. Mr Trump sometimes being tough is not the right response to provocation from a puppet being used by China to start a war, China is not moving to stop this for a good reason they have a master plan. The world knows that you are always quick to respond with a temper in situations like this one, any nation that wants to pick a fight like China without doing it directly in your face will send a bully to you with insults and wait for you to declare war (fall in the trap) so China, Russia and every enemy nation can be dragged into a world war staged to bring the US down to its knees financially. Its time for restrain Mr Trump! Do not show the enemy all your cards on Twitter and in every speech you give the press. Be presidential, be classy, ridicule him to death. DO NOT TAKE THE BAIT RIDICULE HIM
2
More brainlessness from our leader. Maybe bluster in boardrooms and schmoozing at golf clubs this kind of talk can have some positive outcome, but on the world stage, dealing with foreign powers also equipped with nuclear weapons, just one of which could devastate the entire planet, something more than saber rattling is needed to get us through this crisis.
If Trump can't manage the subtleties of diplomacy, he'd better find some wiser heads that can.
If Trump can't manage the subtleties of diplomacy, he'd better find some wiser heads that can.
7
Two reckless tinpot dictators with nukes- God help us!
14
Re: the 25th Amendment. There's an interesting precedent discussed in Wikipedia. It didn't end up going anywhere, BUT it WAS being discussed by some powers-that-be as a possible invocation due to Ronald Reagan being (get ready): "inattentive, inept", and "lazy".
We have, oh, just a TAD more than that, yes?
"Upon becoming the White House Chief of Staff in 1987, Howard Baker was advised by his predecessor's staff to be prepared for a possible invocation of the Twenty-fifth Amendment[35] due to Reagan's perceived laziness and ineptitude.[36][37]
According to the PBS program American Experience, what Baker's transition team was told by Donald Regan's staff that weekend shocked them. Reagan was "inattentive, inept", and "lazy", and Baker should be prepared to invoke the 25th Amendment to relieve him of his duties."
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-fifth_Amendment_to_the_United_Sta...
We have, oh, just a TAD more than that, yes?
"Upon becoming the White House Chief of Staff in 1987, Howard Baker was advised by his predecessor's staff to be prepared for a possible invocation of the Twenty-fifth Amendment[35] due to Reagan's perceived laziness and ineptitude.[36][37]
According to the PBS program American Experience, what Baker's transition team was told by Donald Regan's staff that weekend shocked them. Reagan was "inattentive, inept", and "lazy", and Baker should be prepared to invoke the 25th Amendment to relieve him of his duties."
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-fifth_Amendment_to_the_United_Sta...
6
The photo of Pence with that fawning puppy dog look is disturbing, it's also a look he gives him all the time.
20
Relax. It is an act. Resolute Mike is plotting how-to get a straitjacket on this loon.
I am sure that Kim is laughing at Trump's threats knowing that Trump is a weak pathological liar.
9
Trumps tirade of "fire and fury" threat to North Korea is straight out of
Shakespeare's Hamlet that "it is a tale told by an idiot full of sound and
fury signifying nothing." That this can escalate and become extremely
dangerous is beyond his narrow mind.
A saying that describes him says that ignorance is benign but
ignorance mixed with power is toxic. Power in his hands in time of crisis
is frightening.
Shakespeare's Hamlet that "it is a tale told by an idiot full of sound and
fury signifying nothing." That this can escalate and become extremely
dangerous is beyond his narrow mind.
A saying that describes him says that ignorance is benign but
ignorance mixed with power is toxic. Power in his hands in time of crisis
is frightening.
7
Macbeth.
This is simple...are we going to allow North Korea to stock pile nuclear weapons or not and at what price are we willing to pay to do so...I assume the military strategy would be relatively close to the same regardless of the president...Every president (Left and Right) for 50 years have kicked this can to the next president and now there is no more room to kick it.There is no easy solution...attack them and they will kill millions of Koreans with artillery before we can succeed...let them continue on the same path and it will just a matter of time before 1 of these nuclear bombs end up in a terrorist groups hands...BANK ON IT...this is not going to end well...Regardless of who the President is...A war is a brewing folks and this one isn't going to be so nice...
5
A terrorist groups hand? This sounds like something out of Blacklist, not reality. North Korea's military establishment as a whole is ruthless, cruel and cold, but they are not dimwits. They know their place in the global hierarchy; a pent up dictatorship utilizing juche philosophy to submit a starving working base. This props up the elite of the country, primarily in Pyongyang. Selling nuclear weapons, of which North Korea has a limited supply, to terrorist groups is laughably far fetched. On the other hand, Pakistan has a well documented possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands due to political instability potential.
2
another childish distraction as Mueller investigation heats up, but this time, it can have catastrophic results. He needs to be removed from office now.
Everyone needs to call and write to their congressional representatives and demand that he be removed from office. This nonsense can go no further.
Everyone needs to call and write to their congressional representatives and demand that he be removed from office. This nonsense can go no further.
7
To all of you who voted for Trump for a change, how do you like it so far? We are at the mercy of a reckless, immature, impulsive bully, (two of them actually) and war could result. Is this what you wanted for change? Is this what you had in mind when you voted for a reality tv star? Trump voters have visited anxiety, fear, and worry upon us all. What did we ever do to you?
12
No Trump supporter I know is ever going to read this comment. They believe everything their beloved windbag says, and he has branded NYT as fake news. You can just talley up the anti-trump comments and see, yeah, no Trumpsters are looking here for news.
Lock 'em up . . . in a loony bin where he belonged a long time ago. Congress need to pass a budget providing for the sale of all White House mirrors and requiring that the funds be used to reduce the national debt along with a prohibition against spending for replacements.
2
It looks like Trump (or Bannon) has decided a war with North Korea is just the thing to fix his drooping poll numbers, rally the country around him, and most importantly give him the Big Win the inept Republican Congress has thus far denied him.
That Big Win would come at the expense of millions of lost and shattered lives. But given the willingness of Trump and Republicans to sacrifice as many as 32 million Americans who would have lost their health care under the fake bills that failed in Congress, that's surely a price well worth paying. Then Trump, an unpopular bumbling president who lost the popular vote, automatically becomes a Heroic War President with a unified Congress at the ready to rubber-stamp whatever he commands. It worked for Dubya, and it should work even more bigly for Trump.
That Big Win would come at the expense of millions of lost and shattered lives. But given the willingness of Trump and Republicans to sacrifice as many as 32 million Americans who would have lost their health care under the fake bills that failed in Congress, that's surely a price well worth paying. Then Trump, an unpopular bumbling president who lost the popular vote, automatically becomes a Heroic War President with a unified Congress at the ready to rubber-stamp whatever he commands. It worked for Dubya, and it should work even more bigly for Trump.
8
Call me a cynic, but I suspect that Trump is so desperate to move the conversation away from the Russia investigation that he would literally start a war to change the topic.
16
Help us Robert Mueller, you're our only hope.
14
This is all on those who voted for Trump or threw their vote away!
6
Is this the document that just went out with 60 Democrats signatures?
May 12, 2017 Press Release
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) has introduced the ‘Oversight Commission on Presidential Capacity Act’ (H.R. 1987). This bill will allow Congress to guarantee the security of the nation and effectiveness of the government when serious concerns have been raised about the President’s ability to execute the responsibilities of the office. Raskin’s bill has 20 cosponsors.
Section 4 of the 25th Amendment empowers Congress to establish a permanent “body” that can declare that the President is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” Raskin’s bill establishes this independent nonpartisan body: the Oversight Commission on Presidential Capacity.
May 12, 2017 Press Release
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) has introduced the ‘Oversight Commission on Presidential Capacity Act’ (H.R. 1987). This bill will allow Congress to guarantee the security of the nation and effectiveness of the government when serious concerns have been raised about the President’s ability to execute the responsibilities of the office. Raskin’s bill has 20 cosponsors.
Section 4 of the 25th Amendment empowers Congress to establish a permanent “body” that can declare that the President is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” Raskin’s bill establishes this independent nonpartisan body: the Oversight Commission on Presidential Capacity.
6
Kim knows that his use of a nuclear weapon against anyone would lead to the immediate end of him and of his country. Trump's utterances have only stated the obvious. Is Kim a "smart cookie," as Trump has said? If he is not suicidal he will negotiate. What bothers me is that if he is a smart cookie, he would not be playing this game of chicken unless he knew that he had the tacit support of the Chinese.
5
It's obvious that if the Fake News Industrial Complex didn't exist the Trump Administration would have had to invent it so to have somebody to blame their errors on. Unfortunately, they (the Administration) don't realize that the FNIC consists of Breitbart, Fox, OANN, Drudge, and the 38% who will follow them blindly anywhere for any reason as long as it is a negative one.
3
This is craziness in it's finest! Two loose cannons threatening World stability. Allies of the US should condemn Trump and China should rein in Nort Korea. If nukes are launched then fallout will travel around the globe for years causing Cancer, birth defects, and other nasty things.
1
You cannot operate diplomacy jumping in and out of golf carts. Give this crisis the attention it deserves. Return to D.C. And get your Act/Administration together. Where else but America would redecorating preempt Potential World Annihilation
5
Dear Republican Party,
Have you finally had enough? Impeach him now.
Have you finally had enough? Impeach him now.
6
I'm sorry to break it to my American friends, but the headline here isn't "Trump Escalates Rhetoric," but "America Escalates Rhetoric." Get yourselves together!
5
I hope our friends around the world remember that the majority of us did not vote for this president and that America is so much more than this temporary president.
1
Well.. tomorrow is Friday, when he trumps his weeklong show. Maybe we'll be around to watch it. Maybe not.
>> “If he does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody has seen before, what will happen in North Korea,” he said.
Well, yes. That pretty much goes without saying. Kim already knows it. So it should go without saying, precisely to avoid sounding like a dare.
Well, yes. That pretty much goes without saying. Kim already knows it. So it should go without saying, precisely to avoid sounding like a dare.
5
If we want to know who will be at fault for all the calamities that has, and will, come with Donald Trump as president, it must be accepted that "we the people" are to blame. For despite the intellectual misdirections, informational omissions, of our politicians, we are the government! not Washington. But this cannot be a reality within the collective consciousness without unqualified unity against those who falsely believe the planet is their personal playground to conquer people abroad while systematically maintaining a population of poor people at home.
More specifically to Donald Trump, is that he seems to view the world primarily through egocentrism which, goes without saying, is dangerous in a pixel of a world with more weaponized nuclear power than the planet's collective will to see that all our technology can never mask the fact that we are still uncivilized. Thus, the question becomes, in a Newtonian way, what does it do to us when we can never see our adversaries as being human- to be conquered and killed?
"Avoid political parties; they will cause divisive factions and unscrupulous men will use them to undermine the government." -George Washington
Only the people can restore democracy, especially when it forgets that ALL men are created equal by a Common Denominator which, whether we like it , or not, makes us and our enemies One and the Same!
More specifically to Donald Trump, is that he seems to view the world primarily through egocentrism which, goes without saying, is dangerous in a pixel of a world with more weaponized nuclear power than the planet's collective will to see that all our technology can never mask the fact that we are still uncivilized. Thus, the question becomes, in a Newtonian way, what does it do to us when we can never see our adversaries as being human- to be conquered and killed?
"Avoid political parties; they will cause divisive factions and unscrupulous men will use them to undermine the government." -George Washington
Only the people can restore democracy, especially when it forgets that ALL men are created equal by a Common Denominator which, whether we like it , or not, makes us and our enemies One and the Same!
2
I was nine during the Cuban missile crisis and i remember vividly the speech made by President Kennedy where he stated in a muted, solemn yet very forceful speech that any attack on the United States by Russia would be met with a fully retaliatory strike, but he left the door open for talks to defuse the situation.
I can say with the utmost certainty that if Trump had been president during that time period, humanity would have ended in late October, 1962.
I can say with the utmost certainty that if Trump had been president during that time period, humanity would have ended in late October, 1962.
12
On May 5 Representative Jamie Raskin introduced a bill (HR 1987) called the Oversight Commission on Presidential Capacity Act. A former GOP Senator has been imploring his own representatives to use this to remove Trump from office. See https://raskin.house.gov/media/press-releases/raskin-introduces-bill-est... and http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/08/10/donald-trump-north-korea-gordon-hu...
2
No one is talking about Russian collusion anymore. Mission accomplished.
8
Or his tax returns.. oh, wait. Same thing.
3
Good grief. Trump casually raises the nuclear option as if it's so much cartoon dynamite. No doubt he has never read John Hersey's "Hiroshima"; in fact, I wonder how many of today's 30- and 40- and 50-somethings remember that heartbreaking book. Our use of the atomic bomb against Japan was an unparalleled atrocity. We Americans are the ones who need to be deterred. Hundreds of thousands of innocents killed? Irreparable planetary contamination? Not in my name.
7
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were not just outrageous acts of sadism and barbarity. They were completely gratuitous and unnecessary, according to all of Truman's top military brass, the findings of the government's Strategic Bombing Survey, many members of the Manhattan Project and, ironically, Harry Truman himself, who stated in his diaries that Japan would capitulate on US terms once presented with A) an announcement of Russia's entry into the war as a hostile power to Japan and B) an assurance regarding the fate of the Emperor. The ultimatum was not presented because of the successful A bomb test at Almagordo, NM. That's when the strategy shifted to "unconditional surrender" and the massacre was formally set in motion.
1
There are two ways to get rid of Trump: impeachment or the 25th Amendment. Trump is escalating in provocative and hostile rhetoric---and his personal physician advised him that he NOT be monitored by psychometrics. But psychometrics on this man is exactly what this country needs, badly. Something is wrong with this man. We deserve to know whether he might escalate into even more provocative and dangerous rhetoric and action. Why should the U.S. rely on China or anyone else to help control our increasingly dangerous demagogue? We need to take a closer look, and consider whether the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, which protects us from mental incompetence, offers us relief from this increasingly alarming behavior.
7
Agreed. He is delusional (see his assertions on the size of his inauguration crowd and the almost 3 million vote loss of the popular vote among many other claims). He is narcissistic and egotistical to an extraordinary degree. Almost every event or incident is about himself, see through his own filter. He is a pathological liar, documented several hundred times now in the last few months. He is a psychopath, totally unable to care about anyone else (with the possible exception of Ivanka and Vladimir). He spends hours every day insulting others and/or lying.
The world is a much more dangerous place now. Around Trump is a sycophantic symphony of enablers and worshippers. We are on the brink of war within six months of this lunatic coming to office.
The world is a much more dangerous place now. Around Trump is a sycophantic symphony of enablers and worshippers. We are on the brink of war within six months of this lunatic coming to office.
1
“So, from my perspective, and the perspective of my friends, we think it’s all bluster. We wish the media would get off this and onto something more important, like the final season of ‘Game of Thrones.’ ”
A citizen of Guam quoted in a current New Yorker article which contradicts this hysterical out of touch "Guam is about to be struck with devastation by NK" New York Times article
A citizen of Guam quoted in a current New Yorker article which contradicts this hysterical out of touch "Guam is about to be struck with devastation by NK" New York Times article
1
It is very interesting that the so called spontaneous remarks made by Trump with no counsel with his advisors were so similar to those made by President Truman in referring to the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan.
Am I to believe that Donald Trump himself made a statement that referenced Truman's remarks. I would be surprised to find that Donald Trump knows that Harry Truman was an American President never mind some statement at the time of the bombing of Japan.
So who produced that parallel statement? And why?
And why did whoever prepared those remarks have them delivered in a fashion that suggests an unhinged outburst? Or should I say another unhinged outburst.
For once Donald Trump's loose tongue and erratic ways may help us. Certainly persuading the Chinese and the Russians that America is no longer the voice of reason in this issue is one way to change their actions. And it may persuade them that the downside to doing nothing is a great deal worse than curbing North Korean ambitions.
Am I to believe that Donald Trump himself made a statement that referenced Truman's remarks. I would be surprised to find that Donald Trump knows that Harry Truman was an American President never mind some statement at the time of the bombing of Japan.
So who produced that parallel statement? And why?
And why did whoever prepared those remarks have them delivered in a fashion that suggests an unhinged outburst? Or should I say another unhinged outburst.
For once Donald Trump's loose tongue and erratic ways may help us. Certainly persuading the Chinese and the Russians that America is no longer the voice of reason in this issue is one way to change their actions. And it may persuade them that the downside to doing nothing is a great deal worse than curbing North Korean ambitions.
1
The fire and fury phrase is a fairly common one in comic books, video games, and such genre. It does not rise to a presidential level.
1
Excuse me, Mr. President, but what exactly have they been doing to our country for a long time? Do you understand the question? Do you even care to think about it?
6
I've said since his win that Trump will never cede power. If Mueller has the goods (and he almost certainly does), Trump will start a war. He will suspend elections and declare martial law. A nuclear bomb in Seattle would no doubt be a small price to pay, in Trump's mind, for the blossoming of his dictatorship.
5
Trump is yelling at China at the top of his whiny lungs, do something about NK, anything, don't leave me hanging here, Xi.
And then he is sending Javanka to China to prepare the way for his Excellency to visit. Brilliant! Jared has messed up everything he has touched so far, from Qatar to secret Russia Embassy channels to Russia to Russian collusion, while Ivanka has been trading Presidential influence for brand licenses.
What could go wrong?
And then he is sending Javanka to China to prepare the way for his Excellency to visit. Brilliant! Jared has messed up everything he has touched so far, from Qatar to secret Russia Embassy channels to Russia to Russian collusion, while Ivanka has been trading Presidential influence for brand licenses.
What could go wrong?
12
North Korea seems to be the player that plays like it has little to lose. Maybe the regime there sees that as its strongest card, when backed by a credible nuclear threat. Along with that, it is betting that the US, with more to lose, will be constrained by the international community. Whatever strategy the US considers, "sticks and stones" are few, and Trump's "words will never hurt".
2
If President Kim of North Korea thinks he can get away with threatening us wirh nuclear missiles, he does not know President Trump. This president is a no nonsense kind of person who will not let some insignificant leader bully us. President Trump had to use strong language with someone like Mr. Kim. This is the only language he knows. This is how he has been governing his country but we are not North Korea. We are a super power who takes no nonsense from anyone.
1
Studies have just shown that Trump's voters who want war cannot find North Korea on a map. Can you? Can Trump? Please test this.
Trump is an ignorant and dangerous lunatic. And with that mindset, do you think Russia (currently pointing some 1500 nuclear missiles at us should also be attacked. The reason the Cold War was successful is that containment and diplomacy provide time for regimes (such as the former USSR) to change, join the modern world, and develop better relations. North Korea's allies are China and Russia. What is your plan to deal with them? More war?
It is dangerous nonsense to ignite a war that can kill millions within hours with conventional weapons. Look at a map, see how close our ally South Korea is with millions in its population, and our ally Japan is with millions in population as well as close to a quarter of a million Americans in South Korea right now. Do you really want them at risk of immediate death or caught in a major war?
Trump is an ignorant and dangerous lunatic. And with that mindset, do you think Russia (currently pointing some 1500 nuclear missiles at us should also be attacked. The reason the Cold War was successful is that containment and diplomacy provide time for regimes (such as the former USSR) to change, join the modern world, and develop better relations. North Korea's allies are China and Russia. What is your plan to deal with them? More war?
It is dangerous nonsense to ignite a war that can kill millions within hours with conventional weapons. Look at a map, see how close our ally South Korea is with millions in its population, and our ally Japan is with millions in population as well as close to a quarter of a million Americans in South Korea right now. Do you really want them at risk of immediate death or caught in a major war?
4
When a weak man with power feels diminished, he is very dangerous indeed. He will ruthlessly punish the world for his humiliation. Do hundreds of thousands have to die to soothe this abominable man's ego?
I knew Trump would start a war, but not this soon and not one involving nuclear weapons.
I have never been so scared.
I knew Trump would start a war, but not this soon and not one involving nuclear weapons.
I have never been so scared.
20
Trump will launch against PRK. And his approval ratings will soar as the US media tells us that Trump is a hero for being such a strong warrior president.
1
Yer the Fake News will " The Next News Network"
Trump is not "sticking up" for anybody by exacerbating a conflict that unnecessarily endangers innocent lives. He should try diplomacy, not schoolyard bully tactics.
8
I don't understand so many Japanese people are optimistic for this seriously tough situation. They even expect that Trump orders attack to North Korea as soon as possible and make NK surrender. If a war begins, Japan and South Korea would inevitably be involved in it, and hundreds and thousands might be dead. Though I know NK is a rogue nation and it would be much dangerous if we let them free for developing weapons, but I pray a war will be avoided and we can find a peaceful settlement. For that, cooperation of Russia and China would be necessary.
4
Would people prefer President Trump remain silent about North Korea's possible nuclear missiles attack and look weak or speak out against Mr. Kim and show him he has backbone and we will not let them intimidate us. I would prefer a leader like Mr. Trump who is firm and not afraid of a country that is a fraction of us in population. We must think about our safety and not be afraid of what others think.
We have had 24 years of past negotiations with former presidents which have yielded negative results. North Korea did not take us seriously and now with President Trump at the helm they may begin to see we mean business. This may also result in China getting involved in discussions with Mr. Kim to persuade them to not fire nuclear missiles into our country or we will attack them. We must protect our citizens and country. We must show North Korea we are serious and will take direct action. We need to demonstrate to them that we are not afraid.
We have had 24 years of past negotiations with former presidents which have yielded negative results. North Korea did not take us seriously and now with President Trump at the helm they may begin to see we mean business. This may also result in China getting involved in discussions with Mr. Kim to persuade them to not fire nuclear missiles into our country or we will attack them. We must protect our citizens and country. We must show North Korea we are serious and will take direct action. We need to demonstrate to them that we are not afraid.
2
If President Trump wants to be tough, he should publicly state that, in the event of armed conflict, the USA will go it alone. He should thank Australia's Prime Minister Trumble for his offer of assistance, but respectfully decline - no Australian personnel required on this one.
5
If Trump wants to be tough, he can challenge the North Korean president to an arm wrestling match or a duel, and leave all the rest of the world out of it.
2
I support Trump in this. 3 decades of negotiations have not got us anything. And plus all these really despicable countries that do not take care of its people but just engage in destructive ventures need to be punished once and for all.
4
Those countries need to be punished for not taking care of its people by us killing 10s of thousands or more of those very people (not to mention US soldiers)? Not to mention people in neighboring countries (are you willing to have huge numbers of South Koreans die just so North Korea gets punished? That is pretty callous thinking.
Also, "all these really despicable countries?" How many are you proposing we bomb? Please provide a list of how many wars you want the US to be involved in.
Also, "all these really despicable countries?" How many are you proposing we bomb? Please provide a list of how many wars you want the US to be involved in.
2
The Cold War was successful due to decades of negotiations, diplomacy and containment. There are many nuclear and other powers in the world. There are many countries which do not take care of their people. The U.S. should not go around creating wars in which millions die, including hundreds of thousands of Americans. We have treaties with South Korea and Japan. Russia and China are allies of North Korea.
What in the world do you think would be the outcome? This could easily turn into WWIII. Warmongering by two lunatics is a recipe for catastrophe.
What in the world do you think would be the outcome? This could easily turn into WWIII. Warmongering by two lunatics is a recipe for catastrophe.
3
How can any sane person be in favor of Nuclear War? Oh well, at least you know that WW4 will be fought with sticks and stones....FYI 3 decades of negotiations = 30 years of PEACE you can hardly call that nothing.
2
If Trump is typical of the Americans of wealth, I'm happy to be poor and have a soul.
History has been very cruel to the world to have given us Trump. He is the product of American hate and anger.
I fear the worst ahead is inevitable from two impulsive reflexive violent men with no conscience about sending thousands or millions of people to their death and suffering.
History has been very cruel to the world to have given us Trump. He is the product of American hate and anger.
I fear the worst ahead is inevitable from two impulsive reflexive violent men with no conscience about sending thousands or millions of people to their death and suffering.
12
Well, now he had run into someone way more unhinged than him. So, yes, obviously his 'fire and fury' statement was rather lame by Kim's standards. That guy throws his political enemies to the dogs, or shoots them with anti-aircraft artillery: he is a spoiled heir to the throne that truly does what he pleases, pretty much like Trump, but with far, far more unchecked power. Trump has good political instincts. Americans I think could tolerate a tougher stance against N Korea after 25 years of getting nowhere with negotiations, and Kim ratcheting up his nuclear missile war machine, and the Otto Warmbier story....
2
It is important to think carefully about desiring to be a parent.
Only those who intuitively feel that they could love having children should plan for them.
Trump's father was a brutal man. He raised his son cruelly, with crudeness, teaching venality at every moment. So Trump learned from his venality, and imitates it perfectly. Trump later identified intensively with Roy Cohn, who played out another version of his own father, as an adopted father figure. This man is not a figure to be admired, applauded, supported, imitated, honored nor respected. This man was not ever going to be presidential "material" for these reasons as he does not know what it takes to be a United States President, nor does he care in the least. He only cares about the con. And he cares deeply about that.
Only those who intuitively feel that they could love having children should plan for them.
Trump's father was a brutal man. He raised his son cruelly, with crudeness, teaching venality at every moment. So Trump learned from his venality, and imitates it perfectly. Trump later identified intensively with Roy Cohn, who played out another version of his own father, as an adopted father figure. This man is not a figure to be admired, applauded, supported, imitated, honored nor respected. This man was not ever going to be presidential "material" for these reasons as he does not know what it takes to be a United States President, nor does he care in the least. He only cares about the con. And he cares deeply about that.
6
Plain and simple, he is a madman who cannot be trusted to rely on those who are in a far better position to assess and strategize. This man is increasingly unhinged, obsessed with power, and dangerously impulsive. At this point he will go to any extreme to detour special prosecutor Mueller. His interests are entirely self-serving and not in the best interests of this Country or the international community. God help South Korea and perhaps Japan if this miscreant continues to rant and threaten.
8
I now realize that Trump is not a joke. The night he was elected I was all tensed up waiting for the results. They came and I went to bed not believing it. I have been in denial until tonight when, just as on election night, his winning states kept popping up, I see rockets popping up. The world's first nuclear war could happen. Unbelievable, like his election.
God Save Us.
God Save Us.
9
For every person that thinks Trump's threatening talk is a good idea: March right down to your military recruiter and sign up! This is just like the WMD scare that started the Iraq war. This new war will happen (Trump needs a win and a stroke to his ego), it will not be quick (they never are) and it will cost many their lives, families and homes. It may as well be you. So get out there and volunteer to do your part, you can't just jeer from the sidelines and take Trump with you!
9
Trump and the art of the deal - don't think so - especially in international affairs. Trump is out of his element. I wonder what the over and under is for war right about now?
2
Trump is making these bellicose statements to please his diminishing base in the U.S. - to fan his fragile ego. He doesn't care what effects they have on the international community in general or North Korea in particular. His self-centered shallowness puts the entire world in danger.
8
Since nobody knows what's going to happen . . . Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. Maybe Trump figures his odds a better against N Korea than they are against his critics. Sometimes I think they are almost rooting for Kim just so they can make their case against Trump louder. Speaking of Lawrence O'Donnell, he's almost on now out here in LA. Gotta go make sure the TV isn't on.
1
This is where we are now after the long, inactive Clinton - Bush - Obama years.
The NK problem was allowed to ripen and now is in President Trump's lap. It is high time to make it crystal clear to these NK gangsters that any real military threat to the US and its allies will result in total obliteration of them ! Period !
The NK problem was allowed to ripen and now is in President Trump's lap. It is high time to make it crystal clear to these NK gangsters that any real military threat to the US and its allies will result in total obliteration of them ! Period !
Easy to say. Hard to do. And a million dead outside NK easily.
Trump complains that our series of past weak leaders have tried negotiating for 25 years and nothing has happened.
He's right. Nothing has happened....like a war.
He's right. Nothing has happened....like a war.
8
Here we are talking about nuclear war and threatening nuclear war, with Trump in charge.
Isn't this the nightmare scenario that was imagined?
Isn't this the nightmare scenario that was imagined?
9
There are just no words adequate to describe the evil idiocy of Trump.
14
Millions of good innocent people now live in fear of nuclear attack. Trump's bloated ego swells larger every day. He has the power to cause the obliteration of mankind and he's loving it. God help us all.
8
If NK's nuclear plants were air-attacked 2 decades ago when Ex-President Carter visited NK, NK could not begin counter attacks, probably.
Even if NK began a war at that time, it was not a nuclear war.
Even if NK began a war at that time, it was not a nuclear war.
1
Yup, and if two decades ago we did some other things differently, we'd have no threat of climate disasters and Islamist terrorism - in hindsight. Trump only drums up North Korea because he wants to deflect attention from the Russian investigation and his tax returns - like taking a sledge hammer to the fly on your picture window - he's that stupid. And we're even more stupid to just sit back and let him do it...
2
This is not about Trump's impulsiveness or his ignorant assurance that he understands the world better than everyone around him. This is an intentional program to provoke war with North Korea before Robert Mueller can secure indictments against Trump and members of his administration. As Mueller gets closer to securing evidence of Trump's crimes, the anti-North Korea jargon coming out of the White House will become more bellicose and the provocations more overt.
This is your president, America. He's a criminal so craven that he would start a war to distract the world from his crimes. How many people will have to die to protect this monster?
This is your president, America. He's a criminal so craven that he would start a war to distract the world from his crimes. How many people will have to die to protect this monster?
13
Once again this master of distraction, Donald Trump, is manufacturing a massive sleight of hand moment in which we will be so concerned with his idiotic posturing that we'll stop scrutinizing the facts regarding his suspicious activity in regard to Russia. We need to keep our eyes on the prize. Starting a nuclear war won't save Trump from his ignominious fate.
3
During the Korean War, Gen Douglas MacArthur proposed an escalation using nuclear fire. He was promptly sacked by President Truman.
5
Donald Trump is all "statements": talk, bluster, doubling down on bombast to win an infantile war of words with his adversaries.
In business and then in his presidential campaign, he was able to play his game of empty talk without delivering on it. Now, delivering would mean causing a cataclysm. His incompetence at grappling with problems has brought him to this: trying to crush the most explosive of problems with words.
He once said North Korea's attainment of ICBM capability was not going to happen. It did. Now he says of Kim, "He's not going to go around threatening Guam and he's not going to threaten the United States ... Japan ... South Korea. ... That is a statement of fact."
Meaning what? If only our toy president Talky Donald had been designed to say things like, "If North Korea attacks...", he wouldn't be putting himself and us in an impossible position. Now Kim says he's going to launch missiles that will come down in the waters off Guam. Is Trump going to start a nuclear war over that splash, just to save face and show the grown-ups around him who's boss? What he's showing at the moment is that the kid in Pyongyang is not only mentally competent but capable of thinking rings around Donald Trump. Even if he doesn't launch, he has already proven that he can go on making threats without suffering "fire and fury".
The one person near Trump who may save the day is Kellyanne Conway. If she can spin a standoff in a way that's flattering to him, all may be well yet.
In business and then in his presidential campaign, he was able to play his game of empty talk without delivering on it. Now, delivering would mean causing a cataclysm. His incompetence at grappling with problems has brought him to this: trying to crush the most explosive of problems with words.
He once said North Korea's attainment of ICBM capability was not going to happen. It did. Now he says of Kim, "He's not going to go around threatening Guam and he's not going to threaten the United States ... Japan ... South Korea. ... That is a statement of fact."
Meaning what? If only our toy president Talky Donald had been designed to say things like, "If North Korea attacks...", he wouldn't be putting himself and us in an impossible position. Now Kim says he's going to launch missiles that will come down in the waters off Guam. Is Trump going to start a nuclear war over that splash, just to save face and show the grown-ups around him who's boss? What he's showing at the moment is that the kid in Pyongyang is not only mentally competent but capable of thinking rings around Donald Trump. Even if he doesn't launch, he has already proven that he can go on making threats without suffering "fire and fury".
The one person near Trump who may save the day is Kellyanne Conway. If she can spin a standoff in a way that's flattering to him, all may be well yet.
This sure made us all forget about those pesky tax returns.
5
Americans have been isolated from the effects of world politics until now. We've been able to listen to the news, dismiss it and run off on our merry ways. Unfortunately, while we've been out combing the aisles at Walmart, most American voters neglected to pick up on Russia's cozy relationship with North Korea. In fact, Kim considers Russia his #1 ally. So, isn't it interesting that Putin, who has longed to be considered the world's #1 leader interfered with our elected to prevent the formidable Hillary Clinton from becoming president? Isn't it interesting that Putin can cozy up to Kim, possibly instigating him into a pre-emptive strike against us? We have been caught in a trap of international political intrigue that's thicker and more dangerous than anything we've seen in our lives - and it's really scary. Unfortunately, the Trumpster lives in his 5th Avenue bubblehead and has zero - maybe less than zero concept of reality. All at our expense. But - her emails!
3
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the president was entitled to use whatever language he thought appropriate. “I was not elected,” he said. “The American people elected the president.”
Neither was Trump.
Neither was Trump.
2
It is a very scary thought that Donald Trump appears to exhibit clear signs of some form of dementia--Alzheimer's? Frontal lobe dementia? Is ANYONE in a position to require a professional diagnosis? The Cabinet has the statutory authority to take action on this, but the full Cabinet assembled by Trump won't do it. The Founders seem to have overlooked the possibility of a madman being elected president.
5
I agree with Trump. He was not tough enough. He took the bait from the North Korean spoiled brat and couldn't muster enough Moxie to deliver a return message without folding his arms around himself as if he needed a hug. I don't know, but his body language displayed a timid soul. Sad and embarrassing. When will this sideshow end?
Trump is seriously threatening North Korea and Kim Jong un with nuclear war because:
a. Trump never lets solid information and good advice interfere with his desire to be unpredictable and bully others
b. Trump cares as much about what happens to the little people, other countries, and the planet as Kim Jong un does
c. Trump needs to deflect attention from his failing presidency, his dropping poll numbers, and the impending investigation into the Trump-Russian connection by special prosecutor Robert Mueller III. He thinks maybe a war just might do the trick.
d. Trump believes international and national laws are for other people; wars are for the little people to fight; he, his family, and his money will be fine if there is a nuclear war
e. Trump knows he is extremely well suited to be Commander-in-Chief (as he said in the presidential debates), because he attended military school as a kid--although he did not fight in the Vietnam war when drafted because he had bone spurs and his doctor wrote him a note to be excused from his military duty.
f. Trump's fans love violence and war, and they will surely elect him for a second term, even if no one else does.
e. all of the above
a. Trump never lets solid information and good advice interfere with his desire to be unpredictable and bully others
b. Trump cares as much about what happens to the little people, other countries, and the planet as Kim Jong un does
c. Trump needs to deflect attention from his failing presidency, his dropping poll numbers, and the impending investigation into the Trump-Russian connection by special prosecutor Robert Mueller III. He thinks maybe a war just might do the trick.
d. Trump believes international and national laws are for other people; wars are for the little people to fight; he, his family, and his money will be fine if there is a nuclear war
e. Trump knows he is extremely well suited to be Commander-in-Chief (as he said in the presidential debates), because he attended military school as a kid--although he did not fight in the Vietnam war when drafted because he had bone spurs and his doctor wrote him a note to be excused from his military duty.
f. Trump's fans love violence and war, and they will surely elect him for a second term, even if no one else does.
e. all of the above
4
He pushes the button the moment one of his family members houses is searched, or they are indicted.
Twenty plus million dead is a small enough price to pay to keep your kin out of jail.
Twenty plus million dead is a small enough price to pay to keep your kin out of jail.
3
I had hoped that "America's Longest War", run in tandem with what may be judged to be "America's Dumbest War" had exhausted any appetite the nation might have had for more bloodshed. But every time the state rattles the saber, out come the cheerleaders.
To quote Farnsworth from Futurama, "I don't want to live on this planet anymore."
To quote Farnsworth from Futurama, "I don't want to live on this planet anymore."
1
Look at the dialogue before ww 2,no help.We must stand behind our leaders choices,they have more information
The fact that he makes comments like these is why Trump won the election and why he will win the next election if he chooses to run. The US is not an oligarchy.
Regular people are the majority and they want the US to be tough. New York City liberal politics is considered elitist and suspect. Many in Manhattan are in denial. Maybe you can start a separitist movement like the Catalans: "We're too cool to be part of this country so we want out."
Regular people are the majority and they want the US to be tough. New York City liberal politics is considered elitist and suspect. Many in Manhattan are in denial. Maybe you can start a separitist movement like the Catalans: "We're too cool to be part of this country so we want out."
1
Under Trump, the US is very much an oligarchy.
2
Great idea. Where do I sign up?
Americans want the US to be tough, regardless of how many millions of South Koreans and Japanese are killed?
A childish idiot is running the show.
Americans want the US to be tough, regardless of how many millions of South Koreans and Japanese are killed?
A childish idiot is running the show.
This is so crazy and scary. This man has the nuclear codes! He may be our President but he cannot and should not be the commander in chief.
And.... what President of the United States remains on vacation while interacting at this level with North Korea. This is not real people and real lives to Trump. He has no human compassion or empathy. He'll let thousands die to stroke his ego and avoid prosecution by Mueller. We must utilize the 25th Amendment. Pence is horrible too, but at least he "might" listen to his foreign policy advisors. Happy Ryan and McConnell?
And.... what President of the United States remains on vacation while interacting at this level with North Korea. This is not real people and real lives to Trump. He has no human compassion or empathy. He'll let thousands die to stroke his ego and avoid prosecution by Mueller. We must utilize the 25th Amendment. Pence is horrible too, but at least he "might" listen to his foreign policy advisors. Happy Ryan and McConnell?
2
Since the Donald loves these vacations...how about offering him one to The Hague? A little bit like the Jersey shore but with some famous attractions that he would most likely visit: The International Court of Justice. Let's make it memorable for him, lots of photo-souvenirs with "huge" headlines, etc.
1
When you're under investigation by a special counsel and flirting with historically low popularity, send in the military to distract and appear in charge. Although I don't give our fake President that much credit. He just fights with everyone and keeps the spotlight on him.
4
Don't worry - Trump loves to cause distractions. Just as Mueller gets closer to HIM he'll push the red button!
3
We will all pay the price for his stupidity. We allowed him to happen. Start apologizing to your kids for the future they will never have.
5
For God's sake, and i am half agnostic, we have got to get rid of our madman president before he gets us into a nuclear confrontation with North Korea. Our planet cannot sustain this let alone our fragile human bodies.
One outright madman on our planet is enough. We cannot bear two. We must some how get rid of Trump....NOW.
One outright madman on our planet is enough. We cannot bear two. We must some how get rid of Trump....NOW.
9
Now that he is repeating his threats, I am extremely aware that this is one of his well known distraction methods he has employed in the past to CONTROL AND DISTRACT THE MEDIA.
I have been skimming Reuters, AP, and other viable news sources for the news Trump is trying to OBSCURE by this well known "look at me, I might be naked "antic..
It appears it is his continued connection to Russia being exposed by the search of Manafort by the FBI.It is his prolonged vacations and laziness, and failing polls.
THIS IS A CLASSIC TRUMP DISTRACTION. If we can figure it out among ourselves, and we are lawyers not members of the elite media...why would the NYT, WAPO, CNN, NBC, ABC etc. not have figured out his methods by now.
This is classic Trump. The media should stop being used as Trump's own DISTRACTION MAKERS.
Draining!!
I have been skimming Reuters, AP, and other viable news sources for the news Trump is trying to OBSCURE by this well known "look at me, I might be naked "antic..
It appears it is his continued connection to Russia being exposed by the search of Manafort by the FBI.It is his prolonged vacations and laziness, and failing polls.
THIS IS A CLASSIC TRUMP DISTRACTION. If we can figure it out among ourselves, and we are lawyers not members of the elite media...why would the NYT, WAPO, CNN, NBC, ABC etc. not have figured out his methods by now.
This is classic Trump. The media should stop being used as Trump's own DISTRACTION MAKERS.
Draining!!
6
Distraction ? What an inane assumption of left wing liberal nonsense!
This is not a media ploy. This is dealing with a rogue nation that has had UN sanctions imposed on it for its actions. Stop drinking the liberal media Kool Aid and look at the aggressive posturing by North Korea. Kim Jong- um is not concerned about the safety of his small nation. He is attempting to mussel his way into the nuclear club and into a position of world power by threatening to attack. This is a rabid dog on the loose.
This is not a media ploy. This is dealing with a rogue nation that has had UN sanctions imposed on it for its actions. Stop drinking the liberal media Kool Aid and look at the aggressive posturing by North Korea. Kim Jong- um is not concerned about the safety of his small nation. He is attempting to mussel his way into the nuclear club and into a position of world power by threatening to attack. This is a rabid dog on the loose.
Kim, in what actually looks like a moment of sanity, actually gave ten days'-two weeks' notice on pointing missiles toward Guam. And that might actually give both sides time to iron things out.
But what does Trump do? Take Truman out of context (hey, Melania copied from Michele Obama, so maybe they both want to be Democrats) while trying to convince himself of his virility by talking tough.
But what does Trump do? Take Truman out of context (hey, Melania copied from Michele Obama, so maybe they both want to be Democrats) while trying to convince himself of his virility by talking tough.
1
I would like to add to my previous comment what I consider to also be a very fundamental observation:
(To paraphrase Sting ...) "Don't the North Korean people love their children, too?" I daresay they do. But they are trapped by the psychopathic bent of what is probably an extremely-small number of (mostly "OLD men") at the top. Perhaps they feel that they have no choice but to resign themselves to become lambs to the slaughter. Perhaps they also know that, if so, their lives would have been wasted.
As for the young leader himself, I likewise have my doubts. He grew up as the son of his father before him, perhaps likewise trapped in the consequences of a 60-year old war that was never finished.
What I do see, in almost every official photograph, are a now-familiar set of "old-man faces." These, I think, are the Puppetmasters. These are the people – and there might well be less than a dozen of them (still alive) – who are recklessly threatening the peace of the planet.
And – ladies and gentlemen, these people are PSYCHOPATHS. We can only imagine the depth of evil which festers in their wretched souls ... a depth of evil which probably makes Hannibal Lecter seem in comparison like a really nice guy. These people are our true first-target.
But then, we must, as a WORLD, "resolve the question of the Korean Peninsula." Bring the interrupted war to closure. Realize the hideous level of danger that leaving the matter "out of sight, out of mind" has now cost us.
(To paraphrase Sting ...) "Don't the North Korean people love their children, too?" I daresay they do. But they are trapped by the psychopathic bent of what is probably an extremely-small number of (mostly "OLD men") at the top. Perhaps they feel that they have no choice but to resign themselves to become lambs to the slaughter. Perhaps they also know that, if so, their lives would have been wasted.
As for the young leader himself, I likewise have my doubts. He grew up as the son of his father before him, perhaps likewise trapped in the consequences of a 60-year old war that was never finished.
What I do see, in almost every official photograph, are a now-familiar set of "old-man faces." These, I think, are the Puppetmasters. These are the people – and there might well be less than a dozen of them (still alive) – who are recklessly threatening the peace of the planet.
And – ladies and gentlemen, these people are PSYCHOPATHS. We can only imagine the depth of evil which festers in their wretched souls ... a depth of evil which probably makes Hannibal Lecter seem in comparison like a really nice guy. These people are our true first-target.
But then, we must, as a WORLD, "resolve the question of the Korean Peninsula." Bring the interrupted war to closure. Realize the hideous level of danger that leaving the matter "out of sight, out of mind" has now cost us.
He wants to win, war or no. Also, cost to others not a problem. Loss of allies, no harm there. I can almost hear a Japan to China phone call. Another to Russia. J- "Maybe we can do more by looking to America less". So America first may be a step toward less engagement. Making America great again for dt to outshine O. It may be the first step to America only. And then America alone. Like North Korea and Syria. MAGA=NoKo=ISIS.
The world needs more war, more displaced, more refugees, not.
2
Let everyone here remember: "if a war does start, Donald Trump is not the one who will have started it." The persons who will have started it are a very small group of literally-psychopathic heads-of-state who will have demonstrated that they care for no one and nothing on this planet other than themselves.
... and it will turn out to be the shortest War in history, because NO ONE ON EARTH will step forward to be North Korea's ally or defender.
Let us also very clearly remember that THE PEOPLE of North Korea are not the ones saying these things. The people of this country are just the victims, chained to a mad regime that cares absolutely nothing for them. Although their leaders might be willing to shovel them out to be "lambs to the slaughter," the true offenders here are, actually, "a couple dozen old men, and one young kid."
Let us also – as a world community – take another sober lesson from this: that it never pays to hit the "Pause" button on a war (in the 1950's) and then walk away. There is a great deal of "unfinished business" on the Korean Peninsula that no one in the World wanted to face, and, fifty-plus years later, here's the payback. After we (we hope), neutralize this idiot WITHOUT WAR, the World community must act as one to permanently resolve this issue that – as we now realize – otherwise could explode in all of our faces.
(And, one more thing: "NEVER give MISSILES to a PSYCHOPATH!")
... and it will turn out to be the shortest War in history, because NO ONE ON EARTH will step forward to be North Korea's ally or defender.
Let us also very clearly remember that THE PEOPLE of North Korea are not the ones saying these things. The people of this country are just the victims, chained to a mad regime that cares absolutely nothing for them. Although their leaders might be willing to shovel them out to be "lambs to the slaughter," the true offenders here are, actually, "a couple dozen old men, and one young kid."
Let us also – as a world community – take another sober lesson from this: that it never pays to hit the "Pause" button on a war (in the 1950's) and then walk away. There is a great deal of "unfinished business" on the Korean Peninsula that no one in the World wanted to face, and, fifty-plus years later, here's the payback. After we (we hope), neutralize this idiot WITHOUT WAR, the World community must act as one to permanently resolve this issue that – as we now realize – otherwise could explode in all of our faces.
(And, one more thing: "NEVER give MISSILES to a PSYCHOPATH!")
1
The best US response would be to:
--continue to improve & build out our nuclear missile defense,
--threaten military action only as reprisal,
--maximize economic sanctions,
--don't recognize North Korea,
--otherwise let this sad country remain isolated.
Someday the North Koreans will revolt and set themselves free.
--continue to improve & build out our nuclear missile defense,
--threaten military action only as reprisal,
--maximize economic sanctions,
--don't recognize North Korea,
--otherwise let this sad country remain isolated.
Someday the North Koreans will revolt and set themselves free.
1
Commander in Chief Coward is a threat to our lives, liberties, and pursuits of happiness.
Who bullied this man? His dad? Someone turned him in to the bullying coward we see before us today.
Who bullied this man? His dad? Someone turned him in to the bullying coward we see before us today.
5
Dear Kim and Donald,
Your threats are not amusing . If either of you two school yard bullies brags to the point to invite the other to throw the first punch, there is only one outcome: total destruction of North Korean society, and the eternal demotion of both of both of you to a fire and fury this world has never seen.
Personally, I don't care about your fates, however; the rest of the planet does not deserve this. Please stand down now.
Your threats are not amusing . If either of you two school yard bullies brags to the point to invite the other to throw the first punch, there is only one outcome: total destruction of North Korean society, and the eternal demotion of both of both of you to a fire and fury this world has never seen.
Personally, I don't care about your fates, however; the rest of the planet does not deserve this. Please stand down now.
3
Trump is an absolute fool. God help us all.
21
Both Rouge North Korea and Terrorist Pakistan are the puppets of Communist Fascist China and dance to its tune. During the last 25 years the stupid Western Leaders have allowed China to become economically and militarily strong by opening their markets to China without asking any democratic reforms in return. The world is facing the results of its stupidity now.
Once the Communist Fascist China militarily becomes as strong as US, it will rule the world. It is time for the US and the Free World to stand up and tame this out of control Dragon now.
Once the Communist Fascist China militarily becomes as strong as US, it will rule the world. It is time for the US and the Free World to stand up and tame this out of control Dragon now.
2
Is there a democrat in America that can make some news? Where are the voices of our 'leaders' in the media other than this lunatic president. Is no one allowed to come out and speak against this?
11
Mr Trump, if the North Koreans drop the big one on us I'll never forgive you.
4
Old Draft Dodgers become the most virulent War Hawks when they are too old to serve.
16
Kim Jong-un and P. Trump are made from the same cloth. Both will do anything to survive. N Korea has every right to be wary of US intentions. Saddam Hussein paid the ultimate price for his lack of WMD’s and Kaddafi gave up his nuclear arsenal and his life. Trump will do anything to distract attention from the Russia investigation. Bill Clinton launched missile strikes in Africa to distract from the Monica L. scandal. Trump’s is mentally unstable and will lead us into a preventable war. His war of words is totally irresponsible. We need a diplomatic solution to the problem not hell fire and brimstone!
The conflict with North Korea was bound to come to a head...we just couldn't predict when. Their gulag style regime run by Kim Jong Un is coming closer to being deleted every day.
2
I some how do not think your fool of a president (small p intended) will engage in warfare with North Korea. Being who he is what would happen to all his properties with his last name emblazoned on every edifice.
1
Double the stupidity. Double the danger. What an insane lunatic we have in office. Nothing like golf club threats of war (pretty much like authorizing the firing of missiles to kill people at dessert at another of his golf clubs).
25th Amendment now. Put America first, and get this dangerous idiot out of office. He is obviously mentally unbalanced. Imagine if any other president spoke from a golf club about a war that would endanger all South Koreans, all Americans in South Korea (about 1/4 of a million), all Japanese, as well as territories like Guam.
25th Amendment now. Does not one Republican in Congress have any patriotism? Not one?
[And I hope that Mr. Mueller puts Trump's son, son-in-law, Trump himself, and every single confederate of his Russian collusion in prison for treason, the sooner, the better.]
25th Amendment now. Put America first, and get this dangerous idiot out of office. He is obviously mentally unbalanced. Imagine if any other president spoke from a golf club about a war that would endanger all South Koreans, all Americans in South Korea (about 1/4 of a million), all Japanese, as well as territories like Guam.
25th Amendment now. Does not one Republican in Congress have any patriotism? Not one?
[And I hope that Mr. Mueller puts Trump's son, son-in-law, Trump himself, and every single confederate of his Russian collusion in prison for treason, the sooner, the better.]
13
So now it has escalated from fire and brimstone to " Trouble" like "boy are you in trouble now for playing with your nukes, get in your corner and you will serve time out!"
2
can we take this guy's power away before he does irreparable damage??
5
can the adults come back now?
2
I've criticized Trump incessantly but I've also said we might as well learn to live with him as President.
I really didn't think it would come down to dying with him.
Let's get rid of Trump by any legal means possible. I'm especially enamored by the 25th Amendment, because Trump is emotionally and psychologically unable to do the job he was sorta, kinda elected to do.
I really didn't think it would come down to dying with him.
Let's get rid of Trump by any legal means possible. I'm especially enamored by the 25th Amendment, because Trump is emotionally and psychologically unable to do the job he was sorta, kinda elected to do.
7
"Living" with him in office is not even our greatest concern !
Trump should try reading history. Learn a little about Korea. Kim Kung UN may appear irrational but he has one mission, the reunification of Korea. It's not happening but it would help Trump understand why deterrence is so important to him. Likewise if he is going to bash his predecessors he should learn the facts. Clinton, who he loves to hate, actually slowed Kim's fathers .nuclear ambitions significantly with a combination of threats and carrots before Bush cut off further negotiation for awhile. The point is that there probably is room for diplomacy but then Trump would need some diplomats unless of course Jared is a Korea expert?
2
Trump's not allowed to start a war with any country until he can correctly identify that country on an unmarked map of the world.
7
so what happens if Mr Kim decides to test a missile in the direction of Guam and it accidentally hits Guam. And we test the antimissile system to try and shoot it down and miss and hit something unintended. Do we all just apologize and chalk the death and destruction to collateral damage?
3
Another proud day for Republicans.
11
“We’re backed by 100 percent by our military,” he said. “We’re backed by everybody. And we’re backed by many other leaders.”
He forgot to say BIGLY .
He forgot to say BIGLY .
6
He is absolutely correct.
5
Who is absolutely correct? Certainly not Trump. He has not been absolutely correct on anything. Or do you maybe think that a devastating war would be a good idea?
2
Which "he" are you referring to?
I assume that you mean that Kim is absolutely correct, when his govt states: "Sound dialogue is not possible with such a guy bereft of reason."
That correctly applies in both directions.
I assume that you mean that Kim is absolutely correct, when his govt states: "Sound dialogue is not possible with such a guy bereft of reason."
That correctly applies in both directions.
3
This is NOT just another Trump rant! This will end in another messy, tragic, unnecessary war unless the Press, every member of Congress and every American with a platform speaks out and insists Trump STOP these ridiculous threats. Just like Iraq & WMDs and Afghanistan & Osama, it won't end with a single counterpunch and victory.
8
I might be wrong, and I hope I am, but I don't think your president is saying these things and acting like this out of anything but marketing. I don't think he is capable of changing and he is a product, a brand, nothing else. That brand corner stones are: wealth; being a white man; 'getting' women that other man find attractive; being tough (wrestling style...); and recently being a religious fanatic. He talks tough because he thinks that is what people like, just as an add does to sell a particular product (tough on stains...). Again I might be wrong, but I do think this and it scares the everything out of me.
6
Duh! I'm glad to see that people commenting have caught on to Trump's game, because they've seen/heard plenty of his upping the ante when he's criticized. It's that noise that's added in an attempt to cancel out other noise, as with tinnitus. In any case, the man knows no limits and is a danger to humanity and all other living things. Ugh.
7
Trump must be forcibly removed from his office. He is incompetent, unqualified to deal with international issues and putting this country and the world in serioous danger. The GOP have to remove him, period. Trump is a threat and a danger to the US.
16
One lesson from the Vietnam quagmire was fighting a third world country backed by a powerful ally does not end well for the US.
What happens if Trump goes for a 'doable' regime change strike against NK?
First, South Korea and Japan will get the brunt of NK's military retaliation. The human and economic losses will be devastating.
Second, China will not remain neutral while the North Korean regime collapses and its people are killed. President Xi Jinping will react exactly as Chairman
Mao Tsé-Tung did during the Korean war in 1950.
What happens if Trump goes for a 'doable' regime change strike against NK?
First, South Korea and Japan will get the brunt of NK's military retaliation. The human and economic losses will be devastating.
Second, China will not remain neutral while the North Korean regime collapses and its people are killed. President Xi Jinping will react exactly as Chairman
Mao Tsé-Tung did during the Korean war in 1950.
7
As an expat living in South Korea for the last four years, threats from NK are nothing new to us. Time and time again, Kim Jong Un has made threats and tested missiles-usually around certain times of the year (holidays and elections). Next week is Liberation Day here and I fully expect another test in the next week. If you think we are all living in fear, you would be wrong. As long as we still see everyday Koreans unruffled and US military enjoying Seoul's nightlife we are not worried.
However, what is raising alarm within the expat community is Trump. He is escalating a conflict that does not need to happen. He has seemingly little knowledge of the affect this would have on South Korea. American civilians would be killed. Not everyone would be able to get out. He has zero consideration for South Korea's stance on this issue and he will have blood on his hands should something happen because of his inflammatory remarks.
However, what is raising alarm within the expat community is Trump. He is escalating a conflict that does not need to happen. He has seemingly little knowledge of the affect this would have on South Korea. American civilians would be killed. Not everyone would be able to get out. He has zero consideration for South Korea's stance on this issue and he will have blood on his hands should something happen because of his inflammatory remarks.
23
Somehow, when Trump says "you'll see who's boss, I envision him hiding from the consequences of his intemperate words. He'll jump into a presidential bunker, and let the missiles fall on the rest of us.
6
That is right, Elizabeth. He is a coward. An entitled, elitist coward, with a very big mouth.
3
He has the emotional maturity of a vindictive 9-year-old with little (or no) impulse control. He has demonstrated from Day 1 that he is unfit for office. What will it take to get him impeached under The 25th Amendment?
13
I love the way China under Mr. Xi is handling two thin-skinned, preposterous leaders from the trashiest parts of the world: North Korea and uneducated white America.
"I don't think the Chinese are losing sleep today," is China's impression of the American and North Korean tensions today.
China under Mr. Xi Jinping is showing its knowledge of politics, stability, threat, war, and most importantly unstable, crazed leaders with grandiose talks such as Mr. Trump and Mr. Kim: The Chinese don't believe Mr. Trump will actually carry out a series of strikes on North Korea, nor do they believe that Mr. Kim will carry out a series of strikes on hardly-visible on a map Guam, which might lead to a war. Instead, we may see something of the nature of Syria bombed earlier this year.
"It is common for North Korea to talk about 'turning Seoul into a sea of fire and a pile of ashes…"
As for America under Trump, striking a nation doesn't mean war, it may be just an expensive show-off of our military capability.
"I don't think the Chinese are losing sleep today," is China's impression of the American and North Korean tensions today.
China under Mr. Xi Jinping is showing its knowledge of politics, stability, threat, war, and most importantly unstable, crazed leaders with grandiose talks such as Mr. Trump and Mr. Kim: The Chinese don't believe Mr. Trump will actually carry out a series of strikes on North Korea, nor do they believe that Mr. Kim will carry out a series of strikes on hardly-visible on a map Guam, which might lead to a war. Instead, we may see something of the nature of Syria bombed earlier this year.
"It is common for North Korea to talk about 'turning Seoul into a sea of fire and a pile of ashes…"
As for America under Trump, striking a nation doesn't mean war, it may be just an expensive show-off of our military capability.
2
I know that trump's go-to business practice has been bullying, and I think that may have worked for him because people just got tired of his antics. Now he's trying it on someone who is an even crazier bully who also has his finger on a red button.
I really don't like how that could play out.
I really don't like how that could play out.
7
I would hope that responsible military leaders would relieve Trump of his duties should he do something that warrants removal. Remember he is not an elected President if Mr. Mueller's investigation proves otherwise. He is still a potential traitor and a person all agree is unqualified for office. Bob Mueller, get to work fast please, we are running out of time!
7
The US needs a realistic change in policy.
We need to stop poking at North Korea. North Korea gets what it wants every time Donald Trump Tweets.
North Korea has nuclear weapons. Nothing the US is going to do is going to make that reality go away. This isn't about diplomacy over not. No American President in decades has "managed" North Korea well. Frankly, America's unwillingness to give up on the idea of pre-emptive strikes against North Korea justifies to North Korea what we are against.
The US should state clearly that it will defend itself and its allies by whatever means necessary should an attack come. The same as we would against any other nuclear power who wishes us harm. That is our big stick. That should be enough.
Now is the time to let North Korea rot. No trade, No diplomacy. No aid. If they attack refer to the above policy.
If North Korea wishes to change its policies and its actions then we will be prepared for diplomacy.
When an animal is being threatening. You cage it and let it calm down. You don't stand there and yell at it while thrusting your fist in and out of the cage. That shows your own stupidity, your own faults.
And yes, Obama did not make the situation any better, by a belief in condescending attempts at "diplomacy" which were calculated insults just delivered in corporate speak which did not help either, but were just to make his base like him more. Not much different than Trump really.
We need to stop poking at North Korea. North Korea gets what it wants every time Donald Trump Tweets.
North Korea has nuclear weapons. Nothing the US is going to do is going to make that reality go away. This isn't about diplomacy over not. No American President in decades has "managed" North Korea well. Frankly, America's unwillingness to give up on the idea of pre-emptive strikes against North Korea justifies to North Korea what we are against.
The US should state clearly that it will defend itself and its allies by whatever means necessary should an attack come. The same as we would against any other nuclear power who wishes us harm. That is our big stick. That should be enough.
Now is the time to let North Korea rot. No trade, No diplomacy. No aid. If they attack refer to the above policy.
If North Korea wishes to change its policies and its actions then we will be prepared for diplomacy.
When an animal is being threatening. You cage it and let it calm down. You don't stand there and yell at it while thrusting your fist in and out of the cage. That shows your own stupidity, your own faults.
And yes, Obama did not make the situation any better, by a belief in condescending attempts at "diplomacy" which were calculated insults just delivered in corporate speak which did not help either, but were just to make his base like him more. Not much different than Trump really.
4
Mr. Brennan: I could have not agreed with you more, until I reached your last paragraph. "Condescending attempts at 'diplomacy'" by President Obama? "Not much different than trump really." ????? Should President Obama have ALSO told the maniac Kim Jong In that he would unleash against him and his country "fire and fury, and power such as the world has never seen?" President Obama, possessed of a cool head, and a fine mind, tried to do what it takes to calm down a raging lunatic. trump, on the other hand, decided that he was going to enrage and incite the raging lunatic EVEN FURTHER. There is wisdom. There is common sense. There is strategy. There is diplomacy. And then there is trump. Frankly, diplomacy may not work with any kind of a mentally ill person, but I will tell you what works even less: THREATS AND ENCITEMENT. In fact, those things just escalate the situation, whereas diplomacy may not work, but it isn't like waving a red flag in front of a wild bull. You have to use a little psychology, too...the only "psychology" that trump knows is to keep people tied up in court forever with his fancy, expensive lawyers. Frighteningly, he equates that kind of behavior with starting a nuclear war! NO THREATS. Kim Jong In KNOWS that if he harms any Americans with his missiles, he and his nation are toast...despite the South Koreans, despite the Chinese, despite anyone. And it is ALL horrible to contemplate. For a NORMAL person anyway. trump thinks it is A GAME.
I'm trying to remember when North Korea attacked another country since the armistice was signed. Oh right they haven't. Yes the Kim family holds onto power by projecting military strength and yes the North has fired test missiles into the sea of Japan since the 70's but they have never not once fired on another country. The tests haven't always been successful and feel more like a deterrent than anything serious.
Let's let the sanctions do their job and try to get a deal in place similar to the Iran deal. This is not our country and regime change isn't up to us it's up to the North Korean people. Engagement with the rest of the world like what's happening with Cuba would be better in the long run.
Let's let the sanctions do their job and try to get a deal in place similar to the Iran deal. This is not our country and regime change isn't up to us it's up to the North Korean people. Engagement with the rest of the world like what's happening with Cuba would be better in the long run.
11
Kim Jong Un is a dictator. I do not think that the North Korean people have a choice of regime. I think that most of them live in fear, and they don't DARE question his authority, or say anything against him.
I am sorry to say that I do NOT think that ANYONE is going to be able to negotiate anything with this maniac.
I am sorry to say that I do NOT think that ANYONE is going to be able to negotiate anything with this maniac.
Correct me if I'm mistaken, but I believe South Korea was attacked by the North numerous times after the armistice.
That isn't true. North Korea hasn't fired missiles but it has done other stuff. There is the sinking of the corvette Cheonan, there were naval engagements when NK tried to move the maritime boundary, NK commandos tried to take out the SK president in '68.
It's time for congress to remove Trump's finger from the 'button' and require congressional approval to launch a preemptive nuclear or conventional weapons attack as they did on Trump's power to lift Russian sanctions.
13
Congress surrendered its power to Bush and Cheney. And they ain't getting it back. That means responsibility and they don't want any.
The fact that the President is deciding to box himself in for the use of nuclear weapons (from his golf club no less not even deeming to return to the White House) shows just how wrong Republicans are in thinking they can control this man. Does putting the US first mean we are going to forget about the millions of people who are at-risk of the DPRK's conventional threat let alone their estimated 60 nuclear weapons?
Yes, the U.S. policy has failed in allowing North Korea to develop nuclear weapons. But so far war has been averted. The Atlantic magazine in this month's issue lays out 4 options presented to U.S. policy-makers. While all the options are bad----military action would almost certainly lead to the death of millions.
Given these realities, the rhetoric the President has used has created a red line that has heightened that risk.
If the assumption that Kim Jong-un is a rational actor proves to be wrong and he is willing to go the way of Jim Jones, the game of chicken now played by Trump may well lead to the "defeat and doom of the U.S." as predicted by North Korea's state media as we will be seen as a pariah nation for so mishandling this crisis.
One can only hope that Trump prevails in this dangerous game, but hopefully serious people in Washington will acknowledge and speak out about just how unnecessarily reckless Trump has been in handling and exacerbating this crisis.
Yes, the U.S. policy has failed in allowing North Korea to develop nuclear weapons. But so far war has been averted. The Atlantic magazine in this month's issue lays out 4 options presented to U.S. policy-makers. While all the options are bad----military action would almost certainly lead to the death of millions.
Given these realities, the rhetoric the President has used has created a red line that has heightened that risk.
If the assumption that Kim Jong-un is a rational actor proves to be wrong and he is willing to go the way of Jim Jones, the game of chicken now played by Trump may well lead to the "defeat and doom of the U.S." as predicted by North Korea's state media as we will be seen as a pariah nation for so mishandling this crisis.
One can only hope that Trump prevails in this dangerous game, but hopefully serious people in Washington will acknowledge and speak out about just how unnecessarily reckless Trump has been in handling and exacerbating this crisis.
9
"...and it’s about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries."
But let's not do anything about the country with both the will and the capacity to harm our country. But then, that's perfect example of a weak man. All bluster in the face an adversary with little ability to threaten us, yet all meekness to our real threats.
But let's not do anything about the country with both the will and the capacity to harm our country. But then, that's perfect example of a weak man. All bluster in the face an adversary with little ability to threaten us, yet all meekness to our real threats.
2
One of the reasons that the "MAD" policy has worked in the past is that at least one of the primary players (i. e. past American presidents) have been rational and measured. That is clearly not the case now. We now have two mad men in charge – one on each side. Does anyone really believe that Trump is incapable of starting a war to save his flailing administration? Then let’s see what the Republican critics/hawks such as Lindsley Graham and John McCain do. I predict that they will fall in line as will Trump’s core supporters who believe in him even if he shoots someone on Fifth Avenue, or in this case is the architect of mass murder. Our only hope now is, that like during the collapse of the Nixon administration, that Trump’s closest military advisors make sure that the real nuclear codes are not in the hands of a mentally deranged commander-in chief.
13
Perhaps Trump thinks the recent UN Security Council vote imposing sanctions on N. Korea is a sort of "license" to attack, when he feels the time is right. We are not hearing a lot from Russia or China in the last two days concerning this issue. We don't know if the US, China and Russia held or are holding secret conversations on N. Korea, but Mr. Trump does know. Maybe they have reached some type of understanding. I hope against hope Mr. Trump's words are simply meant to intimidate the N. Koreans so that they acquiesce to US demands. While we read and hear a lot about this problem, we know very little about what is actually going on. But dark clouds seem to be gathering, announcing a storm.
5
Can Trump get any worse?
Trump's enablers (Pence, McConnell, Ryan, his adult children, Conway, etc.) are as guilty as Trump, when they don't stand up to Trump endangering America and the rest of the world.
Trump's enablers (Pence, McConnell, Ryan, his adult children, Conway, etc.) are as guilty as Trump, when they don't stand up to Trump endangering America and the rest of the world.
14
So are "his generals". Where are their voices speaking out against this madness? Kelly was quick to click his heels together for the Muslim ban, the deportation of innocent families, and other Trumpian discriminatory policies.
Numerous national security experts from both parties warned before the election that Trump was a danger to the U.S. in terms of his lack of any military or governmental background and his perilous ignorance.
The U.S. has perhaps never faced such a clear and present danger from its own president before. Mentally unfit for office.
Numerous national security experts from both parties warned before the election that Trump was a danger to the U.S. in terms of his lack of any military or governmental background and his perilous ignorance.
The U.S. has perhaps never faced such a clear and present danger from its own president before. Mentally unfit for office.
4
Putting all political rhetoric aside, this may be the most dangerous historical moment the world has faced since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and is entirely analogous to it. It is actually more dangerous because that crisis did not include outright public threats by Cuba or Russia against the U.S. as North Korea has made many times.
President John F. Kennedy received widespread, bipartisan commendation for the manner in which he confronted the threat. I lived thru that crisis. Since there is so much debate between those who favor more negotiation and appeasement versus those who favor confrontation, perhaps we should seek historical precedent that resulted in defusing the 1962 crisis.
I'd recommend that President Trump address the nation on this issue and include a section of Kennedy's 1962 speech, paraphrased as follows:
"It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any missile, conventionally-armed, nuclear-armed, or unarmed, launched from North Korea against the United States and its territories, South Korea, and Japan as an attack on the United States, requiring a retaliatory response upon North Korea. This includes missiles launched by North Korea that overfly these entities, violate their airspace or territorial integrity, or land within 500 miles of them."
Such a posture would relieve the U.S. of being accused of launching a first strike and put the ball squarely in North Korea's court.
President John F. Kennedy received widespread, bipartisan commendation for the manner in which he confronted the threat. I lived thru that crisis. Since there is so much debate between those who favor more negotiation and appeasement versus those who favor confrontation, perhaps we should seek historical precedent that resulted in defusing the 1962 crisis.
I'd recommend that President Trump address the nation on this issue and include a section of Kennedy's 1962 speech, paraphrased as follows:
"It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any missile, conventionally-armed, nuclear-armed, or unarmed, launched from North Korea against the United States and its territories, South Korea, and Japan as an attack on the United States, requiring a retaliatory response upon North Korea. This includes missiles launched by North Korea that overfly these entities, violate their airspace or territorial integrity, or land within 500 miles of them."
Such a posture would relieve the U.S. of being accused of launching a first strike and put the ball squarely in North Korea's court.
6
Mr. Hennessey: I agree. And that is a statement which I do not consider to be a threat. However, I would not have trump deliver this statement, but rather one of the generals. trump has a way of making anything sound like a threat, and he has already done enough damage. I think, at this point, just the sight or the sound of trump could push Kim Jong In over the threshold. And it is trump's fault because he should not have threatened, and you do not engage a crazy lunatic by being as confrontational as he is!
2
You can always ratchet up from subtle diplomacy. It's hard to ratchet down from insult and provocation.
Mr. Trump may have used identical tactics in business, but he seems not to understand that the stakes here are radically different. Other business people don't have nuclear capabilities and reasons to use them.
Mr. Trump may have used identical tactics in business, but he seems not to understand that the stakes here are radically different. Other business people don't have nuclear capabilities and reasons to use them.
11
Any previous president could have rained down death on N Korea. Easy.
Illegitimate Trump needs a Huge diversion to get the news cycle off his treason.
It's 2017. We should have technology that nullifies Kim Jong Un's missiles.
Illegitimate Trump needs a Huge diversion to get the news cycle off his treason.
It's 2017. We should have technology that nullifies Kim Jong Un's missiles.
6
Trump says, "But I talk." That is precisely the problem. All his bluff and bluster is making things worse. Would somebody please get him to shut up already? General Kelly? General Mattis? Secretary Tillerson? Hello, is anyone there?
(And telling Kim Jung Un to get his act together? More projection, since DJT has never had his act together.)
When will we be rid of this blithering idiot who is a clear danger to himself and others?
Mueller, please hurry.
(And telling Kim Jung Un to get his act together? More projection, since DJT has never had his act together.)
When will we be rid of this blithering idiot who is a clear danger to himself and others?
Mueller, please hurry.
12
It is hopeless, Marjorie. trump is hopeless. Gen. Kelly was supposed to introduce discipline into the White House, and I assume into the president, but NOTHING and NO ONE seems to be able to control trump. We are still seeing the crazy tweets, and the insane, blustering, bombastic rhetoric from him. I assume Kelly told trump to stop it, and trump just said: "Talk to the hand." And the danger just grows...
3
The brilliant thing about a free press and public comments is that everyone worldwide, including North Korea's leaders, realize that they have already succeeded: Americans fear their own president more than North Korea's supreme leader. Kim Jong-un is in it for forever, while Trump has already demonstrated how unfit he is in the present.
10
I hope President Trump realizes that NK is holding a big gun to the head of South Korea. In 1 hour they could dump so much artillery into downtown Seoul that the place would melt. They could easily take out the bridges over the Han River to prevent evacuation. Preemptive strike? Not a good idea. I also hope Mr Trump realizes that he was just played like a big fish. Kim Jong-un could not have hoped for anything better than America bellowing fire and fury. Charlie Thompson
15
Russian intrusion in our November election, trump collusion in this, and talk about the trump financial allegiance to Putin and Russia has come to a standstill. for trump and his puppet masters--mission achieved. any collateral damage is just like the risk/reward factors this casino operator weighed in his past. death and destruction are just part of the deal.
9
Trump plays straight into Kim Jong Un's hands by inflating the threats from him out of all proportion, just like North Korea wants. Perfect way to generate a rally around the flag effect for the North Korean regime.
10
Go President Trump! Show North Korea & the rest of the world, you threaten our lively hood, you get fire & fury!.....love a president who stands up for what I think!
2
Agent Provocacatuer Trump is consistent on one front, he's full of hot air and misguided fury. And today he went so far as to bait McConnell to quit. Time to turn the tables, he either wants to be fired or fired at. I say fire him. McConnell, Congress what say you? will you continue to be made fools of and openly baited? For our nations sake, pull out your weapon, impeach!
7
Our parody of a president may tweet us back to the Stone Age. Mr. Mueller, make it good, make it fast, make it stick; this show needs to be cancelled.
22
Escalating exchanges of threats between N. Korea and the United States are often framed as a story about Pyongyang and its nuclear weapons-cum-ICBMs.
I suggest instead that this is not a "North Korea crisis," but rather the Trump crisis, brought about by a profoundly, even pathologically, insecure man who knows that he lost the popular vote, who feels growing pressure from the Mueller investigation (we can only guess the underlying details), and who sees his net-disapproval ratings in virtually every poll constantly rising; a man quarreling with Democrats and Republicans alike, unable to get even one of his signature campaign promises passed as legislation. This is someone growing desperate for something, anything, to regain momentum. What better than a nuclear conflict with North Korea?
We cannot count on a foreign power, including China or North Korea, to rein in a President acting out of desperation and who seems to have a marginal grip on reality in any sphere. The worry is that no one in Congress, no one in the administration, no one in the military has stepped forward to support extraordinary measures needed to deal with a crisis involving the President of the United States, rather than his seeming doppelganger in North Korea. That's what keeps me awake at night.
I suggest instead that this is not a "North Korea crisis," but rather the Trump crisis, brought about by a profoundly, even pathologically, insecure man who knows that he lost the popular vote, who feels growing pressure from the Mueller investigation (we can only guess the underlying details), and who sees his net-disapproval ratings in virtually every poll constantly rising; a man quarreling with Democrats and Republicans alike, unable to get even one of his signature campaign promises passed as legislation. This is someone growing desperate for something, anything, to regain momentum. What better than a nuclear conflict with North Korea?
We cannot count on a foreign power, including China or North Korea, to rein in a President acting out of desperation and who seems to have a marginal grip on reality in any sphere. The worry is that no one in Congress, no one in the administration, no one in the military has stepped forward to support extraordinary measures needed to deal with a crisis involving the President of the United States, rather than his seeming doppelganger in North Korea. That's what keeps me awake at night.
13
Someone commented about the difference between NYT & WSJ reader responses. All WSJ cares about is the market rebounding. They'll be clinging to their stocks & bonds & money into oblivion. Sadly, not the currency used in any spiritual teachings on what awaits one post mortem.
11
"...it’s about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries."
"It's about time...".
Once again, Mr. "It's All About Me" claims credit for doing something that was never in question and that presidents have always done.
One can just imagine his next bombastic proclamation:
"It's about time that somebody noted the sun rises in the east."
"It's about time...".
Once again, Mr. "It's All About Me" claims credit for doing something that was never in question and that presidents have always done.
One can just imagine his next bombastic proclamation:
"It's about time that somebody noted the sun rises in the east."
12
Trump may have power but he doesn't have strength or authority. If he did, then he could control both North Korea and his own party, not with unhinged ravings and apocalyptic rhetoric, but with steely discipline, leadership and resolve. America needs not a bullying boastful redneck but a leader.
8
If you're in political trouble, start a conflict. Distraction.
10
Trump is right, of course.
Nuclear confrontation is the only way left to stop the evil North Korean regime.
Nuclear confrontation is the only way left to stop the evil North Korean regime.
3
I suggest you find North Korea on a map and think for a moment of something other than your macho posturing.
10
Nope. He is wrong. The status quo is an option. It has worked for more than 60 years, including the 11 years N. Korea has had nuclear weapons.
By the way, from my perspective, the Trump administration is an evil regime. He denies science. He hates minorities. He is sexist and a sexual predator. He is a snake oil salesman. He is a liar. He has committed multiple instances of fraud. He is a thief. He is a traitor. And, soon enough, he will be a war criminal.
By the way, from my perspective, the Trump administration is an evil regime. He denies science. He hates minorities. He is sexist and a sexual predator. He is a snake oil salesman. He is a liar. He has committed multiple instances of fraud. He is a thief. He is a traitor. And, soon enough, he will be a war criminal.
7
Remember that the winds of radiation can also head your way...sooner or later.
2
Trump is a one trick pony. All he knows hot to do is bluster and bully.
Total failure.
Total failure.
17
The real catastrophe is that Trump has to be indulged as President of the United States. It's sickening.
13
US cannot win against North Korea and here are some of the reasons:
Trump wants people to divert attention to N. Korea from his poorly managed staff, Russia involvement, help his big defense contractors, and myriad of other domestic issues. USA will not win a war 8,000 miles away in Asia as we learned from Viet Nam and Korean War in 1950-53. But what's even more difficult is NK's 1 million active service men with 2 million in reserve can march right across DMZ and occupy South Korea even with US fire power. China again will send few more million men and Russia, like a hungry hyena, is ready to take a easy piece of NK real estate just watching from the sideline as they always do. US will be eager to relinquish NK to these two communist countries to get rid of any headache of any real nuclear threat. US don't give a rat's behind to South Korea as long as NK has been contained by the two giant neighbors.
Mr. Trump stop your bombastic rhetorics you realistically cannot deliver.
Trump wants people to divert attention to N. Korea from his poorly managed staff, Russia involvement, help his big defense contractors, and myriad of other domestic issues. USA will not win a war 8,000 miles away in Asia as we learned from Viet Nam and Korean War in 1950-53. But what's even more difficult is NK's 1 million active service men with 2 million in reserve can march right across DMZ and occupy South Korea even with US fire power. China again will send few more million men and Russia, like a hungry hyena, is ready to take a easy piece of NK real estate just watching from the sideline as they always do. US will be eager to relinquish NK to these two communist countries to get rid of any headache of any real nuclear threat. US don't give a rat's behind to South Korea as long as NK has been contained by the two giant neighbors.
Mr. Trump stop your bombastic rhetorics you realistically cannot deliver.
11
He even thanked Putin for kicking out of Russia hundred of American diplomats. He seems deeply compromised. Where are his loyalties?
I'm starting to wonder if Putin didn't order him during their secret tete-a-tete in Berlin to escalate the situation with North Korea so that the US can be weakened by a war with North Korea without Russia having to lift a finger.
I'm starting to wonder if Putin didn't order him during their secret tete-a-tete in Berlin to escalate the situation with North Korea so that the US can be weakened by a war with North Korea without Russia having to lift a finger.
15
Sebastian Gorka is one of Trump's national security advisers in the White House. For about 15 years, he was in Hungary and was very supportive of Putin approved leaders there. Hopefully, he is one of the people being closely investigated by Mr. Mueller. Gorka is out there supporting Trump's war mongering.
The Russian collusion is deep and wide in Trump world.
The Russian collusion is deep and wide in Trump world.
5
Playing chicken with peoples lives is not cool
I would expect it from a North Korean dictator, but not from the president of the United States - Although, trump does more resemble a Korean Dictator than a POTUS
Trump's tough guy act just comes off as weak minded and unintelligent .
I would expect it from a North Korean dictator, but not from the president of the United States - Although, trump does more resemble a Korean Dictator than a POTUS
Trump's tough guy act just comes off as weak minded and unintelligent .
11
Millions of American children will be seriously mentally harmed by the four years of Trump. What a terrible legacy of the Republicans that will never be forgotten.
12
Why aren't the titans of science and industry, like Zuckerburg, Musk, Gates and Bezos speaking out loud and clear about what's happening in this crazy administration? They can be the mouthpiece for billions and there's radio silence!
12
Great point.
3
When the terrorist attack comes, you will not know necessarily know who did it, but certain kinds of leaders will use that moment to suspend your rights."
-Timothy Snyder, author of "On Tyranny"
(re. Reichstag fire)
This begs the question: is Trump blowing up what was already a volatile situation into a crisis for the above reason?
-Timothy Snyder, author of "On Tyranny"
(re. Reichstag fire)
This begs the question: is Trump blowing up what was already a volatile situation into a crisis for the above reason?
7
here I agree with Trump - what is the worst that could happen - N Korea could wish annihilation on the USA, OK , they have only been trying to do that, or saying they want to , for the past 67 YEARS.
Heck I have had friends or enemies that havent lasted that long )
Heck I have had friends or enemies that havent lasted that long )
2
@Ramesh... "wish"? No one cares what Trump or Kim Jong "wish" at each other, the question is what they might LAUNCH at each other to prove how tough they are.
Trump is badly trying to change the subject from Mueller to North Korea. It won't work.
16
The child vs. the man child. I think they both need a time out.
9
Please send Sebastian Gorka, Don Jr, and Jared Kushner in person to South Korea and see if that causes Mr. Trump to think again about moderating his threats. Maybe then Mr. Trump will think about consequences.
5
He's enjoying this. He's enjoying our terror.
12
I am confused as to what's Trump's end game here. The only real option for Trump is bluster in which both sides could easily stumble into a nuclear conflict. And what then?
Even if no nukes or chemical weapons are used, how does the United States prosecute a war on the Korean Peninsula? It would take months to get adequate forces there. I doubt that the North Koreans or the Chinese are going to stand still. And what about the South Koreans? Are they prepared to sacrifice it all for the likes of Trump? And what will Trump do if the Chinese suddenly flood the North with 100,00 or 500,000 troops to act as a shield? Any plans for that?
Trump is a one dimensional thinker in a three dimensional world. There are so many possible events here that it is impossible to know any one outcome except this: Very few outcomes are positive. But maybe Trump defines winning as becoming the largest mass murderer since Hitler, Stalin and Mao. That is certainly an outcome that is not unlikely.
Even if no nukes or chemical weapons are used, how does the United States prosecute a war on the Korean Peninsula? It would take months to get adequate forces there. I doubt that the North Koreans or the Chinese are going to stand still. And what about the South Koreans? Are they prepared to sacrifice it all for the likes of Trump? And what will Trump do if the Chinese suddenly flood the North with 100,00 or 500,000 troops to act as a shield? Any plans for that?
Trump is a one dimensional thinker in a three dimensional world. There are so many possible events here that it is impossible to know any one outcome except this: Very few outcomes are positive. But maybe Trump defines winning as becoming the largest mass murderer since Hitler, Stalin and Mao. That is certainly an outcome that is not unlikely.
6
This is the guy who was shocked by photos of human suffering from gas attacks in Syria earlier this year. What does he think the aftermath of a nuclear strike would look like?
5
Really looking forward to Don Jr., Eric and Ivanka showing their patriotism by serving in the war their father's about to start.
7
As another article here analysing Kim Jong-il tells us, the man is a classic dictator, probably a psychopath, who has executed at least 140 high-ranking officials, including relatives, in purges. He will not respond to threats and he will take advantage of sweeteners. He clearly feels that without his nuclear arms, he may be invaded like Libya and Iraq were. He is only 33 and will be around for a long time yet. Admit him to the nuclear club and back off. It is all rhetoric at this stage and has been for 25 years. Let's keep it that way.
5
True to form , he thinks a big mouth carries the day, but knows nothing of what need stand behind the words.
5
"On his weekend visit to South Korea, President Clinton warned that if North Korea developed and used an atomic weapon, "we would quickly and overwhelmingly retaliate." "It would mean the end of their country as they know it,"
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/13/world/clinton-s-warning-irks-north-kor...
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/13/world/clinton-s-warning-irks-north-kor...
1
Isolation is the beginning of incoherence.
Boy, this "man" is a simpleton in the manner in which he goes around sticking up for the USA and its allies. He Is actually sticking up for them in the same manner he sticks up for his own personal gain: boasting, blustering and bullying his opposition. He will lead the USA into uncharted waters, perhaps a tidal wave caused by his own hubris. How could you have elected this ignorant, self-aggrandizing, unqualified and incompetent person as President of your Union? HOW?
7
After that, one 50mt h-bomb right on Pyongyang. Bonus points: that city is in the middle of North Korea, so no one has to worry about fallout into China/South Korea, if we do it right.