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West Can Neither Live With nor Take Out North Korean Nukes
Townhall.com ^ | July 13, 2016 | Victor Davis Hanson

Posted on 07/13/2017 4:45:22 AM PDT by Kaslin

North Korea recently test-launched a long-range missile capable of reaching Alaska.

When North Korea eventually builds a missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, it will double down on its well-known shakedown of feigning indifference to American deterrence while promising to take out Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle unless massive aid is delivered to Pyongyang.

Kim Jong Un rightly assumes that wealthy Western nations would prefer to pay bribe money than suffer the loss of a city -- and that they have plenty of cash for such concessions. He is right that the medicine of taking out Kim's missiles is considered by Western strategists to be even worse than the disease of living with a lunatic regime that has nukes.

No wonder that the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations had few answers to serial North Korean lying and deceit about its nuclear intentions.

Sanctions were eventually dropped or watered down either on reports of the mass starvation of innocent North Korean civilians or on false promises of better North Korean behavior.

China publicly promised to help reign in its unhinged client while privately doing nothing. Apparently, Beijing found a rabid North Korean government useful in bothering rivals such as the Japanese and South Koreans while keeping the U.S. off balance in Asia and the Pacific. The dynamic economies and pacifism of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan were taken for granted by China as easy targets for coercion and blackmail.

(Excerpt) Read more at townhall.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial
KEYWORDS: dictator; kimjonun; nkmissiles; nknukes; nkoutofcontrol; northkorea; second100days; trumpasia; usnk; vdh
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To: Kaslin
here is no zero cost, zero risk option with NK.

If we don't take a military action option, then we are going to continue to play the game with NK. They will bluster and threaten and continue their nuclear weapons and long range missile programs. We will continue to develop, refine, and deploy our missile defenses. We have a pretty good lead over them in that area and are pulling away. When NK finally recognizes that their threats are losing effectiveness, they will begin looking into arming terrorist groups, or sneaking warheads into the US via other means (not ICBMs). Before that happens gee, we might have to get serious about border security, imagine that.

If we take any kind of direct military action SK almost certainly suffers. It is just a question of how much. There are multiple options and scenarios, with different potential outcomes, but in all of them SK takes a pretty good hit.

The real problem here isn't NK with nuclear weapons or missiles etc. There are nine countries acknowledged to have nuclear weapons. That means 7 that aren't the US or NK. Funny thing, we're not terribly concerned with those other 7. Sure, Pakistan is a little troubling as their weapons could fall into the hands of violent religious extremists/terrorists... But you really don't hear too many people fretting over these other 7 nuclear-armed countries.

The problem is NK's leader. Most of the technologically advanced countries have a reasonable means of selecting leadership. Leaders rise to power through some demonstrable level of intelligence and capability. But in some cases, such as NK, that's not how it works. Their current leader has virtually no resume for being the leader of a nuclear-armed country. His only real accomplishment is that his father was the dictator. That's it, he just happens to be the right guy's kid. The frightening thing is, some kids are a**holes. Especially those who grow up relatively privileged in their society. They tend to develop some very warped priorities and values. That's who is running NK with his finger on the button. Some jerk-off who may or may not have any kind of moral compass, compassion, rationality, etc. He could be the kid who went and read to seniors at the local assisted living home...or he could be that one who pulls the wings off butterflies and enjoys taking smaller kids' lunch money. And now he wants nuclear weapons and more power, more prestige.

That's why he's a problem. Perhaps the best option may be a limited strike - a single US nuclear weapon aimed squarely at him. Then we take our chances with the surviving generals - tell them put a rational actor in charge, or else. If you attack SK, we have nuclear weapons aimed at you too, we can have this same conversation with one of your Colonels...

21 posted on 07/13/2017 5:56:42 AM PDT by ThunderSleeps (Doing my part to help make America great again!)
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To: Bishop_Malachi

North Korea started invading other countries in 1950. By the way, how’s the weather in Pyongyang this time of year?


22 posted on 07/13/2017 5:58:57 AM PDT by SoCal Pubbie
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To: Cobra64

‘What do you know about San Francisco? Have you ever been there? Do you know anyone who lives there? Apparently you support the murder of Americans. Does it take work to be an asshole?”

Oh, come on now. Most of us have been to California, SF and LA and everywhere in between, many times. We have relatives there. As California has continued to degenerate, we’ve tried to tell friends and family to get the hell out. All the guy means is that we shouldn’t send American soldiers and sailors to die in large numbers in yet another misbegotten war defending ungrateful wretches, who are the real assholes, who do everything in their power to undermine and destroy whatever is left of the good parts of the USA. Let’s just let sleeping dogs lie and give the Coasters just what they want. Let’s all “Give Peace A Chance”, regardless of whether or not the Coasters wind up being immolated as a result.


23 posted on 07/13/2017 6:11:16 AM PDT by DrPretorius
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To: Kaslin

Sometimes you have to kill the enemy


24 posted on 07/13/2017 6:20:51 AM PDT by MrBambaLaMamba (Why is it no one ever discusses the rabid Amerophobia which infects Islam and its adherents?)
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To: ThunderSleeps

“Most of the technologically advanced countries have a reasonable means of selecting leadership. Leaders rise to power through some demonstrable level of intelligence and capability.”

Boy, oh boy; you sure take a lot for granted, don’t you?


25 posted on 07/13/2017 6:26:53 AM PDT by DrPretorius
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To: Cobra64

I know a majority loathe me in principal and specifically would like to infringe on my God given rights. I also know a significant portion would just as soon not be an American right now, we’ve all seen the polls.

I don’t want to see them nuked but the guy does make a point.


26 posted on 07/13/2017 6:32:52 AM PDT by dangerdoc (disgruntled)
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To: Kaslin

To say we can’t take this thug out is insane and seals the fate of millions in American cities and our allies. North Korea will eventually succeed in their ultimate goal of successfully fielding nuclear capabilities that can reach the USA and that includes sneaking one in a container ship. Thanks to former a-hole presidents there are at least two countries (North Korea and Iran) who are insane enough to not only be willing to use them but successfully help a terror organization to do the dirty work.


27 posted on 07/13/2017 6:40:07 AM PDT by shanover (...To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.-S.Adams)
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To: All

NORTH KOREA has a strong desire to take South Korea whole.The strong industrial base of South Korea would be a prize procession.

North Korea would probably run that industrial complex into the dirt through gross ineptitude.


28 posted on 07/13/2017 6:48:50 AM PDT by Clutch Martin (Hot sauce aside, every culture has its pancake, just as every culture has its noodle.)
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To: Bishop_Malachi

Now Bishop...that kind of talk will get you in trouble here. The United States is always right. And military force is the ONLY was to be strong.

Unfortunately, those views are likely to get a few million people in Seoul killed.


29 posted on 07/13/2017 6:59:33 AM PDT by Vermont Lt
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To: snoringbear

I would say we are pretty used for Foreign entanglements. Convincing most Americans that we have to go to war is actually pretty easy.


30 posted on 07/13/2017 7:00:57 AM PDT by Vermont Lt
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To: Kaslin

Rudyard Kipling
Dane-Geld

It is always a temptation to an armed and agile nation
To call upon a neighbour and to say: —
“We invaded you last night—we are quite prepared to fight,
Unless you pay us cash to go away.”

And that is called asking for Dane-geld,
And the people who ask it explain
That you’ve only to pay ‘em the Dane-geld
And then you’ll get rid of the Dane!

It is always a temptation for a rich and lazy nation,
To puff and look important and to say: —
“Though we know we should defeat you, we have not the time to meet you.
We will therefore pay you cash to go away.”

And that is called paying the Dane-geld;
But we’ve proved it again and again,
That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld
You never get rid of the Dane.

It is wrong to put temptation in the path of any nation,
For fear they should succumb and go astray;
So when you are requested to pay up or be molested,
You will find it better policy to say: —

“We never pay any-one Dane-geld,
No matter how trifling the cost;
For the end of that game is oppression and shame,
And the nation that pays it is lost!”


31 posted on 07/13/2017 7:06:22 AM PDT by PapaBear3625 (Big government is attractive to those who think that THEY will be in control of it.)
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To: arthurus
The answer is in Peking, not Pyongyang. Trump is dealing with this

I think you're right. NK stuff might make for good headlines but the real story is behind the scenes.

32 posted on 07/13/2017 7:57:03 AM PDT by CommerceComet (Hillary: A unique blend of arrogance, incompetence, and corruption.)
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To: ThunderSleeps

T&M gonna work all this out and report back to us!
There is no problem...sit back and watch....

Semper ~ ;)
*********************


33 posted on 07/13/2017 8:56:57 AM PDT by gunnyg ("A Constitution changed from Freedom, can never be restored; Liberty, once lost, is lost forever...)
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To: Vermont Lt

“I would say we are pretty used for Foreign entanglements. Convincing most Americans that we have to go to war is actually pretty easy.”

Well Lt, this old Cpl would say you’re partially right. But, I would say that as a result of your experiences I Korea and Vietnam you (and I) won’t live long enough to see U.S. ground forces of any magnitude on the Asia again. Other than the current 30K troops currently garrisoned in South Korea we might see some limited special op’s stuff, that’s about it.


34 posted on 07/13/2017 9:14:26 AM PDT by snoringbear (E.oGovernment is the Pimp,)
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To: SoCal Pubbie

By the way, how’s the weather in Pyongyang this time of year?

____________________________________________________

Lindsey, is that you?


35 posted on 07/13/2017 10:05:40 AM PDT by Bishop_Malachi (Liberal Socialism - A philosophy which advocates spreading a low standard of living equally.)
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To: Bishop_Malachi

No it isn’t Neville.


36 posted on 07/13/2017 10:06:43 AM PDT by SoCal Pubbie
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To: SoCal Pubbie

Ok, sorry. I wasn’t sure it if was Lindsey, John, or some clone made from bits and pieces of both.


37 posted on 07/13/2017 10:11:09 AM PDT by Bishop_Malachi (Liberal Socialism - A philosophy which advocates spreading a low standard of living equally.)
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To: Cobra64
Not worth it, every arsehole here thinks their state is perfect, they heap on California while totally ignoring the bullshit that goes on in their piss pond. As if there aren't queers, socialists and abortionist in every other state.

Interestingly there seems to a whole lot less black on black and black on white crime in California and appears that even with the most illegals there seems to as much or more illegal road kills across America.

38 posted on 07/13/2017 11:20:47 AM PDT by Mastador1 (I'll take a bad dog over a good politician any day!)
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To: bert

For America, would the loss of San Francisco really be so bad?

Is San Francisco America?


So basically you approve of North Korea Nuking San Fransisco...because you don’t like liberals.

I see this type of comment at least once a week...”Vaporize Chicago,” “Nuke New York” who cares if earthquake sinks California into the sea, etc...It shows a real lack on your and your fellow Freepers who think this type of comment is OK...

Besides just being a shortsighted, rather dense statement,

1. Hope you have no money in Stock market. It will tank.

2. Hope you have no use of Technology...Internet search, Ebay, PayPal, Cisco-YouTube, list is endless.

3. Hope you don’t mind some disruptions on Free Republic as JR is in Fresno, 3ish hours away, and I have often read of John Robinson going to San Jose to fix FR...maybe you can give them a heads up.

4. Oh, hope you don’t mind if some of our Air Force, Coast Guard, Army and Navy personnel are killed too...There are lots of military there or nearby...

Finally, I find your comment personally upsetting as I have friends and a son living there...They are conservative, but THAT IS WHERE THE JOBS ARE...and no, there are not jobs in other cities.

To stereotype that all in San Fransisco are liberal and therefore not worthy of life really seems to go against the whole Free Republic Credo:

Welcome to Free Republic!
Conservatives for God, Family, Country!
Est. 1996

Your comment is not conservative or for God, Family and Country.

So for America, would the loss of San Francisco really be that bad? Uh yeah, it would.


39 posted on 07/13/2017 12:07:07 PM PDT by Freedom56v2 (Inside Every Liberal is a Totalitarian Screaming to Get Out - D. Horowitz)
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To: DrPretorius

We have relatives there. As California has continued to degenerate, we’ve tried to tell friends and family to get the hell out. All the guy means is that we shouldn’t send American soldiers and sailors to die in large numbers in yet another misbegotten war defending ungrateful wretches, who are the real assholes, who do everything in their power to undermine and destroy whatever is left of the good parts of the USA. Let’s just let sleeping dogs lie and give the Coasters just what they want. Let’s all “Give Peace A Chance”, regardless of whether or not the Coasters wind up being immolated as a result.


I would say “Oh Come On” to you...

I see this type of comment at least once a week...”Vaporize Chicago,” “Nuke New York” who cares if earthquake sinks California into the sea, etc...Very stereotypical.

There actually are conservatives there - for example, I have a son and dear friend there—they stay BECAUSE OF JOBS. If you can make a good living there, you put up with the liberal crap. Frankly for my son, it is the only area in the US where his work is located, so “getting the hell out” is not an option, and why would he want to if he can make $200,000+/year?

We don’t know for certain that San Fran would be the target...so it is not a matter of defending a certain population. We defend our borders. If our borders (yes, including California) are threatened, we defend them.

I am lifting from another post...If San Fransisco were to be nuked,

1. Hope you have no money in Stock market. It will tank.

2. Hope you have no use of Technology...Internet search, Ebay, PayPal, Cisco-YouTube, list is endless.

3. Hope you don’t mind some disruptions on Free Republic as JR is in Fresno, 3ish hours away, and I have often read of John Robinson going to San Jose to fix FR...maybe you can give them a heads up.

4. Oh, hope you don’t mind if some of our Air Force, Coast Guard, Army and Navy personnel are killed too...There are lots of military there or nearby...

To stereotype that all in San Fransisco are liberal and therefore not worthy of life really seems to go against the whole Free Republic Credo:

Welcome to Free Republic!
Conservatives for God, Family, Country!
Est. 1996

Your comment is not conservative or for God, Family and Country.


40 posted on 07/13/2017 12:18:18 PM PDT by Freedom56v2 (Inside Every Liberal is a Totalitarian Screaming to Get Out - D. Horowitz)
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