CHARLES can you point out to me where Gates POINTEDLY does NOT take the military option off the table. I read it but didnt notice this referenced.

respond quickly

That means they will place a phone call to protest or send a letter via Fedex instead of normal post mail.

Gates called for “genuinely tough sanctions” against both countries “that bring home real pain for their failure to adhere to international norms.”

Gates offered no specifics on how the U.S. might respond to North Korea, militarily or otherwise, and has said there are no current plans to deploy more U.S. forces to the region.

Despite his warning (ed. to respond quickly), he appeared to take care in the half-hour speech to avoid ratcheting up the rhetoric in the weeklong war of words between North Korea and nations alarmed by its show of weaponry.

From the linked article….doesnt sound like they are “pointedly NOT taking the military option off the table. In fact, sounds like he was apologizing to them for past actions.

In talking about the Obama administration’s commitment to the region, Gates appeared to voice a veiled general apology for previous U.S. military decisions, but he avoided detailing them.

“In our efforts to protect our own freedom — and that of others — we have from time to time made mistakes, including at times being arrogant in dealing with others,” he said. “But we always correct course. Our willingness to do so is one of our enduring strengths.”

(I await the reflexive downding)