Hey, North Korea! Go Ahead and Test Away!

World • Views: 14,786

Telegraphing weakness to an enemy on the brink of testing a ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead; what could possibly go wrong with a strategy like that? Gates: U.S. Not Prepared to Respond to North Korea Missile Launch.

The United States can do nothing to stop North Korea from breaking international law in the next 10 days by firing a missile that is unlikely to be shot down by the U.S. or its allies, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Sunday.

Appearing on “FOX News Sunday,” Gates said North Korea “probably will” fire the missile, prompting host Chris Wallace to ask: “And there’s nothing we can do about it?”

“No,” Gates answered, adding, “I would say we’re not prepared to do anything about it.”

Last week, Admiral Timothy Keating, commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, said the U.S. is “fully prepared” to shoot down the missile. But Gates said such a response is unlikely.

“I think if we had an aberrant missile, one that was headed for Hawaii, that looked like it was headed for Hawaii or something like that, we might consider it,” Gates said. “But I don’t think we have any plans to do anything like that at this point.”

This is really a stunning statement. Why didn’t Gates say something like, “We’re not prepared to discuss any plans we may have for dealing with the North Korean missile launch”? To tell them outright that we’re not going to do anything at all is unbelievably stupid. What the hell is going on here?

Jump to bottom

369 comments
1 Mithrax  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:34:21pm

Question is, will Japan do it?

2 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:34:37pm

Timmy sez: We got Nuthin’

3 Dianna  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:34:41pm

I have no idea, but I’m really not happy about it.

4 UncleRancher  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:35:11pm

I liked it much better when the adults were in charge.

5 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:35:15pm

re: #1 Mithrax

Umm, no. They’re no Israel.

6 Dianna  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:35:33pm

re: #1 Mithrax

Question is, will Japan do it?

I hope they shoot it down. I know how Asia feels about Japan’s military, but this one time, I’m prepared to tell them to suck it up.

7 J.S.  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:35:57pm

Usually, they say something to the effect — “try it, and we’ll nuke the sh*t out of you” (not that they mean it, of course).

8 ArmyWife  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:36:18pm

We’re busy over here trying to run auto companies! Can’t these international crisis just wait until we are finished with this shiz?

9 jones  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:36:19pm

Obama and Co, the Consumptive Poets of foreign policy.

Be afraid.

10 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:36:59pm

Such flippancy about our national security ….

11 Mithrax  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:37:00pm

re: #6 Dianna

I hope they shoot it down. I know how Asia feels about Japan’s military, but this one time, I’m prepared to tell them to suck it up.

I suspect that if Japan does shoot it down that few if any Asian countries will condemn them for it.

12 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:37:40pm

re: #2 tradewind

Make that ’ Bobby sez’.
Must tear mind away from Geithner.
In Gates’ defense, he was heard to mutter a faint ’ America, Eff Yeah’ as he slunk out of the studio.

13 redshirt  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:38:25pm

Maybe he is using some kind of reverse psychology trick on them, goading them to launch fully intending to slice it in half with a space bound laser beam?
Seriously, saying they will consider doing it if it heads towards Hawaii is so stupid. If it is heading that way, the decision needs to be made in advance, not considered if it happens. By the time Obambi decides, it will have detonated…

14 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:38:31pm

“Yes We Can’t!”….what’s going on is some cool backhanded subterfuge or Gates is woefully inadequate at brinksmanship….I think he’s a bust

15 Gus  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:38:35pm

I guess this answers the question as to why Obama kept Robert Gates on board.

“There is nothing we can do about it.”

A Secretary of Defense literally admitting defeat in the face of a nuclear armed North Korea. Militarily there is plenty we can do about it. Gates answer is political and he should have said “we don’t want to do anything about this militarily at this time and not in the foreseeable future.”

16 phoenixgirl  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:39:04pm

OMG! WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?

17 Macker  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:39:17pm

Kim Jong Il has the same name for Bill Gates as he did for Hans Brix:

18 Shug  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:39:31pm

Preemptive underachievement

19 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:39:34pm

What will Japan shoot it down with?
A Wii? I thought they were forbidden to have weapons in the military mode….

20 varmint  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:39:39pm

anybody in hawaii feeling a little nervous?

21 Kreuzueber Halbmond  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:39:39pm

The gates of idiocy, Robert.

22 jorline  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:39:45pm

Game…set…

23 Spare O'Lake  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:40:38pm

Did Gates really say that if NK fires a missile at Hawii the US MIGHT do something?

Wow…just wow.

24 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:40:47pm

We could try bribing him with gallons of single-malt Scotch and cartons of Marlboros……..

25 Edouard  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:40:55pm

I am flabbergasted by Gates’s statement. I bet the Japanese are not happy with it, either.

If anyone can explain to me how such a statement does not further embolden the loose-cannon North Koreans, I’m all ears.

26 kynna  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:41:18pm

I thought Gates was one of the few over there with a brain. I over-estimated, obviously.

27 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:42:06pm

And to make things worse, the Iranians are crawling all over the missile site like scuzzy little worker drones.

28 Lincolntf  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:42:36pm

Oh for crying out loud, this was the one thing that I thought the Admin. was handling well.
This whole “President Barack Obama” gag is getting real old, real fast.

29 phoenixgirl  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:42:44pm

re: #26 kynna

I thought Gates was one of the few over there with a brain. I over-estimated, obviously.

gates reports to the president. if the president’s policy is to do nothing, that is what will happen, nothing.

30 Kreuzueber Halbmond  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:43:01pm

Looks like the Dept. of Defense needs to hook up with the Dept. of Sense.

31 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:43:02pm

What does he have against Hawaii?

32 shiek al beif salami  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:43:11pm

re: #25 Edouard

There is honor among Dear Leaders?

33 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:43:13pm
34 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:43:25pm

Again ….this is what you get with academicians in positions of national defense.

35 phoenixgirl  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:43:38pm

re: #31 ggt

What does he have against Hawaii?

his mother dumped him off with the grandparents there

36 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:43:48pm

Gates: We’re ’ not prepared’?
Really poor choice of words. Although…. he may have just had a brain freeze and blurted out what he was thinking re BHO’s abilities.

37 Irene NYC  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:43:49pm

Treasury Sec says we’re not prepared to defend US $ as international reserve currency.

Defense Sec says we’re not prepared to defend US standing as international military top brass.

Anybody see a pattern here?

38 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:44:08pm

re: #23 Spare O’Lake

Did Gates really say that if NK fires a missile at Hawii the US MIGHT do something?

Wow…just wow.

that bottle rocket doesn’t have a snowballs chance in hell of hitting Hawaii….it will be lucky to hit the Pacific ocean in one piece

39 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:44:15pm

re: #31 ggt

Hundred-to one?

40 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:44:23pm

re: #35 phoenixgirl

his mother dumped him off with the grandparents there

Gates?

41 Mattsky  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:44:27pm

They could do something. It could be taken out on the launch pad with cruise missiles. They lack the gumption.

42 ArmyWife  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:44:41pm

re: #30 Kreuzueber Halbmond

I’m afraid they fired everyone in the Department of Sense in a partisan hit job. You see, that Department was filled with nothing but Republicans.

43 Roses  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:44:45pm

Every day it is a new blow from this administration. Beyond even the worst we could have imagined. I am stunned. And that’s the trouble, we are all stunned into inaction.

44 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:45:16pm

re: #36 tradewind

Gates: We’re ’ not prepared’?
Really poor choice of words. Although…. he may have just had a brain freeze and blurted out what he was thinking re BHO’s abilities.

Talk about demotivating the troops. Nice to hear Sec of Defense say something like that when you are standing in the desert.

45 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:45:18pm

re: #36 tradewind

“Brain freeze” and “blurting” are running rampant in this *administration*.

46 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:45:19pm

What in hell is going on at the Pentagon? Did Gates get a message from the one saying not to antagonize the Norks? WTF, Over?

47 ArmyWife  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:45:24pm

re: #37 Irene NYC

Yes. These are loons from the left that have been indoctrinated in the “defense means war” so it’s bad column. Figgin’ idiots.

48 Mithrax  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:45:28pm

Additional thoughts:

This is a big “Open Season” sign to any nation.

Russia and China (to name a few) must be licking their chops.

49 livefreeor die  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:45:28pm

Is there anyone in this administration who has not had a frontal lobotomy?

50 little boomer  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:45:31pm

If the Norks nuke Hawaii, we’ll all never get to see the birth certificate that proves Obama is not a US citizen-pure evil genius!

51 Roses  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:45:40pm

Couldn’t we deploy an EMP? How hard would that be?

52 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:45:41pm

re: #30 Kreuzueber Halbmond

We could try sending Madeline NotAllThatBright back to dance with the dude again…she said he wasn’t so scary…

53 shiek al beif salami  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:45:59pm

re: #42 ArmyWife

It’s the only place where the hippies didn’t want to work until now.

54 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:46:03pm

re: #43 Roses

nah, every day just a little blow…

55 ArmyWife  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:46:09pm

re: #50 little boomer

What? They hired Rove? Oh who knew!

56 Lincolntf  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:46:22pm

re: #31 ggt

He has always resented not being born there…

Yes, I’m kidding.

57 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:47:05pm

re: #51 Roses

We don’t have any left.. remember, the Republicans used ‘em all on the voting machines in OH and FL……

58 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:47:14pm

One frakkin’ Tomahawk with the missle on the pad…..Bang…no missle.

59 UncleRancher  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:48:21pm

re: #58 pingjockey

One frakkin’ Tomahawk with the missle on the pad…..Bang…no missle.

Roger that.

60 rawmuse  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:48:30pm

It may be a bluff, or, in this case, a counter-bluff.

61 SFGoth  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:48:36pm

North Korea was months, if not weeks, away from starving to death in the early ‘90’s before William Chamberlain Clinton saved North Korea from what can only really be described as redemption. Thanks Bill - you used the world to prop up one of its most hideous dictatorships.

62 Killgore Trout  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:48:46pm
“I think if we had an aberrant missile, one that was headed for Hawaii, that looked like it was headed for Hawaii or something like that, we might consider it,”


Heh.

63 phoenixgirl  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:48:46pm

re: #51 Roses

Couldn’t we deploy an EMP? How hard would that be?

we could, but the president likes to talk to our enemies. if we intercept their missiles, they won’t like us.

64 Kreuzueber Halbmond  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:48:47pm

re: #42 ArmyWife

I’m afraid they fired everyone in the Department of Sense in a partisan hit job. You see, that Department was filled with nothing but Republicans.

A lot of the R’s, I’m afraid, don’t have the sense either.

65 pegcity  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:48:48pm

Paper Tiger

66 livefreeor die  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:48:59pm

Carter is starting to look like a hawk by comparison.

67 ornery elephant  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:49:01pm

Gates sounds, to me, like a guy who isn’t too thrilled with his new boss.

68 stevieray  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:49:06pm

And when an emboldened North Korea decides to turn their weapons on South Korea, and a few hundred thousand souls in Seoul are suddenly no more, America’s image and standing in the world will soar! Right? Right..?

/because abandoning allies is good policy!
//although it is a long-standing liberal tradition…

69 irongrampa  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:49:12pm

But let’s not wish him to fail.


DAMN, I miss W.

70 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:49:26pm

another BO snafu…his cabinet is out of control and credibility wanes…BO should have personally condemned the launch and said no more about it…there should be no debate or public knowledge of why that missle tast failed…after all it’s the NORKS…even I could have handled this better and I’m a dope

71 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:49:34pm

I said it on the last thread and I’ll say it again……”if you don’t have anything positive or constructive to say then STFU”.
This is a product of the therapeutic Oprah society we live in where everyone is compelled to spout off with whatever the fuck pops into their head.
Jeez Loueez.

72 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:49:53pm

re: #58 pingjockey

But ….. they might hit back at SK, and just think how that would decimate the Chanel knock-off market…..

73 Dianna  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:49:54pm

re: #11 Mithrax

I suspect that if Japan does shoot it down that few if any Asian countries will condemn them for it.

While sweating and watching closely, though.

74 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:50:08pm

Obama’s flawed, tunnel-vision, world-view is limiting the Administration’s options.

The coxswain of the Ship of State is sailing by a chart that’s so distorted, it looks like something drawn in the Eleventh Century.

75 phoenixgirl  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:50:11pm

if it’s on a wednesday, nothing can be done, the president has a party on wednesday.

76 zombie  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:50:34pm
This is really a stunning statement. Why didn’t Gates say something like, “We’re not prepared to discuss any plans we may have for dealing with the North Korean missile launch”? To tell them outright that we’re not going to do anything at all is unbelievably stupid. What the hell is going on here?

What’s going on here is that we have a new commander-in-chief. He’s lowered the threat level to “yellow-bellied.”

77 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:50:58pm

re: #67 ornery elephant

Gates sounds, to me, like a guy who isn’t too thrilled with his new boss.

From the very beginning, when 0 took office and announced that he was keeping Bush’s man Gates, something felt off about it. Now this ….

78 phoenixgirl  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:00pm

re: #67 ornery elephant

Gates sounds, to me, like a guy who isn’t too thrilled with his new boss.

i agree, i think he was sending a message to the nation, unfortunately the world has heard it.

79 Irene NYC  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:06pm

re: #71 LGoPs

I said it on the last thread and I’ll say it again……”if you don’t have anything positive or constructive to say then STFU”.
This is a product of the therapeutic Oprah society we live in where everyone is compelled to spout off with whatever the fuck pops into their head.
Jeez Loueez.

Oh, I don’t know. I’ve learned an awful lot from lizards who were just “spouting off.”

80 livefreeor die  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:08pm

re: #75 phoenixgirl

if it’s on a wednesday, nothing can be done, the president has a party on wednesday.

Sadly, that’s not outside the range of possibilities.

81 UncleRancher  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:08pm

re: #71 LGoPs

I said it on the last thread and I’ll say it again……”if you don’t have anything positive or constructive to say then STFU”.
This is a product of the therapeutic Oprah society we live in where everyone is compelled to spout off with whatever the fuck pops into their head.
Jeez Loueez.

Sorry. I have nothing positive to say about 0bama.

82 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:16pm

re: #72 tradewind
Oh….SNAP!

83 So?  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:20pm

N. Korea is not suicidal like Iran. So they test the rocket. Must the US police the world? Let some European country speak up for a change. But the US should issue a fierce warning to every nation in the world. Any attack on American soil similar in kind to 9/11 or any such attack against our staunchest allies (aka Israel) will be met with a force so strong, all that will left of your country are fine grains of glass and the occasional cockroach.

Why be in a tizzy over this. If the missile should approach Hawaii, I’m sure the US can knock it down. Then it’s a whole new ball game.

84 Macker  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:32pm

re: #70 albusteve

I don’t even think БХО even has a fully-seated Cabinet yet, does he?

85 nyc redneck  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:38pm

gates is just delivering the o plan.
it sounds like he is saying this in utter frustration.

86 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:42pm

re: #77 pink freud

Bet Judd Gregg thanks his lucky stars every night.

87 FrogMarch  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:56pm

we surrender! bombs away! and, what’s really cool, we will soon be giving welfare to former inmates at gitmo, after we release them into the general population. please, world, love us again.

88 Honorary Yooper  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:51:59pm

We are so fucked. As Mandy said before, and many times since,

I hope all of you who did not vote for McCain because he was not conservative enough are fucking happy now!

89 phoenixgirl  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:52:18pm

re: #80 livefreeor die

Sadly, that’s not outside the range of possibilities.

scary isn’t it?

90 ArmyWife  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:52:22pm

re: #64 Kreuzueber Halbmond

Agreed. But in a cage match, I’m going Republican. Unless its Snowe or Specter. Then all bets are off.

91 Macker  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:52:22pm

re: #74 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Obama’s flawed, tunnel-vision, world-view is limiting the Administration’s options.

The coxswain of the Ship of State is sailing by a chart that’s so distorted, it looks like something drawn in the Eleventh Seventh Century.

There, fixed that for ya!

92 Loren42  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:52:41pm

Ah, so this is the new transparency Obama promised?

93 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:52:48pm

re: #82 pingjockey

I was only half kidding. Seriously, I spent a good bit of time in Seoul, and the shopping was fine, but other than that… not so much…

94 Killgore Trout  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:52:51pm

Update: Cape Coral Tea Party is ON!

Despite the efforts of the local government in Cape Coral, FL, to prevent people from showing up, the tea party is on! FreedomWorks activist Mary Rakovich is taking over the planning of the April 1st Tea Party and wants to send a message to the city that the people of Cape Coral will be heard. If you are in the area, please join her for the tea party on April 1st!

Glenn Reynolds simply notes, “THANKS TO SOME HELP FROM FREEDOMWORKS, the Cape Coral, FL tea party is back on. Scheduled for this Wednesday.”

No mention of the previous organizers not getting the required insurance.

95 BLBfootballs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:52:56pm
“I think if we had an aberrant missile, one that was headed for Hawaii, that looked like it was headed for Hawaii or something like that, we might consider it,” Gates said.

Hmmm…. so if a ballistic missile is fired at Hawaii, the government might be willing to consider the possibility of stopping it. Then again, it might just let the missile go ahead and strike Honolulu and deal with the aftermath later. It’s hard for a good bureaucrat to know.

Ahhhh…our dedicated public servants at work.

Dear residents of Hawaii, do you feel safe under Washington’s long arm?

re: #38 albusteve

that bottle rocket doesn’t have a snowballs chance in hell of hitting Hawaii….it will be lucky to hit the Pacific ocean in one piece

Wish that were true, but it’s not.

96 Honorary Yooper  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:53:02pm

re: #81 UncleRancher

Sorry. I have nothing positive to say about 0bama.

Don’t worry, you have a lot of company right now. I keep finding fewer and fewer things positive about him. Alas, what did you expect from a Chicago Machine hack?

97 zombie  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:53:10pm

John “Hussein” Kennedy would have said:

“If you launch that missile, the United States of America will spare no effort in launching a salvo of our own which I’m confident North Korea could not survive. We will not blink.”

And that would have been the end of that.

Just ask Kruschev and Castro.

98 Bloodnok  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:53:15pm

re: #92 Loren42

Ah, so this is the new transparency Obama promised?

0bama delivered. I can see right through him.

99 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:53:26pm

re: #88 Honorary Yooper

Roger. That.

100 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:54:05pm

Does anyone here have any ideas about why Gates stayed on?

101 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:54:05pm
102 Irene NYC  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:54:11pm

BTW, was anybody else bothered by the pix of Obama washing down a pint of beer at the basketball game? I can’t remember ever seeing a pix of any other president drinking alcohol, other than holding up a glass to propose a toast.

(I’m not saying that one pint will render you inebriated, but the guy can launch a nukular attack.)

103 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:54:17pm

re: #83 So?
Ummm……No we can’t 100% knock down an ICBM. The system is still in the test phase. When the warhead is inbound it’s going 14,000 miles an hour. You want to hit the missle on the pad or in the boost phase, not after. It’s comparable to trying to hit a rifle bullet with another bullet.

104 nyc redneck  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:54:23pm

all of our enemies are watching closely.
such a show of weakness and indecisiveness is very dangerous.
why doesn’t o just mail them invitations to attack at their discretion.

105 Honorary Yooper  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:54:24pm

re: #92 Loren42

Ah, so this is the new transparency Obama promised?

Obama’s transparency is that of Daley’s Chicago. It’s made of smoke and one-way mirrors.

106 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:54:26pm

re: #58 pingjockey

One frakkin’ Tomahawk with the missle on the pad…..Bang…no missle.

The problem with that is that the Norks might then decide to fire their rather large collection of artillery pieces against our force in South Korea.

My own take is that Gates is Gates may be trying to shame Obama into contact with reality. In the same interview he said that diplomacy with North Koreaa and Iran was not likely to produce results and that “economic sanctions bring them to the table.” He understands the need for a stick as well as a carrot, but Obama seems to think stick are solely for use against domestic opposition.

107 HoosierHoops  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:54:34pm

re: #100 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Does anyone here have any ideas about why Gates stayed on?

Close to retirement?

108 pat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:54:35pm

Not only is the statement stunningly inept, but NorKor has been telegrahing for months that they are willing to give up Nukes. One wonders how stupid these idiots are!

109 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:01pm

re: #91 Macker

There, fixed that for ya!

Thank you.
/Optimism is one of my character flaws … :D

110 The Other Les  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:04pm

re: #15 Gus 802

I guess this answers the question as to why Obama kept Robert Gates on board.

“There is nothing we can do about it.”

A Secretary of Defense literally admitting defeat in the face of a nuclear armed North Korea. Militarily there is plenty we can do about it. Gates answer is political and he should have said “we don’t want to do anything about this militarily at this time and not in the foreseeable future.”

It’s not the North Korean missile test that I’m worried about.

It’s the onset of the Third World War.

111 zombie  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:15pm

If Obama had been president in 1962, they would have called it “The Cuban Missile Jamboree.”

…and by now we’d all be speaking Russian.

112 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:22pm

re: #93 tradewind
Been to Chin Hae and Pusan, damn near thirty years ago!

113 livefreeor die  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:33pm

re: #104 nyc redneck

all of our enemies are watching closely.
such a show of weakness and indecisiveness is very dangerous.
why doesn’t o just mail them invitations to attack at their discretion.

They prefer to have Hillary hand deliver them.

114 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:34pm

This needed repeating. From Buzzsawmonkey, previous thread.

The only thing that will open eyes is loss of freedom. True loss.

See, now that’s a problem.

One of the things that undergirded freedom in the US for many years was the separation between the private and the public sphere. We may scoff at the language of the Supreme Court decisions which find a “right to privacy” in the “penumbras” of the Constitution, but in point of fact the basic assumption that people have a private life which is nobody’s business but their own has been a fundamental cornerstone of the limitation of government; the idea that the government may regulate certain public matters, but that it is supposed to butt out of people’s private affairs.

Well, that whole notion of “private affairs” has been happily beaten to death by the very public that was protected by it. When people put their most intimate moments on Facebook and YouTube without a second thought, when they walk down the street or hang out in a lobby or an elevator bellowing private business matters are private personal affairs into a cell phone audible to anyone within a radius of 20 feet, the notion of the existence of any “personal zone of privacy” is already reeling on the ropes.

Is it, then, any surprise that people who have no idea of privacy in their own lives—people who might be titillated, rather than outraged, by the prospect of viewing public copulation whether on YouTube or at the Folsom Street Fair—have no fundamental concern that the government should be intruding into every aspect of their lives? If one has thrown away privacy of one’s own accord, why should one be worried that the government is intruding upon what does not, any longer, exist? And if you are someone who looks habitually to the government to redress any sort of private grievance—based, say, on such personal grounds as race, or gender, or sexual orientation, or any other generalized resentment—why then should you be worried about “loss of freedom” when you do not care about “freedom” (yourself taking care of your own affairs without interference) but are rather interested in “entitlements” (you being taken care of, even in personal matters, by a larger entity)?

115 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:37pm

re: #84 Macker

I don’t even think БХО even has a fully-seated Cabinet yet, does he?

don’t know….but this launch is more important in terms of leadership and what is expected of the president by us citizens…I don’t think attacking the Norks on their home turf is a good idea….the feds are simply sending convoluted messages to us and the rest of the world…the missle it’self is not that great of a threat yet….the feds are hurting us all more than that piece of junk can

116 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:45pm

re: #88 Honorary Yooper

We are so fucked. As Mandy said before, and many times since,

I hope all of you who did not vote for McCain because he was not conservative enough are fucking happy now!

And I will add…for those that listened to Obama saying that he was going to Fundamentally Change America…….is this fucking Fundamental enough for ya?

117 Killgore Trout  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:46pm

re: #94 Killgore Trout

Note the Ron Paul sign in the video they link to.

118 ArmyWife  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:48pm

re: #100 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Because he was a closet loser and now he is out in the open?

119 swamprat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:55:57pm

re: #71 LGoPs

I said it on the last thread and I’ll say it again……”if you don’t have anything positive or constructive to say then STFU”.
This is a product of the therapeutic Oprah society we live in where everyone is compelled to spout off with whatever the fuck pops into their head.
Jeez Loueez.

Sure is great that other folks are resting easy, now that Bush is no longer pres..


They are mostly dictators, but they need their rest, too.

120 C-Low  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:56:15pm

Gates is not stupid nor was this done by accident.

My take is that Obama has already made the call and it is not to prove his own position on BMD wrong, i.e BMD used successfully in a real world scenario rogue missile launch.

Gates is doing his job by covering his bosses a*s, denying the Obama choked meme our military leadership via Admiral Timothy Keating had laid down. Plausible deny-ability for Obama to hold his ole “BMD is just a untested system” and at the same time he didn’t p*ss out the military was unable with a untested unproven system (which of course will never be proven unless used in scenario like he is refusing to use it in). God this stuff pisses me off and even more the fact that so many gen pop just have no f*cking clue.

It is going to be a long 4-8yrs guys. very very long and humiliating. I just pray that he fails (yeah I said it) on his irreversible ideas like Geither recently alluded to (taking the world of the US dollar).

121 ArmyWife  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:56:29pm

re: #106 Dark_Falcon

and CEOs. CEOs get the Obama stick.

122 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:56:35pm

re: #106 Dark_Falcon
How long could the Norks sustain combat ops? No, I don’t want them shooting all that arty south, just a for instance.

123 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:56:42pm
124 The Other Les  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:57:08pm

re: #19 tradewind

What will Japan shoot it down with?
A Wii? I thought they were forbidden to have weapons in the military mode….

They don’t call it a navy. They call it the Maritime Self-Defense Force. And they build their own AEGIS air defense ships

125 avanti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:57:09pm

re: #69 irongrampa

But let’s not wish him to fail.

DAMN, I miss W.

W allowed Korean missile tests too, with the standard stern letter. No one is going to risk a strike on a North Korean missile site when the launch date and path have been announced. Not Obama, nor the Japanese, nor would have GWB in my opinion.
We probably have intelligence that not only is it not headed toward Hawaii, it would not make it if it was. Despite Gates comments, I’d bet there is still a backup plan if it comes remotely close to Hawaii.

126 Macker  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:57:11pm

re: #111 zombie

If Obama had been president in 1962, they would have called it “The Cuban Missile Jamboree.”

…and by now we’d all be speaking Russian.

Да, those of us who survived the exchange.

127 Occasional Reader  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:57:32pm

re: #83 So?

N. Korea is not suicidal like Iran. So they test the rocket. Must the US police the world? Let some European country speak up for a change.

BWAAHAHAHAHAH. Yer killin’ me, dude.

Leaving aside their overall squishiness, European countries have just about zero interest in anything happening in the Pacific. (Or so they believe.)

128 Charles Johnson  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:57:35pm

re: #94 Killgore Trout

Update: Cape Coral Tea Party is ON!

Despite the efforts of the local government in Cape Coral, FL, to prevent people from showing up, the tea party is on!

Glenn Reynolds simply notes, “THANKS TO SOME HELP FROM FREEDOMWORKS, the Cape Coral, FL tea party is back on. Scheduled for this Wednesday.”

No mention of the previous organizers not getting the required insurance.

Man, that kind of whining about being victims, when it is NOT TRUE, really sets my teeth on edge.

129 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:57:38pm

re: #102 Irene NYC

BTW, was anybody else bothered by the pix of Obama washing down a pint of beer at the basketball game? I can’t remember ever seeing a pix of any other president drinking alcohol, other than holding up a glass to propose a toast.

(I’m not saying that one pint will render you inebriated, but the guy can launch a nukular attack.)


Not to worry. The Teleprompter had charge of the suitcase.

130 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:57:38pm

re: #97 zombie

You’re absolutely right, zombie.
On the other hand, we know BHO, and he’s no JFK.
Unfortunately as well, that corner of the world doesn’t look a lot like it did during Camelot. There are radioactive complications.
As JB would say…….Dammit!

131 Occasional Reader  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:57:52pm

re: #100 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Does anyone here have any ideas about why Gates stayed on?

It was this, or work at the Jiffy Lube?

132 Gus  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:58:07pm

re: #110 The Other Les

It’s not the North Korean missile test that I’m worried about.

It’s the onset of the Third World War.

The further along we allow these rogue states to develop ICBM technology the closers that reality becomes. Perhaps an option as Zombie has suggested which is to take a stronger stand in words and stand by military response such as when we were confronted by the USSR in 1962.

133 Star Tripper  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:58:08pm

re: #83 So?

Assuming this Administration is capable of making such a strong statement, would anyone believe it?

134 zombie  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:58:17pm

re: #123 buzzsawmonkey

We need you to rework Ray Charles’ “Unchain My Heart” to become “Unclench Your Fist.”

135 pat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:58:34pm

re: #102 Irene NYC

BTW, was anybody else bothered by the pix of Obama washing down a pint of beer at the basketball game? I can’t remember ever seeing a pix of any other president drinking alcohol, other than holding up a glass to propose a toast.

(I’m not saying that one pint will render you inebriated, but the guy can launch a nukular attack.)

Nixon, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Clinton were all serious drinkers.

136 The Other Les  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:58:39pm

re: #26 kynna

I thought Gates was one of the few over there with a brain. I over-estimated, obviously.

You have to have a lobotomy in order to work for The Big Zero.

137 Bobblehead  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:58:51pm

What a great statement to make right before our Dear Leader makes his debut at the G20. “Hey guys! We’re as impotent as you. Like us now?”

Where are the leaders? Where are they?

138 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:58:54pm

re: #97 zombie

John “Hussein” Kennedy would have said:

“If you launch that missile, the United States of America will spare no effort in launching a salvo of our own which I’m confident North Korea could not survive. We will not blink.”

And that would have been the end of that.

Just ask Kruschev and Castro.

True, but then again, JFK was a man. He did understand something of the importance of strength and had some insight into his own limitations. Barack Obama is still a child in many ways and does not understand his limitations nor the need for strength.

139 So?  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:59:26pm

re: #103 pingjockey

Ummm……No we can’t 100% knock down an ICBM. The system is still in the test phase. When the warhead is inbound it’s going 14,000 miles an hour. You want to hit the missle on the pad or in the boost phase, not after. It’s comparable to trying to hit a rifle bullet with another bullet.

You think N. Korea would be stupid enough to hit Hawaii and risk being wiped off the face of the Earth? I don’t think so. They’re belligerent, but not suicidal like the mullahs waiting for the madhi.

140 Gus  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:59:28pm

re: #128 Charles

Man, that kind of whining about being victims, when it is NOT TRUE, really sets my teeth on edge.

Yeah, when I read that I focused on “Despite the efforts of the local government in Cape Coral” which reads conspiracy theory. I omitted that in the excerpt I posted in the lower thread.

141 Lincolntf  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:59:30pm

On the bright side, maybe Obama will ask Kim Jong Il to resign.

142 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:59:32pm

re: #112 pingjockey

I was there for two day layovers, on and off for three years about ten ago.
I hear the shopping’s not even so great now.
I just never got used to the way everything smelled like kimchee.

143 The Other Les  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:59:34pm

re: #31 ggt

What does he have against Hawaii?

Pearl Harbor.

144 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:59:42pm

re: #126 Macker

Да, those of us who survived the exchange.

Da Kamerad………
jes tryin to fit in with the fun-demental change were goin’ thru…..
/

145 zombie  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:59:47pm

re: #123 buzzsawmonkey

Paper Tiger
—with apologies to “Paper Moon”

Show we’re just a paper tiger
When missiles are shot o’er the sea
Then when the US gets no respect
How surprised some folks will be

Tell a hostile dictatorship
“You’ll not be opposed by me”
Then you cannot claim you’re surprised
When it goes on a spree

Without backbone
We’re buffoons in a charade
Without backbone
We’re just paying blackmail as “foreign aid”

It’s a hostile and dangerous world
And we must show strength to stay free
But our officials seem to have spines
Like o’ercooked spaghetti

B+.

Well, OK, A- for the usage of “o’ercooked.”

146 Kreuzueber Halbmond  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 5:59:53pm

re: #52 tradewind

We could try sending Madeline NotAllThatBright back to dance with the dude again…she said he wasn’t so scary…

You know, we can thank that famous Donk, Harry Truman for today’s N.K. mess. Instead of letting people like MacArthur root out and kill the commie pigs, he opted for the path of containment and appeasement. Now we can sit here and watch missiles fly and say we can do nothing to stop it. Fuck 0bama and Gates.

147 Killgore Trout  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:00:04pm

re: #128 Charles

How can they be John Galt unless they’re unfairly oppressed? It’s a requirement for the gig.

148 Irene NYC  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:00:04pm

re: #129 pre-Boomer Marine brat

*hits head!* But of course!

149 Bobblehead  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:00:28pm

re: #111 zombie

If Obama had been president in 1962, they would have called it “The Cuban Missile Jamboree.”

…and by now we’d all be speaking Russian.

Sadly funny.

150 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:00:45pm

re: #129 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Don’t harsh his mellow, man. The guy’s gotta relax.
/sarc/… as if he’s not always…

151 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:01:17pm

re: #146 Kreuzueber Halbmond

You know, we can thank that famous Donk, Harry Truman for today’s N.K. mess. Instead of letting people like MacArthur root out and kill the commie pigs, he opted for the path of containment and appeasement. Now we can sit here and watch missiles fly and say we can do nothing to stop it. Fuck 0bama and Gates.

Ike had that option and passed it up as well…nuking China was and still is a bad idea

152 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:01:34pm

re: #139 So?
Nope. I don’t think the Norks are mad. Desperate, yes. Poofy Hair knows at a certain point the mob will come for him. He’s trying to get conscessions for food and fuel.

153 hepcat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:02:02pm

In 1939, George Orwell wrote, “We have now sunk to a depth at which the restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men.”

154 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:02:07pm

re: #138 Dark_Falcon

Pussy metrosexual. No child.

155 swamprat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:02:47pm

We are so hosed.™

156 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:03:24pm

re: #152 pingjockey

They probably all have a severe vitamin B deficiency, excepting the leaders, and that’ll leave you in the mad zone. Come to think of it, as much as he drinks, DL probably has the B vitamin thing lacking as well.
No reasoning with him.

157 The Other Les  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:03:34pm

re: #111 zombie

If Obama had been president in 1962, they would have called it “The Cuban Missile Jamboree.”

…and by now we’d all be speaking Russian.

Those of us who are still around…

158 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:03:42pm
159 wiffersnapper  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:03:46pm

Well shit

160 Irene NYC  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:03:49pm

re: #135 pat

pat,

Yes, plenty of prezzies drank, etc. It was the publicity of it that bothered me. The off-handed, “I think I’ll down a pint and settle down to watch some hoops,” while the country is in economic free-fall cuz nothing is that important. It was very incongruous to me. He’s still a newbie and hasn’t fashioned a very presidential image - doesn’t seem to care either.

161 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:04:27pm

re: #156 tradewind
Nope. Him and the military own the country, such as it is.

162 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:04:41pm

re: #151 albusteve

Ike had that option and passed it up as well…nuking China was and still is a bad idea

I don’t know about that. I regularly nuke leftover Chinese and it’s delicious. ‘Specially with a little soy sauce on it……
/////

163 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:04:43pm

re: #155 swamprat

We are so hosed.™

no we aren’t….there are options and they will present themselves in time…BO cannot really do anything that cannot be undone

164 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:04:44pm

re: #128 Charles

Thanks Charles. I agree. Bunch ‘a damn whiners… how hard could it have been?

165 Macker  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:05:01pm

re: #157 The Other Les

Beat you to it, Камрад!

166 Shug  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:05:21pm

Duck and Cover 2009

167 Vicious Babushka  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:05:34pm

re: #49 livefreeor die

Is there anyone in this administration who has not had a frontal lobotomy?

Yeah, the ones who have a full bottle in front of ‘em…

168 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:05:41pm

re: #128 Charles

Man, that kind of false whining about being victims, when it is NOT TRUE, really sets my teeth on edge.

How’s your cold by the way. Hope you’re feeling a little better……….
:)

169 windhorse  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:05:47pm

re: #163 albusteve

tell that to Rick Wagoner!

170 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:05:49pm

re: #162 LGoPs

I don’t know about that. I regularly nuke leftover Chinese and it’s delicious. ‘Specially with a little soy sauce on it……
/////

bastid!…I was sooo serious too

171 Macker  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:06:02pm

re: #166 Shug

Duck and Cover 2009

Will the Turtle have big ears?

172 livefreeor die  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:06:05pm

I am continually stunned by how inept 0 and his appointees are. He seems to want to stay in President-elect mode without considering the impact of what he is now doing. Sure, it’s fun being on Leno, going to basketball games, having cocktail parties but at some point he has to wean himself off public adulation and start putting serious thought into what he is doing.

173 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:06:21pm

re: #154 pink freud

Pussy metrosexual. No child.

Well put. I consider my statement improved by your alteration.

174 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:11pm

re: #163 albusteve
Don’t you believe it.

175 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:12pm

re: #169 windhorse

tell that to Rick Wagoner!

as far as I can tell he merely followed a suggestion…BO is not his boss and he does not need to answer to him…

176 The Other Les  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:14pm

re: #147 Killgore Trout

How can they be John Galt unless they’re unfairly oppressed? It’s a requirement for the gig.

Would you rather be Spartacus?

177 Bobblehead  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:15pm

re: #172 livefreeor die

I am continually stunned by how inept 0 and his appointees are. He seems to want to stay in President-elect mode without considering the impact of what he is now doing. Sure, it’s fun being on Leno, going to basketball games, having cocktail parties but at some point he has to wean himself off public adulation and start putting serious thought into what he is doing.

Surely you jest?

178 livefreeor die  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:18pm

re: #167 Alouette

Yeah, the ones who have a full bottle in front of ‘em…

I was thinking of that as I typed. God bless Dr. Demento!

179 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:27pm

re: #172 livefreeor die

I keep picturing a dog chasing a car, and dammit… he caught it.
Now wtf does he do?
He didn’t think about that beforehand. Running was just so much fun.

180 Honorary Yooper  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:28pm

re: #172 livefreeor die

I am continually stunned by how inept 0 and his appointees are. He seems to want to stay in President-elect mode without considering the impact of what he is now doing. Sure, it’s fun being on Leno, going to basketball games, having cocktail parties but at some point he has to wean himself off public adulation and start putting serious thought into what he is doing.

I seriously doubt he ever will. It’s not in his nature as far as I can see. The man has done nothing but campaign for well over a decade. There’s no reason for him to stop and actually lead and govern now.

181 rawmuse  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:33pm

re: #172 livefreeor die

In the novel “1984” Big Brother was always on TV, everywhere, all the time.

182 Shug  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:43pm

re: #97 zombie

John “Hussein” Kennedy would have said:

“If you launch that missile, the United States of America will spare no effort in launching a salvo of our own which I’m confident North Korea could not survive. We will not blink.”

And that would have been the end of that.

Just ask Kruschev and Castro.


and he’d have had a naval blockade of N Korea.
Let them starve a bit

183 zombie  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:46pm

A couple days ago I was being interviewed by some big media mucky-muck. The sound guy wanted us to do a sound check — “Both of you say something, just ask a random question; I want to set the levels.” So the big media mucky-muck, off the top of his head, asked what he thought was the easiest possible question, that would require no thinking to come up with the “correct” answer. He asked me, “Who did you vote for president in November? Ha ha.”

I just couldn’t bring myself to lie, so I said, “We still have a private ballots in this country!”

Boy, was he taken aback! I think I was the first person who didn’t answer, “BARACK!” and then slap him a high-five.

They really looked askance at me after that. But, luckily, the interview went OK anyway.

184 Mithrax  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:51pm

re: #176 The Other Les

Would you rather be Spartacus?

I’m Spartacus!

185 So?  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:07:54pm

re: #133 Star Tripper

Assuming this Administration is capable of making such a strong statement, would anyone believe it?

That statement should have been made during the first week after 9/11.

186 irongrampa  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:08:22pm

Ok, this clown is either a total incompetent (as has been widely said), or this is just part of a carefully orchestrated strategy (as has been said).

So which is it?

187 livefreeor die  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:08:25pm

re: #181 rawmuse

In the novel “1984” Big Brother was always on TV, everywhere, all the time.

Big Brother has nothing on Obama at this point!

188 Spare O'Lake  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:08:35pm

re: #83 So?

N. Korea is not suicidal like Iran. So they test the rocket. Must the US police the world? Let some European country speak up for a change. But the US should issue a fierce warning to every nation in the world. Any attack on American soil similar in kind to 9/11 or any such attack against our staunchest allies (aka Israel) will be met with a force so strong, all that will left of your country are fine grains of glass and the occasional cockroach.

Why be in a tizzy over this. If the missile should approach Hawaii, I’m sure the US can knock it down. Then it’s a whole new ball game.

One would have thought that US policy would clearly articulate that a missile strike on the US by NK would be an act of war.

189 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:08:46pm

re: #174 pingjockey

Don’t you believe it.

why do you believe otherwise?….he does not and cannot rule the world by the force of his personality…

190 rawmuse  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:08:52pm

re: #187 livefreeor die

He is Big Brotha.

191 summergurl  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:09:01pm

If you read what he is saying you will see that he doesn’t say that we can’t do something about it, but rather we won’t. The only way the Big O will move to shoot it down is if it threatens Hawaii, otherwise he is not going to become engaged. Gates feels like his hands are tied not only behind his back but with his thumbs up his ass. I bet Gates is upset as we are.

Appearing on “FOX News Sunday,” Gates said North Korea “probably will” fire the missile, prompting host Chris Wallace to ask: “And there’s nothing we can do about it?”

“No,” Gates answered, adding, “I would say we’re not prepared to do anything about it.”

Last week, Admiral Timothy Keating, commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, said the U.S. is “fully prepared” to shoot down the missile. But Gates said such a response is unlikely.

“I think if we had an aberrant missile, one that was headed for Hawaii, that looked like it was headed for Hawaii or something like that, we might consider it,” Gates said. “But I don’t think we have any plans to do anything like that at this point.”

192 MarkX  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:09:06pm

re: #186 irongrampa

Ok, this clown is either a total incompetent (as has been widely said), or this is just part of a carefully orchestrated strategy (as has been said).

So which is it?

… the latter.

193 avanti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:09:08pm

re: #139 So?

You think N. Korea would be stupid enough to hit Hawaii and risk being wiped off the face of the Earth? I don’t think so. They’re belligerent, but not suicidal like the mullahs waiting for the madhi.

The thing to remember is that BHO apparently is doing just as little as GWB did. The North Koreans launched a half dozen missiles, and Bush called it

provocative.

Not knocking Bush, just showing the policy is pretty much the same. like it or not.

194 itellu3times  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:09:10pm

re: #153 hepcat

In 1939, George Orwell wrote, “We have now sunk to a depth at which the restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men.”

Indeed. There is nothing new under the sun.

/Ecclesiastes 1:9

That said … what does anybody propose we do about it, and under exactly what principle? I’m asking. Shooting it down, and certainly destroying it on the ground, would be acts of war. I have nothing huge against that, but is that what anyone here is really recommending?

195 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:09:11pm

re: #182 Shug

and he’d have had a naval blockade of N Korea.
Let them starve a bit


Been there, doing that, for years… doesn’t phase ‘em…

196 livefreeor die  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:09:23pm

re: #186 irongrampa

Ok, this clown is either a total incompetent (as has been widely said), or this is just part of a carefully orchestrated strategy (as has been said).

So which is it?

Either one I’m really scared.

197 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:09:37pm
198 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:10:12pm

re: #173 Dark_Falcon

Thanks, DF. ‘Twas his progression through the stages of development that created the monster we now see before us. ‘Twas the progression through developmental stages of his voters that put him where he is.

None of them are children, but this doesn’t mean they are capable of discerning as an adult would …Case in point, that Maher video/thread yesterday.

199 itellu3times  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:10:27pm

re: #172 livefreeor die

I am continually stunned by how inept 0 and his appointees are. He seems to want to stay in President-elect mode without considering the impact of what he is now doing. Sure, it’s fun being on Leno, going to basketball games, having cocktail parties but at some point he has to wean himself off public adulation and start putting serious thought into what he is doing.

Craig Ferguson joke replayed on ABC Stepanopoulos this morning:

“He’s sure been on TV a lot, the only way he could get more TV time is if he had eight babies.”

200 Lincolntf  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:10:28pm

re: #191 summergurl

“But I don’t think we have any plans to do anything like that at this point.”

Someone should let the SecDef know what our plans are.

201 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:10:44pm

re: #197 Dark_Falcon

There’s always hope. Just think…. polls show Chris Dodd losing to any Republican…..unthinkable a year ago…

202 NelsFree  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:10:56pm

re: #120 C-Low

Agreed fully, upding!

203 Honorary Yooper  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:11:02pm

re: #186 irongrampa

Ok, this clown is either a total incompetent (as has been widely said), or this is just part of a carefully orchestrated strategy (as has been said).

So which is it?

I think he’s completely incompetent. A carefully orchestrated strategy would take way too many people keeping silent, and too many cogs in the proverbial machine to be viable. Occam’s Razor works every time.

204 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:11:04pm

re: #189 albusteve
Once a gov’t program is started it never dies. Him and congress have enacted and will enact more legislation to curtail private ownership than any admin before. Not to mention the debt load we are leaving for the next 2 or 3 generations. That is what I mean by enacting stuff that cannot be undone.

205 Vicious Babushka  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:11:05pm

re: #136 The Other Les

You have to have a lobotomy in order to work for The Big Zero.

The 0ne will not allow anyone into his administration who has a higher IQ than 0.

/I meant, a higher IQ than The 0 has.

206 swamprat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:11:15pm

re: #163 albusteve

no we aren’t….there are options and they will present themselves in time…BO cannot really do anything that cannot be undone

Give him a chance.


/Intended double-entendre

207 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:11:20pm

re: #199 itellu3times

(That he knew of).

208 Bobblehead  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:11:22pm

You know, looking around the Republican landscape, I don’t see a single charismatic figure with guts enough to take on 0.

209 Devil's Advocate  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:11:35pm

There is a Left vs. Right Debate that is in the top 20 viewed in all of YouTube.

This is Rd. #2.

210 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:11:50pm

re: #183 zombie

I worry for your safety, Zombie, I really do.

211 summergurl  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:12:15pm

re: #102 Irene NYC

BTW, was anybody else bothered by the pix of Obama washing down a pint of beer at the basketball game? I can’t remember ever seeing a pix of any other president drinking alcohol, other than holding up a glass to propose a toast.

(I’m not saying that one pint will render you inebriated, but the guy can launch a nukular attack.)

Didn’t see it but I am an old fudy duddy and think it is inappropriate… guess he is trying to be just a regular guy—- what a jerk—

Also thought it was stupid for Shrill Hill to throw back boilermakers..

212 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:12:42pm
213 irongrampa  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:12:45pm

re: #203 Honorary Yooper


I’m inclined to agree with that. Not that it makes me feel any better.

214 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:12:54pm

re: #193 avanti
That is true. I have never understood letting them launch missles over Japan. Plus, each test they learn more about their missles performance and can improve it.

215 So?  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:12:57pm

re: #188 Spare O’Lake

One would have thought that US policy would clearly articulate that a missile strike on the US by NK would be an act of war.

I would think a missile strike by any nation against the USA would be deemed an act of war, like in 3 seconds.

216 Vicious Babushka  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:12:57pm

re: #183 zombie

A couple days ago I was being interviewed by some big media mucky-muck. The sound guy wanted us to do a sound check — “Both of you say something, just ask a random question; I want to set the levels.” So the big media mucky-muck, off the top of his head, asked what he thought was the easiest possible question, that would require no thinking to come up with the “correct” answer. He asked me, “Who did you vote for president in November? Ha ha.”

I just couldn’t bring myself to lie, so I said, “We still have a private ballots in this country!”

Boy, was he taken aback! I think I was the first person who didn’t answer, “BARACK!” and then slap him a high-five.

They really looked askance at me after that. But, luckily, the interview went OK anyway.

Were you being interviewed as “zombie” or your secret identity?

217 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:13:18pm

re: #204 pingjockey

Once a gov’t program is started it never dies. Him and congress have enacted and will enact more legislation to curtail private ownership than any admin before. Not to mention the debt load we are leaving for the next 2 or 3 generations. That is what I mean by enacting stuff that cannot be undone.

that’s all legislative law and be undone or retracted by the people….it’s up to the citizens, it’s our govt and it will behave in the way we make or allow it…pretty simple…refer to #158

218 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:13:55pm

re: #208 Bobblehead

You know, looking around the Republican landscape, I don’t see a single charismatic figure with guts enough to take on 0.

I agree but try to take heart from the fact that up until shortly before the ‘92 election, no democrat could be found to take on Bush I. Remember his approval ratings were in the ‘90’s IIRC. And shortly thereafter we had Clinton (regrettably). It’s early…..there’s still hope.

219 jones  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:13:56pm

re: #203 Honorary Yooper

I think he’s completely incompetent. A carefully orchestrated strategy would take way too many people keeping silent, and too many cogs in the proverbial machine to be viable. Occam’s Razor works every time.

True, never ascribe to malice what is better explained by incompetence.

I wish I had thought it up, because it is an accurate statement.

220 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:14:06pm

Zombie, I’m going to go ahead and say it. That post gives too much info about you that could identify you. Please ask Charles to remove it.

221 zombie  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:14:11pm

re: #216 Alouette

Were you being interviewed as “zombie” or your secret identity?

zombie is my secret identity. I was being interviewed as the “real” me.

222 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:14:33pm

re: #193 avanti

The thing to remember is that BHO apparently is doing just as little as GWB did. The North Koreans launched a half dozen missiles, and Bush called it

provocative.

Not knocking Bush, just showing the policy is pretty much the same. like it or not.

Good point. But I don’t like it. I wish we had Newport News’ sister ships refitted and positioned off North Korea again (the Des Moines an the Salem were used for fire support during the Korean War. The Nork’s missile pad being beaten to pieces by a rain of shells would be something I’d like to see. I don’t advocate it really, but it would be nice.

223 Vero  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:14:40pm

“To tell them outright that we’re not going to do anything at all is unbelievably stupid. What the hell is going on here?


I am surprised that anyone would be surprised by the totally inept “leadership” we currently have. Wait till the obama train wreck hands out to the North Koreans, keys to the city for a great launch.

224 nyc redneck  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:14:48pm

re: #188 Spare O’Lake

One would have thought that US policy would clearly articulate that a missile strike on the US by NK would be an act of war.

if we’re attacked o will get up and pontificate in that arrogant stupid tone of his, that” both uh uh parties uh should uh uh stand uh uh down.”
and obviously he will see to it that we do.

225 swamprat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:15:07pm

re: #193 avanti

You have the pom-poms to go with that cheerleader outfit?


goooo…BAMA!

226 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:15:45pm

Well after all…. Joe the Senator did try to warn us, and whoop, here it is…..
Or at least here one of them is.

227 zombie  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:15:56pm

re: #220 pink freud

Zombie, I’m going to go ahead and say it. That post gives too much info about you that could identify you. Please ask Charles to remove it.

No it doesn’t. Don’t worry about it.

228 Bobblehead  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:16:19pm

re: #218 LGoPs

I agree but try to take heart from the fact that up until shortly before the ‘92 election, no democrat could be found to take on Bush I. Remember his approval ratings were in the ‘90’s IIRC. And shortly thereafter we had Clinton (regrettably). It’s early…..there’s still hope.

Since we’re all quoting LOTR I think I’ll channel “Braveheart”…Freedom!

229 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:16:33pm

re: #212 Iron Fist

Encouraging Kim Jong Il to test away at his attempts to get nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting America is just more of the same thing that we’ve been seeing from the Democrats, really, all of my life. The cast has changed somewhat, but the plot is just the same. And some of the cast hasn’t even changed. John Kerry is still doing his damnedest to secure defeat for America, and Ted Kennedy is still a drunk (although he probably isn’t helping the KGB anymore).

In the case of Kennedy I think it’s more a case of the KGB raising its standards…….
//

230 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:16:58pm

this fear that BO can do whatever he want’s is unwarrented…he is far from superman…hitch it up and see what you can do to bring him down…no fear!

231 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:17:31pm

Did I say something wrong on number 197. I did not intend that post to advocate violence and indeed stated that I was not doing so. Charles is of course free to delete posts as he wishes, but I don’t think I broke any rules.

232 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:18:06pm
233 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:18:11pm

re: #183 zombie

Check your email.

234 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:18:41pm

re: #225 swamprat
Best four years of my life…

235 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:19:08pm

re: #217 albusteve
Uh huh. Look where we are now. Bread and circuses. Plus, a whole bunch of folks living on the gov’t tit voting for more people promising more from the gov’t tit. We, me and the other half made less than 70k together last year and guess what? I had to pay income tax. Thats right, what was with held plus another little bit for the nonproducers. I have 2 teenagers and a 9 year old. Now you tell me, since when is 70k rich? Also my property taxes will be late cause that is what the TAX RETURN used to be for! Fuck obambi, the donks, the marxist buddies of the one, fuck ‘em all and anyone who supports this lunacy!

236 Occasional Reader  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:19:22pm

re: #203 Honorary Yooper

Occam’s Razor works every time.

I’m still angry that I didn’t think up the blog name Occam’s Toothbrush.

237 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:19:22pm

re: #210 pink freud

I worry for your safety, Zombie, I really do.

I agree but isn’t it ironic that we have to worry, here in America, in 2009? If this wasn’t proof that the ”tolerant” left is fascist and totalitarian and evil, I don’t know what the fuck is.

238 Cicero05  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:19:40pm

Obama figures that if we lose Hawaii, we’ve still got 56 states left.

239 swamprat  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:20:12pm

re: #234 tradewind

Not that ‘bama!

240 Cheechako  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:20:36pm

Sounds like Gates is playing Texas Hold’Em with his hole cards face up.

241 jorline  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:20:43pm

re: #31 ggt

What does he have against Hawaii?

Hiding the info on the birth certificate.
/////////////////

242 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:20:45pm

re: #239 swamprat

That’s the only ‘Bama.

243 Dr. Shalit  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:20:56pm

re: #11 Mithrax

I suspect that if Japan does shoot it down that few if any Asian countries will condemn them for it.

Mithrax -

IF Japan Can and Does shoot down this missile, I for one will be FIRST In Line to applaud the Japanese. Let’ call it “Operation SHUGIHARA II.

-S-

244 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:21:40pm

re: #243 Dr. Shalit

Mithrax -

IF Japan Can and Does shoot down this missile, I for one will be FIRST In Line to applaud the Japanese. Let’ call it “Operation SHUGIHARA II.

-S-

Shugihara?

245 albusteve  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:21:46pm

re: #235 pingjockey

Uh huh. Look where we are now. Bread and circuses. Plus, a whole bunch of folks living on the gov’t tit voting for more people promising more from the gov’t tit. We, me and the other half made less than 70k together last year and guess what? I had to pay income tax. Thats right, what was with held plus another little bit for the nonproducers. I have 2 teenagers and a 9 year old. Now you tell me, since when is 70k rich? Also my property taxes will be late cause that is what the TAX RETURN used to be for! Fuck obambi, the donks, the marxist buddies of the one, fuck ‘em all and anyone who supports this lunacy!

tax laws are words that can be rewritten…

246 The Other Les  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:21:47pm

re: #172 livefreeor die

I am continually stunned by how inept 0 and his appointees are. He seems to want to stay in President-elect mode without considering the impact of what he is now doing. Sure, it’s fun being on Leno, going to basketball games, having cocktail parties but at some point he has to wean himself off public adulation and start putting serious thought into what he is doing.

Won’t ever happen.

(Sounds of digging through old files…)

Ah! Here we go:

In my own view the present day Left, like the unschooled barbarians who plagued civilization before them, are essentially parasites. If the Hun or the Mongol were to take “no” for an answer to their demands for food and other material goods they would die very quickly. Compulsion, taking things and persons by force, is inherently necessary to the parasite manner of existence. Those who resisted had to be killed as an object lesson for others.

The Left, the present-day literate post-marxian barbarians, not only need material support they also need spiritual support as well. Barbarian chieftains and tribal witch-doctors demanded degrading and often dangerous acts of worship from their subjects, up to and including human sacrifice, in order to assure themselves that they would still have a roof (or a tent) over their heads and food to eat the next day. Those refused to obey were worked over by the goon squad or simply killed.

In the classrooms and editorial offices of the Left the demand is for unquestioned agreement without regard to the actual facts of reality. The self-styled intellectuals of the Left are the first to demand “speech codes” and other forms of censorship lest they be identified as frauds and poseurs and subsequently bounced out of their comfortable ivory towers, no longer insulated from a real world that demands real thought and real labor.

In other words, The Big Zero needs adulation and ego-boosting in order to assure himself that he’s doing the right thing. He appears to be an extreme example of what Ayn Rand used to call a Second Hander. In the worst cases such people do not trust their own judgment and and are subsequently dependent on the advice and praise of others in order to perform above the simplest tasks. Such people cannot be counted on to function in any position of responsibility.

In short, we’re screwed.

247 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:22:28pm

re: #243 Dr. Shalit

They have the Aegis air defense system. That’s the one we used in that test last year. It is possible. Don’t know if the have the right missle to hit the Nork missle though.

248 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:22:39pm

re: #243 Dr. Shalit

How about Operation Fugyujong?

249 Sunlight  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:23:19pm

re: #212 Iron Fist

Do you think they could be trying to draw them out get NK to show their hand because they have no clue what is going on? Gates has been around for a long time…

250 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:23:56pm

re: #245 albusteve
WHEN? It ain’t happened yet. Don’t see it happening in the next 4-8 years either. It is quite possible my kids will have a lower standard of living the me and my wife due to these socialist policies.

251 Dr. Shalit  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:24:00pm

re: #244 Dark_Falcon

Shugihara?

Dark_Falcon -

YES, Shugihara, the Japanese Consul in Lithuania when WWII broke out. Search Engine the rest - quite a story!

-S-

252 tradewind  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:24:28pm

re: #249 Sunlight

Do you mean are we saying Bring It?
I don’t think so.
I could be wrong, for sure. But it doesn’t feel Barack-ish.

253 The Other Les  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:24:41pm

re: #184 Mithrax

I’m Spartacus!

Are you sure about that?

A slave can try to escape again. Crucifixion is forever.

254 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:25:11pm

re: #251 Dr. Shalit

Dark_Falcon -

YES, Shugihara, the Japanese Consul in Lithuania when WWII broke out. Search Engine the rest - quite a story!

-S-

Will do.

255 iLikeCandy  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:25:28pm

This sounds something like white mutiny.

256 jorline  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:25:30pm

re: #240 Cheechako

Sounds like Gates is playing Texas Hold’Em with his hole cards face up.

We gave Gates a standing ovation two years ago when he returned with Bush 41 to a Texas A&M home football game…won’t happen this year!

257 IslandLibertarian  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:25:44pm

“I think if we had an aberrant missile, one that was headed for Hawaii, that looked like it was headed for Hawaii or something like that, we might consider it,”
……….and I might pay my 2009 taxes……….

258 CharlieBravo  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:26:01pm

Gates just repeated what Clinton said a couple days ago:

“We have made it very clear that the North Koreans pursue this pathway at a cost and with consequences to the six-party talks, which we would like to see revived,” Clinton said.

“We intend to raise this violation of the Security Council resolution, if it goes forward, in the U.N.,” she said. “This provocative action in violation of the U.N. mandate will not go unnoticed and there will be consequences.”

apnews.myway.com

259 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:27:20pm

re: #237 LGoPs

I agree but isn’t it ironic that we have to worry, here in America, in 2009? If this wasn’t proof that the ”tolerant” left is fascist and totalitarian and evil, I don’t know what the fuck is.

I asked my nineteen year old solidly conservative, pro-military son to sign the Murtha petition. He said, “Mom, I’m sorry, but I will do NOTHING to point the finger of this administration at myself.” He is terrified, very unlike him, but his eyes are wide open and he sees the world (and America) from a perspective other than you and I …and it scares the hell out of him.

260 Aviator  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:27:36pm

re: #258 CharlieBravo

Gates just repeated what Clinton said a couple days ago:

“We have made it very clear that the North Koreans pursue this pathway at a cost and with consequences to the six-party talks, which we would like to see revived,” Clinton said.

“We intend to raise this violation of the Security Council resolution, if it goes forward, in the U.N.,” she said. “This provocative action in violation of the U.N. mandate will not go unnoticed and there will be consequences.”

[Link: apnews.myway.com…]

Like what? Clinton gonna send them a reset button lettered in Spanish?
/

261 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:27:53pm

re: #253 The Other Les

Are you sure about that?

A slave can try to escape again. Crucifixion is forever.

Not if you have faith in God. Fear of death, however painful, should never stop you from pursuing justice. To perish doing the Lord’s work is not a thing to be feared. It should not be sought, but there are far worse things in the world.

262 Achilles Tang  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:28:08pm

re: #146 Kreuzueber Halbmond

You know, we can thank that famous Donk, Harry Truman for today’s N.K. mess. Instead of letting people like MacArthur root out and kill the commie pigs, he opted for the path of containment and appeasement. Now we can sit here and watch missiles fly and say we can do nothing to stop it. Fuck 0bama and Gates.

As I recall, the war was more with China than North Korea. It would have had to move to China to be ended your way.

263 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:28:08pm
264 Dianna  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:28:47pm

re: #253 The Other Les

Are you sure about that?

A slave can try to escape again. Crucifixion is forever.

Or buy his freedom. Or otherwise earn manumission.

Crucifixion….it’s a nasty way to go.

265 Sunlight  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:28:59pm

re: #252 tradewind

Do you mean are we saying Bring It?
I don’t think so.
I could be wrong, for sure. But it doesn’t feel Barack-ish.

Not so much Bring It as Show It. Remember almost all of the military people who have kept us safe for the last 7.5 years are still on the job. How they present it to PBHO so he’d go along with it, who knows. But they need to see what NK can actually do (and maybe what Japan can do - lots of technological surprise possible these days).

266 NelsFree  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:29:03pm

re: #247 pingjockey

They have the Aegis air defense system. That’s the one we used in that test last year. It is possible. Don’t know if the have the right missle to hit the Nork missle though.

I believe we have not yet sold the Japanese the SM-3 BMD variant. The best time to hit the missle is during boost phase. Bright IR signature, low altitude, and relatively low speed. The hardest time to intercept is descent phase. Depending on altitude, and timing, a conventional SM-3ER ought to be able to knock it down.

267 avanti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:29:35pm

re: #222 Dark_Falcon

Good point. But I don’t like it. I wish we had Newport News’ sister ships refitted and positioned off North Korea again (the Des Moines an the Salem were used for fire support during the Korean War. The Nork’s missile pad being beaten to pieces by a rain of shells would be something I’d like to see. I don’t advocate it really, but it would be nice.

That might be cool to see, but I see the downside. Let’s assume BHO were to be a bigger hawk then GWB and take out the missile sites. The Nork’s could justly claim a unprovoked attack and decide to use a measured response by taking out a US military site in the south. Then BHO would have to escalate and off we go to a third war. Would that macho response still be popular on the right ?
GWB was not eager to risk it, and I agreed with him.

268 Dianna  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:29:50pm

re: #258 CharlieBravo

Gates just repeated what Clinton said a couple days ago:

“We have made it very clear that the North Koreans pursue this pathway at a cost and with consequences to the six-party talks, which we would like to see revived,” Clinton said.

“We intend to raise this violation of the Security Council resolution, if it goes forward, in the U.N.,” she said. “This provocative action in violation of the U.N. mandate will not go unnoticed and there will be consequences.”

[Link: apnews.myway.com…]

What consequences? A sorrowful look?

269 FemNaziBitch  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:29:53pm

be back in a bit

270 CharlieBravo  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:30:13pm

re: #260 Aviator

Like what? Clinton gonna send them a reset button lettered in Spanish?
/

Not even that… she will send the matter to the (yawn) UN.

271 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:30:54pm

re: #266 NelsFree
Correct. SM-3ER should be able to hit it during boost. When you’re dealing with RVs that is another whole ball of wax!

272 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:31:01pm

re: #267 avanti

That might be cool to see, but I see the downside. Let’s assume BHO were to be a bigger hawk then GWB and take out the missile sites. The Nork’s could justly claim a unprovoked attack and decide to use a measured response by taking out a US military site in the south. Then BHO would have to escalate and off we go to a third war. Would that macho response still be popular on the right ?
GWB was not eager to risk it, and I agreed with him.

As do I. I don’t like it, but I agree that a preemptive strike would be a mistake.

273 jorline  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:31:21pm

re: #258 CharlieBravo

Gates just repeated what Clinton said a couple days ago:

“We have made it very clear that the North Koreans pursue this pathway at a cost and with consequences to the six-party talks, which we would like to see revived,” Clinton said.

“We intend to raise this violation of the Security Council resolution, if it goes forward, in the U.N.,” she said. “This provocative action in violation of the U.N. mandate will not go unnoticed and there will be consequences.”

[Link: apnews.myway.com…]

Not holding my breath here for any reaction from the UN…violation or not!

274 right_in_canada  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:31:22pm

re: #205 Alouette

The 0ne will not allow anyone into his administration who has a higher IQ than 0.

/I meant, a higher IQ than The 0 has.

Either way it seems fitting.

275 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:31:32pm

re: #271 pingjockey

Correct. SM-3ER should be able to hit it during boost. When you’re dealing with RVs that is another whole ball of wax!

Indeed. They are much smaller and far faster.

276 Gus  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:31:49pm

I thought I would highlight the quotes from Robert Gates.

“I think if we had an aberrant missile, one that was headed for Hawaii, that looked like it was headed for Hawaii or something like that, we might consider it.”

“But I don’t think we have any plans to do anything like that at this point.”

Thus if an aberrant missile heads for Hawaii we might consider taking defensive measures. No mention of defensive systems in place and no mention of preliminary plans for future defense. Only a feeble comment that we “might consider” taking action.

The final quote is an extension of the first: there are no plans to do anything. Not just a specific plan, but any plan.

277 pingjockey  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:32:07pm

Dinner! BBIAB

278 Bobblehead  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:32:54pm

Well Rush should be interesting tomorrow. Too bad I have to work to support myself and all those who want a share of what I make or I’d listen.

279 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:34:57pm

re: #278 Bobblehead

Well Rush should be interesting tomorrow. Too bad I have to work to support myself and all those who want a share of what I make or I’d listen.

I’ll post the highlights here in-thread when I am able, probably the first hour.

280 jim in virginia  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:36:47pm

Trying to be an optimist about this. If the missile explodes somewhere over the Sea of Japan, and both we and the Japanese deny we had anything to do with it, could the Norks prove that we’d used BMD?
It would be like the Israeli nuclear force. Everyone knows they have it but they don’t admit it.
But ye gods, things are going downhill faster than even I thought they would.

281 Strike Hornet  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:36:51pm

Post Missile Launch:
Obama: Can’t I just finish my waffle
Harry Reid: This War is lost

282 kansas  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:36:53pm

re: #71 LGoPs

I said it on the last thread and I’ll say it again……”if you don’t have anything positive or constructive to say then STFU”.
This is a product of the therapeutic Oprah society we live in where everyone is compelled to spout off with whatever the fuck pops into their head.
Jeez Loueez.

That would cut the comment numbers down a lot.

283 avanti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:37:36pm

re: #276 Gus 802

I thought I would highlight the quotes from Robert Gates.

Thus if an aberrant missile heads for Hawaii we might consider taking defensive measures. No mention of defensive systems in place and no mention of preliminary plans for future defense. Only a feeble comment that we “might consider” taking action.

The final quote is an extension of the first: there are no plans to do anything. Not just a specific plan, but any plan.


What would you say if he said we have missile cruisers standing by to protect US territory. I’d bet, “Why is he tipping our hand and limiting out options.”
I liked Gates during the last administration and I still do. I’d like to think he has a better handle on the issue then we may have.

284 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:38:41pm
285 Sunlight  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:40:09pm

re: #276 Gus 802


The final quote is an extension of the first: there are no plans to do anything. Not just a specific plan, but any plan.

Dr. Gates has a bridge for sale, also. I really don’t think he’ll present the U.S. DoD’s “plans”, “any plan”, or “no plans” in any forum that we would hear.

286 Charles Johnson  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:40:43pm

re: #283 avanti

What would you say if he said we have missile cruisers standing by to protect US territory. I’d bet, “Why is he tipping our hand and limiting out options.”

Instead, he tipped our hand and showed that we’re not going to do anything. In what way is this a good thing? Do you think Kim Jong-Il is going to be impressed by Gates’ honesty?

287 NelsFree  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:40:43pm

re: #271 pingjockey

Correct. SM-3ER should be able to hit it during boost. When you’re dealing with RVs that is another whole ball of wax!


The Soviet RVs can deploy decoys to confuse targeting. Some of them may look like balls of wax. Is that what you meant?
/

288 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:40:58pm
289 The Other Les  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:41:49pm

re: #286 Charles

Instead, he tipped our hand and showed that we’re not going to do anything. In what way is this a good thing? Do you think Kim Jong-Il is going to be impressed by Gates’ honesty?

In a word. No.

290 NelsFree  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:42:13pm

re: #280 jim in virginia

If the missle fails, the NKs would probably SAY we shot it down, to save face.

291 Dr. Shalit  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:42:29pm

OK Everyone -

Some thoughts. Without Chinese backing/suffrance, the DPRK is DONE, like in next week. They are for that purpose - China’s Little Brother. We too have a Little Brother by the name of TAIWAN/ROC, which by any rational standards deserves the status of Independent Nation. The Little Brothers from time to time give the OTHER Big Brother “Agita.”
The shame is that while Taiwan has become prosperous, the DPRK has retarded the growth of its people.
What is really needed in both cases is for the Big Brothers to sit down with the “Cat Wisdom” of the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping - White and Black do not matter - catching mice does.

-S-

292 Capitalistincharge  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:42:57pm

I seem to remember during the election, Obama smirking at something during a debate and saying that he can do more than one thing at a time. Lately, he seems focused on the economy entirely. Foreign Policy, National Security, etc, is on the back burner. There are never any clear answers or positions on anything, including the economy. This dude is in so far over his head it’s not funny.

293 Strike Hornet  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:44:12pm

re: #238 Cicero05

Obama figures that if we lose Hawaii, we’ve still got 56 states left.

Now THAT is funny! Sad, but funny…

294 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:44:16pm

re: #258 CharlieBravo

Gates just repeated what Clinton said a couple days ago:

“We have made it very clear that the North Koreans pursue this pathway at a cost and with consequences to the six-party talks, which we would like to see revived,” Clinton said.

“We intend to raise this violation of the Security Council resolution, if it goes forward, in the U.N.,” she said. “This provocative action in violation of the U.N. mandate will not go unnoticed and there will be consequences.”

[Link: apnews.myway.com…]

Uh oh!. The Norks have finally done it……invoked the wrath of the UN. The stronly worded letter, all CAPS, is shortly to be launched.
Dear Leader must be trembring……….
/

295 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:45:47pm

re: #259 pink freud

I asked my nineteen year old solidly conservative, pro-military son to sign the Murtha petition. He said, “Mom, I’m sorry, but I will do NOTHING to point the finger of this administration at myself.” He is terrified, very unlike him, but his eyes are wide open and he sees the world (and America) from a perspective other than you and I …and it scares the hell out of him.

He sees the storm clouds of fascism gathering…….
I’m sorry.

296 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:46:03pm
297 OldLineTexan  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:46:57pm

re: #291 Dr. Shalit

Dr. Shalit,

In China, “Little Brother” is slang for your wang.

Best Regards!

298 OldLineTexan  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:47:37pm

re: #295 LGoPs

He sees the storm clouds of fascism gathering…….
I’m sorry.

HEY! LOOKIT! SOMEONE TYPED “FASCIST”!

/////

299 avanti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:48:11pm

re: #286 Charles

Instead, he tipped our hand and showed that we’re not going to do anything. In what way is this a good thing? Do you think Kim Jong-Il is going to be impressed by Gates’ honesty?

I see diplomatic speech “we might” , “if” “errant missile” and the like. He certainly did not say we won’t act if US territory is threatened. I think it would be irresponsible not to have that fall back plan and I’d like to think we do. To be honest, I think we have been too accommodating to the Norks for decades and Gates just continued that.

300 The Other Les  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:48:36pm

re: #297 OldLineTexan

Dr. Shalit,

In China, “Little Brother” is slang for your wang.

Best Regards!

So they think we’re frakking them with Taiwan?

301 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:48:39pm
302 Jim in Virginia  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:51:26pm

re: #291 Dr. Shalit North Korea is like Cuba, with worse weather and less food. If the people there could leave they would.
South Korea and China are South Florida. Regardless of their true feelings for the Norks they don’t want them all showing up for Sunday dinner.
The Chinese are working other angles, too, but the best we can hope for is that Kim dies, and the new government can reform slowly rather than collapse. Not likely. Better chance is that the Norks fire artillery into Seoul. And Seoul bombs the shit out of Pyongyang.
Or Kim sells a nuke to Al Qaeda and it goes off in Manhattan.

303 LGoPs  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:51:26pm

re: #282 kansas

That would cut the comment numbers down a lot.

Well I guess that applies to me as well. But the difference here is that we’re a forum that invites comments. Were I in a position that wields influence I would be judicious in my spouts.
I think I’d still be governed by the general principles of discretion and restraint rather than telling a potential foe that we were unprepared to respond. better to keep him guessing and give him pause.

304 Timbre  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:52:04pm

May our Service Members in the ROK, and theirs, too, be safe. And well-armed.

305 OldLineTexan  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:52:41pm

re: #300 The Other Les

So they think we’re frakking them with Taiwan?

HA!

No, Taiwan to them is like a spare Homg Kong.

306 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:53:07pm

re: #301 taxfreekiller

As of now, the U.S.A. is just like a headless chicken, flopping around in circles, looking for its head.

Obama’s head will not fix the chicken, a real head must be found, the Congress and the Senate must be asked to show up.

Dear U.S. Senate and House members,

Do your f’n job, ask this bozo some questions and get some f’n answers and pass them on to “We the People”, we are the f’n boss’s after all you bunch of worthless as tits on bore hogs.

They won’t do that. He doing what they want; working to move the nation leftward. Fools.

307 Charles Johnson  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:53:50pm

re: #299 avanti

I see diplomatic speech “we might” , “if” “errant missile” and the like. He certainly did not say we won’t act if US territory is threatened. I think it would be irresponsible not to have that fall back plan and I’d like to think we do. To be honest, I think we have been too accommodating to the Norks for decades and Gates just continued that.

Here’s the quote:

“No,” Gates answered, adding, “I would say we’re not prepared to do anything about it.”

There’s no diplomatic language in that at all. Spin all you want, this is a disastrous thing for a Defense Secretary to say.

308 Mr. In get Mr. Out  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:54:13pm

re: #294 LGoPs

Uh oh!. The Norks have finally done it……invoked the wrath of the UN. The stronly worded letter, all CAPS, is shortly to be launched.
Dear Leader must be trembring……….
/

The UN is worthless.

309 VioletTiger  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:54:26pm

Obama will obviously ignore foreign policy except where he gets to walk in front of adoring crowds. He is a sham (no wow).

310 Gus  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:57:21pm

re: #283 avanti

What would you say if he said we have missile cruisers standing by to protect US territory. I’d bet, “Why is he tipping our hand and limiting out options.”
I liked Gates during the last administration and I still do. I’d like to think he has a better handle on the issue then we may have.

His best response would have been better as follows:

“This is an issue of national security and hence I am limited as to the information I can make public. I will say that the United States military is standing by in the vicinity of North Korea and taking every precaution to protect the safety of both our citizens and America’s allies and friends such as Japan and South Korea.

Rest assured that Americans and our allies should sleep comfortably tonight knowing that the full might of the United States military stands at the ready to counter and respond to any potential harm from North Korea at this time and into the foreseeable future.”

More or less. Otherwise, he should have not said a word.

311 Ward Cleaver  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 6:58:20pm

re: #307 Charles

There’s no diplomatic language in that at all. Spin all you want, this is a disastrous thing for a Defense Secretary to say.

Like I was saying earlier, they have no balls.

312 Kreuzueber Halbmond  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:03:43pm

re: #262 Naso Tang

As I recall, the war was more with China than North Korea. It would have had to move to China to be ended your way.

Perhaps so, but we had the balls and muscle back then to send a message. Now look what we have. The war between Democratic freedom and Communist oppression may still end up in China, or worse here.

313 [deleted]  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:04:29pm
314 avanti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:06:40pm

re: #307 Charles

There’s no diplomatic language in that at all. Spin all you want, this is a disastrous thing for a Defense Secretary to say.

I have no idea why he added that last sentence, it contradicts the previous ones. Maybe he should have had a teleprompter.

“I think if we had an aberrant missile, one that was headed for Hawaii, that looked like it was headed for Hawaii or something like that, we might consider it,” Gates said. “But I don’t think we have any plans to do anything like that at this point.”

How can you consider shooting it down without any contingency plans ? Unless he has very firm intelligence we don’t have or maybe we do have plans .

315 a5minmajor  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:10:06pm

[points finger at entire obama administration and laughs]
“AAAhhhhHHAHAAAAHAAHHAAAAhAAAAA! …….Pussies!


I wish to God Patton was alive to bitch-slap bob gates on national television and call these punks out for the cowards they are.

Now we gotta rez Chesty Puller to go BACK to Korea. Stupid lefties never learn, that’s why we always gotta pay for real estate twice.

316 formercorpsman  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:14:14pm

Perhaps a mistake on my part, but whenever I see this type of dialogue from an administrative position, there is always a message within it. I am always thinking triangulation. What is really trying to be relayed in a response such as this?

It very well could be, we might want them to launch for our own information. We might not trust our intelligence on the ground. It might confirm or deny assumptions. Is this a way to twist the arm of China? I just always feel there is a good cop / bad cop element in situations like this.

Are we asking them to show their cards? I really don’t know. What I do know, is that it is always better when you truly do not possess the options you wish for, then put on your poker face. Never admit your weakness.

At the very least, I can’t see where this can enhance any upper hand we might have in the assumption circles.

317 Roses  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:16:08pm

re: #164 tradewind

Thanks Charles. I agree. Bunch ‘a damn whiners… how hard could it have been?

Don’t knock them. They’re the ones standing up and speaking out. They have to learn what the activists already know, how to play the game, HELP THEM, don’t bash them. It’s fair to say, don’t whine, and don’t extrapolate conspiracy theories, but HELP THEM, STAND WITH THEM. And understand, with the media firmly against them, it is not a stretch to imagine a conspiracy.

Tea Parties, 9/12, all of us have to stand up, together. One way or another.

318 Timbre  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:20:10pm
319 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:20:58pm

I never wanted to visit San Francisco. If an earthquake hits, no surprise, If North Korea hits, some democratic politician must have pissed off the Pope. God must be pissed off to.

320 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:23:08pm

re: #316 formercorpsman

I think you’re giving this “administration” waaay too much credit. This is a man who has a 27 year-old writing policy speeches. A man who laughs on national television about our economy and the plight of millions. A man who can’t speak extemporaneously to save his life. A man who punkishly admits prior drug use, who is ill at ease with his identity on everything from his race to his father’s abandonment.

I think we err when we assume his grasp on American history and foreign policy is the same as you or I and that that knowledge will somehow factor in or guide his decisions.

The man is ALL about his ego, start to finish …it’s about Barack. Not you or me, not America …it’s about him.

321 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:23:26pm

re: #318 Timbre

President Obama Foreign Policy Manual

Items on the outer ring of the dart board:

Give a Prime Time speech
Blame Bush
Screw over America

On the inner ring:

Hope
Change
Unity
Check Teleprompter

322 J.S.  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:31:09pm

re: #321 Dark_Falcon

I suspect that the “decisions” on an Obama dart board would be a series of self-contradictory cliches — such as “time is of the essence!” “only fools rush in!”; “you have to be able to talk a good game” “talking isn’t everything”; etc.

323 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:32:57pm

My father fought those bastard in the early 50’s. A machine gunner in the 2nd Infantry. My son was talking to me about joining the Army. My dad served, and I served. But now, with the bullshit given to the military, I think he should go to Canada to take up playing more hockey. The demo-rats have shown their hatred of the military. Why bother to risk his life to protect those assholes. When they start to draft liberals, I MIGHT think about it. But probably not.

324 avanti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:35:49pm

re: #320 pink freud

Perhaps with BHO, but Gates by all accounts is damn good at his job and does not impress me as someone that would suffer a foolish policy from above. It is barely possible his comments made sense on some level we don’t get. Then again, I like Gates, so I might be making excuses.

325 Blue Point  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:36:39pm

Like, anything like that, but not like that at this point. Ya know?

326 Paul  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:38:10pm

After throwing friends, relatives and fellow Democrats under the bus, Obama has progressed to throwing an entire state under the wheels. Can he find a bus big enough to handle 300,000,000 Americans. Yes, he can.

327 brat01  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:39:56pm

“To tell them outright that we’re not going to do anything at all is unbelievably stupid.”

It really IS beyond stupid. But we are surprised, why?

328 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:45:40pm

re: #324 avanti

Perhaps with BHO, but Gates by all accounts is damn good at his job and does not impress me as someone that would suffer a foolish policy from above. It is barely possible his comments made sense on some level we don’t get. Then again, I like Gates, so I might be making excuses.

I all seriousness, avanti, you do do that quite a bit. Your world outlook seems to be of the ‘dip your toe in to test the waters’ flavor. Some equivocating, some relativism, a lot of ‘shades of gray’. When I see you in my mind I see a hand held out, rocking back and forth, saying mebbe so, mebbe not.

Bottom line is, Gates serves at the pleasure of his master, period. What he wants or doesn’t want (or what he thinks is best) is all at the ultimate mercy of a man who has shown himself to be an arrogant fool. Arrogance at that level has the potential to be disastrous on a global scale.

I am glad, however, that you hang in here and keep adding to your collection of information. Mebbe one day you will see the man the way others do, with clear, steady vision.

329 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:46:25pm

re: #325 nines09

I haven’t a clue what you mean. Care to elaborate?

330 Sosigado  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:50:17pm

We’ve handed a box of matches and a gallon of gasoline to a bunch of children. This on-the-job training for a ‘great social experiment’ is going to get us all killed.

331 avanti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:57:41pm

re: #328 pink freud

I all seriousness, avanti, you do do that quite a bit. Your world outlook seems to be of the ‘dip your toe in to test the waters’ flavor. Some equivocating, some relativism, a lot of ‘shades of gray’. When I see you in my mind I see a hand held out, rocking back and forth, saying mebbe so, mebbe not.

That has been pointed out before, and I agree, but that’s a liberal/conservative deal. liberal see shades of gray, and nuance, conservatives tend to see black and white.

332 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:59:04pm

It is a shame. The first black American as president. After Powell and Condi. we end up with this asshole. The one that never had a real job, but was a radical leftist made a politician from a radical terrorist. (who ends up as a college professor) I could write a novel this bad and it would get laughed at if I wanted it printed and sold. No publishing company would want it. I feel bad for black American who end up with this asshole. They are going to have to live with his record, one that is so bad, for the next 100 or more years.

333 Adrenalyn  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 7:59:57pm

my “outrage meter” pegs a 9 on this

I don’t see any other way to score this

the only higher score he could achieve would be complete surrender, and he is 9/10 of the way with this “policy”


ok, that said, I still stand by my theory that Gates is keeping the seat warm for Hanoi Jon Cary, while they are shredding his records

334 Elcid  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:01:06pm

Department of Defense Bio of Robert Gates

Why a person with his credentials would ever admit, what he did is beyond all thought and reason. If he was ordered to say such a thing, he should have resigned.

335 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:05:02pm

re: #331 avanti

I see it this way:

Liberals fear the truth, fear solid ground, fear taking a stand and then owning it. They always need that back door cracked a wee bit so they have an escape route if the position they staked as their own becomes unpopular.

They shun morality and making judgment calls. It’s the way of a coward, of the unprincipled.

336 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:05:59pm

re: #333 Adrenalyn

The One who is named after Hanoi Jane. That bastard bitch photographed sitting on the anti-aircraft cannon in Hanoi? I am surprised her dad did not sell her to the Chinese.

337 funky chicken  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:07:11pm

I’m gonna play devil’s advocate here for a minute. This statement by Gates sounds a lot like the statement Admiral Mullen made about the Somali pirates a while back. Mullen (I’m pretty sure it was Mullen) said that the US Navy couldn’t do much about the pirates. My husband and I laughed, because the US Navy has a HUGE base in Djibouti with all kinds of assets.

I think Gates and Mullen are telling other industrialized nations that the US isn’t going to handle global security any more, and are therefore telling our allies that it’s time for them to build their military capabilities.

As the wife of a USAF pilot, I’m very OK with that….

338 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:12:09pm

re: #337 funky chicken

All the US Navy needs is to borrow some Army Rangers. Maybe 2 squads of Rangers on each ship. They only have to spend a shift on look-out, and if they have to deal with pirates, there is going to end up allot of dead pirates.

339 Elcid  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:15:19pm

SKorea opposes military reaction to NKorean launch

A possible reason for Gates utterance.

340 funky chicken  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:15:20pm

metimes.com

nice map of the region; look for little Djibouti

Indian navy steps up:
cfr.org

341 Elcid  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:20:53pm

North Korea is Dark

Excellent choice and words SKOR’s…You to could wind up like the NKOR’s, should you make that choice…Look at all that carbon you save. You help the world’s greenies at your own peril.

Now, may WE, the U.S. remove all of our troops, you can handle it…I think.

342 funky chicken  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:20:56pm

re: #338 hous bin pharteen

All the US Navy needs is to borrow some Army Rangers. Maybe 2 squads of Rangers on each ship. They only have to spend a shift on look-out, and if they have to deal with pirates, there is going to end up allot of dead pirates.

Shoot, all the US Navy needs is permission to sink the bastards. But these are “international waters,” and a whole lot of other nations would get a thrill from trying to bring our guys up on charges for doing it.

Here’s a blog post discussing the same issue. Gosh, what happened in November of 2008 again?

mccainblogs.com

343 BingoBunny  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:21:25pm

maybe you guys are all correct ..and Gates made a big mistake.. but I think different.. NKo has said several times that shooting down their missile would be a act of war.. they have nukes of some sort.. and a thousand gun tubes pointed at SKo’s capital city.. if you were Bho’s secretary of defense would you talk tough and make America seem even more in trouble.. by threatening a shoot down that you expect Bho to cancel at the last second?
Will Japan act alone? I doubt it.. Gates and probably others in military have warned them they can’t depend on Bho.. and NKo would nuke Japan IMO if they could.. and China and Russia would restart internal Leftist Japanese cells to try to take over the disgraced Japan government in the aftermath of that attack.. what would happen if NKo did attack SKo and or Japan.. would Bho end his drive to take over capitalist America just to save a couple of Capitalist allies of America? I think his response would be very short of whats needed in that event.. and China and Russia would be given the job of leading a world response.. funded by Japan and SKO..can you say there goes Americas allies in Asia?
So IMO Gates is not saying anything that will tie Americas hands to a response he doesn’t think we will carry out. which is better then threatening a response we don’t carry out.
Besides the NKo launch is obviously intended to occur when Bho lands in Europe.. to draw a cloud over his sunshine. So Bho has to ignore it to pretend his sunshine is all there.. and NKo is no biggie.

344 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:47:42pm

My idea of peice on the water.

The liberals plan for San Fran.

345 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 8:59:58pm

SORRY!

That was PEACE. Not Piece.

I didn’t mean a piece of ass. But then again, it would be allot more fun to have a good time with girls in bikinis, rather than zombies as a result of the San Francisco version of Bikini Atoll.

346 Macker  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 9:46:50pm

re: #313 taxfreekiller

Good thing that guy on TV saying he was the Mayor of Phoenix Az. and that they had kidnappings reported now every day, and 50 or more Phoenix police officers were needed daily to deal with it……

Hell he even claimed there where drop houses where illegals were held against their will and ransomed, even claimed stuff about rape, murder,
no way that is real….

dam good thing it was a hoax and all that.

No way Phoenix Az is a high kidnapping place.

sarc…

And Phil Gordon…is a Demo☭rat.

347 avspatti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 10:01:43pm

re: #93 tradewind

Never been to S. Korea, but I have had many Korean students. I like them a lot. They are not wimpy!

348 Ojoe  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 10:02:06pm
To tell them outright that we’re not going to do anything at all is unbelievably stupid. What the hell is going on here?

I do not anymore think that our country will find its way out of the maze of idiocy in which it is wandering, until a mass casualty attack happens on the mainland.

Good night all.

349 avspatti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 10:13:57pm

re: #172 livefreeor die

He could get down to work for starters.

350 NukeAtomrod  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 10:19:08pm

re: #65 pegcity

Paper Tiger Kitten

FIFY

351 Adrenalyn  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 10:33:06pm

re: #343 BingoBunny

by flying over Japan, they violate their sovereignty
we are their ally and are somewhat bound to protect them

352 avspatti  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 10:41:47pm

re: #320 pink freud

I have always felt that Obama doesn’t have typical American reactions to events. Maybe because he was raised abroad for such a long time. I am NOT referring to the birth certificate thing. He just seems somehow … remote from American ideas and shared history. I don’t know if this makes sense, but there is something strange about him imo.

353 pink freud  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 11:05:00pm

re: #352 avspatti

It does make sense. It’s called “cultural reference”, and yes, you are right, I see it also.

Cultural reference is experienced on many levels …with one’s age cohorts, within one’s race, or one’s community; the ultimate cultural reference that 0bama seems to lack is that of “American”.

Why? Probably because he was shuttled from one place to another, from one home to another, from one school to another, from one culture to another. It is my guess he would be more comfortable with what he knew as a child (when most of these things are ingrained) ….and that brings us - in part - to Indonesia, the madrassa, the call to prayer that he lovingly refers to. To me recollection, I have not heard him use that sort of affectionate language with much else. (The most beautiful sound in the world.) It says a lot about him.

354 redc1c4  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 11:45:55pm

re: #25 Edouard

I am flabbergasted by Gates’s statement. I bet the Japanese are not happy with it, either.

If anyone can explain to me how such a statement does not further embolden the loose-cannon North Koreans, I’m all ears.

so now you are Ear Leader’s stunt double?

/sucks to be you. %-)

355 mfarmer1  Sun, Mar 29, 2009 11:54:05pm

I’m really confused now. I thought that the UN had made it clear to North Korea that it was not allowed to test ICBM technology. Odd, the UN with just some little blue huts at the 38th parallel have kept the North Koreans on their side of that line for over 50 years.

Hmmm…I wonder why North Korea is ignoring the UN stance regarding its ICBM program but is so afraid to even tiptoe across the line at the DMZ. Maybe we need to float some blue huts off the eastern coast of North Korea to remind them of their obligations as a UN member state in good standing.

356 Seax  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 1:15:57am

Moonbat …”Just leave them alone its just a big fireworks rocket”
Non-moonbat …”Yeah right -them Norks, they’re practising their
handloading”
Moonbat…” Er - handloading?”
Non-moonbat …”Yep…and when they got their
loading data all pat…they’re going to load one right over to here”
Moonbat..”No way”
Non-moonbat “So you might as well starting practising”
Moonbat..”Practising?”
Non-moonbat..” Yeah looking at the sky and saying the word sh*t”
Moonbat looks at the sky ” Ohhhh Shhhhh***TTT!”

357 SalsaNChips  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 4:05:28am

The Obama Administration — A Confederacy of Dunces.

(with apologies to John K. Toole…)

358 eaglewingz08  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 6:51:44am

Maybe SecDef Gates is racist. He wants to trash his reputation and Obama’s reputation so thoroughly in the next four years that no African American will be acceptable to be President for the American public for the next forty years or more. Iran must be looking on with glee at these revolting developments.

359 Tazzerman  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 6:53:26am

I find it SO VERY unnerving that Obama and Co. are in charge of our national defense as I’m sure all of you do.

This latest flap is only just the tip of an iceburg that is going to render us completely defenseless over the next 4 or G-d help us 8 years.

Obama’s talk about ‘restructuring’ the Pentagon smacks of a Bill Clinton style or even worse, a Jimmah Carter type of military draw down that will effect our abilities to respond to global crisies right when we need those abilities the most.

China is on the march, Russia is rebuidling, jihadist will NEVER quit and now, we have the likes of Chavez to content with not to mention all the crap that’s going on in Mexico and elsewhere in latin and south America..

Under the guise of ‘restructuring’, Obama will no doubt decrease funding, research/development and overall prepardness of our military to the point where we’ll be luck to be able to break up a school yard brawl.

/rant off.

360 [deleted]  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 7:15:20am
361 gregb  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 7:17:10am

Re: Japan

Causus Belli?

362 [deleted]  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 7:21:47am
363 [deleted]  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 7:27:12am
364 notutopia  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 7:47:15am

We’re losing our edge day by day.
When you invite the devil to play, he mows you over.
Stupid move by this O administration, and he’ll have no one to blame when this one blows up in his face.

365 croob  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 8:20:54am

America’s worst enemy now resides in the White House. The guy is a Farrakhan/Ayers /Wright hybrid and he hasn’t changed a bit. I’m just amazed that so many people haven’t seen it all along.

366 Clubsec  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 10:02:17am

Crew of the guided missile cruiser Lake Erie could shoot it down if they are in the neighborhood. SM-3 is capable of either boost-phase or terminal-phase intercept. Assuming the No-Dong gets over the fence. Mid-course intercept can be done with EKV. Boosters at Ft. Greenly or Vandenberg are capable. Assuming if anyone in this admin wants to make a statement to ‘Our Dear Leader’ Kim. Then again, I’m sure the western intel folks would rather observe the NK system in operation. I doubt their telemetry encryption is all that secure. I suspect it’ll be something like Bernie Schwartz (Loral) helping the Chicoms with their early GCN and staging problems with their Long March booster. The Hughes folks were told to write a ‘white paper’ explaining why the Long March killed 400 or so neighbors down the road from the launch site.
Chinese blamed the failure on the payload (a Hughes satellite). Yea, right. Between that ‘great leap forward’ in satellite and muliti-payload launch capability and Klinton/Richardson/NotAllThatBright selling the Chicoms paperwork on the W-88 warhead, (Remember the LANL document fiasco?) … These technological ‘great leaps forward’ saved the Chinese so much cash they now spend on building a Blue Water Navy.
As Mandy says: Hope your all happy now!

367 martdod  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 10:03:34am

To make David Horowitz and LGF happy I will say nothing about this, I have no opinion…. I will say nothing.

Oh screw that…. it is a stupid idea to telegraph out intentions to our enemy! I guess I just can’t be a good little Marxist.

368 LAObserver  Mon, Mar 30, 2009 1:36:07pm

re: #307 Charles

there might be an argument for shooting down the rocket - but as far as his response - if we really have no intention of shooting it down, there is a good deal of International Relations theory, in terms of credible response and commitments that would say that he should not commit to doing something if it will not be backed up. The game-theoretic result says it will lead to undesirable future responses to our threats. A similar argument has been made for non-committal responses, such as just refusing to comment.

369 Pupdawg  Tue, Mar 31, 2009 6:21:45am

re: #4 UncleRancher

I liked it much better when the adults were in charge.

It made sleeping much easier, too. At times, it’s like Eeyore is in charge and the 7 Acre Wood is a huge, scary and confusing place indeed.


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