Unspecified Crimes

Damn. Are we going to let it go at that - imprisoning American citizens for something as vague as "grave crimes"?

Cowed by Communists

There is a lot of talk in the news and political blogs these days about how Reaganism is dead. No kidding. Do you think Reagan would have been apologizing for America and trying to court favor with Islamic nations (at all, true, but especially) while North Korea, a crazy communist despotism, were spitting in our faces?

What has (or will) become of us and our American way? We used to believe we were right. We used to be a beacon of freedom and justice. Now North Korea thumbs its nose at us, testing nukes and threatening war if we try to interfere, likewise threatening our allies, and meanwhile holding American journalists as prisoners. They will be tried in a North Korean court and could be sentences to up to 10 years in a labor camp. What are we doing about it? Hoping that negotiations go well. Seems change has come to this country. We've really lost our nerve. We are speaking softly and it seems we've put down the stick. 

Anyone remember why Hitler was able to start s*#t in Europe? There are many textbook reasons, but bottom line - no one wanted to step up and stop him. Mr. Obama really is moving us closer to European-style democracy. Here comes the appeasement.

More appeasement and selling out our own?

I don't know if this has been getting much coverage at home in the States, but apparently two US reporters arrested in North Korea are about to stand trial for illegal entry and "hostile acts." Have we heard the US State Department issue any statements or contest the fact that US citizens are being tried in a crazy country for vague crimes? I guess this is another example of our wish to let North Korea be. I guess being a US citizen doesn't carry the implications it once did.

Hmmm...back to appeasement?

It appears the story has changed with the N. Korean rocket launch.

The US now says it's not going to do anything. Awesome. Japan is only going to shoot it down if it looks like debris will fall into Japan. So apparently no one is going to call N. Korea on this, even though they're in violation of a UN resolution and Iran is aiding them in this endeavor. Appeasement is such an easy policy, isn't it? It's a great message to send, that these countries we fear so much to upset can do as they like, as long as it doesn't directly affect us at the moment. I bet this will be one of those moments we look back on with 20/20 vision in the future, when North Korea has long-range missile capabilities.

You may fire when ready

And it's on. Japan and the US are preparing to shoot down anything fired from N. Korea that violates Japanese airspace.  I agree wholeheartedly with the plan; I just hope the Korean leaders don't spaz out and start shooting salvos of missiles at Japan in retaliation for this "act of war."

Oh boy..

I'm not too worried, because (1) North Korean leaders may be crazy, but they're not suicidal (yet) and (2) there's nothing I can do about it, but:

Apparently things are heating up in the region.

North Korea is getting ready to launch a "communications satellite" over Japan, and apparently any interception of it is going to be taken as an act of war. Regardless, Japan and the US are preparing to bring it down. I'd be doing the same thing. I don't think North Korea has the stones to declare war against the US and Japan, at least right now, over a stupid launch test. Then again, they are crazy.

Notice the UN hasn't become involved. Big surprise.

Food for thought: I wonder where China stands on this. I'm sure they want to keep the region stable, but if push comes to shove, will they be willing to lay the smack down on N. Korea?