North Korea threats hit home in Alaska


Published on Monday, June 22, 2009 6:34 PM AKDT

Normally this space is reserved for opinion regarding local interests. However, with North Korea testing rockets that can travel as much as 4,000 miles, Alaskans can’t help but be a little edgy since that makes us and the Hawaiians possible targets if things go haywire between national leaders.

As this is written, a U.S. warship is tailing a North Korean freighter suspected of hauling “illicit” weapons to Myanmar.

Several members of the international community have started to turn the screws a little bit tighter on North Korea, including the possible boarding of ships thought to be carrying sophisticated weaponry.

Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s ill and looney leader, has said if the U.S. tries to board any of that nation’s ships for inspections, he will consider it an act of war. Apparently, he has missiles capable of hitting Hawaii and Alaska.

Americans in the know say the Koreans don’t have the capability to put a nuclear warhead on the business end of a missile, but let’s face it, our intelligence gathering in Iraq was suspect to say the least.

Maybe the blue bloods in D.C. aren’t concerned because they aren’t in the crosshairs.

Why Kim Jong Il, or his anointed successor, would want to hit Hawaii is the question. Probably the body count would be higher there, but Alaska is a richer target if you want to disrupt commerce and cause an environmental catastrophe that would make the Exxon Valdez spill look like an ink blot.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has ordered more security for Hawaii over the July 4 weekend that the Koreans said would be the test date for a long-range missile. But what about us?

Our fates are in the hands of some guys in California who would fire an interceptor rocket that’s effectiveness has so far been proven to be hit and miss, so to speak.

The U.S. destroyer tracking the Korean ship is the USS John S. McCain, named after Gov. Palin’s running mate’s father.

McCain, being the warrior he is, has said the U.S. should board the freighter with or without permission from North Korea.

If Kim Jong Il is a man of his word, the sable rattling will be over and war will be at hand.

And that could spell trouble for the 49th and 50th states.

If you are one of those people who generally don’t follow international news, this would be a good time to start. There’s a lot at stake as the international community tries to stop North Korea from supplying weapons to nations that don’t have our best interests in mind.

Comments

30 comment(s)

    Power Wagon wrote on Jun 30, 2009 3:22 PM:

    " No, no, no...c'mon now! That's no way to behave! What we need to do is have Obama give them a big, big hug and apologize for anything we may have done to offend them. Then Hillary can follow in her husband's footsteps and give them super-computers that we use for military purposes as long as they 'promise' not to use them for the same reasons! Yeah! That's how we do it! "

    Squanto wrote on Jun 30, 2009 9:57 AM:

    " The evil NK regime doesn't have the ability to miniaturize a nuclear warhead for ICBM delivery so they don't have the ability to do any real damage to the U.S. or anyone else for that matter. Nevertheless, if they launch on the U.S. I vote that we nuke them back to the stone age (which is pretty much where they already are). "

    Sheila wrote on Jun 29, 2009 12:34 PM:

    " I guess there's just one thing to ask yourself... GOT JESUS? (o; No reason to be scared or "worried" if you do! AMEN! "

    summer wrote on Jun 28, 2009 8:05 PM:

    " There is a big bad bully called N. Korea. He walks down the hall puching all the kids and daring any of them to fight him. The principal thinks that if he pays this bully some money everyday then he will refrain from hitting the other kids. Well it works for a while, but the bully gets greedy and wants more money or he will start punching the girls. And yes, the principal gives him more. It goes on and on like this. Oh if you think this is fiction, think again my friend. The joke is on us. "

    mediaak wrote on Jun 25, 2009 9:08 AM:

    " If the launch a missle at either Hawaii or Alaska South Korean should become an island. "

    to pragmatic wrote on Jun 24, 2009 11:56 AM:

    " The days of China playing big brother to North Korea have deteriorated quite a bit. China is beginning to turn thier back on North Korea as, in order to remain in the good favor of the world, North Korea is becoming more and more looney. You will note that China signed off on the latest round of sanctions against North Korea. They can't defend thier crazy, red-headed step-child anymore. LOL "

    Pragmatic wrote on Jun 24, 2009 9:22 AM:

    " North Korea (China's puppet state) plays this saber rattling game to keep the cash flowing. Anyone with half a brain knows that any supposed strike from N Korea would be suicide for their entire populace and would need China's approval. The military industrial complex needs to keep the bogey men alive and therefore we have Iraq, Afganistan, Pakistan, Venezuela, and others and or more to come so as to keep their industry alive and well. Quit being duped and help to shut this worldwide death machine down "

    Power Wagon wrote on Jun 24, 2009 9:17 AM:

    " Such an odd study of global dynamics. I just got done reading the latest from North Korea wherein they threaten they will 'wipe us off the map'. Reminds me of similar statements made by Saddam. I wonder if these people are honestly that looney to believe this stuff? Or does it represent something else? It's like being growled at by a Chihuahua. You ignore it as long as you can, but when it tries to nip your ankle you boot it across the room. "

    Palmer Farm wrote on Jun 24, 2009 9:09 AM:

    " Interesting history regarding North Korea; Everytime they've ratched up the saber-rattling and threatening, it's been done while a Democrat is in office. It's true; look it up. Carter, Clinton...etc. And during those times they've been rewarded with billions in economic aid in exchange for a promise to behave. So, how's that worked out? I wonder why they didn't pull this crap when Reagan, Bush Sr and W were in office? Maybe because they knew it wouldn't work? Maybe because they view liberal Presidents as weak? In any case, I'm genuinely happy Obama is (so far) saying 'enough'. "

    Power Wagon wrote on Jun 24, 2009 8:45 AM:

    " to John from UK;
    Actually, N Korea and S Korea are still technically at war. We're just S Korea's biggest (but not only) allies. As far as N Korea's nuclear capability; While any nuclear device is horrifying, to say the least, it's good to keep it in perspective. N Korea has MAYBE 6 viable nuclear devices. All are very low-yield and there is strong evidence they aren't able to place them on missiles. Also, our missile defenses were designed with several hundred advanced Soviet incoming missiles in mind. "

    Randy wrote on Jun 24, 2009 8:29 AM:

    " If you have watch NK for any lenth of time they have always flexed there muscles when we had a week administration in office. Kim Jong doesn't care if he and his people are wiped out, he only cares that his name will be eched in history. Now he has stroked his son to do the same. I remember a time in our history if we had a threat like this our Navy would build a fence with our war ships. Or drop two H bombs to stop such a threat. "

    jp wrote on Jun 24, 2009 7:40 AM:

    " it's all going to be ok now, Obama invited them to come sit by the campfire and sing kumbaya! "

    John From UK wrote on Jun 24, 2009 12:28 AM:

    " From what I can gather from the events of the past few months. I have read that the USA and NK are still at war since the 1950s. Is it not time to finish this once and for all before NK develops its nuclear power to an extent where the whole of the USA is under threat. Any nuclear confrontation has a wider effect on the whole planets eco system, where fall out can carry on the winds for thousands of miles.
    As an English man I have huge respect for the USA. God Bless "

    GMC wrote on Jun 23, 2009 10:16 PM:

    " Kinda ironic isn't it that the destroyer thats shadowing the North Korean vessel thought to be carrying banned weapons is the USS John McCain? "

    Dawn wrote on Jun 23, 2009 9:02 PM:

    " It's not North Korea I am concerned about. It is the God who obviously is removing His hand of protection around this country and apparently from Alaska too. This is serious business now. I always wondered that a Timothy McVeigh did not happen before it did considering how many violent vets were being encouraged to "vent" their feelings, who were being taught by their "Counselors" that "no emotion is wrong, It's all in how you manifest your emotion that makes it right or wrong" long before Psychology came up with Anger Management. Fear God. And trust Him. Seriously. "

    Palmer Farm wrote on Jun 23, 2009 8:50 PM:

    " North Korea is like a spoiled brat that's been given everything they demand in order to stop them from throwing a tantrum. Time for a spanking. "

    comment wrote on Jun 23, 2009 8:20 PM:

    " To Palmer Farm, well said about Jim from Boston and Ed from AZ. Thier was a guy here a while back that claimed they both are MSNBC watch dogs, not sure, but I would be not be shocked. Oh and dont forget MAX from Ney York, he is a troll also.
    And to Obama rules, because he is educated, I ask you this, Per Obama, Name me the 57 states and 5 Oceans he spoke about, "

    Power Wagon wrote on Jun 23, 2009 6:58 PM:

    " to 'oops;
    I agree with you in that it's crazy to automatically call for nuclear war. God help us if that ever happens. Furthermore, there's no need. North Korea MIGHT have 6 usable nuclear weapons and thier ability to attach them to missiles is questionable. However, the policy of giving them billions in aid hasn't worked either. They renege on thier promises every time and continue to threaten South Korea, Japan and us. Enough is enough. We should not be first to war. But it's time to draw a line and let them know we won't be bullied anymore. "

    Oops wrote on Jun 23, 2009 5:20 PM:

    " LongtimevalleyRES - ya know what's ironic, the North Korean may be saying the same thing QUOTE**"I say we nukem to the Stone Age..Iran also..Then South America..And then.... "*** Your word, your mentality is why Americans aren't respected. Nuclear warfare is not the answer it would be the end. I love my life. "

    Patriot wrote on Jun 23, 2009 4:29 PM:

    " As a tax payer I'm tired of feeding those effing lunatics. Starve them to death, and let's worry about ourselves for a change. "

    Palmer Farm wrote on Jun 23, 2009 1:58 PM:

    " Power Wagon,
    Don't know if you're new here...but best thing to do with Jim from Boston, Ed from AZ etc is to ignore them. They're sad, lonely men that take pleasure in getting a reaction. You can be as respectful as you please, they'll still come back with tantrums, wild and bizarre assumptions (as you found out first hand) or otherwise silly nonsense. Let Jim enjoy his wonderful, wonderful state of Nazichussetts and just feel sorry for him. If he has notfacts, after all, why bother? He probably thinks the might Obama (haha) will "fix" this problem with taxes. "

    longtimevalleyRES wrote on Jun 23, 2009 1:08 PM:

    " Too bad Obama is the Pres, Nothing is going to happen, we'll get hit, than he'll want to talk..Everyone LETS be FRIENDS...

    I say we nukem to the Stone Age..Iran also..Then South America..And then.... "

    Power Wagon wrote on Jun 23, 2009 12:52 PM:

    " to Jim from Boston
    1) What did my blog have to do with who is in office? No past President has been able to successfully deal with North Korea. Not Clinton, not Bush, none of them
    2) "Lobbing a couple of hot ones"? Are you assuming or exaggerating? I don't see anything to infer an opinon that the US should begin a nuclear war.
    3)"Obama has it under control"? How so?
    Yes, I think after 50+ years of North Korea threatening us and our allies it's time to take a stand. Obviously, what we've BEEN doing hasn't worked. "

    Lisnup wrote on Jun 23, 2009 12:52 PM:

    " Obama rules! We are not afraid, nothing cowardly to stand firm, stand proud and not give them the drama and attention they desire. N. Korea is nothing more then a celebrity wannabe. We will destroy anything that is threatening. I am confident in my nation and our president. And I know Obama can't see N. Korea from the White House lawn his informed and educated, doesn't decide by emotion. "

    Observer wrote on Jun 23, 2009 10:11 AM:

    " Why worry about North Korea? Over the years they have shown nothing but agression toward us. In 1968 they took the USS Pueblo illegally and we did nothing. Clinton gave them the reactor they are using to build their nukes in exchange for hollow promises. We have continuously taken their abuse and no doubt will continue to. They realize Obama is our weakest President since Carter. If they did attack he would probably spin it to blame us and apologize to them like he does everyone else. If they do attack totally DESTROY them ,otherwise why worry? Cowards rule. "

    Jim from Boston wrote on Jun 23, 2009 9:43 AM:

    " Yes sir, Power Wagon, we have to destroy the country to save it.

    But thanks for reminding us how lucky we got when McCain/Palin disappeared from the national stage. We don't need the bombast.

    Keep an eye on the NK ship headed for Burma. Let's see if Obama takes firm action. I suspect he's got it under control.

    Meanwhile, we'll take your idea of lobbing a couple of hot ones at Pyongyang under advisement. Really brilliant stuff though. "

    AKVoter wrote on Jun 23, 2009 9:04 AM:

    " Don't blame Obama, even if we could, more defensive weapons for Alaska could NOT be implemented in months maybe years!

    Alaska's defense should have been improved after 9/11 and continued. "

    jp wrote on Jun 23, 2009 7:27 AM:

    " don't worry, Obama will save us by taking over their Automobile manufacturers & tobacco companies too! "

    Captian Obvious wrote on Jun 22, 2009 11:14 PM:

    " If it happens it happens. Whatever aggression that may come from N. Korea is a direct result of MANY failed Presidential Administrations. We have egg shell walked these jokers too long and now they potentially posses the modern day version of Samuel Colts. As a ODS/OIF Veteran and one who has also served his time upon the DMZ I will attest...the only victor will be that of the one who is willing to endure the greatest casualties...and the US has no belly for such matters no more, we went soft long ago. "

    Power Wagon wrote on Jun 22, 2009 9:29 PM:

    " Nobody who has ever had to serve in combat wishes for war. But the decades of threats from North Korea has become tiresome, and North Korea continually grows more reckless and, frankly, nuts. I cannot deny that as unpleasant as it would be, it would be nice to just give them the war they want, obliterate the country that has now isolated itself from it's only ally (China) and be done with it. Especially if it would result in a unified Korea. End the cycle of crazy North Korea. "

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