North Korea is threatening to launch a long-range ballistic missile (Taepondong-2) against Hawaii this July 4th. Its range is 4,000 miles while the distance is 4,500 - but this estimate is at the mercy of our last best intelligence. Given that they successfully detonated a nuclear explosion underground last month, haven’t they already demonstrated progress? Accordingly, whether they miss Hawaii or we’re able to deflect it, shouldn’t we launch a missile response ourselves? I say yes. If incentives reinforce good behavior, then don’t disincentives counter the bad? Wouldn’t our counter-attack save more American lives by denying North Korea the impression that they can keep trying with impunity?
Tags: National Defense, North Korea