North Korea just launched a missile into the Sea of Japan, in either a test (likely) or a failed attack (unlikely), or as a means of intimidation and ratcheting up the tension for more blackmail.

They continue to up the ante.

If Japan gets hit by a nuke, what are those who fought so hard against missile defense for so long--you know, the ones who said that it was unnecessary because rogue states didn't have nukes, and anyway, they could be deterred--going to say? What words of wisdom and compassion will they have for the survivors?

> If Japan gets hit by a nuke, what are those who fought so hard against missile defense for so long--you know, the ones who said that it was unnecessary because rogue states didn't have nukes, and anyway, they could be deterred--going to say?

(1) It wouldn't have happened if Gore had been allowed to take office.
(2) They won't do it again.
(3) Bush made them do it.
(4) The Japanese had it coming.
(5) Bush did it.
(6) The Pacific Ocean is big enough to protect us.
(7) Bush should have given them more stuff.
(8) They don't have any more nukes.

Come off it, Andy. You're missing some of the most important responses!

9) Bush provoked them.
10) Our missile defense plans made them decide to act pre-emptively.
11) Missile defense can never work, no matter what you say, I'm not listening, la la la la laaaaa!!!!
12) It's all Bush's fault.

13) If only Clinton had been allowed a third-term
14) Bill Richardson and Madeline Albright wouldn't have let this happen
15) It's America's fault for inventing the bomb in the first place.

16) You're so simplistic.
17) They didn't attack France.

18) Bush is the real madman.
19) If only Bush had listened to their demands for dialog, this never would have happened.
20) The real danger is unilateral action against Iraq.

21) We need another other other other UN resolution to give them another other other other last chance.

22) Well, we did it first, in that World War thingy...
23) You don't really care, you're just assuaging your guilt over the racism you feel towards the Koreans.
24) The Mossad did it!

25) You know, there were no Jews in Tokyo that day....

26) A frenchman will write a book about how it never happened
27) Its all about oooiiiiillll
28) America has more nukes anyway so they are allowed to have (and use) them too, so there!

29) We need to give the inspections more time.
30) Ms. Sarrandon, how should I feel about this?

31) See what happens when you don't sign Kyoto?
32) Or pull out of ABM?
33) But the Bush Family Evil Empire/Carlyle Group/Prescott Bush will make money off this!
34) This is what American "simplisme" produces.

I just got back from two weeks in Japan on business and let me tell you, that launch has made them damned pensive. It practically silenced the "No War With Iraq" types. Suddenly the concept of a whacko armed with WMD who wants to drop them on your country became a damn sight more real. As one commenter said grimly on TV, "We have many tall office buildings in Tokyo."