N. and S. Korea Exchange fire

[Gandalf]

Seriously, nothing will come of this. Lee Myong Park needs to sound tough, but in reality he will do nothing. Nothing happened with the sinking of the Cheonan and nothing much will come of this either. Meanwhile North Korea will be able to announce some propaganda victory to boost their own positions of power.

South Korea on the surface likes to think of the North Koreans as their brothers, but at the same time are very happy with the economic development and accompanying benefits that have come with it. South Korea will tolerate a little bit of this every couple of years or so and just let it go. A few harsh public words, but then life as usual. They don't want North Korea to collapse and they certainly don't want a repeat of what happened when the two Germany's were eventually reuinified. There were hundreds of thousands protesting about the evils of US beef a few years ago, how many ever go out and protest at the plight of the North Korean proletariat?

I think the reactions in the international community will be much stronger than anything you will ever see on streets of Seoul. It's a little bit of shock, but then back to work as usual. People don't care too much about North Korea. You just ignore it and hope it will go away and then they shoot rockets for a bit of attention...then you just ignore them again until the next time. There is no doubt that the North is random and quite unpredictable. There was really no reason nor need for this.

The inherent selfishness of capitalism has won out in the South, but at the same time the inherent evils of totalitarianism means that the North Koreans continue to suffer at the hands of a despicable regime.

However from the American perspective at this particular time, there is a need for political capital on both sides of the aisle here in the US, especially as this comes on the heels of a landscape redefining mid-term election. The democratic party including Obama, are desperately trying to find a platform that they can connect with most people in the US. The House of Representitives has just undergone a massive exchange in seats and is now under Republican control, they also need a cause to prove that the American people have made the right decision.

Contrary to party tag lines, neither party can institute any domestic policy that will have an immediate stimulatory affect on the economy, nor unemployment.

"We will stand by South Korea and are firmly committed to defending our ally." - Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio (Speaker of the House)

"We must stand in solidarity with the Republic of Korea and with all those who desire peace and stability in that region." - Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich.

I wouldn't put anything past the US in their unceasing quest to chage regimes without planning nor foresight, but would really be surprised if this led to anything as serious as that. China is the key power in the region and they are not going to sit by and watch North Korea be bombed to smithereens. Likewise, South Korea will not want the possibility of the North collapsing and having to integrate millions of North Koreans. It's a burden nobody in the region wants, so though nobody likes what North Korea has done, it is better for the vested interests to maintain stablility in the region. Plus if America attacks North Korea, then Seoul will be vaporised. IMO that is not such a bad thing as I hate Seoul, but I say that in jest. Nobody wants to see anything as nuts as that. America simply couldn't take that risk.

[killersheep]

Seriously, nothing will come of this. Lee Myong Park needs to sound tough, but in reality he will do nothing. Nothing happened with the sinking of the Cheonan and nothing much will come of this either. Meanwhile North Korea will be able to announce some propaganda victory to boost their own positions of power.

South Korea on the surface likes to think of the North Koreans as their brothers, but at the same time are very happy with the economic development and accompanying benefits that have come with it. South Korea will tolerate a little bit of this every couple of years or so and just let it go. A few harsh public words, but then life as usual. They don't want North Korea to collapse and they certainly don't want a repeat of what happened when the two Germany's were eventually reuinified. There were hundreds of thousands protesting about the evils of US beef a few years ago, how many ever go out and protest at the plight of the North Korean proletariat?

I think the reactions in the international community will be much stronger than anything you will ever see on streets of Seoul. It's a little bit of shock, but then back to work as usual. People don't care too much about North Korea. You just ignore it and hope it will go away and then they shoot rockets for a bit of attention...then you just ignore them again until the next time. There is no doubt that the North is random and quite unpredictable. There was really no reason nor need for this.

The inherent selfishness of capitalism has won out in the South, but at the same time the inherent evils of totalitarianism means that the North Koreans continue to suffer at the hands of a despicable regime.

However from the American perspective at this particular time, there is a need for political capital on both sides of the aisle here in the US, especially as this comes on the heels of a landscape redefining mid-term election. The democratic party including Obama, are desperately trying to find a platform that they can connect with most people in the US. The House of Representitives has just undergone a massive exchange in seats and is now under Republican control, they also need a cause to prove that the American people have made the right decision.

Contrary to party tag lines, neither party can institute any domestic policy that will have an immediate stimulatory affect on the economy, nor unemployment.

"We will stand by South Korea and are firmly committed to defending our ally." - Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio (Speaker of the House)

"We must stand in solidarity with the Republic of Korea and with all those who desire peace and stability in that region." - Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich.

I wouldn't put anything past the US in their unceasing quest to chage regimes without planning nor foresight, but would really be surprised if this led to anything as serious as that. China is the key power in the region and they are not going to sit by and watch North Korea be bombed to smithereens. Likewise, South Korea will not want the possibility of the North collapsing and having to integrate millions of North Koreans. It's a burden nobody in the region wants, so though nobody likes what North Korea has done, it is better for the vested interests to maintain stablility in the region. Plus if America attacks North Korea, then Seoul will be vaporised. IMO that is not such a bad thing as I hate Seoul, but I say that in jest. Nobody wants to see anything as nuts as that. America simply couldn't take that risk.

America has been in a cold war before, and this has the overall feel to me of a development for another, this time with China. Using South/North Koreas as proxies. I can see an Eastern Bloc situation as a possibility to develop. I agree that the US will not directly invade North Korea ala Afghanistan, but stategic developments and reenforcement of American military bases could certainly be something that we see in the short term, meanwhile back in Washington in Congress a debate of a plan of action will take place as the The White House attempts to garner international support for a multilateral security force.

[ono]

I was thinking about this today, it's crazy, it would be like Scotland launching 100 missiles at us at random. Just unimaginable.

You'd think with all the problems the world has, two neighbours would find a way to get on.

You'd think so, but it's not that simple. For example, my next door neighbour decides midnight is the best time for him to play his stupid bassline music. I disagree. His mates leave his house at around 3am, so i guess he goes to bed between 3:30am - 4am. Therefore, i'd estimate that the best time for me to drill into the walls with a black and decker would be at 4:30am. He'll no doubt disagree and missiles will probably be launched.

[ono]

You are being a bit of a tit, Bilbo. Let's just keep to the topics on hand, we can keep Israel elsewhere. As it stands, I think what North Korea has done here is absolutely insane, and is perhaps the worst assault seen in many, many years. I'm not shocked because you half expect it, but I'm surprised they went so full on in the assault on this little Island.

Now will the international comminuty (or should I say America) deal with N Korea like they did Afghanistan and Iraq? Will they fuck. If any country was to be invaded on the grounds of human decency and the need to be be freed from totalitarianism it was North Korea.

We will have a few harsh words and then things will settle down...until the next time....then the next time...ad infinitum.

America won't get directly involved for fear of upsetting China. So it might be a proxy war with China. The N. and S. Koreans will just be the chess pieces and the chess board is the Korean peninsula, and the players are US and China.

I hate to say this, but if I'm honest there is a part of me that kind of enjoys a good war. Not the tragedy and suffering of course, but the drama and action. When we went with America to take out Iraq, I can't deny it was entertaining to be in the tanks with them thanks to their tank cams whilst they kicked ass, often accompanied to a rousing orchestral score.

Obviously I want the S Koreans to win this one, but they are definitely the underdogs. If it was a wrestling match they would be the caped dwarf fighting a giant fat, masked guy. Hopefully they can tag someone else in as well to smash the Northern wrestler figure across the back with a chair.

So, although I hate the sufferings, if it all kicks off I'll be getting out the popcorn and rooting for the Southern little guys to do a giant killing.

People die and suffer terribly in war, tragedies are commonplace in it, especially for civilians and innocent people. War ain't fun and games. This ain't a movie or video game or some Lord of the Rings fantasy shit.

Yes I am aware of that, you don't need to explain it to me. I'm just saying there is a particular fascination for it. It's the same with serial killers.

The very fact that we have Lord of the Rings fantasy shit and movies and video games would attest that I am far from alone in having this fascination no?

It is fascinating, amongst other things. I suppose it, (your relative sanity) depends on whether you'd rather live with it or without it.
Some people would take your first comment only one certain way,I know what you mean.

Take away death and war and you literally have no history. I can't think of any major film, book, song, play or anything really that didn't involve a loss of some kind, usually death.

It's an essential component of the human condition. If we lived in a world with no war, no suffering, no adversity there would not be much to do, and even less to talk about. We'd all go mental and start killing each other.

I agree mate. Even this song refers to the possible loss of a loved one.

Hey Witch Doctor - give us the magic words!
Alright you go uhh eeh uh ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang

Alright

Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang
Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang (Repeat x4)

I told the Witch Doctor I was in love with you
I told the Witch Doctor I was in love with you
And the Witch Doctor he told me what to do
He told me

Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang
Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang (Repeat x2)

I told the Witch Doctor you didn't love me true
I told the Witch Doctor you didn't love me nice
And then the Witch Doctor he gave me this advice

Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang
Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang (Repeat x2)

You can keep your love from me just like you were a miser
And I'll admit it wasn't very smart
So I went out and found myself a guy that's so much wiser
And he taught me the way to win your heart

Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang
Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang (Repeat x2)

[killersheep]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/25/wo...a/25korea.html

Well this was in the news this morning

The exercise will include sending the aircraft carrier George Washington and a number of accompanying ships into the region, both to deter further attacks by the North and to signal to China that unless it reins in its unruly ally it will see an even larger American presence in the vicinity.

[0james0]

I was thinking about this today, it's crazy, it would be like Scotland launching 100 missiles at us at random. Just unimaginable.

You'd think with all the problems the world has, two neighbours would find a way to get on.

You'd think so, but it's not that
simple. For example, my next door
neighbour decides midnight is the
best time for him to play his stupid
bassline music. I disagree. His
mates leave his house at around
3am, so i guess he goes to bed
between 3:30am - 4am. Therefore,
i'd estimate that the best time for
me to drill into the walls with a black
and decker would be at 4:30am.
He'll no doubt disagree and missiles
will probably be launched.

Yeah good point. But as individuals it's harder to just get on. Plus South Korea ain't playing any loud music and keeping the Northerners awake! They might have years ago, but they turned the volume down long ago.

It's just pretty caveman like, stone thy neighbour and steal his land.

Economicaly both countries are probably suffering just like the rest of the world, so why waste money on bombing the guys down the road?

[Gandalf]

I was thinking about this today, it's crazy, it would be like Scotland launching 100 missiles at us at random. Just unimaginable.

You'd think with all the problems the world has, two neighbours would find a way to get on.

You'd think so, but it's not that
simple. For example, my next door
neighbour decides midnight is the
best time for him to play his stupid
bassline music. I disagree. His
mates leave his house at around
3am, so i guess he goes to bed
between 3:30am - 4am. Therefore,
i'd estimate that the best time for
me to drill into the walls with a black
and decker would be at 4:30am.
He'll no doubt disagree and missiles
will probably be launched.

Yeah good point. But as individuals it's harder to just get on. Plus South Korea ain't playing any loud music and keeping the Northerners awake! They might have years ago, but they turned the volume down long ago.

It's just pretty caveman like, stone thy neighbour and steal his land.

Economicaly both countries are probably suffering just like the rest of the world, so why waste money on bombing the guys down the road?

Actually, on the border North Korea blasts propaganda through loud speakers and the South responds by playing god awful Korean pop. The North probably wouldn't want to invade after getting an ear full of that shit.

[Youngblood]

Let's get Sarah Palin's thoughts on the matter, shall we?

AUDIO: Sarah Palin: “We Gotta Stand With Our North Korean Allies” � Oliver Willis

[Gandalf]

Let's get Sarah Palin's thoughts on the matter, shall we?

AUDIO: Sarah Palin: “We Gotta Stand With Our North Korean Allies” � Oliver Willis

Did she really say that?

Sarah Palin has to be one of the dumbest people I have ever heard speak. She makes so many gaffes and even makes Bush look like a scholar.

Bring on 2012. The sellout versus the retard. It's no wonder half the population isn't going to vote.

[killersheep]

Let's get Sarah Palin's thoughts on the matter, shall we?

AUDIO: Sarah Palin: “We Gotta Stand With Our North Korean Allies” � Oliver Willis

Did she really say that?

Sarah Palin has to be one of the dumbest people I have ever heard speak. She makes so many gaffes and even makes Bush look like a scholar.

Bring on 2012. The sellout versus the retard. It's no wonder half the population isn't going to vote.

To be fair she can pretty much see North Korea from her front yard

[Andre]

You are being a bit of a tit, Bilbo. Let's just keep to the topics on hand, we can keep Israel elsewhere. As it stands, I think what North Korea has done here is absolutely insane, and is perhaps the worst assault seen in many, many years. I'm not shocked because you half expect it, but I'm surprised they went so full on in the assault on this little Island.

Now will the international comminuty (or should I say America) deal with N Korea like they did Afghanistan and Iraq? Will they fuck. If any country was to be invaded on the grounds of human decency and the need to be be freed from totalitarianism it was North Korea.

We will have a few harsh words and then things will settle down...until the next time....then the next time...ad infinitum.

America won't get directly involved for fear of upsetting China. So it might be a proxy war with China. The N. and S. Koreans will just be the chess pieces and the chess board is the Korean peninsula, and the players are US and China.

I hate to say this, but if I'm honest there is a part of me that kind of enjoys a good war. Not the tragedy and suffering of course, but the drama and action. When we went with America to take out Iraq, I can't deny it was entertaining to be in the tanks with them thanks to their tank cams whilst they kicked ass, often accompanied to a rousing orchestral score.

Obviously I want the S Koreans to win this one, but they are definitely the underdogs. If it was a wrestling match they would be the caped dwarf fighting a giant fat, masked guy. Hopefully they can tag someone else in as well to smash the Northern wrestler figure across the back with a chair.

So, although I hate the sufferings, if it all kicks off I'll be getting out the popcorn and rooting for the Southern little guys to do a giant killing.

People die and suffer terribly in war, tragedies are commonplace in it, especially for civilians and innocent people. War ain't fun and games. This ain't a movie or video game or some Lord of the Rings fantasy shit.

Yes I am aware of that, you don't need to explain it to me. I'm just saying there is a particular fascination for it. It's the same with serial killers.

The very fact that we have Lord of the Rings fantasy shit and movies and video games would attest that I am far from alone in having this fascination no?

It is fascinating, amongst other things. I suppose it, (your relative sanity) depends on whether you'd rather live with it or without it.
Some people would take your first comment only one certain way,I know what you mean.

Take away death and war and you literally have no history. I can't think of any major film, book, song, play or anything really that didn't involve a loss of some kind, usually death.

It's an essential component of the human condition. If we lived in a world with no war, no suffering, no adversity there would not be much to do, and even less to talk about. We'd all go mental and start killing each other.

I agree mate. Even this song refers to the possible loss of a loved one.

Hey Witch Doctor - give us the magic words!
Alright you go uhh eeh uh ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang

Alright

Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang
Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang (Repeat x4)

I told the Witch Doctor I was in love with you
I told the Witch Doctor I was in love with you
And the Witch Doctor he told me what to do
He told me

Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang
Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang (Repeat x2)

I told the Witch Doctor you didn't love me true
I told the Witch Doctor you didn't love me nice
And then the Witch Doctor he gave me this advice

Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang
Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang (Repeat x2)

You can keep your love from me just like you were a miser
And I'll admit it wasn't very smart
So I went out and found myself a guy that's so much wiser
And he taught me the way to win your heart

Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang
Uhh ehh uh ah ah
Ting tang walla walla bing bang (Repeat x2)

Uhh ehh



uh ah ah



Ting tang


walla walla


bing bang



Uhh ehh uh ah ah





Ting tang walla walla bing bang!

[Gandalf]

Let's get Sarah Palin's thoughts on the matter, shall we?

AUDIO: Sarah Palin: “We Gotta Stand With Our North Korean Allies” � Oliver Willis

Did she really say that?

Sarah Palin has to be one of the dumbest people I have ever heard speak. She makes so many gaffes and even makes Bush look like a scholar.

Bring on 2012. The sellout versus the retard. It's no wonder half the population isn't going to vote.

To be fair she can pretty much see North Korea from her front yard

[Gandalf]

South Korean defence minister quits - Yahoo! News UK

A little bit of cabinet shifting to ease the public and then business as usual. I maintain my original position that it is all a lot of hot air. America might like a proxy war with China, but at the end of the day their interests are way too intertwined. Also South Korea quite likes it's relationship with China considering that is where most of it trade goes. North Korea has nothing so cannot be punished short of an invasion that will never take place.

The Peninsula won't change as a result of this incident. Cool, rich heads always prevail after a couple of days of reflection. Morality? Justice? Humanitarianism? Don't be so ridiculous! We must maintain economic stability in the region! And so it shall be.

[Andre]

I heard America is amassing some ships out there for war games with the south ,

thats whats pissed them off isnt it?

I dont think the fleet will just turn around and go home.

Biggest questions, are they stupid enough to hit a US ship or South Korean military ship while they are out there practicing?

Would China secretly laugh and back them up behind the North lines while playing diplomat on the face of it to the world?

[0james0]

South Korean yes, US no.

They sunk a Korean sub a few months ago killing 50.