In U.N. speech, Trump threatens to 'totally destroy' North Korea

It was a great speech. Anyone who hasn't watched it in its entirety should YouTube it. He addresses communism/socialism and checked everyone who supports it. It's about time one of our leaders got on that stage and told the truth and showed some American brass. Watch it and draw your own conclusions.

Trump turns to bombastic threats because he lacks diplomatic skills and emotional maturity. His infatuation with military force is one more symptom of his malignant narcissism. He doesn't realize that this kind of talk diminishes the U.S. in the eyes of the world.

It was a great speech. Anyone who hasn't watched it in its entirety should YouTube it. He addresses communism/socialism and checked everyone who supports it. It's about time one of our leaders got on that stage and told the truth and showed some American brass. Watch it and draw your own conclusions.

My conclusion differs significantly from yours.

Trump is the total opposite of a former president Theodore Roosevelt

 U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy: "speak softly, and carry a big stick." He described his style of foreign policy as "the exercise of intelligent forethought and of decisive action sufficiently far in advance of any likely crisis.

It would seem Trump has decided not to exercise such forethought.

Great speech. Loved the comments about the disaster that is Venezuela and Socialism. Also was glad that he put nations on the spot to look after their own citizens- as they should be doing. If North Korea thinks they can blackmail the US, Japan, and South Korea into bailing out their failed economic model they are on notice that isn't going to happen this time.

Once again, Cheeto McTweet embarrasses the US on the world stage.

His mispronunciation of "United Nations" makes our last idiot-in-chief's "nuculer" sound downright Lincolnian.

Crude, disturbing, bullying, apocalyptic, ignorant, violent. Everything he said was a black mirror to his own country.

Trump truly is a poor person's idea of a rich man, an idiot's idea of a smart man, weakling's idea of a strong man. He didn't do a single thing to move forward any of the US's international agenda, but he said strong words that made his base feel good because he no doubt upset someone else.

This is what happens when you let message board trolls pick the President. You get a troll president who can't get anything done but will really make people you don't like mad. Or at least, you get to feel like they are mad, which is really just as good. Because you don't have to look at complicated reality and understand difficult things, you just have to feel like in your own head you scored points on someone else.

Many of the comments here are correct (Trump's method of speaking is not becoming of a U.S. President). Additionally I maintain he is unfit for duty as Commander in Chief.

On the other hand, many of the things he said needed to be said by someone. Unfortunately it is the wrong person talking and the method of delivery is a bit "uncouth".

North Korea somehow needs to be stopped and the Iran deal will eventually prove to be a disaster or at least very problematic.

So he's proposing genocide now... Great.

"Rocket Man." While somewhat deriding, not as innovative and colorful as the "daughter of a criminal and peasant whore" that NK labeled the former SK president.

The kind of person who thinks Trump's speech was "great", is probably the same type of person who enjoys wrestlers insulting each other in Pro-Wrestling.

The U.N.-backed Iran nuclear deal is hardly "an embarrassment" to the United States - it is a masterpiece of strategic craftsmanship. Iran is not cheating because, if caught, the sanctions would snap back without even the need for a vote, and Tehran knows this.

Trump's problem is that his fragile ego cannot handle the fact that Obama was a far better president than he'll ever be. Eight months into his administration and zero major legislation. "Trumpcare" looks to have one last gasp at being shoved through congress in two weeks, too quickly for the CBO to rate it. Tax reform is already being shredded by viciously competing GOP infighting. All Trump can do is lamely point fingers and tweet insults, offering no guidance save for his one maxim: It must undo what Obama built.

Trump is an embarrassment, not just to the US but to humanity in general.

An attempt to get his boneheads whooping again after turning into a jellyfish on taxes and immigration.

A pity the world was treated to this posturing, showboating and trash nickname stupidity rather than it being limited to people in red baseball caps.

I don't know if it will have the desired effect of reassuring his base that he is still the tough guy.

He can't even speak English. Something is either destroyed or not. You cannot "partially destroy" any more than you can "completely destroy."

Kim Jong Un has shown the President of the United States to be a spoiled bully just like him.

Obviously, Trump has no regard for the people of South Korea and most likely Japan, who would be easily killed in retaliation for a US nuclear attack of North Korea.

There is no other way to destroy a country than a nuclear war, so that is what Trump is threatening.

Trump is a psychopath and sociopath.

The kind of person who thinks Trump's speech was "great", is probably the same type of person who enjoys wrestlers insulting each other in Pro-Wrestling.

Don't put Trump and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the same bucket....

I know that this is kind of beside the point, but what are the hand gestures that Trump constantly uses? I don't remember seeing people use those hand gestures when I've been in the US (except "thumbs up", which he uses a lot). Do they mean something to anyone besides Trump?

@Gokai - interesting observation. Trump has always been really demonstrative while speaking. As an American I can say my opinion is that this is not so uncommon and after living in Japan for such a long time I have learned to tone down my own gestures, which I know here can be seen as threatening or at least give off some weird non verbal vibes.

@gokai- his hand gestures are meant to articulate his speaking points I believe.

One politician hand gesture that always seemed strange to me was the pointing with the thumb from a clenched fist.

I understand the intention of trying to not appear confrontational, but it just looks silly. Maybe "knife hands" like in the Army and Marines would be a better substitute.

what are the hand gestures that Trump constantly uses?

They're strange, aren't they. Perhaps he should stick to a loosely clenched fist moving rhythmically on a vertical axis. That would best articulate his thoughts.

@Gokai

While I agree with Tokyo-Engr that Americans are sometimes animated, the particular hand gestures that Trump uses are common within the white power/white supremacist movement. When he puts his index and thumb together, the other three fingers make a the letter "w", and the index and thumb make the letter "p". WP equals white power.

It is no different than hand gestures made by gangs, other hate groups, militias, and fraternities like freemasonry. You can see alt- right aka white supremacist using the same hand gesture on TV.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSQej2Zp6OU

"A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons."

—Hillary Clinton

A women that cannot beat a man that "can bait with a tweet" is a pathetic excuse for a politician.

Silvafan: the particular hand gestures that Trump uses are common within the white power/white supremacist movement. 

So now the OK sign is racist?

He made little mention of Russia.

He's still hoping to get Trump Tower Moscow approved. That takes priority over standing up to Putin.

Read the speech in full. It's quite obvious from comments that some people just came on to bash, yet didn't actually listen to his speech, or what many leaders were saying during the Summit.

Im not interested in politicians and what they say, and how they try to influence us.

Im interested in our future and how it affects our lives.

Although I think Trump is a moron and dangerous, his stance on NK is perfect and his threat of total destruction of NK if they continue on their path is exactly what Japan and the world needed to hear. I agree with this part of his speech 100% and applaud him for it. NK needs to know that their entire history and civilization will be made extinct if they try anything

I'm no fan of Trump.... but if anything will get China and Russia working on fixing the N. Korea problem, his speech will. They don't want a full blown war... and possibly a Nuke one at that, on their doorstep. Trump's unpredictability scares them.

the only good thing about trump's speech was "rocket man." it really does show his (im)maturity level. once a school yard bully, always a school yard bully.

but it's funny that a major theme of trump's speech was about sovereignty, and yet he wants to deny NK's sovereign right to develop nuclear bombs. he said that every country has to do what's best for their people. so this is what NK thinks is best for its people. furthermore, india, pakistan and israel all have nuclear bombs, but a nuclear war has not been initiated in south asia or the middle east. so the idea that suddenly NK will start a nuclear war in east asia is beyond ludicrous.

While he made some valid points (who wouldn't in a 45min speech), Trump also showed that he still doesn't get the world he lives in. His anti-communism & anti-socialism rant in particular was pathetic.

The bloke is the leader of a country where 40-50M ppl live below the poverty line, can't afford healthcare and other basic needs, has the highest crime rate in the developed world etc yet he lectures others on how to run a country & how ultra-capitalism is THE answer. Only an idiot would do this.

@Wolfpack

So now the OK sign is racist?

Any symbol can be changed to represent racism when it is appropriated by groups to symbolize their racist ideology. The creator of "Pepe the Frog" is suing white supremacy groups now for using his creation for "wp movement".

Would you ask the same question about swastika which has been around for a thousand year?

If I am in religious temple in Asia, I am not thinking about racial supremacy and the intended genocide of all POC, but I do when I see Caucasians walking down the street with the symbol on their sleeves, jackets, shirts and tattooed on their body with other German memorabilia.

Like many things overtime, to survive, it must evolve. The same can be said about the "white power movement". The movement has hundreds of groups who do things differently now. This is why the KKK's numbers are falling because their are some many new groups to choose from. Different flavors for different folks. Some are upfront and in your face and others are more subtle.

The president himself decided to work the nickname into his speech just hours before he took the dais, according to aides.

I just don't get it. Calling him names isn't going to change KJU's position, so there's no benefit on that front. On the world stage he comes across as childish, so it's a net negative there. Am I missing some benefit to the situation?

Won't this kind of rhetoric, bring more missiles flying over Japan? I can't see the leader of NK sitting back and agreeing with Trump.

To all of you living in Japan, know this and know it well: There is no "destroying" of North Korea without millions also being incinerated in Japan. Please understand the seriousness of this situation. It's one thing for Americans living thousands of miles away from a war zone to cheer it on from the comfort and safety of their homes, quite another for you guys who are practically on the front line. Start making appropriate plans for how you are going to survive this war.

The gestures and song reference are all part of secret negotiations to get Elton John to play Trump's next soiree without the standard one million pound fee for right wing blowhards (see Limbaugh's b-day).

I saw the speech. I wish I hadn't. It was worse than Netanyahu's Acme Bomb picture a few years ago.

I also find his physical oratory style annoying.  but, despite myself, I can't raise an awful lot of outrage at what he said.  Shocking the UN out of its complacency is no bad thing.  Trading insults with L'il Kim also better than licking his boots.  As for Iran and Venezuela, don't feel much sympathy for them - they are both despotic regimes that cause their citizens a lot of pain and suffering.

I didn't understand him to say that he is planning to take the fight to DPRK - rather that if they carry on with their aggressive behavior eventually they will end up on the losing side.  "Totally destroy" is unlikely, but threatening to use the US overwhelming force makes sense.

Trading insults with L'il Kim also better than licking his boots. As for Iran and Venezuela, don't feel much sympathy for them - they are both despotic regimes that cause their citizens a lot of pain and suffering.

The US can't be the voice of reason anymore. They can't have the moral high ground.

...his stance on NK is perfect and his threat of total destruction of NK if they continue on their path is exactly what Japan and the world needed to hear. 

Respectfully disagree. That the US would retaliate "with extreme prejudice" if NK ever so much as lobbed a single conventional missile at one of our allies has not exactly been a secret, neither to the NK nor to China or Russia, but, like my relationship with my dog, there's no reason to go lording on about our superiority.

Trump's word salads paint the US in a corner. Will the US refrain from military action sans a NK attack, or does Trump imply that an attack is inevitable if Kim does not trash his nuke program? The distinction is crucial. If the latter, war is all but certain - unless the US sensibly backs down, which would be a humiliating admission of impotence.

Here's another fine mess you've gotten us into, Donald.

Focused, blunt, lacking diplomacy. From a President who never embraced any pretence or perception of a manipulative political agenda. Support President Trump or loath him, the message is brutally direct, and uncompromising.    

President Trump addresses U.N. General Assembly - FULL SPEECH (C-SPAN)  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-esCxphuZE0

You don't need to destroy the whole country (that would be a disaster and plainly inhumane), just kill one nasty fat kid.

@CSS, thanks for your efforts in selling us radiation preventing duct tape and river water purifiers, but what is up with your pic of the woman with the crazed look and the sign in the background with the 'honya honya honto ni' message? TV show screen grab?

Well destroying NK would sure put that whole Russia investigation and other scandals to bed!

Trump turns to bombastic threats because he lacks diplomatic skills and emotional maturity. His infatuation with military force is one more symptom of his malignant narcissism. He doesn't realize that this kind of talk diminishes the U.S. in the eyes of the world.

I think the speech was bombastic and on point, good on Trump for standing up to Kim and the useless League of Nations. What he said, needed to be said and was long overdo and putting Kim and Iran as well on notice was a brilliant and bold move. We want peace and no one wants to see a war break out in the Peninsula, but make no mistake, Kim keeps up the rhetoric, Kim will be responsible for the downfall of his regime and if the left are appalled by it, too bad.

in fact North Korea is starving and in some years with these last Sanctions in place they will start dying. Hope that The RocketGuy stop the nosense

This speech has nothing that was needed to be said and was said. Quite the opposite. What shouldn't have been said was said: completely destroy North Korea. You think Kim will sit quietly and take that? If you're patient then exercise more of it. Trump's mouth will be the trigger.

The US can't be the voice of reason anymore. They can't have the moral high ground.

Really? So who is? Russia? China? India? Uzbekistan?

genocide is not allowed!

He used all the words in that sermonized speech Satan wanted to say.

He used all the words in that sermonized speech Satan wanted to say.

Thankfully!!!

re: CrazyJoeToday 06:59 am JST "Trump turns to bombastic threats because he lacks diplomatic skills and emotional maturity."

Just the opposite, since the last 25 years, especially since the Clinton, and Obama regimes combined have latterly diminished and perceived this notion of attitude lacking power that means everything in the real world of politics.  The US has been overwhelmingly full of hot gas with no bite or bark, while others grow in might and power.  That was the globalist and Obama agenda, weaken the US until it can't fight.  Sorry but that is not what America is about. Trump is direct and upfront but people do not like to be told how things are and instead try to do the opposite with emotions and meaningless words. Be careful Crazy Joe else you will find yourself not even able to post such comments of free thought or speech under a Chinese regime and world. Remember the New Tibet is the Senakus...it is because of the US and President Trump that it has halted its advances towards Japan. At least give the US President the respect the office holds no matter if you like or dislike the person. It is disrespectful to not address President Trump by his official title.

I think the speech was bombastic and on point, good on Trump for standing up to Kim and the useless League of Nations

While completely ignoring Russia.

bjohnson23

The US has been overwhelmingly full of hot gas with no bite or bark, while others grow in might and power. 

And now with Trump in power, North Korea has halted its nuclear weapons and missile programs, right?

It is disrespectful to not address President Trump by his official title.

We're not in uniform. Respect should be earned. Besides, the Donald has disrespected, along with most of what he touches, the office of the presidency.

I just don't get it. Calling him names isn't going to change KJU's position, so there's no benefit on that front.

To a point, it does have somewhat of an effect. Kim is trying to provoke and irritate SK, JAPAN and the US, Trump is doing the same by insulting the Dear Marshall and psychologically it does annoy Kim that Trump is just blatantly disrespecting him and laughing at him essentially.

On the world stage he comes across as childish, so it's a net negative there.

We are talking about Trump and you honestly don't think that for a moment that Trump cared at all what the stooges thought at the UN? Come on now....

Am I missing some benefit to the situation?

I honestly do. Trump put NK on notice, the ball is in their court, lets see what happens and how much Kim loves his country.

especially since the Clinton, and Obama regimes  so where is the mention of the Bush regimes!? after all theyre the ones that started the Gulf and Afghanistan wars on lies. The result being the unstable black hole that is now the middle east.

finally a president who deals with thugs like the garbage they are

belongs in medieval times-not the 21st Century

this from Iran? Women cover their face and can't drive or vote. Screw these third world nations, its time to talk to them on their own low level. Finally!

finally a president who deals with thugs like the garbage they are

By calling them 'rocket man?' That'll show 'em. :3

belongs in medieval times-not the 21st Century

this from Iran? Women cover their face and can't drive or vote. Screw these third world nations, its time to talk to them on their own low level. Finally!

So why did he slobber over the Saudis when he was in their country?

President Trump certainly gave a stand up and take note first address to the UN leaving little doubt his intention to use military action. The Dictatorship of North Korea cannot fail to understand the consequences, or Governments that break the agreed sanctions.

Dango - Women in Iran do not routinely cover their faces, just their hair.  Nevertheless it is a religiously fundamental dictatorship.

I don't think he is actively threatening these countries with pre-emptive action.  Rather saying they need to behave.  Or else.

@gokai- his hand gestures are meant to articulate his speaking points I believe.

Because he is unable to articulate his points using words, like an actual statesman.

@CSS, what? You hope millions of civilian noncombatants are happy about dying for the lousy schemes of egotistical foreign leaders? That is a pretty perverted thing to hope for. Why not hope for peace?

While Tump's foolish nationalistic rhetoric is hardly surprising (since he both has no idea what he's saying, nor how to properly enunciate the words "United Nations" without slurring them as if you're wasted on booze)

That's ok, the last president spoke well, but every adversary looked at him as a complete capitulate fool, talk about embarrassing.

the only thing Trump accomplished with his bombastic speech, was to only further reinforce the diminishment of foreign leaders trust of the US,

I don't think he cares and millions of Americans don't care, as long as Kim heard what is facing him and that he is fully aware, if I keep this up, I might not have a bright future, that's all that matters.

and further embolden the idea that the US will won't back them up whenever times get tough. This is pretty consistent with Trump's ideology and theme of his book.

Thank heavens for that!

Surely, there are innocent North Koreans?  It is the leadership who is at fault, not all the people, their neighbors, and the land.

leaving little doubt his intention to use military action. 

Rockandroll, as I mentioned above, in which cases would Trump resort to force? It's always been the case that any NK attack would be met with an overwhelming response; if that's his point, yawn: nothing new. If, on the other hand, Trump intends to expand this to remove Kim's missile and nuclear programs, that's a huge step that would inevitably lead to eventual war or a humiliating US climbdown.

Which Trump intends is, as usual, unclear. It's doubtful he's thought this through himself. Which do you think he means?

like an actual statesman

Oh! Like our last peace prize winning statesman who started conflicts in Ukrian, Syria, Libya, Yemen? Our last statesman with all kinds of blood on his hands?

That statesman????? Hilarious how much control the MSM has.

Inexperienced, unqualified businessman in the White House results in predictable C=H=A=O=S!

Anyway, here is Kim's reply:

"Old git, a DECADE after you leave the White House, I'll still be in power ... you will be some TV sad sack, probably plugging your (ghost-written) book."

@Laguna

You ask very good questions. Where is the line where force will be used? I would consider myself in general pacifist in nature. I did my service during the cold war and do understand the need for a solid and strong defense, however I am against expansionism or the use of the military for political gains or reason.

North Korea is a difficult situation. Of course we do not war, however this Kim (as opposed to his 2 predecessors) seems quite unhinged and unpredictable. My fear is that at some time in the future (possibly even after Trump is out of office) he may decide to take offensive action. At that time if he uses his nuclear arsenal, either for a direct strike or an EMP strike (which could in fact be worse than a direct strike) it will then be too late.

In this case I believe Mattis and company are in charge (which does make me sleep better at night in Tokyo) and from what I know of these guys I do not think they would use force lightly. Also their past comments indicate they fully understand the consequences (especially for South Korea) and would fully consider this in the decision whether or not to take action.

Trump is in no way responsible for where we are today with North Korea. I believe this situation was inevitable, however he does need to tone down the rhetoric a bit, quit the childish name calling, and stop using Twitter.

Personally the right answer to this situation is "above my pay grade" and I by no means have it but my fear is if we let North Korea to continue down this path the consequences could be catastrophic.

Tough situation....in return (to Laguna) what do you think should be done? (I do agree with you that retaliation to NK with "extreme prejudice" is not the answer)

Anyway, good day all round; Trump threatening to eradicate NK entirely, Japan deploying anti-missile batteries on possible test missile paths, and the DD in the US considering shooting down future test missiles.

The only people who should be upset by these moves are NK, but for some bizarre and thoroughly disturbing reason there appears to be a huge number of triggered and hysterically upset posters here over these practical and reasonable defensive moves. Just glad that English teachers here can't vote and that their high taxes contribute to defense

@dcog9065, "a huge number"? Sounds kinda like Trump pulling meaningless phrases out of his mental cesspool.

It was a perfectly reasonable speech that laid out the position of the USA on world issues and was substantive when it came to policy and expectations.

The Rocket Man and Trump are great at threatning each other like two little kids while Japan debates shooting down the next rocket, standard, chemical or Nuclear!

We need some promises and some real action before it's to late.

Brutal, arrogant, mindless tirade. He's sounding pretty much like his counterpart in the DPRK.

And the similarities don't end there; he wants a really great parade to show our military strength and he wants it to be even bigger than the one he saw in France.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/18/trump-tells-macron-hes-considering-july-4-military-parade.html

Threatening destruction and big show off parades. Not to mention brutalising their own people. Getting hard to tell these rogue states apart.

The only people who should be upset by these moves are NK, but for some bizarre and thoroughly disturbing reason there appears to be a huge number of triggered and hysterically upset posters here over these practical and reasonable defensive moves. Just glad that English teachers here can't vote and that their high taxes contribute to defense

Who is being triggered and hysterically upset?

Do you think a nuclear conflict will be a postive thing for those of us living in the region?

And how do you know for sure that folks here can't vote?

Erm, yes that was an impeccably written and smoothly delivered talk for the edification of dues paying members of the UN Supervisory Committee on Global Ornithology. What was the topic again, sparrow habitats of Inner Mongolia or something along those lines?

Brutal, arrogant, mindless tirade. He's sounding pretty much like his counterpart in the DPRK.

So you want him to be passé and just let Kim continue on this path until something catastrophic happens?

And the similarities don't end there; he wants a really great parade to show our military strengthand he wants it to be even bigger than the one he saw in France.

Nothing bad about it, so what's the problem? Have you ever been to San Francisco before, they like flowers and doves.

Threatening destruction and big show off parades. Not to mention brutalising their own people. Getting hard to tell these rogue states apart.

So Trump wants to kill his own people? We have gulags and labor camps throughout the US???? We want to control NK? I'm so confused when I talk to liberals. So basically, Trump should leave Kim alone and he will eventually get the message? Please give me a good laugh.

So you want him to be passé and just let Kim continue on this path until something catastrophic happens?

You haven't demonstrated any tangible benefits to Trump's approach. NK has increased the hostile actions since Trump took office, not decreased them.

So you want him to be passé and just let Kim continue on this path until something catastrophic happens?

I want them both to engage in dialogue, not use inflammatory language and muscle flexing.

Nothing bad about it, so what's the problem? Have you ever been to San Francisco before, they like flowers and doves.

I guess you have no problem with the military parades in the DPRK. What's with the conjecture about San Francisco?

So Trump wants to kill his own people? We have gulags and labor camps throughout the US???? We want to control NK?

You had slavery and then peonage. You interned American citizens in concentration camps in WW2. You incarcerta and execute children and mentally ill people. You kill and incarcerate black people. Yes, you have your equvialents of gulags and labor camps.

I'm so confused when I talk to liberals. So basically, Trump should leave Kim alone and he will eventually get the message? Please give me a good laugh.

Dialogue. Not advocating a conflict which you will sit out in the comfort of your cosy abode thousands of miles away.

Same people who liked the speech are the same people who will complain loudest about resettling (put a huge number here) wartime refugees in the USA.

As Trump said in his speech refugees should settle as close to their home country as possible so that it is easy for them to return at some point.

"at some point" over the centuries when the radioactivity tapers off a bit? Stunningly simple--a perfect representation of Trump.

Really? So who is? Russia? China? India? Uzbekistan?

Uhm, no?

That being said, Russia, China, India, Uzbekistan, or every other country attending that UN meeting, except for one, didn't threaten to totally destroy another country.....Even North Korean officials only do that in their own space.

You could tell all of the delegates were trying not to laugh during Trump's speech. Trump had to literally stop talking until he heard applause, not until the applause stopped. SAD!

As Trump said in his speech refugees should settle as close to their home country as possible so that it is easy for them to return at some point.

So Joffrey gets to threaten and maybe carry out a mass murder but refuses to accept the consequences?

Shame on him and those who applaud this vile monster.

You haven't demonstrated any tangible benefits to Trump's approach. NK has increased the hostile actions since Trump took office, not decreased them.

Yes, there is tangible evidence, keep it up or your country will be reduced to ashes. I got that message loud and clear, but I guess the left really understands this just like Kim doesn't.

I want them both to engage in dialogue, not use inflammatory language and muscle flexing.

He has been and still is doing so, but over the last 25 years, talking hasn't achieved much as far as denuclearization, but it has given Kim time to increase his arsenal. I think the time for talking is coming to an end and it should.

I guess you have no problem with the military parades in the DPRK.

NK has officially said, they want to destroy the US, Japan and the government of SK, so No, I don't like it, it signifies that the North is out to destroy the US or try to drive it out of the Peninsula.

What's with the conjecture about San Francisco?

They believe the power of flowers and doves can cure all evils.

You had slavery and then peonage. You interned American citizens in concentration camps in WW2. You incarcerta and execute children and mentally ill people. You kill and incarcerate black people. Yes, you have your equvialents of gulags and labor camps.

How far back to you want to go? The Mayflower? Yes, the US has done things in the past some of it good, some of it questionable and some of it bad, we had slavery, that was bad, we had a Black president, that was good, we can sit here all day and talk about the atrocities of the US and I can counter everyone of those wrongs, that's not what's in play now. There are NO hidden concentration camps, Black people are not being murdered, Japanese are not being interned, there are NO genocides taking place, there is nothing even close to it these days. I can listen to music, say whatever I want, grow my hair out if I want, go wherever I want, think whatever I want to think and No one can stop me, try that in NK and watch what happens. Either you will go in front of a firing squad or you and your family will be left to rot in a gulag for the next 3 generations.

Dialogue. Not advocating a conflict which you will sit out in the comfort of your cosy abode thousands of miles away.

Not everyone can go to war, but I've seen it already up close as a journalist, so I paid my dues.

Donny, you're out of your element.

As Trump said in his speech refugees should settle as close to their home country as possible so that it is easy for them to return at some point.

Right... so once the US war machine has left that particular portion of Asia an irradiated wasteland, where do you propose the survivors go? Japan and SK will be gone, or at best crippled... China won't be undamaged (we all know that the US have a habit of hitting friendly or 'unintended' targets)... If American military action results in mass refugees then the US has the moral duty to give the survivors shelter and safety.

Trump's speech at the UN was shocking... it looked like he was on the campaign trail again, espousing his America First doctrine... this was the UN, not an American audience. He needs to remember that.

NK has officially said, they want to destroy the US, Japan and the government of SK, so No, I don't like it, it signifies that the North is out to destroy the US or try to drive it out of the Peninsula.

But military shows of strength advocated by a man who's threatened the DPRK with destruction is fine. I see.

They believe the power of flowers and doves can cure all evils.

What's that got to do with anything? Is it one of those cities you've previously hoped would be nuked?

How far back to you want to go? The Mayflower? Yes, the US has done things in the past some of it good, some of it questionable and some of it bad, we had slavery, that was bad, we had a Black president, that was good, we can sit here all day and talk about the atrocities of the US and I can counter everyone of those wrongs, that's not what's in play now. There are NO hidden concentration camps, Black people are not being murdered, Japanese are not being interned, there are NO genocides taking place, there is nothing even close to it these days. I can listen to music, say whatever I want, grow my hair out if I want, go wherever I want, think whatever I want to think and No one can stop me, try that in NK and watch what happens. Either you will go in front of a firing squad or you and your family will be left to rot in a gulag for the next 3 generations.

Black people are being murdered by so called law and order representatives. The US has a bloody history of barbarism and it's the only country that's actually used nukes on another.

Not everyone can go to war, but I've seen it already up close as a journalist, so I paid my dues.

We all have stories, brother. Advocating war and then running away from it; that's execrable.

Predictably bombastic, nationalistic, mundane, self-serving. A pitch of meat to the base. Nothing to do with Making America Great again. Everything to do with killing any spark.

Tokyo-Engr,

...Kim (as opposed to his 2 predecessors) seems quite unhinged and unpredictable. 

That is the big question: Is Kim crazy, or is he a rational actor? If one assumes his entire raison d'être is to perpetuate his and his family's rule (which seems a reasonable assumption), than his actions are entirely rational: eliminating potential internal threats and keeping the US at bay - he's seen what happens to countries who abandon their nuke programs. Remember Ghadaffi and Hussein? - Kim certainly does, and now that he has 'em, ain't no way he's gonna negotiate 'em away. Might as well stand in the middle of the street in Wyoming (yes - the street: Wyoming only has one) and argue against the Second Amendment.

Also, I fear that there can be no such thing as a "limited" war with NK, at least not one that would in any effective way remove Kim and/or his nukes and missiles. They're too spread out to take out without essentially invading the country, and both the North and South are poised on trigger wires, all keyed up, kinda like when the higher-ranking sumotori has his hand hovering over the dust of the dojo.

America has lived with nuclear powers for 60 years now. Pakistan's got 'em, India's got 'em, and I'd worry about those two before I'd worry about NK. Trump has two choices: a massive war that would completely eliminate Kim and his NK at a horrific price, or containment - perpetual continuation of sanctions. The latter is a risk, of course (though a manageable one in my opinion); the former is certain disaster.

On Iran, Trump called the government a rogue state whose chief export is "violence, bloodshed and chaos." He accused Tehran of squandering Iran's wealth by supporting Syria's Assad, Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Yemen's Houthi rebel group.

But no mention of best friends Saudi Arabia who are sponsors of terror and are fighting a proxy war with Iran in Yemen.

 keep it up or your country will be reduced to ashes. I got that message loud and clear only problem with that is if Kim is actually crazy and would sacrifice his whole country instead on relinquish power then Im guessing hell get to nuke a couple of Japanese / Sth Korean cities and possibly even a city or two in the US resulting in millions dead before US ICBMs even strike NK. It comes down to whether Trump / Kim is willing to sacrifice millions to prove a point, Id give Kim the advantage in this instance. Yes NK would be no more but at huge loss of life and damage to the world economy as a whole.

Sorry Laguna, I wanted to respond sooner. I wanted also your analysis to ultimately to make the political process transparent , however the reality is inescapable....

The dictatorship  of North Korea hitherto have failed to comply with a single U.N. Security Council resolution. Neither the Governments of China and Russia will support fully a policy of punitive sanctions. So the unthinkable devastation of military action will draw closer.

Sorry Laguna the die has been cast probably long before President Trumps speech.

Two irrational bellicose men are threatening global stability. And some suggest that going to war is the right thing. Others oft mention a surgical strike, taking out Kim. I wonder what the response would be if a surgical strike to take out Trump was posited?

It is not the time to go to war. War is not an option and neither are ridiculous surgical strikes.

Push for dialogue and get over your impatience and eagerness to chest beat.

But military shows of strength advocated by a man who's threatened the DPRK with destruction is fine. I see.

Who fired first? Which country decided to fire missiles over Japan? Which country threatened they should leave the peninsula or else? Which country abducted a US citizen and tortured him to death and then gave him back to his families in a vegetative degenerate and terminal state?

We all have stories, brother. Advocating war and then running away from it; that's execrable.

Not an excuse, but I’ll tell you what, if I were 20 again, I would definitely enlist.

Two irrational bellicose men are threatening global stability. And some suggest that going to war is the right thing.

As a last resort, probably. I think 25 years of talks is more than enough and then some.

Others oft mention a surgical strike, taking out Kim. I wonder what the response would be if a surgical strike to take out Trump was posited?

I am sure they thought about that as well, but without bombing the US, the chances of that happening are about 1 in a million. Amazing how some on the left synthesize with Kim, but I shouldn’t be surprised.....at all!

It is not the time to go to war. War is not an option and neither are ridiculous surgical strikes.

Push for dialogue and get over your impatience and eagerness to chest beat.

Sad to hear, but thank the heavens liberals are not in charge this time around. Kudos to Trump.

We all have stories, brother. Advocating war and then running away from it; that's execrable.

Not an excuse, but I’ll tell you what, if I were 20 again, I would definitely enlist.

You could have enlisted when you were younger. Some on this site did.

I'll listen to them more on the subject of war than someone who never enlisted, including the draft-dodging president.

You could have enlisted when you were younger. Some on this site did. 

I was in Iraq in 2005. Also, most of my family have been have been involved in every major war conflict since the Civil War, so I know more about this subject than a lot of people and I would always listen to a person that served or at least worked in a war zone. So as I said, I’ve paid my dues.

I'll listen to them more on the subject of war than someone who never enlisted, including the draft-dodging president.

Clinton draft-dodged, would you listen to him or does he get a pass?

Just like in the run up to the start of WW1 in August 1914, so many Americans today are salivating at the prospect of war in Asia and how they are gonna "kick ass" and show everyone who is boss...

1914???? I guess Kim firing off missiles over everyone’s head doesn’t really bother you too much. We should just accept and live with it, right? Yeah, that’s the voice of capitulation talking again.

And just like those silly Europeans did when they were wailing about the destructive mess they'd gotten themselves into by Christmas 1914, Americans today will be wailing when they realize this war will be unlike any they have ever fought.

Yup, so tell Kim to knock it off and we should all be good to go on our merrily ways.

One man is a crass dictatorial tyrant whose entire political foundation rests on lying about the existential threat his country faces from imaginary outside forces and imaginary inside menaces, whose fanatic supporters are so deep in the propaganda that they'll literally lie to themselves and deny reality just to keep faith with their dear leader; a spoiled man-child who habitually threatens nuclear annihilation against rivals in order to keep his hateful base back home loyal and unquestioning...

...and the other rules North Korea.

Amazing how some on the left synthesize with Kim, but I shouldn’t be surprised.....at all!

Name names. I see no evidence of sympathy with Kim.

Crazy: "Trump turns to bombastic threats because he lacks diplomatic skills"

Yeah, diplomacy has really worked well with North Korea, hasn't it, Crazy?

Oh my...

Trump's U.N. speech ( from 7:20 )

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeWCvTovRgk

I was in Iraq in 2005. Also, most of my family have been have been involved in every major war conflict since the Civil War, so I know more about this subject than a lot of people and I would always listen to a person that served or at least worked in a war zone. So as I said, I’ve paid my dues.

That makes you more qualified to talk about being at war than anyone else? Piffle.

War with North Korea will be messy, bloody and the people of Asia will suffer the most. America will be untouched as they watch the death and destruction wrought by their gung-ho president on their TVs while stuffing their faces and punching the air while crowing "U S A..."

Trump needs to shut up, sit down with grown-ups and tackle this in a non-destructive way. I certainly don't want my friends and loved ones in Japan to pay for Trump's idiocy with their lives... In fact he needs to be removed. Think of it as regime change, lol

bass4funkToday  03:22 pm JST

"What's with the conjecture about San Francisco?"

They believe the power of flowers and doves can cure all evils.

"They?" Who, everyone in the city? This is the kind of nonsensical over-generalisation that makes reading your comments such a total waste of time.

Name names. I see no evidence of sympathy with Kim.

No sympathy for Kim? Good, then you agree with me, he’s on his last leg, good to know.

That makes you more qualified to talk about being at war than anyone else? Piffle.

Yup.

War with North Korea will be messy, bloody and the people of Asia will suffer the most.

True, but what happens if he attacks the US and hits and kills Americans, it will be as messy as well and in that respect, the people will suffer the most. You can’t save everyone, either way, people are going to die and to be brutally honest, I don’t want anyone to die, but I especially don’t want Americans to die.

America will be untouched as they watch the death and destruction wrought by their gung-ho president on their TVs while stuffing their faces and punching the air while crowing "U S A..."

I think you’re watching too many Sylvester Stallone movies.

Trump needs to shut up, sit down with grown-ups and tackle this in a non-destructive way.

No, Trump needs to be as loud and as vocal and as clear as he can be towards NK and Iran as well. I want him to ratchet it up.

I certainly don't want my friends and loved ones in Japan to pay for Trump's idiocy with their lives... In fact he needs to be removed. Think of it as regime change, lol

Don't worry, you’ll get your wish in 8 years. Lol

No sympathy for Kim? Good, then you agree with me, he’s on his last leg, good to know.

Utter nonsense. You claimed there was sympathy for him without any evidence. I said I see no evidence of sympathy for him. Doesn't mean I agree that he's on his last leg.

You can’t save everyone, either way, people are going to die and to be brutally honest, I don’t want anyone to die, but I especially don’t want Americans to die.

Do you believe Americans are more important than any other people? Bizarre and offensive.

If you don't want people to die, perhaps you should oppose war rather than cheerlead for it.

Pssst - Thunderbird2 - You've got Trump all wrong. Watch this and learn -

Newt Gingrich analyzes Trump's 'remarkable' UN speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMPWTciRulI

"They?" Who, everyone in the city? This is the kind of nonsensical over-generalisation that makes reading your comments such a total waste of time.

He makes it up as he goes along. It's frustrating and disruptive and I'd rather listen to Guy Smiley.

I'd like to blame Trump for enabling fibbers to feel empowered but I'm afraid such people are a symptom of a wider problem on the right.

The UN speech was an insulting piece of garbage and fair play to delegates for not booing the guy or walking out en masse. That's dignity.

Hardly surprising the dodgy billionaire has a problem with socialism, mind. Maybe he's trying to forget the millions of people who suffer under capitalism...

@Bass

True, but what happens if he attacks the US and hits and kills Americans, it will be as messy as well and in that respect, the people will suffer the most. You can’t save everyone, either way, people are going to die and to be brutally honest, I don’t want anyone to die, but I especially don’t want Americans to die.

I'm not American, so my bias is towards those who WILL die in your hoped-for war, people I know and love. America has NO right to attack NK unless it is itself under threat... and I've seen no sign that Kim's missiles will reach America. Remember the Invasion of Iraq in 2003? An illegal war based on lies? Same here... there is no proof that these missiles can reach America... the UN need to take a lead on this... not President Trump. Too many innocent lives are at risk... including those in NK... remember, they didn't vote for that madman.

Why doesn't your secret service just introduce a computer virus and disable their missile systems that way? I'm sure your special forces have the ability to do that? If NK can spread viruses then I'm sure America can do likewise?

No, Trump needs to be as loud and as vocal and as clear as he can be towards NK and Iran as well. I want him to ratchet it up.

You want your beloved leader to incite Kim into committing an act of war? Now more than ever I'm, convinced you are some kind of warmonger, Bass.

I think you’re watching too many Sylvester Stallone movies.

No, just Trump's rallies...

Bass4funk: No, Trump needs to be as loud and as vocal and as clear as he can be towards NK and Iran as well. I want him to ratchet it up.

...but not Russia.

... nor Saudi Arabia.

... nor Israel.

...the socialists in Venezuela got a slamming but the Chinese commies got praise.

Anyways, what can we do. It's a bit hopeless. Night all, stay safe.

Utter nonsense. You claimed there was sympathy for him without any evidence. I said I see no evidence of sympathy for him. Doesn't mean I agree that he's on his last leg.

General Mattis seems to think so. I'll take his 50 years of military experience over Kim's 2-3 years of staged ....whatever.

Do you believe Americans are more important than any other people?

As an American if I have to choose in a dire Nuclear situation between dead Koreans or dead Americans, I think you know where I would stand.

Bizarre and offensive.

If you don't want people to die, perhaps you should oppose war rather than cheerlead for it.

I don't cheer for war, I am just realistic. Besides, I find it very offensive that people think Kim will stop building a military arsenal and one day will somehow find remorse and want everlasting peace for all.

Hardly surprising the dodgy billionaire has a problem with socialism, mind. Maybe he's trying to forget the millions of people who suffer under capitalism...

As if Venezuela and Cuba are prospering under Communism.

America has NO right to attack NK unless it is itself under threat...

We have basis in SK and in Japan as well as Guam and any attack on them is a direct attack against the US, so we have every right, not to mention the absolute right and obligation to protect our allies.

and I've seen no sign that Kim's missiles will reach America.

So you know more than the Generals and the military analysts??? I see....

Remember the Invasion of Iraq in 2003? An illegal war based on lies?

I know all too well. Not the same thing not even close and by the way, it was a good thing to get rid of Saddam. No one misses the butcher of Baghdad.

Why doesn't your secret service just introduce a computer virus and disable their missile systems that way? I'm sure your special forces have the ability to do that? If NK can spread viruses then I'm sure America can do likewise?

I heard we have been doing that. But that only goes so far and it's not like Kim just has one missile.

The president urged nations to work together to stop Iran's nuclear program and defeat "loser terrorists" who wage violence around the globe.

So he wants to defeat his own military? I'm OK with that.

The question is will NK risk another test or will it arm it next time? It's clear their target isn't SK or Japan otherwise they wouldn't be trying to range their weapon for the USA coast. A strike on Old Fateful which sits above a super volcano would decimate the entire continent. It would be important to put anti missile batteries in that area

Bass4funk: Besides, I find it very offensive that people think Kim will stop building a military arsenal and one day will somehow find remorse and want everlasting peace for all.

What's so bad about a sunshine policy? Why not say good things about Kim and ask why our two countries can't be friends? Why not take the opposite view of every analyst and give NK the benefit of the doubt? When someone mentions bad things NK has done, can't Trump help and say that the US has done some bad things, too? Why not lobby to drop sanctions in hopes of improving the relationship?

@Laguna - Thanks for your well thought out reply. You make a compelling case. The question of our times is in fact "Is Kim crazy?". Your feelings that there is no such thing as a "limited" war with North Korea are shared by Mattis and the present Chief of Staff, John Kelly, both well respected military men. It is comforting to know these 2 guys are there.

You argue that it would be rational for Kim to perpetuate the family rule; I also agree with this point.

I, however, do not see Kim as being entirely rationale (i.e. his assassinating his half brother in KL, and some of his other radical and strange actions). Also, I do not see North Korea being anywhere on the same level of Pakistan or India so I have trouble with thinking the world has to live with a nuclear North Korea. Neither Pakistan nor India has threatened to actually use their nuclear weapons (as far as I can remember).

You bring up an excellent point about what happened to Gadaffi and Hussein (whacked out by Obama's admin. and Bush's respectively). I completely disagree with the U.S. decision to take out both of these characters and both of these actions were highly de-stabilizing. I am not so sure about Kim however, but again your point is well taken.

Sitting here at my place in Tokyo I do worry a bit about Kim getting his hand on nuclear or biological weapons. My biggest fear would not be a direct nuclear strike but an EMP strike which would be far more devastating.

My level of worry is not extreme (yet) and I have a high threshold and tolerance for risk, but I do see Kim as unhinged.

I cannot say I disagree with what you say. I hate war as my family has personal experience with this and I have friends in South Korea. On the other hand if Kim does in fact engage in a nuclear first strike I think the consequences would be dire.

This is one of the most difficult foreign policy issues of my lifetime (and I am getting old). Did Trump cause this crisis? No, I do not think so. This is an example of "kicking the can down the road" as they say. Could Trump exasperate this situation? Absolutely. Again, I am thankful for Mattis and Kelly being in the positions they are in.

In principle you and I agree. The places where our opinions may differ are related to Kim's mental state and whether or not the world can (should) live with a Nuclear armed North Korea.

Either way, the end to this story (whatever it may be) may play out relatively soon as the prior North Korean leaders have not been nearly as belligerent as the present Kim, and none of the past U.S. Presidents have shown the poor judgment of Trump (i.e. his immature name calling and use of Twitter).

What's so bad about a sunshine policy?

Gee, where do I begin?

Why not say good things about Kim and ask why our two countries can't be friends?

Ask Kim as to why he can't be friends with the people closest to him SK.

Why not take the opposite view of every analyst and give NK the benefit of the doubt? When someone mentions bad things NK has done,

Yeah, we've done that for 25 years....directly, so much for that.

can't Trump help and say that the US has done some bad things, too? Why not lobby to drop sanctions in hopes of improving the relationship?

Every country has done bad things, even Russia isn't being that irresponsible and reckless with its nuclear arsenal. Also, why reward NK with taking away sanctions?? That's like saying, I break into your house and I ask the police NOT to charge me. Sure, I broke and destroyed your property, but just forget about it and put it beside us.

Also, why reward NK with taking away sanctions??

I was just jokingly listing the things Trump has done (or attempted to do) to help Russia.

But you're right....breaking in and stealing stuff andy asking the cops not to charge you would be pretty crazy.

They believe the power of flowers and doves can cure all evils.

That's right, The Mascara Snake! Fast and bulbous!

That's right, The Mascara Snake! Fast and bulbous!

Thank heavens libs aren’t driving the car anymore.

Didn't hear it till this morning. Was that "scourge" he was trying to say?

Is that pronunciation an American thing?

No sympathy for Kim? Good, then you agree with me, he’s on his last leg, good to know. and how exactly is he on his last leg!? do you think the US dropping bombs on NK wont result in 100s thousands of dead in SK, NK has thousands of artillery within striking distance of Seoul. DO you think the US ICBMs can strike NK before Kim can let one fly at SK or Japan? DO you think assassinating Kim wont put somebody else in his place just as crazed or even worse? If you can answer any of these questions that results in a favorable outcome for the US and its allies then you need to go work for Trumps admin, he needs good answers to these questions.

President Donald Trump vowed Tuesday to "totally destroy North Korea" if the U.S. is forced - to defend itself or its allies - against the renegade nation's nuclear weapons program

Trump made it clear that the U.S. would DEFEND itself, or its allies, from a NK nuclear attack.

If Kim Jong Un choses to start a nuclear war, it sounds as if the U.S.A. will RETALIATE.

If Kim (or is it Un?) starts a nuclear war, the U.S. will finish it. Both the war and NK.

Thunderbird2Sep. 20 09:20 pm JST@

America has NO right to attack NK unless it is itself under threat... and I've seen no sign that Kim's missiles will reach America.

The United States has a legal obligation under Mutual Defense Agreements, with South Korea and Japan respectively to defend them from attacks. You may have noticed that the term "The US or it's allies" is frequently used.

do you think the US dropping bombs on NK wont result in 100s thousands of dead in SK, NK has thousands of artillery within striking distance of Seoul.

Gen, Mattis said, he has a plan implanted to counter that threat and also, as I said, if I have to choose between

dead SK, NK or dead Americans, then there is only one choice for me.

DO you think the US ICBMs can strike NK before Kim can let one fly at SK or Japan?

I don't know, I'm not a general, don't get that kind of salary and don't have that kind of security clearance. I'll let them figure that out.

DO you think assassinating Kim wont put somebody else in his place just as crazed or even worse?

At the rate he's going, there might not be someone else to take his place and even if there were, the onslaught that would fall on them would be legendary, I really don't think that the next person that would step in would be stupid to try a stunt like that again.

Trump is crazier than Kim Jong Un. NK is a lot less powerful than the USA . Since it has nuclear weapons, it can stop its enemies from bombing them. If Iraq kept its WMD's, no future wars against it would occur. If Syria had WMD's, the war occurring there would not be happening. If Libya had WMD's, Obama would not have been able to start a war there. If Lebanon had WMD's, Israel would never have been able to invade it. If Yemen had WMD's, Saudi Arabia would not have been able to invade it. The USA is the only nation in the world that ever used nuclear weapons against another nation. It also used chemical weapons in SE Asia during the Vietnam War.

Someone on this site says Iran doesn't allow women to drive. Yes, it does. Saudi Arabia is the only nation in the world that doesn't allow women to drive. Iran now has more women than men in its universities. The person responding should get his or her facts right before posting a comment.