DAVE ROSS

Why did the president announce North Korea plans like this?

Aug 9, 2017, 5:54 AM

(File, AP Photo/Evan Vucci)...

(File, AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

(File, AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

America’s official policy is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons by arguing that they’re not necessary anymore. That logic can ring hollow considering we are the only nation to have used them in a time of war — twice. The second time exactly 72 years ago Wednesday.

Gorka: North Korea’s latest threat ‘an exercise in blackmail’

We’ve had to strike a delicate balance – insisting to non-nuclear countries they can never have nukes even as we upgrade our own, but that it’s OK because the big nuclear nations are not looking to attack you. Even though we did attack Iraq and Libya after they gave up their nuclear programs.

On Tuesday, the president was holding an ordinary press conference about the opioid epidemic.

“Overdose deaths have nearly quadruple. My greatest responsibility is to protect the American people.”

Just as Trump was dismissing the reporters, one of them shouted a question about North Korea, which he answers as follows.

“North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met by fire and fury like the world has ever seen.”

That sounded very much like the president saying we would shoot first in response to the next threat. So within hours, Kim Jong-un issued his next threat. His news agency said he was considering striking Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. After which we sent two bombers to Guam to prepare for war.

Now, it’s not my place to challenge the president’s wisdom, but why would you announce this at a meeting on how to get Americans to kick opioids? I’m worried this just gives them a reason to stock up.

Dave's Commentary

Dave Ross on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dave rossTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Dave Ross

car culture...

Dave Ross

Ross: Are we killing car culture? Or is car culture killing the US?

I don’t think the question is whether we're going to "kill" our car culture. The real question is can we stop our car culture from killing the U.S.?

3 days ago

drivers data insurance...

Dave Ross

Ross: As cars release driving data to insurance, is your driving my business?

Every move you make, every swerve you take, every lane change you fake – someone’s watching you. Do drivers have a right to keep driving data private?

10 days ago

rent control...

Dave Ross

Ross: Rent control was never the answer in Wash.

The rent control bill died in the Washington State Legislature this week, even though Democrats control both houses.

1 month ago

end of democracy...

Dave Ross

Ross: Conservative activist earns applause for pledging an ‘end of Democracy’

The theme from Jack Posobiec's speech is that Jan. 6 was a righteous attack not on democracy, but on those who threaten democracy.

1 month ago

Image: Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, is seen on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2023. (Photo: Alex Brand...

Dave Ross

Ross: Voters can help cull bad politicians from the herd early

Let's remember that just about every occupant of a higher office once occupied a lower office, and was put there by us, Dave Ross says.

1 month ago

Super Bowl celebration...

Dave Ross

Ross: The NFL does it again

The NFL once again put on a show that was able to keep me tuned in for four hours even though I had no stake in either team.

2 months ago

Why did the president announce North Korea plans like this?