"So long as planning for the worst doesn't involve launching a pre-emptive war on the basis of flawed intelligence..."

True, but one can't help noticing that when ever North Korea act particularly paranoid about the US attacking them, the Bush administration goes, "huh?" The North Korean threat is relatively local (OK, it doesn't affect our oil supplies) and the US has been involving other nations in negotiations since this flaired up again. It's just a little far fetched.

I repeat, despite our ability to beat up any kid on the world block, we can't beat up two at a time. And if it were true, we'd announce our intentions by prepositioned the huge amount of resources it would take to invade North Korea. I could be wrong, maybe they're next on the list (which would upset Iran and Syria who are expecting the honor). Fine. Raise the flag when the carriers start moving that way.