Letter to the Editor:

General Kang Pyo Yong of North Korea recently said, "When we shell (the missiles), Washington, which is the stronghold of evils, will be engulfed in a sea of fire." The North Korean National Defense Commission stated, "In the new phase of our century-long struggle against the United States, we do not hide the fact that various satellites, long-range missiles that we will continue to launch and high-level nuclear tests we will conduct will target our sworn enemy, the United States."

North Korean intransigence on the discontinuation of its nuclear weapons and missile development programs has fostered the current volatile situation with the United States. It has conducted three nuclear weapons tests and long range missile tests in recent years. The missiles could possibly reach Hawaii, Alaska and the West Coast of the U.S.

We need to ensure our early warning detection systems can shoot down their missiles and we need to review our contingency plans targeting their missile and nuclear sites. We need adequate deterrent forces in the region, including a robust South Korean military. We might want to consider encouraging Japan, an ally, to enlarge and strengthen its military capabilities.

Donald A. Moskowitz
Londonderry, NH

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