Behind the Pipe

Perhaps I missed something in all of the reports about North Korea testing missiles. No doubt I did. With which law does missile-testing by a sovereign nation run afoul? And upon which law are some nations excused therefrom?

It seems to me one approach to the “missile crisis” would be to remove the reason for another aiming missiles at oneself, insofar as that is possible. Certainly, there are some who are merely hell-bent on brandishing, regardless of the absence or presence of reasonable provocation.

I wonder if another nation took on a posture toward us as we take toward so many others whether we would not consider ourselves reasonably provoked. Would we not think ourselves justified in testing weapons as a means of potentially avoiding infringements on our sovereignty? Is it okay for us because we’re America, and we’re real nice?

Make no mistake, Sic semper tyrannis is a motto I live by.

But the essence of what constitutes tyranny is usurpation of lawful authority. It is the wielding of power without the requisite authority to so act. I have a concern about fighting tyranny with tyranny. I think we are in danger of doing just that.