The reported launch of something by North Korea late yesterday inspired some caution and a great deal of snark from Western observers. Even today, some reports are calling the satellite simply an “object,” and though there’s no way of identifying its purpose, it seems to be doing little more than tumbling out of control as it orbits the earth.
Is it a threat? Possibly, if for no other reason than the collision danger it poses to other satellites.
https://twitter.com/AlexJamesFitz/status/278976313241518080
https://twitter.com/timothy_stanley/status/278975913650171904
North Korea attempting to launch weather satellite because it is important to know if you'll be starving in the hot or in the cold.
— Fake Dispatch (@Fake_Dispatch) December 12, 2012
Of course, was launching a “weather satellite” the point, or did North Korea simply need a reason to test the launch of a multi-stage rocket — the sort that would be necessary to reach the West Coast of the United States?
https://twitter.com/CuffyMeh/status/278717736488673281
@CuffyMeh what do you think it is that they have in orbit? Would it just be a satellite.
— Kev (@KevDough) December 12, 2012
https://twitter.com/CuffyMeh/status/278718556986810370
The United Nations Security Council has condemned the missile launch, and the White House promised “consequences,” with spokesman Jay Carney telling the press, “I don’t have a preview of next steps, but we take this matter very seriously … and we are not alone.”
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#UNSC condemned yesterday's missile launch, no matter how North Korea chooses to characterize it, as a violation of two UNSC resolutions.
— Susan Rice -Archived (@AmbRice44) December 12, 2012
Yet another threat of unnamed consequences isn’t inspiring confidence.
Obama says there will be consequences for North Korea's missile launch. Believe it when I see it.
— Lincoln (@Lincoln_WoW) December 12, 2012
Commence the wet noodle lashings RT @politico: W.H.: There will be consequences for North Korea: http://t.co/cbpZ79bE
— Pouncing Coder Brad (@bradcundiff) December 12, 2012
https://twitter.com/krensink12/status/278921626815455232
yep, just like #Benghazi RT @thehill: White House vows 'consequences' for N. Korea missile launch http://t.co/pd8kjZ8c by @JPecquetTheHill
— Greg Mueller (@gregmcrc) December 12, 2012
What, blasting Gangnam Style 24/7 at them? RT @politico: W.H.: There will be consequences for North Korea: http://t.co/g0ssLPLT
— Peter G (@peterg11742) December 12, 2012
https://twitter.com/ChuckNellis/status/278998316103114754
North Korea became nuclear & successfully launched a long range missile,both on Obama’s watch.Have I mentioned lately WH & UN are worthless?
— Cyn (@ln0mniaParatus) December 12, 2012
https://twitter.com/sowhatrusaying/status/278865936654675968
https://twitter.com/RepTrentFranks/status/278967498441900032
https://twitter.com/EmilyAMcCann/status/278969795163074561
Sorry. We are very concerned that PRESIDENT Obama remains on the sidelines on North Korea and Iran. Better?
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