Time to Re-arm Japan

So contrary to what I expected, it seems North Korea is a nuclear power.

The next step is crucial; it is vitally important that Bush not get this wrong. We have to give Japan the bomb. Not only that, but we have to encourage Japan to get rid of Article 9 of its constitution, which reads:

ARTICLE 9. Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.

In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.

In fact, Japan's "self-defense" forces (technically an extension of the national police force) are probably quietly the best military in the region already. But the legal hurdles must still be removed. It is wholly inappropriate for the most likely victim of the new crazed nuclear power to be without a nuclear deterrent of its own - as well as an open army. Not to mention, I can think of no better "consequence" to dangle in front of North Korea for its nuclear program than the wholly rational re-arming of its ancient enemy.

I also believe that the Bush Administration should seriously consider a retalitory bombing raid on North Korea's facilities. A nuclear North Korea is not something to be taken lightly.