Just scary: Economic crisis should not make us less aware

North Korea is at it again -- this time threatening military action against anyone who interferes with its planned rocket launch.

On the surface it might seem like just another bit of silly rhetoric from a nation that regularly chooses false bravado to shore up its position in the world.

But it is something to pay attention to, and a reminder that right now, the world better be thinking of more than currency and stock markets.

There are many places in the world that teeter on the brink of anarchy, where reactions are illogical and power is inflated in the minds of those who think they wield it.

The men who run these nations are not interested in world peace. They are interested in preserving their own might and perceived position in the world -- no matter what the cost. They do not measure human loss as a cost the same way civilized leaders do. Why should they? They are not held accountable to anyone.

So while North Korea's latest bluster might be nothing but a tempest in a teapot, it is a reminder that this is a dangerous world, still.

And while we need to concentrate on getting the world's financial house in order, we also need to make sure that rogue bullies and potential hotheads see that the world's super powers are still watching -- and ready to react with whatever measures are necessary in the event that they choose to misbehave.

That way, peace will still be around after the economy has righted itself.

Published in Editorials on April 2, 2009 10:08 AM