Stephen Lendman

Americans are the most over-entertained, uninformed people on the planet - despite 84% of households having a computer, 73% with broadband Internet access, according to Pew Research.

Instead of relying on credible information sources easily available online, too many Americans apparently follow mainstream television - providing disinformation, Big Lies and fake news, masquerading as the real thing.

A mid-September Gallup poll showed 58% of US adults surveyed favor military action against North Korea if (nonexistent) diplomacy fails.

Support varied by party affiliation - 82% of Republicans favoring war, 56% of independents, only 37% of (undemocratic) Democrats.

A new Quinnipiac University poll showed 46% of Republicans support a preemptive strike on the DPRK, 41% against - 1% for is unacceptable.

North Korea threatens no other nations. It wants peace, not war, its national sovereignty recognized and respected by the world community, along with a peace treaty formally ending the 1950s war.

Throughout its entire post-WW II history, it never attacked another country. America and its rogue allies rape and destroy one nation after another.

Is North Korea next on Trump’s target list, maybe along with Iran? His extreme hostility toward both countries makes the unthinkable possible.

He rejects diplomacy. His leading diplomat, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, is largely a potted plant when it comes to decision-making on geopolitical issues.

Trump earlier told him not to “waste his time” negotiating with North Korea, adding he’ll “do what has to be done,” vowing to “totally destroy” the country if provoked.

Porn publisher Larry Flynt reportedly offered $10 million in cash for dirt leading to his impeachment and removal from office. A recent poll showed his approval rating at 32%, a new low.

On Sunday, Tillerson told CNN Washington will continue (nonexistent) diplomacy “until the first bomb drops.” He twisted reality claiming Trump wants things resolved diplomatically, adding:

“He is not seeking war. He made it clear…that he will continue diplomatic efforts.” He’s been waging a war of words for months, maybe prelude for things turning hot, madness if he attacks North Korea preemptively, risking catastrophic nuclear war, endangering the entire region.

His “calm before the storm” comment was directed at Pyongyang, he confirmed days after making it.

North and South Korean officials in St. Petersburg declined to hold direct talks on Monday.

Russian upper house Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko will hold separate talks with Pyongyang’s deputy legislature head and South Korea’s top parliament official.

Russian-language RIA news agency cited lower house State Duma deputy speaker Piotr Tolstoi and a DPRK delegation member, saying no direct talks will be held.

The unnamed North Korean official was quoted, saying Seoul bending to Washington’s will along with provocative joint military exercises show preconditions for direct talks haven’t been met.

Federation Council Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Konstantin Kosachyov said both sides will again be encouraged to meet face-to-face on Monday, saying:

“(I)t will be pity, both on the human and political level, if another opportunity to de-escalate tensions in relations between North Korea and South Korea is missed.”

On Sunday, National Security Advisor HR McMaster said Trump will do “anything necessary” to prevent North Korea being able to reach America with nuclear weapons.

Tensions between Washington and Pyongyang remain unacceptably high. Trump’s rage for endless wars makes the unthinkable possible.

Attacking North Korea would be madness. He seems heading in this direction.

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Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

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My newest book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."
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