—–Original Message—–
From: P
Sent: Thu 4/13/2017 12:18 PM
To: Walter Block
Subject: simple Libertarian Q on N. Korea

Dear Dr. Block –

In accordance with Libertarian theory – If North Korea threatens the U.S. with nuclear attack (whether or not they actually have that range capability) and demonstrates non-range capability by exploding bomb on their own territory (you may assume this is at N. Korean tax-payer expense and property right violations of course), does the U.S. have a legitimate justification to respond with SOME kind of response in the form foreign intervention? IF so,
what are the legitimate limits that response could take? Thanks, P
P.S. if you already answered this I apologize, I’m behind on the lewrockwell blog as I have been swamped at work. Thanks again.

Dear P: South Park sometimes asks, “What would Brian Boitano do?” When posed by questions such as yours, I ask myself, “What would Murray Rothbard (or Ron Paul) have done, were they President of the U.S.?” I hope and trust my answer to you is in their spirit (For Ron’s views, we do not have to speculate; I suggest you read his blog. If I had to briefly summarize his views it would be peace, disengagement, economic integration).

On the kiddie playground, whenever there is a fight, the adult should ask, who started first? Who threw the first punch? In this case, it is clear. It is not North Korea, but, rather, the good old US of A that did so. What in bloody blue blazes was the US doing during the Korean War? Were the Koreans attacking us then? No more than now. If you read more LRC material on this subject, you will find out that the US has been instrumental in opposing the reunification of North and South Korea for years. Of course, I hold no brief for the present dictator of North Korea. He is a disaster in many ways. But of what business is it of the US? Why does this country have troops all throughout the region? Does North Korea have troops in Canada? In Mexico? Do they have warships right off our coasts? Do they engage in “War Games” in conjunction with Canada or Mexico? Why should the US be the policeman of the world? I suggest that the proper US policy is one of “benign neglect.” Oh, and, yes, full free trade with them, diplomatic recognition. I wonder: should the US ask Dennis Rodman to be its diplomatic liaison with North Korea? Yes, North Korea did indeed threaten the US. But that country never would have done so with Rothbard or Paul in charge of US foreign policy. Is North Korea threatening Monaco? Chile? Lichtenstein? Brazil? Why do you suppose they are threatening the US, not those other countries?

The Best of Walter E. Block