OOPs, It Didn't Work

The more I read and hear about the North Korean nuclear device the more I think of our own Manhattan Project in the 40s. We knew the physics, had the best scientists, had the budget and the scientists were dedicated to developing an "Atom Bomb". What caused the most consternation was how to set it off.

The North Koreans probably did put a nuclear device in a shaft and did try to detonate it but I think they haven't figured out how to reliably trigger the device. This is the most complex aspect of a nuclear device unless you use an apparatuus like a gun to fire one fissionable material into another which will give a lower yield reaction.

What is puzzeling about the North Korean device is the 4.2 seismographic readings. It would take a hell of a lot of conventional explosives to cause that kind of tremor and the shaft would have to be huge.

I think what happened is the North Koreans did in fact have a nuclear explosion but because of a defective or poorly engineered triggering device only got a partial yield.

They will learn from this test, after all thats what testing is for, and will work the kinks out of their trigger. I look for a full sucessful test in the near future but in the meantime we have a nuclear North Korea on our hands and they now know they can make a nuclear bomb. Now it is a matter of refining their technology and they will be a nuclear threat.

In my opinion, now is the time to stop them from becoming a true nuclear power. Whether by military means, assination or coup Kim Jong Il has got to be elimentated.
Chuck