MORE THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA - AT 7:45 A.M. ET:  From the Washington Post:

TOKYO, April 1 -- Having alarmed much of the world with its planned launch of a long-range missile, North Korea is showing no signs this week of wanting anyone to calm down.

The government of Kim Jong Il warned Wednesday in a radio broadcast that its forces "will relentlessly shoot down" U.S. reconnaissance aircraft that monitor preparation for its missile launch, which could occur as early as this weekend.

That warning against "brigandish U.S. imperialists" came on top of North Korea's announcement on Tuesday that it would put on trial for "hostile acts" two American journalists who were detained in mid-March after they apparently crossed from China into North Korea.

COMMENT:  Hillary Clinton tried to talk tough to the North Koreans yesterday, but her threats essentially amounted to taking the Koreans to the U.N.  What punishment!  What firmness!

Let's see how much the North Koreans get away with before the Obama administration puts some teeth into its threats.  The whole world, including Iran, will be watching.

April 1, 2009