Confusion Plus Weapons Plus Authority

Today's events are a lesson in the problems of simply figuring out what is happening let alone acting on that information.

As we watch in confusion as reports are made, corrected, and retracted about the Boston Marathon bombings (at least they appear to be bombs at this point, rather than accidental), be grateful all the people speculating aren't in charge of military assets who must also wonder if they should send them into action before the enemy does something else--when it may be uncertain if the enemy did all or any of the events that make you think of taking actions.

And then consider how you send a finely tuned "signal" with your actions to the other side.

Now tell me that it is impossible for a war to break out in Korea because it doesn't make sense.