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North Korea's ICBM test prompts mixed reaction among Americans

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By Jane Han


DALLAS ― North Korea's first ambitious intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) aimed at hitting the U.S. was test launched Tuesday, July 4, the most patriotic day of the year for the American people.

While many Americans celebrated their independence with barbeques, fireworks, parties and parades, news of the new security threat was concerning for some.

''We're almost getting too used to North Korea's routine nuclear and missile tests, aren't we?'' said Kenneth Mock, 43, a software engineer for an energy company, while attending a Fourth of July festival with his wife and two daughters in the suburbs of Dallas.

''But getting a quick read of today's news did concern me a bit. It seems like a dangerous milestone,'' he said.

North Korea conducted its first ICBM test ― an ongoing campaign ultimately aimed at developing a nuclear warhead to reach the U.S. ― to coincide with the U.S. Independence Day

In response to the heightened provocation, South Korea and the U.S. conducted a joint military drill on Wednesday to send a strong warning message to the North.

''It looks like North Korea just became a bigger threat to us, right smack on our country's birthday,'' said Mock.

Karen Dotson, 51, a marketing consultant, who was also one of thousands at the event, said, ''Honestly, a lot of times, news of North Korea's threat doesn't always feel directly relevant to me. We have so many problems and issues right here in our country right now that North Korea isn't an immediate concern.''

''Is that about to change? I don't know yet,'' she added.

Downplaying any reason to be worried, Robert, who didn't want to be fully named, said, ''North Korea was a threat 30 year ago and is still a threat now. Nothing is new here.''

Many people in the U.S. are either indifferent or still largely unclear about the implications of the most recent ICBM test, but the surprise news drew immediate reaction on various news sites and social media.

''It's time to stop laughing at North Korea and assess this threat seriously,'' wrote Chandler Totherow in response to the breaking news story on CNN's Facebook page. ''Understand that not too long ago their weapons were blowing up at launch. Now it's making farther distances. It may be a while, but eventually they will be able to hit us. Will you laugh then?''

Another user, Jordan Goldberg, wrote, ''The U.S. needs to once and for all discuss how and when they will be dealing with North Korea before this potential situation becomes even worse.''



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