Reply #19: Guess some people didn't get your memo

[Doremus]

Republicans stand to profit from nuclear test ‘fear factor’

By Edward Luce in Washington

Published: October 9 2006 17:42 | Last updated: October 9 2006 17:42

Within hours of North Korea’s proclaimed nuclear test yesterday Dennis Hastert, the Republican speaker in Congress, and John Boehner, the Republican majority leader on Capitol Hill, issued politically charged statements. With only a month to go before mid-term congressional elections many Republicans believe the tests could help restore their waning prospects.

“This reckless move by North Korea highlights the importance of a US missile defence shield capable of protecting America against madmen with weapons of mass destruction,” said Mr Boehner. “It is time for the Democrats . . . to abandon their long-standing policy of voting against missile defence programmes. It is now clear that such a position would put Americans in danger.”

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/ae37de30-57b3-11db-be9f-0000779e2340.html

Question: Is an event less fortuitous if unplanned? Does intent trump coincidence? Or is it all the same so long as one seizes the opportunity and gets busy making hay?

Anyway, I'm in awe of your abilities of discernment. They're downright prescient.