There's That Ten-Letter Word: C O R R U P T I O N and Another: S T U P I D I T Y
"The Gordie Howe Bridge has been a bipartisan priority because it supports jobs, makes transport easier, and will lower costs."
"At
the last minute, the President wants to derail this hugely important
project because a billionaire campaign donor told him to."
"This
kind of blatant corruption hurts working families, and needs to end.
For the sake of Michigan's economy, let's pass this bill."
Kristen McDonald Rivet, Democratic U.S. Representative
"Twenty-five yearsin the making. Seven years of
construction, and, at its peak, 2,500 workers on-site. Costing $6.4
billion and stretching 2.5 kilometres—the longest cable-stayed bridge in
North America, rising 46 metres above the Detroit River—the Gordie Howe
International Bridge is much more than these impressive numbers."
"“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a symbol of the friendship
between Michigan and Canada and a testament to what’s possible when we
work together,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer when the bridge
deck was completed last July."
"Construction started on October 18, 2018, and after more than 19 million
work hours, the structure is complete. What remains before the first
vehicle crosses the bridge is testing, re-testing and training."
David McPherson, ReNew Canada
Could
Trump block bridge opening? Workers are shown at the Gordie Howe
International Bridge in Detroit on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.Photo by Dan Janisse /The Windsor Star
After
having praised the building of the Gordie Howe International Bridge
linking Windsor, Ontario to Detroit Michigan, as a second bridge
crossing, after the century-old Ambassador Bridge, in 2017, President
Trump suddenly diverted from pushing for the "expeditious completion"
of the bridge, to posting outraged messages on his social media site.
His apoplectic charges have no base in reality, however.
Canada, he states, has treated the U.S. "very unfairly for decades", including the charge that the bridge was built "with virtually no U.S. content". "With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset", he grumped. Well, in fact, Detroit does
'own one-half' of the bridge, a gift from Canada. Canada, as it
happens, footed the entire $6.4 billion cost of the bridge, but has
granted joint ownership between Canada and the state of Michigan. Once
the cost of the bridge has been paid through collected tolls, toll
receipts are to be divided evenly between Canada and Michigan.
This
is called mutual partnership generosity. In the building of the bridge,
American workers were employed alongside their Canadian counterparts.
The bridge was built with the use of American steel included in the
process. "I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them", thundered the American president in righteous fury on a Truth Social post.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to the Detroit Economic Club on Jan. 13. (Ryan Sun/The Associated Press)
"I
know the importance of Michigan manufacturing and that's why I'm
demanding Trump drop this reckless threat, let the bridge open, and stop
playing games with our jobs and our economy."
"[By
threatening to block the opening of the bridge, Trump is]
unsurprisingly [placing jobs and] billions of dollars in economic growth
at risk."
U.S. Representative Haley Stevens
It has been reported by the New York Times
that the president's post was prefaced by a meeting mere hours before,
when U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik and Matthew Moroun, the
billionaire private Lebanese-American owner of the Ambassador Bridge,
took place. This is a bridge that rivals the new Gordie Howe Bridge
which has enjoyed its monopolistic trade conduit between Windsor and
Detroit since 1929. The company representing the owners has parted with
millions of dollars over the past decade in an attempt to thwart
government plans for a competing, publicly-owned bridge.
Trucks line up to clear customs and cross the Ambassador Bridge, the
busiest commercial vehicle crossing between Canada and the U.S. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
Major
Republican donors, the Moroun family expended some $30 million on a
failed Michigan ballot proposal in 2012 to block construction of the
Gordie Howe Bridge. Dozens of lawsuits toward the same end have also
been launched. In the background is the fact that Michigan entered a
bilateral agreement in 2012 to advance construction of the bridge, with
no direct cost to the taxpayers of Michigan. The project was known for "demonstrating the project's nonpartisan importance to American workers, manufacturers, and national competitiveness".
The Gordie Howe Bridge between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, seen here on
May 10, 2024, is expected to open sometime in 2026 after almost a
decade of construction. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
The U.S. Retreats from the Middle East in Favour of Navel-Gazing Introspection
"We're sitting still, and the Chinese, the Russians, Iran, North Korea,
and several others, are moving to shore up their relations and threaten
us in a lot of different places... It's an indication that the Saudis
and others are [also] trying to hedge their bets with China and Russia,
because they don't think the United States has the resolve and the
fortitude necessary to do what they need to do to protect the world
against Iran and its intentions."
"The Chinese have a strategy they've been following... We kind of wander around from day to day."
Former US National Security Advisor John R. Bolton
"[Saudi
Arabia is signalling that] they will act to secure their own national
interest as the region and the world around them changes."
"Mohammed
bin Salman is thinking long term and assessing the world Saudi Arabia
will be navigating into mid-century and in that world China likely looms
larger than the U.S. in all manner of ways."
Kristian Ulrichsen, fellow for the Middle East, Baker Institute, Rice University
"Thanks
to the lack of leadership and the vacuum that the Biden administration
has created -- and appears continuing to create on the global stage, the
new axis of Iran-China-Russia has been
shaped with Beijing, Moscow and the ruling mullahs -- rather than the
brutalized
people of Iran."
"The Axis is seizing leadership of the new world order,
or -- if the world's communists manage to defeat the world's democrats,
as they seem tenaciously determined to do -- it will be, more
accurately, the new world disorder."
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh, Harvard-educated scholar, political scientist, board member of Harvard
International Review, president of the International American
Council on the Middle East
If the US further pulls out of Asia, the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, the vacuum created will be
filled by the new axis of China-Russia-Iran. Pictured: Russian President
Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iran's then President
Hassan Rouhani in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. (Photo by
Vyacheslav Oseledko/AFP via Getty Images)
A
spurned lover looks elsewhere for validation and comfort. And that is
what has happened between the United States and Saudi Arabia. A new
world order appears to be emerging; the United States steadily
withdrawing from its dominant position in the Middle East and elsewhere,
and the contestants for the status of new world powers, moving in to
fill the vacuum. The withdrawal under three American presidents; Obama,
Trump and Biden has had a disequilibrating effect; the
political/economic colossus that is China seeks to mediate the chaos.
With a view needless to say of consolidating its ambitions.
Washington
seems well prepared now to fully vacate its traditional position of
main mediator in the Middle East, where the 21st century saw the United
States as the essential puppeteer of the region long after France and
Britain abandoned their colonialist clutch. It was, of course, oil that
brought the U.S. to the Middle East, and clinched its patron
relationship with Saudi Arabia, protecting its energy interests. Times
change and so does energy extraction technology.
Where
in the first decade of the 21st century political occupation of the
region was critical in Washington's heavy dependency on Saudi oil,
Riyadh's part of the deal was a fairly steady supply of American
weaponry and above all, a reliable partner for security. Relations
between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran
have traditionally been adversarial; although a minority Shi'ite sect,
as opposed to the majority Sunni that characterized most Arab countries,
Aryan Persia cast a jealous eye on the Kingdom's custodianship of Mecca
and Medina.
The
Iranian Republic imagines itself recast to its former glory as the
Islamic powerhouse of the Middle East, eyeing Saudi Arabia's leadership
in an open clash of sectarian and tribal animosity. The final break that
took place seven years ago led to the final strain in their diplomatic
relationship. When Iran planned and supported a Houthi-proxy rebellion
in Yemen, forcing the legitimate government out of Sana'a and splitting
the country in a violent civil war Saudi Arabia entered with a Sunni
coalition to oppose the Houthi presence.
Now
that the U.S. no longer depends on Saudi oil since its own shale and
horizontal drilling oil extraction revolution has made it independently
oil-sufficient, the ties that bound frayed. Nor did it help that
President Joe Biden was hostile to the Saudi heir-apparent and now
de-facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, accusing him of
ordering the murder of the Saudi dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi, at
the Saudi diplomatic mission in Turkey.
Describing
MbS as "a pariah" once the CIA reached the conclusion that the crown
price had ordered the 2018 assassination, the message was clear;
Washington could no longer be relied upon to remain the staunch friend
it once had been, just as before the Biden tenure, then-President Obama
abandoned U.S. support for then-Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, and
gave full support to his replacement by a ''democratically elected'
Mohamed Morsi, leader of the now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.
More
latterly, top diplomats from Iran and Saudi Arabia, the two signal
regional archrivals, arrived to Beijing in confirmation of the
resumption of relations, a historic meeting and agreement that China
brokered as new peacemaker and global authority, moving to a position of
influence in the Middle East in Washington's absence. Prince Faisal bin
Farhan, Saudi foreign minister, was photographed smiling beside his
Chinese and Iranian counterparts Qin Gang and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
So
much for the plans of the still-sole superpower whose intention it was
to pivot away from the Middle East in favour of confronting China over
its military and economic influence in the Asia-Pacific. The U.S. was
focused on extracting itself from endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Saudi leadership, having had one too many lectures on human rights
and with the realization that a once reliable security partner had
withdrawn, looked elsewhere for reassurance in protection of their
interests.
In
March of 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced a new slogan to
outline what he envisaged as the new foreign policy mantra
of"Xiplomacy". China, Mr. Xi explained, should be 'determined, proactive
and dare to fight', once he was sworn in for his third administrative
term. In February, China revealed it had an agreement for Iran and Saudi
Arabia to restore their diplomatic relations; a diplomatic coup that
surprised Washington.
April
brought an announcement that Saudi Arabia was partnering with The
Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a China-led security bloc. These
deepening ties with Beijing represent a shifting market for oil exports
where China has become the main importer of Saudi oil, buying 1.75
million barrels per day, in 2022. This international game of musical
chairs is now in full play. From full-throttle world warden, the United
States has withdrawn to navel-gazing introspection.
Iranian
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Saudi Arabia's Foreign
Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud; Chinese Foreign Minister Qin
Gang. West Asia News Agency/Handout via Reuters
"Saudi Arabia has no interest in any war in the Gulf region. The
failure of the U.S. maximum pressure policy on Iran, Tehran’s policy of
increasing uranium enrichment, and Israel’s threats to bomb Iran’s
nuclear facilities have precariously placed the region on the verge of
war. Saudi Arabia does not want to be part of this escalation that will
undermine its security and delay its social and economic transformation.
An opening with Iran sends a clear message to the Iranians, the United
States, and Israel that the Kingdom is not willing to risk direct war
with its neighbor."
"...When it comes to Iran, Saudi Arabia’s security priorities are
concerned with the Islamic Republic’s support for Shiite groups, mainly
in Yemen and Iraq, in addition to its advanced conventional missile
program. Those two priorities are not part of the talks between the
United States and their European partners with Iran. While Saudi Arabia
is fully aware that Iran won’t put restrictions on its missile program,
it believes that normalization of relations is an alternative path that
might contribute to the region’s stability, especially in Iraq and
Yemen."
Abdolrasool Divsallar and Hesham Alghannam, The Cairo Review of Global Affairs
"[Vladimir
Putin's decision on tactical weapons] followed the failure by Kyiv's
allies to heed previous serious signals [from Moscow because of the]
fundamental irresponsibility of Western elites before their people and
international security."
"Now they will have to deal with changing realities."
"We hope that NATO officials will adequately assess the seriousness of the situation."
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Moscow
The Russian Foreign Ministry initially said Moscow would keep notifying
the U.S. about planned test launches of its ballistic missiles, but
Ryabkov's statement reflected an abrupt change of course. CBC
Russian
President Vladimir Putin has decided that Moscow is no longer obligated
via treaty to honour the United States' decision-making by trustfully
alerting it through advance notice regarding Russian missile tests.
This, at a time when the Russian military under Kremlin orders deployed
mobile missile launchers in Siberia as a demonstration of Russia's
massive nuclear capabilities a highlighted link to the invasion of
Ukraine and the fortunes of a conflict that has left both countries in a
veritable stalemate condition.
Russian
news agencies carried Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov's remarks that
all information exchanges under the START agreement with Washington have
been halted by Moscow, completing the distancing of the two countries
in their nuclear responsibility pacts following on the suspension of
Russia's ongoing participation in the last remaining nuclear arms pact
with the United States.
Data
relating to the current state of both countries' nuclear forces -- up
to the present routinely released at six month intervals complying with
the treaty -- both parties also exchanged advance warnings of test
launches. Notices of this type represent an essential element of
strategic stability and have for decades. This cooperation allowed
Russia and the United States to properly interpret each other's moves,
making certain that neither would mistake a test launch for a missile
attack.
Termination
of missile test warnings represents another effort on Moscow's part to
discourage the West from continuing to strengthen its support for
Ukraine. Emphasizing Russia's massive nuclear arsenal is a most
transparent threat, one occasioned by the fury of stalemate and the
isolation imposed by the U.S. and NATO upon the Russian Federation.
Augmented by President Putin's announcement of tacticl nuclear weapons
deployed to Belarus territory, as a regional trusted ally.
This photo made from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry
Press Service on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, shows a Yars missile
launcher of the Russian armed forces being driven from a shelter in an
undisclosed location in Russia. The Russian military on Wednesday
launched drills of its strategic missile forces, deploying Yars mobile
launchers in Siberia in a show of the country's massive nuclear
capability amid the fighting in Ukraine. (Russian Defense Ministry Press
Service via AP)
The
New START treaty was suspended last month, with Mr. Putin stating that
U.S. inspections of Russia's nuclear sites was unacceptable at a time
when Washington and its NATO allies have committed to Moscow's defeat in
Ukraine. While not withdrawing entirely from the pact, Moscow stated
its intention to continue to respect caps on nuclear weapons set by the
treaty.
To
the present, until Ryabkov's statement, it was understood by the United
States that Moscow intended to continue notifying the U.S. of planned
test launches of ballistic missiles, now upset by an abrupt change in
orders.
Russian
drills will see Yars mobile missile launchers manoeuvre across three
regions of Siberia involving measures to conceal the deployment from
foreign satellites and other intelligence assets. No mention from the
Russian Defence Ministry was given of how long the drills would last,
nor were any practice launches mentioned of the nuclear-tipped
intercontinental ballistic Yars missile with its range of about 11,000
kilometers. The Yars missile represents the backbone of Russia's
strategic missile forces.
The
tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus are useful on the
battlefield with their relatively short range and considerably lower
yield, in comparison with the long-range strategic missiles fitted with
nuclear warheads capable of obliterating entire cities. This latest
decision by President Putin follows repeated warning that Moscow is
prepared to use "all available means" -- referring to its nuclear arsenal -- to fend off attacks on Russian territory.
A still image from video, released by the Russian Defence Ministry in
October 2022, shows what is said to be a Yars intercontinental ballistic
missile launched during an exercise at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in
Russia. (Russian Defence Ministry/Reuters)
"The United States wants to reignite the sense of national purpose by establishing China as an imaginary enemy."
"As if once China's development is suppressed, U.S. domestic and external problems will be resolved and America will be great again, and America's hegemony can be continued."
"Fundamentally, it is because some Americans portray China as an ‘imagined enemy'."
"The U.S. side needs to change course and work with China on the basis
of mutual respect and embrace fair competition and peaceful coexistence
with China."
Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Xie Feng
"[China's department of state security] has fostered an ecosystem of criminal contract hackers who carry out both state-sponsored activities and cybercrime for their own financial gains."
U.S. statement
"The U.S. side sought China’s cooperation and support on climate change,
the Iranian nuclear issue, and the DPRK nuclear issue among others."
"In fact, China has been playing a responsible and constructive role on
all these issues… The U.S. should adopt a correct view of cooperation. "
"It simply won’t work when the U.S. seeks cooperation with China while
harming China’s interests."
"On the whole, the talks have been profound, candid and helpful for the
two sides to gain a better understanding of each other’s position and
seek healthy development of China-U.S. relations going forward."
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian
"Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman… raised our concerns about human rights, including Beijing’s
anti-democratic crackdown in Hong Kong; the ongoing genocide and crimes
against humanity in Xinjiang; abuses in Tibet; and the curtailing of
media access and freedom of the press."
"She also spoke about our concerns
about Beijing’s conduct in cyberspace; across the Taiwan Strait; and in
the East and South China Seas."
"[Deputy Secretary of State Sherman also decried the arbitrary detentions of U.S. and Canadian citizens in China and] the PRC’s unwillingness to cooperate with the World Health Organization and allow a second phase investigation in the PRC into COVID-19’s origins."
U.S. State Department release
Deposit Photos
For four years Washington under the Trump administration drew back from conventional and traditional international leadership and responsibilities as the sole global powerhouse of influence, trust and action. Creating a vacuum wherever it withdrew to the consternation of many of its international partners and satisfaction from its political and ideological adversaries, most notably Moscow and Beijing. The new Biden administration made it an election issue that the U.S. would return to its traditional roles, to the relief of its allies.
Russia and China were infinitely less pleased with that promise and even more displeased when it began acting on its vow to return to the international stage. The realization that China in its new domineering state of aggressive bullying of neighbours and trade partners seen to be aggravated with the eruption on the world stage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus where suddenly President Xi Jinping appeared less avuncular and more hawkish in his rejection of claims of mismanagement and neglect has infuriated China.
The Wolf Warrior mentality that seeped into the consciousness of Chinese diplomats informed they may remove their diplomatic silk gloves in favour of boxing gloves has put the Western world particularly on notice. China's threat to the world order in its rush to dominate every facet of the management of global assets is now clearly recognized where before the friendly facade though insidious hid its true nature. The international rule of law is bypassed for China's own 'laws', which is to say none.
Intimidation, coercion, threats and bullying have become China's hallmark positions. The principles and practices that inform most countries' behaviour toward others has been firmly set aside by Beijing; it is their priorities and programs that take precedence over all others'. Rule of law, human rights, freedom from state repression, recognition of international standards, recognition of legitimate borders, diplomatic civility, are no longer a pretense that China claims to respect.
When a high-level diplomatic meeting took place last week between the U.S. and China the American delegation was presented with a list divided into two parts; one titled "List of U.S.Wrongdoings that Must Stop" and "List of Key Individual Cases that China Has Concerns With". China is fed up with accusations over persecution of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, over criticism relating to Hong Kong, over warning that Taiwan must be left to live in peace beside China.
Above all, Beijing insists that the U.S. must "stop suppressing Chinese enterprises". The West recognizes how very enterprising China has been in cyber stealth meant to steal data, technology, corporate secrets, personal information, health records, military secrets, corporate data and secret intelligence to further its own agenda. Claims by the U.S. that China illegally hacked operations of Western governments, companies and military operations for security data and intellectual property is offensive to Beijing. That too must stop.
On the other hand, Beijing might wish to take into account that the American charges against Beijing of data and intellectual property theft, intrusive hacking of state secrets and cybercrime of all kinds is supported as well by a rather influential group of like-minded democracies fed up with China's interference in other nations' affairs, including: Canada, Australia, Britain, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, and all NATO countries. Led by the United State of America.
"I write to express my strongest and most powerful protest against the partisan impeachment crusade being pursued by the Democrats in the House of Representatives. This impeachment represents an unprecedented and unconstitutional abuse of power by Democrat Lawmakers, unequalled in nearly two and a half centuries of American legislative history." "The Articles of Impeachment introduced by the House Judiciary Committee are not recognizable under any standard of Constitutional theory, interpretation or jurisprudence. They include no crimes no misdemeanors, and no offenses whatsoever. You have cheapened the importance of the very ugly word, impeachment!" U.S. President Donald Trump
Mark Galli wrote in Christianity Today: ‘We believe the impeachment
hearings have made it absolutely clear, in a way the Mueller
investigation did not, that President Trump has abused his authority.’
Photograph: Michael Reynolds/POOL/EPA
Unprecedented? Yes, surely. The election to the presidency of the United States of America of a vain, pompous oaf, an ignoramus, a coarse, undiplomatic misogynist was most certainly unprecedented and it is fair to say that while his supporters, legion as they were to elect this man were absolutely delighted, the rest of the world was amazed and bemused. But here's the truth of the matter. The Republic of the United States of America is a democracy. And as a democracy proud of its traditions and its heritage, and chafing under the administrations that preceded Mr. Trump's accession to power, elected the man they wanted to sit in the Oval Office.
While the world held its breath, it gradually became acclimatized to its new suspenseful collegiality with a brusque, critical imperialist with an admiration for dictators and tyrants who well knew that his office and his nation would not permit one in him. Those Americans who did not vote for Mr. Trump and chose instead the Democratic candidate whose own failings as a political leader of distinction became starkly evident throughout the course of the election campaign, raged and ranted and led feminist marches determined to bring down the extremely flawed man who was their president.
Mr. Trump's tenure so far has been one of unprecedented suspense in attempts to anticipate what his next moves might be, impacting not only on his country but the world stage at large. His critics detest him and mostly with very good reason. His supporters are delighted with him and for their own good reasons. He is no one's image of an accomplished politician widely respected whose words and actions give cause for admiration and trust. But he is, withal, the President of the United States of America.
He won office as fairly as any other candidate ever did. The accusations of Russian interference in the election represented a hysterical denial of the truth, that the Democratic Party lost the election fairly; the majority of Americans failed to appreciate their progressive qualities that lent themselves as much as did the Republicans' agenda, to further widening the gap between the haves and have-nots in America. The have-nots have the day. They have their president, one of the haves who incites admiration from followers because he scorns the elite in Washington.
The virago-politician that is Nancy Pelosi was scorned by Donald Trump as a has-been, a poor political leader, a foolish prod by a foolish man who now sees the damage that can be done by a woman scorned. Above all, the spectacle of a President of the United States who occupies a seat in the order of world politics that reflects that imperfect as he is, he is still the most powerful man on the planet, but brought low temporarily by the viral, nauseating hatred of half of the people he governs.
When the Russia-interference accusations failed to be proven, desperation turned Democrats' attention to Ukraine, where the inference was that funding would be released to Ukraine for arms to defend itself from Russia with the cooperation of an investigation into a potential 2020-election rival's son's connections with his father and his corrupt financial links in Ukraine. Obama, Biden, Trump and Pelosi.Trump, as atrocious as his persona is, is being accused of using his office in a manner quite similar to that of his predecessors.
The Democrats have shamed America. Democrats themselves, however, have no shame. They have shamed the very democracy they claim to uphold and to venerate. Democracy brought Trump to the presidency. The succeeding election would tell whether Americans continue to support the man they brought to Washington to 'clean up the Aegean stables'. And then what will they all wallow in? Mr. Trump takes little comfort in Ms. Pelosi praying for him.
"The United States should continue to deter Beijing from use of force, maintain an unblinking eye on Hong Kong, and make Beijing pay a heavy reputational cost for curtailing the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong citizens." "I worry that the protesters in Hong Kong risk misinterpreting American sympathy and support of their cause for expectation that the United States will shield them from Beijing's heavy hand." Ryan Hass, former U.S. State Department official
"We're telling everyone that we interact with, we don't want violence." "We think there should be a political solution to the conflict that's taking place there." U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
"The power of Hong Kong people alone is limited, and we need other countries, such as the United States to help us counter China and keep 'one country, two systems'." "I doubt the act can be an ultimate game-changer, but I think it is enough to give pressure to China." Eric Kwan, 32, Hong Kong
The protests have raged for months - but now expat workers are looking to leave the financial hub Reuters
The financial power house that Hong Kong represents is quickly dialing down its functioning bureaucracy, its municipal services hit as hard as its banking interests, as the peaceful protests of months-long duration have turned inevitably to wild riots. Chinese expatriates around the world face off against one another, forming groups from mainland China and Hong Kong, their loyalties toward or against the Chinese Communist Party creating toxic group dynamics, reflecting their support for the government or the protests, echoing the Hong Kong gatherings defying government orders.
The Hong Kong riot police may have their tear gas and rubber bullets but the protesters have their bricks and incendiary devices to lob at the police. The stability of Hong Kong, so recently an economic power house respected world wide, and bringing in massive foreign investment, is leaking prestige on the international stage with wary business interests beginning to withhold their investments awaiting a return to a secure business environment, but in the meantime, Singapore has been the recipient of new enterprising opportunities.
Protesters have convinced themselves that somehow the United States is preparing to ride to their rescue, to somehow convince President Xi Jinping to pull back and surrender to the reality that Chinese mainland control of Hong Kong betrays an agreement to allow the autonomous state its continuing status as a separate governing and financial model within greater China. Beijing has definitely not been impressed by the unstoppable protests, the determination of the protesters, the damage being done to its international reputation.
The indomitable demands of Beijing that Hong Kong retain a guaranteed return to controlling its own immediate affairs while the Communist Party stands back and in effect admits defeat at the hands of an intransigent population whose loyalties are presumed to be in the wrong place is not likely to eventuate; China cannot afford it and nor will Beijing accept the demands. The democratic rights and freedoms that the protesters demand do not reflect Beijing's ideological charter, after all.
That the U.S. Congress is moving ahead with a bill of support to the protesters with bipartisan support, has influenced the protesters in their belief of American intervention on their behalf is obvious enough, but perhaps a bit too naive. Economic sanctions could be imposed by the United States against Beijing however, along with a travel ban on officials in Hong Kong considered responsible for abuses of human rights, under the proposed legislation. "We hope this bill will pass. It's our hope for winning this war. We're trying all we can", observed Selina Po, 27, protesting in Hong Kong, her sign reflecting the name of the U.S. bill: TheHong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. This, while U.S. officials warn of a need to weigh U.S. reactions carefully with a view that involvement by the U.S. might allow more ammunition to Beijing in a propaganda ploy portraying the pro-democracy movement stoked not internally, but by dupes of foreign forces, fuelling greater violence.
Police have faced off with protesters alarmed at growing influence from Beijing Reuters
Back in June, President Trump informed his Chinese counterpart through a telephone conversation that he planned to remain uninvolved on Hong Kong while Washington and Beijing succeeded in making progress on trade talks, according to an American official speaking anonymously, while administration officials claim this approach allows the United States a firmer hand in constraining Beijing's response to the protests. "Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong. Any attempt to interfere in Hong Kong affairs will not succeed" stated a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
As far as the protesters are concerned, the very threat of U.S. sanctions would validate and empower the protest movement with a greater voice in negotiating with Beijing. In mid-October, the day before the House of Representatives voted to pass the bill, Hong Kong protesters rallied in the Central district where tens of thousands had gathered, many holding aloft American flags.
Hong Kong has long been a financial services hub in Asia EPA
"It is time now for Russia to come to the table and stop the violations." "[If the 9M729 missile system] became capable of delivering] the U.S.] would then be looking at the capability to take out a missile that could hit any of our countries in Europe and hit America." "Counter measures [by the U.S.] would be to take out the missiles that are in development by Russia in violation of the treaty. They are on notice." "There will come a point in the future in which America will determine that it has to move forward with a development phase that is not allowed by the treaty right now." U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison, Brussels
So there it is. It has taken awhile, but the American administration has finally mustered the required fortitude to state its intentions. Back in March, Russian President Vladimir Putin wasn't the least bit averse to doing the same himself. Tersely, implying threat directed to the United States, pulling the weight of a revitalized military for the Russian Federation. Back then, it was Russia blaming the U.S. for driving the Russian military to pull out all the stops to advance state-of-the-art military technology second to none in the world.
"I want to tell all those who have fueled the arms race over the last 15
years, sought to win unilateral advantages over Russia, introduced
unlawful sanctions aimed to contain our country's development: All what
you wanted to impede with your policies have already happened. You have failed to contain Russia. Now they need to take account of a new reality and understand that
everything I have said today is not a bluff", said Vladimir Putin grimly and with obvious satisfaction.
The
nuclear-powered cruise missile, tested last year has not only a
"practically unlimited range" but advanced maneuverability and
speed. The high-speed underwater drone has an "intercontinental" range
capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, can operate at depths and
speeds to outpace interceptors. "No one in the world has
anything like that. It may appear someday, but by that time
we will develop something new." The intercontinental
hypersonic missile is capable of reaching targets at a
speed 20 times that of sound to strike "like a fireball", he gloated.
Now, in essence, he has been called on his threat. But not for the first time. Back in 2014 the Obama administration raised its own concerns, at that point the missile had been in test stage, but still in violation of the INF. Now it has become a "fully operational unit". Intelligence evidence gathered by Washington has been shared with its 28 NATO allies. Grim news that the system could be launched in a nuclear strike at Europe, no notice given.
Unmanned nuclear-powered submersible on screen during Putin’s address on March 1.
Photographer: Mikhail Metzel\TASS via Getty Images
This is advance notice that the U.S. plans to respond to the "fully operational unit" of the Russian Federation itn violation of the INF by stating that Russia is forcing the issue giving the U.S. no choice but to forge on and develop its own missile in response at the risk of violating the treaty that both Washington and Moscow celebrated the 30th anniversary of, last year, presumably before the Kremlin's push for greater militancy took final root.
"Sexual assault survivor questioned Cruz during disruption at fancy Washington D.C. restaurant. Cruz ignores her." "This
is a message to Ted Cruz, Brett Kavanaugh, Donald Trump and the rest of
the racist, sexist, transphobic, and homophobic right-wing scum." "You are not safe. We will find you. We will expose you. We will take from you the peace you have taken from so many others." Smash Racism DC social media
"I'd love to talk to you about Brett Kavanaugh tonight." "I'd
love to know what your vote is going to be tonight. I know that you're
very close friends with Mr. Kavanaugh. Do you believe in survivors,
sir?" "Senator, we have a right to know what your position is on Brett Kavanaugh." "God
bless you, as well. I'm a survivor of sexual assault. I believe all
survivors. There are now three people who have come forward and said
that Brett Kavanaugh has attacked them." "Would you talk to him about that?" Unnamed women in mob group of 12, Fiola Italian restaurant, Washington, D.C.
"I did not try to leave the scene of the
accident, though driving drunk, which I did, is a terrible mistake for
which there is no excuse or justification or defense, and I will not try
to provide one." "Not
right that Senator Cruz and his wife Heidi were surrounded and forced
to leave a restaurant last night because of protesters." "The Cruz family should be treated with respect." Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Tex.), Democratic Senate candidate opposing Republican Cruz
Ted Cruz confronted in a D.C. restaurant about a mile from the U.S. Senate building. Smash Racism DC / Twitter
First it was President Trump's press secretary,
Sarah Huckabee Sanders who was refused a table at a rural Virginia
restaurant. The restaurant owner refused to serve anyone who served
Trump. Sanders gathered her dignity and her family and departed. As
insults go, this was pretty stinging -- and socially indefensible. Last
week it was Florida Governor Rick Scott, a Republican whom Mojos
Real Cuban in Venice, Florida refused to serve, furious over the
scourge of red tide algae presence in the state's waterways.
Senator
Cruz and his wife were out for a evening's dining experience in
Washington. They had made reservations at a restaurant popular with D.C.
politicians of both stripes. Somehow, a motley assembly comprised of
members of left-wing groups, a local anti-fascist group and a Democratic
Socialists of America branch, and others got wind of the Cruz family
reservation. They arrived an hour earlier to sit at the bar awaiting the
Cruz's arrival. "[Politicians from both parties frequent Fiola often.] Everyone except Donald Trump. We're very bipartisan by nature", later explained a perturbed Maria Traochhi, a co-owner of the popular, upscale restaurant. "We're not trained to deal with this. How do you deal with things like this? It's crazy times",
she opined, obviously unwilling to be viewed as supporting the ruckus
that erupted leaving her and her staff fearful that violence might
ensue. Not, however, from Senator Cruz who was being verbally crucified;
his response to all the shrill charges shouted at him was: "God bless you, Ma'am."
His continued response to the ongoing confrontation
was unwavering; polite, respectful and non-committal. Challenged by a
woman whose odious behaviour he suffered, he remained polite throughout
her harangue. That he had stated last week before a second woman
declared herself to have been harassed by the candidate for the Supreme
Court nominated by President Trump, and supported by him, irrespective
of the hysteria now surrounding that nomination, that "These allegations are serious and deserve to be treated with respect", obviously held no currency with the raucous mob verbally assaulting the Senator. The dozen self-righteous accusers kept flashing the cameras in their cellphones in the Senator's face, repeatedly chanting "We believe the survivors!", "Fascist, racist, anti-gay!", raising middle fingers, chanting continuously, "We believe the survivors!". As the Cruzes made to leave the premises, one of the men in the mob snarled a warning at other patrons in the restaurant, "This is what'll happen to you if you support Kavanaugh".
Police had been called. The restaurant staff stood
watching, appalled at the viciousness of the attack on a couple who had
assumed they had a right to privacy and a restful night out, enjoying a
meal together after the stress of political life in the nation's capital
that has become uber-partisan and unrelentingly ugly. The staff was
uncomfortable and decidedly of the opinion that their hospitality was
being besmirched by a demonstration of incivility unbecoming a civil
society. While the mob of a dozen misfits screamed and shouted at Senator Cruz, he responded with smiles, quietly repeating "God bless". Finally requesting of his attackers that they allow himself and his wife to leave without further ado: "Can you let my wife through?", he asked of the frenzied group. Finally a member of the restaurant staff ordered the mob to "Leave the premises. This is a private space." So by the time police arrived Senator Cruz had departed and the mob had left, mission accomplished. And Smash Racism DC was quick to post videos of the event on their social media account.
Last night, a group of protesters unexpectedly entered Fiola with
the purpose of confronting Senator Cruz. Recognizing that there was a
potential for escalation and concerned for the safety of all our
customers, our management did what they could do to diffuse a
difficult situation and, as is our policy, if there is ever an event of
this nature, the police were immediately called. We are trained at
hospitality not public safety, and our highest priority is always the
well-being of our customers. Separated from the protesters, the Senator
exited the restaurant and the protesters left soon thereafter. Fiola owners Fabio and Maria Trabocchi
This represents a general opinion site for its author. It also offers a space for the author to record her experiences and perceptions,both personal and public. This is rendered obvious by the content contained in the blog, but the space is here inviting me to write. And so I do.
