Thoughts About Russia as The Enemy and the Possibility of World War 3 (An American's Perspective)

Another excellent read. Prateek Dasgupta published an article via Medium.com titled "Why Asia and Africa Will Ensure That There Is No World War III". After reading I left a few comments. My thoughts shared at the article are also published below. I would like to share my comments with my JDV blog visitors, who don't visit the Medium platform.  Article excerpt that I highlighted:

“There will be no World War without two of the world’s largest continents.”

Image credit

My Comments:

Yes we know Russia is not seen as The Enemy by Asia or Africa.

But there's still Australia, South America, Europe, and North America.

These are AI-generated answers. (The parenthetical notes are my interpretation.)

AUSTRALIA: “While Russia and Australia are not outright enemies, their relationship is characterized by significant tension and limited cooperation, especially in the current geopolitical climate.” (That means, we don't really want to fight. So don't piss us off! If war breaks out we don't have to take your side, you know?)

SOUTH AMERICA: “Russia is not considered an outright enemy by South American countries, but rather a strategic partner for some and a geopolitical player for others. The relationship is characterized by a mix of cooperation in certain areas and competition with U.S. influence in the region.” (That means it's all about our economy and who can offer better financial opportunity and growth.)

EUROPE: “In the current geopolitical climate, Russia is largely viewed as an adversary by most European nations.” (Can you spell enemy? Yes. R-U-S-S-I-A.)

NORTH AMERICA: “Overall, Russia is viewed more as an adversary than an ally by both the United States and Canada. The relationship is characterized by significant tension and competition, but there are still areas where cooperation is possible and necessary.” (Can you spell enemy? Yes. R-U-S-S-I-A. But you know … it don't gotta be that way. But y'all keep pushing in that direction! It's NOT US!! It's YOU! Clearly … it's YOU!!)

My additional thoughts?

The Bible says “The ways of the nations are in the Hands of God.” Frankly, I just believe it's God's way of keeping a “balance of power” between all nations. That way none of the nations will get too cocky and try to rule the world. Cause we all know what happened when crazy conceited clowns decided they wanted to build their EMPIRES. Hopefully, we learn lessons from history.

P.S. “Casualties of war” have always been unimportant no matter who is fighting who. That's why they came up with the phrase “casualties of war”. It's a euphemism for: “YEAH A BUNCH OF INNOCENT PEOPLE WILL BE KILLED. BUT SO WHAT! IT'S WAR!!” Then they point fingers of blame and say: “They started it!”

WAR!  What is it good for?  

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

SAY IT AGAIN!!

NO MORE WORLD WARS? Let's hope not. 

Most people are hoping that nuclear weapons will keep everybody in check. So far we only know of nine (9) countries currently have nuclear weapons: Russia, United States, China, France, United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea. No countries in Australia or South America? Who knows? Maybe they have them, but it's a secret!

Original source

North and South Korea ~ Will It Ever Be Just Plain Old Korea?

Why it looks like reunification of North and South Korea will always be a pleasant fiction.

I am an America and these are my thoughts and observations from a distance. It's not meant to be offensive or insulting It's an opinion based on all of the Korean dramas I have watched about reuniting North and South Korea. But based on my limited understanding of world history and world politics, I would say that reunification is just a wish, and the Doggaebi will not grant this wish no matter how good you are.

Please. This just my opinion. I think the biggest reason why North and South Korea will never be united is because the political leaders in North Korea would have to admit THEY WERE WRONG. They chose the wrong side during war and even though the name of the country is The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the nation is neither a democracy or a republic.

Democracy is a system of government in which state power is vested in the people or the general population of a state. (Wikipedia)

A republic, based on the Latin phrase res publica, is a state in which political power rests with the public through their representatives—in contrast to a monarchy. Representation in a republic may or may not be freely elected by the general citizenry. (Wikipedia)

From my distance, it looks like even the name of the country is a lie?

The “D” should stand for dictatorship

The “R” should stand for royal bloodline.

(Just because you don't call yourself doesn't you're not a king.)

The “P” doesn't even belong! (O.o)

Why not name the country “Kim's Playground”. That's what the “P” should stand for. The current leader loves to play with nukes and invite naughty children to play with him, like Russia.

Think about this. During the COVID pandemic, Kim Jong Un had disappeared from the scene for a little while. During that time was there any discussion about electing a new leader? NO!! Instead, some were speculating whether or not his sister should or might take over. Sister or brother? No matter. It's still the Kim family line. At any rate, he showed up again so all that talk went down the drain.

Anyway! The real reason WHY North and South Korea will never reunite is because … CHINA WON'T LET THEM!! Nothing has changed. Just like the Joseon kings who submitted to the Chinese emperors, the North Korean leader is under the thumb of the Chinese leader. He doesn't make any major decisions without Cihna's approval.

All that being said, there are lots of Korean dramas with a storyline that involve North and South Korea. Some are based on historical facts, but the ones depicting reunification are unrealistic but very imaginative. (My opinion.)

1. Commitment (2013)

2. Curtain Call (2022)

3. Doctor Stranger (2014)

4. Escape From Mogadishu (2021)

5. Hunt (2022)

6. Korean Peninsula (2012)

7. My Military Valentine (2024)

8. Operation Chromite (2016)

9. Secretly, Greatly (2013)

10. Snowdrop (2021)

11. Steel Rain (2017) and Steel Rain 2: Summit (2020)

12. Swing Kids (2018)

13. The Berlin File (2013)

14. The Spy Gone North (2018)

15. Yaksha: Ruthless Operations (2022)

LINKS OF INTEREST:

JOY ELLEN YOON — Bridging the Cultural and Linguistic Divide: North vs. South Korea https://www.joyellenyoon.com/blog/2020/5/13/bridging-the-cultural-and-linguistic-divide-north-vs-south-korea

North Korean teens punished for watching South Korean dramas in rare footage, research group claims | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/24/asia/north-korea-teens-punished-kdrama-intl-hnk/index.html

8 Korean Dramas About North and South Korea | Dramakicks https://dramakicks.com/8-korean-dramas-about-north-and-south-korea/

10 South Korean Dramas That Feature North Korea | Cinema Escapist https://www.cinemaescapist.com/2018/02/10-south-korean-dramas-feature-north-korea/

Korean Dramas About North And South Korea https://www.cosmo.ph/entertainment/k-dramas-north-south-korea-a989-20190420-lfrm

Netflix: 5 K-Shows That Cast a Spotlight on North Korea | Tatler Asia https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/entertainment/netflix-north-korea-kdramas-money-heist-korea-cloy-hyun-bin-son-ye-jin-operation-chromite-steel-rain

 

It's 2022 and Iranian Women Have Started a Revolution (NOT!) (An Opinion Piece)

Negin Shiraghaei is a Iranian-British entrepreneur, activist, and a former news anchor at BBC. She published an article titled Are Iranian women defining the point of no return?  The article presents her point of view and at the end of the article she provides a link who might be interested in helping this protest and cause.

"When women collectively fight for their rights and teach their children to do the same, change becomes inevitable."

This woman has impressive credentials and her beliefs and points of view are very clearly expressed in this article.  However ... 

I respectfully disagree.

It's not a big deal for women to cover their hair. I went to Catholic school. The nuns always covered their hair. But when you get KILLED for not covering your hair?? Surely, one must know that this is not about “hair coverings”. It's about DOMINATION and OPPRESSION … POWER and CONTROL. And there are men who call their law enforcement “MORAL”? It's a yoke of oppression based on RELIGION.

Right at the moment, there are women protesting in the streets of Iran, but it will come to naught. WHY? Because as long as there is such thing as “morality police”, they get to call the shots. International public opinion does NOT sway them. They answer to Allah. Can you dig it?

If an Iranian woman wants freedom to live her life and be herself, she needs to LEAVE IRAN. She can stay there and cut off her hair. She can fight and die! But it makes no sense to beat your head up against a brick wall.

A female revolution in Iran? Be realistic. Women in so-called free countries are still hollering about gender inequality.

Christiane Amanpour is a journalist from Iran. Yes. She did refuse to cover her hair when she was going to interview a top Iranian official. But she left Iran a long time ago, when she saw “the changes” coming; and she has no plans to ever go back! That's an UNDENIABLE FACT.

You may want to believe that Iran is at a turning point in its modern history. However, it's not even close to a turning point!

Countries with brutal regimes that disregard the human rights of its citizens NEED TO BE OVERTHROWN!

Read the history books.

• Some countries end up getting divided like North and South Korea. The South Koreans believe in freedom and independence. The North Koreans are ruled by a ruthless dictator who likes to play with nuclear weapons and even kills his own relatives.

• Some countries or peoples don't even exist any more, like the Aztecs and the Mayans. Remember them? The “great civilizations” that performed human sacrifices. Somebody needed to stop them!

The only way countries like Iran change is IF they get invaded and occupied by another country with a completely different ideology regarding freedom and human rights.and that country takes over!

No country on this planet is PERFECT. But some countries treat their citizens better than others. Iran is not one of those countries where you stay and fight. YOU RUN!! If you want to live.

* * *

I was lucky. So many didn’t get a chance to live their life to their full potential https://t.co/jJYiIcqwUD

— Anousheh Ansari (@AnoushehAnsari) September 26, 2022

* * *

SEX and POWER and Kamala Harris

I am very active in various social networks and online forums and communities where members often exchange opinions, thoughts and perspectives with each other on a wide range of topics.  Like most people we say we like to avoid discussion about politics; but when somebody starts a thread, we can't resist adding in our "two cents".

Let me think.  On January 20th, 2021, Kamala Harris was worn in as the Vice-President of the United States.  I'm guessing it's because POTUS Biden's immediate "get down to business" work had something to do with the COVID-19 pandemic while other political leaders were working on trying to impeach POTUS/Former POTUS Trump, Veep Kamala Harris just didn't get any of the spotlight!

It's been a little over 30+ days since the Biden Administration became "official".  That's enough time.  A member in one of the communities where I am actively engaged mentioned something about Kamala Harris having sex to gain power.

I could not resist.  I had to dive in!

Now isn't that something?  Seems typical though in the world of politics.  If you have a hard time digging up "dirt" about a person, you will just have make something up to get the ball rolling!!  WHAT??  Hey!  We need controversy and distraction.  You simply can't have politics without these two elements.

Anyway!  I have some thoughts regarding on this "speculative" topic.

Ms. Harris has had an entire career to be accused of this.  Why bring it up now?

Even so ....

Many women in high positions often get accused of sleeping their way to the top. That's because many women have used sex for power. Just like men!

I'm not sure if this is an aspect of “western culture”. SEX and POWER? It's kind of universal. Read historical accounts of men and women from everywhere in the world. I read an account of a woman who opened her legs to get what she wanted and when her little sister saw that “trick” worked, she did the same thing! It's ancient history. 

Using sex for power is a very common practice. I'm not saying it's right. I'm also not saying it should be ASSUMED that every woman who has a position of power had sex in order to get there. Statements resulting from ASSUMING and also ACCUSING are often just jealous and envious people pointing fingers at somebody because … Well! Just because! I suspect if it were them in that position, they'd sing a different song altogether. Don't you think so?

"Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" (Proverbs 27:4)

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." (Proverbs 14:30)

Content first appeared on Medium.com

American History Marker: POTUS Election 2020 ~ Twitter, SCOTUS and The White House

Can't speak for others but as for me, 2020 is a year that I am never going to forget!  This week was the Democratic National Convention.  It was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic and I LIKED IT!!  I didn't watch all of it.  Missed a few historical speeches.  But that's OK.  We have the technology now and the speeches are a matter of historical record now so that I can search for them and listen later.  I can listen multiple times I choose to.  

Next week will be the Republic National Convention.  I'll watch bits and pieces just like I did with the DNC.  After that, I'll wait for the candidates' debates and listen to them.  I am deeply concerned about the future of this country.  Not for me but for my children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren and ...  You catch my drift.

At any rate, I am using this blog post as a significant American history marker.  I receive a newsletter published by Business Insider and even before I read the article I already had an opinion.  Such a strong opinion, that I decided to use this post as a record of my remarks.

Today's date is August 21, 2020.  This is something that concerned Americans should be following.  We need to know the conclusion of the matter.

Here is the link to the BI article:

• The White House is asking the Supreme Court to let President Trump once again block people on Twitter with his personal account

Here is my opinion:

• Do the people in The White House serve the people or work for the president on his private payroll?  If the POTUS can BLOCK TWITTER USERS, why argue about Hillary Clinton having a private eMail server? He can do it but she can't? #publicsservice NO! NO! NO! The President of the United States of America does not get to have a “kitchen cabinet” using Twitter for it!

Duh? @WhiteHouse asks #SupremeCourt to let @realDonaldTrump block people on #Twitter - @businessinsider https://t.co/qvqu8j7Wmm
If the POTUS can BLOCK TWITTER USERS, why argue about Hillary Clinton having a private eMail server? He can do it but she can't? #publicsservice

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) August 21, 2020

World History and Politics: Is Tunisia Still HOT?

Several years back Tunisia was HOT! By that I mean this country was all over “our” (i.e. American) news. The citizens were being credited with starting the Arab Spring! (NOTE: Three North African countries of Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco are closely connected in sentiment and foreign policy with the Arab states, so might think they are in the Middle East. Geographically, they are located in Africa.)

The Arab Spring is the name given to a movement (probably by people who are not Arab) which described anti-government/pro-democracy protests taking place in Muslim nations. Tunisia was not the only country but evidently, they were the first … TO SUCCEED in regime change. At least, that’s what we hoped and hope. When I say “we”, I mean “US”, the United States of America. PRO-Democracy movements are always on our wish list. That’s why the protests in Tunisia received so much attention from the American news media. Of course, all the brew ha ha and jubilation doesn’t last forever.

I am revisiting Tunisia by way of Twitter to see what’s been going on. What do you know? Tunisia has a problem with the gender pay gap too! Must be a “peculiarity” in countries with governments that like to boast about the equality and equal treatment of its citizens, but don’t really practice what they preach! (#IMHO)

There were quite a few interesting tweets. I tried to narrow it down to a representative sampling. Some of the “new news” is promising. Some of it is troubling. They’re still struggling. But is there any country in this world that doesn’t have its share of problems?

After months of working on this field in #Kairouan, this is the result 🤩🏟️@usembassytunis @USAIDMiddleEast #changemakers #youthempowerment#Tunisia #Tunisie pic.twitter.com/zGUPuufmhb

— Ma3an Tunisia (@Ma3anTunisia) February 22, 2020

one more #architectural jewel of Gafsa, depicting a #carpet of bricks, recalling neighboring Tozeur city, admired by our guest M. Breezy.. amid the exotic southern-western corner of #Tunisia.. Relaxing saturday! pic.twitter.com/6vZ1o8sRSS

— Afrikya Tunisia (@AfrikyaTN) February 22, 2020

According the @wef ’s gender gap report and despite the legislative gains achieved by 🇹🇳 in recent years, the gender pay gap remains strong in #Tunisia. pic.twitter.com/UAkMczKQb3

— Aswat Nissa (@AswatNissa) February 22, 2020

🇹🇳🇹🇳Me on #Tunisia National TV.
** Part(2):
•Despite the challenges, #Tunisia means hope 2 Arab 🌍. It’s a rising #democracy
•These 2 factors can generate enough Softpower 2b used in a national vision
•Stayin neutral in #Libya won’t protect Tunis frm rslts f wts going on there pic.twitter.com/14CCMXWt0w

— Dr. Ali Bakeer (@AliBakeer) February 21, 2020

Promising Tourism Season in #Tunisia https://t.co/iUTx4LOCCd pic.twitter.com/bPkBRb2Trz

— Asharq Al-Awsat English (@aawsat_eng) February 22, 2020

🔵🇹🇳 Hammamet, Nabeul, Tunisia
A short stroll in the alleys of Hammamet's old Medina is enough to reawaken the love of life in any one of us. Being engulfed in the trilogy of white, blue and green is inherently therapeutic.#hammamet #tunisia@AfrikyaTN pic.twitter.com/lp4fOKiXeb

— Ahmed Ghrib 🇹🇳 (@AhmedGhrib11) February 19, 2020

El Ghriba Synagogue located on the island of Djerba is the oldest synagogues in Tunisia. Grouping Moorish architectural design, legends however say its construction goes back to the High Priests' escape following the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. pic.twitter.com/A0OE7sFy77

— North Africa - ⴰⴼⵔⵉⴽⵉⵢⴰ ⵏ ⵓⴳⴰⴼⴰⵢ - 𓂀☥ - (@discoverNAfrica) February 22, 2020

On this day in 1943, Hitler's Afrika Korps inflicts heavy losses on U.S. forces at Kasserine Pass, Tunisia. It's the first time the two armies have met in a major battle. "It was murder. All I could do was stand by and watch tank after tank blown to bits," recalled one vet. pic.twitter.com/VbUXEkhNJD

— Military History Now (@MilHistNow) February 19, 2020

Lina Ben Mhenni (1983-2020) WAS a Tunisian blogger, an Internet activist, and a #humanrights defender. She died of lupus and kidney failure at the age of 36. She IS honored as a Hero of Tunisia's 2011 Revolution. #InMemoryOf #freedom https://t.co/kXh7n9cxrI https://t.co/nTk1OvldEH

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) February 22, 2020

“#Tunisia's troubling child suicide rates“ writes Alessandra Bajec https://t.co/34Dm8q9qnZ

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) February 22, 2020

♦Source: Virily.com

https://joiedevivre-magazine.tumblr.com/post/619562472271183873/tunisia-in-pictures-15-beautiful-places-to

Government and Politics: The L'Amour Version of Democracy ~ AGREE or DISAGREE

“To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.” ~ Louis L’Amour

Agree or Disagree.

* * *

I DISAGREE!!

I DON’T VOTE!! I PRAY!!

And in a democratic country … that’s OK!

In a democratic country, you can NOT VOTE and still COMPLAIN when something is NOT RIGHT!

The only other form of government that I think has redeeming qualities is Socialism.

But if I had to choose between Democracy and Socialism, I would choose Democracy.

As for the other forms of government? Whatever!

I’m for real when I say that. WHATEVER!

I think people are quite capable of governing themselves. But I also think a democratic nation does need a military force. I know there are some countries that don’t have a military. In a perfect world that would be ideal. But we don’t live in a perfect world. It’s a matter of national security.

With regard to utilizing a military solution as a resolution, I think ALL nations should have this attitude:

“Don’t start nothing. Won’t be nothing.
But if you start something …
you will regret that you barked up that tree!!”

It’s self-defense. Plain and simple.

I really think the only reason we need an elected fearless leader is in the event of a war, and that they should be equipped with the deal-making or negotiating skills to know how to make peace OR if need be, know enough about the “art of war” to make The Enemy go away so that we can live our lives in peace!

* * *

I totally disagree with Mr. L’Amour.

* I chose. You choose. *

* * *

“To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.” ~Louis L’Amour

* Agree or Disagree. *

* * *

Links of Interest:

Pros and Cons of Democracy

Who Decided the Great Political Party Divide?

American Leaders : Who Framed the U.S. Constitution?

#DemocracyDefeated: How Indian Right-Wing Groups Stalled A Bollywood Period Drama ~ Global Voices (My Opinion)

Dear Joe and Jane Illegal: Why Come to US? (An Opinion Piece)

Responding to a blog post titled "There’s a Reason Why so many Illegal Immigrants come to the United States", which presents a very interesting point of view. This blog post is my further elaboration and discussion of the subject.

There are only two reasons people risk slipping across the border to enter a country when they know they could be locked up if they caught or shot dead where they stand. Either they are coming in the hopes of a better life OR they are coming to do some damage in that country. They got an agenda and it's not pretty! For the sake of this discussion, let's ignore the ones with bad intentions. Let's talk about the ones that are only coming to another country for a better life.

• Here's my observation.  They keep coming!  It's not a matter of being prejudiced or being unwelcoming.  It's just scientific fact.  A country can only support so many people.  What can we do to stop them from coming? 

• Here is a possible solution. How about the government of the countries these people are running TO get into together with the countries they are running FROM and see if they can come up with ways to make things better for those folks who are living there. Common sense! If you got a happy home you don't want to leave it! If life is good for you where you live you don't want to move!

Wouldn't it be nice if we could do that?  Think about it.  How did the foreign businesses get set up in a country? The owners must have negotiated with somebody! They didn't just waltz into the country, pick a piece of land, build on it, and then start hiring the locals! Foreigners just don't walk into other countries and start transacting business. Do they? (O.o)

If businesses can move their factories to a country and create jobs for citizens, why can't governments negotiate with other governments to create better-living conditions for those same citizens? It sounds “doable”. Doesn't it? Seems like a win-win for both. Make for good relations between nations.


Of course, that's just wishful thinking on my part. This solution probably won't work because nine times of out of ten, the country that people are running away FROM is either physically suffering from famine or some other disaster, or life there is unbearable because of oppressive corrupt government officials and/or criminal gangs and/or both! A famine or a natural disaster can be handled by humanitarian assistance. But not if corrupt government officials and thugs intercept the aid that is intended to help those in distress.


As long as there are countries that mistreat and abuse THEIR OWN CITIZENS, those human beings are going to FLEE FOR THEIR LIVES!! They do not care that they are illegals in a foreign country, because in their country they left they were citizens with no human rights! So they probably figure, what the difference of their status in either country? They got no rights either way!


As for folks who hire illegals.  As the old expression goes: If you're not part of the solution, you must be part of the problem.  Unfortunately, there are evildoers on both sides of the fence. For the person coming across the border, they run away from one oppressor into the arms of another oppressor. What does the poor human being do just to live? They rationalize and think: ‘Sure this person's is treating me wrong. But they're not treating me near as bad as where I came from!'


To this day, I don't know why the folks who hire illegals are not to sent to prison and/or made to pay hefty fines and penalties. They're breaking the law too!  They are not providing a solution and just adding on to the problem.


NOTE: Content first appears at LiteracyBase, Nov 17, 2016.

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Progress Report from Hungary's Fenced Borderlands

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#EllisIsland #Immigration Photos: We're All Immigrants https://t.co/GnNNjIXL7O
Contrary to what some might have you believe, American identity can look like many things. These Ellis Island immigration photos prove it.

— My Fox Nooze (@FoxMarks_ATX) June 13, 2018

Can Trump's anti-immigrant border wall be built without immigrant labor?

Border agents don't want an opaque, precast concrete wall. Financially, the wall is unlikely to be built without immigrant labor. And historically, large-scale border walls don't keep people out as much as signal that an empire is caving in. Here's why Donald Trump's...

• MY COMMENTS: Can Trump’s anti-immigrant border wall be built without immigrant labor? Can honestly say that the thought never even crossed my mind. There is a related article at this site in which architects suggests that the wall could be built with shipping containers and micro-housing units. (https://archinect.com/news/article/149996309/these-architects-actually-proposed-building-the-border-wall-with-shipping-containers-and-micro-housing-units) That's another idea that didn't occur to us. A Texas contractor won a $145 million contract to build the Trump Wall. (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/border-wall-texas-contractor-slsco-wins-145-million-contract-for-6-mile-wall-rio-grande-valley/ ) How are they going to build it? It's their problem. With that kind of money, they should be able to solve it.

Reading List: “Stumbling Giant: The Threats to China's Future” by Timothy Beardson

“Many argue that China will soon overtake the United States and become the next superpower. Timothy Beardson, author of Stumbling Giant: The Threats to China’s Future, disagrees ...” (Source: Yalepress)

My Opinion:

China? The next superpower? I don't know how many "Many" is - but I do know that I'm not in that number. Whatever the count. And just exactly what is a "superpower" and how many are there already? Because ONE is too many! How I see it, it was knuckleheads with a "superpower mentality" who caused TWO WORLD WARS!!!

Beardson's book was published 2013 and a lot has happened since then.  For one thing, China decided to amend its Constitution and make their current president, president for life!  For another thing, Donald Trump got elected US president and has engaged China in a trade war.

Still!  Beardson' book is good to add your reading list for historical perspectives and China's position on the world stage and its relationship to the United States.
* * *

“Stumbling Giant: The Threats to China's Future” by Timothy Beardson

♦

Society and Culture: "The Rise of Asia: A New Phenomenon?"

Intro: "Many believe that the rising prominence of Asia, and particularly China, in world affairs is an unexpected and new phenomenon but history shows us that Asian superiority in terms of the progress and cultural output of their societies has occurred in the past."


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Leadership By Virtue: The Economy and a 'cultural noise in the background ... (Reblog)

Jaro Berce's blog, Leadership By Virtue, is a blog about his book by that name. Just recently started following it and picked up on this because it was listed as one of the "Popular Posts".

♦

.... It is also risking #China's ability to navigate the inherently-tricky middle-income transition phase of its (so far impressive) economic development process. Here's why:https://t.co/t6D0SW8uBL#economy #markets @bopinion @business #trade #ChinaUS #ChinaTariffs #chinatrade https://t.co/6mKsZwNsHw

— Mohamed A. El-Erian (@elerianm) May 17, 2019

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BBC News - China's Xi allowed to remain 'president for life' as term limits removed https://t.co/W4Y6OV86gJ

— BlackeyedSusan28 (@chesscat48) May 13, 2019

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* * *

MY Closing Thoughts:

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries in the World 2019 ~ https://t.co/Oil4tQdVp9 ~ Are #powerful, #influential, and #superpower the same thing? #IMHO. No country is a superpower or powerful. But if a country can persuade others to strive for #worldpeace that makes them influential. pic.twitter.com/2sdfdZQRMa

— Treathyl Fox (@cmoneyspinner) May 17, 2019

#DemocracyDefeated: How Indian Right-Wing Groups Stalled A Bollywood Period Drama ~ Global Voices (My Opinion)

Global Voices is a publication that opens your eyes to the world around you. This particular article peaked my interest for two reasons. Number One, I enjoy watching Bollywood movies. Number Two, I am a huge fan of Deepika Padukone.

I AM APPALLED!!! SHOCKED! and quite frankly, DISGUSTED!!! at the content of this article. Not upset with the article writers. In fact, they are very brave to write the article at all. How do they know there won't be a bounty on their head too???!!

Is this what real life is like in India, a democratic country?  

#DemocracyDefeated: How Indian Right-Wing Groups Stalled A Bollywood Period Drama · Global Voices

GV logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So???  QUESTION. 

In India, politicians or political leaders can actually threaten citizens with beheading?? Oh my!

Say what? Oh of course. The article does use the word “alleged”. 

Alleged? Oh!  Does that mean it's not REAL?? 

NO! Alleged means it could be VERY REAL. But right at the moment, there is no PROOF!!

So??? QUESTION.
If Ms. Padukone gets her head chopped off, will that be PROOF??

Here are a few excerpts from the article that will send shivers up and down your spine.

"...  put a $1.5 million bounty on Deepika Padukone's head, asking followers to behead her and the movie's director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Other threats included chopping off Padukone's nose, burning her alive and beating up other actors in the movie. ..."

Follow up to this Global Voices article dated Nov 2017.  Report by Geo.tv dated Jan 9, 2018.

Controversial ‘Padmavati’ to release as ‘Padmavat’ on January 25

So???  QUESTION. 

Now that the film will be released, does this mean that threatening citizens of India with beheading is OK?? Oh my!

Society and Culture: “The Rise of Asia: A New Phenomenon?”

China to rise above the US?  It's a question and a thought.

~ Intro: “Many believe that the rising prominence of Asia, and particularly China, in world affairs is an unexpected and new phenomenon but history shows us that Asian superiority in terms of the progress and cultural output of their societies has occurred in the past.” 

~ Conclusion: “The West may see a threat in the rise of Asia but Asian countries see an opportunity to improve their status and move their societies closer to what they once were.” 

Interesting reading. 
~ Will China will ever become more powerful than the US? 
~ Care to weigh in? 
My answer was not included in the poll's multiple response options.
My answer is: Define “powerful”.

• The Rise of Asia: A New Phenomenon? | HUBPages.com

Via Joie de Vivre Magazine

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