“GDP growth isn’t the way forward.” Certainly not if it is caused by inflation and credit growth, however if via increased productivity & manufacturing that pays reasonable wages then that is another story. Economies need to diversify, all Thais shouldn’t be impoverished rice farmers or prostitutes, nor westerners grossly overweight in service industries.
Let me assure you that I don’t read Utusan nor I believe in everything they report. At the same token, I don’t believe in everything Malaysiakini, MI, Malaysia Chronicles, SR,etc print either.
I don’t support the ISA detention (which was done a few years ago) or Perkasa’s antics. However these provocative actions are not one way. Pakatan and their supporters’ actions too have contributed to such heightened level of politics.
The constant accusations and attacks on BN by pro-PR on line media and cyber troopers are often overlooked by pro-Opposition folks. Anwar’s Sept 16 plan, DAP’s using of TBH and Altantunya cases to falsely and maliciously attack BN are hardly ethical or good politics.
On daily basis PR attacks BN via all kinds of channel, throwing accusations of racism, corruptions, criminality,etc without a shred of evidence. They set up websites like MI,SR. MC for example with the sole aim to attack BN. Are these not provocative ?
DAP talks about removing NEP and Malay’s special positions. They order mosques to silence the loudspeakers for prayers (btw I am not a Muslim),etc. Are these not provocative ?
PR get their puppets like Ambiga to organise rallies like Bersih purportedly for clean elections but in reality to seize power via street demo. Aren’t these provocative ?
Police actions against Bersih was not because they are anti-clean election but this whole thing was planned, funded and organised and executed by Bersih. This is not a call for reform but a political hijack.
Let me also reply in simple, point by point style.
1. No one had accused you being a card carrying member of Pakatan (though you might well be since I have no means to prove that). However since you are an economist, why would you focus on issues that are not economics in nature. The last I checked you have no qualifications in political science so I wonder how “academic” your views could be.
2. Sarawak Report : Trusted by the international news agencies ? How do you conclude that ? Care to present facts to support it? Also FBC was suspended in the light of allegations by SR and not dumped solely based on SR’s allegations. Your comments here are highly misleading and unacademic.
3. I don’t think I can dispute your views when you comment on economic issues. But in most cases your analysis tend to be highly biased on picking up points on how to attack the BN govt rather looking at economic issues in general and provide commentary. That’s why I question your impartiality and credentials as academic. 10 out of 10 times your articles focus on attacking BN and using emotive languages. In many cases even when commenting on economic issues, your comments tend to be emotional and subjective and deviate from economic analysis to political commentary.
Even here for example, why would you chose to select this particular issue when there are many other more important issues in Malaysia. For example I have not seen you writing the most important issues in Malaysia economy, the ETP and the liberalization. All I see is picking up minor points and attacking it with the sole point of making the BN look bad.
4. Of course, you don’t glorify Pakatan as undermining BN will do the same trick. I am sure a lot of Malaysians think the same way as you do about PR but that’s an issue for the elections and not for academic discussions.
5. I am more than happy to argue objectively but unfortunately as I had mentioned before you are not playing the academic but the politician. But giving sources such as SR and MI, you have done a cardinal sin as an academic. You should know that SR and MI do not provide sources to back up their claims but just quote “sources”. This I would hardly consider as academic, don’t you think so ? Both SR and MI are well known as the staunch supporters of Pakatan, even you must know that. I think you would hardly accept if I quote some BN bloggers to support my accusations against PR.
6. I think you sort of scored an own goal here by admitting your intentions. As for my intentions, I am no academic nor intersted in writing ops-ed to support BN policies. I just detest those fake academics who pretend to be impartial but in fact have hidden political agenda.
And finally I must say that even when you write about purely economics matter, I am unimpressed by the intellectual depth of the analysis. Only Pakatan cybertroopers such as “neptunian” might consider them as masterpieces….
Great response to “Killer”. He /she is very typical of person or persons, unable to come up with a logical or intellectual arguement. I don’t blame “killer” though. It is really hard to spin against my comments #9. One is left with simple accusations and hope no one else reads anything but Utusan Malaysia.
(1) For the record, these are my professional analysis – as an economist and a long time political observer of Malaysia. I am not a card carrying member of any political party neither am on the payroll of any opposition political party.
(2) For the record, Sarawak Report (SR) is trusted by the Al Jazeera, BBC, the ABC, CNN and NBC who have carried their reports and who have also dumped FBC based on investigations by SR.
(3) If you read my articles carefully, you will notice that I prefer for the present moment Pakatan Rakyat to Barisan Nasional for one simple reason – Barisan Nasional is not taking the needed reforms to improve the economic and social welfare of Malaysians. My analysis has been consistent. You can read my articles in Malaysia’s mainstream newspapers such as the The Star when I was a senior research officer at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research – pointing out the lacklustre efforts of the Gov of Malaysia in implementing economic, social and political reforms.
(4) You will notice that there is no article that glorifies Pakatan Rakyat. We do know that Pakatan Rakyat have many weaknesses as political parties and as a coalition. However at this present moment, it is my professional opinion, that Pakatan Rakyat is the better option to lead Malaysia – as a coalition, as a composition of political parties and as individual leaders within these parties than Barisan Nasional. Not only I think this way but about 51 % of Malaysians on the Peninsular also think this way.
(5) You note that I am an opposition supporter when I logically point out the failures of this government. This is not a good convention. Instead, I would encourage you to counter my arguments in true academic fashion with arguments of your own as many of New Mandala readers often do and which is one the main objectives of New Mandala – to encourage vigorous debate.
(6) I also rather you not make motherhood statements (in typical Barisan Nasional style). Instead I invite you to pen op-eds at regular intervals espousing why you think that the Barisan Nasional policies are better than that of Pakatan Rakyat for New Mandala readers to debate.
On the “middle income trap” and how to overcome it, including a change of the political system, see the director of Sasin’s Institute for Global Affairs, Suvit Maesince, in the BP of today at
Drawing similarities between trade / investment / infrastructure aid and colonisation – declaring ownership for a distant sovereign is really pushing it.
If that is the case, then all FDI (foreign direct investment) would be considered “colonisation” I beg to differ. Trade is a global activity now. Whether we like it or not, the world is now flatter than ever and economic growth benefits everyone.
Unless one is at the pinnacle of development and does not wish to share the view with anyone else!? I have always had problems with the restriction of growth in the developing world by the “west” using all kinds of “holier than thou” excuses…. want an example?
CFC refrigerant was declared not acceptable and an alternate was proposed – right after the CFC IP / patent expired. NOT a day before? WHY? We knew about the ozone layer well before that.
Billy Budd (40) makes a good point. The US military-industrial complex, which has had the dominant control US foreign policy since the death of FDR, has been allied with, the Thai military and selling them weapons for 50 years. The US right would no doubt view the Thai right as an ally in the coming conflict with the Chinese commies. Clinton, and the rest of the present US administration are a bit different, and may remember enough history to see a democratic Thailand as a steadier ally and less of a regional troublemaker than a xenophobic, fascist Thailand. The next US administration may revert to type, so things need to happen fast. Another reason to move quickly is to act before the expected crescendo of hatred against the elected government of Thailand has a chance to build.
Readers be warned. Greg Lopez is not an unbiased and academic writer he wants to us to believe.
It is well known in Malaysia that Greg Lopez is a strong supporter of the Pakatan Rakyat, which is currently the Opposition in Malaysia. Greg is also noted for his regular articles and letters to the Malaysia media attacking the current government. While such criticisms are part and parcel of democracy, but Greg’s articles are more personal with hidden agenda of undermining the BN govt with half truths and unproven allegations, as it is the case here.
The Sarawak Report that Greg quotes here is hardly a reliable source since it has been exposed as being funded by the political opposition for the sole purpose of undermining the current govt.
While Malaysia’s record in human rights is not up to the level of Australia, many of these allegations are untrue.
The real reason why Pakatan supporters like Greg is against this agreement is that this will bolster the relationship between Najib and Australia which has been strained for some years. Australia has been a friend of Anwar and with this agreement, Anwar and Pakatan feel their ties to Australia being cut off.
The Yinglak Cabinet can be compared to a football team. The players, with their Beckham-like star centre forward. The owner, foreign-based and filthy rich. The coaches. The professional cheer-leaders. And the vast “barmy army” of colour-coded fans.
“With strong statements of support for abolition from Clinton and others, immediately an announcement was made, the Army would be isolated. Abolition of Lèse Majesté would be a big step towards bringing the Army under the control of the elected government.”
Would that be in the best interests of US foreign policy?
I can’t recall any criticism of Thai style democracy from any US government in the last century. Why would they start now? There was a discreet silence from the Bush government when Thaksin asked for support to reinstall himself and his dynasty.
It is generally more economical and expedient to support one firm dictator than an unruly mob of squabbling politicians and unpliant masses.
I was unusually intrigued by a Discovery Channel programme on “Great Empires Of The Past” or some such. In between the ads and recaps there were some hired talking heads explaining to us the successes and failures of the once mighty British empire. I appreciate these programmes are made on a tight budget but tellingly all the experts pontificating on British imperial development were…….chinese professors from chinese universities…
What can we learn from this?
To end with Monty Python:
It has been bought to my attention that some boys have been rubbing linseed oil into the school cormorant… Now I would like you all to remember that the cormorant was presented to the school by the citizens of Sudbury to commemorate all those who gave their lives fighting to keep China British…
Improving Malaysia’simage abroad is a tall order. Unless the more well read “abroad” do not read any news coming out of Malaysia at all;
How does one do a positive spin on the following;
1. Reporter arrested under ISA (internal security act) for her own protection
2. Perkasa – under patronage of Mahathir – threatening violence and arson against Christians and Chinese (as if they are one and the same??) – no action by police
3. Umno politician – just yeaterday – threatening to burn down online news portal (after talking to Allah – friday prayers, no less) – no action by police
4. Ministers behaving as if they are absolute monarch – declaring yellow T shirts illegal. – don’t know what to say here!
5. Police behaving the same way declaring anything yellow illegal
Anecdote – Friend was stop at a police road block before the Bersih march, and asked why he was driving a yellow car into the city area??? – almost died laughing when told this.
We discussed the idea of international journal of Thai studies at the conference and a number of presenters and researchers showed their interests in serving in the editorial board. Will keep you posted with this idea.
While China may not have a history of “colonization” of distant lands, it has certainly had a tradition of indirectly ruling over and receiving “tribute” from adjacent lands.
In 2011, anyone traveling thru Burma, especially northern Burma/Mandalay, anyone who takes a close look at the “development” going on in Laos and anyone who analysis China’s role in Cambodia can see many similarities between the role of “colonial powers” and how China is acting and what China is doing.
Throughout Africa, there are also many similarities between China’s present role, importing Chinese manpower and money, extracting raw materials, and the traditional role of “colonial powers” in Africa.
This would also apply to various Pacific Island territories and some of the more impoverished Central and South American countries, Paraguay in particular.
The South China Sea dispute in which China is claiming mineral and fishing rights hundreds of miles from its coastline and ownership of islands that have traditionally been controlled by other, smaller countries also reveals a sort of “hegemonic” point of view that mirrors “colonial” attitudes.
All of this would seem to be an inevitable and logical result of China’s economic expansion which has created a huge appetite and need for more natural resources which China must seek outside China. Again, very similar to the origin of Imperialism and Colonialism by the European powers and the U.S. in the 19th and 20th century.
“A unified West would be practically invincible in the foreseeable future.”
This is the voice of the would be Alternate Asian Hegemon. The one that is so very far indeed from challenging China that it offers to hold the West’s coat in the fight.
In fact all the ‘great powers’ via their increasingly brutal assertions of hegemony, from Barack Obama’s drone murders and assassinations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, through NATO’s massacres of civilians in Libya and complicity in Central Asia, to China’s strong arm techniques in its own West, in Burma, Lao, and now in the ‘South China Sea’ are all alienating ordinary people globally. At least they’ve all alienated me, and I hope you all as well.
Unless we ourselves put the brakes on the governments within our own respective spheres of influence this zero-sum cancer is going to continue to metastasize. The question is doc… how long have we got?
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Thailand: an upper-middle income economy
“GDP growth isn’t the way forward.” Certainly not if it is caused by inflation and credit growth, however if via increased productivity & manufacturing that pays reasonable wages then that is another story. Economies need to diversify, all Thais shouldn’t be impoverished rice farmers or prostitutes, nor westerners grossly overweight in service industries.
Najib still an asset?
Dear Neptunian
Let me assure you that I don’t read Utusan nor I believe in everything they report. At the same token, I don’t believe in everything Malaysiakini, MI, Malaysia Chronicles, SR,etc print either.
I don’t support the ISA detention (which was done a few years ago) or Perkasa’s antics. However these provocative actions are not one way. Pakatan and their supporters’ actions too have contributed to such heightened level of politics.
The constant accusations and attacks on BN by pro-PR on line media and cyber troopers are often overlooked by pro-Opposition folks. Anwar’s Sept 16 plan, DAP’s using of TBH and Altantunya cases to falsely and maliciously attack BN are hardly ethical or good politics.
On daily basis PR attacks BN via all kinds of channel, throwing accusations of racism, corruptions, criminality,etc without a shred of evidence. They set up websites like MI,SR. MC for example with the sole aim to attack BN. Are these not provocative ?
DAP talks about removing NEP and Malay’s special positions. They order mosques to silence the loudspeakers for prayers (btw I am not a Muslim),etc. Are these not provocative ?
PR get their puppets like Ambiga to organise rallies like Bersih purportedly for clean elections but in reality to seize power via street demo. Aren’t these provocative ?
Police actions against Bersih was not because they are anti-clean election but this whole thing was planned, funded and organised and executed by Bersih. This is not a call for reform but a political hijack.
Najib still an asset?
Dear Greg
Let me also reply in simple, point by point style.
1. No one had accused you being a card carrying member of Pakatan (though you might well be since I have no means to prove that). However since you are an economist, why would you focus on issues that are not economics in nature. The last I checked you have no qualifications in political science so I wonder how “academic” your views could be.
2. Sarawak Report : Trusted by the international news agencies ? How do you conclude that ? Care to present facts to support it? Also FBC was suspended in the light of allegations by SR and not dumped solely based on SR’s allegations. Your comments here are highly misleading and unacademic.
3. I don’t think I can dispute your views when you comment on economic issues. But in most cases your analysis tend to be highly biased on picking up points on how to attack the BN govt rather looking at economic issues in general and provide commentary. That’s why I question your impartiality and credentials as academic. 10 out of 10 times your articles focus on attacking BN and using emotive languages. In many cases even when commenting on economic issues, your comments tend to be emotional and subjective and deviate from economic analysis to political commentary.
Even here for example, why would you chose to select this particular issue when there are many other more important issues in Malaysia. For example I have not seen you writing the most important issues in Malaysia economy, the ETP and the liberalization. All I see is picking up minor points and attacking it with the sole point of making the BN look bad.
4. Of course, you don’t glorify Pakatan as undermining BN will do the same trick. I am sure a lot of Malaysians think the same way as you do about PR but that’s an issue for the elections and not for academic discussions.
5. I am more than happy to argue objectively but unfortunately as I had mentioned before you are not playing the academic but the politician. But giving sources such as SR and MI, you have done a cardinal sin as an academic. You should know that SR and MI do not provide sources to back up their claims but just quote “sources”. This I would hardly consider as academic, don’t you think so ? Both SR and MI are well known as the staunch supporters of Pakatan, even you must know that. I think you would hardly accept if I quote some BN bloggers to support my accusations against PR.
6. I think you sort of scored an own goal here by admitting your intentions. As for my intentions, I am no academic nor intersted in writing ops-ed to support BN policies. I just detest those fake academics who pretend to be impartial but in fact have hidden political agenda.
And finally I must say that even when you write about purely economics matter, I am unimpressed by the intellectual depth of the analysis. Only Pakatan cybertroopers such as “neptunian” might consider them as masterpieces….
Crown Prince’s family update?
Never mind Andrew,
When you start getting praise from ‘Tony’ that’s the time to worry.
Thailand: an upper-middle income economy
Charles. What about poverty reduction?
Najib still an asset?
Hai Greg,
Great response to “Killer”. He /she is very typical of person or persons, unable to come up with a logical or intellectual arguement. I don’t blame “killer” though. It is really hard to spin against my comments #9. One is left with simple accusations and hope no one else reads anything but Utusan Malaysia.
Thailand: an upper-middle income economy
GDP growth isn’t the way forward.
Najib still an asset?
Good day Killer #10.
(1) For the record, these are my professional analysis – as an economist and a long time political observer of Malaysia. I am not a card carrying member of any political party neither am on the payroll of any opposition political party.
(2) For the record, Sarawak Report (SR) is trusted by the Al Jazeera, BBC, the ABC, CNN and NBC who have carried their reports and who have also dumped FBC based on investigations by SR.
(3) If you read my articles carefully, you will notice that I prefer for the present moment Pakatan Rakyat to Barisan Nasional for one simple reason – Barisan Nasional is not taking the needed reforms to improve the economic and social welfare of Malaysians. My analysis has been consistent. You can read my articles in Malaysia’s mainstream newspapers such as the The Star when I was a senior research officer at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research – pointing out the lacklustre efforts of the Gov of Malaysia in implementing economic, social and political reforms.
(4) You will notice that there is no article that glorifies Pakatan Rakyat. We do know that Pakatan Rakyat have many weaknesses as political parties and as a coalition. However at this present moment, it is my professional opinion, that Pakatan Rakyat is the better option to lead Malaysia – as a coalition, as a composition of political parties and as individual leaders within these parties than Barisan Nasional. Not only I think this way but about 51 % of Malaysians on the Peninsular also think this way.
(5) You note that I am an opposition supporter when I logically point out the failures of this government. This is not a good convention. Instead, I would encourage you to counter my arguments in true academic fashion with arguments of your own as many of New Mandala readers often do and which is one the main objectives of New Mandala – to encourage vigorous debate.
(6) I also rather you not make motherhood statements (in typical Barisan Nasional style). Instead I invite you to pen op-eds at regular intervals espousing why you think that the Barisan Nasional policies are better than that of Pakatan Rakyat for New Mandala readers to debate.
Visit my website http://malaysiasdilemma.wordpress.com/ for a better grasp of my views.
Thailand: an upper-middle income economy
On the “middle income trap” and how to overcome it, including a change of the political system, see the director of Sasin’s Institute for Global Affairs, Suvit Maesince, in the BP of today at
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/251854/time-for-a-real-reform-agenda
China’s achilles’ heels
Arthur #4
Drawing similarities between trade / investment / infrastructure aid and colonisation – declaring ownership for a distant sovereign is really pushing it.
If that is the case, then all FDI (foreign direct investment) would be considered “colonisation” I beg to differ. Trade is a global activity now. Whether we like it or not, the world is now flatter than ever and economic growth benefits everyone.
Unless one is at the pinnacle of development and does not wish to share the view with anyone else!? I have always had problems with the restriction of growth in the developing world by the “west” using all kinds of “holier than thou” excuses…. want an example?
CFC refrigerant was declared not acceptable and an alternate was proposed – right after the CFC IP / patent expired. NOT a day before? WHY? We knew about the ozone layer well before that.
Ji Ungpakorn on lese majeste
Billy Budd (40) makes a good point. The US military-industrial complex, which has had the dominant control US foreign policy since the death of FDR, has been allied with, the Thai military and selling them weapons for 50 years. The US right would no doubt view the Thai right as an ally in the coming conflict with the Chinese commies. Clinton, and the rest of the present US administration are a bit different, and may remember enough history to see a democratic Thailand as a steadier ally and less of a regional troublemaker than a xenophobic, fascist Thailand. The next US administration may revert to type, so things need to happen fast. Another reason to move quickly is to act before the expected crescendo of hatred against the elected government of Thailand has a chance to build.
Najib still an asset?
Readers be warned. Greg Lopez is not an unbiased and academic writer he wants to us to believe.
It is well known in Malaysia that Greg Lopez is a strong supporter of the Pakatan Rakyat, which is currently the Opposition in Malaysia. Greg is also noted for his regular articles and letters to the Malaysia media attacking the current government. While such criticisms are part and parcel of democracy, but Greg’s articles are more personal with hidden agenda of undermining the BN govt with half truths and unproven allegations, as it is the case here.
The Sarawak Report that Greg quotes here is hardly a reliable source since it has been exposed as being funded by the political opposition for the sole purpose of undermining the current govt.
While Malaysia’s record in human rights is not up to the level of Australia, many of these allegations are untrue.
The real reason why Pakatan supporters like Greg is against this agreement is that this will bolster the relationship between Najib and Australia which has been strained for some years. Australia has been a friend of Anwar and with this agreement, Anwar and Pakatan feel their ties to Australia being cut off.
Yingluck’s cabinet
The Yinglak Cabinet can be compared to a football team. The players, with their Beckham-like star centre forward. The owner, foreign-based and filthy rich. The coaches. The professional cheer-leaders. And the vast “barmy army” of colour-coded fans.
Thaki, Thaki, Thaki! Oi, Oi, Oi!
Ji Ungpakorn on lese majeste
R. N. England 32
“With strong statements of support for abolition from Clinton and others, immediately an announcement was made, the Army would be isolated. Abolition of Lèse Majesté would be a big step towards bringing the Army under the control of the elected government.”
Would that be in the best interests of US foreign policy?
I can’t recall any criticism of Thai style democracy from any US government in the last century. Why would they start now? There was a discreet silence from the Bush government when Thaksin asked for support to reinstall himself and his dynasty.
It is generally more economical and expedient to support one firm dictator than an unruly mob of squabbling politicians and unpliant masses.
China’s achilles’ heels
I was unusually intrigued by a Discovery Channel programme on “Great Empires Of The Past” or some such. In between the ads and recaps there were some hired talking heads explaining to us the successes and failures of the once mighty British empire. I appreciate these programmes are made on a tight budget but tellingly all the experts pontificating on British imperial development were…….chinese professors from chinese universities…
What can we learn from this?
To end with Monty Python:
It has been bought to my attention that some boys have been rubbing linseed oil into the school cormorant… Now I would like you all to remember that the cormorant was presented to the school by the citizens of Sudbury to commemorate all those who gave their lives fighting to keep China British…
Najib still an asset?
Improving Malaysia’simage abroad is a tall order. Unless the more well read “abroad” do not read any news coming out of Malaysia at all;
How does one do a positive spin on the following;
1. Reporter arrested under ISA (internal security act) for her own protection
2. Perkasa – under patronage of Mahathir – threatening violence and arson against Christians and Chinese (as if they are one and the same??) – no action by police
3. Umno politician – just yeaterday – threatening to burn down online news portal (after talking to Allah – friday prayers, no less) – no action by police
4. Ministers behaving as if they are absolute monarch – declaring yellow T shirts illegal. – don’t know what to say here!
5. Police behaving the same way declaring anything yellow illegal
Anecdote – Friend was stop at a police road block before the Bersih march, and asked why he was driving a yellow car into the city area??? – almost died laughing when told this.
Thai Studies conference in Melbourne, redux
Observer,
To observe is to become aware of through careful attention.
Oops! how ironic!
Thai Studies conference in Melbourne, redux
Andrew,
We discussed the idea of international journal of Thai studies at the conference and a number of presenters and researchers showed their interests in serving in the editorial board. Will keep you posted with this idea.
China’s achilles’ heels
While China may not have a history of “colonization” of distant lands, it has certainly had a tradition of indirectly ruling over and receiving “tribute” from adjacent lands.
In 2011, anyone traveling thru Burma, especially northern Burma/Mandalay, anyone who takes a close look at the “development” going on in Laos and anyone who analysis China’s role in Cambodia can see many similarities between the role of “colonial powers” and how China is acting and what China is doing.
Throughout Africa, there are also many similarities between China’s present role, importing Chinese manpower and money, extracting raw materials, and the traditional role of “colonial powers” in Africa.
This would also apply to various Pacific Island territories and some of the more impoverished Central and South American countries, Paraguay in particular.
The South China Sea dispute in which China is claiming mineral and fishing rights hundreds of miles from its coastline and ownership of islands that have traditionally been controlled by other, smaller countries also reveals a sort of “hegemonic” point of view that mirrors “colonial” attitudes.
All of this would seem to be an inevitable and logical result of China’s economic expansion which has created a huge appetite and need for more natural resources which China must seek outside China. Again, very similar to the origin of Imperialism and Colonialism by the European powers and the U.S. in the 19th and 20th century.
China’s achilles’ heels
“A unified West would be practically invincible in the foreseeable future.”
This is the voice of the would be Alternate Asian Hegemon. The one that is so very far indeed from challenging China that it offers to hold the West’s coat in the fight.
In fact all the ‘great powers’ via their increasingly brutal assertions of hegemony, from Barack Obama’s drone murders and assassinations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, through NATO’s massacres of civilians in Libya and complicity in Central Asia, to China’s strong arm techniques in its own West, in Burma, Lao, and now in the ‘South China Sea’ are all alienating ordinary people globally. At least they’ve all alienated me, and I hope you all as well.
Unless we ourselves put the brakes on the governments within our own respective spheres of influence this zero-sum cancer is going to continue to metastasize. The question is doc… how long have we got?