Friends, this week's Newsmaker Show isn't just an American tour de force; it's a truly global triumph. That's because, sure, Brian and I get to the bottom of American politics, including our perverse national obsession with "diversity, equity, and inclusion", plus the kerfuffle over the migrants flown to Martha's Vineyard, but we ALSO reveal the truth about the stagnating and sputtering Chinese economy, and how it could threaten the stability of the global order. You thought China was scary when it was fat and happy? Try the Chicoms on for size when they get nervous and cranky! I don't know about you, but, when China starts to teeter, I don't know whether to laugh or cry...
When Brian and I turn to "This Day in History", we talk over the life and legacy of Benedict Arnold, the twists and turns of the French Revolution, and the sly maneuvers performed by FDR to guide the U.S. into WWII, mostly against the wishes of the American people.
The Newsmaker Show's coverage of the news and of history is broad, therefore. Broad enough to bring you, quite literally, the world! You're most welcome.
https://wlea.net/newsmaker-september-21-2022-dr-nick-waddy/
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In other news, Russia is taking (arguably long overdue) steps to bolster its forces in Ukraine by partially mobilizing its reserves. Many in the West talk about Russia as though it's a spent force. On the contrary, a major power with a population close to 150 million and nuclear weapons isn't to be taken lightly.
Also, in a move that will surprise precisely no one, New York Attorney General Letitia James is following through on her threats to sue Donald Trump, Trump's kids, and his company for fradulently inflating the value of their properties. This add's to DJT's legal headaches, and in all likelihood it redoubles his determination to run (and win) in 2024.
Dr.Waddy from Jack: I think for so many Chinese, the living memories or the accounts of destitution and constant warfare are as harrowing as to make them tolerant of government many peoples would find unbearable, as long as it spares them past suffering. China has usually had authoritarian government, either familial or public. An economic downturn might have to be terribly intense to move people who know rock bottom poverty to outrage. It might be unwise of Chinese leadership to try to mitigate concern over diminished economic well being with military adventure. That combination could generate regime threatening unrest.
ReplyDeleteDr. Waddy from Jack: The apparently reflexive reaction of Martha's Vineyard to the invasion of illegal immigrants may not be characteristic of year round residents. But it surely is definitive of leftists who obviously find in it a familiar ambience. The left is always loathe to live the wrongheaded hardships it enthusiastically and contemptuously forces on others and it makes haste to excoriate or savage any who take it to task for the its convenient presumption. Leonid with his 100 cars, Madame Mao and her extensive wardrobe, Daniel Ortega with his warehouse of designer glasses, the porcine Kims with their tasty treats; commie cadre with the privileges which keep them oppressing with obsequious vigor: the American left is no different. "Why", they pontificate, "your semifascist resistance to our lawfully accomodating border is reprehensible". ("just don't expect of us that inconvenience which is rightfully imposed on deplorables like you").
ReplyDeleteDr.Waddy from Jack: Arnold, as you say, was an extraordinary motivator and soldier who did much good for the American side in the first years. Though without military experience he soon proved worthy of high command, had he (impossibly)been given early command of the Continental army he might have won more battles. But he lacked the willingness to play diplomatic games and the humility and patience which Washington proved to be vital in defeating the British. He was unable to countenance the calumny and ingratitude Washington too suffered from his military peers and from haughty civilians. So he reacted with characteristic dispatch which he is said to have lamented in later life. Its interesting to wonder what kind of post war citizen he might have been.
ReplyDeleteDr. Waddy from Jack: My father, a WWII combat vet, who liked FDR, was visibly upset upon hearing a recording of FDR saying" your boys won't be going to any foreign war. "
ReplyDeleteJack, that's a good point that many Chinese have vivid memories of extreme poverty (and some still suffer it). Ergo, their ability to "make do" might exceed our own?
ReplyDeleteJack, there are few narratives about the Left more unflattering than the one that exposes them as self-satisfied, privileged, insular hypocrites. That's what makes the Martha's Vineyard gambit PURE GOLD, in my estimation. Let's have more of the same!!!
Jack, that's a superb point that Washington himself was savaged by many of his peers (and underlings), not to mention the press, and he bore those slings and arrows with supreme patience and selflessness. I guess Arnold was made of meaner stuff.
Jack, we can say what we like about the nobility of American participation in WWI and WWII, but the fact remains that Wilson and FDR were fundamentally dishonest in the way in which they inveigled us in both conflicts.
Dr.Waddy from Jack: Arnold was one tough dude. In command at the critical Battle of Valcour Island in 1776, he ran a subordinate clean through for disobeying an order at an inconvenient time. The story of his winter trek across Maine to try to take Quebec is harrowing. I went to Martha's Vineyard once and I found the swarm of jet set swells there to be repellent.
ReplyDeleteJack, I haven't made it to Martha's Vineyard yet, but it would be neat to see it. If things don't work out for me as a tourist, I assume there will always be a place for me at Joint Base Cape Cod, behind the razor wire (a conservative's natural habitat)...
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