Is China Preparing For Something Rash?

Quite possibly the most frightening headline I've seen in a while - Pravda's "China Getting Ready for Severe Blitzkrieg."

Apparently, the Defense Department released a paper saying that China appears to be preparing for an attack against Taiwan, something that could cause a strategic nightmare. We're sworn to defend Taiwan, and I think we would have a moral obligation to do so, but I do not relish the idea of fighting the Chinese army. If Taiwan were to come under military attack, we should waste no time in executing a forceful counter-attack.

Even though a Democrat said it, I still agree with the sentiment that "we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty." That includes engaging the military of a country with 1.3 billion people.
posted by Owen at 8/05/2003 12:24:00 AM

 
Pirates!!!!

I just saw Pirates of the Caribbean, and I highly recommend it. The music was phenomenal, the story interesting, the script witty, and Johnny Depp was absolutely astounding. This film deserve far higher than the 65% critics rating in Rottentomatoes.

The one-liners were smart, I only cringed once the entire movie - at a concept that could have been quite funny but I guess wasn't delievered properly ("you like pain, try wearing a corset"). The action scenes were impressive but now, only 1 hour later, I can't remember a single one in detail. Though the action is there, it isn't what carries this film. That honour goes to the craftsmanship (craftspersonship?) of Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Depp. They make it quite clear that they are both enjoying what they do, and executing it superbly.

In short, good movie, go see it.
posted by Owen at 8/04/2003 11:49:00 PM

 
Another Suicide Bomb in Russia

This is a form of warfare that must be eradicated. While the target may be justified by some because it was a military hospital, killing soldiers who are no shape to fight is neither a smart use of resources nor a morally sustainable position.

Why is there no international outrage against these attacks. These suicide bombings are not just targeting military installations or governments buildings, but civilian concerts. My guess is that, in order to be intellectually consistant, all the Israel-haters are forced into a position where they must accept suicide bombing as a legitimate means of "national liberation."

Suicide bombings, especially of civilians, cannot be tolerated. Just as the international community has created norms against the use of chemical and biological weapons, this is one conduct of warfare that must be put out of useage.
posted by Owen at 8/04/2003 12:48:00 AM