Saturday, May 26, 2018

North Korea......My Druthers and Crystal Ball

Mr Trump is doing his usual switching back and forth. Or is he applying some subtle brilliant diplomacy? Take your choice, I guess! South Korea and North Korea have just had a surprise meeting. And, as Trump so often says, "Wait and see!"

The US would like to see North Korea clear out all their "Nukes" and has even suggested that they be shipped to the USA. They also would like to keep the Nuclear umbrella in that area as future security. Seems like a real stumbling block to me.

The carrot that Trump APPEARS to be offering is protection from the US, relaxation of all sanctions and even direct support for the North's move to stability and prosperity. But what will Kim do ? He is being pushed into a sticky corner. He would dearly love to keep his "Nukes" for his Country's protection and as a deterrent. The fear of a 'Libya situation' looms in his mind. His fears and distrust need to be allayed. 

So what next? I think they SHOULD have a summit, put all the cards on the table and move toward denuclarization ASAP, with a signed treaty which ensures the North's protection, coupled with real support. Pile on some real goodies and Kim will bite...they have been desperately in need for years.

The USA should remove their military stuff from South Korea completely. They don't need them there. In the case of any aggression from the North, the USA has more than enough Nuclear contingencies in the form of submarines and ICBMs. They have their navy which can be deployed in the unlikely-hood of a unilateral act from the North. China could help in this whole process if Trump would stop upsetting them. 

With this being written, I will return to my comfortable arm-chair! The downside for me is that if this works, they will probably give Trump the Nobel Peace Prize! :-)




Monday, May 21, 2018

To the Anti-Monarchists re. The recent Royal Wedding 


True, the Royal family is a result of power struggles, religious corruption, greed and all manner of negative things to which we might refer. The whole present British fabric of economy and politics was founded on the same things. Much of the wealth left today comes from Slavery and the power lust of the British Empire....and, true, not to be proud of......But: 

These are negative things which we could focus upon and wring our hands. However they are products of History and we should better look forward rather than back. The members of the Royalty did not ask to be born into their present mold, they inherited it as any family member, in any family can so inherit from their immediate ancestors. But any of them can, and many do, perform good things which serve society. 

Meghan is not poor and all I have seen is positive...give Harry and her a chance. The present Royal family is a business which the UK has seen fit to tolerate and use for positive outcomes, even if the 'Privilege' thing sticks in many of our throats. 

It was a great wedding with a strong 'inclusive' twist......Such a great 'sermon' by rev. Curry and inspiring music.

On the never ending USA/World debates 

All the different slants of argument have merit to a greater or lesser extent. Trump despises everything that Obama has done and reacts with school-yard behaviour. 

The structure of the American system means that any group in power will be hobbled in their quest throughout their terms. Israel HAS to be an ally with the USA and visa versa because there is a strong Jewish influence in USA economics. Judaeo-Christianity has been pitted against Islam for two thousand years and these religions have multiple factions which disagree within the respective religions. Islam is probably worse in its ferocity. Mix in Natural resources with Power and guess what?....problems which are virtually unsolvable. 

The chess game never ends and at best reaches a balance from time to time. World leaders take turns playing...some are better than others. However I sometimes wonder whether Trump is cool enough for the job. 

The NRA is a powerful organization and formidable in their lobbying of the Trump admin. I disagree with their interpretation of the Constitution regarding gun ownership. IMO, people may have guns for sensible protection and hunting but high powered assault weapons for all citizens? ..Nah, never in my book.Look at the wording of the amendment. At any rate there should be stringent registration.

 Health care should be as universal as the economy can stand.....not unfairly biased to the rich. Care should be made before scrapping existing Trade Agreements and 'America always first' is something in which the nation should tread lightly. There, world problems on the way to being solved! 

Beware all these: Nationalism, Religion and Raw Greed. The American Civil War never ended and that is the USA's legacy. And, no doubt, King George of England was certainly responsible for a lot of present day problems.

But, "The past is a Foreign Country, they do things differently there". 

And this: 
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none; be able for thine enemy rather in power than use; and keep thy friend under thine own life's key; be checked for silence, but never taxed for speech” (William Shakespeare ).