The “Great Game” of the 19^th century is starting anew only instead of Britain and Tsarist Russia being the main players, we now see on one side Communist China and Putin’s Russia and on the other side, the United States and hopefully, most of the European states. I say hopefully because while the recent about turn by Germany regarding its military and Britain’s fledging steps towards fracking are encouraging, one must wonder if the Western European states will stay the course. And, what of the United States? The navel gazing centering on “white privilege” and the drive to the “green” agenda no matter the costs are hardly the policies on which survival against relentless and ruthless foes are successful.

The excellent article linked below lays out in realistic and stark terms fundamental issues and questions which we need to face if we hope to survive. It is said that liberty is always only one generation away from extinction and we may have already begun a journey down a dark path to that extinction. Let us hope that Putin’s invasion of the Ukraine will awaken in each of us, the realization that the world is a dangerous place and if we wish to continue our liberties and freedoms, we need to focus firstly on policies which strengthen our defenses.

https://quillette.com/2022/03/09/the-new-great-game/

Given the war in the Ukraine, I thought this might be a good time to repost this review which I originally posted in December 2019. Although as written it could be a history, it was written before so many events and was ignored by so many “leaders” in the West who were more concerned about their ideology or keeping their power. Why face reality when those who yell the loudest and demand the most of you are among the villians in this book. I guess that is the story of mankind; take the easy way and let someone else clean up the mess.

Mao Tse-tung once said that “political power comes from the barrel of a gun”, but Vladimir Putin could just as easily say that “political power comes from the end of a pipeline”.  This excellent book analyses how Putin uses his countries gas companies for both tactical and strategic means to his end; to regain the power, and perhaps the territory which was lost by the collapse of the Soviet Union.  How can he do this?  By providing the European nations the energy they need at a below market price and by letting them know that he holds the comfort and economies of many nations within the EU in the palm of his hand.

Of course, he could not pursue this course if it were not for the lack of political will on the part of numerous European leaders and their own ideology regarding energy in the 21^st century.  By pursuing “green energy”, being intimidated by the “green” movement (which is often subsidized by Russia to serve its own ends) and by insuring that the social safety net is kept in place. European leaders have mortgaged their energy futures to a nation which uses its energy reserves almost regardless of short term financial considerations all in the pursuit of increased European dependence on Russian energy.

Consider that the EU has reserves of shale oil and natural gas, but refuses to spend the monies to exploit them.  They would rather purchase the oil and natural gas from the Russians and the U.S. They don’t want to spend their money on their defenses and are more concerned with maintaining their social programs; in short, they are living at the sufferance of other powers.

The concept of “broken windows” policing should apply on a national level; when we see politicians or bureaucrats ignoring the laws and traditions that have been the basis of our nation, we need to take corrective action. When our basic rights are abused, we need to act. When the very value of our citizenship is discounted, we need to respond. These are the premises and foundation of Victor Davis Hansons’ excellent new book, The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America.

I purchased the book because I have been increasingly concerned about the decreasing value of my personal citizenship. How is it that citizens can be mandated to limit travel, wear masks, show proof of vaccination while during the last year, two million individuals from over 150 countries have entered our nation illegally and be allowed to disappear into the vastness of our nation by the government officials who have sworn to uphold our laws? How is it that those who enter our nation illegally are not 100% assessed for Covid, quarantined, etc.? In a naked power grab, politicians in various cities decree non-citizens can vote in local elections thus decreasing the power of our citizenship. The supremacy of national laws? Worthless as hundreds of cities openly ignore Federal law, making tax paying citizens pay for the education, health care, etc., of those who decided that they and not we the citizens should decide our rules for living in our nation.

It seems that every cause de jour creates a life of its own.  It goes on forever, constantly demanding more action and attention, constantly finding new ways to justify its very existence.  Can anyone image any “cause” throwing up its collective hands and declaring that the cause they fought for has been conquered?  “Victory!  We can all go home; we have achieved our purpose!”

Of course not! Why? Too many people depend on the “cause” for their income, their lifestyle, their very purpose.  Where would they be without their “cause”?  They might have to go out and find a position where they might have actual accountability or proof of productivity. Or they could just go join another “cause” but who would want them as the recruit came from a cause that was settled and disappeared.  No, that employee might be a threat to the new groups job security.

The article with the link exposes some of the ways that the Woke movement is diligently working to ensure their own job security. It really is a brilliant concept; create a “cause” that can sit in judgment on the history, actions and thoughts of billions of people including into the future.  At the same time, instill in others a sense of being helpless before a great conspiracy that impacts every aspect of their lives!  A dream scenario for an enlightened elite who have found the Absolute Truth! 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/inside-the-woke-indoctrination-machine-diversity-equity-inclusion-bipoc-schools-conference-11644613908?page=1

A few months ago, the U.S. military had a recruiting campaign called “The Calling.”  At the time, there were numerous comparisons between that “woke” campaign and typical Russian recruiting commercials. One was an idealized cartoon full of politically correct images while the other was a dark, at times brutal look at what exists at the core of the military. There is no indication if “The Calling” was a successful campaign, but it was a taste of things to come.

Women’s place in the military has been and is a thorny issue. It is the case that there are many skills and responsibilities that woman can fulfill while in service, but the sharp end of the bayonet is one area that raises numerous questions and difficulties. Physically speaking, are women up to the most brutal aspects of military service? We see in the civilian area where biological males who fail in competition against other biological males set new records when they become transgenders and compete against the best of biological females. Is the same true in the military?

The linked article looks at a real-world example and should be a warning to those who create and direct policy for the military. We tend to think of the responsibility of the military in terms of force, but it also has a responsibility to act in a manner to minimize the danger, when possible, to its own members. Soldiers are expensive and any action which can put them at risk involves clear thinking. Simply put, does the ideal of wokeness strengthen the chances of survival for those directly involved, or is it another danger factor which must be realized and countered.

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2022/02/14/airman-eliminated-after-third-womens-skeleton-heat-at-beijing-olympics/

Once known as the land of opportunity, the United States is facing challenges which are undermine the very ideals that made the U.S. the hope of the world. The concentration of wealth among the elite of the U.S., an elite unlike previous national elites is a danger to the ideal of America. That concentration is a danger because the new elite are not in the mold of Carnegie, Ford, Deere, Kaiser, etc., who were citizens of the nation more than anything else. Does anyone believe that men like Bezos, Zuckerberg, Gates, Ellison, etc. have the best interests of the U.S. as a key consideration of their ventures?

The link to the article below captures part of Victor Davis Hanson’s book, The Dying Citizen in that it points out the shrinking ability of the middle class to compete against the financial and technological power of the new elites. Gone are the days of the mid- to late twentieth century with its social mobility and the ability of the common man to have a real say in local and national politics. The technology oligarchs have managed to concentrate unchecked power in their hands as they routinely censor those who dare to question their holy grail. Unbelievable wealth, centralized control of technology, the financial strength of unions and fearful politicians make the average voter of less and less consequence.

https://www.firstthings.com/article/2022/01/our-neo-feudal-future

It may have seemed since 9/11 that the radical form of Islam was on a victorious march against all that the West has and does stand for in the world. Yet, as the linked article shows, in those countries where radical Islam has seized power, they have a wonderful record of failure. Blinded by ideology which has an answer for every problem and situation, they have managed time after time to fail.

This is a lengthy article, but if you make it to the end, you may just feel a bit more optimistic.  The only downside is that millions of citizens of the nations seized by radical Muslims must learn such a tough lesson the hard way. Too bad they cannot just read about the failures elsewhere and skip the experience

https://quillette.com/2022/01/21/in-the-muslim-world-islamism-is-going-out-of-vogue/

The link below will take you to an article that points out the pros and cons, the errors, and positives of both sides in the environmental question. Fanatics on either side only hurt their own cause and are a major source of confusion and misinformation which can lead to greater than necessary expenses and be counterproductive.

People are beginning to see and question the cost of ill-prepared actions in facing questions on the environment. Rational individuals realize that moving boldly into the fourteenth century by pushing wind power will never be able to replace petroleum in powering airplanes, ships, trucks, cars, etc. They are also able to see the failure of solar in northern climates and the huge cost of going against nature, as in Germany and other nations which are not blessed with enough clear and sunny days. At the same time, there are technologies, mostly in the infant stage which can help to ease the dependence on fossil fuels, but development will take years and a huge investment.

Recently, the boogieman of nuclear power has begun to be faced by a few countries who simply are more inclined to face reality in this area than others. For a balanced and informative discussion of options for the future in facing whatever climate change we face, click on the link below.

https://quillette.com/2022/01/27/why-environmentalists-pose-a-bigger-obstacle-to-effective-climate-policy-than-denialists/

Years ago, when learning how Hitler, Lenin, etc., seized power, it was easy to see the path and to identify the players who were so dangerous. In the excellent article by Larry Arnn, the President of Hillsdale College, we see another path taken by those who can destroy our liberties with (giving them the benefit of the doubt) the best of intentions. Do they fully realize the cost of their actions? Certainly, there seems to be no cost to them personally for the damage they cause, but then, it was all with the best of intentions.

After reading the article, you may believe it is the writing of a paranoia, yet it comes together oh so smoothly. A short cut here, a “necessary” action there and soon you have an entirely new set of rules by which your life is governed. If you disagree with the new rules, to whom do you turn? Who will hear your views? Your local representative? They are the ones who have helped to create the “solutions” by relying on the “experts,” so who are you to complain?

The greatest injustices in human history have been committed by those who act “with the best of intentions.”  Think back; has any dictator or tyrant ever announced his deadly policies in terms other than solving injustices?

There are solutions, but they require brave individuals who will stand for their traditional values and guidelines, as two examples are noted in the article. Those who have taken brave stands are not “experts,” but as Winston Churchill once said, they know that “what hurts is a safer guide (in their lives) than any vigorous direction of a specialized character.”

https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Imprimis_Nov_11-21_8pgWEB.pdf

Sometime in our history, Congress decided to hand the reins of power to the bureaucracy, also known as the administrative state. Now Congress did not take a cut in pay when they did this; no, they continue to make a nice salary, have excellent benefits and a great retirement program. By allowing the bureaucrats to develop an administrative state, they have managed to avoid most of the heavy work of the laws they do pass. It is relatively easy to pass a law, but the demanding work is creating the rules and regulations which enforce the laws, and the bureaucracy has been given what seems to be a free hand in creating rules that can go far beyond the intention and meaning of the laws.

The recent EPA mileage standards are a prime example of how bureaucrats can change society without ever having to face the public and how our representative’s pawn off details which could endanger their time in power if their names were on the regulations.

The link below will direct you to an article that shows exactly how unelected bureaucrats can dictate rules which impact the auto industry which is over 3% of our economy, the cost of energy, increase taxes and override the capitalist system transforming our nation into a society run by central planning. The serious facts and questions raised in the article are not answered by anyone at the EPA; there is no public debate, no discussion of scientific opinions, only the rule of government agencies. We are in danger of being ruled not by laws created by our elected representatives, but rather by ideologues and a faceless administrative state.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-epas-mileage-standards-are-a-stealth-electric-vehicle-mandate-auto-industry-cars-regulation-11640726730?page=1