Played for fools

"Then the reality really hit me. Biden was elected by a majority of voters (supposedly). Walz was re-elected by a majority of voters. People either didn't know or didn't care they were voting for morons."

I am a product of government education in Minnesota. That is the bad news. The good news is that when I went to school, kids actually learned stuff. We were educated, not indoctrinated. Why bring this up? We were also taught back then to always look at the "big picture". To look at the total picture, instead of just one corner of it. That being said, what is being jammed down our throats right now with this mad dash to EV transportation - makes no sense. The numbers don't add up. And because of that, we are headed for a brick wall, at one hundred miles per hour.

FACT # 1 - As neat and nifty as EVs might appear to be, there is one fatal flaw. They don't produce their own energy. They store energy, which is produced somewhere else, but they don't make any. Because of that, we need to look back at our energy sources, to ensure that we can produce enough electricity to make these things run reliably. Right now, we don't have enough energy to power hundreds of thousands EV charging stations.

FACT # 2 - Minnesota is hell bent on becoming "carbon free" by 2040. That means good bye to fossil fuel energy, no matter how clean it is. It will also mean hello to windmills and solar. 2040 is only 17 years away. That means in 17 years, we need to get our windmills and solar to come up from the minor league of production, to a mainstay of electricity. Unless a miracle takes place, "that ain't gonna happen".

FACT # 3 - Where do we charge our EVs? This past summer, we bought an RV. When sitting in the driveway, we still use it. But it needs electricity. It has a 50 amp service (not uncommon). To plug it in, we needed to have a 50 amp service plug in the garage. By luck, our garage had enough juice in it to power a 50 amp service. That being said, it still cost over $1,250 for the material and labor to have the plug installed. If our garage did not have the excess capacity, it would have cost a whole lot more to install. 

FACT # 4 - Before we hit the brick wall, we need some adults in the room. In Minnesota, we need to stop this runaway train, and pepper it with some common sense. You really want an EV future without ANY fossil fuels? Than you better get the permits ready to put on a fast tract, for at least 3 new nuke plants. If we try and run this state on only renewables, we are headed for a trainwreck and bankruptcy. Don't think so? Then talk me down off this cliff.

Listening to the low lights of Slo Joe' speech last night, as well as reading the paper with what the socialists are trying to do in St. Paul, I was struck by a troublesome thought. Are we being governed by morons? Non-thinking robots? Cannot anyone in charge connect the dots? The energy future we are leaving for our kids and grandkids is bleak at best. Where is plan "B"? Plan "C"? Anything?

Then the reality really hit me. Biden was elected by a majority of voters (supposedly). Walz was re-elected by a majority of voters. People either didn't know or didn't care they were voting for morons. One day, when their electric bill is higher than their mortgage, and blackouts become common, the "blue pill" takers will wake up. But by then it will be too late. 

Biden said last night, "Our work is not yet finished". What work is that sir? The dismantling of America? Right now, many of us do not recognize our country. It is amazing what can be undone in only two years.    

And what if it was an EMP?

"Tonight will be the State of the Union. Will it be total gas-lighting? Or will there be some truth talk? The American people are in no mood for any more BS. This incursion into our national airspace was serious - about as serious as serious can be."

Wow! The BS is flowing fast and furious right now! And besides BS, more questions than answers. Did we see the balloon, or did we not? Could be have taken it down earlier, or could we not? Was it a weather balloon (as China said), or was it not? Was it a spy balloon? Was this the first time, or was there three others when Trump was President? Questions, questions, questions.

But here is the biggest question. One which is only asked in whispers. What if this balloon was not a weather balloon, nor a spy balloon? What if it was something far more menacing? Like, some kind of EMP device. Wait - what? We allowed this thing to float all the way across our country, not knowing if this thing contained an EMP device? What if it had? What if it detonated or activated over Kansas?

Many about my age, who have been in the military and understand EMPs, bristle when the subject of and EMP comes up. Why? This has been around for decades. We have known about it. We have known what this would do to our grid. We have known how to harden our grid. And yet - we have done nothing. 

Most people either don't know, or don't care to know, how badly things would be should we have an EMP event. Most would not fare well. Especially those who live in large cities. Picture this. Everything in your house or apartment not working. No lights, no water, no heat, no food, no transportation, no medicine, no nothing. Just slow death.

Now it is too late. The horse is out of the barn. Our grid is frail, and should any of the world's bad guys hit us with an EMP device, it would be the end. Our only hope is to keep any EMP devices away from our shores. Then we get back to last week. With the mystery balloon coming into Alaska's airspace, then over Canada, and then all the way over CONUS. All the way to the Carolinas. It is only by the grace of God that balloon was not deadly to us.

If you ever want to get a blank stare, ask your representative what our plans are should we suffer an EMP attack. He or she will have no good answers. Not even bad answers. I would suggest that folks bunker up, but if we are without power for a year or more, bunkering would be of limited value. 

Tonight will be the State of the Union. Will it be total gas-lighting? Or will there be some truth talk? The American people are in no mood for any more BS. This incursion into our national airspace was serious - about as serious as serious can be.

So, talk to us POTUS. Really talk to us. Tell us the truth, because believe it or not, we CAN handle the truth.   

 

 

Viet Nam - the western Pacific's random variable

"I would love to see the same with Viet Nam. They need and want our friendship - and our protection. When war starts in the region, our protection will be very important. Staying neutral might be all but impossible for those who reside in the area."

As I penned the other day, the sides are becoming more clearly defined in the western Pacific. The "big showdown" is expected somewhere between 2024 and 2027, between the United States and China. What happened over the weekend with the "slow boat from China" spy balloon, certainly has not helped matters much. The cornerstone of this coming dispute will of course, involve Taiwan. It will be a battle royal of today's good guys and bad guys, who reside in that western Pacific neighborhood. 

But there is a random variable. A country who only a few decades ago, was a mortal enemy of the United States. But time changes things. Time even heals old wounds. Viet Nam and the United States are now on very good terms. But so is China and View Nam, only not as good as they once were. Seems China's expansionism in the South China Sea is not going over well with Viet Nam. Not enough to break relationships, but certainly enough to strain them.

This is a time of great promise for United States/Viet Nam relations - if we don't screw it up. Right now we have two Coast Guard cutters that are being used in "joint base" operations with Viet Nam. There might be a third cutter coming soon. Why is this important? It seems that China's expansionist plans in the South China Sea know no boundaries. In other words, China has no interest in entertaining Viet Nam's claim to disputed islands. In the eyes of the ChiComs, the South China Sea is no more than a Chinese lake, and none of Viet Nam's business. 

I am very pleased that our relationship with Viet Nam has progressed to the place it is at. We had some very deep and painful scars to overcome. That being said, I would love to see our relationship totally eclipse the China/Viet Nam relationship. So much so, I would love to see a US base or two be established in Viet Nam. Now that - would really be a burr under China's saddle. 

Viet Nam has a lot to offer. I am reminded when I went to Tokyo in 1970. That was only 25 years after the end of World War II. How was I, an American treated by the Japanese? Like a long lost friend. Now the relationship between Japan and the United States could not be stronger. I would love to see the same with Viet Nam. They need and want our friendship - and our protection. When war starts in the region, our protection will be very important. Staying neutral might be all but impossible for those who reside in the area.

One final thought which is a bit off subject. Taiwan. What would be a good response to China's recent incursion in our airspace? Load up Taiwan with as much state of the art defense equipment as possible. Send a message to China, that if they want to take Taiwan, they are going to have to come over us first. 

Why is that important? Just like Ukraine might only be the first stepping stone for Russia in Europe, Taiwan might only be the first stepping stone for China in the western Pacific. We must always remember history - especially the most important lesson. Those who do not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.  

 

 

Friends and Enemies

"Even though the Chinese have threatened us over the loss of their balloon, they are laughing on the inside. Between Biden, Kerry, Blinken, Harris and others, dealing with us has been like playing poker with a blind man. We ooze weakness."

By now, we have all heard the BIG news! We finally, after long last, have shot down the Chinese spy satellite. Okay, so what. That took forever and a day. Plus, by the time we shot it down over our VACAPES area, the damage was done. This "wayward weather balloon" hit just about every military point of interest in the United States. The amount of information this spy balloon could have obtained by "loitering", is enormous. But let's move on, shall we?

Ever stop to ask the burning question about friendship? Like, are the Chinese our friends or enemies? They have threatened us for destroying their spy balloon. Blinken cancelled his trip to China to discuss (get ready for it) - climate change. If our administration were not such a bunch of naïve stooges, they would know something very important. The Chinese do not give a tinker's dam about climate change. They are only paying us lip service, so we will continue to unilaterally disarm. Disarm what? Our economy. 

I am going to type this out very slow, so the democrats and socialists get the drift. Listen up Earthlings: 

1) The Chinese are not our friends. They are preparing for war with us sometime between 2025 and 2027, when they invade Taiwan. Our generals know this.

2) Iran is not our friend. They are ready to go to war with both Israel and the United States. This very dumb idea of resurrecting the JCPOA with Iran was just that - a very dumb idea. If war comes between Israel and Iran, you can bet we will be part of it.

3) North Korea is not our friend. They will invade South Korea in a heartbeat, if they thought they could get away with it. They might even try to make a play for Japan. When war comes to the Korean Peninsula, it will ignite the entire region. Will the United States be involved? Bet your bottom dollar.

4) Russia is defiantly NOT our friend. In fact, only the most naïve could not see that we are at war with Russia right now, from a proxy perspective. Russia continues to be only inches away from an incursion into a NATO country, and then it will be game on. Europe will be in World War III, and we will be part of it. 

5) Here is one coming out of nowhere. Mexico is no longer a governing state. It is a narco- state, run by cartels. The warring factions of the cartels have come as far north as our southern border. Soon, that war will breach our border. We will then, be at war with the cartels. It will be bloody, it will be ugly. Is Mexico our friend? Not as long as they put up with having the drug cartels run their country. 

Even though the Chinese have threatened us over the loss of their balloon, they are laughing on the inside. Between Biden, Kerry, Blinken, Harris and others, dealing with us has been like playing poker with a blind man. We ooze weakness. We can't make a decision to save our lives. To quote a retired general yesterday, "we are always an hour late and a dollar short." 

Who are our friends? NATO. Australia. Japan. South Korea. The Philippines. India (sort of). Canada (maybe). Brazil (we hope so). Push is going to come to shove this decade. We better know who our friends are, and who are not. Right now, our current government seems to be very confused on this matter.     

Drums of war in the Western Pacific?

"Will that be it? Five new bases in the PI with a new base in Guam? My opinion? Not hardly. The more China pushes on us, the more we will push back. Viet Nam, who 50 years ago was an arch enemy, is now a friend and trading partner."

Last week, one of the more well know news pundits was asked what he thought the major news story of the week was. He listed a couple of candidates (and they were good ones). For me however, the biggest news story of the week was split between the Philippines and Guam. As Donald Trump would say, both stories were "Yuge"! So, here they are, ICYMI...

During the Viet Nam War, we just about wore out our welcome in the Philippines (PI). It was not our finest moment. In fact, many in the PI wanted us booted out of there, with our bases shuttered. Truthfully, once Viet Nam was over, and the Soviet empire fell, much of our military presence in the western Pacific was not as needed. But then came Chinese expansionism, and the threats on Taiwan. All of a sudden, living on the edge of the South China Sea became a dangerous place to be.

This week, the United States and the PI signed an agreement to allow the United States to establish five new military bases in the PI. This is beyond huge! This gives us a solid footprint in an area which is vulnerable to Chinese mischief. It will give us a "ying" to China's "yang" (so to speak). 

Most of the new bases will be air bases. However, the door has been left open for a future Marine Corps base. Unfortunately, Clark AFB and Subic are not the bases they once were, if needed to be brought back into the fray. However, there might be some new life breathed into both of them, should Chinese expansionism continue. In any event, this is a loud and very clear signal to China that we are still here, and ready to counter any unwanted mischief.

Besides the PI, Guam is also in the picture. How much are we concerned about China these days? For the first time in 70 years, we are opening up a new base is Guam. It will be a Marine Corps base, and is expected to house at least 5,000 troops when fully operational.

Will that be it? Five new bases in the PI with a new base in Guam? My opinion? Not hardly. The more China pushes on us, the more we will push back. Viet Nam, who 50 years ago was an arch enemy, is now a friend and trading partner. They are NOT fans of China, and I would not be surprised to see us get invited to open a military presence in Viet Nam. Or establish more of a presence in Australia. In any event, the stage is being set for something which could suck us into another war, half a globe away.

One final thought. That balloon which floated over our country, unchallenged and unimpeded. I think this might have been a message from China. If push comes to shove, all of the action might not be taking place in China's back yard. They might want to take the fight to us - on (or over) our shores. Just some musing... 

A prick for a prick?

"Why we are diddling around with this thing, is beyond me. Ever think this might be a Trojan Horse? Another present from Wuhan. Loaded with a zillion spores of Covid-23." 

Now what? A balloon? From China? Really? Doing what over our "Big Sky" country? I will give the ChiComs credit for one thing. They have owned up to the fact that this balloon, the size of three buses, belongs to them. Since it is bristling with antennas, we know for a fact it is a recon (spy) balloon. But the Chinese, thinking we are all gullible (we did, vote for Biden in numbers large enough to get him into the White House), have told us it was a "tourist vehicle". Huh?

So why spy on Montana? There is nothing out there, except for a good portion of our land based nukes, based in Malmstrom Air Force Base. Why in the world would a nuclear adversary have any interest in our nukes? Of course, their excuse that this is only a civilian transportation vehicle makes more sense - NOT!

Why we have not taken this unwelcomed and unwanted intruder out of our Montana sky by now, is typical of how the Biden administration works. We will turn this into a cluster, just like we did in our retreat from Afghanistan. What we should have done, is when we first spotted it (and determined it was from China), was to shoot it down. Call it a prick for a PRiCk. We then would have told the world we bagged a UAP (flying saucer). If, when it was on the ground, we found a couple of hundred of dead Chinese tourists, we would have apologized to China. If it was indeed a spy satellite, the ChiComs would have a whole lot of explaining to do. 

I think this is what the international experts call a provocation. If we had done that to China, they would have wet their pants - and then shot down our balloon. Why we are diddling around with this thing, is beyond me. Ever think this might be a Trojan Horse? Maybe another present from Wuhan? Loaded with a zillion spores of Covid-23. Or it could be a treasure trove of Chinese spy craft.

In any event, this should not take weeks to figure out. We need to act on this today. Either destroy it, capture it, or surveil it. Tell the Chinese the next time we see one of these things headed for our airspace, it will be space dust before they could say, "live long and prosper."

Stay tuned on this one folks. How this turns out will be interesting, for sure. What if Trump were President instead of Biden? My thinking is this balloon would be billion shreds of mylar by now. But Biden? Well, we all know the history of Biden and the Chinese...

 

Makers, takers, fakers and breakers

"For a society to grow and thrive, it needs makers. Lots and lots of makers. And what if there are not enough people who want to be makers? Just want to ride on the backs of the makers? Then we will be entering the end game of our society."

Oh boy. Is the Bird going to start talking about Elon Musk again? I am afraid so. Why Elon? As I have said before, Elon is but a handful of true "Captains of Industry" we have today. Unlike people like Bankman-Fried (faker) of FTX, who became rich over producing basically nothing, Elon Musk (maker) has become rich producing many items which will be of great value to mankind. And - my point is?

Today we seem to have four groups of people who inhabit our land. We have the makers, like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. They are the producers, the inventors, the game changers.

Then we have the rapidly growing class called the takers. They are the ones who latch on to the teats of society. The ones who produce nothing, but take as much from the makers that they possibly can.

After that, we have the fakers, like Bernie Madoff and Sam Bankman-Fried. They enrich themselves by producing a mirage. Fakes. Nothing-burgers.

Finally, we have the breakers. BLM, Antifa, the "revolution for the hell of it" crowd. They produce nothing, take what they need, and break the rest. Burn, destroy, kill and maim.

Thinking about this yesterday, gave me pause. Where are we today? I know when I first got out of school and started working, being a taker, faker or breaker was never in the equation. Most people my age wanted to be a maker of some type. Just contributing to the good in society. Doing the right thing. Being productive. But that was then, and this is now. Today, the easy street is so readily plowed and maintained for many young people, working is only an option. What to work? Fine. Don't want to work? That also is fine. 

For a society to grow and thrive, it needs makers. Lots and lots of makers. And what if there are not enough people who want to be makers? Just want to ride on the backs of the makers? Then we will be entering the end game of our society. The great and powerful United States, will go the way of other great and powerful empires.

Joe Biden, which way are you taking this country? Are we encouraging people to make and invent? Or are we encouraging more and more just to "ride in the wagon" which is pulled by others? Or, are we turning a blind eye when outlaws break things? Like, cashless bail?

These are very critical times. Our future depends on leadership. On our values. On our morality. Just saying...