Update no.761

Update from the Heartland

No.761

11.7.16 – 17.7.16

Blog version:  http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/

To all,

            The follow-up news items:

-- An international tribunal in The Hague ruled that the so-called “nine-dash” claim by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) [567, 574, 580, 589, 624/7, 649/50, 724/5, 731] has no basis in law and contravenes a United Nations convention on maritime law.  The tribunal also decided that China is not entitled to an exclusive economic zone surrounding any one of the islands they have claimed by unilateral, squatter’s rights.  The “nine-dash” line is a loose, expansive line drawn on a map, literally defined by nine (9) dashes that encompass virtually the entire South China Sea.  The Hague ruling could intensify Chinese efforts to establish its control of the South China Sea by force.  I ask: what is different from what Hitler did before World War II and Stalin did after World War II, and what the PRC is trying to do now?  I suspect there will be blood before this is settled.

            Congratulations go to Theresa Mary May née Brasier, who succeeded David Cameron as The Queen’s first minister of the United Kingdom.  She has a daunting task ahead of her, but certainly not as serious as Winston Churchill faced on 10.May.1940.  Godspeed and following winds, Prime Minister May.

            The Republican presumptive nominee selected Governor Michael Richard ‘Mike’ Pence of Indiana, 57, to be his vice presidential running mate, a few days before the opening of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.  Pence is probably a good choice from the perspective of the presumptive nominee.  Not that it matters a hoot to anyone, but I am not a fan of Mike Pence.  The last thing we need in this Grand Republic is another self-righteous, sanctimonious ideologue, who believes it is his God-given right to impose his moral values, his moral choices and deny the fundamental right of freedom of choice to every citizen in the nation.  Nope, no thanks!

            CNN broadcast a Town Hall Meeting from New York with Speaker of the House Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.  To my knowledge, the CNN event was unprecedented in American politics, at least to date (since many elements are quite unique about this rendition of the silly season).  I do not recall any other speaker being given that national (international) stage during a presidential campaign.  Also, the event reinforced my impression of Ryan.  He is perhaps the most articulate, poised and measured politician in the Republican field.  I do not always agree with his political positions, but he is good in handling unscripted public political events.  I need to see more of his performance as Speaker to solidify my opinion of him.

            Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg deviated from tradition when she publicly criticized the Republican presumptive nominee this week.  To be blunt and direct, she was flat wrong to criticize the Republican presumptive nominee, although personally, I think she was spot on correct in her observations.  However, I believe she was absolutely wrong in her public statement.  She violated an unwritten principle of judicial conduct.  Further, whether she likes it or not, she carries the mantle of a Supreme Court justice, and thus, she represents the Supreme Court of the United States.  In that capacity, like a military officer, she does not enjoy the freedom of speech that we, ordinary citizens, enjoy in our culture.  Later, Ginsburg publicly stated she regretted her remarks . . . not quite an apology but close enough.

            France endured yet another horrific attack; this time in Nice on the Riviera – la Côte d’Azur.  One man drove a rented refrigerator truck along the coast road, crowded with spectators for the Bastille Day celebratory fireworks display – equivalent to the 4^th of July in the United States.  The driver was eventually shot and killed by security forces, but not before 84 were killed, 202 injured (52 of which remain in critical condition).  Ten children are among the dead, along with at least two Americans – a father & son on holiday, joining our French cousins in their national celebration.  The attacker was identified as a 31-year-old French citizen of Tunisian heritage.  ISIL claimed responsibility, although the available public evidence, so far, suggests the man turned to radical jihadism to justify his intended criminal action.

            News from the economic front:

-- The Bank of England held its benchmark interest rate steady at 0.5%.  Bank officials cited myriad signs the British economy is slowing amid the uncertainty triggered by the Brexit vote.  They decided to wait until August, to implement any new support measures deemed necessary.   They wanted more data and better insights into the economy's health. They still expect to launch fresh stimulus measures on multiple fronts next month, as the economy stumbles under Britons' decision to exit the European Union.  Sterling surged against the dollar after the announcement to trade 1.7% higher on the day.

            Comments and contributions from Update no.760:

“Regarding women in the military, check this out.  The female Feldwebel is the loader on a German Bundeswehr panzerkampfwagon Leopard II.  The shells are about 60 pounds.  If the German panzers put women into a Leo Zwei, we can.  My son thinks tanks would be a good fit for woman soldiers.  And in a recent NATO competition, the German tanks finished number one- over American and Brit tanks.”

URL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O0EUc07QbM

My response:

            Interesting.  My German is a little rusty, but the message is clear.

            I will pass it along.

 . . . follow-up comment:

“Should have noted, a Feldwebel is the equivalent of a SSgt.”

 . . . my follow-up response:

            I actually knew that one, but I doubt everyone will, so I shall add it to this week’s Update.

Another contribution:

“For what reason ??? Mrs Bill Clinton held an office in the highest government of America while committing crimes .. what has Trump done that treasonous ??? 

“to be president, so where does that leave us?  

“The best choice is left ... Trump ... never be too proud to make the right decision Cap ...

“Re: ‘Even Donald Trump, never the sharpest tool in the shed,’

But close to the sharpest ... with the right people on his staff, wonders can be made ...”

My reply:

            Re: treasonous.  I have not used that term with respect to the Republican presumptive nominee.  I believe the term at issue is: morally unfit.  I stand by my statement.

            Re: best choice.  We do not have all the candidates determined, as yet.  I shall make my choice in a few months.

            Re: sharpest.  The beauty of this Grand Republic is free choice.  I respect your right to choose.

            My very best wishes to all.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

Cheers,

Cap                 :-)