Gun-Rich America

Mass shootings in America are no longer shocking news. They are repeated episodes one after another. Whether you think it is crazy or not, it has become part of the US reality. Free to kill. Free to get killed. Welcome to gun-rich America !!!  

Japanese Whaling

In the news (TYT), Japan is about to begin hunting whales again.

Do you honestly believe that Japan's practice of killing large numbers of whales each year is truly for scientific purpose, and not for food and business profit?

That said, the worst kind of killing is not humans killing animals, but humans going to war to kill other humans.

Bruce and Jimmy

Bruce Lee and Jimmy Hendrix were both born on November 27. They would be 75 and 73 years old today.

Chinese Handshake

Breaking news indeed ! Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwan's leader Ma Ying-jeou met in Singapore on Saturday November 7, 2015. They shook hands for one minute and twenty seconds. That was a very long handshake. Would you do it with a friend and see how it feels, to shake hands for that long ? Though Xi and Ma's handshake was only a symbolic handshake for peace, it was a very important handshake. As I said in the past, and now again, that shaking hands is always better than shooting bullets and dropping bombs. 

This meeting of Xi and Ma, the top leaders from both sides of the strait, was the first since 1949. During the historic meeting, the two sides exchanged views on promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. Zhang Zhijun, the head of China's Taiwan affairs, said the meeting was a milestone event achieved through the constant efforts from people across the strait.

My thoughts and comments:

China (People's Republic of China) and Taiwan (Republic of China) are made of the same Chinese people with the same language, culture, ethnicity, race, heritage, history and commonality. They are separate only because of a civil war in the 1940s and the political difference in their forms of government. They are sort of like being separated, but not legally divorced. There is no divorce, but there is no reconciliation either. So Taiwan currently is not an independent country (although it operates just like one), but it is not part of Chinese sovereignty either (although China continues to claim the sovereignty and treat Taiwan as a renegade province). 

Not that I think China and Taiwan will be unified soon, but I can say with confidence that those Taiwanese who think they are not Chinese, and want Taiwan to become fully independent are out of their mind. Taiwanese are Chinese, but Chinese are not necessarily Taiwanese. This simple fact would not be easy for the independence-seeking Taiwanese to refute. Besides, China is many times stronger than Taiwan economically, politically and militarily. Taiwan would be really stupid and self-defeating to fight with China. 

Who wants to bet on my belief that Taiwan cannot and will not become a fully independent country? Let's face it: there is only one China. Nobody can change the One-China Policy, not even the UN. The only 2 options left is either for Taiwan to remain status quo, or become a highly autonomous region of China, based on the 1 country 2 systems model, sort of like Hong Kong and Macao. It would be very interesting to keep watching what will happen in the next 30 years or so.

Made in China

In the news (AJ+YouTube), China just revealed its first large passenger plane, the C919, and had a giant party to celebrate. It is targeted as a competitor to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The first C919 is due to take off in 2016. A celebration in China, and a great opportunity for China Bashers to thumbs-down everything and anything made in China !

Talking about China Bashers, it is ironical that many of them purchase and use things made in China themselves. They purchased the Chinese goods at very affordable prices, but always complain that they are of poor quality. Some negative exaggeration and knee-jerk reaction of the China Bashers ! It is like some common folks who purchased a cheap economy car but complain that it is not good like a luxury car. Or like an economy class passenger complains about not receiving the same good services given to the first class passengers.

Of course it is only a joke that God created the world, and everything else was made in China. But it is true that if you go to Wal-Mart, Dollar Shops, or other such economy stores, you'll find many products made in China at reasonably affordable prices. Want to buy high-quality luxury Chinese goods? Yes, they are available, too, but don't complain that the prices are too expensive.

While there are many China Bashers, there are also some China Worshipers who accept everything and anything Chinese is good. Neither is reasonable and tells the truth. The truth is that you can find both good and bad things in any country. I don't know any perfect country on earth, do you? 

New Government In Canada

Just finished watching the swearing-in ceremony of Canada's 23rd Prime Minister.

The cabinet chosen by Justin Trudeau, our new Prime Minister, consists of ministers with different backgrounds and attributes: 50 / 50 of men and women, young and old, natives  and minorities, able bodied and physically challenged, experienced and new parliamentarians, Canadians and Canadians. No more Stephen Harper's one-man band ! 

Go Canada Go !  

Is Saudi Arabia Going Bankrupt?

Just finished watching a YouTube video of TestTube News titled ' Is Saudi Arabia Going Bankrupt ' ? It says 80% of Saudi Arabia's economy relies on oil revenue. At the current price of less than $50 a barrel, economists have predicted that Saudi Arabia could run out of cash in 5 years. Would that come true? I don't know, but it is not impossible.

I said it in the past, and now again, that if not for its oil, Saudi Arabia would be reduced to a backward and poor country. Burning fossil fuel for energy is ' primitive ', not advanced. The whole world should reduce the use of fossil fuel and switch to renewable and clean energy. It is not only good for the environment, but also good for human health and the world economy in the long run.

Yes, eventually, the world economy will rely more and more on renewable and clean energy, although it is not that obvious to people whose mind just got stuck in the past. One day, oil as the main source of energy will become something of the past.

I don't want to see Saudi Arabia or any country become poor and bankrupt. I only wish that all countries, including Saud Arabia, would live in peace.
  

Syria

Fooling all the people all the time no longer works. Sooner of later, the truth will come out. If George Bush and gang of the U.S. and Tony Blair of the U.K. did not invade Iraq, which was an illegal war, there would  be no ISIS today.

The name of the game is to fight ISIS and the terrorists, but the real objective of Uncle Sam is to get rid of Assad in Syria. Putin is more open. Russia and Syria are long-time allies. The U.S. looks at Assad of Syria as an evil dictator, but Russia looks at the Assad regime as the legitimate government of Syria. The U.S. has been arming the so-called moderate rebels, but the reality is that terrorists are terrorists, and there are very few such so-called moderate rebels. Why do you think so many American weapons and military gear ended up with ISIS?

Can you see the name of the game is fighting ISIS, but the real objective of the U.S. is  using the moderate rebels, severe terrorists, or whatever you call them, to fight Assad? On the other hand, the army of Assad is supported by Russia as the legitimate soldiers and defenders of Syria.

Anyway, it all boils down to a competition of control and influence in Syria and the Middle East between the U.S. and Russia. Obama and Putin just can't see eye-to-eye, and it is very sad. The Syrian civil war is sort of like a proxy war between the U.S. and Russia, while fighting ISIS is only a side show though still important. Uncle Sam wants to get rid of Assad, but Putin says no, so it is like a stalemate.

Why did it take Russia's military action on ISIS in order to wake up Obama, that there is no military solution to the Syrian civil war, I mean for the U.S. to play a military chess game with Putin? Did Obama pretend that he was sleeping? So now John Kerry, Secretary of State, has begun to talk peace and take a diplomatic route, hoping to reach a political solution with Russia. It was a bit laughable that he said having a military alliance with Syria is a wrong strategy. Who was he talking to? Obviously Russia! Putin could  easily say to the U.S. that Russia's having a military alliance with Assad is all legitimate, but Uncle Sam's having a military alliance with the rebels including ISIS is the wrong strategy and illegitimate. Can you see that ISIS is both an enemy and ally of the U.S.? It is like Uncle Sam saying "I want you, ISIS, to help me kill Assad, but that doesn't mean I won't kill you!" Isn't that crazy or what?!      

Military confrontation between two major powers like the U.S. and Russia can only be a problem, not a solution. Obama, Putin, World Leaders: please don't let a war between the U.S. and Russia happen! The Middle East is all a mess. Not sure when PEACE would finally come !!!

Happy Halloween

Happy Hello Win to you all. Don't be afraid. Have fun !!!

Problems In The World

I think most problems in this world are caused by 3 kinds of people: stupid, crazy and bad. It is most dangerous and worrisome to see these people in power. A friend gave me the 4th kind: smart people with shallow mindset and / or unadaptable mindset. What do you think?

NGO Spying

In the news, the Pentagon allegedly used a Christian Non Governmental Organization (NGO) as a front to spy on North Korea. 

My thoughts and comments:

It is nothing new that the U.S. would use Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) to spy on other countries. When it comes to spying, no country (especially the big powers) is ever a pure angel. They are all spying devils. Today, the governments spy on both friends and foes, and everyone, even their own citizens. So this is the world we are living in today !!!

Sino-British Golden Age

Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting the U.K. China and the U.K. are entering a Golden Age of bilateral ties. I felt hopeful in watching and listening to President Xi addressing the British Parliament.These days, when it comes to economic growth, peace and development, which country would you think of first? It's got to be China.

Being a Canadian who grew up in Hong Kong, I am very interested in seeing a good China-U.K. relation. Being a Pacifist, I would like to see the world stop fighting and killing one another.

Canada Election 2015

On March 29, 2015, I wrote about Stephen Harper's Canada. I said " I love Canada, but not Harper's Canada. As said earlier, I don't belong to any political party, but I am hoping that Stephen Harper will not be re-elected in the upcoming election. But there is a good chance that I will be disappointed. He may win again!".

The election yesterday did not disappoint me and many others. The Liberals won a crushing victory. Out of the 338 seats in parliament, they won a majority of 184 seats. On records, these are the numbers of seats won by the other political parties:  Conservatives (99), NDP (44), Parti Quebecois (10) and Green (1). Sorry Tom Mulcair, leader of the NDP, your loss does not prove that you are not good enough to be the Prime Minister of Canada, so please still hold your head high. Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party, I'm glad that you haven't lost your seat. You need to keep growing your Green Party. And Good Bye, Stephen Harper. The Canadians have spoken. 'Stop Harper' finally has happened.

Justin Trudeau's win is not only a big win for the Liberal Party across Canada, it is also his special win on a personal level. It would be so much fun for Justin and his family to move back to 24 Sussex Drive where he grew up. However, fun with family is not fun with work. Work is work, not just fun. Let's hope that Justin Trudeau, our next Prime Minister, will do a great job for Canada and its people. Peace !!!  

Xi Will See The Queen

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting the U.K. for 5 days next week from October 19 (Mon), 2015 at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth The Second. Wonder what kind of food will be served at the state dinner in Buckingham Palace?! I have no idea of any famous British dish. Certainly, it won't be Fish and Chips.

Ken Taylor

Ken Taylor, former ambassador to Iran, and famous for his role in the 'Canadian Caper' during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979, has died. He was 81 years old. RIP Ken Taylor !!!  

Donald Tsang and Prince Charles

In the news, former Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang is charged over corruption allegations.

Here are my thoughts and comments:

Whether Donald Tsang is guilty or not would not change my view that corrupted politicians can be found everywhere, not just in Hong Kong.

It is a political comedy (or tragedy if you insist), that Donald Tsang was made a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) for his long-time service to Hong Kong. He was knighted by Prince Charles at the Government House just hours before the handover of Hong Kong back to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997.

Being a British knight, Donald Tsang then became the second Chief Executive of Hong Kong (2005 to 2012). Does anybody know if he gave up his KBE or OBE (Order of British Empire), before he took office as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong? I heard rumor that he refused to give it up. It would be so awkward, politically incorrect, and legally confusing for a British Knight to rule over Chinese Hong Kong.

I also heard that Prince Charles was really upset (in private), that Queen Elizabeth had to hand over Hong Kong to the Communist Chinese in Beijing. Some reporter overheard his private complaint and leaked out the news.

Trans Pacific Partnership (2)

On August 1, 2015, I wrote about the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), which failed to reach an agreement then. Now in the news, the U.S., Canada, in total 12 countries, have signed the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal.

As I said before, and now again, this is not just about business, trade and economics, but also politics. If not for politics and counter-balancing the growing might of China, it just doesn't make sense that China being the biggest country in Asia Pacific was left out in the TPP deal. However, there may be a TPP2 coming, that China may eventually join later. 

Uncle Sam just doesn't want China to set the rules in international business, trading and economic games, especially with the Asia Pacific countries. The creation of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was China's win. The TPP deal is the U.S.' win. China's rise is a certainty, but the US decline is not, so the game goes on. 

In any economic policy or trade deal, there will be winners and losers. Instead of arguing too much about whether the TPP is a good deal or not for your country, please focus more on your own situation and see if it is something good or bad for you, and make all the necessary adaptations and adjustments to face the new reality. Take care.

Three Powerful Men

I call Putin the Chess Player, Obama the Smooth Talker, and Xi Jinping the Deal Maker. Arguably, they are the 3 most powerful men on earth today.

China - U.S. Cooperation

President Xi Jinping is visiting the U.S.  China and the U.S. must work with each other. If they fight, the whole world will suffer. If they cooperate, which they should, good things can happen that benefit both countries and the world.

Xi To See Obama

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from Sept. 22 to 25 at the invitation of U.S. President Barack Obama. I said this before, and now again, that China needs the U.S. and the U.S. needs China. The world needs both. Please take the advice of Jimmy Carter: respect each other. Please talk Peace, Protection, and Prosperity for China, USA and the World. 

First Day

Every day is the first day of your life. Enjoy it !!!   

The Truth of Nine One One

Today is the 14th anniversary of 911. Do you believe the U.S. Government told the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth? If you do, you are a sheep. If you don't, you are not crazy. Do some studies. Don't be lazy !!!

Kim Davis

A friend posted a picture of Kim Davis in Facebook with these words:

"God's law is above the laws of a nation" - Senator Mike Huckabee.

Let's have a look at one of God's laws. "Anyone arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge must be put to death" - Deuteronomy 17:12  

My thoughts and comments:

I am an ex-Catholic and ex-Christian. I've left the organized Christian religion, but I keep some of the good teachings of Christ, like Love and Forgiveness. I no longer consider the Bible holy. It is the Bible, but not Holy Bible.

In the Bible, you can find many good things and also lots of craps. You can quote one verse to reject another verse. I've found it almost futile to argue with the fundamental conservative Christians, I mean by using their same Bible which they claim to be the words of God. They would insist on the authority of certain verse that they use, but reject your verse which came from their same Bible. Quoting the Bible is just a game of cherry picking, not necessarily an authority to approve or disapprove anything.

In this story, Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who refused to issue marriage license to gay couples had been put to jail for contempt of court. She was then released and became a 15 minutes hero of the conservative Christians.

My opinion is that since Kim Davis cannot perform her job of issuing marriage license to gay couples, for doing so is against her conscience and religious belief, then she should resign and find another job. To keep the job, get paid, while not being ready, willing and able to do the work and serve the people is rather hypocritical with no integrity.

Refugees

Refugees arriving in Munich were met by welcoming crowds.Thumbs Up to Angela Merkel of Germany. Sorry but Thumbs Down to Stephen Harper of Canada.

Dear Prime Minister Harper, you said the root cause of the refugees was ISIS. No, please look back, way back, before ISIS came to existence. The root cause was Uncle Sam's Militarism and Interventionism, in meddling around with the affairs of other countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and more. You broke the vase, or helped break the vase, so you own it. There is no excuse not to fix it. Even if you think you did not break the vase, you must still help the refugees. Why? Many reasons, but here is one simple reason: because we are Canadians, and you are the Prime Minister of Canada.

    

Foods and Drinks

Some foods and drinks give you pleasure but not health. Others give you health but not pleasure. Some give you both pleasure and health. Be wise in making your choice. Enjoy !!!

Chinese Stock Market Crash ?

No, I don't think it was a Chinese stock market crash, but yes, it was a big drop which did affect the economies of the whole world, especially those of the resources-based exporting countries like Australia and Canada.

China's economy is slowing down. It doesn't want to buy your coal and oil, so what you gonna do? Even with the slow down, China's economic growth is still 7% more or less, an envy of many countries.

How well has Canada been doing economically? Not very well, but not very bad either. Election is on, so if you ask the leaders running for the Prime Minister's office, you'll certainly get different political answers. Tom Mulcair of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Justin Trudeau of the Liberal Party (LP) will tell you that Stephen Harper of the Conservative Party (CP) sucks, but of course Stephen Harper will tell you that he's been doing a great job and you should continue to let him be your prime minister. 

The world economy is a big monster. Nobody is able to manage it alone. We should rather focus on our own personal economy, our own finances, to maintain and improve our ' financial health '. 

Feeling Good

Looking good is good, but feeling good is even better. Feeling good, not looking good, keeps you young and healthy.

Korea (2)

Early this year, on January 13, 2015, I wrote about the two Koreas showing hints that they were willing to talk, which I supported. Now North Korea accuses South Korea of political and military provocation and threatens to risk an ' all out war '. The U.S. then halts military exercise with South Korea.

Dear Uncle Sam and Korean people of the North and South, please don't play chicken. One miscalculation could lead to irreversible disaster. No war in the Korean Peninsula ! No war period !

A Canadian Korean friend told me that this is the way the game is played:

North Korea under the dictatorial leadership of Kim Jong Un would threaten to go to war with South Korea. Rich corporations of South Korea then made big donations to North Korea, which enabled them to pay less tax to the South Korean Government. The leadership in the North got what they wanted, and the leadership in the South stayed in power. If the US or UN would bomb North Korea, then the ' Mafia Bill ' from North Korea would be even bigger.

Money and Power Games everywhere, only played in different ways. Peace !  

Precious Water

In the news, three million gallons of metal-contaminated wastewater has turned the Animas River in Colorado into mustard color. It looks bad. The U.S. Federal Government says that 40 percent of west coast headwaters are contaminated by mine runoff.

There are so many such water-contamination incidents, oil spills and man-made environmental devastations in the world. When will the humans learn that water is more precious than oil and gold?

American War And Peace

There are many dark forces in this world, including the war hawks and neo-cons in America. These warmongers want war, not peace. The U.S. Military Industrial Complex needs to constantly create enemies and conflicts, in order to keep the hugely profitable war business going.

So many conflicts and wars, even terrorists, can be traced back to the root cause of U.S. interventionism. It is a horrific cycle of cause and effect. You may call it negative karma or bad blowback. But hell the warmongers just don't care. It is great for U.S.world dominance and the American war business. Gerald Celente, a renowned American financial commentator and trend forecaster said, "The business of America is war. The business of China is business."

Don't envy the job of the U.S. president. As the U.S. president, you may want peace, but there are powerful dark forces in America which keep pushing you to go to war,  to make troubles and invade other countries, to divide and conquer and drop some bombs, to orchestrate foreign regime changes, and to fight the terrorists whom Uncle Sam created in the first place. In short, it doesn't matter who fight whom, as long as there are war-game players in action, to keep the hugely profitable American war business going!

Sadly, there are people in this world who actually want war, not peace. These dark forces are internal and external, and the U.S. president must deal with them both.  

Obama has re-established diplomatic relations with Cuba, and has succeeded in signing a nuclear peace deal with Iran. There are at least a few more things that he should do, in order to earn his Nobel Peace Prize received in advance:

Close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp as promised, and better still, return the lands to Cuba.  

Stop sending drones to kill people, including American citizens who are presumed but not proven terrorists, which will otherwise cause the continued death of more civilians and innocent people.

Reform the racist and corrupted judicial, police, and prison systems in America.

Stop unlimited spying activities on American citizens, your own countrymen, and your allies.

Reduce or take the big money out of American politics. Current lobbying and unlimited donations allowed is a ' buy out the politicians ' program. It is nothing but legalized corruption.

Peace!  

Should Marijuana Be Legalized ?

This is my non-scientific but educated opinion:

Marijuana is not a hard drug. It is less harmful than alcohol and cigarettes. Heavy drinking and smoking cause many more deaths than marijuana, of which the death rate is zero or near zero. Marijuana should be made legal, as some states in the U.S. have already done so. My prediction is that marijuana eventually will be made legal in Canada.

While marijuana would slow you down, other hard drugs like cocaine or heroin would make you high. Have you ever encountered a drug addict or a person who took hard drugs in the past and has just recently quit? Those people would look blank and withdrawn, even seemingly calm, but then they would become easily jumpy and irritated. 

Personally, I don't like drugs, whether they are legal or not. Should marijuana be legalized? In my opinion, yes. Should ALL drugs be legalized? I'm not sure at this time. What do you think?

Ebola Vaccine

An Ebola vaccine created by medical scientists of the Public Health Agency of Canada appears to be 100% effective in protection. Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization said the vaccine could be a game changer.

I love this kind of good news. Congratulations to Canada!

Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)

In the news, the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal fails to come to an agreement.

My thoughts and comments:

The TPP is not just about economics. It also has to do with politics. It is Uncle Sam's effort trying to control and counter-balance the rise of China, especially in Asia Pacific. Does it make any sense at all, if not for politics, that the TPP does not include China, the largest country in Asia Pacific?

Obama and Nobel Peace Prize (2)

On September 7, 2013, I wrote about Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize given to him in advance. Now that he has re-established U.S. diplomatic relationship with Cuba, and succeeded in the U.S. Iran nuclear deal, I think he should be allowed to keep the Nobel Peace Prize. But has he fully earned it yet, what do you think?

Patrick Rushing

Patrick Rushing, the mayor of Airway Heights, a small town near Spokane, Washington State, called President Obama the "Monkey Man" and his wife Michelle "Gorilla Face", but he insisted that he was not racist and refused to resign. Patrick Rushing is a Christian. Oh Jesus please forgive him !!!.

The U.S. Iran Nuclear Deal

The U.S. Iran nuclear deal is seen by many as President Obama's greatest diplomatic achievement. But there are also people who are adamantly against it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the deal a historic mistake. Angry war hawks and neo-con Republicans in Washington condemn it. Obama says if Congress tries to kill the deal, he will veto the opposition. Whether you think it is a bad deal, an average deal, or a good deal, it looks like it is going to be a done deal.

The geopolitics in Middle East is not a simple matter. In addition to money and power, it is further complicated by oil and religion. Sunni and oil-rich Saudi Arabia does not like Shite and oil-rich Iran. Sunni and Shite Muslims have been fighting each other to this day since the death of prophet Mohammed in 632 A.D. Arabs fight against the Jews, Persians (Iranians) and non-Arabs. Muslims fight against the Jews and Christians. Muslims fight against other Muslims. Netanyahu feels threatened by Iran's building a nuclear bomb. The Israel Palestine issue remains an unresolved conundrum. There is mess where there is oil (pun intended).The oil-rich Middle East is a big mess!

Netanyahu's accusation of Iran building a nuclear bomb has more to do with his own political fear than proven fact. There is a difference between building a nuclear bomb and having the ability to build one, not to mention that Israel itself is a nuclear power, the only one in the Middle East.

I am not saying that Netanyahu should not be concerned about Iran's ability to build a nuclear bomb. We should all be concerned. But it is untrue that Iran is actually and already building a nuclear bomb. Why does Netanyahu call this U.S. Iran nuclear deal a historic mistake, when it addresses his very concern, to forestall and prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb?

This U.S. Iran nuclear deal is the result of hard negotiation, with the participation of Iran, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (U.S.A., U.K., France, Russia, China) and Germany. Are these countries all stupid? Of course not. Is it pre-mature, presumptive, or prejudiced, for Netanyahu to call this nuclear deal made by these definitely-not-stupid world powers a historic mistake? Why is it a historic mistake and not a historic achievement? At the least, we must wait and see, instead of jumping to negative conclusion.

I don't blindly take side with one country against another. I always take side with peace. I am not against the U.S., Iran, Israel or any country. I am against violence, killing and war. Those who are against this U.S. Iran nuclear deal must tell us what the alternative is. If you don't choose a political and diplomatic solution, then the only alternative left is military action and war. The question is this: do you want peace, or do you want war?   

Speaking as a pacifist, there is no wrong peace. Is this U.S. Iran nuclear deal a bad deal, average deal or good deal? Since there is no wrong peace, all peace deals are better than no peace deal at all. Peace !!!      

Donald Trump For U.S. President ?

Just finished watching a Youtube video titled 'Exclusive Donald Trump Interview: I Love China / msnbc'.

Here are my thoughts and comments: .  

I have mixed feelings about Donald Trump. He is a shameless self-promoter, and yes, with a huge ego and narcissistic personality. He talks like he is the smartest and richest person in the world, but he is not.Yet, when it comes to business and economics, he does know what he is talking about. He is very blunt and to the point, and tells you as it is, with no sensitivity or apology whatsoever. 

I doubt Donald Trump really loves China, but I think he sort of respects China as a great challenger or competitor. There is a Chinese saying which goes like this, " A hero respects another hero". At the present, China is playing the game of capitalism (the Chinese way) very well, even better than capitalistic America. Donald Trump is not wrong in saying that the U.S. needs better and tougher negotiators to deal with China. 

Competition is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as it is a fair game, and that it benefits one's country and people, and better still, it also benefits other countries and people.We need world leaders who are able to solve problems and improve the lives of the people of their countries "and" other countries, all by peaceful means. No violence, no killing, no war. Negotiation is fine. Fair competition is fine. Would Donald Trump make a good U.S. President? I don't know. What do you think ?

Omar Sharif

Legendary actor Omar Sharif has died. RIP Omar !

Good Guys and Bad Guys in World Politics

Just finished watching a Youtube video of Lada Ray titled 'Putin's Gambit: Germany To Replace Ukraine As Russian Gas Transiter'.

Here are my thoughts and comments:

Lada Ray is a good political analyst and commentator. Sometimes she talks beyond the mundane. Her comments in this video and others tell me that she see things well from the Russian perspective. I agree with her that Putin is a great chess player. Of course, Uncle Sam depicts Russia as the bad and isolated guy. The truth is that Russia is not isolated. As to who are the good guys and who are the bad guys, please study, observe and decide for yourself.

In diplomacy, there are no bad guys. In war, you are the good guy and your enemy is the bad guy. In politics, the good guys and the bad guys are the same guys. An angel blinks his eyes and becomes a devil. A devil snaps his fingers and becomes an angel. Politicians are neither good nor bad. Politicians are politicians.

If you are interested in oil and pipeline politics, watch this video. It is about 21 minutes long. I feel sorry for the people in Ukraine. However you look at the situation in Ukraine, it is a loser, not a winner. Ukraine is not a good chess player. It is not even a player. It is the chess.

Ukraine is a chess game played by the two major players, the U.S. and Russia. Some NATO countries like Germany and France take side with the U.S. against Russia for external show, but work with Russia not-so-openly for their self interests. Peace! 

July 1, 2015

July 1, 2015 is an important day of Canada and Hong Kong. It is Canada Day. It also marks the 18th anniversary of British handover of Hong Kong back to China. Canadians celebrate Canada Day today, but not all HongKongers celebrate the return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule.

A Keith Durant in Youtube gave his comments on the political situation in Hong Kong. He told the truth. Here are his comments: The funny thing is they have more democracy under China than they ever had as a British protectorate. Under Britain the governor was appointed in Britain with no input from the people of Hong Kong. Under China they are at least offered choices of those the government is willing to accept.

My thoughts:

There is no way that the Chinese Government will allow separatists or independence-leaning politicians to run for the chief executive office in Hong Kong. Candidates must be pre-screened and approved by a pro-Beijing Hong Kong committee made of 1200 members, which represents almost 40 different sectors or groups of people in Hong Kong society. The approved candidates or finalists will then run for the office, and every adult HongKonger will be given a vote to select their leader.

This is the situation: since the handover on July1, 1997, Hong Kong has become a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. It has a high level of autonomy, but it is not a separate country. To become the chief executive of Hong Kong, you must be pro-China, not anti-China.

Hong Kong already has much democracy and freedom. In terms of economic freedom, it is on the very top in the whole world. The rejection of this new election and voting system appears to be a small victory of the pro-American and pro-Western styled democracy politicians and people. It is a setback of Chinese styled democratic reform in Hong Kong.

It is rather stupid and irrational that some anti-China HongKongers still wave the British flag, complaining that there is no free election in Hong Kong. Was there any free election when Hong Kong was under British rule? No, None. Would these anti-China HongKongers be happy to re-become British 'subjects' or 'second class citizens' under British colonial rule?

The U.S. and China Must Talk

The U.S. and China must talk. They must maintain and improve their major-power relationship through peaceful means.

The U.S. needs China. China needs the U.S. The world needs both. I like Jimmy Carter's advice: the U.S. must respect China, and vice versa. Peace !!!

Is Japan Giving Up Pacifism ?

In the news, 25,000 Japanese protesters in Toyko opposed war legislation put forward by their Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. These are my thoughts and comments:

To allow Japan to give up Pacifism and re-militarize itself is a terrible mistake. Japan's war crimes and atrocities against China and other Asian and non-Asian countries still have not been settled. Don't know what political and military game that Abe is playing.

Regarding Japan's war crimes and atrocities committed against China in the Second World War, Japan still has not issued a formal apology to China. Instead, Abe just said to the U.S. Congress that "History is harsh. What was done cannot be undone." What an irresponsible statement and B.S. it was !

When I went to university in the U.S., I had a Japanese schoolmate Yoshi who talked candidly about these things with me, including Japan's invasion and occupying of China, the Nanjing Massacre, Sex Slaves, and so many war crimes and atrocities. Yoshi said these words to me, " I sincerely apologize to China for Japan." Whao, how I wish Yoshi became the Prime Minister of Japan, not Shinzo Abe.  

If Japan or other Asian countries think that the U.S. will always take side with them to fight China, they are making a terrible mistake. China wants peace, not war, but China will never be humiliated by Japan ever again. It is unlikely that the U.S. will go to war with China or Russia. If it did, a nuclear war would break out, and the whole world would be finished.

Uncle Sam also makes a terrible mistake, if he thinks that NATO members will always "obey" him 100%. If the U.S. goes to war with Russia, I bet Germany and France will not follow, in spite of NATO's so-called principle of "If you attack one, you attack all". Does this remind you of George Bush's stupid statement that "you are either on our side, or you are on the terrorist's side!" ?

At the end of the day, each country would be most concerned with its own well being and success, and would not blindly take action solely based on its membership or affiliation with whatever organization or alliance it belongs to. I mean when the shit hit the fan, it is not impossible that ideology and membership would yield to unexpected action rather based on rationality, reality and practicality.

I dare to say that the whole Asia, including Japan, is already substantially anchored with and influenced by China's growing economy. To put it bluntly, if you are an Asian country located in Asia, would you join the increasingly prosperous and powerful China Club nearby, or the debt-ridden and declining American Club thousands of miles away?

China is not a new rising power. It is a re-emerging power. Except for the last 200 years or so, China has always been the super power of the world. When I attended university in the U.S., an American History Professor told me that the 19th century belongs to the British Empire, the 20th century belongs to the United States of America, and the 21st century belongs to China. Looks like he is right.

Dear Mr. Abe, please listen to your own peace-loving Japanese protesters. Even Uncle Sam is showing signs of being tired of repeated war games, and you think that by re-militarizing Japan, you can again invade and fight China?

Vitamin M

Are you stressed ? Are you depressed ? Health is not about physical health only. It includes mental and emotional health. Please take some Vitamin M ( Music, Meditation and Money ). Your stress or depression will be reduced, if not completely cured. Good luck! 

World Cup Women Soccer

Have been watching World Cup women soccer. In the opening game, Canada beat China 1-0. Christine Sinclair's penalty kick was near perfection. She deserved the respect of the Canadian fans. Beware of the German team. The German girls are fast and make good passes. It is a good bet that Germany may become the Champion. Let's see !!!

Dream and Reality

Dream and Reality are not two separate houses. They are two adjacent rooms in the same house. We all go in and out of the two rooms. Don't stay or spend too much time in one room only. Please use and take care of all the rooms at home. Enjoy !     

Please Shake Hands

Chinese President Xi Jinping met US Secretary of State John Kerry in Beijing. Both looked relaxed and shook hands.

Shaking Hands is always better than Shooting Bullets and Dropping Bombs. When is Obama going to shake hands with Putin? I hope soon !!!

Could China Kill The US Dollar ?

I've just finished watching a Youtube video titled 'Could China Kill The US Dollar?' Here are my thoughts and comments:

My personal opinion is that China could indeed kill the US Dollar, but she would do so only gradually, not suddenly. She has been doing so slowly, but picking up speed recently, as evidenced by the newly formed China-led Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), increase of gold production and purchase, and bi-lateral agreements signed with many countries in using their own currencies for trading, bypassing the use of US Dollar. 

The HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) is a British Bank with a deep Chinese root. Both UK and Hong Kong are HSBC's 'home markets'. HSBC is thinking of moving its headquarters from London to Hong Kong. The UK was the first Western country and US ally that joined the China-led AIIB, followed by many others. Uncle Sam was not pleased.

I don't think China really wants to kill the US Dollar completely. China just wants to de-dollarize the world. China, Russia, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East, even Europe and the World, just don't want to be completely dominated by the US any more. No more unipolar world controlled by big-boss America !
 
There are many speculations or predictions that the US Dollar will collapse, but my guess is that it will not die with a big bang but with a whimper. China is killing the US Dollar softy with her Yuan (Chinese Dollar), also known as Renminbi (People's money). 

Some Americans are super wealthy, but as a whole, the US as a country is broke, owing trillions of dollars to China, Japan and other countries. The 1% is still doing great of course, but the 99% is struggling. Does Uncle Sam still want to go to war, which is a super expensive, terrifying and deadly game, profitable only to a few people, but at the expense of the life and death of many ? 

The US Dollar may not even die, but it will no longer be the only dominant trading and reserve currency of the world. China's rise is certain, but the US' decline is not. Instead of setting road blocks and preventing China from rising, Uncle Sam should pay attention to his own many problems. As Jimmy Carter said, the U.S. must respect China, and vice versa. If a nuclear Third World War breaks out, the whole world will be finished. We must never let that happen. 

How Long Can We Live ?

How long can we live ? Can we extend human life to 150 years? 1000 years? or even forever? A cynic would say that you are crazy to believe that you can really live that long, let alone forever. Well, I am one of these 'crazy' people.

However, I believe longevity and eventually immortality would be achieved through advanced science and bio-technology, not by waving a magic wand. It would be a 'scientific miracle', not a 'religious miracle'. 

Now, believe it or not, it was recorded that there was a man Li Ching-Yuen in China, who was born in 1677 and died in 1933. He lived 256 years. In the Old Testament, it was recorded that there were people who lived more than 900 years ( for example, Adam at 930 years, and Methuselah at 969 years ). 

Do you believe in Science or Religion, or both ? Do you believe that we can stay young and healthy for a very long time, and that it is no longer a pipe dream?

True Moment

If you live in the past, you are depressed. If you live in the future, you are anxious. If you live at the present, you are at peace - Lao Tsu. 

Reality is an unbroken past, present, and future.The only true moment is the Here and Now. 

Enjoy, Enjoy. Enjoy your life Here and Now !   

Happy Mother's Day

Happiness is the arrival of Mother and the departure of Mother-in-Law.

Happy Mother's Day !!!

Omar Khadr versus Stephen Harper

Omar Khadr is free on bail. Thumbs up to his lawyer Dennis Edney ! The argument of Stephen Harper's Government that setting Omar free would hurt U.S. and Canada relation has been rejected by the Court.

Examples are plenty, that Stephen Harper's get-tough-approach didn't seem to respect and care about Canada's constitution and judicial system, international laws, and the UN Charter. Our prime minister seems to be just following, copying, obeying and taking orders from Uncle Sam. He seems to have been Americanizing and militarizing Canada. He has made Canada join the American Fighting and Killing Club, whose war hawk leaders seem to have a never ending agenda for fighting, killing and wars. Canada under Stephen Harper's rule is not the same Canada of peace and peacekeeping that we used to know. Sometimes I wonder if Stephen Harper is a closet dictator and would-be war hawk, or what ?     

In the case of Omar Khadr, Stephen Harper's approach is typically an American macho-man approach, with little Canadian compassion and sensitivity. Omar was a child soldier. He was only 15 years old when he allegedly killed an American soldier in Afghanistan. Even if he did kill an American soldier, he was still only a child. He was labelled as a terrorist and illegal combatant by Uncle Sam, and certainly Stephen Harper concurred.   

This case of Omar Khadr smells strongly American, not Canadian. Stephen Harper had chosen not to seek extradition or repatriation, despite the urging of Amnesty International, UNICEF, the Canadian Bar Association, the Federal Court of Canada and other prominent organizations. What does this tell you about Stephen Harper and his not-so-Canadian way of treating Omar? Did all these respectable recommendations matter to him at all? Was pleasing Uncle Sam more important than everything else?

Omar's lawyer Dennis Edney accused Stephen Harper of being a bigot, but I won't go that far. However, I do feel that under Harper's Government, it seems that Canada no longer treats its citizens equally. In a few cases, Stephen Harper seemed to be biased and selective, in deciding which Canadian citizens to protect, and which just to ignore, when they got into troubles in foreign lands and needed help.  

There are 2 undeniable facts about the case of Omar Khadr: (1) Omar was a 15 years old child soldier. Calling him a terrorist or illegal combatant did not change the fact that he was only a minor at the time, and (2) Guantanamo Detention Center in Cuba was the hell hole and military base outside the legal system of Uncle Sam, where Omar was imprisoned, tortured and grew up. 

Regarding democracy, freedom, human rights and international laws, Guantanamo is a shame of Uncle Sam. Didn't Obama promise he would close it down in his first year of presidency ? ( please read my blog of Dec.16, 2013 titled Guantanamo Prison ). Omar said the plea agreement that he signed was completely created by the U.S. Government, and that he signed it only to escape the continued abuse and torture at Guantanamo Bay.

This case of Omar Khadr is not over yet. The story goes on, hopefully with positive development, and not with any more political interference.  

Japan Must Apologize

Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe's visit to the U.S. did not meet with welcome everywhere. In Youtube, I saw an American Second World War veteran accusing Abe of dodging the issue of Japan's war history. In Los Angeles, Abe's last stop, there were Chinese and Korean Americans protesting Japan's war crimes, and demanded Japan's apology. Apologize, Apologize, they shouted !

History is not fiction. It is about facts and what actually happened. Japan must own up its war crimes and atrocities committed in the Second World War against China, other Asian and non-Asian countries, and issue an official apology.

The China-Japan relationship today is still very difficult, largely because of Japan's continued denial of the 'real' history of Japan's invasion of China, the Nanjing Massacre, the sex slaves, and many such undeniable war crimes and atrocities. Changing facts and white-washing history just doesn't work. Nor can the U.S. deny the fact that it dropped 2 atomic bombs on Japan, killing 300,000 Japanese civilians. Nor can Japan deny the Pearl Harbour incident.

In order for countries to move forward and repair damaged relationship, they must admit what they did wrong, and apologize to the victim countries. In return, the victim countries must forgive the countries which did wrong and have officially apologized. It takes a lot of moral courage to apologize, and it is not easy to do so for most politicians who have very little spiritual I.Q. (a term I coined).

It's very sad but true, that the humans are quite advanced now in science and technology, but they are still spiritually very primitive. Their values are still about Money and Power, not Peace and Love. We, 'uncivilized' humans, continue to engage in warfare to fight and kill one another. Until and unless we make drastic changes of our current financial, economic and political systems in the world, I doubt Peace on Earth will come soon. We need a LOVE revolution !!!

Do Good Competition In Yemen

Propaganda by Countries is nothing new. It is part of domestic and international politics. However, I love to see 'positive' propaganda based on facts, such as world leaders taking real actions to do good and make peace rather than going to war.

I have watched some news videos in Youtube regarding the current situation in Yemen.Two videos stand out, which show the different response of the Chinese and U.S. Governments:

One video shows that China helped evacuate hundreds of nationals of 10 different countries from Yemen, mostly Pakistanis and other nationals, including those of the U.K., Italy, Ireland, Singapore, Germany and Canada. 

On the other hand, the other video shows that the U.S.Government was being sued for failing to save Americans in Yemen during Saudi airstrikes.Would you be mad if you or your loved ones were American citizens and got stuck in Yemen, and that your own U.S. Government, which was able to help, but failed to bring you or your loved ones out from a war zone to safety?  

In the Do Good Competition, the U.S. lost to China on this one, because it didn't even care about its own citizens, while China helped its own citizens as well as citizens of other countries. I feel a bit sad, because I want to see BOTH China and U.S.A. become great leaders of the world, in healthy competition and peaceful cooperation, but not to screw each other. 

This evacuation comparison in Yemen confirms that China is indeed rising as a world leader, while the U.S. is in decline. China's rise is a certainty, but the U.S. decline is not. Instead of setting road blocks and preventing China from rising, I think Uncle Sam should make real efforts to overcome his own problems and recapture its past greatness. There is nothing wrong for the world to grant a Do Good gold medal to 2 champions, even 3, 4, 5 or more. At this time, it appears that China is winning

U.S. Bridges Falling Down

Are U.S. bridges falling down? In the news, 61,000 bridges across the U.S.A. are dangerous and unsafe if left unrepaired. In Washington D.C. alone, 14 bridges have been labelled 'decrepit' and in 'poor condition.'

As the news came from RT (Russia Today) in Youtube, it would be taken by some Americans as nothing but Russian propaganda. But this has very little to do with politics. It is a serious concern, whether you want to politicize it or not. Nor can you just laugh it off, because the problem will not go away until you have it fixed.
 
The spokesperson on the RT news video appeared to be then U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. He sounded rather stupid in saying that he didn't want to say that the bridges were 'unsafe' but they were 'dangerous'. What does it mean that they are not unsafe but dangerous?  Why does Uncle Sam always have so much money to go to war in foreign lands, but have no money domestically to help his own people and to ensure homeland safety?

From Canada With Garbage

Canadian garbage angers Filipinos!

In the news, Filipino environmentalists protested that some 50 container vans of Canadian garbage were sitting at the port of Manila, and insisted that they should be sent back to Canada. Protesters complained that their country Philippines is not Canada's garbage dump.

Both the Governments of Philippines and Canada seemed to avoid responsibility, since it was a commercial shipment, a private business matter. What a stupid excuse !!! Canada refused to take back the garbage, which was relocated somewhere else locally. 

This kind of cross-border garbage business really stinks. It may be a profitable business, but is it moral and ethical ? Shouldn't our environmental concerns cover the whole world, the entire Planet Earth, and not just our own country?

Diaoyu Islands: China and Japan Conflict

The dispute regarding the Diaoyu Islands between China and Japan is a very sensitive issue. Right now, both South Korea and China are pissed off, because Japan has made its school books and maps to include some dispute islands in the China Sea, including the Diaoyu Islands, as parts of Japan.

I have done some studies about the Diaoyu Islands, which are known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan. In Youtube, you can find and watch a good number of videos about the Diaoyu Islands dispute, some of which are pro-China, and some are pro-Japan. Certainly, China took one position, and Japan took another position, otherwise there would be no conflict. I am a pacifist. I believe in peaceful solutions to all conflicts. I am pro-peace and anti-war. That said, I think these islands should be returned by Japan to China.

There is a Youtube video titled 'Diaoyu Islands The Truth' made by Chris D. Nebe, a German film director from Hollywood. I am inviting all my friends (whether you are Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Filipino, Singaporean, Australian, American, Canadian, or of any nationality) to watch this well-made documentary video (42 minutes long), to learn a little bit about the modern history of China, Asia and the world.

I have many things to say about the Diaoyu Islands, Asia and the World, but I just want to touch on a few major points here:

After Japan's defeat and surrender in World War Two, it was clear that it must return all territories to their previous owners, and be allowed to keep its 4 major islands only.

The Diaoyu (meaning Fishing) Islands have been used by Chinese fishermen as a station, base, or platform for hundreds if not thousands of years.

Upon the end of WW2, the U.S. gave the Diaoyu Islands to Japan for administration without the agreement of China. To allow Japan to administer the islands could not mean the transfer of ownership or sovereignty of those lands to Japan. Administration is NOT ownership. Temporary control and usage of the Diaoyu Islands by Japan should have been made agreeable to China, not by unilateral action of the U.S. who gave them to Japan.

Was there any explicit U.S. signed statement, which was legal and recognized by the UN, that the Diaoyu Islands were given to Japan for ownership, not administration? Besides, the U.S. was not the owner of the Diaoyu Islands (not being part of the U.S.), so did the U.S. even have the legal authority to let Japan administer them? Again, as part of  the conditions of Japan's surrender in WW2 , it must return all territories to their previous owners. Were the Diaoyu Islands made an exception, that Japan could keep them ?

How could it be fair for the U.S. to sign a treaty with Japan, without the inclusion of China, when the subject matter was historically Chinese and stolen by Japan ? Apparently, the dispute of the Diaoyu Islands was swept under the rug, which later resurfaced. Kicking the can down the road can never be a solution. Sooner or later, the conflict will fire up again.    

Japan's war crime is not fiction. It is a historical fact. The Nanjing Massacre claimed the lives of 300,000 Chinese civilians. Japanese soldiers raped Chinese women and played games by throwing Chinese babies in the air, then stuck their guns or machetes to the butts of the babies to kill them. Comfort women made of Chinese, Koreans and other nationalities were forced to be sex slaves of the Japanese soldiers. People were buried alive.  

If Japan has the moral courage to apologize to China and the Chinese people, (and to the Korean people, actually also to other Asians and people of other nationalities), then I believe China will forgive Japan on its war crimes and atrocities. The problem is that Japan would not apologize. Instead, it's been creating tension with China. This is the major problem in the relationship between China and Japan today. Regarding the Diaoyu Islands, the U.S. has no official position, but it looks like Uncle Sam is taking side with Japan. The U.S. military alliance is with Japan, not with China.

Based on historical, legal and moral grounds, or just on moral ground, it would be better off for Japan to return the Diaoyu Islands to China. Just based on the terrible war crimes committed by Japan against China, Japan owes to China much more than just these few small islands. 

What is your opinion ? To let China take leadership in building Asia (such as through the newly formed Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank), or let Japan be the leader? Don't you know Japan is in economic deep shit, and the U.S., too ? Just using a nice-sounding terminology of Quantitative Easing cannot hide the real meaning of the action, which is printing money or creating fiat money out of thin air by the U.S. and Japanese Governments. My humble opinion is that Quantitative Easing is a problem, not a solution. It is like keep kicking a bomb down the road. Sooner or later, it will explore.

Can you see China is a hardworking builder and rising leader, and the U.S. is in heavy debt and has become a tired warrior and destroyer? Whether you like it or not (probably Uncle Sam doesn't), China is rising. My humble opinion is this: Japan has 2 choices: (1)  return the Diaoyu Islands and apologize to China, co-operate with China to develop Asia and the world, and become prosperous and peaceful together with China, Asia and the world, or (2) refuse to have the moral courage to apologize to China, and continue to create tension and the illusion that the U.S. will always come to your military protection.

I don't think the U.S. will go to war directly with China or Russia. That could mean World War Three and the end of the world. The U.S. may provide some military assistance to Japan, yes, but in the end if a war broke out between China and Japan, the dead soldiers and civilians would be largely Japanese and Chinese, not Americans. Dear Japan, please remember this: you invaded China and committed some undeniably terrible war crimes. China did not drop the two atomic bombs on you. The U.S. did. Do you want Peace or do you want War?       

I am not against Japan, the U.S. or any country. I am pro-peace and anti-war. Forgive all past mistakes. Forgive yourself and forgive all others. Start new. Be friends. Co-operate and build together, instead of fighting, killing, and causing death and destruction

I welcome any comments or ideas. If you are an international law expert, please speak up. How are we going to solve the problem PEACEFULLY regarding the Diaoyu Islands ? Would it work if Japan acknowledged the sovereignty and ownership belongs to China, and China allowed Japan to jointly administer the Diaoyu Islands for mutual benefits? Is there any Win-Win solution? PEACE TO ALL !!!

Racism in America

In the news, South Carolina police officer Michael Slager is charged with murder, for shooting dead of an unarmed black man Walter Scott.

White American policeman shot unarmed black man dead. It is nothing new really, but so bad and so sad !!! Yes, black life does matter. Actually all human lives matter. Does racism exist in U.S.A.? Yes, it does. It still does.

Martin Luther King's beautiful dream has not been fully realized. Even Obama, the first U.S. black president, has to face this ugly truth of racism in America. You have very poor eyesight if you don't see it !   

Stephen Harper's Canada

First and foremost, I don't belong to any political party in Canada or anywhere. I don't blindly take side with one political party against another political party. I look at the issues and concerns rationally, and see how our leaders deal with them. Basically, I am a pacifist. I am pro-peace and anti-war. I am pro-diplomacy and anti-destruction. I am pro-negotiation and anti-nuke. I am pro-freedom and anti-fear. 

I am a Canadian. I love Canada, even the whole world. I am very concerned about the Harper Government's domestic and foreign policies. To put it bluntly, I don't like them. But do I still respect Stephen Harper? Yes, he is our prime minister. He is not all bad. Is he a good politician? Yes, he is. Is he a great statesman? No. 

Today's Canada is not the Canada that I used to know. Sad to see that Stephen Harper has joined the U.S. led Fighting and Killing Club.It is my opinion that Canada must not go into Syria to strike ISIS. However bad you think Syria is, it is a sovereign country. Call it a dictatorship, evil empire, or whatever, it is a sovereign country. Without the support of the Syrian Government,  it just doesn't make any legal and diplomatic sense, to go into Syria to fight ISIS or do whatever. Does Syria post a direct threat to Canada? No. Even if it does, the Canadian Parliament must first approve a declaration of war against Syria, before Canada should go into Syria. Have we learned anything at all from 911 and the illegal U.S. invasion of Iraq? Had there not been an Iraq War, there would not even have been ISIS. Do international law and the U.N.Charter mean anything at all ?    

Canada used to stand for Peace and Peace Keeping. What is Canada now becoming ? Now that oil price has dropped drastically, Harper and his gang can no longer boast that Canada is a super oil power. Alberta is moaning. Sorry, no more easy oil money! I feel very sad that Harper is turning Canada into a militarized and war-oriented country. 

I despise politicians who use moral justification in their military actions, to order the fighting of evil with evil, and killing of other human beings, including the innocent, all in the name of god and religion. Adding religion to politics only makes it stink even more.To me, war is the worst kind of organized crime. There is no true honor in killing innocent people, whether they are your enemies or your own countrymen. Can you tell me any war which was not messy, in which there was absolutely no injury or death of the civilians? You can't. Want to talk about moral high ground ? How about Thou Shalt Not Kill ? How about Love your neighbor ? How about Love your enemy ? So many religious and political hypocrites !!! 

Regarding fighting ISIS, I do not favor the military involvement of Canada. I support any humanitarian work, such as helping the refugees and displaced people, which Canada is very good at. I would like to see Canada return to its old peaceful way. Improving homeland security should focus on home soil, not by fighting and killing in foreign lands far away. Again, have we learned from 911 and the U.S. illegal invasion of Iraq? Don't tell me that you don't understand the difference between Defense and Invasion. To defend your country, you must focus on your homeland and its border, not by invading another country or engaging in fighting and killing people far away from home. 

In the past, if you held a Canadian passport, you would be welcome everywhere in the world. After 911, some American travelers pretended to be Canadians, to avoid being targets of the terrorists. Today, the terrorists treat Canadians the same as Americans. Why? Please do some thinking yourself and you will find the answer.

I love Canada, but not Harper's Canada. As said earlier, I don't belong to any political party, but I am hoping that Stephen Harper will not be re-elected in the upcoming election. But there is a good chance that I will be disappointed. He may win again!