Posted on 01/11/2011 7:37:17 AM PST by Stand Watch Listen
>> What interests of the US could justify such a horrendously evil outcome?
Of course, the point in making sure that the Chinese know that an attack on Taiwan would be absolutely unacceptable to the US, and would result in immediate unthinkable death and destruction in China, would be to prevent such an attack and avoid such a horrendous outcome.
Stuxnet is not the only virus that the US and the Israelis jointly developed, and uranium centrifuges are not the only computerized targets of such viruses. This story is about the Navy posturing for allocation of resources.
You think we're not fielding that stuff?
I would agree. US economic transactions are based almost entirely on the checks and balances done within computers (cash transactions are just a tiny fraction of what goes on). Its possible that even a partial destruction would bring about total disorder and a screeching halt to the US economy if that partial destruction brought about a chain reaction to the financial sector.
You and I know we’d never do it. What makes you think the Chinese don’t know?.
Even threatening it would bring the (justified) wrath of the world down on us.
My question is always, why would an American have such a vested interest in Taiwan, even if it risks a nuclear attack upon herself. Even if America wins a nuclear war.
From my perspective, when I see such rhetoric displayed, I don't see concern for the Taiwanese people, but rather I see defence for pax-Americana. Ensuring America will always maintain the upper hand, right, wrong or indifferent even at tragic cost to herself.
>> You and I know we’d never do it. What makes you think the Chinese don’t know?.
Remember, this started out as a hypothetical: “if I were president”. I know I *would* do it if I had to to protect the free world (which last time I looked included Taiwan), and I know I would make it clear to the Chinese, so they WOULD know. I don’t really care what you would or wouldn’t do.
>> Even threatening it would bring the (justified) wrath of the world down on us.
You sound like John Kerry there. Sure, your “world” would be mad if we did that. I don’t agree that it would be justified though. I’d rather be right and effective then “liked”. My allegiance (as POTUS) would be to my country and my true allies, which by definition is NOT those who want to see me and my countrymen enslaved or dead.
Peace through strength, baby. It’s the ONLY way.
But maybe you’d prefer that we put our pink, hairless little heinies up in the air for the Chinese to sodomize. If that’s more your style, then if you were POTUS you could do that and see how it turned out for you and the people you led, hypothetically speaking.
Me? I kind of KNOW how that would turn out. I’ll stick to my hypothetical way, thank you very much.
We are barely hanging on to freedom here. It is beyond our capabilities to save the rest of the free world.
And when was the last time you heard John Kerry ask “What’s in this Foreign Policy for us?”
Again, why specifically is in our interest to keep Taiwan independent from China?
I don’t have a dogmatic position on this question. My whole point is that this is a question we have to start asking. What’s in it for us? The days of it being our “duty” to defend the “free” world are over.
>> Again, why specifically is in our interest to keep Taiwan independent from China?
“First they came for the Taiwanese. But because I didn’t believe that the Taiwanese deserved freedom, I didn’t say anything.
“Then they came for Japan...”
And so forth.
But then, as you hold the viewpoint that the Taiwanese are renegades that “deserve” to be “reunited” with China, I’m sure (to maintain your intellectual honesty) you ALSO feel that by rights the U.S. SHOULD be forced back into being a British colony.
But then, as you hold the viewpoint that the Taiwanese are renegades that “deserve” to be “reunited” with China,
After China devours Taiwan what would be their next target?
>> Ensuring America will always maintain the upper hand, right, wrong or indifferent even at tragic cost to herself.
That’s not a correct statement of *my* beliefs, although it may apply to some.
Where are you from, FRiend? Your comments indicate to me that you’re not American and your homepage offers no clue.
>> That is not in evidence and in fact not true.
So it’s not true; fair enough.
While it may not be true, by your comments it certainly *is* in *evidence* as a reason you might feel the Taiwanese aren’t worthy of our coming to their aid.
If that’s not it, then please help me understand *why* you believe the Taiwanese are unworthy of our help?
Let me try to be as clear as possible.
I don’t see why the USA has an interest in keeping Taiwan independent. How are we hurt of China takes over politically? And if we do have an interest, convince me that the value of an independent Taiwan outweighs the cost of keeping it that way.
My personal preference is that the people of Taiwan would be allowed to decide this for themselves. But so what?
Here’s now I look at it.
How would I feel if one of my sons dies fighting for an independent Taiwan? I tell you honestly I would think it wasn’t worth dying for.
There are things worth fighting and dying for. Independent Taiwan isn’t one of them.
If I am not willing to send my sons to fight for it, how can I in good conscience be in favor of sending other people’s sons to do it?
Because an invasion of Taiwan would be the signal that China is confidently ready for expansion and war. I find it similar to Hitler’s takeover of Austria. If China invades Taiwan, I believe we are on an irreversible course for war with China—whether we help Taiwan or not.
Bet you China calls that bluff.
I'll take your word on that. But it does appear that way to me.
Where are you from, FRiend? Your comments indicate to me that you’re not American and your homepage offers no clue.
Actually, I am an American. I simply have never appreciated the anti-China rhetoric on the FR.
I believe comparisons to China in 2011 with Nazi Germany are overwrought and cannot be defended.
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