More newspeak

[blamebrampton]

I am sick, and failed to phone my friend because I was asleep, and I am now also cranky with large parts of the world.

Apparently, Russia is engaged in Peacekeeping Operations in Georgia.

Clearly Vlad is a Farscape fan.

Sometimes I wonder if people read books, or, indeed, the papers. This makes me a little sad when it is people on the train, but when it is the leaders of nuclear capable nations, I despair. Vietnam redux has been horrible enough, we don't need the Soviet-Afghan war played out again. Or, you know, World War I.

When did the superpowers go completely mad? Was there a memo sent out that I missed? I have this vague idea that things were shiny for a few years around 1990, was I drunk? It's quite possible I was.

I had this vague idea  (which I admit was formed from reading books and newspapers, so is clearly not the sort of idea that we hold with in These Uncertain Times) that if you wished to regain power in former regions of influence the only certain way to do so was through economic influence. Surely that was the one part of the Reagan legacy everyone agreed on? Maybe I was drunk for that bit, too.

Back in Australia, the channel that is broadcasting the Olympics accidentally failed to screen a pro-Tibet ad that had been booked for a slot before the opening ceremony. But there was no interference from the IOC, honest. Also, I am quite tall and very blonde. And Californian. And a man.

In some happy news, a 111-year-old lizard is about to become a father,  and the Times has the best headline EVER: Dog-cloner denies Mormon sex kidnapping

Comments

[spark-of-chaos.livejournal.com]

but in fairness to the Americans, the Georgians have been part of the Iraq adventure, so there was a purpose to that.
Oh, I'm not saying the training was a preparation for this conflict - merely that I doubt the Georgian President kept his plans a secret.

I can't imagine he expected no argument from Russia when the great majority of the Ossetian population define themselves as Russian, and got Russian passports when they were offered to them. I think Saakashvili made an attempt to force the people who are pro-Russian away (which has succeeded to a point, all refuges head for Russia) and simultaneously claim the land, while Russia saw an opportunity to take steps to prevent Georgia from joining NATO.

It's all a major propaganda war in the media, but I have to say some brutal truths were said in the UN. Things I've only heard muttered before, and never by official representatives. The Cold War might have ended in the form it had twenty years ago, but it's a delusion to think old alliances and objectives have been buried and forgotten. Dressed up for the sake of PC, yes, but never too deep under the surface.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

but I have to say some brutal truths were said in the UN. Things I've only heard muttered before, and never by official representatives. The Cold War might have ended in the form it had twenty years ago, but it's a delusion to think old alliances and objectives have been buried and forgotten. Dressed up for the sake of PC, yes, but never too deep under the surface.

The whole thing really is a flashback to the 80s. I'm not liking it.

I preferred the other week when exploding ferraris were the worst thing on the horizon.

[spark-of-chaos.livejournal.com]

I preferred the other week
You won't find me arguing that. :/