If the following Article holds true, it will be the biggest U.S Foreign Policy failure in the Far East since the Nationalist (Kuomintang) party was routed from Mainland China to Taiwan in 1949. Even though the U.S, was kicked out of the Philippine Subic Naval and Clark Air Force Bases in the early 1990s, there was not such an open threat than as now for the actions to take the Philippines into the Communist Chinese sphere of influence.
The last major try by China was its ill fated attempt to take over the Philippine Communications Network via the ZTE National Broadband Network Project in 2008. This was so riven with bribes, kick backs and just plain corruption that it was even too much for the Philippine Legislature to stomach.
It would be a small surprise to see Mr. Duterte resign to live in fabulous luxury in another Country?
The following are excerpts from a very unnerving decision by the new Philippine President:
Duterte aligns Philippines with China, says U.S. has lost
Reuters 1 day ago (Posted here 10/21/2016)
BEIJING, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced his "separation" from the United States on Thursday, declaring he had realigned with China as the two agreed to resolve their South China Sea dispute through talks.
Duterte made his comments in Beijing, where he is visiting with at least 200 business people to pave the way for what he calls a new commercial alliance as relations with longtime ally Washington deteriorate.
"In this venue, your honors, in this venue, I announce my separation from the United States," Duterte told Chinese and Philippine business people, to applause, at a forum in the Great Hall of the People attended by Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.
"Both in military, not maybe social, but economics also. America has lost."
His trade secretary, Ramon Lopez, said $13.5 billion in deals would be signed during the China trip.
"I've realigned myself in your ideological flow and maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to (President Vladimir) Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world - China, Philippines and Russia. It's the only way," Duterte told his Beijing audience.
So far the only saving grace to surface against this probable insanity is that of some of the Duterte Staff:
A few hours after Duterte's speech, his top economic policymakers released a statement saying that, while Asian economic integration was "long overdue," that did not mean the Philippines was turning its back on the West.
"We will maintain relations with the West but we desire stronger integration with our neighbors," said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia in a joint statement. "We share the culture and a better understanding with our region."
And that of a Cabinet Member who stated that Mr. Duterte makes statements not always supported by the rest of the Government. So there are some steps to "walk in back"
It is no secret that most of the Filipino's have strong feelings towards the U.S. But there are still so many hard feelings for how the U.S. treated the Philippines during the Moro Rebellion of 1899 to 1902. It is still as Mr. Durterte has shown that it evokes strong feelings among many of the Nationalistic Filipinos, even now. And he has fed upon that animosity towards us.
If the Chinese do get deeply embedded into the Philippines more so than what they are already, it may be another ground war in the years ahead if we don't end up going nuclear? They have already built a big container facility next to the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Cavite a few year back. And does anyone think they are not monitoring all the message traffic going in and out of there? Whomever controls the Philippines AND the China mainland can easily shut down ship traffic North and South throughout that part of Asia. Same if someone had Singapore and Brunei. Food for thought?
I am seeing where the Judge in the Ohio C8 cases has scheduled several cases for late Spring and Early Summer 2017. They are as many of you know being spread out over the Ohio area. As the first few were bell weather cases, these are non bell weather in nature. The first ones were as noted to get a perception of how the cases overall might go if they proceeded. Obviously, they are proceeding and may prove to be disastrous for DuPont/ Chemours?
In light of what is going on, can we in Vienna expect any speedy action on the effects of the C8 as it has potentially caused issues here? Doubt it, we are governed by loyal DuPont Alumni.
It has been so interesting that the City Administration and the Police Department have allowed as much out as they have on the drive by shooting Wednesday night. As so many of us know, the City is adamant about allowing nothing to get into the news that will show we in our little corner of the Country are like any other place.
We have fortunately it seems many more of that mix of wonderful people in a great town that keeps it pretty much bound together. But sadly, we also have the bad spots like other places. Way too many Drug issues now; the more open reporting of shootings; be they inter family or as this one. An alleged isolated incident. It was an interesting play on words distinguishing between isolated and random.
It is called in the real world painting over the possible problems by calling a rose a dandelion even if one has a bloody spot from a thorn. I was told that someone was saying it was not a problem as no one got hit. But what about a ricochet or a bullet through the home into another building? I had no answer as bad things happen to good people all the time.
Police say no apparent drug involvement. Does anyone think people would be jumping up and down to say some one was mad about a deal gone bad? Maybe a jilted lover trying to entice the other back into their arms. Lots of possibilities and no real answers yet. Mr. Rapp will move Heaven and Earth to tamp this thing down. But, it is just a real sign of the times and we should remain alert and so careful.
I would suggest after the lack of follow through some years back by the Vienna Police to my issue with alleged drug dealing that people call the 911 number to report an issue so there is a record of the call. And/or call the Wood County line to report suspicious Drug Dealing activities in the 'hood. 'nuff said'.
I am asking for your Vote. "Change is in the Air".
(Paid for by the Candidate- Lawrence J. Wilson for Mayor of Vienna).