Russia Vacations in South China Sea

In essence, it’s China’s story and they’re sticking to it.

“This is a routine exercise between the two armed forces, aimed at strengthening the developing China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership,” China’s defense ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular monthly news conference.

In typical White House whitewash, the Obama administration dismisses Russian involvement.

“I don’t know what exercises they are planning, but in the same way the United States and China have a military-to-military relationship, I’m not surprised that Russia and China are seeking to build upon their military-to-military relationship as well,” he (Josh Earnest) told a regular briefing.

Meanwhile, Australia joined the US and Japan last week in demanding China respect a recent ruling by the Hague officially asserting the South China Sea is international waters and quit bullying the neighborhood kids (Philippines).

China responded in pure Trumpian-style today, by using its state-run newspaper to belittle Australia in an op-ed entitled, “‘Paper cat’ Australia will learn its lesson.” Believe me.

It was at first an offshore prison of the UK and then became its colony, a source of raw materials, overseas market and land of investment. This country was established through uncivilized means, in a process filled with the tears of the aboriginals.

China served the Aussies a shot of belittling followed by a strong cup of bluster.

Analysts say that besides trying to please the US, it also intends to suppress China so as to gain a bargaining chip for economic interests. China must take revenge and let it know it’s wrong. Australia’s power means nothing compared to the security of China. If Australia steps into the South China Sea waters, it will be an ideal target for China to warn and strike.

Will the Obama administration change their tune and stop downplaying China-Russia plunderbund?

Free Cannibis!

Can never get enough free stuff, thought DC Scroger, and anyway, pot makes everyone happy and brings people together and cures world hunger. He didn’t say that last part, but I hear it makes the pot people hungry, so…

Ok. In Scroger’s own words:

“I know there are a lot of frustrated people out there, but cannabis does heal and brings smiles to people’s faces, and that’s what I tried to do today,”

*with donation to Autism research?

“Any donation that is given today we are writing receipts and we’re giving 100% to Autism Speaks,” Scroger said.

Sure. It may be true, it’s true. But few things are truly free, and since pot can be grown but not legally sold, commingling of “free” and “donate” sounds dubitable, to me.

Russia and Syria: Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Aleppo.

Al Assad backed by Russian air support have mercilessly squeezed life from Aleppo culminating in a no holds barred assault to overtake the city. Because they are all about “the people,” Russia and Syria opened three corridors this morning leading out of Aleppo to give residents and rebel fighters “humanitarian” relief.

“This morning dozens of families left via the corridors identified… to allow the exit of citizens besieged by terrorist groups in the eastern neighbourhoods [sic].” Sana (state-owned news agency) reported. *emphasis mine

The report also said some fighters had handed over their weapons and surrendered to the authorities.

Hooey! Neither the US nor the UN have a whole lot of faith in the terrible two wishing to bring peace, love and understanding to a region they have been “slowly starving as extortionately-priced food, medicine and fuel supplies are systematically blocked,” BBC news reported a week ago.

White House response?

US Secretary of State John Kerry said that if the operation was “a ruse” it could disrupt US-Russian co-operation in Syria.

“On the other hand, if we’re able to work it out and have a complete understanding of what is happening and then agreement on (the) way forward, it could actually open up some possibilities,” he said.

My money’s on “ruse.”

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