The Moral High Ground

The international community has reacted with predictable ire at the recent nuclear test in North Korea. The prospect of this pariah state "tooled-up" and capable of inflicting serious damage on her neighbours is seemingly too much for the international community to bear. Even China seems to consider this a step too far, and America will doubtless push hard at the UN for a serious response.

The outrage at North Korea's nuclear ambition is perfectly understandable, as the last thing we need is a seemingly deranged dictator with such weapons. However, one cannot help but marvel at the astonishing arrogance of America, which is currently investing millions in the next generation of nuclear weapons. To be clear, they seem to think that nukes are fine as long as they are the only ones allowed to have them. Now, at one time, most westerners would have been happy enough to accept America's claim to the moral high ground, but in light of recent events this pill is a little bit hard to swallow. And, after all, the US is the only country with a history of actually using these terrible weapons.

It would be a little more paletable if the countries shouting loudest in response to this nuclear test were moving towards eradication of their own nuclear arsenals. In fact, the opposite is the case. And if the reaction to these events were consonant with responses to other countries engaging in similar behaviour, then the current cry for blood might be easier to support. But when France did exactly the same thing some years ago, there was a little bit of shouting, but no real action.

It seems that different standards apply to predominantly white western nations than the rest of the world. Unless, that is, the country in question is more difficult to bully. Take China, for example. America knows well that the Chinese would brook little interference in its affairs, and is very capable of defending itself. So it leaves well enough alone. The chances of the US intervening in China to bring "freedom" or "democracy" are about a million to one. So they support the Chinese regime by trading with them and allowing American companies to make huge investments in the Chinese ecomony.

America picks on the weak and cosies-up to the strong. It has become a bully.

And all bullies face the same end - they eventually come up against someone bigger than themselves, and usually find that they have no friends left to help them.

In the meantime, while idiots like Bush posture and justify themselves and their violence with the language of peace, thousands of nuclear weapons still sit in silos around the world, waiting for someone stupid enough to push the button. How ironic if the man who starts World War III cannot pronounce 'nuclear.'

The End Of Days

Being a man of the sea, I have often noticed how affecting it is to lose sight of land - to be able to see only water on all sides. One feels utterly detached and disconnected from humanity. After a while I usually puts on me little wireless, just to hear the voice of another. I was doing just this today, and I began to ponder what it would be like to remain in that state of disconnection for any length of time. It occured to me that this is what life must be like for Bush - all of the lies and false expectations of his grubby little adventure in Iraq have been exposed, the inhumane treatment of US detainees has been revealed and the fraudulent underbelly of the "War on Terror" has been bared. Even the American people are increasingly seeing Bush as a liability. In order to maintain his sense that he is a good man doing the Lord's work, it is important that he shut himself off from the reality of his situation and convince himself that he is a just and decent person. Imagine the consequences of any failure on his part to do this - he might actually see himself as the world sees him, as a mean and vindictive tyrant who cares little for freedom or justice. A man of no decency.

I wonder what will happen when his presidency comes to an end, and some time passes and he has less and less to occupy him. Will he begin to allow his thoughts to drift towards the reality of what he has done? Will he allow himself to consider all of the children who have died so that his rich friends can become richer? Will he think about the ruined lives, the dead and mained American servicemen and women? Might he consider the long-term consequences of his self-righteous crusade? If so, what effect would this have?

I suppose it depends on whether he really is just a stupid dupe, pandering to the twisted demands of the neo-cons. If that is the case, then maybe he will sleep easy. But if he actually knows what he is doing - if he really understands what is being done in his name, then I suspect that he will have some terrible times ahead. And this might come sooner rather than later, because I think he will be dropped like a hot brick as soon as his time in the White House ends - nobody will want to be associated with him once his power is gone. And he probably wont get much of an airing during the next election campaign - I reckon candidates from all sides will be trying to emphasise how different they are from "W".

So, it seems he will have the one thing which might be intolerable to him: time to think.

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In some respects this shabby presidency may end up being of benefit to mankind - when all of the dirt finally floats to the surface, the backlash may result in a move towards greater tranparency and honesty in public life. Of course, "W" doesn't have much of a legacy to leave behind, apart from the deaths of many thousands and the stench of greed. Not to mention, turning America into a pariah state and throwing the world into chaos. Not bad for a guy who wouldn't get a job in McDonald's in europe.