[Hopalong]

"I disagree with that Hop. That piece on the Diesel Sub maker in Australia made it sound like China was threatening Australia. As if her interests were going to be harmed if it went to the US. If it was purely economic they would increase their bid and wouldn't threaten. In my opinion (humble) the big reason is the Bush administration wants to sell submarines to Taiwan, this sale will help the US to do that and China doesn't want it to happen."

We don't disagree—of course that's the real reason. The nature of the threat, and the means used to make it convincing, is what I was talking about.

The Brits and Aussies too are up to their ears in mainland investment.

Then there's Prince Murdoch Jr., who declared that "China" needs an authoritarian regime, hehe. Yep, might as well be the Commies, eh?

Best regards. S&W R.I.P.

[Hopalong]

On the surface, some of the ChiCom threats seem almost comic, as with a paranoid schizophrenic with a pistol to his head shouting, "Do what I say or we'll shoot!"

The problem lies with all the seemingly influential folks who depend upon the maniac as their one and only overseas snakeheads.

Best regards. S&W R.I.P.