Today's Links 2005 07 15 Friday

Big Topic of The Day:



Watch out! Far as I can determine, Vodkapundit saw this trend first, but this morning there is a new scary article Chinese General threatens US over Taiwan. More here. Similar story with one more detail here.



I really hope that there is no there there. I'm starting to believe I'm going to be disappointed. Now would be an excellent time for China to attack Taiwan, for the same reasons France invaded Mexico during our Civil War (like France, I suspect China's military is less than it appears, and like Mexico, I think Taiwan's a bigger bite than it appears to be. On the other hand, the logistical situation isn't as bad). We'd either have to win quick and big, or we wouldn't win, which means China would be silly to actually use nukes on us. We use them first, it would be surgical, and China wins world support. China uses them first, we respond with overwhelming force, and China ceases to exist.



So do we wait for China or do we use them first? We probably should wait, despite increased upfront toll. We use them first, and despite their threats we are immediately the bad guys, still the one and only country in the world to ever actually Drop The Bomb. We cannot take on the whole world. Much as I hate to say it (especially living in a West Coast Target City!), the costs to the US from using nukes first would be higher than if we waited until after they did.

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Politics:



Looks like the big move today in Rove/Plame is endgame. Looks like the Donkeys have bought all the rope they need. The only question remaining is are they going to buy more rope anyway, or decide they've lived up to the terms of the Parallel Idiocy in Political Parties Act regarding Terri Schiavo? Is it just me, or does anybody else hear demonic laughter emanating from Elephant political strategists? "Muwahahaha!".



On a related note, Hugh Hewitt directs us to Dean Barnett at the Weekly Standard for a bit of perspective.



For more National Review lays it out.



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London bombings:



All sorts of interesting happenings regarding the London bombings. Egyptian chemist arrested. He studied in North Carolina. He's denying a role, of course. Now the next step is for some useful idiot to publicly step forward and ask "Why is this poor innocent being tormented?"



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3 parasites' shared genes yield clues to solving three nasty diseases of the developing world. Cool!



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UN wants to Destroy Take Over Internet



Just what we want: The perpetrators of this in charge of global information.

(HT to Instapundit for the latter)



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Attacking the Messenger

Hat tip: Indepundit



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TIMEWASTER: 7 per cent idiot. I think we can safely accept that's a lower bound to the range.

While I was there: 10% Hippie

Hat tip: Llama Butchers



Another Timewaster Which Fantasy/SciFi Character Are You?. According to them, I'm Spock.

HT: Powerline

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War on Terror stuff:



Victor Davis Hanson in NRO has more on the strategic situation.

HT: LGF



Captain's Quarters has information on a Court of Appeals panel saying that the prisoners at Guantanamo are not prisoners of war Well, duh. But I suppose we had to comply with the Trial Lawyers Full Employment Act.



One of an Army of Heroes (and Marine Corps of Heroes)

HT: Michelle Malkin (P.S. You've got to love her article headline "TSA: TRAINING SUICIDAL ARABS")



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Common Sense and Wonder has a great Cuban history post, and another on the Evolution in our Judiciary



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links china politics current events internet