What's an Innocent Democracy to do?

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Stokes has some interesting things to say in the Washington Times today. His comments are reprinted in a Bill Gertz article and originally published in an article from the Taipei Times.

Taiwan needs weapons to counter China buildup

"Since 1999, the People's Republic of China has embarked on a concentrated and aggressive campaign to diversify its options in order to force Taiwan's political and military capitulation in an increasingly brief period of time,"

'Taiwan once was able to resist a mainland attack for months or weeks, but now has only days to survive, he said.'

"No one should expect the United States to enthusiastically risk the lives of its own young sailors, airmen, soldiers and marines to defend a Taiwan that is not willing to take the steps necessary to provide for a strong defense,"

Here is my question. If you are Taiwan, do you declare independence sooner, later or never? Waiting only gives China time to build up for an eventual invasion. However, such a move goes against the wishes of Taiwan's main benefactor, the United States. It would be a gamble as to whether or not the US would help defend Taiwan under such circumstances. But waiting assures eventual assimilation into Communist China, save some dramatic change of heart in Beijing.

In other news:

Rights Group Condemns U.S. Over Guantanamo

Some European Bureaucrats have condemned us again. Alright, thats not really news, but I found this interesting:

'"The situation of prisoners at Guantanamo is very far from acceptable international standards," said Konstantin Kosachev, the head of the Russian Duma's international affairs committee and member of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly.'

Come On! A Russian lecturing us on Human Rights! They should have at least let the French do it.

Other Stuff: I'm just full of questions today.

Russian Rocket Lifts DirecTV Satellite

Does this mean my play by play is going to be in Russian now?

In Sports:

Nats 3, Phillies 1
Braves 4, Mets 3