C-Span and Think-Tanks, mostly, too superficial

For me and my staff, partly because of my having a staff, I am looking for better sources of international info:  obviously, the Economist and I'll be trying the OLLI source at American U.--if they get more of the type of persons from the area or reporters of an area.  Their classes start next month.  I know they're better, I've used them through the years; also, BBC at night and C-Span books-sort-of. 

There's a reluctance on the Biden people to move ahead in Ukraine.  They're so slow.  It is essential to keep the drive in high gear.  I mean, and I argue, don't let up in prompting Europe to work in the training of the Ukrainians.  I personally can't push the Biden people to get with it--they obviously don't know the importance of the Russian downfall.  And, it should remain on schedule.  It's not me who can go into details; but they're available.

Cordially,

John

My opinion. 

Weaning central Europe off Russian oil may have beneficial effects toward European unity

The Economist in its articles implies there's much activity in the European "neighborhood" as nationalities in the region get to know and depend more on each other.  See the European section in its January 21st current issue, e.g., the article "Between three seas."  Point is, Europe is no longer dependent on Russia so as to fall victim to its fierce Bear aggression upon them.

They are learning to depend on one another and pay no heed to a bully nearby!

My opinion.  

Ukrainians need German know-how to use effectively the German technology

President Zelensky is getting the American and German tanks!  The technology advances of them both will require especial technicians, knowledgeable of the armor (hallmark) capabilities to be of assistance in their use.

Courageous changes are being wrought by President Zelensky within the military chain of command of Ukraine.  May God bless these courageous leaders of a lasting Ukraine!  

Outstanding accomplishments are being shown to the world by Ukrainians!  Lead us, as you demonstrate the might and power of the Ukrainians against the Russian aggressors!

My opinion.  

CNN's Fareed Zakaria highlights the Unity of the West as an International Development in World Order

 Today on Mr. Zakaria's GPS program, the major observation made was how the West is more united than heretofore since WWII!  

Despite the need for Brexit to promote democratic principles the world over, a recession threatening to occur overhanging the West, look at the progress the EU has made to replace fossil fuels--such amazing forward advances--etc, etc.: The West altogether is mastering its challenges of today!  

In short, nothing but hoorays and thankyou for the marvelous steps toward a great forthcoming into an age of prosperity ahead for the West that I believe is in the offing.

Of course, I can only claim adding my voice of thank you, leaders of the nations of the West!    

It would seem the Russians are preparing to launch a "Take Over" Offensive Maneuver on Ukraine.

This winter Russian military has been showering Ukrainian territory with bombs and drones, relentlessly.

It would likely follow a wipe-up operation to secure occupation of the land.  But we know that the President of Ukraine and his men stand in the way.  Russian mercenary forces would lead the way in an effort to break through Ukrainian defensive lines, and assumedly, the "new" Russian recruits would secure captured land in a mop-up operation.

The missing piece in this scenario of a display of Russian aggression is a "welcoming contingency" of Russian sympathizers and sycophants within Ukraine that is awaiting the signal  to emerge from their cells and terrorize Ukrainian citizens loyal to the Ukrainian government.  It is well known that there are such individuals or groups in Ukraine willing to do Russian bidding.  (Or, they could be dropped in via plane in the dark of post midnight hours.)

In an effort to counter the possibility of this scenario ever happening, I would think the Ukrainian freedom fighters should rig the country roads from Russia with explosives and have shelters aplenty to protect the Ukrainians from personal assault and injury by the ample presence of the Ukrainian military.  The need for a well-trained Ukrainian military intelligence is obvious.

Tanks in possession of the Ukrainian soldiers would sure be helpful also to do battle with the onslaught of Russian ground-forces that is implied, if this eventuality were what Putin and his armed mercenary cohorts were emboldened--namely, a want on their part to take over the whole of Ukraine or a major portion thereof.              

My opinion: Eritrea should be part of the peace plan for Ethiopia.

 The Economist reports (January 14th issue, 2923), Eritrean and Ethiopian military are still occupying segments of Tigray, making it difficult for many Tigrayan residents to return to their properties.  The editors are hoping the military will join the TPLF, who were fighting the Ethiopian Addis Ababa government of President Abiy, and throw the Eritreans out.  Problem is, apparently, the peace cease-fire never included the Eritreans, though the Eritrean President seems very hostile to the TPLF of Ethiopia.

Perhaps, the United Nations, which has taken a humanitarian interest in the War in Ethiopia, may sound out the parties of war what it will take Eritrea to take its troops out of the province of Tigray, so that the peace may have a chance to take hold in the region.  I believe Eritrean interference in the politics of Ethiopia has long festered with the problems that led to years of internal Ethiopian conflict and ultimately war.     

European Commission's President is working out trade issues with Great Britain

On the Amanpour Program over PBS today, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen reported she is working through the problems of Brexit pertaining to Ireland and Northern Ireland trade with GB representatives.

She expressed optimism that these problems can be resolved, since both sides are in earnest negotiation.  

As I and others who supported Brexit pointed out, England has an important role in defending democracy in this day and age of autocracy in governments around the world.  In particular, it has sponsored the Commonwealth of  Nations to enunciate the values of democracy, that have benefitted a country's citizenry by giving them a voice in the conduct of its government through their exercise in the vote and their expression of viewpoints and philosophies in the marketplace.

My opinion.

Women, You can get out of the house to have a career or a professional job, even!

Modern living has made it possible for females to get out of the house, have a full-time job, and still satisfy the demands of people dependent on her to maintain a smart-aided household!

Yes, all those appliances that make it possible for much of the drudgery to be handled by electric kitchen machines and other people, like child-care workers (funded in part by the government), are a boon that free the homemaker from much of the household tasks!  She no longer, in modern society, must kowtow to the home.

Today, in modern society, a female is greeted with a societal bevy of opportunities that bring her into the marketplace, the office, and classroom outside of where she resides.  That is to say, she is being offered the opportunity to expand her horizons of self-development outside by taking advantage of all the conveniences of modern life that handle many of the household chores..

Not to mention, the many changes in medicine that have made it possible for her to have healthy children with less risk of physical problems for herself or her babies.  They've even made it easier to take care of her feminine periodic duties without anybody ever noticing!

So, it's a shame to my way of thinking that not in all societies today are the women able to enjoy having a career outside of the home!  But then a lot of households don't even have a TV.  Think of that:  no TV, no phone; no cell phone, maybe no transportation except for a bicycle!  Yes, there's still a lot of poverty in this world; and sadly, some families are still facing starvation or lack of suitable housing.   

Do you hear that--you women citizens in either Afghanistan or Iran? 

It is to be expected: rapid industrial expansion at border cities welcoming persons from Latin America to reside nearby

There's going to be expansion of population and industry near the southern border.  Nothing should stop growth in the area!

Daca and others should become citizens!  Importantly, the area does already welcome migrants settling in the region.

I lived in El Paso for some years.  Many persons from Latin America have come to the southern region of the United States for whatever reason and have become citizens of the United States.  But there's always been a minority in the area who don't want them settling here in the US.   The South has plenty of room for growth in industry and commercial expansion!  Don't allow the shut-outs to have their way.

And be it noted, China is in a hub of countries economically sound: Taiwan, S. Korea, Japan, even India.  There's a reason: there's commerce and trade regionally centered in China.  

My opinion.

 

Brexit has caused ripple effects throughout the Free World. Hold on, UK!

 It's been hard for the United Kingdom; but I believe democracy needs strong leadership from the Advanced Nations of the world to create a moral climate.   

In short, Great Britain is needed to bring along nations confronted with issues of poverty and bad central  government administration in their countries.

Please, you're needed as a Free Nation Exemplar.   Your Commonwealth of Nations, and your history among the African states over a Century of involvement in training African leadership constitute an impressive record, not to be forgotten.

My opinion.  

It's about time to think of our southern border countries, Central America, as "US overflow".

Through the Organization of American States, the US must be prepared to extend itself--policies and involvement to its South.

I was based in El Paso for over 10 years, recently; and I believe the countries would benefit from US help south of its border!  

My opinion.

Weather models of storm intensity and draught project for California, Far West US

California needs to store the water from heavy rains and use when draught occurs.

Won't do to allow water to escape storage areas through evaporation!  Keep the water from the suns' rays, etc.

My opinion. 

My extended family, doing well!

 I had opportunity yesterday to review how my extended family members are doing.  These are:

Wendy Oastler, former wife--retired from San Jose library system, I think

Mark Yardas, adopted son at one time

Samuel Oastler, adopted son, who's doing well these days, I hope 

I don't have time to work with them individually.  I have to leave it to staff in Vegas and I wish them well and prosperity.

Thank you.

John

For Former Governor Jerry Brown's office!

I received several communiques from Sacramento over New Year's.

If I did return to Sacramento, it would have to be relatively soon--the next year or so.  I believe I could  continue in what I've started for the state.  My sponsor has always recommended Santa Barbara!  In any case, I was pleasantly surprised to receive such kind words from a place I did consulting some four years or so, ago.

The living arrangements I had in Sacramento were "perfect."  The whole nine yards!

My offices are with my sponsor in Vegas.  Security has to be cleared with them.

Cordially,

John Oastler