Citizens of the poor countries are becoming savvy citizens of the world!

 The Economist in a revealing item entitled "How paranoid nationalism corrupts" seems, to my mind, to have captured the frustrating malaise citizens in poverty feel about their government and their country.  It's just, no matter who takes over in their country, it's more of the same.  The frustration they feel is due to the rampant condition the editors call "paranoid nationalism."  See Economist, September 2nd, 2023 issue, p. 8.

The paradigm of the current government of Nicaragua is amplified herein.  Daniel Ortega, President, has roots in the country.  He claims the enemy of his people are "agents of the Yankee empire," so it's safe for them to be among their Latino neighbors, far away from the boogey man.  Now what he offers is just about what his brother had offered Nicaraguans when he was in power as the country's President: The idea is, you know what you're getting in the way of assistance and services of your government, because the guy last in power is doing much the same that this one called President is offering you!  What can you do to change things--it's just the way Nicaraguans have to accept in life!  So the citizen knows that things are just like they've always been.  No sense to want something better; 'cause that's just unrealistic and un-Nicaraguan.

Now for some citizens that's all they know to expect in life.  And, there's an inkling of satisfaction that things don't get any worse.  They have food on the table, and shelter from the rains; and whatever you call the way they make a living.

But for some citizens, they get anxious when they drink; and bored when they are tired of it all.  They're the ones that take to the boats to clear out.  For them, anything's better than what is theirs and everybody else's.  Perhaps, they're motivated to move on by some unpleasant disturbance or condition they're facing and want to get away from reminders.  So what they get in their mind to do but to head out for America--the United States.  Whether they're leaving Nicaragua or some such place on earth, they have a dream--of being on the Streets in New York City!

In that mood of ecstasy, they pack and get out on foot, losing as they go their paranoid nationalism as they trod over the lands which comprise their journey till at last they arrive at the US southern border.     

   

 

 

Cars are going electric: Now, we need a solid-state light-weight battery!

The Economist has devoted much space in its "Science and Technology" section to a progress report on where industry stands in developing for the electric car a suitable solid-state battery (see August 26 issue, pp. 67ff).  And, they show, it's coming along.

First, the car manufacturers will receive and test candidates; second, the cost of the one or so that fits the bill will no doubt need to come down.  Everything just as fast as possible! 

And then, they're off!! 

West African countries ruled by military.

The military of a country is more like the police than that of a town mayor or provincial governor!  What particular expertise or training do military personnel bring dealing with the public?

Nevertheless, in West Africa, most recently, Niger has just been taken over by a military junta.   Be it known, that the other 3 governments also have a strong military say in government, I understand.

In a recent public opinion questionnaire, the populace of the region thought more highly of Russia than of the United States!  Are they serious?

My opinion. 

Spain is now tolerant of native languages in the provinces and in Parliament.

Talk of provinces becoming independent of Spain has simmered down apparently because Spain is now accepting of the local dialects, particularly, Basque, Catalan, and Galician.  

Interesting, that the Russian satellites went for independence of their nation, because, significantly, their native language of the individual states seemed essential to preserve.  And, apparently, they, of the region but not Russian, did not want to speak Russian instead of their own native language!

My opinion.

   

Win one for Democracy in Guatemala!

There's a reformer in them there hills of Guatemala.  Mr. Arevalo claims his administration will not tolerate corruption!  Bravo.

Lost Thailand to a continuance of the military rule in some form; but in Guatemala, a refreshing democratic won.

Good show!

My opinion.   

President Zelensky shows he hasn't forgotten the Crimea!

I understand Crimea is used as a supplies storage area of the Russians.

I am glad to see President Zelensky is pounding the supply depots of the Russians, wherever.

Great work!

My opinion. 

BBC just showed on TV the devastation wrought by a Russian projectile in a downtown Ukrainian City--17 killed just moments ago.

 A soldier explained, there's no day that the Russians don't unleash explosives in our towns.

And who is visiting from the United States at this time of sorrow is Secretary of State Antony Blinken, standing on Ukrainian soil next to a Ukrainian!  He's in the capital city coming to announce yet another    $ 1 billion dollars in aid and military weaponry.  Oh yes, we may send some older versions of a missile, but the Ukrainian military are innovative and come up with their own versions of our advanced weaponry, which they are quick to point out, they use: the latest AI tech to spot the enemy and flush him out.

Secretary Blinken observed that we've sent over $400 billion in military equipment and accessories.  But what is even more, since the war, we've brought American love and concern for Ukrainians to their land--our true friendship for them, who have sacrificed so much.  Together we stand, "side by side with them."  We know what inspires them from within their souls, for it lies within us, too: it's the longing to be forever free.  God bless.