Ricardo's theory of comparative advantage is valid only if one ignores issues of national security and cultural incompatibilities. It assumes all trading partners are permanently friendly, with shared values. That's been the flaw of our China policy.
— Not-So-OK Boomer (@Rand_Simberg) April 21, 2020
Category Archives: War Commentary
Lexington And Concord
Two and a quarter centuries ago, it was where the rubber met the road. And it was the cause of the Second Amendment, which never had anything to do with hunting.
It Begins
Germany just sent a £130B bill for ‘coronavirus damages’ – sparks fury in Beijing.
[Monday-morning update]
I don’t know if that original story is valid, but apparently Israel and U.S. law firms are suing the CCP for trillions. Even if they have no mechanism to force payment, this will certainly diminish China in the eyes of the world, and it could provide a legitimate excuse for defaulting on the money we owe them.
China’s Honeymoon In Africa
The thrill is gone.
Joe Biden, And China
He has a big problem.
Yup. And accordingly the Democrats have one, too, if they persist in making him their nominee.
Obesity
Is it a factor in COVID deaths? First I’d heard that, but I wouldn’t be surprised. A lot of people who are obese are that way because of poor diets, which can also cause inflammation and weakened immune systems.
[Update a few minutes later]
The monumental failure of the CDC (and FDA, which is responsible for the terrible nutritional advice that causes inflammation and obesity). As an example of its mission creep that prevented it from doing its actual job, WTF is the CDC doing being involved in workplace safety? To the degree that that’s a federal responsibility (it isn’t), that’s the job of OSHA.
[Update a while later]
Related: The tradeoff between big government and competent government.
[Update late morning]
40% of extreme cases suffer neurological symptoms. That’s bad, but as noted, that can happen with the flu, too.
[Update a few minutes later]
Fast tracking to find the best therapies. This is not FDA approved…
[Thursday-afternoon update]
Related to the post topic? Little Fat Man Kim Jong Un fails to show up at a celebration.
[Update Friday morning]
This is possibly related: Glucose metabolism may play a key role. That, along with the diabetes, would be consistent with the obesity. I’ll bet dollars to high-glycemic doughnuts that diet is a factor. Maybe putting people on keto would be palliative.
[Bumped]
[Update a few minutes later]
Just to follow up on the keto thought, unfortunately, there are few diets worse for health than hospital diets, which follow the disastrous FDA guidelines.
Gut-Check Time
The Declassifications
…show that Durham is the Democrats’ biggest nightmare.
[Afternoon update]
We cannot have two standards of justice in this country.
Sadly, apparently we can, because we certainly have for decades. Hopefully, that’s coming to an end.
Irony Abounds
It looks like Putin turned the FBI into a Russian asset.
The Tyrannical States
Bob Zimmerman is not happy (to put it mildly).
Legally, it’s not really martial law, which is when the military literally takes over, but it’s certainly multiple violations of the Bill of Rights.
[Update a few minutes later]
One way to improve the lockdown; stop being hypocritical tyrants.
[Update a few more minutes later]
South Dakota has a governor who is behaving responsibly, so the WaPo decided to smear her, because she’s (you know) a Republican.
[Update a few minutes later]
No, Raleigh police, protesting is in fact not a “non-essential activity.”
[Update a while later]
Note the comment at Bob Zimmerman’s post about the New Jersey dance instructor teaching on line alone in her studio, who was ordered to stop by the police, because she was “working.” Apparently, the state wants to make it illegal to earn a living, regardless of risk level.