Missive #635

The state, which since the middle of the seventeenth century has been the most important of all modern institutions, is in decline. From Western Europe to Africa, many existing states are either combining into larger communities or falling apart. Many of their functions are likely to be taken over by a variety of organizations that, whatever their precise nature, are not states.As the promo says “this book will of interest to historians, political scientists and sociologists”. That does not mean that someone like me can not read it but I would have done just a well to skip to the decline chapters which are a very small part of the book. In this unique volume Martin van Creveld traces the story of the state from its beginnings to its end. Starting with the simplest political organizations that ever existed, he guides the reader through the origins of the state, its development, its apotheosis during the two World Wars, and its spread from its original home in Western Europe to cover the globe. In doing so, he provides a fascinating history of government from its origins to the present day. This original book will of interest to historians, political scientists and sociologists. — Book promo @ goodreads.com

I did not walk yesterday. Again it looked threatening rain with the temperature in the 40s. The forecast was predicting rain at 100% and a high temperature for the day to be 50 so I stayed in Desperado with the Wave 6 on. It started raining a little later than forecast but then rained lightly but steady until after I went to bed. Total of 0.89″ for the day. Mostly clear this morning but we are now going to have 10 days of winter with freezing mornings and highs in the low 60s to low 50s. The snowbirds will not be happy. The sandhill cranes seem to be, I have seen them flying back to the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area this past week.

During Maduro’s years in power … the Maduro government began discreetly returning assets expropriated from business owners and industrialists during the Chávez era (almost all of whom were bankrupt and ruined). Excessive bureaucratic oversight of the economic apparatus was relaxed and eventually eliminated. Exchange controls were abolished, and the dollar entered the economy. Military takeovers of companies ceased. Hostility toward private property ended. The government and the business federation Fedecámaras — which Maduro had called “the parasitic bourgeoisie” in 2013 — made peace.…
The fog is thick over Venezuela’s immediate future. Political uncertainty is total. Trump and Rodríguez, each in their own way, are speaking of two different realities when they refer to Venezuela’s immediate future. Rodríguez is forced to accept Trump’s presence and to adopt a conciliatory tone toward Washington after U.S. forces invaded the country and kidnapped Maduro in a commando operation. Amid this blind spot, a general feeling is emerging within Venezuela: things could get a little worse.…
Conspicuously absent from the statements of Trump and his team, as well as from the National Security Strategy, is any mention of the opinions of people living in the countries and subject to this new Pax Americana. Lee Schlenker, an analyst with the Global South program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, has a warning about this new version of the Monroe Doctrine: The original one, proclaimed in the 19th century, “encouraged the anti-American nationalist, revolutionary, and insurgent movements that characterized much of the 20th century in Latin America.” — Venezuela is foreshadowing the new world order that Trump wants to impose by Macarena Vidal Liy @ El País

President Trump may have passed his cognitive tests but I’m afraid that he has visions of grandeur which refers to a psychological phenomenon where individuals hold false beliefs about their own importance, abilities, or destiny. First it is Maduro and the remaining administration in Venezuela now it is Raytheon. I think he has lost his mind!

“I have been informed by the Department of War that Defense Contractor, Raytheon, has been the least responsive to the needs of the Department of War, the slowest in increasing their volume, and the most aggressive spending on their Shareholders rather than the needs and demands of the United States Military. Raytheon seems to think this is the Biden Administration, and this is “business as usual,” IT’S NOT! Either Raytheon steps up, and starts investing in more upfront Investment like Plants and Equipment, or they will no longer be doing business with Department of War. Also, if Raytheon wants further business with the United States Government, under no circumstances will they be allowed to do any additional Stock Buybacks, where they have spent Tens of Billions of Dollars, until they are able to get their act together. Our Country comes FIRST, and they’re going to have to learn that, the hard way! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”