Flipping through the channels in my wonderfully shitty little suite in Folsom, I came across resident CNN blowhard Lou Dobbs and his daily bluster show. They were doing a segment on the military expansion of Russia and China. I was recovering from what felt like my 28th In ‘N Out Double Double since I arrived, so my brain was slightly glazed over as I watched footage of missiles being fired from non-U.S. naval warships.
I then watched Dobbs wrap up the segment with Christine Romans, the reporter for the story. My ears pricked up as I heard her final comment (transcript can be found here):
Romans: James Carafano of the Heritage Foundation says the United States will overcome, the way it always has, by being patient, strong, and free. But Lou, there is no doubt, America’s enemies are eagerly challenging American interest around the globe.
My first reaction was: when did China officially become one of America’s enemies? Yes, I’m fully aware of the currents of trepidation and anxiety flowing through the minds of many Americans in regards to China…and for good reason, too. But last I checked, the mainland hadn’t yet made any declaration of war against the United States, or vice versa. Same goes to Russia, too. I’m not so naïve to think that there aren’t folks, from those in the hoi polloi to the highest levels of government, who already consider both countries to be imminent military dangers to the U.S.. But am I also naïve to think it’s a little weird for a MSM bulwark CNN to allow such presumption on the air? Any thoughts out there?
