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Sometimes a coincidence of events speaks for itself. This week there have been celebrations in Beijing of the anniversary of the end of the Second World War. No Western leader was present to observe what was a rather impressive parade:
Meanwhile the American government flooded the news cycle with its valiant action against a small boat off the coast of Venezuela:
The combination brings to mind a lovely poem by a great general, ‘Vinegar’ Joe Stilwell, about a certain Chiang Kai-shek:
I have waited long for vengeance,
At last I’ve had my chance.
I’ve looked the Peanut in the eye
And kicked him in the pants.
The old harpoon was ready
With aim and timing true,
I sank it to the handle,
And stung him through and through.
The little bastard shivered,
And lost the power of speech.
His face turned green and quivered
As he struggled not to screech.
For all weary battles,
For all my hours of woe,
At last I’ve had my innings
And laid the Peanut low.
I know I’ve still to suffer,
And run a weary race,
But oh! the blessed pleasure!
I’ve wrecked the Peanut’s face.
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