View of the US from Down Under

First… I’m back!! After a four year hiatus, I think I am back to producing some content again. We will see how it goes.

I recently ran across this video from Sky News Australia.

Let’s face it the US political landscape is fractured and polarized. Media in the US has an editorial approach to reporting the news, and in some cases (CNN) will admit to their role as a propaganda machine. That being said, I find this piece from Australia very interesting.

The Australian point of view is actively shaped by the regional politics of the South China Sea and that viewpoint definitely comes across. What really surprises me is the grasp of what is taking place in the US, and the implications / consequence, that this reporter brings to the op-ed.

I walk away from this piece with the impression that our allies across the globe are doubting the resolve and the ability of the United States to meet our commitments and, they may not be wrong. The video is 5:28 in length, and is professionally produced by SKY News. It is worth watching with an open mind.

It is worth noting that the Presidential line of succession does not have a lot of competency or youth in it.

1. Vice President
2. Speaker of the House
3. President Pro Tempore of the Senate
4. Secretary of State
5. Secretary of the Treasury
6. Secretary of Defense
7. Attorney General
8. Secretary of the Interior
9. Secretary of Agriculture
10. Secretary of Commerce
11. Secretary of Labor
12. Secretary of Health and Human Services
13. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
14. Secretary of Transportation
15. Secretary of Energy
16. Secretary of Education
17. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
18. Secretary of Homeland Security

Keep an eye on this as we will likely see a Presidential leadership change unlike anything we have seen before. Probably before the year is out.

I remember the Agnew resignation, the rapid move to appoint Ford as VP followed by Nixon’s resignation and the confirmation of Rockefeller as Ford’s VP. With the Senate split, if Harris succeeds Biden the next VP is likely to be a difficult compromise that may not be able to balance the administration.

Frightening times.