Stephen M. Young On Taiwan: Winter Musings
As we labor through a particularly fierce winter here in New Hampshire, I find myself reflecting on the situation we face today, and its implications for the future. On this frigid early March morning, we are facing another day of sub-freezing temperatures with a sharp wind that only exacerbates the sense of chill. We have had significant snow this winter as well, after a couple of past winters that were less so. You might be able to experience such cold in Taiwan, but only in your highest mountains!
Some of my friends in Taiwan are lamenting the departure of President Trump, who was seen as friendly to the island and hostile to China. But as I have previously written, Mr. Trump posed a serious threat to the American political system, culminating in his encouragement of an angry mob assault on Congress, our seat of democracy, on January 6th. For this he faced an unprecedented second impeachment trial, even after he departed the White Hous
As jockeying for 2022 begins – with a Senate seat and Ohio’s governorship in play – a related question keeps coming up, both inside and outside Ohio: Why do Democrats, except for Sen. Sherrod Brown, keep losing elections in Ohio?
Note, Democrats don’t necessarily lose county, city and village offices. They win and hold many. And for some reason there is amnesia, inside and outside Ohio, about the three (of seven) Ohio Supreme Court seats that Democrats have won.
True, as for Ohio’s U.S. House of Representatives delegation, the Republican-run General Assembly rigged the state’s 16 districts so 12 will elect Republicans. (And the GOP may be closing in on another district, the Western Reserve’s 13th, held by Rep. Tim Ryan, a suburban Warren Democrat, though districts will be redrawn before 2022’s election).