Seated Quietly Beneath the Table
CHINA
SEATED QUIETLY BENEATH THE TABLE
23 March 2025
The United Kingdom with the European Union ~ the Continent of Europe ~ the seat of Western Democracy and values, the rules based order established in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War.
Across the Atlantic Ocean is a disparate nation of fifty states. Once upon a time its centre point was a building in Washington DC. The White House has seen better times. Geopolitically, they are more like a ship all at sea, blown every which way by every wind, every current, no order, indiscipline.
Once upon a time, America enjoyed being leader of the free world. But as Sebastian Gorka has found out, it is no way to make friends by bellowing that America’s leverage is not only that it is the mightiest nation on earth, but it also has twelve aircraft carriers.
Wow! Well I never!!
America has, in electing its very own Narcissus, brought about its nemesis.
The carefully choreographed antics of the very overcrowded Oval Office three Fridays ago, followed by the calm and peace less than twenty-four hours later on the pavement in Downing Street, the Audience with the King at Sandringham, and the London Summit at Lancaster House the next morning gave all of us here, in Europe, where life matters, reason for reassurance. Yes, we fight amongst ourselves - that is the nature of democracy - but when a bellicose nation attempts to ridicule our own by manufactured politics, then as surely as night follows day, the bully’s days are numbered.
America has recreated itself and it has set upon a path that will bring tremendous suffering to its people.
Europe does not want America in Europe. In the words of that famous parliamentarian uttered in 1940 to a shattered Neville Chamberlain, You have sat here too long for any good you can do. In the name of God go!
Russia will always be Russia. It will always fight and invade and kill. It is the very reason for existence.
Now, we watch the two bullies come together, showering gifts upon the other, fawning, portraitures, sychophancy; in the hallowed precincts of the corridors of international diplomacy there will be tonight, in addition to the 650,000 Americans who have lost their right to citizenship, some Americans will not sleep well or easily. What have we done?
In Europe, we say to those, it is not our problem. Be away with you. You have shown yourselves in your true colours and it is not a sight to either envy or behold.
China is the world’s future. An ancient people. Highly sophisticated.
Civilisations run very, very deep. They reach back thousands upon thousands of years.
Then America’ vice president lectures Europe “There’s a new sheriff in town.” Ancient civilisations watched on, quietly whispering to each other, does he think that that impresses us? They’ve only been going since 1776. It’s like a Hollywood cowboy film!
We realised we had better not laugh, because what the man spoke he actually passionately believed in.
Meanwhile, beneath the table, seated quietly, heads noted, remained respectful, and let the bullies beat each other up above the table.
Europe quietly slipped to the side. A peep beneath the table. A smile. A pleasant nod back.
23 March 2025
Banner Image by Unsplash Bruce Röttgers and to whom all rights are reserved
