China has an army. Over the years estimates have ranged from 100 million soldiers to 250 million soldiers. This is not a public jobs programme. However, this may not be for attacking other nations. This army may be for civil defence and preserving civilian order in a time of crisis. Why?
Take a look at a recent news item. A cyber attack on a Springfield, Ill. public water utility resulted in the destruction of one of its pumps, according to a security expert.
Experts reported that several ip numbers on the computers files originated in Russia. This is not an accusation by the Security Forces. Hacking may well have been the activity of a teenager somewhere in the US or anywhere else in the world. Consideration was also given to the possibility that this was a "test run".
However, the most telling statement was that the facility computers were not designed for security. That speaks volumes. Our schools are not designed for security. Our airports were not designed for security. All were designed on the assumption of civility. The civility that existed then. That was then. This is now. Back to China.
Throughout China, people are capable of surviving on rice and burning candles for light. A bicycle is adequate transportation. Then there are the big cities.
The Large Military, despite all the marching in formation, more likely is being prepared to keep cities functioning and the population fed in the event of a global crisis. Food, Water, Fuel.
Now the question is why? Is it the old Slim Fairview canard, "It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it?" China, with 6,000 years of history and the revered wisdom of the wise throughout their history, has NOT been waiting for me to come along.
In the event of a technological cataclysm, China is better prepared to endure greater hardships for greater lengths of time than people in the West. They are quite prepared to return to "analogue" until "digital" returns.
Are we as prepared?
We are trying to bolster security. We may have "disaster control" however, how well prepared are we to live in a powered-down society?
Now, if you will excuse me, I must trim the lampe wickes.
Sincerely,
Slim
slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright (c) 2011 Slim Fairview
