If you have followed Fiercely Independent you know that I believe a good bit of the stuff we are told is important really isn’t. We are often told something is important to divert our attention from other issues, but we are also told what is important by media, corporations, and other entities, to convince us to buy products, tune in to certain TV shows, etc.

Here is the latest political example: Chinese Spy Ballons

Nations constantly spy on each other (I saw one commentator refer to spying as the world’s second oldest profession). Yes, balloons operate at lower altitude than satellites so they provide slightly better images, but not significantly better. In the greater scheme of things in the world of spydom, balloons are pretty insignificant. Three similar balloons apparently flew over the United States while Donald Trump was president and one earlier in Biden’s term, and we never knew about them.

What does matter is the political games being played. Diplomatic relations between China and the United States are dangerously chilly these days. China is supporting Vladimir Putin, China still threatens to forcefully take over Taiwan (which they consider part of China), the United States has moved additional troops to the Philippines and Japan to counter China’s threatened aggression, Chinese companies steal the intellectual property of American and other Western companies, and more. Why did a “spy balloon” suddenly become the news of the day?

Want to think conspiratorially?

Why did China decide to fly a balloon over the United States at this time? Were they trying to see how we would react?
Was it really a spy balloon?
Was China sending the United States some military message?
Why did the United States government and media decide to make this a big deal when the public never knew about other similar incidents?
Why now?
Will we ever really know the truth about the balloon’s mission and purpose?

Inquiring minds want to know! As I said, I honestly believe games are being played, possibly by both sides. But then, international diplomacy is not one of my strengths.

Of course, some members of Congress and other political figures are taking advantage of the balloon for political purposes. Here, for example, is Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) acting like he’s going to down the balloon with an assault weapon even though it was flying at 60,000 feet (more than eleven miles). This doesn’t seem very “senatorial” to me.

Gabe Sanchez on Twitter: "JD Vance thought he could shoot down the ...

Other political folks offered similar tweets. And, as one would expect, President Biden is being attacked for not shooting down the balloon sooner.

Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX): "it’s very clear that, because commonsense Americans were overwhelmingly disgusted with not only the administration's responses to questions, they were horrified that we have a president who would allow Chinese spyware to be on top of our country for days at a time and seemingly to do nothing."
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO): This "was just another display of incompetence and weakness from Joe Biden." And, of course, Hawley called for an INVESTIGATION!
Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX): Stated that "enemies used to fear us.” Also, this "wouldn’t have been a problem under President Trump." Just ignore the fact that three such balloons traversed American airspace during his four years.
Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN): "Chinese Communist Party invaded American airspace and President Biden’s response was to withhold that information from our citizens and let the CCP complete its mission before letting the military step in."
Representative Elise Stefanik: "Joe Biden was tested on the world stage and abysmally failed."
Former President Donald Trump, of course: Regarding Chinese balloon flights over America, “This never happened. It would have never happened…And if it did, we would have shot it down immediately.” Although the Pentagon confirmed such flights during Trump’s years, but I’m sure that’s fake news.

Imagine, if you will, how these folks would have reacted if President Biden had ordered the balloon shot down while over land and the debris had hurt or killed someone or property had been destroyed. I’m like 270% certain the attacks on Biden for the damage would have been equally vitriolic.

The reactions to the Chinese Balloon are nothing more than “performative politics” and misdirection, and anyone buying them is gullible.

I realize I used only Republican examples above, but it seems to me that more of them are acting inappropriately these days. Those of you with long memories may recall that I wrote this piece in 2018 entitled “Has Anyone Seen the Democratic Party” criticizing that party. I don’t think either party adequately represents American voters, but since 2018 the Democratic Party has at least actually started offering policy ideas (like them or not), but it seems to me that the Republicans only know how to criticize and investigate. They apparently have very little interest in addressing economic and social issues because, they think, it is easier to attract voters using red-meat issues than it is to actually govern.

Also, at one time true patriotism meant standing together to face America’s enemies. I truly believe the performances mentioned above and all the countless others cause significant harm to our security. Letting our enemies know we are so divided in our response to their aggression makes us weaker.

I always try to offer solutions, but only one option is available. Stop reelecting these wannabe Hollywood stars.

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Spy Balloons and Grandstanding