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Band-Aids For Sudan
Tom Porteous
May 10, 2006
Second, with the help of the Chinese, the Khartoum regime is now riding high on a sea of oil exports. This has massively increased the stakes of political power, increased the resources with which the state can stay in power (by buying guns, loyalty and regional alliances), and decreased the economic leverage that the United States and its allies are able to bring to bear (through aid and sanctions) on Khartoum to introduce real political reforms. Furthermore, China's new energy stake in Sudan means that Khartoum has an important ally at the U.N. Security Council.
http://www.ushistory.org/paine/crisis/c-01.htm
December 23, 1776
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.
Power, not energy, is the object desired.
What is the price?