*the alarm blares*
John opens his eyes to see his ceiling before turning his head to make sure he clicks the snooze/off button on his alarm clock.
*time to go to work* John thinks to himself before saying out loud "Another day of keeping everyone safe."
John walks outside, he sees his neighbors Bill walking his dog, Jill strolling along with her baby in the carriage, Dan reading the newspaper at the bus stop on the corner.
He also sees the houses as he passes, a red one, a blue one, a green one, a yellow one (Johns). *I live on such a colorful and safe street* John thinks to himself as he boards the bus to his work.
John can't tell anyone too much about his job
You see John works for the military, all he can tell people, and all he really knows is that his boss tells him to press a button all day.
"The more you press that button John the safer everyone you know will be."
John salutes him, he wants to keep everyone safe, he's doing a good job, he presses the button so much his fingers, his wrist, even his elbow starts to ache. John is allowed to watch tv while he works as long as he keeps pressing his button.
After the day is done John leaves work, gets back to that bus stop and sees his house still standing he smiles because he knows he did a good job today. John eats and goes to bed.
*the alarm blares*
John opens his eyes to see his ceiling before turning his head to make sure he clicks the snooze/off button on his alarm clock.
*time to go to work* John thinks to himself before saying out loud "Another day of keeping everyone safe."
John walks outside, he sees his neighbors, Jill strolling along with her baby in the carriage, Dan reading the newspaper at the bus stop on the corner.
He also sees the houses as he passes, half a red one, a blue one, a green one, a yellow one(Johns). *I live on such a colorful and safe street* John thinks to himself as he boards the bus to his work.
John gets to work and pushes his button thinking it was odd Bill wasn't walking his dog this morning and that Bill's house was half of what it used to be.
But no matter, John had work to do, pressing the button to keep everyone safe.
"Good job pressing your button John" his boss says with a smile.
John smiles back, leaves, goes home and sees his house still standing, another day gone another job done well.
*the alarm blares*
John opens his eyes to see his ceiling before turning his head to make sure he clicks the snooze/off button on his alarm clock.
*time to go to work* John thinks to himself before saying out loud "Another day of keeping everyone safe."
John walks outside, he sees his neighbors, Jill strolling along with no carriage, Dan reading the newspaper at the bus stop on the corner.
He also sees the houses as he passes, half a red one, a blue one with one less floor than it used to have, a green one, a yellow one a little darker now, must be the clouds. *I live on such a colorful and safe street* John thinks to himself as he boards the bus to his work.
John gets to work and begins pressing his button thinking maybe Jill didn't have her baby because it was at day care.
His boss comes over, "Press that button John, no matter what happens."
John doesn't get it, what could happen? He's keeping everyone safe. John continues to watch the TV in front of him until it's time to clock out.
*the alarm blares*
John opens his eyes to see his ceiling before turning his head to make sure he clicks the snooze/off button on his alarm clock.
*time to go to work* John thinks to himself before saying out loud "Another day of keeping everyone safe."
John walks outside, he sees no one, Bill and his dog aren't there, Jill and her baby aren't there, not even Dan at the bus stop.
As a matter of fact, there is no bus stop.
He also sees the houses as he passes, half a red one, a blue one with one less floor than it used to have, a pile of green siding and broken glass, a yellow one(Johns). *I live on such a colorful and safe street* John thinks to himself as he boards the bus to his work.
John gets to work, no one is there, not even his boss. *Well my boss told me to keep pressing my button no matter what happens... time to press my button.* John thinks to himself.
John sits down... presses his button... the tv is only playing one channel, a blue screen with the words "public service announcement". John wonders what the announcement will be.
After a while of nothing the screen goes blank and John is looking at a street. Except unlike his colorful and safe street this one is not colorful, this street does not looks safe.
The houses are destroyed, not a single one left.
The people are gone, not a single one left.
*flash* *flash* *flash*
John notices a steady rhythm of flashes, and each time one of the flashes happen a new hole is on that street.
John find something peculiar, each time he presses his button another flash happens, another hole in that street.
John does the unthinkable, he stops pressing, the flashes stop, the tv cuts to a person.
Someone in a military uniform, but not like his... no they're from somewhere else.
This person confuses John, they are smiling but tears are running down their face. John notices they are pressing a button, maybe they're keeping everyone safe too?
John realizes it's time to go home.
He is tired today so he tries to wipe the sleep from his eyes.
His sleeves come away wet with tears and dirty.
*Strange* John thinks *I know I'm smiling but why am I crying?*
The bus never comes
John walks home
*What an empty street I live on* John thinks to himself
John sees his gray house.
"My house is still standing so I will keep doing my job of keeping everyone safe" John says to himself.
*the alarm blares*
It does not get shut off.
About the Creator
Donny Foley
Sci-fi/Fantasy is my jam but I'll write just about anything
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The World is Dying, and it's Your Fault
The world is dying and it's your fault. I mean it has to be. That's what everyone says right? The businesses, the corporations, the government, any guilt tripping commercial, even the people around you who judge you when you don't do what those big businesses tell you you have to do. They say you need to do x, y, and z in order to save the world! And you try, you really do. You attempt to do your best to use those paper straws. Not use plastic bags, throw your water bottles in recycling, not litter, etc. etc. And you feel great about yourself, you're helping the world, you're single-handedly SAVING the planet!
By Donny Foleyabout a year ago in Earth
China Bans Rare Earth and Strategic Exports to Japan After Takaichi’s Comments
China’s decision to ban certain rare earths and other strategic exports to Japan for military purposes has sent a sharp signal across the Asia-Pacific region. Triggered by comments from Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi, the move highlights how trade, technology, and national security are now inseparable in an era of intensifying geopolitical rivalry. What may appear on the surface as a targeted trade restriction is, in reality, part of a much broader struggle over influence, deterrence, and the future balance of power in East Asia. By using export controls as a political response, Beijing has once again demonstrated how economic tools are becoming central instruments of statecraft. The Spark: Takaichi’s Comments and Beijing’s Reaction Sanae Takaichi, a prominent conservative figure in Japanese politics, has been outspoken on issues related to defense, Taiwan, and Japan’s strategic autonomy. Her recent remarks — interpreted in Beijing as provocative and aligned with a more assertive military posture — appear to have crossed a red line for Chinese authorities. While Beijing did not frame its decision explicitly as retaliation, the timing left little doubt. China announced restrictions on the export of certain rare earth elements and other materials deemed sensitive for military applications, specifically targeting shipments to Japan. The message was unmistakable: political rhetoric has consequences, and China is prepared to use its economic leverage to enforce boundaries. Why Rare Earths Matter So Much Rare earth elements are not rare in geological terms, but they are extremely difficult and costly to process. China dominates global refining capacity, giving it outsized influence over supply chains essential to modern technology. These materials are critical for advanced weapons systems, electric vehicles, wind turbines, semiconductors, radar systems, and missile guidance technologies. Japan, despite being a technological powerhouse, relies heavily on imported rare earths, particularly from China. By restricting exports for military purposes, Beijing is targeting a strategic vulnerability. Even limited disruptions can slow production, raise costs, and force governments to rethink procurement and defense planning. Economic Statecraft in Action China’s move fits into a broader pattern of economic statecraft, where trade and investment tools are used to achieve political objectives. Over the past decade, Beijing has increasingly demonstrated a willingness to weaponize its economic position when disputes escalate. Japan is hardly alone in facing this pressure. Other countries have experienced similar tactics, from trade slowdowns to informal boycotts. What makes this case particularly sensitive is its explicit link to military use, pushing the dispute beyond economics and firmly into national security territory. For Beijing, the logic is straightforward. If rivals frame China as a threat, China will respond by reminding them of their dependencies. Japan’s Strategic Dilemma Tokyo now faces a difficult balancing act. On one hand, Japan has been steadily strengthening its defense posture in response to regional threats, including North Korea’s missile program and China’s growing military presence. On the other, it remains deeply integrated into China-centered supply chains. The export ban reinforces long-standing fears within Japan about overreliance on a single supplier for critical materials. It also strengthens arguments among Japanese policymakers for diversifying supply chains, investing in domestic processing, and deepening cooperation with allies. However, diversification takes time and money. Alternative suppliers exist, but scaling up production and refining capacity outside China is neither quick nor cheap. In the short term, Japan must manage the immediate impact while signaling resolve without provoking further escalation. Regional and Global Implications China’s decision is being closely watched across the region and beyond. For the United States and its allies, it underscores the strategic risks of concentrated supply chains and the urgency of building resilient alternatives. Washington has already been pushing for closer coordination with allies on critical minerals, including rare earths. The move against Japan may accelerate these efforts, encouraging deeper cooperation between the U.S., Japan, Australia, and European partners. At the same time, the episode adds another layer of tension to an already volatile regional environment. With disputes over Taiwan, maritime boundaries, and military modernization simmering, economic pressure increases the risk of miscalculation. A Message Beyond Japan While Japan is the immediate target, the signal is global. Beijing is reminding other countries that political statements, particularly on security matters, are not cost-free. The use of export controls as a response to rhetoric — not just policy actions — suggests a lowering threshold for economic retaliation. For middle powers navigating between China and the West, this creates a chilling effect. Governments may think twice before making public statements that could invite economic consequences, even when those statements align with domestic political priorities. Critics argue that such tactics undermine trust and accelerate decoupling. Supporters within China counter that the country is merely defending its interests in a hostile international environment. The Risk of Accelerated Decoupling Ironically, China’s use of export restrictions may hasten the very outcome it seeks to avoid: reduced dependence on Chinese supply chains. Each instance of economic pressure reinforces the perception that reliance on China carries political risk. Japan has already begun investing in rare earth recycling, alternative sourcing, and partnerships with resource-rich countries. This latest move is likely to intensify those efforts, even if it comes at higher short-term costs. Over time, a more diversified global supply chain could weaken China’s leverage. But in the near term, Beijing’s dominance remains a powerful tool — one it appears willing to use. Conclusion: Trade as a Battlefield China’s ban on certain rare earth and strategic exports to Japan is more than a trade dispute. It is a vivid example of how economic power is being deployed as a strategic weapon in a world defined by rivalry and mistrust. For Japan, the episode is a wake-up call about vulnerability and resilience. For China, it is a demonstration of strength and deterrence. And for the rest of the world, it is a reminder that in today’s geopolitical landscape, supply chains are as consequential as alliances. As tensions continue to rise, one thing is clear: the era of neutral trade is fading. In its place stands a world where economics and politics are tightly bound — and where a single comment can ripple through global markets and military planning alike.
By Muhammad Hassan7 days ago in Earth
Why Putin Went Quiet When Challenged by Trump Over Venezuela
When U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in early January 2026, the world was stunned. Venezuela has long been a Russian ally, yet Russian President Vladimir Putin remained almost completely silent when challenged directly by U.S. President Donald Trump. Why would a leader so often outspoken on the world stage hold back in such a dramatic moment? Let’s unpack the story and explore what it means for global politics. A Bold Move That Shocked the World On January 3, U.S. forces executed a daring operation in Venezuela, taking Maduro into custody in New York to face charges including drug trafficking and narco‑terrorism. The operation was framed by the U.S. as a step to enforce justice, but critics saw it as an extraordinary overreach of power. Venezuela is no ordinary country for Russia. Since the days of Hugo Chávez, Moscow has cultivated close ties with Caracas, offering military support, energy deals, and diplomatic backing on the global stage. Past actions included Russian bombers visiting Venezuela and high-profile defense agreements. Given this history, many expected a fiery response from Putin. Yet, the Kremlin remained calm, issuing measured statements rather than sharp threats. Why Silence Was Strategic Experts suggest there are several reasons for Putin’s muted reaction, each revealing the careful calculation behind the Kremlin’s foreign policy. 1. Focus on the War in Ukraine Russia’s primary priority remains Ukraine. Engaged in a high-stakes military and diplomatic battle, Putin cannot afford distractions or new confrontations far from home. Escalating tensions with the United States over Venezuela could jeopardize Moscow’s position in Europe. A New York Times report highlighted that Russia is “subordinating all other interests to the war in Ukraine,” suggesting that even a high-profile ally like Venezuela takes a back seat to Moscow’s strategic goals. 2. Limited Military Options While Russia’s alliance with Venezuela is longstanding, much of the support has been symbolic rather than operational. Defense systems and military cooperation exist on paper, but Russia lacks the immediate ability to counter a U.S. operation thousands of miles away. Putin may have recognized that responding aggressively would be both ineffective and costly, potentially risking military and economic consequences that Moscow cannot afford. 3. Maintaining Diplomatic Channels with Washington With Donald Trump back in the White House since 2025, there has been cautious optimism in Moscow about recalibrating U.S.–Russia relations. Avoiding a dramatic confrontation over Venezuela keeps diplomatic channels open, allowing Russia to negotiate on other high-priority issues like Ukraine and sanctions relief. In other words, silence can be a calculated strategy, signaling restraint rather than weakness. 4. Russia’s Global Influence Is Waning The Maduro episode also highlights a broader geopolitical reality: Russia’s global reach has limits. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s influence in regions like the Middle East and parts of the former Soviet Union has weakened. Venezuela remains one of its few high-profile allies outside Europe, but even there, Russia’s power is largely symbolic. By not escalating, Putin is acknowledging a practical truth: Russia cannot be everywhere at once, and some battles are not worth fighting. 5. Choosing Battles Wisely Some analysts emphasize that Putin’s quiet response is more about strategic prioritization than capitulation. In a world dominated by nuclear powers and volatile global politics, direct confrontation with the United States over Venezuela could spiral into a far larger crisis. By staying silent, the Kremlin may be signaling that it picks its battles carefully, focusing resources on Ukraine, where the stakes are highest. What This Means for the World Putin’s silence sends several messages: Russia is currently stretched, economically and militarily. Moscow is prioritizing Ukraine over symbolic allies. Strategic restraint is sometimes more powerful than public confrontation. The limits of Russian influence are becoming more visible to the world. This episode reflects a new reality in geopolitics: power is as much about choosing when not to act as when to assert force. The Bigger Picture The capture of Maduro is a defining moment not just for Venezuela, but for global politics. It shows the United States asserting power in a way not seen for decades, while Russia’s quiet reaction underscores its current limits and priorities. For observers, Putin’s silence is a lesson in modern geopolitics: even the most assertive leaders exercise restraint when stakes are high and risks are global. In the end, the Maduro affair reminds us that in today’s world, the loudest response is not always the most effective one — sometimes, quiet calculation speaks volumes. Sources and Further Reading The US capture of Maduro reveals Russia’s weakness – Atlantic Council ‘It sends a horrible signal’: US politicians react to capture of Nicolás Maduro – The Guardian Russia slams 'neocolonial threats' against Venezuela – Reuters
By Muhammad Hassan3 days ago in Earth
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