The column ‘Politically Incorrect’ by Chip Tsao in HK Magazine always gives us some food for thought. Chip is generally known for his conservative views, but also for his humor and sarcasm. This week he provides an interesting alternative view on ex-President Bush, by arguing that Bush was a very good president by every possible Chinese moral and cultural standard. On Iraq for example: ‘The invasion of Iraq not only liberated the Iraqi people – they’ve also achieved a remarkable 30% GDP growth rate.’ Bush liberated their productivity!

30%.. wowsy. You reckon that may have something to do with the devastating United Nations financial and trade embargo from 1990-2003 Chip? There is more wisdom though: ‘Then comes the ‘it’s all about oil’ charge. Of course it’s all about oil – we have to make it cheap enough form someone like Noam Chomsky to drive to Wal Mart every weekend.’ Chip apparently has issues with lefty Chomsky, an outspoken critic of Bush and U.S. foreign policy in general. But that aside.. oil has indeed remained supercheap Chip.

But there’s more. Chip is also a patriot: ‘If the American people are fed up with their government acting as World Cop, then we Chinese are ready to take up the role. We’re sending our warships to Somalia for one thing’. China has indeed sent 3 ships to Somalia.. to protect Chinese ships and their crews. Countries of the EU, US, Russia, Malaysia and others were already there. Odd that Chip failed to mention the rather cozy bonds between China and many other *cough* peaceful and democratic African nations. We’ll blame it on space constraints.

Chip, aside from the fact that you have re-confirmed that most of us should be happy not to hold traditional Chinese morals and values, we know it’s not easy to write an entertaining column every week for a critical crowd. We’re also great fans of sarcasm and provocation. But tell the whole story next time dude. The Dark Side at your service.