Two Keatings, Two Different Opinions

Thursday September 17, by Jerome F. Keating Ph.D.

In a recent news report from Washington DC, Admiral Timothy Keating, head of the Hawaii-based US Pacific Command stated that he was "cautiously optimistic" on US-China relations. In a separate report from Taipei, Taiwan, Jerome F. Keating Ph.D. retired professor and author(distant relation to Timothy) stated in almost point-counterpoint, that he was "cautiously pessimistic" of US-China relations.

In support of his opinion, Timothy Keating gave the examples that China had resumed military exchanges with the US and had cooperated informally with US forces in anti-piracy naval missions off Somalia. In support of his opinions, Jerome Keating noted the continued persecution of Tibetans and Uighurs, the continued lack of transparency in government affairs, the continued violation of human rights on Han as well as non-Han, the consistent government deceit and indoctrination to try to justify its claim to Taiwan.

Timothy added, "We want to draw the Chinese out, we want to ask them to manifest their intentions forward for a peaceful rise and harmonious integration." Jerome asked, "Are you sure you really want to go there and see their innermost intentions and how they define harmonious integration. Have you read Conrad's Heart of Darkness? Have you talked to the Falung Gong etc.?"

Said Jerome, I discussed Timothy's views with cousins Paul Keating (ex-Prime Minister of Australia) and Charles (Lincoln Savings and Loan). Paul said Tim was always the more diplomatic of those in the family. Charles said, "He's a wimp, just like McCain." There it is the opinions of the Keatings, take your pick. Of course it should be added that coming from a small country like Ireland, almost everyone with the same last name is a distant cousin of one sort or another.