SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – OVERNIGHT: 

WATCH THIS STORY CAREFULLY – FROM FOX BUSINESS:   One hundred miles off the coast of China is the largest and most sophisticated microchip maker in the world – Taiwan. These chips power the world's cars, phones, and computers.   China consumes more than half of them and wants more as its economy grows and is increasingly casting an eye to their island neighbor to the east to get them – some worry by military force one day.   "Whoever controls the design and production of these microchips, they'll set the course for the 21st century," said Martijn Rasser, a senior fellow at the Washington-based think tank Center for a New American Security.  "By gaining control over Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, China would control the global market," Rasser said. "They would have access to the most advanced manufacturing capabilities and that is even more valuable than controlling the world's oil."   Last month, the outgoing top U.S. military commander in the Pacific warned China could invade Taiwan in the next six years.  Taiwan could prove to be one of the biggest flashpoints for the Biden administration, forcing it to defend the island Beijing sees as a renegade province, in part to preserve the vital semiconductor industry.  In recent days, China has flown dozens of aircraft, including jet fighters and long-range bombers, near Taiwan.   Some military analysts believe that in a military clash over Taiwan between China and the United States, China would win.  And how many Americans, given the left-wing slant of the information they're given, would even approve of American intervention to save Taiwan?

LOOKS LIKE A GOP HOLD – FROM NBC:   Republicans Susan Wright, the widow of former Congressman Ron Wright, and Jake Ellzey secured places in a U.S. House runoff for Wright's late husband’s seat Saturday night.  Wright finished with 19% of the vote in Texas' 6th Congressional District, while Ellzey garnered 14%. Democrat Jana Lynne Sanchez finished third with 13%.  Wright, a GOP activist, moved on with the backing of President Donald Trump, who waited until this week to formally make an endorsement in a crowded field of 23 candidates. Susan Wright's late husband died in February after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He was 67 and had also been battling lung cancer.  The date of the runoff has not yet been announced.  There's been concern that this district could flip to the Democrats, but it appears it is safe for the Republicans.  Some observers believe the district is a good bellwether for 2022.  I hope so.,

May 1,  2021