Warning Shot: I'm reminded of what it takes to live in a free country

It's tempting to think of Taiwan being free of danger, considering how safe a place it is to live.  There are low amounts of violent crime (other than low life gangsters and road raging drivers), free speech and a lot of protections and respect for the rights of women and LGBTQIA people, among other things.

Then once in a while, you're reminded of the danger only a plane flight away, one of the most brutal, ruthless, corrupt murderous, militaristic and amoral dictatorships in the world.  And I don't mean the US, that's in the other direction.

Northern Taiwan traffic to be halted in Monday's air defense drill

An annual air defense drill during which people are required to stay indoors and traffic controls are imposed will be held in seven cities and counties in northern Taiwan on Monday, the National Police Agency (NPA) said Saturday.

The Wanan drill will be held in Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan and Hsinchu cities and Yilan and Hsinchu counties between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on April 18.

The agency said that during the 30-minute period, those who are at home should shut their doors and windows and turn off the electricity and natural gas lines.