china is in the crosshairs/or tyrant death throes

Today 8:07 AM Gadhafi Speaking Now
Gadhafi is speaking now on Libyan state television. He says that coverage of the Libyan protests has been distorted and that Libya has challenged "America, the superpower. "

He insists that he will not leave Libya and vows to die a martyr. He does not blame the youth, and he says that some of the protesters are sick and on hallucinatory drugs.

The consent of the Libyan people has always been present, he argues. He mentions new municipalities and says that "everyone will have their own municipality."

If you love Gadhafi, get out of your house, he says. He adds,"Get out of your homes, secure the streets, get the greasy rats out of the streets! If we have to use force we will use it, according to international law and the LIbyan Constitution."

He then addresses parents of the protesters, saying, "Take your children from the streets. They took your children from you. They are dying, for what reason?" He adds that the "rats" can reach the oil fields and blow them up.

He says, "Our country will become Afghanistan, is that what you want?"

The speech is punctuated by long pauses as Gadhafi appears to think over his next words.

He says that anyone who undermines the sovereignty of the state or spies for other countries will be punished by death. 'I haven't even started giving the orders to use bullets," he says.

He seems to be making historical comparisons, referring to the unity of Russia and saying that the unity of CHina is more important than "those people in Tiananmen Square."

He asks for the youth, excepting those who are "rats on drugs," to secure the city tonight and tomorrow.

He says that the distribution of wealth should be decided by the people.

He goes back to making historical references, this time citing the fact that Waco was dealt with using "armed vehicles." He mentions Tiananmen Square again.

The translator is having trouble keeping up with what he is saying.

Al Jazeera has now switched translators. They also jumped in to point out that he's been speaking for an hour.

"What's come over you?" Gadhafi asks. "We were leaving in prosperity."

Analysis to follow.