Russia has made it clear that their goals in Ukraine are non-negotiable. Russia is in this conflict to win, because they see the US led war on Russia, ongoing since the Clinton years, as an existential threat. At this point it’s a given that Russia will achieve its goals in Ukraine, but what comes after that?
So much good and useful information in this post. Par for the course here, yes, but 'Bravo' and 'Thanks' all the same.
One of many lines that stick out for me (in this case from MoA's post): "[Russia and China] have spent more brain time on the issue than the U.S. has."
A sadly constant theme. Our "leaders" devote never-ending brain time to conquering any U.S. citizens who would oppose their rule, and that's pretty much about it. That their path will end up selling out the good of the nation to our worst enemies everywhere is utterly inconsequential to them, and, borrowing from The Godfather - this I do not forgive.
I read Moon's post and the following sentence stuck in my mind:
Only with new and decent leaders will Europe come to its senses.
It seems that Great Britain has missed for the time being her opportunity to replace their goofy PM, the old and indecent Boris Johnson. He survived the no confidence vote today. God save 'em.
Rules vs. laws,
in my way of thinking the US government treats other nations the same way we the people are treated. Get crosswise with some administrative agency, violate an obscure rule and you are completely screwed. I have known several folks ruined by the deceptively named Texas Railroad Commission, which supposedly regulates the oil and gas industry, if you're a huge corporation, no problems ever. Small time operators who have a few old wells get shut down, bankrupted, then, the RRC plugs their leases with state funds, no more royalties, no more production tax, who cares! We, (the powerful RRC) prevailed, everyone else loses but hardly anyone knows so our offices are secure.
Hubris leads to humiliation. Hegemonic powers eventually become hollow shells.
Very good summation of where we are. Putin is clearly streets ahead of the "leaders" in the West. As a European, I hope our scummy rulers see sense and make a deal with him. The economic situation here is getting grim, and even the pathetic sheep who fill most European nations are going to get very angry with the "elites" if things continue - guillotine angry!
And pray tell what evidence do you have that Russia has any interest in destroying Europe? On the contrary, there is plenty of actual evidence — words and deeds — that the American-led West is intent on destroying (or at least hobbling) Russia. Since the end of the Cold War Russia has earnestly pursued normal and cordial relations with Europe, actually hoping to be welcomed into its vaunted “community of nations.” What she got in response was nothing short of the middle finger.
Charm school? That’s laughable. The Russians are well-known throughout the world for having excellent diplomats. The U.S. (and Europe) not so much. We are known for being arrogant bullies.
And, let's see, why doesn't Lavrov spend his time "touring" Europe, speak charmingly? Here's one recent example--EU countries bordering Serbia refused to allow his flight through their airspace when Lavrov recently tried to travel there. However, he's welcome throughout the non-EU world. As for EU being sentient, look at their leaders. look at their self destructive sanction policies dictated to them by their masters in the US and in globalist circles. Soros, Schwab, Gates--so charming.
Depends on what you mean by "discussion." Having read Sean's comment it doesn't strike me as an actual discussion, i.e., an attempt to rationally evaluate available facts. People who engage in that type of flummery, in my experience, behind the obvious effort to deceive, usually have personal "issues". This isn't an actual discussion.
Russian diplomacy seems appalling? Did you read the article, Sean? Putin has bent over backwards to make a deal with the West but has been treated like a little boy asking for more gruel.
In my mind, Putin has been treated with enormous disrespect. Disrespect often backfires. Especially where the guy you're disrespecting holds some cards, and some of those cards are nuclear weapons. Our neocons don't seem to get this basic fact.
So much good and useful information in this post. Par for the course here, yes, but 'Bravo' and 'Thanks' all the same.
One of many lines that stick out for me (in this case from MoA's post): "[Russia and China] have spent more brain time on the issue than the U.S. has."
A sadly constant theme. Our "leaders" devote never-ending brain time to conquering any U.S. citizens who would oppose their rule, and that's pretty much about it. That their path will end up selling out the good of the nation to our worst enemies everywhere is utterly inconsequential to them, and, borrowing from The Godfather - this I do not forgive.
I read Moon's post and the following sentence stuck in my mind:
Only with new and decent leaders will Europe come to its senses.
It seems that Great Britain has missed for the time being her opportunity to replace their goofy PM, the old and indecent Boris Johnson. He survived the no confidence vote today. God save 'em.
Rules vs. laws,
in my way of thinking the US government treats other nations the same way we the people are treated. Get crosswise with some administrative agency, violate an obscure rule and you are completely screwed. I have known several folks ruined by the deceptively named Texas Railroad Commission, which supposedly regulates the oil and gas industry, if you're a huge corporation, no problems ever. Small time operators who have a few old wells get shut down, bankrupted, then, the RRC plugs their leases with state funds, no more royalties, no more production tax, who cares! We, (the powerful RRC) prevailed, everyone else loses but hardly anyone knows so our offices are secure.
Hubris leads to humiliation. Hegemonic powers eventually become hollow shells.
Good read Mark. Isn’t the US number one in funding the UN? Surprised Zhou hasn’t used this as leverage.
Also read today Rep. Rogers is looking to have US leave the UN and WHO.
As far as Russia, I for one feel they have a legitimate beef. Those predecessors incl. Clinton never kept their word.
Very good summation of where we are. Putin is clearly streets ahead of the "leaders" in the West. As a European, I hope our scummy rulers see sense and make a deal with him. The economic situation here is getting grim, and even the pathetic sheep who fill most European nations are going to get very angry with the "elites" if things continue - guillotine angry!
And pray tell what evidence do you have that Russia has any interest in destroying Europe? On the contrary, there is plenty of actual evidence — words and deeds — that the American-led West is intent on destroying (or at least hobbling) Russia. Since the end of the Cold War Russia has earnestly pursued normal and cordial relations with Europe, actually hoping to be welcomed into its vaunted “community of nations.” What she got in response was nothing short of the middle finger.
Charm school? That’s laughable. The Russians are well-known throughout the world for having excellent diplomats. The U.S. (and Europe) not so much. We are known for being arrogant bullies.
And, let's see, why doesn't Lavrov spend his time "touring" Europe, speak charmingly? Here's one recent example--EU countries bordering Serbia refused to allow his flight through their airspace when Lavrov recently tried to travel there. However, he's welcome throughout the non-EU world. As for EU being sentient, look at their leaders. look at their self destructive sanction policies dictated to them by their masters in the US and in globalist circles. Soros, Schwab, Gates--so charming.
I think Sean has some personal problems.
While I agree with Mark's first paragraph, I don't think the second paragraph helps the discussion.
Depends on what you mean by "discussion." Having read Sean's comment it doesn't strike me as an actual discussion, i.e., an attempt to rationally evaluate available facts. People who engage in that type of flummery, in my experience, behind the obvious effort to deceive, usually have personal "issues". This isn't an actual discussion.
Russian diplomacy seems appalling? Did you read the article, Sean? Putin has bent over backwards to make a deal with the West but has been treated like a little boy asking for more gruel.
In my mind, Putin has been treated with enormous disrespect. Disrespect often backfires. Especially where the guy you're disrespecting holds some cards, and some of those cards are nuclear weapons. Our neocons don't seem to get this basic fact.