So let’s talk about Ukraine

[ExplodingCoffinEmporium]

Gonna get bloody, do Ukrainian citizens have the propensity for violence necessary to take on the Goliath? We have such little skin in the game and have thus far reacted with the petulance of a wounded child. It’ll go fast or slow, but either way I don’t see Russia coming out of this at a loss.

[DoomBuggy]

My guess is there are enough people who remember Soviet rule and will fight to the death to prevent it happening again. I don't see this being at all easy for the Russians.

[confab]

Observations:

1) He appears to be trying to take the whole country.

I think this is a major, major miscalculation on Putin's part. Militarily, he can win this if he wants, but his victory will be pyrrhic. The political cost is going to be so high, he'll wish he never did it.

2) NATO sucks.

I don't understand how NATO "allies" (Looking at you, Germany) can pursue policies that undermine the coalition, if not the security of all of Europe, and then invoke article 5 and expect us to honor that commitment in good faith?

NATO either needs to be taken far more seriously by the participating states or it needs to be disbanded.

3) Putin may have been provoked somewhat.

But that provocation won't provide political over for his actions now.

4) Russia is throwing away a lot of good will and makes it impossible for any American politician to suggest working with them with trust, and normalizing relations.

Given China's belligerence and behavior, this may be a major miscalculation for Russia in the years to come.

5) Ukraine is a backwards, corrupt country nobody thought much of.. Till now.

They're heroes. It's amazing. Their leader is a comedian, and he's willing to fight to the death. There's a bunch of really powerful stories surrounding the war and it is common people displaying extraordinary courage and resolve.

This is part of why Putin will lose, even if he does succeed in conquering Ukraine in whole or in part. Because these men and women represent what we all admire about the human spirit and the contrast is a terrible one. They're heroes. He's Hitler.

6) The political class suck, generally. We need less of them.

All of the energy and the principled behavior seems to be with political noobies. While the political class look ossified and, frankly? They've spent a lifetime CAUSING problems that now have to be worked out.

The argument for the existence of the political, ruling class has always been that everyone needs them so. Right now? They're looking like the problem. NOT the solution. The world will see patriots and heroes like the President of Ukraine and desire more men like that. Not more Bidens or Kerrys.

IMVHO.

[Hoghead]

+1 on the above. Totally.

[oscarmeyer]

wattasuck up, post up nudies as that is your forte

[flatman]

When I saw all those Russian troops in one spot I thought, wow a Russian Pearl Harbor moment.

[Robert46]

Observations:

1) He appears to be trying to take the whole country.

I think this is a major, major miscalculation on Putin's part. Militarily, he can win this if he wants, but his victory will be pyrrhic. The political cost is going to be so high, he'll wish he never did it.

2) NATO sucks.

I don't understand how NATO "allies" (Looking at you, Germany) can pursue policies that undermine the coalition, if not the security of all of Europe, and then invoke article 5 and expect us to honor that commitment in good faith?

NATO either needs to be taken far more seriously by the participating states or it needs to be disbanded.

3) Putin may have been provoked somewhat.

But that provocation won't provide political over for his actions now.

4) Russia is throwing away a lot of good will and makes it impossible for any American politician to suggest working with them with trust, and normalizing relations.

Given China's belligerence and behavior, this may be a major miscalculation for Russia in the years to come.

5) Ukraine is a backwards, corrupt country nobody thought much of.. Till now.

They're heroes. It's amazing. Their leader is a comedian, and he's willing to fight to the death. There's a bunch of really powerful stories surrounding the war and it is common people displaying extraordinary courage and resolve.

This is part of why Putin will lose, even if he does succeed in conquering Ukraine in whole or in part. Because these men and women represent what we all admire about the human spirit and the contrast is a terrible one. They're heroes. He's Hitler.

6) The political class suck, generally. We need less of them.

All of the energy and the principled behavior seems to be with political noobies. While the political class look ossified and, frankly? They've spent a lifetime CAUSING problems that now have to be worked out.

The argument for the existence of the political, ruling class has always been that everyone needs them so. Right now? They're looking like the problem. NOT the solution. The world will see patriots and heroes like the President of Ukraine and desire more men like that. Not more Bidens or Kerrys.

IMVHO.

Amazing words. I agree with you. I think and hope that P. will lose because the way Ukrainians fight for their country, for freedom is amazing.

[farmall]

Not more Bidens or Kerrys.

Or Trumps. or Bernies. They're all shit who succeed by emotionally affirming the gullible masses who roll over like a retarded puppy when lied to in a comforting manner. I follow money and legislation not their speeches. Both parties sold out our economy to ChiComs and neither give a shit about small business vs. their corporate masters.

No US politician should have business ties while in office to Russia, either version of China or the Middle East oil states for starters or any business aligned with them.
We won't get that unless the public take foreign policy seriously so don't expect much from a people who only care about trifling stupid shit instead of how the world around them works (not how they're told it does or want to believe it does. Commodified rebellion is not rebellion, it's conformity).

Muscovy delenda est.

Germany finally sent weapons but we should remember we fought two wars to castrate them.

[DoomBuggy]

I spent most of military service with the 3rd/64th tank battalion in Germany training for the Soviets to invade. Lots of evenings spent patrolling the Czech border. Then a few years ago I come to find out we closed the base I was at, there was a LOT of German resistance to our being there. I bet they wish all of our tanks were there right now!

[confab]

Or Trumps.

I deliberately omitted Trump because he's exactly the type of politician I feel we need more of.

I follow money and legislation not their speeches...

Me too. I've been listening since 2015 and haven't yet heard an objective argument against Trump.