Why do folks think you can rule through intimidation, force, and lies?

[RolandCuthbert]

This is why you build your society on democratic principles, freedom, and the rule of law.

Because when you deny folks freedoms/rights, you lie to them, and you claim the ruling class is exempt from the law, your lies get exposed.

Things are falling apart in Russia. They can't even stop hackers from hacking nationwide broadcasts of their filthy propaganda. This was done right when they were conducting a huge parade to commemorate victory over Germany. That's kind of an epic fail.

https://www.newsweek.com/russian-tv-hacked-anti-war-message-military-parade-1704726
Russians tuning in to view the country's Victory Day parade were shown an anti-war message after the country's television listings system was hacked.

The descriptions of programs on several major networks including Channel One, Rossiya-1 and NTV-Plus were changed, the BBC reported.

The name of every program was replaced with a message stating: "On your hands is the blood of thousands of Ukrainians and their hundreds of murdered children. TV and the authorities are lying. No to war."

[Anonymous]

"Why do folks think you can rule through intimidation, force, and lies?"
Because the American empire does exactly this globally.
President Putin made a big mistake invading Ukraine and walked right into America's trap.
1. Now America has shown how weak the Russian military is.
2. Countries that were afraid to join nato b4 are now willing,
3. The US is making huge money selling arms to NATO countries.
4. The US is making huge profits supplying them with oil/gas.
5. China who has been getting too big for their boots in the south China Sea is now questioning the strength of their military as most of their equipment is based on Russian design or is Russian.
6. Buyers of Russian military equipment like India will having seen the failures of Russian tech will stop buying Russian military equipment and switch to equipment NATO countries.
7. US Congress will now approve more military spending for the us military meaning the US though already far ahead of Russia by 30 years will advance further while Russia stagnate further.
8. With Russia losing in Ukraine America through its NATO allies will control the Black sea and be able to move the US navy into it fof the first time in 100 years.
9. With control of the black sea region the US will be able to connect through Georgia into the caspian sea for the first time even establishing an airforce and naval base there.
10. With access to the caspian sea thanks to Georgia the US will be able to access central asia which is rich in untapped minerals and oil/gas which will undermine Russian oil/gas profits even further as the US build pipelines into Europe and sell all manner of manufactured goods and US companies build the economy and infrastructure of central asia.

Putin has two choices in Ukraine
1. Continue fighting and the weakness of the Russian military to be shown to the world and Russia bleed men and resources that they can not afford and the Russian economy crumble due to sanctions and the US benefit massively from the conflict over the years.
2. Pull out of Ukraine and Putin will be overthrown or have to step down due to defeat in Ukraine. No use setting yourself up as a strong man and military leader if you lose a war.

Regardless Russia will end up being a pariah state like Iran or end up being a client state with a government approved by the US.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/v2nQmQOz3NEhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/v2nQmQOz3NE

[RolandCuthbert]

Why do you guys post these political youtube videos with these canned conspiracy theories? If you have objective fact, just state it.

1. Nope. Russia showed how weak its military is by invading Ukraine. And Ukrainians kicked the crap out of them. Own that.

2. Nonsense. Russia has intimidated the Baltic states and its neighbors for decades. And because they have never been satisfied with the agreements they signed to not invade their neighbors they have left nations like Sweden, Finland, etc. no choice. They must become apart of NATO because Russia will never keep its word. And they cannot wait until Russia invades. Because then they will never be able to join NATO.

3. Make it make sense. How do we make a profit when we give away arms to Ukraine? WTF?

4. Well, American Oil companies are breaking records, that's for sure. But this isn't Russia, our government doesn't own an oil company.

5. As should anyone who buys weapons from Russia. Ukrainians were sending up sorties of 4/5 planes, and beating Russian formations of almost 30.

6. Absolutely, why do you think Biden met with Modi? It is because he wanted to say, stop supporting Russia. The weapons they sold you suck. We have American brand stuff and it will ensure that Pakistan will never invade you. As Hyman Roth said. This is business.

7. That was going to happen regardless. We can't seem to figure out how to spend less. Whole 'nother conversation right there.

8. U. S. has no port in the Black Sea. Talk to Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, etc.

9. Again, this has nothing to do with the U. S.

10. Strike three, you are out.

Yes, this was Putin's call. Your argument is weird. Like you talk about American Imperialism like it has been a success. Uhm. There isn't one example of success you can point to. We failed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Cuba, etc.

So the point is again, why do people think they can establish rule through force?

Because maybe it ain't gonna work.

Just sayin'.

[Opinion Owner]

American imperialism isn't a conspiracy theory but an actual fact. 900 foreign military bases in 70 countries out of a possible 182 countries in the world.
1. The Ukrainians have not kicked the crap out of them. With American weapons and intelligence they've made them bleed. Imagine if the Russians had provided the Iraqis 10 advanced anti tank weapons for every 1 American tank during the invasion of Iraq.
2. Sweden and Finland historically stayed out of nato for fear of a Soviet invasion but were more or less unofficially part of NATO. Finland or Sweden have no fear of Russia anymore, either one of them is perfectly capable of protecting their territory from Russia in 2022, Sweden is a major arms producer with equipment much more advanced than Russia's.

3. How do you make profit? How did America make profit during the war on terror? US companies rebuilt Iraq at the cost of iraqi oil revenue. US companies sold arms to the US government and iraqi government.

4. The US government is run by politicians most of whom have shares in oil companies and arms companies. Often they get political donations, lobbying or other forms of bribery.

5. That's likely Ukrainian propaganda, like the ghost of Ukraine mig29 pilot. More likely those aircraft were shot down by hand held stinger missles and anti aircraft batteries with help from nato early warning intelligence.

[Opinion Owner]

6. Biden likely just made Mohdi a better deal. India weighed up the benefits and drawbacks of dealing with Russia and it would have cost them too much. Can't have America giving the Pakistanis the f35 for instance.

7. Industrial military complex. Its proving its worth in Ukraine.

8. There are treaties specific to non-black sea nations entering the black sea through the dardanelles since the end of ww1 which is why I don't think there's ever been a major US warship in the black sea. The Turks are building a canal connecting the black sea and Mediterranean which may make it legal for a US carrier to enter the black sea. The US navy doesn't need bases to operate.

9. American foreign intrests have everything to do with the US.

10. Again the US never misses an opportunity.

11. Iraq was successful. Afghanistan served its purpose. Cuba is a warning.

Again "why do people think they can establish rule through force" because America has spent a large part of its history doing just this.

[RolandCuthbert]

1. That's not American Imperialism. We have bases in Germany, France, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, etc. That isn't imperialism. They can kick us out whenever they want. Russia invaded Ukraine. When we invaded, we met a similar fate. It just took longer. I never understood why Bush thought he could install a government in these nations. It never works.

2. Of course Ukrainians kicked Russia's tail. I think it is hilarious that you blame American intelligence and equipment. Russia is the one who claimed their military rivaled ours. And there isn't a single American soldier on the field. They are not fighting against F-117s, B1B bombers, B2s, Supercarriers, Guided Missile Destroyers, etc.

Ukraine has none of that. Russia's air force outnumbers Ukraine by 10 to 1. They have lost air superiority. Own that.

3. Maybe you need to get read up. Finland and Sweden are joining NATO. Why can't you acknowledge basic objective fact?

www.thetimes.co.uk/.../finland-sweden-set-to-join-nato-war-ukraine-latest-7m8bn6mf8

4. Dude you are talking about private companies. Not the American government. This is not Russia. We don't do communism. We are capitalists. These companies lobby the government. The government doesn't make any money. Dude, if you want these companies to work with you, just find a way to make them a profit. They don't have any political ideology outside of their profit margin.

5. So what does that tell you? That means they are not political ideologues like you. They just want to make money. And you are mad at me and at them because they are businessmen. Find a way to make them some cash. They will do whatever you wish.

6. Yeah because Russia has no propaganda. Call me when people can say the word "war" without being thrown in jail. Here you are the ultimate hypocrite. You claim these stories are all lies, yet ya ass got kicked out of Kiev.

Hilarious. . .

[RolandCuthbert]

7. Yeah, you haven't caught up yet. This is business. India's economy is much bigger than Pakistan's. And the potential there is much higher. I work with Indians in the tech field almost daily. They are brilliant.

8. Business.

9. You don't seem to understand how big a supercarrier is. Turkey is not building a canal that big.

10. Nope. This is all Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, etc. . . y'all need to figure this out. i don't understand why Russia feels it can just issue ultimatums and not negotiate with their neighbors.

11. Ditto.

12. Iraq was not successful. We spent trillions and lost hundreds of thousands of lives.

And I live in a country where I can say my President is a goatfucker. I can post all manner of varied political views. I can post outright lies. I can scream this in public. I can do it on television.

And the power of the state cannot stop me.

But you think you should be able to take away people's freedoms because of your political views. The point isn't that the U. S. doesn't do wrong shit. We do that all the time. I can call my government on it.

[Opinion Owner]

1. Okinawa has been asking the US to leave for 70 years. Any country or government that has military bases is a proxy state, if they go against the US government's will they meet with economic problems, civil unrest or regime change. There are no military bases in France currently since 1966. Bush successfully installed a new government in Iraq. American imperialism consists of policies aimed at extending the political, economic and cultural influence of the United States over areas beyond its boundaries. America's imperial policy since 1918- 2022 include military conquest, gunboat diplomacy, unequal treaties, subsidization of preferred factions, economic penetration through private companies followed by a diplomatic or forceful intervention when those interests are threatened, or regime change.

3. I never denied it. I just stated historic fact on why they never did before and why they no longer fear Russia given the poor performance of the Russian military.

4. Private companies and the uber wealthy buy American politicians. In the Roman empire times it was called patronage. Lobbying is just a fancy word for bribery. Neither US political parties have any real ideological motivations other than doing the bidding of their corporate owners who fund both sides for political favours.
I'm not mad at you or them I'm just telling the truth when you talk about democracy and all that American exceptionalism baloney.

[Opinion Owner]

6. That's classic whataboutism. I'm not saying the Ukrainians are right or wrong for telling propaganda lies. Truth is the first casualty of war, its important to remain objective and ask what's really going on, the reasons behind what's happening and who is set to benefit the most.

7. India's economy is indeed bigger than Pakistan's no doubt but Pakistan is a rival nation in the region and a dangerous one. America has the power to make Pakistan a more powerful economic and military power. Something India does not want.

8. Not buisness. Its against international law for a US carrier to cross through the dardanelles strait.

Turkey is building a canal that can take super tankers and super freighters which are bigger than a super carrier much like the suez or Panama canals.
10. Russia feels it is the regional power much like the US dominates the entire North, central and southern America's along with all the islands.
11. Iraq was very much a success. The US government installed a puppet government to do its will.

Just a small note. The US government can at any time lock you up by secret court without you ever knowing of what you have been charged with or have you executed without trial if the US government deems your political views a threat to them.

[RolandCuthbert]

1. Okinawa is not a separate nation. So no need to continue addressing that. And any crap about proxy state is just Russian propaganda. None of these states have to have American bases on their soil. We didn't fight a war to install bases in Saudi Arabia. Germany has famously refused to build a military for years because of their past. Of course, France has U. S. military bases. Why do you make a distinction between U. S. bases and NATO bases? And why on earth would Russia want Germany to rebuild, given what has happened before? Bush did not successfully install a government in Iraq. There is still instability and Iraq is just one spark away from returning to the cauldron of death and destruction you want it to be.

2. Well, you sure sounded like you were denying it. And you don't seem to know if the Russian military is awesome or pitiful. I suggest you may want to figure that out if you want to continue discussion.

3. Yeah, so you finally understand business. And yes, I believe in American exceptionalism. I don't care if you do or not. But capitalism is a great incentive for promoting freedom. Because if you want to promote your dictatorships sooner or later, you are going to get overthrown. Because you are denying your own people access to essential rights.

[RolandCuthbert]

6. Your whole argument is whataboutism. It is all "what about the United States", even in situations that have nothing to do with us. So please stop being disingenuous as you care about the "truth". You don't you spread propaganda and are pissed off that someone else is better at it than you.

7. It is kind of hard to talk to someone who doesn't get foreign relations. Why would we give arms to Pakistan to make it more formidable than India? We are trying to ween India off Russian oil/arms. Even if you hate it, why would you think we would follow a silly strategy?

8. Are you arguing with yourself? You said Turkey is trying to build a canal for the U. S. Why? The expense for trying to accommodate a supercarrier are insane. Nobody is trying to do that. Then, there only eight ships on this planet, bigger than our newest Supercarriers. None of them are in the Black Sea. And a probably three of those are cruise ships.
So what you talking about?

9. So? If they are a regional power, they are having issues convincing folks in the region of that power. That isn't the problem of the United States.

10. Again, it isn't. And when it devolves back into ethnic conflict and violence, I know you will be happy. But that is a failure of we will wear for hundreds of years. As for this secret court thing, again I can call Biden a goatfucker. I have say anything I want about any political view. And I can outright lie.

That is this version of democracy. At the edges where you want to argue the lines get blurred. We know we are not perfect. But in a free and open society, you have the tools to get better. Over the last few years, that has become a bigger and bigger question. But at least we have a choice.

[Opinion Owner]

1. Okinawa is as separate from Japan as Ukraine is from Russia, having been only occupied by the imperialist Japanese and then America who have occupied Okinawa longer than the Japanese. Trying to kick the Americans out of your country results in either military conquest, gunboat diplomacy, unequal treaties, subsidization of preferred factions, economic penetration through private companies followed by a diplomatic or forceful intervention when those interests are threatened, or regime change ie Iran and Cuba.
2. The Russian military is weak, the world now sees they are weak. Finland and Sweden see Russia as weak. What would happen if the Russian military tried to once again invade Scandinavia? It would end in a week, a complete Russian bloodbath.
3. Capitalism doesn't exist anymore. What you have is an oligarchy much like the old Roman Empire.
6. My argument isn't about whataboutism. You asked a naive question and I answered honestly. Russia sees America doing the exact same thing globally and Russia believes it can still do the same in its own region, the thing is now America wants control of that region.
7. Obviously you don't get foreign diplomacy. This is American foreign policy, do what we want or we support your enemies. You know imperial policies like military conquest, gunboat diplomacy, unequal treaties, subsidization of preferred factions, economic penetration through private companies followed by a diplomatic or forceful intervention when those interests are threatened, or regime change. and abroad. Basic divide and conquer.

[Opinion Owner]

8. I'm saying Turkey is building a canal, that's not me arguing with myself. You should keep up with current events. The Panama and suez canal can take super carriers and bigger ships. Israel is talking about building their own canal to compete with suez. Turkey is building a canal but likely funded by us companies, big money involved.
upload.wikimedia.org/.../Istanbul_canal_map.svg
9. If they are a regional power it is the problem of the US if the US has economic interests in the region they want to exploit and Russia or China won't let them.
10. Russia feels it can do this because they feel their economic intrests are under threat and truthfully they are whether what they did is right or wrong that's why they invaded Ukraine and walked into the US government's trap.
Ethnic conflicts are part of that divide and conquer strategy America has in the middle east and Africa to maintain control so they can exploit the region.
Say the wrong thing that treatens the US government and you get censored, the Federal government makes your life very difficult and potentially you get locked up by a fisa court never knowing the charge. The US has no democracy, the same backers backed Biden as backed trump, they control both sides and Democrats and republicans pursue the same domestic and foreign policies, and occasionally they kick up a fuss about things like abortion or whatever

[zagor]

America's trap? That is nonsense. Like America wanted to raise the price of oil and crash it's stock market.

[Opinion Owner]

@zagor yes create global chaos

[Agape93]

Because you can. It's just a matter of how long you can hold onto power.

[RolandCuthbert]

But it never ends well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiU6k_-YgEU

[Agape93]

Never claimed it did. But if memory serves, it ended well for papa doc of Haiti, and so far for lukashenko of Belarus and Berdimuhamedow and his son in Turkmenistan.

[RolandCuthbert]

Such a risk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsxQS0K0dHo

[Lord_Saddler]

The greatest mistake of the Russian society was keeping an open door to the West for too long. Chairman Mao always pointed put that Russians were not fully reliable because of their "half-Western" nature, but this is something that can be easily fixed up if they do the right thing.

I hope they smarten up and start looking at their humble but powerful neighbor 🇨🇳 for proper lessons of governance. Then they will see that Socialism with Chinese characteristics is a long march with bright future!

Meanwhile, the West is entering its own Century of Humiliation, a clear sign that Western ideas don't work for good and that if you're even 50% Western, you can escape the fate that you're also 50% loser.

They don't need to rule through intimidation, force and blah blah blah. They just need to do a cultural revolution and clip their elites' wings, which is extremely important since the RU elites are unironically the only pro-West segment in the Russian society, but it's changing now after they've seen how treacherous the West is.

And the icing on the cake: they need to improve their educational system and adopt a Chinese-inspired one. People must be educated to love their own country, traditions, people, to share prosperity... And reeducated if one lesson is not enough! ☺

There, I just taught them how to make Russia a superpower again.

[RolandCuthbert]

Haha! In order for them to win, they would first have to conquer their own. Mind you, Russian people Slavic. They are not cowards. Nor are they liars. The ruling elite there however are both cowards and liars.

That's why the broadcast was hacked. Think about it. How in the world could they let the national television network be hacked when they have a totalitarian society?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81AAlzoKNPU

[Lord_Saddler]

Are you implying that Chinese people "cowards" and "liars"?

Well, you're going to get a reality check really soon and be really disappointed with your beliefs, as none of your beliefs can stop China from leading the new world order at this point. China is the world's superpower by excellence.

[RolandCuthbert]

Chinese people? Dude, what in the entire fuck are you talking about? And the Chinese government figures out how to stop trying to place limits on the Chinese people, they won't be going anywhere.

Don't get me wrong. When you have 2 billion folks in one nation, nothing can stop you but yourself. And the Chinese government is the biggest obstacle. Little napoleon, dictatorships always end in failure.

[Lord_Saddler]

Silence, retard! I didn't tell you USians to fuck up your own educational system, to divide your own society between "people you love" and "people you hate," to let a few dozens of billionaires tell you what you should do or think, to invade countries like Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, to throw the Libyan government, to bomb Yugoslavia and our embassy in there and to debt-trap lots of countries via IMF.

Now you're reliant on high skilled immigrants to compensate for your inability to create a high skilled workforce, you're part of a super polarized and failed society, you can't give dignity to your own citizens (there are millions of them living on the streets and fucked up by drug addiction) and the entire Global South hates you.

Chinese people don't need to worry about any of those problems as they're foreign to China. Maybe in 500 years from now the Chinese system ends in failure because history is a cycle of success and decline, but your country is already finished.

Try your "American democracy" again in the next millennium.

[RolandCuthbert]

“Silence”?

Haha!!!

You are out of your damn mind. You are “silencing” me? :D

I don’t hate anybody for being who they are. I am hated. . . but I don’t care. In fact, I don’t even care whether I care or not.

No one tells me what to think simply because I disagree with a deranged batshit internet troll. No one has built my company other than me. And if the United States is reliant upon highly skilled immigrants. . . kudos to us! Because we don’t just have access to our own talent. The entire world is at our disposal. Well, for as long as we can keep the crazies, the autocrats, and racist freakshows at bay. That is the biggest question we face now.

As for China. . . again, until they find a way to stop trying to control their people they will lose. When they truly embrace their entire population and stop trying to oppress them, they will surpass everyone.

Because they have the most important resource in truckloads. . .

human beings.

[Lord_Saddler]

Look, dumbo, no one hates you personally. Outside the US, people hate your country. You're just a mediocre middleman who's too irrelevant to be hated by anybody.

You USians don't have the entire world is at your disposal. You rely upon immigrants because your educational system is incapable of training high skilled workforce. Once a powerful country loses its capacity to educate its people, it becomes a zombie country and it's a matter of time until it falls apart.

The only thing China has to learn from USians is not to become like you. But this is known by, I'd say, 99% of all Chinese. Learn from your mistakes, and what's "American democracy" if not a gigantic mistake and a clown show? I think that explains why you guys can't produce anything else than peanut butter, pickles, low quality music, porn and weapons. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[DiegoO]

All I can is that you gotta be either a sociopath or psychopath to even consider wanting (or supporting) a government ruling with iron fist (absolute cruelty).

[DiegoO]

Thanks for the MHO

[RolandCuthbert]

Welcome!

[lightbulb27]

Is it a "think" issue or an "emotional" one? I'd say it's emotional at it's core and the thoughts go along for the ride. Find any people on gag or in life that... lie, intimidate, try to force their will on others? permeates mankind. So why then...

I think it's the nature of vulnerability and trust in the human mind... the fall of man shall we say. In essence... justified perceived fear. Those who are comfortable with these emotions are more open to engagement, peaceful cooperation, consideration... because they come from a place of security. Those who aren't.. are coming from a different place inside... and can justify anything to meet the deep seated emotion. They can and will do whatever it takes to feel good at the expensive of others. Personality is a factor. Certain personalities are "stronger", more abusive and "bubble up to the top" or enforce power because they are good at it, they feel good squashing others, getting away with crap makes them feel good... it's a power rush. These personalities..."don't care" about others as much. They are probably working off emotional energy of abuse as children or some warped sense of truth. They don't "feel" like others do and they use their willingness to hurt others to get what they believe they need, which is probably control and power, to feel good and safe. They will do whatever it takes and justify it.

So I guess the answer is... it's the nature of some humans in the fallen state of mankind? Not all are like that. You can see it at other levels of society... traffickers, gangsters, in high schools, in elementary. Some children who bully and control and manipulate... and lie. Corporations for sure, governments yes.

Is the root psychological / emotional damage? Above my pay grade. And do they believe what they are saying is true or are they lying? There are paranoid people who believe crazy sh#1 that isn't true... but try to convince them otherwise is impossible. Is putin paranoid delusional... possible.

There's a lot about this culture and history I don't understand. that said, these psychological issues are a common theme in humanity. The "nice", considerate people, thoughtful... get crushed and beaten down by these types.
...
Awsome they hacked the SOB's! Slava Ukraini! that said... putin was warning the world about security concerns/fears and war for long time. We the world F'd up and people are suffering for it, horrifically. Probably many more to come too all over the globe, this is going in a bad direction.

This is the biggest and riskiest mess I've ever seen. Ukrainians suffering in hell and we could all pay the price at any time. I see no way to change putins perspective or perceived needs, I see no way ukraine can take an offense into moscow. at best they can hold a line. maybe someone inside russia could overthrow putin. a damn dangerous situation way beyond the misery in ukraine. I'd change USA power immediately back to trump or similar thinker, get to a negotiation table and re-draw some lines, and end the suffering now. that ain't gonna fly, so we got what we got and that's that. you know your question is pointless... if you aren't gonna listen to the other side.

[RolandCuthbert]

You are still on Putin's side. No dude. Putin is insane. There is no "other" side.

1. He didn't have any security concerns, not now or in the past. Why don't get basic information about the region before posting about it? Putin invaded Ukraine 9 years ago. Before that he invaded Georgia. Look it up. . . he did that in 2008. What security concerns did he have then? Absolutely zero.

2. So after invading these nations, other nations begin to rightfully fear Russia. He keeps saying he is not going to invade. He has no intentions to invade. Then he invades claiming he is liberating Russia citizens.

3. So you get a small nation like Latvia, seeing that Putin lied about his intentions, then invaded, and murdered innocent citizens. Finally, he annexes this land. Then lies about everything that happened. Ukrainians are mad. They are angry because the United States pretends this hasn't been happening for 15 years. That our citizens would even consider his lie about "security concerns". Every nation in that region would have been happy to sign a defense pact with Russia. Putin doesn't want defense agreements. He wants those nations to back where he thinks they belong. In the Soviet empire, which he claims is the greatest nation to ever have existed.

4. My point is, he created this security concern by invading his neighbors. Then when they moved closer to NATO for protection, he claimed NATO was infringing upon his rights.

[RolandCuthbert]

Why did you fall for that?

As for Ukrainians, I don't know what you think this is about. But I will tell you the same thing I tell every extremist gag poster.

Ukrainians are not going to give up their culture. If you are going to take their culture away from them, you will be fighting them to the death.

I don't expect for you to understand that. I don't know if the United States, given our history, has ever been a nation that really did understand culture. We created some nonsense called "race". But speaking as a member of African-American Culture, I understand completely the need to keep your history, culture, traditions, and holidays intact. It is all that defines a group of people. And most people who are proud of their culture as certainly willing to die for it.

[lightbulb27]

I understand Ukraine isn't going to give in.
So what in your view is his motive? That's key to determining how this can be ended... which is what Ukraine wants.

[RolandCuthbert]

Again, it is one of those questions that boggles the mind. All Putin has to do to end the war is tell his troops to go home. But you have put the burden of ending the war on Ukraine. Putin is an adult Russian male. He can figure out how to voice his intentions clearly. It is not Ukraine's fault that he has voiced goals that are unattainable.

[lightbulb27]

boggles the mind.. as in..."why did he do this and why doesn't he pull back"?

[Oigit]

It's not that straight forward because its more about creating chaos. Then flying in like superman to fix the issues that you created. Because you use all three to create chaos let it get to a fever pitch then let hero worship take over. People will too wrapped up a hailing you as a hero and putting you on a pedestal to realize that you used all three to create it. So you can fly in and save people from it. It's a good way to get into office and stay in office. Also the list of things you can use accomplish the same goal is a lot longer. Though inspiring division is a go to for both sides of the isle. So it is often employed by both sides.

[jshm2]

Nah. More like "democratic principles cause wars in other countries, to profit from"

As for hacking, it's nothing much and had little effect on anything else. If this is the "worst" that Russia had to deal with, then it's no wonder they see no reason to stop.

As for the "blood on the hands" the war is going on because democratic countries are supplying weapons to civilians and a non-Nato country. In democratic law that would be considered a crime by the state.

[exitseven]

This question could just as easily be about the United States. Every time Biden speaks he tells such big lies and nobody says a word about it. Last week with a straight face he told us how good the economy was doing, how he created the most jobs in history and reduced the deficit. Where the hell is the fake news media when all this is going on? People were intimidated to get vaccinated and were forced to take and experimental drug against their will.

[goaded]

Who had the vaccines created and approved?

Deficit 2020: $3,312 billion
Deficit 2021: $2,775 billion

"“Our economy created over 6.5 million new jobs just last year, more jobs in one year than ever before in the history of the United States of America,” Biden said.

Facts First: This is true. The US added 6.6 million jobs in the first 12 months of Biden’s term, more than the US added in any year going back to 1939, when this data series was first published. However, the Biden-era gains should be viewed with contextual caution. Biden inherited an economy that had been crushed by unprecedented pandemic-related job losses. " edition.cnn.com/.../h_358d15ed633861825eae15d833fc09c5

[exitseven]

@goaded No all the jobs that were supposedly created were just the jobs that were lost when the economy was shut down. Yes, the deficit was raised less in 2021 than it was in 2020. The pandemic cost a ton of money. What Biden said was that he decreased the deficit more than anyone in history. It was a blatant lie.
Trump had the vaccines created and approved. It was one of many success stories of his administration. He did not force people to take it.

[goaded]

That doesn't make it untrue, and the quote I gave you pointed out the context. As to the deficit, you're mixing up the deficit and the debt. The last time the US government was paying down the debt with a surplus (negative deficit) was under Clinton, before Bush decided not to bother any more and give tax breaks to the rich instead. Then Bush left office in the middle of a recession, which is the time to spend. I don't see anything about "decreased the deficit more than anyone in history", but it's possible, since it decreased by $537 billion and the whole deficit has rarely been that much. Yep, true.

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/FYFSD


Compare and contrast with Trump's amazing record on unemployment, you can really see the change in direction when he took office...

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/UNEMPLOY

"Trump had the vaccines created and approved. It was one of many success stories of his administration."
And they were safe and effective? Or not?

"He did not force people to take it."
Nor did Biden. Trump barely encouraged people to take it. He tried once or twice and his followers booed him.

[exitseven]

@goaded I know they are two different things. Biden hoped that all his low information voters would not notice I guess.
Too bad Washington does not hve to live with a budget like the rest of us.

[RolandCuthbert]

That is the biggest piece of nonsense I have ever heard. You can literally call Biden a goat fucker in public. No one can do anything to you. In Russia, you utter a three letter word, "war", you will be thrown under the jail.

Maybe there is no comparison.

Just saying.

You are whining over his apparent lying, this while being a trumpturd. The issue isn't the lies, the issue is being able to tell the truth without the state throwing you in jail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO9u0XT6O40

[RolandCuthbert]

@goaded Man, you are talking to a dude who claims his rights and freedoms are being infringed because Biden thinks the economy is doing better than he does.

That's how fucked up his mind is.

You can't do anything with that.

[exitseven]

Wait until the Homeland Security boys land in your yard after the Ministry of Truth goes online in a coulpe of weeks. A lot of people will be disappeared.

[RolandCuthbert]

@exitseven Oh, I know if trump gets back in they will definitely visit me. Because I will not be forced to speak lies. And if I want to call him a goatfucker whenever I want to. And trumpturds, unlike everyone else, will always support a bill silencing folks for their political views.

Again, that's how messed up your mind is.

[exitseven]

No, Trump and his supporters are believers in the US Constitution. Trump had no need tor a Ministry of Truth because his administration was so transparent. The fake news and big tech have been censoring conservatives for years and they played a big part in the theft of the 2020 election by spiking the Hunter /Joe Biden corruption story. This is something that cannot be disputed.

[RolandCuthbert]

Haha!!!

Trump said the Constitution gave him unlimited powers.

So no, he does not believe in the Constitution.

Remember? "Article 2 gives me the power to do whatever I want".

You don't even know what the fuck your guy says.

[exitseven]

I never heard him say that. If it was true it would be on the fake news 24/7.

[RolandCuthbert]

Because you don't listen to him. It isn't like you have a brain in your head, right? And he didn't say this just one time. He said it repeatedly. So either you are lying or you are fucking stupid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl_gO3uOds8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGNkcvibKhw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sprxzD-u9iY

[blondfrog]

Sadly there is strong scientific and psychological evidence proving this to be true. Most humans will listen to the directions of any authority type figure. Milgram experiment being possibly the strongest.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/y6GxIuljT3w

[RolandCuthbert]

Oh, I know. I know you have the videos of the different studies. But my favorite film on this subject is "Compliance". The staff at McDonalds had a girl on staff strip naked because a guy called the restaurant claiming she was being investigated. The actual events are much worse than the film. But they were trying not to be exploitative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFJP4sBKLXM

Think about how American society is falling apart now. We have folks in this group who refuse to believe anything about the pandemic being broadcast on television. Okay, maybe that is a healthy attitude. But they go to youtube. They go to 4chan and all manner of disgusting sites on the dark web to learn about things they actually need to be educated on. And all they have to do is get in touch with a medical professional. They could contact a scientist or listen to scientists who podcasts for the public. They can ask questions and become informed.

But because they have bought into a certain political ideology, that invalidates expertise for the purposes of control, they will not believe anything but the narrative the leaders of that ideology state.

[KelleyNice]

Why wouldn't people believe you can rule through intimidation, force, and lies. That perfectly describes the USA and most Western countries.

[RolandCuthbert]

Yeah, it is funny, I don't feel like I am being intimidated or forced to do anything. I talk to Russian folks almost everyday. And when you can't even say Russia is at war without being threatened with jail, maybe that's a problem.

Just sayin'.

[Lord_Saddler]

"I don't feel like I am being intimidated or forced to do anything"

So are you saying that no one forced you and your fellows to kill 1 million Iraqi civilians and rape Iraqi and Afghan women and children?

[RolandCuthbert]

@Lord_Saddler What do you mean "we"?

I didn't rape anyone. And I am quite certain I can prove that in a court of law.

Where the fuck to you trolls come from?

[Lord_Saddler]

@RolandCuthbert You USians. You were complicit in every crime your soldiers committed against the Iraqi, Afghan and Libyan people. Crimes that include bombing civilian positions and killing ordinary citizens, rape, torture, drug trafficking, pedophilia, robbing people of their wealth and funding terrorist groups.

[RolandCuthbert]

@Lord_Saddler Nope not complicit in anything. That would be like me holding my Russian friends responsible for invading Ukraine, raping women, killing children, etc.

They didn't do anything the sort, and if they could the would kick Putin's ass.

Go back to troll university and learn some new skills.

[Lord_Saddler]

@RolandCuthbert Shut the fuck up, loser. Your whole nation should be paying compensation to Iraq for what you let your military do to its people. Not only to Iraq but also Serbia, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia etc.

Your people bring disgrace and chaos wherever you set foot in.

www.reuters.com/.../us-iraq-deaths-survey-idUSL3048857920080130

[RolandCuthbert]

Okay crazy batshit troll. . . you got me!

I will shut the fuck up.

Haha!!!

[Lord_Saddler]

@RolandCuthbert Good boy.

[RolandCuthbert]

@Lord_Saddler Nah, on second thought I changed my mind. Are you going to silence me again?

You batshit crazy fruitcake. . .

haha!!!

[Fireguy17]

no, not for very long.
at some point people will have had enough.

[joeldalton]

Not sure, ask Trudeau.

[RolandCuthbert]

How are your rights infringed when people can have different political beliefs than you. . . and not when you use the power of the state to silence your opponents?

[Kenzy009]

He froze the bank acounts of protesters. He used extortion to make people get vaccinated

[RolandCuthbert]

@Kenzy009 Well, if this is true, I would disagree with his actions. But when it came to vaccine mandates, most nations on this planet had them. The U. S. is one of the few that did not. I feel that the free market is enough to enforce mask mandates. Because not many companies are going to endanger owners and senior staff.

And you know what I am talking about, throwing people in jail because they say a three letter word.

[Kenzy009]

@RolandCuthbert most nations have tyranical goverments, that is what makes the US so great is that its the only country practicing freedom and democracy

[joeldalton]

where is this magical place where you’re thrown in jail for saying a 3-letter word? I can’t wait to hear this one.

[RolandCuthbert]

@Kenzy009 Oh, you needed to be here two years ago. Because we had 75% of the forum whining over mask mandates. . .

even as there was no such thing as a federal mandate. That's what misinformation will do for you.

As for other nations, I don't have an issue with they way they run their affairs internally. If they enact a mandate for masks that's on them. As long as they stay out of other people's business. And that is including the US. But it isn't like we can talk, we have a long history of meddling in other nation's affairs.

Mask enforcement in Russia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDbG1RraMR8

[RolandCuthbert]

@joeldalton

Wow, dude you need to get out of the basement.

I have friends in Russia. No news outlet can say the word "war" when talking about the military operation in Ukraine.

They are not at "war".

WTF?

[joeldalton]

Lmao. You’re cute.

[RolandCuthbert]

Not as cute as you.

Following me around like a little puppy dog.

:D

[joeldalton]

This is my reply you felt the need to add your $.02 to.

[RolandCuthbert]

Well, it isn't like you have articulated much of a position. So let the insults fly. . .

[Anonymous]

more fake news lol
waste of time