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Open Thread 181: Russia/Ukraine
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I noticed that Anatoly had created a new thread, which is fine, but he also said that he would be trashing all comments providing “Ukrainian disinformation,” which concerned me. I also noticed that he’d trashed quite a few comments on his previous thread, even comments that had already gotten replies and generated further debate. That could really disrupt the discussion.

Given the massive and growing climate of online censorship on the Ukraine-Russia conflict both in the West and in Russia, I think there’s considerable value in maintaining a convenient venue for lightly moderated discussion on this topic.

He’d previously expressed annoyance that these discussion threads were still under his name, so I’ve removed that, and I’ve retitled the blog the Russian Reaction Community produced by the Karlin Community, which is all of you. Although he can still comment and his comments will be highlighted, he won’t be able to trash or edit the comments of others, so all of you can write freely, though you should behave yourselves regarding Tweets and such.

It’s probably better if he doesn’t create future threads since those would give him the temptation of trashing comments he didn’t like.

Anyway, here’s a new thread for all of you to use.

— Ron Unz

 
• Category: Foreign Policy • Tags: Russia, Ukraine 
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  1. Thanks to Unz for providing this space, as Karlin has becoming increasingly deranged in his censorship and personal attacks. Not to mention his endless “I quit” only to creep back to this blog.

    I am frequently disagreeing with the pro-Ukraine side, I’ve called Zelensky a NATO puppet and I largely absolve Putin of the responsibility of this crisis. But I would never want to censor people who disagree with me. Unz.com is a free speech oasis and I am more than elated than Ron himself is fighting to keep it that way.

    The space for open discourse is narrowing everywhere, so we must cherish the few places where actual free speech still exists. This is one of them.

    • Agree: AaronB, follyofwar
    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @Thulean Friend

    Casting snide aspersions on me, not backing up your words when called out on it, then being very surprised about my attitude towards you. Especially considering this was not a new pattern, you having engaged in a very long history of dissimulation and smears directed against me, for which almost anyone else would have long since banned you and your previous alter egos.

    Replies: @Gerard1234

    , @Ron Unz
    @Thulean Friend


    The space for open discourse is narrowing everywhere, so we must cherish the few places where actual free speech still exists. This is one of them.
     
    Glad to help and also glad that this approach seems satisfactory to almost everyone.

    On a more substantive matter, those who have the time might want to watch an hour-long Glenn Greenwald presentation on America's biowarfare programs and the game-playing denials about those Ukraine biolabs:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn_HZ3Ta-5w

    And the short Rumble video interview from last month outlining my analysis that the Covid outbreak was an American biowarfare attack against China (and Iran) just broke 100,000 views, far more than I expected given the total recent focus on Russia/Ukraine:

    https://rumble.com/embed/vsi3d0/ .

    Replies: @Yahya, @Gerard1234

    , @Jidvei
    @Thulean Friend

    Karlin is easily the most obnoxious, arrogant asshole of the Unzverse - with some serious competition - and that's even when you sympathize with most of his views.

    Good riddance to both you and your Serious Commentary, Anatoly! (I thought you died of Covid, the Deadly Virus or maybe that your Stats & Figures did you in. I was glad to hear you just left.)

    A free tip to anti-Russia propagandists here (there's a ton here): get Karlin to come back. Pay him.

  2. German_reader says:

    Many thanks for this new thread and the opportunity for open debate (a rarity these days), it’s much appreciated!

    Karlin really isn’t much more than a propagandist at this point, really weak of him to delete comments he disliked (unless I’m mistaken including one of mine, apparently referencing a news story that Russian soldiers have looted supermarkets for supplies in Cherson is already atrocity propaganda, lol).

    • Replies: @songbird
    @German_reader

    I appreciate all the new open threads. Forgot to use the "more" tag on my last post, and now I don't feel so bad.

  3. My dissatisfaction with Karlin’s draconian new censorship policies, that I posted within a comment in reply to AaronB’s comment, was deleted (what else, taking into account Karlin’s paranoia) at his most recent thread #180. Looks like this stupid war has taken one more casualty, the former Libertarian known as Anatoly Karlin. RIP. Vichna Pamiat.

    • Replies: @AaronB
    @Mr. Hack

    I saw your comment before Karlin deleted it, and posted a reply - which was not published but trashed :)

    And none of it was pro-Ukraine propoganda - well, maybe in the "larger sense" because it was critical of Karlin :)

    Anyways, the gist of my comment was basically that Karlin in my opinion hasn't so much changed, as finally developed the full implications of his core world view.

    In a sense, we are all living in apocalyptic times - apocalyptic means, I understand, "to reveal".

    Apocalyptic times come at the end, after you've been following a line of development for very long, and finally standing forth fully revealed before you, is what you were developing into.

    That is when you can clearly see if you were on the right, or the wrong, path.

    Not just Karlin, but the entire "modernized world", our civilization itself, are facing apocalyptic times, where it is revealed what path we had been on.

    As I said before, transgender and Woke, the epidemic of anxiety and depression sweeping the modernized world, the nihilistic boredom of Russia that leads it to launch pointless wars, the stories coming out of China of people dying of heart attacks and pregnant women losing babies, denied care over "Zero Covid" policies - all this was the inevitable result of trying to live against nature and God.

    But it is only at the end of the line of development, that you can clearly see what you were becoming.

    And these apocalyptic times are only beginning - more and more, we will "see ourselves" and be horrified.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @HenryBaker

    , @Mikhail
    @Mr. Hack

    Shifting gears a bit, out of curiosity do you believe this doctor to be one sick bastard?

    https://twitter.com/USSRTakes/status/1502856239516110856

    I'm not into censorship which has increased in the US, as it has in Russia and within Kiev regime confines.

    Media/political advocacy require a think skin. Not as much action at these threads - but note the shots dished out and returned:

    https://www.eurasiareview.com/23022022-motivating-factors-behind-russias-recent-independence-recognition-oped/#comments

    https://www.eurasiareview.com/28022022-russia-ukraine-coverage-update-what-western-mass-media-downplays-oped/#comments

    For others not having heard, these are pretty good segments:

    https://wabcradio.com/episode/michael-averko-independent-foreign-policy-analyst-and-media-critic-3-3-22/

    https://wabcradio.com/episode/michael-averko-2-9-22/

    https://wabcradio.com/episode/mark-averko-1-11-22/

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  4. @Mr. Hack
    My dissatisfaction with Karlin's draconian new censorship policies, that I posted within a comment in reply to AaronB's comment, was deleted (what else, taking into account Karlin's paranoia) at his most recent thread #180. Looks like this stupid war has taken one more casualty, the former Libertarian known as Anatoly Karlin. RIP. Vichna Pamiat.

    Replies: @AaronB, @Mikhail

    I saw your comment before Karlin deleted it, and posted a reply – which was not published but trashed 🙂

    And none of it was pro-Ukraine propoganda – well, maybe in the “larger sense” because it was critical of Karlin 🙂

    Anyways, the gist of my comment was basically that Karlin in my opinion hasn’t so much changed, as finally developed the full implications of his core world view.

    In a sense, we are all living in apocalyptic times – apocalyptic means, I understand, “to reveal”.

    Apocalyptic times come at the end, after you’ve been following a line of development for very long, and finally standing forth fully revealed before you, is what you were developing into.

    That is when you can clearly see if you were on the right, or the wrong, path.

    Not just Karlin, but the entire “modernized world”, our civilization itself, are facing apocalyptic times, where it is revealed what path we had been on.

    As I said before, transgender and Woke, the epidemic of anxiety and depression sweeping the modernized world, the nihilistic boredom of Russia that leads it to launch pointless wars, the stories coming out of China of people dying of heart attacks and pregnant women losing babies, denied care over “Zero Covid” policies – all this was the inevitable result of trying to live against nature and God.

    But it is only at the end of the line of development, that you can clearly see what you were becoming.

    And these apocalyptic times are only beginning – more and more, we will “see ourselves” and be horrified.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @AaronB

    I enjoy reading all of your comments and am on board for almost all of your observations and ideas. You lend an air of spirituality to this community of thinkers and writers, that is all too often missing. There is nothing awe inspiring about killing civilians, children and even soldiers that are trying to defend their homeland. The biblical Apocalypse may really be just around the corner? Keep 'em coming!

    , @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    A reply to a previous comment of yours:


    Anyways, why do the Russians seem to be doing literally everything so terribly from an optics point of view, down to their propoganda – as I said before, showing respect for Ukrainian bravery would actually look so much better than calling it things like “fanatical resistance” that must be punished etc, as Karlin does.
     

    It’s a war, of course they’ll fight back. This is bad? And the whole manipulation thing, the whole we’ll force you to be our brothers thing…

    This language can only occur in a weird post-modern setting like ours, and moreover is the language of psychopathic manipulation that is so characteristic of our times.
     

    There is nothing post-modern nor psychopathic about this way of talking and thinking. The way the Russians talk about Ukrainians now (it's just a fake state, no right to exist, resistance is either illegitimate or 'fanatical') is almost identical to how Europeans talked about nationalist revolutionaries in the decolonization wars. We also called resistance there 'lawless' or 'fanatical' and tried to delegimitize the nationalist project by focusing on a few worst elements (like the Russians are now doing with Azov, we did with communists fighting in the ranks).

    The Russians categorically deny that Ukrainians can either think for themselves or deserve any sort of self-legitimation. To do so, they must mentally frame the Ukrainians as infantile, fanatical, or traitorous and degenerate. That's all quite normal human psychology. Anatoly's first insistence that Ukrainian resistance would quickly evaporate, and then a switch to calling it 'fanatical' or whatever, mirrors decolonization war rhetoric almost 100%. It will, of course, never be acknowledged that Ukrainians have little good experience under the Russian umbrella. 'They just don't know what's good them'.

    Your idea that our time is one of 'psychopathic manipulation' is ungrounded in the sense that manipulation by a ruling power has always been around and has always been intense. That is of course the Marxist critique of religion in the modern state. I guess our propaganda may just be more intense, more aimed at doubt than conviction, and more disorienting.


    Also, a general comment: I believe Anatolys recent change of heart is mostly just a symptom of 'your brain on nationalism'. The more nationalist you get, the more unreasonable. It's a shame.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Mr. Hack, @AaronB

  5. We’ve debated this before but the invasion brings new perspective.

    Is it too late for democratic reform in Russia? Are the 1.5m Silovki in the Orthodox Fascist cult simply too powerful. I think Putin is no more than their figure head. Changing Putin does nothing. Only a Communist government would mark real change.

    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.

    • Replies: @Chuikov
    @Philip Owen


    Is it too late for democratic reform in Russia? Are the 1.5m Silovki in the Orthodox Fascist cult simply too powerful. I think Putin is no more than their figure head. Changing Putin does nothing. Only a Communist government would mark real change.
     
    "Democratic reform" would destroy Russia as a sovereign state and a distinctive ethnic and cultural sphere. It would be folded into the liberal American cultural sphere and security architecture. You'd have lots of emigration of Russians as cheap labor to the West along with increasing 3rd world immigration into Russia, and the increasing importation and domination of liberal American and woke culture in Russia. Real power would be wielded by economic oligarchs friendly to the West along with a permanent liberal political/media class cultivated by the US; democratically elected politicians would hold nominal power but would be beholden to oligarchs and the political/media class.

    Instead, Russia should combine aspects from its past, the West, and even the Chinese model. A Leninist elite class combined with appreciation for Russian and Orthodox traditions to foster patriotism and cultural unity. Western liberal and free market capitalism to foster economic and techno growth. Chinese elite discipline to counter internal corruption and decadence within the elite class, as well as to counter oligarchical power arising from the unleashing of free market and liberal economic forces.

    Also, the Chinese experience with economic experimentation. To unleash and control market forces, Deng experimented with Special Economic Zones. This could work well with Russia given its vast size as well as experience from the Soviet era with cities and geographic areas that were specialized in particular industries. Except instead of command economics directed from Moscow, the Zones would have more market oriented economics unleashed internally.
    , @Mr. Hack
    @Philip Owen


    I think Putin is no more than their figure head. Changing Putin does nothing. Only a Communist government would mark real change.
     
    Communism has too much baggage and most stratas of society are perfectly fine with a state run capitalist system run by the highest top tier, that all leads to an authoritarian Putin type of figure. He has helped shape this system from the very beginning and therefore we don't really know how it will evolve after he's gone.

    I watched the fabulous film "The Irishman" last night, where it showed how rich mafia leaders were more than happy to accept a change at the very top of the Teamster union when Jimmy Hoffa had to spend a few years behind bars. The new leader was more pliant and amenable to schemes that favored mafia aspirations to aggrandize themselves. You can't really believe that the average Russian oligarch is pleased by what's transpired within Russia and the Western world within the last two weeks?
    , @Coconuts
    @Philip Owen


    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.
     
    'Orthodox Fascism' seems to be a contradictory concept, i.e. in Orthodox Christianity God is the highest good and the source of moral law (and ultimately all political authority) and God is transcendent, separate from the world.

    In Fascism the state is the highest realisation of the moral good, the closest you can get to the absolute, political authority derives from the people and their rational capabilities as they evolve in time. Totalitarianism is central to Fascism, every part of human life should be integrated into the state community.

    I don't know if the current Russian state has the capacity to attempt to establish totalitarianism, if there is even any inclination, given the way Orthodoxy is favoured, looks like not. But, it also seems like the advent of some modernised form of Fascism would be more plausible than the re-introduction of Communism.

    Replies: @AaronB, @Philip Owen, @Seraphim, @Barbarossa, @HenryBaker

  6. @German_reader
    Many thanks for this new thread and the opportunity for open debate (a rarity these days), it's much appreciated!

    Karlin really isn't much more than a propagandist at this point, really weak of him to delete comments he disliked (unless I'm mistaken including one of mine, apparently referencing a news story that Russian soldiers have looted supermarkets for supplies in Cherson is already atrocity propaganda, lol).

    Replies: @songbird

    I appreciate all the new open threads. Forgot to use the “more” tag on my last post, and now I don’t feel so bad.

  7. I posed this earlier on a Patrick Armstrong thread but it probably fits here. There seems to be a different audience.

    _____________________________________

    48 hours to conquer Ukraine and be greeted as liberators. That didn’t work. FSB don’t understand opinion polls in democracies.

    Regrouping and reinforcements don’t help that much. There are only so many men and vehicles Russia can push down those roads. It can go on forever of course. Also, I forgot high quality mercenaries when I wrote this first.

    Specification versus reality

    Michelin tires – Chinese knock offs
    Thick wool socks – Acrylics
    Fresh Compo rations (MRE in US) – keep the 7 year old ones
    Contract soldiers drawing pay – They were ghosts, conscripts were doing the work.

    On the socks. Socks stave off trenchfoot better than the WW1 foot wraps the Russians were using until 3 or 4 years ago (maybe that was the 71.6% new equipment of which Shoigu spoke?). But they need to be the right socks.

    This kind of corruption can’t be cured by regrouping and launching a new attack. Russia can still win by sending in steam roller after steam roller. And it appears difficult for Ukraine to deal with artillery without air support. But then, the Ukrainian army has 20,000 snipers. Senior officers are keeling over. Bombardiers might toowith real time battle information from NATO. Victory (occupation) will happen but not in 72 hours and that will just be getting into poistion for the insurgency.
    _______________________________________________

    Also, what happens to Russian troop morale when pictures emerge of well paid (\$300/month with expenses) African and Arab mercenaries killing Ukrainian civilians. Aren’t the Russian troops there to protect, in some roundabout way, their Ukrainian brothers?

    • Replies: @Peripatetic Commenter
    @Philip Owen

    I must have missed it. Where was it confirmed that Putin thought it would take 48 hours to subdue Ukraine?


    48 hours to conquer Ukraine and be greeted as liberators. That didn’t work. FSB don’t understand opinion polls in democracies.
     
    I have heard the claim but have not seen good confirmation. Even the Canadian and US Freedom Convoys took much more than 48 hours but I guess some people think the military can move faster.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    , @Barbarossa
    @Philip Owen

    Really, the Russian military doesn't even have good wool socks? That would be shocking to me.

    Personally I don't wear any socks other than wool and I buy Russian wool goods on eBay from time to time. Valenkis with leather lowers make great slip on winter boots, for example. One would think that the folks who came up with Valenkis could at least pull off good winter socks for their troops.

    Replies: @Mikhail

    , @Rich
    @Philip Owen

    You've obviously never served in the military, Phil, nothing takes 48 hours, ever. The defeat of Poland in 1939, attacked on the West by the Germans and in the East by the Soviets took 35 days. How in Heaven's name would the invasion of Ukraine take less? Desert Storm took 6 months. I'd expect the Ukrainians to fight better than 3rd world Iraqis.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    , @PedroAstra
    @Philip Owen

    The "Chinese" tires are actually some sort of Eastern European knockoff, I don't know why this fake meme in particular was perpetuated.

    Replies: @songbird

  8. A123 says: • Website

    Israel is giving sound advice to Zelensky. (1)

    Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett surprised the international community last week when it was revealed that he had taken an clandestine trip to Moscow in order to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an apparent peacemaking effort.

    According to the Times of Israel, the Jerusalem Post and Ukrainian sources, the Israeli Prime Minister spoke with Zelensky again on Tuesday and advised the Ukrainian President to agree to the terms offered by Putin. The Prime Minister’s Office denied the claim.

    Israeli’s position certainly marks a watershed moment in which the Ukraine-allied axis is forced to adjust its calculus as it is confronted with a reality in which support for Russia is greater than previously expected.

    I am not sure why anyone finds this surprising. Palestinian Jews are perpetually threatened by irrational, violent neighbors.

    The incompetent White House occupant insists on giving money to Khamenei and Nasrallah, which will destabilise the entire region. Opposing the insanity emanating from Not-The-President Biden’s regime is the expected behaviour for civilized countries.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/israeli-pm-bennett-advises-ukraines-zelensky-surrender-russia

  9. I think it would have been more efficient to simply archive the blog and open up a new “Russian Reaction Community” section (perhaps transferring over the last Open Threads since the war began) so long as demand for and interest in it existed, but I am sufficiently satisfied with this compromise.

    On that note, I would also be perfectly fine with being stripped of the ability to make new threads and to no longer have my comments highlighted. Since it’s now a post-AK community blog, indeed one whose commentariat is extremely hostile to its founder (the wages of my past tolerance… no good deed ever goes unpunished), it doesn’t make much sense to continue to privilege me here above any other commenter.

    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Less than six months ago:

    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/russias-nationalist-turn/

    : (

    Replies: @Barbarossa

  10. @Thulean Friend
    Thanks to Unz for providing this space, as Karlin has becoming increasingly deranged in his censorship and personal attacks. Not to mention his endless "I quit" only to creep back to this blog.

    I am frequently disagreeing with the pro-Ukraine side, I've called Zelensky a NATO puppet and I largely absolve Putin of the responsibility of this crisis. But I would never want to censor people who disagree with me. Unz.com is a free speech oasis and I am more than elated than Ron himself is fighting to keep it that way.

    The space for open discourse is narrowing everywhere, so we must cherish the few places where actual free speech still exists. This is one of them.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @Ron Unz, @Jidvei

    Casting snide aspersions on me, not backing up your words when called out on it, then being very surprised about my attitude towards you. Especially considering this was not a new pattern, you having engaged in a very long history of dissimulation and smears directed against me, for which almost anyone else would have long since banned you and your previous alter egos.

    • Replies: @Gerard1234
    @Anatoly Karlin

    ENOUGH.

    This is wartime, this means wartime blogging moderation........ which means there must be a wartime alliance between you, the New York Times - listed writer, Anatoly Karlin..... and myself.

    I have been too busy, or engaged on ru.net to participate on your blog/SM - but very impressed with your Operation Z performance.

    Now, of course you know my opinions and facts about you, but this is all irrelevant now. Think of this as alliance between Putin and Akhmad Kadyrov ( I am designated as Putin in this dynamic)

    I will refer to you as Master from now onwards.

    Alliance?

    # ISTANDWITHTOLYA (New-York/Jew-york Times listed bestselling author)

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Anatoly Karlin

  11. @Anatoly Karlin
    I think it would have been more efficient to simply archive the blog and open up a new "Russian Reaction Community" section (perhaps transferring over the last Open Threads since the war began) so long as demand for and interest in it existed, but I am sufficiently satisfied with this compromise.

    On that note, I would also be perfectly fine with being stripped of the ability to make new threads and to no longer have my comments highlighted. Since it's now a post-AK community blog, indeed one whose commentariat is extremely hostile to its founder (the wages of my past tolerance... no good deed ever goes unpunished), it doesn't make much sense to continue to privilege me here above any other commenter.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    • Replies: @Barbarossa
    @Emil Nikola Richard

    The thing that I admired most about AK's blog was his ability to foster such a diverse and (usually) collegial collection of viewpoints. I felt that this was a very positive reflection of AK and something he had a right to be very proud of. While the commentariat was not a direct offshoot of his ideological work, it was still something rather special that coalesced around him and his writing. The fact that so many open threads have continued without him is an oblique tribute to him.

    It seems clear that AK does not feel the same and has moved on to other priorities, though it's too bad that he has taken a hostile attitude. It seems that he could have moved on to his other future works and priorities without burning bridges from his past.

    Regardless, I still deeply appreciate the writing and generosity of spirit the AK has exhibited on the blog in the past, and wish him the best in whatever he lays his hand to.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Twinkie

  12. (colonelcassad.livejournal.com – Russian source – edited Yandex translation)

    Briefly about Ukraine. 12.03.2022

    1. Mariupol. Storming the city. Advances from all directions. The enemy stubbornly defends himself, but he is being squeezed. It is already formally possible to travel to Crimea from Donetsk. Although a full-fledged land corridor has not yet been opened. The relief of Mariupol, which Azov and Zelensky are asking for, is practically impossible in the current realities.

    2. Volnovakha. Completely liberated and cleaned up. Troops are already freely passing through it in the direction of Ugledar, closing the front with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, which are also advancing in the direction of Velikaya Novoselka – Ugledar with an emphasis on Ugledar.

    3. Donetsk – Gorlovka. Shelling of DPR cities. The front in the area of Avdiivka, Maryinka, Pesok, etc. has noticeably revived, but there is no significant progress.

    4. LNR. Fighting in Rubezhnoye and around Severodonetsk. Fighting continues in Popasnaya (which was prematurely declared liberated a couple of days ago) — the LPR troops control part of the city.

    5. Izyum. Fighting in the area of the city and on the southern outskirts. The situation in the city itself is unclear, the locals confirm the presence of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the city and the fighting going on in the south. The AFU is trying to shackle the Russian troops in Izyum and Balakleya with attacks in order to prevent their advance to the south and in the direction of the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration.

    6. Nikolaev. The city is blocked, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are methodically striking enemy positions on the outskirts, there is no assault yet. Part of the group left in the direction of Krivoy Rog and Nikopol.

    7. Kherson – Zaporozhye. The power of civil-military administrations is being strengthened in the liberated territories. Communications of the grouping operating in the Zaporozhye direction are being established. Gulyai-Pole has fighting. The front line in the area of Kamensky and Orekhov without major changes.

    8. Kiev. Fighting to the east and west of the city, with again an accentuated desire of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to move south in order to achieve a complete encirclement of the city.

    9. Chernihiv — without major changes. The city is blocked, a hotel where foreign mercenaries were stationed was destroyed at night in the city itself.

    10. Sumy — without major changes.

    11. Odessa. They continue to wait for the landing, but there is still no one there. Nevertheless, the city continues to strengthen, transferring reinforcements from western Ukraine. There are no signs of the offensive of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation from the PMR.

    12. Belarus. Despite the next wave of fakes that Belarus will attack Ukraine (yesterday at 21.00), the Belarusian Armed Forces do not demonstrate a noticeable increase in their presence on the border beyond the increase announced at the beginning of the month in the number of battalion tactical groups of the Belarusian army on the border with Ukraine from 5 to 10. The border of Ukraine with Belarus itself is not actually guarded.

    In general, on the evening of 12.03. it is possible to note significant successes in the development of the offensive of the DPR army, as well as by the troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the Zaporozhye region.

    • Thanks: Levtraro, Jim Richard
  13. @Thulean Friend
    Thanks to Unz for providing this space, as Karlin has becoming increasingly deranged in his censorship and personal attacks. Not to mention his endless "I quit" only to creep back to this blog.

    I am frequently disagreeing with the pro-Ukraine side, I've called Zelensky a NATO puppet and I largely absolve Putin of the responsibility of this crisis. But I would never want to censor people who disagree with me. Unz.com is a free speech oasis and I am more than elated than Ron himself is fighting to keep it that way.

    The space for open discourse is narrowing everywhere, so we must cherish the few places where actual free speech still exists. This is one of them.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @Ron Unz, @Jidvei

    The space for open discourse is narrowing everywhere, so we must cherish the few places where actual free speech still exists. This is one of them.

    Glad to help and also glad that this approach seems satisfactory to almost everyone.

    On a more substantive matter, those who have the time might want to watch an hour-long Glenn Greenwald presentation on America’s biowarfare programs and the game-playing denials about those Ukraine biolabs:

    And the short Rumble video interview from last month outlining my analysis that the Covid outbreak was an American biowarfare attack against China (and Iran) just broke 100,000 views, far more than I expected given the total recent focus on Russia/Ukraine:



    Video Link.

    • Replies: @Yahya
    @Ron Unz

    Mr. Unz,

    Since Karlin's community is now gathered under a new blog spot, why not confer authorship to one of the commenters here to continue hosting this spot, moderate the comments, and perhaps add more value to the empty OP of open threads?

    Some additions to the OP might be:

    *Roundup of noteworthy Twitter threads
    *Round-up of noteworthy articles or blog posts
    *Noteworthy YouTube video/lecture
    *Comment of the Week/Day
    *Additional commentary by the host

    Might I suggest Dmitry take up the task of hosting this new blog. He is probably the most level-headed commenter here, is adept at gathering noteworthy articles and Twitter posts, and seems to have plenty of free time judging by the copious amount of comments he writes here.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Dmitry

    , @Gerard1234
    @Ron Unz

    Ron Unz,

    You should be totally ashamed of yourself. Karlin (NYT-listed writer) should not have his methods infringed on like this.

    Ukraine or Ukrainianism is solely a Deathcult. Nothing else .
    By definition there is nothing "pro-ukrainan" to be censored, because "supporting" something by willing it to deathcult itself out of existence, and be "proud" of its history - as a constant, loser deathcult - is oxymoronic. So Karlin is not doing any censorship.

    Ukraine is a fake, failed state created by Lenin and Stalin - its 2 historic "enemies" who they blame for everything

    It has a fake moronic National Orthodox church........created by Americans and Catholics

    As a retard, it views itself as a "victim" of Russian "imperialism" - an idiotic nonsensical statement because 404 is a gift receiver FROM Russia of about EIGHT different sections of land fron SIX different countries that they did not ask, fight or even lobby for. Its as artificial as a botched Michael Jackson facelift

    Its freakshow "ideology" is taken from the west of the fake country - even though Galicia has absolutely ZERO connection to "Ukrainian" architecture, cuisine, folksongs, dances, clothing, Dnieper, Black sea coast, Zaporozhian Cossacks or anything

    In light of this and much more, plus the idioticly high amount of fakes by ukrops/CIA /MI6 of military "peremoga" these last 2 weeks, and that there is basically no English-language pro-ukraine, or galician-reject blogger on the Internet, exactly because they know they would have to do mass censorship because of the ease it is to disintegrate their BS........ should give special allowance to (NYT-listed) Karlin.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  14. @Philip Owen
    We've debated this before but the invasion brings new perspective.

    Is it too late for democratic reform in Russia? Are the 1.5m Silovki in the Orthodox Fascist cult simply too powerful. I think Putin is no more than their figure head. Changing Putin does nothing. Only a Communist government would mark real change.

    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_e42p0IMqg

    Replies: @Chuikov, @Mr. Hack, @Coconuts

    Is it too late for democratic reform in Russia? Are the 1.5m Silovki in the Orthodox Fascist cult simply too powerful. I think Putin is no more than their figure head. Changing Putin does nothing. Only a Communist government would mark real change.

    “Democratic reform” would destroy Russia as a sovereign state and a distinctive ethnic and cultural sphere. It would be folded into the liberal American cultural sphere and security architecture. You’d have lots of emigration of Russians as cheap labor to the West along with increasing 3rd world immigration into Russia, and the increasing importation and domination of liberal American and woke culture in Russia. Real power would be wielded by economic oligarchs friendly to the West along with a permanent liberal political/media class cultivated by the US; democratically elected politicians would hold nominal power but would be beholden to oligarchs and the political/media class.

    Instead, Russia should combine aspects from its past, the West, and even the Chinese model. A Leninist elite class combined with appreciation for Russian and Orthodox traditions to foster patriotism and cultural unity. Western liberal and free market capitalism to foster economic and techno growth. Chinese elite discipline to counter internal corruption and decadence within the elite class, as well as to counter oligarchical power arising from the unleashing of free market and liberal economic forces.

    Also, the Chinese experience with economic experimentation. To unleash and control market forces, Deng experimented with Special Economic Zones. This could work well with Russia given its vast size as well as experience from the Soviet era with cities and geographic areas that were specialized in particular industries. Except instead of command economics directed from Moscow, the Zones would have more market oriented economics unleashed internally.

  15. @Philip Owen
    We've debated this before but the invasion brings new perspective.

    Is it too late for democratic reform in Russia? Are the 1.5m Silovki in the Orthodox Fascist cult simply too powerful. I think Putin is no more than their figure head. Changing Putin does nothing. Only a Communist government would mark real change.

    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_e42p0IMqg

    Replies: @Chuikov, @Mr. Hack, @Coconuts

    I think Putin is no more than their figure head. Changing Putin does nothing. Only a Communist government would mark real change.

    Communism has too much baggage and most stratas of society are perfectly fine with a state run capitalist system run by the highest top tier, that all leads to an authoritarian Putin type of figure. He has helped shape this system from the very beginning and therefore we don’t really know how it will evolve after he’s gone.

    I watched the fabulous film “The Irishman” last night, where it showed how rich mafia leaders were more than happy to accept a change at the very top of the Teamster union when Jimmy Hoffa had to spend a few years behind bars. The new leader was more pliant and amenable to schemes that favored mafia aspirations to aggrandize themselves. You can’t really believe that the average Russian oligarch is pleased by what’s transpired within Russia and the Western world within the last two weeks?

  16. Here’s the latest from Patrick Lancaster from the just liberated Volnovakha

    • Thanks: Levtraro
    • Replies: @Wielgus
    @Commentator Mike

    At about 10:20 the guy in the fur hat and glasses uses the word "Amerikozy". Slang pejorative for Americans.
    Like me, Lancaster can speak Russian.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Sasu
    @Commentator Mike

    Thanks for sharing this. I hadn't seen any of his reports, and am surprised that YouTube hasn't removed them. Brave guy.

  17. @AaronB
    @Mr. Hack

    I saw your comment before Karlin deleted it, and posted a reply - which was not published but trashed :)

    And none of it was pro-Ukraine propoganda - well, maybe in the "larger sense" because it was critical of Karlin :)

    Anyways, the gist of my comment was basically that Karlin in my opinion hasn't so much changed, as finally developed the full implications of his core world view.

    In a sense, we are all living in apocalyptic times - apocalyptic means, I understand, "to reveal".

    Apocalyptic times come at the end, after you've been following a line of development for very long, and finally standing forth fully revealed before you, is what you were developing into.

    That is when you can clearly see if you were on the right, or the wrong, path.

    Not just Karlin, but the entire "modernized world", our civilization itself, are facing apocalyptic times, where it is revealed what path we had been on.

    As I said before, transgender and Woke, the epidemic of anxiety and depression sweeping the modernized world, the nihilistic boredom of Russia that leads it to launch pointless wars, the stories coming out of China of people dying of heart attacks and pregnant women losing babies, denied care over "Zero Covid" policies - all this was the inevitable result of trying to live against nature and God.

    But it is only at the end of the line of development, that you can clearly see what you were becoming.

    And these apocalyptic times are only beginning - more and more, we will "see ourselves" and be horrified.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @HenryBaker

    I enjoy reading all of your comments and am on board for almost all of your observations and ideas. You lend an air of spirituality to this community of thinkers and writers, that is all too often missing. There is nothing awe inspiring about killing civilians, children and even soldiers that are trying to defend their homeland. The biblical Apocalypse may really be just around the corner? Keep ’em coming!

    • Thanks: AaronB
  18. Today:

    Homosexual Pederast Mega Rock Star Pete Townshend and his enabler Mega Star Roger Daltrey made a statement today that The Who stands with Ukraine…..

    Strangely….The Who never released a statement in solidarity with the English Teenage Girls of Rotherdam England as they were being gang-raped by young Pakistani Muslim Men in England….

    • Replies: @A123
    @War for Blair Mountain


    Homosexual Pederast Mega Rock Star Pete Townshend and his enabler Mega Star Roger Daltrey made a statement today that The Who stands with Ukraine…..
     
    Hunter Biden, the druggie who knocked up a prostitute... On the side of Ukraine.

    George IslamoSoros has history with Zelensky: (1)

    The fact that George Soros can live freely in any democratic society including in the United States after purposefully working to undermine and destroy those democracies should tell you how much wealth and influence he really has.

    With that said, it should also come as no surprise that among his many ‘accomplishments’ was playing a major role in financing the overthrow of Ukraine’s government in 2014 and the installment of its current leader, a former comedic actor named Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is now trying to lead his country through a Russian invasion.
     
    Zelensky is a pawn, about to be sacrificed.

    George's Open [Muslim] Society Foundation has been encountering resistance to the import of Rape-ugees. It is not surprising that his Jihad is being rerouted. Causing infidel Ukraine to fight infidel Russia opens up a huge new Open [Muslim] Border.

    How many Muslim terrorists and Islamic rape-ugees will infiltrate Europe via this warzone?

    Judeo-Christians lose, Muslims win.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://noqreport.com/2022/03/03/george-soros-helped-zelensky-become-president-of-ukraine-through-massive-propaganda-campaign-now-he-backs-puppet-regime-he-installed/

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard, @sudden death

  19. @Commentator Mike
    Here's the latest from Patrick Lancaster from the just liberated Volnovakha

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbiplu3Cyjg

    Replies: @Wielgus, @Sasu

    At about 10:20 the guy in the fur hat and glasses uses the word “Amerikozy”. Slang pejorative for Americans.
    Like me, Lancaster can speak Russian.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Wielgus

    His Russian is terrible. And he asks leading questions.

    TBH, he looks like the kind of American who tries to get mail order brides.

    Replies: @Wielgus, @Levtraro

  20. Is Russia really bringing mercenaries from the Central African Republic to Ukraine (that is actual black Africans), or are these Russian guys from the Wagner company who had been contracted by the CAR government?
    Ultimately it’s only a minor issue, but would still be interesting to see this clarified.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @German_reader

    Can't verify anything, but phrase I heard was "train-and-equip program" which strongly suggests Africans. I've heard they get about $6/day to fight in Africa. Perhaps, they have white noncoms in charge of the units? Would be an interesting addition to Thomas Friedman's "the world is flat" idea, if everyone started using African mercs, due to the population explosion in Africa.

    I was surprised to learn recently that the Brits still seem to employ Gurkhas. (originally, they were mercenaries, as they had no economic prospects in the hilly area that they came from, so I think all these calls for justice are a little weird - they probably would have starved to death, without being able to join up). But even that tradition has become woke, as many seem to be given settlement rights in the UK, and they are recruiting Gurkha women. LOL. (Are the women of a martial race fiercer?) I wonder what the going rate for a Gurkha is on the global market, now.

    Been surprised by the Russians using Chechens, despite their higher TFR, as their IQ is estimated to be about the same as American blacks. (But perhaps it is higher?) History of American black units that they had no discipline and tended to cut and run. But, maybe, the Chechens are different, as a "martial race."

    Replies: @Yevardian

  21. @Wielgus
    @Commentator Mike

    At about 10:20 the guy in the fur hat and glasses uses the word "Amerikozy". Slang pejorative for Americans.
    Like me, Lancaster can speak Russian.

    Replies: @AP

    His Russian is terrible. And he asks leading questions.

    TBH, he looks like the kind of American who tries to get mail order brides.

    • Replies: @Wielgus
    @AP

    My Russian is better than his but with the possible exception of speaking Spanish, I am surprised by any American who speaks a foreign language at all.
    Leading questions or not (no worse than I have known the BBC to do) there did not seem to be much enthusiasm for the Ukrainians, to say the least. I was struck by the hostility to Americans one man showed, possibly old enough to remember the Cold War.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Levtraro
    @AP

    His evident bias is the least relevant fact. What matters is that he is in the war zone, a brave journalist, giving us the views from people there. Your comment on the other hand weigh less than a bag of popcorn, TBH.

  22. @AP
    @Wielgus

    His Russian is terrible. And he asks leading questions.

    TBH, he looks like the kind of American who tries to get mail order brides.

    Replies: @Wielgus, @Levtraro

    My Russian is better than his but with the possible exception of speaking Spanish, I am surprised by any American who speaks a foreign language at all.
    Leading questions or not (no worse than I have known the BBC to do) there did not seem to be much enthusiasm for the Ukrainians, to say the least. I was struck by the hostility to Americans one man showed, possibly old enough to remember the Cold War.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Wielgus


    I am surprised by any American who speaks a foreign language at all.
     
    He lived in Donetsk for 8 years, one would expect him to learn the language a little. It sounds awful though.

    Leading questions or not (no worse than I have known the BBC to do) there did not seem to be much enthusiasm for the Ukrainians, to say the least.
     
    They are being interviewed in the presence of the conquerors. And yet they still provide hedging answers, and with the possible exception of the old woman at the beginning offer no real enthusiasm for the "liberation."

    Replies: @Wielgus

  23. @War for Blair Mountain
    Today:

    Homosexual Pederast Mega Rock Star Pete Townshend and his enabler Mega Star Roger Daltrey made a statement today that The Who stands with Ukraine…..

    Strangely….The Who never released a statement in solidarity with the English Teenage Girls of Rotherdam England as they were being gang-raped by young Pakistani Muslim Men in England….

    Replies: @A123

    Homosexual Pederast Mega Rock Star Pete Townshend and his enabler Mega Star Roger Daltrey made a statement today that The Who stands with Ukraine…..

    Hunter Biden, the druggie who knocked up a prostitute… On the side of Ukraine.

    George IslamoSoros has history with Zelensky: (1)

    The fact that George Soros can live freely in any democratic society including in the United States after purposefully working to undermine and destroy those democracies should tell you how much wealth and influence he really has.

    With that said, it should also come as no surprise that among his many ‘accomplishments’ was playing a major role in financing the overthrow of Ukraine’s government in 2014 and the installment of its current leader, a former comedic actor named Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is now trying to lead his country through a Russian invasion.

    Zelensky is a pawn, about to be sacrificed.

    George’s Open [Muslim] Society Foundation has been encountering resistance to the import of Rape-ugees. It is not surprising that his Jihad is being rerouted. Causing infidel Ukraine to fight infidel Russia opens up a huge new Open [Muslim] Border.

    How many Muslim terrorists and Islamic rape-ugees will infiltrate Europe via this warzone?

    Judeo-Christians lose, Muslims win.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://noqreport.com/2022/03/03/george-soros-helped-zelensky-become-president-of-ukraine-through-massive-propaganda-campaign-now-he-backs-puppet-regime-he-installed/

    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @A123


    Hunter Biden, the druggie who knocked up a prostitute
     
    Hunter Biden is a crackhead. These are the class people who give druggies a bad name. Lance Armstrong is a druggie.

    Also: she was a stripper, sex worker if you like, but calling her a prostitute may be exaggerating.
    , @sudden death
    @A123


    overthrow of Ukraine’s government in 2014 and the installment of its current leader, a former comedic actor named Volodymyr Zelenskyy
     
    Instead of reading and citing such tripe, it would be better just google the year when Zelensky was elected as a president of Ukraine, lol

    The hint - it was not in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 or 2018.

    Replies: @A123, @Gerard1234

  24. So Karlin left a remarkable comment to AP on the other open thread in which he says hundreds of thousands of deaths are worthwhile to secure Russian independence to pursue it’s “Cosmist” dream.

    So I looked up Russian Cosmism, and apparently it is this religious philosophy of using technology to evolve, reach the stars, resurrect the dead, etc, that is apparently gaining influence among the Russian elite. I didn’t read up fully on this religion-ideology so don’t really understand it, but it seems pretty standard science-into-religion stuff of the kind that periodically appears in our sciency age.

    So that’s interesting and totally caught me by surprise.

    Russia seems once again to have embraced a revolutionary ideology that is religious in nature and salvific in aim, and for which it’s willing to kill people and start wars.

    100 years after last time. (Just waiting for the alt-right to blame this on Jews too, like the last one).

    To be honest, this makes me kind of sad for the Russians and Karlin but also, in a way, grateful.

    Russians are once again reminding the world that man needs religion, and if he doesn’t have a true one he will fill that ache with a false, absurd one, and wars and destruction will be the result.

    It’s not nihilistic boredom that Russia suffers from. It’s the ache for a true religion, the attempt to escape nihilism and find telos and meaning where it cannot be found.

    I suppose, the West also invents a religion based on science transcending nature, etc, but in a different way.

    Of course, “Cosmism” will no more be able to bring peace and happiness to people than any other false spirituality, and after a brief, and destructive, flash, will fade away.

    In the meantime, those who can must do the work of manifesting genuine spiritually in the world.

    • Agree: Mr. Hack, Philip Owen
    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @AaronB

    Probably the concepts of transhumanism can be found somewhere within the broader context of Russian cosmism, which of course Karlin was so attracted to. How one could get excited about having one's memories encapsulated within a computer chip inside of a robot, or even within a cryogenic "revived" human body was always beyond my understanding. I remember vividly Anon4 taking some of his precious time to explain some of these things to me, as he was once an adept of this ideology, but had steadfastly moved away from this thinking to embrace a spirituality very similar to your own.

    Replies: @AaronB

    , @Emil Nikola Richard
    @AaronB

    1. I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life. It says something about them that they are even more whacko than the transhumanists.

    2. The cosmist movement was obliterated totally by the commies. Except one guy whose name escapes me. One of the biggest Russian rocket scientists before they got German technology after 1945 began his career as a prominent cosmist. He turned over a new leaf when he got the big job in rockets.

    3. Cosmism is arcane. Think Hegel, Heidegger. If K knows more about it than they had a great name I would be surprised.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird, @Bill, @Philip Owen

  25. @A123
    @War for Blair Mountain


    Homosexual Pederast Mega Rock Star Pete Townshend and his enabler Mega Star Roger Daltrey made a statement today that The Who stands with Ukraine…..
     
    Hunter Biden, the druggie who knocked up a prostitute... On the side of Ukraine.

    George IslamoSoros has history with Zelensky: (1)

    The fact that George Soros can live freely in any democratic society including in the United States after purposefully working to undermine and destroy those democracies should tell you how much wealth and influence he really has.

    With that said, it should also come as no surprise that among his many ‘accomplishments’ was playing a major role in financing the overthrow of Ukraine’s government in 2014 and the installment of its current leader, a former comedic actor named Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is now trying to lead his country through a Russian invasion.
     
    Zelensky is a pawn, about to be sacrificed.

    George's Open [Muslim] Society Foundation has been encountering resistance to the import of Rape-ugees. It is not surprising that his Jihad is being rerouted. Causing infidel Ukraine to fight infidel Russia opens up a huge new Open [Muslim] Border.

    How many Muslim terrorists and Islamic rape-ugees will infiltrate Europe via this warzone?

    Judeo-Christians lose, Muslims win.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://noqreport.com/2022/03/03/george-soros-helped-zelensky-become-president-of-ukraine-through-massive-propaganda-campaign-now-he-backs-puppet-regime-he-installed/

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard, @sudden death

    Hunter Biden, the druggie who knocked up a prostitute

    Hunter Biden is a crackhead. These are the class people who give druggies a bad name. Lance Armstrong is a druggie.

    Also: she was a stripper, sex worker if you like, but calling her a prostitute may be exaggerating.

    • Thanks: A123
  26. @Wielgus
    @AP

    My Russian is better than his but with the possible exception of speaking Spanish, I am surprised by any American who speaks a foreign language at all.
    Leading questions or not (no worse than I have known the BBC to do) there did not seem to be much enthusiasm for the Ukrainians, to say the least. I was struck by the hostility to Americans one man showed, possibly old enough to remember the Cold War.

    Replies: @AP

    I am surprised by any American who speaks a foreign language at all.

    He lived in Donetsk for 8 years, one would expect him to learn the language a little. It sounds awful though.

    Leading questions or not (no worse than I have known the BBC to do) there did not seem to be much enthusiasm for the Ukrainians, to say the least.

    They are being interviewed in the presence of the conquerors. And yet they still provide hedging answers, and with the possible exception of the old woman at the beginning offer no real enthusiasm for the “liberation.”

    • Replies: @Wielgus
    @AP

    I suspect any genuine enthusiasts for the Ukrainians would have left with same. The old lady referred to the Ukrainians as grabiteli (looters). The others seemed more preoccupied with the problems of daily life. The older guy who did not like Americans was probably aware that America loves Zelensky.
    Over on the other side of the hill, I doubt whether people are going to directly contradict Zelensky or Yarosh either, whatever their true feelings. Hell, even one negotiator of theirs did not live to tell the tale...
    As to mail order brides, my experience of BBC workers in Britain is that the most typical vice is alcoholism but I am sure there are others...

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

  27. @A123
    @War for Blair Mountain


    Homosexual Pederast Mega Rock Star Pete Townshend and his enabler Mega Star Roger Daltrey made a statement today that The Who stands with Ukraine…..
     
    Hunter Biden, the druggie who knocked up a prostitute... On the side of Ukraine.

    George IslamoSoros has history with Zelensky: (1)

    The fact that George Soros can live freely in any democratic society including in the United States after purposefully working to undermine and destroy those democracies should tell you how much wealth and influence he really has.

    With that said, it should also come as no surprise that among his many ‘accomplishments’ was playing a major role in financing the overthrow of Ukraine’s government in 2014 and the installment of its current leader, a former comedic actor named Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is now trying to lead his country through a Russian invasion.
     
    Zelensky is a pawn, about to be sacrificed.

    George's Open [Muslim] Society Foundation has been encountering resistance to the import of Rape-ugees. It is not surprising that his Jihad is being rerouted. Causing infidel Ukraine to fight infidel Russia opens up a huge new Open [Muslim] Border.

    How many Muslim terrorists and Islamic rape-ugees will infiltrate Europe via this warzone?

    Judeo-Christians lose, Muslims win.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://noqreport.com/2022/03/03/george-soros-helped-zelensky-become-president-of-ukraine-through-massive-propaganda-campaign-now-he-backs-puppet-regime-he-installed/

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard, @sudden death

    overthrow of Ukraine’s government in 2014 and the installment of its current leader, a former comedic actor named Volodymyr Zelenskyy

    Instead of reading and citing such tripe, it would be better just google the year when Zelensky was elected as a president of Ukraine, lol

    The hint – it was not in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 or 2018.

    • Replies: @A123
    @sudden death


    , it would be better just google the year when Zelensky was elected as a president of Ukraine, lol

    The hint – it was not in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 or 2018
     
    The primary author of the EU Open [Muslim] Border policy, Angela Merkel, served from 2005-2021. This phase of undermining European borders occurred during her term. Two key reasons why this event is near the tail end:

    -1- ​Ukraine was not needed as an original route for Jihadist invaders. The requirement for a new rape-ugee corridor is directly tied to recent Christian Populist resistance within the EU block.

    -2- It took time to cultivate a patsy, like Zelensky, that could be manipulated into folly by SJW Elites.
    ____

    “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”, George Santayana

    The consequences of NATO encroachment previously played out ~2008 (Georgia -- Abkhazia -- Ossetia). A realistic Ukrainian leader would have kept pre-NATO [PfP] entirely West of the Dnieper. This could have easily been sold on the basis of better infrastructure.

    PEACE 😇
    , @Gerard1234
    @sudden death

    Ukraine does not have actual elections you despicable retard. Didn't shithole Lithuania have effectively an unconstitutional coup, with the (sane) President replaced by some USAID Nazi excrement?

    Anyway, you do realise, idiot, that Operation Z, as beautiful as it is, would never have happened without Lukashenko's assistance......and he only allowed assistance via Belarus border, because Belarus flights and airlines were banned by Gayropa a year before.

    Why? Because dying, alcoholic, suicide retard Litva staged a false flag provocation making a flight carrying a Belarus dissident liberast cretin on a plane from Athens to Vilnius, get diverted to land in Minsk where he was immediately arrested.
    Absolutely zero logical explanation for Vilnius ATC actions, transcripts for them or Pilot or ANY statement by the pilot in public after.

    Replies: @sudden death

  28. @Philip Owen
    We've debated this before but the invasion brings new perspective.

    Is it too late for democratic reform in Russia? Are the 1.5m Silovki in the Orthodox Fascist cult simply too powerful. I think Putin is no more than their figure head. Changing Putin does nothing. Only a Communist government would mark real change.

    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_e42p0IMqg

    Replies: @Chuikov, @Mr. Hack, @Coconuts

    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.

    ‘Orthodox Fascism’ seems to be a contradictory concept, i.e. in Orthodox Christianity God is the highest good and the source of moral law (and ultimately all political authority) and God is transcendent, separate from the world.

    In Fascism the state is the highest realisation of the moral good, the closest you can get to the absolute, political authority derives from the people and their rational capabilities as they evolve in time. Totalitarianism is central to Fascism, every part of human life should be integrated into the state community.

    I don’t know if the current Russian state has the capacity to attempt to establish totalitarianism, if there is even any inclination, given the way Orthodoxy is favoured, looks like not. But, it also seems like the advent of some modernised form of Fascism would be more plausible than the re-introduction of Communism.

    • Replies: @AaronB
    @Coconuts


    and God is transcendent, separate from the world
     
    It is my understanding that in Orthodoxy, God is also "imannent" in creation, which actually makes the world in a sense sacred.

    Indeed, the central Orthodox goal - theosis, reuniting with God - would be impossible if he was completely transcendent to his creation.

    I may be wrong about this, and would be glad if anyone more knowledgeable could correct me, but from what I've read and listened to, this is the case.
    , @Philip Owen
    @Coconuts

    Exactly my point. The Orthodoxy is fake. There is no Christian virtue in them.

    Replies: @Spisarevski

    , @Seraphim
    @Coconuts

    It becomes every day more apparent that it is a religious war. Finally the 'Holy Father' the Joke decided ''to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, is linked to the apparitions at Fatima. On the same day at the shrine in Portugal, papal almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski will make the same act of consecration in the name of Pope Francis''.
    It is known that the demonic apparition of the 'Mother' (aka 'Our Lady of Fatima', 'Our Lady of the Rosary') asked the Pope and the bishops in union with him to consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart so that Russia would be converted to papism, obviously. The Pope resisted to fulfil this command, supposedly to convert Russia from Bolshevism. He didn't do it during the reign of Bolshevism. It does it now against 'Orthodox Fascism'. But that was the aim of Papism since it declared war on Orthodoxy, ages ago.
    Feminists would be happy too. The 'Goddess' who tramples on the hated 'Patriarchy'.
    Muslims would be happy too. Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad and the Jewess Khadija ("the Mother of the Believers'') a similar position in Islam that Mary, mother of Jesus, occupies in Christianity. Duh.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @AP

    , @Barbarossa
    @Coconuts

    My viewpoint is that Putin has promoted Russian Orthodoxy primarily for it's value in creating a distinctive national identity useful for his political objectives. I don't think he sees it valuable in and of itself.

    So much of the resurgent Russian Orthodoxy will be used for and tied to explicitly state purposes and aims.

    I suspect this is what Philip Owen means by Orthodox Fascism. It's actually not an inaccurate use of the term Fascism, since it represents the binding together of State and Church in Russia. It's not as though Putin is inventing anything new in going this route, since it's been happening throughout Christian history. However, as Philip Owen implies it has little to do with the message of Jesus Christ.

    This binding together of the reeds of State and Church is nowhere more apparent than in the Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces which deploys religion for a very explicitly nationalist purpose.

    , @HenryBaker
    @Coconuts


    [Orthodoxy is not good for fascism], in Orthodox Christianity God is the highest good and the source of moral law (and ultimately all political authority) and God is transcendent, separate from the world.
     
    Ever heard of Caesaropapism?

    "In Fascism the state is the highest realisation of the moral good, the closest you can get to the absolute, political authority derives from the people and their rational capabilities as they evolve in time. Totalitarianism is central to Fascism, every part of human life should be integrated into the state community."

    Do remember that an Orthodox Fascist/Nazi movement did exist: it's the Legionaries in Rumania.

  29. @AP
    @Wielgus


    I am surprised by any American who speaks a foreign language at all.
     
    He lived in Donetsk for 8 years, one would expect him to learn the language a little. It sounds awful though.

    Leading questions or not (no worse than I have known the BBC to do) there did not seem to be much enthusiasm for the Ukrainians, to say the least.
     
    They are being interviewed in the presence of the conquerors. And yet they still provide hedging answers, and with the possible exception of the old woman at the beginning offer no real enthusiasm for the "liberation."

    Replies: @Wielgus

    I suspect any genuine enthusiasts for the Ukrainians would have left with same. The old lady referred to the Ukrainians as grabiteli (looters). The others seemed more preoccupied with the problems of daily life. The older guy who did not like Americans was probably aware that America loves Zelensky.
    Over on the other side of the hill, I doubt whether people are going to directly contradict Zelensky or Yarosh either, whatever their true feelings. Hell, even one negotiator of theirs did not live to tell the tale…
    As to mail order brides, my experience of BBC workers in Britain is that the most typical vice is alcoholism but I am sure there are others…

    • Replies: @Commentator Mike
    @Wielgus

    Weren't they gypsies in that building? Didn't someone tell him about Roma there or something?

    The younger man around the fire wasn't too enthusiastic about LDNR, saying "We'll see". I suppose when they've been through so much and seen so much corruption and so many betrayals from all the people there they can't really work up too much enthusiasm. The potential is there for things to get better with the Russians, with the UkroNazis not so much.

    Patrick seems to have a Russian translator with him who sometimes corrects his pronunciation. I wonder if it would be better to let the translator ask the questions and then just comment in English himself.

    Replies: @Wielgus

  30. @Coconuts
    @Philip Owen


    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.
     
    'Orthodox Fascism' seems to be a contradictory concept, i.e. in Orthodox Christianity God is the highest good and the source of moral law (and ultimately all political authority) and God is transcendent, separate from the world.

    In Fascism the state is the highest realisation of the moral good, the closest you can get to the absolute, political authority derives from the people and their rational capabilities as they evolve in time. Totalitarianism is central to Fascism, every part of human life should be integrated into the state community.

    I don't know if the current Russian state has the capacity to attempt to establish totalitarianism, if there is even any inclination, given the way Orthodoxy is favoured, looks like not. But, it also seems like the advent of some modernised form of Fascism would be more plausible than the re-introduction of Communism.

    Replies: @AaronB, @Philip Owen, @Seraphim, @Barbarossa, @HenryBaker

    and God is transcendent, separate from the world

    It is my understanding that in Orthodoxy, God is also “imannent” in creation, which actually makes the world in a sense sacred.

    Indeed, the central Orthodox goal – theosis, reuniting with God – would be impossible if he was completely transcendent to his creation.

    I may be wrong about this, and would be glad if anyone more knowledgeable could correct me, but from what I’ve read and listened to, this is the case.

  31. @AaronB
    So Karlin left a remarkable comment to AP on the other open thread in which he says hundreds of thousands of deaths are worthwhile to secure Russian independence to pursue it's "Cosmist" dream.

    So I looked up Russian Cosmism, and apparently it is this religious philosophy of using technology to evolve, reach the stars, resurrect the dead, etc, that is apparently gaining influence among the Russian elite. I didn't read up fully on this religion-ideology so don't really understand it, but it seems pretty standard science-into-religion stuff of the kind that periodically appears in our sciency age.

    So that's interesting and totally caught me by surprise.

    Russia seems once again to have embraced a revolutionary ideology that is religious in nature and salvific in aim, and for which it's willing to kill people and start wars.

    100 years after last time. (Just waiting for the alt-right to blame this on Jews too, like the last one).

    To be honest, this makes me kind of sad for the Russians and Karlin but also, in a way, grateful.

    Russians are once again reminding the world that man needs religion, and if he doesn't have a true one he will fill that ache with a false, absurd one, and wars and destruction will be the result.

    It's not nihilistic boredom that Russia suffers from. It's the ache for a true religion, the attempt to escape nihilism and find telos and meaning where it cannot be found.

    I suppose, the West also invents a religion based on science transcending nature, etc, but in a different way.

    Of course, "Cosmism" will no more be able to bring peace and happiness to people than any other false spirituality, and after a brief, and destructive, flash, will fade away.

    In the meantime, those who can must do the work of manifesting genuine spiritually in the world.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Emil Nikola Richard

    Probably the concepts of transhumanism can be found somewhere within the broader context of Russian cosmism, which of course Karlin was so attracted to. How one could get excited about having one’s memories encapsulated within a computer chip inside of a robot, or even within a cryogenic “revived” human body was always beyond my understanding. I remember vividly Anon4 taking some of his precious time to explain some of these things to me, as he was once an adept of this ideology, but had steadfastly moved away from this thinking to embrace a spirituality very similar to your own.

    • Replies: @AaronB
    @Mr. Hack

    I agree, I never understood the appeal of loading my memories onto a computer as a form of personal survival. It's an obvious fantasy - whatever it would be, it wouldn't be me.

    I see it though as a form of clutching at straws. The deep religious yearning cannot be denied, but if you have pre-trapped yourself in a materialist framework, you have no choice but to come up with these kinds of grotesqueries.

    Many people today are trapped in a materialist framework, in the sense that for them it is a primary assumption they literally cannot question.

    I've had people tell me they'd like to believe in God, but they simply cannot. They can't even explain why they can't, but there is some block there.

    So if that's your predicament, you're gonna come up with nonsense like transhumanism, non binary gender, etc, etc.

    Or so it seems to me.

  32. @Philip Owen
    I posed this earlier on a Patrick Armstrong thread but it probably fits here. There seems to be a different audience.

    _____________________________________

    48 hours to conquer Ukraine and be greeted as liberators. That didn’t work. FSB don’t understand opinion polls in democracies.

    Regrouping and reinforcements don’t help that much. There are only so many men and vehicles Russia can push down those roads. It can go on forever of course. Also, I forgot high quality mercenaries when I wrote this first.

    Specification versus reality

    Michelin tires – Chinese knock offs
    Thick wool socks – Acrylics
    Fresh Compo rations (MRE in US) – keep the 7 year old ones
    Contract soldiers drawing pay – They were ghosts, conscripts were doing the work.

    On the socks. Socks stave off trenchfoot better than the WW1 foot wraps the Russians were using until 3 or 4 years ago (maybe that was the 71.6% new equipment of which Shoigu spoke?). But they need to be the right socks.

    This kind of corruption can’t be cured by regrouping and launching a new attack. Russia can still win by sending in steam roller after steam roller. And it appears difficult for Ukraine to deal with artillery without air support. But then, the Ukrainian army has 20,000 snipers. Senior officers are keeling over. Bombardiers might toowith real time battle information from NATO. Victory (occupation) will happen but not in 72 hours and that will just be getting into poistion for the insurgency.
    _______________________________________________

    Also, what happens to Russian troop morale when pictures emerge of well paid ($300/month with expenses) African and Arab mercenaries killing Ukrainian civilians. Aren't the Russian troops there to protect, in some roundabout way, their Ukrainian brothers?

    Replies: @Peripatetic Commenter, @Barbarossa, @Rich, @PedroAstra

    I must have missed it. Where was it confirmed that Putin thought it would take 48 hours to subdue Ukraine?

    48 hours to conquer Ukraine and be greeted as liberators. That didn’t work. FSB don’t understand opinion polls in democracies.

    I have heard the claim but have not seen good confirmation. Even the Canadian and US Freedom Convoys took much more than 48 hours but I guess some people think the military can move faster.

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @Peripatetic Commenter

    Well the Putin Liberation Victory video came out at 72 hours so it might really have been expected at that point. The FSB heads who planned this are now in jail because it didn't go as planned. The budget for inserting subversives ready for the grand entrance (including paid crowds of at least 5000 in each major city) seems to have disappeared.

  33. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Thulean Friend

    Casting snide aspersions on me, not backing up your words when called out on it, then being very surprised about my attitude towards you. Especially considering this was not a new pattern, you having engaged in a very long history of dissimulation and smears directed against me, for which almost anyone else would have long since banned you and your previous alter egos.

    Replies: @Gerard1234

    ENOUGH.

    This is wartime, this means wartime blogging moderation…….. which means there must be a wartime alliance between you, the New York Times – listed writer, Anatoly Karlin….. and myself.

    I have been too busy, or engaged on ru.net to participate on your blog/SM – but very impressed with your Operation Z performance.

    Now, of course you know my opinions and facts about you, but this is all irrelevant now. Think of this as alliance between Putin and Akhmad Kadyrov ( I am designated as Putin in this dynamic)

    I will refer to you as Master from now onwards.

    Alliance?

    # ISTANDWITHTOLYA (New-York/Jew-york Times listed bestselling author)

    • Thanks: Anatoly Karlin
    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @Gerard1234

    Shock and disbelief.

    Replies: @Gerard1234, @Gerard1234

    , @Anatoly Karlin
    @Gerard1234

    I accept the olive branch and must acknowledge that I was incorrect to repress you so, despite your penchant for uncouthness, I now see that it was driven by an underlying moral clarity that shines like the Sun at a time now when it matters.

    As regards Yevardian's suggestion below, I would be honored and privileged to have Gerard take over the running of the Russian Reaction blog if he would be so interested.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Gerard1234

  34. @sudden death
    @A123


    overthrow of Ukraine’s government in 2014 and the installment of its current leader, a former comedic actor named Volodymyr Zelenskyy
     
    Instead of reading and citing such tripe, it would be better just google the year when Zelensky was elected as a president of Ukraine, lol

    The hint - it was not in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 or 2018.

    Replies: @A123, @Gerard1234

    , it would be better just google the year when Zelensky was elected as a president of Ukraine, lol

    The hint – it was not in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 or 2018

    The primary author of the EU Open [Muslim] Border policy, Angela Merkel, served from 2005-2021. This phase of undermining European borders occurred during her term. Two key reasons why this event is near the tail end:

    -1- ​Ukraine was not needed as an original route for Jihadist invaders. The requirement for a new rape-ugee corridor is directly tied to recent Christian Populist resistance within the EU block.

    -2- It took time to cultivate a patsy, like Zelensky, that could be manipulated into folly by SJW Elites.
    ____

    “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”, George Santayana

    The consequences of NATO encroachment previously played out ~2008 (Georgia — Abkhazia — Ossetia). A realistic Ukrainian leader would have kept pre-NATO [PfP] entirely West of the Dnieper. This could have easily been sold on the basis of better infrastructure.

    PEACE 😇

  35. @Ron Unz
    @Thulean Friend


    The space for open discourse is narrowing everywhere, so we must cherish the few places where actual free speech still exists. This is one of them.
     
    Glad to help and also glad that this approach seems satisfactory to almost everyone.

    On a more substantive matter, those who have the time might want to watch an hour-long Glenn Greenwald presentation on America's biowarfare programs and the game-playing denials about those Ukraine biolabs:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn_HZ3Ta-5w

    And the short Rumble video interview from last month outlining my analysis that the Covid outbreak was an American biowarfare attack against China (and Iran) just broke 100,000 views, far more than I expected given the total recent focus on Russia/Ukraine:

    https://rumble.com/embed/vsi3d0/ .

    Replies: @Yahya, @Gerard1234

    Mr. Unz,

    Since Karlin’s community is now gathered under a new blog spot, why not confer authorship to one of the commenters here to continue hosting this spot, moderate the comments, and perhaps add more value to the empty OP of open threads?

    Some additions to the OP might be:

    *Roundup of noteworthy Twitter threads
    *Round-up of noteworthy articles or blog posts
    *Noteworthy YouTube video/lecture
    *Comment of the Week/Day
    *Additional commentary by the host

    Might I suggest Dmitry take up the task of hosting this new blog. He is probably the most level-headed commenter here, is adept at gathering noteworthy articles and Twitter posts, and seems to have plenty of free time judging by the copious amount of comments he writes here.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Yahya

    We don't need moderation (would you have liked it if you had been banned for your comments against songbird?). And if there should be something exceptional that calls for it, like doxxing, one can just notify Ron Unz in one of his open threads.
    Dmitry should rather attend to his Polish girlfriend instead of spending yet more time on this comments section.

    , @Dmitry
    @Yahya

    Lol thanks I think Ron Unz is moderating us well by himself, to an extent we need any moderation.

    I cannot be a moderator or host, even if it would not be the most unpopular choice. But if we had ever needed a local moderator, maybe German Reader would be a good option for us :) Seriously though, German Reader seems like he has a liberal attitude to the internet and wouldn't censor people of our community, as well as the fact he is actually reading interesting books.

    Replies: @Yahya, @Emil Nikola Richard

  36. German_reader says:
    @Yahya
    @Ron Unz

    Mr. Unz,

    Since Karlin's community is now gathered under a new blog spot, why not confer authorship to one of the commenters here to continue hosting this spot, moderate the comments, and perhaps add more value to the empty OP of open threads?

    Some additions to the OP might be:

    *Roundup of noteworthy Twitter threads
    *Round-up of noteworthy articles or blog posts
    *Noteworthy YouTube video/lecture
    *Comment of the Week/Day
    *Additional commentary by the host

    Might I suggest Dmitry take up the task of hosting this new blog. He is probably the most level-headed commenter here, is adept at gathering noteworthy articles and Twitter posts, and seems to have plenty of free time judging by the copious amount of comments he writes here.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Dmitry

    We don’t need moderation (would you have liked it if you had been banned for your comments against songbird?). And if there should be something exceptional that calls for it, like doxxing, one can just notify Ron Unz in one of his open threads.
    Dmitry should rather attend to his Polish girlfriend instead of spending yet more time on this comments section.

    • Agree: Barbarossa
  37. @Peripatetic Commenter
    @Philip Owen

    I must have missed it. Where was it confirmed that Putin thought it would take 48 hours to subdue Ukraine?


    48 hours to conquer Ukraine and be greeted as liberators. That didn’t work. FSB don’t understand opinion polls in democracies.
     
    I have heard the claim but have not seen good confirmation. Even the Canadian and US Freedom Convoys took much more than 48 hours but I guess some people think the military can move faster.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    Well the Putin Liberation Victory video came out at 72 hours so it might really have been expected at that point. The FSB heads who planned this are now in jail because it didn’t go as planned. The budget for inserting subversives ready for the grand entrance (including paid crowds of at least 5000 in each major city) seems to have disappeared.

  38. @Coconuts
    @Philip Owen


    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.
     
    'Orthodox Fascism' seems to be a contradictory concept, i.e. in Orthodox Christianity God is the highest good and the source of moral law (and ultimately all political authority) and God is transcendent, separate from the world.

    In Fascism the state is the highest realisation of the moral good, the closest you can get to the absolute, political authority derives from the people and their rational capabilities as they evolve in time. Totalitarianism is central to Fascism, every part of human life should be integrated into the state community.

    I don't know if the current Russian state has the capacity to attempt to establish totalitarianism, if there is even any inclination, given the way Orthodoxy is favoured, looks like not. But, it also seems like the advent of some modernised form of Fascism would be more plausible than the re-introduction of Communism.

    Replies: @AaronB, @Philip Owen, @Seraphim, @Barbarossa, @HenryBaker

    Exactly my point. The Orthodoxy is fake. There is no Christian virtue in them.

    • Replies: @Spisarevski
    @Philip Owen

    What do you even know about Orthodox Christianity?

    Hint: it's not about being a gay nigger as you probably imagine.

  39. @Mr. Hack
    @AaronB

    Probably the concepts of transhumanism can be found somewhere within the broader context of Russian cosmism, which of course Karlin was so attracted to. How one could get excited about having one's memories encapsulated within a computer chip inside of a robot, or even within a cryogenic "revived" human body was always beyond my understanding. I remember vividly Anon4 taking some of his precious time to explain some of these things to me, as he was once an adept of this ideology, but had steadfastly moved away from this thinking to embrace a spirituality very similar to your own.

    Replies: @AaronB

    I agree, I never understood the appeal of loading my memories onto a computer as a form of personal survival. It’s an obvious fantasy – whatever it would be, it wouldn’t be me.

    I see it though as a form of clutching at straws. The deep religious yearning cannot be denied, but if you have pre-trapped yourself in a materialist framework, you have no choice but to come up with these kinds of grotesqueries.

    Many people today are trapped in a materialist framework, in the sense that for them it is a primary assumption they literally cannot question.

    I’ve had people tell me they’d like to believe in God, but they simply cannot. They can’t even explain why they can’t, but there is some block there.

    So if that’s your predicament, you’re gonna come up with nonsense like transhumanism, non binary gender, etc, etc.

    Or so it seems to me.

  40. @AaronB
    So Karlin left a remarkable comment to AP on the other open thread in which he says hundreds of thousands of deaths are worthwhile to secure Russian independence to pursue it's "Cosmist" dream.

    So I looked up Russian Cosmism, and apparently it is this religious philosophy of using technology to evolve, reach the stars, resurrect the dead, etc, that is apparently gaining influence among the Russian elite. I didn't read up fully on this religion-ideology so don't really understand it, but it seems pretty standard science-into-religion stuff of the kind that periodically appears in our sciency age.

    So that's interesting and totally caught me by surprise.

    Russia seems once again to have embraced a revolutionary ideology that is religious in nature and salvific in aim, and for which it's willing to kill people and start wars.

    100 years after last time. (Just waiting for the alt-right to blame this on Jews too, like the last one).

    To be honest, this makes me kind of sad for the Russians and Karlin but also, in a way, grateful.

    Russians are once again reminding the world that man needs religion, and if he doesn't have a true one he will fill that ache with a false, absurd one, and wars and destruction will be the result.

    It's not nihilistic boredom that Russia suffers from. It's the ache for a true religion, the attempt to escape nihilism and find telos and meaning where it cannot be found.

    I suppose, the West also invents a religion based on science transcending nature, etc, but in a different way.

    Of course, "Cosmism" will no more be able to bring peace and happiness to people than any other false spirituality, and after a brief, and destructive, flash, will fade away.

    In the meantime, those who can must do the work of manifesting genuine spiritually in the world.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Emil Nikola Richard

    1. I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life. It says something about them that they are even more whacko than the transhumanists.

    2. The cosmist movement was obliterated totally by the commies. Except one guy whose name escapes me. One of the biggest Russian rocket scientists before they got German technology after 1945 began his career as a prominent cosmist. He turned over a new leaf when he got the big job in rockets.

    3. Cosmism is arcane. Think Hegel, Heidegger. If K knows more about it than they had a great name I would be surprised.

    • Thanks: AaronB
    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @Emil Nikola Richard

    You're both clueless.

    , @songbird
    @Emil Nikola Richard


    I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life.
     
    Don't know what I would do exactly.

    But if I were standing above the bones of Isaac Newton, Leibniz, Mozart, or Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, thinking about how world IQ is 82 and dropping. How Europe seems to have run out of great men and how dysgenics seem poised to destroy everything. And if I happened to have a few spare cloning vats and confidence in my methods of education, I might just take a pick axe to the ground.

    And I'm not a cosmist or transhumanist.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    , @Bill
    @Emil Nikola Richard


    1. I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life. It says something about them that they are even more whacko than the transhumanists.
     
    Is Alcor not transhumanist? Just transhumanist-adjacent or something?

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    , @Philip Owen
    @Emil Nikola Richard

    Do you mean the late Nikolai (?) Levashov? His claims to have worked at NASA were bogus. He went to the US in 1991 to be a hippy for 10 years. I don't know where the money came from. He has a substantial (tens of thousands) following in Russia kept alive by his wife. It was growing the last time I looked. Blavatsky, Thule Society, Timothy Leary etc. Strong cult of physical purity. Grand Tartary was the foundation of Russia. Sometimes I wonder whether Putin has picked up some of it.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

  41. @Ron Unz
    @Thulean Friend


    The space for open discourse is narrowing everywhere, so we must cherish the few places where actual free speech still exists. This is one of them.
     
    Glad to help and also glad that this approach seems satisfactory to almost everyone.

    On a more substantive matter, those who have the time might want to watch an hour-long Glenn Greenwald presentation on America's biowarfare programs and the game-playing denials about those Ukraine biolabs:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn_HZ3Ta-5w

    And the short Rumble video interview from last month outlining my analysis that the Covid outbreak was an American biowarfare attack against China (and Iran) just broke 100,000 views, far more than I expected given the total recent focus on Russia/Ukraine:

    https://rumble.com/embed/vsi3d0/ .

    Replies: @Yahya, @Gerard1234

    Ron Unz,

    You should be totally ashamed of yourself. Karlin (NYT-listed writer) should not have his methods infringed on like this.

    Ukraine or Ukrainianism is solely a Deathcult. Nothing else .
    By definition there is nothing “pro-ukrainan” to be censored, because “supporting” something by willing it to deathcult itself out of existence, and be “proud” of its history – as a constant, loser deathcult – is oxymoronic. So Karlin is not doing any censorship.

    Ukraine is a fake, failed state created by Lenin and Stalin – its 2 historic “enemies” who they blame for everything

    It has a fake moronic National Orthodox church……..created by Americans and Catholics

    As a retard, it views itself as a “victim” of Russian “imperialism” – an idiotic nonsensical statement because 404 is a gift receiver FROM Russia of about EIGHT different sections of land fron SIX different countries that they did not ask, fight or even lobby for. Its as artificial as a botched Michael Jackson facelift

    Its freakshow “ideology” is taken from the west of the fake country – even though Galicia has absolutely ZERO connection to “Ukrainian” architecture, cuisine, folksongs, dances, clothing, Dnieper, Black sea coast, Zaporozhian Cossacks or anything

    In light of this and much more, plus the idioticly high amount of fakes by ukrops/CIA /MI6 of military “peremoga” these last 2 weeks, and that there is basically no English-language pro-ukraine, or galician-reject blogger on the Internet, exactly because they know they would have to do mass censorship because of the ease it is to disintegrate their BS…….. should give special allowance to (NYT-listed) Karlin.

    • Agree: sher singh, Anatoly Karlin
    • Disagree: Mr. Hack
    • LOL: Adept
    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Gerard1234


    Ukraine is a fake, failed state created by Lenin and Stalin – its 2 historic “enemies” who they blame for everything
     
    Algeria is a creation of the French, Indonesia was created by the Dutch. Didn't help us win the war. When Indonesia rose up we called nationalism there fake as countless languages are spoken there and Indonesia had had no national existence before us. Yet the uprising against us was massive and Indonesia still exists.
  42. @sudden death
    @A123


    overthrow of Ukraine’s government in 2014 and the installment of its current leader, a former comedic actor named Volodymyr Zelenskyy
     
    Instead of reading and citing such tripe, it would be better just google the year when Zelensky was elected as a president of Ukraine, lol

    The hint - it was not in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 or 2018.

    Replies: @A123, @Gerard1234

    Ukraine does not have actual elections you despicable retard. Didn’t shithole Lithuania have effectively an unconstitutional coup, with the (sane) President replaced by some USAID Nazi excrement?

    Anyway, you do realise, idiot, that Operation Z, as beautiful as it is, would never have happened without Lukashenko’s assistance……and he only allowed assistance via Belarus border, because Belarus flights and airlines were banned by Gayropa a year before.

    Why? Because dying, alcoholic, suicide retard Litva staged a false flag provocation making a flight carrying a Belarus dissident liberast cretin on a plane from Athens to Vilnius, get diverted to land in Minsk where he was immediately arrested.
    Absolutely zero logical explanation for Vilnius ATC actions, transcripts for them or Pilot or ANY statement by the pilot in public after.

    • Agree: Anatoly Karlin
    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Gerard1234

    haha, nothing better to see in the morning than neverending lamentations about impeached RF puppet who also happens to be wife beater alcholic, lol

    https://c.tenor.com/AqDQXMOsNd4AAAAd/let-me-taste-your-tears-scott-cartman.gif

    Replies: @Gerard1234

  43. @Yahya
    @Ron Unz

    Mr. Unz,

    Since Karlin's community is now gathered under a new blog spot, why not confer authorship to one of the commenters here to continue hosting this spot, moderate the comments, and perhaps add more value to the empty OP of open threads?

    Some additions to the OP might be:

    *Roundup of noteworthy Twitter threads
    *Round-up of noteworthy articles or blog posts
    *Noteworthy YouTube video/lecture
    *Comment of the Week/Day
    *Additional commentary by the host

    Might I suggest Dmitry take up the task of hosting this new blog. He is probably the most level-headed commenter here, is adept at gathering noteworthy articles and Twitter posts, and seems to have plenty of free time judging by the copious amount of comments he writes here.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Dmitry

    Lol thanks I think Ron Unz is moderating us well by himself, to an extent we need any moderation.

    I cannot be a moderator or host, even if it would not be the most unpopular choice. But if we had ever needed a local moderator, maybe German Reader would be a good option for us 🙂 Seriously though, German Reader seems like he has a liberal attitude to the internet and wouldn’t censor people of our community, as well as the fact he is actually reading interesting books.

    • Replies: @Yahya
    @Dmitry


    Lol thanks I think Ron Unz is moderating us well by himself, to an extent we need any moderation. I cannot be a moderator or host,
     
    The “moderate” suggestion was just a minor addition (Unz mentioned in the OP he’d like the place to be “lightly moderated”, so I thought I’d add that in there. But it’s not important.)

    The main benefit of a new host would be adding some substance to a now-empty OP. It would also lift the burden for Mr. Unz, who has to regularly check the no. of comments and come back here to start new threads every time comments reach a certain limit.


    Seriously though, German Reader seems like he has a liberal attitude to the internet and wouldn’t censor people of our community, as well as the fact he is actually reading interesting books.
     
    Agree. German Reader is very knowledgeable and would be an excellent host imo (though he’s developed a curios habit of contradicting my every post).

    Replies: @German_reader, @sudden death

    , @Emil Nikola Richard
    @Dmitry

    The rumor is these guys are the new mod team:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB9lObWclFQ

  44. @Dmitry
    @Yahya

    Lol thanks I think Ron Unz is moderating us well by himself, to an extent we need any moderation.

    I cannot be a moderator or host, even if it would not be the most unpopular choice. But if we had ever needed a local moderator, maybe German Reader would be a good option for us :) Seriously though, German Reader seems like he has a liberal attitude to the internet and wouldn't censor people of our community, as well as the fact he is actually reading interesting books.

    Replies: @Yahya, @Emil Nikola Richard

    Lol thanks I think Ron Unz is moderating us well by himself, to an extent we need any moderation. I cannot be a moderator or host,

    The “moderate” suggestion was just a minor addition (Unz mentioned in the OP he’d like the place to be “lightly moderated”, so I thought I’d add that in there. But it’s not important.)

    The main benefit of a new host would be adding some substance to a now-empty OP. It would also lift the burden for Mr. Unz, who has to regularly check the no. of comments and come back here to start new threads every time comments reach a certain limit.

    Seriously though, German Reader seems like he has a liberal attitude to the internet and wouldn’t censor people of our community, as well as the fact he is actually reading interesting books.

    Agree. German Reader is very knowledgeable and would be an excellent host imo (though he’s developed a curios habit of contradicting my every post).

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Yahya


    The main benefit of a new host would be adding some substance to a now-empty OP.
     
    No idea how it could be implemented, but maybe there could be a scheme where regular commenters (who are therefore known to the community and have been "vetted" in a way) could submit some longer piece (e.g. book reviews or the like) as content for discussion. Maybe a regular spot for that every one or two weeks?
    I doubt any commenter will be willing to take on full duties of a host though...quality blogging (and moderation) is hard work after all.

    though he’s developed a curios habit of contradicting my every post
     
    Don't take it personally, I've contradicted lots of commenters recently.
    And thanks, but I don't have time for being a host, and I don't think I'd be psychologically suited either.

    Replies: @for-the-record

    , @sudden death
    @Yahya


    The main benefit of a new host would be adding some substance to a now-empty OP
     
    imho, all this hassle is not needed at all, the main value here is freewheeling banter in a very convenient format and options created and sponsored by Mr. Unz. If anybody feelz needz for more "content" he can apply to the master of this site and become a valuable writer and sorter himself in his own new corner.
  45. @Dmitry
    @Yahya

    Lol thanks I think Ron Unz is moderating us well by himself, to an extent we need any moderation.

    I cannot be a moderator or host, even if it would not be the most unpopular choice. But if we had ever needed a local moderator, maybe German Reader would be a good option for us :) Seriously though, German Reader seems like he has a liberal attitude to the internet and wouldn't censor people of our community, as well as the fact he is actually reading interesting books.

    Replies: @Yahya, @Emil Nikola Richard

    The rumor is these guys are the new mod team:

  46. German_reader says:
    @Yahya
    @Dmitry


    Lol thanks I think Ron Unz is moderating us well by himself, to an extent we need any moderation. I cannot be a moderator or host,
     
    The “moderate” suggestion was just a minor addition (Unz mentioned in the OP he’d like the place to be “lightly moderated”, so I thought I’d add that in there. But it’s not important.)

    The main benefit of a new host would be adding some substance to a now-empty OP. It would also lift the burden for Mr. Unz, who has to regularly check the no. of comments and come back here to start new threads every time comments reach a certain limit.


    Seriously though, German Reader seems like he has a liberal attitude to the internet and wouldn’t censor people of our community, as well as the fact he is actually reading interesting books.
     
    Agree. German Reader is very knowledgeable and would be an excellent host imo (though he’s developed a curios habit of contradicting my every post).

    Replies: @German_reader, @sudden death

    The main benefit of a new host would be adding some substance to a now-empty OP.

    No idea how it could be implemented, but maybe there could be a scheme where regular commenters (who are therefore known to the community and have been “vetted” in a way) could submit some longer piece (e.g. book reviews or the like) as content for discussion. Maybe a regular spot for that every one or two weeks?
    I doubt any commenter will be willing to take on full duties of a host though…quality blogging (and moderation) is hard work after all.

    though he’s developed a curios habit of contradicting my every post

    Don’t take it personally, I’ve contradicted lots of commenters recently.
    And thanks, but I don’t have time for being a host, and I don’t think I’d be psychologically suited either.

    • Replies: @for-the-record
    @German_reader

    e.g. book reviews or the like

    Speaking of book reviews, have you read Geboren in Moskau: Erinnerungen eines baltendeutschen Diplomaten 1912-1955 by Erich Franz Sommer?

    https://books.google.pt/books/about/Geboren_in_Moskau.html?id=BvPiAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y

    If you haven't I strongly recommend it -- the number of interesting (and famous) people he encountered is absolutely amazing. And his life as well -- first memories being of disturbances in Moscow during the Russian Revolution, to being the German diplomat who phoned up the Russian Embassy in Berlin on 22 June 1941 to invite them to receive to receive Ribbentrop's Memorandum), to being sentenced to 25 years hard labor in a Soviet camp north of the Arctic Circle.

    Replies: @German_reader

  47. Not sure that the US would try a hard bifurcation, if China invaded Taiwan.

    One really big rub is that the Chinese are propping up the US college system with foreign students. If they were ever pulled, then many colleges might fail. And the college system is basically part of the blank-slatist ideology that the US is committed to. It is the darling of the regime ideologues, who have the idea that we all just need a little more education.

    But, maybe, we are already past peak in the trend, due to Covid and BLM and the number of Chinese students is decreasing where they might be relatively rare in another ten years. Probably Xi is not thinking about it. BTW, his daughter went to Harvard.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @songbird

    If American colleges continue their debasement Chinese institutions might gain prestige for maintaining their intellectual rigor, at least in STEM. Russian ones too, if you don't mind being locked out of the Western Noosphere. Accelerationism is good!

    , @Yellowface Anon
    @songbird

    Looking at it again, if you see the war in Ukraine not as territorial, but of markets in energy and food, then hard decoupling from China will happen even if it appears to be mutually harmful - I actually believe high energy and food prices and shortages in some materials will accelerate what "solutions" that have been touted ("green" transition, bug-eating) even if they are far from adequate. A hard decoupling from China definitely means far more extensive shortages esp. in manufacturing, that is to be "solved" by UBI and automation at home. You will own less and be happy.

  48. @Philip Owen
    I posed this earlier on a Patrick Armstrong thread but it probably fits here. There seems to be a different audience.

    _____________________________________

    48 hours to conquer Ukraine and be greeted as liberators. That didn’t work. FSB don’t understand opinion polls in democracies.

    Regrouping and reinforcements don’t help that much. There are only so many men and vehicles Russia can push down those roads. It can go on forever of course. Also, I forgot high quality mercenaries when I wrote this first.

    Specification versus reality

    Michelin tires – Chinese knock offs
    Thick wool socks – Acrylics
    Fresh Compo rations (MRE in US) – keep the 7 year old ones
    Contract soldiers drawing pay – They were ghosts, conscripts were doing the work.

    On the socks. Socks stave off trenchfoot better than the WW1 foot wraps the Russians were using until 3 or 4 years ago (maybe that was the 71.6% new equipment of which Shoigu spoke?). But they need to be the right socks.

    This kind of corruption can’t be cured by regrouping and launching a new attack. Russia can still win by sending in steam roller after steam roller. And it appears difficult for Ukraine to deal with artillery without air support. But then, the Ukrainian army has 20,000 snipers. Senior officers are keeling over. Bombardiers might toowith real time battle information from NATO. Victory (occupation) will happen but not in 72 hours and that will just be getting into poistion for the insurgency.
    _______________________________________________

    Also, what happens to Russian troop morale when pictures emerge of well paid ($300/month with expenses) African and Arab mercenaries killing Ukrainian civilians. Aren't the Russian troops there to protect, in some roundabout way, their Ukrainian brothers?

    Replies: @Peripatetic Commenter, @Barbarossa, @Rich, @PedroAstra

    Really, the Russian military doesn’t even have good wool socks? That would be shocking to me.

    Personally I don’t wear any socks other than wool and I buy Russian wool goods on eBay from time to time. Valenkis with leather lowers make great slip on winter boots, for example. One would think that the folks who came up with Valenkis could at least pull off good winter socks for their troops.

    • Replies: @Mikhail
    @Barbarossa

    I'm really pissed of that in recent years, it's not as easy to get socks in the US which are at least 75% cotton.

  49. @Philip Owen
    I posed this earlier on a Patrick Armstrong thread but it probably fits here. There seems to be a different audience.

    _____________________________________

    48 hours to conquer Ukraine and be greeted as liberators. That didn’t work. FSB don’t understand opinion polls in democracies.

    Regrouping and reinforcements don’t help that much. There are only so many men and vehicles Russia can push down those roads. It can go on forever of course. Also, I forgot high quality mercenaries when I wrote this first.

    Specification versus reality

    Michelin tires – Chinese knock offs
    Thick wool socks – Acrylics
    Fresh Compo rations (MRE in US) – keep the 7 year old ones
    Contract soldiers drawing pay – They were ghosts, conscripts were doing the work.

    On the socks. Socks stave off trenchfoot better than the WW1 foot wraps the Russians were using until 3 or 4 years ago (maybe that was the 71.6% new equipment of which Shoigu spoke?). But they need to be the right socks.

    This kind of corruption can’t be cured by regrouping and launching a new attack. Russia can still win by sending in steam roller after steam roller. And it appears difficult for Ukraine to deal with artillery without air support. But then, the Ukrainian army has 20,000 snipers. Senior officers are keeling over. Bombardiers might toowith real time battle information from NATO. Victory (occupation) will happen but not in 72 hours and that will just be getting into poistion for the insurgency.
    _______________________________________________

    Also, what happens to Russian troop morale when pictures emerge of well paid ($300/month with expenses) African and Arab mercenaries killing Ukrainian civilians. Aren't the Russian troops there to protect, in some roundabout way, their Ukrainian brothers?

    Replies: @Peripatetic Commenter, @Barbarossa, @Rich, @PedroAstra

    You’ve obviously never served in the military, Phil, nothing takes 48 hours, ever. The defeat of Poland in 1939, attacked on the West by the Germans and in the East by the Soviets took 35 days. How in Heaven’s name would the invasion of Ukraine take less? Desert Storm took 6 months. I’d expect the Ukrainians to fight better than 3rd world Iraqis.

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @Rich

    Putin or come to that Shoigu and Gerasimov never served in the military either. An actual soldier, popular with the army that close to the top just might be dangerous.

    As we now see, Putin expected the population to rise up in support within 48 hours.

    Bad decisions like this are why sensible governments, even dictatorships like China have term limits. Xi then removed the term limits. China is going to drop the same way as Russia.

    Replies: @Rich, @A123, @Pharmakon, @sher singh

  50. @Gerard1234
    @Anatoly Karlin

    ENOUGH.

    This is wartime, this means wartime blogging moderation........ which means there must be a wartime alliance between you, the New York Times - listed writer, Anatoly Karlin..... and myself.

    I have been too busy, or engaged on ru.net to participate on your blog/SM - but very impressed with your Operation Z performance.

    Now, of course you know my opinions and facts about you, but this is all irrelevant now. Think of this as alliance between Putin and Akhmad Kadyrov ( I am designated as Putin in this dynamic)

    I will refer to you as Master from now onwards.

    Alliance?

    # ISTANDWITHTOLYA (New-York/Jew-york Times listed bestselling author)

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Anatoly Karlin

    Shock and disbelief.

    • LOL: sudden death
    • Replies: @Gerard1234
    @Yevardian

    And on the sixth day, God created man :

    https://yandex.ru/images/touch/search?text=%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%20%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BD&source=tabbar&pos=6&img_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chitaitext.ru%2Fupload%2Fmedialibrary%2Fc69%2F2507-05.jpg&rpt=simage

    , @Gerard1234
    @Yevardian


    Shock and disbelief
     
    And on the sixth day, God created man :

    https://yandex.ru/images/touch/search?text=%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%20%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BD&source=tabbar&pos=6&img_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chitaitext.ru%2Fupload%2Fmedialibrary%2Fc69%2F2507-05.jpg&rpt=simage
  51. @German_reader
    Is Russia really bringing mercenaries from the Central African Republic to Ukraine (that is actual black Africans), or are these Russian guys from the Wagner company who had been contracted by the CAR government?
    Ultimately it's only a minor issue, but would still be interesting to see this clarified.

    Replies: @songbird

    Can’t verify anything, but phrase I heard was “train-and-equip program” which strongly suggests Africans. I’ve heard they get about \$6/day to fight in Africa. Perhaps, they have white noncoms in charge of the units? Would be an interesting addition to Thomas Friedman’s “the world is flat” idea, if everyone started using African mercs, due to the population explosion in Africa.

    I was surprised to learn recently that the Brits still seem to employ Gurkhas. (originally, they were mercenaries, as they had no economic prospects in the hilly area that they came from, so I think all these calls for justice are a little weird – they probably would have starved to death, without being able to join up). But even that tradition has become woke, as many seem to be given settlement rights in the UK, and they are recruiting Gurkha women. LOL. (Are the women of a martial race fiercer?) I wonder what the going rate for a Gurkha is on the global market, now.

    Been surprised by the Russians using Chechens, despite their higher TFR, as their IQ is estimated to be about the same as American blacks. (But perhaps it is higher?) History of American black units that they had no discipline and tended to cut and run. But, maybe, the Chechens are different, as a “martial race.”

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @songbird


    Been surprised by the Russians using Chechens, despite their higher TFR, as their IQ is estimated to be about the same as American blacks
     
    .

    I severely doubt it. A non-negligible number of Chechens reached very high positions (many of whom later went on to play major roles within the Chechen independence movement) within the USSR, and as far as I know, affirmative action was not practiced outside of the ethnic republics themselves.

    There is something to ethnic average average IQ scores, and of course the blank slatists represent a reverse idiocy, but only a drooling rightoid would take them all at face value. The ancients everywhere generally understood the importance of heredity aptitudes without basing their entire worldview around it.

    Replies: @Yahya, @songbird

  52. @Mr. Hack
    My dissatisfaction with Karlin's draconian new censorship policies, that I posted within a comment in reply to AaronB's comment, was deleted (what else, taking into account Karlin's paranoia) at his most recent thread #180. Looks like this stupid war has taken one more casualty, the former Libertarian known as Anatoly Karlin. RIP. Vichna Pamiat.

    Replies: @AaronB, @Mikhail

    Shifting gears a bit, out of curiosity do you believe this doctor to be one sick bastard?

    I’m not into censorship which has increased in the US, as it has in Russia and within Kiev regime confines.

    Media/political advocacy require a think skin. Not as much action at these threads – but note the shots dished out and returned:

    https://www.eurasiareview.com/23022022-motivating-factors-behind-russias-recent-independence-recognition-oped/#comments

    https://www.eurasiareview.com/28022022-russia-ukraine-coverage-update-what-western-mass-media-downplays-oped/#comments

    For others not having heard, these are pretty good segments:

    https://wabcradio.com/episode/michael-averko-independent-foreign-policy-analyst-and-media-critic-3-3-22/

    https://wabcradio.com/episode/michael-averko-2-9-22/

    https://wabcradio.com/episode/mark-averko-1-11-22/

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Mikhail

    I don't know? Perhaps, he's right. I'm giving up on all imported Russian products. I hope that we curtail Russian oil and gas too. Why feed Putin's war efforts? Do you still feel that these war efforts are productive and needed, or would Russia be better off by curtailing its war actions within Ukraine?

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Mikhail

  53. @Barbarossa
    @Philip Owen

    Really, the Russian military doesn't even have good wool socks? That would be shocking to me.

    Personally I don't wear any socks other than wool and I buy Russian wool goods on eBay from time to time. Valenkis with leather lowers make great slip on winter boots, for example. One would think that the folks who came up with Valenkis could at least pull off good winter socks for their troops.

    Replies: @Mikhail

    I’m really pissed of that in recent years, it’s not as easy to get socks in the US which are at least 75% cotton.

    • Agree: Barbarossa
  54. @Gerard1234
    @sudden death

    Ukraine does not have actual elections you despicable retard. Didn't shithole Lithuania have effectively an unconstitutional coup, with the (sane) President replaced by some USAID Nazi excrement?

    Anyway, you do realise, idiot, that Operation Z, as beautiful as it is, would never have happened without Lukashenko's assistance......and he only allowed assistance via Belarus border, because Belarus flights and airlines were banned by Gayropa a year before.

    Why? Because dying, alcoholic, suicide retard Litva staged a false flag provocation making a flight carrying a Belarus dissident liberast cretin on a plane from Athens to Vilnius, get diverted to land in Minsk where he was immediately arrested.
    Absolutely zero logical explanation for Vilnius ATC actions, transcripts for them or Pilot or ANY statement by the pilot in public after.

    Replies: @sudden death

    haha, nothing better to see in the morning than neverending lamentations about impeached RF puppet who also happens to be wife beater alcholic, lol

    • Replies: @Gerard1234
    @sudden death

    American prostitute dickhead from Stalingrad ( "Vilnius" is not the name now for that average city. I have renamed it after the man who, generously, gave it to Lithuanian prostitutes)........ will you answer my point?

    Because your worthless POS country, with the capital city of Stalingrad, staged a false flag that lead to closing of EU flights to Belarus, restrictions on Belavia and other sanctions........ Lukashenko was motivated to be able to give Russia an extra point of attack through their own border, one which if it didnt exist then Operation Z certainly wouldn't have happened.

    I realise you have no free media in Lithuania and too many dumb, suicidal and alcoholic imbeciles to question the unexplained actions of Stalingrad ATC, transcripts or ANY interest in what the pilots had to say....... but this is quite an important issue for a population like yours to be willfully retarded on.

    Replies: @Yevardian, @sudden death

  55. @songbird
    @German_reader

    Can't verify anything, but phrase I heard was "train-and-equip program" which strongly suggests Africans. I've heard they get about $6/day to fight in Africa. Perhaps, they have white noncoms in charge of the units? Would be an interesting addition to Thomas Friedman's "the world is flat" idea, if everyone started using African mercs, due to the population explosion in Africa.

    I was surprised to learn recently that the Brits still seem to employ Gurkhas. (originally, they were mercenaries, as they had no economic prospects in the hilly area that they came from, so I think all these calls for justice are a little weird - they probably would have starved to death, without being able to join up). But even that tradition has become woke, as many seem to be given settlement rights in the UK, and they are recruiting Gurkha women. LOL. (Are the women of a martial race fiercer?) I wonder what the going rate for a Gurkha is on the global market, now.

    Been surprised by the Russians using Chechens, despite their higher TFR, as their IQ is estimated to be about the same as American blacks. (But perhaps it is higher?) History of American black units that they had no discipline and tended to cut and run. But, maybe, the Chechens are different, as a "martial race."

    Replies: @Yevardian

    Been surprised by the Russians using Chechens, despite their higher TFR, as their IQ is estimated to be about the same as American blacks

    .

    I severely doubt it. A non-negligible number of Chechens reached very high positions (many of whom later went on to play major roles within the Chechen independence movement) within the USSR, and as far as I know, affirmative action was not practiced outside of the ethnic republics themselves.

    There is something to ethnic average average IQ scores, and of course the blank slatists represent a reverse idiocy, but only a drooling rightoid would take them all at face value. The ancients everywhere generally understood the importance of heredity aptitudes without basing their entire worldview around it.

    • Replies: @Yahya
    @Yevardian


    There is something to ethnic average average IQ scores, and of course the blank slatists represent a reverse idiocy, but only a drooling rightoid would take them all at face value.
     
    Outside of the developed world, IQ scores are a void of uncertainty. Not only because of the various environmental depressors (malnutrition, poor schooling, disease load, severe poverty etc), which Western HBD nerds seem to be blissfully unaware of, but also because of unreliable testing (Lynn "calculated" Armenia's score by taking the midpoint of Turkey and Russia's score. lol). Does anyone seriously believe Persians, the people who gave us Rumi, Khayyam, Khwarazm, Avicenna, Hafiz etc. have a lower IQ than American blacks?

    I agree only a drooling rightoid like songbird would think so (maybe his IQ is lower than blacks).


    I severely doubt it. A non-negligible number of Chechens
     
    Karlin wrote a post on IQ scores in Russia (https://www.unz.com/akarlin/map-russia-iq-2/).

    https://www.unz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/map-russia-iq.png

    Can't speak Russian, but if i'm reading the map right, Chechnya scored 93.2 (or is it 89.7?). No region scored less than American blacks.

    Replies: @sudden death

    , @songbird
    @Yevardian

    The few Chechens that have come to America don't seem like an impressive lot. Of course, I'm talking about the Tsarnaevs (more than just the brothers), but undoubtedly there's selection bias in picking from the same family.

    If we look at Chechnya, they have a lot of stone towers, which seem to have no equivalent in large parts of Africa. Perhaps, except around Ethiopia. And personally I have always doubted the native genesis of Great Zimbabwe (IMO, probably the Portuguese helped create it, and then forgot about it. Maybe, there was a record of it, lost in the Lisbon earthquake), and there is something really weird and pathetic, IMO, in the fact that they named their country after it.

    Not to mention, Chechnya is a very remote place, with bad roads, so I think that their IQ would be lowballed due to lack of development.

    But it is interesting to consider whether there is some factor other than IQ that affects fighting ability. For example, perhaps, American blacks are descended from people who surrendered or broke and fled in Africa.

    Replies: @Wielgus, @Wokechoke

  56. @Yahya
    @Dmitry


    Lol thanks I think Ron Unz is moderating us well by himself, to an extent we need any moderation. I cannot be a moderator or host,
     
    The “moderate” suggestion was just a minor addition (Unz mentioned in the OP he’d like the place to be “lightly moderated”, so I thought I’d add that in there. But it’s not important.)

    The main benefit of a new host would be adding some substance to a now-empty OP. It would also lift the burden for Mr. Unz, who has to regularly check the no. of comments and come back here to start new threads every time comments reach a certain limit.


    Seriously though, German Reader seems like he has a liberal attitude to the internet and wouldn’t censor people of our community, as well as the fact he is actually reading interesting books.
     
    Agree. German Reader is very knowledgeable and would be an excellent host imo (though he’s developed a curios habit of contradicting my every post).

    Replies: @German_reader, @sudden death

    The main benefit of a new host would be adding some substance to a now-empty OP

    imho, all this hassle is not needed at all, the main value here is freewheeling banter in a very convenient format and options created and sponsored by Mr. Unz. If anybody feelz needz for more “content” he can apply to the master of this site and become a valuable writer and sorter himself in his own new corner.

    • Agree: Barbarossa
  57. @Philip Owen
    @Coconuts

    Exactly my point. The Orthodoxy is fake. There is no Christian virtue in them.

    Replies: @Spisarevski

    What do you even know about Orthodox Christianity?

    Hint: it’s not about being a gay nigger as you probably imagine.

    • Agree: Anatoly Karlin
    • Thanks: Pharmakon
  58. Free speech is good and I commend Ron Unz, but on the other hand I also understand Anatoly – it’s really tiresome reading Ukrainians on the internet. Or pro-EU/NATO Nazis – the most pathetic existence I can imagine.

    If they refuse to self-moderate, they should be compelled to curb their retardation via military-technical means.

    The moderation of Ukraine will be completed soon.

    But as unfortunately most of the Ukrainian commenters here post from the US all day instead of doing anything productive, I think surgical nuclear strikes on known locations of Ukrainian posters in the continental United States are in order.

    • Agree: Gerard1234
    • Thanks: Anatoly Karlin
    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Spisarevski

    Using your own logic, it seems that moderation of various miloseviches was not done thoroughly enough though and NATO moderators were too lenient so far ;)

  59. @Spisarevski
    Free speech is good and I commend Ron Unz, but on the other hand I also understand Anatoly - it's really tiresome reading Ukrainians on the internet. Or pro-EU/NATO Nazis - the most pathetic existence I can imagine.

    If they refuse to self-moderate, they should be compelled to curb their retardation via military-technical means.

    The moderation of Ukraine will be completed soon.

    But as unfortunately most of the Ukrainian commenters here post from the US all day instead of doing anything productive, I think surgical nuclear strikes on known locations of Ukrainian posters in the continental United States are in order.

    Replies: @sudden death

    Using your own logic, it seems that moderation of various miloseviches was not done thoroughly enough though and NATO moderators were too lenient so far 😉

  60. Great news:

    On Thursday, South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol vowed to take a firmer stance on North Korea and rebuild Seoul’s military alliance with Washington.

    South Koreans went to the polls and elected Yoon on Wednesday, and he will take office in May. During his campaign, Yoon accused outgoing President Moon Jae-in, a strong proponent of peaceful reunification with North Korea, of being “submissive” to Pyongyang and Beijing.

    As the US has become more focused on countering China, Washington is looking to Seoul to help. Yoon is expected to take a harder line on China and signaled that he was ready to be involved in the US’s efforts to strengthen alliances in the region as part of its strategy against Beijing.

    “I’ll rebuild the South Korea-US alliance. I’ll [make] it a strategic comprehensive alliance while sharing key values like liberal democracy, a market economy, and human rights,” Yoon said at a press conference.

    “I’ll establish a strong military capacity to completely deter any provocation,” Yoon said. “I’ll firmly deal with illicit, unreasonable behavior by North Korea in a principled manner, though I’ll always leave open the door for South-North talks.”

    https://www.zerohedge.com/political/south-korea-elects-conservative-anti-north-hawk-president

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @sudden death

    Fake libertarian.

    Replies: @sudden death

  61. @Wielgus
    @AP

    I suspect any genuine enthusiasts for the Ukrainians would have left with same. The old lady referred to the Ukrainians as grabiteli (looters). The others seemed more preoccupied with the problems of daily life. The older guy who did not like Americans was probably aware that America loves Zelensky.
    Over on the other side of the hill, I doubt whether people are going to directly contradict Zelensky or Yarosh either, whatever their true feelings. Hell, even one negotiator of theirs did not live to tell the tale...
    As to mail order brides, my experience of BBC workers in Britain is that the most typical vice is alcoholism but I am sure there are others...

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    Weren’t they gypsies in that building? Didn’t someone tell him about Roma there or something?

    The younger man around the fire wasn’t too enthusiastic about LDNR, saying “We’ll see”. I suppose when they’ve been through so much and seen so much corruption and so many betrayals from all the people there they can’t really work up too much enthusiasm. The potential is there for things to get better with the Russians, with the UkroNazis not so much.

    Patrick seems to have a Russian translator with him who sometimes corrects his pronunciation. I wonder if it would be better to let the translator ask the questions and then just comment in English himself.

    • Replies: @Wielgus
    @Commentator Mike

    I would need to watch it again. Artyom, the youngish rather dark guy, looked to me like he might be an Armenian.

  62. @German_reader
    @Yahya


    The main benefit of a new host would be adding some substance to a now-empty OP.
     
    No idea how it could be implemented, but maybe there could be a scheme where regular commenters (who are therefore known to the community and have been "vetted" in a way) could submit some longer piece (e.g. book reviews or the like) as content for discussion. Maybe a regular spot for that every one or two weeks?
    I doubt any commenter will be willing to take on full duties of a host though...quality blogging (and moderation) is hard work after all.

    though he’s developed a curios habit of contradicting my every post
     
    Don't take it personally, I've contradicted lots of commenters recently.
    And thanks, but I don't have time for being a host, and I don't think I'd be psychologically suited either.

    Replies: @for-the-record

    e.g. book reviews or the like

    Speaking of book reviews, have you read Geboren in Moskau: Erinnerungen eines baltendeutschen Diplomaten 1912-1955 by Erich Franz Sommer?

    https://books.google.pt/books/about/Geboren_in_Moskau.html?id=BvPiAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y

    If you haven’t I strongly recommend it — the number of interesting (and famous) people he encountered is absolutely amazing. And his life as well — first memories being of disturbances in Moscow during the Russian Revolution, to being the German diplomat who phoned up the Russian Embassy in Berlin on 22 June 1941 to invite them to receive to receive Ribbentrop’s Memorandum), to being sentenced to 25 years hard labor in a Soviet camp north of the Arctic Circle.

    • Thanks: German_reader
    • Replies: @German_reader
    @for-the-record

    I haven't read it, but thanks for the recommendation, sounds very interesting.

    Replies: @for-the-record

  63. @AP
    @Wielgus

    His Russian is terrible. And he asks leading questions.

    TBH, he looks like the kind of American who tries to get mail order brides.

    Replies: @Wielgus, @Levtraro

    His evident bias is the least relevant fact. What matters is that he is in the war zone, a brave journalist, giving us the views from people there. Your comment on the other hand weigh less than a bag of popcorn, TBH.

  64. It looks like most of the Ukrainian cities will be reduced to ruins. The UkroNazis from the Galicia region have been pumping troops and weapons into the south and east, and still are, presumably thinking that it’s better to fight the Russians in Mariupol, Odessa, Kharkov, Kiev, etc. than in Lvov. Well I hope this evil policy to reduce the Russian dominated cities to rubble will come back to them and that their beloved Lvov will also be ruined. Reap as you sow and all that.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Commentator Mike

    You are either misinformed or most likely just paid or even working for free RF troll, as the most fiercely fighting regiments right now are nothing but Russian speaking Ukrainians from those cities in south, east and center who are defending their own homeland from invaders.

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

  65. @Commentator Mike
    It looks like most of the Ukrainian cities will be reduced to ruins. The UkroNazis from the Galicia region have been pumping troops and weapons into the south and east, and still are, presumably thinking that it's better to fight the Russians in Mariupol, Odessa, Kharkov, Kiev, etc. than in Lvov. Well I hope this evil policy to reduce the Russian dominated cities to rubble will come back to them and that their beloved Lvov will also be ruined. Reap as you sow and all that.

    Replies: @sudden death

    You are either misinformed or most likely just paid or even working for free RF troll, as the most fiercely fighting regiments right now are nothing but Russian speaking Ukrainians from those cities in south, east and center who are defending their own homeland from invaders.

    • Replies: @Commentator Mike
    @sudden death

    LOL, you're a Nazi, Nazi scum! I hope the deNazification programme catches up with you too, like those in UkroNazistan.

    Replies: @sudden death

  66. @Gerard1234
    @Anatoly Karlin

    ENOUGH.

    This is wartime, this means wartime blogging moderation........ which means there must be a wartime alliance between you, the New York Times - listed writer, Anatoly Karlin..... and myself.

    I have been too busy, or engaged on ru.net to participate on your blog/SM - but very impressed with your Operation Z performance.

    Now, of course you know my opinions and facts about you, but this is all irrelevant now. Think of this as alliance between Putin and Akhmad Kadyrov ( I am designated as Putin in this dynamic)

    I will refer to you as Master from now onwards.

    Alliance?

    # ISTANDWITHTOLYA (New-York/Jew-york Times listed bestselling author)

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Anatoly Karlin

    I accept the olive branch and must acknowledge that I was incorrect to repress you so, despite your penchant for uncouthness, I now see that it was driven by an underlying moral clarity that shines like the Sun at a time now when it matters.

    As regards Yevardian’s suggestion below, I would be honored and privileged to have Gerard take over the running of the Russian Reaction blog if he would be so interested.

    • Agree: sher singh
    • Thanks: Gerard1234
    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Anatoly Karlin

    How touching, Karlin passing the baton to his erstwhile protege Geraldina. "Birds of a feather flock together".

    https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjAxMzM2NDEzN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjE1MzA2MjI@._V1_.jpg

    Geraldina, now not only the intellectual heir of the Karlin legacy, but the spiritual one as well! :-)

    , @Gerard1234
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Master,

    Much appreciated and many, many thanks!

    If Vitaly Milonov is not available, then I would choose Dmitry as a perfect candidate to take over the blog, ahead of myself. Individual comments he makes way down the page here are easily worthy of being a blog post, he's even more mild-mannered and polite on here than I am to all the commentators, more prolific and with good knowledge. Unclear his patriot-level, but even "neutral" level is a huge improvement on the deluge of cretinism that anglo/western audiences are being brainwashed with.

    Thanks for the offer though

    Replies: @sher singh

  67. @Emil Nikola Richard
    @AaronB

    1. I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life. It says something about them that they are even more whacko than the transhumanists.

    2. The cosmist movement was obliterated totally by the commies. Except one guy whose name escapes me. One of the biggest Russian rocket scientists before they got German technology after 1945 began his career as a prominent cosmist. He turned over a new leaf when he got the big job in rockets.

    3. Cosmism is arcane. Think Hegel, Heidegger. If K knows more about it than they had a great name I would be surprised.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird, @Bill, @Philip Owen

    You’re both clueless.

  68. @Yevardian
    @songbird


    Been surprised by the Russians using Chechens, despite their higher TFR, as their IQ is estimated to be about the same as American blacks
     
    .

    I severely doubt it. A non-negligible number of Chechens reached very high positions (many of whom later went on to play major roles within the Chechen independence movement) within the USSR, and as far as I know, affirmative action was not practiced outside of the ethnic republics themselves.

    There is something to ethnic average average IQ scores, and of course the blank slatists represent a reverse idiocy, but only a drooling rightoid would take them all at face value. The ancients everywhere generally understood the importance of heredity aptitudes without basing their entire worldview around it.

    Replies: @Yahya, @songbird

    There is something to ethnic average average IQ scores, and of course the blank slatists represent a reverse idiocy, but only a drooling rightoid would take them all at face value.

    Outside of the developed world, IQ scores are a void of uncertainty. Not only because of the various environmental depressors (malnutrition, poor schooling, disease load, severe poverty etc), which Western HBD nerds seem to be blissfully unaware of, but also because of unreliable testing (Lynn “calculated” Armenia’s score by taking the midpoint of Turkey and Russia’s score. lol). Does anyone seriously believe Persians, the people who gave us Rumi, Khayyam, Khwarazm, Avicenna, Hafiz etc. have a lower IQ than American blacks?

    I agree only a drooling rightoid like songbird would think so (maybe his IQ is lower than blacks).

    I severely doubt it. A non-negligible number of Chechens

    Karlin wrote a post on IQ scores in Russia (https://www.unz.com/akarlin/map-russia-iq-2/).

    Can’t speak Russian, but if i’m reading the map right, Chechnya scored 93.2 (or is it 89.7?). No region scored less than American blacks.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Yahya

    93,2 is Stavropol region, 89,7 is Dagestan, and if I'm not mistaken Chechnya is not calculated at all as it is just a grey zone next from left to Dagestan.

  69. According to an article in yesterday’s New York Times, Europe is
    purchasing about \$850 million worth of oil and gas A DAY from
    Russia. No wonder that Russians think they cannot lose this war.
    Moscow and SPB have not been reduced to rubble in the last
    300 years, the Russians won WW II, so I’m sure many Russians feel they
    are being personally protected by God, and hence as a nation they
    are invulnerable. Students interviewed in Moscow in answer
    to the question, “What are you going to do if you lose access
    to the Internet?” say, “Well, I guess we’ll go back ro reading books.”
    The problem is that due to their obscenely large territory and
    and a huge amount of natural resources, Russians have become
    lazy. They basically say, “What can they do to us?” but that’s
    a separate issue.

    As I posted here a couple of years ago, old souls like to be born
    in Slavic nations, esp. in Poland and Czechia, but old souls have
    collected so much experience on earth that they are essentially
    invulnerable. An outside observer is likely to say that they seem
    to function under divine protection. Hence, both the Russians
    and the Ukrainians should realize that they have nothing to fear
    from each other, and act accordingly. This war is completely
    unnecessary.

    By the way, that’s why Poland has always attracted so many
    refugees. Poland was unaffected by the Black Death ca.1350.
    It was at peace during the Religious Wars in the 16th-17 centuries,
    and attracted thousands of Jewish, Italian, and Scottish refugees. Even
    during the Swedish Deluge in the 1650s it was protected
    from the ultimate defeat by the intervention of Our Lady of the
    Bright Mount in Czestochowa, many Poles believe. In the days
    leading to the French Revolution, hundreds of noble French
    families escaped from France, and sought refuge in Poland.
    Today it’s the same story, Poland has offered refuge to at least
    1.5 million Ukrainian refugees (in addition to the 1.5 million
    Ukrainians already in Poland). People seem to sense that,
    despite its lack of natural borders, Poland appears to be
    surrounded by a divine wall of White Light.

    • Replies: @Anon 2
    @Anon 2

    Let me add that President Duda of Poland and President Zelensky of
    Ukraine converse on a daily basis, so at least this channel of communication
    is still open.

  70. @for-the-record
    @German_reader

    e.g. book reviews or the like

    Speaking of book reviews, have you read Geboren in Moskau: Erinnerungen eines baltendeutschen Diplomaten 1912-1955 by Erich Franz Sommer?

    https://books.google.pt/books/about/Geboren_in_Moskau.html?id=BvPiAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y

    If you haven't I strongly recommend it -- the number of interesting (and famous) people he encountered is absolutely amazing. And his life as well -- first memories being of disturbances in Moscow during the Russian Revolution, to being the German diplomat who phoned up the Russian Embassy in Berlin on 22 June 1941 to invite them to receive to receive Ribbentrop's Memorandum), to being sentenced to 25 years hard labor in a Soviet camp north of the Arctic Circle.

    Replies: @German_reader

    I haven’t read it, but thanks for the recommendation, sounds very interesting.

    • Replies: @for-the-record
    @German_reader

    I haven’t read it, but thanks for the recommendation, sounds very interesting.

    I look forward to your forthcoming book review!

  71. @Yahya
    @Yevardian


    There is something to ethnic average average IQ scores, and of course the blank slatists represent a reverse idiocy, but only a drooling rightoid would take them all at face value.
     
    Outside of the developed world, IQ scores are a void of uncertainty. Not only because of the various environmental depressors (malnutrition, poor schooling, disease load, severe poverty etc), which Western HBD nerds seem to be blissfully unaware of, but also because of unreliable testing (Lynn "calculated" Armenia's score by taking the midpoint of Turkey and Russia's score. lol). Does anyone seriously believe Persians, the people who gave us Rumi, Khayyam, Khwarazm, Avicenna, Hafiz etc. have a lower IQ than American blacks?

    I agree only a drooling rightoid like songbird would think so (maybe his IQ is lower than blacks).


    I severely doubt it. A non-negligible number of Chechens
     
    Karlin wrote a post on IQ scores in Russia (https://www.unz.com/akarlin/map-russia-iq-2/).

    https://www.unz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/map-russia-iq.png

    Can't speak Russian, but if i'm reading the map right, Chechnya scored 93.2 (or is it 89.7?). No region scored less than American blacks.

    Replies: @sudden death

    93,2 is Stavropol region, 89,7 is Dagestan, and if I’m not mistaken Chechnya is not calculated at all as it is just a grey zone next from left to Dagestan.

  72. @Anon 2
    According to an article in yesterday’s New York Times, Europe is
    purchasing about $850 million worth of oil and gas A DAY from
    Russia. No wonder that Russians think they cannot lose this war.
    Moscow and SPB have not been reduced to rubble in the last
    300 years, the Russians won WW II, so I’m sure many Russians feel they
    are being personally protected by God, and hence as a nation they
    are invulnerable. Students interviewed in Moscow in answer
    to the question, “What are you going to do if you lose access
    to the Internet?” say, “Well, I guess we’ll go back ro reading books.”
    The problem is that due to their obscenely large territory and
    and a huge amount of natural resources, Russians have become
    lazy. They basically say, “What can they do to us?” but that’s
    a separate issue.

    As I posted here a couple of years ago, old souls like to be born
    in Slavic nations, esp. in Poland and Czechia, but old souls have
    collected so much experience on earth that they are essentially
    invulnerable. An outside observer is likely to say that they seem
    to function under divine protection. Hence, both the Russians
    and the Ukrainians should realize that they have nothing to fear
    from each other, and act accordingly. This war is completely
    unnecessary.

    By the way, that’s why Poland has always attracted so many
    refugees. Poland was unaffected by the Black Death ca.1350.
    It was at peace during the Religious Wars in the 16th-17 centuries,
    and attracted thousands of Jewish, Italian, and Scottish refugees. Even
    during the Swedish Deluge in the 1650s it was protected
    from the ultimate defeat by the intervention of Our Lady of the
    Bright Mount in Czestochowa, many Poles believe. In the days
    leading to the French Revolution, hundreds of noble French
    families escaped from France, and sought refuge in Poland.
    Today it’s the same story, Poland has offered refuge to at least
    1.5 million Ukrainian refugees (in addition to the 1.5 million
    Ukrainians already in Poland). People seem to sense that,
    despite its lack of natural borders, Poland appears to be
    surrounded by a divine wall of White Light.

    Replies: @Anon 2

    Let me add that President Duda of Poland and President Zelensky of
    Ukraine converse on a daily basis, so at least this channel of communication
    is still open.

  73. Since Dan C. is MIA (Russian foreign legion?), I wish to offer a defense of AK. This is not a defense of the invasion of Ukraine. Over the years, mostly from reading this blog, and following the trail from those comments to somewhat reliable information, I have formed the opinion that Ukrainians are “entitled” to their own country. But then so are hundreds of other “peoples”. (Perhaps like the people in Donbass.) More to the point, it is not my job (nor should it be my country’s) to help each and every one of them attain their nationalist goals. It is also not my job, nor my country’s job, to defend countries, nascent or otherwise, that foolishly provoke a powerful neighboring nation.

    With that note out of the way, it is obvious that AK is now a fully committed Russian partisan. Now, unless you can come up with some categorical denunciation of nationalism, one that applies to me, you and AK, then your attacks on AK are mere partisanship on your part.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @iffen


    Now, unless you can come up with some categorical denunciation of nationalism, one that applies to me, you and AK, then your attacks on AK are mere partisanship on your part.
     
    imo a lot of Karlin's recent statements are verging on caricature, like a recycling of the dumbest talking points of early 20th century nationalists. Sure, it's possible Russia will succeed in her current enterprise, maybe everything will work out to Karlin's satisfaction and lead to a glorious rebirth of the Russian empire. But still..."national rejuvenation through war", lol, what could possibly go wrong with such an approach, not like it's ever been tried before. I don't think one has to categorically reject nationalism in its entirety to be irritated by this kind of all-or-nothing risk-taking (and its implication that Russia is worthless if the present war doesn't lead to a glorious future).
    Also comes across as really in poor taste that Karlin writes these things while apparently still living his comfortable bourgeois hipster life (in another thread he just mused how 100 000 deaths in the Ukraine war might not be too high a price, which caused the entirely legitimate question by an East Asian commenter "Why don't you volunteer and go fight yourself?").
    And finally, his writing has also gotten really boring (apart from his grandiose pronouncements, which are oscillating somewhere between creepy and unintentionally hilarious). If you've reached the pedestrian level of "Russia is fighting Nazi terrorists in Ukraine", you're not really saying anything original or worth listening to anymore.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @silviosilver, @iffen

  74. @Commentator Mike
    @Wielgus

    Weren't they gypsies in that building? Didn't someone tell him about Roma there or something?

    The younger man around the fire wasn't too enthusiastic about LDNR, saying "We'll see". I suppose when they've been through so much and seen so much corruption and so many betrayals from all the people there they can't really work up too much enthusiasm. The potential is there for things to get better with the Russians, with the UkroNazis not so much.

    Patrick seems to have a Russian translator with him who sometimes corrects his pronunciation. I wonder if it would be better to let the translator ask the questions and then just comment in English himself.

    Replies: @Wielgus

    I would need to watch it again. Artyom, the youngish rather dark guy, looked to me like he might be an Armenian.

  75. @sudden death
    @Commentator Mike

    You are either misinformed or most likely just paid or even working for free RF troll, as the most fiercely fighting regiments right now are nothing but Russian speaking Ukrainians from those cities in south, east and center who are defending their own homeland from invaders.

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    LOL, you’re a Nazi, Nazi scum! I hope the deNazification programme catches up with you too, like those in UkroNazistan.

    • Agree: Pharmakon
    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Commentator Mike

    Such hysteria may indicate that quite right spot was targeted in my previous post, so it is not even worth bothering to look at your other poastings in order to confirm it.

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

  76. With the Iranian retaliation against that CIA/Mossad base in Erbil, sorry I mean consulate, and the other missile attack on the, definitely not NATO, training base in Western Ukraine this must be the bloodiest day for the empire for a long time, perhaps since Vietnam.

  77. https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/
    This site has a series of pictures in an article headed “Aryans of the 81st Brigade of the AFU” according to the site, taken in Izyum, most of which is under Russian control though Ukrainian troops are still present in the south of the town. The photos show Nazi regalia as well as a sort of comic book in Ukrainian promoting NATO. One picture seems to say “More security with NATO”. (I have never studied Ukrainian but can often understand it at least in written form by drawing on Russian and Polish.)

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Wielgus

    It may be well as truth, but those post factum photos can be also arranged just for RF propaganda purposes, it is too early too know it for sure. Way more reliable evidence would be the pictures/video taken by UA soldiers themselves before leaving the place, instead of puting some Right sector card or Nazi flag in empty quarters.

    Replies: @Wielgus

  78. @German_reader
    @for-the-record

    I haven't read it, but thanks for the recommendation, sounds very interesting.

    Replies: @for-the-record

    I haven’t read it, but thanks for the recommendation, sounds very interesting.

    I look forward to your forthcoming book review!

  79. German_reader says:
    @iffen
    Since Dan C. is MIA (Russian foreign legion?), I wish to offer a defense of AK. This is not a defense of the invasion of Ukraine. Over the years, mostly from reading this blog, and following the trail from those comments to somewhat reliable information, I have formed the opinion that Ukrainians are "entitled" to their own country. But then so are hundreds of other "peoples". (Perhaps like the people in Donbass.) More to the point, it is not my job (nor should it be my country's) to help each and every one of them attain their nationalist goals. It is also not my job, nor my country's job, to defend countries, nascent or otherwise, that foolishly provoke a powerful neighboring nation.

    With that note out of the way, it is obvious that AK is now a fully committed Russian partisan. Now, unless you can come up with some categorical denunciation of nationalism, one that applies to me, you and AK, then your attacks on AK are mere partisanship on your part.

    Replies: @German_reader

    Now, unless you can come up with some categorical denunciation of nationalism, one that applies to me, you and AK, then your attacks on AK are mere partisanship on your part.

    imo a lot of Karlin’s recent statements are verging on caricature, like a recycling of the dumbest talking points of early 20th century nationalists. Sure, it’s possible Russia will succeed in her current enterprise, maybe everything will work out to Karlin’s satisfaction and lead to a glorious rebirth of the Russian empire. But still…”national rejuvenation through war”, lol, what could possibly go wrong with such an approach, not like it’s ever been tried before. I don’t think one has to categorically reject nationalism in its entirety to be irritated by this kind of all-or-nothing risk-taking (and its implication that Russia is worthless if the present war doesn’t lead to a glorious future).
    Also comes across as really in poor taste that Karlin writes these things while apparently still living his comfortable bourgeois hipster life (in another thread he just mused how 100 000 deaths in the Ukraine war might not be too high a price, which caused the entirely legitimate question by an East Asian commenter “Why don’t you volunteer and go fight yourself?”).
    And finally, his writing has also gotten really boring (apart from his grandiose pronouncements, which are oscillating somewhere between creepy and unintentionally hilarious). If you’ve reached the pedestrian level of “Russia is fighting Nazi terrorists in Ukraine”, you’re not really saying anything original or worth listening to anymore.

    • Agree: Mr. Hack
    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @German_reader

    It's not a legitimate question, it's a moronic and bad faith one. About 70% of Russians support the special military operation, but only about 0.2% of them are participating in it. Why don't you go round asking the other 69.8% the same thing? The 0.2% that are fighting are people who want to be there, who are paid well above average Russian salaries to be there (funded by taxes collected from the 69.8%), and who have specifically trained for years for scenarios like this.

    It's also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Philip Owen, @German_reader, @Jim Christian, @AKAHorace, @Philip Owen

    , @silviosilver
    @German_reader


    in another thread he just mused how 100 000 deaths in the Ukraine war might not be too high a price
     
    I wonder what he would consider too high a price. 200,000? 500,000? A million? Five million? All of these are plausible. Not just because they seem a trifle when measured against "eternal glory", but because the very inertia of justifying one death toll increment leads to justifying the next one. Once you're investing in justifying why X number of dead so far has been "worth it," it's very hard to then quit and argue that no more deaths are worth it.

    Replies: @sher singh

    , @iffen
    @German_reader

    I didn't say anything about him being an outstanding example of a virtuous nationalist. I just mean that he has the right, just as you have the right to take the side of Ukraine.

    And I have already posted that we Americans will owe an eternal debt to Ukrainians if this war does in fact force rich European countries to start investing in their own military and defense.

  80. Unpleasant awakening at the Yavorovsky training ground

    March 13, (2022) 12:06

    colonelcassad.livejournal.com – Russian source in Yandex translation, edited

    As a result of the arrival of the “Calibres” by flight at the Yavorovsky training ground (where the United States and its satellites trained the Ukrainian military for war with Russia), according to official Ukrainian statements (which of course are not particularly trustworthy), 9 soldiers were killed and 57 wounded, including foreign instructors.
    In total, according to the statement of the Lviv Regional State Administration, 8 missiles arrived at the test site.
    The consequences of such arrivals can be viewed for example here https://t.me/boris_rozhin/31838
    After the arrivals, the standard hysteria began with the demand to introduce a no-fly zone and de facto start a nuclear war with Russia.

    In addition, in the morning there were reports that the troops advancing from the south had already come close to Ugledar, and the group operating in the Izyum area seemed to have already advanced in the direction of Barvenkovo. There should be details on this direction during the day.

    Broadcast as usual in Telegram – https://t.me/boris_rozhin

  81. @German_reader
    @iffen


    Now, unless you can come up with some categorical denunciation of nationalism, one that applies to me, you and AK, then your attacks on AK are mere partisanship on your part.
     
    imo a lot of Karlin's recent statements are verging on caricature, like a recycling of the dumbest talking points of early 20th century nationalists. Sure, it's possible Russia will succeed in her current enterprise, maybe everything will work out to Karlin's satisfaction and lead to a glorious rebirth of the Russian empire. But still..."national rejuvenation through war", lol, what could possibly go wrong with such an approach, not like it's ever been tried before. I don't think one has to categorically reject nationalism in its entirety to be irritated by this kind of all-or-nothing risk-taking (and its implication that Russia is worthless if the present war doesn't lead to a glorious future).
    Also comes across as really in poor taste that Karlin writes these things while apparently still living his comfortable bourgeois hipster life (in another thread he just mused how 100 000 deaths in the Ukraine war might not be too high a price, which caused the entirely legitimate question by an East Asian commenter "Why don't you volunteer and go fight yourself?").
    And finally, his writing has also gotten really boring (apart from his grandiose pronouncements, which are oscillating somewhere between creepy and unintentionally hilarious). If you've reached the pedestrian level of "Russia is fighting Nazi terrorists in Ukraine", you're not really saying anything original or worth listening to anymore.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @silviosilver, @iffen

    It’s not a legitimate question, it’s a moronic and bad faith one. About 70% of Russians support the special military operation, but only about 0.2% of them are participating in it. Why don’t you go round asking the other 69.8% the same thing? The 0.2% that are fighting are people who want to be there, who are paid well above average Russian salaries to be there (funded by taxes collected from the 69.8%), and who have specifically trained for years for scenarios like this.

    It’s also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Anatoly Karlin

    And we're to believe your fairy tales that the Russians never bombed anything within Donbas?

    , @Philip Owen
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Let me put that right "When the Ukrainians were counter bombarding the occupying mercenaries using civilian shields. A necessary tactic to maintain Russian control of the population."

    , @German_reader
    @Anatoly Karlin


    It’s also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.
     
    I'm not a pacifist, but imo this is mostly propaganda. Number of civilian deaths in Donbass has declined strongly in recent years, and even if one thinks Russia needed to act against possible Ukrainian designs for reconquest and incorporate Donbass, the current operation seems over the top. The maximalist aims you're advocating (annexing most of Ukraine) certainly are.

    The 0.2% that are fighting are people who want to be there, who are paid well above average Russian salaries to be there (funded by taxes collected from the 69.8%), and who have specifically trained for years for scenarios like this.
     
    That kind of sentiment is absurdly at odds with the militant stuff you've been posting about how the war will lead to national rejuvenation and joy. If it's such a great enterprise where people can transcend their bugman lives, the number of participants should be maximized.
    , @Jim Christian
    @Anatoly Karlin


    It’s also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.
     
    Hey, Anatoly! Best point on the 'thread', or whatever this thing is now. No one was paying attention the past eight years in the Donbass. Those lives had no value? Indeed, where were the pacifists? There ARE no pacifists. Those are crocodile tears and shills picking at Russia's hide. Since they didn't give voice to the Donbass, I accord them no voice now.

    Lots of new voices around here picking at YOUR hide lately, Anatoly. Consider them fleas. I for one miss your insights and information and photography. Your voice counts especially because you've been over there. Be well, young man.
    , @AKAHorace
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Karlin,

    is this for real ? The timing seems a bit convenient and there is no snow, but perhaps they efficiently remove snow as well as dissidents.


    https://www.reddit.com/r/Unexpected/comments/tddlnc/two_words_moscov_2022/

    , @Philip Owen
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Since doing this Tweet I have found slightly more up to date figures (18 dead in 2021 was 7 months. The final figure was 25).

    https://twitter.com/PCOwen_a/status/1503900958367133697?s=20&t=zhJjDKwwFZ_8tP9by_A3KA

  82. @Commentator Mike
    @sudden death

    LOL, you're a Nazi, Nazi scum! I hope the deNazification programme catches up with you too, like those in UkroNazistan.

    Replies: @sudden death

    Such hysteria may indicate that quite right spot was targeted in my previous post, so it is not even worth bothering to look at your other poastings in order to confirm it.

    • Replies: @Commentator Mike
    @sudden death

    I was just trolling the troll - you.

    Replies: @LatW

  83. @Wielgus
    https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/
    This site has a series of pictures in an article headed "Aryans of the 81st Brigade of the AFU" according to the site, taken in Izyum, most of which is under Russian control though Ukrainian troops are still present in the south of the town. The photos show Nazi regalia as well as a sort of comic book in Ukrainian promoting NATO. One picture seems to say "More security with NATO". (I have never studied Ukrainian but can often understand it at least in written form by drawing on Russian and Polish.)

    Replies: @sudden death

    It may be well as truth, but those post factum photos can be also arranged just for RF propaganda purposes, it is too early too know it for sure. Way more reliable evidence would be the pictures/video taken by UA soldiers themselves before leaving the place, instead of puting some Right sector card or Nazi flag in empty quarters.

    • Replies: @Wielgus
    @sudden death

    Not out of the question, as there have been many Ukrainian propaganda fakes and truth is the first casualty etc. Commemorating the Galician Waffen-SS is a matter of open state policy, though, so why wouldn't Ukrainian soldiers take Nazi flirtation a bit further? I found the NATO propaganda comic in Ukrainian most interesting of all, and least likely to be faked. Indeed Ukraine seems to be a NATO country in all but name although not having quite signed on the dotted line the West has some wriggle room not to support it to the utmost, so it probably won't.
    I was amused by the word BEZPEKA in the NATO comic. In Poland Bezpieka was the slang term for the security service there, 1945-1990.

  84. Ironic when the poster himself is advocating sending weapons to the Ukraine, the end result of which will be to only prolong the suffering, the only solution is for the Ukrainians to accept the generous peace offer.

  85. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Gerard1234

    I accept the olive branch and must acknowledge that I was incorrect to repress you so, despite your penchant for uncouthness, I now see that it was driven by an underlying moral clarity that shines like the Sun at a time now when it matters.

    As regards Yevardian's suggestion below, I would be honored and privileged to have Gerard take over the running of the Russian Reaction blog if he would be so interested.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Gerard1234

    How touching, Karlin passing the baton to his erstwhile protege Geraldina. “Birds of a feather flock together”.

    [MORE]


    Geraldina, now not only the intellectual heir of the Karlin legacy, but the spiritual one as well! 🙂

    • Troll: Jim Christian
  86. @sudden death
    @Commentator Mike

    Such hysteria may indicate that quite right spot was targeted in my previous post, so it is not even worth bothering to look at your other poastings in order to confirm it.

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    I was just trolling the troll – you.

    • Replies: @LatW
    @Commentator Mike

    I was just..
     

    If you ever feel like posting to @sudden death again, remember -- a golden nightingale is hovering at the tip of my spear.
  87. @Anatoly Karlin
    @German_reader

    It's not a legitimate question, it's a moronic and bad faith one. About 70% of Russians support the special military operation, but only about 0.2% of them are participating in it. Why don't you go round asking the other 69.8% the same thing? The 0.2% that are fighting are people who want to be there, who are paid well above average Russian salaries to be there (funded by taxes collected from the 69.8%), and who have specifically trained for years for scenarios like this.

    It's also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Philip Owen, @German_reader, @Jim Christian, @AKAHorace, @Philip Owen

    And we’re to believe your fairy tales that the Russians never bombed anything within Donbas?

  88. @sudden death
    @Wielgus

    It may be well as truth, but those post factum photos can be also arranged just for RF propaganda purposes, it is too early too know it for sure. Way more reliable evidence would be the pictures/video taken by UA soldiers themselves before leaving the place, instead of puting some Right sector card or Nazi flag in empty quarters.

    Replies: @Wielgus

    Not out of the question, as there have been many Ukrainian propaganda fakes and truth is the first casualty etc. Commemorating the Galician Waffen-SS is a matter of open state policy, though, so why wouldn’t Ukrainian soldiers take Nazi flirtation a bit further? I found the NATO propaganda comic in Ukrainian most interesting of all, and least likely to be faked. Indeed Ukraine seems to be a NATO country in all but name although not having quite signed on the dotted line the West has some wriggle room not to support it to the utmost, so it probably won’t.
    I was amused by the word BEZPEKA in the NATO comic. In Poland Bezpieka was the slang term for the security service there, 1945-1990.

  89. @German_reader
    @iffen


    Now, unless you can come up with some categorical denunciation of nationalism, one that applies to me, you and AK, then your attacks on AK are mere partisanship on your part.
     
    imo a lot of Karlin's recent statements are verging on caricature, like a recycling of the dumbest talking points of early 20th century nationalists. Sure, it's possible Russia will succeed in her current enterprise, maybe everything will work out to Karlin's satisfaction and lead to a glorious rebirth of the Russian empire. But still..."national rejuvenation through war", lol, what could possibly go wrong with such an approach, not like it's ever been tried before. I don't think one has to categorically reject nationalism in its entirety to be irritated by this kind of all-or-nothing risk-taking (and its implication that Russia is worthless if the present war doesn't lead to a glorious future).
    Also comes across as really in poor taste that Karlin writes these things while apparently still living his comfortable bourgeois hipster life (in another thread he just mused how 100 000 deaths in the Ukraine war might not be too high a price, which caused the entirely legitimate question by an East Asian commenter "Why don't you volunteer and go fight yourself?").
    And finally, his writing has also gotten really boring (apart from his grandiose pronouncements, which are oscillating somewhere between creepy and unintentionally hilarious). If you've reached the pedestrian level of "Russia is fighting Nazi terrorists in Ukraine", you're not really saying anything original or worth listening to anymore.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @silviosilver, @iffen

    in another thread he just mused how 100 000 deaths in the Ukraine war might not be too high a price

    I wonder what he would consider too high a price. 200,000? 500,000? A million? Five million? All of these are plausible. Not just because they seem a trifle when measured against “eternal glory”, but because the very inertia of justifying one death toll increment leads to justifying the next one. Once you’re investing in justifying why X number of dead so far has been “worth it,” it’s very hard to then quit and argue that no more deaths are worth it.

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @silviosilver

    You're gay.

    I don't want to steal Anatoly's phrase but there really is nothing else for it.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1502372740241707014?s=20

  90. @Yevardian
    @songbird


    Been surprised by the Russians using Chechens, despite their higher TFR, as their IQ is estimated to be about the same as American blacks
     
    .

    I severely doubt it. A non-negligible number of Chechens reached very high positions (many of whom later went on to play major roles within the Chechen independence movement) within the USSR, and as far as I know, affirmative action was not practiced outside of the ethnic republics themselves.

    There is something to ethnic average average IQ scores, and of course the blank slatists represent a reverse idiocy, but only a drooling rightoid would take them all at face value. The ancients everywhere generally understood the importance of heredity aptitudes without basing their entire worldview around it.

    Replies: @Yahya, @songbird

    The few Chechens that have come to America don’t seem like an impressive lot. Of course, I’m talking about the Tsarnaevs (more than just the brothers), but undoubtedly there’s selection bias in picking from the same family.

    If we look at Chechnya, they have a lot of stone towers, which seem to have no equivalent in large parts of Africa. Perhaps, except around Ethiopia. And personally I have always doubted the native genesis of Great Zimbabwe (IMO, probably the Portuguese helped create it, and then forgot about it. Maybe, there was a record of it, lost in the Lisbon earthquake), and there is something really weird and pathetic, IMO, in the fact that they named their country after it.

    Not to mention, Chechnya is a very remote place, with bad roads, so I think that their IQ would be lowballed due to lack of development.

    But it is interesting to consider whether there is some factor other than IQ that affects fighting ability. For example, perhaps, American blacks are descended from people who surrendered or broke and fled in Africa.

    • Replies: @Wielgus
    @songbird

    It seems to me having a huge IQ might disincline individuals to combat bravery, as they might be better able to calculate risk and imagine being killed or maimed. "You're not paid to think" is a bit of a mantra in the British Army even though it can lead to situations like a cavalry charge in the wrong direction and into Russian cannon on three sides in Crimea in 1854.

    , @Wokechoke
    @songbird

    I believe they stopped Manstein in Grozny. The Georgians generally had good mountain and ski infantry. The Chechens would have been split on the Germans when they came to the Caucasus. I think the Chechens who opposed Moscow were working with Fallshirmjager advisors and units.

  91. • Replies: @sudden death
    @LondonBob

    The same guy also writes about "150 #US officers of the Florida Army National Guard and dozens of #NATO officers were gearing the Ukrainian military to fight this war against #Russia, creating an underground control and command base" so according to his "info" it would be logical to think that hardly any substantial damage was made by RF strike if the base is really underground.

    Replies: @Wokechoke

  92. @Mikhail
    @Mr. Hack

    Shifting gears a bit, out of curiosity do you believe this doctor to be one sick bastard?

    https://twitter.com/USSRTakes/status/1502856239516110856

    I'm not into censorship which has increased in the US, as it has in Russia and within Kiev regime confines.

    Media/political advocacy require a think skin. Not as much action at these threads - but note the shots dished out and returned:

    https://www.eurasiareview.com/23022022-motivating-factors-behind-russias-recent-independence-recognition-oped/#comments

    https://www.eurasiareview.com/28022022-russia-ukraine-coverage-update-what-western-mass-media-downplays-oped/#comments

    For others not having heard, these are pretty good segments:

    https://wabcradio.com/episode/michael-averko-independent-foreign-policy-analyst-and-media-critic-3-3-22/

    https://wabcradio.com/episode/michael-averko-2-9-22/

    https://wabcradio.com/episode/mark-averko-1-11-22/

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    I don’t know? Perhaps, he’s right. I’m giving up on all imported Russian products. I hope that we curtail Russian oil and gas too. Why feed Putin’s war efforts? Do you still feel that these war efforts are productive and needed, or would Russia be better off by curtailing its war actions within Ukraine?

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Mr. Hack

    BTW, when are you going to finally wake up and smell the coffee. Your whole life has been devoted towards improving the Russian/American relationship. Don't you realize that old man Putler has always made you job prohibitively more difficult? And yet you still seem to covet the Putin samovar polishing trophy year after year? Be careful, you're going to have some stiff competition this year, as Karlin is going way out of his way to keep the halo effect above Putin's head. :-(

    Replies: @Mikhail

    , @Mikhail
    @Mr. Hack


    I don’t know? Perhaps, he’s right. I’m giving up on all imported Russian products. I hope that we curtail Russian oil and gas too. Why feed Putin’s war efforts? Do you still feel that these war efforts are productive and needed, or would Russia be better off by curtailing its war actions within Ukraine?
     
    Ethically fucked up as he's a sick bastard.

    https://twitter.com/ArthurCaplan/status/1502704523965603840

    Circa several decades ago, when Arab-Israeli differences were at a higher point, imagine the outcry if a medical ethics doctor/professor said that Israelis shouldn't enjoy the benefits of advanced medical care on account of disproportionate Israeli government acts. One could hypothetically throw that at Americans, given the many citizens killed c/o US military action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

    As has been documented (c/o of UN/OSCE inspectors), the Kiev regime has killed at least 10,000, while having displaced at least 1 million from the rebel held Donbass area over the past eight years. Western mass media is mute on this because that area isn't as close to central and western Europe, in conjunction with most of these victims going to Russia as opposed to the Kiev regime or EU countries.

    BTW, if I were a doctor and knew your views in advance, I'd nonetheless not hesitate to save your life.
  93. @Mr. Hack
    @Mikhail

    I don't know? Perhaps, he's right. I'm giving up on all imported Russian products. I hope that we curtail Russian oil and gas too. Why feed Putin's war efforts? Do you still feel that these war efforts are productive and needed, or would Russia be better off by curtailing its war actions within Ukraine?

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Mikhail

    BTW, when are you going to finally wake up and smell the coffee. Your whole life has been devoted towards improving the Russian/American relationship. Don’t you realize that old man Putler has always made you job prohibitively more difficult? And yet you still seem to covet the Putin samovar polishing trophy year after year? Be careful, you’re going to have some stiff competition this year, as Karlin is going way out of his way to keep the halo effect above Putin’s head. 🙁

    • Replies: @Mikhail
    @Mr. Hack

    It's not just about him.

    https://www.eurasiareview.com/11032022-what-russia-desires-oped/

    - Kiev regime carnage in Donbass (killing thousands and displacing hundreds of thousands)
    - Kiev regime interacting with Neo-Nazis
    - seven-year Kiev regime stonewalling of the UN approved Minsk Protocol, calling for a negotiated Donbass autonomy
    - the specter of NATO expansion in Ukraine compromising the security of Russia
    - leading up to the Russian military action in Ukraine, Western governments didn't sanction or threaten to sanction the Kiev regime, much unlike the hypocritical stance towards Russia.

    The Western establishment's moral hypocrisy on what happened thereafter notes the generally accepted rationale used for the atomic option on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end WW II. In more recent times, there's the disproportionate use of military force that has been utilized by the US and some non-Russian others.

    The human suffering in these instances haven't received anywhere near the same level of on the ground coverage when compared to the current situation in Ukraine. Some of this reporting might very well include misrepresentation, influenced by the possible distortion of pro-Kiev regime proponents.

  94. @songbird
    @Yevardian

    The few Chechens that have come to America don't seem like an impressive lot. Of course, I'm talking about the Tsarnaevs (more than just the brothers), but undoubtedly there's selection bias in picking from the same family.

    If we look at Chechnya, they have a lot of stone towers, which seem to have no equivalent in large parts of Africa. Perhaps, except around Ethiopia. And personally I have always doubted the native genesis of Great Zimbabwe (IMO, probably the Portuguese helped create it, and then forgot about it. Maybe, there was a record of it, lost in the Lisbon earthquake), and there is something really weird and pathetic, IMO, in the fact that they named their country after it.

    Not to mention, Chechnya is a very remote place, with bad roads, so I think that their IQ would be lowballed due to lack of development.

    But it is interesting to consider whether there is some factor other than IQ that affects fighting ability. For example, perhaps, American blacks are descended from people who surrendered or broke and fled in Africa.

    Replies: @Wielgus, @Wokechoke

    It seems to me having a huge IQ might disincline individuals to combat bravery, as they might be better able to calculate risk and imagine being killed or maimed. “You’re not paid to think” is a bit of a mantra in the British Army even though it can lead to situations like a cavalry charge in the wrong direction and into Russian cannon on three sides in Crimea in 1854.

    • LOL: Levtraro
  95. @LondonBob
    https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/1503022650658103296?s=20&t=oyd5HZ2Th48l7eNKRDktCg

    Replies: @sudden death

    The same guy also writes about “150 #US officers of the Florida Army National Guard and dozens of #NATO officers were gearing the Ukrainian military to fight this war against #Russia, creating an underground control and command base” so according to his “info” it would be logical to think that hardly any substantial damage was made by RF strike if the base is really underground.

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @sudden death

    The command bunker might be reinforced but most of the US and British logistics and signals guys will be pretty vulnerable on the first strike. Now? They will be dispersed and in bunkers.

  96. @Rich
    @Philip Owen

    You've obviously never served in the military, Phil, nothing takes 48 hours, ever. The defeat of Poland in 1939, attacked on the West by the Germans and in the East by the Soviets took 35 days. How in Heaven's name would the invasion of Ukraine take less? Desert Storm took 6 months. I'd expect the Ukrainians to fight better than 3rd world Iraqis.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    Putin or come to that Shoigu and Gerasimov never served in the military either. An actual soldier, popular with the army that close to the top just might be dangerous.

    As we now see, Putin expected the population to rise up in support within 48 hours.

    Bad decisions like this are why sensible governments, even dictatorships like China have term limits. Xi then removed the term limits. China is going to drop the same way as Russia.

    • Replies: @Rich
    @Philip Owen

    Shoigu was a lieutenant in the Army reserves. Gerasimov attended military school and is a career military man. Putin, a career intelligence officer, also served as a lieutenant in an artillery unit. Military service was compulsory in Soviet Union.

    Biden was a college athlete who managed to dodge the draft by claiming he had asthma. Not sure how he was able to play college football with asthma. Harris obviously never served in the military. Blinken, the sec of state, is probably afraid of guns. Austin, sec of defense, is an affirmative action nitwit.

    , @A123
    @Philip Owen


    As we now see, Putin expected the population to rise up in support within 48 hours.
     
    The official "Desert Storm" component of the Iraq War lasted 43 days. That offensive had total air superiority, optimum terrain, and a truly inferior enemy. Many Iraqi units took money to surrender or simply deserted.

    People keep placing ridiculously short time frames on Russia's current offensive. The terrain is worse, the opposition is stronger, and Putin is trying to avoid destroying infrastructure so that he can Win the Peace over the long term.
    ____

    The best option is for Zelensky to cut a deal.

    At some point, Putin will decide Winning the War takes precedence over preserving infrastructure for the subsequent peace. The Russian military has the artillery to level cities without coming within range of partisan resistance fighters. The process will be much longer than "Desert Storm", probably 6 months or more. However, the outcome is not in doubt.

    Bad decisions like this are why sensible governments, even dictatorships like China have term limits. Xi then removed the term limits. China is going to drop the same way as Russia.
     
    How does power transition to the next leader when one person pulls all the strings? Term limits for the head of state can help, because it removes one of the key incentives for over centralizing power.

    The U.S. may have the same problem. The election loser was placed in office via a "color revolution", the Blue Coup. Of course, the Fake Stream Media will never call it that. After trashing the Constitution to elevate Not-The-President Biden, there may no longer be elections or term limits.
    _____

    State Owned Enterprises [SOE] pose another risk, especially military owned SOE's. Iran and China are doomed as the IRGC and PLA fund themselves via cash extraction from inefficient and corrupt business. They are effectively outside the Rule of Law as they wield the Law of the Gun.

    Russia is much better off than Iran and China. Military and SOE's are separate. However, there is substantial risk of a failed succession after Putin, especially if something happens suddenly.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @AaronB

    , @Pharmakon
    @Philip Owen


    Gerasimov never served in the military either
     
    You're a retard but, I guess, this is to be expected of British inbreeds.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    , @sher singh
    @Philip Owen


    What just happened? Well, the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, the de-jure highest power of the land, made by 205 members, has proposed a series of changes to China’s constitution. Amongst them are the abolition of term limits for the 主席 President and 副主席 Vicepresident.

    Previously, since 1982, there was a limit of two consecutive terms for both offices.
    What do the president and vice president of China do? The offices have no power. The constitutions, and any other law, give them no power. None at all. They are completely ceremonial.
     

    So what’s the point? That’s a good question. China has a weird double structure, where the party and state are distinct entities, but have completely mirror structures. For every province, city and county, there is a government, with its governors and mayors and vice governors and vice-mayors.

    And then there’s a Communist Party committee for the same province city or county, with a secretary general. The secretary general calls the shots. The mayor isn’t an entirely ceremonial office, but it is completely subservient to the secretary general of the local committee. There has been lots of calls for abolishing this nonsense and just unify the administration, but the system remains in place.
     

    The central government, the 国务院, has a “prime minister”, today Li Keqiang. That guy’s not ceremonial either, he wields substantial power. But for some reason, Deng Xiaoping in 1982 decided to put a President on top of the prime minister. I guess for diplomatic reasons. Foreigners don’t understand how Chinese politics work, not then and not now, so he wanted to make it easier to understand.
     

    The party has its party statutes. And no, no term limits. Same for the military commission. No term limits. So the only term limits are those for the Presidency, which is the fake office. Of course it’s prestigious and all; but it has no real power.
     

    Mao was not a dictator until 1966. And in order to become one he had to unleash the Cultural Revolution, where he physically killed every single enemy he had, and physically tortured about 90% of the party leadership. Mao did that precisely because he was not secure in his power.

    After 1959 he was removed from power due to, well, causing the starvation of tens of millions of people with the Great Leap Forward. He thought he would be purged and disgraced; and so he threw everything he had against the party. And he won. That’s what Mao did. Xi Jinping is in a completely different situation. He has comfortable complete power over all the country, and in an orderly and formal way. He has nothing to fear.

    As many of us now, it is not from secure power that bad government happens. It is due to insecure power, which leads the powerful to mess with society in order to secure it. That is what the Chinese historical tradition calls 乱, “disorder”. Mao’s time was a disorderly time. Xi Jinping’s time, you may like, or not like, but it is most certainly orderly.

    Now, a lot of people in China are kinda freaking out. Mostly liberal-ish college grads. If only because having a president for life does cut off some potential avenues for upward status mobility. And people hate that, of course, people want more status, more every day. If Xi is smart, he’ll open up the economy a bit, so that status-maximizers can put their energies in making money and not in selling their country to USG’s bioleninist outreach department. We’ll see.
     
    https://bioleninism.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/china-doesnt-care-about-your-opinion/
    Spandrell.

    You're de facto right I guess, Idk I don't care about China or Communism.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ
  97. Just aweful example of Russian proaganda:

    https://rumble.com/vxa1oq-russian-lmrs.html

    (mod delete previous)

  98. @Anatoly Karlin
    @German_reader

    It's not a legitimate question, it's a moronic and bad faith one. About 70% of Russians support the special military operation, but only about 0.2% of them are participating in it. Why don't you go round asking the other 69.8% the same thing? The 0.2% that are fighting are people who want to be there, who are paid well above average Russian salaries to be there (funded by taxes collected from the 69.8%), and who have specifically trained for years for scenarios like this.

    It's also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Philip Owen, @German_reader, @Jim Christian, @AKAHorace, @Philip Owen

    Let me put that right “When the Ukrainians were counter bombarding the occupying mercenaries using civilian shields. A necessary tactic to maintain Russian control of the population.”

  99. @Philip Owen
    @Rich

    Putin or come to that Shoigu and Gerasimov never served in the military either. An actual soldier, popular with the army that close to the top just might be dangerous.

    As we now see, Putin expected the population to rise up in support within 48 hours.

    Bad decisions like this are why sensible governments, even dictatorships like China have term limits. Xi then removed the term limits. China is going to drop the same way as Russia.

    Replies: @Rich, @A123, @Pharmakon, @sher singh

    Shoigu was a lieutenant in the Army reserves. Gerasimov attended military school and is a career military man. Putin, a career intelligence officer, also served as a lieutenant in an artillery unit. Military service was compulsory in Soviet Union.

    Biden was a college athlete who managed to dodge the draft by claiming he had asthma. Not sure how he was able to play college football with asthma. Harris obviously never served in the military. Blinken, the sec of state, is probably afraid of guns. Austin, sec of defense, is an affirmative action nitwit.

    • Agree: Levtraro, Wielgus
  100. @silviosilver
    @German_reader


    in another thread he just mused how 100 000 deaths in the Ukraine war might not be too high a price
     
    I wonder what he would consider too high a price. 200,000? 500,000? A million? Five million? All of these are plausible. Not just because they seem a trifle when measured against "eternal glory", but because the very inertia of justifying one death toll increment leads to justifying the next one. Once you're investing in justifying why X number of dead so far has been "worth it," it's very hard to then quit and argue that no more deaths are worth it.

    Replies: @sher singh

    You’re gay.

    I don’t want to steal Anatoly’s phrase but there really is nothing else for it.

  101. A123 says: • Website
    @Philip Owen
    @Rich

    Putin or come to that Shoigu and Gerasimov never served in the military either. An actual soldier, popular with the army that close to the top just might be dangerous.

    As we now see, Putin expected the population to rise up in support within 48 hours.

    Bad decisions like this are why sensible governments, even dictatorships like China have term limits. Xi then removed the term limits. China is going to drop the same way as Russia.

    Replies: @Rich, @A123, @Pharmakon, @sher singh

    As we now see, Putin expected the population to rise up in support within 48 hours.

    The official “Desert Storm” component of the Iraq War lasted 43 days. That offensive had total air superiority, optimum terrain, and a truly inferior enemy. Many Iraqi units took money to surrender or simply deserted.

    People keep placing ridiculously short time frames on Russia’s current offensive. The terrain is worse, the opposition is stronger, and Putin is trying to avoid destroying infrastructure so that he can Win the Peace over the long term.
    ____

    The best option is for Zelensky to cut a deal.

    At some point, Putin will decide Winning the War takes precedence over preserving infrastructure for the subsequent peace. The Russian military has the artillery to level cities without coming within range of partisan resistance fighters. The process will be much longer than “Desert Storm”, probably 6 months or more. However, the outcome is not in doubt.

    Bad decisions like this are why sensible governments, even dictatorships like China have term limits. Xi then removed the term limits. China is going to drop the same way as Russia.

    How does power transition to the next leader when one person pulls all the strings? Term limits for the head of state can help, because it removes one of the key incentives for over centralizing power.

    The U.S. may have the same problem. The election loser was placed in office via a “color revolution”, the Blue Coup. Of course, the Fake Stream Media will never call it that. After trashing the Constitution to elevate Not-The-President Biden, there may no longer be elections or term limits.
    _____

    State Owned Enterprises [SOE] pose another risk, especially military owned SOE’s. Iran and China are doomed as the IRGC and PLA fund themselves via cash extraction from inefficient and corrupt business. They are effectively outside the Rule of Law as they wield the Law of the Gun.

    Russia is much better off than Iran and China. Military and SOE’s are separate. However, there is substantial risk of a failed succession after Putin, especially if something happens suddenly.

    PEACE 😇

    • Replies: @AaronB
    @A123


    The terrain is worse, the opposition is stronger, and Putin is trying to avoid destroying infrastructure so that he can Win the Peace over the long term.
     
    According to military historian Martin Van Creveld, on his blog, Russia is attacking with almost no restraints. We are seeing the full force of the conventional Russian military, for what it's worth, according to him.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Wokechoke, @A123

  102. @songbird
    @Yevardian

    The few Chechens that have come to America don't seem like an impressive lot. Of course, I'm talking about the Tsarnaevs (more than just the brothers), but undoubtedly there's selection bias in picking from the same family.

    If we look at Chechnya, they have a lot of stone towers, which seem to have no equivalent in large parts of Africa. Perhaps, except around Ethiopia. And personally I have always doubted the native genesis of Great Zimbabwe (IMO, probably the Portuguese helped create it, and then forgot about it. Maybe, there was a record of it, lost in the Lisbon earthquake), and there is something really weird and pathetic, IMO, in the fact that they named their country after it.

    Not to mention, Chechnya is a very remote place, with bad roads, so I think that their IQ would be lowballed due to lack of development.

    But it is interesting to consider whether there is some factor other than IQ that affects fighting ability. For example, perhaps, American blacks are descended from people who surrendered or broke and fled in Africa.

    Replies: @Wielgus, @Wokechoke

    I believe they stopped Manstein in Grozny. The Georgians generally had good mountain and ski infantry. The Chechens would have been split on the Germans when they came to the Caucasus. I think the Chechens who opposed Moscow were working with Fallshirmjager advisors and units.

    • Thanks: songbird
  103. @sudden death
    @LondonBob

    The same guy also writes about "150 #US officers of the Florida Army National Guard and dozens of #NATO officers were gearing the Ukrainian military to fight this war against #Russia, creating an underground control and command base" so according to his "info" it would be logical to think that hardly any substantial damage was made by RF strike if the base is really underground.

    Replies: @Wokechoke

    The command bunker might be reinforced but most of the US and British logistics and signals guys will be pretty vulnerable on the first strike. Now? They will be dispersed and in bunkers.

  104. @A123
    @Philip Owen


    As we now see, Putin expected the population to rise up in support within 48 hours.
     
    The official "Desert Storm" component of the Iraq War lasted 43 days. That offensive had total air superiority, optimum terrain, and a truly inferior enemy. Many Iraqi units took money to surrender or simply deserted.

    People keep placing ridiculously short time frames on Russia's current offensive. The terrain is worse, the opposition is stronger, and Putin is trying to avoid destroying infrastructure so that he can Win the Peace over the long term.
    ____

    The best option is for Zelensky to cut a deal.

    At some point, Putin will decide Winning the War takes precedence over preserving infrastructure for the subsequent peace. The Russian military has the artillery to level cities without coming within range of partisan resistance fighters. The process will be much longer than "Desert Storm", probably 6 months or more. However, the outcome is not in doubt.

    Bad decisions like this are why sensible governments, even dictatorships like China have term limits. Xi then removed the term limits. China is going to drop the same way as Russia.
     
    How does power transition to the next leader when one person pulls all the strings? Term limits for the head of state can help, because it removes one of the key incentives for over centralizing power.

    The U.S. may have the same problem. The election loser was placed in office via a "color revolution", the Blue Coup. Of course, the Fake Stream Media will never call it that. After trashing the Constitution to elevate Not-The-President Biden, there may no longer be elections or term limits.
    _____

    State Owned Enterprises [SOE] pose another risk, especially military owned SOE's. Iran and China are doomed as the IRGC and PLA fund themselves via cash extraction from inefficient and corrupt business. They are effectively outside the Rule of Law as they wield the Law of the Gun.

    Russia is much better off than Iran and China. Military and SOE's are separate. However, there is substantial risk of a failed succession after Putin, especially if something happens suddenly.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @AaronB

    The terrain is worse, the opposition is stronger, and Putin is trying to avoid destroying infrastructure so that he can Win the Peace over the long term.

    According to military historian Martin Van Creveld, on his blog, Russia is attacking with almost no restraints. We are seeing the full force of the conventional Russian military, for what it’s worth, according to him.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @AaronB

    lol, just looked at van Creveld's blog (thanks for mentioning it!), and apparently he's written a book from the perspective of Stalin, I suppose as a companion piece to his book about Hitler in hell. Might be a fun read.

    , @Wokechoke
    @AaronB

    It's an all in attack, but, the casualties could be higher. Russia didn't mobilize. Its using an expeditionary force.

    , @A123
    @AaronB


    According to military historian Martin Van Creveld, on his blog, Russia is attacking with almost no restraints. We are seeing the full force of the conventional Russian military
     
    We have not seen wide scale use of artillery rendering cities uninhabitable. To me that seems like significant Russian military restraint trying to minimize civilian casualties. How is "almost no" defined?

    The Russians have avoided over commitment, which is either slow or methodical depending on world view. Perhaps they are using the "full force" of what they have today. However, they can gradually pour more into the conflict as supply lines are optimized.

    Ukraine has no hope to obtain military vehicles and larger systems, with the possible exception of replacement Bayraktar drones. What would a Ukrainian counter offensive look like? It is hard to see viable options to regain large swaths of ground after it is lost.

    PEACE 😇
  105. @Mr. Hack
    @Mikhail

    I don't know? Perhaps, he's right. I'm giving up on all imported Russian products. I hope that we curtail Russian oil and gas too. Why feed Putin's war efforts? Do you still feel that these war efforts are productive and needed, or would Russia be better off by curtailing its war actions within Ukraine?

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Mikhail

    I don’t know? Perhaps, he’s right. I’m giving up on all imported Russian products. I hope that we curtail Russian oil and gas too. Why feed Putin’s war efforts? Do you still feel that these war efforts are productive and needed, or would Russia be better off by curtailing its war actions within Ukraine?

    Ethically fucked up as he’s a sick bastard.

    Circa several decades ago, when Arab-Israeli differences were at a higher point, imagine the outcry if a medical ethics doctor/professor said that Israelis shouldn’t enjoy the benefits of advanced medical care on account of disproportionate Israeli government acts. One could hypothetically throw that at Americans, given the many citizens killed c/o US military action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

    As has been documented (c/o of UN/OSCE inspectors), the Kiev regime has killed at least 10,000, while having displaced at least 1 million from the rebel held Donbass area over the past eight years. Western mass media is mute on this because that area isn’t as close to central and western Europe, in conjunction with most of these victims going to Russia as opposed to the Kiev regime or EU countries.

    BTW, if I were a doctor and knew your views in advance, I’d nonetheless not hesitate to save your life.

  106. German_reader says:
    @Anatoly Karlin
    @German_reader

    It's not a legitimate question, it's a moronic and bad faith one. About 70% of Russians support the special military operation, but only about 0.2% of them are participating in it. Why don't you go round asking the other 69.8% the same thing? The 0.2% that are fighting are people who want to be there, who are paid well above average Russian salaries to be there (funded by taxes collected from the 69.8%), and who have specifically trained for years for scenarios like this.

    It's also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Philip Owen, @German_reader, @Jim Christian, @AKAHorace, @Philip Owen

    It’s also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.

    I’m not a pacifist, but imo this is mostly propaganda. Number of civilian deaths in Donbass has declined strongly in recent years, and even if one thinks Russia needed to act against possible Ukrainian designs for reconquest and incorporate Donbass, the current operation seems over the top. The maximalist aims you’re advocating (annexing most of Ukraine) certainly are.

    The 0.2% that are fighting are people who want to be there, who are paid well above average Russian salaries to be there (funded by taxes collected from the 69.8%), and who have specifically trained for years for scenarios like this.

    That kind of sentiment is absurdly at odds with the militant stuff you’ve been posting about how the war will lead to national rejuvenation and joy. If it’s such a great enterprise where people can transcend their bugman lives, the number of participants should be maximized.

  107. @Mr. Hack
    @Mr. Hack

    BTW, when are you going to finally wake up and smell the coffee. Your whole life has been devoted towards improving the Russian/American relationship. Don't you realize that old man Putler has always made you job prohibitively more difficult? And yet you still seem to covet the Putin samovar polishing trophy year after year? Be careful, you're going to have some stiff competition this year, as Karlin is going way out of his way to keep the halo effect above Putin's head. :-(

    Replies: @Mikhail

    It’s not just about him.

    https://www.eurasiareview.com/11032022-what-russia-desires-oped/

    – Kiev regime carnage in Donbass (killing thousands and displacing hundreds of thousands)
    – Kiev regime interacting with Neo-Nazis
    – seven-year Kiev regime stonewalling of the UN approved Minsk Protocol, calling for a negotiated Donbass autonomy
    – the specter of NATO expansion in Ukraine compromising the security of Russia
    – leading up to the Russian military action in Ukraine, Western governments didn’t sanction or threaten to sanction the Kiev regime, much unlike the hypocritical stance towards Russia.

    The Western establishment’s moral hypocrisy on what happened thereafter notes the generally accepted rationale used for the atomic option on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end WW II. In more recent times, there’s the disproportionate use of military force that has been utilized by the US and some non-Russian others.

    The human suffering in these instances haven’t received anywhere near the same level of on the ground coverage when compared to the current situation in Ukraine. Some of this reporting might very well include misrepresentation, influenced by the possible distortion of pro-Kiev regime proponents.

  108. “Vzglyad” Russian website – Yandex translation, edited

    The Russian military shot down an Su-24 aircraft and 11 Ukrainian drones
    March 13, 2022, 19:00
    Russian troops shot down one plane and 11 drones of the Ukrainian military on Sunday, including two Bayraktars, Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said at a briefing.

    “On the afternoon of March 13, aviation and air defence of the Russian Aerospace Forces shot down in the air: one Su-24 aircraft of the Ukrainian air Force near the settlement of Novy Bykov, as well as 11 unmanned aerial vehicles, including two Bayraktar TB-2s,” RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

    He added that 46 objects of the Ukrainian armed forces were hit by Russian tactical, army and unmanned aircraft, including three control points, one anti-aircraft missile system, two ammunition depots and 33 areas of accumulation of military equipment.

    Konashenkov also added that the Armed Forces of Russia and the grouping of the LPR troops continue the offensive, full control has been established over six more settlements.

    “The armed forces of the Russian Federation during offensive actions established full control over the settlements of Pavlovka, Nikolskoye, Blagodatnoye, Vodianovka and Vladimirovka. The advance for the day was up to 9 kilometers. The grouping of troops of the Luhansk People’s Republic, continuing offensive actions, liberated the city of Popasnaya from the nationalists,” he said.

    According to the representative of the Ministry of Defence, the Russian army destroyed 3,736 infrastructure facilities of the Ukrainian military in 18 days of a military special operation in Ukraine.

    “In total, 3736 objects of the military infrastructure of Ukraine were put out of operation during the operation. Destroyed: 100 aircraft, 139 unmanned aerial vehicles, 1,234 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 122 multiple rocket launchers, 452 field artillery and mortar guns, 1,013 units of special military vehicles,” he said.

    Earlier, Konashenkov said that the Russian Armed Forces destroyed up to 180 foreign mercenaries in Ukraine with a precision strike.

    Recall that Russia launched a military special operation in Ukraine on February 24. Russian Leader Vladimir Putin noted that Moscow’s plans do not include the occupation of the territories of Ukraine, the goal is the denazification and demilitarisation of the country. Also, a number of political conditions have been put forward to the Kiev authorities: the legislative consolidation of the non-aligned status of Ukraine with a complete ban on the deployment of NATO military bases and strike weapons systems on its territory, the trial of Nazi criminals who have committed crimes against citizens of Ukraine and Donbass in recent years, the recognition of Crimea as Russian, and the DPR and LPR as independent states.

  109. @Philip Owen
    @Rich

    Putin or come to that Shoigu and Gerasimov never served in the military either. An actual soldier, popular with the army that close to the top just might be dangerous.

    As we now see, Putin expected the population to rise up in support within 48 hours.

    Bad decisions like this are why sensible governments, even dictatorships like China have term limits. Xi then removed the term limits. China is going to drop the same way as Russia.

    Replies: @Rich, @A123, @Pharmakon, @sher singh

    Gerasimov never served in the military either

    You’re a retard but, I guess, this is to be expected of British inbreeds.

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @Pharmakon

    Got a bit carried away. Covid fever.

  110. @AaronB
    @A123


    The terrain is worse, the opposition is stronger, and Putin is trying to avoid destroying infrastructure so that he can Win the Peace over the long term.
     
    According to military historian Martin Van Creveld, on his blog, Russia is attacking with almost no restraints. We are seeing the full force of the conventional Russian military, for what it's worth, according to him.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Wokechoke, @A123

    lol, just looked at van Creveld’s blog (thanks for mentioning it!), and apparently he’s written a book from the perspective of Stalin, I suppose as a companion piece to his book about Hitler in hell. Might be a fun read.

    • LOL: AaronB
  111. @AaronB
    @A123


    The terrain is worse, the opposition is stronger, and Putin is trying to avoid destroying infrastructure so that he can Win the Peace over the long term.
     
    According to military historian Martin Van Creveld, on his blog, Russia is attacking with almost no restraints. We are seeing the full force of the conventional Russian military, for what it's worth, according to him.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Wokechoke, @A123

    It’s an all in attack, but, the casualties could be higher. Russia didn’t mobilize. Its using an expeditionary force.

  112. A123 says: • Website
    @AaronB
    @A123


    The terrain is worse, the opposition is stronger, and Putin is trying to avoid destroying infrastructure so that he can Win the Peace over the long term.
     
    According to military historian Martin Van Creveld, on his blog, Russia is attacking with almost no restraints. We are seeing the full force of the conventional Russian military, for what it's worth, according to him.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Wokechoke, @A123

    According to military historian Martin Van Creveld, on his blog, Russia is attacking with almost no restraints. We are seeing the full force of the conventional Russian military

    We have not seen wide scale use of artillery rendering cities uninhabitable. To me that seems like significant Russian military restraint trying to minimize civilian casualties. How is “almost no” defined?

    The Russians have avoided over commitment, which is either slow or methodical depending on world view. Perhaps they are using the “full force” of what they have today. However, they can gradually pour more into the conflict as supply lines are optimized.

    Ukraine has no hope to obtain military vehicles and larger systems, with the possible exception of replacement Bayraktar drones. What would a Ukrainian counter offensive look like? It is hard to see viable options to regain large swaths of ground after it is lost.

    PEACE 😇

  113. colonelcassad.livejournal.com
    Details on Izyum.
    March 13, 2022 20:06

    Information on Izyum from a person who has been there in recent days.

    The main territory of the city is controlled by Russian troops, the AFU was knocked out of the city centre, but retreating, the Ukrainians blew up two automobile bridges and ended up on a kind of peninsula. The Seversky Donets River creates a bend in the city and the southern part of the city, where the TV tower is located, is under the control of the AFU.

    Up to a battalion of enemy infantry, reinforced with mortars and MLRS, is concentrated in this part of the city. Another pedestrian bridge leads to the southern part of the city. During the attack on Izyum, up to a company of Russian infantry was able to break through to the southern part of the city. Motorised infantry have taken a bridgehead and despite all the attempts of the AFU soldiers to knock out the Russian soldiers, our soldiers are not only holding on, but are gradually expanding the controlled territory.

    In order to encircle the AFU in the city and further move towards Slavyansk, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation brought a pontoon crossing below Izyum. It was for this that the battles went on for 2 days. The deep reconnaissance company crossed the river, secured itself and fought to protect the crossing, while the bulk of armoured vehicles and infantry tried to cross it.

    The AFU is conducting accurate mortar and artillery fire along the crossing, our armoured personnel carrier was literally rocking from near explosions. In the dead of night, near the village of Kamenka, an air strike was carried out on a cluster of enemy equipment and infantry that was hiding in the forest. I think I will soon be able to show you the footage of objective control.
    Unfortunately, yesterday, while holding the bridgehead, a scout died the death of the brave. A shell scored a direct hit on him.

    With regard to the AFU near Izyum, I want to say the following. They fight competently, mortar and artillery fire are very accurate. In the forests to the east and west of Izyum, as well as to the south on the road to Slavyansk, fortified areas have been created, from which mobile groups are constantly leaving, with roaming mortars and MLRS, taking off literally after the first salvo.

    The enemy uses drones, has Buks and MANPADS in service, so the army aviation in this area works very carefully. On the territory cleared from the enemy, Russian troops are distributing humanitarian aid, trying to establish basic living conditions for local residents. At first, the locals treated us with caution, but now the majority are very friendly.

    Now the Izyum direction is becoming a priority. If the offensive of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation goes well, it will allow surrounding the entire Donetsk grouping of the enemy and unite with the LDPR troops, creating a cauldron for several tens of thousands of AFU soldiers. Kiev understands this perfectly well, therefore they are making every effort to prevent the advance of Russian troops.

    https://t.me/boris_rozhin/31983 – zinc

  114. @sudden death
    @Gerard1234

    haha, nothing better to see in the morning than neverending lamentations about impeached RF puppet who also happens to be wife beater alcholic, lol

    https://c.tenor.com/AqDQXMOsNd4AAAAd/let-me-taste-your-tears-scott-cartman.gif

    Replies: @Gerard1234

    American prostitute dickhead from Stalingrad ( “Vilnius” is not the name now for that average city. I have renamed it after the man who, generously, gave it to Lithuanian prostitutes)…….. will you answer my point?

    Because your worthless POS country, with the capital city of Stalingrad, staged a false flag that lead to closing of EU flights to Belarus, restrictions on Belavia and other sanctions…….. Lukashenko was motivated to be able to give Russia an extra point of attack through their own border, one which if it didnt exist then Operation Z certainly wouldn’t have happened.

    I realise you have no free media in Lithuania and too many dumb, suicidal and alcoholic imbeciles to question the unexplained actions of Stalingrad ATC, transcripts or ANY interest in what the pilots had to say……. but this is quite an important issue for a population like yours to be willfully retarded on.

    • Agree: Anatoly Karlin
    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @Gerard1234

    I had assumed 'suddendeath' was American.
    Anyway, ditto Ukraine, but Lithuania has a long history and very distinct identity (with closest existing language to Proto Indo-European in grammar/phonology), after Balts were annexed in the Great Northern War they kept (or rather, their German overlords) far-ranging autonomy and local institutions. Not fair to compare them with something as manufactured as the modern Ukrainian state.


    Lukashenko was motivated to be able to give Russia an extra point of attack through their own border, one which if it didnt exist then Operation Z certainly wouldn’t have happened.
     
    All the same Luka has been very cautious (or rather, Putin has be careful not to embarrass him), although as Dmitri pointed out, the Belarusian army has zero combat experience.

    Unclear his patriot-level, but even “neutral” level is a huge improvement on the deluge of cretinism that anglo/western audiences are being brainwashed with.
     
    Well, he's lived outside of Russia for a very long time, and apparently has absolutely zero desire to return (as you don't either?), for understandable reasons. It's clear enough he was horrified and blindsided by the outbreak of kinetic war, as any sensible person would be, but doesn't care much for the Ukrainian kakistocracy either. I also don't really see any winners in this.

    @Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg


    Here’s something scoffers are trying to sort out: Why did Putin play along with the COVID scam? IF he’s such a rebel and enemy of the WEF total control scheme, why did he never question it until now and only in the context of what really amounts to an intra-Russo-Slavic civil war?
     
    Based retard.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Dmitry, @Yellowface Anon

    , @sudden death
    @Gerard1234

    Looks like you share the same psycho drugs dealer with Karlin now, lol

    Anyways even if living in fantasy land it shows your lowly ungrateful inner nature - instead being respectfuly thankful to us for being the cause to implement oh so succesful impressive victorious superbly planned and executed Operation Z, you're angrily hallucinating instead when seeing this great RF march ;)

    Such lack of joyous enthusiasm at the cusp of crushing victory is very typical to Western recruited double spies so all seeing eyes and hands of RF motherland agencies should very deservedly bring you under trial soon.

    Replies: @Yevardian

  115. Here’s something scoffers are trying to sort out: Why did Putin play along with the COVID scam? IF he’s such a rebel and enemy of the WEF total control scheme, why did he never question it until now and only in the context of what really amounts to an intra-Russo-Slavic civil war?

    Many people see a shadow play to cover the tracks and stymie civil disobedience against Vax Mandates. It sounds as though Russia’s covid policy was every bit as obnoxious as Canada and Germany other than Putin apparantly saying vaccine consumption is a private matter.

    There’s so much smoke it’s difficult to find the fire.

    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg

    It takes a long time to read enough of an Infectious Disease textbook and a Virology textbook and a Vaccine textbook to confidently look through the b.s.

    Gorbach is 2700 pp and weighs 11 pounds. That's a month of your life gone right there. So he relies on experts. He depends on others he believes that he trusts.

    https://www.amazon.com/Infectious-Diseases-Sherwood-L-Gorbach/dp/0781733715

    , @Wokechoke
    @Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg

    Prepared for war now they are.

  116. Interesting how Putin is alleged to have been the KGB handler for Rainer Sonntag.

    How developed was Soviet strategy In West Germany? Was it just a cynical move to fund any potentially destabilizing group, just as they gave weapons to Red Army Faction. All equal opportunity.

    Or did they promote neo-Nazis as hobgoblins in order to strengthen the anti-Nazi ideology, as they understood how destructive it could be?

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @songbird


    Or did they promote neo-Nazis as hobgoblins in order to strengthen the anti-Nazi ideology, as they understood how destructive it could be?
     
    It could have been an attempt to show how fascist the federal republic was, that such groups were allowed to proliferate. Real or alleged continuity with Nazi Germany was a prominent theme of Eastern Bloc propaganda against West Germany after all.
    But I don't know if there's any evidence Eastern Bloc intelligence services ever actually did support neonazi groups. Had never heard about the allegations of Putin's links to this Rainer Sonntag (whom I didn't know about tbh). Sounds far-fetched to me.

    Replies: @songbird

  117. @Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg
    Here's something scoffers are trying to sort out: Why did Putin play along with the COVID scam? IF he's such a rebel and enemy of the WEF total control scheme, why did he never question it until now and only in the context of what really amounts to an intra-Russo-Slavic civil war?

    Many people see a shadow play to cover the tracks and stymie civil disobedience against Vax Mandates. It sounds as though Russia's covid policy was every bit as obnoxious as Canada and Germany other than Putin apparantly saying vaccine consumption is a private matter.

    There's so much smoke it's difficult to find the fire.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard, @Wokechoke

    It takes a long time to read enough of an Infectious Disease textbook and a Virology textbook and a Vaccine textbook to confidently look through the b.s.

    Gorbach is 2700 pp and weighs 11 pounds. That’s a month of your life gone right there. So he relies on experts. He depends on others he believes that he trusts.

  118. German_reader says:
    @songbird
    Interesting how Putin is alleged to have been the KGB handler for Rainer Sonntag.

    How developed was Soviet strategy In West Germany? Was it just a cynical move to fund any potentially destabilizing group, just as they gave weapons to Red Army Faction. All equal opportunity.

    Or did they promote neo-Nazis as hobgoblins in order to strengthen the anti-Nazi ideology, as they understood how destructive it could be?

    Replies: @German_reader

    Or did they promote neo-Nazis as hobgoblins in order to strengthen the anti-Nazi ideology, as they understood how destructive it could be?

    It could have been an attempt to show how fascist the federal republic was, that such groups were allowed to proliferate. Real or alleged continuity with Nazi Germany was a prominent theme of Eastern Bloc propaganda against West Germany after all.
    But I don’t know if there’s any evidence Eastern Bloc intelligence services ever actually did support neonazi groups. Had never heard about the allegations of Putin’s links to this Rainer Sonntag (whom I didn’t know about tbh). Sounds far-fetched to me.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @German_reader

    Heard their support of the Red Army Faction was partly to get Western cars, which the group regularly stole and crossed the border with, using phony plates. It's been alleged Putin was their handler and helped supply them with weapons, and was given a car in return, which he later returned to Russia in.

    Never tried to read much late-stage Soviet or Warsaw Pact propaganda about Western Europe and America. I imagine it would be disappointing stuff about racism, which is basically the same tune that the USSR has been playing since the '30s or before. Might as well read a Western paper of that time...

    Off the top of my head, the only thing I remember is this - I suppose Putin could have been in on it. (OTOH, maybe, he was just reading pozzed German media and summarizing negative stories about Germans.)

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_INFEKTION

    A shame so many of the Stazi records were destroyed or else we may have had better guesses as to what Putin was doing, though I imagine they were circumspect about their Soviet contacts. Wouldn't it be funny if he knew Merkel?

    Replies: @German_reader

  119. @Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg
    Here's something scoffers are trying to sort out: Why did Putin play along with the COVID scam? IF he's such a rebel and enemy of the WEF total control scheme, why did he never question it until now and only in the context of what really amounts to an intra-Russo-Slavic civil war?

    Many people see a shadow play to cover the tracks and stymie civil disobedience against Vax Mandates. It sounds as though Russia's covid policy was every bit as obnoxious as Canada and Germany other than Putin apparantly saying vaccine consumption is a private matter.

    There's so much smoke it's difficult to find the fire.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard, @Wokechoke

    Prepared for war now they are.

  120. Here’s my humble take on the Ukraine situation. The West hates Russia. Or more specifically, our cultural elites hate Russia. Why? Because Russia poses a persistent ideological threat against “Western values.” It’s a complex historical issue, but perhaps it boils down to something very, very simple.

    https://readingjunkie.com/2022/03/13/i-finally-understand-why-we-hate-russia/

    • Replies: @Pharmakon
    @Ian Kummer

    This article by Paul Starobin provides a good resume of the genesis of Western Russophobia:

    https://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-eternal-collapse-russia-11126

  121. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Gerard1234

    I accept the olive branch and must acknowledge that I was incorrect to repress you so, despite your penchant for uncouthness, I now see that it was driven by an underlying moral clarity that shines like the Sun at a time now when it matters.

    As regards Yevardian's suggestion below, I would be honored and privileged to have Gerard take over the running of the Russian Reaction blog if he would be so interested.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Gerard1234

    Master,

    Much appreciated and many, many thanks!

    If Vitaly Milonov is not available, then I would choose Dmitry as a perfect candidate to take over the blog, ahead of myself. Individual comments he makes way down the page here are easily worthy of being a blog post, he’s even more mild-mannered and polite on here than I am to all the commentators, more prolific and with good knowledge. Unclear his patriot-level, but even “neutral” level is a huge improvement on the deluge of cretinism that anglo/western audiences are being brainwashed with.

    Thanks for the offer though

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Gerard1234

    My friend, a cross-dresser & an alcoholic is much better stationed to represent the west than a shoe-box aficionado.

  122. @German_reader
    @songbird


    Or did they promote neo-Nazis as hobgoblins in order to strengthen the anti-Nazi ideology, as they understood how destructive it could be?
     
    It could have been an attempt to show how fascist the federal republic was, that such groups were allowed to proliferate. Real or alleged continuity with Nazi Germany was a prominent theme of Eastern Bloc propaganda against West Germany after all.
    But I don't know if there's any evidence Eastern Bloc intelligence services ever actually did support neonazi groups. Had never heard about the allegations of Putin's links to this Rainer Sonntag (whom I didn't know about tbh). Sounds far-fetched to me.

    Replies: @songbird

    Heard their support of the Red Army Faction was partly to get Western cars, which the group regularly stole and crossed the border with, using phony plates. It’s been alleged Putin was their handler and helped supply them with weapons, and was given a car in return, which he later returned to Russia in.

    Never tried to read much late-stage Soviet or Warsaw Pact propaganda about Western Europe and America. I imagine it would be disappointing stuff about racism, which is basically the same tune that the USSR has been playing since the ’30s or before. Might as well read a Western paper of that time…

    Off the top of my head, the only thing I remember is this – I suppose Putin could have been in on it. (OTOH, maybe, he was just reading pozzed German media and summarizing negative stories about Germans.)

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_INFEKTION

    A shame so many of the Stazi records were destroyed or else we may have had better guesses as to what Putin was doing, though I imagine they were circumspect about their Soviet contacts. Wouldn’t it be funny if he knew Merkel?

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @songbird


    It’s been alleged Putin was their handler and helped supply them with weapons
     
    I don't think there's anything to that at all tbh. When Putin came to East Germany in 1985, the 2nd generation of the RAF had already been mostly out of action for several years anyway (either imprisoned in West Germany, or in some cases living under new identity in East Germany...but the latter don't seem to have had any active involvement in terrorism anymore). And the 3rd generation (which committed some high-profile assassinations until the early 1990s) is a very shadowy affair, not much is known about them and few of their members have ever been caught. There are theories that they were supported by the Stasi, but as far as I can tell that's all speculation, there is no hard evidence.
    I suspect Putin had some boring desk job during his time in East Germany, but would still be interesting to know.

    Replies: @songbird

  123. @Pharmakon
    @Philip Owen


    Gerasimov never served in the military either
     
    You're a retard but, I guess, this is to be expected of British inbreeds.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    Got a bit carried away. Covid fever.

  124. @Gerard1234
    @sudden death

    American prostitute dickhead from Stalingrad ( "Vilnius" is not the name now for that average city. I have renamed it after the man who, generously, gave it to Lithuanian prostitutes)........ will you answer my point?

    Because your worthless POS country, with the capital city of Stalingrad, staged a false flag that lead to closing of EU flights to Belarus, restrictions on Belavia and other sanctions........ Lukashenko was motivated to be able to give Russia an extra point of attack through their own border, one which if it didnt exist then Operation Z certainly wouldn't have happened.

    I realise you have no free media in Lithuania and too many dumb, suicidal and alcoholic imbeciles to question the unexplained actions of Stalingrad ATC, transcripts or ANY interest in what the pilots had to say....... but this is quite an important issue for a population like yours to be willfully retarded on.

    Replies: @Yevardian, @sudden death

    I had assumed ‘suddendeath’ was American.
    Anyway, ditto Ukraine, but Lithuania has a long history and very distinct identity (with closest existing language to Proto Indo-European in grammar/phonology), after Balts were annexed in the Great Northern War they kept (or rather, their German overlords) far-ranging autonomy and local institutions. Not fair to compare them with something as manufactured as the modern Ukrainian state.

    Lukashenko was motivated to be able to give Russia an extra point of attack through their own border, one which if it didnt exist then Operation Z certainly wouldn’t have happened.

    All the same Luka has been very cautious (or rather, Putin has be careful not to embarrass him), although as Dmitri pointed out, the Belarusian army has zero combat experience.

    Unclear his patriot-level, but even “neutral” level is a huge improvement on the deluge of cretinism that anglo/western audiences are being brainwashed with.

    Well, he’s lived outside of Russia for a very long time, and apparently has absolutely zero desire to return (as you don’t either?), for understandable reasons. It’s clear enough he was horrified and blindsided by the outbreak of kinetic war, as any sensible person would be, but doesn’t care much for the Ukrainian kakistocracy either. I also don’t really see any winners in this.

    Here’s something scoffers are trying to sort out: Why did Putin play along with the COVID scam? IF he’s such a rebel and enemy of the WEF total control scheme, why did he never question it until now and only in the context of what really amounts to an intra-Russo-Slavic civil war?

    Based retard.

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Yevardian

    You're a Gay Armenian.

    Your Greek Master says Sanskrit is closest to any PIE

    http://indiafacts.org/fallacies-proto-indo-european/


    There was a Proto Indo-European language 10.000 years ago. Its reconstruction is impossible now despite enormous efforts by fanciful scholars. The closest extant language is (old) Sanskrit.
     
    Dr Nicholas Kazanas is a Greek-born (1939) scholar, Director of Omilos Meleton, Cultural Institute in Athens

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Yevardian

    , @Dmitry
    @Yevardian

    Gerard writes subtle posts with multi-levels of meaning, for a small circle of cognoscenti, which may not actually exist here to interpret them.

    Sometimes he loses the discipline to hide his sophistication, shows his real personality, starts writing about Oscar Peterson's fingering innovations of the left hand, or a progression of catenaccio tactics in 1980s Italian football.

    If Gerard is not careful, you know he would start to explain about his interest in the early theological writings of Hegel, or the effect of Bösendorfer's engineers in the Yamaha CFX range.

    When Gerard is writing "Master" above, he is satirizing the neurological situation shown recently by the old moderator of this forum.

    This "Master Master", is reference to a character "Renfield", in the story of "Dracula" by Bram Stoker.

    Renfield is usually calmly eating insects, in his room in London insane asylum. In peaceful times, Renfield is able to have almost normal discussions about his master (Dracula) with the psychologists, and happy to sit alone, eat rats and dream about his master's plans.

    But when the evil approaches to civilized London, then Renfield's brain is flooded with neurotransmitters and excitement. Suddenly, can not anymore speak normally to people, but just shouts in short, not coherent sentences "Master Master".

    The analogy is perfect for the recent experiences caused to our forum discussions, before Ron Unz has returned freedom of speech. But I'm not surprised that Gerard is thinking the same, and he was the first martyr of a lighter censorship here.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    , @Yellowface Anon
    @Yevardian

    I actually linked Putin's appearance in the WEF - if you believe the WEF is omnipotent, the war in Ukraine "could be" the 2nd stage of the Great Reset by imploding the energy and food markets. But they can't even stop BoJo from getting rid of NHS COVID Pass and Austria suspending the vaccine mandate. They're a cruel joke.

  125. @Gerard1234
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Master,

    Much appreciated and many, many thanks!

    If Vitaly Milonov is not available, then I would choose Dmitry as a perfect candidate to take over the blog, ahead of myself. Individual comments he makes way down the page here are easily worthy of being a blog post, he's even more mild-mannered and polite on here than I am to all the commentators, more prolific and with good knowledge. Unclear his patriot-level, but even "neutral" level is a huge improvement on the deluge of cretinism that anglo/western audiences are being brainwashed with.

    Thanks for the offer though

    Replies: @sher singh

    My friend, a cross-dresser & an alcoholic is much better stationed to represent the west than a shoe-box aficionado.

  126. @Ian Kummer
    Here's my humble take on the Ukraine situation. The West hates Russia. Or more specifically, our cultural elites hate Russia. Why? Because Russia poses a persistent ideological threat against "Western values." It's a complex historical issue, but perhaps it boils down to something very, very simple.

    https://readingjunkie.com/2022/03/13/i-finally-understand-why-we-hate-russia/

    Replies: @Pharmakon

    This article by Paul Starobin provides a good resume of the genesis of Western Russophobia:

    https://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-eternal-collapse-russia-11126

    • Thanks: Aedib
  127. sher singh says:
    @Philip Owen
    @Rich

    Putin or come to that Shoigu and Gerasimov never served in the military either. An actual soldier, popular with the army that close to the top just might be dangerous.

    As we now see, Putin expected the population to rise up in support within 48 hours.

    Bad decisions like this are why sensible governments, even dictatorships like China have term limits. Xi then removed the term limits. China is going to drop the same way as Russia.

    Replies: @Rich, @A123, @Pharmakon, @sher singh

    What just happened? Well, the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, the de-jure highest power of the land, made by 205 members, has proposed a series of changes to China’s constitution. Amongst them are the abolition of term limits for the 主席 President and 副主席 Vicepresident.

    Previously, since 1982, there was a limit of two consecutive terms for both offices.
    What do the president and vice president of China do? The offices have no power. The constitutions, and any other law, give them no power. None at all. They are completely ceremonial.

    So what’s the point? That’s a good question. China has a weird double structure, where the party and state are distinct entities, but have completely mirror structures. For every province, city and county, there is a government, with its governors and mayors and vice governors and vice-mayors.

    And then there’s a Communist Party committee for the same province city or county, with a secretary general. The secretary general calls the shots. The mayor isn’t an entirely ceremonial office, but it is completely subservient to the secretary general of the local committee. There has been lots of calls for abolishing this nonsense and just unify the administration, but the system remains in place.

    The central government, the 国务院, has a “prime minister”, today Li Keqiang. That guy’s not ceremonial either, he wields substantial power. But for some reason, Deng Xiaoping in 1982 decided to put a President on top of the prime minister. I guess for diplomatic reasons. Foreigners don’t understand how Chinese politics work, not then and not now, so he wanted to make it easier to understand.

    The party has its party statutes. And no, no term limits. Same for the military commission. No term limits. So the only term limits are those for the Presidency, which is the fake office. Of course it’s prestigious and all; but it has no real power.

    Mao was not a dictator until 1966. And in order to become one he had to unleash the Cultural Revolution, where he physically killed every single enemy he had, and physically tortured about 90% of the party leadership. Mao did that precisely because he was not secure in his power.

    After 1959 he was removed from power due to, well, causing the starvation of tens of millions of people with the Great Leap Forward. He thought he would be purged and disgraced; and so he threw everything he had against the party. And he won. That’s what Mao did. Xi Jinping is in a completely different situation. He has comfortable complete power over all the country, and in an orderly and formal way. He has nothing to fear.

    As many of us now, it is not from secure power that bad government happens. It is due to insecure power, which leads the powerful to mess with society in order to secure it. That is what the Chinese historical tradition calls 乱, “disorder”. Mao’s time was a disorderly time. Xi Jinping’s time, you may like, or not like, but it is most certainly orderly.

    Now, a lot of people in China are kinda freaking out. Mostly liberal-ish college grads. If only because having a president for life does cut off some potential avenues for upward status mobility. And people hate that, of course, people want more status, more every day. If Xi is smart, he’ll open up the economy a bit, so that status-maximizers can put their energies in making money and not in selling their country to USG’s bioleninist outreach department. We’ll see.

    https://bioleninism.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/china-doesnt-care-about-your-opinion/
    Spandrell.

    You’re de facto right I guess, Idk I don’t care about China or Communism.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  128. sher singh says:
    @Yevardian
    @Gerard1234

    I had assumed 'suddendeath' was American.
    Anyway, ditto Ukraine, but Lithuania has a long history and very distinct identity (with closest existing language to Proto Indo-European in grammar/phonology), after Balts were annexed in the Great Northern War they kept (or rather, their German overlords) far-ranging autonomy and local institutions. Not fair to compare them with something as manufactured as the modern Ukrainian state.


    Lukashenko was motivated to be able to give Russia an extra point of attack through their own border, one which if it didnt exist then Operation Z certainly wouldn’t have happened.
     
    All the same Luka has been very cautious (or rather, Putin has be careful not to embarrass him), although as Dmitri pointed out, the Belarusian army has zero combat experience.

    Unclear his patriot-level, but even “neutral” level is a huge improvement on the deluge of cretinism that anglo/western audiences are being brainwashed with.
     
    Well, he's lived outside of Russia for a very long time, and apparently has absolutely zero desire to return (as you don't either?), for understandable reasons. It's clear enough he was horrified and blindsided by the outbreak of kinetic war, as any sensible person would be, but doesn't care much for the Ukrainian kakistocracy either. I also don't really see any winners in this.

    @Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg


    Here’s something scoffers are trying to sort out: Why did Putin play along with the COVID scam? IF he’s such a rebel and enemy of the WEF total control scheme, why did he never question it until now and only in the context of what really amounts to an intra-Russo-Slavic civil war?
     
    Based retard.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Dmitry, @Yellowface Anon

    You’re a Gay Armenian.

    Your Greek Master says Sanskrit is closest to any PIE

    http://indiafacts.org/fallacies-proto-indo-european/

    There was a Proto Indo-European language 10.000 years ago. Its reconstruction is impossible now despite enormous efforts by fanciful scholars. The closest extant language is (old) Sanskrit.

    Dr Nicholas Kazanas is a Greek-born (1939) scholar, Director of Omilos Meleton, Cultural Institute in Athens

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @sher singh


    Your Greek Master says Sanskrit is closest to any PIE
     
    The context clearly implied living languages.
    Of course Kazanas is revered by coping Pajeet nationalists, as I think he's the only major linguistics scholar left arguing against the 'invasion theory' of India by the Indo-Aryans.

    The man is a relic, he still rejects the Satem-Centum distinction on the basis of a few anomalies that were accounted for and decisively settled decades ago. Even more damningly, he comes close to rejecting Sausurre's laryngeal theory, the foundational framework for all PIE studies since the decipherment of Hittite proved it beyond all reasonable doubt.
    If it wasn't for his great synchronic Analysis work on the Prakrits and Sanskrit itself, his views on broader PIE issues would be dismissed as mere crankery.

    I doubt you read the article (probably just googled a phrase), but Kazanas even states Avestan (still used as Zoroastrian sacred tongue) is of equal antiquity to Sanskrit. Hittite is much older than both, although it's identity was long obscured by unique developments within Anatolian IE languages, so much so that the group is sometimes considered a sister-branch to PIE as a whole.

    But by all means, continue to worship the successive waves of Iranian tribes that crushed and enslaved your mixed-dravidian ancestors, in an essentially continuous cycle until the British arrived. Otherwise, Punjab would be being ruled by Pashtuns now.

    FACTS and LOGIC, sir.

    Replies: @sher singh

  129. German_reader says:
    @songbird
    @German_reader

    Heard their support of the Red Army Faction was partly to get Western cars, which the group regularly stole and crossed the border with, using phony plates. It's been alleged Putin was their handler and helped supply them with weapons, and was given a car in return, which he later returned to Russia in.

    Never tried to read much late-stage Soviet or Warsaw Pact propaganda about Western Europe and America. I imagine it would be disappointing stuff about racism, which is basically the same tune that the USSR has been playing since the '30s or before. Might as well read a Western paper of that time...

    Off the top of my head, the only thing I remember is this - I suppose Putin could have been in on it. (OTOH, maybe, he was just reading pozzed German media and summarizing negative stories about Germans.)

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_INFEKTION

    A shame so many of the Stazi records were destroyed or else we may have had better guesses as to what Putin was doing, though I imagine they were circumspect about their Soviet contacts. Wouldn't it be funny if he knew Merkel?

    Replies: @German_reader

    It’s been alleged Putin was their handler and helped supply them with weapons

    I don’t think there’s anything to that at all tbh. When Putin came to East Germany in 1985, the 2nd generation of the RAF had already been mostly out of action for several years anyway (either imprisoned in West Germany, or in some cases living under new identity in East Germany…but the latter don’t seem to have had any active involvement in terrorism anymore). And the 3rd generation (which committed some high-profile assassinations until the early 1990s) is a very shadowy affair, not much is known about them and few of their members have ever been caught. There are theories that they were supported by the Stasi, but as far as I can tell that’s all speculation, there is no hard evidence.
    I suspect Putin had some boring desk job during his time in East Germany, but would still be interesting to know.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @German_reader


    but the latter don’t seem to have had any active involvement in terrorism anymore
     
    Wasn't there a sharp decline in leftist violence in Europe after the '70s? My impression was that there was some generational change, that struck across different countries. Like for example, U.S. General James Lee Dozier was kidnapped in 1981 in Verona, Italy by the Red Brigades. They kept him for 42 days without killing him, and he was eventually rescued without a shot being fired.

    So, maybe, Putin was working with the RAF, but the members who were operant weren't the killers of the previous generation. I'm sure they would have considered it worthwhile, just to have them lift cars.

    I thought the first gen got their weapons from the PLO, but, maybe, in Putin's time, they might have been supplied with weapons to sell on the blackmarket? In return for services. (What else would they trade? Not hard currency, surely.) Of course, that is speculating a lot, but it is fun to speculate.

    Supposedly, he sometimes crossed into West Germany, using an alias identity of a man working for TASS. According to one story, he was expelled from West Germany, after being suspected of spying in Bonn.

    Replies: @German_reader, @A123

  130. @sher singh
    @Yevardian

    You're a Gay Armenian.

    Your Greek Master says Sanskrit is closest to any PIE

    http://indiafacts.org/fallacies-proto-indo-european/


    There was a Proto Indo-European language 10.000 years ago. Its reconstruction is impossible now despite enormous efforts by fanciful scholars. The closest extant language is (old) Sanskrit.
     
    Dr Nicholas Kazanas is a Greek-born (1939) scholar, Director of Omilos Meleton, Cultural Institute in Athens

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Yevardian

    Your Greek Master says Sanskrit is closest to any PIE

    The context clearly implied living languages.
    Of course Kazanas is revered by coping Pajeet nationalists, as I think he’s the only major linguistics scholar left arguing against the ‘invasion theory’ of India by the Indo-Aryans.

    The man is a relic, he still rejects the Satem-Centum distinction on the basis of a few anomalies that were accounted for and decisively settled decades ago. Even more damningly, he comes close to rejecting Sausurre’s laryngeal theory, the foundational framework for all PIE studies since the decipherment of Hittite proved it beyond all reasonable doubt.
    If it wasn’t for his great synchronic Analysis work on the Prakrits and Sanskrit itself, his views on broader PIE issues would be dismissed as mere crankery.

    I doubt you read the article (probably just googled a phrase), but Kazanas even states Avestan (still used as Zoroastrian sacred tongue) is of equal antiquity to Sanskrit. Hittite is much older than both, although it’s identity was long obscured by unique developments within Anatolian IE languages, so much so that the group is sometimes considered a sister-branch to PIE as a whole.

    But by all means, continue to worship the successive waves of Iranian tribes that crushed and enslaved your mixed-dravidian ancestors, in an essentially continuous cycle until the British arrived. Otherwise, Punjab would be being ruled by Pashtuns now.

    FACTS and LOGIC, sir.

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Yevardian

    Punjab was free'd from Pashtuns by the Khalsa though.
    There were even dozens of Hindu cities in Armenia, now all u do is produce porn for Blacks.

    There's no genetic continuity between the Indus Valley & the Gangetics or Dravidas.
    :shrug: https://araingang.medium.com/the-indus-valley-is-genetically-distinct-from-north-india-f2fe98e3e099

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  131. @German_reader
    @iffen


    Now, unless you can come up with some categorical denunciation of nationalism, one that applies to me, you and AK, then your attacks on AK are mere partisanship on your part.
     
    imo a lot of Karlin's recent statements are verging on caricature, like a recycling of the dumbest talking points of early 20th century nationalists. Sure, it's possible Russia will succeed in her current enterprise, maybe everything will work out to Karlin's satisfaction and lead to a glorious rebirth of the Russian empire. But still..."national rejuvenation through war", lol, what could possibly go wrong with such an approach, not like it's ever been tried before. I don't think one has to categorically reject nationalism in its entirety to be irritated by this kind of all-or-nothing risk-taking (and its implication that Russia is worthless if the present war doesn't lead to a glorious future).
    Also comes across as really in poor taste that Karlin writes these things while apparently still living his comfortable bourgeois hipster life (in another thread he just mused how 100 000 deaths in the Ukraine war might not be too high a price, which caused the entirely legitimate question by an East Asian commenter "Why don't you volunteer and go fight yourself?").
    And finally, his writing has also gotten really boring (apart from his grandiose pronouncements, which are oscillating somewhere between creepy and unintentionally hilarious). If you've reached the pedestrian level of "Russia is fighting Nazi terrorists in Ukraine", you're not really saying anything original or worth listening to anymore.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @silviosilver, @iffen

    I didn’t say anything about him being an outstanding example of a virtuous nationalist. I just mean that he has the right, just as you have the right to take the side of Ukraine.

    And I have already posted that we Americans will owe an eternal debt to Ukrainians if this war does in fact force rich European countries to start investing in their own military and defense.

  132. @German_reader
    @songbird


    It’s been alleged Putin was their handler and helped supply them with weapons
     
    I don't think there's anything to that at all tbh. When Putin came to East Germany in 1985, the 2nd generation of the RAF had already been mostly out of action for several years anyway (either imprisoned in West Germany, or in some cases living under new identity in East Germany...but the latter don't seem to have had any active involvement in terrorism anymore). And the 3rd generation (which committed some high-profile assassinations until the early 1990s) is a very shadowy affair, not much is known about them and few of their members have ever been caught. There are theories that they were supported by the Stasi, but as far as I can tell that's all speculation, there is no hard evidence.
    I suspect Putin had some boring desk job during his time in East Germany, but would still be interesting to know.

    Replies: @songbird

    but the latter don’t seem to have had any active involvement in terrorism anymore

    Wasn’t there a sharp decline in leftist violence in Europe after the ’70s? My impression was that there was some generational change, that struck across different countries. Like for example, U.S. General James Lee Dozier was kidnapped in 1981 in Verona, Italy by the Red Brigades. They kept him for 42 days without killing him, and he was eventually rescued without a shot being fired.

    So, maybe, Putin was working with the RAF, but the members who were operant weren’t the killers of the previous generation. I’m sure they would have considered it worthwhile, just to have them lift cars.

    I thought the first gen got their weapons from the PLO, but, maybe, in Putin’s time, they might have been supplied with weapons to sell on the blackmarket? In return for services. (What else would they trade? Not hard currency, surely.) Of course, that is speculating a lot, but it is fun to speculate.

    Supposedly, he sometimes crossed into West Germany, using an alias identity of a man working for TASS. According to one story, he was expelled from West Germany, after being suspected of spying in Bonn.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @songbird


    Wasn’t there a sharp decline in leftist violence in Europe after the ’70s? My impression was that there was some generational change, that struck across different countries.
     
    3rd generation of RAF could actually be pretty vicious, e.g.:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Pimental

    As for any Putin connection, I think that's just fantasy. But the issue is that not that much is known about the 3rd generation of RAF, investigators literally don't know the identities of many of their members, and even some of those known have never been captured (iirc a few of them are known to have committed robberies in the 2010s, so these people are still alive, just have managed to evade capture for more than 30 years). So there's room for a lot of speculation.

    Replies: @songbird

    , @A123
    @songbird


    Wasn’t there a sharp decline in leftist violence in Europe after the ’70s? My impression was that there was some generational change, that struck across different countries.
     
    I suspect behaviour was the same.

    The difference was driven by perception. The leftward media shift was beginning. Progressive groups were no longer criticized for uncivilized activity. Coverage of crimes focused through the lens of race. Violence became acceptable as long as it was For The Greater Good of leftist causes.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @songbird

  133. Alert: the paranoid ex-Libertarian Anatoly Karlin is still wielding his censorship scalpel!

    If you value your own input to this blogsite, do not continue posting comments to any thread prior to Open Thread #181. It appears that Karlin still yields this privilege in prior threads, before Ron Unz severely reprimanded him for these anti-democratic practices. I was reading an interesting exchange between AP and Karlin yesterday, and posted my own reply to AP’s comment #449 within Open Thread #179. Interestingly enough, it isn’t there anymore. Apparently, Karlin didn’t appreciate my query as to his own sanity, that he sounded as if he were still using the powerful hallucinatory drug LSD – he’s admitted that he’s experimented with this drug in the past. It was nice, however, to see that AP scored many points within their exchange. 🙂

    • Thanks: Yellowface Anon
  134. German_reader says:
    @songbird
    @German_reader


    but the latter don’t seem to have had any active involvement in terrorism anymore
     
    Wasn't there a sharp decline in leftist violence in Europe after the '70s? My impression was that there was some generational change, that struck across different countries. Like for example, U.S. General James Lee Dozier was kidnapped in 1981 in Verona, Italy by the Red Brigades. They kept him for 42 days without killing him, and he was eventually rescued without a shot being fired.

    So, maybe, Putin was working with the RAF, but the members who were operant weren't the killers of the previous generation. I'm sure they would have considered it worthwhile, just to have them lift cars.

    I thought the first gen got their weapons from the PLO, but, maybe, in Putin's time, they might have been supplied with weapons to sell on the blackmarket? In return for services. (What else would they trade? Not hard currency, surely.) Of course, that is speculating a lot, but it is fun to speculate.

    Supposedly, he sometimes crossed into West Germany, using an alias identity of a man working for TASS. According to one story, he was expelled from West Germany, after being suspected of spying in Bonn.

    Replies: @German_reader, @A123

    Wasn’t there a sharp decline in leftist violence in Europe after the ’70s? My impression was that there was some generational change, that struck across different countries.

    3rd generation of RAF could actually be pretty vicious, e.g.:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Pimental

    As for any Putin connection, I think that’s just fantasy. But the issue is that not that much is known about the 3rd generation of RAF, investigators literally don’t know the identities of many of their members, and even some of those known have never been captured (iirc a few of them are known to have committed robberies in the 2010s, so these people are still alive, just have managed to evade capture for more than 30 years). So there’s room for a lot of speculation.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @German_reader

    Thanks, that is interesting. Curious how there were all these attacks on American and British bases in mainland Europe, but now it almost seems like the Left has come around to supporting American imperialism.

    Guess the IRA and ETA were still pretty active in the '80s. But maybe those count as paramilitaries? Or maybe, it just took longer for the same trends to manifest there because of remoteness or higher TFR.

    Think they had something like 50 KGB officers in East Germany, so I wouldn't necessarily call that high odds, even if the Soviets were connected. Then, again, by the fall of the Wall, Putin was a Lt. Colonel, and I believe in charge of the KGB HQ in Dresden. If anyone was dealing with them, guess it would be in the KGB files, which were successfully removed from Germany, by Putin and his subordinates. Unless he scrubbed them.

    Replies: @German_reader

  135. @Anatoly Karlin
    @German_reader

    It's not a legitimate question, it's a moronic and bad faith one. About 70% of Russians support the special military operation, but only about 0.2% of them are participating in it. Why don't you go round asking the other 69.8% the same thing? The 0.2% that are fighting are people who want to be there, who are paid well above average Russian salaries to be there (funded by taxes collected from the 69.8%), and who have specifically trained for years for scenarios like this.

    It's also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Philip Owen, @German_reader, @Jim Christian, @AKAHorace, @Philip Owen

    It’s also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.

    Hey, Anatoly! Best point on the ‘thread’, or whatever this thing is now. No one was paying attention the past eight years in the Donbass. Those lives had no value? Indeed, where were the pacifists? There ARE no pacifists. Those are crocodile tears and shills picking at Russia’s hide. Since they didn’t give voice to the Donbass, I accord them no voice now.

    Lots of new voices around here picking at YOUR hide lately, Anatoly. Consider them fleas. I for one miss your insights and information and photography. Your voice counts especially because you’ve been over there. Be well, young man.

  136. @Commentator Mike
    @sudden death

    I was just trolling the troll - you.

    Replies: @LatW

    I was just..

    If you ever feel like posting to again, remember — a golden nightingale is hovering at the tip of my spear.

  137. A123 says: • Website
    @songbird
    @German_reader


    but the latter don’t seem to have had any active involvement in terrorism anymore
     
    Wasn't there a sharp decline in leftist violence in Europe after the '70s? My impression was that there was some generational change, that struck across different countries. Like for example, U.S. General James Lee Dozier was kidnapped in 1981 in Verona, Italy by the Red Brigades. They kept him for 42 days without killing him, and he was eventually rescued without a shot being fired.

    So, maybe, Putin was working with the RAF, but the members who were operant weren't the killers of the previous generation. I'm sure they would have considered it worthwhile, just to have them lift cars.

    I thought the first gen got their weapons from the PLO, but, maybe, in Putin's time, they might have been supplied with weapons to sell on the blackmarket? In return for services. (What else would they trade? Not hard currency, surely.) Of course, that is speculating a lot, but it is fun to speculate.

    Supposedly, he sometimes crossed into West Germany, using an alias identity of a man working for TASS. According to one story, he was expelled from West Germany, after being suspected of spying in Bonn.

    Replies: @German_reader, @A123

    Wasn’t there a sharp decline in leftist violence in Europe after the ’70s? My impression was that there was some generational change, that struck across different countries.

    I suspect behaviour was the same.

    The difference was driven by perception. The leftward media shift was beginning. Progressive groups were no longer criticized for uncivilized activity. Coverage of crimes focused through the lens of race. Violence became acceptable as long as it was For The Greater Good of leftist causes.

    PEACE 😇

    • Replies: @songbird
    @A123

    Here's an interesting blurb about the Weather Underground:


    However, by 1976 the organization was disintegrating. The Weather Underground held a conference in Chicago called Hard Times. The idea was to create an umbrella organization for all radical groups. However, the event turned sour when Hispanic and Black groups accused the Weather Underground and the Prairie Fire Committee of limiting their roles in racial issues.
     
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_Underground

    However, I don't think that would explain the changes in Europe.
  138. @Yevardian
    @sher singh


    Your Greek Master says Sanskrit is closest to any PIE
     
    The context clearly implied living languages.
    Of course Kazanas is revered by coping Pajeet nationalists, as I think he's the only major linguistics scholar left arguing against the 'invasion theory' of India by the Indo-Aryans.

    The man is a relic, he still rejects the Satem-Centum distinction on the basis of a few anomalies that were accounted for and decisively settled decades ago. Even more damningly, he comes close to rejecting Sausurre's laryngeal theory, the foundational framework for all PIE studies since the decipherment of Hittite proved it beyond all reasonable doubt.
    If it wasn't for his great synchronic Analysis work on the Prakrits and Sanskrit itself, his views on broader PIE issues would be dismissed as mere crankery.

    I doubt you read the article (probably just googled a phrase), but Kazanas even states Avestan (still used as Zoroastrian sacred tongue) is of equal antiquity to Sanskrit. Hittite is much older than both, although it's identity was long obscured by unique developments within Anatolian IE languages, so much so that the group is sometimes considered a sister-branch to PIE as a whole.

    But by all means, continue to worship the successive waves of Iranian tribes that crushed and enslaved your mixed-dravidian ancestors, in an essentially continuous cycle until the British arrived. Otherwise, Punjab would be being ruled by Pashtuns now.

    FACTS and LOGIC, sir.

    Replies: @sher singh

    Punjab was free’d from Pashtuns by the Khalsa though.
    There were even dozens of Hindu cities in Armenia, now all u do is produce porn for Blacks.

    There’s no genetic continuity between the Indus Valley & the Gangetics or Dravidas.
    :shrug: https://araingang.medium.com/the-indus-valley-is-genetically-distinct-from-north-india-f2fe98e3e099

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  139. @German_reader
    @songbird


    Wasn’t there a sharp decline in leftist violence in Europe after the ’70s? My impression was that there was some generational change, that struck across different countries.
     
    3rd generation of RAF could actually be pretty vicious, e.g.:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Pimental

    As for any Putin connection, I think that's just fantasy. But the issue is that not that much is known about the 3rd generation of RAF, investigators literally don't know the identities of many of their members, and even some of those known have never been captured (iirc a few of them are known to have committed robberies in the 2010s, so these people are still alive, just have managed to evade capture for more than 30 years). So there's room for a lot of speculation.

    Replies: @songbird

    Thanks, that is interesting. Curious how there were all these attacks on American and British bases in mainland Europe, but now it almost seems like the Left has come around to supporting American imperialism.

    Guess the IRA and ETA were still pretty active in the ’80s. But maybe those count as paramilitaries? Or maybe, it just took longer for the same trends to manifest there because of remoteness or higher TFR.

    Think they had something like 50 KGB officers in East Germany, so I wouldn’t necessarily call that high odds, even if the Soviets were connected. Then, again, by the fall of the Wall, Putin was a Lt. Colonel, and I believe in charge of the KGB HQ in Dresden. If anyone was dealing with them, guess it would be in the KGB files, which were successfully removed from Germany, by Putin and his subordinates. Unless he scrubbed them.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @songbird


    Guess the IRA and ETA were still pretty active in the ’80s. But maybe those count as paramilitaries?
     
    I think they were a much bigger deal. RAF was basically just a few dozen loonies aided by a few hundred supporters. It's very strange in retrospect how West Germany went nuts over them during the Deutscher Herbst of 1977 (my father remembers traffic controls where you were approached by police with drawn machine pistols, and there was talk about re-introducing the death penalty, maybe even treating imprisoned RAF members as hostages). Whereas today the official attitude towards Islamic-inspired terrorism is much more indifferent, something you just have to tolerate. Part of the explanation is probably that RAF actually managed to kill quite a few elite representatives (the GIs and German policemen they killed don't get mentioned much), which scared the establishment.

    Replies: @songbird

  140. @Anatoly Karlin
    @German_reader

    It's not a legitimate question, it's a moronic and bad faith one. About 70% of Russians support the special military operation, but only about 0.2% of them are participating in it. Why don't you go round asking the other 69.8% the same thing? The 0.2% that are fighting are people who want to be there, who are paid well above average Russian salaries to be there (funded by taxes collected from the 69.8%), and who have specifically trained for years for scenarios like this.

    It's also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Philip Owen, @German_reader, @Jim Christian, @AKAHorace, @Philip Owen

    Karlin,

    is this for real ? The timing seems a bit convenient and there is no snow, but perhaps they efficiently remove snow as well as dissidents.

    "Two Words", Moscov, 2022. from Unexpected

  141. @Emil Nikola Richard
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Less than six months ago:

    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/russias-nationalist-turn/

    : (

    Replies: @Barbarossa

    The thing that I admired most about AK’s blog was his ability to foster such a diverse and (usually) collegial collection of viewpoints. I felt that this was a very positive reflection of AK and something he had a right to be very proud of. While the commentariat was not a direct offshoot of his ideological work, it was still something rather special that coalesced around him and his writing. The fact that so many open threads have continued without him is an oblique tribute to him.

    It seems clear that AK does not feel the same and has moved on to other priorities, though it’s too bad that he has taken a hostile attitude. It seems that he could have moved on to his other future works and priorities without burning bridges from his past.

    Regardless, I still deeply appreciate the writing and generosity of spirit the AK has exhibited on the blog in the past, and wish him the best in whatever he lays his hand to.

    • Agree: AKAHorace, Pharmakon, Twinkie
    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Barbarossa

    Bro, the Ukranians have been hijacking every single discussion for the last 3 years if not 4 or 5.
    Go to his Discord & ask you'll see almost everyone agree.

    This forum has no mandate to cater to the needs of Mr. Hack, AP & a few others (no personal offence)
    While pain & suffering should be alleviated, Fuck Ukraine for that reason alone & Fk Khokhols.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    , @Twinkie
    @Barbarossa

    I didn't read Anatoly Karlin regularly, but checked in once in a while. I bemoaned his leaving on record, especially coming right after Audacious Epigone shutting down his blog.

    But I am surprised by the change in his online demeanor since he moved on to Substack. My impression was that he had his strong and unusual opinions, but they were often backed by data and evidence, and he usually seemed congenial enough to debate those who differed with him.

    His last several comments on Unz seem extremely ungracious, especially to his previous audience who helped to grow whatever prominence he has now. It smacks of burning bridges with a past employer now that he has a new employer (so to speak), i.e. "All the readers who pay to read me moved with me to Substack, so screw the rest of you on Unz who criticize my writings - you are all just a bunch of Ukrainian Fascist shills!"

    He also seems to have gone "full Putin," writing Baghdad Bob-like propaganda such as attributing Russian failures or difficulties to naivete or "Christ-like" gentleness of the Russian politico-military leaders rather than tactical/operational failures or strategic miscalculations.

    Although I was not sympatico with many of his views, I previously held him in relatively high regard as a truth-seeker, so I am disappointed in his latest online iteration. Nonetheless, I wish him well and hope he comes out well of the end of whatever is going on in Russia today.

    Replies: @Johann Ricke, @Anatoly Karlin

  142. guess i’ll be posting here for the duration, as Steve Sailer has completely lost it, and gone full boomer.

  143. @A123
    @songbird


    Wasn’t there a sharp decline in leftist violence in Europe after the ’70s? My impression was that there was some generational change, that struck across different countries.
     
    I suspect behaviour was the same.

    The difference was driven by perception. The leftward media shift was beginning. Progressive groups were no longer criticized for uncivilized activity. Coverage of crimes focused through the lens of race. Violence became acceptable as long as it was For The Greater Good of leftist causes.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @songbird

    Here’s an interesting blurb about the Weather Underground:

    However, by 1976 the organization was disintegrating. The Weather Underground held a conference in Chicago called Hard Times. The idea was to create an umbrella organization for all radical groups. However, the event turned sour when Hispanic and Black groups accused the Weather Underground and the Prairie Fire Committee of limiting their roles in racial issues.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_Underground

    However, I don’t think that would explain the changes in Europe.

  144. @Commentator Mike
    Here's the latest from Patrick Lancaster from the just liberated Volnovakha

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbiplu3Cyjg

    Replies: @Wielgus, @Sasu

    Thanks for sharing this. I hadn’t seen any of his reports, and am surprised that YouTube hasn’t removed them. Brave guy.

  145. sher singh says:
    @Barbarossa
    @Emil Nikola Richard

    The thing that I admired most about AK's blog was his ability to foster such a diverse and (usually) collegial collection of viewpoints. I felt that this was a very positive reflection of AK and something he had a right to be very proud of. While the commentariat was not a direct offshoot of his ideological work, it was still something rather special that coalesced around him and his writing. The fact that so many open threads have continued without him is an oblique tribute to him.

    It seems clear that AK does not feel the same and has moved on to other priorities, though it's too bad that he has taken a hostile attitude. It seems that he could have moved on to his other future works and priorities without burning bridges from his past.

    Regardless, I still deeply appreciate the writing and generosity of spirit the AK has exhibited on the blog in the past, and wish him the best in whatever he lays his hand to.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Twinkie

    Bro, the Ukranians have been hijacking every single discussion for the last 3 years if not 4 or 5.
    Go to his Discord & ask you’ll see almost everyone agree.

    This forum has no mandate to cater to the needs of Mr. Hack, AP & a few others (no personal offence)
    While pain & suffering should be alleviated, Fuck Ukraine for that reason alone & Fk Khokhols.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    • Thanks: Pharmakon
    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @sher singh

    How stupid. Karlin mentioned nothing about a preponderance of Ukrainian sympathizer comments that caused him to leave this blogsite. In fact, he really hasn't left this site, as he continually reappears, that other non-Ukrainian sympathizers have found to be bizarre. The truth of the matter, up until this stupid war commenced, he and I got along rather well. He even invited me to personally visit him if ever in Moscow. We shared cooking tips and he even shared with me a way to pirate current films. Hi friendship with AP was legendary. It's since this war started that he's donned his Darth Vader costume and seems to get his jollies from watching bombed out civilian enclaves in Ukraine. For this, I will not cut him any slack, why should I?

    Replies: @sher singh

  146. https://discordapp.com/channels/@me/640459736919048202/952795439751634944

    Sikh man attacked in Sacramento but he came Strapped. from Sikh

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  147. @sher singh
    @Barbarossa

    Bro, the Ukranians have been hijacking every single discussion for the last 3 years if not 4 or 5.
    Go to his Discord & ask you'll see almost everyone agree.

    This forum has no mandate to cater to the needs of Mr. Hack, AP & a few others (no personal offence)
    While pain & suffering should be alleviated, Fuck Ukraine for that reason alone & Fk Khokhols.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    How stupid. Karlin mentioned nothing about a preponderance of Ukrainian sympathizer comments that caused him to leave this blogsite. In fact, he really hasn’t left this site, as he continually reappears, that other non-Ukrainian sympathizers have found to be bizarre. The truth of the matter, up until this stupid war commenced, he and I got along rather well. He even invited me to personally visit him if ever in Moscow. We shared cooking tips and he even shared with me a way to pirate current films. Hi friendship with AP was legendary. It’s since this war started that he’s donned his Darth Vader costume and seems to get his jollies from watching bombed out civilian enclaves in Ukraine. For this, I will not cut him any slack, why should I?

    • Agree: Barbarossa
    • Thanks: sher singh
    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Mr. Hack

    I agree.
    Ask on the discord lot of people are pissed the board going Ukro-centric few yrs back.

    I complained & got on fine afterwards, but anyone pretending this place hasn't changed since 2018 or thereabouts is lying. A lot of old commentators either left or have thankfully reached discord. I sympathize with both the Bravery of the Ukrainians & the Geo-political ambitions of the Rus which are well out-lined here: https://akarlin.com/struggle-europe-mankind/

    This went from an international place to a mostly Slavic one, and that's fine. Mirrors Tolya's move East. ;)

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Barbarossa

  148. @Yevardian
    @Gerard1234

    I had assumed 'suddendeath' was American.
    Anyway, ditto Ukraine, but Lithuania has a long history and very distinct identity (with closest existing language to Proto Indo-European in grammar/phonology), after Balts were annexed in the Great Northern War they kept (or rather, their German overlords) far-ranging autonomy and local institutions. Not fair to compare them with something as manufactured as the modern Ukrainian state.


    Lukashenko was motivated to be able to give Russia an extra point of attack through their own border, one which if it didnt exist then Operation Z certainly wouldn’t have happened.
     
    All the same Luka has been very cautious (or rather, Putin has be careful not to embarrass him), although as Dmitri pointed out, the Belarusian army has zero combat experience.

    Unclear his patriot-level, but even “neutral” level is a huge improvement on the deluge of cretinism that anglo/western audiences are being brainwashed with.
     
    Well, he's lived outside of Russia for a very long time, and apparently has absolutely zero desire to return (as you don't either?), for understandable reasons. It's clear enough he was horrified and blindsided by the outbreak of kinetic war, as any sensible person would be, but doesn't care much for the Ukrainian kakistocracy either. I also don't really see any winners in this.

    @Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg


    Here’s something scoffers are trying to sort out: Why did Putin play along with the COVID scam? IF he’s such a rebel and enemy of the WEF total control scheme, why did he never question it until now and only in the context of what really amounts to an intra-Russo-Slavic civil war?
     
    Based retard.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Dmitry, @Yellowface Anon

    Gerard writes subtle posts with multi-levels of meaning, for a small circle of cognoscenti, which may not actually exist here to interpret them.

    Sometimes he loses the discipline to hide his sophistication, shows his real personality, starts writing about Oscar Peterson’s fingering innovations of the left hand, or a progression of catenaccio tactics in 1980s Italian football.

    If Gerard is not careful, you know he would start to explain about his interest in the early theological writings of Hegel, or the effect of Bösendorfer’s engineers in the Yamaha CFX range.

    When Gerard is writing “Master” above, he is satirizing the neurological situation shown recently by the old moderator of this forum.

    This “Master Master”, is reference to a character “Renfield”, in the story of “Dracula” by Bram Stoker.

    Renfield is usually calmly eating insects, in his room in London insane asylum. In peaceful times, Renfield is able to have almost normal discussions about his master (Dracula) with the psychologists, and happy to sit alone, eat rats and dream about his master’s plans.

    But when the evil approaches to civilized London, then Renfield’s brain is flooded with neurotransmitters and excitement. Suddenly, can not anymore speak normally to people, but just shouts in short, not coherent sentences “Master Master”.

    The analogy is perfect for the recent experiences caused to our forum discussions, before Ron Unz has returned freedom of speech. But I’m not surprised that Gerard is thinking the same, and he was the first martyr of a lighter censorship here.

    • LOL: sher singh, sudden death, Emil Nikola Richard
    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Dmitry

    Believe it or not, you might recall that I would often rally to Gerard's defense whenever Karlin would ban him from making comments, although I enjoyed poking fun at some of his ideas. What was most disgusting about the man, was his acidic style, that could never offer him any congeniality points. We both thought highly of the music of Chick Corea (I remember you being a fan too), so he couldn't be all bad. :-)

  149. sher singh says:
    @Mr. Hack
    @sher singh

    How stupid. Karlin mentioned nothing about a preponderance of Ukrainian sympathizer comments that caused him to leave this blogsite. In fact, he really hasn't left this site, as he continually reappears, that other non-Ukrainian sympathizers have found to be bizarre. The truth of the matter, up until this stupid war commenced, he and I got along rather well. He even invited me to personally visit him if ever in Moscow. We shared cooking tips and he even shared with me a way to pirate current films. Hi friendship with AP was legendary. It's since this war started that he's donned his Darth Vader costume and seems to get his jollies from watching bombed out civilian enclaves in Ukraine. For this, I will not cut him any slack, why should I?

    Replies: @sher singh

    I agree.
    Ask on the discord lot of people are pissed the board going Ukro-centric few yrs back.

    I complained & got on fine afterwards, but anyone pretending this place hasn’t changed since 2018 or thereabouts is lying. A lot of old commentators either left or have thankfully reached discord. I sympathize with both the Bravery of the Ukrainians & the Geo-political ambitions of the Rus which are well out-lined here: https://akarlin.com/struggle-europe-mankind/

    This went from an international place to a mostly Slavic one, and that’s fine. Mirrors Tolya’s move East. 😉

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @sher singh


    Ask on the discord
     
    A haven for unwashed NEETs, teenage gamers, trannies, glowies and schizos. I'll pass.
    With it, feels like Akarlin's return to his ideological roots with the likes of Oliver D Smith, Mark Steyn readers and that 'PUA' women-respecter with a head like Red Dwarf's Kryten.

    https://alchetron.com/cdn/kryten-8f09c27e-cd80-4070-8a5c-9a4cc500bca-resize-750.jpeg

    It is odd though. Karlin abandons his blog, and a short while later, echoes the same uncritical triumphalism he mocked in writers like 'The Saker' for years. I mean a lot of people who wish the best for an independent Russia immediately saw the commencement of this invasion as an unavoidable castastrophe.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Anatoly Karlin, @Lolcow of the day

    , @Barbarossa
    @sher singh

    I'm unqualified to judge the change in the board pre-2018 since I wasn't around that much prior. I gravitated more toward AE anyhow prior to his leaving and landed here since it was the only worthwhile commenting section left at UNZ.

    Regardless of how the board has shifted over 3 or 4 years, the change in AK's attitude seems quite recent and precipitous, as Mr. Hack points out.

    Personally, I find it somewhat interesting to see the partisans on both sides spar, even if it is a somewhat futile exercise. It's really not like AP or Mr. Hack are content-free trolls, even if they are staunch Ukrainian boosters. Mr. Hack may give too much credence to stuff he sees on Twitter, but they are usually both well rounded commenters.

    Besides, what would be the point of a "Rah Rah Russia" echo chamber? That just sounds boring, like some pro-Russian version of the Breitbart comment section. I like seeing the true believers on both sides along with the agnostics trapped in the same room.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @sher singh

  150. @Gerard1234
    @sudden death

    American prostitute dickhead from Stalingrad ( "Vilnius" is not the name now for that average city. I have renamed it after the man who, generously, gave it to Lithuanian prostitutes)........ will you answer my point?

    Because your worthless POS country, with the capital city of Stalingrad, staged a false flag that lead to closing of EU flights to Belarus, restrictions on Belavia and other sanctions........ Lukashenko was motivated to be able to give Russia an extra point of attack through their own border, one which if it didnt exist then Operation Z certainly wouldn't have happened.

    I realise you have no free media in Lithuania and too many dumb, suicidal and alcoholic imbeciles to question the unexplained actions of Stalingrad ATC, transcripts or ANY interest in what the pilots had to say....... but this is quite an important issue for a population like yours to be willfully retarded on.

    Replies: @Yevardian, @sudden death

    Looks like you share the same psycho drugs dealer with Karlin now, lol

    Anyways even if living in fantasy land it shows your lowly ungrateful inner nature – instead being respectfuly thankful to us for being the cause to implement oh so succesful impressive victorious superbly planned and executed Operation Z, you’re angrily hallucinating instead when seeing this great RF march 😉

    Such lack of joyous enthusiasm at the cusp of crushing victory is very typical to Western recruited double spies so all seeing eyes and hands of RF motherland agencies should very deservedly bring you under trial soon.

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @sudden death

    As Dmitri hinted at, I really don't think you should take all Gerard's posts at face value, he is a Zhirik-like figure, and one of the most knowledgeable commenters here, under his clown persona.

    Replies: @sudden death

  151. @sher singh
    @Mr. Hack

    I agree.
    Ask on the discord lot of people are pissed the board going Ukro-centric few yrs back.

    I complained & got on fine afterwards, but anyone pretending this place hasn't changed since 2018 or thereabouts is lying. A lot of old commentators either left or have thankfully reached discord. I sympathize with both the Bravery of the Ukrainians & the Geo-political ambitions of the Rus which are well out-lined here: https://akarlin.com/struggle-europe-mankind/

    This went from an international place to a mostly Slavic one, and that's fine. Mirrors Tolya's move East. ;)

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Barbarossa

    Ask on the discord

    A haven for unwashed NEETs, teenage gamers, trannies, glowies and schizos. I’ll pass.
    With it, feels like Akarlin’s return to his ideological roots with the likes of Oliver D Smith, Mark Steyn readers and that ‘PUA’ women-respecter with a head like Red Dwarf’s Kryten.

    It is odd though. Karlin abandons his blog, and a short while later, echoes the same uncritical triumphalism he mocked in writers like ‘The Saker’ for years. I mean a lot of people who wish the best for an independent Russia immediately saw the commencement of this invasion as an unavoidable castastrophe.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Yevardian


    A haven for unwashed NEETs, teenage gamers, trannies, glowies and schizos.
     
    Is that a comment on Discord in general or specifically on Karlin's forum there (I have experience with neither...sher singh mentioned that you're not allowed to insult other commenters there, which strikes me as very questionable)?

    Replies: @Yevardian

    , @Anatoly Karlin
    @Yevardian

    My mistake not to have kept you banned after your inexcusable smears about me in relation to a certain film review. Yet another demonstration of how no good deed (forgiveness in this case) ever goes unpunished.

    But also a vindication of my decision to distance myself from this absolute viper's den.

    , @Lolcow of the day
    @Yevardian


    A haven for unwashed NEETs, teenage gamers, trannies, glowies and schizos.
     
    You forgot to mention creepy men attracted to 14 year olds:

    https://encyclopediadramatica.online/Anatoly_Karlin#Sexual_attraction_to_young_teenage_girls
    https://trad-news.blogspot.com/2021/10/14-year-old-girl-respecter-anatoly.html

  152. There is usually an attempt to distinguish between businessmen and oligarchs.

    Oligarchs are wealthy because of political/security connections, “state capture” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_capture) .

    Whereas businessman is wealthy, somehow because of their own entrepreneurship.

    There is retail banker Tinkov trying to claim he and Galitsky (founder of supermarket chain now owned by Lavrov’s Israeli son-in-law), are the only not oligarchs in Russia, due to lack of political connection. This is my paraphrase of his new post.

    It’s an example where he has the hand in the biscuit jar for too long, and the now a jar has closed, before he could safely the remove the biscuit and hand to London.

    Most of his money is in America and London, and his children live in London, as British citizens. But he didn’t exit his business before the jar closes, and now much of his wealth will be in rubles.

    For more apparently “prepping” people, here Boris Yeltsin’s granddaughter, who has likely inherited some unknown vast wealth as a product of state capture of the Yeltsin family.

    There is a hand and biscuits (or hundreds of millions of dollars) safely removed from political problems jar of the postsoviet space. Don’t even have to make the account private.

  153. sher singh says:


    [MORE]

    Respect the dead, and those who go to die. For they are foremost,

    ਉੱਤਮ ਮੱਧਮ ਅਧਮ ਹੈ ਜੋਧਾ ਤੀਨ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ । ਅਭ੍ਯਾਸੈ ਸ਼ਸਤ੍ਰਨਿ ਹਤਨਿ ਨਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਤਿ ਬਾਰੰਬਾਰੁ ।26।

    Warriors are of three types; Highest; Intermediate; and Lowest. A warrior is one who daily hones their skills, for extended periods of time practicing with their weapons how to kill.

    ਟਿਕੈ ਜੰਗ ਲਰਤਾ ਰਹੈ, ਬਾਮ ਦਾਹਨੇ ਹੋਇ । ਸਨਮੁਖ ਹਤੈ ਕਿ ਹੇਲ ਮਹਿਂ ਸ਼ੱਤ੍ਰੁ ਬਿਨਾਸੈ ਜੋਇ ।27।

    That [lowest] warrior who holds firm in his position, [does not take a step back/retreat] covers his left and right. Facing the enemy straight on, these warriors destroy their enemy.

    ਟਿਕੇ ਜੰਗ ਮਹਿਂ ਅੱਗ੍ਰ ਵਧਿ ਮਾਰਹਿ ਰਿਪੁ ਕੋ ਧਾਇ । ਮੱਧਮ ਜੋਧਾ ਜਾਨੀਏ ਪਰ ਦਲ ਦੇਇ ਚਲਾਇ ।28।

    That warrior who can remain firm in his position, and push forward; killing the enemy while pouncing forward, recognize them as intermediate warriors who can make the opposing armies run.

    ਭਾਜ੍ਯੋ ਪਰ ਦਲ ਦੇਖਿਕੈ ਦੇ ਧ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਭਿਨਿ ਹਟਾਇ । ਫਿਰੈ ਆਪ ਰਿਪੁ ਸਮੁਖ ਹਤਿ ਉੱਤਮ ਲਖਹੁ ਸੁਭਾਇ ।29।

    Upon seeing ones army lose ranks and run, [that Warrior] who can instill steadfastness and courage into them, turning them around and destroying the enemy head on – Recognize these warriors as the highest.

    ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਤਾਪ ਸੂਰਜ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ, ਰੁੱਤ 5, ਅਧਿਆਇ 40

    ਕ੍ਰਿਤ: ਮਹਾਂਕਵੀ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਸਿੰਘ

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  154. @sudden death
    @Gerard1234

    Looks like you share the same psycho drugs dealer with Karlin now, lol

    Anyways even if living in fantasy land it shows your lowly ungrateful inner nature - instead being respectfuly thankful to us for being the cause to implement oh so succesful impressive victorious superbly planned and executed Operation Z, you're angrily hallucinating instead when seeing this great RF march ;)

    Such lack of joyous enthusiasm at the cusp of crushing victory is very typical to Western recruited double spies so all seeing eyes and hands of RF motherland agencies should very deservedly bring you under trial soon.

    Replies: @Yevardian

    As Dmitri hinted at, I really don’t think you should take all Gerard’s posts at face value, he is a Zhirik-like figure, and one of the most knowledgeable commenters here, under his clown persona.

    • LOL: sher singh
    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Yevardian

    Considering that both Putin and Biden reads this blog, no much surprise that Zhirik does it too and even goes further with occasional postings, especially when waking up from coma now :)

  155. @Barbarossa
    @Emil Nikola Richard

    The thing that I admired most about AK's blog was his ability to foster such a diverse and (usually) collegial collection of viewpoints. I felt that this was a very positive reflection of AK and something he had a right to be very proud of. While the commentariat was not a direct offshoot of his ideological work, it was still something rather special that coalesced around him and his writing. The fact that so many open threads have continued without him is an oblique tribute to him.

    It seems clear that AK does not feel the same and has moved on to other priorities, though it's too bad that he has taken a hostile attitude. It seems that he could have moved on to his other future works and priorities without burning bridges from his past.

    Regardless, I still deeply appreciate the writing and generosity of spirit the AK has exhibited on the blog in the past, and wish him the best in whatever he lays his hand to.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Twinkie

    I didn’t read Anatoly Karlin regularly, but checked in once in a while. I bemoaned his leaving on record, especially coming right after Audacious Epigone shutting down his blog.

    But I am surprised by the change in his online demeanor since he moved on to Substack. My impression was that he had his strong and unusual opinions, but they were often backed by data and evidence, and he usually seemed congenial enough to debate those who differed with him.

    His last several comments on Unz seem extremely ungracious, especially to his previous audience who helped to grow whatever prominence he has now. It smacks of burning bridges with a past employer now that he has a new employer (so to speak), i.e. “All the readers who pay to read me moved with me to Substack, so screw the rest of you on Unz who criticize my writings – you are all just a bunch of Ukrainian Fascist shills!”

    He also seems to have gone “full Putin,” writing Baghdad Bob-like propaganda such as attributing Russian failures or difficulties to naivete or “Christ-like” gentleness of the Russian politico-military leaders rather than tactical/operational failures or strategic miscalculations.

    Although I was not sympatico with many of his views, I previously held him in relatively high regard as a truth-seeker, so I am disappointed in his latest online iteration. Nonetheless, I wish him well and hope he comes out well of the end of whatever is going on in Russia today.

    • Replies: @Johann Ricke
    @Twinkie


    But I am surprised by the change in his online demeanor since he moved on to Substack. My impression was that he had his strong and unusual opinions, but they were often backed by data and evidence, and he usually seemed congenial enough to debate those who differed with him.
     
    He who pays the piper calls the tune, and I don't mean that in a derogatory way. Big thinkers gotta eat, too. Audience-wise, my guess is the highly-committed tend to pay the bills, whereas the less highly-committed tend not to.
    , @Anatoly Karlin
    @Twinkie

    Please don't lie. The Discord is free, Substack is not my employer, and my relations with Ron are perfectly fine so far as I'm aware.

    While somewhat appreciated, I have no need for your well-wishes, save them for those who need them.

    As I keep saying, shock and disbelief: https://boards.4chan.org/pol/thread/367103075

    Replies: @Twinkie

  156. @Dmitry
    @Yevardian

    Gerard writes subtle posts with multi-levels of meaning, for a small circle of cognoscenti, which may not actually exist here to interpret them.

    Sometimes he loses the discipline to hide his sophistication, shows his real personality, starts writing about Oscar Peterson's fingering innovations of the left hand, or a progression of catenaccio tactics in 1980s Italian football.

    If Gerard is not careful, you know he would start to explain about his interest in the early theological writings of Hegel, or the effect of Bösendorfer's engineers in the Yamaha CFX range.

    When Gerard is writing "Master" above, he is satirizing the neurological situation shown recently by the old moderator of this forum.

    This "Master Master", is reference to a character "Renfield", in the story of "Dracula" by Bram Stoker.

    Renfield is usually calmly eating insects, in his room in London insane asylum. In peaceful times, Renfield is able to have almost normal discussions about his master (Dracula) with the psychologists, and happy to sit alone, eat rats and dream about his master's plans.

    But when the evil approaches to civilized London, then Renfield's brain is flooded with neurotransmitters and excitement. Suddenly, can not anymore speak normally to people, but just shouts in short, not coherent sentences "Master Master".

    The analogy is perfect for the recent experiences caused to our forum discussions, before Ron Unz has returned freedom of speech. But I'm not surprised that Gerard is thinking the same, and he was the first martyr of a lighter censorship here.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    Believe it or not, you might recall that I would often rally to Gerard’s defense whenever Karlin would ban him from making comments, although I enjoyed poking fun at some of his ideas. What was most disgusting about the man, was his acidic style, that could never offer him any congeniality points. We both thought highly of the music of Chick Corea (I remember you being a fan too), so he couldn’t be all bad. 🙂

  157. @Yevardian
    @sudden death

    As Dmitri hinted at, I really don't think you should take all Gerard's posts at face value, he is a Zhirik-like figure, and one of the most knowledgeable commenters here, under his clown persona.

    Replies: @sudden death

    Considering that both Putin and Biden reads this blog, no much surprise that Zhirik does it too and even goes further with occasional postings, especially when waking up from coma now 🙂

    • Agree: Yevardian
  158. Thanx, Putler! 😉

    As recently as a year ago, many Americans did not know what to make of Ukraine — if they knew anything about it at all. One-third of voters couldn’t say whether it was friendly or unfriendly to the U.S.

    Not anymore.

    In a striking — if perhaps not surprising — shift over the last year and since Russia’s invasion, an overwhelming majority of Americans now say Ukraine is a friendly country. In a new YouGov survey, 81 percent of Americans say Ukraine is either friendly or an ally, a figure that rivals or even exceeds that of many longtime U.S. allies like France or Japan. Only Britain, Canada and Australia earned more favorable ratings from voters.

    https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/03/12/upshot/ukraine-russia-ally-enemy.html

  159. @songbird
    Not sure that the US would try a hard bifurcation, if China invaded Taiwan.

    One really big rub is that the Chinese are propping up the US college system with foreign students. If they were ever pulled, then many colleges might fail. And the college system is basically part of the blank-slatist ideology that the US is committed to. It is the darling of the regime ideologues, who have the idea that we all just need a little more education.

    But, maybe, we are already past peak in the trend, due to Covid and BLM and the number of Chinese students is decreasing where they might be relatively rare in another ten years. Probably Xi is not thinking about it. BTW, his daughter went to Harvard.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @Yellowface Anon

    If American colleges continue their debasement Chinese institutions might gain prestige for maintaining their intellectual rigor, at least in STEM. Russian ones too, if you don’t mind being locked out of the Western Noosphere. Accelerationism is good!

  160. Another motorcade by Serbians in support of the Russian anti-Nazi intervention in the Ukraine

    https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/second-pro-russia-rally-held-in-belgrade/

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @Commentator Mike

    Has Vučić said anything on the invasion? Would he welcome Russian troops and his country being absorbed into the Great Slavic Empire, if they rolled across NATO member Romania?

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

  161. @Yevardian
    @Gerard1234

    I had assumed 'suddendeath' was American.
    Anyway, ditto Ukraine, but Lithuania has a long history and very distinct identity (with closest existing language to Proto Indo-European in grammar/phonology), after Balts were annexed in the Great Northern War they kept (or rather, their German overlords) far-ranging autonomy and local institutions. Not fair to compare them with something as manufactured as the modern Ukrainian state.


    Lukashenko was motivated to be able to give Russia an extra point of attack through their own border, one which if it didnt exist then Operation Z certainly wouldn’t have happened.
     
    All the same Luka has been very cautious (or rather, Putin has be careful not to embarrass him), although as Dmitri pointed out, the Belarusian army has zero combat experience.

    Unclear his patriot-level, but even “neutral” level is a huge improvement on the deluge of cretinism that anglo/western audiences are being brainwashed with.
     
    Well, he's lived outside of Russia for a very long time, and apparently has absolutely zero desire to return (as you don't either?), for understandable reasons. It's clear enough he was horrified and blindsided by the outbreak of kinetic war, as any sensible person would be, but doesn't care much for the Ukrainian kakistocracy either. I also don't really see any winners in this.

    @Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg


    Here’s something scoffers are trying to sort out: Why did Putin play along with the COVID scam? IF he’s such a rebel and enemy of the WEF total control scheme, why did he never question it until now and only in the context of what really amounts to an intra-Russo-Slavic civil war?
     
    Based retard.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Dmitry, @Yellowface Anon

    I actually linked Putin’s appearance in the WEF – if you believe the WEF is omnipotent, the war in Ukraine “could be” the 2nd stage of the Great Reset by imploding the energy and food markets. But they can’t even stop BoJo from getting rid of NHS COVID Pass and Austria suspending the vaccine mandate. They’re a cruel joke.

  162. @Commentator Mike
    Another motorcade by Serbians in support of the Russian anti-Nazi intervention in the Ukraine

    https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/second-pro-russia-rally-held-in-belgrade/

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    Has Vučić said anything on the invasion? Would he welcome Russian troops and his country being absorbed into the Great Slavic Empire, if they rolled across NATO member Romania?

    • Replies: @Commentator Mike
    @Yellowface Anon

    The Serbian government has condemned the Russian invasion by voting against Russia in the UN like most countries.

  163. @AaronB
    @Mr. Hack

    I saw your comment before Karlin deleted it, and posted a reply - which was not published but trashed :)

    And none of it was pro-Ukraine propoganda - well, maybe in the "larger sense" because it was critical of Karlin :)

    Anyways, the gist of my comment was basically that Karlin in my opinion hasn't so much changed, as finally developed the full implications of his core world view.

    In a sense, we are all living in apocalyptic times - apocalyptic means, I understand, "to reveal".

    Apocalyptic times come at the end, after you've been following a line of development for very long, and finally standing forth fully revealed before you, is what you were developing into.

    That is when you can clearly see if you were on the right, or the wrong, path.

    Not just Karlin, but the entire "modernized world", our civilization itself, are facing apocalyptic times, where it is revealed what path we had been on.

    As I said before, transgender and Woke, the epidemic of anxiety and depression sweeping the modernized world, the nihilistic boredom of Russia that leads it to launch pointless wars, the stories coming out of China of people dying of heart attacks and pregnant women losing babies, denied care over "Zero Covid" policies - all this was the inevitable result of trying to live against nature and God.

    But it is only at the end of the line of development, that you can clearly see what you were becoming.

    And these apocalyptic times are only beginning - more and more, we will "see ourselves" and be horrified.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @HenryBaker

    A reply to a previous comment of yours:

    Anyways, why do the Russians seem to be doing literally everything so terribly from an optics point of view, down to their propoganda – as I said before, showing respect for Ukrainian bravery would actually look so much better than calling it things like “fanatical resistance” that must be punished etc, as Karlin does.

    It’s a war, of course they’ll fight back. This is bad? And the whole manipulation thing, the whole we’ll force you to be our brothers thing…

    This language can only occur in a weird post-modern setting like ours, and moreover is the language of psychopathic manipulation that is so characteristic of our times.

    There is nothing post-modern nor psychopathic about this way of talking and thinking. The way the Russians talk about Ukrainians now (it’s just a fake state, no right to exist, resistance is either illegitimate or ‘fanatical’) is almost identical to how Europeans talked about nationalist revolutionaries in the decolonization wars. We also called resistance there ‘lawless’ or ‘fanatical’ and tried to delegimitize the nationalist project by focusing on a few worst elements (like the Russians are now doing with Azov, we did with communists fighting in the ranks).

    The Russians categorically deny that Ukrainians can either think for themselves or deserve any sort of self-legitimation. To do so, they must mentally frame the Ukrainians as infantile, fanatical, or traitorous and degenerate. That’s all quite normal human psychology. Anatoly’s first insistence that Ukrainian resistance would quickly evaporate, and then a switch to calling it ‘fanatical’ or whatever, mirrors decolonization war rhetoric almost 100%. It will, of course, never be acknowledged that Ukrainians have little good experience under the Russian umbrella. ‘They just don’t know what’s good them’.

    Your idea that our time is one of ‘psychopathic manipulation’ is ungrounded in the sense that manipulation by a ruling power has always been around and has always been intense. That is of course the Marxist critique of religion in the modern state. I guess our propaganda may just be more intense, more aimed at doubt than conviction, and more disorienting.

    Also, a general comment: I believe Anatolys recent change of heart is mostly just a symptom of ‘your brain on nationalism’. The more nationalist you get, the more unreasonable. It’s a shame.

    • Agree: Barbarossa
    • Thanks: German_reader, AaronB
    • Replies: @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    You focus too much on the optics. There is very little about Ukraine-Russia situation that resembles colonialism. Would we use colonial analogies with England-Scotland or Canada-Quebec? This is a different beast.

    There is also no single Ukrainian view: there are Ukie nationalists, some going all the way to the Nazi-like Azov (minority). There are pro-Russian Ukrainians, thinking of themselves as Russians in Ukraine, or sometimes just Russians - they were a majority in the east and south, half of the country. People who claim that Maidan (based in Kiev and the Galicia) or the war have changed it don't understand how identity works - it takes a longer to change, we are who we are. There is a quiet majority of non-committed who mostly want peace, and always eventually go with the winning side.

    It is not a colonial situation and Russia doesn't say that there is no Ukrainian nation - the Western propaganda exaggerates to score cheap points. It is much simpler: Russia refuses to allow a militant, NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders. Those who pretended for 14 years that Kiev will join NATO and allowed it for 8 years to bomb Donbas killing 10k civilians are now scrambling for a new narrative. What actually happened is not a good story for the West, so it has been forgotten.

    Wars clarify things. First they create massive polarization, people yell at each other. We would prefer for this not to take place. But how could this be resolved? Russia had a very clear red line - no anti-Russia run by NATO from Kiev on its borders, NATO's insisted on ignoring it. Today that insistence is not something that anyone in the West wants to remember - they either try to deny it outright, or say that it was all empty talk, or that it was in the far away future. Or they say that nothing matters now and we must just focus on the war and the suffering. That is dishonest, narratives by omission are lying narratives.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @Mr. Hack
    @HenryBaker


    The way the Russians talk about Ukrainians now (it’s just a fake state, no right to exist, resistance is either illegitimate or ‘fanatical’) is almost identical to how Europeans talked about nationalist revolutionaries in the decolonization wars.
     
    In a very real sense the decoupling of Ukraine from Russia is a decolonization war, that's been going on at least from the beginning of the 20th century.

    I believe Anatolys recent change of heart is mostly just a symptom of ‘your brain on nationalism’. The more nationalist you get, the more unreasonable. It’s a shame.
     
    Karlin has never presented himself to the world as anything other than a Russian nationalist. This new aggression of Russia's in Ukraine has provided him an opportunity to give full vent to all of his pent up Russian aspirations. I agree, that it's a shame, for it seems to be taking him down a very unsavory road. For him, it's a vindication of his Triune theories that I was never able to get him to fully explain in very much detail over the years. Funny thing is, that his Triune theory, if it had been used correctly, could have been used to greater aplomb if it had been presented as something other than a dictat. But now?.....

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    I would still say though that this is the language of psychopathic manipulation, but it's useful to be reminded that this started in the mid-20th century.

    There was a reason that era produced the novel 1984, the great novel about mind control and manipulation practiced by the state.

    The mid-20th century saw the advent of a new basis for politics, "managerialism" rather than "values based" politics.

    Managerialism is a philosophy of politics that seeks to scientifically "manage" every social and political dimension for the purpose of control without moral considerations, rather than seeing politics as the great arena in which the contest over values or national glory play out on a grand scale.

    Politics is now something to be controlled and micromanaged, not an arena for the expression of and struggle over higher values or even "lower values" like national vigor and glory.

    In other words, another tragic loss of dimension and slimification of life as modernity continued to march through the institutions.

    Of course, in such a politics, "managing" perceptions and trying to convince your opponent he he has no right to resist your attempts to violate him, rather than finding your glory in the ability of your will to overcome his will, which implies a genuine contest, is the name of the game.

    But as I said before, it's terrible psychology from the "managerial" perspective - such contempt stiffens resolve.

    But it is seemingly just as necessary for an imperialistic power to adopt this contempt, because it ties in to the very reasons for imperialism in a deep way.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  164. @Gerard1234
    @Ron Unz

    Ron Unz,

    You should be totally ashamed of yourself. Karlin (NYT-listed writer) should not have his methods infringed on like this.

    Ukraine or Ukrainianism is solely a Deathcult. Nothing else .
    By definition there is nothing "pro-ukrainan" to be censored, because "supporting" something by willing it to deathcult itself out of existence, and be "proud" of its history - as a constant, loser deathcult - is oxymoronic. So Karlin is not doing any censorship.

    Ukraine is a fake, failed state created by Lenin and Stalin - its 2 historic "enemies" who they blame for everything

    It has a fake moronic National Orthodox church........created by Americans and Catholics

    As a retard, it views itself as a "victim" of Russian "imperialism" - an idiotic nonsensical statement because 404 is a gift receiver FROM Russia of about EIGHT different sections of land fron SIX different countries that they did not ask, fight or even lobby for. Its as artificial as a botched Michael Jackson facelift

    Its freakshow "ideology" is taken from the west of the fake country - even though Galicia has absolutely ZERO connection to "Ukrainian" architecture, cuisine, folksongs, dances, clothing, Dnieper, Black sea coast, Zaporozhian Cossacks or anything

    In light of this and much more, plus the idioticly high amount of fakes by ukrops/CIA /MI6 of military "peremoga" these last 2 weeks, and that there is basically no English-language pro-ukraine, or galician-reject blogger on the Internet, exactly because they know they would have to do mass censorship because of the ease it is to disintegrate their BS........ should give special allowance to (NYT-listed) Karlin.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Ukraine is a fake, failed state created by Lenin and Stalin – its 2 historic “enemies” who they blame for everything

    Algeria is a creation of the French, Indonesia was created by the Dutch. Didn’t help us win the war. When Indonesia rose up we called nationalism there fake as countless languages are spoken there and Indonesia had had no national existence before us. Yet the uprising against us was massive and Indonesia still exists.

  165. colonelcassad.livejournal.com – Russian source – Yandex translation edited (warning – dead and injured in photographs)
    Strike at Donetsk. 14.03.2022

    March 14, 12:44

    As a result of the “Tochka-U” strike on the centre of Donetsk, 20 people were killed (most likely more), including children. There are also a large number of wounded. The missile was heading for the centre of Donetsk, the air defence most likely operated too late and the missile was shot down actually over the city centre. As a result, the cluster munition mowed down people on the streets. In the event of a rocket falling in the centre of the city, there would be even more victims.
    Obviously, there were no serious military facilities here, just a terrorist attack with the aim of killing civilians. Which Ukraine has systematically committed for 8 years in the Donbass. Sensing approaching defeat, the Ukrainian Nazis simply seek to leave behind even more victims and destruction.

    Materials from the centre of Donetsk are also posted in the TC – https://t.me/boris_rozhin (be careful, there is an 18+ video)

  166. “Vzglyad” Russian website – Yandex translation edited

    A mercenary from the United States ended up at the Yavorovsky training ground during a missile strike

    March 14, 2022, 04:07

    Text: Anton Antonov
    During the Russian missile strike on the territory of the Yavorovsky training ground in Ukraine, there were also American militants there, according to American media.

    The New York Times reports that the American asked not to be named for security reasons. He told the publication that he had previously worked with explosives in Iraq. According to him, the sound of the Russian strike was similar to the fall of a jet plane, the roofs of buildings caught fire, people started screaming.

    The Russian army on Sunday morning, with high-precision long-range weapons, struck the training centres of the armed forces of Ukraine in the village of Starichi and at the Yavorovsky military training ground, up to 180 foreign mercenaries and a large batch of foreign weapons were destroyed.

  167. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2rfim4XEtA&ab_channel=%D0%9C%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%A0%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B8

    Russian Su-25 survives Ukrainian missile hit. Pilot describes incident. I used to think solid hits from missiles on aircraft were almost invariably fatal in the jet age, but obviously they are not.

    • Thanks: James of Africa
  168. According to ColonelCassad, the Banderites targeted the city center of Donetsk with a SRBM. That’s an indicative of their desperation. Russian spearheads started to block escape routes to the west and the big aggrupation of Ukr forces west of Donetsk seems doomed.

    As a result of the Tochka-U attack on the center of Donetsk, 20 people were killed (probably more), including children. Also a large number of wounded. The missile went to the center of Donetsk, the air defense probably worked late and the missile was shot down over the center of the city. As a result, cluster munitions wiped out people in the streets. If a rocket fell in the center of the city, there would be even more victims.
    Obviously, there were no serious military installations here, just terrorists aiming to kill civilians. That Ukraine systematically committed 8 years in the Donbass. Sensing impending defeat, the Ukrainian Nazis are simply eager to leave more casualties and destruction in their wake.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Aedib


    The missile went to the center of Donetsk, the air defense probably worked late and the missile was shot down over the center of the city. As a result, cluster munitions wiped out people in the streets. If a rocket fell in the center of the city, there would be even more victims.
     
    Is there anybody with a slight military knowledge at all? Tocka rocket in airflight was shot down, but yet somehow was able to do a cluster munition attack? If I'm not mistaken, these type of rockets are meant only to blow up effectively when reaching the target on the ground, but not when shot in midflight.
    , @AP
    @Aedib

    Ukrainians claim it was an errant DNR missile and that a Ukrainian ones are a different color (I am not saying saying this necessary true).

    At any rate, by the time this war started, civilian casualties have been down to about 2 dozen a year. According to the UN, 18 total from January to October 2021. Of those, -15 caused by Ukrainians, -3 by rebels. Deaths were mostly collateral damage from both sides shooting at each other with Donbas militants being in more populated areas .

    Given the low intensity and low casualties, this was no justification for an invasion of the entire country that had already taken abut 1,600 lives per UN (this number will climb).

  169. @Aedib
    According to ColonelCassad, the Banderites targeted the city center of Donetsk with a SRBM. That’s an indicative of their desperation. Russian spearheads started to block escape routes to the west and the big aggrupation of Ukr forces west of Donetsk seems doomed.

    As a result of the Tochka-U attack on the center of Donetsk, 20 people were killed (probably more), including children. Also a large number of wounded. The missile went to the center of Donetsk, the air defense probably worked late and the missile was shot down over the center of the city. As a result, cluster munitions wiped out people in the streets. If a rocket fell in the center of the city, there would be even more victims.
    Obviously, there were no serious military installations here, just terrorists aiming to kill civilians. That Ukraine systematically committed 8 years in the Donbass. Sensing impending defeat, the Ukrainian Nazis are simply eager to leave more casualties and destruction in their wake.
     

    Replies: @sudden death, @AP

    The missile went to the center of Donetsk, the air defense probably worked late and the missile was shot down over the center of the city. As a result, cluster munitions wiped out people in the streets. If a rocket fell in the center of the city, there would be even more victims.

    Is there anybody with a slight military knowledge at all? Tocka rocket in airflight was shot down, but yet somehow was able to do a cluster munition attack? If I’m not mistaken, these type of rockets are meant only to blow up effectively when reaching the target on the ground, but not when shot in midflight.

  170. A123 says: • Website

    More evidence that the EU is doomed: (1)

    At a time when war rages in Ukraine, the European Parliament is busy voting on gender-neutral toilets, Annika Bruna, MEP for the French National Rally, complained in a tweet.

    “Dear friends, while there is a war raging in Eastern Europe, the healthcare crisis has consequences that could destroy the country and inflation threatens us, the European Parliament is busy discussing the issue of its own toilets,” Bruna said. “In fact, yesterday the majority of deputies voted on an analysis of the composition of the toilets in (the European) Parliament, on how to account for all person’s needs and the necessity of gender-neutral toilets

    Even if Zelensky manages to get Ukraine into the EU, how does that help? Carbon Taxes? Emissions trading? Bathroom design?

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://rmx.news/egyeb/while-war-rages-in-ukraine-european-parliament-votes-on-gender-neutral-toilets/

  171. @sher singh
    @Mr. Hack

    I agree.
    Ask on the discord lot of people are pissed the board going Ukro-centric few yrs back.

    I complained & got on fine afterwards, but anyone pretending this place hasn't changed since 2018 or thereabouts is lying. A lot of old commentators either left or have thankfully reached discord. I sympathize with both the Bravery of the Ukrainians & the Geo-political ambitions of the Rus which are well out-lined here: https://akarlin.com/struggle-europe-mankind/

    This went from an international place to a mostly Slavic one, and that's fine. Mirrors Tolya's move East. ;)

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Barbarossa

    I’m unqualified to judge the change in the board pre-2018 since I wasn’t around that much prior. I gravitated more toward AE anyhow prior to his leaving and landed here since it was the only worthwhile commenting section left at UNZ.

    Regardless of how the board has shifted over 3 or 4 years, the change in AK’s attitude seems quite recent and precipitous, as Mr. Hack points out.

    Personally, I find it somewhat interesting to see the partisans on both sides spar, even if it is a somewhat futile exercise. It’s really not like AP or Mr. Hack are content-free trolls, even if they are staunch Ukrainian boosters. Mr. Hack may give too much credence to stuff he sees on Twitter, but they are usually both well rounded commenters.

    Besides, what would be the point of a “Rah Rah Russia” echo chamber? That just sounds boring, like some pro-Russian version of the Breitbart comment section. I like seeing the true believers on both sides along with the agnostics trapped in the same room.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Barbarossa


    Mr. Hack may give too much credence to stuff he sees on Twitter,
     
    I never use Twitter, and only view its contents here at this blog when somebody occasionally copy/pastes it over to here. I find that its layout and commenting features are way too stiff and inflexible. I don't use facebook either for similar reasons and am also weary of the way its manipulated for marketing purposes. I used to be involved in a project that would mine LinkedIn for similar marketing purposes, so I know how it's done.

    Replies: @Barbarossa

    , @sher singh
    @Barbarossa

    Used to be a more generically RW blog until Trump turned out a wet noodle. Hence, the Slavic shift.
    Look through some of his old posts, although Karlin admits he covered most topics more than once.

    Global IQ, HBD, Comprehensive Military Power, Great Bi-Furcation attract a broader crowd.
    Open threads also used to be a list of major happenings or posts across the broader Right-Leaning blogosphere.

  172. Airbursts just over the ground can be as lethal as those that actually strike the ground. The late interception was in mid-flight but probably close enough to the ground for casualties to occur. The Ukrainians in the east, now more or less trapped, probably can’t target anything more sophisticated than the centre of a city and don’t mind killing civilians anyway.

    • Agree: Aedib
    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Wielgus


    probably can’t target anything more sophisticated than the centre of a city and don’t mind killing civilians anyway.

     

    For whatever reasons RF forces seem to be doing exactly the same anyway:

    https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/tdvf4v/moment_of_missile_impact_in_kurenivka_district/

    Replies: @Aedib, @sudden death

  173. @Barbarossa
    @sher singh

    I'm unqualified to judge the change in the board pre-2018 since I wasn't around that much prior. I gravitated more toward AE anyhow prior to his leaving and landed here since it was the only worthwhile commenting section left at UNZ.

    Regardless of how the board has shifted over 3 or 4 years, the change in AK's attitude seems quite recent and precipitous, as Mr. Hack points out.

    Personally, I find it somewhat interesting to see the partisans on both sides spar, even if it is a somewhat futile exercise. It's really not like AP or Mr. Hack are content-free trolls, even if they are staunch Ukrainian boosters. Mr. Hack may give too much credence to stuff he sees on Twitter, but they are usually both well rounded commenters.

    Besides, what would be the point of a "Rah Rah Russia" echo chamber? That just sounds boring, like some pro-Russian version of the Breitbart comment section. I like seeing the true believers on both sides along with the agnostics trapped in the same room.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @sher singh

    Mr. Hack may give too much credence to stuff he sees on Twitter,

    I never use Twitter, and only view its contents here at this blog when somebody occasionally copy/pastes it over to here. I find that its layout and commenting features are way too stiff and inflexible. I don’t use facebook either for similar reasons and am also weary of the way its manipulated for marketing purposes. I used to be involved in a project that would mine LinkedIn for similar marketing purposes, so I know how it’s done.

    • Replies: @Barbarossa
    @Mr. Hack

    My bad, sorry. I had a brain fart and was thinking of Dmitry in previous threads with the endless Twitter embeds.

    I'm not on Twitter or FB either, so I fully agree with your points on that. This is really about the extent of my online social presence.

    I never understood the point of LinkedIn. I set up a profile years ago, which I suppose lives on in zombie form. It seemed primarily a forum for pointless posturing and imaginary status gaining.

    I would imagine that once you see how the data collection sausage is made, you can never bring yourself to enjoy it the same way again.

    Replies: @sher singh

  174. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    A reply to a previous comment of yours:


    Anyways, why do the Russians seem to be doing literally everything so terribly from an optics point of view, down to their propoganda – as I said before, showing respect for Ukrainian bravery would actually look so much better than calling it things like “fanatical resistance” that must be punished etc, as Karlin does.
     

    It’s a war, of course they’ll fight back. This is bad? And the whole manipulation thing, the whole we’ll force you to be our brothers thing…

    This language can only occur in a weird post-modern setting like ours, and moreover is the language of psychopathic manipulation that is so characteristic of our times.
     

    There is nothing post-modern nor psychopathic about this way of talking and thinking. The way the Russians talk about Ukrainians now (it's just a fake state, no right to exist, resistance is either illegitimate or 'fanatical') is almost identical to how Europeans talked about nationalist revolutionaries in the decolonization wars. We also called resistance there 'lawless' or 'fanatical' and tried to delegimitize the nationalist project by focusing on a few worst elements (like the Russians are now doing with Azov, we did with communists fighting in the ranks).

    The Russians categorically deny that Ukrainians can either think for themselves or deserve any sort of self-legitimation. To do so, they must mentally frame the Ukrainians as infantile, fanatical, or traitorous and degenerate. That's all quite normal human psychology. Anatoly's first insistence that Ukrainian resistance would quickly evaporate, and then a switch to calling it 'fanatical' or whatever, mirrors decolonization war rhetoric almost 100%. It will, of course, never be acknowledged that Ukrainians have little good experience under the Russian umbrella. 'They just don't know what's good them'.

    Your idea that our time is one of 'psychopathic manipulation' is ungrounded in the sense that manipulation by a ruling power has always been around and has always been intense. That is of course the Marxist critique of religion in the modern state. I guess our propaganda may just be more intense, more aimed at doubt than conviction, and more disorienting.


    Also, a general comment: I believe Anatolys recent change of heart is mostly just a symptom of 'your brain on nationalism'. The more nationalist you get, the more unreasonable. It's a shame.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Mr. Hack, @AaronB

    You focus too much on the optics. There is very little about Ukraine-Russia situation that resembles colonialism. Would we use colonial analogies with England-Scotland or Canada-Quebec? This is a different beast.

    There is also no single Ukrainian view: there are Ukie nationalists, some going all the way to the Nazi-like Azov (minority). There are pro-Russian Ukrainians, thinking of themselves as Russians in Ukraine, or sometimes just Russians – they were a majority in the east and south, half of the country. People who claim that Maidan (based in Kiev and the Galicia) or the war have changed it don’t understand how identity works – it takes a longer to change, we are who we are. There is a quiet majority of non-committed who mostly want peace, and always eventually go with the winning side.

    It is not a colonial situation and Russia doesn’t say that there is no Ukrainian nation – the Western propaganda exaggerates to score cheap points. It is much simpler: Russia refuses to allow a militant, NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders. Those who pretended for 14 years that Kiev will join NATO and allowed it for 8 years to bomb Donbas killing 10k civilians are now scrambling for a new narrative. What actually happened is not a good story for the West, so it has been forgotten.

    Wars clarify things. First they create massive polarization, people yell at each other. We would prefer for this not to take place. But how could this be resolved? Russia had a very clear red line – no anti-Russia run by NATO from Kiev on its borders, NATO’s insisted on ignoring it. Today that insistence is not something that anyone in the West wants to remember – they either try to deny it outright, or say that it was all empty talk, or that it was in the far away future. Or they say that nothing matters now and we must just focus on the war and the suffering. That is dishonest, narratives by omission are lying narratives.

    • Agree: Pharmakon
    • LOL: Mr. Hack
    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    There is also no single Ukrainian view
     
    The same in decolonization wars, where there was a large mass of uncommitted 'natives', especially in rural areas. Nationalists were roughly divided in a nationalist, communist, and islamist camp (I think both in Indonesia and Algeria).

    There are pro-Russian Ukrainians, thinking of themselves as Russians in Ukraine, or sometimes just Russians – they were a majority in the east and south, half of the country.
     
    Algeria had French and harkis, Indonesia had Ambonese, Chinese, Dutch minorities...

    There is a quiet majority of non-committed who mostly want peace, and always eventually go with the winning side.
     
    Like I said, it was the same in Indonesia. However the majority doesn't decide anything, since the apathethic mass just has no decisive influence. Nationalist grip on the villages was more tight (they routinely executed or removed collaborating mayors). This once again reminds me of Ukraine although Ukies don't seem as hardcore.

    Russia doesn’t say that there is no Ukrainian nation, not a colonial situation
     
    In Indonesia, we accepted the possibility of an Indonesian state. But officers would have to be Dutch, with our Dutch queen as head of state, a federal, not unitary model... We accepted a state but it would have to be dependent. The indonesians could not stomach a dependent state and so they fought for unconditional independence. It's still very similar to Ukraine now imo.

    'Russia doesn't say there's no Ukrainian nation', the problem is Russia is treating Ukraine as an errant extension of the Russian state/people. The nationalist side (of which Karlin and guys in tg channels or Twitter are representative) routinely and casually deny the Ukrainian right to statehood and think of them as delusional, larping 'small Russians' that have to be dragged back into the fold, kicking and screaming. Putin in his latest speeches has echoed this sentiment. If you say 'Russians and Ukrainians are one people' you more or less deny Ukraine is meaningfully a separate nation. We also thought of the Indonesians as to be dragged back into the fold, kicking and screaming, by the way.


    Russia refuses to allow a militant, NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders
     
    Dumb propaganda peddled by Russia to make its invasion of an independent state seem defensive and therefore more legitimate. That's when it's not saying out of the side of its mouth 'also Ukraine is a NATO regime that we can replace when we want, and Ukrainians are not a separate people'. The Russia 'club' (Chechnya, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and maybe soon Ukraine) has all been dragged in by its hair. What a great defensive alliance! I wonder how much we had to coerce the entirety of Europe to come and join NATO? They sure joined quickly! I wonder which old (imperial) overlord they were afraid of

    A colonial empire or a Tsarist/Soviet empire- what does it matter. It's still an empire, with all the disregard for small nations that entails.

    Btw there was no Scottisch independence war...

    Replies: @Beckow, @siberiancat

  175. @Wielgus
    Airbursts just over the ground can be as lethal as those that actually strike the ground. The late interception was in mid-flight but probably close enough to the ground for casualties to occur. The Ukrainians in the east, now more or less trapped, probably can't target anything more sophisticated than the centre of a city and don't mind killing civilians anyway.

    Replies: @sudden death

    probably can’t target anything more sophisticated than the centre of a city and don’t mind killing civilians anyway.

    For whatever reasons RF forces seem to be doing exactly the same anyway:

    Moment of missile impact in Kurenivka district, Kyiv, Ukraine on 14.03.22 from CombatFootage

    • Replies: @Aedib
    @sudden death

    You are desperately trying to whitewash the war crime of the Banderites. Anyway, they are doomed. Better for them to surrender to the Russians. Donbass militia will not have mercy.

    , @sudden death
    @sudden death

    Strike aftermath area with obliterated nazi-banderite lampost&green citybus:

    https://twitter.com/Klitschko/status/1503349955091701767

  176. @sudden death
    @Wielgus


    probably can’t target anything more sophisticated than the centre of a city and don’t mind killing civilians anyway.

     

    For whatever reasons RF forces seem to be doing exactly the same anyway:

    https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/tdvf4v/moment_of_missile_impact_in_kurenivka_district/

    Replies: @Aedib, @sudden death

    You are desperately trying to whitewash the war crime of the Banderites. Anyway, they are doomed. Better for them to surrender to the Russians. Donbass militia will not have mercy.

    • Agree: Wielgus
  177. So you concede that the Ukrainians were deliberately trying to kill civilians. Their shooting at Donbass over years has rarely been an exercise in precise targeting. But if they regard the people there as treacherous Moskals and katsap, this explains it.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Wielgus

    Somebody can concede or not only when having strike target coordinates and nobody has them atm, so any firesure claims are all meant just for propaganda purposes and to stir the rage and fury and nothing else.

    Replies: @A123

  178. @Wielgus
    So you concede that the Ukrainians were deliberately trying to kill civilians. Their shooting at Donbass over years has rarely been an exercise in precise targeting. But if they regard the people there as treacherous Moskals and katsap, this explains it.

    Replies: @sudden death

    Somebody can concede or not only when having strike target coordinates and nobody has them atm, so any firesure claims are all meant just for propaganda purposes and to stir the rage and fury and nothing else.

    • Replies: @A123
    @sudden death


    Somebody can concede or not only when having strike target coordinates and nobody has them
     
    Even that is not enough. One has to know what is in the building, not its nameplate on the outside. Combatants repurpose buildings. Muslim terrorists occupying Jewish Palestine hide in press offices and use UN schools as munitions dumps.

    The destruction of a 100% civilian building may not equal intent. One of the issues with some modern weapons is optical targeting on final approach. They look for the shape of the building to avoid being mislead by spurious GPS signals. Sounds good. Right? What happens if the target is damaged, obscured, or otherwise does not have the anticipated shape? The munition winds up striking a nearby building that is the right shape.

    Mistakes happen during combat. Deadly ones. The only way to avoid those mistakes is to prevent the war before it starts.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars

  179. A123 says: • Website

    Those trying to support the Ukrainian side have been engaged rather obvious Pallywood charades. For example (1)

    The propaganda out of the Ukraine/Hollywood association is continuing unabated. In a Twitter video today, pushed by Buzzfeed Journalist Christopher Miller {SEE HERE}, the claim is, “President Zelensky walked to a hospital today to visit wounded Ukrainian soldiers and award them with state honors for their sacrifices.”

    However, alert researchers noted {SEE HERE} the woman to Zelenskyy’s left, in the video, is a physician named Inna Derusova. She was reported to have died on February 26th.

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ukraine-Hoax-2.jpg

    As we said from the outset, do not take anything at face value. Question everything that is being presented. The level of western propaganda to support the intents of the U.S./NATO and multinational community are extreme.

    TechnoFog took a look at the Mariupol maternity hospital story. That too looks faked and manufactured for western media consumption intended to influence the mind of U.S. and allied citizens

    The other story of the U.S. journalist shot and killed today?… Also, very sketchy.

    Follow the link below for more detail on the other two fabrications.

    The Fake Stream Media (CNN, MSNBC, WaPo, NYT) have been losing credibility and viewers for some time. Uncritically accepting fictional war stories accelerates the process.

    “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.” — Abraham Lincoln

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/03/13/another-round-of-ukraine-hoaxes-discovered/

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @A123

    So, even if the photo was misused, didn't Zelensky actually visit the hospital? All of this fuss, just to try and discredit Zelensky? It's too bad that Putler doesn't have the guts to visit his own injured soldiers or even help to obtain the corpses of his dying soldiers so that they can be properly buried.

    Replies: @A123, @Wokechoke

  180. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    A reply to a previous comment of yours:


    Anyways, why do the Russians seem to be doing literally everything so terribly from an optics point of view, down to their propoganda – as I said before, showing respect for Ukrainian bravery would actually look so much better than calling it things like “fanatical resistance” that must be punished etc, as Karlin does.
     

    It’s a war, of course they’ll fight back. This is bad? And the whole manipulation thing, the whole we’ll force you to be our brothers thing…

    This language can only occur in a weird post-modern setting like ours, and moreover is the language of psychopathic manipulation that is so characteristic of our times.
     

    There is nothing post-modern nor psychopathic about this way of talking and thinking. The way the Russians talk about Ukrainians now (it's just a fake state, no right to exist, resistance is either illegitimate or 'fanatical') is almost identical to how Europeans talked about nationalist revolutionaries in the decolonization wars. We also called resistance there 'lawless' or 'fanatical' and tried to delegimitize the nationalist project by focusing on a few worst elements (like the Russians are now doing with Azov, we did with communists fighting in the ranks).

    The Russians categorically deny that Ukrainians can either think for themselves or deserve any sort of self-legitimation. To do so, they must mentally frame the Ukrainians as infantile, fanatical, or traitorous and degenerate. That's all quite normal human psychology. Anatoly's first insistence that Ukrainian resistance would quickly evaporate, and then a switch to calling it 'fanatical' or whatever, mirrors decolonization war rhetoric almost 100%. It will, of course, never be acknowledged that Ukrainians have little good experience under the Russian umbrella. 'They just don't know what's good them'.

    Your idea that our time is one of 'psychopathic manipulation' is ungrounded in the sense that manipulation by a ruling power has always been around and has always been intense. That is of course the Marxist critique of religion in the modern state. I guess our propaganda may just be more intense, more aimed at doubt than conviction, and more disorienting.


    Also, a general comment: I believe Anatolys recent change of heart is mostly just a symptom of 'your brain on nationalism'. The more nationalist you get, the more unreasonable. It's a shame.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Mr. Hack, @AaronB

    The way the Russians talk about Ukrainians now (it’s just a fake state, no right to exist, resistance is either illegitimate or ‘fanatical’) is almost identical to how Europeans talked about nationalist revolutionaries in the decolonization wars.

    In a very real sense the decoupling of Ukraine from Russia is a decolonization war, that’s been going on at least from the beginning of the 20th century.

    I believe Anatolys recent change of heart is mostly just a symptom of ‘your brain on nationalism’. The more nationalist you get, the more unreasonable. It’s a shame.

    Karlin has never presented himself to the world as anything other than a Russian nationalist. This new aggression of Russia’s in Ukraine has provided him an opportunity to give full vent to all of his pent up Russian aspirations. I agree, that it’s a shame, for it seems to be taking him down a very unsavory road. For him, it’s a vindication of his Triune theories that I was never able to get him to fully explain in very much detail over the years. Funny thing is, that his Triune theory, if it had been used correctly, could have been used to greater aplomb if it had been presented as something other than a dictat. But now?…..

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Mr. Hack

    Yeah but it seems to me that the RusNat side overruled his autistic HBD research side (rationalism) more and more as time went by. For gods sake, how much of a nationalist can you really be, blogging in English all the time for your cosmopolitan audience?

    The triune theory makes sense to me, personally. But remember, Americans and British were also more or less one people (in a cultural sense) when the Americans tore themselves free in a very convincing manner. Culture simply isn't everything.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @AaronB

  181. @Yellowface Anon
    @Commentator Mike

    Has Vučić said anything on the invasion? Would he welcome Russian troops and his country being absorbed into the Great Slavic Empire, if they rolled across NATO member Romania?

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    The Serbian government has condemned the Russian invasion by voting against Russia in the UN like most countries.

  182. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    You focus too much on the optics. There is very little about Ukraine-Russia situation that resembles colonialism. Would we use colonial analogies with England-Scotland or Canada-Quebec? This is a different beast.

    There is also no single Ukrainian view: there are Ukie nationalists, some going all the way to the Nazi-like Azov (minority). There are pro-Russian Ukrainians, thinking of themselves as Russians in Ukraine, or sometimes just Russians - they were a majority in the east and south, half of the country. People who claim that Maidan (based in Kiev and the Galicia) or the war have changed it don't understand how identity works - it takes a longer to change, we are who we are. There is a quiet majority of non-committed who mostly want peace, and always eventually go with the winning side.

    It is not a colonial situation and Russia doesn't say that there is no Ukrainian nation - the Western propaganda exaggerates to score cheap points. It is much simpler: Russia refuses to allow a militant, NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders. Those who pretended for 14 years that Kiev will join NATO and allowed it for 8 years to bomb Donbas killing 10k civilians are now scrambling for a new narrative. What actually happened is not a good story for the West, so it has been forgotten.

    Wars clarify things. First they create massive polarization, people yell at each other. We would prefer for this not to take place. But how could this be resolved? Russia had a very clear red line - no anti-Russia run by NATO from Kiev on its borders, NATO's insisted on ignoring it. Today that insistence is not something that anyone in the West wants to remember - they either try to deny it outright, or say that it was all empty talk, or that it was in the far away future. Or they say that nothing matters now and we must just focus on the war and the suffering. That is dishonest, narratives by omission are lying narratives.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    There is also no single Ukrainian view

    The same in decolonization wars, where there was a large mass of uncommitted ‘natives’, especially in rural areas. Nationalists were roughly divided in a nationalist, communist, and islamist camp (I think both in Indonesia and Algeria).

    There are pro-Russian Ukrainians, thinking of themselves as Russians in Ukraine, or sometimes just Russians – they were a majority in the east and south, half of the country.

    Algeria had French and harkis, Indonesia had Ambonese, Chinese, Dutch minorities…

    There is a quiet majority of non-committed who mostly want peace, and always eventually go with the winning side.

    Like I said, it was the same in Indonesia. However the majority doesn’t decide anything, since the apathethic mass just has no decisive influence. Nationalist grip on the villages was more tight (they routinely executed or removed collaborating mayors). This once again reminds me of Ukraine although Ukies don’t seem as hardcore.

    Russia doesn’t say that there is no Ukrainian nation, not a colonial situation

    In Indonesia, we accepted the possibility of an Indonesian state. But officers would have to be Dutch, with our Dutch queen as head of state, a federal, not unitary model… We accepted a state but it would have to be dependent. The indonesians could not stomach a dependent state and so they fought for unconditional independence. It’s still very similar to Ukraine now imo.

    ‘Russia doesn’t say there’s no Ukrainian nation’, the problem is Russia is treating Ukraine as an errant extension of the Russian state/people. The nationalist side (of which Karlin and guys in tg channels or Twitter are representative) routinely and casually deny the Ukrainian right to statehood and think of them as delusional, larping ‘small Russians’ that have to be dragged back into the fold, kicking and screaming. Putin in his latest speeches has echoed this sentiment. If you say ‘Russians and Ukrainians are one people’ you more or less deny Ukraine is meaningfully a separate nation. We also thought of the Indonesians as to be dragged back into the fold, kicking and screaming, by the way.

    Russia refuses to allow a militant, NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders

    Dumb propaganda peddled by Russia to make its invasion of an independent state seem defensive and therefore more legitimate. That’s when it’s not saying out of the side of its mouth ‘also Ukraine is a NATO regime that we can replace when we want, and Ukrainians are not a separate people’. The Russia ‘club’ (Chechnya, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and maybe soon Ukraine) has all been dragged in by its hair. What a great defensive alliance! I wonder how much we had to coerce the entirety of Europe to come and join NATO? They sure joined quickly! I wonder which old (imperial) overlord they were afraid of

    A colonial empire or a Tsarist/Soviet empire- what does it matter. It’s still an empire, with all the disregard for small nations that entails.

    Btw there was no Scottisch independence war…

    • Agree: Mr. Hack
    • Replies: @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    Your Indonesian analogy suffers from two basic problems:
    - Indonesia is more than 10k km from Netherlands; Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)
    - Russians in Ukraine (ethnic+speakers of Russian, etc...) are between 1/3 and 1/2 of the population, In Indonesia or Algeria the combined settlers, 'harkis', Chinese minority, etc... were at most 5-10%.

    Your analogy is a half-baked Western nonsense trying to fit everything into your own schemas - you had evil colonial empires, so you see them everywhere. It is quite stupid.

    Your answer to: "Russia refuses to allow a militant NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders" is an incoherent rant saying nothing. You deny the obvious:
    - NATO on Russia's border would be a threat to Russia. Denying it after West invaded Russia again and again (including the Dutch SS) is like denying a nose between your eyes. You cannot admit it because it would be admitting that NATO policy for 15+ years has been provocative. It has finally led to a war. Happy now?


    ...how much we had to coerce the entirety of Europe to come and join NATO
     
    In east-central Europe countries were told that they have to join NATO before they can be in EU. So they did, the average support was luke-warm 40-50% - nobody asked to be in NATO (maybe Poland), but we had to be.

    Scots fought English through 18th century. An older history, older nations.

    Replies: @AP, @HenryBaker

    , @siberiancat
    @HenryBaker

    The Russian use of the term nationality, the nation is very different from the one common to the West
    It is more of ethnicity.

    In this sense wouldn't you agree that the Germans and the Austrians are the same ethnos?

    Replies: @Yevardian

  183. @A123
    Those trying to support the Ukrainian side have been engaged rather obvious Pallywood charades. For example (1)

    The propaganda out of the Ukraine/Hollywood association is continuing unabated. In a Twitter video today, pushed by Buzzfeed Journalist Christopher Miller {SEE HERE}, the claim is, “President Zelensky walked to a hospital today to visit wounded Ukrainian soldiers and award them with state honors for their sacrifices.”

    However, alert researchers noted {SEE HERE} the woman to Zelenskyy’s left, in the video, is a physician named Inna Derusova. She was reported to have died on February 26th.
     

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ukraine-hoax-1.jpg
    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ukraine-Hoax-2.jpg

    As we said from the outset, do not take anything at face value. Question everything that is being presented. The level of western propaganda to support the intents of the U.S./NATO and multinational community are extreme.
    ...
    TechnoFog took a look at the Mariupol maternity hospital story. That too looks faked and manufactured for western media consumption intended to influence the mind of U.S. and allied citizens
    ...
    The other story of the U.S. journalist shot and killed today?… Also, very sketchy.
     
    Follow the link below for more detail on the other two fabrications.

    The Fake Stream Media (CNN, MSNBC, WaPo, NYT) have been losing credibility and viewers for some time. Uncritically accepting fictional war stories accelerates the process.

    "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time." — Abraham Lincoln

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/03/13/another-round-of-ukraine-hoaxes-discovered/

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    So, even if the photo was misused, didn’t Zelensky actually visit the hospital? All of this fuss, just to try and discredit Zelensky? It’s too bad that Putler doesn’t have the guts to visit his own injured soldiers or even help to obtain the corpses of his dying soldiers so that they can be properly buried.

    • Replies: @A123
    @Mr. Hack


    So, even if the photo was misused, didn’t Zelensky actually visit the hospital
     
    Putin has visited injured people. Are you 100% good with those pictures being "misused" for propaganda purposes?

    What's good for the goose is good for the gander. -- John Ray

    A serious issue with the Twitterverse is that propaganda has been taken out of the hands of those can be held accountable. Fabrications can be injected from anywhere.

    PEACE 😇

     
    http://www.toledoblade.com/image/2014/01/01/Russia-Explosion-38.jpg

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    , @Wokechoke
    @Mr. Hack

    It’s quite significant. If the info you are getting is two weeks out of date in a war. You are being played.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  184. From the more recent open thread that now appears to be closed:

    It’s noteworthy that the foreign fighters Ukraine is getting are not mercenaries but volunteers, and not from a foreign civilizational sphere.

    That’s funny – I just read a western mass media piece about how Ukrainians are demanding foreign fighters sign indefinite contracts (for \$230 a month, lol), and a good number are refusing and leaving the country.

    https://archive.ph/2022.03.11-135510/https://www.economist.com/1843/2022/03/11/fighters-with-ukraines-foreign-legion-are-being-asked-to-sign-indefinite-contracts-some-have-refused

    • LOL: Yellowface Anon
  185. @Mr. Hack
    @HenryBaker


    The way the Russians talk about Ukrainians now (it’s just a fake state, no right to exist, resistance is either illegitimate or ‘fanatical’) is almost identical to how Europeans talked about nationalist revolutionaries in the decolonization wars.
     
    In a very real sense the decoupling of Ukraine from Russia is a decolonization war, that's been going on at least from the beginning of the 20th century.

    I believe Anatolys recent change of heart is mostly just a symptom of ‘your brain on nationalism’. The more nationalist you get, the more unreasonable. It’s a shame.
     
    Karlin has never presented himself to the world as anything other than a Russian nationalist. This new aggression of Russia's in Ukraine has provided him an opportunity to give full vent to all of his pent up Russian aspirations. I agree, that it's a shame, for it seems to be taking him down a very unsavory road. For him, it's a vindication of his Triune theories that I was never able to get him to fully explain in very much detail over the years. Funny thing is, that his Triune theory, if it had been used correctly, could have been used to greater aplomb if it had been presented as something other than a dictat. But now?.....

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Yeah but it seems to me that the RusNat side overruled his autistic HBD research side (rationalism) more and more as time went by. For gods sake, how much of a nationalist can you really be, blogging in English all the time for your cosmopolitan audience?

    The triune theory makes sense to me, personally. But remember, Americans and British were also more or less one people (in a cultural sense) when the Americans tore themselves free in a very convincing manner. Culture simply isn’t everything.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @HenryBaker

    As I previously pointed out:


    Funny thing is, that his Triune theory, if it had been used correctly, could have been used to greater aplomb if it had been presented as something other than a diktat. But now?…..
     
    Unfortunately, this unproved theory is now being used to shell and bomb ("shock and disbelief") hospitals, churches and civilian neighborhoods. How smart is that?

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    Well, he's not quite a nationalist, but something else.

    On the other thread he said that Russia only has value to him if it wins, that losers don't interest him, and that if Russia loses he will transfer his allegiance to China or India - whichever seems better poised to pursue his "Cosmist" dream.

    So it's a kind of religious/salvific/ideological mishmash of the kind modernity produces, that has elements of nationalism to some degree but lacks the deep, irrational, thymotic commitment to ones home and nation in victory or defeat, and crucially, a long term commitment.

    It isn't cynical power hunger either. The Russian nation is a vehicle for his Cosmist vision, but no more.

    Apparently, from what I could glean on the internet, Cosmism is an ideology that has growing influence among the Russian elite, so however crazy Karlin seems to us he is likely tapping into genuine and growing currents among the Russian ruling class.

    Another Russian commenter here, mal, is also a Cosmist.

    In this fight, the Ukrainians are the genuine nationalists, and the American far right are - once again - supporting imperialism and a radical revolutionary ideology that seeks to transform the world through technology lol :)

    See also the recent Temple to Mars Russia built and tried to pass off as Orthodox, when it is obviously anti--Christian and pagan in feel and tone.

    Replies: @Dmitry, @sher singh

  186. A123 says: • Website
    @sudden death
    @Wielgus

    Somebody can concede or not only when having strike target coordinates and nobody has them atm, so any firesure claims are all meant just for propaganda purposes and to stir the rage and fury and nothing else.

    Replies: @A123

    Somebody can concede or not only when having strike target coordinates and nobody has them

    Even that is not enough. One has to know what is in the building, not its nameplate on the outside. Combatants repurpose buildings. Muslim terrorists occupying Jewish Palestine hide in press offices and use UN schools as munitions dumps.

    The destruction of a 100% civilian building may not equal intent. One of the issues with some modern weapons is optical targeting on final approach. They look for the shape of the building to avoid being mislead by spurious GPS signals. Sounds good. Right? What happens if the target is damaged, obscured, or otherwise does not have the anticipated shape? The munition winds up striking a nearby building that is the right shape.

    Mistakes happen during combat. Deadly ones. The only way to avoid those mistakes is to prevent the war before it starts.

    PEACE 😇

    • Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars
    @A123

    No, I have it on good authority (BBC!) that every time the Russians allegedly+ hit an allegedly+ non-military target it's on purpose. Of course, this is often only heavily implied ("attacked," which connotes intent, instead of, for example, "struck," which doesn't).

    +"Allegedly" is my addition; BBC almost never hedges like that. Uncertainty is for Russian bots like myself.

    The entirety of BBC's coverage is like this. One of their correspondents in Ukraine said they were "neutral" yesterday, I laughed out loud. The shamelessness is breathtaking.

  187. @HenryBaker
    @Mr. Hack

    Yeah but it seems to me that the RusNat side overruled his autistic HBD research side (rationalism) more and more as time went by. For gods sake, how much of a nationalist can you really be, blogging in English all the time for your cosmopolitan audience?

    The triune theory makes sense to me, personally. But remember, Americans and British were also more or less one people (in a cultural sense) when the Americans tore themselves free in a very convincing manner. Culture simply isn't everything.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @AaronB

    As I previously pointed out:

    Funny thing is, that his Triune theory, if it had been used correctly, could have been used to greater aplomb if it had been presented as something other than a diktat. But now?…..

    Unfortunately, this unproved theory is now being used to shell and bomb (“shock and disbelief”) hospitals, churches and civilian neighborhoods. How smart is that?

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Mr. Hack


    unproved theory
     
    You cannot 'prove' objectively that two cultures are 'one people' as there is a voluntaristic element to forming a nation. Have you ever read quest ce-que une nation by Renan? That's the best essay on it imo. Extremely similar cultures can nevertheless form completely dissimilar political identities. Americans and British are not one people, British are not 'small Americans', yet I can come up with all sort of stories about why they really are but are just delusional, or whatever. Claiming they should nevertheless be united cannot be proven, and is always just political propaganda (just like insisting they should be separate). That's because a nation is a feeling, a voluntaristic association, based on some objective fact, some mythmaking. But not in and of itself an objective reality.

    The Dutch nation exists as separate from the Flemish nation because the Flemish live in land we could not conquer from the Spanish. That's literally the only reason. We did occupy some catholic land and we more or less pressed the Dutch identity on them over time. So not even religion is the real difference. Just association and time. If I now go around claiming the Flemish are just delusional 'small Dutch' without knowing it and should really be annexed NOW without their consent; that they have no right to statehood, or whatever... That's obviously just a political narrative. Even if the 'triune' idea makes sense, that does not mean Ukrainians must be forced to associate with Russians.

    Replies: @AP, @Yellowface Anon, @sher singh, @Coconuts

  188. @Mr. Hack
    @Barbarossa


    Mr. Hack may give too much credence to stuff he sees on Twitter,
     
    I never use Twitter, and only view its contents here at this blog when somebody occasionally copy/pastes it over to here. I find that its layout and commenting features are way too stiff and inflexible. I don't use facebook either for similar reasons and am also weary of the way its manipulated for marketing purposes. I used to be involved in a project that would mine LinkedIn for similar marketing purposes, so I know how it's done.

    Replies: @Barbarossa

    My bad, sorry. I had a brain fart and was thinking of Dmitry in previous threads with the endless Twitter embeds.

    I’m not on Twitter or FB either, so I fully agree with your points on that. This is really about the extent of my online social presence.

    I never understood the point of LinkedIn. I set up a profile years ago, which I suppose lives on in zombie form. It seemed primarily a forum for pointless posturing and imaginary status gaining.

    I would imagine that once you see how the data collection sausage is made, you can never bring yourself to enjoy it the same way again.

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Barbarossa

    Lot of jobs on LinkedIn.

  189. @HenryBaker
    @Mr. Hack

    Yeah but it seems to me that the RusNat side overruled his autistic HBD research side (rationalism) more and more as time went by. For gods sake, how much of a nationalist can you really be, blogging in English all the time for your cosmopolitan audience?

    The triune theory makes sense to me, personally. But remember, Americans and British were also more or less one people (in a cultural sense) when the Americans tore themselves free in a very convincing manner. Culture simply isn't everything.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @AaronB

    Well, he’s not quite a nationalist, but something else.

    On the other thread he said that Russia only has value to him if it wins, that losers don’t interest him, and that if Russia loses he will transfer his allegiance to China or India – whichever seems better poised to pursue his “Cosmist” dream.

    So it’s a kind of religious/salvific/ideological mishmash of the kind modernity produces, that has elements of nationalism to some degree but lacks the deep, irrational, thymotic commitment to ones home and nation in victory or defeat, and crucially, a long term commitment.

    It isn’t cynical power hunger either. The Russian nation is a vehicle for his Cosmist vision, but no more.

    Apparently, from what I could glean on the internet, Cosmism is an ideology that has growing influence among the Russian elite, so however crazy Karlin seems to us he is likely tapping into genuine and growing currents among the Russian ruling class.

    Another Russian commenter here, mal, is also a Cosmist.

    In this fight, the Ukrainians are the genuine nationalists, and the American far right are – once again – supporting imperialism and a radical revolutionary ideology that seeks to transform the world through technology lol 🙂

    See also the recent Temple to Mars Russia built and tried to pass off as Orthodox, when it is obviously anti–Christian and pagan in feel and tone.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @AaronB

    This ideology promoted as the casus "belli" (casus "special operation") in relation to Ukraine, for the Kremlin is not nationalism, but anti-nationalism.

    As I wrote, already, the politically correct ideology in Russia is imperialism, even "Moscow imperialism". Of course, all these ideologies in the postsoviet space are fakes which are created from the top-down, by the government.

    Russian Federation is a multinational country, especially in its elite, and nationalism would tear it from the inside. So, Russian nationalism has become the most repressed and illegal ideology in Russia for 15 years at least. You will go to prison if you touch this.

    Communism is also not possible to promote, from the perspective of the elite, as the raison d'être of the postsoviet, are its wealthy elite and their control on society. This is the reason for everything in postsoviet space, is the people at the top of society (at least the top 0,01%, if not the top 0,001%), and their control of the people on the bottom.

    Whereas Russian imperialism, has been promoted as an official ideology, for the last decades, as this is a politically possible direction that usually doesn't threaten to the rulers, except until it now has included costs of some sanctions.

    In terms of Ukraine, there has been an actually kind of "normal" essay written by Dugin, who is usually incoherent.

    I don't know if LatW wants to translate https://tsargrad.tv/articles/gvozd-v-kryshku-groba-ukronacizma-aleksandr-dugin-raskryl-kto-takie-ukraincy-2_509841

    He is actually writing in a clear way about this branch of the Russian imperialism ideology promoted by the Kremlin of the last decade to present a "surface justification" with its violent relations to the Ukrainian nationality.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard, @AaronB

    , @sher singh
    @AaronB

    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/640459736919048202/953025081888608286/515966.jpg

    Nothing new about a Jew insulting the Gods, seems you're overdue for a Shoah.
    Mohammad also had a Jewish mother. ;)


    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/777363024196796426/912980031049986068/IMG_3838.png

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  190. @Mr. Hack
    @HenryBaker

    As I previously pointed out:


    Funny thing is, that his Triune theory, if it had been used correctly, could have been used to greater aplomb if it had been presented as something other than a diktat. But now?…..
     
    Unfortunately, this unproved theory is now being used to shell and bomb ("shock and disbelief") hospitals, churches and civilian neighborhoods. How smart is that?

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    unproved theory

    You cannot ‘prove’ objectively that two cultures are ‘one people’ as there is a voluntaristic element to forming a nation. Have you ever read quest ce-que une nation by Renan? That’s the best essay on it imo. Extremely similar cultures can nevertheless form completely dissimilar political identities. Americans and British are not one people, British are not ‘small Americans’, yet I can come up with all sort of stories about why they really are but are just delusional, or whatever. Claiming they should nevertheless be united cannot be proven, and is always just political propaganda (just like insisting they should be separate). That’s because a nation is a feeling, a voluntaristic association, based on some objective fact, some mythmaking. But not in and of itself an objective reality.

    The Dutch nation exists as separate from the Flemish nation because the Flemish live in land we could not conquer from the Spanish. That’s literally the only reason. We did occupy some catholic land and we more or less pressed the Dutch identity on them over time. So not even religion is the real difference. Just association and time. If I now go around claiming the Flemish are just delusional ‘small Dutch’ without knowing it and should really be annexed NOW without their consent; that they have no right to statehood, or whatever… That’s obviously just a political narrative. Even if the ‘triune’ idea makes sense, that does not mean Ukrainians must be forced to associate with Russians.

    • Thanks: Mr. Hack
    • Troll: sher singh
    • Replies: @AP
    @HenryBaker

    You are correct here and in your other posts but I will point out that the differences (linguistic and cultural) between Ukrainians and Russians is more like between Dutch and Germans than between Flemish and Dutch or between English and American.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @Yellowface Anon
    @HenryBaker

    The Triune theory is about civilizational spheres and not Westphalian nation-states. Nation-states and historically determined divisions are to be overcome.

    , @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    'Sovereign, rational' individuals enter voluntary agreements which can be changed by conquerors.
    That's more batshit insane & nonsensical than Laxa's rambling. Bitches > Bitch-made niggas.

    Slaves 'voluntarily' accept & rationalize the status quo because that's their nature. Angloesque Whites merely larp as if they're not slaves til the next Brown Family moves in.

    So much venom towards Karlin imagine being this offended by someone who loves their motherland. Who's doing the hating? Jews, Amerimutts, Limeys, Khohols & Kardashians.

    Ukraine gonna be saved from the Bantu expansion & whether u get bent about it or not is 'voluntary'

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    , @Coconuts
    @HenryBaker

    Have you ever read quest ce-que une nation by Renan? That’s the best essay on it imo. Extremely similar cultures can nevertheless form completely dissimilar political identities.
     

    AFAIK Renan's ideas were fairly controversial, geography and environment was an essential factor in the break between the US and the Britain, and that had a lot to do with determining the wills of the British and Americans around this issue. I thought the Flemings remained independent due to the influence of larger European powers who made sure that they didn't join the Netherlands.

    Just using these names to illustrate a point, if the Flemings shared a religion with the Dutch, as well as language and so on, but were being kept independent by the subsidies of a third power (say France), which had on-going bad relations with the Netherlands and did not wish it's population well, Dutch invasion of the territory of the Flemings could well be justified if it was clear that the French cared neither about the common good of the Dutch, nor that of the Flemings, and were just using the latter in an instrumental way. United, sharing language, culture, religious, ethnic ties, the Flemings and Dutch should have a better chance of realising their common good than when divided by mercenary foreigners and factionalist interests in the latter's pay. This angle may even tip the scales and make an invasion a moral obligation.

    Also, the idea that things like popular consent or the 'democratic will' are essential to (or actually the basis of) nationhood is another political narrative, which can be switched out for other accounts of the basis of the legitimacy of political authority and association.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  191. A123 says: • Website
    @Mr. Hack
    @A123

    So, even if the photo was misused, didn't Zelensky actually visit the hospital? All of this fuss, just to try and discredit Zelensky? It's too bad that Putler doesn't have the guts to visit his own injured soldiers or even help to obtain the corpses of his dying soldiers so that they can be properly buried.

    Replies: @A123, @Wokechoke

    So, even if the photo was misused, didn’t Zelensky actually visit the hospital

    Putin has visited injured people. Are you 100% good with those pictures being “misused” for propaganda purposes?

    What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. — John Ray

    A serious issue with the Twitterverse is that propaganda has been taken out of the hands of those can be held accountable. Fabrications can be injected from anywhere.

    PEACE 😇

     

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @A123

    I don't know where you managed to find that photo, but it looks really staged to me. First Putin the historian, now Putin the MD?

    BTW, once you finish your posturing, I'd be curious to know which leader of a country, Biden or Putin, do you admire more? A simple answer will suffice. Thanks!

    Replies: @A123

  192. @Yevardian
    @sher singh


    Ask on the discord
     
    A haven for unwashed NEETs, teenage gamers, trannies, glowies and schizos. I'll pass.
    With it, feels like Akarlin's return to his ideological roots with the likes of Oliver D Smith, Mark Steyn readers and that 'PUA' women-respecter with a head like Red Dwarf's Kryten.

    https://alchetron.com/cdn/kryten-8f09c27e-cd80-4070-8a5c-9a4cc500bca-resize-750.jpeg

    It is odd though. Karlin abandons his blog, and a short while later, echoes the same uncritical triumphalism he mocked in writers like 'The Saker' for years. I mean a lot of people who wish the best for an independent Russia immediately saw the commencement of this invasion as an unavoidable castastrophe.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Anatoly Karlin, @Lolcow of the day

    A haven for unwashed NEETs, teenage gamers, trannies, glowies and schizos.

    Is that a comment on Discord in general or specifically on Karlin’s forum there (I have experience with neither…sher singh mentioned that you’re not allowed to insult other commenters there, which strikes me as very questionable)?

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @German_reader

    Just the platform in general, its strongly catered to a child audience, or adults that think like children. No I haven't been to Karlin's /pol/-reddit mashup server (apparently half the comments are people calling each other cucks) lol.
    I was recommended it for practicing speaking/listening comprehension in rarer languages a while ago.

    I also have younger siblings and relatives that use it.

    Replies: @German_reader

  193. What will Russia buy with its rupees? Indian medicine?

  194. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    A reply to a previous comment of yours:


    Anyways, why do the Russians seem to be doing literally everything so terribly from an optics point of view, down to their propoganda – as I said before, showing respect for Ukrainian bravery would actually look so much better than calling it things like “fanatical resistance” that must be punished etc, as Karlin does.
     

    It’s a war, of course they’ll fight back. This is bad? And the whole manipulation thing, the whole we’ll force you to be our brothers thing…

    This language can only occur in a weird post-modern setting like ours, and moreover is the language of psychopathic manipulation that is so characteristic of our times.
     

    There is nothing post-modern nor psychopathic about this way of talking and thinking. The way the Russians talk about Ukrainians now (it's just a fake state, no right to exist, resistance is either illegitimate or 'fanatical') is almost identical to how Europeans talked about nationalist revolutionaries in the decolonization wars. We also called resistance there 'lawless' or 'fanatical' and tried to delegimitize the nationalist project by focusing on a few worst elements (like the Russians are now doing with Azov, we did with communists fighting in the ranks).

    The Russians categorically deny that Ukrainians can either think for themselves or deserve any sort of self-legitimation. To do so, they must mentally frame the Ukrainians as infantile, fanatical, or traitorous and degenerate. That's all quite normal human psychology. Anatoly's first insistence that Ukrainian resistance would quickly evaporate, and then a switch to calling it 'fanatical' or whatever, mirrors decolonization war rhetoric almost 100%. It will, of course, never be acknowledged that Ukrainians have little good experience under the Russian umbrella. 'They just don't know what's good them'.

    Your idea that our time is one of 'psychopathic manipulation' is ungrounded in the sense that manipulation by a ruling power has always been around and has always been intense. That is of course the Marxist critique of religion in the modern state. I guess our propaganda may just be more intense, more aimed at doubt than conviction, and more disorienting.


    Also, a general comment: I believe Anatolys recent change of heart is mostly just a symptom of 'your brain on nationalism'. The more nationalist you get, the more unreasonable. It's a shame.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Mr. Hack, @AaronB

    I would still say though that this is the language of psychopathic manipulation, but it’s useful to be reminded that this started in the mid-20th century.

    There was a reason that era produced the novel 1984, the great novel about mind control and manipulation practiced by the state.

    The mid-20th century saw the advent of a new basis for politics, “managerialism” rather than “values based” politics.

    Managerialism is a philosophy of politics that seeks to scientifically “manage” every social and political dimension for the purpose of control without moral considerations, rather than seeing politics as the great arena in which the contest over values or national glory play out on a grand scale.

    Politics is now something to be controlled and micromanaged, not an arena for the expression of and struggle over higher values or even “lower values” like national vigor and glory.

    In other words, another tragic loss of dimension and slimification of life as modernity continued to march through the institutions.

    Of course, in such a politics, “managing” perceptions and trying to convince your opponent he he has no right to resist your attempts to violate him, rather than finding your glory in the ability of your will to overcome his will, which implies a genuine contest, is the name of the game.

    But as I said before, it’s terrible psychology from the “managerial” perspective – such contempt stiffens resolve.

    But it is seemingly just as necessary for an imperialistic power to adopt this contempt, because it ties in to the very reasons for imperialism in a deep way.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    I dunno, you already have weird geo-political security propaganda all the way back in Caesars book on Gaul. Imperial powers have always formulated ways of thinking that delegitimize the right of small nations to exist. Don't forget that humans are some of the most manipulative beings on the planet. Nothing to do with psychopathy. We constantly lie to ourselves and lie to others. Same with manipulation.

    I agree that it has intensified and has been institutionalized, to an extent. But like I said, before this religion was arguably used as a tool to control to population. Now it's moralistic narratives.

  195. German_reader says:
    @songbird
    @German_reader

    Thanks, that is interesting. Curious how there were all these attacks on American and British bases in mainland Europe, but now it almost seems like the Left has come around to supporting American imperialism.

    Guess the IRA and ETA were still pretty active in the '80s. But maybe those count as paramilitaries? Or maybe, it just took longer for the same trends to manifest there because of remoteness or higher TFR.

    Think they had something like 50 KGB officers in East Germany, so I wouldn't necessarily call that high odds, even if the Soviets were connected. Then, again, by the fall of the Wall, Putin was a Lt. Colonel, and I believe in charge of the KGB HQ in Dresden. If anyone was dealing with them, guess it would be in the KGB files, which were successfully removed from Germany, by Putin and his subordinates. Unless he scrubbed them.

    Replies: @German_reader

    Guess the IRA and ETA were still pretty active in the ’80s. But maybe those count as paramilitaries?

    I think they were a much bigger deal. RAF was basically just a few dozen loonies aided by a few hundred supporters. It’s very strange in retrospect how West Germany went nuts over them during the Deutscher Herbst of 1977 (my father remembers traffic controls where you were approached by police with drawn machine pistols, and there was talk about re-introducing the death penalty, maybe even treating imprisoned RAF members as hostages). Whereas today the official attitude towards Islamic-inspired terrorism is much more indifferent, something you just have to tolerate. Part of the explanation is probably that RAF actually managed to kill quite a few elite representatives (the GIs and German policemen they killed don’t get mentioned much), which scared the establishment.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @German_reader


    Part of the explanation is probably that RAF actually managed to kill quite a few elite representatives
     
    That's a good point.

    The previous context that I put it in was that I thought the regime was different. Either more rightist (even though Helmut Schmidt was SPD, he fought in the war) or traditional. Basically, all men. And RAF was talking about patriarchy. And then there was the Cold War context, where revolution seemed more possible.

    To a certain extent, I think these revolutionaries became the regime. Not to exaggerate too much, but in America, a few of them are professors. Bill Ayers was mentioned prominently with Obama. I think a lot of their ideas have been adopted by the regime.


    RAF was basically just a few dozen loonies aided by a few hundred supporters.
     
    Maybe these terrorist organizations could be looked at as a social contagion. I expect that they were all LARPers looking to get the power of Castro or Lenin or Mao. It's an interesting mystery what caused them to decline. But, perhaps, the same trend of decline can now be seen in regards to Muslim terrorists.

    Replies: @German_reader

  196. @HenryBaker
    @Mr. Hack


    unproved theory
     
    You cannot 'prove' objectively that two cultures are 'one people' as there is a voluntaristic element to forming a nation. Have you ever read quest ce-que une nation by Renan? That's the best essay on it imo. Extremely similar cultures can nevertheless form completely dissimilar political identities. Americans and British are not one people, British are not 'small Americans', yet I can come up with all sort of stories about why they really are but are just delusional, or whatever. Claiming they should nevertheless be united cannot be proven, and is always just political propaganda (just like insisting they should be separate). That's because a nation is a feeling, a voluntaristic association, based on some objective fact, some mythmaking. But not in and of itself an objective reality.

    The Dutch nation exists as separate from the Flemish nation because the Flemish live in land we could not conquer from the Spanish. That's literally the only reason. We did occupy some catholic land and we more or less pressed the Dutch identity on them over time. So not even religion is the real difference. Just association and time. If I now go around claiming the Flemish are just delusional 'small Dutch' without knowing it and should really be annexed NOW without their consent; that they have no right to statehood, or whatever... That's obviously just a political narrative. Even if the 'triune' idea makes sense, that does not mean Ukrainians must be forced to associate with Russians.

    Replies: @AP, @Yellowface Anon, @sher singh, @Coconuts

    You are correct here and in your other posts but I will point out that the differences (linguistic and cultural) between Ukrainians and Russians is more like between Dutch and Germans than between Flemish and Dutch or between English and American.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @AP

    As an aside, the rural parts of the Netherlands have their own, old dialects like Drenths or Gronings. Very hard or impossible to understand for the speakers of 'high' Dutch. These dialects smoothly progress into Western Plattdeutsch or 'flat' German. Therefore, there exists a linguistic group of Germans and Dutch people with more in common linguistically with each other, than either high Dutch or German. Interestingly, the urbane Flemish do seem to speak a variant of 'high' Dutch, just like we do.

    But I agree with your point. Like Ukraine, Holland too was part of a larger super-ethnic empire (the Holy Roman Empire) that seems to have had a very vaguely Germanic identity. Like Ukraine, our separation from the larger empire and ethnos is but a result of the vagaries of history (Holland is a 'coincidental' result of the patchwork inheritance of the Burgundian counts, Habsburg intra-family partitioning, and a religious civil war).

    One distinction: I'm not sure how Ukraine developed culturally, but I must say that Dutch society does veer off very sharply from wider Germany in the 17th century due to our proto-capitalism and republicanism. Only racial theorists like the nazis would really claim that we are Germans- even then, they considered us 'corrupted by liberalism and freemasonry'...

    I myself would not oppose re-unification with the Flemish at all. It would be awkward, but it would work. The Germans... nah. Too different.

    Replies: @AP, @silviosilver

  197. @sudden death
    Great news:

    On Thursday, South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol vowed to take a firmer stance on North Korea and rebuild Seoul’s military alliance with Washington.

    South Koreans went to the polls and elected Yoon on Wednesday, and he will take office in May. During his campaign, Yoon accused outgoing President Moon Jae-in, a strong proponent of peaceful reunification with North Korea, of being "submissive" to Pyongyang and Beijing.

    As the US has become more focused on countering China, Washington is looking to Seoul to help. Yoon is expected to take a harder line on China and signaled that he was ready to be involved in the US’s efforts to strengthen alliances in the region as part of its strategy against Beijing.

    “I’ll rebuild the South Korea-US alliance. I’ll [make] it a strategic comprehensive alliance while sharing key values like liberal democracy, a market economy, and human rights,” Yoon said at a press conference.

    “I’ll establish a strong military capacity to completely deter any provocation,” Yoon said. “I’ll firmly deal with illicit, unreasonable behavior by North Korea in a principled manner, though I’ll always leave open the door for South-North talks.”
     
    https://www.zerohedge.com/political/south-korea-elects-conservative-anti-north-hawk-president

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    Fake libertarian.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Yellowface Anon

    Who, me? No way ;)

  198. @HenryBaker
    @Mr. Hack


    unproved theory
     
    You cannot 'prove' objectively that two cultures are 'one people' as there is a voluntaristic element to forming a nation. Have you ever read quest ce-que une nation by Renan? That's the best essay on it imo. Extremely similar cultures can nevertheless form completely dissimilar political identities. Americans and British are not one people, British are not 'small Americans', yet I can come up with all sort of stories about why they really are but are just delusional, or whatever. Claiming they should nevertheless be united cannot be proven, and is always just political propaganda (just like insisting they should be separate). That's because a nation is a feeling, a voluntaristic association, based on some objective fact, some mythmaking. But not in and of itself an objective reality.

    The Dutch nation exists as separate from the Flemish nation because the Flemish live in land we could not conquer from the Spanish. That's literally the only reason. We did occupy some catholic land and we more or less pressed the Dutch identity on them over time. So not even religion is the real difference. Just association and time. If I now go around claiming the Flemish are just delusional 'small Dutch' without knowing it and should really be annexed NOW without their consent; that they have no right to statehood, or whatever... That's obviously just a political narrative. Even if the 'triune' idea makes sense, that does not mean Ukrainians must be forced to associate with Russians.

    Replies: @AP, @Yellowface Anon, @sher singh, @Coconuts

    The Triune theory is about civilizational spheres and not Westphalian nation-states. Nation-states and historically determined divisions are to be overcome.

  199. AP says:
    @Aedib
    According to ColonelCassad, the Banderites targeted the city center of Donetsk with a SRBM. That’s an indicative of their desperation. Russian spearheads started to block escape routes to the west and the big aggrupation of Ukr forces west of Donetsk seems doomed.

    As a result of the Tochka-U attack on the center of Donetsk, 20 people were killed (probably more), including children. Also a large number of wounded. The missile went to the center of Donetsk, the air defense probably worked late and the missile was shot down over the center of the city. As a result, cluster munitions wiped out people in the streets. If a rocket fell in the center of the city, there would be even more victims.
    Obviously, there were no serious military installations here, just terrorists aiming to kill civilians. That Ukraine systematically committed 8 years in the Donbass. Sensing impending defeat, the Ukrainian Nazis are simply eager to leave more casualties and destruction in their wake.
     

    Replies: @sudden death, @AP

    Ukrainians claim it was an errant DNR missile and that a Ukrainian ones are a different color (I am not saying saying this necessary true).

    At any rate, by the time this war started, civilian casualties have been down to about 2 dozen a year. According to the UN, 18 total from January to October 2021. Of those, -15 caused by Ukrainians, -3 by rebels. Deaths were mostly collateral damage from both sides shooting at each other with Donbas militants being in more populated areas .

    Given the low intensity and low casualties, this was no justification for an invasion of the entire country that had already taken abut 1,600 lives per UN (this number will climb).

  200. @German_reader
    @songbird


    Guess the IRA and ETA were still pretty active in the ’80s. But maybe those count as paramilitaries?
     
    I think they were a much bigger deal. RAF was basically just a few dozen loonies aided by a few hundred supporters. It's very strange in retrospect how West Germany went nuts over them during the Deutscher Herbst of 1977 (my father remembers traffic controls where you were approached by police with drawn machine pistols, and there was talk about re-introducing the death penalty, maybe even treating imprisoned RAF members as hostages). Whereas today the official attitude towards Islamic-inspired terrorism is much more indifferent, something you just have to tolerate. Part of the explanation is probably that RAF actually managed to kill quite a few elite representatives (the GIs and German policemen they killed don't get mentioned much), which scared the establishment.

    Replies: @songbird

    Part of the explanation is probably that RAF actually managed to kill quite a few elite representatives

    That’s a good point.

    The previous context that I put it in was that I thought the regime was different. Either more rightist (even though Helmut Schmidt was SPD, he fought in the war) or traditional. Basically, all men. And RAF was talking about patriarchy. And then there was the Cold War context, where revolution seemed more possible.

    To a certain extent, I think these revolutionaries became the regime. Not to exaggerate too much, but in America, a few of them are professors. Bill Ayers was mentioned prominently with Obama. I think a lot of their ideas have been adopted by the regime.

    RAF was basically just a few dozen loonies aided by a few hundred supporters.

    Maybe these terrorist organizations could be looked at as a social contagion. I expect that they were all LARPers looking to get the power of Castro or Lenin or Mao. It’s an interesting mystery what caused them to decline. But, perhaps, the same trend of decline can now be seen in regards to Muslim terrorists.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @songbird


    It’s an interesting mystery what caused them to decline.
     
    RAF were basically just total nutcases who eventually ended up isolated even among the radical left. I think similar dynamics may apply to other far left terrorist groups of the time, e.g. iirc the Red Brigades in Italy were disappointed by the PCI's rapprochement with the Christian Democrats (an important factor in their murder of Aldo Moro) and regarded the old-fashioned commies as sell-outs...which in turn marginalized them among the communists.
    I don't know if similar dynamics apply to Islamic terrorism, it seems to me there is much more of a continuum with Islamic mass movements or regimes in power. Erdogan's people aren't exactly like IS members, but the boundaries seem somewhat fluid imo.

    Replies: @songbird

  201. Since Russia are about to ban VPNs, it seems that the final layer of the Putin Shroud is going into place. Russia will be bleeding out in Ukraine and will not even know about it. Instead, they will be congratulating each other on stopping the ever so definite Ukrainian super nuclear space weapons programme. Meanwhile, their country returns to the 90s, but without the sense of hope or Western support that was very real. Or even the novelty. Just depression, bathtub vodka and empty rhetoric.

    At least until Putin goes.

    This is a very sad day, because, although they are currently murdering Ukrainians and destroying with vicious cruelty holy Kiev, mother city of the Eastern Slavs, the Russians are trying their best to find their place in the world. Tragedy is not that people do evil because they want to, but because they do evil while trying to be their most good selves.

    China, if it goes on for years, will not be a kind master. It never is. Not even to Chinese who do not absolutely conform. This is why, in such large lands, there are now most only Han Chinese. Russians, with their poverty, bungled operations, and white skin, will be at the bottom of the pile. Not even acknowledged, but mostly used as exotic prostitutes in high-end hotels across the Chinese East. For the moment, they’ll settle for scamming for what material they can.

    This also means that Anatoly Karlin will no longer be able to comment here, most likely, and that his life with get a lot poorer in other ways. I am sorry for you AK and wish you individually the best. Patriotism is a result of many virtues, but it can also end up a trap, as the government which ends up defining you is corrupted by power and resentment.

    Putin, and therefore, by now, everyone who doesn’t resist him, was desperate to save Mother Russia, and to rebuild her strong and eternal, but through that desperation corruption has seeped in, and now everything he does is to destroy it, whether he knows or not. And once done, he will feel little but scorn, contempt and rage that Russia and Russians were too weak for his pride. That other Eastern Slavs were brainwashed. That they all got the misery they deserved.

    In truth, this is when someone’s soul meets hell. And when they break through into the infernal realm, they will agree that they too deserve it.

    Having made this clear, I look forward to the day when Russia rejoins Europe and again offers her unique talents and textures to the continent. For just as someone enters hell by their own deep desire to suffer, they exit just as much by their volition.

    Best wishes Anatoly, you’re in for a terrible ride. None of it will be good, but let’s pray that the Ukrainians can win so that at least it is short.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Triteleia Laxa


    This is why, in such large lands, there are now most only Han Chinese.
     
    I thought the reason was the size of the Yellow and Yangtze River Valleys, paired with barriers like the Himalayas and Gobi Desert.

    Russians, with their poverty, bungled operations, and white skin, will be at the bottom of the pile. Not even acknowledged, but mostly used as exotic prostitutes in high-end hotels across the Chinese East.
     
    There are some number of Russians in China now, from the time of the Czar, and they seem moderately prosperous, according to local standards.

    BTW, when did your family leave the Ukraine? And have you ever gone back to visit the place?
    , @Dmitry
    @Triteleia Laxa

    Lol I know you want to write some emotional post, but I feel in a mood to correct for accuracy.


    depression, bathtub vodka and empty rhetoric.

     

    Well, more like locally produced draft beers and empty rhetoric nowadays.

    they’ll settle for scamming for what material they can.

     

    Trading for commodities, is not exactly "scamming". I would agree they will receive lower prices than if the international relations was better.

    But commodity prices are mainly determined by international markets.

    So, there is now the highest spread for Urals crude compared to Brent crude, as many countries are reducing import of Russian oil. But this is discount relative to overall position of international market, and price still above $90 per barrel, which is near the multi-year high.

    sad day, because, although they are currently murdering Ukrainians

     

    Although most of us could sense, for years that the postsoviet space is preparing these kind of horror shows and constructed on not very "utopian" foundations.

    In the 2020 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan was not the most recent indicator.

    Russians, with their poverty, bungled operations, and white skin, will be at the bottom of the pile.

     

    You don't say anything that life style for average people in Russia, far lower compared to in wealthy Western countries.

    But you are comparing to China, where living standards are very low compared to wealthy countries. Average people in Russia, are still living better probably than average people in China, and higher than other countries in the postsoviet bloc.

    So, "bottom of the pile", is almost the opposite of the local situation, for what it is worth.

    Russia and China are at the same GDP per capita nowadays. Which is shocking for me as someone who remembers that China as a third world country. But Russia will be still at the top of the local Euroasian pile.

    https://i.imgur.com/rvXUKlJ.jpg

    that Anatoly Karlin will no longer
     
    Of course, he will be fine in relation to these recent sanctions. He technically is an American or British man. His family are Middle Eastern looking immigrants live in England.

    Russia and Russians were too weak for his pride. That other Eastern Slavs were brainwashed. That they all got the misery they deserved.

     

    Everything is produced "top-down" in the postsoviet society. I think you imagine there is some spontaneous political positions. A decade ago, Ukrainians were presented as beloved and charming people in the media.

    What about Belarus-Ukraine relations? 2 years ago, before Lukashenko was broken, Lukashenko fanboy Max Korzh (despite lack of music talent) was popular in Kiev like.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edWn4UGqrqU
    , @Anatoly Karlin
    @Triteleia Laxa

    Like it or not, but what is actually going to happen is that Russia is going to return its rightful demesnes and build a great space-faring Empire, in civilizational harmony with India and the Celestial Empire.

    Meanwhile, Western Supremacists will stew in their cesspit of BLM and the 69 genders, papering over their failures with impotent Russophobia and Sinophobia, for at least the rest of this century, a fitting punishment for their innumerable sins.

    Replies: @German_reader, @A123

    , @Anatoly Karlin
    @Triteleia Laxa


    Since Russia are about to ban VPNs, it seems that the final layer of the Putin Shroud is going into place.
     
    Still waiting for martial law to be imposed:

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1499827293220388865

    Still waiting for the "Great Kremlin Firewall":

    https://twitter.com/jason_corcoran/status/1500758709164777473

    Replies: @Triteleia Laxa

  202. German_reader says:
    @songbird
    @German_reader


    Part of the explanation is probably that RAF actually managed to kill quite a few elite representatives
     
    That's a good point.

    The previous context that I put it in was that I thought the regime was different. Either more rightist (even though Helmut Schmidt was SPD, he fought in the war) or traditional. Basically, all men. And RAF was talking about patriarchy. And then there was the Cold War context, where revolution seemed more possible.

    To a certain extent, I think these revolutionaries became the regime. Not to exaggerate too much, but in America, a few of them are professors. Bill Ayers was mentioned prominently with Obama. I think a lot of their ideas have been adopted by the regime.


    RAF was basically just a few dozen loonies aided by a few hundred supporters.
     
    Maybe these terrorist organizations could be looked at as a social contagion. I expect that they were all LARPers looking to get the power of Castro or Lenin or Mao. It's an interesting mystery what caused them to decline. But, perhaps, the same trend of decline can now be seen in regards to Muslim terrorists.

    Replies: @German_reader

    It’s an interesting mystery what caused them to decline.

    RAF were basically just total nutcases who eventually ended up isolated even among the radical left. I think similar dynamics may apply to other far left terrorist groups of the time, e.g. iirc the Red Brigades in Italy were disappointed by the PCI’s rapprochement with the Christian Democrats (an important factor in their murder of Aldo Moro) and regarded the old-fashioned commies as sell-outs…which in turn marginalized them among the communists.
    I don’t know if similar dynamics apply to Islamic terrorism, it seems to me there is much more of a continuum with Islamic mass movements or regimes in power. Erdogan’s people aren’t exactly like IS members, but the boundaries seem somewhat fluid imo.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @German_reader


    I don’t know if similar dynamics apply to Islamic terrorism, it seems to me there is much more of a continuum with Islamic mass movements or regimes in power.
     
    There's a lot of change in Muslim countries. Increasing secularism. Decreasing TFR. Arabs have made a fetish out of education and science, due to their wealth and the fact that the realities of human capital aren't pleasant.

    IIRC, the House of Saud has allowed gay propaganda on Netflix. The land of Wahhabism is now full of people with diabetes and high cholesterol. The natural asceticism of the desert has been replaced with ads for sugary desserts and fatty foods.
  203. @A123
    @Mr. Hack


    So, even if the photo was misused, didn’t Zelensky actually visit the hospital
     
    Putin has visited injured people. Are you 100% good with those pictures being "misused" for propaganda purposes?

    What's good for the goose is good for the gander. -- John Ray

    A serious issue with the Twitterverse is that propaganda has been taken out of the hands of those can be held accountable. Fabrications can be injected from anywhere.

    PEACE 😇

     
    http://www.toledoblade.com/image/2014/01/01/Russia-Explosion-38.jpg

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    I don’t know where you managed to find that photo, but it looks really staged to me. First Putin the historian, now Putin the MD?

    BTW, once you finish your posturing, I’d be curious to know which leader of a country, Biden or Putin, do you admire more? A simple answer will suffice. Thanks!

    • Replies: @A123
    @Mr. Hack


    I don’t know where you managed to find that photo, but it looks really staged to me. First Putin the historian, now Putin the MD?
     
    I searched on "Putin visits injured" and picked the first one. Apparently it is after a Muslim terror attack in Russia.

    I’d be curious to know which leader of a country, Biden or Putin, do you admire more? A simple answer will suffice. Thanks!
     
    Your rigged question defies a simple answer:

     
    https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/false_dichotomy_2x.png
     

    Not-The-President Biden is not a leader. He is a lobotomite puppet thing. Putin made a terrible mistake. He backed Merkel's hatred of Christianity via NS2.

    So I do not admire either one. However, Putin is the only "leader".

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  204. @German_reader
    @songbird


    It’s an interesting mystery what caused them to decline.
     
    RAF were basically just total nutcases who eventually ended up isolated even among the radical left. I think similar dynamics may apply to other far left terrorist groups of the time, e.g. iirc the Red Brigades in Italy were disappointed by the PCI's rapprochement with the Christian Democrats (an important factor in their murder of Aldo Moro) and regarded the old-fashioned commies as sell-outs...which in turn marginalized them among the communists.
    I don't know if similar dynamics apply to Islamic terrorism, it seems to me there is much more of a continuum with Islamic mass movements or regimes in power. Erdogan's people aren't exactly like IS members, but the boundaries seem somewhat fluid imo.

    Replies: @songbird

    I don’t know if similar dynamics apply to Islamic terrorism, it seems to me there is much more of a continuum with Islamic mass movements or regimes in power.

    There’s a lot of change in Muslim countries. Increasing secularism. Decreasing TFR. Arabs have made a fetish out of education and science, due to their wealth and the fact that the realities of human capital aren’t pleasant.

    IIRC, the House of Saud has allowed gay propaganda on Netflix. The land of Wahhabism is now full of people with diabetes and high cholesterol. The natural asceticism of the desert has been replaced with ads for sugary desserts and fatty foods.

  205. A123 says: • Website
    @Mr. Hack
    @A123

    I don't know where you managed to find that photo, but it looks really staged to me. First Putin the historian, now Putin the MD?

    BTW, once you finish your posturing, I'd be curious to know which leader of a country, Biden or Putin, do you admire more? A simple answer will suffice. Thanks!

    Replies: @A123

    I don’t know where you managed to find that photo, but it looks really staged to me. First Putin the historian, now Putin the MD?

    I searched on “Putin visits injured” and picked the first one. Apparently it is after a Muslim terror attack in Russia.

    I’d be curious to know which leader of a country, Biden or Putin, do you admire more? A simple answer will suffice. Thanks!

    Your rigged question defies a simple answer:

      

    Not-The-President Biden is not a leader. He is a lobotomite puppet thing. Putin made a terrible mistake. He backed Merkel’s hatred of Christianity via NS2.

    So I do not admire either one. However, Putin is the only “leader”.

    PEACE 😇

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @A123

    Yeah, I kind of figured that you weren't up to providing me with a direct answer to my question. :-(

    BTW, you really need to get beyond the fact that Trump lost the election. I'm not sure about other states, but in AZ it really appears that he lost legitimately. When Gore lost the real close one, where Bush's brother was involved in cooking the books a bit (hanging chads etc), those on the other side also had to wake up and smell the coffee and move on. I didn't vote for Biden either, so I empathize with your anguish - better luck next time.

    Replies: @A123

  206. @Triteleia Laxa
    Since Russia are about to ban VPNs, it seems that the final layer of the Putin Shroud is going into place. Russia will be bleeding out in Ukraine and will not even know about it. Instead, they will be congratulating each other on stopping the ever so definite Ukrainian super nuclear space weapons programme. Meanwhile, their country returns to the 90s, but without the sense of hope or Western support that was very real. Or even the novelty. Just depression, bathtub vodka and empty rhetoric.

    At least until Putin goes.

    This is a very sad day, because, although they are currently murdering Ukrainians and destroying with vicious cruelty holy Kiev, mother city of the Eastern Slavs, the Russians are trying their best to find their place in the world. Tragedy is not that people do evil because they want to, but because they do evil while trying to be their most good selves.

    China, if it goes on for years, will not be a kind master. It never is. Not even to Chinese who do not absolutely conform. This is why, in such large lands, there are now most only Han Chinese. Russians, with their poverty, bungled operations, and white skin, will be at the bottom of the pile. Not even acknowledged, but mostly used as exotic prostitutes in high-end hotels across the Chinese East. For the moment, they'll settle for scamming for what material they can.

    This also means that Anatoly Karlin will no longer be able to comment here, most likely, and that his life with get a lot poorer in other ways. I am sorry for you AK and wish you individually the best. Patriotism is a result of many virtues, but it can also end up a trap, as the government which ends up defining you is corrupted by power and resentment.

    Putin, and therefore, by now, everyone who doesn't resist him, was desperate to save Mother Russia, and to rebuild her strong and eternal, but through that desperation corruption has seeped in, and now everything he does is to destroy it, whether he knows or not. And once done, he will feel little but scorn, contempt and rage that Russia and Russians were too weak for his pride. That other Eastern Slavs were brainwashed. That they all got the misery they deserved.

    In truth, this is when someone's soul meets hell. And when they break through into the infernal realm, they will agree that they too deserve it.

    Having made this clear, I look forward to the day when Russia rejoins Europe and again offers her unique talents and textures to the continent. For just as someone enters hell by their own deep desire to suffer, they exit just as much by their volition.

    Best wishes Anatoly, you're in for a terrible ride. None of it will be good, but let's pray that the Ukrainians can win so that at least it is short.

    Replies: @songbird, @Dmitry, @Anatoly Karlin, @Anatoly Karlin

    This is why, in such large lands, there are now most only Han Chinese.

    I thought the reason was the size of the Yellow and Yangtze River Valleys, paired with barriers like the Himalayas and Gobi Desert.

    Russians, with their poverty, bungled operations, and white skin, will be at the bottom of the pile. Not even acknowledged, but mostly used as exotic prostitutes in high-end hotels across the Chinese East.

    There are some number of Russians in China now, from the time of the Czar, and they seem moderately prosperous, according to local standards.

    BTW, when did your family leave the Ukraine? And have you ever gone back to visit the place?

  207. Southfront:

    Azovite resistance in Mariupol crumbling. Mass evacuation of civilians started.

    https://southfront.org/breaking-main-nationalist-forces-in-mariupol-destroyed-mass-evacuation-of-civilians-began/

  208. @Mr. Hack
    @A123

    So, even if the photo was misused, didn't Zelensky actually visit the hospital? All of this fuss, just to try and discredit Zelensky? It's too bad that Putler doesn't have the guts to visit his own injured soldiers or even help to obtain the corpses of his dying soldiers so that they can be properly buried.

    Replies: @A123, @Wokechoke

    It’s quite significant. If the info you are getting is two weeks out of date in a war. You are being played.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Wokechoke

    This was filmed just yesterday. Much more believable than some photo that A123 provided from another war a few years back in Syria:

    https://youtu.be/hJd-Ed3jRh0

  209. @Emil Nikola Richard
    @AaronB

    1. I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life. It says something about them that they are even more whacko than the transhumanists.

    2. The cosmist movement was obliterated totally by the commies. Except one guy whose name escapes me. One of the biggest Russian rocket scientists before they got German technology after 1945 began his career as a prominent cosmist. He turned over a new leaf when he got the big job in rockets.

    3. Cosmism is arcane. Think Hegel, Heidegger. If K knows more about it than they had a great name I would be surprised.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird, @Bill, @Philip Owen

    I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life.

    Don’t know what I would do exactly.

    But if I were standing above the bones of Isaac Newton, Leibniz, Mozart, or Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, thinking about how world IQ is 82 and dropping. How Europe seems to have run out of great men and how dysgenics seem poised to destroy everything. And if I happened to have a few spare cloning vats and confidence in my methods of education, I might just take a pick axe to the ground.

    And I’m not a cosmist or transhumanist.

    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @songbird

    You do not know what life is. You get a fantasy of creating life from science fiction.

    Are you drunk?

    Replies: @songbird

  210. @A123
    @Mr. Hack


    I don’t know where you managed to find that photo, but it looks really staged to me. First Putin the historian, now Putin the MD?
     
    I searched on "Putin visits injured" and picked the first one. Apparently it is after a Muslim terror attack in Russia.

    I’d be curious to know which leader of a country, Biden or Putin, do you admire more? A simple answer will suffice. Thanks!
     
    Your rigged question defies a simple answer:

     
    https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/false_dichotomy_2x.png
     

    Not-The-President Biden is not a leader. He is a lobotomite puppet thing. Putin made a terrible mistake. He backed Merkel's hatred of Christianity via NS2.

    So I do not admire either one. However, Putin is the only "leader".

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    Yeah, I kind of figured that you weren’t up to providing me with a direct answer to my question. 🙁

    BTW, you really need to get beyond the fact that Trump lost the election. I’m not sure about other states, but in AZ it really appears that he lost legitimately. When Gore lost the real close one, where Bush’s brother was involved in cooking the books a bit (hanging chads etc), those on the other side also had to wake up and smell the coffee and move on. I didn’t vote for Biden either, so I empathize with your anguish – better luck next time.

    • Replies: @A123
    @Mr. Hack


    I kind of figured that you weren’t up to providing me with a direct answer to my question. 🙁
     
    Provide a direct Yes or No answer to this question:

    Have you stopped beating your wife?

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Mr. Hack

  211. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/russia-ukraine-nato-country-estonia-calls-for-immediate-establishment-of-no-fly-zone

    Pure idiocy (as is their posturing about “war crimes have to be punished”, and a roadmap for Ukrainian NATO/EU membership).

    • Replies: @songbird
    @German_reader

    I'm starting to perceive no-fly-zones as a sign of degeneracy.

    Would Iraq have been invaded, without the earlier institution of a no-fly-zone? What about the bombing of Serbia? The destabilization of Libya? Those are our historical examples. In a way, each one lead to the next, and each was a slippery slope, ultimately bringing us here.

    They amount to radical egalitarianism on the battlefield. A complete distortion of the timeless reality of war, which saw strength as a virtue, or even honor in defeat. And just like each egalitarianism at home, there is a complete failure to acknowledge the costs of it, or what it could lead to. To acknowledge its true nature.

    It was only two years after the first was implemented in Iraq that the US military enacted "Don't ask, don't tell" which was the first step in mainstreaming gays in the military. And now they own the place.

    The very idea of a no-fly-zone is embracing the gorgon that is modern America.

  212. @Triteleia Laxa
    Since Russia are about to ban VPNs, it seems that the final layer of the Putin Shroud is going into place. Russia will be bleeding out in Ukraine and will not even know about it. Instead, they will be congratulating each other on stopping the ever so definite Ukrainian super nuclear space weapons programme. Meanwhile, their country returns to the 90s, but without the sense of hope or Western support that was very real. Or even the novelty. Just depression, bathtub vodka and empty rhetoric.

    At least until Putin goes.

    This is a very sad day, because, although they are currently murdering Ukrainians and destroying with vicious cruelty holy Kiev, mother city of the Eastern Slavs, the Russians are trying their best to find their place in the world. Tragedy is not that people do evil because they want to, but because they do evil while trying to be their most good selves.

    China, if it goes on for years, will not be a kind master. It never is. Not even to Chinese who do not absolutely conform. This is why, in such large lands, there are now most only Han Chinese. Russians, with their poverty, bungled operations, and white skin, will be at the bottom of the pile. Not even acknowledged, but mostly used as exotic prostitutes in high-end hotels across the Chinese East. For the moment, they'll settle for scamming for what material they can.

    This also means that Anatoly Karlin will no longer be able to comment here, most likely, and that his life with get a lot poorer in other ways. I am sorry for you AK and wish you individually the best. Patriotism is a result of many virtues, but it can also end up a trap, as the government which ends up defining you is corrupted by power and resentment.

    Putin, and therefore, by now, everyone who doesn't resist him, was desperate to save Mother Russia, and to rebuild her strong and eternal, but through that desperation corruption has seeped in, and now everything he does is to destroy it, whether he knows or not. And once done, he will feel little but scorn, contempt and rage that Russia and Russians were too weak for his pride. That other Eastern Slavs were brainwashed. That they all got the misery they deserved.

    In truth, this is when someone's soul meets hell. And when they break through into the infernal realm, they will agree that they too deserve it.

    Having made this clear, I look forward to the day when Russia rejoins Europe and again offers her unique talents and textures to the continent. For just as someone enters hell by their own deep desire to suffer, they exit just as much by their volition.

    Best wishes Anatoly, you're in for a terrible ride. None of it will be good, but let's pray that the Ukrainians can win so that at least it is short.

    Replies: @songbird, @Dmitry, @Anatoly Karlin, @Anatoly Karlin

    Lol I know you want to write some emotional post, but I feel in a mood to correct for accuracy.

    depression, bathtub vodka and empty rhetoric.

    Well, more like locally produced draft beers and empty rhetoric nowadays.

    they’ll settle for scamming for what material they can.

    Trading for commodities, is not exactly “scamming”. I would agree they will receive lower prices than if the international relations was better.

    But commodity prices are mainly determined by international markets.

    So, there is now the highest spread for Urals crude compared to Brent crude, as many countries are reducing import of Russian oil. But this is discount relative to overall position of international market, and price still above \$90 per barrel, which is near the multi-year high.

    sad day, because, although they are currently murdering Ukrainians

    Although most of us could sense, for years that the postsoviet space is preparing these kind of horror shows and constructed on not very “utopian” foundations.

    In the 2020 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan was not the most recent indicator.

    Russians, with their poverty, bungled operations, and white skin, will be at the bottom of the pile.

    You don’t say anything that life style for average people in Russia, far lower compared to in wealthy Western countries.

    But you are comparing to China, where living standards are very low compared to wealthy countries. Average people in Russia, are still living better probably than average people in China, and higher than other countries in the postsoviet bloc.

    So, “bottom of the pile”, is almost the opposite of the local situation, for what it is worth.

    Russia and China are at the same GDP per capita nowadays. Which is shocking for me as someone who remembers that China as a third world country. But Russia will be still at the top of the local Euroasian pile.

    that Anatoly Karlin will no longer

    Of course, he will be fine in relation to these recent sanctions. He technically is an American or British man. His family are Middle Eastern looking immigrants live in England.

    Russia and Russians were too weak for his pride. That other Eastern Slavs were brainwashed. That they all got the misery they deserved.

    Everything is produced “top-down” in the postsoviet society. I think you imagine there is some spontaneous political positions. A decade ago, Ukrainians were presented as beloved and charming people in the media.

    What about Belarus-Ukraine relations? 2 years ago, before Lukashenko was broken, Lukashenko fanboy Max Korzh (despite lack of music talent) was popular in Kiev like.

    • Thanks: Barbarossa
  213. @Wokechoke
    @Mr. Hack

    It’s quite significant. If the info you are getting is two weeks out of date in a war. You are being played.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    This was filmed just yesterday. Much more believable than some photo that A123 provided from another war a few years back in Syria:

  214. @songbird
    @Emil Nikola Richard


    I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life.
     
    Don't know what I would do exactly.

    But if I were standing above the bones of Isaac Newton, Leibniz, Mozart, or Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, thinking about how world IQ is 82 and dropping. How Europe seems to have run out of great men and how dysgenics seem poised to destroy everything. And if I happened to have a few spare cloning vats and confidence in my methods of education, I might just take a pick axe to the ground.

    And I'm not a cosmist or transhumanist.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    You do not know what life is. You get a fantasy of creating life from science fiction.

    Are you drunk?

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Emil Nikola Richard


    You do not know what life is.
     
    Why don't you define it?

    You get a fantasy of creating life from science fiction.
     
    Sure, that is where the idea of cloning comes from.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

  215. @Mr. Hack
    @A123

    Yeah, I kind of figured that you weren't up to providing me with a direct answer to my question. :-(

    BTW, you really need to get beyond the fact that Trump lost the election. I'm not sure about other states, but in AZ it really appears that he lost legitimately. When Gore lost the real close one, where Bush's brother was involved in cooking the books a bit (hanging chads etc), those on the other side also had to wake up and smell the coffee and move on. I didn't vote for Biden either, so I empathize with your anguish - better luck next time.

    Replies: @A123

    I kind of figured that you weren’t up to providing me with a direct answer to my question. 🙁

    Provide a direct Yes or No answer to this question:

    Have you stopped beating your wife?

    PEACE 😇

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @A123

    How the hell do you know that an Unz commenter is beating his wife?

    Unless Mr. hack is... Richard Spencer? That can't be, right

    Edit: nevermind I'm An idiot. But I'll leave this up so people van have a laugh

    , @Mr. Hack
    @A123

    I'm not married, and when I was I never beat my wife.

    Now, it's your turn:


    I’d be curious to know which leader of a country, Biden or Putin, do you admire more? A simple answer will suffice. Thanks!
     
    Not related to my question, but it seems that Trump is now starting to warm up to the "bravery" of Zelensky.

    Replies: @A123

  216. @A123
    @Mr. Hack


    I kind of figured that you weren’t up to providing me with a direct answer to my question. 🙁
     
    Provide a direct Yes or No answer to this question:

    Have you stopped beating your wife?

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Mr. Hack

    How the hell do you know that an Unz commenter is beating his wife?

    Unless Mr. hack is… Richard Spencer? That can’t be, right

    Edit: nevermind I’m An idiot. But I’ll leave this up so people van have a laugh

    • LOL: A123
  217. @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    Well, he's not quite a nationalist, but something else.

    On the other thread he said that Russia only has value to him if it wins, that losers don't interest him, and that if Russia loses he will transfer his allegiance to China or India - whichever seems better poised to pursue his "Cosmist" dream.

    So it's a kind of religious/salvific/ideological mishmash of the kind modernity produces, that has elements of nationalism to some degree but lacks the deep, irrational, thymotic commitment to ones home and nation in victory or defeat, and crucially, a long term commitment.

    It isn't cynical power hunger either. The Russian nation is a vehicle for his Cosmist vision, but no more.

    Apparently, from what I could glean on the internet, Cosmism is an ideology that has growing influence among the Russian elite, so however crazy Karlin seems to us he is likely tapping into genuine and growing currents among the Russian ruling class.

    Another Russian commenter here, mal, is also a Cosmist.

    In this fight, the Ukrainians are the genuine nationalists, and the American far right are - once again - supporting imperialism and a radical revolutionary ideology that seeks to transform the world through technology lol :)

    See also the recent Temple to Mars Russia built and tried to pass off as Orthodox, when it is obviously anti--Christian and pagan in feel and tone.

    Replies: @Dmitry, @sher singh

    This ideology promoted as the casus “belli” (casus “special operation”) in relation to Ukraine, for the Kremlin is not nationalism, but anti-nationalism.

    As I wrote, already, the politically correct ideology in Russia is imperialism, even “Moscow imperialism”. Of course, all these ideologies in the postsoviet space are fakes which are created from the top-down, by the government.

    Russian Federation is a multinational country, especially in its elite, and nationalism would tear it from the inside. So, Russian nationalism has become the most repressed and illegal ideology in Russia for 15 years at least. You will go to prison if you touch this.

    Communism is also not possible to promote, from the perspective of the elite, as the raison d’être of the postsoviet, are its wealthy elite and their control on society. This is the reason for everything in postsoviet space, is the people at the top of society (at least the top 0,01%, if not the top 0,001%), and their control of the people on the bottom.

    Whereas Russian imperialism, has been promoted as an official ideology, for the last decades, as this is a politically possible direction that usually doesn’t threaten to the rulers, except until it now has included costs of some sanctions.

    In terms of Ukraine, there has been an actually kind of “normal” essay written by Dugin, who is usually incoherent.

    I don’t know if LatW wants to translate https://tsargrad.tv/articles/gvozd-v-kryshku-groba-ukronacizma-aleksandr-dugin-raskryl-kto-takie-ukraincy-2_509841

    He is actually writing in a clear way about this branch of the Russian imperialism ideology promoted by the Kremlin of the last decade to present a “surface justification” with its violent relations to the Ukrainian nationality.

    • Thanks: HenryBaker
    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @Dmitry

    Google translate has a hard time with Dugin. About half of it is incomprehensible. The last paragraph seems to be OK.


    Learning ethnosociology in our conditions is simply not necessary. Neobhodim he and in the case of Russia. If we want to become full-fledged and rejoice in our society, we also need to participate in the example of the tragic misunderstanding of our Ukrainian brothers and never to look at stupid nationalism. We are not a nation, we are a people. And our goal is to build a great government, in which place we find everyone, who is related to us by his own destiny - and before all our East Slavic brothers.
     
    I didn't see anything in there about tanks and bombs and missiles being related to the destiny of uniting the brothers but maybe it was in there in the pieces that were garbled.
    , @AaronB
    @Dmitry

    Yes, I completely agree with you that Russia now stands for imperialism and not nationalism.

    But all imperialism either starts with, or quickly develops, some sort of "cosmic vision" that justifies their rule over over foreign nations. Even if initially, it starts as mere conquest.

    I think we in the West, stuck in our stupid "rationalist", realpolitik mindset which is so shallow, or else filtering everything through outdated ideological concepts like liberalism vs fascism, have not paid sufficient attention the what appears to be a truly radical "cosmic vision" that is emerging to justify Russian imperialism.

    Even if Karlin represents the extreme edge of this and is not representative, reading Putin and other mainstream Russian apologists words, and the fact that Karlins Cosmist vision is experiencing renewed interest in Russia, suggests something far stranger and more interesting than we Westerners can understand with our simple categories may well be going on.

    But the breakdown in communication that is such a feature of our times makes us analyze Russia entirely in terms familiar to our own discourse - we ignore evidence that an unusual alternative discourse is emerging in Russia.

    In short, we in the West exist in an echo chamber and may have lost the ability to perceive that other parts of the world are developing unusual alternative discourses.

    Even if, as I believe, "civilizational conflict" of the Sam Huntington type is completely the wrong paradigm with which to view the emerging global fault lines.

    There are no civilizations anymore. Understanding modern China by reference to it's traditional past is a farce. There has been a break, a discontinuity.

    Rather, the new fault lines are along different visions of modernity - but modernity itself is the one dominant global civilization.

    The West with it's Woke and transgender ideology, is clearly a related philosophy to Russian Cosmism at root.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Dmitry

  218. @A123
    @Mr. Hack


    I kind of figured that you weren’t up to providing me with a direct answer to my question. 🙁
     
    Provide a direct Yes or No answer to this question:

    Have you stopped beating your wife?

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Mr. Hack

    I’m not married, and when I was I never beat my wife.

    Now, it’s your turn:

    I’d be curious to know which leader of a country, Biden or Putin, do you admire more? A simple answer will suffice. Thanks!

    Not related to my question, but it seems that Trump is now starting to warm up to the “bravery” of Zelensky.

    • Replies: @A123
    @Mr. Hack

    I knew you weren’t up to providing me with a direct, Yes or No, answer to my question. 🙁

    Let us know when you able to stop posturing, until then you are wasting everyone's time with loaded questions.

    PEACE 😇

  219. @Mr. Hack
    @A123

    I'm not married, and when I was I never beat my wife.

    Now, it's your turn:


    I’d be curious to know which leader of a country, Biden or Putin, do you admire more? A simple answer will suffice. Thanks!
     
    Not related to my question, but it seems that Trump is now starting to warm up to the "bravery" of Zelensky.

    Replies: @A123

    I knew you weren’t up to providing me with a direct, Yes or No, answer to my question. 🙁

    Let us know when you able to stop posturing, until then you are wasting everyone’s time with loaded questions.

    PEACE 😇

  220. @Dmitry
    @AaronB

    This ideology promoted as the casus "belli" (casus "special operation") in relation to Ukraine, for the Kremlin is not nationalism, but anti-nationalism.

    As I wrote, already, the politically correct ideology in Russia is imperialism, even "Moscow imperialism". Of course, all these ideologies in the postsoviet space are fakes which are created from the top-down, by the government.

    Russian Federation is a multinational country, especially in its elite, and nationalism would tear it from the inside. So, Russian nationalism has become the most repressed and illegal ideology in Russia for 15 years at least. You will go to prison if you touch this.

    Communism is also not possible to promote, from the perspective of the elite, as the raison d'être of the postsoviet, are its wealthy elite and their control on society. This is the reason for everything in postsoviet space, is the people at the top of society (at least the top 0,01%, if not the top 0,001%), and their control of the people on the bottom.

    Whereas Russian imperialism, has been promoted as an official ideology, for the last decades, as this is a politically possible direction that usually doesn't threaten to the rulers, except until it now has included costs of some sanctions.

    In terms of Ukraine, there has been an actually kind of "normal" essay written by Dugin, who is usually incoherent.

    I don't know if LatW wants to translate https://tsargrad.tv/articles/gvozd-v-kryshku-groba-ukronacizma-aleksandr-dugin-raskryl-kto-takie-ukraincy-2_509841

    He is actually writing in a clear way about this branch of the Russian imperialism ideology promoted by the Kremlin of the last decade to present a "surface justification" with its violent relations to the Ukrainian nationality.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard, @AaronB

    Google translate has a hard time with Dugin. About half of it is incomprehensible. The last paragraph seems to be OK.

    Learning ethnosociology in our conditions is simply not necessary. Neobhodim he and in the case of Russia. If we want to become full-fledged and rejoice in our society, we also need to participate in the example of the tragic misunderstanding of our Ukrainian brothers and never to look at stupid nationalism. We are not a nation, we are a people. And our goal is to build a great government, in which place we find everyone, who is related to us by his own destiny – and before all our East Slavic brothers.

    I didn’t see anything in there about tanks and bombs and missiles being related to the destiny of uniting the brothers but maybe it was in there in the pieces that were garbled.

    • Agree: Mr. Hack
  221. @Dmitry
    @AaronB

    This ideology promoted as the casus "belli" (casus "special operation") in relation to Ukraine, for the Kremlin is not nationalism, but anti-nationalism.

    As I wrote, already, the politically correct ideology in Russia is imperialism, even "Moscow imperialism". Of course, all these ideologies in the postsoviet space are fakes which are created from the top-down, by the government.

    Russian Federation is a multinational country, especially in its elite, and nationalism would tear it from the inside. So, Russian nationalism has become the most repressed and illegal ideology in Russia for 15 years at least. You will go to prison if you touch this.

    Communism is also not possible to promote, from the perspective of the elite, as the raison d'être of the postsoviet, are its wealthy elite and their control on society. This is the reason for everything in postsoviet space, is the people at the top of society (at least the top 0,01%, if not the top 0,001%), and their control of the people on the bottom.

    Whereas Russian imperialism, has been promoted as an official ideology, for the last decades, as this is a politically possible direction that usually doesn't threaten to the rulers, except until it now has included costs of some sanctions.

    In terms of Ukraine, there has been an actually kind of "normal" essay written by Dugin, who is usually incoherent.

    I don't know if LatW wants to translate https://tsargrad.tv/articles/gvozd-v-kryshku-groba-ukronacizma-aleksandr-dugin-raskryl-kto-takie-ukraincy-2_509841

    He is actually writing in a clear way about this branch of the Russian imperialism ideology promoted by the Kremlin of the last decade to present a "surface justification" with its violent relations to the Ukrainian nationality.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard, @AaronB

    Yes, I completely agree with you that Russia now stands for imperialism and not nationalism.

    But all imperialism either starts with, or quickly develops, some sort of “cosmic vision” that justifies their rule over over foreign nations. Even if initially, it starts as mere conquest.

    I think we in the West, stuck in our stupid “rationalist”, realpolitik mindset which is so shallow, or else filtering everything through outdated ideological concepts like liberalism vs fascism, have not paid sufficient attention the what appears to be a truly radical “cosmic vision” that is emerging to justify Russian imperialism.

    Even if Karlin represents the extreme edge of this and is not representative, reading Putin and other mainstream Russian apologists words, and the fact that Karlins Cosmist vision is experiencing renewed interest in Russia, suggests something far stranger and more interesting than we Westerners can understand with our simple categories may well be going on.

    But the breakdown in communication that is such a feature of our times makes us analyze Russia entirely in terms familiar to our own discourse – we ignore evidence that an unusual alternative discourse is emerging in Russia.

    In short, we in the West exist in an echo chamber and may have lost the ability to perceive that other parts of the world are developing unusual alternative discourses.

    Even if, as I believe, “civilizational conflict” of the Sam Huntington type is completely the wrong paradigm with which to view the emerging global fault lines.

    There are no civilizations anymore. Understanding modern China by reference to it’s traditional past is a farce. There has been a break, a discontinuity.

    Rather, the new fault lines are along different visions of modernity – but modernity itself is the one dominant global civilization.

    The West with it’s Woke and transgender ideology, is clearly a related philosophy to Russian Cosmism at root.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @AaronB


    have not paid sufficient attention the what appears to be a truly radical “cosmic vision” that is emerging to justify Russian imperialism.
     
    What are you basing that on? Is there anything more to your thesis than Karlin's enthusiasm for transhumanism?
    To me the official Russian position looks pretty simple, almost banal ("We're a distinct, superior civilization that deserves to be a great power, the West is encroaching on our space and needs to be checked"). It's basically just what Russia has always been. I can't discern anything revolutionary or radical there.
    , @Dmitry
    @AaronB


    Russia now stands for
     
    It's not "Russia stands for", but what is one of the politically correct narratives allowed by the government. Everything is just "top-down", i.e. from a few people's decisions. This is about pro-government narratives.

    cosmic vision” that is emerging to justify Russian imperialism.
     
    In Soviet times, there was a ideology, for the imperialism (Marxism–Leninism is self-interested trash i.e. ideology, unlike real Marxism which aspired for philosophy), whereas today there is only the dream of Timati opening a Black Star Burger in your home city after shelling has ended.

    But in most of history, there is no need for ideology to justify a conquest. Rather, conquest is a result of violence and you can invent some excuse after, and people can call your excuse ideology, while you are really appropriating the resources and slaves from the conquered land. I'm not even sure the British Empire has much of an ideology during most of its early expansion. Ideology about British imperialism, seems more an aspect of the second half of the 19th century.


    ssian Cosmism
     
    Lol your interest from New age, Madame Blavatsky, etc.

    modern China by reference to it’s traditional
     
    But if the population are excited to have a washing machine, a new car, a refrigerator. This is the historical stage of China. Their population is enjoying rising to the middle income countries, unlike in the 20th century when they experienced poverty and political repressions.

    in China, there is also perhaps some indication their political class can be going in the postsoviet way of attaining and needing to hide larger profits than should be official allowed within the society.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZs2i3Bpxx4

    Replies: @sher singh

  222. @Emil Nikola Richard
    @songbird

    You do not know what life is. You get a fantasy of creating life from science fiction.

    Are you drunk?

    Replies: @songbird

    You do not know what life is.

    Why don’t you define it?

    You get a fantasy of creating life from science fiction.

    Sure, that is where the idea of cloning comes from.

    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @songbird

    I do not know what life is. No man knows what life is.

    Are viruses alive?

    Gordon White thinks the plants cooked up humans because smart monkeys were their way off the planet to populate the cosmos. He cannot be proven wrong as unlikely as that seems.

    Biological clones are not copies. Nurture supplies .4 - .6 of the process. A clone of a vertebrate is far from an identical twin. If you could dig up a copy of Newton's DNA and make a human out of it you would not get a Newton.

    Replies: @songbird

  223. @A123
    @sudden death


    Somebody can concede or not only when having strike target coordinates and nobody has them
     
    Even that is not enough. One has to know what is in the building, not its nameplate on the outside. Combatants repurpose buildings. Muslim terrorists occupying Jewish Palestine hide in press offices and use UN schools as munitions dumps.

    The destruction of a 100% civilian building may not equal intent. One of the issues with some modern weapons is optical targeting on final approach. They look for the shape of the building to avoid being mislead by spurious GPS signals. Sounds good. Right? What happens if the target is damaged, obscured, or otherwise does not have the anticipated shape? The munition winds up striking a nearby building that is the right shape.

    Mistakes happen during combat. Deadly ones. The only way to avoid those mistakes is to prevent the war before it starts.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    No, I have it on good authority (BBC!) that every time the Russians allegedly+ hit an allegedly+ non-military target it’s on purpose. Of course, this is often only heavily implied (“attacked,” which connotes intent, instead of, for example, “struck,” which doesn’t).

    +”Allegedly” is my addition; BBC almost never hedges like that. Uncertainty is for Russian bots like myself.

    The entirety of BBC’s coverage is like this. One of their correspondents in Ukraine said they were “neutral” yesterday, I laughed out loud. The shamelessness is breathtaking.

  224. @German_reader
    @Yevardian


    A haven for unwashed NEETs, teenage gamers, trannies, glowies and schizos.
     
    Is that a comment on Discord in general or specifically on Karlin's forum there (I have experience with neither...sher singh mentioned that you're not allowed to insult other commenters there, which strikes me as very questionable)?

    Replies: @Yevardian

    Just the platform in general, its strongly catered to a child audience, or adults that think like children. No I haven’t been to Karlin’s /pol/-reddit mashup server (apparently half the comments are people calling each other cucks) lol.
    I was recommended it for practicing speaking/listening comprehension in rarer languages a while ago.

    I also have younger siblings and relatives that use it.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Yevardian

    Ok, thanks. I have to admit I wonder somewhat which former commenters from here might have ended up in the Discord forum, but can't be bothered to check myself.

  225. sher singh says:
    @Barbarossa
    @sher singh

    I'm unqualified to judge the change in the board pre-2018 since I wasn't around that much prior. I gravitated more toward AE anyhow prior to his leaving and landed here since it was the only worthwhile commenting section left at UNZ.

    Regardless of how the board has shifted over 3 or 4 years, the change in AK's attitude seems quite recent and precipitous, as Mr. Hack points out.

    Personally, I find it somewhat interesting to see the partisans on both sides spar, even if it is a somewhat futile exercise. It's really not like AP or Mr. Hack are content-free trolls, even if they are staunch Ukrainian boosters. Mr. Hack may give too much credence to stuff he sees on Twitter, but they are usually both well rounded commenters.

    Besides, what would be the point of a "Rah Rah Russia" echo chamber? That just sounds boring, like some pro-Russian version of the Breitbart comment section. I like seeing the true believers on both sides along with the agnostics trapped in the same room.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @sher singh

    Used to be a more generically RW blog until Trump turned out a wet noodle. Hence, the Slavic shift.
    Look through some of his old posts, although Karlin admits he covered most topics more than once.

    Global IQ, HBD, Comprehensive Military Power, Great Bi-Furcation attract a broader crowd.
    Open threads also used to be a list of major happenings or posts across the broader Right-Leaning blogosphere.

  226. German_reader says:
    @AaronB
    @Dmitry

    Yes, I completely agree with you that Russia now stands for imperialism and not nationalism.

    But all imperialism either starts with, or quickly develops, some sort of "cosmic vision" that justifies their rule over over foreign nations. Even if initially, it starts as mere conquest.

    I think we in the West, stuck in our stupid "rationalist", realpolitik mindset which is so shallow, or else filtering everything through outdated ideological concepts like liberalism vs fascism, have not paid sufficient attention the what appears to be a truly radical "cosmic vision" that is emerging to justify Russian imperialism.

    Even if Karlin represents the extreme edge of this and is not representative, reading Putin and other mainstream Russian apologists words, and the fact that Karlins Cosmist vision is experiencing renewed interest in Russia, suggests something far stranger and more interesting than we Westerners can understand with our simple categories may well be going on.

    But the breakdown in communication that is such a feature of our times makes us analyze Russia entirely in terms familiar to our own discourse - we ignore evidence that an unusual alternative discourse is emerging in Russia.

    In short, we in the West exist in an echo chamber and may have lost the ability to perceive that other parts of the world are developing unusual alternative discourses.

    Even if, as I believe, "civilizational conflict" of the Sam Huntington type is completely the wrong paradigm with which to view the emerging global fault lines.

    There are no civilizations anymore. Understanding modern China by reference to it's traditional past is a farce. There has been a break, a discontinuity.

    Rather, the new fault lines are along different visions of modernity - but modernity itself is the one dominant global civilization.

    The West with it's Woke and transgender ideology, is clearly a related philosophy to Russian Cosmism at root.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Dmitry

    have not paid sufficient attention the what appears to be a truly radical “cosmic vision” that is emerging to justify Russian imperialism.

    What are you basing that on? Is there anything more to your thesis than Karlin’s enthusiasm for transhumanism?
    To me the official Russian position looks pretty simple, almost banal (“We’re a distinct, superior civilization that deserves to be a great power, the West is encroaching on our space and needs to be checked”). It’s basically just what Russia has always been. I can’t discern anything revolutionary or radical there.

    • Agree: HenryBaker
  227. @Barbarossa
    @Mr. Hack

    My bad, sorry. I had a brain fart and was thinking of Dmitry in previous threads with the endless Twitter embeds.

    I'm not on Twitter or FB either, so I fully agree with your points on that. This is really about the extent of my online social presence.

    I never understood the point of LinkedIn. I set up a profile years ago, which I suppose lives on in zombie form. It seemed primarily a forum for pointless posturing and imaginary status gaining.

    I would imagine that once you see how the data collection sausage is made, you can never bring yourself to enjoy it the same way again.

    Replies: @sher singh

    Lot of jobs on LinkedIn.

  228. @Yevardian
    @German_reader

    Just the platform in general, its strongly catered to a child audience, or adults that think like children. No I haven't been to Karlin's /pol/-reddit mashup server (apparently half the comments are people calling each other cucks) lol.
    I was recommended it for practicing speaking/listening comprehension in rarer languages a while ago.

    I also have younger siblings and relatives that use it.

    Replies: @German_reader

    Ok, thanks. I have to admit I wonder somewhat which former commenters from here might have ended up in the Discord forum, but can’t be bothered to check myself.

  229. @songbird
    @Emil Nikola Richard


    You do not know what life is.
     
    Why don't you define it?

    You get a fantasy of creating life from science fiction.
     
    Sure, that is where the idea of cloning comes from.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    I do not know what life is. No man knows what life is.

    Are viruses alive?

    Gordon White thinks the plants cooked up humans because smart monkeys were their way off the planet to populate the cosmos. He cannot be proven wrong as unlikely as that seems.

    Biological clones are not copies. Nurture supplies .4 – .6 of the process. A clone of a vertebrate is far from an identical twin. If you could dig up a copy of Newton’s DNA and make a human out of it you would not get a Newton.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Emil Nikola Richard


    Nurture supplies .4 – .6 of the process. A clone of a vertebrate is far from an identical twin. If you could dig up a copy of Newton’s DNA and make a human out of it you would not get a Newton.
     
    Heritability of intelligence is really estimated downward, due to the inherent difficulty of measuring intelligence and the limits of statistical interpretations, which need to err on the side of caution, and often don't have giant numbers of people enrolled in them.

    We're talking a sort of fantasy scenario here, but assuming you could get the same genetic fidelity as an identical twin (not a carbon copy), and assuming you were growing them in an ideal environment, where they were the only one in the womb, then I think the result would be at least as smart as an identical twin, possibly smarter, as twinning is kind of a stressful environment, since the resources and space are shared.

    Of course, that would not be current tech.

    A clone of Newton might not be Newton, but he would be a high capacity individual. You could bet that his intelligence would be at least a few SD above normal. Of course, maybe, he would be too distracted by the internet or video games to do much that was useful. Or maybe, he would be super-woke.
  230. @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    Well, he's not quite a nationalist, but something else.

    On the other thread he said that Russia only has value to him if it wins, that losers don't interest him, and that if Russia loses he will transfer his allegiance to China or India - whichever seems better poised to pursue his "Cosmist" dream.

    So it's a kind of religious/salvific/ideological mishmash of the kind modernity produces, that has elements of nationalism to some degree but lacks the deep, irrational, thymotic commitment to ones home and nation in victory or defeat, and crucially, a long term commitment.

    It isn't cynical power hunger either. The Russian nation is a vehicle for his Cosmist vision, but no more.

    Apparently, from what I could glean on the internet, Cosmism is an ideology that has growing influence among the Russian elite, so however crazy Karlin seems to us he is likely tapping into genuine and growing currents among the Russian ruling class.

    Another Russian commenter here, mal, is also a Cosmist.

    In this fight, the Ukrainians are the genuine nationalists, and the American far right are - once again - supporting imperialism and a radical revolutionary ideology that seeks to transform the world through technology lol :)

    See also the recent Temple to Mars Russia built and tried to pass off as Orthodox, when it is obviously anti--Christian and pagan in feel and tone.

    Replies: @Dmitry, @sher singh

    Nothing new about a Jew insulting the Gods, seems you’re overdue for a Shoah.
    Mohammad also had a Jewish mother. 😉

    [MORE]

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  231. @Yevardian
    @sher singh


    Ask on the discord
     
    A haven for unwashed NEETs, teenage gamers, trannies, glowies and schizos. I'll pass.
    With it, feels like Akarlin's return to his ideological roots with the likes of Oliver D Smith, Mark Steyn readers and that 'PUA' women-respecter with a head like Red Dwarf's Kryten.

    https://alchetron.com/cdn/kryten-8f09c27e-cd80-4070-8a5c-9a4cc500bca-resize-750.jpeg

    It is odd though. Karlin abandons his blog, and a short while later, echoes the same uncritical triumphalism he mocked in writers like 'The Saker' for years. I mean a lot of people who wish the best for an independent Russia immediately saw the commencement of this invasion as an unavoidable castastrophe.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Anatoly Karlin, @Lolcow of the day

    My mistake not to have kept you banned after your inexcusable smears about me in relation to a certain film review. Yet another demonstration of how no good deed (forgiveness in this case) ever goes unpunished.

    But also a vindication of my decision to distance myself from this absolute viper’s den.

    • Agree: sher singh
  232. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    There is also no single Ukrainian view
     
    The same in decolonization wars, where there was a large mass of uncommitted 'natives', especially in rural areas. Nationalists were roughly divided in a nationalist, communist, and islamist camp (I think both in Indonesia and Algeria).

    There are pro-Russian Ukrainians, thinking of themselves as Russians in Ukraine, or sometimes just Russians – they were a majority in the east and south, half of the country.
     
    Algeria had French and harkis, Indonesia had Ambonese, Chinese, Dutch minorities...

    There is a quiet majority of non-committed who mostly want peace, and always eventually go with the winning side.
     
    Like I said, it was the same in Indonesia. However the majority doesn't decide anything, since the apathethic mass just has no decisive influence. Nationalist grip on the villages was more tight (they routinely executed or removed collaborating mayors). This once again reminds me of Ukraine although Ukies don't seem as hardcore.

    Russia doesn’t say that there is no Ukrainian nation, not a colonial situation
     
    In Indonesia, we accepted the possibility of an Indonesian state. But officers would have to be Dutch, with our Dutch queen as head of state, a federal, not unitary model... We accepted a state but it would have to be dependent. The indonesians could not stomach a dependent state and so they fought for unconditional independence. It's still very similar to Ukraine now imo.

    'Russia doesn't say there's no Ukrainian nation', the problem is Russia is treating Ukraine as an errant extension of the Russian state/people. The nationalist side (of which Karlin and guys in tg channels or Twitter are representative) routinely and casually deny the Ukrainian right to statehood and think of them as delusional, larping 'small Russians' that have to be dragged back into the fold, kicking and screaming. Putin in his latest speeches has echoed this sentiment. If you say 'Russians and Ukrainians are one people' you more or less deny Ukraine is meaningfully a separate nation. We also thought of the Indonesians as to be dragged back into the fold, kicking and screaming, by the way.


    Russia refuses to allow a militant, NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders
     
    Dumb propaganda peddled by Russia to make its invasion of an independent state seem defensive and therefore more legitimate. That's when it's not saying out of the side of its mouth 'also Ukraine is a NATO regime that we can replace when we want, and Ukrainians are not a separate people'. The Russia 'club' (Chechnya, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and maybe soon Ukraine) has all been dragged in by its hair. What a great defensive alliance! I wonder how much we had to coerce the entirety of Europe to come and join NATO? They sure joined quickly! I wonder which old (imperial) overlord they were afraid of

    A colonial empire or a Tsarist/Soviet empire- what does it matter. It's still an empire, with all the disregard for small nations that entails.

    Btw there was no Scottisch independence war...

    Replies: @Beckow, @siberiancat

    Your Indonesian analogy suffers from two basic problems:
    – Indonesia is more than 10k km from Netherlands; Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)
    – Russians in Ukraine (ethnic+speakers of Russian, etc…) are between 1/3 and 1/2 of the population, In Indonesia or Algeria the combined settlers, ‘harkis’, Chinese minority, etc… were at most 5-10%.

    Your analogy is a half-baked Western nonsense trying to fit everything into your own schemas – you had evil colonial empires, so you see them everywhere. It is quite stupid.

    Your answer to: “Russia refuses to allow a militant NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders” is an incoherent rant saying nothing. You deny the obvious:
    – NATO on Russia’s border would be a threat to Russia. Denying it after West invaded Russia again and again (including the Dutch SS) is like denying a nose between your eyes. You cannot admit it because it would be admitting that NATO policy for 15+ years has been provocative. It has finally led to a war. Happy now?

    …how much we had to coerce the entirety of Europe to come and join NATO

    In east-central Europe countries were told that they have to join NATO before they can be in EU. So they did, the average support was luke-warm 40-50% – nobody asked to be in NATO (maybe Poland), but we had to be.

    Scots fought English through 18th century. An older history, older nations.

    • Thanks: Pharmakon
    • Replies: @AP
    @Beckow


    Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)
     
    “On and off” is a funny way of describing more time spent in different states than in one state in those 1000 years.

    Medieval Rus split up c.1150 into warring principalities. All of them were conquered by the Mongols in 1241. Ukraine became part of Lithuania and Poland. The eastern half was joined to Moscow in c.1650 (500 year gap), most of the western half 100 years later (600 year gap) and then Galicia not until 1939 (about 800 year gap).

    Rather dishonest to describe some kind of 1,000 year shared history.

    Russians in Ukraine (ethnic+speakers of Russian, etc…) are between 1/3 and 1/2 of the population
     
    That’s like saying English in Ireland are 90% of the population, based on language.

    Ukraine was about 20% Russian before the removal of Donbas and Crimea. Probably around 10% Russian now.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    , @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)
     
    AP already said what I would have said. How much and how long Kievan Rus was even a single state, is debatable anyhow. On top of that nations only need 200 or maybe 100 years to form a completely separate identity. Are you Russian?

    Your 2 points don't really disprove anything I said. I take issue with them but why go into detail, it's just a distraction. Must the situation be identical for the rhetoric to be strikingly similar? What I said is that the way Russia is spinning this, and their nationalists discuss it, reminds me of the same old imperialist ways of thinking we shared. Russian nationalists more or less say openly Russia should be an empire and that Ukraine has no right to exist. I notice they are thinking about things in similar patterns, even leading to making the same mistakes that we did (like underestimating initial resistance or thinking a 'special operation' or 'policing action' will do, why would a 'fake' nation resist in the first place?).

    Your analogy is a half-baked Western nonsense trying to fit everything into your own schemas – you had evil colonial empires, so you see them everywhere. It is quite stupid.
     
    First off, is this more pro-Russian (vaguely 3d worldist) larping, i.e. Russia was never imperial like 'you' were, if Russia has an empire, it's good, but European colonialism is evil?
    Secondly, I don't consider our colonial empires to have been evil in the first place. Likewise, I don't have any real moral judgement on Tsarist Russia. I'm sure you disagree with the first point though, as in the current paradigm everyone pro-Russian now amusingly sees Western racists and nazis everywhere and feels a need to purify Russian history as fundamentally different from ours, un-European, etc. Have fun with that.

    Your analogy is a half-baked Western nonsense trying to fit everything into your own schemas – you had evil colonial empires, so you see them everywhere. It is quite stupid.
     
    Well yes, I consider Tsarist, Soviet, and modern Russia to have inherited an imperialist tradition. That comes with imperialist ways of thinking about 'small nations'. Colonial empires are empires and Tsarist Russia was an empire.

    Replies: @Beckow

  233. @Twinkie
    @Barbarossa

    I didn't read Anatoly Karlin regularly, but checked in once in a while. I bemoaned his leaving on record, especially coming right after Audacious Epigone shutting down his blog.

    But I am surprised by the change in his online demeanor since he moved on to Substack. My impression was that he had his strong and unusual opinions, but they were often backed by data and evidence, and he usually seemed congenial enough to debate those who differed with him.

    His last several comments on Unz seem extremely ungracious, especially to his previous audience who helped to grow whatever prominence he has now. It smacks of burning bridges with a past employer now that he has a new employer (so to speak), i.e. "All the readers who pay to read me moved with me to Substack, so screw the rest of you on Unz who criticize my writings - you are all just a bunch of Ukrainian Fascist shills!"

    He also seems to have gone "full Putin," writing Baghdad Bob-like propaganda such as attributing Russian failures or difficulties to naivete or "Christ-like" gentleness of the Russian politico-military leaders rather than tactical/operational failures or strategic miscalculations.

    Although I was not sympatico with many of his views, I previously held him in relatively high regard as a truth-seeker, so I am disappointed in his latest online iteration. Nonetheless, I wish him well and hope he comes out well of the end of whatever is going on in Russia today.

    Replies: @Johann Ricke, @Anatoly Karlin

    But I am surprised by the change in his online demeanor since he moved on to Substack. My impression was that he had his strong and unusual opinions, but they were often backed by data and evidence, and he usually seemed congenial enough to debate those who differed with him.

    He who pays the piper calls the tune, and I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. Big thinkers gotta eat, too. Audience-wise, my guess is the highly-committed tend to pay the bills, whereas the less highly-committed tend not to.

  234. @Philip Owen
    I posed this earlier on a Patrick Armstrong thread but it probably fits here. There seems to be a different audience.

    _____________________________________

    48 hours to conquer Ukraine and be greeted as liberators. That didn’t work. FSB don’t understand opinion polls in democracies.

    Regrouping and reinforcements don’t help that much. There are only so many men and vehicles Russia can push down those roads. It can go on forever of course. Also, I forgot high quality mercenaries when I wrote this first.

    Specification versus reality

    Michelin tires – Chinese knock offs
    Thick wool socks – Acrylics
    Fresh Compo rations (MRE in US) – keep the 7 year old ones
    Contract soldiers drawing pay – They were ghosts, conscripts were doing the work.

    On the socks. Socks stave off trenchfoot better than the WW1 foot wraps the Russians were using until 3 or 4 years ago (maybe that was the 71.6% new equipment of which Shoigu spoke?). But they need to be the right socks.

    This kind of corruption can’t be cured by regrouping and launching a new attack. Russia can still win by sending in steam roller after steam roller. And it appears difficult for Ukraine to deal with artillery without air support. But then, the Ukrainian army has 20,000 snipers. Senior officers are keeling over. Bombardiers might toowith real time battle information from NATO. Victory (occupation) will happen but not in 72 hours and that will just be getting into poistion for the insurgency.
    _______________________________________________

    Also, what happens to Russian troop morale when pictures emerge of well paid ($300/month with expenses) African and Arab mercenaries killing Ukrainian civilians. Aren't the Russian troops there to protect, in some roundabout way, their Ukrainian brothers?

    Replies: @Peripatetic Commenter, @Barbarossa, @Rich, @PedroAstra

    The “Chinese” tires are actually some sort of Eastern European knockoff, I don’t know why this fake meme in particular was perpetuated.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @PedroAstra

    It doesn't seem plausible to me, at all, that Russia would rely on something as strategically important as tires, to be sourced from another country, even China. Especially, when that would be difficult to hide (tires that big.)

    I could believe that either they weren't storing them right, didn't do the right maintenance on them, or else their manufacturing process left something to be desired.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

  235. @Emil Nikola Richard
    @songbird

    I do not know what life is. No man knows what life is.

    Are viruses alive?

    Gordon White thinks the plants cooked up humans because smart monkeys were their way off the planet to populate the cosmos. He cannot be proven wrong as unlikely as that seems.

    Biological clones are not copies. Nurture supplies .4 - .6 of the process. A clone of a vertebrate is far from an identical twin. If you could dig up a copy of Newton's DNA and make a human out of it you would not get a Newton.

    Replies: @songbird

    Nurture supplies .4 – .6 of the process. A clone of a vertebrate is far from an identical twin. If you could dig up a copy of Newton’s DNA and make a human out of it you would not get a Newton.

    Heritability of intelligence is really estimated downward, due to the inherent difficulty of measuring intelligence and the limits of statistical interpretations, which need to err on the side of caution, and often don’t have giant numbers of people enrolled in them.

    We’re talking a sort of fantasy scenario here, but assuming you could get the same genetic fidelity as an identical twin (not a carbon copy), and assuming you were growing them in an ideal environment, where they were the only one in the womb, then I think the result would be at least as smart as an identical twin, possibly smarter, as twinning is kind of a stressful environment, since the resources and space are shared.

    Of course, that would not be current tech.

    A clone of Newton might not be Newton, but he would be a high capacity individual. You could bet that his intelligence would be at least a few SD above normal. Of course, maybe, he would be too distracted by the internet or video games to do much that was useful. Or maybe, he would be super-woke.

  236. first major war since the advent of the internet, so it’s interesting to see what a million different people think about it. wonder if this is what it was like 100 years ago and earlier, except nobody knew what was going on in a million other people’s heads as the conflict unfolded.

    while not aimed at any of the posters here, i regret that i now have to hear the internal thought processes of so many mediocre, annoying media people and leftists. we were a thousand times better off before sports athletes and media types were able to broadcast their thoughts daily. the daily spew from their tiny brains is vastly better off contained within their skulls permanently.

    it does present an interesting case study for understanding the history of technology, the human march out of ancient history from a zero technology world and into the modern world, and other Charles Murray type pursuits. in that it shows 99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.

    • Agree: sher singh
    • Replies: @silviosilver
    @prime noticer


    in that it shows 99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.
     
    That is a rather uncharitable way to put it. Presumably, you are talking about contributing nothing of value to human advancement, in which case the real proportion may well be far lower than 1%; but otherwise, vast numbers of the 99% contribute love, warmth, kindness, caring, friendship, companionship, and often have interesting, attractive personalities despite the incoherence of their belief systems (which are indeed cringe when heard spoken out loud). That's very fortunate, since it is these qualities that contribute to most of the lasting happiness we experience over the course of our lives. Advances in technology and medicine are certainly very welcome, but their novelty quickly wears off and we take them for granted and, rightly or wrongly, they mean very little to us.

    (Also, the cringey incoherency of belief systems also applies to many in the 1% or .1%, whose expertise, it is not too much of a stretch to say, can be likened to having mastered an instruction manual. Otherwise, they too often fall for and espouse moronic and inconsistent beliefs.)

    Replies: @AaronB, @prime noticer

    , @Commentator Mike
    @prime noticer

    I don't think the Internet is a free for all; maybe in its early days. The Internet is carefully manipulated, controlled and directed. Of course there are a few impartial and independent pockets here and there still accessible. Russia should switch on its sovereign Runet and cut off access to the www, except for links to Russia friendly countries.

    Russia 'successfully tests' its unplugged internet

    https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-50902496

    , @Barbarossa
    @prime noticer


    99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.
     
    Of course, too many cooks spoil the sauce, so I'm not sure it would be any good if more had the mental capabilities to be movers and shakers.

    I would say that technology casts the dynamic in an interesting light since in no point of history have so many been so fundamentally powerless but given the illusion that their opinions are consequential and can change their world. Now every moron on Twitter or Tiktok can be a pundit with an audience.


    In the past, folks were much less deluded. They largely knew they were at the mercy of those in power above them and dealt with that reality in one way or another.

    Replies: @silviosilver

  237. @PedroAstra
    @Philip Owen

    The "Chinese" tires are actually some sort of Eastern European knockoff, I don't know why this fake meme in particular was perpetuated.

    Replies: @songbird

    It doesn’t seem plausible to me, at all, that Russia would rely on something as strategically important as tires, to be sourced from another country, even China. Especially, when that would be difficult to hide (tires that big.)

    I could believe that either they weren’t storing them right, didn’t do the right maintenance on them, or else their manufacturing process left something to be desired.

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @songbird

    I've been to rubber industry trade shows in Russia where there were three Russian firms, one making tires and 17 Chinese firms all offering the same tires. There must have been government tenders to draw them in because the 5 people attending the show weren't interested.

    Replies: @songbird, @Barbarossa

  238. Something rather unusual in RF state propTV main channel news:

    Text in Russian:

    Stop the war
    Dob’t believe in propaganda
    You are being lied to in here

    • Thanks: Mr. Hack
    • Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars
    @sudden death

    But remember kids, this isn't an example of Russian incompetence (in this case, at brainwashing) relative to the West (full of perfectly indoctrinated lemmings who not only profess, but believe, and would rather slash their wrists than dissent).

  239. sher singh says:
    @HenryBaker
    @Mr. Hack


    unproved theory
     
    You cannot 'prove' objectively that two cultures are 'one people' as there is a voluntaristic element to forming a nation. Have you ever read quest ce-que une nation by Renan? That's the best essay on it imo. Extremely similar cultures can nevertheless form completely dissimilar political identities. Americans and British are not one people, British are not 'small Americans', yet I can come up with all sort of stories about why they really are but are just delusional, or whatever. Claiming they should nevertheless be united cannot be proven, and is always just political propaganda (just like insisting they should be separate). That's because a nation is a feeling, a voluntaristic association, based on some objective fact, some mythmaking. But not in and of itself an objective reality.

    The Dutch nation exists as separate from the Flemish nation because the Flemish live in land we could not conquer from the Spanish. That's literally the only reason. We did occupy some catholic land and we more or less pressed the Dutch identity on them over time. So not even religion is the real difference. Just association and time. If I now go around claiming the Flemish are just delusional 'small Dutch' without knowing it and should really be annexed NOW without their consent; that they have no right to statehood, or whatever... That's obviously just a political narrative. Even if the 'triune' idea makes sense, that does not mean Ukrainians must be forced to associate with Russians.

    Replies: @AP, @Yellowface Anon, @sher singh, @Coconuts

    ‘Sovereign, rational’ individuals enter voluntary agreements which can be changed by conquerors.
    That’s more batshit insane & nonsensical than Laxa’s rambling. Bitches > Bitch-made niggas.

    Slaves ‘voluntarily’ accept & rationalize the status quo because that’s their nature. Angloesque Whites merely larp as if they’re not slaves til the next Brown Family moves in.

    So much venom towards Karlin imagine being this offended by someone who loves their motherland. Who’s doing the hating? Jews, Amerimutts, Limeys, Khohols & Kardashians.

    Ukraine gonna be saved from the Bantu expansion & whether u get bent about it or not is ‘voluntary’

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  240. AP says:
    @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    Your Indonesian analogy suffers from two basic problems:
    - Indonesia is more than 10k km from Netherlands; Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)
    - Russians in Ukraine (ethnic+speakers of Russian, etc...) are between 1/3 and 1/2 of the population, In Indonesia or Algeria the combined settlers, 'harkis', Chinese minority, etc... were at most 5-10%.

    Your analogy is a half-baked Western nonsense trying to fit everything into your own schemas - you had evil colonial empires, so you see them everywhere. It is quite stupid.

    Your answer to: "Russia refuses to allow a militant NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders" is an incoherent rant saying nothing. You deny the obvious:
    - NATO on Russia's border would be a threat to Russia. Denying it after West invaded Russia again and again (including the Dutch SS) is like denying a nose between your eyes. You cannot admit it because it would be admitting that NATO policy for 15+ years has been provocative. It has finally led to a war. Happy now?


    ...how much we had to coerce the entirety of Europe to come and join NATO
     
    In east-central Europe countries were told that they have to join NATO before they can be in EU. So they did, the average support was luke-warm 40-50% - nobody asked to be in NATO (maybe Poland), but we had to be.

    Scots fought English through 18th century. An older history, older nations.

    Replies: @AP, @HenryBaker

    Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)

    “On and off” is a funny way of describing more time spent in different states than in one state in those 1000 years.

    Medieval Rus split up c.1150 into warring principalities. All of them were conquered by the Mongols in 1241. Ukraine became part of Lithuania and Poland. The eastern half was joined to Moscow in c.1650 (500 year gap), most of the western half 100 years later (600 year gap) and then Galicia not until 1939 (about 800 year gap).

    Rather dishonest to describe some kind of 1,000 year shared history.

    Russians in Ukraine (ethnic+speakers of Russian, etc…) are between 1/3 and 1/2 of the population

    That’s like saying English in Ireland are 90% of the population, based on language.

    Ukraine was about 20% Russian before the removal of Donbas and Crimea. Probably around 10% Russian now.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @AP


    ...The eastern half was joined to Moscow in c.1650, most of the western half 100 years later (600 year gap) and then Galicia not until 1939 (about 800 year gap).
     
    The eastern half has been a part of Russia for 370 years, Kiev only a bit shorter. I am not sure what your point is, "on and off" is a short-hand, it can be described as separate or as joint, neither one is an absolute truth. But it was not a colony, like "Java" 10k km away, like the Dutch guy claimed.

    Galicia is small, it used to be 10% of Ukraine, today with eastern losses up to 15%.

    We had the argument about the extent of "Russians" in Ukraine before. It is quite substantial if you are objective - identities are mixed and to some extent fluid, it is anywhere from 20 to 40%. There has not been a census since 2001 (why?), and a lot of people identify with the winning side at any given time. They are not "harkis", or a tiny minority of settlers. The Westerners generally don't understand this, or pretend not to understand it. It helps with their propaganda.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Veteran of the Memic Wars
    @AP


    Ukraine was about 20% Russian before the removal of Donbas and Crimea. Probably around 10% Russian now.
     
    A "removal" you've probably been protesting as illegitimate, one you'll probably be denying five minutes from now, if it suits your purpose.

    Replies: @AP

  241. @AP
    @HenryBaker

    You are correct here and in your other posts but I will point out that the differences (linguistic and cultural) between Ukrainians and Russians is more like between Dutch and Germans than between Flemish and Dutch or between English and American.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    As an aside, the rural parts of the Netherlands have their own, old dialects like Drenths or Gronings. Very hard or impossible to understand for the speakers of ‘high’ Dutch. These dialects smoothly progress into Western Plattdeutsch or ‘flat’ German. Therefore, there exists a linguistic group of Germans and Dutch people with more in common linguistically with each other, than either high Dutch or German. Interestingly, the urbane Flemish do seem to speak a variant of ‘high’ Dutch, just like we do.

    But I agree with your point. Like Ukraine, Holland too was part of a larger super-ethnic empire (the Holy Roman Empire) that seems to have had a very vaguely Germanic identity. Like Ukraine, our separation from the larger empire and ethnos is but a result of the vagaries of history (Holland is a ‘coincidental’ result of the patchwork inheritance of the Burgundian counts, Habsburg intra-family partitioning, and a religious civil war).

    One distinction: I’m not sure how Ukraine developed culturally, but I must say that Dutch society does veer off very sharply from wider Germany in the 17th century due to our proto-capitalism and republicanism. Only racial theorists like the nazis would really claim that we are Germans- even then, they considered us ‘corrupted by liberalism and freemasonry’…

    I myself would not oppose re-unification with the Flemish at all. It would be awkward, but it would work. The Germans… nah. Too different.

    • Replies: @AP
    @HenryBaker


    One distinction: I’m not sure how Ukraine developed culturally, but I must say that Dutch society does veer off very sharply from wider Germany in the 17th century due to our proto-capitalism and republicanism.
     
    Ukraine was part of Poland during its formative years while Russia (actually Muscovy) was under the Mongols-Tatars during its formative years. Russia always trends towards a despotic form of government while Ukrainians prefer democracy, even if it can devolve into chaos or oligarchy. A lot of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict has involved this cultural difference. Ukraine entered Moscow's orbit in 1654 as an autonomous Hetmanate, which retained at least some "Polish" Republicanism until Moscow finally cancelled it in 1764.

    Ukraine continues to be different from Russia in that it has elections and its people are committed to the democratic system, whereas Russians are satisfied with their despot. (it's typical that the would-be despot of Ukraine, Yanukovich, was an ethnic Russian from the Russian part of Ukraine, who was overthrown by ethnic Ukrainians who then replaced their post-Maidan president with another through elections).

    The Galician Ukrainians had been under Austria after having been part of Poland, so they experienced more mature democratic processes. While Ukrainians overall prefer democracy, central and eastern ones tend to go for and change allegiances between various oligarch-controlled parties (Poroshenko, Tymoshenko, Kolomoysky) while Galicians tend to go for "normal" political parties with specific programs (i.e, Samopomich, Svoboda). It's a weird parallel - Polish republicanism of the PLC had been dominated by powerful magnates, Austria by right-leaning political parties. And we see Ukrainians behaving accordingly when it comes to politics.

    But all of them reject living under an authoritarian Tsar.

    Ukraine is of course agrarian rather than commerce-based (like the Dutch) but in its "republicanism" vs. despotism I suppose a rough analogy can be made with the Republican Dutch vs. the feudal Germans (ofc German feudalism was much different from Russian despotism).

    Only racial theorists like the nazis would really claim that we are Germans- even then, they considered us ‘corrupted by liberalism and freemasonry’
     
    This is kind of the Russian nationalist approach to Ukrainians - we are Russians corrupted by Polish-ness and Austrian-ness.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @silviosilver
    @HenryBaker


    I myself would not oppose re-unification with the Flemish at all. It would be awkward, but it would work. The Germans… nah. Too different.
     
    Good to see that you are focused on the most urgent of political issues.

    Whether the Islamo-Africans of the Netherlands shall merge with the Islamo-Africans of Flanders or the Islamo-Africans of Germany over the course of this century is indeed a weighty consideration.
  242. @HenryBaker
    @Mr. Hack


    unproved theory
     
    You cannot 'prove' objectively that two cultures are 'one people' as there is a voluntaristic element to forming a nation. Have you ever read quest ce-que une nation by Renan? That's the best essay on it imo. Extremely similar cultures can nevertheless form completely dissimilar political identities. Americans and British are not one people, British are not 'small Americans', yet I can come up with all sort of stories about why they really are but are just delusional, or whatever. Claiming they should nevertheless be united cannot be proven, and is always just political propaganda (just like insisting they should be separate). That's because a nation is a feeling, a voluntaristic association, based on some objective fact, some mythmaking. But not in and of itself an objective reality.

    The Dutch nation exists as separate from the Flemish nation because the Flemish live in land we could not conquer from the Spanish. That's literally the only reason. We did occupy some catholic land and we more or less pressed the Dutch identity on them over time. So not even religion is the real difference. Just association and time. If I now go around claiming the Flemish are just delusional 'small Dutch' without knowing it and should really be annexed NOW without their consent; that they have no right to statehood, or whatever... That's obviously just a political narrative. Even if the 'triune' idea makes sense, that does not mean Ukrainians must be forced to associate with Russians.

    Replies: @AP, @Yellowface Anon, @sher singh, @Coconuts

    Have you ever read quest ce-que une nation by Renan? That’s the best essay on it imo. Extremely similar cultures can nevertheless form completely dissimilar political identities.

    AFAIK Renan’s ideas were fairly controversial, geography and environment was an essential factor in the break between the US and the Britain, and that had a lot to do with determining the wills of the British and Americans around this issue. I thought the Flemings remained independent due to the influence of larger European powers who made sure that they didn’t join the Netherlands.

    Just using these names to illustrate a point, if the Flemings shared a religion with the Dutch, as well as language and so on, but were being kept independent by the subsidies of a third power (say France), which had on-going bad relations with the Netherlands and did not wish it’s population well, Dutch invasion of the territory of the Flemings could well be justified if it was clear that the French cared neither about the common good of the Dutch, nor that of the Flemings, and were just using the latter in an instrumental way. United, sharing language, culture, religious, ethnic ties, the Flemings and Dutch should have a better chance of realising their common good than when divided by mercenary foreigners and factionalist interests in the latter’s pay. This angle may even tip the scales and make an invasion a moral obligation.

    Also, the idea that things like popular consent or the ‘democratic will’ are essential to (or actually the basis of) nationhood is another political narrative, which can be switched out for other accounts of the basis of the legitimacy of political authority and association.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Coconuts


    I thought the Flemings remained independent due to the influence of larger European powers who made sure that they didn’t join the Netherlands.
     
    Nah, man. The current borders of the Netherlands are more or less just as far as our armies could get in the Dutch Revolt. The Spanish were afraid of total collapse of their positions in the Lowlands multiple times.

    AFAIK Renan’s ideas were fairly controversial, geography and environment was an essential factor in the break between the US and the Britain
     
    He doesn't say they're unimportant, of course there are all sorts of reasons for common feeling. A subjective action is usually based on some good objective reasons. But Canada also shared a different environment and geography, so did Australia and New Zealand... They stuck with the commonwealth. In the end, what is decisive is deciding that you are too different. A nation is a sense of forming a discrete group of people, and a group-identity has to be formed actively
    . Supporting reasons (geography, race) can be quite objective.

    Also, the idea that things like popular consent or the ‘democratic will’ are essential to (or actually the basis of) nationhood is another political narrative
     
    Right, I guess using the word 'association' or 'voluntary' once on Unz immediately draws out accusations of naivete or Westernist shilling. (I used voluntarism in the sense of 'will/willed', i.e. 'willed association', not in the gay democratic legitimacy sense) I know very well that an association is usually simply enforced by a fanatical minority (like the American Patriots more or less purging and terrorizing Loyalists). We also know all too well that American identity and history has been rewritten constantly to suit elite narratives. But I don't think that this disproves that the sense of identity is most important, even if not always, or even often, all too organic.

    Just using these names to illustrate a point, if the Flemings shared a religion with the Dutch, as well as language and so on, but were being kept independent by the subsidies of a third power (say France), which had on-going bad relations with the Netherlands and did not wish it’s population well, Dutch invasion of the territory of the Flemings could well be justified if it was clear that the French cared neither about the common good of the Dutch, nor that of the Flemings, and were just using the latter in an instrumental way. United, sharing language, culture, religious, ethnic ties, the Flemings and Dutch should have a better chance of realising their common good than when divided by mercenary foreigners and factionalist interests in the latter’s pay. This angle may even tip the scales and make an invasion a moral obligation.
     
    And if the Flemish *want* to be independent? - If they want to unite with the Dutch, then yes, let's liberate them!
    What if the Flemish live quite nicely in a prosperous republic, and the Dutch live under a harsh dictatorship? - If they are kept impoverished and dumb, then yes, let's liberate them!
    What if the Dutch elite is as rapacious as the French elite, and merely uses nationalism as an excuse to grow its power? - If the Dutch elite is virtuous, but the Flemish elite is ignoble, corrupt, and collaborates, then that is an argument in favor of attack.

    The counter-examples are a bit crude and seem Westernist, but honestly your story also lacks the nuance you see in real life.

  243. @Twinkie
    @Barbarossa

    I didn't read Anatoly Karlin regularly, but checked in once in a while. I bemoaned his leaving on record, especially coming right after Audacious Epigone shutting down his blog.

    But I am surprised by the change in his online demeanor since he moved on to Substack. My impression was that he had his strong and unusual opinions, but they were often backed by data and evidence, and he usually seemed congenial enough to debate those who differed with him.

    His last several comments on Unz seem extremely ungracious, especially to his previous audience who helped to grow whatever prominence he has now. It smacks of burning bridges with a past employer now that he has a new employer (so to speak), i.e. "All the readers who pay to read me moved with me to Substack, so screw the rest of you on Unz who criticize my writings - you are all just a bunch of Ukrainian Fascist shills!"

    He also seems to have gone "full Putin," writing Baghdad Bob-like propaganda such as attributing Russian failures or difficulties to naivete or "Christ-like" gentleness of the Russian politico-military leaders rather than tactical/operational failures or strategic miscalculations.

    Although I was not sympatico with many of his views, I previously held him in relatively high regard as a truth-seeker, so I am disappointed in his latest online iteration. Nonetheless, I wish him well and hope he comes out well of the end of whatever is going on in Russia today.

    Replies: @Johann Ricke, @Anatoly Karlin

    Please don’t lie. The Discord is free, Substack is not my employer, and my relations with Ron are perfectly fine so far as I’m aware.

    While somewhat appreciated, I have no need for your well-wishes, save them for those who need them.

    As I keep saying, shock and disbelief: https://boards.4chan.org/pol/thread/367103075

    • Replies: @Twinkie
    @Anatoly Karlin


    Please don’t lie. The Discord is free, Substack is not my employer
     
    What exactly about did I lie? I did not mean that Substack was literally your new employer. Rather I wrote of my impression of your recent comments - that, allegorically, it appears now that you have paying customers at Substack (who are presumably more "loyal" to you and more sympathetic to your views), you seem to describe your old audience left at Unz in the most uncharitable and disdainful terms, even though this old audience contributed to the rise in your profile and perhaps even enabled your move to other platforms. After all, even the most vituperative critic of yours on Unz helped you build readership and influence.

    Perhaps I am incorrect in my impression, but it is not a lie. I have no desire to have any kind of silly online feud with you, so kindly direct such accusations elsewhere.


    While somewhat appreciated, I have no need for your well-wishes, save them for those who need them.
     
    My well-wishes were graciously given. Pity it was not graciously accepted.

    As I keep saying, shock and disbelief
     
    No doubt many people, commenters here included, will be dismayed by their desired outcomes not coming to fruition in the future. Only the most arrogant and deluded, however, would exempt themselves from the prospect that such might occur to them too (I am reminded of the Melian Dialogue).

    https://boards.4chan.org/pol/thread/367103075

     

    I don't know what that is and what it's supposed to prove.
  244. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    Your Indonesian analogy suffers from two basic problems:
    - Indonesia is more than 10k km from Netherlands; Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)
    - Russians in Ukraine (ethnic+speakers of Russian, etc...) are between 1/3 and 1/2 of the population, In Indonesia or Algeria the combined settlers, 'harkis', Chinese minority, etc... were at most 5-10%.

    Your analogy is a half-baked Western nonsense trying to fit everything into your own schemas - you had evil colonial empires, so you see them everywhere. It is quite stupid.

    Your answer to: "Russia refuses to allow a militant NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders" is an incoherent rant saying nothing. You deny the obvious:
    - NATO on Russia's border would be a threat to Russia. Denying it after West invaded Russia again and again (including the Dutch SS) is like denying a nose between your eyes. You cannot admit it because it would be admitting that NATO policy for 15+ years has been provocative. It has finally led to a war. Happy now?


    ...how much we had to coerce the entirety of Europe to come and join NATO
     
    In east-central Europe countries were told that they have to join NATO before they can be in EU. So they did, the average support was luke-warm 40-50% - nobody asked to be in NATO (maybe Poland), but we had to be.

    Scots fought English through 18th century. An older history, older nations.

    Replies: @AP, @HenryBaker

    Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)

    AP already said what I would have said. How much and how long Kievan Rus was even a single state, is debatable anyhow. On top of that nations only need 200 or maybe 100 years to form a completely separate identity. Are you Russian?

    Your 2 points don’t really disprove anything I said. I take issue with them but why go into detail, it’s just a distraction. Must the situation be identical for the rhetoric to be strikingly similar? What I said is that the way Russia is spinning this, and their nationalists discuss it, reminds me of the same old imperialist ways of thinking we shared. Russian nationalists more or less say openly Russia should be an empire and that Ukraine has no right to exist. I notice they are thinking about things in similar patterns, even leading to making the same mistakes that we did (like underestimating initial resistance or thinking a ‘special operation’ or ‘policing action’ will do, why would a ‘fake’ nation resist in the first place?).

    Your analogy is a half-baked Western nonsense trying to fit everything into your own schemas – you had evil colonial empires, so you see them everywhere. It is quite stupid.

    First off, is this more pro-Russian (vaguely 3d worldist) larping, i.e. Russia was never imperial like ‘you’ were, if Russia has an empire, it’s good, but European colonialism is evil?
    Secondly, I don’t consider our colonial empires to have been evil in the first place. Likewise, I don’t have any real moral judgement on Tsarist Russia. I’m sure you disagree with the first point though, as in the current paradigm everyone pro-Russian now amusingly sees Western racists and nazis everywhere and feels a need to purify Russian history as fundamentally different from ours, un-European, etc. Have fun with that.

    Your analogy is a half-baked Western nonsense trying to fit everything into your own schemas – you had evil colonial empires, so you see them everywhere. It is quite stupid.

    Well yes, I consider Tsarist, Soviet, and modern Russia to have inherited an imperialist tradition. That comes with imperialist ways of thinking about ‘small nations’. Colonial empires are empires and Tsarist Russia was an empire.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    ...is debatable anyhow
     
    Sure, and we are debating it.

    But your analogy is very shaky: Russia was an empire, and Soviets too. But how is today's Russia an empire? They are pretty homogeneous (80-85%), the well-defined former nations formed their own states. There are some exceptions and obviously as everywhere around the world there is ethnic complexity and variance, but it is not what one would describe as a traditional empire. Just a really big country. (I am not a Russian.)

    the rhetoric to be strikingly similar?
     
    So? There only so many different ways one can describe any conflict. The words and phrases will always be similar - that doesn't mean that the underlying situation is the same, or even particularly similar. You just like to relate it to what you know. If you would know more, maybe you would be less narrowly-focused. Ukraine is not and has never been a colony of Russia - that's just nonsense.

    I don’t consider our colonial empires to have been evil in the first place.
     
    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people. Forced a new religion on many of them, hired local compradors, stole everything you could. Oh, build a few schools, some railroads (for the resources). It looks pretty evil to me. If that is not evil, what would be?

    I don't particularly care for Third World bellyaching, but they have a point. The Western, or Dutch, ignorance of others and other viewpoints is so massive that maybe some sympathy is in order. We can see today roughly the same in Ukraine: very shallow stereotypes and propaganda, all of it extremely self-serving, lying about very basic facts, trying to emotionalize everything. You won't get far with that - we really don't need another iteration of Western dumb 'we know better' morons. It is the white European, often nationally-oriented people, who excel in this mad oversimplification. In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the 'mistakes'. Now it is back. Maybe we get a better deal with the Third Worlders.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @German_reader

  245. Just another fake news debunked

    The official story

    And the current state of the Snake Island

  246. @Triteleia Laxa
    Since Russia are about to ban VPNs, it seems that the final layer of the Putin Shroud is going into place. Russia will be bleeding out in Ukraine and will not even know about it. Instead, they will be congratulating each other on stopping the ever so definite Ukrainian super nuclear space weapons programme. Meanwhile, their country returns to the 90s, but without the sense of hope or Western support that was very real. Or even the novelty. Just depression, bathtub vodka and empty rhetoric.

    At least until Putin goes.

    This is a very sad day, because, although they are currently murdering Ukrainians and destroying with vicious cruelty holy Kiev, mother city of the Eastern Slavs, the Russians are trying their best to find their place in the world. Tragedy is not that people do evil because they want to, but because they do evil while trying to be their most good selves.

    China, if it goes on for years, will not be a kind master. It never is. Not even to Chinese who do not absolutely conform. This is why, in such large lands, there are now most only Han Chinese. Russians, with their poverty, bungled operations, and white skin, will be at the bottom of the pile. Not even acknowledged, but mostly used as exotic prostitutes in high-end hotels across the Chinese East. For the moment, they'll settle for scamming for what material they can.

    This also means that Anatoly Karlin will no longer be able to comment here, most likely, and that his life with get a lot poorer in other ways. I am sorry for you AK and wish you individually the best. Patriotism is a result of many virtues, but it can also end up a trap, as the government which ends up defining you is corrupted by power and resentment.

    Putin, and therefore, by now, everyone who doesn't resist him, was desperate to save Mother Russia, and to rebuild her strong and eternal, but through that desperation corruption has seeped in, and now everything he does is to destroy it, whether he knows or not. And once done, he will feel little but scorn, contempt and rage that Russia and Russians were too weak for his pride. That other Eastern Slavs were brainwashed. That they all got the misery they deserved.

    In truth, this is when someone's soul meets hell. And when they break through into the infernal realm, they will agree that they too deserve it.

    Having made this clear, I look forward to the day when Russia rejoins Europe and again offers her unique talents and textures to the continent. For just as someone enters hell by their own deep desire to suffer, they exit just as much by their volition.

    Best wishes Anatoly, you're in for a terrible ride. None of it will be good, but let's pray that the Ukrainians can win so that at least it is short.

    Replies: @songbird, @Dmitry, @Anatoly Karlin, @Anatoly Karlin

    Like it or not, but what is actually going to happen is that Russia is going to return its rightful demesnes and build a great space-faring Empire, in civilizational harmony with India and the Celestial Empire.

    Meanwhile, Western Supremacists will stew in their cesspit of BLM and the 69 genders, papering over their failures with impotent Russophobia and Sinophobia, for at least the rest of this century, a fitting punishment for their innumerable sins.

    • Thanks: Pharmakon
    • LOL: prime noticer
    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Anatoly Karlin


    a great space-faring Empire
     
    space-faring Empire? Like a space empire with extraterrestrial colonies? I think you have to admit that this part at least comes close to trolling.
    Rest of your prediction may of course contain quite a bit of truth.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @A123
    @Anatoly Karlin


    Western Supremacists will stew in their cesspit of BLM and the 69 genders, papering over their failures with impotent Russophobia and Sinophobia, for at least the rest of this century, a fitting punishment for their innumerable sins.
     
    Your obituary is mis-focused.

    SJW, anti-Christian Globalism is indeed doomed. Not-The-President Biden is a closing act on the failure of a racial spoils system.

    Christian Populism will rise from the ruins created by European Davos Elites. A new and better West will be reborn like the phoenix rising from the fire.

    Backing Merkel's attempt to break Christianity with gas via NS2 was a mistake. Russia's 2nd mistake is Sinophilia. Han Chinese outnumber Russians by ~10:1, and there is no chance of converting them to Christianity. Hopefully, Christian Russia will change course in time. As a Christian nation, joining the rightful demesnes of God is the path to salvation.

    PEACE 😇
  247. @Coconuts
    @HenryBaker

    Have you ever read quest ce-que une nation by Renan? That’s the best essay on it imo. Extremely similar cultures can nevertheless form completely dissimilar political identities.
     

    AFAIK Renan's ideas were fairly controversial, geography and environment was an essential factor in the break between the US and the Britain, and that had a lot to do with determining the wills of the British and Americans around this issue. I thought the Flemings remained independent due to the influence of larger European powers who made sure that they didn't join the Netherlands.

    Just using these names to illustrate a point, if the Flemings shared a religion with the Dutch, as well as language and so on, but were being kept independent by the subsidies of a third power (say France), which had on-going bad relations with the Netherlands and did not wish it's population well, Dutch invasion of the territory of the Flemings could well be justified if it was clear that the French cared neither about the common good of the Dutch, nor that of the Flemings, and were just using the latter in an instrumental way. United, sharing language, culture, religious, ethnic ties, the Flemings and Dutch should have a better chance of realising their common good than when divided by mercenary foreigners and factionalist interests in the latter's pay. This angle may even tip the scales and make an invasion a moral obligation.

    Also, the idea that things like popular consent or the 'democratic will' are essential to (or actually the basis of) nationhood is another political narrative, which can be switched out for other accounts of the basis of the legitimacy of political authority and association.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    I thought the Flemings remained independent due to the influence of larger European powers who made sure that they didn’t join the Netherlands.

    Nah, man. The current borders of the Netherlands are more or less just as far as our armies could get in the Dutch Revolt. The Spanish were afraid of total collapse of their positions in the Lowlands multiple times.

    AFAIK Renan’s ideas were fairly controversial, geography and environment was an essential factor in the break between the US and the Britain

    He doesn’t say they’re unimportant, of course there are all sorts of reasons for common feeling. A subjective action is usually based on some good objective reasons. But Canada also shared a different environment and geography, so did Australia and New Zealand… They stuck with the commonwealth. In the end, what is decisive is deciding that you are too different. A nation is a sense of forming a discrete group of people, and a group-identity has to be formed actively
    . Supporting reasons (geography, race) can be quite objective.

    Also, the idea that things like popular consent or the ‘democratic will’ are essential to (or actually the basis of) nationhood is another political narrative

    Right, I guess using the word ‘association’ or ‘voluntary’ once on Unz immediately draws out accusations of naivete or Westernist shilling. (I used voluntarism in the sense of ‘will/willed’, i.e. ‘willed association’, not in the gay democratic legitimacy sense) I know very well that an association is usually simply enforced by a fanatical minority (like the American Patriots more or less purging and terrorizing Loyalists). We also know all too well that American identity and history has been rewritten constantly to suit elite narratives. But I don’t think that this disproves that the sense of identity is most important, even if not always, or even often, all too organic.

    Just using these names to illustrate a point, if the Flemings shared a religion with the Dutch, as well as language and so on, but were being kept independent by the subsidies of a third power (say France), which had on-going bad relations with the Netherlands and did not wish it’s population well, Dutch invasion of the territory of the Flemings could well be justified if it was clear that the French cared neither about the common good of the Dutch, nor that of the Flemings, and were just using the latter in an instrumental way. United, sharing language, culture, religious, ethnic ties, the Flemings and Dutch should have a better chance of realising their common good than when divided by mercenary foreigners and factionalist interests in the latter’s pay. This angle may even tip the scales and make an invasion a moral obligation.

    And if the Flemish *want* to be independent? – If they want to unite with the Dutch, then yes, let’s liberate them!
    What if the Flemish live quite nicely in a prosperous republic, and the Dutch live under a harsh dictatorship? – If they are kept impoverished and dumb, then yes, let’s liberate them!
    What if the Dutch elite is as rapacious as the French elite, and merely uses nationalism as an excuse to grow its power? – If the Dutch elite is virtuous, but the Flemish elite is ignoble, corrupt, and collaborates, then that is an argument in favor of attack.

    The counter-examples are a bit crude and seem Westernist, but honestly your story also lacks the nuance you see in real life.

  248. @Triteleia Laxa
    Since Russia are about to ban VPNs, it seems that the final layer of the Putin Shroud is going into place. Russia will be bleeding out in Ukraine and will not even know about it. Instead, they will be congratulating each other on stopping the ever so definite Ukrainian super nuclear space weapons programme. Meanwhile, their country returns to the 90s, but without the sense of hope or Western support that was very real. Or even the novelty. Just depression, bathtub vodka and empty rhetoric.

    At least until Putin goes.

    This is a very sad day, because, although they are currently murdering Ukrainians and destroying with vicious cruelty holy Kiev, mother city of the Eastern Slavs, the Russians are trying their best to find their place in the world. Tragedy is not that people do evil because they want to, but because they do evil while trying to be their most good selves.

    China, if it goes on for years, will not be a kind master. It never is. Not even to Chinese who do not absolutely conform. This is why, in such large lands, there are now most only Han Chinese. Russians, with their poverty, bungled operations, and white skin, will be at the bottom of the pile. Not even acknowledged, but mostly used as exotic prostitutes in high-end hotels across the Chinese East. For the moment, they'll settle for scamming for what material they can.

    This also means that Anatoly Karlin will no longer be able to comment here, most likely, and that his life with get a lot poorer in other ways. I am sorry for you AK and wish you individually the best. Patriotism is a result of many virtues, but it can also end up a trap, as the government which ends up defining you is corrupted by power and resentment.

    Putin, and therefore, by now, everyone who doesn't resist him, was desperate to save Mother Russia, and to rebuild her strong and eternal, but through that desperation corruption has seeped in, and now everything he does is to destroy it, whether he knows or not. And once done, he will feel little but scorn, contempt and rage that Russia and Russians were too weak for his pride. That other Eastern Slavs were brainwashed. That they all got the misery they deserved.

    In truth, this is when someone's soul meets hell. And when they break through into the infernal realm, they will agree that they too deserve it.

    Having made this clear, I look forward to the day when Russia rejoins Europe and again offers her unique talents and textures to the continent. For just as someone enters hell by their own deep desire to suffer, they exit just as much by their volition.

    Best wishes Anatoly, you're in for a terrible ride. None of it will be good, but let's pray that the Ukrainians can win so that at least it is short.

    Replies: @songbird, @Dmitry, @Anatoly Karlin, @Anatoly Karlin

    Since Russia are about to ban VPNs, it seems that the final layer of the Putin Shroud is going into place.

    Still waiting for martial law to be imposed:

    Still waiting for the “Great Kremlin Firewall”:

    • Replies: @Triteleia Laxa
    @Anatoly Karlin

    I'm glad you enjoyed my scenario in the other comment, but your soace-faring piece was a bit half-hearted. The only thing that looks like it harmonising with India soon is your development level, in the direction of theirs.

    As for this comment of yours, the lack of those two things you identify just means that Putin doesn't have the will to "win."

    This is good, because "winning" would be losing awfully in the long-run, as per the scenario I laid out.

    If this stuff really doesn't happen then I guess we'll get a negotiated solution as soon as Wednesday, because you're not even winning the easy part of the war (the invasion and field battles.) You still have the difficult part to go (conquering cities.) And the impossible part (pacifying Ukraine.) You seem to have no theatre reserve, no other troops to call in and you're attriting fast. You are on multiple axes, stretched thin, and having your supply lines hit. Meanwhile, the population in the few places you have "secured" is already having minor riots against your goons. This bodes very badly for you. Every day you stay there, is a day you're even less welcome.

    Other than an already nascent insurgency, I'd also worry about those vehicles up around Kyiv. It doesn't seem like they are being sustained in the field. You might be facing a mass surrender, which could lead to a withdrawal under fire on other axes and disaster.

    Perhaps you'll advoid this as you seem to have adopted yet another strategy. This is of sitting where you shove reached and blowing up civilians with artillery. The problem with this is that it doesn't gain you anything. It just adds to your blood debt. Yes, it will slow the shockingly fast degradation of your forces, but it isn't risk free and it achieves nothing. It also invites eventual true NATO intervention, and you must now know that the Russian military would be completely helpless in that scenario.

    In other words, the Russian forces have still yet to achieve anything that matters. They have only advanced into positions where they are much more vulnerable, suffered horrendous casualties to their most motivated troops and seen Ukrainian forces surge in manpower, equipment and morale.

    I could not imagine how it could be going worse.

    I still think the negotiated position I outlined at the beginning of the Russian invasion is the best result for everyone, but I less and less see why Ukrainians would agree. Have we seen an organised military that is more committed to its course in decades? I don't think so. They seem extremely willing to fight until they win, and they will eventually win, because they live there and Russians do not. The only question is how much damage is done to Russia, her military, her economy and, most importantly, her society and spirit in the meantime.

    Some US politician or someone said, long before the war, that Russia would get what it wants in Ukraine because it cares so much more about Ukraine than the US did. That sounded very convincing at the time, but the truth is that the people who really care about Ukraine, much, much more than the Russians, are the Ukrainians.

    As soon as that became obvious, Putin should have found a way out. And this is why war has changed. I thought Russia, of all places, had realised this change. Perhaps your government has, but is just panicked in its incompetence?

    Anyway, sorry about the black pill, but it'll be ok. Russia is now the antagonist in the Ukrainian Great Patriotic War, however with certain manouvres it can be Putinists in that role and Russians as having undergone a journey and been redeemed. It is possible.



    How's the invasion truly going? Looks like Ukraine is not even losing territory so much as using a little of their depth for defence, just as they should.

    https://twitter.com/War_Mapper/status/1503401312754577408?t=ec7PtxcS1xUCPrZQ97l-Jw&s=19

    Also, will most Russians abroad now pretend to be Ukrainian? Forever?

    Replies: @sher singh, @Brás Cubas

  249. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Triteleia Laxa

    Like it or not, but what is actually going to happen is that Russia is going to return its rightful demesnes and build a great space-faring Empire, in civilizational harmony with India and the Celestial Empire.

    Meanwhile, Western Supremacists will stew in their cesspit of BLM and the 69 genders, papering over their failures with impotent Russophobia and Sinophobia, for at least the rest of this century, a fitting punishment for their innumerable sins.

    Replies: @German_reader, @A123

    a great space-faring Empire

    space-faring Empire? Like a space empire with extraterrestrial colonies? I think you have to admit that this part at least comes close to trolling.
    Rest of your prediction may of course contain quite a bit of truth.

    • Agree: HenryBaker
    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @German_reader

    The West is absolutely fucked, that's for sure. We stand for nothing but sodomy, abortion, mass immigration, and self-hate. On top of that the rest of the world hates our ass (mostly out of ressentiment and hypocritical slave morality, to be sure, but what can you do?) and probably fantasizes about our timely demise. It's all hopeless and one big humiliation ritual at this point. Yet, quickly checking the abysmal Chinese birth rate, and Russian dependence on the primary sector, are they doing *that* much better?

    Replies: @German_reader, @sher singh

  250. @AP
    @Beckow


    Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)
     
    “On and off” is a funny way of describing more time spent in different states than in one state in those 1000 years.

    Medieval Rus split up c.1150 into warring principalities. All of them were conquered by the Mongols in 1241. Ukraine became part of Lithuania and Poland. The eastern half was joined to Moscow in c.1650 (500 year gap), most of the western half 100 years later (600 year gap) and then Galicia not until 1939 (about 800 year gap).

    Rather dishonest to describe some kind of 1,000 year shared history.

    Russians in Ukraine (ethnic+speakers of Russian, etc…) are between 1/3 and 1/2 of the population
     
    That’s like saying English in Ireland are 90% of the population, based on language.

    Ukraine was about 20% Russian before the removal of Donbas and Crimea. Probably around 10% Russian now.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    …The eastern half was joined to Moscow in c.1650, most of the western half 100 years later (600 year gap) and then Galicia not until 1939 (about 800 year gap).

    The eastern half has been a part of Russia for 370 years, Kiev only a bit shorter. I am not sure what your point is, “on and off” is a short-hand, it can be described as separate or as joint, neither one is an absolute truth. But it was not a colony, like “Java” 10k km away, like the Dutch guy claimed.

    Galicia is small, it used to be 10% of Ukraine, today with eastern losses up to 15%.

    We had the argument about the extent of “Russians” in Ukraine before. It is quite substantial if you are objective – identities are mixed and to some extent fluid, it is anywhere from 20 to 40%. There has not been a census since 2001 (why?), and a lot of people identify with the winning side at any given time. They are not “harkis”, or a tiny minority of settlers. The Westerners generally don’t understand this, or pretend not to understand it. It helps with their propaganda.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Beckow


    The eastern half has been a part of Russia for 370 years,
     
    Not quite. It was linked to Russia in 1654 but had a sort of vasal relationship - it had its own army, government, continued to use Polish currency, and even foreign embassies until 1709. It was probably ore free of Moscow than were Poland and Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. After 1709 it continued to have diminished autonomy until 1764. Than after the Revolution it briefly independent before becoming a separate SSR from 1921 until 1991 (so full integration with Russia lasted only 154 years). And it has been independent now for 30 years.

    Kiev only a bit shorter.
     
    Although it is west of the Dnipro River, Kiev was together with Eastern Ukraine, under Moscow, but the city continued to retain its Polish-era Magdeburg Law until the mid-19th century.

    The Western half (not including Kiev) was part of Poland for another 100 years. Not "only a bit shorter."


    I am not sure what your point is
     
    The point is that "1000 years" was more like 400 years, 300 years, or 50 years, depending on what part of Ukraine.

    We had the argument about the extent of “Russians” in Ukraine before. It is quite substantial if you are objective – identities are mixed and to some extent fluid, it is anywhere from 20 to 40%
     
    By self-report its consistently been around 10% in the areas under Kiev's control after 2014. A Russian-speaking Ukrainian isn't a Russian just because Russians (or you) insist he might be.
  251. @HenryBaker
    @AP

    As an aside, the rural parts of the Netherlands have their own, old dialects like Drenths or Gronings. Very hard or impossible to understand for the speakers of 'high' Dutch. These dialects smoothly progress into Western Plattdeutsch or 'flat' German. Therefore, there exists a linguistic group of Germans and Dutch people with more in common linguistically with each other, than either high Dutch or German. Interestingly, the urbane Flemish do seem to speak a variant of 'high' Dutch, just like we do.

    But I agree with your point. Like Ukraine, Holland too was part of a larger super-ethnic empire (the Holy Roman Empire) that seems to have had a very vaguely Germanic identity. Like Ukraine, our separation from the larger empire and ethnos is but a result of the vagaries of history (Holland is a 'coincidental' result of the patchwork inheritance of the Burgundian counts, Habsburg intra-family partitioning, and a religious civil war).

    One distinction: I'm not sure how Ukraine developed culturally, but I must say that Dutch society does veer off very sharply from wider Germany in the 17th century due to our proto-capitalism and republicanism. Only racial theorists like the nazis would really claim that we are Germans- even then, they considered us 'corrupted by liberalism and freemasonry'...

    I myself would not oppose re-unification with the Flemish at all. It would be awkward, but it would work. The Germans... nah. Too different.

    Replies: @AP, @silviosilver

    One distinction: I’m not sure how Ukraine developed culturally, but I must say that Dutch society does veer off very sharply from wider Germany in the 17th century due to our proto-capitalism and republicanism.

    Ukraine was part of Poland during its formative years while Russia (actually Muscovy) was under the Mongols-Tatars during its formative years. Russia always trends towards a despotic form of government while Ukrainians prefer democracy, even if it can devolve into chaos or oligarchy. A lot of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict has involved this cultural difference. Ukraine entered Moscow’s orbit in 1654 as an autonomous Hetmanate, which retained at least some “Polish” Republicanism until Moscow finally cancelled it in 1764.

    Ukraine continues to be different from Russia in that it has elections and its people are committed to the democratic system, whereas Russians are satisfied with their despot. (it’s typical that the would-be despot of Ukraine, Yanukovich, was an ethnic Russian from the Russian part of Ukraine, who was overthrown by ethnic Ukrainians who then replaced their post-Maidan president with another through elections).

    The Galician Ukrainians had been under Austria after having been part of Poland, so they experienced more mature democratic processes. While Ukrainians overall prefer democracy, central and eastern ones tend to go for and change allegiances between various oligarch-controlled parties (Poroshenko, Tymoshenko, Kolomoysky) while Galicians tend to go for “normal” political parties with specific programs (i.e, Samopomich, Svoboda). It’s a weird parallel – Polish republicanism of the PLC had been dominated by powerful magnates, Austria by right-leaning political parties. And we see Ukrainians behaving accordingly when it comes to politics.

    But all of them reject living under an authoritarian Tsar.

    Ukraine is of course agrarian rather than commerce-based (like the Dutch) but in its “republicanism” vs. despotism I suppose a rough analogy can be made with the Republican Dutch vs. the feudal Germans (ofc German feudalism was much different from Russian despotism).

    Only racial theorists like the nazis would really claim that we are Germans- even then, they considered us ‘corrupted by liberalism and freemasonry’

    This is kind of the Russian nationalist approach to Ukrainians – we are Russians corrupted by Polish-ness and Austrian-ness.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @AP

    Kek, when I was reading your story about Ukraine, I thought 'well this sounds a like a very nationalist narrative about Ukrainian history'. Then it turned out at the bottom that you are indeed Ukrainian. Coincidence?

    Two reasons for some scepticism, about which I may be wrong:
    1. Can the Polish system really be called 'republican'? Wasn't it more like a sort of vice-like grip of the aristocracy on the state? An aristocracy often treating the population like serfs?
    2. Whenever a people says 'we have a natural instinct for democracy whereas our enemy is naturally driven to despotism' that's a reason to be a little wary. Stuff like that is usually a myth.

    I agree with everything else you say though, and I simply support Ukrainian self-determination. Not much more to it. Ideally you'd also have referenda in the Crimea and Donbass on which state to belong to (or just the entirety of Eastern Ukraine), as well as real minority rights for ethnic Russians. All that will never happen, of course, but a man can dream. Funny enough, Renan also says something like this about Alsace-Lorraine: why not just have a real referendum? He then says 'people will just call this idea idiotically simplistic, none will accept it'. So it will always be, I suppose. A nationalist liberal- I always seem to gravitate to the most hopeless political positions.

    Replies: @AP

  252. @German_reader
    @Anatoly Karlin


    a great space-faring Empire
     
    space-faring Empire? Like a space empire with extraterrestrial colonies? I think you have to admit that this part at least comes close to trolling.
    Rest of your prediction may of course contain quite a bit of truth.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    The West is absolutely fucked, that’s for sure. We stand for nothing but sodomy, abortion, mass immigration, and self-hate. On top of that the rest of the world hates our ass (mostly out of ressentiment and hypocritical slave morality, to be sure, but what can you do?) and probably fantasizes about our timely demise. It’s all hopeless and one big humiliation ritual at this point. Yet, quickly checking the abysmal Chinese birth rate, and Russian dependence on the primary sector, are they doing *that* much better?

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @HenryBaker


    We stand for nothing but sodomy, abortion, mass immigration, and self-hate. On top of that the rest of the world hates our ass (mostly out of ressentiment and hypocritical slave morality, to be sure, but what can you do?) and probably fantasizes about our timely demise.
     
    Yeah, I agree. I don't agree with Karlin's denial of Ukrainian nationhood and really wish Putin hadn't embarked on this war which imo won't lead to anything good for anybody. But the deluded self-righteousness of so much Western commentary is nauseating, and the people representing today's West (stupid, hysterical women who should have stayed in the kitchen, literal faggots, parasitic graduates in bs subjects like sociology and political science, resentful poc) disgust me. One of the worst aspects of this war is that it lends new legitimacy to this rotten regime we have in the West and that anyone objecting to it will be framed as a Putin stooge.
    Maybe China will be able to fix its birth rate...or maybe not (their approach to Corona looks pretty stupid by now after all, so maybe the party's authoritarian power isn't that fabulous). Karlin's hopes for Russia seem exaggerated though.

    Replies: @Beckow, @HenryBaker

    , @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    How is replacing & lording over you in your ethnic homelands slaveish bellyaching?
    Isn't that what you intended for the rest as evidenced by conditions in the New World?

    Our quarrel with you is religious, but besides the point you consider blacks humans so :shrug:
    Goodbye.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  253. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Triteleia Laxa

    Like it or not, but what is actually going to happen is that Russia is going to return its rightful demesnes and build a great space-faring Empire, in civilizational harmony with India and the Celestial Empire.

    Meanwhile, Western Supremacists will stew in their cesspit of BLM and the 69 genders, papering over their failures with impotent Russophobia and Sinophobia, for at least the rest of this century, a fitting punishment for their innumerable sins.

    Replies: @German_reader, @A123

    Western Supremacists will stew in their cesspit of BLM and the 69 genders, papering over their failures with impotent Russophobia and Sinophobia, for at least the rest of this century, a fitting punishment for their innumerable sins.

    Your obituary is mis-focused.

    SJW, anti-Christian Globalism is indeed doomed. Not-The-President Biden is a closing act on the failure of a racial spoils system.

    Christian Populism will rise from the ruins created by European Davos Elites. A new and better West will be reborn like the phoenix rising from the fire.

    Backing Merkel’s attempt to break Christianity with gas via NS2 was a mistake. Russia’s 2nd mistake is Sinophilia. Han Chinese outnumber Russians by ~10:1, and there is no chance of converting them to Christianity. Hopefully, Christian Russia will change course in time. As a Christian nation, joining the rightful demesnes of God is the path to salvation.

    PEACE 😇

    • LOL: sher singh
  254. @Beckow
    @AP


    ...The eastern half was joined to Moscow in c.1650, most of the western half 100 years later (600 year gap) and then Galicia not until 1939 (about 800 year gap).
     
    The eastern half has been a part of Russia for 370 years, Kiev only a bit shorter. I am not sure what your point is, "on and off" is a short-hand, it can be described as separate or as joint, neither one is an absolute truth. But it was not a colony, like "Java" 10k km away, like the Dutch guy claimed.

    Galicia is small, it used to be 10% of Ukraine, today with eastern losses up to 15%.

    We had the argument about the extent of "Russians" in Ukraine before. It is quite substantial if you are objective - identities are mixed and to some extent fluid, it is anywhere from 20 to 40%. There has not been a census since 2001 (why?), and a lot of people identify with the winning side at any given time. They are not "harkis", or a tiny minority of settlers. The Westerners generally don't understand this, or pretend not to understand it. It helps with their propaganda.

    Replies: @AP

    The eastern half has been a part of Russia for 370 years,

    Not quite. It was linked to Russia in 1654 but had a sort of vasal relationship – it had its own army, government, continued to use Polish currency, and even foreign embassies until 1709. It was probably ore free of Moscow than were Poland and Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. After 1709 it continued to have diminished autonomy until 1764. Than after the Revolution it briefly independent before becoming a separate SSR from 1921 until 1991 (so full integration with Russia lasted only 154 years). And it has been independent now for 30 years.

    Kiev only a bit shorter.

    Although it is west of the Dnipro River, Kiev was together with Eastern Ukraine, under Moscow, but the city continued to retain its Polish-era Magdeburg Law until the mid-19th century.

    The Western half (not including Kiev) was part of Poland for another 100 years. Not “only a bit shorter.”

    I am not sure what your point is

    The point is that “1000 years” was more like 400 years, 300 years, or 50 years, depending on what part of Ukraine.

    We had the argument about the extent of “Russians” in Ukraine before. It is quite substantial if you are objective – identities are mixed and to some extent fluid, it is anywhere from 20 to 40%

    By self-report its consistently been around 10% in the areas under Kiev’s control after 2014. A Russian-speaking Ukrainian isn’t a Russian just because Russians (or you) insist he might be.

  255. German_reader says:
    @HenryBaker
    @German_reader

    The West is absolutely fucked, that's for sure. We stand for nothing but sodomy, abortion, mass immigration, and self-hate. On top of that the rest of the world hates our ass (mostly out of ressentiment and hypocritical slave morality, to be sure, but what can you do?) and probably fantasizes about our timely demise. It's all hopeless and one big humiliation ritual at this point. Yet, quickly checking the abysmal Chinese birth rate, and Russian dependence on the primary sector, are they doing *that* much better?

    Replies: @German_reader, @sher singh

    We stand for nothing but sodomy, abortion, mass immigration, and self-hate. On top of that the rest of the world hates our ass (mostly out of ressentiment and hypocritical slave morality, to be sure, but what can you do?) and probably fantasizes about our timely demise.

    Yeah, I agree. I don’t agree with Karlin’s denial of Ukrainian nationhood and really wish Putin hadn’t embarked on this war which imo won’t lead to anything good for anybody. But the deluded self-righteousness of so much Western commentary is nauseating, and the people representing today’s West (stupid, hysterical women who should have stayed in the kitchen, literal faggots, parasitic graduates in bs subjects like sociology and political science, resentful poc) disgust me. One of the worst aspects of this war is that it lends new legitimacy to this rotten regime we have in the West and that anyone objecting to it will be framed as a Putin stooge.
    Maybe China will be able to fix its birth rate…or maybe not (their approach to Corona looks pretty stupid by now after all, so maybe the party’s authoritarian power isn’t that fabulous). Karlin’s hopes for Russia seem exaggerated though.

    • Agree: HenryBaker
    • Replies: @Beckow
    @German_reader


    ...hadn’t embarked on this war which imo won’t lead to anything good for anybody.
     
    But Russia did, so let's deal with the reality. Knowing how extremely cautious Russia has been for 20-30 years, the fact that they chose war suggests that alternatives were worse. Like having NATO in Ukraine.

    the worst aspects of this war is that it lends new legitimacy to this rotten regime we have in the West
     
    It cannot be just the war, but the essential dumbness and conformism of most people in the West. They have been ready to pounce on Russia, or anything Russian - otherwise the very clumsy propaganda wouldn't work. Maybe the people deserve what they have. You will say that without the war the propaganda couldn't succeed - but it seems to me that given the very rapid and joyful adoption by most of the extreme and hateful attitudes, maybe it was always there. As Russians now claim.

    This is it, another unnecessary civil war among white Europeans. There will be no winners, and the wounded will rush to embrace the southern world. But that's what the West chose - they had to push east, they had to try one more time.
    , @HenryBaker
    @German_reader


    the deluded self-righteousness of so much Western commentary is nauseating
     
    It's absolutely ridiculous, regardless of whether NATO expansion is justifiable from a geo-strategic perspective: of course it was a threat to Russia. Not so much in a direct military sense, due to MAD, but more because it would have created a permanent sense of threat and weakness, in Russia. Under Putins watch, the old realm would have been completely stripped down, joined us- with all red lines crossed repeatedly.

    I don't care much for Russian bleating (as if Russia is such a victim, as if we should just leave Eastern Europe at the tender mercies of the Kremlin, as if there is no strategic interest in containment. If the West bombs civilians in Serbia or Iraq, we're Satan, if Russia does it, it's 'tragic but legitimate and also the fault of the West', whatever) but the inability of Westerners to go beyond the first grade level and just see 'Putler' 'going mad' and attacking 'poor innocent Ukraine' is a bit ridiculous.

    And yes this is all quite bad, as most of the RW has now shown to have either no vision (just be neutral, bro) or just shill for Russia. In our moralistic, preaching society, this will not do and the RW has marginalized itself yet again.

  256. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)
     
    AP already said what I would have said. How much and how long Kievan Rus was even a single state, is debatable anyhow. On top of that nations only need 200 or maybe 100 years to form a completely separate identity. Are you Russian?

    Your 2 points don't really disprove anything I said. I take issue with them but why go into detail, it's just a distraction. Must the situation be identical for the rhetoric to be strikingly similar? What I said is that the way Russia is spinning this, and their nationalists discuss it, reminds me of the same old imperialist ways of thinking we shared. Russian nationalists more or less say openly Russia should be an empire and that Ukraine has no right to exist. I notice they are thinking about things in similar patterns, even leading to making the same mistakes that we did (like underestimating initial resistance or thinking a 'special operation' or 'policing action' will do, why would a 'fake' nation resist in the first place?).

    Your analogy is a half-baked Western nonsense trying to fit everything into your own schemas – you had evil colonial empires, so you see them everywhere. It is quite stupid.
     
    First off, is this more pro-Russian (vaguely 3d worldist) larping, i.e. Russia was never imperial like 'you' were, if Russia has an empire, it's good, but European colonialism is evil?
    Secondly, I don't consider our colonial empires to have been evil in the first place. Likewise, I don't have any real moral judgement on Tsarist Russia. I'm sure you disagree with the first point though, as in the current paradigm everyone pro-Russian now amusingly sees Western racists and nazis everywhere and feels a need to purify Russian history as fundamentally different from ours, un-European, etc. Have fun with that.

    Your analogy is a half-baked Western nonsense trying to fit everything into your own schemas – you had evil colonial empires, so you see them everywhere. It is quite stupid.
     
    Well yes, I consider Tsarist, Soviet, and modern Russia to have inherited an imperialist tradition. That comes with imperialist ways of thinking about 'small nations'. Colonial empires are empires and Tsarist Russia was an empire.

    Replies: @Beckow

    …is debatable anyhow

    Sure, and we are debating it.

    But your analogy is very shaky: Russia was an empire, and Soviets too. But how is today’s Russia an empire? They are pretty homogeneous (80-85%), the well-defined former nations formed their own states. There are some exceptions and obviously as everywhere around the world there is ethnic complexity and variance, but it is not what one would describe as a traditional empire. Just a really big country. (I am not a Russian.)

    the rhetoric to be strikingly similar?

    So? There only so many different ways one can describe any conflict. The words and phrases will always be similar – that doesn’t mean that the underlying situation is the same, or even particularly similar. You just like to relate it to what you know. If you would know more, maybe you would be less narrowly-focused. Ukraine is not and has never been a colony of Russia – that’s just nonsense.

    I don’t consider our colonial empires to have been evil in the first place.

    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people. Forced a new religion on many of them, hired local compradors, stole everything you could. Oh, build a few schools, some railroads (for the resources). It looks pretty evil to me. If that is not evil, what would be?

    I don’t particularly care for Third World bellyaching, but they have a point. The Western, or Dutch, ignorance of others and other viewpoints is so massive that maybe some sympathy is in order. We can see today roughly the same in Ukraine: very shallow stereotypes and propaganda, all of it extremely self-serving, lying about very basic facts, trying to emotionalize everything. You won’t get far with that – we really don’t need another iteration of Western dumb ‘we know better’ morons. It is the white European, often nationally-oriented people, who excel in this mad oversimplification. In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the ‘mistakes’. Now it is back. Maybe we get a better deal with the Third Worlders.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people.
     
    Everyone did this, we were just better at it. It was just one more incarnation of the strong overruling the weak, which has happened since time immemorial. Everyone complaining about this is just resentful they ended up the loser. In a world ruled by force, we ended up stronger- so what? I will not apologize for strength in a world where weakness got your women raped, your children killed, and your people enslaved. Things are (and should be) different now, of course.

    By the way, the Thirdies that threw us out all studied in Western universities and inherited an economy we had built up. They were right to throw us out, and I admire their persistence and will. Our imperialism was truly 'senile' and pointless, and standing in the way of a new world where some kind of international law and legal equality had actually become possible. But people like the Indonesians simply moved on after the fact- that's most admirable of all.

    In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the ‘mistakes’.
     
    Should I remind you my country was occupied by the nazis? Talking of simplistic thinking- doesn't it give you pause that you are conflating all Westerners (most of them occupied) with the actual nazis waging a war of genocide?
    I was already struck by you mentioning the 'Dutch SS'. The NSB here were hated collaborators and seen as traitors to their country. Most of them fled near the end of the war because they feared execution. There were some Russian collaborator troops, maybe the Russians were nazis too? Please just realize how ludicrous your accusation is and then we can move on.

    your analogy is very shaky: Russia was an empire, and Soviets too. But how is today’s Russia an empire?
     
    My reasoning is more or less the same as what Dmitry was saying (pure Western-style nationalism is not natural for Russia); and even if Russia is more of a 'fallen empire' now, that doesn't mean its rulers (most of whom consciously saw the disaster that was the fall of the USSR) wouldn't like superpower status to come back. By the way, informally Russia also dominates Belarus and Kazakhstan. According to Anatoly himself it would like Ukraine back. It also likes to intervene in the Caucasus- you can read whatever you want into that. Clearly Russia does not behave like a normal state, at the very least.

    We can see today roughly the same in Ukraine: very shallow stereotypes and propaganda, all of it extremely self-serving, lying about very basic facts, trying to emotionalize everything.
     
    But I didn't emotionalize anything, as far as I know. All I get pissed about is ressentiment from Thirdies, and even that's mostly because it feels Europeans are too deluded to understand how much the world hates us. You are extrapolating all sorts of positions from a few things I said.

    I noted that the rhetoric I hear reminds me of the rhetoric I saw when researching decolonization wars. Of course events are never completely similar; I'm also fine with disagreement. Ukraine being a colony or not is not too important to me. It was interesting to me in the sense that 'old nations' tend to underestimate the strength in revolutionary 'young nations', tending to deride that national energy as fake, and then pay the price for that arrogance. That is all.

    nor is it a moral issue to me (the only moral issue, for me, is simple self-determination. But I also support self-determination for the Donbass and Crimea).

    Replies: @Matra, @Beckow

    , @German_reader
    @Beckow


    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people. Forced a new religion on many of them, hired local compradors, stole everything you could. Oh, build a few schools, some railroads (for the resources). It looks pretty evil to me. If that is not evil, what would be?

     

    You could frame many of the actions of imperial Russia as "evil". What about its conquest of the Caucasus? There are even claims that it amounted to genocide in some cases:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circassian_genocide
    It just smacks of really extreme double standards that you go on and on about the unchanging evil of the West, while completely ignoring anything comparable in Russia's history, just because Russia's influence benefited Slovaks in the 20th century.
    (also, to be blunt, there's something really disgusting about the small peoples of Eastern Europe denigrating the imperial achievements of Western Europeans, as if the fact that you were lorded over by more powerful neighbours for much of your history were something to be proud of and a sign of virtue).

    In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the ‘mistakes’.
     
    If anything, it was Germans who wanted "most of you" (I suppose that's united Slavdom) dead, and even that is somewhat of an over-simplification. It's very strange that you seek to extend Germany's real or alleged guilt to the entire West, imo can only be explained by some lingering influence of Eastern bloc propaganda. But this has been pointed out to you many times before, with reference to specific points (e.g. the number of Norwegian Waffen-SS members which you over-estimated by a factor of ten or so).

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Beckow

  257. @AP
    @HenryBaker


    One distinction: I’m not sure how Ukraine developed culturally, but I must say that Dutch society does veer off very sharply from wider Germany in the 17th century due to our proto-capitalism and republicanism.
     
    Ukraine was part of Poland during its formative years while Russia (actually Muscovy) was under the Mongols-Tatars during its formative years. Russia always trends towards a despotic form of government while Ukrainians prefer democracy, even if it can devolve into chaos or oligarchy. A lot of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict has involved this cultural difference. Ukraine entered Moscow's orbit in 1654 as an autonomous Hetmanate, which retained at least some "Polish" Republicanism until Moscow finally cancelled it in 1764.

    Ukraine continues to be different from Russia in that it has elections and its people are committed to the democratic system, whereas Russians are satisfied with their despot. (it's typical that the would-be despot of Ukraine, Yanukovich, was an ethnic Russian from the Russian part of Ukraine, who was overthrown by ethnic Ukrainians who then replaced their post-Maidan president with another through elections).

    The Galician Ukrainians had been under Austria after having been part of Poland, so they experienced more mature democratic processes. While Ukrainians overall prefer democracy, central and eastern ones tend to go for and change allegiances between various oligarch-controlled parties (Poroshenko, Tymoshenko, Kolomoysky) while Galicians tend to go for "normal" political parties with specific programs (i.e, Samopomich, Svoboda). It's a weird parallel - Polish republicanism of the PLC had been dominated by powerful magnates, Austria by right-leaning political parties. And we see Ukrainians behaving accordingly when it comes to politics.

    But all of them reject living under an authoritarian Tsar.

    Ukraine is of course agrarian rather than commerce-based (like the Dutch) but in its "republicanism" vs. despotism I suppose a rough analogy can be made with the Republican Dutch vs. the feudal Germans (ofc German feudalism was much different from Russian despotism).

    Only racial theorists like the nazis would really claim that we are Germans- even then, they considered us ‘corrupted by liberalism and freemasonry’
     
    This is kind of the Russian nationalist approach to Ukrainians - we are Russians corrupted by Polish-ness and Austrian-ness.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Kek, when I was reading your story about Ukraine, I thought ‘well this sounds a like a very nationalist narrative about Ukrainian history’. Then it turned out at the bottom that you are indeed Ukrainian. Coincidence?

    Two reasons for some scepticism, about which I may be wrong:
    1. Can the Polish system really be called ‘republican’? Wasn’t it more like a sort of vice-like grip of the aristocracy on the state? An aristocracy often treating the population like serfs?
    2. Whenever a people says ‘we have a natural instinct for democracy whereas our enemy is naturally driven to despotism’ that’s a reason to be a little wary. Stuff like that is usually a myth.

    I agree with everything else you say though, and I simply support Ukrainian self-determination. Not much more to it. Ideally you’d also have referenda in the Crimea and Donbass on which state to belong to (or just the entirety of Eastern Ukraine), as well as real minority rights for ethnic Russians. All that will never happen, of course, but a man can dream. Funny enough, Renan also says something like this about Alsace-Lorraine: why not just have a real referendum? He then says ‘people will just call this idea idiotically simplistic, none will accept it’. So it will always be, I suppose. A nationalist liberal- I always seem to gravitate to the most hopeless political positions.

    • Replies: @AP
    @HenryBaker


    when I was reading your story about Ukraine, I thought ‘well this sounds a like a very nationalist narrative about Ukrainian history’.
     
    It's not really nationalist; Ukrainian nationalists deny and minimize Polish influence on Ukrainian culture.

    Can the Polish system really be called ‘republican’? Wasn’t it more like a sort of vice-like grip of the aristocracy on the state? An aristocracy often treating the population like serfs?
     
    It was a republic of nobles (around 10% of the population); the nobles elected the king and other notables, and made laws. Towns enjoyed Magdeburg laws but they were few; most people were serfs with no rights. Interestingly, until the 1810s, the United States had a similar % allowed to vote - around 10%. Though the rest weren't serfs/slaves.

    The Cossack state that emerged in Ukraine similarly had voting by the Cossack officers, who chose the various political positions such as Hetman (leader). It recreated the Polish system, except with Cossack officers taking the role of nobles (although many of them came from gentry). Rank and file Cossacks also enjoyed elections.

    In contrast, western feudalism seemed to have a more hierarchical structure and in Russia, the nobles were simply higher placed and richer servants of the despot.

    In Poland (and Ukraine) this culture eventually filtered down to the former serfs.

    Whenever a people says ‘we have a natural instinct for democracy whereas our enemy is naturally driven to despotism’ that’s a reason to be a little wary.
     
    That's the nature of the political culture and has been stable for centuries. I am not claiming one system is inferior or superior to another. Russia has achieved superpower status with its despotism. Singapore is very successful. China is doing well, after the detour of Maoism. I am just saying that this type of system which is part of Russian culture is a poor fit for Ukrainians, whose political culture looks more like that of their western neighbors.

    Ideally you’d also have referenda in the Crimea and Donbass on which state to belong to (or just the entirety of Eastern Ukraine)
     
    I agree completely.
  258. @Emil Nikola Richard
    @AaronB

    1. I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life. It says something about them that they are even more whacko than the transhumanists.

    2. The cosmist movement was obliterated totally by the commies. Except one guy whose name escapes me. One of the biggest Russian rocket scientists before they got German technology after 1945 began his career as a prominent cosmist. He turned over a new leaf when he got the big job in rockets.

    3. Cosmism is arcane. Think Hegel, Heidegger. If K knows more about it than they had a great name I would be surprised.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird, @Bill, @Philip Owen

    1. I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life. It says something about them that they are even more whacko than the transhumanists.

    Is Alcor not transhumanist? Just transhumanist-adjacent or something?

    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @Bill

    The cryogenics companies aim to freeze Yudkowsky's corpse and resurrect / vivify it at some theoretical technological advance. The cosmists (some) wanted to dig up Yudkowsky's dead brother's bones and resurrect / vivify that, presuming the dead guy would think this an obviously great idea.

    Two distinctly different forms of whacko.

  259. @German_reader
    @HenryBaker


    We stand for nothing but sodomy, abortion, mass immigration, and self-hate. On top of that the rest of the world hates our ass (mostly out of ressentiment and hypocritical slave morality, to be sure, but what can you do?) and probably fantasizes about our timely demise.
     
    Yeah, I agree. I don't agree with Karlin's denial of Ukrainian nationhood and really wish Putin hadn't embarked on this war which imo won't lead to anything good for anybody. But the deluded self-righteousness of so much Western commentary is nauseating, and the people representing today's West (stupid, hysterical women who should have stayed in the kitchen, literal faggots, parasitic graduates in bs subjects like sociology and political science, resentful poc) disgust me. One of the worst aspects of this war is that it lends new legitimacy to this rotten regime we have in the West and that anyone objecting to it will be framed as a Putin stooge.
    Maybe China will be able to fix its birth rate...or maybe not (their approach to Corona looks pretty stupid by now after all, so maybe the party's authoritarian power isn't that fabulous). Karlin's hopes for Russia seem exaggerated though.

    Replies: @Beckow, @HenryBaker

    …hadn’t embarked on this war which imo won’t lead to anything good for anybody.

    But Russia did, so let’s deal with the reality. Knowing how extremely cautious Russia has been for 20-30 years, the fact that they chose war suggests that alternatives were worse. Like having NATO in Ukraine.

    the worst aspects of this war is that it lends new legitimacy to this rotten regime we have in the West

    It cannot be just the war, but the essential dumbness and conformism of most people in the West. They have been ready to pounce on Russia, or anything Russian – otherwise the very clumsy propaganda wouldn’t work. Maybe the people deserve what they have. You will say that without the war the propaganda couldn’t succeed – but it seems to me that given the very rapid and joyful adoption by most of the extreme and hateful attitudes, maybe it was always there. As Russians now claim.

    This is it, another unnecessary civil war among white Europeans. There will be no winners, and the wounded will rush to embrace the southern world. But that’s what the West chose – they had to push east, they had to try one more time.

  260. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    ...is debatable anyhow
     
    Sure, and we are debating it.

    But your analogy is very shaky: Russia was an empire, and Soviets too. But how is today's Russia an empire? They are pretty homogeneous (80-85%), the well-defined former nations formed their own states. There are some exceptions and obviously as everywhere around the world there is ethnic complexity and variance, but it is not what one would describe as a traditional empire. Just a really big country. (I am not a Russian.)

    the rhetoric to be strikingly similar?
     
    So? There only so many different ways one can describe any conflict. The words and phrases will always be similar - that doesn't mean that the underlying situation is the same, or even particularly similar. You just like to relate it to what you know. If you would know more, maybe you would be less narrowly-focused. Ukraine is not and has never been a colony of Russia - that's just nonsense.

    I don’t consider our colonial empires to have been evil in the first place.
     
    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people. Forced a new religion on many of them, hired local compradors, stole everything you could. Oh, build a few schools, some railroads (for the resources). It looks pretty evil to me. If that is not evil, what would be?

    I don't particularly care for Third World bellyaching, but they have a point. The Western, or Dutch, ignorance of others and other viewpoints is so massive that maybe some sympathy is in order. We can see today roughly the same in Ukraine: very shallow stereotypes and propaganda, all of it extremely self-serving, lying about very basic facts, trying to emotionalize everything. You won't get far with that - we really don't need another iteration of Western dumb 'we know better' morons. It is the white European, often nationally-oriented people, who excel in this mad oversimplification. In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the 'mistakes'. Now it is back. Maybe we get a better deal with the Third Worlders.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @German_reader

    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people.

    Everyone did this, we were just better at it. It was just one more incarnation of the strong overruling the weak, which has happened since time immemorial. Everyone complaining about this is just resentful they ended up the loser. In a world ruled by force, we ended up stronger- so what? I will not apologize for strength in a world where weakness got your women raped, your children killed, and your people enslaved. Things are (and should be) different now, of course.

    By the way, the Thirdies that threw us out all studied in Western universities and inherited an economy we had built up. They were right to throw us out, and I admire their persistence and will. Our imperialism was truly ‘senile’ and pointless, and standing in the way of a new world where some kind of international law and legal equality had actually become possible. But people like the Indonesians simply moved on after the fact- that’s most admirable of all.

    In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the ‘mistakes’.

    Should I remind you my country was occupied by the nazis? Talking of simplistic thinking- doesn’t it give you pause that you are conflating all Westerners (most of them occupied) with the actual nazis waging a war of genocide?
    I was already struck by you mentioning the ‘Dutch SS’. The NSB here were hated collaborators and seen as traitors to their country. Most of them fled near the end of the war because they feared execution. There were some Russian collaborator troops, maybe the Russians were nazis too? Please just realize how ludicrous your accusation is and then we can move on.

    your analogy is very shaky: Russia was an empire, and Soviets too. But how is today’s Russia an empire?

    My reasoning is more or less the same as what Dmitry was saying (pure Western-style nationalism is not natural for Russia); and even if Russia is more of a ‘fallen empire’ now, that doesn’t mean its rulers (most of whom consciously saw the disaster that was the fall of the USSR) wouldn’t like superpower status to come back. By the way, informally Russia also dominates Belarus and Kazakhstan. According to Anatoly himself it would like Ukraine back. It also likes to intervene in the Caucasus- you can read whatever you want into that. Clearly Russia does not behave like a normal state, at the very least.

    We can see today roughly the same in Ukraine: very shallow stereotypes and propaganda, all of it extremely self-serving, lying about very basic facts, trying to emotionalize everything.

    But I didn’t emotionalize anything, as far as I know. All I get pissed about is ressentiment from Thirdies, and even that’s mostly because it feels Europeans are too deluded to understand how much the world hates us. You are extrapolating all sorts of positions from a few things I said.

    I noted that the rhetoric I hear reminds me of the rhetoric I saw when researching decolonization wars. Of course events are never completely similar; I’m also fine with disagreement. Ukraine being a colony or not is not too important to me. It was interesting to me in the sense that ‘old nations’ tend to underestimate the strength in revolutionary ‘young nations’, tending to deride that national energy as fake, and then pay the price for that arrogance. That is all.

    nor is it a moral issue to me (the only moral issue, for me, is simple self-determination. But I also support self-determination for the Donbass and Crimea).

    • LOL: sher singh
    • Replies: @Matra
    @HenryBaker


    Should I remind you my country was occupied by the nazis? Talking of simplistic thinking- doesn’t it give you pause that you are conflating all Westerners (most of them occupied) with the actual nazis waging a war of genocide?

    ...There were some Russian collaborator troops, maybe the Russians were nazis too?
     
    I think the guy you are arguing with is from Slovakia, a country famous for its unrelenting resistance to, and refusal to collaborate with, the Nazis.

    Replies: @sudden death

    , @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    Ok, tough guy. I suppose it is not evil, just winning. And fools are not fools as long as they succeed.


    Things are (and should be) different now, of course.
     
    The 'of course' in that statement is precious. So very Dutch, it reeks off post-imperial wokeness.

    "Of course, we don't do it anymore. And when we do it - Iraq, Libya, Serbia etc... - it is different, it is for virtue. Before we did it because we were tough and winners. But now, it is not the same. Of course."

    Eurotrash never fails to amuse. They are so deep in their second-rate vapid narcissism and badly hidden regrets, they go half-Nietsche-half-Hollywood without ever realizing that now they are like walking oxymorons with no agency. Of course.


    Clearly Russia does not behave like a normal state, at the very least.
     
    Who does? How do they behave normally? Do you mean they have better PR when they invade, bomb and control others? Was Tony Blair normal, was Bush? And the eventual compulsory forgetting. Maybe Russians are too lazy to do all of that.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker

  261. @HenryBaker
    @German_reader

    The West is absolutely fucked, that's for sure. We stand for nothing but sodomy, abortion, mass immigration, and self-hate. On top of that the rest of the world hates our ass (mostly out of ressentiment and hypocritical slave morality, to be sure, but what can you do?) and probably fantasizes about our timely demise. It's all hopeless and one big humiliation ritual at this point. Yet, quickly checking the abysmal Chinese birth rate, and Russian dependence on the primary sector, are they doing *that* much better?

    Replies: @German_reader, @sher singh

    How is replacing & lording over you in your ethnic homelands slaveish bellyaching?
    Isn’t that what you intended for the rest as evidenced by conditions in the New World?

    Our quarrel with you is religious, but besides the point you consider blacks humans so :shrug:
    Goodbye.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  262. German_reader says:
    @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    ...is debatable anyhow
     
    Sure, and we are debating it.

    But your analogy is very shaky: Russia was an empire, and Soviets too. But how is today's Russia an empire? They are pretty homogeneous (80-85%), the well-defined former nations formed their own states. There are some exceptions and obviously as everywhere around the world there is ethnic complexity and variance, but it is not what one would describe as a traditional empire. Just a really big country. (I am not a Russian.)

    the rhetoric to be strikingly similar?
     
    So? There only so many different ways one can describe any conflict. The words and phrases will always be similar - that doesn't mean that the underlying situation is the same, or even particularly similar. You just like to relate it to what you know. If you would know more, maybe you would be less narrowly-focused. Ukraine is not and has never been a colony of Russia - that's just nonsense.

    I don’t consider our colonial empires to have been evil in the first place.
     
    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people. Forced a new religion on many of them, hired local compradors, stole everything you could. Oh, build a few schools, some railroads (for the resources). It looks pretty evil to me. If that is not evil, what would be?

    I don't particularly care for Third World bellyaching, but they have a point. The Western, or Dutch, ignorance of others and other viewpoints is so massive that maybe some sympathy is in order. We can see today roughly the same in Ukraine: very shallow stereotypes and propaganda, all of it extremely self-serving, lying about very basic facts, trying to emotionalize everything. You won't get far with that - we really don't need another iteration of Western dumb 'we know better' morons. It is the white European, often nationally-oriented people, who excel in this mad oversimplification. In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the 'mistakes'. Now it is back. Maybe we get a better deal with the Third Worlders.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @German_reader

    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people. Forced a new religion on many of them, hired local compradors, stole everything you could. Oh, build a few schools, some railroads (for the resources). It looks pretty evil to me. If that is not evil, what would be?

    You could frame many of the actions of imperial Russia as “evil”. What about its conquest of the Caucasus? There are even claims that it amounted to genocide in some cases:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circassian_genocide
    It just smacks of really extreme double standards that you go on and on about the unchanging evil of the West, while completely ignoring anything comparable in Russia’s history, just because Russia’s influence benefited Slovaks in the 20th century.
    (also, to be blunt, there’s something really disgusting about the small peoples of Eastern Europe denigrating the imperial achievements of Western Europeans, as if the fact that you were lorded over by more powerful neighbours for much of your history were something to be proud of and a sign of virtue).

    In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the ‘mistakes’.

    If anything, it was Germans who wanted “most of you” (I suppose that’s united Slavdom) dead, and even that is somewhat of an over-simplification. It’s very strange that you seek to extend Germany’s real or alleged guilt to the entire West, imo can only be explained by some lingering influence of Eastern bloc propaganda. But this has been pointed out to you many times before, with reference to specific points (e.g. the number of Norwegian Waffen-SS members which you over-estimated by a factor of ten or so).

    • Agree: HenryBaker
    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @German_reader


    (also, to be blunt, there’s something really disgusting about the small peoples of Eastern Europe denigrating the imperial achievements of Western Europeans, as if the fact that you were lorded over by more powerful neighbours for much of your history were something to be proud of and a sign of virtue).
     
    That's just slave morality. The weak turning their own weakness into a source of virtue as a way to cope with their lack of control over their lives.

    According to Nietzsche, masters create morality; slaves respond to master morality with their slave morality. Unlike master morality, which is sentiment, slave morality is based on re-sentiment—devaluing what the master values and the slave does not have. As master morality originates in the strong, slave morality originates in the weak. Because slave morality is a reaction to oppression, it vilifies its oppressors. Slave morality is the inverse of master morality. As such, it is characterized by pessimism and cynicism. Slave morality is created in opposition to what master morality values as good.
     

    It just smacks of really extreme double standards that you go on and on about the unchanging evil of the West, while completely ignoring anything comparable in Russia’s history, just because Russia’s influence benefited Slovaks in the 20th century.
     
    Any culture in conflict with another does this, to be honest. No humans are really all that much better or worse than other, yet we constantly make up stories denigrating the foe and raising up the friend. In all honesty, there's a lot to hate about the West, and a lot to hate about Russia. But in the end, you've got to support your own team, because you just can't trust others to extend any sort of helping hand to you. If you keep on apologizing to other people, they just see it as weakness, an admission of guilt, a sign of you being prey.
    , @Beckow
    @German_reader


    ...What about its conquest of the Caucasus?
     
    What about it? Russia didn't go far, they were neighbours. Some of it was evil, but there were two factors: a large orthodox Christian population that begged to be saved (yes, Georgia, Armenia) and the tribal raiding, kidnapping and hostage taking by the Circassians. They paid a very high price, that happens, they were no angels. It is different from what the Dutch did in Java, French in Africa, Germans in Namibia, British in India.

    it was Germans who wanted “most of you” (I suppose that’s united Slavdom) dead, and even that is somewhat of an over-simplification.
     
    All statements of that nature are an over-simplification. Yet it is true that Germans and their numerous allies had a plan. It failed, so now we call it an over-simplification. Dutch, French or Norwegians were not particularly bothered by the plan, "Nazis, go east" was a common attitude. Some even went along.

    You like to dismiss any arguments that you don't like as 'propaganda'. That shuts down thinking. Then you get upset about the current war, but you never answer the core underlying questions: why did NATO go east? what for? and why insist on Ukraine in NATO? what exactly other than a war were the options available to Russia?
  263. @AaronB
    @Dmitry

    Yes, I completely agree with you that Russia now stands for imperialism and not nationalism.

    But all imperialism either starts with, or quickly develops, some sort of "cosmic vision" that justifies their rule over over foreign nations. Even if initially, it starts as mere conquest.

    I think we in the West, stuck in our stupid "rationalist", realpolitik mindset which is so shallow, or else filtering everything through outdated ideological concepts like liberalism vs fascism, have not paid sufficient attention the what appears to be a truly radical "cosmic vision" that is emerging to justify Russian imperialism.

    Even if Karlin represents the extreme edge of this and is not representative, reading Putin and other mainstream Russian apologists words, and the fact that Karlins Cosmist vision is experiencing renewed interest in Russia, suggests something far stranger and more interesting than we Westerners can understand with our simple categories may well be going on.

    But the breakdown in communication that is such a feature of our times makes us analyze Russia entirely in terms familiar to our own discourse - we ignore evidence that an unusual alternative discourse is emerging in Russia.

    In short, we in the West exist in an echo chamber and may have lost the ability to perceive that other parts of the world are developing unusual alternative discourses.

    Even if, as I believe, "civilizational conflict" of the Sam Huntington type is completely the wrong paradigm with which to view the emerging global fault lines.

    There are no civilizations anymore. Understanding modern China by reference to it's traditional past is a farce. There has been a break, a discontinuity.

    Rather, the new fault lines are along different visions of modernity - but modernity itself is the one dominant global civilization.

    The West with it's Woke and transgender ideology, is clearly a related philosophy to Russian Cosmism at root.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Dmitry

    Russia now stands for

    It’s not “Russia stands for”, but what is one of the politically correct narratives allowed by the government. Everything is just “top-down”, i.e. from a few people’s decisions. This is about pro-government narratives.

    cosmic vision” that is emerging to justify Russian imperialism.

    In Soviet times, there was a ideology, for the imperialism (Marxism–Leninism is self-interested trash i.e. ideology, unlike real Marxism which aspired for philosophy), whereas today there is only the dream of Timati opening a Black Star Burger in your home city after shelling has ended.

    But in most of history, there is no need for ideology to justify a conquest. Rather, conquest is a result of violence and you can invent some excuse after, and people can call your excuse ideology, while you are really appropriating the resources and slaves from the conquered land. I’m not even sure the British Empire has much of an ideology during most of its early expansion. Ideology about British imperialism, seems more an aspect of the second half of the 19th century.

    ssian Cosmism

    Lol your interest from New age, Madame Blavatsky, etc.

    modern China by reference to it’s traditional

    But if the population are excited to have a washing machine, a new car, a refrigerator. This is the historical stage of China. Their population is enjoying rising to the middle income countries, unlike in the 20th century when they experienced poverty and political repressions.

    in China, there is also perhaps some indication their political class can be going in the postsoviet way of attaining and needing to hide larger profits than should be official allowed within the society.

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Dmitry

    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/640459736919048202/953078784544899092/unknown.png

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

  264. @German_reader
    @Beckow


    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people. Forced a new religion on many of them, hired local compradors, stole everything you could. Oh, build a few schools, some railroads (for the resources). It looks pretty evil to me. If that is not evil, what would be?

     

    You could frame many of the actions of imperial Russia as "evil". What about its conquest of the Caucasus? There are even claims that it amounted to genocide in some cases:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circassian_genocide
    It just smacks of really extreme double standards that you go on and on about the unchanging evil of the West, while completely ignoring anything comparable in Russia's history, just because Russia's influence benefited Slovaks in the 20th century.
    (also, to be blunt, there's something really disgusting about the small peoples of Eastern Europe denigrating the imperial achievements of Western Europeans, as if the fact that you were lorded over by more powerful neighbours for much of your history were something to be proud of and a sign of virtue).

    In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the ‘mistakes’.
     
    If anything, it was Germans who wanted "most of you" (I suppose that's united Slavdom) dead, and even that is somewhat of an over-simplification. It's very strange that you seek to extend Germany's real or alleged guilt to the entire West, imo can only be explained by some lingering influence of Eastern bloc propaganda. But this has been pointed out to you many times before, with reference to specific points (e.g. the number of Norwegian Waffen-SS members which you over-estimated by a factor of ten or so).

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Beckow

    (also, to be blunt, there’s something really disgusting about the small peoples of Eastern Europe denigrating the imperial achievements of Western Europeans, as if the fact that you were lorded over by more powerful neighbours for much of your history were something to be proud of and a sign of virtue).

    That’s just slave morality. The weak turning their own weakness into a source of virtue as a way to cope with their lack of control over their lives.

    According to Nietzsche, masters create morality; slaves respond to master morality with their slave morality. Unlike master morality, which is sentiment, slave morality is based on re-sentiment—devaluing what the master values and the slave does not have. As master morality originates in the strong, slave morality originates in the weak. Because slave morality is a reaction to oppression, it vilifies its oppressors. Slave morality is the inverse of master morality. As such, it is characterized by pessimism and cynicism. Slave morality is created in opposition to what master morality values as good.

    It just smacks of really extreme double standards that you go on and on about the unchanging evil of the West, while completely ignoring anything comparable in Russia’s history, just because Russia’s influence benefited Slovaks in the 20th century.

    Any culture in conflict with another does this, to be honest. No humans are really all that much better or worse than other, yet we constantly make up stories denigrating the foe and raising up the friend. In all honesty, there’s a lot to hate about the West, and a lot to hate about Russia. But in the end, you’ve got to support your own team, because you just can’t trust others to extend any sort of helping hand to you. If you keep on apologizing to other people, they just see it as weakness, an admission of guilt, a sign of you being prey.

  265. @Dmitry
    @AaronB


    Russia now stands for
     
    It's not "Russia stands for", but what is one of the politically correct narratives allowed by the government. Everything is just "top-down", i.e. from a few people's decisions. This is about pro-government narratives.

    cosmic vision” that is emerging to justify Russian imperialism.
     
    In Soviet times, there was a ideology, for the imperialism (Marxism–Leninism is self-interested trash i.e. ideology, unlike real Marxism which aspired for philosophy), whereas today there is only the dream of Timati opening a Black Star Burger in your home city after shelling has ended.

    But in most of history, there is no need for ideology to justify a conquest. Rather, conquest is a result of violence and you can invent some excuse after, and people can call your excuse ideology, while you are really appropriating the resources and slaves from the conquered land. I'm not even sure the British Empire has much of an ideology during most of its early expansion. Ideology about British imperialism, seems more an aspect of the second half of the 19th century.


    ssian Cosmism
     
    Lol your interest from New age, Madame Blavatsky, etc.

    modern China by reference to it’s traditional
     
    But if the population are excited to have a washing machine, a new car, a refrigerator. This is the historical stage of China. Their population is enjoying rising to the middle income countries, unlike in the 20th century when they experienced poverty and political repressions.

    in China, there is also perhaps some indication their political class can be going in the postsoviet way of attaining and needing to hide larger profits than should be official allowed within the society.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZs2i3Bpxx4

    Replies: @sher singh

    • Agree: Anatoly Karlin
    • LOL: Yevardian
    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @sher singh

    Dmitry is long in shock and disbelief, his entire world is crumbling all around him.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1493177927390871553

  266. @sher singh
    @Dmitry

    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/640459736919048202/953078784544899092/unknown.png

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

    Dmitry is long in shock and disbelief, his entire world is crumbling all around him.

    • LOL: sher singh
  267. That’s pretty based (the Nike Investigation).

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @HenryBaker

    Karlin is misreporting a story for some reason though.

    A customer complained to the investigative committee about use of Oriental (East Asian) and African models in Nike advertising.

    This was a funny story for the media. But one man sending an application of complaint to the authorities, is not the same as the authorities themselves complaining. https://www.m24.ru/articles/obshchestvo/16022022/431333 The lawyers the journalists asked said he will very likely not win the case.

    So, I'm not sure why Karlin reports to Westerners without including the sources he used. In this sense, it looks like he can be reported as "doing some anti-advertising of Russia" for Western consumption, based on Western sensitivities.

    -

    As for the situation with the advertising with "exotic nationalities", it's a typical kind of cargo cult. But I think it's the same in other countries, like China, etc, they like to hire Russian models for all their advertising. I wonder if in China they also hire African models, but it's known they love to hire Russian models.

    Look at the pictures of 20:10 in the new mall in Uralmash. These African models are not the representative nationalities of Uralmash lol, although there are areas which are being flooded with central asians and caucasians.

    https://youtu.be/A6_-rnRhNQE?t=1211

    -

    On the news of the brands. A lot of Western brands are suspending the shops in Russia, after the invasion in Ukraine. The question is whether this will be temporary or not. I think so far, it has an indication they want to only temporarily suspend (most of the companies are still paying salaries).

    Replies: @for-the-record

  268. @prime noticer
    first major war since the advent of the internet, so it's interesting to see what a million different people think about it. wonder if this is what it was like 100 years ago and earlier, except nobody knew what was going on in a million other people's heads as the conflict unfolded.

    while not aimed at any of the posters here, i regret that i now have to hear the internal thought processes of so many mediocre, annoying media people and leftists. we were a thousand times better off before sports athletes and media types were able to broadcast their thoughts daily. the daily spew from their tiny brains is vastly better off contained within their skulls permanently.

    it does present an interesting case study for understanding the history of technology, the human march out of ancient history from a zero technology world and into the modern world, and other Charles Murray type pursuits. in that it shows 99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.

    Replies: @silviosilver, @Commentator Mike, @Barbarossa

    in that it shows 99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.

    That is a rather uncharitable way to put it. Presumably, you are talking about contributing nothing of value to human advancement, in which case the real proportion may well be far lower than 1%; but otherwise, vast numbers of the 99% contribute love, warmth, kindness, caring, friendship, companionship, and often have interesting, attractive personalities despite the incoherence of their belief systems (which are indeed cringe when heard spoken out loud). That’s very fortunate, since it is these qualities that contribute to most of the lasting happiness we experience over the course of our lives. Advances in technology and medicine are certainly very welcome, but their novelty quickly wears off and we take them for granted and, rightly or wrongly, they mean very little to us.

    (Also, the cringey incoherency of belief systems also applies to many in the 1% or .1%, whose expertise, it is not too much of a stretch to say, can be likened to having mastered an instruction manual. Otherwise, they too often fall for and espouse moronic and inconsistent beliefs.)

    • Agree: AP, HenryBaker
    • Replies: @AaronB
    @silviosilver

    Good lord Silvio! Is this really you?

    What a lovely - and deeply true - comment. I think this forum is having a positive effect on you.

    Replies: @silviosilver

    , @prime noticer
    @silviosilver

    i appreciate the sentiment, but that was a long way of saying that 99% of humans really only contribute by making more humans. that's not nothing of course. but they shouldn't have the platform that year 2022 internet gives their voices, either. the average person has nothing at all of value to say, and allowing millions of them to form these incorrect hive minds that start to influence the decision makers, is a dangerous situation. 20 million stupid people on social media think we should No Fly Zone 'em into oblivion and then bomb 'em back into the stone age. and that many people can't be wrong, Mr Senator. fire up the B-52s.

    part of the reason things are going so crazy is BECAUSE of the platforming of the average stupid person which the internet enables, which creates these hive mind groups, which in turn accelerate social and cultural changes and movements, so now entire countries lurch from weird social campaign to weird social campaign at light speed, because they can all meet, organize, and force project on the internet. things that would have taken years before social media, and decades before internet. in 2 years these morons turned from infectious disease experts, then into Ukraine and nuclear war experts. who knows what it will be 1 year from now and what idiotic thing they will move on to at the drop of a dime, after Russian forces have accomplished their goals in a conventional conflict in Ukraine.

    Replies: @silviosilver

  269. @HenryBaker
    @AP

    As an aside, the rural parts of the Netherlands have their own, old dialects like Drenths or Gronings. Very hard or impossible to understand for the speakers of 'high' Dutch. These dialects smoothly progress into Western Plattdeutsch or 'flat' German. Therefore, there exists a linguistic group of Germans and Dutch people with more in common linguistically with each other, than either high Dutch or German. Interestingly, the urbane Flemish do seem to speak a variant of 'high' Dutch, just like we do.

    But I agree with your point. Like Ukraine, Holland too was part of a larger super-ethnic empire (the Holy Roman Empire) that seems to have had a very vaguely Germanic identity. Like Ukraine, our separation from the larger empire and ethnos is but a result of the vagaries of history (Holland is a 'coincidental' result of the patchwork inheritance of the Burgundian counts, Habsburg intra-family partitioning, and a religious civil war).

    One distinction: I'm not sure how Ukraine developed culturally, but I must say that Dutch society does veer off very sharply from wider Germany in the 17th century due to our proto-capitalism and republicanism. Only racial theorists like the nazis would really claim that we are Germans- even then, they considered us 'corrupted by liberalism and freemasonry'...

    I myself would not oppose re-unification with the Flemish at all. It would be awkward, but it would work. The Germans... nah. Too different.

    Replies: @AP, @silviosilver

    I myself would not oppose re-unification with the Flemish at all. It would be awkward, but it would work. The Germans… nah. Too different.

    Good to see that you are focused on the most urgent of political issues.

    Whether the Islamo-Africans of the Netherlands shall merge with the Islamo-Africans of Flanders or the Islamo-Africans of Germany over the course of this century is indeed a weighty consideration.

    • LOL: HenryBaker
  270. @silviosilver
    @prime noticer


    in that it shows 99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.
     
    That is a rather uncharitable way to put it. Presumably, you are talking about contributing nothing of value to human advancement, in which case the real proportion may well be far lower than 1%; but otherwise, vast numbers of the 99% contribute love, warmth, kindness, caring, friendship, companionship, and often have interesting, attractive personalities despite the incoherence of their belief systems (which are indeed cringe when heard spoken out loud). That's very fortunate, since it is these qualities that contribute to most of the lasting happiness we experience over the course of our lives. Advances in technology and medicine are certainly very welcome, but their novelty quickly wears off and we take them for granted and, rightly or wrongly, they mean very little to us.

    (Also, the cringey incoherency of belief systems also applies to many in the 1% or .1%, whose expertise, it is not too much of a stretch to say, can be likened to having mastered an instruction manual. Otherwise, they too often fall for and espouse moronic and inconsistent beliefs.)

    Replies: @AaronB, @prime noticer

    Good lord Silvio! Is this really you?

    What a lovely – and deeply true – comment. I think this forum is having a positive effect on you.

    • Replies: @silviosilver
    @AaronB

    Actually, I've never believed any differently. Call me naive, but I had until now considered it too obvious to bother putting into words.

  271. @German_reader
    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/russia-ukraine-nato-country-estonia-calls-for-immediate-establishment-of-no-fly-zone

    Pure idiocy (as is their posturing about "war crimes have to be punished", and a roadmap for Ukrainian NATO/EU membership).

    Replies: @songbird

    I’m starting to perceive no-fly-zones as a sign of degeneracy.

    Would Iraq have been invaded, without the earlier institution of a no-fly-zone? What about the bombing of Serbia? The destabilization of Libya? Those are our historical examples. In a way, each one lead to the next, and each was a slippery slope, ultimately bringing us here.

    They amount to radical egalitarianism on the battlefield. A complete distortion of the timeless reality of war, which saw strength as a virtue, or even honor in defeat. And just like each egalitarianism at home, there is a complete failure to acknowledge the costs of it, or what it could lead to. To acknowledge its true nature.

    It was only two years after the first was implemented in Iraq that the US military enacted “Don’t ask, don’t tell” which was the first step in mainstreaming gays in the military. And now they own the place.

    The very idea of a no-fly-zone is embracing the gorgon that is modern America.

  272. @HenryBaker
    That's pretty based (the Nike Investigation).

    Replies: @Dmitry

    Karlin is misreporting a story for some reason though.

    A customer complained to the investigative committee about use of Oriental (East Asian) and African models in Nike advertising.

    This was a funny story for the media. But one man sending an application of complaint to the authorities, is not the same as the authorities themselves complaining. https://www.m24.ru/articles/obshchestvo/16022022/431333 The lawyers the journalists asked said he will very likely not win the case.

    So, I’m not sure why Karlin reports to Westerners without including the sources he used. In this sense, it looks like he can be reported as “doing some anti-advertising of Russia” for Western consumption, based on Western sensitivities.

    As for the situation with the advertising with “exotic nationalities”, it’s a typical kind of cargo cult. But I think it’s the same in other countries, like China, etc, they like to hire Russian models for all their advertising. I wonder if in China they also hire African models, but it’s known they love to hire Russian models.

    Look at the pictures of 20:10 in the new mall in Uralmash. These African models are not the representative nationalities of Uralmash lol, although there are areas which are being flooded with central asians and caucasians.

    On the news of the brands. A lot of Western brands are suspending the shops in Russia, after the invasion in Ukraine. The question is whether this will be temporary or not. I think so far, it has an indication they want to only temporarily suspend (most of the companies are still paying salaries).

    • Replies: @for-the-record
    @Dmitry

    I wonder if in China they also hire African models

    Of course they do!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Few8kJ0zfnY

    Replies: @Dmitry

  273. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people.
     
    Everyone did this, we were just better at it. It was just one more incarnation of the strong overruling the weak, which has happened since time immemorial. Everyone complaining about this is just resentful they ended up the loser. In a world ruled by force, we ended up stronger- so what? I will not apologize for strength in a world where weakness got your women raped, your children killed, and your people enslaved. Things are (and should be) different now, of course.

    By the way, the Thirdies that threw us out all studied in Western universities and inherited an economy we had built up. They were right to throw us out, and I admire their persistence and will. Our imperialism was truly 'senile' and pointless, and standing in the way of a new world where some kind of international law and legal equality had actually become possible. But people like the Indonesians simply moved on after the fact- that's most admirable of all.

    In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the ‘mistakes’.
     
    Should I remind you my country was occupied by the nazis? Talking of simplistic thinking- doesn't it give you pause that you are conflating all Westerners (most of them occupied) with the actual nazis waging a war of genocide?
    I was already struck by you mentioning the 'Dutch SS'. The NSB here were hated collaborators and seen as traitors to their country. Most of them fled near the end of the war because they feared execution. There were some Russian collaborator troops, maybe the Russians were nazis too? Please just realize how ludicrous your accusation is and then we can move on.

    your analogy is very shaky: Russia was an empire, and Soviets too. But how is today’s Russia an empire?
     
    My reasoning is more or less the same as what Dmitry was saying (pure Western-style nationalism is not natural for Russia); and even if Russia is more of a 'fallen empire' now, that doesn't mean its rulers (most of whom consciously saw the disaster that was the fall of the USSR) wouldn't like superpower status to come back. By the way, informally Russia also dominates Belarus and Kazakhstan. According to Anatoly himself it would like Ukraine back. It also likes to intervene in the Caucasus- you can read whatever you want into that. Clearly Russia does not behave like a normal state, at the very least.

    We can see today roughly the same in Ukraine: very shallow stereotypes and propaganda, all of it extremely self-serving, lying about very basic facts, trying to emotionalize everything.
     
    But I didn't emotionalize anything, as far as I know. All I get pissed about is ressentiment from Thirdies, and even that's mostly because it feels Europeans are too deluded to understand how much the world hates us. You are extrapolating all sorts of positions from a few things I said.

    I noted that the rhetoric I hear reminds me of the rhetoric I saw when researching decolonization wars. Of course events are never completely similar; I'm also fine with disagreement. Ukraine being a colony or not is not too important to me. It was interesting to me in the sense that 'old nations' tend to underestimate the strength in revolutionary 'young nations', tending to deride that national energy as fake, and then pay the price for that arrogance. That is all.

    nor is it a moral issue to me (the only moral issue, for me, is simple self-determination. But I also support self-determination for the Donbass and Crimea).

    Replies: @Matra, @Beckow

    Should I remind you my country was occupied by the nazis? Talking of simplistic thinking- doesn’t it give you pause that you are conflating all Westerners (most of them occupied) with the actual nazis waging a war of genocide?

    …There were some Russian collaborator troops, maybe the Russians were nazis too?

    I think the guy you are arguing with is from Slovakia, a country famous for its unrelenting resistance to, and refusal to collaborate with, the Nazis.

    • LOL: utu
    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Matra


    I think the guy you are arguing with is from Slovakia, a country famous for its unrelenting resistance to, and refusal to collaborate with, the Nazis.
     
    Is this irony or just extreme ignorance as Slovakia in reality was textbook example of Nazi collaborationism movement in Europe?:

    The (First) Slovak Republic (Slovak: [Prvá] Slovenská republika), otherwise known as the Slovak State (Slovenský štát), was a partially-recognized client state of Nazi Germany which existed between 14 March 1939 and 4 April 1945. The Slovak part of Czechoslovakia declared independence with German support one day before the German occupation of Bohemia and Moravia. The Slovak Republic controlled the majority of the territory of present-day Slovakia but without its current southern parts, which were ceded by Czechoslovakia to Hungary in 1938. It was the first time in history that Slovakia had been a formally independent state.

    A one-party state governed by the far-right Hlinka's Slovak People's Party, the Slovak Republic is primarily known for its collaboration with Nazi Germany, which included sending troops to the invasion of Poland in September 1939 and the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. In 1942, the country deported 58,000 Jews (two-thirds of the Slovak Jewish population) to German-occupied Poland, paying Germany 500 Reichsmarks each. After an increase in the activity of anti-Nazi Slovak partisans, Germany invaded Slovakia, triggering a major uprising. The Slovak Republic was abolished after the Soviet occupation in 1945 and its territory was reintegrated into the recreated Third Czechoslovak Republic.
     

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovak_Republic_(1939%E2%80%931945)

    Replies: @Yevardian

  274. AP says:
    @HenryBaker
    @AP

    Kek, when I was reading your story about Ukraine, I thought 'well this sounds a like a very nationalist narrative about Ukrainian history'. Then it turned out at the bottom that you are indeed Ukrainian. Coincidence?

    Two reasons for some scepticism, about which I may be wrong:
    1. Can the Polish system really be called 'republican'? Wasn't it more like a sort of vice-like grip of the aristocracy on the state? An aristocracy often treating the population like serfs?
    2. Whenever a people says 'we have a natural instinct for democracy whereas our enemy is naturally driven to despotism' that's a reason to be a little wary. Stuff like that is usually a myth.

    I agree with everything else you say though, and I simply support Ukrainian self-determination. Not much more to it. Ideally you'd also have referenda in the Crimea and Donbass on which state to belong to (or just the entirety of Eastern Ukraine), as well as real minority rights for ethnic Russians. All that will never happen, of course, but a man can dream. Funny enough, Renan also says something like this about Alsace-Lorraine: why not just have a real referendum? He then says 'people will just call this idea idiotically simplistic, none will accept it'. So it will always be, I suppose. A nationalist liberal- I always seem to gravitate to the most hopeless political positions.

    Replies: @AP

    when I was reading your story about Ukraine, I thought ‘well this sounds a like a very nationalist narrative about Ukrainian history’.

    It’s not really nationalist; Ukrainian nationalists deny and minimize Polish influence on Ukrainian culture.

    Can the Polish system really be called ‘republican’? Wasn’t it more like a sort of vice-like grip of the aristocracy on the state? An aristocracy often treating the population like serfs?

    It was a republic of nobles (around 10% of the population); the nobles elected the king and other notables, and made laws. Towns enjoyed Magdeburg laws but they were few; most people were serfs with no rights. Interestingly, until the 1810s, the United States had a similar % allowed to vote – around 10%. Though the rest weren’t serfs/slaves.

    The Cossack state that emerged in Ukraine similarly had voting by the Cossack officers, who chose the various political positions such as Hetman (leader). It recreated the Polish system, except with Cossack officers taking the role of nobles (although many of them came from gentry). Rank and file Cossacks also enjoyed elections.

    In contrast, western feudalism seemed to have a more hierarchical structure and in Russia, the nobles were simply higher placed and richer servants of the despot.

    In Poland (and Ukraine) this culture eventually filtered down to the former serfs.

    Whenever a people says ‘we have a natural instinct for democracy whereas our enemy is naturally driven to despotism’ that’s a reason to be a little wary.

    That’s the nature of the political culture and has been stable for centuries. I am not claiming one system is inferior or superior to another. Russia has achieved superpower status with its despotism. Singapore is very successful. China is doing well, after the detour of Maoism. I am just saying that this type of system which is part of Russian culture is a poor fit for Ukrainians, whose political culture looks more like that of their western neighbors.

    Ideally you’d also have referenda in the Crimea and Donbass on which state to belong to (or just the entirety of Eastern Ukraine)

    I agree completely.

  275. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Triteleia Laxa


    Since Russia are about to ban VPNs, it seems that the final layer of the Putin Shroud is going into place.
     
    Still waiting for martial law to be imposed:

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1499827293220388865

    Still waiting for the "Great Kremlin Firewall":

    https://twitter.com/jason_corcoran/status/1500758709164777473

    Replies: @Triteleia Laxa

    I’m glad you enjoyed my scenario in the other comment, but your soace-faring piece was a bit half-hearted. The only thing that looks like it harmonising with India soon is your development level, in the direction of theirs.

    As for this comment of yours, the lack of those two things you identify just means that Putin doesn’t have the will to “win.”

    This is good, because “winning” would be losing awfully in the long-run, as per the scenario I laid out.

    If this stuff really doesn’t happen then I guess we’ll get a negotiated solution as soon as Wednesday, because you’re not even winning the easy part of the war (the invasion and field battles.) You still have the difficult part to go (conquering cities.) And the impossible part (pacifying Ukraine.) You seem to have no theatre reserve, no other troops to call in and you’re attriting fast. You are on multiple axes, stretched thin, and having your supply lines hit. Meanwhile, the population in the few places you have “secured” is already having minor riots against your goons. This bodes very badly for you. Every day you stay there, is a day you’re even less welcome.

    Other than an already nascent insurgency, I’d also worry about those vehicles up around Kyiv. It doesn’t seem like they are being sustained in the field. You might be facing a mass surrender, which could lead to a withdrawal under fire on other axes and disaster.

    Perhaps you’ll advoid this as you seem to have adopted yet another strategy. This is of sitting where you shove reached and blowing up civilians with artillery. The problem with this is that it doesn’t gain you anything. It just adds to your blood debt. Yes, it will slow the shockingly fast degradation of your forces, but it isn’t risk free and it achieves nothing. It also invites eventual true NATO intervention, and you must now know that the Russian military would be completely helpless in that scenario.

    In other words, the Russian forces have still yet to achieve anything that matters. They have only advanced into positions where they are much more vulnerable, suffered horrendous casualties to their most motivated troops and seen Ukrainian forces surge in manpower, equipment and morale.

    I could not imagine how it could be going worse.

    I still think the negotiated position I outlined at the beginning of the Russian invasion is the best result for everyone, but I less and less see why Ukrainians would agree. Have we seen an organised military that is more committed to its course in decades? I don’t think so. They seem extremely willing to fight until they win, and they will eventually win, because they live there and Russians do not. The only question is how much damage is done to Russia, her military, her economy and, most importantly, her society and spirit in the meantime.

    Some US politician or someone said, long before the war, that Russia would get what it wants in Ukraine because it cares so much more about Ukraine than the US did. That sounded very convincing at the time, but the truth is that the people who really care about Ukraine, much, much more than the Russians, are the Ukrainians.

    As soon as that became obvious, Putin should have found a way out. And this is why war has changed. I thought Russia, of all places, had realised this change. Perhaps your government has, but is just panicked in its incompetence?

    Anyway, sorry about the black pill, but it’ll be ok. Russia is now the antagonist in the Ukrainian Great Patriotic War, however with certain manouvres it can be Putinists in that role and Russians as having undergone a journey and been redeemed. It is possible.

    [MORE]

    How’s the invasion truly going? Looks like Ukraine is not even losing territory so much as using a little of their depth for defence, just as they should.

    Also, will most Russians abroad now pretend to be Ukrainian? Forever?

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Triteleia Laxa

    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/640459736919048202/950956108997091340/FNXMAr4VEAYYgCq.png

    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/939616745352732743/952809641014865991/photo_2022-03-14_01-38-07.jpg

    , @Brás Cubas
    @Triteleia Laxa


    Some US politician or someone said, long before the war, that Russia would get what it wants in Ukraine because it cares so much more about Ukraine than the US did.
     
    The US does not care about Ukraine per se. It cares about Russia. Ukraine is just a bait. Having NATO in Ukraine would mean to expand the empire in a small way, but weakening Putin by dragging him to a war which eventually may force him to resign, or make internal concessions, means expanding the empire in a big way. Why think small when you can think big?

    Replies: @Levtraro

  276. @Bill
    @Emil Nikola Richard


    1. I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life. It says something about them that they are even more whacko than the transhumanists.
     
    Is Alcor not transhumanist? Just transhumanist-adjacent or something?

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    The cryogenics companies aim to freeze Yudkowsky’s corpse and resurrect / vivify it at some theoretical technological advance. The cosmists (some) wanted to dig up Yudkowsky’s dead brother’s bones and resurrect / vivify that, presuming the dead guy would think this an obviously great idea.

    Two distinctly different forms of whacko.

    • Thanks: Bill
  277. Apparently, the Pornhub story is false, which, maybe, supports the idea that it is meant to be a weapon.

  278. @German_reader
    @Beckow


    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people. Forced a new religion on many of them, hired local compradors, stole everything you could. Oh, build a few schools, some railroads (for the resources). It looks pretty evil to me. If that is not evil, what would be?

     

    You could frame many of the actions of imperial Russia as "evil". What about its conquest of the Caucasus? There are even claims that it amounted to genocide in some cases:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circassian_genocide
    It just smacks of really extreme double standards that you go on and on about the unchanging evil of the West, while completely ignoring anything comparable in Russia's history, just because Russia's influence benefited Slovaks in the 20th century.
    (also, to be blunt, there's something really disgusting about the small peoples of Eastern Europe denigrating the imperial achievements of Western Europeans, as if the fact that you were lorded over by more powerful neighbours for much of your history were something to be proud of and a sign of virtue).

    In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the ‘mistakes’.
     
    If anything, it was Germans who wanted "most of you" (I suppose that's united Slavdom) dead, and even that is somewhat of an over-simplification. It's very strange that you seek to extend Germany's real or alleged guilt to the entire West, imo can only be explained by some lingering influence of Eastern bloc propaganda. But this has been pointed out to you many times before, with reference to specific points (e.g. the number of Norwegian Waffen-SS members which you over-estimated by a factor of ten or so).

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Beckow

    …What about its conquest of the Caucasus?

    What about it? Russia didn’t go far, they were neighbours. Some of it was evil, but there were two factors: a large orthodox Christian population that begged to be saved (yes, Georgia, Armenia) and the tribal raiding, kidnapping and hostage taking by the Circassians. They paid a very high price, that happens, they were no angels. It is different from what the Dutch did in Java, French in Africa, Germans in Namibia, British in India.

    it was Germans who wanted “most of you” (I suppose that’s united Slavdom) dead, and even that is somewhat of an over-simplification.

    All statements of that nature are an over-simplification. Yet it is true that Germans and their numerous allies had a plan. It failed, so now we call it an over-simplification. Dutch, French or Norwegians were not particularly bothered by the plan, “Nazis, go east” was a common attitude. Some even went along.

    You like to dismiss any arguments that you don’t like as ‘propaganda’. That shuts down thinking. Then you get upset about the current war, but you never answer the core underlying questions: why did NATO go east? what for? and why insist on Ukraine in NATO? what exactly other than a war were the options available to Russia?

  279. @sudden death
    Something rather unusual in RF state propTV main channel news:

    https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/03/14/20/55350171-10612393-image-a-109_1647289386257.jpg

    Text in Russian:

    Stop the war
    Dob't believe in propaganda
    You are being lied to in here

    Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    But remember kids, this isn’t an example of Russian incompetence (in this case, at brainwashing) relative to the West (full of perfectly indoctrinated lemmings who not only profess, but believe, and would rather slash their wrists than dissent).

  280. @AP
    @Beckow


    Ukraine and Russia have a long border and history going back 1,000 years as a single state (on and off)
     
    “On and off” is a funny way of describing more time spent in different states than in one state in those 1000 years.

    Medieval Rus split up c.1150 into warring principalities. All of them were conquered by the Mongols in 1241. Ukraine became part of Lithuania and Poland. The eastern half was joined to Moscow in c.1650 (500 year gap), most of the western half 100 years later (600 year gap) and then Galicia not until 1939 (about 800 year gap).

    Rather dishonest to describe some kind of 1,000 year shared history.

    Russians in Ukraine (ethnic+speakers of Russian, etc…) are between 1/3 and 1/2 of the population
     
    That’s like saying English in Ireland are 90% of the population, based on language.

    Ukraine was about 20% Russian before the removal of Donbas and Crimea. Probably around 10% Russian now.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    Ukraine was about 20% Russian before the removal of Donbas and Crimea. Probably around 10% Russian now.

    A “removal” you’ve probably been protesting as illegitimate, one you’ll probably be denying five minutes from now, if it suits your purpose.

    • Agree: LondonBob
    • Replies: @AP
    @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    You can check my history, I have supported Ukraine being free of Crimea and the Russian parts of Donbas for years. I was hoping they would go in 2004. These regions’ inclusion in Ukraine prevented Ukraine from becoming another Poland. They were a poison pill.

    Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars

  281. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    You went far away from your home countries, landed in other cultures, proceeded to kill, enslave, take resources, lord over the local people.
     
    Everyone did this, we were just better at it. It was just one more incarnation of the strong overruling the weak, which has happened since time immemorial. Everyone complaining about this is just resentful they ended up the loser. In a world ruled by force, we ended up stronger- so what? I will not apologize for strength in a world where weakness got your women raped, your children killed, and your people enslaved. Things are (and should be) different now, of course.

    By the way, the Thirdies that threw us out all studied in Western universities and inherited an economy we had built up. They were right to throw us out, and I admire their persistence and will. Our imperialism was truly 'senile' and pointless, and standing in the way of a new world where some kind of international law and legal equality had actually become possible. But people like the Indonesians simply moved on after the fact- that's most admirable of all.

    In WWII you wanted most of us dead, then you endlessly apologized for the ‘mistakes’.
     
    Should I remind you my country was occupied by the nazis? Talking of simplistic thinking- doesn't it give you pause that you are conflating all Westerners (most of them occupied) with the actual nazis waging a war of genocide?
    I was already struck by you mentioning the 'Dutch SS'. The NSB here were hated collaborators and seen as traitors to their country. Most of them fled near the end of the war because they feared execution. There were some Russian collaborator troops, maybe the Russians were nazis too? Please just realize how ludicrous your accusation is and then we can move on.

    your analogy is very shaky: Russia was an empire, and Soviets too. But how is today’s Russia an empire?
     
    My reasoning is more or less the same as what Dmitry was saying (pure Western-style nationalism is not natural for Russia); and even if Russia is more of a 'fallen empire' now, that doesn't mean its rulers (most of whom consciously saw the disaster that was the fall of the USSR) wouldn't like superpower status to come back. By the way, informally Russia also dominates Belarus and Kazakhstan. According to Anatoly himself it would like Ukraine back. It also likes to intervene in the Caucasus- you can read whatever you want into that. Clearly Russia does not behave like a normal state, at the very least.

    We can see today roughly the same in Ukraine: very shallow stereotypes and propaganda, all of it extremely self-serving, lying about very basic facts, trying to emotionalize everything.
     
    But I didn't emotionalize anything, as far as I know. All I get pissed about is ressentiment from Thirdies, and even that's mostly because it feels Europeans are too deluded to understand how much the world hates us. You are extrapolating all sorts of positions from a few things I said.

    I noted that the rhetoric I hear reminds me of the rhetoric I saw when researching decolonization wars. Of course events are never completely similar; I'm also fine with disagreement. Ukraine being a colony or not is not too important to me. It was interesting to me in the sense that 'old nations' tend to underestimate the strength in revolutionary 'young nations', tending to deride that national energy as fake, and then pay the price for that arrogance. That is all.

    nor is it a moral issue to me (the only moral issue, for me, is simple self-determination. But I also support self-determination for the Donbass and Crimea).

    Replies: @Matra, @Beckow

    Ok, tough guy. I suppose it is not evil, just winning. And fools are not fools as long as they succeed.

    Things are (and should be) different now, of course.

    The ‘of course‘ in that statement is precious. So very Dutch, it reeks off post-imperial wokeness.

    Of course, we don’t do it anymore. And when we do it – Iraq, Libya, Serbia etc… – it is different, it is for virtue. Before we did it because we were tough and winners. But now, it is not the same. Of course.

    Eurotrash never fails to amuse. They are so deep in their second-rate vapid narcissism and badly hidden regrets, they go half-Nietsche-half-Hollywood without ever realizing that now they are like walking oxymorons with no agency. Of course.

    Clearly Russia does not behave like a normal state, at the very least.

    Who does? How do they behave normally? Do you mean they have better PR when they invade, bomb and control others? Was Tony Blair normal, was Bush? And the eventual compulsory forgetting. Maybe Russians are too lazy to do all of that.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    If you were in the Roman empire, ancient Greece, or early modern Europe, and you got your people to embrace pacifism, you would have been wiped out very quickly. It just wasn't an option.

    The people in the East that we colonized mostly just lived on with the same lives they had always lived. When they were strong enough they kicked us out, good for them. But if there's a sort of international anarchy, I'm not going to apologize that my ancestors simply did what everyone would have done if they had all the power. Living under these empires was humiliating for the up-and-coming nationalist elite (of course studying at Western universities) but otherwise just not that terrible.


    Iraq, Libya, Serbia etc… – it is different, it is for virtue
     
    Of course not, as with every war that's supposedly 'good' it was all hypocritical through and through and laced with a good deal of power politics. The regimes themselves usually had it coming, but most of these bombing campaigns were fought with a complete disregard for civilian targets. Whether or not fighting these wars was strategically sound (the more important question) is a different debate.

    The ‘of course‘ in that statement is precious
     
    Yes, clearly most countries are no longer trying to literally colonize each other. For multiple reasons: there is some attempt at international law; most people are more prosperous and soft, especially the West; and trying to colonize would now be either unsuccesful or come at immense cost. 'Of course' a lot has changed in politics from 1600 to 2000, noticing some objective changes has nothing to do with wokeness. What would be a fair counter-argument is simply pointing out that everything just seems different because of Americas unipolar moment, and the exact same domineering is coming back (or never left). Fair enough. But it has nothing to do with wokeness or 'virtue' to notice that the costs of colonialism would really outstrip the benefits nowadays.

    Who does? How do they behave normally? Do you mean they have better PR when they invade, bomb and control others? Was Tony Blair normal, was Bush?
     
    Both America and Russia behave much more aggressively than normal countries. Should America be called imperialistic... well that's a hard discussion.


    P.S. If we're talking not just about the East, but our settler colonialism and slavery in the West, I see all that as much more evil. I guess that's very woke of me.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    , @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    By the way, all the moral exegesis of what we did in the past is pointless in and of itself. Individuals don't inherit blood guilt. But the reason it's done is just as a political tool, and to be able to attack us. That's why I said I will not apologize for strength. The only reason an apology is demanded is to be able to drag you through the mud. It's usually demanded out of resentment.

    The Lybia/Serbia case is modern example, this is all far more complicated than Kremlin shills make it out to be. Yet the point is simply not to have a real discussion about complicated countries. It's to have a hammer to paint the West as uniquely evil. Serbia was such a poor little victim if you read what they say.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Beckow

  282. @AaronB
    @silviosilver

    Good lord Silvio! Is this really you?

    What a lovely - and deeply true - comment. I think this forum is having a positive effect on you.

    Replies: @silviosilver

    Actually, I’ve never believed any differently. Call me naive, but I had until now considered it too obvious to bother putting into words.

    • Agree: AaronB
  283. @Matra
    @HenryBaker


    Should I remind you my country was occupied by the nazis? Talking of simplistic thinking- doesn’t it give you pause that you are conflating all Westerners (most of them occupied) with the actual nazis waging a war of genocide?

    ...There were some Russian collaborator troops, maybe the Russians were nazis too?
     
    I think the guy you are arguing with is from Slovakia, a country famous for its unrelenting resistance to, and refusal to collaborate with, the Nazis.

    Replies: @sudden death

    I think the guy you are arguing with is from Slovakia, a country famous for its unrelenting resistance to, and refusal to collaborate with, the Nazis.

    Is this irony or just extreme ignorance as Slovakia in reality was textbook example of Nazi collaborationism movement in Europe?:

    The (First) Slovak Republic (Slovak: [Prvá] Slovenská republika), otherwise known as the Slovak State (Slovenský štát), was a partially-recognized client state of Nazi Germany which existed between 14 March 1939 and 4 April 1945. The Slovak part of Czechoslovakia declared independence with German support one day before the German occupation of Bohemia and Moravia. The Slovak Republic controlled the majority of the territory of present-day Slovakia but without its current southern parts, which were ceded by Czechoslovakia to Hungary in 1938. It was the first time in history that Slovakia had been a formally independent state.

    A one-party state governed by the far-right Hlinka’s Slovak People’s Party, the Slovak Republic is primarily known for its collaboration with Nazi Germany, which included sending troops to the invasion of Poland in September 1939 and the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. In 1942, the country deported 58,000 Jews (two-thirds of the Slovak Jewish population) to German-occupied Poland, paying Germany 500 Reichsmarks each. After an increase in the activity of anti-Nazi Slovak partisans, Germany invaded Slovakia, triggering a major uprising. The Slovak Republic was abolished after the Soviet occupation in 1945 and its territory was reintegrated into the recreated Third Czechoslovak Republic.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovak_Republic_(1939%E2%80%931945)

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @sudden death

    I think Our Benevolent Overlord needs to add a 'WHOOSH' button.

    Replies: @songbird

  284. @sudden death
    @Wielgus


    probably can’t target anything more sophisticated than the centre of a city and don’t mind killing civilians anyway.

     

    For whatever reasons RF forces seem to be doing exactly the same anyway:

    https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/tdvf4v/moment_of_missile_impact_in_kurenivka_district/

    Replies: @Aedib, @sudden death

    Strike aftermath area with obliterated nazi-banderite lampost&green citybus:

  285. Russia may technically default on external debt bonds tomorrow, but even if it happens it’ll be a nothingburger. An artificial event, not a sign of true insolvency.

    More interesting to me is the evolving aviation situation. Russia has apparently seized numerous leased jets from the West, but has stopped short of fully nationalising these assets. Putin has signed a decree to allow the airlines using them despite their foreign certificates being revoked. For taxation purposes, most Russian airlines register their licences in Bermuda and that tax haven revoked them a forthnight ago.

    Practically, there is little that the outside world can do recover these leased planes. More concerning will be getting spare parts for these planes. Western firms are unlikely to service them and questions remain as to whether Russia or China can reverse-engineer these parts and service the fleet themselves. China’s willingness to take part in these activities are also unknown; commercial Chinese banks are already complying with some sanctions. Lots of noise is being made from D.C. about potentially SMIC getting the Huawei treatment if Beijing bails out Russia to a significant extent.

    The C929 joint Russian-Chinese passanger jet has faced perpetual delays amid power struggles and a reliance on many Western parts (still). That jet isn’t likely to get accelerated as a result of this. Already I’m reading reports from China on discussions under way that it may be better if Beijing just went at it alone. Chinese jet engine manufacturing capacity is now almost at Russian levels.

    Jake Sullivan, the US NSA, met with the senior-most Chinese foreign policy official in Rome yesterday for a grueling 7 hour meeting. Just as Russia has a hand in deciding Ukraine’s fate in part, so too it must now accept that Beijing has a hand in deciding its fate in turn. So far China has balanced support for Moscow with maintaining diplomatic lines open to the West very elegantly, while complying with Western sanctions on Russia to a limited extent without helping Russia too much. I’m quite impressed by their agility.

    As I’ve mentioned many times, the only clear winner from this conflict has been China.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Thulean Friend

    In fact it is quite likely RF is now an object of US-China negotiation just as UA is an object of RF-US negotiation.

    Replies: @sudden death

    , @utu
    @Thulean Friend

    "the only clear winner from this conflict has been China" - We are the winners because we will be united from now on w/o Russian interference. Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia. The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed. And even the traditional roles of men and women will be restored which always happens during wars where men go to fight to protect their women and children just as Ukrainians do. On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.

    Obviously Russia will be the greatest loser. Isolated. Reduced to providing minerals and food cheaply to China.

    And for China it is a mixed bag. It will gain cheap resources form Russia but on the other hand it must recognize the true formidable strength of the West and will have to reconcile with the idea that getting Taiwan back will not be possible.

    Replies: @utu, @Yevardian, @German_reader, @Brás Cubas, @A123

    , @Yellowface Anon
    @Thulean Friend

    It's quite clear to me economic war against China will intensify by association.

    SMIC becoming the next Huawei is a forgone conclusion. The actual question remains whether the entire Chinese financial system will be detached, and if a de facto embargo will be enforced by shipping lines' "voluntary actions" to stop flows coupled with an official entry ban for Chinese ships. The likes of A123 could become consensus very quickly by propaganda, even if that results in massive material shortages in the medium run.

    Yevardian:


    Cheap manufacturing for western companies will be reorientated to India or South America, far more incompetent or unstable regions, with an accomponying rise in costs of goods. Food shortages in Middle-East could lead to another migrant crisis too.
    Overall the world as a whole will become noticably poorer, except for China.
     
    China will also stagnate due to the end of FDI and tech flows. But I assume all those crises everywhere can be brushed over with enough propaganda on the woke level.

    4B Africans won't happen because of low carrying capacity. They'll pour out into the West first.

    Replies: @LondonBob

  286. @silviosilver
    @prime noticer


    in that it shows 99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.
     
    That is a rather uncharitable way to put it. Presumably, you are talking about contributing nothing of value to human advancement, in which case the real proportion may well be far lower than 1%; but otherwise, vast numbers of the 99% contribute love, warmth, kindness, caring, friendship, companionship, and often have interesting, attractive personalities despite the incoherence of their belief systems (which are indeed cringe when heard spoken out loud). That's very fortunate, since it is these qualities that contribute to most of the lasting happiness we experience over the course of our lives. Advances in technology and medicine are certainly very welcome, but their novelty quickly wears off and we take them for granted and, rightly or wrongly, they mean very little to us.

    (Also, the cringey incoherency of belief systems also applies to many in the 1% or .1%, whose expertise, it is not too much of a stretch to say, can be likened to having mastered an instruction manual. Otherwise, they too often fall for and espouse moronic and inconsistent beliefs.)

    Replies: @AaronB, @prime noticer

    i appreciate the sentiment, but that was a long way of saying that 99% of humans really only contribute by making more humans. that’s not nothing of course. but they shouldn’t have the platform that year 2022 internet gives their voices, either. the average person has nothing at all of value to say, and allowing millions of them to form these incorrect hive minds that start to influence the decision makers, is a dangerous situation. 20 million stupid people on social media think we should No Fly Zone ’em into oblivion and then bomb ’em back into the stone age. and that many people can’t be wrong, Mr Senator. fire up the B-52s.

    part of the reason things are going so crazy is BECAUSE of the platforming of the average stupid person which the internet enables, which creates these hive mind groups, which in turn accelerate social and cultural changes and movements, so now entire countries lurch from weird social campaign to weird social campaign at light speed, because they can all meet, organize, and force project on the internet. things that would have taken years before social media, and decades before internet. in 2 years these morons turned from infectious disease experts, then into Ukraine and nuclear war experts. who knows what it will be 1 year from now and what idiotic thing they will move on to at the drop of a dime, after Russian forces have accomplished their goals in a conventional conflict in Ukraine.

    • Replies: @silviosilver
    @prime noticer


    but that was a long way of saying that 99% of humans really only contribute by making more humans
     
    Well, no, that was not what I was saying at all. Quite the opposite - that despite their manifest shortcomings, most of them contribute a great deal that is valuable.

    You can shrug that off in your role of unsentimental truth-speaking tough guy, but the funny thing to me is your argument that their idiotic opinions carry too much weight and distort political decision-making would lose none of its validity if you toned down your rhetoric.
  287. @Thulean Friend
    Russia may technically default on external debt bonds tomorrow, but even if it happens it'll be a nothingburger. An artificial event, not a sign of true insolvency.

    More interesting to me is the evolving aviation situation. Russia has apparently seized numerous leased jets from the West, but has stopped short of fully nationalising these assets. Putin has signed a decree to allow the airlines using them despite their foreign certificates being revoked. For taxation purposes, most Russian airlines register their licences in Bermuda and that tax haven revoked them a forthnight ago.

    Practically, there is little that the outside world can do recover these leased planes. More concerning will be getting spare parts for these planes. Western firms are unlikely to service them and questions remain as to whether Russia or China can reverse-engineer these parts and service the fleet themselves. China's willingness to take part in these activities are also unknown; commercial Chinese banks are already complying with some sanctions. Lots of noise is being made from D.C. about potentially SMIC getting the Huawei treatment if Beijing bails out Russia to a significant extent.

    The C929 joint Russian-Chinese passanger jet has faced perpetual delays amid power struggles and a reliance on many Western parts (still). That jet isn't likely to get accelerated as a result of this. Already I'm reading reports from China on discussions under way that it may be better if Beijing just went at it alone. Chinese jet engine manufacturing capacity is now almost at Russian levels.

    Jake Sullivan, the US NSA, met with the senior-most Chinese foreign policy official in Rome yesterday for a grueling 7 hour meeting. Just as Russia has a hand in deciding Ukraine's fate in part, so too it must now accept that Beijing has a hand in deciding its fate in turn. So far China has balanced support for Moscow with maintaining diplomatic lines open to the West very elegantly, while complying with Western sanctions on Russia to a limited extent without helping Russia too much. I'm quite impressed by their agility.

    As I've mentioned many times, the only clear winner from this conflict has been China.

    Replies: @sudden death, @utu, @Yellowface Anon

    In fact it is quite likely RF is now an object of US-China negotiation just as UA is an object of RF-US negotiation.

    • Agree: Thulean Friend
    • Replies: @sudden death
    @sudden death

    So after preparatory US-China talks have been completed, Biden-Xi call is announced, Lavrov allegedly in midflight to Beijing abruptly returns to Moscow and Chinese diplomat in Lvov does this:



    China on Thursday has "affirmed" its "friendship" with Ukraine, vowing to never attack, according to Bloomberg:

    Ambassador Fan Xianrong had told Lviv Governor Maksym Kozytskyi during a meeting Monday that China was a “friendly country for the Ukrainian people” and would “never attack Ukraine,” according to a summary posted on the Lviv government’s website. He went on to praise the strength and unity demonstrated by the Ukrainian people, in an apparent reference to their efforts to resist Russia’s ongoing invasion.
     
    https://www.zerohedge.com/political/biden-speak-chinas-xi-friday-ukraine

    Replies: @A123, @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird

  288. Ukraine’s population fell from 52 million when the Soviet Union ended to probably no more than 30 million today. Could end up at 25 million when this crisis is over. Are there any comparable countries that have seen such a massive shortfall in such a compressed time period? Perhaps one of the Caucasoid nations?

    As fertility declines across the world, it would appear that some non-nuclear states may simply demographically overwhelm their neighbours. The same process may also lead to internal tension within nations, e.g. poor and fertile BIMARU states are causing discomfort in aging southern states with better economies as Hindi belt labourers flood in.

    Punjab is getting rapidly depopulated as its youth seeks its fortunes in Canada, and whole villages are left with just boomers and young kids, forcing more non-pubjabi labourers to come in. This is not something many developing countries are used to.

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @Thulean Friend


    Ukraine’s population fell from 52 million when the Soviet Union ended to probably no more than 30 million today. Could end up at 25 million when this crisis is over. Are there any comparable countries that have seen such a massive shortfall in such a compressed time period? Perhaps one of the Caucasoid nations?
     
    Armenia fell from about 3.6 to 2.8 million in the post-Soviet aftermath. Though like Ukraine, probably the real figure is significantly lower, considering those working in Russia, and especially since the latest war with the Turks. Outside of Yerevan and Gyumri you find can whole barely inhabited blocks and many ghost villages with a few elderly.

    Punjab is getting rapidly depopulated as its youth seeks its fortunes in Canada, and whole villages are left with just boomers and young kids, forcing more non-pubjabi labourers to come in. This is not something many developing countries are used to.
     
    What is it with Punjabi effluent spreading everywhere? Its not even close to the poorest pajeet state, is just places like Bihar can't afford to emigrate the country in the first place? Does persecution of Sikhs or their Khalistan separatist movement actually still exist?

    Replies: @sher singh

  289. @sudden death
    @Matra


    I think the guy you are arguing with is from Slovakia, a country famous for its unrelenting resistance to, and refusal to collaborate with, the Nazis.
     
    Is this irony or just extreme ignorance as Slovakia in reality was textbook example of Nazi collaborationism movement in Europe?:

    The (First) Slovak Republic (Slovak: [Prvá] Slovenská republika), otherwise known as the Slovak State (Slovenský štát), was a partially-recognized client state of Nazi Germany which existed between 14 March 1939 and 4 April 1945. The Slovak part of Czechoslovakia declared independence with German support one day before the German occupation of Bohemia and Moravia. The Slovak Republic controlled the majority of the territory of present-day Slovakia but without its current southern parts, which were ceded by Czechoslovakia to Hungary in 1938. It was the first time in history that Slovakia had been a formally independent state.

    A one-party state governed by the far-right Hlinka's Slovak People's Party, the Slovak Republic is primarily known for its collaboration with Nazi Germany, which included sending troops to the invasion of Poland in September 1939 and the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. In 1942, the country deported 58,000 Jews (two-thirds of the Slovak Jewish population) to German-occupied Poland, paying Germany 500 Reichsmarks each. After an increase in the activity of anti-Nazi Slovak partisans, Germany invaded Slovakia, triggering a major uprising. The Slovak Republic was abolished after the Soviet occupation in 1945 and its territory was reintegrated into the recreated Third Czechoslovak Republic.
     

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovak_Republic_(1939%E2%80%931945)

    Replies: @Yevardian

    I think Our Benevolent Overlord needs to add a ‘WHOOSH’ button.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Yevardian

    Pretty obvious sarcasm, IMO. You can see it is drawn out for emphasis: a country famous for its unrelenting resistance to, and refusal to collaborate with.

  290. @Thulean Friend
    Ukraine's population fell from 52 million when the Soviet Union ended to probably no more than 30 million today. Could end up at 25 million when this crisis is over. Are there any comparable countries that have seen such a massive shortfall in such a compressed time period? Perhaps one of the Caucasoid nations?

    As fertility declines across the world, it would appear that some non-nuclear states may simply demographically overwhelm their neighbours. The same process may also lead to internal tension within nations, e.g. poor and fertile BIMARU states are causing discomfort in aging southern states with better economies as Hindi belt labourers flood in.

    Punjab is getting rapidly depopulated as its youth seeks its fortunes in Canada, and whole villages are left with just boomers and young kids, forcing more non-pubjabi labourers to come in. This is not something many developing countries are used to.

    Replies: @Yevardian

    Ukraine’s population fell from 52 million when the Soviet Union ended to probably no more than 30 million today. Could end up at 25 million when this crisis is over. Are there any comparable countries that have seen such a massive shortfall in such a compressed time period? Perhaps one of the Caucasoid nations?

    Armenia fell from about 3.6 to 2.8 million in the post-Soviet aftermath. Though like Ukraine, probably the real figure is significantly lower, considering those working in Russia, and especially since the latest war with the Turks. Outside of Yerevan and Gyumri you find can whole barely inhabited blocks and many ghost villages with a few elderly.

    Punjab is getting rapidly depopulated as its youth seeks its fortunes in Canada, and whole villages are left with just boomers and young kids, forcing more non-pubjabi labourers to come in. This is not something many developing countries are used to.

    What is it with Punjabi effluent spreading everywhere? Its not even close to the poorest pajeet state, is just places like Bihar can’t afford to emigrate the country in the first place? Does persecution of Sikhs or their Khalistan separatist movement actually still exist?

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Yevardian

    https://twitter.com/Karan__001/status/1503326675794157568?s=20

  291. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    Ok, tough guy. I suppose it is not evil, just winning. And fools are not fools as long as they succeed.


    Things are (and should be) different now, of course.
     
    The 'of course' in that statement is precious. So very Dutch, it reeks off post-imperial wokeness.

    "Of course, we don't do it anymore. And when we do it - Iraq, Libya, Serbia etc... - it is different, it is for virtue. Before we did it because we were tough and winners. But now, it is not the same. Of course."

    Eurotrash never fails to amuse. They are so deep in their second-rate vapid narcissism and badly hidden regrets, they go half-Nietsche-half-Hollywood without ever realizing that now they are like walking oxymorons with no agency. Of course.


    Clearly Russia does not behave like a normal state, at the very least.
     
    Who does? How do they behave normally? Do you mean they have better PR when they invade, bomb and control others? Was Tony Blair normal, was Bush? And the eventual compulsory forgetting. Maybe Russians are too lazy to do all of that.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker

    If you were in the Roman empire, ancient Greece, or early modern Europe, and you got your people to embrace pacifism, you would have been wiped out very quickly. It just wasn’t an option.

    The people in the East that we colonized mostly just lived on with the same lives they had always lived. When they were strong enough they kicked us out, good for them. But if there’s a sort of international anarchy, I’m not going to apologize that my ancestors simply did what everyone would have done if they had all the power. Living under these empires was humiliating for the up-and-coming nationalist elite (of course studying at Western universities) but otherwise just not that terrible.

    Iraq, Libya, Serbia etc… – it is different, it is for virtue

    Of course not, as with every war that’s supposedly ‘good’ it was all hypocritical through and through and laced with a good deal of power politics. The regimes themselves usually had it coming, but most of these bombing campaigns were fought with a complete disregard for civilian targets. Whether or not fighting these wars was strategically sound (the more important question) is a different debate.

    The ‘of course‘ in that statement is precious

    Yes, clearly most countries are no longer trying to literally colonize each other. For multiple reasons: there is some attempt at international law; most people are more prosperous and soft, especially the West; and trying to colonize would now be either unsuccesful or come at immense cost. ‘Of course’ a lot has changed in politics from 1600 to 2000, noticing some objective changes has nothing to do with wokeness. What would be a fair counter-argument is simply pointing out that everything just seems different because of Americas unipolar moment, and the exact same domineering is coming back (or never left). Fair enough. But it has nothing to do with wokeness or ‘virtue’ to notice that the costs of colonialism would really outstrip the benefits nowadays.

    Who does? How do they behave normally? Do you mean they have better PR when they invade, bomb and control others? Was Tony Blair normal, was Bush?

    Both America and Russia behave much more aggressively than normal countries. Should America be called imperialistic… well that’s a hard discussion.

    P.S. If we’re talking not just about the East, but our settler colonialism and slavery in the West, I see all that as much more evil. I guess that’s very woke of me.

    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @HenryBaker


    Both America and Russia behave much more aggressively than normal countries. Should America be called imperialistic… well that’s a hard discussion.
     
    No it's not. Manifest destiny. They even teach it to school kids.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  292. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    Ok, tough guy. I suppose it is not evil, just winning. And fools are not fools as long as they succeed.


    Things are (and should be) different now, of course.
     
    The 'of course' in that statement is precious. So very Dutch, it reeks off post-imperial wokeness.

    "Of course, we don't do it anymore. And when we do it - Iraq, Libya, Serbia etc... - it is different, it is for virtue. Before we did it because we were tough and winners. But now, it is not the same. Of course."

    Eurotrash never fails to amuse. They are so deep in their second-rate vapid narcissism and badly hidden regrets, they go half-Nietsche-half-Hollywood without ever realizing that now they are like walking oxymorons with no agency. Of course.


    Clearly Russia does not behave like a normal state, at the very least.
     
    Who does? How do they behave normally? Do you mean they have better PR when they invade, bomb and control others? Was Tony Blair normal, was Bush? And the eventual compulsory forgetting. Maybe Russians are too lazy to do all of that.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker

    By the way, all the moral exegesis of what we did in the past is pointless in and of itself. Individuals don’t inherit blood guilt. But the reason it’s done is just as a political tool, and to be able to attack us. That’s why I said I will not apologize for strength. The only reason an apology is demanded is to be able to drag you through the mud. It’s usually demanded out of resentment.

    The Lybia/Serbia case is modern example, this is all far more complicated than Kremlin shills make it out to be. Yet the point is simply not to have a real discussion about complicated countries. It’s to have a hammer to paint the West as uniquely evil. Serbia was such a poor little victim if you read what they say.

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    Classic Western bs of switching between We when it comes time to take credit, and I for guilt.
    National identities & states do bear collective guilt. You'll pay for it, :shrug:

    It's not a threat or a promise, simply demographic reality.
    The West is uniquely evil, and being a boomer you don't understand that most of the West agrees.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Coconuts

    , @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    ... Libya/Serbia case is modern example, this is all far more complicated

     

    Complicated? You don't say, so then it must be ok. I suppose Ukraine is not complicated. Maybe the problem is your simple mind. You use 'complicated' when you are caught and don't know how to respond. And the "poor little victim", can that be applied to anyone? How about Ukraine: are they a poor little victim or did they have it coming? It is always too complicated when it suits you.

    Let me help you: NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there. Is that too complicated for you? The Western media, literati and 'nationalists' cheered it on, the bombers were rewarded. Today you would like to forget it. Or you imply that it was strategically unsound. Right. As I said Euro-trash never disappoints.

    Don't try to weasel out of it with 'no inherited guilt'; unless you are a small child this happened on your watch. You grudgingly semi-criticise Bush (you couldn't bring yourself to really do it, 'too complicated'). How about Tony Blair? the French and Germans, Spanish and Dutch, all normal to you? They all very recently bombed other countries.

    I wish you good luck with the coming battle to preserve some of the old Europe. It will be an uphill struggle. The problem is that the traditional European forces made too many compromises. You try to forget, explain it away, but keep up the eternal assault on the Euro-east where the resources are. Or you let others, your betters and in effect your rulers do it. I don't think there is a way back, there is no trust. Get ready for your uber-liberal future..

    Sher singh is right, you will be overwhelmed both demographically and culturally. I am starting to think that you deserve it.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Emil Nikola Richard, @HenryBaker

  293. @Thulean Friend
    Russia may technically default on external debt bonds tomorrow, but even if it happens it'll be a nothingburger. An artificial event, not a sign of true insolvency.

    More interesting to me is the evolving aviation situation. Russia has apparently seized numerous leased jets from the West, but has stopped short of fully nationalising these assets. Putin has signed a decree to allow the airlines using them despite their foreign certificates being revoked. For taxation purposes, most Russian airlines register their licences in Bermuda and that tax haven revoked them a forthnight ago.

    Practically, there is little that the outside world can do recover these leased planes. More concerning will be getting spare parts for these planes. Western firms are unlikely to service them and questions remain as to whether Russia or China can reverse-engineer these parts and service the fleet themselves. China's willingness to take part in these activities are also unknown; commercial Chinese banks are already complying with some sanctions. Lots of noise is being made from D.C. about potentially SMIC getting the Huawei treatment if Beijing bails out Russia to a significant extent.

    The C929 joint Russian-Chinese passanger jet has faced perpetual delays amid power struggles and a reliance on many Western parts (still). That jet isn't likely to get accelerated as a result of this. Already I'm reading reports from China on discussions under way that it may be better if Beijing just went at it alone. Chinese jet engine manufacturing capacity is now almost at Russian levels.

    Jake Sullivan, the US NSA, met with the senior-most Chinese foreign policy official in Rome yesterday for a grueling 7 hour meeting. Just as Russia has a hand in deciding Ukraine's fate in part, so too it must now accept that Beijing has a hand in deciding its fate in turn. So far China has balanced support for Moscow with maintaining diplomatic lines open to the West very elegantly, while complying with Western sanctions on Russia to a limited extent without helping Russia too much. I'm quite impressed by their agility.

    As I've mentioned many times, the only clear winner from this conflict has been China.

    Replies: @sudden death, @utu, @Yellowface Anon

    “the only clear winner from this conflict has been China” – We are the winners because we will be united from now on w/o Russian interference. Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia. The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed. And even the traditional roles of men and women will be restored which always happens during wars where men go to fight to protect their women and children just as Ukrainians do. On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.

    Obviously Russia will be the greatest loser. Isolated. Reduced to providing minerals and food cheaply to China.

    And for China it is a mixed bag. It will gain cheap resources form Russia but on the other hand it must recognize the true formidable strength of the West and will have to reconcile with the idea that getting Taiwan back will not be possible.

    • Replies: @utu
    @utu


    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukraine-crisis-unexpected-weapon-against-woke-politics/ar-AAV2fPe?ocid=msedgntp

    Putin [...] impulsively, he has, in a single stroke, managed to reverse the Western woke political tidal wave and set the stage for destroying his own energy-based economy.

    Almost instantly, everyone in the West has become aware of the central importance of energy to national security and the overall economy. It is obvious that America cannot be held hostage to foreign sources of oil and gas and must return to energy independence. It is obvious that Germany made a colossal error in precipitously shutting down its nuclear power generation and becoming dependent on Russian gas - not unlike California, which has done the same, only to be forced to import energy from other states. It is obvious that European energy prices are skyrocketing because of policy mistakes. It is obvious that America can best support NATO by producing and exporting oil and gas to Europe. But American energy prices - and the prices of everything else - are skyrocketing because of poor economic decisions, especially in regard to energy production.

    Thank you, Vlad, for the great reset - let's hope you woke us all up.
     
    , @Yevardian
    @utu


    Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia.
     
    This much is true.

    The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed. And even the traditional roles of men and women will be restored which always happens during wars where men go to fight to protect their women and children just as Ukrainians do. On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.
     
    Sounds nice, but unfortunately sounds very overly optimistic.
    I just see the invasion as accelerating American entrenchment from any wider global intervention, to focus on its core satrapies in Western Europe. Probably as America gets more serious about disengaging from the Chinese economy, it will become much more economically demanding of Europe, and become much more brazen in interfering with its sovereign and even cultural affairs, in the name of security.

    Cheap manufacturing for western companies will be reorientated to India or South America, far more incompetent or unstable regions, with an accomponying rise in costs of goods. Food shortages in Middle-East could lead to another migrant crisis too.
    Overall the world as a whole will become noticably poorer, except for China.

    There's also the wildcard of 4 billion or so projected Africans in the next few decades, I make no predictions there.

    And for China it is a mixed bag. It will gain cheap resources form Russia but on the other hand it must recognize the true formidable strength of the West and will have to reconcile with the idea that getting Taiwan back will not be possible.
     
    How will your predictions on this change if Ukraine falls within the next month?

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @German_reader
    @utu


    . Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia.
     
    lol, because "American leadership" has had such a fantastic record over the last 30 years.
    And the "fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia" (as opposed to business relationships, promoted not least in the probably naive belief that they would give Russia a stake in the existing order and restrain her) were never anything more than the rantings of completely impotent German right-wingers on the net.
    There also isn't any real debate about a return to nuclear power in Germany so far. I think the deluded establishment will go on with their Energiewende project, leading to black-outs and rendering German industry uncompetitive.
    Anyway, you sound like a mirror image of Karlin in your optimism. Probably just as misplaced.

    Replies: @utu

    , @Brás Cubas
    @utu

    I see now how the world works. Democracy is totally the best system, but it will not work by itself. People will get silly ideas from the internet (some of them fed by nondemocracies!), will become disruptive, discontented, dysfunctional, bored.
    So we need an extra ingredient in that recipe. And that ingredient is War. War is the magical ingredient that makes Democracy the perfect system.

    Replies: @utu, @Brás Cubas, @sudden death

    , @A123
    @utu


    Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia. The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed.
     
    The Traffic Light coalition still contains the Green party. Blowing up the coalition today does not serve their interests, however they will never let Scholz reverse anti nuclear policy.

    The F-35 "announcement" is missing critical details. While the Scholz administration sounds good, there are multiple reasons to believe it will never happen. Chances are it will fall apart before a deal that includes price & date is signed. Another complication exists. There is no available delivery compatible with retaining the U.S. provided nuclear weapons. The Tornados have a maximum life of 2030, and the first available F-35 date is beyond that.

    On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.
     
    The first group of men going the opposite direction were just blown up. The survivors are fleeing back across the Polish border. Alas, backbone cannot be regained in a day.

    Long term, a return to traditional Judeo-Christian values will happen. However, it will not be in time to impact the current battle in Ukraine. The minimum requirement for such a return is De-Islamification. France and Italy are on a promising trajectory towards rejecting the false prophet and reclaiming their Christian heritage.

    PEACE 😇
  294. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Twinkie

    Please don't lie. The Discord is free, Substack is not my employer, and my relations with Ron are perfectly fine so far as I'm aware.

    While somewhat appreciated, I have no need for your well-wishes, save them for those who need them.

    As I keep saying, shock and disbelief: https://boards.4chan.org/pol/thread/367103075

    Replies: @Twinkie

    Please don’t lie. The Discord is free, Substack is not my employer

    What exactly about did I lie? I did not mean that Substack was literally your new employer. Rather I wrote of my impression of your recent comments – that, allegorically, it appears now that you have paying customers at Substack (who are presumably more “loyal” to you and more sympathetic to your views), you seem to describe your old audience left at Unz in the most uncharitable and disdainful terms, even though this old audience contributed to the rise in your profile and perhaps even enabled your move to other platforms. After all, even the most vituperative critic of yours on Unz helped you build readership and influence.

    Perhaps I am incorrect in my impression, but it is not a lie. I have no desire to have any kind of silly online feud with you, so kindly direct such accusations elsewhere.

    While somewhat appreciated, I have no need for your well-wishes, save them for those who need them.

    My well-wishes were graciously given. Pity it was not graciously accepted.

    As I keep saying, shock and disbelief

    No doubt many people, commenters here included, will be dismayed by their desired outcomes not coming to fruition in the future. Only the most arrogant and deluded, however, would exempt themselves from the prospect that such might occur to them too (I am reminded of the Melian Dialogue).

    https://boards.4chan.org/pol/thread/367103075

    I don’t know what that is and what it’s supposed to prove.

  295. @Dmitry
    @HenryBaker

    Karlin is misreporting a story for some reason though.

    A customer complained to the investigative committee about use of Oriental (East Asian) and African models in Nike advertising.

    This was a funny story for the media. But one man sending an application of complaint to the authorities, is not the same as the authorities themselves complaining. https://www.m24.ru/articles/obshchestvo/16022022/431333 The lawyers the journalists asked said he will very likely not win the case.

    So, I'm not sure why Karlin reports to Westerners without including the sources he used. In this sense, it looks like he can be reported as "doing some anti-advertising of Russia" for Western consumption, based on Western sensitivities.

    -

    As for the situation with the advertising with "exotic nationalities", it's a typical kind of cargo cult. But I think it's the same in other countries, like China, etc, they like to hire Russian models for all their advertising. I wonder if in China they also hire African models, but it's known they love to hire Russian models.

    Look at the pictures of 20:10 in the new mall in Uralmash. These African models are not the representative nationalities of Uralmash lol, although there are areas which are being flooded with central asians and caucasians.

    https://youtu.be/A6_-rnRhNQE?t=1211

    -

    On the news of the brands. A lot of Western brands are suspending the shops in Russia, after the invasion in Ukraine. The question is whether this will be temporary or not. I think so far, it has an indication they want to only temporarily suspend (most of the companies are still paying salaries).

    Replies: @for-the-record

    I wonder if in China they also hire African models

    Of course they do!

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @for-the-record

    Lol I notice that Chinese have a good sense of humor.

    This story in the Moscow news, is that a man has complaining to the authorities, that there are too many Oriental and African models used in Nike adverts in Russia. He is claiming the adverts will violate section 1, chapter 2, in the Russian constitution, against discrimination on " rights of citizens on social, racial, national, linguistic or religious grounds", as most of the population in Russia are not Oriental or African.

    Karlin has misreported this story, claiming that the authorities themselves are complaining about the use of the Oriental and African models in Nike adverts. When the story is about a man complaining to the authorities, and the article predict he will "100% lose".

    I'm not sure why Karlin is reversing the story (it is not like Russia needs some anti-advertising based on fake news), but of course, those are geopolitically exactly the two nationalities that the authorities in Russia, will be careful to not offend sensitivities nowadays - Oriental and African nationalities.

    Geopolitically, for the authorities, Oriental and Africa nationalities, are main nationalities to support or not condemn Russia in the UN for an invasion of Ukraine. It's like an alignment of support, or at least a non-alignment, from the Third World has been one of the more reliable inheritances from Soviet times. (There had been decades of investment, with many African and Asian students educated in universities in the Soviet Union.)

    https://i.imgur.com/XjdAYRP.png

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Anatoly Karlin

  296. @utu
    @Thulean Friend

    "the only clear winner from this conflict has been China" - We are the winners because we will be united from now on w/o Russian interference. Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia. The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed. And even the traditional roles of men and women will be restored which always happens during wars where men go to fight to protect their women and children just as Ukrainians do. On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.

    Obviously Russia will be the greatest loser. Isolated. Reduced to providing minerals and food cheaply to China.

    And for China it is a mixed bag. It will gain cheap resources form Russia but on the other hand it must recognize the true formidable strength of the West and will have to reconcile with the idea that getting Taiwan back will not be possible.

    Replies: @utu, @Yevardian, @German_reader, @Brás Cubas, @A123

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukraine-crisis-unexpected-weapon-against-woke-politics/ar-AAV2fPe?ocid=msedgntp

    Putin […] impulsively, he has, in a single stroke, managed to reverse the Western woke political tidal wave and set the stage for destroying his own energy-based economy.

    Almost instantly, everyone in the West has become aware of the central importance of energy to national security and the overall economy. It is obvious that America cannot be held hostage to foreign sources of oil and gas and must return to energy independence. It is obvious that Germany made a colossal error in precipitously shutting down its nuclear power generation and becoming dependent on Russian gas – not unlike California, which has done the same, only to be forced to import energy from other states. It is obvious that European energy prices are skyrocketing because of policy mistakes. It is obvious that America can best support NATO by producing and exporting oil and gas to Europe. But American energy prices – and the prices of everything else – are skyrocketing because of poor economic decisions, especially in regard to energy production.

    Thank you, Vlad, for the great reset – let’s hope you woke us all up.

  297. @prime noticer
    @silviosilver

    i appreciate the sentiment, but that was a long way of saying that 99% of humans really only contribute by making more humans. that's not nothing of course. but they shouldn't have the platform that year 2022 internet gives their voices, either. the average person has nothing at all of value to say, and allowing millions of them to form these incorrect hive minds that start to influence the decision makers, is a dangerous situation. 20 million stupid people on social media think we should No Fly Zone 'em into oblivion and then bomb 'em back into the stone age. and that many people can't be wrong, Mr Senator. fire up the B-52s.

    part of the reason things are going so crazy is BECAUSE of the platforming of the average stupid person which the internet enables, which creates these hive mind groups, which in turn accelerate social and cultural changes and movements, so now entire countries lurch from weird social campaign to weird social campaign at light speed, because they can all meet, organize, and force project on the internet. things that would have taken years before social media, and decades before internet. in 2 years these morons turned from infectious disease experts, then into Ukraine and nuclear war experts. who knows what it will be 1 year from now and what idiotic thing they will move on to at the drop of a dime, after Russian forces have accomplished their goals in a conventional conflict in Ukraine.

    Replies: @silviosilver

    but that was a long way of saying that 99% of humans really only contribute by making more humans

    Well, no, that was not what I was saying at all. Quite the opposite – that despite their manifest shortcomings, most of them contribute a great deal that is valuable.

    You can shrug that off in your role of unsentimental truth-speaking tough guy, but the funny thing to me is your argument that their idiotic opinions carry too much weight and distort political decision-making would lose none of its validity if you toned down your rhetoric.

  298. @prime noticer
    first major war since the advent of the internet, so it's interesting to see what a million different people think about it. wonder if this is what it was like 100 years ago and earlier, except nobody knew what was going on in a million other people's heads as the conflict unfolded.

    while not aimed at any of the posters here, i regret that i now have to hear the internal thought processes of so many mediocre, annoying media people and leftists. we were a thousand times better off before sports athletes and media types were able to broadcast their thoughts daily. the daily spew from their tiny brains is vastly better off contained within their skulls permanently.

    it does present an interesting case study for understanding the history of technology, the human march out of ancient history from a zero technology world and into the modern world, and other Charles Murray type pursuits. in that it shows 99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.

    Replies: @silviosilver, @Commentator Mike, @Barbarossa

    I don’t think the Internet is a free for all; maybe in its early days. The Internet is carefully manipulated, controlled and directed. Of course there are a few impartial and independent pockets here and there still accessible. Russia should switch on its sovereign Runet and cut off access to the www, except for links to Russia friendly countries.

    Russia ‘successfully tests’ its unplugged internet

    https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-50902496

  299. Some are talking about Poland absorbing Galicia. How can that be? The Galicians hate Poles and were massacring them during WWII.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Commentator Mike


    Some are talking about Poland absorbing Galicia. How can that be? The Galicians hate Poles and were massacring them during WWII.
     
    Is there anything you are not wrong about when it comes to Ukraine?

    Galicians hated Poles back when the Poles claimed Galicia and tried to own it. Poles no longer do so, as a result Galicians (like other Ukrainians) live them.

    But the rage Galicians had towards Poles is now applied towards Russia. And it is shared by people in Kiev and even many in Kharkiv, who have also been victims of Russian bombs. Good luck trying to occupy those territories.

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

  300. @utu
    @Thulean Friend

    "the only clear winner from this conflict has been China" - We are the winners because we will be united from now on w/o Russian interference. Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia. The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed. And even the traditional roles of men and women will be restored which always happens during wars where men go to fight to protect their women and children just as Ukrainians do. On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.

    Obviously Russia will be the greatest loser. Isolated. Reduced to providing minerals and food cheaply to China.

    And for China it is a mixed bag. It will gain cheap resources form Russia but on the other hand it must recognize the true formidable strength of the West and will have to reconcile with the idea that getting Taiwan back will not be possible.

    Replies: @utu, @Yevardian, @German_reader, @Brás Cubas, @A123

    Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia.

    This much is true.

    The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed. And even the traditional roles of men and women will be restored which always happens during wars where men go to fight to protect their women and children just as Ukrainians do. On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.

    Sounds nice, but unfortunately sounds very overly optimistic.
    I just see the invasion as accelerating American entrenchment from any wider global intervention, to focus on its core satrapies in Western Europe. Probably as America gets more serious about disengaging from the Chinese economy, it will become much more economically demanding of Europe, and become much more brazen in interfering with its sovereign and even cultural affairs, in the name of security.

    Cheap manufacturing for western companies will be reorientated to India or South America, far more incompetent or unstable regions, with an accomponying rise in costs of goods. Food shortages in Middle-East could lead to another migrant crisis too.
    Overall the world as a whole will become noticably poorer, except for China.

    There’s also the wildcard of 4 billion or so projected Africans in the next few decades, I make no predictions there.

    And for China it is a mixed bag. It will gain cheap resources form Russia but on the other hand it must recognize the true formidable strength of the West and will have to reconcile with the idea that getting Taiwan back will not be possible.

    How will your predictions on this change if Ukraine falls within the next month?

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Yevardian


    There’s also the wildcard of 4 billion or so projected Africans in the next few decades, I make no predictions there.
     
    I agree with most of what you're saying here, although whether America will intervene more or less in our culture is anyone's guess (there's also a case to be made that they will allow nationalists more leeway in a scenario where security is prioritized. I.e. Azov in Ukraine).

    About those Africans, though...
    The housing market in Western Europe has already blown up and people are sick of most refugees. Most people here simply do not want more competition for a house and Ukrainians coming in will only worsen that problem. I'm not saying the billion Africans won't enter, but it will be into depopulated Southern and Eastern Europe first. When naturalized, they may try to enter Western Europe and this will brutally destabilize the Eurozone.

    Don't forget our governments were in the end perfectly willing to dump immigrants in Greece on Lesbos. They also tolerated the Hungarian border wall. We're still in this 'we're woke but if you come over here it will have to be risking your live in a Belarusian swamp or on a rickety boat' limbo. All very hypocritical. If these flows grow stronger, there will be massive amounts of hatred.

    People always talk about competition on the labor market, qua immigrants, but competition on the housing market and 'fuck off we're full' will be more important imo.

  301. @Thulean Friend
    Russia may technically default on external debt bonds tomorrow, but even if it happens it'll be a nothingburger. An artificial event, not a sign of true insolvency.

    More interesting to me is the evolving aviation situation. Russia has apparently seized numerous leased jets from the West, but has stopped short of fully nationalising these assets. Putin has signed a decree to allow the airlines using them despite their foreign certificates being revoked. For taxation purposes, most Russian airlines register their licences in Bermuda and that tax haven revoked them a forthnight ago.

    Practically, there is little that the outside world can do recover these leased planes. More concerning will be getting spare parts for these planes. Western firms are unlikely to service them and questions remain as to whether Russia or China can reverse-engineer these parts and service the fleet themselves. China's willingness to take part in these activities are also unknown; commercial Chinese banks are already complying with some sanctions. Lots of noise is being made from D.C. about potentially SMIC getting the Huawei treatment if Beijing bails out Russia to a significant extent.

    The C929 joint Russian-Chinese passanger jet has faced perpetual delays amid power struggles and a reliance on many Western parts (still). That jet isn't likely to get accelerated as a result of this. Already I'm reading reports from China on discussions under way that it may be better if Beijing just went at it alone. Chinese jet engine manufacturing capacity is now almost at Russian levels.

    Jake Sullivan, the US NSA, met with the senior-most Chinese foreign policy official in Rome yesterday for a grueling 7 hour meeting. Just as Russia has a hand in deciding Ukraine's fate in part, so too it must now accept that Beijing has a hand in deciding its fate in turn. So far China has balanced support for Moscow with maintaining diplomatic lines open to the West very elegantly, while complying with Western sanctions on Russia to a limited extent without helping Russia too much. I'm quite impressed by their agility.

    As I've mentioned many times, the only clear winner from this conflict has been China.

    Replies: @sudden death, @utu, @Yellowface Anon

    It’s quite clear to me economic war against China will intensify by association.

    SMIC becoming the next Huawei is a forgone conclusion. The actual question remains whether the entire Chinese financial system will be detached, and if a de facto embargo will be enforced by shipping lines’ “voluntary actions” to stop flows coupled with an official entry ban for Chinese ships. The likes of A123 could become consensus very quickly by propaganda, even if that results in massive material shortages in the medium run.

    Yevardian:

    Cheap manufacturing for western companies will be reorientated to India or South America, far more incompetent or unstable regions, with an accomponying rise in costs of goods. Food shortages in Middle-East could lead to another migrant crisis too.
    Overall the world as a whole will become noticably poorer, except for China.

    China will also stagnate due to the end of FDI and tech flows. But I assume all those crises everywhere can be brushed over with enough propaganda on the woke level.

    4B Africans won’t happen because of low carrying capacity. They’ll pour out into the West first.

    • Replies: @LondonBob
    @Yellowface Anon

    Notice China did their zero covid thing in Shenzhen and shut it down, basically a hoax to justify supply chain disruption to the West, like Russians pausing gas flows.

    Anyway looking at oil I expect a peace deal soon. Looking at various financial indicators a financial crisis worse than 2008 looks guaranteed anyway. The US is in far too much trouble enforce anew trade war, they even failed in their one on Russia.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

  302. @Yevardian
    @utu


    Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia.
     
    This much is true.

    The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed. And even the traditional roles of men and women will be restored which always happens during wars where men go to fight to protect their women and children just as Ukrainians do. On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.
     
    Sounds nice, but unfortunately sounds very overly optimistic.
    I just see the invasion as accelerating American entrenchment from any wider global intervention, to focus on its core satrapies in Western Europe. Probably as America gets more serious about disengaging from the Chinese economy, it will become much more economically demanding of Europe, and become much more brazen in interfering with its sovereign and even cultural affairs, in the name of security.

    Cheap manufacturing for western companies will be reorientated to India or South America, far more incompetent or unstable regions, with an accomponying rise in costs of goods. Food shortages in Middle-East could lead to another migrant crisis too.
    Overall the world as a whole will become noticably poorer, except for China.

    There's also the wildcard of 4 billion or so projected Africans in the next few decades, I make no predictions there.

    And for China it is a mixed bag. It will gain cheap resources form Russia but on the other hand it must recognize the true formidable strength of the West and will have to reconcile with the idea that getting Taiwan back will not be possible.
     
    How will your predictions on this change if Ukraine falls within the next month?

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    There’s also the wildcard of 4 billion or so projected Africans in the next few decades, I make no predictions there.

    I agree with most of what you’re saying here, although whether America will intervene more or less in our culture is anyone’s guess (there’s also a case to be made that they will allow nationalists more leeway in a scenario where security is prioritized. I.e. Azov in Ukraine).

    About those Africans, though…
    The housing market in Western Europe has already blown up and people are sick of most refugees. Most people here simply do not want more competition for a house and Ukrainians coming in will only worsen that problem. I’m not saying the billion Africans won’t enter, but it will be into depopulated Southern and Eastern Europe first. When naturalized, they may try to enter Western Europe and this will brutally destabilize the Eurozone.

    Don’t forget our governments were in the end perfectly willing to dump immigrants in Greece on Lesbos. They also tolerated the Hungarian border wall. We’re still in this ‘we’re woke but if you come over here it will have to be risking your live in a Belarusian swamp or on a rickety boat’ limbo. All very hypocritical. If these flows grow stronger, there will be massive amounts of hatred.

    People always talk about competition on the labor market, qua immigrants, but competition on the housing market and ‘fuck off we’re full’ will be more important imo.

  303. @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    I would still say though that this is the language of psychopathic manipulation, but it's useful to be reminded that this started in the mid-20th century.

    There was a reason that era produced the novel 1984, the great novel about mind control and manipulation practiced by the state.

    The mid-20th century saw the advent of a new basis for politics, "managerialism" rather than "values based" politics.

    Managerialism is a philosophy of politics that seeks to scientifically "manage" every social and political dimension for the purpose of control without moral considerations, rather than seeing politics as the great arena in which the contest over values or national glory play out on a grand scale.

    Politics is now something to be controlled and micromanaged, not an arena for the expression of and struggle over higher values or even "lower values" like national vigor and glory.

    In other words, another tragic loss of dimension and slimification of life as modernity continued to march through the institutions.

    Of course, in such a politics, "managing" perceptions and trying to convince your opponent he he has no right to resist your attempts to violate him, rather than finding your glory in the ability of your will to overcome his will, which implies a genuine contest, is the name of the game.

    But as I said before, it's terrible psychology from the "managerial" perspective - such contempt stiffens resolve.

    But it is seemingly just as necessary for an imperialistic power to adopt this contempt, because it ties in to the very reasons for imperialism in a deep way.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    I dunno, you already have weird geo-political security propaganda all the way back in Caesars book on Gaul. Imperial powers have always formulated ways of thinking that delegitimize the right of small nations to exist. Don’t forget that humans are some of the most manipulative beings on the planet. Nothing to do with psychopathy. We constantly lie to ourselves and lie to others. Same with manipulation.

    I agree that it has intensified and has been institutionalized, to an extent. But like I said, before this religion was arguably used as a tool to control to population. Now it’s moralistic narratives.

  304. @German_reader
    @HenryBaker


    We stand for nothing but sodomy, abortion, mass immigration, and self-hate. On top of that the rest of the world hates our ass (mostly out of ressentiment and hypocritical slave morality, to be sure, but what can you do?) and probably fantasizes about our timely demise.
     
    Yeah, I agree. I don't agree with Karlin's denial of Ukrainian nationhood and really wish Putin hadn't embarked on this war which imo won't lead to anything good for anybody. But the deluded self-righteousness of so much Western commentary is nauseating, and the people representing today's West (stupid, hysterical women who should have stayed in the kitchen, literal faggots, parasitic graduates in bs subjects like sociology and political science, resentful poc) disgust me. One of the worst aspects of this war is that it lends new legitimacy to this rotten regime we have in the West and that anyone objecting to it will be framed as a Putin stooge.
    Maybe China will be able to fix its birth rate...or maybe not (their approach to Corona looks pretty stupid by now after all, so maybe the party's authoritarian power isn't that fabulous). Karlin's hopes for Russia seem exaggerated though.

    Replies: @Beckow, @HenryBaker

    the deluded self-righteousness of so much Western commentary is nauseating

    It’s absolutely ridiculous, regardless of whether NATO expansion is justifiable from a geo-strategic perspective: of course it was a threat to Russia. Not so much in a direct military sense, due to MAD, but more because it would have created a permanent sense of threat and weakness, in Russia. Under Putins watch, the old realm would have been completely stripped down, joined us- with all red lines crossed repeatedly.

    I don’t care much for Russian bleating (as if Russia is such a victim, as if we should just leave Eastern Europe at the tender mercies of the Kremlin, as if there is no strategic interest in containment. If the West bombs civilians in Serbia or Iraq, we’re Satan, if Russia does it, it’s ‘tragic but legitimate and also the fault of the West’, whatever) but the inability of Westerners to go beyond the first grade level and just see ‘Putler’ ‘going mad’ and attacking ‘poor innocent Ukraine’ is a bit ridiculous.

    And yes this is all quite bad, as most of the RW has now shown to have either no vision (just be neutral, bro) or just shill for Russia. In our moralistic, preaching society, this will not do and the RW has marginalized itself yet again.

    • Agree: Yellowface Anon, German_reader
  305. Some Mariupol area panorama from above – not very sure about the owners of all this military hardware, but it seems like at least one jeep (next to a bus-like vehicle at house wall) has Z letter on a side door:

  306. @Commentator Mike
    Some are talking about Poland absorbing Galicia. How can that be? The Galicians hate Poles and were massacring them during WWII.

    Replies: @AP

    Some are talking about Poland absorbing Galicia. How can that be? The Galicians hate Poles and were massacring them during WWII.

    Is there anything you are not wrong about when it comes to Ukraine?

    Galicians hated Poles back when the Poles claimed Galicia and tried to own it. Poles no longer do so, as a result Galicians (like other Ukrainians) live them.

    But the rage Galicians had towards Poles is now applied towards Russia. And it is shared by people in Kiev and even many in Kharkiv, who have also been victims of Russian bombs. Good luck trying to occupy those territories.

    • Replies: @Commentator Mike
    @AP

    Thanks for clarifying. So enemies can turn into friends and vice versa. Ok ... But ... Why did the Ukrainians let Jews run everything at the top of their country? And what did they expect by allowing this other than to have their country destroyed and cities turned to rubble? It's all great hating Russians, shouting you're pro Ukraine, pro Ukrainian, but what does it even mean when you look and see who has been running that country since it went independent after the USSR? Anyway, I think the Russians will get back their old capital of Kiev and won't ever relinquish it again no matter what, Jews or no Jews at the helm of a rump Ukraine, if even that. Anyway I've got nothing against Ukrainians; I probably like them as people more than Russians but this is a bigger conflict between Russia and NATO and Ukraine got in the way, chose the wrong side, and is paying the price.

    Replies: @Svidomyatheart

  307. @Veteran of the Memic Wars
    @AP


    Ukraine was about 20% Russian before the removal of Donbas and Crimea. Probably around 10% Russian now.
     
    A "removal" you've probably been protesting as illegitimate, one you'll probably be denying five minutes from now, if it suits your purpose.

    Replies: @AP

    You can check my history, I have supported Ukraine being free of Crimea and the Russian parts of Donbas for years. I was hoping they would go in 2004. These regions’ inclusion in Ukraine prevented Ukraine from becoming another Poland. They were a poison pill.

    • Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars
    @AP

    My mistake.

  308. @Yellowface Anon
    @Thulean Friend

    It's quite clear to me economic war against China will intensify by association.

    SMIC becoming the next Huawei is a forgone conclusion. The actual question remains whether the entire Chinese financial system will be detached, and if a de facto embargo will be enforced by shipping lines' "voluntary actions" to stop flows coupled with an official entry ban for Chinese ships. The likes of A123 could become consensus very quickly by propaganda, even if that results in massive material shortages in the medium run.

    Yevardian:


    Cheap manufacturing for western companies will be reorientated to India or South America, far more incompetent or unstable regions, with an accomponying rise in costs of goods. Food shortages in Middle-East could lead to another migrant crisis too.
    Overall the world as a whole will become noticably poorer, except for China.
     
    China will also stagnate due to the end of FDI and tech flows. But I assume all those crises everywhere can be brushed over with enough propaganda on the woke level.

    4B Africans won't happen because of low carrying capacity. They'll pour out into the West first.

    Replies: @LondonBob

    Notice China did their zero covid thing in Shenzhen and shut it down, basically a hoax to justify supply chain disruption to the West, like Russians pausing gas flows.

    Anyway looking at oil I expect a peace deal soon. Looking at various financial indicators a financial crisis worse than 2008 looks guaranteed anyway. The US is in far too much trouble enforce anew trade war, they even failed in their one on Russia.

    • Disagree: Yellowface Anon
    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @LondonBob

    We HK has been shut down for months while most other countries are genuinely opening up after the Omicron "wave". SZ's shutdown is 100% because of HK's gov't letting some +ve leak out into SZ, maybe tactically.

    They haven't failed to exclude the vast Russian masses from the Western economic-cultural sphere, but I assume they will ultimately be healthier outside. They can deal some damage to China but we'll all adapt. A price to pay for the 2nd stage of the Great Reset.

  309. Sanctions on Russia won’t go away even if Putin’s gone – they want to strip-mine Russia demographically, like Cuba and Syria, by making lives as intolerable as possible. Same with China.

  310. @LondonBob
    @Yellowface Anon

    Notice China did their zero covid thing in Shenzhen and shut it down, basically a hoax to justify supply chain disruption to the West, like Russians pausing gas flows.

    Anyway looking at oil I expect a peace deal soon. Looking at various financial indicators a financial crisis worse than 2008 looks guaranteed anyway. The US is in far too much trouble enforce anew trade war, they even failed in their one on Russia.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    We HK has been shut down for months while most other countries are genuinely opening up after the Omicron “wave”. SZ’s shutdown is 100% because of HK’s gov’t letting some +ve leak out into SZ, maybe tactically.

    They haven’t failed to exclude the vast Russian masses from the Western economic-cultural sphere, but I assume they will ultimately be healthier outside. They can deal some damage to China but we’ll all adapt. A price to pay for the 2nd stage of the Great Reset.

  311. @Triteleia Laxa
    @Anatoly Karlin

    I'm glad you enjoyed my scenario in the other comment, but your soace-faring piece was a bit half-hearted. The only thing that looks like it harmonising with India soon is your development level, in the direction of theirs.

    As for this comment of yours, the lack of those two things you identify just means that Putin doesn't have the will to "win."

    This is good, because "winning" would be losing awfully in the long-run, as per the scenario I laid out.

    If this stuff really doesn't happen then I guess we'll get a negotiated solution as soon as Wednesday, because you're not even winning the easy part of the war (the invasion and field battles.) You still have the difficult part to go (conquering cities.) And the impossible part (pacifying Ukraine.) You seem to have no theatre reserve, no other troops to call in and you're attriting fast. You are on multiple axes, stretched thin, and having your supply lines hit. Meanwhile, the population in the few places you have "secured" is already having minor riots against your goons. This bodes very badly for you. Every day you stay there, is a day you're even less welcome.

    Other than an already nascent insurgency, I'd also worry about those vehicles up around Kyiv. It doesn't seem like they are being sustained in the field. You might be facing a mass surrender, which could lead to a withdrawal under fire on other axes and disaster.

    Perhaps you'll advoid this as you seem to have adopted yet another strategy. This is of sitting where you shove reached and blowing up civilians with artillery. The problem with this is that it doesn't gain you anything. It just adds to your blood debt. Yes, it will slow the shockingly fast degradation of your forces, but it isn't risk free and it achieves nothing. It also invites eventual true NATO intervention, and you must now know that the Russian military would be completely helpless in that scenario.

    In other words, the Russian forces have still yet to achieve anything that matters. They have only advanced into positions where they are much more vulnerable, suffered horrendous casualties to their most motivated troops and seen Ukrainian forces surge in manpower, equipment and morale.

    I could not imagine how it could be going worse.

    I still think the negotiated position I outlined at the beginning of the Russian invasion is the best result for everyone, but I less and less see why Ukrainians would agree. Have we seen an organised military that is more committed to its course in decades? I don't think so. They seem extremely willing to fight until they win, and they will eventually win, because they live there and Russians do not. The only question is how much damage is done to Russia, her military, her economy and, most importantly, her society and spirit in the meantime.

    Some US politician or someone said, long before the war, that Russia would get what it wants in Ukraine because it cares so much more about Ukraine than the US did. That sounded very convincing at the time, but the truth is that the people who really care about Ukraine, much, much more than the Russians, are the Ukrainians.

    As soon as that became obvious, Putin should have found a way out. And this is why war has changed. I thought Russia, of all places, had realised this change. Perhaps your government has, but is just panicked in its incompetence?

    Anyway, sorry about the black pill, but it'll be ok. Russia is now the antagonist in the Ukrainian Great Patriotic War, however with certain manouvres it can be Putinists in that role and Russians as having undergone a journey and been redeemed. It is possible.



    How's the invasion truly going? Looks like Ukraine is not even losing territory so much as using a little of their depth for defence, just as they should.

    https://twitter.com/War_Mapper/status/1503401312754577408?t=ec7PtxcS1xUCPrZQ97l-Jw&s=19

    Also, will most Russians abroad now pretend to be Ukrainian? Forever?

    Replies: @sher singh, @Brás Cubas

  312. German_reader says:
    @utu
    @Thulean Friend

    "the only clear winner from this conflict has been China" - We are the winners because we will be united from now on w/o Russian interference. Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia. The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed. And even the traditional roles of men and women will be restored which always happens during wars where men go to fight to protect their women and children just as Ukrainians do. On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.

    Obviously Russia will be the greatest loser. Isolated. Reduced to providing minerals and food cheaply to China.

    And for China it is a mixed bag. It will gain cheap resources form Russia but on the other hand it must recognize the true formidable strength of the West and will have to reconcile with the idea that getting Taiwan back will not be possible.

    Replies: @utu, @Yevardian, @German_reader, @Brás Cubas, @A123

    . Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia.

    lol, because “American leadership” has had such a fantastic record over the last 30 years.
    And the “fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia” (as opposed to business relationships, promoted not least in the probably naive belief that they would give Russia a stake in the existing order and restrain her) were never anything more than the rantings of completely impotent German right-wingers on the net.
    There also isn’t any real debate about a return to nuclear power in Germany so far. I think the deluded establishment will go on with their Energiewende project, leading to black-outs and rendering German industry uncompetitive.
    Anyway, you sound like a mirror image of Karlin in your optimism. Probably just as misplaced.

    • Replies: @utu
    @German_reader

    You make many mistakes when parsing political and social reality. Chiefly because of your neurotic depressive state that is unrelated to the objective reality around you. One of your mistakes is that you underestimate what is unseen and unsaid in the politics and take at face values everything what is being discussed and reported in media. You must accept that Germany has its deep state that has its doctrine concerning Germany's future that can't be publicly elucidated in particular when it is in some conflict to treaties and international obligations. So obviously the "rantings of completely impotent German right-wingers" will be discounted and the main stream media will ignore them and ridicule them but unknowingly to those right-wingers some of their pronouncements may actually be partially true even if by pure accident. What you called "in the probably naive belief " is probably true for most of the actors engaged in the process of propping up Russia but there was more no so naive motivations by those who set long term policies and opened the door for the 'naive' to act. And then there are agents of influence working on the behalf of Russia. What if the secretive and hidden German "deep state" is thoroughly penetrated by Russian agents or at least partially and there is an ongoing unseen fight between them and the pro American faction?

    The phrase "mirror image of Karlin" that you keep returning to at first is irritating but on the the second thought it might be true in that sense that I am motivated by doing something just like Karlin unlike you who is a passive aggressive malcontent. Unlike Karlin I do not seek wars and conquests for anybody and by anybody but if the evil doer like Karlin provides an opportunity and necessity to fight evil by making a first move I seek opportunities for good that the fight in the Just War provides. This my appear to you as optimistic but optimism for a neurotic depressive passive aggressive malcontent seems to be threatening so when you use that term it sound like an epithet and invective.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Dmitry

  313. sher singh says:
    @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    By the way, all the moral exegesis of what we did in the past is pointless in and of itself. Individuals don't inherit blood guilt. But the reason it's done is just as a political tool, and to be able to attack us. That's why I said I will not apologize for strength. The only reason an apology is demanded is to be able to drag you through the mud. It's usually demanded out of resentment.

    The Lybia/Serbia case is modern example, this is all far more complicated than Kremlin shills make it out to be. Yet the point is simply not to have a real discussion about complicated countries. It's to have a hammer to paint the West as uniquely evil. Serbia was such a poor little victim if you read what they say.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Beckow

    Classic Western bs of switching between We when it comes time to take credit, and I for guilt.
    National identities & states do bear collective guilt. You’ll pay for it, :shrug:

    It’s not a threat or a promise, simply demographic reality.
    The West is uniquely evil, and being a boomer you don’t understand that most of the West agrees.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    • Replies: @Coconuts
    @sher singh


    National identities & states do bear collective guilt. You’ll pay for it, :shrug:

    It’s not a threat or a promise, simply demographic reality.

     

    This is only within Western Liberal Democracy and the kind of underlying belief in race essentialism that is common in Anglo countries.

    You seem to understand that within this system this issue has little to do with morality as such, ethnic groups decide what is good or evil in line with their perception of their interests. The larger ethnic groups can impose their definitions by weight of numbers if they retain cohesion.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @sher singh

  314. German_reader says:

    An emblematic story from modern Germany:
    https://jungefreiheit.de/kultur/gesellschaft/2022/ukrainerin-vergewaltigt/

    18-year old Ukrainian woman flees to Germany…and is raped almost immediately by a Nigerian and an Iraqi.
    And it seems like those bastards might have pretended to be refugees from Ukraine themselves (police apparently found a Ukrainian passport with one of them).

    • Agree: A123
    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @German_reader

    It's all so tiresome

    , @A123
    @German_reader


    An emblematic story from modern Germany:
    https://jungefreiheit.de/kultur/gesellschaft/2022/ukrainerin-vergewaltigt/

    18-year old Ukrainian woman flees to Germany…and is raped almost immediately by a Nigerian and an Iraqi.
    And it seems like those bastards might have pretended to be refugees from Ukraine themselves (police apparently found a Ukrainian passport with one of them).
     
    Expect to hear this type of story frequently. The number of rape-ugees arriving via Ukraine is huge: (1)

    A significant minority of refugees arriving in France who claim to have fled the Russo-Ukrainian conflict are not Ukrainian, with many originating from Africa and the Middle East, according to information published by French newspaper, Le Figaro.

    However, many of those arriving through official channels and being identified by the authorities are non-Ukrainian, with Le Figaro reporting that as many as 30 percent are migrants of other nationalities.
    ...
    Conservative presidential candidate Éric Zemmour has claimed it is right for Ukrainian refugees with French familial links to receive temporary visas to reside in the country.

    “If they have ties to France, if they have family in France … let’s give them visas,” Zemmour told BFM TV.

    When questioned why he supported such a move given his historically strong position on stricter immigration, Zemmour insisted it is a “question of assimilation.”

    “There are people who are like us and people who [are] unlike us,” the conservative populist noted. “Everybody now understands that Arab or Muslim immigrants are too unlike us and that it is harder and harder to integrate them.”

    “We are closer to Christian Europeans,” he added
     
    The importation of Muslims is a Feature, Not a Bug.

    Zemmour makes an excellent point. The ability to assimilate is key. Having a different standard for Christians with French relatives is merely realistic.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://rmx.news/france/1-out-of-3-refugees-arriving-in-france-from-ukraine-arent-ukrainian/
  315. @German_reader
    An emblematic story from modern Germany:
    https://jungefreiheit.de/kultur/gesellschaft/2022/ukrainerin-vergewaltigt/

    18-year old Ukrainian woman flees to Germany...and is raped almost immediately by a Nigerian and an Iraqi.
    And it seems like those bastards might have pretended to be refugees from Ukraine themselves (police apparently found a Ukrainian passport with one of them).

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @A123

    It’s all so tiresome

  316. @utu
    @Thulean Friend

    "the only clear winner from this conflict has been China" - We are the winners because we will be united from now on w/o Russian interference. Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia. The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed. And even the traditional roles of men and women will be restored which always happens during wars where men go to fight to protect their women and children just as Ukrainians do. On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.

    Obviously Russia will be the greatest loser. Isolated. Reduced to providing minerals and food cheaply to China.

    And for China it is a mixed bag. It will gain cheap resources form Russia but on the other hand it must recognize the true formidable strength of the West and will have to reconcile with the idea that getting Taiwan back will not be possible.

    Replies: @utu, @Yevardian, @German_reader, @Brás Cubas, @A123

    I see now how the world works. Democracy is totally the best system, but it will not work by itself. People will get silly ideas from the internet (some of them fed by nondemocracies!), will become disruptive, discontented, dysfunctional, bored.
    So we need an extra ingredient in that recipe. And that ingredient is War. War is the magical ingredient that makes Democracy the perfect system.

    • LOL: Yellowface Anon
    • Replies: @utu
    @Brás Cubas

    You are obviously insincere and probably ticked off by the fact that "we" will win. And whether you use a label "democracy" to "we" is irrelevant. What is important "we" is actually we. There are many snipers down there in Brazil but their accuracy when sniping against the West they pretend to be not a part of is usually not very good. The most famous one is Pepe Escobar who by now must have mastered how to speak and eat while sucking Putin's and Xi's dicks at the same time.

    Replies: @Brás Cubas

    , @Brás Cubas
    @Brás Cubas

    If it's a war by proxy, better yet!

    , @sudden death
    @Brás Cubas

    Does it mean Putler is another one greatly magnificient crypto-democrat, just like Hitler was? ;)

    Replies: @Brás Cubas

  317. @German_reader
    @utu


    . Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia.
     
    lol, because "American leadership" has had such a fantastic record over the last 30 years.
    And the "fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia" (as opposed to business relationships, promoted not least in the probably naive belief that they would give Russia a stake in the existing order and restrain her) were never anything more than the rantings of completely impotent German right-wingers on the net.
    There also isn't any real debate about a return to nuclear power in Germany so far. I think the deluded establishment will go on with their Energiewende project, leading to black-outs and rendering German industry uncompetitive.
    Anyway, you sound like a mirror image of Karlin in your optimism. Probably just as misplaced.

    Replies: @utu

    You make many mistakes when parsing political and social reality. Chiefly because of your neurotic depressive state that is unrelated to the objective reality around you. One of your mistakes is that you underestimate what is unseen and unsaid in the politics and take at face values everything what is being discussed and reported in media. You must accept that Germany has its deep state that has its doctrine concerning Germany’s future that can’t be publicly elucidated in particular when it is in some conflict to treaties and international obligations. So obviously the “rantings of completely impotent German right-wingers” will be discounted and the main stream media will ignore them and ridicule them but unknowingly to those right-wingers some of their pronouncements may actually be partially true even if by pure accident. What you called “in the probably naive belief ” is probably true for most of the actors engaged in the process of propping up Russia but there was more no so naive motivations by those who set long term policies and opened the door for the ‘naive’ to act. And then there are agents of influence working on the behalf of Russia. What if the secretive and hidden German “deep state” is thoroughly penetrated by Russian agents or at least partially and there is an ongoing unseen fight between them and the pro American faction?

    The phrase “mirror image of Karlin” that you keep returning to at first is irritating but on the the second thought it might be true in that sense that I am motivated by doing something just like Karlin unlike you who is a passive aggressive malcontent. Unlike Karlin I do not seek wars and conquests for anybody and by anybody but if the evil doer like Karlin provides an opportunity and necessity to fight evil by making a first move I seek opportunities for good that the fight in the Just War provides. This my appear to you as optimistic but optimism for a neurotic depressive passive aggressive malcontent seems to be threatening so when you use that term it sound like an epithet and invective.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @utu


    What if the secretive and hidden German “deep state” is thoroughly penetrated by Russian agents or at least partially and there is an ongoing unseen fight between them and the pro American faction?
     
    There could also be an unseen fight between agents of the lizard people and agents of the Martians. And you'd be just as qualified to comment on that.
    The issue with many of your comments is that they're nothing but pure speculation.

    I seek opportunities for good that the fight in the Just War provides.
     
    You write comments on UR, which have zero effect on anything beyond this website.
    But that's probably for the best, at least you're not doing any harm.

    Replies: @songbird, @basilIII

    , @Dmitry
    @utu


    necessity to fight evil
     
    With apologies, for writing obvious things, we are all zeroes here, writing opinion on the most obscure internet forum that exists, with about 10 other people, with no important people could accidentally find.

    I'm not saying we are zeroes as people, or that our life has no importance. But relative to international news, of course, our causal powers are close to zero.

    You know this as you are one of the people who understands numbers and logic. German Reader is one citizen, in a country with 84 million people (https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/germany-population).

    But even in democracy like Germany, for people without political connections, this is their extent of political power.

    The difference between 1 and 84,236,156 people is so crazy.

    If you talked to a German citizen about politics for ten minutes each, working for 12 hours per day, 365 days per year - you would have talked to all currently living Germans after over 3300 years. It will only be a short work, like the time between now and when they built Great Pyramids in Giza.

    Replies: @AaronB

  318. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    If you were in the Roman empire, ancient Greece, or early modern Europe, and you got your people to embrace pacifism, you would have been wiped out very quickly. It just wasn't an option.

    The people in the East that we colonized mostly just lived on with the same lives they had always lived. When they were strong enough they kicked us out, good for them. But if there's a sort of international anarchy, I'm not going to apologize that my ancestors simply did what everyone would have done if they had all the power. Living under these empires was humiliating for the up-and-coming nationalist elite (of course studying at Western universities) but otherwise just not that terrible.


    Iraq, Libya, Serbia etc… – it is different, it is for virtue
     
    Of course not, as with every war that's supposedly 'good' it was all hypocritical through and through and laced with a good deal of power politics. The regimes themselves usually had it coming, but most of these bombing campaigns were fought with a complete disregard for civilian targets. Whether or not fighting these wars was strategically sound (the more important question) is a different debate.

    The ‘of course‘ in that statement is precious
     
    Yes, clearly most countries are no longer trying to literally colonize each other. For multiple reasons: there is some attempt at international law; most people are more prosperous and soft, especially the West; and trying to colonize would now be either unsuccesful or come at immense cost. 'Of course' a lot has changed in politics from 1600 to 2000, noticing some objective changes has nothing to do with wokeness. What would be a fair counter-argument is simply pointing out that everything just seems different because of Americas unipolar moment, and the exact same domineering is coming back (or never left). Fair enough. But it has nothing to do with wokeness or 'virtue' to notice that the costs of colonialism would really outstrip the benefits nowadays.

    Who does? How do they behave normally? Do you mean they have better PR when they invade, bomb and control others? Was Tony Blair normal, was Bush?
     
    Both America and Russia behave much more aggressively than normal countries. Should America be called imperialistic... well that's a hard discussion.


    P.S. If we're talking not just about the East, but our settler colonialism and slavery in the West, I see all that as much more evil. I guess that's very woke of me.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    Both America and Russia behave much more aggressively than normal countries. Should America be called imperialistic… well that’s a hard discussion.

    No it’s not. Manifest destiny. They even teach it to school kids.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Emil Nikola Richard

    Manifest destiny is seen as an evil colonial idea in America, nowadays.

    Problem is that empires are generally seen as inherently multi-ethnic, not democratic, and somehow different from nation-states. America was for much of its existence a pretty flat, nationalist society. Interestingly, annexing Mexico in its entirety after the Mexican war was blocked by racists that did not want to burden America with ruling over more non-whites. Now that America is rapidly becoming a new Brazil, and its democracy seems to be degrading, it would seem to come much closer to an empire as classically conceived.

    By the way, I don't think manifest destiny is the best example of imperialism, I'd prefer something like the Monroe Doctrine. I don't think having an expansionist nation is the same as imperialism, although you can call discussions like these hairsplitting or pedantic.

    If we say that America is an empire, it's an interesting discussion, because then it's the ultimate 'empire in denial'. That is to say, an empire that wages criminal imperialistic wars in the name of self-determination and human rights- allegedly to save the people it is occupying. It's a very unique beast.

    I have to say, afaik there is no clear or generally accepted definition on what imperialism is exactly. I tend to stick with: "multi-ethnic, not democratic, and somehow different from nation-states" as this is what historians use

    btw I always wondered myself if calling America an 'empire' really adds much to our understanding or merely obfuscates things we know already (like America being agressive, hypocritical, arrogant...)

  319. @Triteleia Laxa
    @Anatoly Karlin

    I'm glad you enjoyed my scenario in the other comment, but your soace-faring piece was a bit half-hearted. The only thing that looks like it harmonising with India soon is your development level, in the direction of theirs.

    As for this comment of yours, the lack of those two things you identify just means that Putin doesn't have the will to "win."

    This is good, because "winning" would be losing awfully in the long-run, as per the scenario I laid out.

    If this stuff really doesn't happen then I guess we'll get a negotiated solution as soon as Wednesday, because you're not even winning the easy part of the war (the invasion and field battles.) You still have the difficult part to go (conquering cities.) And the impossible part (pacifying Ukraine.) You seem to have no theatre reserve, no other troops to call in and you're attriting fast. You are on multiple axes, stretched thin, and having your supply lines hit. Meanwhile, the population in the few places you have "secured" is already having minor riots against your goons. This bodes very badly for you. Every day you stay there, is a day you're even less welcome.

    Other than an already nascent insurgency, I'd also worry about those vehicles up around Kyiv. It doesn't seem like they are being sustained in the field. You might be facing a mass surrender, which could lead to a withdrawal under fire on other axes and disaster.

    Perhaps you'll advoid this as you seem to have adopted yet another strategy. This is of sitting where you shove reached and blowing up civilians with artillery. The problem with this is that it doesn't gain you anything. It just adds to your blood debt. Yes, it will slow the shockingly fast degradation of your forces, but it isn't risk free and it achieves nothing. It also invites eventual true NATO intervention, and you must now know that the Russian military would be completely helpless in that scenario.

    In other words, the Russian forces have still yet to achieve anything that matters. They have only advanced into positions where they are much more vulnerable, suffered horrendous casualties to their most motivated troops and seen Ukrainian forces surge in manpower, equipment and morale.

    I could not imagine how it could be going worse.

    I still think the negotiated position I outlined at the beginning of the Russian invasion is the best result for everyone, but I less and less see why Ukrainians would agree. Have we seen an organised military that is more committed to its course in decades? I don't think so. They seem extremely willing to fight until they win, and they will eventually win, because they live there and Russians do not. The only question is how much damage is done to Russia, her military, her economy and, most importantly, her society and spirit in the meantime.

    Some US politician or someone said, long before the war, that Russia would get what it wants in Ukraine because it cares so much more about Ukraine than the US did. That sounded very convincing at the time, but the truth is that the people who really care about Ukraine, much, much more than the Russians, are the Ukrainians.

    As soon as that became obvious, Putin should have found a way out. And this is why war has changed. I thought Russia, of all places, had realised this change. Perhaps your government has, but is just panicked in its incompetence?

    Anyway, sorry about the black pill, but it'll be ok. Russia is now the antagonist in the Ukrainian Great Patriotic War, however with certain manouvres it can be Putinists in that role and Russians as having undergone a journey and been redeemed. It is possible.



    How's the invasion truly going? Looks like Ukraine is not even losing territory so much as using a little of their depth for defence, just as they should.

    https://twitter.com/War_Mapper/status/1503401312754577408?t=ec7PtxcS1xUCPrZQ97l-Jw&s=19

    Also, will most Russians abroad now pretend to be Ukrainian? Forever?

    Replies: @sher singh, @Brás Cubas

    Some US politician or someone said, long before the war, that Russia would get what it wants in Ukraine because it cares so much more about Ukraine than the US did.

    The US does not care about Ukraine per se. It cares about Russia. Ukraine is just a bait. Having NATO in Ukraine would mean to expand the empire in a small way, but weakening Putin by dragging him to a war which eventually may force him to resign, or make internal concessions, means expanding the empire in a big way. Why think small when you can think big?

    • Replies: @Levtraro
    @Brás Cubas


    Having NATO in Ukraine would mean to expand the empire in a small way, ...
     
    Not really, It means a significant advantage under the first strike nuclear war policy.

    Replies: @Brás Cubas

  320. @Brás Cubas
    @utu

    I see now how the world works. Democracy is totally the best system, but it will not work by itself. People will get silly ideas from the internet (some of them fed by nondemocracies!), will become disruptive, discontented, dysfunctional, bored.
    So we need an extra ingredient in that recipe. And that ingredient is War. War is the magical ingredient that makes Democracy the perfect system.

    Replies: @utu, @Brás Cubas, @sudden death

    You are obviously insincere and probably ticked off by the fact that “we” will win. And whether you use a label “democracy” to “we” is irrelevant. What is important “we” is actually we. There are many snipers down there in Brazil but their accuracy when sniping against the West they pretend to be not a part of is usually not very good. The most famous one is Pepe Escobar who by now must have mastered how to speak and eat while sucking Putin’s and Xi’s dicks at the same time.

    • Replies: @Brás Cubas
    @utu

    That's right. I live in Brazil, and have no loyalties to either the U.S.-EU or China-Russia. I do have a concern about planet Earth, though. I don't understand what sincerity has to do with my comment. It's either correct or not.

  321. @Brás Cubas
    @utu

    I see now how the world works. Democracy is totally the best system, but it will not work by itself. People will get silly ideas from the internet (some of them fed by nondemocracies!), will become disruptive, discontented, dysfunctional, bored.
    So we need an extra ingredient in that recipe. And that ingredient is War. War is the magical ingredient that makes Democracy the perfect system.

    Replies: @utu, @Brás Cubas, @sudden death

    If it’s a war by proxy, better yet!

  322. @Emil Nikola Richard
    @HenryBaker


    Both America and Russia behave much more aggressively than normal countries. Should America be called imperialistic… well that’s a hard discussion.
     
    No it's not. Manifest destiny. They even teach it to school kids.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Manifest destiny is seen as an evil colonial idea in America, nowadays.

    Problem is that empires are generally seen as inherently multi-ethnic, not democratic, and somehow different from nation-states. America was for much of its existence a pretty flat, nationalist society. Interestingly, annexing Mexico in its entirety after the Mexican war was blocked by racists that did not want to burden America with ruling over more non-whites. Now that America is rapidly becoming a new Brazil, and its democracy seems to be degrading, it would seem to come much closer to an empire as classically conceived.

    By the way, I don’t think manifest destiny is the best example of imperialism, I’d prefer something like the Monroe Doctrine. I don’t think having an expansionist nation is the same as imperialism, although you can call discussions like these hairsplitting or pedantic.

    If we say that America is an empire, it’s an interesting discussion, because then it’s the ultimate ’empire in denial’. That is to say, an empire that wages criminal imperialistic wars in the name of self-determination and human rights- allegedly to save the people it is occupying. It’s a very unique beast.

    I have to say, afaik there is no clear or generally accepted definition on what imperialism is exactly. I tend to stick with: “multi-ethnic, not democratic, and somehow different from nation-states” as this is what historians use

    btw I always wondered myself if calling America an ’empire’ really adds much to our understanding or merely obfuscates things we know already (like America being agressive, hypocritical, arrogant…)

  323. Remember the pro-Russians who were insisting that Kiev is surrounded?

    It is so surrounded that the PMs of Poland, Czechia and Slovenia are coming to Kiev to meet with Zelensky in person. About 3 weeks after Russia invaded.

    Shock and disbelief.

    [MORE]

    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @AP

    How are they traveling? Is the Kiev airport open?

    Replies: @AP

  324. @AP
    Remember the pro-Russians who were insisting that Kiev is surrounded?

    It is so surrounded that the PMs of Poland, Czechia and Slovenia are coming to Kiev to meet with Zelensky in person. About 3 weeks after Russia invaded.

    Shock and disbelief.

    https://twitter.com/beaking_news/status/1503646643417190400?s=21

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    How are they traveling? Is the Kiev airport open?

    • Replies: @AP
    @Emil Nikola Richard

    Probably by train. Flying in is dangerous, but south of the city is wide open and clear. The Russians have moved to the outskirts in the NW (where they have now been pushed back slightly) and the East.

  325. A123 says: • Website
    @utu
    @Thulean Friend

    "the only clear winner from this conflict has been China" - We are the winners because we will be united from now on w/o Russian interference. Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia. The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed. And even the traditional roles of men and women will be restored which always happens during wars where men go to fight to protect their women and children just as Ukrainians do. On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.

    Obviously Russia will be the greatest loser. Isolated. Reduced to providing minerals and food cheaply to China.

    And for China it is a mixed bag. It will gain cheap resources form Russia but on the other hand it must recognize the true formidable strength of the West and will have to reconcile with the idea that getting Taiwan back will not be possible.

    Replies: @utu, @Yevardian, @German_reader, @Brás Cubas, @A123

    Germany will embrace NATO and recognize American leadership (they have already made an order for F-35) nad stop the fantasies of Great Germany in tandem with Russia. The idiocy of green energy will be dropped and nuclear energy will go at full speed.

    The Traffic Light coalition still contains the Green party. Blowing up the coalition today does not serve their interests, however they will never let Scholz reverse anti nuclear policy.

    The F-35 “announcement” is missing critical details. While the Scholz administration sounds good, there are multiple reasons to believe it will never happen. Chances are it will fall apart before a deal that includes price & date is signed. Another complication exists. There is no available delivery compatible with retaining the U.S. provided nuclear weapons. The Tornados have a maximum life of 2030, and the first available F-35 date is beyond that.

    On Polish Ukrainian border there is a flow of women and children in one direction and men in the opposite direction. Wokeness will take a hit.

    The first group of men going the opposite direction were just blown up. The survivors are fleeing back across the Polish border. Alas, backbone cannot be regained in a day.

    Long term, a return to traditional Judeo-Christian values will happen. However, it will not be in time to impact the current battle in Ukraine. The minimum requirement for such a return is De-Islamification. France and Italy are on a promising trajectory towards rejecting the false prophet and reclaiming their Christian heritage.

    PEACE 😇

  326. @AP
    @Commentator Mike


    Some are talking about Poland absorbing Galicia. How can that be? The Galicians hate Poles and were massacring them during WWII.
     
    Is there anything you are not wrong about when it comes to Ukraine?

    Galicians hated Poles back when the Poles claimed Galicia and tried to own it. Poles no longer do so, as a result Galicians (like other Ukrainians) live them.

    But the rage Galicians had towards Poles is now applied towards Russia. And it is shared by people in Kiev and even many in Kharkiv, who have also been victims of Russian bombs. Good luck trying to occupy those territories.

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    Thanks for clarifying. So enemies can turn into friends and vice versa. Ok … But … Why did the Ukrainians let Jews run everything at the top of their country? And what did they expect by allowing this other than to have their country destroyed and cities turned to rubble? It’s all great hating Russians, shouting you’re pro Ukraine, pro Ukrainian, but what does it even mean when you look and see who has been running that country since it went independent after the USSR? Anyway, I think the Russians will get back their old capital of Kiev and won’t ever relinquish it again no matter what, Jews or no Jews at the helm of a rump Ukraine, if even that. Anyway I’ve got nothing against Ukrainians; I probably like them as people more than Russians but this is a bigger conflict between Russia and NATO and Ukraine got in the way, chose the wrong side, and is paying the price.

    • Replies: @Svidomyatheart
    @Commentator Mike

    Look

    Russians were going to invade with or without Jews regardless. They've had designs on us since the 90s

    I know t..I know they're posting things like this.

    https://twitter.com/natsechobbyist/status/1502442741954842627


    Again how do I know Zelenskyy is acting in good faith or just trying to drag it through for more casualties because his other handlers want more carnage and scorched earth? Who knows. Then there's the eerie stuff like this.

    https://twitter.com/remnantposting/status/1503535857780858882

    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly when it comes international relations


    But...regardless...Russians attacked us we didnt attack them. People say " bbut Russians are fighting globohomo proxy war"..except Russia doesnt have a 3-4 TFR and its HIV is Africa tier so how exactly are they NOT globohomo

    Replies: @AP, @Commentator Mike, @Mr. Hack

  327. @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    Classic Western bs of switching between We when it comes time to take credit, and I for guilt.
    National identities & states do bear collective guilt. You'll pay for it, :shrug:

    It's not a threat or a promise, simply demographic reality.
    The West is uniquely evil, and being a boomer you don't understand that most of the West agrees.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Coconuts

    National identities & states do bear collective guilt. You’ll pay for it, :shrug:

    It’s not a threat or a promise, simply demographic reality.

    This is only within Western Liberal Democracy and the kind of underlying belief in race essentialism that is common in Anglo countries.

    You seem to understand that within this system this issue has little to do with morality as such, ethnic groups decide what is good or evil in line with their perception of their interests. The larger ethnic groups can impose their definitions by weight of numbers if they retain cohesion.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Coconuts

    The great nations of South Asia would never do anything that smacks of 'race essentialism' of course... That's just something the West does.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971_Bangladesh_genocide#Violence_against_women


    After the elimination or exile of Hindus, their property was going to be shared among middle class Muslims.[143] According to Colonel Naim, Hindus "undermined the Muslim masses." He said Bengali culture to a great extent was Hindu culture, and "We have to sort them out to restore the land to the people."[144] In April 1971 at Comilla, Major Rathore said to Anthony Mascarenhas, regarding Hindus: "Now under the cover of fighting we have an excellent opportunity of finishing them off. [...] Of course [...], we are only killing the Hindu men. We are soldiers, not cowards like the rebels."[145]
     

    Hindu women used to be killed after being raped and Bengali Muslim women left alive to give birth to "pure" Muslims.[124]
     

    I saw Hindus, hunted from village to village and door to door, shot off-hand after a cursory 'short-arm inspection' showed they were uncircumcised. I have heard the screams of men bludgeoned to death in the compound of the Circuit House (civil administrative headquarters) in Comilla. I have seen truckloads of other human targets and those who had the humanity to try to help them hauled off 'for disposal' under the cover of darkness and curfew."[68]
     
    "The genocide and gendercidal atrocities were also perpetrated by lower-ranking officers and ordinary soldiers. These "willing executioners" were fueled by an abiding anti-Bengali racism, especially against the Hindu minority. "Bengalis were often compared with monkeys and chickens. Said General Niazi, 'It was a low lying land of low lying people.' The Hindus among the Bengalis were as Jews to the Nazis: scum and vermin that [should] best be exterminated. As to the Moslem Bengalis, they were to live only on the sufferance of the soldiers: any infraction, any suspicion cast on them, any need for reprisal, could mean their death. And the soldiers were free to kill at will. The journalist Dan Coggin quoted one Pakistani captain as telling him, "We can kill anyone for anything. We are accountable to no one." This is the arrogance of Power.[156]"

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @sher singh
    @Coconuts

    They've already lost cohesion.

  328. @Emil Nikola Richard
    @AP

    How are they traveling? Is the Kiev airport open?

    Replies: @AP

    Probably by train. Flying in is dangerous, but south of the city is wide open and clear. The Russians have moved to the outskirts in the NW (where they have now been pushed back slightly) and the East.

  329. @Coconuts
    @sher singh


    National identities & states do bear collective guilt. You’ll pay for it, :shrug:

    It’s not a threat or a promise, simply demographic reality.

     

    This is only within Western Liberal Democracy and the kind of underlying belief in race essentialism that is common in Anglo countries.

    You seem to understand that within this system this issue has little to do with morality as such, ethnic groups decide what is good or evil in line with their perception of their interests. The larger ethnic groups can impose their definitions by weight of numbers if they retain cohesion.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @sher singh

    The great nations of South Asia would never do anything that smacks of ‘race essentialism’ of course… That’s just something the West does.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971_Bangladesh_genocide#Violence_against_women

    After the elimination or exile of Hindus, their property was going to be shared among middle class Muslims.[143] According to Colonel Naim, Hindus “undermined the Muslim masses.” He said Bengali culture to a great extent was Hindu culture, and “We have to sort them out to restore the land to the people.”[144] In April 1971 at Comilla, Major Rathore said to Anthony Mascarenhas, regarding Hindus: “Now under the cover of fighting we have an excellent opportunity of finishing them off. […] Of course […], we are only killing the Hindu men. We are soldiers, not cowards like the rebels.”[145]

    Hindu women used to be killed after being raped and Bengali Muslim women left alive to give birth to “pure” Muslims.[124]

    I saw Hindus, hunted from village to village and door to door, shot off-hand after a cursory ‘short-arm inspection’ showed they were uncircumcised. I have heard the screams of men bludgeoned to death in the compound of the Circuit House (civil administrative headquarters) in Comilla. I have seen truckloads of other human targets and those who had the humanity to try to help them hauled off ‘for disposal’ under the cover of darkness and curfew.”[68]

    “The genocide and gendercidal atrocities were also perpetrated by lower-ranking officers and ordinary soldiers. These “willing executioners” were fueled by an abiding anti-Bengali racism, especially against the Hindu minority. “Bengalis were often compared with monkeys and chickens. Said General Niazi, ‘It was a low lying land of low lying people.’ The Hindus among the Bengalis were as Jews to the Nazis: scum and vermin that [should] best be exterminated. As to the Moslem Bengalis, they were to live only on the sufferance of the soldiers: any infraction, any suspicion cast on them, any need for reprisal, could mean their death. And the soldiers were free to kill at will. The journalist Dan Coggin quoted one Pakistani captain as telling him, “We can kill anyone for anything. We are accountable to no one.” This is the arrogance of Power.[156]”

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @HenryBaker

    And let's not forget this great quote:


    Pakistani Major General Khadim Hussain Raja wrote in his book that Niazi, in presence of Bengali officers would say ‘Main iss haramzadi qom ki nasal badal doonga (I will change the race of the Bengalis)’. A witness statement to the commission read "The troops used to say that when the Commander (Lt Gen Niazi) was himself a raper (sic), how could they be stopped?".[134]
     

    Replies: @sher singh

  330. @Yevardian
    @sudden death

    I think Our Benevolent Overlord needs to add a 'WHOOSH' button.

    Replies: @songbird

    Pretty obvious sarcasm, IMO. You can see it is drawn out for emphasis: a country famous for its unrelenting resistance to, and refusal to collaborate with.

  331. @HenryBaker
    @Coconuts

    The great nations of South Asia would never do anything that smacks of 'race essentialism' of course... That's just something the West does.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971_Bangladesh_genocide#Violence_against_women


    After the elimination or exile of Hindus, their property was going to be shared among middle class Muslims.[143] According to Colonel Naim, Hindus "undermined the Muslim masses." He said Bengali culture to a great extent was Hindu culture, and "We have to sort them out to restore the land to the people."[144] In April 1971 at Comilla, Major Rathore said to Anthony Mascarenhas, regarding Hindus: "Now under the cover of fighting we have an excellent opportunity of finishing them off. [...] Of course [...], we are only killing the Hindu men. We are soldiers, not cowards like the rebels."[145]
     

    Hindu women used to be killed after being raped and Bengali Muslim women left alive to give birth to "pure" Muslims.[124]
     

    I saw Hindus, hunted from village to village and door to door, shot off-hand after a cursory 'short-arm inspection' showed they were uncircumcised. I have heard the screams of men bludgeoned to death in the compound of the Circuit House (civil administrative headquarters) in Comilla. I have seen truckloads of other human targets and those who had the humanity to try to help them hauled off 'for disposal' under the cover of darkness and curfew."[68]
     
    "The genocide and gendercidal atrocities were also perpetrated by lower-ranking officers and ordinary soldiers. These "willing executioners" were fueled by an abiding anti-Bengali racism, especially against the Hindu minority. "Bengalis were often compared with monkeys and chickens. Said General Niazi, 'It was a low lying land of low lying people.' The Hindus among the Bengalis were as Jews to the Nazis: scum and vermin that [should] best be exterminated. As to the Moslem Bengalis, they were to live only on the sufferance of the soldiers: any infraction, any suspicion cast on them, any need for reprisal, could mean their death. And the soldiers were free to kill at will. The journalist Dan Coggin quoted one Pakistani captain as telling him, "We can kill anyone for anything. We are accountable to no one." This is the arrogance of Power.[156]"

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    And let’s not forget this great quote:

    Pakistani Major General Khadim Hussain Raja wrote in his book that Niazi, in presence of Bengali officers would say ‘Main iss haramzadi qom ki nasal badal doonga (I will change the race of the Bengalis)’. A witness statement to the commission read “The troops used to say that when the Commander (Lt Gen Niazi) was himself a raper (sic), how could they be stopped?”.[134]

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    Bit rich coming from the place Pakistan got its nukes. Imagine accusing non-whites of racism in the current year TM.

    Sikhs led the counterattack in 1971, and we do believe in caste, and are against feminism. Those are white colonial terms to justify intervention as seen in Afghanistan. I've merely stated you did evil, and now you get the drawn out response. :shrug:

    Free speech, rationalism, and logic are dead in the modern post-CRT West. W/e vestiges remain is due to age structure.

    Between increased reliance on the USA, and a need to counter signal Russia it won't be minorities getting their screws turned. Post Rus-war EU will be more woke than ever.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  332. German_reader says:
    @utu
    @German_reader

    You make many mistakes when parsing political and social reality. Chiefly because of your neurotic depressive state that is unrelated to the objective reality around you. One of your mistakes is that you underestimate what is unseen and unsaid in the politics and take at face values everything what is being discussed and reported in media. You must accept that Germany has its deep state that has its doctrine concerning Germany's future that can't be publicly elucidated in particular when it is in some conflict to treaties and international obligations. So obviously the "rantings of completely impotent German right-wingers" will be discounted and the main stream media will ignore them and ridicule them but unknowingly to those right-wingers some of their pronouncements may actually be partially true even if by pure accident. What you called "in the probably naive belief " is probably true for most of the actors engaged in the process of propping up Russia but there was more no so naive motivations by those who set long term policies and opened the door for the 'naive' to act. And then there are agents of influence working on the behalf of Russia. What if the secretive and hidden German "deep state" is thoroughly penetrated by Russian agents or at least partially and there is an ongoing unseen fight between them and the pro American faction?

    The phrase "mirror image of Karlin" that you keep returning to at first is irritating but on the the second thought it might be true in that sense that I am motivated by doing something just like Karlin unlike you who is a passive aggressive malcontent. Unlike Karlin I do not seek wars and conquests for anybody and by anybody but if the evil doer like Karlin provides an opportunity and necessity to fight evil by making a first move I seek opportunities for good that the fight in the Just War provides. This my appear to you as optimistic but optimism for a neurotic depressive passive aggressive malcontent seems to be threatening so when you use that term it sound like an epithet and invective.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Dmitry

    What if the secretive and hidden German “deep state” is thoroughly penetrated by Russian agents or at least partially and there is an ongoing unseen fight between them and the pro American faction?

    There could also be an unseen fight between agents of the lizard people and agents of the Martians. And you’d be just as qualified to comment on that.
    The issue with many of your comments is that they’re nothing but pure speculation.

    I seek opportunities for good that the fight in the Just War provides.

    You write comments on UR, which have zero effect on anything beyond this website.
    But that’s probably for the best, at least you’re not doing any harm.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @German_reader

    Of all the strange, idiosyncratic ideas that I have heard on Unz, and to which I myself have tried to contribute, I find utu's idea that the German deep state is up for grabs to be the most compelling. And you have given it that extra garnish that it needed, by mentioning the Lizard People.

    It reminds me of a William Tenn story I read once, wherein Berlin was not just a den of spies for East and West, but also of different strange aliens, using human skins to spy on each other.

    Replies: @German_reader

    , @basilIII
    @German_reader

    FYI, "utu" is Polish and paranoid about and hostile to Russia and Germany. Hence the antipathy towards you and Karlin.

  333. @Commentator Mike
    @AP

    Thanks for clarifying. So enemies can turn into friends and vice versa. Ok ... But ... Why did the Ukrainians let Jews run everything at the top of their country? And what did they expect by allowing this other than to have their country destroyed and cities turned to rubble? It's all great hating Russians, shouting you're pro Ukraine, pro Ukrainian, but what does it even mean when you look and see who has been running that country since it went independent after the USSR? Anyway, I think the Russians will get back their old capital of Kiev and won't ever relinquish it again no matter what, Jews or no Jews at the helm of a rump Ukraine, if even that. Anyway I've got nothing against Ukrainians; I probably like them as people more than Russians but this is a bigger conflict between Russia and NATO and Ukraine got in the way, chose the wrong side, and is paying the price.

    Replies: @Svidomyatheart

    Look

    Russians were going to invade with or without Jews regardless. They’ve had designs on us since the 90s

    I know t..I know they’re posting things like this.

    Again how do I know Zelenskyy is acting in good faith or just trying to drag it through for more casualties because his other handlers want more carnage and scorched earth? Who knows. Then there’s the eerie stuff like this.

    https://twitter.com/remnantposting/status/1503535857780858882

    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly when it comes international relations

    But…regardless…Russians attacked us we didnt attack them. People say ” bbut Russians are fighting globohomo proxy war”..except Russia doesnt have a 3-4 TFR and its HIV is Africa tier so how exactly are they NOT globohomo

    • Replies: @AP
    @Svidomyatheart


    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly
     
    Since I am not fighting over there I have not demanded that Ukraine fight (I have no right to demand that of others), but have noted correctly that if Ukraine would be attacked it would fight back hard and would not be easily defeated. I admit I did not imagine that Putin would be stupid enough to attack, but he did and now it is playing out as I expected it would. Hopefully Ukraine wins.

    Although I am not fighting over there, I hope that my medical donations and army donations will save Ukrainian lives and take invader lives.

    IIRC you were baiting Poles, which is an incredibly stupid and ungrateful thing to do. Be better.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @Levtraro

    , @Commentator Mike
    @Svidomyatheart

    With Jews you lose.

    , @Mr. Hack
    @Svidomyatheart


    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly when it comes international relations
     
    If you had even half of AP's knowledge of history and current international affairs, you wouldn't be spurting out such unprovoked (and unsubstantiated) aspersions. And what about you? What country are you hibernating in? Why aren't you, a young man I would imagine, on the front lines fighting or helping out? Your hypocritical nonsense is not gaining you any friends at this blogsite.
  334. @Brás Cubas
    @utu

    I see now how the world works. Democracy is totally the best system, but it will not work by itself. People will get silly ideas from the internet (some of them fed by nondemocracies!), will become disruptive, discontented, dysfunctional, bored.
    So we need an extra ingredient in that recipe. And that ingredient is War. War is the magical ingredient that makes Democracy the perfect system.

    Replies: @utu, @Brás Cubas, @sudden death

    Does it mean Putler is another one greatly magnificient crypto-democrat, just like Hitler was? 😉

    • Replies: @Brás Cubas
    @sudden death

    That's a possibility. If he wins, and Russia becomes safer as a consequence, then democracy becomes more viable there, and Putin will have contributed to it. If he loses, and is forced to resign, the people may favor a more democratic successor, as a reaction to Putin and all that he stood for.

  335. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    By the way, all the moral exegesis of what we did in the past is pointless in and of itself. Individuals don't inherit blood guilt. But the reason it's done is just as a political tool, and to be able to attack us. That's why I said I will not apologize for strength. The only reason an apology is demanded is to be able to drag you through the mud. It's usually demanded out of resentment.

    The Lybia/Serbia case is modern example, this is all far more complicated than Kremlin shills make it out to be. Yet the point is simply not to have a real discussion about complicated countries. It's to have a hammer to paint the West as uniquely evil. Serbia was such a poor little victim if you read what they say.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Beckow

    … Libya/Serbia case is modern example, this is all far more complicated

    Complicated? You don’t say, so then it must be ok. I suppose Ukraine is not complicated. Maybe the problem is your simple mind. You use ‘complicated‘ when you are caught and don’t know how to respond. And the “poor little victim“, can that be applied to anyone? How about Ukraine: are they a poor little victim or did they have it coming? It is always too complicated when it suits you.

    Let me help you: NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there. Is that too complicated for you? The Western media, literati and ‘nationalists‘ cheered it on, the bombers were rewarded. Today you would like to forget it. Or you imply that it was strategically unsound. Right. As I said Euro-trash never disappoints.

    Don’t try to weasel out of it with ‘no inherited guilt‘; unless you are a small child this happened on your watch. You grudgingly semi-criticise Bush (you couldn’t bring yourself to really do it, ‘too complicated’). How about Tony Blair? the French and Germans, Spanish and Dutch, all normal to you? They all very recently bombed other countries.

    I wish you good luck with the coming battle to preserve some of the old Europe. It will be an uphill struggle. The problem is that the traditional European forces made too many compromises. You try to forget, explain it away, but keep up the eternal assault on the Euro-east where the resources are. Or you let others, your betters and in effect your rulers do it. I don’t think there is a way back, there is no trust. Get ready for your uber-liberal future..

    Sher singh is right, you will be overwhelmed both demographically and culturally. I am starting to think that you deserve it.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Beckow


    NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there.
     
    I don't think the Kosovo war was justified, but you're also leaving out some facts, most importantly that the majority of Kosovo's population were Albanians (and had been so for quite some time, I don't think the province ever had a clear Serbian majority since Serbia had acquired it in the 1912/13 Balkan wars) who clearly resented Serbian rule. If you think their striving for independence was totally unjustified, how about putting Slovakia back under Magyar rule? It's a historic province of Hungary after all, and a case could be made that Slovakia is oppressing the Hungarian minority.
    And while NATO's bombing campaign deserves condemnation and there were quite a few appalling incidents (like the bombing of the TV studio in Belgrade or the killing of civilians in trains), I think the proven number of civilian deaths is in the hundreds rather than thousands.

    Sher singh is right, you will be overwhelmed both demographically and culturally. I am starting to think that you deserve it.
     
    I don't know, aren't there demographic projections that a startlingly huge percentage (a majority?) of Slovakia might be Gypsy later in this century? So maybe you won't have much chance to gloat about the misfortune of the evil Westerners, lol.

    Replies: @Beckow

    , @Emil Nikola Richard
    @Beckow


    Sher singh is right, you will be overwhelmed both demographically and culturally.
     
    The last time I was in Amsterdam on a weekend afternoon there are large Muslim families strolling all over the place and filling up the trams.

    The German jew camps had train loads of their non-ruling class Jews in the early '40's. The Dutch handed them over as fast as they could.

    But for the time being the Netherlands is a colony of Washington/New York.

    , @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    It's impossible to discuss anything with you, as you constantly insist on putting words in my mouth. At times you even go as far as to attack the words I use and claim they must mean this or that. At home I have been accused of defending Putin multiple times simply for trying to explain that there is a geo-political context to what Russia does, and that America would react with much more force if Russia started to encroach on its own borders. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to convince you that it's not all a hive-mind.


    I suppose Ukraine is not complicated.
     
    It is. But in fact, you are the one coming up with the simplistic Kremlin story, that Russia just had to invade Ukraine because it was under threat. Whether Ukraine has any reason to feel threatened by Russia, or why it is so pro-Western, apparently does not matter because if a country is pro-Russia that is organic and good, if it's pro-Western that's just deep state shenanigans or whatever. Did you ever consider that the post-Soviet states might have some reason not to want to be part of Russias backyard- and that almost all of them want to get AWAY from Russia? Does that matter to you at all?

    How about Ukraine: are they a poor little victim or did they have it coming? It is always too complicated when it suits you.
     
    This sort of loaded question, giving me precisely two options to respond, shows how you think.

    Let me help you: NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there.
     
    Why do you people never mention the ethnic warfare there, even once? The Serbians were hardly angels. They killed many, many more civilians than we did. Of course that does not absolve us at all, but it's striking that this is never even acknowledged.

    unless you are a small child this happened on your watch.
     
    I was barely 3 at the time.

    all normal to you?
     
    being a satrapy of a great overlord is pretty normal, yeah.

    You grudgingly semi-criticise Bush (you couldn’t bring yourself to really do it, ‘too complicated’).
     
    Look, it's just never going to be good enough for you. But fwiw, it was not grudging at all, just my assessment. The Iraq War was fought based on lies and got thousands of Iraqis killed due to mismanagement and hubris. It was also fought against an agressive dictator that liked to gas minorities. People like you never mention who exactly the West fights its wars against. I guess that doesn't help when you need more foam on your mouth fantasizing about the Dutch SS executing Slovakians, or whatever it is you're on about.

    I wish you good luck with the coming battle to preserve some of the old Europe. It will be an uphill struggle. The problem is that the traditional European forces made too many compromises. You try to forget, explain it away, but keep up the eternal assault on the Euro-east where the resources are. Or you let others, your betters and in effect your rulers do it. I don’t think there is a way back, there is no trust. Get ready for your uber-liberal future..
     
    The banal truth is that most Europeans have precisely zero idea about what happens in their name, nor do they have much control over it. Btw, we already have an uber-liberal present, and we are 'being replaced' by gloating thirdies like Singh because we're allowing it to happen. Which only proves my point: at no point does us 'not being racist' or whatever give us any brownie points, it just makes others happy that we will disappear.

    Honest question: why are you guys still in the EU if you feel so assaulted? Economic reasons?

    Replies: @for-the-record, @Beckow

  336. German_reader says:
    @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    ... Libya/Serbia case is modern example, this is all far more complicated

     

    Complicated? You don't say, so then it must be ok. I suppose Ukraine is not complicated. Maybe the problem is your simple mind. You use 'complicated' when you are caught and don't know how to respond. And the "poor little victim", can that be applied to anyone? How about Ukraine: are they a poor little victim or did they have it coming? It is always too complicated when it suits you.

    Let me help you: NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there. Is that too complicated for you? The Western media, literati and 'nationalists' cheered it on, the bombers were rewarded. Today you would like to forget it. Or you imply that it was strategically unsound. Right. As I said Euro-trash never disappoints.

    Don't try to weasel out of it with 'no inherited guilt'; unless you are a small child this happened on your watch. You grudgingly semi-criticise Bush (you couldn't bring yourself to really do it, 'too complicated'). How about Tony Blair? the French and Germans, Spanish and Dutch, all normal to you? They all very recently bombed other countries.

    I wish you good luck with the coming battle to preserve some of the old Europe. It will be an uphill struggle. The problem is that the traditional European forces made too many compromises. You try to forget, explain it away, but keep up the eternal assault on the Euro-east where the resources are. Or you let others, your betters and in effect your rulers do it. I don't think there is a way back, there is no trust. Get ready for your uber-liberal future..

    Sher singh is right, you will be overwhelmed both demographically and culturally. I am starting to think that you deserve it.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Emil Nikola Richard, @HenryBaker

    NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there.

    I don’t think the Kosovo war was justified, but you’re also leaving out some facts, most importantly that the majority of Kosovo’s population were Albanians (and had been so for quite some time, I don’t think the province ever had a clear Serbian majority since Serbia had acquired it in the 1912/13 Balkan wars) who clearly resented Serbian rule. If you think their striving for independence was totally unjustified, how about putting Slovakia back under Magyar rule? It’s a historic province of Hungary after all, and a case could be made that Slovakia is oppressing the Hungarian minority.
    And while NATO’s bombing campaign deserves condemnation and there were quite a few appalling incidents (like the bombing of the TV studio in Belgrade or the killing of civilians in trains), I think the proven number of civilian deaths is in the hundreds rather than thousands.

    Sher singh is right, you will be overwhelmed both demographically and culturally. I am starting to think that you deserve it.

    I don’t know, aren’t there demographic projections that a startlingly huge percentage (a majority?) of Slovakia might be Gypsy later in this century? So maybe you won’t have much chance to gloat about the misfortune of the evil Westerners, lol.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @German_reader


    the majority of Kosovo’s population were Albanians who clearly resented Serbian rule.
     
    True. How about:

    the majority of Crimea-Donbas population were Russians who clearly resented Kiev rule.
     
    If one is true, so is the other. If it was ok (or at least unpunished) for NATO to use force, what business of ours is it to tell Russia what to do?

    And Kosovo happened first establishing a precedent. There is no way out of this dilemma - so West tries to forget, or say that it was 'complex'. Or say that they were not in favor - what does that even mean? If you can't control your own elite, why do you insist on controlling other countries? It makes no sense.

    Slovakia had a census last year, and it was very thorough (follow-up and cross-checks). In 2021 there were 7.7% Hungarians and 1.3% Roma. In spite of the effort to count each Roma, I think they under-counted - many Roma are mixed or don't want to be Roma and it is hard to tell. The police residence registration show 2.2% Roma - it could be higher, maybe up to 2.5%. They are not about to 'take over', you have been lied to be Soros's NGOs. You can live in Bratislava for a year without encountering a single Roma.

    You also couldn't combine Hungary and Slovakia today (as it was in the past), the languages are too different, incomprehensible, and Slovaks would be more than 1/3 of the population. It simply would make no sense, so you example is kind of absurd.
  337. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    ... Libya/Serbia case is modern example, this is all far more complicated

     

    Complicated? You don't say, so then it must be ok. I suppose Ukraine is not complicated. Maybe the problem is your simple mind. You use 'complicated' when you are caught and don't know how to respond. And the "poor little victim", can that be applied to anyone? How about Ukraine: are they a poor little victim or did they have it coming? It is always too complicated when it suits you.

    Let me help you: NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there. Is that too complicated for you? The Western media, literati and 'nationalists' cheered it on, the bombers were rewarded. Today you would like to forget it. Or you imply that it was strategically unsound. Right. As I said Euro-trash never disappoints.

    Don't try to weasel out of it with 'no inherited guilt'; unless you are a small child this happened on your watch. You grudgingly semi-criticise Bush (you couldn't bring yourself to really do it, 'too complicated'). How about Tony Blair? the French and Germans, Spanish and Dutch, all normal to you? They all very recently bombed other countries.

    I wish you good luck with the coming battle to preserve some of the old Europe. It will be an uphill struggle. The problem is that the traditional European forces made too many compromises. You try to forget, explain it away, but keep up the eternal assault on the Euro-east where the resources are. Or you let others, your betters and in effect your rulers do it. I don't think there is a way back, there is no trust. Get ready for your uber-liberal future..

    Sher singh is right, you will be overwhelmed both demographically and culturally. I am starting to think that you deserve it.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Emil Nikola Richard, @HenryBaker

    Sher singh is right, you will be overwhelmed both demographically and culturally.

    The last time I was in Amsterdam on a weekend afternoon there are large Muslim families strolling all over the place and filling up the trams.

    The German jew camps had train loads of their non-ruling class Jews in the early ’40’s. The Dutch handed them over as fast as they could.

    But for the time being the Netherlands is a colony of Washington/New York.

  338. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    ... Libya/Serbia case is modern example, this is all far more complicated

     

    Complicated? You don't say, so then it must be ok. I suppose Ukraine is not complicated. Maybe the problem is your simple mind. You use 'complicated' when you are caught and don't know how to respond. And the "poor little victim", can that be applied to anyone? How about Ukraine: are they a poor little victim or did they have it coming? It is always too complicated when it suits you.

    Let me help you: NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there. Is that too complicated for you? The Western media, literati and 'nationalists' cheered it on, the bombers were rewarded. Today you would like to forget it. Or you imply that it was strategically unsound. Right. As I said Euro-trash never disappoints.

    Don't try to weasel out of it with 'no inherited guilt'; unless you are a small child this happened on your watch. You grudgingly semi-criticise Bush (you couldn't bring yourself to really do it, 'too complicated'). How about Tony Blair? the French and Germans, Spanish and Dutch, all normal to you? They all very recently bombed other countries.

    I wish you good luck with the coming battle to preserve some of the old Europe. It will be an uphill struggle. The problem is that the traditional European forces made too many compromises. You try to forget, explain it away, but keep up the eternal assault on the Euro-east where the resources are. Or you let others, your betters and in effect your rulers do it. I don't think there is a way back, there is no trust. Get ready for your uber-liberal future..

    Sher singh is right, you will be overwhelmed both demographically and culturally. I am starting to think that you deserve it.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Emil Nikola Richard, @HenryBaker

    It’s impossible to discuss anything with you, as you constantly insist on putting words in my mouth. At times you even go as far as to attack the words I use and claim they must mean this or that. At home I have been accused of defending Putin multiple times simply for trying to explain that there is a geo-political context to what Russia does, and that America would react with much more force if Russia started to encroach on its own borders. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to convince you that it’s not all a hive-mind.

    I suppose Ukraine is not complicated.

    It is. But in fact, you are the one coming up with the simplistic Kremlin story, that Russia just had to invade Ukraine because it was under threat. Whether Ukraine has any reason to feel threatened by Russia, or why it is so pro-Western, apparently does not matter because if a country is pro-Russia that is organic and good, if it’s pro-Western that’s just deep state shenanigans or whatever. Did you ever consider that the post-Soviet states might have some reason not to want to be part of Russias backyard- and that almost all of them want to get AWAY from Russia? Does that matter to you at all?

    How about Ukraine: are they a poor little victim or did they have it coming? It is always too complicated when it suits you.

    This sort of loaded question, giving me precisely two options to respond, shows how you think.

    Let me help you: NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there.

    Why do you people never mention the ethnic warfare there, even once? The Serbians were hardly angels. They killed many, many more civilians than we did. Of course that does not absolve us at all, but it’s striking that this is never even acknowledged.

    unless you are a small child this happened on your watch.

    I was barely 3 at the time.

    all normal to you?

    being a satrapy of a great overlord is pretty normal, yeah.

    You grudgingly semi-criticise Bush (you couldn’t bring yourself to really do it, ‘too complicated’).

    Look, it’s just never going to be good enough for you. But fwiw, it was not grudging at all, just my assessment. The Iraq War was fought based on lies and got thousands of Iraqis killed due to mismanagement and hubris. It was also fought against an agressive dictator that liked to gas minorities. People like you never mention who exactly the West fights its wars against. I guess that doesn’t help when you need more foam on your mouth fantasizing about the Dutch SS executing Slovakians, or whatever it is you’re on about.

    I wish you good luck with the coming battle to preserve some of the old Europe. It will be an uphill struggle. The problem is that the traditional European forces made too many compromises. You try to forget, explain it away, but keep up the eternal assault on the Euro-east where the resources are. Or you let others, your betters and in effect your rulers do it. I don’t think there is a way back, there is no trust. Get ready for your uber-liberal future..

    The banal truth is that most Europeans have precisely zero idea about what happens in their name, nor do they have much control over it. Btw, we already have an uber-liberal present, and we are ‘being replaced’ by gloating thirdies like Singh because we’re allowing it to happen. Which only proves my point: at no point does us ‘not being racist’ or whatever give us any brownie points, it just makes others happy that we will disappear.

    Honest question: why are you guys still in the EU if you feel so assaulted? Economic reasons?

    • Replies: @for-the-record
    @HenryBaker

    It was also fought against an agressive dictator that liked to gas minorities. People like you never mention who exactly the West fights its wars against

    Just to recall that Iraq's initial use of gas was against Iran, with US connivance:


    It has been previously reported that the United States provided tactical intelligence to Iraq at the same time that officials suspected Hussein would use chemical weapons. But the CIA documents, which sat almost entirely unnoticed in a trove of declassified material at the National Archives in College Park, Md., combined with exclusive interviews with former intelligence officials, reveal new details about the depth of the United States’ knowledge of how and when Iraq employed the deadly agents. They show that senior U.S. officials were being regularly informed about the scale of the nerve gas attacks. They are tantamount to an official American admission of complicity in some of the most gruesome chemical weapons attacks ever launched.

    https://archive.ph/b94FI
     

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    You are I probably agree on more topics than our previous exchange would indicate. I used the words that you wrote 'complicated', 'had it coming' etc...as with all of us a few terms out of context can be misleading. But, it livens up the discussion.


    why are you guys still in the EU
     
    We get money. The bad things in EU - like migrants - have bypassed us and Brussels sends us money. Half of my friends are on some 'EU project' that they can't explain even when totally drunk. It is like a drug, our hapless eastern neighbors in Ukraine have been watching it and desperately want in on it. So far without success, in the meantime they keep on cleaning up after us, fix our roads, and dream of a day when that Brussels check will come.

    ...we already have an uber-liberal present
     
    Yes, but this is just the beginning, they have bigger plans. My point is that when this was being put together and the initial liberal military bombings were taking place in Serbia, Iraq, Libya..., most non-liberal Europeans looked for a reason to justify it. You still do it with cliches like 'no angels' and ethnic strife. There were always multiple reasons, as there are today in Ukraine. But the complexity was ignored then, why do you get offended when others dismiss it today?

    The uber-liberalism is based on a set of ideas, but without the bombing campaigns it would not become as dominant. To succeed ideologies need blood, enemies and killing in the name of virtue. The passive Europeans who let the uber-liberals kill in their name - even cheered it on - can hardly today have much credibility.

    Regarding today, I wish none of it was happening. But the attempt to take the current tragedy in isolation ignoring how we got here, ignoring the massive bombings and wars by the West very recently, ignoring what has happened in Ukraine in the last 8 years, that is a dead end.

    You question whether Russia has the right to feel threatened by NATO in Ukraine, on its borders. Maybe they are paranoid, maybe they exaggerate - but in similar circumstances Western countries would have acted much sooner. The shock we are experiencing today is partially a result of Russia waiting and being patient for a long time. But I would never presume to tell a country that lost 20 million people in WWII to some of the very same countries that are today's NATO to chill and just take it. I wish they had found a different way and that there were some adults left in Europe - but as you said Europeans are a satrapy of a great overlord, they have no agency and thus no responsibility. Forward to the uber-liberal future that at this points seems almost inevitable.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  339. AP says:
    @Svidomyatheart
    @Commentator Mike

    Look

    Russians were going to invade with or without Jews regardless. They've had designs on us since the 90s

    I know t..I know they're posting things like this.

    https://twitter.com/natsechobbyist/status/1502442741954842627


    Again how do I know Zelenskyy is acting in good faith or just trying to drag it through for more casualties because his other handlers want more carnage and scorched earth? Who knows. Then there's the eerie stuff like this.

    https://twitter.com/remnantposting/status/1503535857780858882

    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly when it comes international relations


    But...regardless...Russians attacked us we didnt attack them. People say " bbut Russians are fighting globohomo proxy war"..except Russia doesnt have a 3-4 TFR and its HIV is Africa tier so how exactly are they NOT globohomo

    Replies: @AP, @Commentator Mike, @Mr. Hack

    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly

    Since I am not fighting over there I have not demanded that Ukraine fight (I have no right to demand that of others), but have noted correctly that if Ukraine would be attacked it would fight back hard and would not be easily defeated. I admit I did not imagine that Putin would be stupid enough to attack, but he did and now it is playing out as I expected it would. Hopefully Ukraine wins.

    Although I am not fighting over there, I hope that my medical donations and army donations will save Ukrainian lives and take invader lives.

    IIRC you were baiting Poles, which is an incredibly stupid and ungrateful thing to do. Be better.

    • Replies: @LondonBob
    @AP

    You don't think a neutral Ukraine without the Donbass and Crimea is not a good deal?

    I expect most Ukrainians would go with that, and would have before the invasion let alone now, but I suspect the likes of Kholomoisky, the CIA and the headbangers wouldn't.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @AP, @Triteleia Laxa

    , @Levtraro
    @AP


    Although I am not fighting over there, I hope that my medical donations and army donations will save Ukrainian lives and take invader lives.
     
    Don't feel too bad for being a coward, for refusing to go to your country to defend it from the invaders, because most men in the West have become like you. You can feel good by simply desiring the death of the invaders with your little money and watch the war from the TV.

    Also, you are probably too old to help in way in defending your country against the invaders. Real Ukrainian men, especially the fascists, are putting up a good fight, especially in places like Mariupol. What can you do? Bring them water and food, wash their socks?

    Replies: @AP

  340. Presumably the plan was colour revolution Belarus, then Kazakhstan and then have the Ukraine attack Donbass. The colour revolution in the US being the prerequisite.

    • LOL: Yellowface Anon
    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @LondonBob

    What would be the ultimate goal then? WEF having a free hand?

    Replies: @LondonBob

  341. @AP
    @Svidomyatheart


    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly
     
    Since I am not fighting over there I have not demanded that Ukraine fight (I have no right to demand that of others), but have noted correctly that if Ukraine would be attacked it would fight back hard and would not be easily defeated. I admit I did not imagine that Putin would be stupid enough to attack, but he did and now it is playing out as I expected it would. Hopefully Ukraine wins.

    Although I am not fighting over there, I hope that my medical donations and army donations will save Ukrainian lives and take invader lives.

    IIRC you were baiting Poles, which is an incredibly stupid and ungrateful thing to do. Be better.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @Levtraro

    You don’t think a neutral Ukraine without the Donbass and Crimea is not a good deal?

    I expect most Ukrainians would go with that, and would have before the invasion let alone now, but I suspect the likes of Kholomoisky, the CIA and the headbangers wouldn’t.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @LondonBob

    What guarantee would a neutral Ukraine have, that its neutrality would not just be violated at a later point? Besides, if a democracy, the neutrality could just be abolished with 1 or 2 elections. So a treaty is useless- Russia would need complete demilitarization too (to be able to enforce such a treaty at gunpoint). But a demilitarized, neutral Ukraine would be completely dependent on Russian goodwill. That just wouldn't be politically acceptable to the Ukrainian population. What if nationalists like Karlin got their way in Russia in 5 more years and Russia did decide Ukraine just has to be annexed, as a natural part of Russia?

    Imo these are not solutions, you cannot escape basic facts like insecurity about the future, and power projection. For Russia to make Ukraine act as it pleased, given that Ukraine was hostile to Russian influence, some sort of coercion (in my opinion) was always going to be necessary.

    Replies: @German_reader, @A123

    , @AP
    @LondonBob

    I support no Crimea and no Donbas and have for years. I am fine with no NATO but oppose neutrality the precludes EU integration or alliances with individual countries such as Poland.

    Russia’s ultimatum also demanded demilitarization (leaving Ukraine helpless in case of future invasion) and “deNazification” (code word for purge of nationalists and probably regime change). Totally unacceptable.

    Replies: @songbird, @A123, @Twinkie

    , @Triteleia Laxa
    @LondonBob

    I think it must be an absolute non-starter that Ukraine give up any territory that they had de facto control over before the war began.

    In fact, it is just as ridiculous as demilitarisation.

    It would out then in a worse and weaker position, so Russia could just invade next year and be more successful.

    I also think that the Ukraine cannot be expected to give up potential EU membership anymore.

    Perhaps without the war, Russia might have gotten membership EU barred, or even more than Donbas, but it is clear that Ukraine needs more than Russian guarantees. After all, it has been shown that Russian guarantees are worse than worthless. They actually seem to be threats.

    In other words Ukraine, needs everything it started the war with and acknowledgement that they can join the EU, as well as an apology and some form of compensatory behaviour from Russia. The compensation, to save Putin's pride, can be framed as for the Crimea and the twin republics becoming Russia.

    This is the painful middle ground for both sides. Ukraine will want the war to end because its citizens are being murdered. Putin will want the war to end because he is also destroying his own country and rule. Ultimately, the Ukrainians are fighting in their country and for their home, so they can always outlast the Russians. The key is for the Russians to realise that, and take what Ukraine will give as early as possible.

    Putin actually knew this. He just thought that the Ukrainians would give everything immediately, because he knew little about Ukrainians, but now he can surely see the facts of Ukrainian resistance and must realise that his position only weakens over time. This means that he must leave before Ukraine completely transforms, under Russian aggression, into an insurgent nation.

    The final truth is that if Putin is even a half-decent leader, he will go for this, and later fall on his sword and resign. 20 years in power is more than enough for him to have found a quality successor. He is 70 and has certainly messed up. Russia should surely be bigger than the ego of one man. He made a mistake. Now he should stop continuing it and then take responsibility for it. Otherwise, he is exactly as awful for Russia as the most vociferous American media said he was.

    Replies: @A123

  342. @LondonBob
    @AP

    You don't think a neutral Ukraine without the Donbass and Crimea is not a good deal?

    I expect most Ukrainians would go with that, and would have before the invasion let alone now, but I suspect the likes of Kholomoisky, the CIA and the headbangers wouldn't.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @AP, @Triteleia Laxa

    What guarantee would a neutral Ukraine have, that its neutrality would not just be violated at a later point? Besides, if a democracy, the neutrality could just be abolished with 1 or 2 elections. So a treaty is useless- Russia would need complete demilitarization too (to be able to enforce such a treaty at gunpoint). But a demilitarized, neutral Ukraine would be completely dependent on Russian goodwill. That just wouldn’t be politically acceptable to the Ukrainian population. What if nationalists like Karlin got their way in Russia in 5 more years and Russia did decide Ukraine just has to be annexed, as a natural part of Russia?

    Imo these are not solutions, you cannot escape basic facts like insecurity about the future, and power projection. For Russia to make Ukraine act as it pleased, given that Ukraine was hostile to Russian influence, some sort of coercion (in my opinion) was always going to be necessary.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @HenryBaker


    Besides, if a democracy, the neutrality could just be abolished with 1 or 2 elections. So a treaty is useless
     
    The precedents that are often cited are Austria and Finland during the Cold War.
    But yeah, the question is of course if genuine neutrality is even on offer, or if it would be a sham neutrality that would amount to Ukraine being a satellite state totally at Russia's mercy.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @A123
    @HenryBaker


    What guarantee would a neutral Ukraine have, that its neutrality would not just be violated at a later point.
    ...
    a treaty is useless- Russia would need complete demilitarization too (to be able to enforce such a treaty at gunpoint).
     
    There is a huge amount of WIN-WIN that you are ignoring.

    -- Russia does not want to absorb economically depressed Eastern Ukraine if it does not have to.
    -- Ukraine gains nothing by letting NATO encroach on Russian strategic assets East of the Dnieper.

    There are a number of options available. However, all of them depend on Zelensky rejecting IslamoGloboHomo. As I pointed out earlier, Israel is giving sound advice to Zelensky (1). If he listens to his fellow Jews instead of Islam, peace is achievable.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/israeli-pm-bennett-advises-ukraines-zelensky-surrender-russia


    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-181-russia-ukraine/#comment-5227687

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  343. @German_reader
    @utu


    What if the secretive and hidden German “deep state” is thoroughly penetrated by Russian agents or at least partially and there is an ongoing unseen fight between them and the pro American faction?
     
    There could also be an unseen fight between agents of the lizard people and agents of the Martians. And you'd be just as qualified to comment on that.
    The issue with many of your comments is that they're nothing but pure speculation.

    I seek opportunities for good that the fight in the Just War provides.
     
    You write comments on UR, which have zero effect on anything beyond this website.
    But that's probably for the best, at least you're not doing any harm.

    Replies: @songbird, @basilIII

    Of all the strange, idiosyncratic ideas that I have heard on Unz, and to which I myself have tried to contribute, I find utu’s idea that the German deep state is up for grabs to be the most compelling. And you have given it that extra garnish that it needed, by mentioning the Lizard People.

    It reminds me of a William Tenn story I read once, wherein Berlin was not just a den of spies for East and West, but also of different strange aliens, using human skins to spy on each other.

    • Agree: Barbarossa
    • Thanks: German_reader
    • Replies: @German_reader
    @songbird


    It reminds me of a William Tenn story I read once, wherein Berlin was not just a den of spies for East and West, but also of different strange aliens, using human skins to spy on each other.
     
    Sounds fun. Maybe one could write a sequel where utu is trying to uncover Russian agents in Germany, but then discovers Russian intelligence is merely a front organization for the lizard people (who then proceed to carry off utu into their subterranean caverns).
  344. German_reader says:
    @HenryBaker
    @LondonBob

    What guarantee would a neutral Ukraine have, that its neutrality would not just be violated at a later point? Besides, if a democracy, the neutrality could just be abolished with 1 or 2 elections. So a treaty is useless- Russia would need complete demilitarization too (to be able to enforce such a treaty at gunpoint). But a demilitarized, neutral Ukraine would be completely dependent on Russian goodwill. That just wouldn't be politically acceptable to the Ukrainian population. What if nationalists like Karlin got their way in Russia in 5 more years and Russia did decide Ukraine just has to be annexed, as a natural part of Russia?

    Imo these are not solutions, you cannot escape basic facts like insecurity about the future, and power projection. For Russia to make Ukraine act as it pleased, given that Ukraine was hostile to Russian influence, some sort of coercion (in my opinion) was always going to be necessary.

    Replies: @German_reader, @A123

    Besides, if a democracy, the neutrality could just be abolished with 1 or 2 elections. So a treaty is useless

    The precedents that are often cited are Austria and Finland during the Cold War.
    But yeah, the question is of course if genuine neutrality is even on offer, or if it would be a sham neutrality that would amount to Ukraine being a satellite state totally at Russia’s mercy.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @German_reader

    Ukraine is much more economically attractive due to its large resource base, and ideological importance to the Russian nationalist movements. If Russia controls Ukraine it has a very powerful grip of food exports. The Ukrainians would always have to fear the Russians having a change of heart. Like, I dunno, proclaiming that your state is a puppet regime and you ambiguously being 'one people' with Russians and a 'communist mistake'.

    Finland is more marginal, and Austria likewise just was not vital to the USSR policy of creating a ring of buffer states around the heartland. No one had any vested interest in breaking their neutrality. Of course if Finland would've flirted with NATO accession they would have been crushed, Austria maybe not so much.

    The problem in international relations, I've always thought, is that, the moment there is insecurity about whether a deal will be honored in the future, it begins to seem pointless to make the deal in the first place. If there is 'a question' then accepting demilitarization would seem politically unacceptable in Ukraine. They would always feel threatened.

    Replies: @German_reader

  345. A couple of months ago Russia was accused of planning a false flag:

    However, it really might be team NATO who are planning one:

  346. German_reader says:
    @songbird
    @German_reader

    Of all the strange, idiosyncratic ideas that I have heard on Unz, and to which I myself have tried to contribute, I find utu's idea that the German deep state is up for grabs to be the most compelling. And you have given it that extra garnish that it needed, by mentioning the Lizard People.

    It reminds me of a William Tenn story I read once, wherein Berlin was not just a den of spies for East and West, but also of different strange aliens, using human skins to spy on each other.

    Replies: @German_reader

    It reminds me of a William Tenn story I read once, wherein Berlin was not just a den of spies for East and West, but also of different strange aliens, using human skins to spy on each other.

    Sounds fun. Maybe one could write a sequel where utu is trying to uncover Russian agents in Germany, but then discovers Russian intelligence is merely a front organization for the lizard people (who then proceed to carry off utu into their subterranean caverns).

    • Agree: songbird
  347. @German_reader
    @HenryBaker


    Besides, if a democracy, the neutrality could just be abolished with 1 or 2 elections. So a treaty is useless
     
    The precedents that are often cited are Austria and Finland during the Cold War.
    But yeah, the question is of course if genuine neutrality is even on offer, or if it would be a sham neutrality that would amount to Ukraine being a satellite state totally at Russia's mercy.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Ukraine is much more economically attractive due to its large resource base, and ideological importance to the Russian nationalist movements. If Russia controls Ukraine it has a very powerful grip of food exports. The Ukrainians would always have to fear the Russians having a change of heart. Like, I dunno, proclaiming that your state is a puppet regime and you ambiguously being ‘one people’ with Russians and a ‘communist mistake’.

    Finland is more marginal, and Austria likewise just was not vital to the USSR policy of creating a ring of buffer states around the heartland. No one had any vested interest in breaking their neutrality. Of course if Finland would’ve flirted with NATO accession they would have been crushed, Austria maybe not so much.

    The problem in international relations, I’ve always thought, is that, the moment there is insecurity about whether a deal will be honored in the future, it begins to seem pointless to make the deal in the first place. If there is ‘a question’ then accepting demilitarization would seem politically unacceptable in Ukraine. They would always feel threatened.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @HenryBaker

    I agree that the cases of Finland and Austria aren't strictly comparable, nobody ever claimed their populations were Russians who just were a bit confused about their identity (and of course Ukraine is seen as crucial to Russia's world power status, and not just by Russian security elites, but also by Russia's adversaries). So there's an extra ideological dimension to the Ukraine conflict which makes a diplomatic resolution much harder to achieve, maybe impossible.
    And "demilitarization" is of course a non-starter from the Ukrainian point of view, there would be no meaningful sovereignty left if such a demand were conceded.


    The problem in international relations, I’ve always thought, is that, the moment there is insecurity about whether a deal will be honored in the future, it begins to seem pointless to make the deal in the first place.
     
    True, but that's not just an issue with Russia. Unfortunately the Russians even have a point when they term the US "agreement-incapable". Pence was just in Israel and stated that he (or presumably any other Republican president) would renege on the Iran nuclear deal again, if Biden's administration should re-enter it.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @A123

  348. @Svidomyatheart
    @Commentator Mike

    Look

    Russians were going to invade with or without Jews regardless. They've had designs on us since the 90s

    I know t..I know they're posting things like this.

    https://twitter.com/natsechobbyist/status/1502442741954842627


    Again how do I know Zelenskyy is acting in good faith or just trying to drag it through for more casualties because his other handlers want more carnage and scorched earth? Who knows. Then there's the eerie stuff like this.

    https://twitter.com/remnantposting/status/1503535857780858882

    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly when it comes international relations


    But...regardless...Russians attacked us we didnt attack them. People say " bbut Russians are fighting globohomo proxy war"..except Russia doesnt have a 3-4 TFR and its HIV is Africa tier so how exactly are they NOT globohomo

    Replies: @AP, @Commentator Mike, @Mr. Hack

    With Jews you lose.

    • Agree: LondonBob
  349. German_reader says:
    @HenryBaker
    @German_reader

    Ukraine is much more economically attractive due to its large resource base, and ideological importance to the Russian nationalist movements. If Russia controls Ukraine it has a very powerful grip of food exports. The Ukrainians would always have to fear the Russians having a change of heart. Like, I dunno, proclaiming that your state is a puppet regime and you ambiguously being 'one people' with Russians and a 'communist mistake'.

    Finland is more marginal, and Austria likewise just was not vital to the USSR policy of creating a ring of buffer states around the heartland. No one had any vested interest in breaking their neutrality. Of course if Finland would've flirted with NATO accession they would have been crushed, Austria maybe not so much.

    The problem in international relations, I've always thought, is that, the moment there is insecurity about whether a deal will be honored in the future, it begins to seem pointless to make the deal in the first place. If there is 'a question' then accepting demilitarization would seem politically unacceptable in Ukraine. They would always feel threatened.

    Replies: @German_reader

    I agree that the cases of Finland and Austria aren’t strictly comparable, nobody ever claimed their populations were Russians who just were a bit confused about their identity (and of course Ukraine is seen as crucial to Russia’s world power status, and not just by Russian security elites, but also by Russia’s adversaries). So there’s an extra ideological dimension to the Ukraine conflict which makes a diplomatic resolution much harder to achieve, maybe impossible.
    And “demilitarization” is of course a non-starter from the Ukrainian point of view, there would be no meaningful sovereignty left if such a demand were conceded.

    The problem in international relations, I’ve always thought, is that, the moment there is insecurity about whether a deal will be honored in the future, it begins to seem pointless to make the deal in the first place.

    True, but that’s not just an issue with Russia. Unfortunately the Russians even have a point when they term the US “agreement-incapable”. Pence was just in Israel and stated that he (or presumably any other Republican president) would renege on the Iran nuclear deal again, if Biden’s administration should re-enter it.

    • Agree: HenryBaker
    • Replies: @LondonBob
    @German_reader

    Have you ever lived in that part of the world, the number of Ukrainians or Russians with family in both countries are enormous? Doesn't mean that they aren't separate peoples though.

    The Ukraine was independent for a long time after the demise of the Soviet Union, it was the EU and NATO that insisted on absorbing the Ukraine. Reality is that the current regime is very clearly a puppet one and it hasn't panned out.

    There is a reason the rest of the world has adopted a policy of pointed neutrality on this issue.

    Replies: @German_reader

    , @A123
    @German_reader


    Pence was just in Israel and stated that he (or presumably any other Republican president) would renege on the Iran nuclear deal again, if Biden’s administration should re-enter it.
     
    Khamenei is not agreement capable.

    It is objective proven fact that Khamenei reneged on JCPOA1 while Obama-Biden was still in office. (1)

    If JCPOA2 is agreed to by an illegitimate occupied White House, as matter of Constitutional Law has no relevance to future administrations. However, that issue actually has no relevance. Khamenei will immediately renege on JCPOA2 while Biden-Harris is still in office.

    The next administration will do what Trump did, admit that Khamenei killed the deal by reneging on it before they entered office.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) From 2019 – https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/14910/iran-nuclear-deal-violations
  350. A123 says: • Website
    @HenryBaker
    @LondonBob

    What guarantee would a neutral Ukraine have, that its neutrality would not just be violated at a later point? Besides, if a democracy, the neutrality could just be abolished with 1 or 2 elections. So a treaty is useless- Russia would need complete demilitarization too (to be able to enforce such a treaty at gunpoint). But a demilitarized, neutral Ukraine would be completely dependent on Russian goodwill. That just wouldn't be politically acceptable to the Ukrainian population. What if nationalists like Karlin got their way in Russia in 5 more years and Russia did decide Ukraine just has to be annexed, as a natural part of Russia?

    Imo these are not solutions, you cannot escape basic facts like insecurity about the future, and power projection. For Russia to make Ukraine act as it pleased, given that Ukraine was hostile to Russian influence, some sort of coercion (in my opinion) was always going to be necessary.

    Replies: @German_reader, @A123

    What guarantee would a neutral Ukraine have, that its neutrality would not just be violated at a later point.

    a treaty is useless- Russia would need complete demilitarization too (to be able to enforce such a treaty at gunpoint).

    There is a huge amount of WIN-WIN that you are ignoring.

    — Russia does not want to absorb economically depressed Eastern Ukraine if it does not have to.
    — Ukraine gains nothing by letting NATO encroach on Russian strategic assets East of the Dnieper.

    There are a number of options available. However, all of them depend on Zelensky rejecting IslamoGloboHomo. As I pointed out earlier, Israel is giving sound advice to Zelensky (1). If he listens to his fellow Jews instead of Islam, peace is achievable.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/israeli-pm-bennett-advises-ukraines-zelensky-surrender-russia

    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-181-russia-ukraine/#comment-5227687

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @A123

    If the Russians force Ukraine to demilitarize, put that status (and their neutrality) in the constitution, and then leave it would probably be a boon to world peace.

  351. @German_reader
    @HenryBaker

    I agree that the cases of Finland and Austria aren't strictly comparable, nobody ever claimed their populations were Russians who just were a bit confused about their identity (and of course Ukraine is seen as crucial to Russia's world power status, and not just by Russian security elites, but also by Russia's adversaries). So there's an extra ideological dimension to the Ukraine conflict which makes a diplomatic resolution much harder to achieve, maybe impossible.
    And "demilitarization" is of course a non-starter from the Ukrainian point of view, there would be no meaningful sovereignty left if such a demand were conceded.


    The problem in international relations, I’ve always thought, is that, the moment there is insecurity about whether a deal will be honored in the future, it begins to seem pointless to make the deal in the first place.
     
    True, but that's not just an issue with Russia. Unfortunately the Russians even have a point when they term the US "agreement-incapable". Pence was just in Israel and stated that he (or presumably any other Republican president) would renege on the Iran nuclear deal again, if Biden's administration should re-enter it.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @A123

    Have you ever lived in that part of the world, the number of Ukrainians or Russians with family in both countries are enormous? Doesn’t mean that they aren’t separate peoples though.

    The Ukraine was independent for a long time after the demise of the Soviet Union, it was the EU and NATO that insisted on absorbing the Ukraine. Reality is that the current regime is very clearly a puppet one and it hasn’t panned out.

    There is a reason the rest of the world has adopted a policy of pointed neutrality on this issue.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @LondonBob


    Have you ever lived in that part of the world, the number of Ukrainians or Russians with family in both countries are enormous?
     
    I haven't lived there, but I recently read some statistic that a very high number of Ukrainians (can't remember exactly, 40%? Or even more?) does indeed have relatives in Russia (and correspondingly a non-trivial number of Russians has relatives in Ukraine). So yeah, I would even agree that it would be cynical if outsiders tried to drive a wedge between Russia and Ukraine for geopolitical reasons, and some of that may indeed have happened. I don't think the EU and NATO are blameless. But I also can't say I have any sympathy for the sentiments of Russian imperialists who outright deny an Ukraninian nation exists, and the present war was Putin's choice and a severe reaction unavoidable (personally I would very much like to see a negotiated end to the conflict, and I don't think my support for arms shipments, which you've criticized, necessarily conflicts with that view. I don't see though how you can characterize Ukraine's current government as merely a puppet regime).
  352. @A123
    @HenryBaker


    What guarantee would a neutral Ukraine have, that its neutrality would not just be violated at a later point.
    ...
    a treaty is useless- Russia would need complete demilitarization too (to be able to enforce such a treaty at gunpoint).
     
    There is a huge amount of WIN-WIN that you are ignoring.

    -- Russia does not want to absorb economically depressed Eastern Ukraine if it does not have to.
    -- Ukraine gains nothing by letting NATO encroach on Russian strategic assets East of the Dnieper.

    There are a number of options available. However, all of them depend on Zelensky rejecting IslamoGloboHomo. As I pointed out earlier, Israel is giving sound advice to Zelensky (1). If he listens to his fellow Jews instead of Islam, peace is achievable.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/israeli-pm-bennett-advises-ukraines-zelensky-surrender-russia


    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-181-russia-ukraine/#comment-5227687

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    If the Russians force Ukraine to demilitarize, put that status (and their neutrality) in the constitution, and then leave it would probably be a boon to world peace.

  353. A123 says: • Website
    @German_reader
    @HenryBaker

    I agree that the cases of Finland and Austria aren't strictly comparable, nobody ever claimed their populations were Russians who just were a bit confused about their identity (and of course Ukraine is seen as crucial to Russia's world power status, and not just by Russian security elites, but also by Russia's adversaries). So there's an extra ideological dimension to the Ukraine conflict which makes a diplomatic resolution much harder to achieve, maybe impossible.
    And "demilitarization" is of course a non-starter from the Ukrainian point of view, there would be no meaningful sovereignty left if such a demand were conceded.


    The problem in international relations, I’ve always thought, is that, the moment there is insecurity about whether a deal will be honored in the future, it begins to seem pointless to make the deal in the first place.
     
    True, but that's not just an issue with Russia. Unfortunately the Russians even have a point when they term the US "agreement-incapable". Pence was just in Israel and stated that he (or presumably any other Republican president) would renege on the Iran nuclear deal again, if Biden's administration should re-enter it.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @A123

    Pence was just in Israel and stated that he (or presumably any other Republican president) would renege on the Iran nuclear deal again, if Biden’s administration should re-enter it.

    Khamenei is not agreement capable.

    It is objective proven fact that Khamenei reneged on JCPOA1 while Obama-Biden was still in office. (1)

    If JCPOA2 is agreed to by an illegitimate occupied White House, as matter of Constitutional Law has no relevance to future administrations. However, that issue actually has no relevance. Khamenei will immediately renege on JCPOA2 while Biden-Harris is still in office.

    The next administration will do what Trump did, admit that Khamenei killed the deal by reneging on it before they entered office.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) From 2019 – https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/14910/iran-nuclear-deal-violations

  354. @Svidomyatheart
    @Commentator Mike

    Look

    Russians were going to invade with or without Jews regardless. They've had designs on us since the 90s

    I know t..I know they're posting things like this.

    https://twitter.com/natsechobbyist/status/1502442741954842627


    Again how do I know Zelenskyy is acting in good faith or just trying to drag it through for more casualties because his other handlers want more carnage and scorched earth? Who knows. Then there's the eerie stuff like this.

    https://twitter.com/remnantposting/status/1503535857780858882

    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly when it comes international relations


    But...regardless...Russians attacked us we didnt attack them. People say " bbut Russians are fighting globohomo proxy war"..except Russia doesnt have a 3-4 TFR and its HIV is Africa tier so how exactly are they NOT globohomo

    Replies: @AP, @Commentator Mike, @Mr. Hack

    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly when it comes international relations

    If you had even half of AP’s knowledge of history and current international affairs, you wouldn’t be spurting out such unprovoked (and unsubstantiated) aspersions. And what about you? What country are you hibernating in? Why aren’t you, a young man I would imagine, on the front lines fighting or helping out? Your hypocritical nonsense is not gaining you any friends at this blogsite.

  355. German_reader says:
    @LondonBob
    @German_reader

    Have you ever lived in that part of the world, the number of Ukrainians or Russians with family in both countries are enormous? Doesn't mean that they aren't separate peoples though.

    The Ukraine was independent for a long time after the demise of the Soviet Union, it was the EU and NATO that insisted on absorbing the Ukraine. Reality is that the current regime is very clearly a puppet one and it hasn't panned out.

    There is a reason the rest of the world has adopted a policy of pointed neutrality on this issue.

    Replies: @German_reader

    Have you ever lived in that part of the world, the number of Ukrainians or Russians with family in both countries are enormous?

    I haven’t lived there, but I recently read some statistic that a very high number of Ukrainians (can’t remember exactly, 40%? Or even more?) does indeed have relatives in Russia (and correspondingly a non-trivial number of Russians has relatives in Ukraine). So yeah, I would even agree that it would be cynical if outsiders tried to drive a wedge between Russia and Ukraine for geopolitical reasons, and some of that may indeed have happened. I don’t think the EU and NATO are blameless. But I also can’t say I have any sympathy for the sentiments of Russian imperialists who outright deny an Ukraninian nation exists, and the present war was Putin’s choice and a severe reaction unavoidable (personally I would very much like to see a negotiated end to the conflict, and I don’t think my support for arms shipments, which you’ve criticized, necessarily conflicts with that view. I don’t see though how you can characterize Ukraine’s current government as merely a puppet regime).

  356. @LondonBob
    Presumably the plan was colour revolution Belarus, then Kazakhstan and then have the Ukraine attack Donbass. The colour revolution in the US being the prerequisite.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    What would be the ultimate goal then? WEF having a free hand?

    • Replies: @LondonBob
    @Yellowface Anon

    Regime change in Russia or just isolation, Europe subordinated to the US.

    https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2022/03/12/this-is-what-liberal-war-fever-looks-like/

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

  357. @Brás Cubas
    @Triteleia Laxa


    Some US politician or someone said, long before the war, that Russia would get what it wants in Ukraine because it cares so much more about Ukraine than the US did.
     
    The US does not care about Ukraine per se. It cares about Russia. Ukraine is just a bait. Having NATO in Ukraine would mean to expand the empire in a small way, but weakening Putin by dragging him to a war which eventually may force him to resign, or make internal concessions, means expanding the empire in a big way. Why think small when you can think big?

    Replies: @Levtraro

    Having NATO in Ukraine would mean to expand the empire in a small way, …

    Not really, It means a significant advantage under the first strike nuclear war policy.

    • Replies: @Brás Cubas
    @Levtraro

    I don't claim to know about those military matters, but I have a feeling that that extra advantage is not on the West's priority list. What really is on the West's priority list is to win ideologically, not by nuclear dissuasion. Nuclear war is not going to expand any empire. Even simple nuclear deterrence, though desirable, is not going to make Russia into a liberal regime.But a conventional war may have very serious political consequences in Russia which might be advantageous to the West.
    I was a little conspiratorial in some of my comments by assuming that some people in the West may have wished this war and made it happen by action or omission, but I admit it's hard to be sure about those things.

    Replies: @Levtraro

  358. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    It's impossible to discuss anything with you, as you constantly insist on putting words in my mouth. At times you even go as far as to attack the words I use and claim they must mean this or that. At home I have been accused of defending Putin multiple times simply for trying to explain that there is a geo-political context to what Russia does, and that America would react with much more force if Russia started to encroach on its own borders. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to convince you that it's not all a hive-mind.


    I suppose Ukraine is not complicated.
     
    It is. But in fact, you are the one coming up with the simplistic Kremlin story, that Russia just had to invade Ukraine because it was under threat. Whether Ukraine has any reason to feel threatened by Russia, or why it is so pro-Western, apparently does not matter because if a country is pro-Russia that is organic and good, if it's pro-Western that's just deep state shenanigans or whatever. Did you ever consider that the post-Soviet states might have some reason not to want to be part of Russias backyard- and that almost all of them want to get AWAY from Russia? Does that matter to you at all?

    How about Ukraine: are they a poor little victim or did they have it coming? It is always too complicated when it suits you.
     
    This sort of loaded question, giving me precisely two options to respond, shows how you think.

    Let me help you: NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there.
     
    Why do you people never mention the ethnic warfare there, even once? The Serbians were hardly angels. They killed many, many more civilians than we did. Of course that does not absolve us at all, but it's striking that this is never even acknowledged.

    unless you are a small child this happened on your watch.
     
    I was barely 3 at the time.

    all normal to you?
     
    being a satrapy of a great overlord is pretty normal, yeah.

    You grudgingly semi-criticise Bush (you couldn’t bring yourself to really do it, ‘too complicated’).
     
    Look, it's just never going to be good enough for you. But fwiw, it was not grudging at all, just my assessment. The Iraq War was fought based on lies and got thousands of Iraqis killed due to mismanagement and hubris. It was also fought against an agressive dictator that liked to gas minorities. People like you never mention who exactly the West fights its wars against. I guess that doesn't help when you need more foam on your mouth fantasizing about the Dutch SS executing Slovakians, or whatever it is you're on about.

    I wish you good luck with the coming battle to preserve some of the old Europe. It will be an uphill struggle. The problem is that the traditional European forces made too many compromises. You try to forget, explain it away, but keep up the eternal assault on the Euro-east where the resources are. Or you let others, your betters and in effect your rulers do it. I don’t think there is a way back, there is no trust. Get ready for your uber-liberal future..
     
    The banal truth is that most Europeans have precisely zero idea about what happens in their name, nor do they have much control over it. Btw, we already have an uber-liberal present, and we are 'being replaced' by gloating thirdies like Singh because we're allowing it to happen. Which only proves my point: at no point does us 'not being racist' or whatever give us any brownie points, it just makes others happy that we will disappear.

    Honest question: why are you guys still in the EU if you feel so assaulted? Economic reasons?

    Replies: @for-the-record, @Beckow

    It was also fought against an agressive dictator that liked to gas minorities. People like you never mention who exactly the West fights its wars against

    Just to recall that Iraq’s initial use of gas was against Iran, with US connivance:

    It has been previously reported that the United States provided tactical intelligence to Iraq at the same time that officials suspected Hussein would use chemical weapons. But the CIA documents, which sat almost entirely unnoticed in a trove of declassified material at the National Archives in College Park, Md., combined with exclusive interviews with former intelligence officials, reveal new details about the depth of the United States’ knowledge of how and when Iraq employed the deadly agents. They show that senior U.S. officials were being regularly informed about the scale of the nerve gas attacks. They are tantamount to an official American admission of complicity in some of the most gruesome chemical weapons attacks ever launched.

    https://archive.ph/b94FI

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @for-the-record

    Kek, it's good to be reminded of the depth of US hypocrisy from time to time. Of course, the US also ignored slaughtered civilians (I think in Guatemala) if it was in their interest...

    Replies: @for-the-record

  359. @Yellowface Anon
    @LondonBob

    What would be the ultimate goal then? WEF having a free hand?

    Replies: @LondonBob

    Regime change in Russia or just isolation, Europe subordinated to the US.

    https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2022/03/12/this-is-what-liberal-war-fever-looks-like/

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @LondonBob

    Dead sure it isn't about Russia and energy + food markets are just the symptoms of what's really being done.

  360. AP says:
    @LondonBob
    @AP

    You don't think a neutral Ukraine without the Donbass and Crimea is not a good deal?

    I expect most Ukrainians would go with that, and would have before the invasion let alone now, but I suspect the likes of Kholomoisky, the CIA and the headbangers wouldn't.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @AP, @Triteleia Laxa

    I support no Crimea and no Donbas and have for years. I am fine with no NATO but oppose neutrality the precludes EU integration or alliances with individual countries such as Poland.

    Russia’s ultimatum also demanded demilitarization (leaving Ukraine helpless in case of future invasion) and “deNazification” (code word for purge of nationalists and probably regime change). Totally unacceptable.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @AP

    DeNazification is potentially pretty dangerous, IMO, if they insert it into the constitution. Future generations might get the so-called wehrhafte Demokratie of the Germans.

    , @A123
    @AP


    Russia’s ultimatum also demanded demilitarization (leaving Ukraine helpless in case of future invasion)
     
    Certainly de-NATO-ification and restrictions on what can be east of the Dnieper make sense. Total demilitarizion does not. There are other hostile countries in the region, notably Turkey under Erdogan.

    The exact specifics would have to be negotiated. Israel and France have offered to serve as intermediaries. There are solutions if Zelensky is willing to dump the WEF Elites.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    , @Twinkie
    @AP


    Russia’s ultimatum also demanded demilitarization (leaving Ukraine helpless in case of future invasion) and “deNazification” (code word for purge of nationalists and probably regime change). Totally unacceptable.
     
    Demilitarization would and should be completely unacceptable to the Ukrainians. If the past three weeks have shown anything, it is that an armed people courageously defending their homes have a better chance of keeping the said homes than those who rely on treaties and paper guarantees. It also showed that countries that are not great powers need great power allies who can keep them supplied of the said arms. If the Russians wanted a neutral and demilitarized Ukraine, attacking the latter in a full-scale invasion and then failing to defeat it quickly was the opposite of what they should have done.

    I am reminded of this bit of dialogue in the Milius film "Farewell to the King":

    Capt. Fairbourne: What do you want?

    Learoyd: Freedom, to be like we are.

    Capt. Fairbourne: Anything else?

    Learoyd: Guns. So they can’t take the freedom away.

    Capt. Fairbourne: Well, I’ll see what I can do.

    Learoyd: And grenades, mortars and mines, so they can’t take the guns away.
     
  361. @LondonBob
    @Yellowface Anon

    Regime change in Russia or just isolation, Europe subordinated to the US.

    https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2022/03/12/this-is-what-liberal-war-fever-looks-like/

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    Dead sure it isn’t about Russia and energy + food markets are just the symptoms of what’s really being done.

  362. @for-the-record
    @HenryBaker

    It was also fought against an agressive dictator that liked to gas minorities. People like you never mention who exactly the West fights its wars against

    Just to recall that Iraq's initial use of gas was against Iran, with US connivance:


    It has been previously reported that the United States provided tactical intelligence to Iraq at the same time that officials suspected Hussein would use chemical weapons. But the CIA documents, which sat almost entirely unnoticed in a trove of declassified material at the National Archives in College Park, Md., combined with exclusive interviews with former intelligence officials, reveal new details about the depth of the United States’ knowledge of how and when Iraq employed the deadly agents. They show that senior U.S. officials were being regularly informed about the scale of the nerve gas attacks. They are tantamount to an official American admission of complicity in some of the most gruesome chemical weapons attacks ever launched.

    https://archive.ph/b94FI
     

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Kek, it’s good to be reminded of the depth of US hypocrisy from time to time. Of course, the US also ignored slaughtered civilians (I think in Guatemala) if it was in their interest…

    • Replies: @for-the-record
    @HenryBaker

    Of course, the US also ignored slaughtered civilians (I think in Guatemala) if it was in their interest…

    In the case of Guatemala, I don't think "ignored" is the appropriate verb:


    During the 1960s, the United States was intimately involved in equipping and training Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians in the nation's civil war, according to newly declassified U.S. intelligence documents.

    The documents show, moreover, that the CIA retained close ties to the Guatemalan army in the 1980s, when the army and its paramilitary allies were massacring Indian villagers, and that U.S. officials were aware of the killings at the time. The documents were obtained by the National Security Archive, a private nonprofit group in Washington.

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/daily/march99/guatemala11.htm
     
  363. @AP
    @LondonBob

    I support no Crimea and no Donbas and have for years. I am fine with no NATO but oppose neutrality the precludes EU integration or alliances with individual countries such as Poland.

    Russia’s ultimatum also demanded demilitarization (leaving Ukraine helpless in case of future invasion) and “deNazification” (code word for purge of nationalists and probably regime change). Totally unacceptable.

    Replies: @songbird, @A123, @Twinkie

    DeNazification is potentially pretty dangerous, IMO, if they insert it into the constitution. Future generations might get the so-called wehrhafte Demokratie of the Germans.

  364. A123 says: • Website
    @AP
    @LondonBob

    I support no Crimea and no Donbas and have for years. I am fine with no NATO but oppose neutrality the precludes EU integration or alliances with individual countries such as Poland.

    Russia’s ultimatum also demanded demilitarization (leaving Ukraine helpless in case of future invasion) and “deNazification” (code word for purge of nationalists and probably regime change). Totally unacceptable.

    Replies: @songbird, @A123, @Twinkie

    Russia’s ultimatum also demanded demilitarization (leaving Ukraine helpless in case of future invasion)

    Certainly de-NATO-ification and restrictions on what can be east of the Dnieper make sense. Total demilitarizion does not. There are other hostile countries in the region, notably Turkey under Erdogan.

    The exact specifics would have to be negotiated. Israel and France have offered to serve as intermediaries. There are solutions if Zelensky is willing to dump the WEF Elites.

    PEACE 😇

    • Replies: @Commentator Mike
    @A123

    I don't think it will be de-militarisation once Russia takes over, and it has to or it will have to fight again in Ukraine. It left Georgia for Georgians to open US biowarfare laboratories on its territory so Russia will have to go in and close them down, and take over completely as what's the point of rolling in every few years to close down the evil they keep spawning?

  365. @LondonBob
    @AP

    You don't think a neutral Ukraine without the Donbass and Crimea is not a good deal?

    I expect most Ukrainians would go with that, and would have before the invasion let alone now, but I suspect the likes of Kholomoisky, the CIA and the headbangers wouldn't.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @AP, @Triteleia Laxa

    I think it must be an absolute non-starter that Ukraine give up any territory that they had de facto control over before the war began.

    In fact, it is just as ridiculous as demilitarisation.

    It would out then in a worse and weaker position, so Russia could just invade next year and be more successful.

    I also think that the Ukraine cannot be expected to give up potential EU membership anymore.

    Perhaps without the war, Russia might have gotten membership EU barred, or even more than Donbas, but it is clear that Ukraine needs more than Russian guarantees. After all, it has been shown that Russian guarantees are worse than worthless. They actually seem to be threats.

    In other words Ukraine, needs everything it started the war with and acknowledgement that they can join the EU, as well as an apology and some form of compensatory behaviour from Russia. The compensation, to save Putin’s pride, can be framed as for the Crimea and the twin republics becoming Russia.

    This is the painful middle ground for both sides. Ukraine will want the war to end because its citizens are being murdered. Putin will want the war to end because he is also destroying his own country and rule. Ultimately, the Ukrainians are fighting in their country and for their home, so they can always outlast the Russians. The key is for the Russians to realise that, and take what Ukraine will give as early as possible.

    Putin actually knew this. He just thought that the Ukrainians would give everything immediately, because he knew little about Ukrainians, but now he can surely see the facts of Ukrainian resistance and must realise that his position only weakens over time. This means that he must leave before Ukraine completely transforms, under Russian aggression, into an insurgent nation.

    The final truth is that if Putin is even a half-decent leader, he will go for this, and later fall on his sword and resign. 20 years in power is more than enough for him to have found a quality successor. He is 70 and has certainly messed up. Russia should surely be bigger than the ego of one man. He made a mistake. Now he should stop continuing it and then take responsibility for it. Otherwise, he is exactly as awful for Russia as the most vociferous American media said he was.

    • Replies: @A123
    @Triteleia Laxa


    I think it must be an absolute non-starter
     
    Opening negotiations with intractable language is unwise.

    that Ukraine give up any territory that they had de facto control over before the war began
     
    If a few square inches of land in Donbass was the difference, you would demand war? Really?

    A less declarative and absolute stance on "Territorial Integrity" encapsulates Ukraine's needs without setting up a trip wire that could cause negotiations fail.


    acknowledgement that they can join the EU
     
    This is likely obtainable. Russia would probably ask for "not before 2050", as a soft date which would be negotiated down.

    Joining the EU is like volunteering to simultaneously contract incurable Gonorrhea and Syphilis. There is little reason for Russia to object if Zelensky insists on leaving an open door to a nation ending blunder.

    Given the internal divisions, it is hard to see any path to joining the EU. It is an institution that is about to messily implode.


    The compensation, to save Putin’s pride, can be framed as for the Crimea and the twin republics becoming Russia.
     
    As a reality, not cosmetic framing, compensating Ukraine for permanent relinquishment of claims on Crimea makes sense.
    ____

    There is room for a WIN-WIN. The key is keeping the Globalist WEF from intervening. European Elite tampering could easily introduce unsolvable problems.

    PEACE 😇

  366. Images of the Donetsk massacre after the Ukrainian attack with a cluster warhead. While Klitchko cry about some lamps Donetsk people cry about dozens of civilians killed. That shows the true nature of the Ukrainian regime.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Aedib

    Russia has now killed 1600 civilians in this invasion that it chose.

    Do you have anything to say about the true nature of the Russian regime?

    Also, any truth to the Ukrainian claim that the missile that hit Donetsk was different from the ones Ukraine uses and thus probably an errant Donbas missile?

    , @Aedib
    @Aedib


    Also, any truth to the Ukrainian claim that the missile that hit Donetsk was different from the ones Ukraine uses and thus probably an errant Donbas missile?
     
    Yes. They also claimed to have destroyed a corvette with a MLRS and that all men on the Snake Island perished in a heroic fight. Also, now that Azovites were reduced to a third of Mariupol, evacuation of civilians is working at full steam. So, yes, Azovites were the ones breaking the evacuation of civilians.
    I’m sorry but I don’t buy all this fake propaganda anymore.

    Replies: @AP, @Commentator Mike

  367. I was reading British government’s 1000 sanctions today https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-announces-historic-round-of-sanctions-15-march-2022

    It’s like 80% in their list are against Jews e.g. Pumpyansky, Moshkovich, Fridman etc. Their strategy for networking with the West was not too successful. Money available for Jewish film festivals will be rapidly declining.

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @Dmitry

    It’s absolutely bizarre. The more I hear about this list the more I suspect it means fuck all in practical terms.

  368. @for-the-record
    @Dmitry

    I wonder if in China they also hire African models

    Of course they do!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Few8kJ0zfnY

    Replies: @Dmitry

    Lol I notice that Chinese have a good sense of humor.

    This story in the Moscow news, is that a man has complaining to the authorities, that there are too many Oriental and African models used in Nike adverts in Russia. He is claiming the adverts will violate section 1, chapter 2, in the Russian constitution, against discrimination on ” rights of citizens on social, racial, national, linguistic or religious grounds”, as most of the population in Russia are not Oriental or African.

    Karlin has misreported this story, claiming that the authorities themselves are complaining about the use of the Oriental and African models in Nike adverts. When the story is about a man complaining to the authorities, and the article predict he will “100% lose”.

    I’m not sure why Karlin is reversing the story (it is not like Russia needs some anti-advertising based on fake news), but of course, those are geopolitically exactly the two nationalities that the authorities in Russia, will be careful to not offend sensitivities nowadays – Oriental and African nationalities.

    Geopolitically, for the authorities, Oriental and Africa nationalities, are main nationalities to support or not condemn Russia in the UN for an invasion of Ukraine. It’s like an alignment of support, or at least a non-alignment, from the Third World has been one of the more reliable inheritances from Soviet times. (There had been decades of investment, with many African and Asian students educated in universities in the Soviet Union.)

    • Replies: @Thulean Friend
    @Dmitry

    A man was complaining to the authorities, that there are too many Oriental and African models used in Nike adverts in Russia. He is claiming the adverts will violate section 1, chapter 2, in the Russian constitution, against discrimination on ” rights of citizens on social, racial, national, linguistic or religious grounds”, as most of the population in Russia are not Oriental or African.

    Karlin has misreported this story, claiming that the authorities themselves are complaining about the use of the Oriental and African models in Nike adverts. When the story is about a man complaining to the authorities, and the article predict he will “100% lose”.

    I’m not sure why Karlin is reversing the story
     

    As GR pointed out, he's basically just a propagandist at this point and he has spent years trying to convince people of "Based Russia". So outright lying/spinning stories to fit the narrative is not something that's beyond Karlin, as your comment demonstrates.

    That's also why I depreciate everything he says about Russia, because he has a proven track record of being willing to bend the truth to push narratives. Or outright deleting comments in the case of UKR/RUS war, as we've seen.

    Personally, I don't find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet, but it's even more hilarious when it's far from true. Your comments over the years have made that abundantly clear, and have indirectly undercut Karlin's narrative. That is likely one of the reasons why he resents you. He doesn't like it when someone factchecks him on his wild tales.

    What's even more hilarious is given his own substantial non-European ancestry, it's not even in his interest to push for a superchud version of Russia. As you've pointed out many times, if a true nationalist takeover really happens then folks like him will be a soft target.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Yevardian, @Dmitry, @Anatoly Karlin

    , @Anatoly Karlin
    @Dmitry

    The article in question is literally titled "Investigative Committee will check Nike due to the lack of white models on the Russian-language website." https://ruposters.ru/news/14-02-2022/proverit-izza-otsutstviya-belih-modelei

    I made no comment on the likelihood of him winning, but the mere fact that the complaint was accepted and the complainant in question was not defenestrated by the media and activists (as would happen in any Western country) is telling alone.


    ... but of course, those are geopolitically exactly the two nationalities that the authorities in Russia, will be careful to not offend sensitivities nowadays – Oriental and African nationalities.
     
    Literally the only people on the planet this will offend are Eurofags and Amerimutts, not any actual humans. Go watch and review more unboxing videos, they are your appropriate level of discourse.

    Replies: @Dmitry

  369. A123 says: • Website
    @Triteleia Laxa
    @LondonBob

    I think it must be an absolute non-starter that Ukraine give up any territory that they had de facto control over before the war began.

    In fact, it is just as ridiculous as demilitarisation.

    It would out then in a worse and weaker position, so Russia could just invade next year and be more successful.

    I also think that the Ukraine cannot be expected to give up potential EU membership anymore.

    Perhaps without the war, Russia might have gotten membership EU barred, or even more than Donbas, but it is clear that Ukraine needs more than Russian guarantees. After all, it has been shown that Russian guarantees are worse than worthless. They actually seem to be threats.

    In other words Ukraine, needs everything it started the war with and acknowledgement that they can join the EU, as well as an apology and some form of compensatory behaviour from Russia. The compensation, to save Putin's pride, can be framed as for the Crimea and the twin republics becoming Russia.

    This is the painful middle ground for both sides. Ukraine will want the war to end because its citizens are being murdered. Putin will want the war to end because he is also destroying his own country and rule. Ultimately, the Ukrainians are fighting in their country and for their home, so they can always outlast the Russians. The key is for the Russians to realise that, and take what Ukraine will give as early as possible.

    Putin actually knew this. He just thought that the Ukrainians would give everything immediately, because he knew little about Ukrainians, but now he can surely see the facts of Ukrainian resistance and must realise that his position only weakens over time. This means that he must leave before Ukraine completely transforms, under Russian aggression, into an insurgent nation.

    The final truth is that if Putin is even a half-decent leader, he will go for this, and later fall on his sword and resign. 20 years in power is more than enough for him to have found a quality successor. He is 70 and has certainly messed up. Russia should surely be bigger than the ego of one man. He made a mistake. Now he should stop continuing it and then take responsibility for it. Otherwise, he is exactly as awful for Russia as the most vociferous American media said he was.

    Replies: @A123

    I think it must be an absolute non-starter

    Opening negotiations with intractable language is unwise.

    that Ukraine give up any territory that they had de facto control over before the war began

    If a few square inches of land in Donbass was the difference, you would demand war? Really?

    A less declarative and absolute stance on “Territorial Integrity” encapsulates Ukraine’s needs without setting up a trip wire that could cause negotiations fail.

    acknowledgement that they can join the EU

    This is likely obtainable. Russia would probably ask for “not before 2050”, as a soft date which would be negotiated down.

    Joining the EU is like volunteering to simultaneously contract incurable Gonorrhea and Syphilis. There is little reason for Russia to object if Zelensky insists on leaving an open door to a nation ending blunder.

    Given the internal divisions, it is hard to see any path to joining the EU. It is an institution that is about to messily implode.

    The compensation, to save Putin’s pride, can be framed as for the Crimea and the twin republics becoming Russia.

    As a reality, not cosmetic framing, compensating Ukraine for permanent relinquishment of claims on Crimea makes sense.
    ____

    There is room for a WIN-WIN. The key is keeping the Globalist WEF from intervening. European Elite tampering could easily introduce unsolvable problems.

    PEACE 😇

  370. @utu
    @German_reader

    You make many mistakes when parsing political and social reality. Chiefly because of your neurotic depressive state that is unrelated to the objective reality around you. One of your mistakes is that you underestimate what is unseen and unsaid in the politics and take at face values everything what is being discussed and reported in media. You must accept that Germany has its deep state that has its doctrine concerning Germany's future that can't be publicly elucidated in particular when it is in some conflict to treaties and international obligations. So obviously the "rantings of completely impotent German right-wingers" will be discounted and the main stream media will ignore them and ridicule them but unknowingly to those right-wingers some of their pronouncements may actually be partially true even if by pure accident. What you called "in the probably naive belief " is probably true for most of the actors engaged in the process of propping up Russia but there was more no so naive motivations by those who set long term policies and opened the door for the 'naive' to act. And then there are agents of influence working on the behalf of Russia. What if the secretive and hidden German "deep state" is thoroughly penetrated by Russian agents or at least partially and there is an ongoing unseen fight between them and the pro American faction?

    The phrase "mirror image of Karlin" that you keep returning to at first is irritating but on the the second thought it might be true in that sense that I am motivated by doing something just like Karlin unlike you who is a passive aggressive malcontent. Unlike Karlin I do not seek wars and conquests for anybody and by anybody but if the evil doer like Karlin provides an opportunity and necessity to fight evil by making a first move I seek opportunities for good that the fight in the Just War provides. This my appear to you as optimistic but optimism for a neurotic depressive passive aggressive malcontent seems to be threatening so when you use that term it sound like an epithet and invective.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Dmitry

    necessity to fight evil

    With apologies, for writing obvious things, we are all zeroes here, writing opinion on the most obscure internet forum that exists, with about 10 other people, with no important people could accidentally find.

    I’m not saying we are zeroes as people, or that our life has no importance. But relative to international news, of course, our causal powers are close to zero.

    You know this as you are one of the people who understands numbers and logic. German Reader is one citizen, in a country with 84 million people (https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/germany-population).

    But even in democracy like Germany, for people without political connections, this is their extent of political power.

    The difference between 1 and 84,236,156 people is so crazy.

    If you talked to a German citizen about politics for ten minutes each, working for 12 hours per day, 365 days per year – you would have talked to all currently living Germans after over 3300 years. It will only be a short work, like the time between now and when they built Great Pyramids in Giza.

    • Replies: @AaronB
    @Dmitry

    It all depends on if one believes in invisible influences - if one does, then words, and even simply thoughts, can play a role in bringing about change. I have seen uncanny things in this area in my life :)

    Also, if one believes in spirituality, manifesting positive values brings positive spiritual energy into the world, even if no one hears or sees you.

    I know you think this is all bunk :) And I am quite sure utu on the rational level agrees with you, although perhaps there's a side of him that does not.

    Well, well, Dmitry, I am not trying to convince you, of course - I just manifesting positive spiritual energy in the world, and establishing the opposite point of view.

    Carry on...

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  371. @HenryBaker
    @for-the-record

    Kek, it's good to be reminded of the depth of US hypocrisy from time to time. Of course, the US also ignored slaughtered civilians (I think in Guatemala) if it was in their interest...

    Replies: @for-the-record

    Of course, the US also ignored slaughtered civilians (I think in Guatemala) if it was in their interest…

    In the case of Guatemala, I don’t think “ignored” is the appropriate verb:

    During the 1960s, the United States was intimately involved in equipping and training Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians in the nation’s civil war, according to newly declassified U.S. intelligence documents.

    The documents show, moreover, that the CIA retained close ties to the Guatemalan army in the 1980s, when the army and its paramilitary allies were massacring Indian villagers, and that U.S. officials were aware of the killings at the time. The documents were obtained by the National Security Archive, a private nonprofit group in Washington.

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/daily/march99/guatemala11.htm

    • Agree: HenryBaker
  372. @Coconuts
    @sher singh


    National identities & states do bear collective guilt. You’ll pay for it, :shrug:

    It’s not a threat or a promise, simply demographic reality.

     

    This is only within Western Liberal Democracy and the kind of underlying belief in race essentialism that is common in Anglo countries.

    You seem to understand that within this system this issue has little to do with morality as such, ethnic groups decide what is good or evil in line with their perception of their interests. The larger ethnic groups can impose their definitions by weight of numbers if they retain cohesion.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @sher singh

    They’ve already lost cohesion.

  373. sher singh says:
    @HenryBaker
    @HenryBaker

    And let's not forget this great quote:


    Pakistani Major General Khadim Hussain Raja wrote in his book that Niazi, in presence of Bengali officers would say ‘Main iss haramzadi qom ki nasal badal doonga (I will change the race of the Bengalis)’. A witness statement to the commission read "The troops used to say that when the Commander (Lt Gen Niazi) was himself a raper (sic), how could they be stopped?".[134]
     

    Replies: @sher singh

    Bit rich coming from the place Pakistan got its nukes. Imagine accusing non-whites of racism in the current year TM.

    Sikhs led the counterattack in 1971, and we do believe in caste, and are against feminism. Those are white colonial terms to justify intervention as seen in Afghanistan. I’ve merely stated you did evil, and now you get the drawn out response. :shrug:

    Free speech, rationalism, and logic are dead in the modern post-CRT West. W/e vestiges remain is due to age structure.

    Between increased reliance on the USA, and a need to counter signal Russia it won’t be minorities getting their screws turned. Post Rus-war EU will be more woke than ever.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  374. @Dmitry
    @utu


    necessity to fight evil
     
    With apologies, for writing obvious things, we are all zeroes here, writing opinion on the most obscure internet forum that exists, with about 10 other people, with no important people could accidentally find.

    I'm not saying we are zeroes as people, or that our life has no importance. But relative to international news, of course, our causal powers are close to zero.

    You know this as you are one of the people who understands numbers and logic. German Reader is one citizen, in a country with 84 million people (https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/germany-population).

    But even in democracy like Germany, for people without political connections, this is their extent of political power.

    The difference between 1 and 84,236,156 people is so crazy.

    If you talked to a German citizen about politics for ten minutes each, working for 12 hours per day, 365 days per year - you would have talked to all currently living Germans after over 3300 years. It will only be a short work, like the time between now and when they built Great Pyramids in Giza.

    Replies: @AaronB

    It all depends on if one believes in invisible influences – if one does, then words, and even simply thoughts, can play a role in bringing about change. I have seen uncanny things in this area in my life 🙂

    Also, if one believes in spirituality, manifesting positive values brings positive spiritual energy into the world, even if no one hears or sees you.

    I know you think this is all bunk 🙂 And I am quite sure utu on the rational level agrees with you, although perhaps there’s a side of him that does not.

    Well, well, Dmitry, I am not trying to convince you, of course – I just manifesting positive spiritual energy in the world, and establishing the opposite point of view.

    Carry on…

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    What the hell are you even doing here? You're way too cheery for this hellhole called Unz Review. I've been back two days and I'm already regretting it.

    Replies: @AaronB, @silviosilver

  375. Picture wouldn’t load before.
    Why expect intelligence from a Dutchman?

    Communicate only in pictograms & loud noises such as those from a Sukhoi or Kalashinakov (or Tejas)

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    • LOL: HenryBaker
  376. @A123
    @AP


    Russia’s ultimatum also demanded demilitarization (leaving Ukraine helpless in case of future invasion)
     
    Certainly de-NATO-ification and restrictions on what can be east of the Dnieper make sense. Total demilitarizion does not. There are other hostile countries in the region, notably Turkey under Erdogan.

    The exact specifics would have to be negotiated. Israel and France have offered to serve as intermediaries. There are solutions if Zelensky is willing to dump the WEF Elites.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    I don’t think it will be de-militarisation once Russia takes over, and it has to or it will have to fight again in Ukraine. It left Georgia for Georgians to open US biowarfare laboratories on its territory so Russia will have to go in and close them down, and take over completely as what’s the point of rolling in every few years to close down the evil they keep spawning?

  377. AP says:
    @Aedib
    Images of the Donetsk massacre after the Ukrainian attack with a cluster warhead. While Klitchko cry about some lamps Donetsk people cry about dozens of civilians killed. That shows the true nature of the Ukrainian regime.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANNhDKGjNK8&t=5s

    Replies: @AP, @Aedib

    Russia has now killed 1600 civilians in this invasion that it chose.

    Do you have anything to say about the true nature of the Russian regime?

    Also, any truth to the Ukrainian claim that the missile that hit Donetsk was different from the ones Ukraine uses and thus probably an errant Donbas missile?

  378. @AaronB
    @Dmitry

    It all depends on if one believes in invisible influences - if one does, then words, and even simply thoughts, can play a role in bringing about change. I have seen uncanny things in this area in my life :)

    Also, if one believes in spirituality, manifesting positive values brings positive spiritual energy into the world, even if no one hears or sees you.

    I know you think this is all bunk :) And I am quite sure utu on the rational level agrees with you, although perhaps there's a side of him that does not.

    Well, well, Dmitry, I am not trying to convince you, of course - I just manifesting positive spiritual energy in the world, and establishing the opposite point of view.

    Carry on...

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    What the hell are you even doing here? You’re way too cheery for this hellhole called Unz Review. I’ve been back two days and I’m already regretting it.

    • LOL: AaronB
    • Replies: @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    I honestly don't know what I'm doing here!

    I have several times tried to break away, but always come back for some reason. Even as I post here, I'm always planning to stop posting here lol.

    I suppose I can only say that the heart as a logic of its own, stronger than the rational mind, and the spirit keeps calling me back here for reasons that are obscure to me.

    Well, somehow, in some twisted way, I even enjoy spending time here - even as I spiritually oppose nearly everything about this place and it makes me despair of the human race :)

    God has his mysteries - and his sense of humor :)

    Replies: @Barbarossa, @Thulean Friend

    , @silviosilver
    @HenryBaker


    You’re way too cheery for this hellhole called Unz Review. I’ve been back two days and I’m already regretting it.
     
    Ignis aurum probat...

    Kiddo, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
  379. @utu
    @Brás Cubas

    You are obviously insincere and probably ticked off by the fact that "we" will win. And whether you use a label "democracy" to "we" is irrelevant. What is important "we" is actually we. There are many snipers down there in Brazil but their accuracy when sniping against the West they pretend to be not a part of is usually not very good. The most famous one is Pepe Escobar who by now must have mastered how to speak and eat while sucking Putin's and Xi's dicks at the same time.

    Replies: @Brás Cubas

    That’s right. I live in Brazil, and have no loyalties to either the U.S.-EU or China-Russia. I do have a concern about planet Earth, though. I don’t understand what sincerity has to do with my comment. It’s either correct or not.

  380. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    What the hell are you even doing here? You're way too cheery for this hellhole called Unz Review. I've been back two days and I'm already regretting it.

    Replies: @AaronB, @silviosilver

    I honestly don’t know what I’m doing here!

    I have several times tried to break away, but always come back for some reason. Even as I post here, I’m always planning to stop posting here lol.

    I suppose I can only say that the heart as a logic of its own, stronger than the rational mind, and the spirit keeps calling me back here for reasons that are obscure to me.

    Well, somehow, in some twisted way, I even enjoy spending time here – even as I spiritually oppose nearly everything about this place and it makes me despair of the human race 🙂

    God has his mysteries – and his sense of humor 🙂

    • Replies: @Barbarossa
    @AaronB

    You bring balance to the force.

    We can't all be the AKs and TritelaxaLeias of Unz. It would be too tiresome!

    , @Thulean Friend
    @AaronB

    There are a number of commentators on this blog that makes it worthwhile for me to visit, and you're one of them.

  381. @sudden death
    @Brás Cubas

    Does it mean Putler is another one greatly magnificient crypto-democrat, just like Hitler was? ;)

    Replies: @Brás Cubas

    That’s a possibility. If he wins, and Russia becomes safer as a consequence, then democracy becomes more viable there, and Putin will have contributed to it. If he loses, and is forced to resign, the people may favor a more democratic successor, as a reaction to Putin and all that he stood for.

    • LOL: Yellowface Anon
  382. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    It's impossible to discuss anything with you, as you constantly insist on putting words in my mouth. At times you even go as far as to attack the words I use and claim they must mean this or that. At home I have been accused of defending Putin multiple times simply for trying to explain that there is a geo-political context to what Russia does, and that America would react with much more force if Russia started to encroach on its own borders. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to convince you that it's not all a hive-mind.


    I suppose Ukraine is not complicated.
     
    It is. But in fact, you are the one coming up with the simplistic Kremlin story, that Russia just had to invade Ukraine because it was under threat. Whether Ukraine has any reason to feel threatened by Russia, or why it is so pro-Western, apparently does not matter because if a country is pro-Russia that is organic and good, if it's pro-Western that's just deep state shenanigans or whatever. Did you ever consider that the post-Soviet states might have some reason not to want to be part of Russias backyard- and that almost all of them want to get AWAY from Russia? Does that matter to you at all?

    How about Ukraine: are they a poor little victim or did they have it coming? It is always too complicated when it suits you.
     
    This sort of loaded question, giving me precisely two options to respond, shows how you think.

    Let me help you: NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there.
     
    Why do you people never mention the ethnic warfare there, even once? The Serbians were hardly angels. They killed many, many more civilians than we did. Of course that does not absolve us at all, but it's striking that this is never even acknowledged.

    unless you are a small child this happened on your watch.
     
    I was barely 3 at the time.

    all normal to you?
     
    being a satrapy of a great overlord is pretty normal, yeah.

    You grudgingly semi-criticise Bush (you couldn’t bring yourself to really do it, ‘too complicated’).
     
    Look, it's just never going to be good enough for you. But fwiw, it was not grudging at all, just my assessment. The Iraq War was fought based on lies and got thousands of Iraqis killed due to mismanagement and hubris. It was also fought against an agressive dictator that liked to gas minorities. People like you never mention who exactly the West fights its wars against. I guess that doesn't help when you need more foam on your mouth fantasizing about the Dutch SS executing Slovakians, or whatever it is you're on about.

    I wish you good luck with the coming battle to preserve some of the old Europe. It will be an uphill struggle. The problem is that the traditional European forces made too many compromises. You try to forget, explain it away, but keep up the eternal assault on the Euro-east where the resources are. Or you let others, your betters and in effect your rulers do it. I don’t think there is a way back, there is no trust. Get ready for your uber-liberal future..
     
    The banal truth is that most Europeans have precisely zero idea about what happens in their name, nor do they have much control over it. Btw, we already have an uber-liberal present, and we are 'being replaced' by gloating thirdies like Singh because we're allowing it to happen. Which only proves my point: at no point does us 'not being racist' or whatever give us any brownie points, it just makes others happy that we will disappear.

    Honest question: why are you guys still in the EU if you feel so assaulted? Economic reasons?

    Replies: @for-the-record, @Beckow

    You are I probably agree on more topics than our previous exchange would indicate. I used the words that you wrote ‘complicated’, ‘had it coming’ etc…as with all of us a few terms out of context can be misleading. But, it livens up the discussion.

    why are you guys still in the EU

    We get money. The bad things in EU – like migrants – have bypassed us and Brussels sends us money. Half of my friends are on some ‘EU project‘ that they can’t explain even when totally drunk. It is like a drug, our hapless eastern neighbors in Ukraine have been watching it and desperately want in on it. So far without success, in the meantime they keep on cleaning up after us, fix our roads, and dream of a day when that Brussels check will come.

    …we already have an uber-liberal present

    Yes, but this is just the beginning, they have bigger plans. My point is that when this was being put together and the initial liberal military bombings were taking place in Serbia, Iraq, Libya…, most non-liberal Europeans looked for a reason to justify it. You still do it with cliches like ‘no angels’ and ethnic strife. There were always multiple reasons, as there are today in Ukraine. But the complexity was ignored then, why do you get offended when others dismiss it today?

    The uber-liberalism is based on a set of ideas, but without the bombing campaigns it would not become as dominant. To succeed ideologies need blood, enemies and killing in the name of virtue. The passive Europeans who let the uber-liberals kill in their name – even cheered it on – can hardly today have much credibility.

    Regarding today, I wish none of it was happening. But the attempt to take the current tragedy in isolation ignoring how we got here, ignoring the massive bombings and wars by the West very recently, ignoring what has happened in Ukraine in the last 8 years, that is a dead end.

    You question whether Russia has the right to feel threatened by NATO in Ukraine, on its borders. Maybe they are paranoid, maybe they exaggerate – but in similar circumstances Western countries would have acted much sooner. The shock we are experiencing today is partially a result of Russia waiting and being patient for a long time. But I would never presume to tell a country that lost 20 million people in WWII to some of the very same countries that are today’s NATO to chill and just take it. I wish they had found a different way and that there were some adults left in Europe – but as you said Europeans are a satrapy of a great overlord, they have no agency and thus no responsibility. Forward to the uber-liberal future that at this points seems almost inevitable.

    • Agree: sher singh
    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    Half of my friends are on some ‘EU project‘ that they can’t explain even when totally drunk.
     
    I had to laugh out loud when I read this, that's pretty funny. The dynamics on this continent are really quite weird.

    Forward to the uber-liberal future that at this points seems almost inevitable
     
    How do you imagine it can get even worse than this? Where I live, I see honest to god arguments for phasing out our language for English as it is 'inefficient on the labor market'. The moment we enthusiastically take in Ukrainians, the papers are full of complaints that enthusiasm for Ukrainian refugees is 'racist' and we should immediately take in all the Arabs at the border. On trains they abolished 'ladies and gentlemen' on the intercom and got gender neutral toilets, kek.

    Didn't Sun Yat Sen have some sort of saying about the Chinese having no cohesion, something like 'we are the flesh and they the butcher knife', I'm probably remembering that wrong. Well, that's us. Just a bunch of consumers praising sodomy and slowly waking up to the hate of the world. Of course we can't do anything about it as that is racist- even anti-Americanism is now called the same thing as racism as the liberals recognize that all the gay shit comes from America- but they're happy about it. It's all going to hell. Maybe it can get even worse and we can get some sort of BLM protests to infinity or something. We already had the terrorist attacks and the Cologne rape attacks...

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Beckow, @S

  383. @Levtraro
    @Brás Cubas


    Having NATO in Ukraine would mean to expand the empire in a small way, ...
     
    Not really, It means a significant advantage under the first strike nuclear war policy.

    Replies: @Brás Cubas

    I don’t claim to know about those military matters, but I have a feeling that that extra advantage is not on the West’s priority list. What really is on the West’s priority list is to win ideologically, not by nuclear dissuasion. Nuclear war is not going to expand any empire. Even simple nuclear deterrence, though desirable, is not going to make Russia into a liberal regime.But a conventional war may have very serious political consequences in Russia which might be advantageous to the West.
    I was a little conspiratorial in some of my comments by assuming that some people in the West may have wished this war and made it happen by action or omission, but I admit it’s hard to be sure about those things.

    • Replies: @Levtraro
    @Brás Cubas

    Both the US and Russia wanted this war. It was the right time for both, for their own independent reasons.

  384. @Aedib
    Images of the Donetsk massacre after the Ukrainian attack with a cluster warhead. While Klitchko cry about some lamps Donetsk people cry about dozens of civilians killed. That shows the true nature of the Ukrainian regime.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANNhDKGjNK8&t=5s

    Replies: @AP, @Aedib

    Also, any truth to the Ukrainian claim that the missile that hit Donetsk was different from the ones Ukraine uses and thus probably an errant Donbas missile?

    Yes. They also claimed to have destroyed a corvette with a MLRS and that all men on the Snake Island perished in a heroic fight. Also, now that Azovites were reduced to a third of Mariupol, evacuation of civilians is working at full steam. So, yes, Azovites were the ones breaking the evacuation of civilians.
    I’m sorry but I don’t buy all this fake propaganda anymore.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Aedib

    And Russians claim that they aren’t hitting any residential areas of Kharkiv and Kiev and that the Ukrainian government does it to its own people, because their special operation (not a war) exclusively hits military targets only.

    So you believe some liars and not others?

    And you haven’t answered my question:

    Russia has now killed 1600 civilians in this invasion that it chose.

    Do you have anything to say about the true nature of the Russian regime?

    Replies: @Aedib, @Wokechoke

    , @Commentator Mike
    @Aedib


    I’m sorry but I don’t buy all this fake propaganda anymore.
     
    Good man.

    @AP

    And what about the 14,000 civilians killed by Ukrainians in the Donbass since 2014?

    Replies: @AP

  385. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    You are I probably agree on more topics than our previous exchange would indicate. I used the words that you wrote 'complicated', 'had it coming' etc...as with all of us a few terms out of context can be misleading. But, it livens up the discussion.


    why are you guys still in the EU
     
    We get money. The bad things in EU - like migrants - have bypassed us and Brussels sends us money. Half of my friends are on some 'EU project' that they can't explain even when totally drunk. It is like a drug, our hapless eastern neighbors in Ukraine have been watching it and desperately want in on it. So far without success, in the meantime they keep on cleaning up after us, fix our roads, and dream of a day when that Brussels check will come.

    ...we already have an uber-liberal present
     
    Yes, but this is just the beginning, they have bigger plans. My point is that when this was being put together and the initial liberal military bombings were taking place in Serbia, Iraq, Libya..., most non-liberal Europeans looked for a reason to justify it. You still do it with cliches like 'no angels' and ethnic strife. There were always multiple reasons, as there are today in Ukraine. But the complexity was ignored then, why do you get offended when others dismiss it today?

    The uber-liberalism is based on a set of ideas, but without the bombing campaigns it would not become as dominant. To succeed ideologies need blood, enemies and killing in the name of virtue. The passive Europeans who let the uber-liberals kill in their name - even cheered it on - can hardly today have much credibility.

    Regarding today, I wish none of it was happening. But the attempt to take the current tragedy in isolation ignoring how we got here, ignoring the massive bombings and wars by the West very recently, ignoring what has happened in Ukraine in the last 8 years, that is a dead end.

    You question whether Russia has the right to feel threatened by NATO in Ukraine, on its borders. Maybe they are paranoid, maybe they exaggerate - but in similar circumstances Western countries would have acted much sooner. The shock we are experiencing today is partially a result of Russia waiting and being patient for a long time. But I would never presume to tell a country that lost 20 million people in WWII to some of the very same countries that are today's NATO to chill and just take it. I wish they had found a different way and that there were some adults left in Europe - but as you said Europeans are a satrapy of a great overlord, they have no agency and thus no responsibility. Forward to the uber-liberal future that at this points seems almost inevitable.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Half of my friends are on some ‘EU project‘ that they can’t explain even when totally drunk.

    I had to laugh out loud when I read this, that’s pretty funny. The dynamics on this continent are really quite weird.

    Forward to the uber-liberal future that at this points seems almost inevitable

    How do you imagine it can get even worse than this? Where I live, I see honest to god arguments for phasing out our language for English as it is ‘inefficient on the labor market’. The moment we enthusiastically take in Ukrainians, the papers are full of complaints that enthusiasm for Ukrainian refugees is ‘racist’ and we should immediately take in all the Arabs at the border. On trains they abolished ‘ladies and gentlemen’ on the intercom and got gender neutral toilets, kek.

    Didn’t Sun Yat Sen have some sort of saying about the Chinese having no cohesion, something like ‘we are the flesh and they the butcher knife’, I’m probably remembering that wrong. Well, that’s us. Just a bunch of consumers praising sodomy and slowly waking up to the hate of the world. Of course we can’t do anything about it as that is racist- even anti-Americanism is now called the same thing as racism as the liberals recognize that all the gay shit comes from America- but they’re happy about it. It’s all going to hell. Maybe it can get even worse and we can get some sort of BLM protests to infinity or something. We already had the terrorist attacks and the Cologne rape attacks…

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @HenryBaker

    One moment I remember very vividly is when I visited my brother, studying in a large European city, with my family. The city, it turns out, is almost completely black now. We had all noticed, yet said nothing, as political correctness of course forbids. But my father mentioned it to my brother over dinner. 'I noticed how colored this city is...' he said. 'That's great!'

    The way he said it made it sound triumphant, which was the weirdest part. For good libs like my parents, their own displacement is indeed a sort of triumph- I suppose over the racists, which they are constantly told are the enemy of all good Europeans. The more we disappear, the more they feel like they achieve a moral victory over our black past. It's bizarre, yet also morbidly intriguing, how well the people have been sabotaged and made to feel defeat is victory. The alternative, perhaps, is that he felt he was only allowed to notice and mention this (as that implies the detail is worth mentioning, some serious Wrongthink) if he makes it sound like it's a good thing to him.

    Replies: @S

    , @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    The dynamics on this continent are really quite weird.
     
    Right before corona hit I sat in EU conference room - not for money, I tried to get testing sites. I had to sit through presentations so inane that I left - a Bulgarian woman representing Sweden talking about how "AI" will help childless people be accepted, two dorky Swedish beta males were nodding in approval; but don't ask, it was jibberish. I tried to claim my allocated lunch sandwich but an aggressive Belgian guy yelled at me that it is all 'scheduled and counted', I left hungry. The juxtaposition of liberal absurdity with old-fashioned greed struck me as a perfect picture of what EU is.

    How do you imagine it can get even worse than this?
     
    They won, now they will roll over all remaining resistance - more censorship, more equity, open borders, more preaching, maybe even more humanitarian bombing. They have the tools and complete control of all institutions, and let's face it, most people are way too conformist to risk their daily bread. The war in Ukraine is a culmination of 20+ years of effort to push east, to destroy any dissent or alternative. They wanted more, but given Russia's stubbornness they will settle for a complete separation from the devil in the east. All dissent will be tagged as devil's speech, all criticism as 'helping the devil'.

    That's how ideologies take full control, it has happened quite a few times in the past, in the east and in the west. The time to stop them was when they were getting started, when they invented 'killing for virtue', 'responsibility to protect' and my favorite 'collateral damage'. Most people stayed silent then, it wasn't their fight. It is too late now.

    Replies: @sher singh

    , @S
    @HenryBaker


    Of course we can’t do anything about it as that is racist...
     
    Yes, there have been problems at times between the various human races and ethnicities, but attempting to deliberately destroy them via 'mixing' and or suppress the fact of their existence with disingenuous and loaded terms like 'racist' and 'racism' isn't the answer. It would be better to acknowledge their existance and work more towards the idea of mutual respect and trying to get along better.

    As there are also many real and serious problems currently between individuals, and using the same logic as is now applied towards race, should we also work towards destroying individuality and suppressing it with terms like 'selfist' and 'selfism'?

    As ably once demonstrated in an episode of a famous old TV series broadcast in 1967, maybe that is indeed the next step with the noble aim of achieving 'world peace'. From the script:

    "You will be absorbed. Your individuality will merge into the unity of good, and in your submergence into the common being of the body, you will find contentment, fulfillment. You will experience the absolute good."

    But, this is not a life affirming peace which takes into account the much needed freedom of the human spirit. It is instead the peace of the grave:

    "This is a soulless society...It has no spirit, no spark. All is indeed peace and tranquility – the peace of the factory; the tranquility of the machine; all parts working in unison."


    http://www.letswatchstartrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Picture-112.png
    'Festival'


    https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/The_Return_of_the_Archons_(episode)

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  386. AP says:
    @Aedib
    @Aedib


    Also, any truth to the Ukrainian claim that the missile that hit Donetsk was different from the ones Ukraine uses and thus probably an errant Donbas missile?
     
    Yes. They also claimed to have destroyed a corvette with a MLRS and that all men on the Snake Island perished in a heroic fight. Also, now that Azovites were reduced to a third of Mariupol, evacuation of civilians is working at full steam. So, yes, Azovites were the ones breaking the evacuation of civilians.
    I’m sorry but I don’t buy all this fake propaganda anymore.

    Replies: @AP, @Commentator Mike

    And Russians claim that they aren’t hitting any residential areas of Kharkiv and Kiev and that the Ukrainian government does it to its own people, because their special operation (not a war) exclusively hits military targets only.

    So you believe some liars and not others?

    And you haven’t answered my question:

    Russia has now killed 1600 civilians in this invasion that it chose.

    Do you have anything to say about the true nature of the Russian regime?

    • Replies: @Aedib
    @AP

    OK. Let us assume that Russians hit purposefully residential buildings. This is unable to delete the purposeful attack to the city-center of Donetsk with a cluster warhead.
    You, like Sudden Death, are trying to whitewash the attack with a SRBM to the city center of Donetsk.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Wokechoke
    @AP

    In Ukraine there are no civilian targets.

  387. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    Half of my friends are on some ‘EU project‘ that they can’t explain even when totally drunk.
     
    I had to laugh out loud when I read this, that's pretty funny. The dynamics on this continent are really quite weird.

    Forward to the uber-liberal future that at this points seems almost inevitable
     
    How do you imagine it can get even worse than this? Where I live, I see honest to god arguments for phasing out our language for English as it is 'inefficient on the labor market'. The moment we enthusiastically take in Ukrainians, the papers are full of complaints that enthusiasm for Ukrainian refugees is 'racist' and we should immediately take in all the Arabs at the border. On trains they abolished 'ladies and gentlemen' on the intercom and got gender neutral toilets, kek.

    Didn't Sun Yat Sen have some sort of saying about the Chinese having no cohesion, something like 'we are the flesh and they the butcher knife', I'm probably remembering that wrong. Well, that's us. Just a bunch of consumers praising sodomy and slowly waking up to the hate of the world. Of course we can't do anything about it as that is racist- even anti-Americanism is now called the same thing as racism as the liberals recognize that all the gay shit comes from America- but they're happy about it. It's all going to hell. Maybe it can get even worse and we can get some sort of BLM protests to infinity or something. We already had the terrorist attacks and the Cologne rape attacks...

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Beckow, @S

    One moment I remember very vividly is when I visited my brother, studying in a large European city, with my family. The city, it turns out, is almost completely black now. We had all noticed, yet said nothing, as political correctness of course forbids. But my father mentioned it to my brother over dinner. ‘I noticed how colored this city is…’ he said. ‘That’s great!’

    The way he said it made it sound triumphant, which was the weirdest part. For good libs like my parents, their own displacement is indeed a sort of triumph- I suppose over the racists, which they are constantly told are the enemy of all good Europeans. The more we disappear, the more they feel like they achieve a moral victory over our black past. It’s bizarre, yet also morbidly intriguing, how well the people have been sabotaged and made to feel defeat is victory. The alternative, perhaps, is that he felt he was only allowed to notice and mention this (as that implies the detail is worth mentioning, some serious Wrongthink) if he makes it sound like it’s a good thing to him.

    • Thanks: S
    • Replies: @S
    @HenryBaker


    For good libs like my parents, their own displacement is indeed a sort of triumph- I suppose over the racists, which they are constantly told are the enemy of all good Europeans. The more we disappear, the more they feel like they achieve a moral victory over our black past.
     
    Yes, I've witnessed the same mentality at times. With all due respect to your parents, those holding such views have what I refer to as a murder/suicide/martyrdom complex.

    There is something simply suicidal in general about the so called 'progressives' with their anti-race campaign (euphemistically referred to as 'anti-racism'), in particular in it's radical left and, or, 'woke' manifestation. Race as part of our extended self is real, every bit as real as our individual self, and it's best simply to face that and work within the reality of the matter.

    Fighting a hard truth, often to one's own great detriment and sorrow, or, attempting to bury or suppress the truth, doesn't work, as much like with a law of physics, the truth will out in the end, one way or the other.

    A few examples of what I'm referring to here off the top of my head, though there are certainly many others:

    The 1967 much celebrated and award winning movie In the Heat of the Night which featured a fictional Northern Black character (played by Sydney Poitier) as a classic 'magic negro' detective who could do no wrong while in a Southern Mississippi town and solving a murder. It's actively suppressed that two years later, in 1969, that the script writer Silliphant's 18 year old son would be murdered in a Hollywood home invasion by an actual real Northern Black from Silliphant's home state of Michigan.

    Jonestown, a 'woke' progressive place if there ever was one, ie a 'progressive' Euro led black centric micro-cosm of what they are attempting to create for the entire world today, but also 'a giant Communist prison camp' to those few who managed to 'defect' from it, and their ultimate mass suicide.

    Recently I read of a quite influential White US college professor, a 'sixties radical', who along with his wife deliberately bought a home in a part of the town they lived in that they expected to soon 'go Black', which it did, this being something they openly advocated for. He would be beaten (having his jaw broken) by one of his new Black neighbors when he confronted the man about his son having stolen his (the professor's) son's bike. Ultimately this professor (you guessed it) would suicide.

    They, and those like them, would do better to forgive themselves, sin no more, and choose life.

    In the meantime, the rest of humanity would do well to find a way to succesfully separate themselves from such self destructive and delusional people.

    Replies: @silviosilver

  388. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    Half of my friends are on some ‘EU project‘ that they can’t explain even when totally drunk.
     
    I had to laugh out loud when I read this, that's pretty funny. The dynamics on this continent are really quite weird.

    Forward to the uber-liberal future that at this points seems almost inevitable
     
    How do you imagine it can get even worse than this? Where I live, I see honest to god arguments for phasing out our language for English as it is 'inefficient on the labor market'. The moment we enthusiastically take in Ukrainians, the papers are full of complaints that enthusiasm for Ukrainian refugees is 'racist' and we should immediately take in all the Arabs at the border. On trains they abolished 'ladies and gentlemen' on the intercom and got gender neutral toilets, kek.

    Didn't Sun Yat Sen have some sort of saying about the Chinese having no cohesion, something like 'we are the flesh and they the butcher knife', I'm probably remembering that wrong. Well, that's us. Just a bunch of consumers praising sodomy and slowly waking up to the hate of the world. Of course we can't do anything about it as that is racist- even anti-Americanism is now called the same thing as racism as the liberals recognize that all the gay shit comes from America- but they're happy about it. It's all going to hell. Maybe it can get even worse and we can get some sort of BLM protests to infinity or something. We already had the terrorist attacks and the Cologne rape attacks...

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Beckow, @S

    The dynamics on this continent are really quite weird.

    Right before corona hit I sat in EU conference room – not for money, I tried to get testing sites. I had to sit through presentations so inane that I left – a Bulgarian woman representing Sweden talking about how “AI” will help childless people be accepted, two dorky Swedish beta males were nodding in approval; but don’t ask, it was jibberish. I tried to claim my allocated lunch sandwich but an aggressive Belgian guy yelled at me that it is all ‘scheduled and counted‘, I left hungry. The juxtaposition of liberal absurdity with old-fashioned greed struck me as a perfect picture of what EU is.

    How do you imagine it can get even worse than this?

    They won, now they will roll over all remaining resistance – more censorship, more equity, open borders, more preaching, maybe even more humanitarian bombing. They have the tools and complete control of all institutions, and let’s face it, most people are way too conformist to risk their daily bread. The war in Ukraine is a culmination of 20+ years of effort to push east, to destroy any dissent or alternative. They wanted more, but given Russia’s stubbornness they will settle for a complete separation from the devil in the east. All dissent will be tagged as devil’s speech, all criticism as ‘helping the devil’.

    That’s how ideologies take full control, it has happened quite a few times in the past, in the east and in the west. The time to stop them was when they were getting started, when they invented ‘killing for virtue’, ‘responsibility to protect’ and my favorite ‘collateral damage’. Most people stayed silent then, it wasn’t their fight. It is too late now.

    • Thanks: HenryBaker
    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Beckow

    Reply to Beckow: Never too late.

    I know Mr. Baker (Does he bake Gay cakes?) is ignoring but a Chinese saying Point Deer Make Horse
    https://spandrell.com/2015/06/03/the-purpose-of-absurdity/

    Liberalism is a religion, and secularism its cudgel against competitors.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  389. @Aedib
    @Aedib


    Also, any truth to the Ukrainian claim that the missile that hit Donetsk was different from the ones Ukraine uses and thus probably an errant Donbas missile?
     
    Yes. They also claimed to have destroyed a corvette with a MLRS and that all men on the Snake Island perished in a heroic fight. Also, now that Azovites were reduced to a third of Mariupol, evacuation of civilians is working at full steam. So, yes, Azovites were the ones breaking the evacuation of civilians.
    I’m sorry but I don’t buy all this fake propaganda anymore.

    Replies: @AP, @Commentator Mike

    I’m sorry but I don’t buy all this fake propaganda anymore.

    Good man.

    And what about the 14,000 civilians killed by Ukrainians in the Donbass since 2014?

    • Replies: @AP
    @Commentator Mike

    Do you even read? Total number of deaths was around 14,000 (it was actually closer to 13,000). Of those, most were soldiers and only 3,400 were civilians. Of those 3,400 - slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active. After the front stabilized the number of civilians killed yearly has been in the double digits and declining. In 2021 it was around 20.

    UN report with casualties:

    https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Conflict-related%20civilian%20casualties%20as%20of%2030%20September%202021%20%28rev%208%20Oct%202021%29%20EN.pdf

    Replies: @Beckow

  390. They won, now they will roll over all remaining resistance – more censorship, more equity, open borders, more preaching, maybe even more humanitarian bombing.

    As the story I posted above might imply, I’m slowly warming to the idea that a lot of the things we have to praise are meant to humiliate you to show power over you. Like declaring a great defeat, ethnic replacement, a great triumph- raising the sodomy/transgender flag as your most prided flag in the country, accepting the existence of 666 genders or coping with BLM riots burning down police stations… It all just seems like one humiliation after another. If you get people to humiliate themselves and enjoy it, you get power over them.

    • Agree: sher singh, Barbarossa
    • Replies: @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    Connect the dots:

    https://twitter.com/Niyogin1/status/1303514873939128320?s=20

    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/777363024196796426/852791619115417620/unknown.png

    https://web.archive.org/web/20180202082106/https://reactionaryfuture.wordpress.com/2016/10/19/the-common-root-of-all-modern-political-discourse/

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    , @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    We are living through the Great Inversion of values - the purpose is to cut humanity loose from any "rootedness" in soil, tradition, nature, in community, in culture, in biology, and thus "unmoored", be masters of our own fate, through technology. We can invent ourselves.

    It is a great delusion, obviously leading to despondency and declining vitality, as we uproot ourselves from the soil that is our natural home and necessary for our health.

    But in the meantime, it is necessary to tell you that you can invent yourself - you are not "white", and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning - it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.

    There is nothing but human will - no other forces we must conform to.

    And yet the way back requires larger changes than we might be prepared for - for instance, you strike me as a materialist, but materialism itself is a major part of the Great Inversion of values, as no previous culture was.

    And so..

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker

  391. @Brás Cubas
    @Levtraro

    I don't claim to know about those military matters, but I have a feeling that that extra advantage is not on the West's priority list. What really is on the West's priority list is to win ideologically, not by nuclear dissuasion. Nuclear war is not going to expand any empire. Even simple nuclear deterrence, though desirable, is not going to make Russia into a liberal regime.But a conventional war may have very serious political consequences in Russia which might be advantageous to the West.
    I was a little conspiratorial in some of my comments by assuming that some people in the West may have wished this war and made it happen by action or omission, but I admit it's hard to be sure about those things.

    Replies: @Levtraro

    Both the US and Russia wanted this war. It was the right time for both, for their own independent reasons.

  392. @German_reader
    @Beckow


    NATO bombed Serbia killing thousands of civilians to forcefully separate a part of Serbia (Kosovo) and build a large NATO base there.
     
    I don't think the Kosovo war was justified, but you're also leaving out some facts, most importantly that the majority of Kosovo's population were Albanians (and had been so for quite some time, I don't think the province ever had a clear Serbian majority since Serbia had acquired it in the 1912/13 Balkan wars) who clearly resented Serbian rule. If you think their striving for independence was totally unjustified, how about putting Slovakia back under Magyar rule? It's a historic province of Hungary after all, and a case could be made that Slovakia is oppressing the Hungarian minority.
    And while NATO's bombing campaign deserves condemnation and there were quite a few appalling incidents (like the bombing of the TV studio in Belgrade or the killing of civilians in trains), I think the proven number of civilian deaths is in the hundreds rather than thousands.

    Sher singh is right, you will be overwhelmed both demographically and culturally. I am starting to think that you deserve it.
     
    I don't know, aren't there demographic projections that a startlingly huge percentage (a majority?) of Slovakia might be Gypsy later in this century? So maybe you won't have much chance to gloat about the misfortune of the evil Westerners, lol.

    Replies: @Beckow

    the majority of Kosovo’s population were Albanians who clearly resented Serbian rule.

    True. How about:

    the majority of Crimea-Donbas population were Russians who clearly resented Kiev rule.

    If one is true, so is the other. If it was ok (or at least unpunished) for NATO to use force, what business of ours is it to tell Russia what to do?

    And Kosovo happened first establishing a precedent. There is no way out of this dilemma – so West tries to forget, or say that it was ‘complex’. Or say that they were not in favor – what does that even mean? If you can’t control your own elite, why do you insist on controlling other countries? It makes no sense.

    Slovakia had a census last year, and it was very thorough (follow-up and cross-checks). In 2021 there were 7.7% Hungarians and 1.3% Roma. In spite of the effort to count each Roma, I think they under-counted – many Roma are mixed or don’t want to be Roma and it is hard to tell. The police residence registration show 2.2% Roma – it could be higher, maybe up to 2.5%. They are not about to ‘take over’, you have been lied to be Soros’s NGOs. You can live in Bratislava for a year without encountering a single Roma.

    You also couldn’t combine Hungary and Slovakia today (as it was in the past), the languages are too different, incomprehensible, and Slovaks would be more than 1/3 of the population. It simply would make no sense, so you example is kind of absurd.

  393. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    The dynamics on this continent are really quite weird.
     
    Right before corona hit I sat in EU conference room - not for money, I tried to get testing sites. I had to sit through presentations so inane that I left - a Bulgarian woman representing Sweden talking about how "AI" will help childless people be accepted, two dorky Swedish beta males were nodding in approval; but don't ask, it was jibberish. I tried to claim my allocated lunch sandwich but an aggressive Belgian guy yelled at me that it is all 'scheduled and counted', I left hungry. The juxtaposition of liberal absurdity with old-fashioned greed struck me as a perfect picture of what EU is.

    How do you imagine it can get even worse than this?
     
    They won, now they will roll over all remaining resistance - more censorship, more equity, open borders, more preaching, maybe even more humanitarian bombing. They have the tools and complete control of all institutions, and let's face it, most people are way too conformist to risk their daily bread. The war in Ukraine is a culmination of 20+ years of effort to push east, to destroy any dissent or alternative. They wanted more, but given Russia's stubbornness they will settle for a complete separation from the devil in the east. All dissent will be tagged as devil's speech, all criticism as 'helping the devil'.

    That's how ideologies take full control, it has happened quite a few times in the past, in the east and in the west. The time to stop them was when they were getting started, when they invented 'killing for virtue', 'responsibility to protect' and my favorite 'collateral damage'. Most people stayed silent then, it wasn't their fight. It is too late now.

    Replies: @sher singh

    Reply to Beckow: Never too late.

    I know Mr. Baker (Does he bake Gay cakes?) is ignoring but a Chinese saying Point Deer Make Horse
    https://spandrell.com/2015/06/03/the-purpose-of-absurdity/

    Liberalism is a religion, and secularism its cudgel against competitors.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    • LOL: HenryBaker
    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @sher singh

    Fwiw I'm ignoring you because half of the time I don't even understand what point you're making.


    I know Mr. Baker (Does he bake Gay cakes?)
     
    This quote is pretty funny, though.

    I've read almost all of spandrells blog posts so I understand this one link very well.

    Connect the dots:
     
    All true, I guess good beta male cucks (the natural European) make for a functional society, but are also susceptible to, well, whatever it is we've got going on now.

    Replies: @AaronB, @sher singh

  394. What is going on with fastfood restaurants in Russia?

    My impression is that the vast majority of them are franchisees, owned by Russians, so I don’t believe closing in order to virtue signal is written into their contracts. OTOH, some of these fastfood restaurants have very complicated supply chains. Like, ideally, you need a very specific type of potato, from a specific place, with a specific water content, in order to make fries, correctly.

    I assume with soda, they would just resort to Russian brands.

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @songbird

    At one time I held the recipie for KFC premixes to go through Russian customs so that the franchisees wouldn't have access to it.

    Replies: @songbird

  395. @HenryBaker

    They won, now they will roll over all remaining resistance – more censorship, more equity, open borders, more preaching, maybe even more humanitarian bombing.
     
    As the story I posted above might imply, I'm slowly warming to the idea that a lot of the things we have to praise are meant to humiliate you to show power over you. Like declaring a great defeat, ethnic replacement, a great triumph- raising the sodomy/transgender flag as your most prided flag in the country, accepting the existence of 666 genders or coping with BLM riots burning down police stations... It all just seems like one humiliation after another. If you get people to humiliate themselves and enjoy it, you get power over them.

    Replies: @sher singh, @AaronB

    Connect the dots:

    https://web.archive.org/web/20180202082106/https://reactionaryfuture.wordpress.com/2016/10/19/the-common-root-of-all-modern-political-discourse/

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  396. @HenryBaker

    They won, now they will roll over all remaining resistance – more censorship, more equity, open borders, more preaching, maybe even more humanitarian bombing.
     
    As the story I posted above might imply, I'm slowly warming to the idea that a lot of the things we have to praise are meant to humiliate you to show power over you. Like declaring a great defeat, ethnic replacement, a great triumph- raising the sodomy/transgender flag as your most prided flag in the country, accepting the existence of 666 genders or coping with BLM riots burning down police stations... It all just seems like one humiliation after another. If you get people to humiliate themselves and enjoy it, you get power over them.

    Replies: @sher singh, @AaronB

    We are living through the Great Inversion of values – the purpose is to cut humanity loose from any “rootedness” in soil, tradition, nature, in community, in culture, in biology, and thus “unmoored”, be masters of our own fate, through technology. We can invent ourselves.

    It is a great delusion, obviously leading to despondency and declining vitality, as we uproot ourselves from the soil that is our natural home and necessary for our health.

    But in the meantime, it is necessary to tell you that you can invent yourself – you are not “white”, and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning – it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.

    There is nothing but human will – no other forces we must conform to.

    And yet the way back requires larger changes than we might be prepared for – for instance, you strike me as a materialist, but materialism itself is a major part of the Great Inversion of values, as no previous culture was.

    And so..

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @AaronB


    you are not “white”, and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning – it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.
     
    Funny enough, this is just about what any Jew would have to say on the matter. Look, the last time we took Jews saying stuff like this at face value, and rebuilt our identity accordingly, we ended up with... well what we have now. The liberals are the non-materialists here, fighting for something that has no material benefit to them at all.

    In general you're much more cheery and willing to actually discuss things than most Jews I know personally, so I will still reply later to this in the assumption this is an honest belief of yours, and not some sort of crypsis. If I just start screaming 'Jew' there is no conversation at all.

    By the way, a Jewish friend of mine also adamantly claimed stuff like this about our country. Then, when the subject shifted to Israel, he did a 180 degree turn and claimed that Israel is just a Jewish country and if Palestinians are enslaved, that's okay. Bit like ole' Ben Shapiro, I guess. Fits in exactly with Andrew Joyce's endless catalogue of Jews telling Goys what their identity is, but not holding themselves to that standard...

    Replies: @A123

    , @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    Ah wait, I think I might have misunderstood what you were saying. What you were saying here:


    But in the meantime, it is necessary to tell you that you can invent yourself – you are not “white”, and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning – it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.
     
    I see this is a sort of parody of what people believe nowadays, not something you actually believe yourself. Sorry about immediately going 'there'. I'll get back to you when I have more time.

    Replies: @Barbarossa, @AaronB

  397. @AP
    @Aedib

    And Russians claim that they aren’t hitting any residential areas of Kharkiv and Kiev and that the Ukrainian government does it to its own people, because their special operation (not a war) exclusively hits military targets only.

    So you believe some liars and not others?

    And you haven’t answered my question:

    Russia has now killed 1600 civilians in this invasion that it chose.

    Do you have anything to say about the true nature of the Russian regime?

    Replies: @Aedib, @Wokechoke

    OK. Let us assume that Russians hit purposefully residential buildings. This is unable to delete the purposeful attack to the city-center of Donetsk with a cluster warhead.
    You, like Sudden Death, are trying to whitewash the attack with a SRBM to the city center of Donetsk.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Aedib

    You still haven’t answered what you think of the Russian regime that has already killed 1,700 civilians in Ukraine in only 3 weeks in its war of choice, far more then were killed in this Donetsk missile strike.

    The number of residential buildings hit by Russians all over Ukraine is huge, which means it is some sort of policy. Whereas what happened in Donetsk recently seems to be very rare (otherwise people like you would have been posting all about it) which suggests strong likelihood of a mistake by either side or even a false flag by the Russians.

    Replies: @Aedib

  398. @sher singh
    @Beckow

    Reply to Beckow: Never too late.

    I know Mr. Baker (Does he bake Gay cakes?) is ignoring but a Chinese saying Point Deer Make Horse
    https://spandrell.com/2015/06/03/the-purpose-of-absurdity/

    Liberalism is a religion, and secularism its cudgel against competitors.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Fwiw I’m ignoring you because half of the time I don’t even understand what point you’re making.

    I know Mr. Baker (Does he bake Gay cakes?)

    This quote is pretty funny, though.

    I’ve read almost all of spandrells blog posts so I understand this one link very well.

    Connect the dots:

    All true, I guess good beta male cucks (the natural European) make for a functional society, but are also susceptible to, well, whatever it is we’ve got going on now.

    • Replies: @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    There is no such thing as a "natural" beta cuck. And the world-conquering European, who Sikhs like Sher Singh were particularly terrified of in the 19th century and reluctant to meet in battle (according to historical reports), is surely the poorest candidate for that particular role.

    One is a beta cuck without belief in higher values, a depressed materialist. One is unstoppable, and on the side of the Universe, when one serves a Power higher than oneself.

    And with that, I will shut up for tonight, and let you realists enjoy yourselves until tomorrow, discussing "practicalities" :)

    Replies: @sher singh

    , @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    I was just probing if you're a Liberal, you could've said Nigger.

    People have ups and downs, I'm not really worried, and we have to trust in the EurAsian's natural hate of the Nigger. Else, all is lost.

    https://www.isegoria.net/2014/07/summary-of-the-fate-of-empires/

    The average person sees Liberalism as omnipotent, and Empire has destroyed or co-opted bonds able to resist within the core. Ethnogenesis will naturally occur as its strength weakens.


    Lift, and prep yourself for when opportunity strikes. We have no "beef" except cow slaughter.

    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Odin_%28Manual_of_Mythology%29.jpg/1200px-Odin_%28Manual_of_Mythology%29.jpg

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Au%C3%B0umbla

    The Sword knows no resentment, acknowledges no boundary, and respects none but God (SatGuru) & Power (itself or Shakti)

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  399. @HenryBaker
    @sher singh

    Fwiw I'm ignoring you because half of the time I don't even understand what point you're making.


    I know Mr. Baker (Does he bake Gay cakes?)
     
    This quote is pretty funny, though.

    I've read almost all of spandrells blog posts so I understand this one link very well.

    Connect the dots:
     
    All true, I guess good beta male cucks (the natural European) make for a functional society, but are also susceptible to, well, whatever it is we've got going on now.

    Replies: @AaronB, @sher singh

    There is no such thing as a “natural” beta cuck. And the world-conquering European, who Sikhs like Sher Singh were particularly terrified of in the 19th century and reluctant to meet in battle (according to historical reports), is surely the poorest candidate for that particular role.

    One is a beta cuck without belief in higher values, a depressed materialist. One is unstoppable, and on the side of the Universe, when one serves a Power higher than oneself.

    And with that, I will shut up for tonight, and let you realists enjoy yourselves until tomorrow, discussing “practicalities” 🙂

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @AaronB

    You're a New York Jew.
    Brit soldiers involved in the Wars write poety on their bravery (of Sikhs).
    Did the Rabbi suck your brains out on the 8th day too?

    Replies: @AaronB, @Philip Owen

  400. @Yevardian
    @sher singh


    Ask on the discord
     
    A haven for unwashed NEETs, teenage gamers, trannies, glowies and schizos. I'll pass.
    With it, feels like Akarlin's return to his ideological roots with the likes of Oliver D Smith, Mark Steyn readers and that 'PUA' women-respecter with a head like Red Dwarf's Kryten.

    https://alchetron.com/cdn/kryten-8f09c27e-cd80-4070-8a5c-9a4cc500bca-resize-750.jpeg

    It is odd though. Karlin abandons his blog, and a short while later, echoes the same uncritical triumphalism he mocked in writers like 'The Saker' for years. I mean a lot of people who wish the best for an independent Russia immediately saw the commencement of this invasion as an unavoidable castastrophe.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Anatoly Karlin, @Lolcow of the day

    A haven for unwashed NEETs, teenage gamers, trannies, glowies and schizos.

    You forgot to mention creepy men attracted to 14 year olds:

    https://encyclopediadramatica.online/Anatoly_Karlin#Sexual_attraction_to_young_teenage_girls
    https://trad-news.blogspot.com/2021/10/14-year-old-girl-respecter-anatoly.html

  401. @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    There is no such thing as a "natural" beta cuck. And the world-conquering European, who Sikhs like Sher Singh were particularly terrified of in the 19th century and reluctant to meet in battle (according to historical reports), is surely the poorest candidate for that particular role.

    One is a beta cuck without belief in higher values, a depressed materialist. One is unstoppable, and on the side of the Universe, when one serves a Power higher than oneself.

    And with that, I will shut up for tonight, and let you realists enjoy yourselves until tomorrow, discussing "practicalities" :)

    Replies: @sher singh

    You’re a New York Jew.
    Brit soldiers involved in the Wars write poety on their bravery (of Sikhs).
    Did the Rabbi suck your brains out on the 8th day too?

    • Replies: @AaronB
    @sher singh

    Of course I wasn't there in the 19th century, all I can say is from the histories that I've read.

    And what I have read, is that Sikhs were particularly terrified of meeting British officers in combat :) Like, particularly afraid.

    This is nothing to be ashamed of, my friend - you were fighting the world's great conquering people - the people Jack London was wont to call " the inevitable white man".

    Sikhs are a good people, but not one of histories "inevitable peoples" - accept your fate and contribute to those who are :)

    Replies: @sher singh

    , @Philip Owen
    @sher singh

    British soldiers were mostly glad that the Sikhs were generally on the same side.

    Replies: @sher singh

  402. sher singh says:
    @HenryBaker
    @sher singh

    Fwiw I'm ignoring you because half of the time I don't even understand what point you're making.


    I know Mr. Baker (Does he bake Gay cakes?)
     
    This quote is pretty funny, though.

    I've read almost all of spandrells blog posts so I understand this one link very well.

    Connect the dots:
     
    All true, I guess good beta male cucks (the natural European) make for a functional society, but are also susceptible to, well, whatever it is we've got going on now.

    Replies: @AaronB, @sher singh

    I was just probing if you’re a Liberal, you could’ve said Nigger.

    People have ups and downs, I’m not really worried, and we have to trust in the EurAsian’s natural hate of the Nigger. Else, all is lost.

    https://www.isegoria.net/2014/07/summary-of-the-fate-of-empires/

    The average person sees Liberalism as omnipotent, and Empire has destroyed or co-opted bonds able to resist within the core. Ethnogenesis will naturally occur as its strength weakens.

    Lift, and prep yourself for when opportunity strikes. We have no “beef” except cow slaughter.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Au%C3%B0umbla

    The Sword knows no resentment, acknowledges no boundary, and respects none but God (SatGuru) & Power (itself or Shakti)

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  403. @sher singh
    @AaronB

    You're a New York Jew.
    Brit soldiers involved in the Wars write poety on their bravery (of Sikhs).
    Did the Rabbi suck your brains out on the 8th day too?

    Replies: @AaronB, @Philip Owen

    Of course I wasn’t there in the 19th century, all I can say is from the histories that I’ve read.

    And what I have read, is that Sikhs were particularly terrified of meeting British officers in combat 🙂 Like, particularly afraid.

    This is nothing to be ashamed of, my friend – you were fighting the world’s great conquering people – the people Jack London was wont to call ” the inevitable white man”.

    Sikhs are a good people, but not one of histories “inevitable peoples” – accept your fate and contribute to those who are 🙂

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @AaronB

    Sikhs aren't a people it's a set of rules & principles (Rehit)
    As a Jew I wouldn't expect you to understand such a thing - honor, principle, ethics.

    Such things are foreign to you.
    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/777363024196796426/912980031049986068/IMG_3838.png

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @AaronB, @sudden death

  404. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    There is also no single Ukrainian view
     
    The same in decolonization wars, where there was a large mass of uncommitted 'natives', especially in rural areas. Nationalists were roughly divided in a nationalist, communist, and islamist camp (I think both in Indonesia and Algeria).

    There are pro-Russian Ukrainians, thinking of themselves as Russians in Ukraine, or sometimes just Russians – they were a majority in the east and south, half of the country.
     
    Algeria had French and harkis, Indonesia had Ambonese, Chinese, Dutch minorities...

    There is a quiet majority of non-committed who mostly want peace, and always eventually go with the winning side.
     
    Like I said, it was the same in Indonesia. However the majority doesn't decide anything, since the apathethic mass just has no decisive influence. Nationalist grip on the villages was more tight (they routinely executed or removed collaborating mayors). This once again reminds me of Ukraine although Ukies don't seem as hardcore.

    Russia doesn’t say that there is no Ukrainian nation, not a colonial situation
     
    In Indonesia, we accepted the possibility of an Indonesian state. But officers would have to be Dutch, with our Dutch queen as head of state, a federal, not unitary model... We accepted a state but it would have to be dependent. The indonesians could not stomach a dependent state and so they fought for unconditional independence. It's still very similar to Ukraine now imo.

    'Russia doesn't say there's no Ukrainian nation', the problem is Russia is treating Ukraine as an errant extension of the Russian state/people. The nationalist side (of which Karlin and guys in tg channels or Twitter are representative) routinely and casually deny the Ukrainian right to statehood and think of them as delusional, larping 'small Russians' that have to be dragged back into the fold, kicking and screaming. Putin in his latest speeches has echoed this sentiment. If you say 'Russians and Ukrainians are one people' you more or less deny Ukraine is meaningfully a separate nation. We also thought of the Indonesians as to be dragged back into the fold, kicking and screaming, by the way.


    Russia refuses to allow a militant, NATO-run anti-Russia on its strategic borders
     
    Dumb propaganda peddled by Russia to make its invasion of an independent state seem defensive and therefore more legitimate. That's when it's not saying out of the side of its mouth 'also Ukraine is a NATO regime that we can replace when we want, and Ukrainians are not a separate people'. The Russia 'club' (Chechnya, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and maybe soon Ukraine) has all been dragged in by its hair. What a great defensive alliance! I wonder how much we had to coerce the entirety of Europe to come and join NATO? They sure joined quickly! I wonder which old (imperial) overlord they were afraid of

    A colonial empire or a Tsarist/Soviet empire- what does it matter. It's still an empire, with all the disregard for small nations that entails.

    Btw there was no Scottisch independence war...

    Replies: @Beckow, @siberiancat

    The Russian use of the term nationality, the nation is very different from the one common to the West
    It is more of ethnicity.

    In this sense wouldn’t you agree that the Germans and the Austrians are the same ethnos?

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @siberiancat

    @henrybaker

    Well, Russian has two conveniently distinct words that both translate to 'Russian' in English, Русский (roo-skiy), for ethnic Russians, which can equally live in Russia, Lithuania or Ukraine, and Российский (rah-siy-skiy), members of the Russian State, which could equally be Russians, Mari, Udmurts or Armenians.

    Yiddish likewise has separate words for Jewish and Goy residents of all the European countries in which they settled extensively (France, Germany, Hungary, Poland etc), so you have Litvak (Lithuanian Jew) and Litvish (Lithuanian goy).

    I don't know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.

    @shersingh


    Such things are foreign to you.
     
    Isn't your own religion based on Islamic-Hindu syncretism?

    Replies: @Philip Owen, @HenryBaker, @German_reader

  405. @Emil Nikola Richard
    @AaronB

    1. I have not seen any transhumanist so whacko they want to dig up human remains and bring dead people back to life. It says something about them that they are even more whacko than the transhumanists.

    2. The cosmist movement was obliterated totally by the commies. Except one guy whose name escapes me. One of the biggest Russian rocket scientists before they got German technology after 1945 began his career as a prominent cosmist. He turned over a new leaf when he got the big job in rockets.

    3. Cosmism is arcane. Think Hegel, Heidegger. If K knows more about it than they had a great name I would be surprised.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird, @Bill, @Philip Owen

    Do you mean the late Nikolai (?) Levashov? His claims to have worked at NASA were bogus. He went to the US in 1991 to be a hippy for 10 years. I don’t know where the money came from. He has a substantial (tens of thousands) following in Russia kept alive by his wife. It was growing the last time I looked. Blavatsky, Thule Society, Timothy Leary etc. Strong cult of physical purity. Grand Tartary was the foundation of Russia. Sometimes I wonder whether Putin has picked up some of it.

    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @Philip Owen

    It has been a long time and I culled all the books that I had my notes and I can't recall the name.

    If Russians want a wholesome guru I don't know why they wouldn't renovate Gurdjieff and Ouspensky. They had some goofy ideas but they also had a bunch of very useful ones. Gurdjieff even had an Orthodox funeral mass.

    Almost anybody would be grateful for such a casket parade:

    https://digitalseance.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/gurdjieff-funeral.gif

    If you want to lose your faith make friends with a priest!

  406. @sher singh
    @AaronB

    You're a New York Jew.
    Brit soldiers involved in the Wars write poety on their bravery (of Sikhs).
    Did the Rabbi suck your brains out on the 8th day too?

    Replies: @AaronB, @Philip Owen

    British soldiers were mostly glad that the Sikhs were generally on the same side.

    • Agree: sher singh
    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Philip Owen

    Everyone but New York Jews seem to understand this.
    They're the only ones who seem to be in quaint denial.

    Must be something in the water,
    Makes no difference.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  407. @AP
    @Aedib

    And Russians claim that they aren’t hitting any residential areas of Kharkiv and Kiev and that the Ukrainian government does it to its own people, because their special operation (not a war) exclusively hits military targets only.

    So you believe some liars and not others?

    And you haven’t answered my question:

    Russia has now killed 1600 civilians in this invasion that it chose.

    Do you have anything to say about the true nature of the Russian regime?

    Replies: @Aedib, @Wokechoke

    In Ukraine there are no civilian targets.

  408. @songbird
    What is going on with fastfood restaurants in Russia?

    My impression is that the vast majority of them are franchisees, owned by Russians, so I don't believe closing in order to virtue signal is written into their contracts. OTOH, some of these fastfood restaurants have very complicated supply chains. Like, ideally, you need a very specific type of potato, from a specific place, with a specific water content, in order to make fries, correctly.

    I assume with soda, they would just resort to Russian brands.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    At one time I held the recipie for KFC premixes to go through Russian customs so that the franchisees wouldn’t have access to it.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Philip Owen

    I've always wondered how far one could get with chromotography, in trying to break these secret formulas. In particular, it is hard for me to understand how Coca-Cola, a liquid, could really remain a secret, unless only as PR.

  409. @Philip Owen
    @Emil Nikola Richard

    Do you mean the late Nikolai (?) Levashov? His claims to have worked at NASA were bogus. He went to the US in 1991 to be a hippy for 10 years. I don't know where the money came from. He has a substantial (tens of thousands) following in Russia kept alive by his wife. It was growing the last time I looked. Blavatsky, Thule Society, Timothy Leary etc. Strong cult of physical purity. Grand Tartary was the foundation of Russia. Sometimes I wonder whether Putin has picked up some of it.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    It has been a long time and I culled all the books that I had my notes and I can’t recall the name.

    If Russians want a wholesome guru I don’t know why they wouldn’t renovate Gurdjieff and Ouspensky. They had some goofy ideas but they also had a bunch of very useful ones. Gurdjieff even had an Orthodox funeral mass.

    Almost anybody would be grateful for such a casket parade:

    If you want to lose your faith make friends with a priest!

  410. @Dmitry
    I was reading British government's 1000 sanctions today https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-announces-historic-round-of-sanctions-15-march-2022


    It's like 80% in their list are against Jews e.g. Pumpyansky, Moshkovich, Fridman etc. Their strategy for networking with the West was not too successful. Money available for Jewish film festivals will be rapidly declining.

    https://i.imgur.com/JC4PjBp.jpg

    Replies: @Wokechoke

    It’s absolutely bizarre. The more I hear about this list the more I suspect it means fuck all in practical terms.

  411. AP says:
    @Commentator Mike
    @Aedib


    I’m sorry but I don’t buy all this fake propaganda anymore.
     
    Good man.

    @AP

    And what about the 14,000 civilians killed by Ukrainians in the Donbass since 2014?

    Replies: @AP

    Do you even read? Total number of deaths was around 14,000 (it was actually closer to 13,000). Of those, most were soldiers and only 3,400 were civilians. Of those 3,400 – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active. After the front stabilized the number of civilians killed yearly has been in the double digits and declining. In 2021 it was around 20.

    UN report with casualties:

    https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Conflict-related%20civilian%20casualties%20as%20of%2030%20September%202021%20%28rev%208%20Oct%202021%29%20EN.pdf

    • Thanks: Commentator Mike
    • Replies: @Beckow
    @AP

    Only 20 last year? Well, then it is ok. If only 20 civilians were killed, year in and year out, in Maine by shelling from Quebec I am sure Washington would just shrug it off. Especially if the trend was downward. No big deal, why are Russians such babies?

    But seriously, the timing of Russia's attack seems driven more by being ready than by anything Kiev or NATO did in the last few months. I don't find it surprising, it is a lot better strategy than being pulled in by provocations. There clearly was a lot of thought and preparation going into it, and we are still in the early phases, it will get bigger.

    It is not just about Ukraine. This is a once-in-a-generation reset: the virtual stuff that has accumulated on top of the material reality will either evaporate or change dramatically. It also looks like that it is not only Russia that wants to change things, there is a visible eagerness by Europe and US to use this as a reset. The sides want different results, but nobody seems interested in preserving the current status quo. We are in for quite a ride - and with Biden and his gerontocracy they may not be up to it.

    Replies: @AP

  412. AP says:
    @Aedib
    @AP

    OK. Let us assume that Russians hit purposefully residential buildings. This is unable to delete the purposeful attack to the city-center of Donetsk with a cluster warhead.
    You, like Sudden Death, are trying to whitewash the attack with a SRBM to the city center of Donetsk.

    Replies: @AP

    You still haven’t answered what you think of the Russian regime that has already killed 1,700 civilians in Ukraine in only 3 weeks in its war of choice, far more then were killed in this Donetsk missile strike.

    The number of residential buildings hit by Russians all over Ukraine is huge, which means it is some sort of policy. Whereas what happened in Donetsk recently seems to be very rare (otherwise people like you would have been posting all about it) which suggests strong likelihood of a mistake by either side or even a false flag by the Russians.

    • Replies: @Aedib
    @AP

    I’m against the killing of civilians of all sides and I already told you. So yes, I’m against Russians targeting civilians in Kiev. Meanwhile, you are making conspiracy theories about a”deviated SRBM” or a “false flag”. Meanwhile:


    On 15 March, there were serious staff reshuffles in the command of Ukraine’s Joint Forces Operation (JFO). Due to the defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donbas, Zelenskyy dismissed commander Pavlyuk and appointed his deputy, General Moskalyov, to this post. It can be assumed that the Ukrainian leadership lost confidence in him due to General Pavlyuk’s complete inability to manage the AFU defence, as well as the loss of Volnovakha and the blockade of Ukrainian troops in Mariupol.
    However, the decisive factor for Pavlyuk’s removal was his unauthorized use of a Tochka-U tactical missile system with a cluster-type warhead on the city centre of Donetsk, which killed 21 civilians and wounded 37. This was a strong rehearsal for Ukraine’s political leadership, which was particularly sensitive against the backdrop of Kiev’s increasing need for external financial and military assistance from the West.

     

    https://southfront.org/war-in-ukraine-day-20-tipping-processes-amid-absence-of-high-profile-declarations-of-victory/

    You seem beyond redemption. This behavior is the one that makes necessary to terminate with all Azovites.

    Replies: @sudden death, @AP

  413. @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    I honestly don't know what I'm doing here!

    I have several times tried to break away, but always come back for some reason. Even as I post here, I'm always planning to stop posting here lol.

    I suppose I can only say that the heart as a logic of its own, stronger than the rational mind, and the spirit keeps calling me back here for reasons that are obscure to me.

    Well, somehow, in some twisted way, I even enjoy spending time here - even as I spiritually oppose nearly everything about this place and it makes me despair of the human race :)

    God has his mysteries - and his sense of humor :)

    Replies: @Barbarossa, @Thulean Friend

    You bring balance to the force.

    We can’t all be the AKs and TritelaxaLeias of Unz. It would be too tiresome!

    • Thanks: AaronB
  414. @AaronB
    @sher singh

    Of course I wasn't there in the 19th century, all I can say is from the histories that I've read.

    And what I have read, is that Sikhs were particularly terrified of meeting British officers in combat :) Like, particularly afraid.

    This is nothing to be ashamed of, my friend - you were fighting the world's great conquering people - the people Jack London was wont to call " the inevitable white man".

    Sikhs are a good people, but not one of histories "inevitable peoples" - accept your fate and contribute to those who are :)

    Replies: @sher singh

    Sikhs aren’t a people it’s a set of rules & principles (Rehit)
    As a Jew I wouldn’t expect you to understand such a thing – honor, principle, ethics.

    Such things are foreign to you.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    • Replies: @AaronB
    @sher singh

    Absolutely, I totally respect Sikh honor and willingness to go down in defeat rather than compromise your beliefs - Jews have a rich history of martyrdom, too (see Maccabees, Masada, Old Testament, etc).

    I don't question Sikh honor - merely pointing out that as warriors, you were not the equal of the British, the European, and were conquered without too much difficulty, man to man, with equal weapons and armaments.

    I do not regard this as a slur upon you - Jews too, often were not the equal, as warriors, of the Greek, the Roman, etc, although often, they were, surprisingly.

    Anyways I don't particularly identify as a Jew these days :)

    Good luck, my Sikh friend, but learn not to be so arrogant, your history does not warrant it :)

    And with that, that's the last thing I have to say about this silly Sikh thing :)

    Replies: @sher singh, @sher singh

    , @sudden death
    @sher singh

    Curiously, but in the end all those vikings still adopted abrahamic religion variation too, despite having developed their own pagan writing system and being succesful militants. ofc, I do not have deep knowledge about Scandinavian christianization history, but at first sight it seems bit strange.

  415. @siberiancat
    @HenryBaker

    The Russian use of the term nationality, the nation is very different from the one common to the West
    It is more of ethnicity.

    In this sense wouldn't you agree that the Germans and the Austrians are the same ethnos?

    Replies: @Yevardian

    @henrybaker

    Well, Russian has two conveniently distinct words that both translate to ‘Russian’ in English, Русский (roo-skiy), for ethnic Russians, which can equally live in Russia, Lithuania or Ukraine, and Российский (rah-siy-skiy), members of the Russian State, which could equally be Russians, Mari, Udmurts or Armenians.

    Yiddish likewise has separate words for Jewish and Goy residents of all the European countries in which they settled extensively (France, Germany, Hungary, Poland etc), so you have Litvak (Lithuanian Jew) and Litvish (Lithuanian goy).

    I don’t know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.

    @shersingh

    Such things are foreign to you.

    Isn’t your own religion based on Islamic-Hindu syncretism?

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @Yevardian

    British is quite an lastic term which tends to mean citizenship in modern times. An immigrant can be British but English is inherited, except the Scots and Welsh liberals now use their national descriptors for Civic nationalism (everybody is included). Also, older meanings might include citizens of Dominions and Colonies as British. Certainly during and immediately after WW2.

    , @HenryBaker
    @Yevardian


    I don’t know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.
     
    In general, the classic European insistence on having a unitary nation or at least having no ambiguity in the weltanschauung makes such double-terms implausible. German has no such double-term. What Europeans do instead is redefining the word as we go. However, with the death of the idea that a nation is ethnic, but the uncomfortable recognition of most that there is still clearly something like an ethnic German, we end up using the word ambiguously anyhow...
    , @German_reader
    @Yevardian


    I don’t know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.
     
    No, it doesn't, unlike Russia Germany wasn't a vast multiethnic empire, so there was no need for making such a distinction. But obviously this is a highly relevant distinction today, even if it's not recognized in official discourse (the official position is pretty much that something like ethnic Germans doesn't exist, so you can't even formulate a critique of ethnic Germans becoming a minority in their own homeland, because that would make you a völkisch enemy of the constitution who needs to be repressed).

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Emil Nikola Richard

  416. @Philip Owen
    @sher singh

    British soldiers were mostly glad that the Sikhs were generally on the same side.

    Replies: @sher singh

    Everyone but New York Jews seem to understand this.
    They’re the only ones who seem to be in quaint denial.

    Must be something in the water,
    Makes no difference.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  417. @Yevardian
    @Thulean Friend


    Ukraine’s population fell from 52 million when the Soviet Union ended to probably no more than 30 million today. Could end up at 25 million when this crisis is over. Are there any comparable countries that have seen such a massive shortfall in such a compressed time period? Perhaps one of the Caucasoid nations?
     
    Armenia fell from about 3.6 to 2.8 million in the post-Soviet aftermath. Though like Ukraine, probably the real figure is significantly lower, considering those working in Russia, and especially since the latest war with the Turks. Outside of Yerevan and Gyumri you find can whole barely inhabited blocks and many ghost villages with a few elderly.

    Punjab is getting rapidly depopulated as its youth seeks its fortunes in Canada, and whole villages are left with just boomers and young kids, forcing more non-pubjabi labourers to come in. This is not something many developing countries are used to.
     
    What is it with Punjabi effluent spreading everywhere? Its not even close to the poorest pajeet state, is just places like Bihar can't afford to emigrate the country in the first place? Does persecution of Sikhs or their Khalistan separatist movement actually still exist?

    Replies: @sher singh

  418. @prime noticer
    first major war since the advent of the internet, so it's interesting to see what a million different people think about it. wonder if this is what it was like 100 years ago and earlier, except nobody knew what was going on in a million other people's heads as the conflict unfolded.

    while not aimed at any of the posters here, i regret that i now have to hear the internal thought processes of so many mediocre, annoying media people and leftists. we were a thousand times better off before sports athletes and media types were able to broadcast their thoughts daily. the daily spew from their tiny brains is vastly better off contained within their skulls permanently.

    it does present an interesting case study for understanding the history of technology, the human march out of ancient history from a zero technology world and into the modern world, and other Charles Murray type pursuits. in that it shows 99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.

    Replies: @silviosilver, @Commentator Mike, @Barbarossa

    99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.

    Of course, too many cooks spoil the sauce, so I’m not sure it would be any good if more had the mental capabilities to be movers and shakers.

    I would say that technology casts the dynamic in an interesting light since in no point of history have so many been so fundamentally powerless but given the illusion that their opinions are consequential and can change their world. Now every moron on Twitter or Tiktok can be a pundit with an audience.

    In the past, folks were much less deluded. They largely knew they were at the mercy of those in power above them and dealt with that reality in one way or another.

    • Replies: @silviosilver
    @Barbarossa


    Of course, too many cooks spoil the sauce, so I’m not sure it would be any good if more had the mental capabilities to be movers and shakers.
     
    I think it's more of a case of too many chiefs, not enough indians. But if, given the internet, they all insist on being chiefs anyway, it would obviously be better if they had more going on upstairs than less.

    (Btw, I've never heard of too many cooks spoiling the sauce. Where I'm from, they spoil the broth.)
  419. @Anatoly Karlin
    @German_reader

    It's not a legitimate question, it's a moronic and bad faith one. About 70% of Russians support the special military operation, but only about 0.2% of them are participating in it. Why don't you go round asking the other 69.8% the same thing? The 0.2% that are fighting are people who want to be there, who are paid well above average Russian salaries to be there (funded by taxes collected from the 69.8%), and who have specifically trained for years for scenarios like this.

    It's also very curious (and telling) how all these newly sprouted pacifists only seem to be piping up now and now in any of the previous 8 years when the Ukrainians were bombarding Donbass.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @Philip Owen, @German_reader, @Jim Christian, @AKAHorace, @Philip Owen

    Since doing this Tweet I have found slightly more up to date figures (18 dead in 2021 was 7 months. The final figure was 25).

  420. @sher singh
    @AaronB

    Sikhs aren't a people it's a set of rules & principles (Rehit)
    As a Jew I wouldn't expect you to understand such a thing - honor, principle, ethics.

    Such things are foreign to you.
    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/777363024196796426/912980031049986068/IMG_3838.png

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @AaronB, @sudden death

    Absolutely, I totally respect Sikh honor and willingness to go down in defeat rather than compromise your beliefs – Jews have a rich history of martyrdom, too (see Maccabees, Masada, Old Testament, etc).

    I don’t question Sikh honor – merely pointing out that as warriors, you were not the equal of the British, the European, and were conquered without too much difficulty, man to man, with equal weapons and armaments.

    I do not regard this as a slur upon you – Jews too, often were not the equal, as warriors, of the Greek, the Roman, etc, although often, they were, surprisingly.

    Anyways I don’t particularly identify as a Jew these days 🙂

    Good luck, my Sikh friend, but learn not to be so arrogant, your history does not warrant it 🙂

    And with that, that’s the last thing I have to say about this silly Sikh thing 🙂

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @AaronB

    Disagree, Sikh-Afghan Wars concluded in the 1820s.

    To make an Army which matches the best in under a generation.
    After close to 2 centuries of war & then

    By all admission going down only after betrayal by Hindu Dogras is a light for all humanity.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    , @sher singh
    @AaronB

    Neither Jew nor Saxon carry weapons in New York or England. Singhs do in both,
    You're correct in that there's not much to say since your words are as empty as your hands.

  421. @Yevardian
    @siberiancat

    @henrybaker

    Well, Russian has two conveniently distinct words that both translate to 'Russian' in English, Русский (roo-skiy), for ethnic Russians, which can equally live in Russia, Lithuania or Ukraine, and Российский (rah-siy-skiy), members of the Russian State, which could equally be Russians, Mari, Udmurts or Armenians.

    Yiddish likewise has separate words for Jewish and Goy residents of all the European countries in which they settled extensively (France, Germany, Hungary, Poland etc), so you have Litvak (Lithuanian Jew) and Litvish (Lithuanian goy).

    I don't know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.

    @shersingh


    Such things are foreign to you.
     
    Isn't your own religion based on Islamic-Hindu syncretism?

    Replies: @Philip Owen, @HenryBaker, @German_reader

    British is quite an lastic term which tends to mean citizenship in modern times. An immigrant can be British but English is inherited, except the Scots and Welsh liberals now use their national descriptors for Civic nationalism (everybody is included). Also, older meanings might include citizens of Dominions and Colonies as British. Certainly during and immediately after WW2.

  422. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    What the hell are you even doing here? You're way too cheery for this hellhole called Unz Review. I've been back two days and I'm already regretting it.

    Replies: @AaronB, @silviosilver

    You’re way too cheery for this hellhole called Unz Review. I’ve been back two days and I’m already regretting it.

    Ignis aurum probat…

    Kiddo, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.

    • LOL: HenryBaker
  423. @German_reader
    @utu


    What if the secretive and hidden German “deep state” is thoroughly penetrated by Russian agents or at least partially and there is an ongoing unseen fight between them and the pro American faction?
     
    There could also be an unseen fight between agents of the lizard people and agents of the Martians. And you'd be just as qualified to comment on that.
    The issue with many of your comments is that they're nothing but pure speculation.

    I seek opportunities for good that the fight in the Just War provides.
     
    You write comments on UR, which have zero effect on anything beyond this website.
    But that's probably for the best, at least you're not doing any harm.

    Replies: @songbird, @basilIII

    FYI, “utu” is Polish and paranoid about and hostile to Russia and Germany. Hence the antipathy towards you and Karlin.

  424. @Philip Owen
    @songbird

    At one time I held the recipie for KFC premixes to go through Russian customs so that the franchisees wouldn't have access to it.

    Replies: @songbird

    I’ve always wondered how far one could get with chromotography, in trying to break these secret formulas. In particular, it is hard for me to understand how Coca-Cola, a liquid, could really remain a secret, unless only as PR.

  425. @AP
    @Commentator Mike

    Do you even read? Total number of deaths was around 14,000 (it was actually closer to 13,000). Of those, most were soldiers and only 3,400 were civilians. Of those 3,400 - slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active. After the front stabilized the number of civilians killed yearly has been in the double digits and declining. In 2021 it was around 20.

    UN report with casualties:

    https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Conflict-related%20civilian%20casualties%20as%20of%2030%20September%202021%20%28rev%208%20Oct%202021%29%20EN.pdf

    Replies: @Beckow

    Only 20 last year? Well, then it is ok. If only 20 civilians were killed, year in and year out, in Maine by shelling from Quebec I am sure Washington would just shrug it off. Especially if the trend was downward. No big deal, why are Russians such babies?

    But seriously, the timing of Russia’s attack seems driven more by being ready than by anything Kiev or NATO did in the last few months. I don’t find it surprising, it is a lot better strategy than being pulled in by provocations. There clearly was a lot of thought and preparation going into it, and we are still in the early phases, it will get bigger.

    It is not just about Ukraine. This is a once-in-a-generation reset: the virtual stuff that has accumulated on top of the material reality will either evaporate or change dramatically. It also looks like that it is not only Russia that wants to change things, there is a visible eagerness by Europe and US to use this as a reset. The sides want different results, but nobody seems interested in preserving the current status quo. We are in for quite a ride – and with Biden and his gerontocracy they may not be up to it.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Beckow


    Only 20 last year? Well, then it is ok. If only 20 civilians were killed, year in and year out, in Maine by shelling from Quebec I am sure Washington would just shrug it off
     
    The shelling is mutual, it’s not like one side is randomly shelling. It just happens to be that the Donbas rebels were shelling from a populated area.

    At any rate, this would perhaps excuse clearing out Ukrainian forces from Donbas. Preventing a situation with 20 deaths yearly does not excuse an invasion that kills thousands of civilians. Clearly that was not the real reason for the invasion.

    Replies: @Boethiuss

  426. @AaronB
    @sher singh

    Absolutely, I totally respect Sikh honor and willingness to go down in defeat rather than compromise your beliefs - Jews have a rich history of martyrdom, too (see Maccabees, Masada, Old Testament, etc).

    I don't question Sikh honor - merely pointing out that as warriors, you were not the equal of the British, the European, and were conquered without too much difficulty, man to man, with equal weapons and armaments.

    I do not regard this as a slur upon you - Jews too, often were not the equal, as warriors, of the Greek, the Roman, etc, although often, they were, surprisingly.

    Anyways I don't particularly identify as a Jew these days :)

    Good luck, my Sikh friend, but learn not to be so arrogant, your history does not warrant it :)

    And with that, that's the last thing I have to say about this silly Sikh thing :)

    Replies: @sher singh, @sher singh

    Disagree, Sikh-Afghan Wars concluded in the 1820s.

    To make an Army which matches the best in under a generation.
    After close to 2 centuries of war & then

    By all admission going down only after betrayal by Hindu Dogras is a light for all humanity.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

  427. @AaronB
    @sher singh

    Absolutely, I totally respect Sikh honor and willingness to go down in defeat rather than compromise your beliefs - Jews have a rich history of martyrdom, too (see Maccabees, Masada, Old Testament, etc).

    I don't question Sikh honor - merely pointing out that as warriors, you were not the equal of the British, the European, and were conquered without too much difficulty, man to man, with equal weapons and armaments.

    I do not regard this as a slur upon you - Jews too, often were not the equal, as warriors, of the Greek, the Roman, etc, although often, they were, surprisingly.

    Anyways I don't particularly identify as a Jew these days :)

    Good luck, my Sikh friend, but learn not to be so arrogant, your history does not warrant it :)

    And with that, that's the last thing I have to say about this silly Sikh thing :)

    Replies: @sher singh, @sher singh

    Neither Jew nor Saxon carry weapons in New York or England. Singhs do in both,
    You’re correct in that there’s not much to say since your words are as empty as your hands.

  428. @sher singh
    @AaronB

    Sikhs aren't a people it's a set of rules & principles (Rehit)
    As a Jew I wouldn't expect you to understand such a thing - honor, principle, ethics.

    Such things are foreign to you.
    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/777363024196796426/912980031049986068/IMG_3838.png

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @AaronB, @sudden death

    Curiously, but in the end all those vikings still adopted abrahamic religion variation too, despite having developed their own pagan writing system and being succesful militants. ofc, I do not have deep knowledge about Scandinavian christianization history, but at first sight it seems bit strange.

  429. S says:
    @HenryBaker
    @HenryBaker

    One moment I remember very vividly is when I visited my brother, studying in a large European city, with my family. The city, it turns out, is almost completely black now. We had all noticed, yet said nothing, as political correctness of course forbids. But my father mentioned it to my brother over dinner. 'I noticed how colored this city is...' he said. 'That's great!'

    The way he said it made it sound triumphant, which was the weirdest part. For good libs like my parents, their own displacement is indeed a sort of triumph- I suppose over the racists, which they are constantly told are the enemy of all good Europeans. The more we disappear, the more they feel like they achieve a moral victory over our black past. It's bizarre, yet also morbidly intriguing, how well the people have been sabotaged and made to feel defeat is victory. The alternative, perhaps, is that he felt he was only allowed to notice and mention this (as that implies the detail is worth mentioning, some serious Wrongthink) if he makes it sound like it's a good thing to him.

    Replies: @S

    For good libs like my parents, their own displacement is indeed a sort of triumph- I suppose over the racists, which they are constantly told are the enemy of all good Europeans. The more we disappear, the more they feel like they achieve a moral victory over our black past.

    Yes, I’ve witnessed the same mentality at times. With all due respect to your parents, those holding such views have what I refer to as a murder/suicide/martyrdom complex.

    There is something simply suicidal in general about the so called ‘progressives’ with their anti-race campaign (euphemistically referred to as ‘anti-racism’), in particular in it’s radical left and, or, ‘woke’ manifestation. Race as part of our extended self is real, every bit as real as our individual self, and it’s best simply to face that and work within the reality of the matter.

    Fighting a hard truth, often to one’s own great detriment and sorrow, or, attempting to bury or suppress the truth, doesn’t work, as much like with a law of physics, the truth will out in the end, one way or the other.

    A few examples of what I’m referring to here off the top of my head, though there are certainly many others:

    The 1967 much celebrated and award winning movie In the Heat of the Night which featured a fictional Northern Black character (played by Sydney Poitier) as a classic ‘magic negro’ detective who could do no wrong while in a Southern Mississippi town and solving a murder. It’s actively suppressed that two years later, in 1969, that the script writer Silliphant’s 18 year old son would be murdered in a Hollywood home invasion by an actual real Northern Black from Silliphant’s home state of Michigan.

    Jonestown, a ‘woke’ progressive place if there ever was one, ie a ‘progressive’ Euro led black centric micro-cosm of what they are attempting to create for the entire world today, but also ‘a giant Communist prison camp’ to those few who managed to ‘defect’ from it, and their ultimate mass suicide.

    Recently I read of a quite influential White US college professor, a ‘sixties radical’, who along with his wife deliberately bought a home in a part of the town they lived in that they expected to soon ‘go Black’, which it did, this being something they openly advocated for. He would be beaten (having his jaw broken) by one of his new Black neighbors when he confronted the man about his son having stolen his (the professor’s) son’s bike. Ultimately this professor (you guessed it) would suicide.

    They, and those like them, would do better to forgive themselves, sin no more, and choose life.

    In the meantime, the rest of humanity would do well to find a way to succesfully separate themselves from such self destructive and delusional people.

    • Agree: HenryBaker
    • Replies: @silviosilver
    @S


    Recently I read of a quite influential White US college professor, a ‘sixties radical’, who along with his wife deliberately bought a home in a part of the town they lived in that they expected to soon ‘go Black’, which it did, this being something they openly advocated for. He would be beaten (having his jaw broken) by one of his new Black neighbors when he confronted the man about his son having stolen his (the professor’s) son’s bike. Ultimately this professor (you guessed it) would suicide.
     
    Well no, the professor's ultimate fate isn't what one would guess given those details. A more common guess would be he quietly moved out to a whitopia, whence he continued to preach his demonic message, periodically drinking to excess in order to blot out recurring memories of the traumas he underwent.

    Btw, does this fellow have a name? While I'd readily agree that his actual fate is transcendentally uplifting news (sic semper libtardis!), it feels somehow diminished by the absence of this detail.

    Replies: @S, @S

  430. @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    We are living through the Great Inversion of values - the purpose is to cut humanity loose from any "rootedness" in soil, tradition, nature, in community, in culture, in biology, and thus "unmoored", be masters of our own fate, through technology. We can invent ourselves.

    It is a great delusion, obviously leading to despondency and declining vitality, as we uproot ourselves from the soil that is our natural home and necessary for our health.

    But in the meantime, it is necessary to tell you that you can invent yourself - you are not "white", and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning - it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.

    There is nothing but human will - no other forces we must conform to.

    And yet the way back requires larger changes than we might be prepared for - for instance, you strike me as a materialist, but materialism itself is a major part of the Great Inversion of values, as no previous culture was.

    And so..

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker

    you are not “white”, and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning – it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.

    Funny enough, this is just about what any Jew would have to say on the matter. Look, the last time we took Jews saying stuff like this at face value, and rebuilt our identity accordingly, we ended up with… well what we have now. The liberals are the non-materialists here, fighting for something that has no material benefit to them at all.

    In general you’re much more cheery and willing to actually discuss things than most Jews I know personally, so I will still reply later to this in the assumption this is an honest belief of yours, and not some sort of crypsis. If I just start screaming ‘Jew’ there is no conversation at all.

    By the way, a Jewish friend of mine also adamantly claimed stuff like this about our country. Then, when the subject shifted to Israel, he did a 180 degree turn and claimed that Israel is just a Jewish country and if Palestinians are enslaved, that’s okay. Bit like ole’ Ben Shapiro, I guess. Fits in exactly with Andrew Joyce’s endless catalogue of Jews telling Goys what their identity is, but not holding themselves to that standard…

    • Replies: @A123
    @HenryBaker

    Palestinian Jews in Israel and Orthodox Jews in the U.S. also abjure these types of unrealistic views. They believe everyone deserves strong borders.

    The SJW Islamic side strongly advocates of anti-Semitism and BLM. This type of display is common.

     
    https://static.972mag.com/www/uploads/2020/06/GK-1-1000x668.jpg
     

    Post-Judiac apostate organizations (e.g. ADL, SPLC, JStreet, B'Tselem) side with the genocide of Jews in the religious homeland of Judea. They are not real Jews, but they are suicidal: (1)


    The [ADL] is more interested in preserving the Leftist narrative than in combating anti-Semitism: the ADL is very concerned that some of the reactions to the hostage-taking incident have been, in its view, “Islamophobic.”
    ...
    The ADL’s primary concern, however, was that “anti-Muslim extremists used the hostage situation as an opportunity to peddle their bigoted views about Islam and Muslim people, as well as an opportunity to politicize the situation lobbing criticism at President Biden, Democrats and the FBI.”
     
    The Anti-semitic Defaming League [ADL] is now a Muslim advocacy organization.

    Key voices in the DNC, notably Ilhan Omar and Rashid Tlaib openly practice anti-Semitic "Woke" Islam. Conservative branch Jews are gradually abandoning the DNC. The trend is likely to accelerate in 2022 and 2024 as the Democrats become more suicidal and Islamic.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/robert-spencer/2022/01/17/in-wake-of-texas-synagogue-hostage-taking-anti-defamation-league-warns-against-islamophobia-n1550218

  431. @AP
    @LondonBob

    I support no Crimea and no Donbas and have for years. I am fine with no NATO but oppose neutrality the precludes EU integration or alliances with individual countries such as Poland.

    Russia’s ultimatum also demanded demilitarization (leaving Ukraine helpless in case of future invasion) and “deNazification” (code word for purge of nationalists and probably regime change). Totally unacceptable.

    Replies: @songbird, @A123, @Twinkie

    Russia’s ultimatum also demanded demilitarization (leaving Ukraine helpless in case of future invasion) and “deNazification” (code word for purge of nationalists and probably regime change). Totally unacceptable.

    Demilitarization would and should be completely unacceptable to the Ukrainians. If the past three weeks have shown anything, it is that an armed people courageously defending their homes have a better chance of keeping the said homes than those who rely on treaties and paper guarantees. It also showed that countries that are not great powers need great power allies who can keep them supplied of the said arms. If the Russians wanted a neutral and demilitarized Ukraine, attacking the latter in a full-scale invasion and then failing to defeat it quickly was the opposite of what they should have done.

    I am reminded of this bit of dialogue in the Milius film “Farewell to the King”:

    Capt. Fairbourne: What do you want?

    Learoyd: Freedom, to be like we are.

    Capt. Fairbourne: Anything else?

    Learoyd: Guns. So they can’t take the freedom away.

    Capt. Fairbourne: Well, I’ll see what I can do.

    Learoyd: And grenades, mortars and mines, so they can’t take the guns away.

    • Agree: AP, Yellowface Anon
  432. @AP
    @Svidomyatheart


    But the biggest problem of Ukraine is the various APs(who should have been sent to the frontline immediately with nothing but an AK and 3 spare mags) for being complete retards and unable to process anything properly
     
    Since I am not fighting over there I have not demanded that Ukraine fight (I have no right to demand that of others), but have noted correctly that if Ukraine would be attacked it would fight back hard and would not be easily defeated. I admit I did not imagine that Putin would be stupid enough to attack, but he did and now it is playing out as I expected it would. Hopefully Ukraine wins.

    Although I am not fighting over there, I hope that my medical donations and army donations will save Ukrainian lives and take invader lives.

    IIRC you were baiting Poles, which is an incredibly stupid and ungrateful thing to do. Be better.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @Levtraro

    Although I am not fighting over there, I hope that my medical donations and army donations will save Ukrainian lives and take invader lives.

    Don’t feel too bad for being a coward, for refusing to go to your country to defend it from the invaders, because most men in the West have become like you. You can feel good by simply desiring the death of the invaders with your little money and watch the war from the TV.

    Also, you are probably too old to help in way in defending your country against the invaders. Real Ukrainian men, especially the fascists, are putting up a good fight, especially in places like Mariupol. What can you do? Bring them water and food, wash their socks?

    • LOL: Pharmakon
    • Replies: @AP
    @Levtraro

    I doubt it’s cowardice, if I were in my 20s or 30s I probably would have gone even though I wasn’t born there. Such things are probs my genetic and currently and in the past everyone in my family who had been in a position to serve has done so. I can shoot a pistol or shotgun but otherwise have zero skills that would be useful, I’m around 50, and have a lot of obligations to my family here in the West that my wife wouldn’t be able to handle on her own.

    Anyways, as per Karlin. at this point Ukraine has more volunteers than it has capacity to train and arm them (100,000s) so unless I was a special forces vet or something I am probably more useful as a donor than as a guy fumbling around Ukraine with a machine gun or ATGM he barely knows how to use.

    What’s your excuse?

    Replies: @Levtraro

  433. S says:
    @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    Half of my friends are on some ‘EU project‘ that they can’t explain even when totally drunk.
     
    I had to laugh out loud when I read this, that's pretty funny. The dynamics on this continent are really quite weird.

    Forward to the uber-liberal future that at this points seems almost inevitable
     
    How do you imagine it can get even worse than this? Where I live, I see honest to god arguments for phasing out our language for English as it is 'inefficient on the labor market'. The moment we enthusiastically take in Ukrainians, the papers are full of complaints that enthusiasm for Ukrainian refugees is 'racist' and we should immediately take in all the Arabs at the border. On trains they abolished 'ladies and gentlemen' on the intercom and got gender neutral toilets, kek.

    Didn't Sun Yat Sen have some sort of saying about the Chinese having no cohesion, something like 'we are the flesh and they the butcher knife', I'm probably remembering that wrong. Well, that's us. Just a bunch of consumers praising sodomy and slowly waking up to the hate of the world. Of course we can't do anything about it as that is racist- even anti-Americanism is now called the same thing as racism as the liberals recognize that all the gay shit comes from America- but they're happy about it. It's all going to hell. Maybe it can get even worse and we can get some sort of BLM protests to infinity or something. We already had the terrorist attacks and the Cologne rape attacks...

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Beckow, @S

    Of course we can’t do anything about it as that is racist…

    Yes, there have been problems at times between the various human races and ethnicities, but attempting to deliberately destroy them via ‘mixing’ and or suppress the fact of their existence with disingenuous and loaded terms like ‘racist’ and ‘racism’ isn’t the answer. It would be better to acknowledge their existance and work more towards the idea of mutual respect and trying to get along better.

    As there are also many real and serious problems currently between individuals, and using the same logic as is now applied towards race, should we also work towards destroying individuality and suppressing it with terms like ‘selfist’ and ‘selfism’?

    As ably once demonstrated in an episode of a famous old TV series broadcast in 1967, maybe that is indeed the next step with the noble aim of achieving ‘world peace’. From the script:

    “You will be absorbed. Your individuality will merge into the unity of good, and in your submergence into the common being of the body, you will find contentment, fulfillment. You will experience the absolute good.”

    But, this is not a life affirming peace which takes into account the much needed freedom of the human spirit. It is instead the peace of the grave:

    “This is a soulless society…It has no spirit, no spark. All is indeed peace and tranquility – the peace of the factory; the tranquility of the machine; all parts working in unison.”

    ‘Festival’

    https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/The_Return_of_the_Archons_(episode)

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @S

    While I don't disagree with you, I think your analysis is a little imprecise. In general, the clearly pomo inspired 'woke' stuff is not like the early liberal ideas on race. What you are describing is more like how things were before: the idea that all differences are meaningless, will disappear rapidly, etc., is much more classically liberal and has analogues to the Enlightenment. It's a sort of civic nationalism praising first and foremost the 'universal' rational individual, which ends up disparaging differences to a large extent.

    By contrast, what makes woke stuff much more unbearable is that it ceaselessly celebrates differences. This makes it clearly post-Enlightenment and it goes beyond traditional European universalism, which did indeed exist. It's not really like the Borg at all. If we're talking aliens, it's more like some sort of hellish alien hive absorbing and mutating biomass. It celebrates differences insofar as they are normally despised and disliked by the normal culture, while disparaging the normal culture. Whereas classic liberals would say: 'don't think about someone being black', woke liberals grow angry at you if you try not to do that and say that is racist 'colorblindness'. A typical classical liberal would say about gays 'well whatever someone does in the privacy of their own bedroom is not up to me', and then woke people made it about teaching LGBT stuff to kids at 6 years old. Everything that used to be seen as disgusting, foreign, weird, or scary in traditional culture is transvaluated as liberating, authentic, etc. It's therefore no surprise at all that some, *ahem*, 'groups' with a traditional phobia of Western culture are most implicated in the New Left, Post-modernism, and Woke ideas.

    Replies: @silviosilver

  434. @S
    @HenryBaker


    Of course we can’t do anything about it as that is racist...
     
    Yes, there have been problems at times between the various human races and ethnicities, but attempting to deliberately destroy them via 'mixing' and or suppress the fact of their existence with disingenuous and loaded terms like 'racist' and 'racism' isn't the answer. It would be better to acknowledge their existance and work more towards the idea of mutual respect and trying to get along better.

    As there are also many real and serious problems currently between individuals, and using the same logic as is now applied towards race, should we also work towards destroying individuality and suppressing it with terms like 'selfist' and 'selfism'?

    As ably once demonstrated in an episode of a famous old TV series broadcast in 1967, maybe that is indeed the next step with the noble aim of achieving 'world peace'. From the script:

    "You will be absorbed. Your individuality will merge into the unity of good, and in your submergence into the common being of the body, you will find contentment, fulfillment. You will experience the absolute good."

    But, this is not a life affirming peace which takes into account the much needed freedom of the human spirit. It is instead the peace of the grave:

    "This is a soulless society...It has no spirit, no spark. All is indeed peace and tranquility – the peace of the factory; the tranquility of the machine; all parts working in unison."


    http://www.letswatchstartrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Picture-112.png
    'Festival'


    https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/The_Return_of_the_Archons_(episode)

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    While I don’t disagree with you, I think your analysis is a little imprecise. In general, the clearly pomo inspired ‘woke’ stuff is not like the early liberal ideas on race. What you are describing is more like how things were before: the idea that all differences are meaningless, will disappear rapidly, etc., is much more classically liberal and has analogues to the Enlightenment. It’s a sort of civic nationalism praising first and foremost the ‘universal’ rational individual, which ends up disparaging differences to a large extent.

    By contrast, what makes woke stuff much more unbearable is that it ceaselessly celebrates differences. This makes it clearly post-Enlightenment and it goes beyond traditional European universalism, which did indeed exist. It’s not really like the Borg at all. If we’re talking aliens, it’s more like some sort of hellish alien hive absorbing and mutating biomass. It celebrates differences insofar as they are normally despised and disliked by the normal culture, while disparaging the normal culture. Whereas classic liberals would say: ‘don’t think about someone being black’, woke liberals grow angry at you if you try not to do that and say that is racist ‘colorblindness’. A typical classical liberal would say about gays ‘well whatever someone does in the privacy of their own bedroom is not up to me’, and then woke people made it about teaching LGBT stuff to kids at 6 years old. Everything that used to be seen as disgusting, foreign, weird, or scary in traditional culture is transvaluated as liberating, authentic, etc. It’s therefore no surprise at all that some, *ahem*, ‘groups’ with a traditional phobia of Western culture are most implicated in the New Left, Post-modernism, and Woke ideas.

    • Agree: sher singh
    • Replies: @silviosilver
    @HenryBaker


    It’s therefore no surprise at all that some, *ahem*, ‘groups’ with a traditional phobia of Western culture are most implicated in the New Left, Post-modernism, and Woke ideas.
     
    All the while carefully shielding their own group (and 'real country') from such criticism. Used to be, of course, that their group was insinuated into - indeed, sat atop - the sanctification of victimhood narrative, but apart from the big H (itself of diminishing significance with each passing year), their ability to maintain this charade is fading fast. Even the shielding is going to require plenty of zogbucks being pressed into plenty of palms.

    Replies: @A123

  435. @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    We are living through the Great Inversion of values - the purpose is to cut humanity loose from any "rootedness" in soil, tradition, nature, in community, in culture, in biology, and thus "unmoored", be masters of our own fate, through technology. We can invent ourselves.

    It is a great delusion, obviously leading to despondency and declining vitality, as we uproot ourselves from the soil that is our natural home and necessary for our health.

    But in the meantime, it is necessary to tell you that you can invent yourself - you are not "white", and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning - it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.

    There is nothing but human will - no other forces we must conform to.

    And yet the way back requires larger changes than we might be prepared for - for instance, you strike me as a materialist, but materialism itself is a major part of the Great Inversion of values, as no previous culture was.

    And so..

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker

    Ah wait, I think I might have misunderstood what you were saying. What you were saying here:

    But in the meantime, it is necessary to tell you that you can invent yourself – you are not “white”, and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning – it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.

    I see this is a sort of parody of what people believe nowadays, not something you actually believe yourself. Sorry about immediately going ‘there’. I’ll get back to you when I have more time.

    • Replies: @Barbarossa
    @HenryBaker

    Yep, AaronB is deploring the lack of rootedness and the fact that materialism and globalism have destroyed traditional culture and identity, rendering such identifiers as "Dutch" effectively meaningless.

    I think he would heartily agree that he looks forward to a time where this is not the case, but such a reversal will take a long time. Things that took centuries to gain depth and nuance can be torn down in decades.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    Yes exactly, it's not what I believe, it's the "message" of modernity.

    Modernity is about uprooting ourselves from nature, culture, biology, community, and constructing our selves and identities.

    In practice, what this means is to simply be a consumer, which is why capitalism loves this message so much.

    So it doesn't matter who lives in the Netherlands - one human is the same as any other.

    As for Jews and Israel, I agree any Jews holding a double standard of that kind - which I don't - is being shamefully hypocritical, but I don't think it's an attempt to "deny" the goyim what he gives himself, but simply a case of deeply conflicted feelings.

    On the one hand he is a good child of modernity and really does believe in being a good liberal free from attachment to place, people, community - on the other, he is a human being who feels a deep longing to have roots, and he finds Israel there ready made to satisfy that intense desire in him.

    And for historical reasons of Jewish persecution, he can do so without too much violence to his liberal conscience - in the liberal value system, historically persecuted or indigenous people get a "pass" on having their identity deconstructed - but only for the time being (this fact isn't sufficiently appreciated).

    That being said, most liberal Jews I know are as anti-Israel as they are anti "white supremacy" - I don't know too many hypocrites, but they obviously exist, human nature being what it is.

    As for your earlier comments about "natural" beta males or cucks, I think this is a profoundly mistaken understanding of the sources of courage and self respect.

    Courage, commitment, and self respect come from serving Higher Values - one is not born with them. One can acquire them, or lose them.

    There is no "natural" cuck - there is the person whose philosophy gives him no motivation, courage, or capacity for sacrifice or commitment, generally because he is a materialist without higher values, like the modern European :)

    The biggest pushover weakling today, can become a hero tomorrow with the right philosophy.

  436. @Yevardian
    @siberiancat

    @henrybaker

    Well, Russian has two conveniently distinct words that both translate to 'Russian' in English, Русский (roo-skiy), for ethnic Russians, which can equally live in Russia, Lithuania or Ukraine, and Российский (rah-siy-skiy), members of the Russian State, which could equally be Russians, Mari, Udmurts or Armenians.

    Yiddish likewise has separate words for Jewish and Goy residents of all the European countries in which they settled extensively (France, Germany, Hungary, Poland etc), so you have Litvak (Lithuanian Jew) and Litvish (Lithuanian goy).

    I don't know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.

    @shersingh


    Such things are foreign to you.
     
    Isn't your own religion based on Islamic-Hindu syncretism?

    Replies: @Philip Owen, @HenryBaker, @German_reader

    I don’t know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.

    In general, the classic European insistence on having a unitary nation or at least having no ambiguity in the weltanschauung makes such double-terms implausible. German has no such double-term. What Europeans do instead is redefining the word as we go. However, with the death of the idea that a nation is ethnic, but the uncomfortable recognition of most that there is still clearly something like an ethnic German, we end up using the word ambiguously anyhow…

  437. @Yellowface Anon
    @sudden death

    Fake libertarian.

    Replies: @sudden death

    Who, me? No way 😉

  438. A video with some thoughts by Russell Bentley

    Russell “Texas” Bentley, A Matter of Life and Death

    https://www.onenewspage.com/video/20220314/14510174/Russell-quot-Texas-quot-Bentley-Matter-of.htm

  439. @Levtraro
    @AP


    Although I am not fighting over there, I hope that my medical donations and army donations will save Ukrainian lives and take invader lives.
     
    Don't feel too bad for being a coward, for refusing to go to your country to defend it from the invaders, because most men in the West have become like you. You can feel good by simply desiring the death of the invaders with your little money and watch the war from the TV.

    Also, you are probably too old to help in way in defending your country against the invaders. Real Ukrainian men, especially the fascists, are putting up a good fight, especially in places like Mariupol. What can you do? Bring them water and food, wash their socks?

    Replies: @AP

    I doubt it’s cowardice, if I were in my 20s or 30s I probably would have gone even though I wasn’t born there. Such things are probs my genetic and currently and in the past everyone in my family who had been in a position to serve has done so. I can shoot a pistol or shotgun but otherwise have zero skills that would be useful, I’m around 50, and have a lot of obligations to my family here in the West that my wife wouldn’t be able to handle on her own.

    Anyways, as per Karlin. at this point Ukraine has more volunteers than it has capacity to train and arm them (100,000s) so unless I was a special forces vet or something I am probably more useful as a donor than as a guy fumbling around Ukraine with a machine gun or ATGM he barely knows how to use.

    What’s your excuse?

    • Thanks: sher singh
    • Replies: @Levtraro
    @AP

    Yeeeeah I feel you man those are good explanations for not walking the walk and watch from afar. Like I said, what would you do? You are contributing to your peoples' fight with your little money and your comments at TUR.


    What’s your excuse?
     
    Do I need one? You certainly do since you actually provided excuses, but do I?

    Replies: @AP

  440. @Beckow
    @AP

    Only 20 last year? Well, then it is ok. If only 20 civilians were killed, year in and year out, in Maine by shelling from Quebec I am sure Washington would just shrug it off. Especially if the trend was downward. No big deal, why are Russians such babies?

    But seriously, the timing of Russia's attack seems driven more by being ready than by anything Kiev or NATO did in the last few months. I don't find it surprising, it is a lot better strategy than being pulled in by provocations. There clearly was a lot of thought and preparation going into it, and we are still in the early phases, it will get bigger.

    It is not just about Ukraine. This is a once-in-a-generation reset: the virtual stuff that has accumulated on top of the material reality will either evaporate or change dramatically. It also looks like that it is not only Russia that wants to change things, there is a visible eagerness by Europe and US to use this as a reset. The sides want different results, but nobody seems interested in preserving the current status quo. We are in for quite a ride - and with Biden and his gerontocracy they may not be up to it.

    Replies: @AP

    Only 20 last year? Well, then it is ok. If only 20 civilians were killed, year in and year out, in Maine by shelling from Quebec I am sure Washington would just shrug it off

    The shelling is mutual, it’s not like one side is randomly shelling. It just happens to be that the Donbas rebels were shelling from a populated area.

    At any rate, this would perhaps excuse clearing out Ukrainian forces from Donbas. Preventing a situation with 20 deaths yearly does not excuse an invasion that kills thousands of civilians. Clearly that was not the real reason for the invasion.

    • Replies: @Boethiuss
    @AP


    At any rate, this would perhaps excuse clearing out Ukrainian forces from Donbas. Preventing a situation with 20 deaths yearly does not excuse an invasion that kills thousands of civilians. Clearly that was not the real reason for the invasion.
     
    Yeah this.

    That's the problem with the Karlin/Putin rationalizations. Not so much that they are wrong, even though they are. The bigger problem is that even if they were right, it wouldn't make a difference.
    Nato, Donbass, Serbia, globohomo, whatever, none of it justifies what Russia has done, either the decision to invade or Russia's war crimes and conduct during the course of the war.

    And what's worse, Putin has completely undermined his own idea of what Russia is or ought to be. In its pursuit of this war, Russia is a nation of low character (or virtue, in the modern liberal way of thinking) and low virtus, ie inadequate male strength. Countries that are weak, like Russia, are supposed to lose.

    Replies: @sudden death, @Beckow

  441. @AP
    @Levtraro

    I doubt it’s cowardice, if I were in my 20s or 30s I probably would have gone even though I wasn’t born there. Such things are probs my genetic and currently and in the past everyone in my family who had been in a position to serve has done so. I can shoot a pistol or shotgun but otherwise have zero skills that would be useful, I’m around 50, and have a lot of obligations to my family here in the West that my wife wouldn’t be able to handle on her own.

    Anyways, as per Karlin. at this point Ukraine has more volunteers than it has capacity to train and arm them (100,000s) so unless I was a special forces vet or something I am probably more useful as a donor than as a guy fumbling around Ukraine with a machine gun or ATGM he barely knows how to use.

    What’s your excuse?

    Replies: @Levtraro

    Yeeeeah I feel you man those are good explanations for not walking the walk and watch from afar. Like I said, what would you do? You are contributing to your peoples’ fight with your little money and your comments at TUR.

    What’s your excuse?

    Do I need one? You certainly do since you actually provided excuses, but do I?

    • Replies: @AP
    @Levtraro


    What’s your excuse?

    Do I need one? You certainly do since you actually provided excuses, but do I?
     
    Tbf I haven’t checked your posting history but I would say that any pro-war Russian posting here probably needs an excuse. Karlin’s was, I think, an adequate one.

    Replies: @Levtraro, @Mr. Hack

  442. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    Ah wait, I think I might have misunderstood what you were saying. What you were saying here:


    But in the meantime, it is necessary to tell you that you can invent yourself – you are not “white”, and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning – it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.
     
    I see this is a sort of parody of what people believe nowadays, not something you actually believe yourself. Sorry about immediately going 'there'. I'll get back to you when I have more time.

    Replies: @Barbarossa, @AaronB

    Yep, AaronB is deploring the lack of rootedness and the fact that materialism and globalism have destroyed traditional culture and identity, rendering such identifiers as “Dutch” effectively meaningless.

    I think he would heartily agree that he looks forward to a time where this is not the case, but such a reversal will take a long time. Things that took centuries to gain depth and nuance can be torn down in decades.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Barbarossa

    An aside: meaningless is an interesting word. Meaningful or meaningless to what and to whom? Hypothetically, as a pagan in 500 AD, you might complain that christianization everywhere rendered culture meaningless. Is a language really that important? The subtle cultural differences between related peoples? Or is the Weltanschauung the fundamental and most important difference? I would say the latter, as language, culture, and ethnic development all derive from the behavior imposed on a society by its value system and World-outlook.

    It's interesting to note that until about 900 AD Dutch names were almost all Germanic in origin. You see names like Odmar, Altmer, Hildegarda. Then in 1200 AD it's like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most 'normal' Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures' names. I'd say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic. Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.

    In my opinion, we are seeing something similar happening with the 'woke' world-outlook that is replacing the Enlightenment world-outlook, which itself replaced the christian-statist world-outlook of the Early Modern period (the most religious period followed the most -anti-religious period, here). The 'materialism' mentioned by Aaron has more or less been rejected already. Likewise, to many woke people it's the Europeans that are the levelling, homogenizing, globalizing force destroying wholesome indigenous communities, and imposing our standards in art and culture on everyone else!

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook. That makes culture inherently 'meaningless' as the world-outlook shared by a larger civilization determines the fate of the culture.

    Replies: @sher singh, @AaronB, @S, @Yevardian, @Barbarossa

  443. @Barbarossa
    @HenryBaker

    Yep, AaronB is deploring the lack of rootedness and the fact that materialism and globalism have destroyed traditional culture and identity, rendering such identifiers as "Dutch" effectively meaningless.

    I think he would heartily agree that he looks forward to a time where this is not the case, but such a reversal will take a long time. Things that took centuries to gain depth and nuance can be torn down in decades.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    An aside: meaningless is an interesting word. Meaningful or meaningless to what and to whom? Hypothetically, as a pagan in 500 AD, you might complain that christianization everywhere rendered culture meaningless. Is a language really that important? The subtle cultural differences between related peoples? Or is the Weltanschauung the fundamental and most important difference? I would say the latter, as language, culture, and ethnic development all derive from the behavior imposed on a society by its value system and World-outlook.

    It’s interesting to note that until about 900 AD Dutch names were almost all Germanic in origin. You see names like Odmar, Altmer, Hildegarda. Then in 1200 AD it’s like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most ‘normal’ Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures’ names. I’d say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic. Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.

    In my opinion, we are seeing something similar happening with the ‘woke’ world-outlook that is replacing the Enlightenment world-outlook, which itself replaced the christian-statist world-outlook of the Early Modern period (the most religious period followed the most -anti-religious period, here). The ‘materialism’ mentioned by Aaron has more or less been rejected already. Likewise, to many woke people it’s the Europeans that are the levelling, homogenizing, globalizing force destroying wholesome indigenous communities, and imposing our standards in art and culture on everyone else!

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook. That makes culture inherently ‘meaningless’ as the world-outlook shared by a larger civilization determines the fate of the culture.

    • Agree: sher singh
    • Thanks: Yellowface Anon
    • Replies: @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    Yes.

    With the correct worldview ethnicity, and culture (race or tribe) are a breeze to maintain, and with the wrong one nigh impossible.

    https://twitter.com/Parikramah/status/1319124560583733248

    Internalize & understand this term: Maryada. Maryada is the distillation of a world view down to both a personal & social code of conduct. Ie the West goes to war to protect women & refugees; the Khalsa for Gau & Brahmin.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Barbarossa

    , @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    This doesn't seem quite right to me.

    On one level culture is a very concrete and specific interaction with the local environment - the soil, plants, climate, weather, animals - that builds up in richness and complexity over centuries, and is unique.

    There will often be a more universal element widely shared by many different places, like Christianity, but it will often take on a distinctive local form and be adapted to local conditions.

    Modernity is inherently destructive of culture, because it wants to destroy the specific and replace it with the uniform, as well as "liberate" man from all natural constraints and free his will to construct himself.

    This process of liberation involves the destruction of all culture and tradition, by definition, because they are restraints.

    The desired result is precisely the "boring white guy" trope of the 90s when immigrants from actual cultures with actual traditions started pouring into America, and the contrast with the deracinated American "consumer" could not have been more stark. The children of these immigrants today are largely deracinated American consumers as well.

    For any culture to be lost in it's entirety, is a tragedy, because that richness was built up over centuries. It can't be recreated overnight.


    Likewise, to many woke people it’s the Europeans that are the levelling, homogenizing, globalizing force destroying wholesome indigenous communities, and imposing our standards in art and culture on everyone else!
     
    That used to be an older Leftist critique of Western civilization in it's rationalist Enlightenment form, the romantic Left, and one with which I am highly sympathetic to - except that I don't agree with the blame being attached to the average European man.

    The average European was himself a "victim" of this culture destroying rationalist force as much as any indigenous person.

    It's been said before England colonized others, she colonized herself. (Destroyed her own richly local traditions and cultures and replaced it with a "rationalist" outlook, or at least began the process seriously).

    Today, however, the Woke absolutely support the imposition of Western norms on recalcitrant "backwards" peoples, and are supremely convinced that the modern Woke value system is superior to all others and must be adopted by the whole world.

    Gone is the romantic Left critique of the disembodied rationalist outlook, as is gone so much of the Old Left.

    The ‘materialism’ mentioned by Aaron has more or less been rejected already.
     
    In a sense I can see why you might say Woke isn't materialistic, as it says gender isn't determined by biology, etc.

    But precisely this is it's materialism - Woke believes we humans can infinitely shape reality to our will, and that happiness is the manipulation of matter.

    Woke recognized no higher value than the manipulation of matter

    Woke is "immaterialistic" only in the sense that it refuses to recognizes limits on human will with regard to matter.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @S
    @HenryBaker

    From your other post, where you talked about your parents visiting the university city that had largely 'gone Black', I'd presumed you were English and in Britain. Now I see you are apparently Dutch.

    This isn't meant in any 'good ' or 'bad ' sense, just as an observation; I always find myself impressed (for the many obvious reasons) how very similar the Dutch and English are to each other. Of course, the 'Baker' handle may have had something to do with my thinking you were English. :-)

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @Yevardian
    @HenryBaker


    Then in 1200 AD it’s like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most ‘normal’ Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures’ names. I’d say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic.
     
    I'm suprised it replacement happened that late, honestly. But I don't really know a lot about the history of Germanic languages other than English, and to a lesser extent (from what little is known, at least), Gothic and its close relative, Vandalic.

    If I think of English personal names in use I think they're even scarcer, with nearly all sounding distinctly old-fashioned: Edgar, Edward Alfred, Edith (lol), Edmund. I suppose you can throw in a few common native Welsh or Goidelic ones too, Rhys, Arthur, Owen, Broderick (lol), Sean, Alastair (lol), Gareth, Lloyd.. hm, seems Celtic names are more common than Anglo-Saxon ones.. anyway, as I've implied, quite a few of them sound quite comical to native or fluent Anglophones nowadays.

    Armenian still has a few extremely common names of pagan/Zoroastrian origin, Anahit, Ani, Hayk, Arman, Tigran, Nare, Arpine, Gor.. on balance I think more than English, even without counting Greek-derived names.


    Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.
     
    Uselessly? That's a pretty stupid statement. For some reason I noticed that Dutchies seem to be the people with the most negative attitude to their own language in all of Europe, constantly making half-jokes how useless and ugly ('Dutch isn't a language, its German with a throat-disease!' lol) their own tongue is lol. I guess its their proximity to England, near-universal English-ability, and lack of anything (that I know of) that can compare to Goethe, Kirkegard, or the Norse epics.

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook.
     

    I suppose that's unfortunately quite true now. Arnold Toynbee, way back in the 50s (A Study of History), had grave concerns about 'all of Civilisation's eggs falling into one basket' [i.e., the Western], with all the others dead, decaying or moribund (whilst very memorably quoting Coleridge's 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner' doing it, although using actual numbers like Turchin would have been better), curiously Toynbee only considered 'Muslim Civilisation' (he saw Israel essentially Western, linguistic atavism aside.. I would say Israel is very distinct now) as the other viable living example at the time.
    He evidently didn't predict the spectacular rebound of China, or the recruduscence of Indian 'Dharmic' culture. Though to what extent China retains its traditional culture and outlook is debateable, I don't know China that well so I can't really comment on it.

    I guess the main take from Toynbee's writings is that Civilisations die by cultural suicide, and practically never by force.

    Replies: @songbird, @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker, @iffen

    , @Barbarossa
    @HenryBaker

    I would say that individual cultural differences may not be relatively important in and of themselves. Cultures change over time, and that is not necessarily a bad thing.

    However, the particulars of a people place it in the world. The language and customs are shaped by the physical environment, the past history of migrations and conquests, by the proximity or lack thereof to other influencing cultures.

    It is a way of placing an individual person within a continuity and context of both time and space. To know that your father and your father's father walked these paths, fished those seas, battled these foes, and that your grandchildren would likely do the same is powerful stuff. It's something we have almost no awareness of in our modern disassociated age.

    However, the past typically changed at a very slow rate, slow enough for the individual to easily assimilate changes without breaking the overall continuity. There were naturally violent breaks too, such as being subjugated by a hostile people, and these were naturally seen as deeply traumatic experiences culturally.

    Today, we have changed at such a fast rate, and continue to change generation to generation that there is no hope of any cultural continuity and subsequently the modern Western man finds himself adrift, cut off from a past which has become foreign and offered no real future. He becomes an atomized individual, nothing more.

    This entails a loss of meaning, or deeper cultural and societal context. Consumerism becomes an attempted source of meaning, but one can only derive so much meaning from their choice of toothpaste. Now Wokeness is the manifestation of a secular pseudo-religion but it is the last grasp at meaning from a suicidal culture. Wokeness cannot sustain itself since it seeks to annihilate itself. It builds nothing for it's children.

    From my perspective, the West has no culture. It is an anti-culture which has no future and is actively dismantling itself. It has been able to coast off the cultural savings account that past generations stored up, but that is about over and done. Is there really a Dutch culture currently, or is it just a thin "Dutch" veneer over the same consumerism and materialism found from New York to Hong Kong?

    This is what I mean when I say "meaningless". I believe that human beings need the deep cultural specificity and continuity to be really happy. We need to know who we are and where we came from.
    When stripped of those things as much of modern life is, it becomes meaningless on a fundamental level.

  444. Whoever still framing this in terms of NATO expansion, “aiding Ukraine in their defense”, Russian imperialism, Chinese picking a side and so on, misses the bigger picture.

    2 facts:
    – Both Putin and Xi appeared on the WEF and repeated their own ideological viewpoints there.
    – The war in Ukraine coincides with a period of relaxing COVID restrictions in several parts of the world, and a strengthening in China, with the corresponding changes in demands and markets.

    Whatever those idiots at the WEF have wished for, the World-System has more than delivered.

    • Troll: A123
    • Replies: @A123
    @Yellowface Anon


    COVID restrictions ... strengthening in China, with the corresponding changes in demands and markets.
     
    Instead of following the science, the CCP is ratcheting up WUHAN-19 restrictions. Thus is accelerating China's slide into economic depression. (1)

    2. Chinese stocks are crashing

    The Hang Seng tech index has plunged 61% from its peak last year. The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index of U.S.-traded stocks has fared even worse, down 68%, and with another bad day or two, the peak-to-trough decline could surpass its 72% crash in the 2008 global financial crisis.

    3. Chinese bonds are crashing

    While nothing new to those who have been following the collapse in the Chinese junk bond market - closely linked to China's property sector - China credit stress reached new extremes in the offshore, USD market, where average junk yields rose above 25% meaning the primary market won't function properly anytime soon. Contagion has transformed stronger property developers into risky bets. Luxury property developer Shimao Group, which was once considered a bellwether for China’s safer builders, has been slashed deep into junk from investment grade in a matter of months

    4. China's property sector is (still) crashing

    China’s property industry has been rocked by at least 14 defaults by developers since authorities began cracking down on excessive borrowing and speculation in the housing market in 2020 which led to a historic default by China Evergrande. While policy makers are now signaling greater tolerance for selective relief by encouraging home buying in lower-tier cities, cutting mortgage rates and allowing more bank loans for developers, there are few signs this is helping boost sales. Unfortunately, these new measures have yet to bear fruit, as China's biggest developers are seeing home sales crater this year amid a market that is effectively frozen.
     
    The article continues with points 5 thru 11 capturing additional problems that are afflicting the PRC's economy.

    The unreliability of China as a business partner will hastening decoupling. Sane nations do not want to be dragged down by poor CCP decision making and science denial.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/meanwhile-china-all-hell-breaking-loose

    Replies: @sudden death

    , @Barbarossa
    @Yellowface Anon

    Interesting connections. Care to spell your meta-view out in more detail?

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

  445. @Levtraro
    @AP

    Yeeeeah I feel you man those are good explanations for not walking the walk and watch from afar. Like I said, what would you do? You are contributing to your peoples' fight with your little money and your comments at TUR.


    What’s your excuse?
     
    Do I need one? You certainly do since you actually provided excuses, but do I?

    Replies: @AP

    What’s your excuse?

    Do I need one? You certainly do since you actually provided excuses, but do I?

    Tbf I haven’t checked your posting history but I would say that any pro-war Russian posting here probably needs an excuse. Karlin’s was, I think, an adequate one.

    • Replies: @Levtraro
    @AP

    No need to waste time checking my comments, I'm not Russian and not pro-war.

    I say: make money, not war.

    You on the other hand had said that you wish for the invaders to get killed and that you hope your little money helps with the killing which struck me as cowardly, but you have your excuses, what else can you do really? Going there and getting killed for a jew-infested country with a comedian for president when you have your family obligations.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Mr. Hack
    @AP

    What exactly do you feel was "adequate" about Karlin's endorsement of the current war?

    Replies: @AP

  446. @AP
    @Aedib

    You still haven’t answered what you think of the Russian regime that has already killed 1,700 civilians in Ukraine in only 3 weeks in its war of choice, far more then were killed in this Donetsk missile strike.

    The number of residential buildings hit by Russians all over Ukraine is huge, which means it is some sort of policy. Whereas what happened in Donetsk recently seems to be very rare (otherwise people like you would have been posting all about it) which suggests strong likelihood of a mistake by either side or even a false flag by the Russians.

    Replies: @Aedib

    I’m against the killing of civilians of all sides and I already told you. So yes, I’m against Russians targeting civilians in Kiev. Meanwhile, you are making conspiracy theories about a”deviated SRBM” or a “false flag”. Meanwhile:

    On 15 March, there were serious staff reshuffles in the command of Ukraine’s Joint Forces Operation (JFO). Due to the defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donbas, Zelenskyy dismissed commander Pavlyuk and appointed his deputy, General Moskalyov, to this post. It can be assumed that the Ukrainian leadership lost confidence in him due to General Pavlyuk’s complete inability to manage the AFU defence, as well as the loss of Volnovakha and the blockade of Ukrainian troops in Mariupol.
    However, the decisive factor for Pavlyuk’s removal was his unauthorized use of a Tochka-U tactical missile system with a cluster-type warhead on the city centre of Donetsk, which killed 21 civilians and wounded 37. This was a strong rehearsal for Ukraine’s political leadership, which was particularly sensitive against the backdrop of Kiev’s increasing need for external financial and military assistance from the West.

    https://southfront.org/war-in-ukraine-day-20-tipping-processes-amid-absence-of-high-profile-declarations-of-victory/

    You seem beyond redemption. This behavior is the one that makes necessary to terminate with all Azovites.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Aedib


    I’m against the killing of civilians of all sides and I already told you. So yes, I’m against Russians targeting civilians in Kiev.
     
    Then RF needs to be demilitarized too as well, as not a single report surfaced about RF general being pushed aside cause he is bombing civilian sites and homes, so they are even worse in their behaviour according to such logic.
    , @AP
    @Aedib


    I’m against the killing of civilians of all sides and I already told you. So yes, I’m against Russians targeting civilians in Kiev
     
    But you characterized the Kiev government by the killing of 21 civilians. How would you characterize the Russian government which has now killed 1,700 civilians and counting?

    Why the double standard of condemning the Kiev government while merely saying you oppose some of the Russian government’s actions?

    Meanwhile, you are making conspiracy theories about a”deviated SRBM” or a “false flag
     
    I was quite clear in stating that those claims were not necessarily true.

    However, the decisive factor for Pavlyuk’s removal was his unauthorized use of a Tochka-U tactical missile system with a cluster-type warhead on the city centre of Donetsk
     
    So the Ukrainian government removes a commander when he bombs a civilian area.

    Russia hasn’t done so, despite it having bombed far more residential areas.

    If you are not a hypocrite you would admit that the government in Moscow is worse than the one in Kiev.

    Replies: @Beckow

  447. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB


    you are not “white”, and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning – it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.
     
    Funny enough, this is just about what any Jew would have to say on the matter. Look, the last time we took Jews saying stuff like this at face value, and rebuilt our identity accordingly, we ended up with... well what we have now. The liberals are the non-materialists here, fighting for something that has no material benefit to them at all.

    In general you're much more cheery and willing to actually discuss things than most Jews I know personally, so I will still reply later to this in the assumption this is an honest belief of yours, and not some sort of crypsis. If I just start screaming 'Jew' there is no conversation at all.

    By the way, a Jewish friend of mine also adamantly claimed stuff like this about our country. Then, when the subject shifted to Israel, he did a 180 degree turn and claimed that Israel is just a Jewish country and if Palestinians are enslaved, that's okay. Bit like ole' Ben Shapiro, I guess. Fits in exactly with Andrew Joyce's endless catalogue of Jews telling Goys what their identity is, but not holding themselves to that standard...

    Replies: @A123

    Palestinian Jews in Israel and Orthodox Jews in the U.S. also abjure these types of unrealistic views. They believe everyone deserves strong borders.

    The SJW Islamic side strongly advocates of anti-Semitism and BLM. This type of display is common.

      

    Post-Judiac apostate organizations (e.g. ADL, SPLC, JStreet, B’Tselem) side with the genocide of Jews in the religious homeland of Judea. They are not real Jews, but they are suicidal: (1)

    The [ADL] is more interested in preserving the Leftist narrative than in combating anti-Semitism: the ADL is very concerned that some of the reactions to the hostage-taking incident have been, in its view, “Islamophobic.”

    The ADL’s primary concern, however, was that “anti-Muslim extremists used the hostage situation as an opportunity to peddle their bigoted views about Islam and Muslim people, as well as an opportunity to politicize the situation lobbing criticism at President Biden, Democrats and the FBI.”

    The Anti-semitic Defaming League [ADL] is now a Muslim advocacy organization.

    Key voices in the DNC, notably Ilhan Omar and Rashid Tlaib openly practice anti-Semitic “Woke” Islam. Conservative branch Jews are gradually abandoning the DNC. The trend is likely to accelerate in 2022 and 2024 as the Democrats become more suicidal and Islamic.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/robert-spencer/2022/01/17/in-wake-of-texas-synagogue-hostage-taking-anti-defamation-league-warns-against-islamophobia-n1550218

  448. A123 says: • Website
    @Yellowface Anon
    Whoever still framing this in terms of NATO expansion, "aiding Ukraine in their defense", Russian imperialism, Chinese picking a side and so on, misses the bigger picture.

    2 facts:
    - Both Putin and Xi appeared on the WEF and repeated their own ideological viewpoints there.
    - The war in Ukraine coincides with a period of relaxing COVID restrictions in several parts of the world, and a strengthening in China, with the corresponding changes in demands and markets.

    Whatever those idiots at the WEF have wished for, the World-System has more than delivered.

    Replies: @A123, @Barbarossa

    COVID restrictions … strengthening in China, with the corresponding changes in demands and markets.

    Instead of following the science, the CCP is ratcheting up WUHAN-19 restrictions. Thus is accelerating China’s slide into economic depression. (1)

    2. Chinese stocks are crashing

    The Hang Seng tech index has plunged 61% from its peak last year. The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index of U.S.-traded stocks has fared even worse, down 68%, and with another bad day or two, the peak-to-trough decline could surpass its 72% crash in the 2008 global financial crisis.

    3. Chinese bonds are crashing

    While nothing new to those who have been following the collapse in the Chinese junk bond market – closely linked to China’s property sector – China credit stress reached new extremes in the offshore, USD market, where average junk yields rose above 25% meaning the primary market won’t function properly anytime soon. Contagion has transformed stronger property developers into risky bets. Luxury property developer Shimao Group, which was once considered a bellwether for China’s safer builders, has been slashed deep into junk from investment grade in a matter of months

    4. China’s property sector is (still) crashing

    China’s property industry has been rocked by at least 14 defaults by developers since authorities began cracking down on excessive borrowing and speculation in the housing market in 2020 which led to a historic default by China Evergrande. While policy makers are now signaling greater tolerance for selective relief by encouraging home buying in lower-tier cities, cutting mortgage rates and allowing more bank loans for developers, there are few signs this is helping boost sales. Unfortunately, these new measures have yet to bear fruit, as China’s biggest developers are seeing home sales crater this year amid a market that is effectively frozen.

    The article continues with points 5 thru 11 capturing additional problems that are afflicting the PRC’s economy.

    The unreliability of China as a business partner will hastening decoupling. Sane nations do not want to be dragged down by poor CCP decision making and science denial.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/meanwhile-china-all-hell-breaking-loose

    • Troll: Yellowface Anon
    • Replies: @sudden death
    @A123


    Instead of following the science, the CCP is ratcheting up WUHAN-19 restrictions.
     
    CCP being the creators of this virus simply may know way better its long term damage potential and capabilities than clueless virushoaxers and nothingburgerists ;)

    Replies: @A123

  449. @Aedib
    @AP

    I’m against the killing of civilians of all sides and I already told you. So yes, I’m against Russians targeting civilians in Kiev. Meanwhile, you are making conspiracy theories about a”deviated SRBM” or a “false flag”. Meanwhile:


    On 15 March, there were serious staff reshuffles in the command of Ukraine’s Joint Forces Operation (JFO). Due to the defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donbas, Zelenskyy dismissed commander Pavlyuk and appointed his deputy, General Moskalyov, to this post. It can be assumed that the Ukrainian leadership lost confidence in him due to General Pavlyuk’s complete inability to manage the AFU defence, as well as the loss of Volnovakha and the blockade of Ukrainian troops in Mariupol.
    However, the decisive factor for Pavlyuk’s removal was his unauthorized use of a Tochka-U tactical missile system with a cluster-type warhead on the city centre of Donetsk, which killed 21 civilians and wounded 37. This was a strong rehearsal for Ukraine’s political leadership, which was particularly sensitive against the backdrop of Kiev’s increasing need for external financial and military assistance from the West.

     

    https://southfront.org/war-in-ukraine-day-20-tipping-processes-amid-absence-of-high-profile-declarations-of-victory/

    You seem beyond redemption. This behavior is the one that makes necessary to terminate with all Azovites.

    Replies: @sudden death, @AP

    I’m against the killing of civilians of all sides and I already told you. So yes, I’m against Russians targeting civilians in Kiev.

    Then RF needs to be demilitarized too as well, as not a single report surfaced about RF general being pushed aside cause he is bombing civilian sites and homes, so they are even worse in their behaviour according to such logic.

  450. @A123
    @Yellowface Anon


    COVID restrictions ... strengthening in China, with the corresponding changes in demands and markets.
     
    Instead of following the science, the CCP is ratcheting up WUHAN-19 restrictions. Thus is accelerating China's slide into economic depression. (1)

    2. Chinese stocks are crashing

    The Hang Seng tech index has plunged 61% from its peak last year. The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index of U.S.-traded stocks has fared even worse, down 68%, and with another bad day or two, the peak-to-trough decline could surpass its 72% crash in the 2008 global financial crisis.

    3. Chinese bonds are crashing

    While nothing new to those who have been following the collapse in the Chinese junk bond market - closely linked to China's property sector - China credit stress reached new extremes in the offshore, USD market, where average junk yields rose above 25% meaning the primary market won't function properly anytime soon. Contagion has transformed stronger property developers into risky bets. Luxury property developer Shimao Group, which was once considered a bellwether for China’s safer builders, has been slashed deep into junk from investment grade in a matter of months

    4. China's property sector is (still) crashing

    China’s property industry has been rocked by at least 14 defaults by developers since authorities began cracking down on excessive borrowing and speculation in the housing market in 2020 which led to a historic default by China Evergrande. While policy makers are now signaling greater tolerance for selective relief by encouraging home buying in lower-tier cities, cutting mortgage rates and allowing more bank loans for developers, there are few signs this is helping boost sales. Unfortunately, these new measures have yet to bear fruit, as China's biggest developers are seeing home sales crater this year amid a market that is effectively frozen.
     
    The article continues with points 5 thru 11 capturing additional problems that are afflicting the PRC's economy.

    The unreliability of China as a business partner will hastening decoupling. Sane nations do not want to be dragged down by poor CCP decision making and science denial.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/meanwhile-china-all-hell-breaking-loose

    Replies: @sudden death

    Instead of following the science, the CCP is ratcheting up WUHAN-19 restrictions.

    CCP being the creators of this virus simply may know way better its long term damage potential and capabilities than clueless virushoaxers and nothingburgerists 😉

    • Replies: @A123
    @sudden death


    CCP being the creators of this virus simply may know ... its long term damage potential and capabilities
     
    The CCP did not intend for WUHAN-19 to exit the lab, and they cannot allow open scientific discourse that would inevitably tie back to Wuhan Institute of Virology.

    They may have had a better line on the initial Alpha [α] variant. Now that it has mutated multiple times in the wild, the CCP scientists are no better off than anyone else.

    PEACE 😇
  451. The ship “sunk” by Ukrainian MLRS.

  452. @AP
    @Levtraro


    What’s your excuse?

    Do I need one? You certainly do since you actually provided excuses, but do I?
     
    Tbf I haven’t checked your posting history but I would say that any pro-war Russian posting here probably needs an excuse. Karlin’s was, I think, an adequate one.

    Replies: @Levtraro, @Mr. Hack

    No need to waste time checking my comments, I’m not Russian and not pro-war.

    I say: make money, not war.

    You on the other hand had said that you wish for the invaders to get killed and that you hope your little money helps with the killing which struck me as cowardly, but you have your excuses, what else can you do really? Going there and getting killed for a jew-infested country with a comedian for president when you have your family obligations.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Levtraro


    You on the other hand had said that you wish for the invaders to get killed and that you hope your little money helps with the killing
     
    I have made clear that since I am not out there fighting I have no right to demand that others fight. Since they have chosen to fight on their own (as I predicted they would), I do support their fight and hope that they win; this entails them killing the invaders. There is nothing cowardly about doing so.

    Replies: @Levtraro

  453. AP says:
    @Aedib
    @AP

    I’m against the killing of civilians of all sides and I already told you. So yes, I’m against Russians targeting civilians in Kiev. Meanwhile, you are making conspiracy theories about a”deviated SRBM” or a “false flag”. Meanwhile:


    On 15 March, there were serious staff reshuffles in the command of Ukraine’s Joint Forces Operation (JFO). Due to the defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donbas, Zelenskyy dismissed commander Pavlyuk and appointed his deputy, General Moskalyov, to this post. It can be assumed that the Ukrainian leadership lost confidence in him due to General Pavlyuk’s complete inability to manage the AFU defence, as well as the loss of Volnovakha and the blockade of Ukrainian troops in Mariupol.
    However, the decisive factor for Pavlyuk’s removal was his unauthorized use of a Tochka-U tactical missile system with a cluster-type warhead on the city centre of Donetsk, which killed 21 civilians and wounded 37. This was a strong rehearsal for Ukraine’s political leadership, which was particularly sensitive against the backdrop of Kiev’s increasing need for external financial and military assistance from the West.

     

    https://southfront.org/war-in-ukraine-day-20-tipping-processes-amid-absence-of-high-profile-declarations-of-victory/

    You seem beyond redemption. This behavior is the one that makes necessary to terminate with all Azovites.

    Replies: @sudden death, @AP

    I’m against the killing of civilians of all sides and I already told you. So yes, I’m against Russians targeting civilians in Kiev

    But you characterized the Kiev government by the killing of 21 civilians. How would you characterize the Russian government which has now killed 1,700 civilians and counting?

    Why the double standard of condemning the Kiev government while merely saying you oppose some of the Russian government’s actions?

    Meanwhile, you are making conspiracy theories about a”deviated SRBM” or a “false flag

    I was quite clear in stating that those claims were not necessarily true.

    However, the decisive factor for Pavlyuk’s removal was his unauthorized use of a Tochka-U tactical missile system with a cluster-type warhead on the city centre of Donetsk

    So the Ukrainian government removes a commander when he bombs a civilian area.

    Russia hasn’t done so, despite it having bombed far more residential areas.

    If you are not a hypocrite you would admit that the government in Moscow is worse than the one in Kiev.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @AP


    Why the double standard of condemning...
     
    And West has no double standards? I don't have to list for you the recent humanitarian bombings, collateral damage, sometimes the chosen ones must get independence - and sometimes they are terrorist separatists. We live in a world of double standards - the West is largely responsible for it by not observing what they preach.

    ...the government in Moscow is worse than the one in Kiev.
     
    Better or worse is really not the point during a war. What matters is who prevails.

    In general, Moscow government is better at governing than its counterpart in Kiev: more prosperity - 3 x times better living standards than in Ukraine, more peace - nobody is bombing Russia (yet), national sovereignty as opposed to dependent vassal status for Kiev, fewer oligarchs controlling the government.

    After this is over there will be a huge electoral appeal in Ukraine for law-and-order with prosperity-and-neutrality political parties. The die-hard nationalists and cargo-cultists will have a very small space to operate in - they brought this on, are losing, their dreams and promises not fulfilled. People will crave normalcy.

    Replies: @AP

  454. @Yellowface Anon
    Whoever still framing this in terms of NATO expansion, "aiding Ukraine in their defense", Russian imperialism, Chinese picking a side and so on, misses the bigger picture.

    2 facts:
    - Both Putin and Xi appeared on the WEF and repeated their own ideological viewpoints there.
    - The war in Ukraine coincides with a period of relaxing COVID restrictions in several parts of the world, and a strengthening in China, with the corresponding changes in demands and markets.

    Whatever those idiots at the WEF have wished for, the World-System has more than delivered.

    Replies: @A123, @Barbarossa

    Interesting connections. Care to spell your meta-view out in more detail?

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @Barbarossa

    Basically what Gail Tverberg has said (before the war in Ukraine distorts her allegiance), which is societal collapse thru the end of the high-energy economy, but instead of it being systemic, it is the deliberate dismantling of the global World-System thru geopolitical actions that appear to be enacted in national and global interests.

    Justin Murphy hinted me on this - imagine a dystopian future in 2030 sending signals that reach back in time to the 2000s, 1970s, or even 1914, to nudge events and making the end inevitable. (This and how he phrased it are metaphors for something more alien)

    https://twitter.com/jmrphy/status/1498782489250172928
    https://twitter.com/jmrphy/status/1498904812892659712

    COVID is just a trial run.

  455. AP says:
    @Levtraro
    @AP

    No need to waste time checking my comments, I'm not Russian and not pro-war.

    I say: make money, not war.

    You on the other hand had said that you wish for the invaders to get killed and that you hope your little money helps with the killing which struck me as cowardly, but you have your excuses, what else can you do really? Going there and getting killed for a jew-infested country with a comedian for president when you have your family obligations.

    Replies: @AP

    You on the other hand had said that you wish for the invaders to get killed and that you hope your little money helps with the killing

    I have made clear that since I am not out there fighting I have no right to demand that others fight. Since they have chosen to fight on their own (as I predicted they would), I do support their fight and hope that they win; this entails them killing the invaders. There is nothing cowardly about doing so.

    • Agree: sudden death
    • Replies: @Levtraro
    @AP

    Mmmh it seems to me there is a cowardly part, in giving money for the killing but refusing to fight. Can get my head around that without the cowardice. Perhaps since you were not born there you in fact don't feel so strongly and then it is not a matter of cowardice but it is just not enough engagement on your part?

    Replies: @AP

  456. @Barbarossa
    @Yellowface Anon

    Interesting connections. Care to spell your meta-view out in more detail?

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    Basically what Gail Tverberg has said (before the war in Ukraine distorts her allegiance), which is societal collapse thru the end of the high-energy economy, but instead of it being systemic, it is the deliberate dismantling of the global World-System thru geopolitical actions that appear to be enacted in national and global interests.

    Justin Murphy hinted me on this – imagine a dystopian future in 2030 sending signals that reach back in time to the 2000s, 1970s, or even 1914, to nudge events and making the end inevitable. (This and how he phrased it are metaphors for something more alien)

    COVID is just a trial run.

  457. @S
    @HenryBaker


    For good libs like my parents, their own displacement is indeed a sort of triumph- I suppose over the racists, which they are constantly told are the enemy of all good Europeans. The more we disappear, the more they feel like they achieve a moral victory over our black past.
     
    Yes, I've witnessed the same mentality at times. With all due respect to your parents, those holding such views have what I refer to as a murder/suicide/martyrdom complex.

    There is something simply suicidal in general about the so called 'progressives' with their anti-race campaign (euphemistically referred to as 'anti-racism'), in particular in it's radical left and, or, 'woke' manifestation. Race as part of our extended self is real, every bit as real as our individual self, and it's best simply to face that and work within the reality of the matter.

    Fighting a hard truth, often to one's own great detriment and sorrow, or, attempting to bury or suppress the truth, doesn't work, as much like with a law of physics, the truth will out in the end, one way or the other.

    A few examples of what I'm referring to here off the top of my head, though there are certainly many others:

    The 1967 much celebrated and award winning movie In the Heat of the Night which featured a fictional Northern Black character (played by Sydney Poitier) as a classic 'magic negro' detective who could do no wrong while in a Southern Mississippi town and solving a murder. It's actively suppressed that two years later, in 1969, that the script writer Silliphant's 18 year old son would be murdered in a Hollywood home invasion by an actual real Northern Black from Silliphant's home state of Michigan.

    Jonestown, a 'woke' progressive place if there ever was one, ie a 'progressive' Euro led black centric micro-cosm of what they are attempting to create for the entire world today, but also 'a giant Communist prison camp' to those few who managed to 'defect' from it, and their ultimate mass suicide.

    Recently I read of a quite influential White US college professor, a 'sixties radical', who along with his wife deliberately bought a home in a part of the town they lived in that they expected to soon 'go Black', which it did, this being something they openly advocated for. He would be beaten (having his jaw broken) by one of his new Black neighbors when he confronted the man about his son having stolen his (the professor's) son's bike. Ultimately this professor (you guessed it) would suicide.

    They, and those like them, would do better to forgive themselves, sin no more, and choose life.

    In the meantime, the rest of humanity would do well to find a way to succesfully separate themselves from such self destructive and delusional people.

    Replies: @silviosilver

    Recently I read of a quite influential White US college professor, a ‘sixties radical’, who along with his wife deliberately bought a home in a part of the town they lived in that they expected to soon ‘go Black’, which it did, this being something they openly advocated for. He would be beaten (having his jaw broken) by one of his new Black neighbors when he confronted the man about his son having stolen his (the professor’s) son’s bike. Ultimately this professor (you guessed it) would suicide.

    Well no, the professor’s ultimate fate isn’t what one would guess given those details. A more common guess would be he quietly moved out to a whitopia, whence he continued to preach his demonic message, periodically drinking to excess in order to blot out recurring memories of the traumas he underwent.

    Btw, does this fellow have a name? While I’d readily agree that his actual fate is transcendentally uplifting news (sic semper libtardis!), it feels somehow diminished by the absence of this detail.

    • Replies: @S
    @silviosilver


    Well no, the professor’s ultimate fate isn’t what one would guess given those details. A more common guess would be he quietly moved out to a whitopia, whence he continued to preach his demonic message, periodically drinking to excess in order to blot out recurring memories of the traumas he underwent.
     
    That's a good question, and you've got a valid point about the hypocrisy of a great many of these types. It was a lengthy article which I skimmed through in parts, so I'm not sure if he moved out of the newly minted Black neighborhood shortly after the beat down or not. He might have.

    To be sure, the article said this professor claimed to have been diagnosed with manic depression, which I'm sympathetic towards him about. That doesn't excuse the poison he was spouting, however. It may have been this dark 'woke' philosophy he had adopted which tipped the scales against his being able to more succesfully deal with his depression. I sure don't think his beliefs could of helped him.


    Btw, does this fellow have a name?
     
    It's Tom Philpott, a former professor at UT Austin. The link below is to the May 1982 Texas Monthly article I was referencing.

    His family background was Irish Catholic and (seemingly) he was very much into virtue signaling, ie his first wife was wheel chair bound for instance The obsession the professor had with 'mixing' Whites with Blacks, and his claim (disbelieved by police who believed he had shot himself for attention) that people were shooting at him, along with a 'martyr complex' reported by many of his friends and students, is very remindful of Jim Jones in a lot of ways, not too mention quite a few others of the 'woke' set.


    https://archive.org/stream/TexasMonthlyMay1982-TomPhilpott-TheCaseOfTheCampusCrusader/TexasMonthlyMay1982-TomPhilpott-TheCaseOfTheCampusCrusader_djvu.txt

    , @S
    @silviosilver

    I'd meant to add that I appreciate the brutal honesty you display in a great many of your posts. I strive to do the same. I think the times demand it.

    Replies: @silviosilver

  458. @AP
    @Levtraro


    You on the other hand had said that you wish for the invaders to get killed and that you hope your little money helps with the killing
     
    I have made clear that since I am not out there fighting I have no right to demand that others fight. Since they have chosen to fight on their own (as I predicted they would), I do support their fight and hope that they win; this entails them killing the invaders. There is nothing cowardly about doing so.

    Replies: @Levtraro

    Mmmh it seems to me there is a cowardly part, in giving money for the killing but refusing to fight. Can get my head around that without the cowardice. Perhaps since you were not born there you in fact don’t feel so strongly and then it is not a matter of cowardice but it is just not enough engagement on your part?

    • Replies: @AP
    @Levtraro

    Cowardice would require that fear be a significant motivating factor. That is not the case.



    The reasons as I explained are that I don’t have the right to ruin my family’s circumstances (wife cannot pay for kids’ university and mortgage on her own), and because as someone with zero military training and being around 50 I wouldn’t contribute much anyways. Ukraine has had more reservists with military experience (100,000 +) enter service than it even has weapons for, they could put them to better use than I could.

    If I were living in Ukraine, these factors wouldn’t apply and I would sign up for territorial defense as my cousins or their husbands have done.

    Replies: @Levtraro

  459. A123 says: • Website
    @sudden death
    @A123


    Instead of following the science, the CCP is ratcheting up WUHAN-19 restrictions.
     
    CCP being the creators of this virus simply may know way better its long term damage potential and capabilities than clueless virushoaxers and nothingburgerists ;)

    Replies: @A123

    CCP being the creators of this virus simply may know … its long term damage potential and capabilities

    The CCP did not intend for WUHAN-19 to exit the lab, and they cannot allow open scientific discourse that would inevitably tie back to Wuhan Institute of Virology.

    They may have had a better line on the initial Alpha [α] variant. Now that it has mutated multiple times in the wild, the CCP scientists are no better off than anyone else.

    PEACE 😇

  460. @Barbarossa
    @prime noticer


    99% of people have NOTHING of value to contribute to anything, and we can see in real time that like 1% of the humans do all the important work and thinking.
     
    Of course, too many cooks spoil the sauce, so I'm not sure it would be any good if more had the mental capabilities to be movers and shakers.

    I would say that technology casts the dynamic in an interesting light since in no point of history have so many been so fundamentally powerless but given the illusion that their opinions are consequential and can change their world. Now every moron on Twitter or Tiktok can be a pundit with an audience.


    In the past, folks were much less deluded. They largely knew they were at the mercy of those in power above them and dealt with that reality in one way or another.

    Replies: @silviosilver

    Of course, too many cooks spoil the sauce, so I’m not sure it would be any good if more had the mental capabilities to be movers and shakers.

    I think it’s more of a case of too many chiefs, not enough indians. But if, given the internet, they all insist on being chiefs anyway, it would obviously be better if they had more going on upstairs than less.

    (Btw, I’ve never heard of too many cooks spoiling the sauce. Where I’m from, they spoil the broth.)

  461. @AP
    @Levtraro


    What’s your excuse?

    Do I need one? You certainly do since you actually provided excuses, but do I?
     
    Tbf I haven’t checked your posting history but I would say that any pro-war Russian posting here probably needs an excuse. Karlin’s was, I think, an adequate one.

    Replies: @Levtraro, @Mr. Hack

    What exactly do you feel was “adequate” about Karlin’s endorsement of the current war?

    • Replies: @AP
    @Mr. Hack

    His excuse for not fighting in the war was adequate: Russia isn’t drafting people like him, it doesn’t need him, so he doesn’t go.

  462. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    Ah wait, I think I might have misunderstood what you were saying. What you were saying here:


    But in the meantime, it is necessary to tell you that you can invent yourself – you are not “white”, and a black African is as much a Dutchman as you. Indeed, to be Dutch ultimately has no meaning – it is a mere geographic space where humans compete for resources.
     
    I see this is a sort of parody of what people believe nowadays, not something you actually believe yourself. Sorry about immediately going 'there'. I'll get back to you when I have more time.

    Replies: @Barbarossa, @AaronB

    Yes exactly, it’s not what I believe, it’s the “message” of modernity.

    Modernity is about uprooting ourselves from nature, culture, biology, community, and constructing our selves and identities.

    In practice, what this means is to simply be a consumer, which is why capitalism loves this message so much.

    So it doesn’t matter who lives in the Netherlands – one human is the same as any other.

    As for Jews and Israel, I agree any Jews holding a double standard of that kind – which I don’t – is being shamefully hypocritical, but I don’t think it’s an attempt to “deny” the goyim what he gives himself, but simply a case of deeply conflicted feelings.

    On the one hand he is a good child of modernity and really does believe in being a good liberal free from attachment to place, people, community – on the other, he is a human being who feels a deep longing to have roots, and he finds Israel there ready made to satisfy that intense desire in him.

    And for historical reasons of Jewish persecution, he can do so without too much violence to his liberal conscience – in the liberal value system, historically persecuted or indigenous people get a “pass” on having their identity deconstructed – but only for the time being (this fact isn’t sufficiently appreciated).

    That being said, most liberal Jews I know are as anti-Israel as they are anti “white supremacy” – I don’t know too many hypocrites, but they obviously exist, human nature being what it is.

    As for your earlier comments about “natural” beta males or cucks, I think this is a profoundly mistaken understanding of the sources of courage and self respect.

    Courage, commitment, and self respect come from serving Higher Values – one is not born with them. One can acquire them, or lose them.

    There is no “natural” cuck – there is the person whose philosophy gives him no motivation, courage, or capacity for sacrifice or commitment, generally because he is a materialist without higher values, like the modern European 🙂

    The biggest pushover weakling today, can become a hero tomorrow with the right philosophy.

    • Agree: sher singh
    • Thanks: Barbarossa
  463. @Mr. Hack
    @AP

    What exactly do you feel was "adequate" about Karlin's endorsement of the current war?

    Replies: @AP

    His excuse for not fighting in the war was adequate: Russia isn’t drafting people like him, it doesn’t need him, so he doesn’t go.

    • LOL: Yellowface Anon
  464. AP says:
    @Levtraro
    @AP

    Mmmh it seems to me there is a cowardly part, in giving money for the killing but refusing to fight. Can get my head around that without the cowardice. Perhaps since you were not born there you in fact don't feel so strongly and then it is not a matter of cowardice but it is just not enough engagement on your part?

    Replies: @AP

    Cowardice would require that fear be a significant motivating factor. That is not the case.

    [MORE]

    The reasons as I explained are that I don’t have the right to ruin my family’s circumstances (wife cannot pay for kids’ university and mortgage on her own), and because as someone with zero military training and being around 50 I wouldn’t contribute much anyways. Ukraine has had more reservists with military experience (100,000 +) enter service than it even has weapons for, they could put them to better use than I could.

    If I were living in Ukraine, these factors wouldn’t apply and I would sign up for territorial defense as my cousins or their husbands have done.

    • Agree: sher singh
    • Replies: @Levtraro
    @AP

    That's good enough for me. You are not a coward. You are just not that engaged with the outcome of the war because of your circumstances.

    One more thing. Don't you fear that your money will be lost in the sea of corruption that the jew-infested country suffers? I think most of these contributions will end up in some intermediaries pockets and then moved to other jurisdictions.

    Replies: @AP

  465. Master Karlin, I feel willing to go on the rampage here in terms of comments on the Lenin-Stalin-Gerard Butler created fake-state shithole called (for now, with the 70% that remains of it) the “Ukraine”. To be able to do this I request all Gerard accounts to be unbanned please.

    Many thanks for your compliance

    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @Gerard1234

    I haven't had access to the ban list for ages, but I would be open to Ron Unz simply deleting it.

  466. @Dmitry
    @for-the-record

    Lol I notice that Chinese have a good sense of humor.

    This story in the Moscow news, is that a man has complaining to the authorities, that there are too many Oriental and African models used in Nike adverts in Russia. He is claiming the adverts will violate section 1, chapter 2, in the Russian constitution, against discrimination on " rights of citizens on social, racial, national, linguistic or religious grounds", as most of the population in Russia are not Oriental or African.

    Karlin has misreported this story, claiming that the authorities themselves are complaining about the use of the Oriental and African models in Nike adverts. When the story is about a man complaining to the authorities, and the article predict he will "100% lose".

    I'm not sure why Karlin is reversing the story (it is not like Russia needs some anti-advertising based on fake news), but of course, those are geopolitically exactly the two nationalities that the authorities in Russia, will be careful to not offend sensitivities nowadays - Oriental and African nationalities.

    Geopolitically, for the authorities, Oriental and Africa nationalities, are main nationalities to support or not condemn Russia in the UN for an invasion of Ukraine. It's like an alignment of support, or at least a non-alignment, from the Third World has been one of the more reliable inheritances from Soviet times. (There had been decades of investment, with many African and Asian students educated in universities in the Soviet Union.)

    https://i.imgur.com/XjdAYRP.png

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Anatoly Karlin

    A man was complaining to the authorities, that there are too many Oriental and African models used in Nike adverts in Russia. He is claiming the adverts will violate section 1, chapter 2, in the Russian constitution, against discrimination on ” rights of citizens on social, racial, national, linguistic or religious grounds”, as most of the population in Russia are not Oriental or African.

    Karlin has misreported this story, claiming that the authorities themselves are complaining about the use of the Oriental and African models in Nike adverts. When the story is about a man complaining to the authorities, and the article predict he will “100% lose”.

    I’m not sure why Karlin is reversing the story

    As GR pointed out, he’s basically just a propagandist at this point and he has spent years trying to convince people of “Based Russia”. So outright lying/spinning stories to fit the narrative is not something that’s beyond Karlin, as your comment demonstrates.

    That’s also why I depreciate everything he says about Russia, because he has a proven track record of being willing to bend the truth to push narratives. Or outright deleting comments in the case of UKR/RUS war, as we’ve seen.

    Personally, I don’t find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet, but it’s even more hilarious when it’s far from true. Your comments over the years have made that abundantly clear, and have indirectly undercut Karlin’s narrative. That is likely one of the reasons why he resents you. He doesn’t like it when someone factchecks him on his wild tales.

    What’s even more hilarious is given his own substantial non-European ancestry, it’s not even in his interest to push for a superchud version of Russia. As you’ve pointed out many times, if a true nationalist takeover really happens then folks like him will be a soft target.

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Thulean Friend


    Personally, I don’t find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet
     
    As your pimp, I give Black & Oriental models a discount over white patrons (notice the capitalization*).

    We can't be accused of being unprogressive here.

    Other's want to be assholes, we will sell them your's.
    , @Yevardian
    @Thulean Friend


    Personally, I don’t find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet, but it’s even more hilarious when it’s far from true. Your comments over the years have made that abundantly clear, and have indirectly undercut Karlin’s narrative. That is likely one of the reasons why he resents you. He doesn’t like it when someone factchecks him on his wild tales.
     
    But don't you know that Egor Prosvirin is 'a significant influence on Russian youth culture'?
    And yes, Dmitri's instagram shitposting on popular Kremlin court-vermin, definitely demonstrates that modern Russia is hardly as 'based' or 'trad' as its foreign-language media would have you believe. The Soviet Union was much better in that regard.

    Russian high-culture has always been the best PR weapon abroad the country has had, but it feels like in the last 20 years the Kremlins threw in the trash heap. You can see Karlin as an aspiring Kremlinoid doesn't give a shit about it. The thing is, I always considered myself pro-Russian, but sometimes I feel honestly the concept I'm attached to is really a corpse.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    , @Dmitry
    @Thulean Friend

    Yes, in Russia there is some of the most strong examples open borders immigration policy in the last decades, with media repression of reporting about inter-ethnic problems which can be caused. It's also like the government has managed to import far more people than you would imagine could be possible considering the low income levels received by the exploited immigrants.

    It is a popular complaint that there is a bit too much of the open border unfiltered immigration nowadays. It's mainly the task of liberal opposition to complain about the open borders and ask for closed borders.

    It's also a problem for the source countries for the mass immigration. Uzbekistan has to reject the Russian pressure for it to join the open-border immigration bloc, as they are losing too many people even when outside open-borders bloc. Whereas countries like Armenia (inside open-borders bloc), have been losing their productive population to Russia and it fatally weakens their country.

    While the recent devaluation and probably future economic problems in Russia, could slow the immigration to more manageable speed. But it's also possible it will not change relative difference of income, as the source countries of the mass immigration to Russia are economically quite coupled to the Russian economy.


    nationalist takeover really happens then folks like him will be a soft target.
     
    Even just 15-20 years ago, he would have been the main target for beating by a nationalist street gang (who have fortunately, now been imprisoned).

    Russia is very anti-racist from the top-down though. There is still some mild prejudice like everywhere, but this is just like in Western Europe. And young people are much more tolerant nowadays, like the same as in Western Europe.

    If I showed a picture of Karlin to my parents, and said "this is a Russian nationalist", they would be laughing at the joke, and would likely say some words which should be considered as having moderately racist overtone. But it doesn't mean they are racist or have a negative view of these nationalities. (They are anti-racists in reality)

    It's more because in Soviet times, there was strict control for internal movement, so in most areas the different races were not mixed so closely in the way they are today.

    There had also been lower levels of sensitivity about speech, as people saying redneck comments about other nationalities, doesn't exactly threaten the authorities, but could be viewed as a socially acceptable way for people to express some natural amount of aggression. What is acceptable for speech, is changing depending on what the authorities told you (it's not based in peoples' decisions).

    In Russia, there were many cities which would have almost a "racially homogenous" (white) population until the 1990s.

    On the other hand, there could be cities with racially mixed populations, where there are many decades of interethnic harmony between the groups. This is cities like Ufa. Some regions of Russia, could be almost models of anti-racism and tolerance.

    Although the media in Soviet times and beyond is also controlled by the government, so if there had been inter-ethnic problems, it would not always have been known by wider non-local public. I wouldn't want to say the soviet or postsoviet situation is a model for that reason.

    , @Anatoly Karlin
    @Thulean Friend

    Get hit by a bus.

    Replies: @In Lulz we Trust

  467. @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    I honestly don't know what I'm doing here!

    I have several times tried to break away, but always come back for some reason. Even as I post here, I'm always planning to stop posting here lol.

    I suppose I can only say that the heart as a logic of its own, stronger than the rational mind, and the spirit keeps calling me back here for reasons that are obscure to me.

    Well, somehow, in some twisted way, I even enjoy spending time here - even as I spiritually oppose nearly everything about this place and it makes me despair of the human race :)

    God has his mysteries - and his sense of humor :)

    Replies: @Barbarossa, @Thulean Friend

    There are a number of commentators on this blog that makes it worthwhile for me to visit, and you’re one of them.

    • Thanks: AaronB
  468. @Gerard1234
    Master Karlin, I feel willing to go on the rampage here in terms of comments on the Lenin-Stalin-Gerard Butler created fake-state shithole called (for now, with the 70% that remains of it) the "Ukraine". To be able to do this I request all Gerard accounts to be unbanned please.

    Many thanks for your compliance

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

    I haven’t had access to the ban list for ages, but I would be open to Ron Unz simply deleting it.

  469. News are that UKR/RUS negotiations are progressing along a “15 point plan”, which would include Ukraine recognising Donbass+Crimea as part of Russia plus ruling out NATO membership. Too early to tell if this is a ploy for time or if it’s the real thing but we are now past 3 weeks and if Russia were to make a serious play for the entire country then it will be many more weeks. Kiev alone will likely last quite a bit of time, forget about the western parts of the country.

    In addition, the economic damage to Ukraine is now very substantial. We’re talking tens of billions of dollars already. If Russia were to annex many of these destroyed territories, even as their own economy is under increasing strain, then the economic cost would be huge. It’s also not clear how many would even stay given how easy it is to get refugee status in richer EU countries for virtually all Ukrainians. Living in Germany or Scandinavia sure beats living in Russia, and anyone who fantasises about “slavic brotherhood” will get a very rude awakening.

    We’re about to see if my view of Putin as fundamentally cautious and risk-averse is true. My view of the invasion was that it was Putin being backed into a corner as there was no way to get a fair shake at the negotiating table, for which NATO bears primary responsibility. I was skeptical of the Western MSM narrative that he was driven by imperial ambitions and was similarily unimpressed by Karlin’s repeating of that narrative, just with right-wing coating. If Putin settles for some eastern territories, recognition of Crimea + ruling out NATO and some modest demilitarisation, then my view of him would have survived intact. If he goes for the entire country then I’ll happily admit I was wrong about my assessment of him. We’ll see in a few weeks.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @Thulean Friend

    AK probably has read this and so he's certain of Putin's expressed intentions on Ukraine: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181

    , @AP
    @Thulean Friend

    This invasion was a colossal blunder. Putin (or rather, his team) grossly underestimated Ukrainians’ willingness and ability to fight, Russia’s ability to wage war against a large 2nd world army, or both. The question is if somehow he (or his team) was led to make this mistake, if he was deliberately led into a trap.

    , @Philip Owen
    @Thulean Friend

    So what concessions is Russia making? Ukraine has now called up the reserve (200,000 at least partly trained including on NLAWs and the newly arriving Starstreaks). They have now have a lot more men than Russia with conscripts on the way. The spring thaw has really started so heavy vehicles are most definitely road bound until the end of April. It's time for a Russian roll back unless they find reinforcements from somewhere. The Chechens are guarding the Belarussian army while they get used to their new Russian officers. There has been a third mutiny amongst the naval infantry at Odessa.

    Russia saves face by taking Mariupol. It took 4 years to take Aleppo. Russia probably doesn't have that much time. Every day, Russia's bargaining strength is going to erode. So what concessions is Russia making? What concessions can a Russia losing militarily make? If Russia loses too much, the Belarus Army will capture Minsk.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  470. S says:
    @silviosilver
    @S


    Recently I read of a quite influential White US college professor, a ‘sixties radical’, who along with his wife deliberately bought a home in a part of the town they lived in that they expected to soon ‘go Black’, which it did, this being something they openly advocated for. He would be beaten (having his jaw broken) by one of his new Black neighbors when he confronted the man about his son having stolen his (the professor’s) son’s bike. Ultimately this professor (you guessed it) would suicide.
     
    Well no, the professor's ultimate fate isn't what one would guess given those details. A more common guess would be he quietly moved out to a whitopia, whence he continued to preach his demonic message, periodically drinking to excess in order to blot out recurring memories of the traumas he underwent.

    Btw, does this fellow have a name? While I'd readily agree that his actual fate is transcendentally uplifting news (sic semper libtardis!), it feels somehow diminished by the absence of this detail.

    Replies: @S, @S

    Well no, the professor’s ultimate fate isn’t what one would guess given those details. A more common guess would be he quietly moved out to a whitopia, whence he continued to preach his demonic message, periodically drinking to excess in order to blot out recurring memories of the traumas he underwent.

    That’s a good question, and you’ve got a valid point about the hypocrisy of a great many of these types. It was a lengthy article which I skimmed through in parts, so I’m not sure if he moved out of the newly minted Black neighborhood shortly after the beat down or not. He might have.

    To be sure, the article said this professor claimed to have been diagnosed with manic depression, which I’m sympathetic towards him about. That doesn’t excuse the poison he was spouting, however. It may have been this dark ‘woke’ philosophy he had adopted which tipped the scales against his being able to more succesfully deal with his depression. I sure don’t think his beliefs could of helped him.

    Btw, does this fellow have a name?

    It’s Tom Philpott, a former professor at UT Austin. The link below is to the May 1982 Texas Monthly article I was referencing.

    His family background was Irish Catholic and (seemingly) he was very much into virtue signaling, ie his first wife was wheel chair bound for instance The obsession the professor had with ‘mixing’ Whites with Blacks, and his claim (disbelieved by police who believed he had shot himself for attention) that people were shooting at him, along with a ‘martyr complex’ reported by many of his friends and students, is very remindful of Jim Jones in a lot of ways, not too mention quite a few others of the ‘woke’ set.

    https://archive.org/stream/TexasMonthlyMay1982-TomPhilpott-TheCaseOfTheCampusCrusader/TexasMonthlyMay1982-TomPhilpott-TheCaseOfTheCampusCrusader_djvu.txt

  471. @AP
    @Levtraro

    Cowardice would require that fear be a significant motivating factor. That is not the case.



    The reasons as I explained are that I don’t have the right to ruin my family’s circumstances (wife cannot pay for kids’ university and mortgage on her own), and because as someone with zero military training and being around 50 I wouldn’t contribute much anyways. Ukraine has had more reservists with military experience (100,000 +) enter service than it even has weapons for, they could put them to better use than I could.

    If I were living in Ukraine, these factors wouldn’t apply and I would sign up for territorial defense as my cousins or their husbands have done.

    Replies: @Levtraro

    That’s good enough for me. You are not a coward. You are just not that engaged with the outcome of the war because of your circumstances.

    One more thing. Don’t you fear that your money will be lost in the sea of corruption that the jew-infested country suffers? I think most of these contributions will end up in some intermediaries pockets and then moved to other jurisdictions.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Levtraro

    I’m sending through trustworthy sources vetted by the Ukrainian diaspora community; you are correct in not trusting randos.

  472. Interesting and detailed description of Ukraine’s defeat of Russian forces at Voznesensk:

    https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-russia-voznesensk-town-battle-11647444734

  473. @silviosilver
    @S


    Recently I read of a quite influential White US college professor, a ‘sixties radical’, who along with his wife deliberately bought a home in a part of the town they lived in that they expected to soon ‘go Black’, which it did, this being something they openly advocated for. He would be beaten (having his jaw broken) by one of his new Black neighbors when he confronted the man about his son having stolen his (the professor’s) son’s bike. Ultimately this professor (you guessed it) would suicide.
     
    Well no, the professor's ultimate fate isn't what one would guess given those details. A more common guess would be he quietly moved out to a whitopia, whence he continued to preach his demonic message, periodically drinking to excess in order to blot out recurring memories of the traumas he underwent.

    Btw, does this fellow have a name? While I'd readily agree that his actual fate is transcendentally uplifting news (sic semper libtardis!), it feels somehow diminished by the absence of this detail.

    Replies: @S, @S

    I’d meant to add that I appreciate the brutal honesty you display in a great many of your posts. I strive to do the same. I think the times demand it.

    • Replies: @silviosilver
    @S


    I appreciate the brutal honesty you display in a great many of your posts. I strive to do the same. I think the times demand it.
     
    Thanks. Unfortunately, I can't agree that brutal honesty does much good. While it is certainly necessary that some people articulate a fully-fledged pro-white position, for the time being one must be very, very judicious when broadcasting it. And the reason is not merely to avoid provoking a wokelash (although that is a legitimate concern in itself), but because it is all too easy to cause even a receptive audience to turn against you.

    Say you're talking to Bill, and Bill expresses some skepticism about diversity or immigration or whatever. Great. He's one of us, right? Not so fast. If, in your attempt to encourage him, you go beyond what he is prepared to countenance, you are more likely to agitate him and cause him to reconsider his views, concluding that perhaps the "anti-racists" are right after all.

    In my view, the important thing is to get people to reject, however minimally, the anti-white status quo. If they do it because "there's too much immigration" or because "diversity isn't really a strength", that's fine, even though it doesn't amount to very much by itself. You simply have to trust they'll grow into something more substantial over time. The opposition is aware of this, which is why they become apoplectic at seemingly innocuous phrases like "it's okay to be white." Unfortunately for them, there's not a lot they can do to evade well-aimed blows, so although progress is slow, you have to plug away.

  474. sher singh says:
    @HenryBaker
    @Barbarossa

    An aside: meaningless is an interesting word. Meaningful or meaningless to what and to whom? Hypothetically, as a pagan in 500 AD, you might complain that christianization everywhere rendered culture meaningless. Is a language really that important? The subtle cultural differences between related peoples? Or is the Weltanschauung the fundamental and most important difference? I would say the latter, as language, culture, and ethnic development all derive from the behavior imposed on a society by its value system and World-outlook.

    It's interesting to note that until about 900 AD Dutch names were almost all Germanic in origin. You see names like Odmar, Altmer, Hildegarda. Then in 1200 AD it's like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most 'normal' Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures' names. I'd say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic. Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.

    In my opinion, we are seeing something similar happening with the 'woke' world-outlook that is replacing the Enlightenment world-outlook, which itself replaced the christian-statist world-outlook of the Early Modern period (the most religious period followed the most -anti-religious period, here). The 'materialism' mentioned by Aaron has more or less been rejected already. Likewise, to many woke people it's the Europeans that are the levelling, homogenizing, globalizing force destroying wholesome indigenous communities, and imposing our standards in art and culture on everyone else!

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook. That makes culture inherently 'meaningless' as the world-outlook shared by a larger civilization determines the fate of the culture.

    Replies: @sher singh, @AaronB, @S, @Yevardian, @Barbarossa

    Yes.

    With the correct worldview ethnicity, and culture (race or tribe) are a breeze to maintain, and with the wrong one nigh impossible.

    Internalize & understand this term: Maryada. Maryada is the distillation of a world view down to both a personal & social code of conduct. Ie the West goes to war to protect women & refugees; the Khalsa for Gau & Brahmin.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    • Thanks: HenryBaker
    • Replies: @Barbarossa
    @sher singh


    the West goes to war to protect women & refugees
     
    You mean, the West says it goes to war for these reasons.

    Replies: @sher singh

  475. @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    Yes.

    With the correct worldview ethnicity, and culture (race or tribe) are a breeze to maintain, and with the wrong one nigh impossible.

    https://twitter.com/Parikramah/status/1319124560583733248

    Internalize & understand this term: Maryada. Maryada is the distillation of a world view down to both a personal & social code of conduct. Ie the West goes to war to protect women & refugees; the Khalsa for Gau & Brahmin.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @Barbarossa

    the West goes to war to protect women & refugees

    You mean, the West says it goes to war for these reasons.

    • Replies: @sher singh
    @Barbarossa

    One & the same it cannot go to War without invoking these things.
    Elites are still constrained by the society,

    You can say we all go to war for Zar, Zan, Zameen
    Just discussing philosophy & larger institutions ie interplay between Priest-Warrior though.

  476. sher singh says:
    @Thulean Friend
    @Dmitry

    A man was complaining to the authorities, that there are too many Oriental and African models used in Nike adverts in Russia. He is claiming the adverts will violate section 1, chapter 2, in the Russian constitution, against discrimination on ” rights of citizens on social, racial, national, linguistic or religious grounds”, as most of the population in Russia are not Oriental or African.

    Karlin has misreported this story, claiming that the authorities themselves are complaining about the use of the Oriental and African models in Nike adverts. When the story is about a man complaining to the authorities, and the article predict he will “100% lose”.

    I’m not sure why Karlin is reversing the story
     

    As GR pointed out, he's basically just a propagandist at this point and he has spent years trying to convince people of "Based Russia". So outright lying/spinning stories to fit the narrative is not something that's beyond Karlin, as your comment demonstrates.

    That's also why I depreciate everything he says about Russia, because he has a proven track record of being willing to bend the truth to push narratives. Or outright deleting comments in the case of UKR/RUS war, as we've seen.

    Personally, I don't find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet, but it's even more hilarious when it's far from true. Your comments over the years have made that abundantly clear, and have indirectly undercut Karlin's narrative. That is likely one of the reasons why he resents you. He doesn't like it when someone factchecks him on his wild tales.

    What's even more hilarious is given his own substantial non-European ancestry, it's not even in his interest to push for a superchud version of Russia. As you've pointed out many times, if a true nationalist takeover really happens then folks like him will be a soft target.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Yevardian, @Dmitry, @Anatoly Karlin

    Personally, I don’t find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet

    As your pimp, I give Black & Oriental models a discount over white patrons (notice the capitalization*).

    We can’t be accused of being unprogressive here.

    Other’s want to be assholes, we will sell them your’s.

  477. @Thulean Friend
    News are that UKR/RUS negotiations are progressing along a "15 point plan", which would include Ukraine recognising Donbass+Crimea as part of Russia plus ruling out NATO membership. Too early to tell if this is a ploy for time or if it's the real thing but we are now past 3 weeks and if Russia were to make a serious play for the entire country then it will be many more weeks. Kiev alone will likely last quite a bit of time, forget about the western parts of the country.

    In addition, the economic damage to Ukraine is now very substantial. We're talking tens of billions of dollars already. If Russia were to annex many of these destroyed territories, even as their own economy is under increasing strain, then the economic cost would be huge. It's also not clear how many would even stay given how easy it is to get refugee status in richer EU countries for virtually all Ukrainians. Living in Germany or Scandinavia sure beats living in Russia, and anyone who fantasises about "slavic brotherhood" will get a very rude awakening.

    We're about to see if my view of Putin as fundamentally cautious and risk-averse is true. My view of the invasion was that it was Putin being backed into a corner as there was no way to get a fair shake at the negotiating table, for which NATO bears primary responsibility. I was skeptical of the Western MSM narrative that he was driven by imperial ambitions and was similarily unimpressed by Karlin's repeating of that narrative, just with right-wing coating. If Putin settles for some eastern territories, recognition of Crimea + ruling out NATO and some modest demilitarisation, then my view of him would have survived intact. If he goes for the entire country then I'll happily admit I was wrong about my assessment of him. We'll see in a few weeks.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @Philip Owen

    AK probably has read this and so he’s certain of Putin’s expressed intentions on Ukraine: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181

  478. @Barbarossa
    @sher singh


    the West goes to war to protect women & refugees
     
    You mean, the West says it goes to war for these reasons.

    Replies: @sher singh

    One & the same it cannot go to War without invoking these things.
    Elites are still constrained by the society,

    You can say we all go to war for Zar, Zan, Zameen
    Just discussing philosophy & larger institutions ie interplay between Priest-Warrior though.

  479. @AP
    @Aedib


    I’m against the killing of civilians of all sides and I already told you. So yes, I’m against Russians targeting civilians in Kiev
     
    But you characterized the Kiev government by the killing of 21 civilians. How would you characterize the Russian government which has now killed 1,700 civilians and counting?

    Why the double standard of condemning the Kiev government while merely saying you oppose some of the Russian government’s actions?

    Meanwhile, you are making conspiracy theories about a”deviated SRBM” or a “false flag
     
    I was quite clear in stating that those claims were not necessarily true.

    However, the decisive factor for Pavlyuk’s removal was his unauthorized use of a Tochka-U tactical missile system with a cluster-type warhead on the city centre of Donetsk
     
    So the Ukrainian government removes a commander when he bombs a civilian area.

    Russia hasn’t done so, despite it having bombed far more residential areas.

    If you are not a hypocrite you would admit that the government in Moscow is worse than the one in Kiev.

    Replies: @Beckow

    Why the double standard of condemning…

    And West has no double standards? I don’t have to list for you the recent humanitarian bombings, collateral damage, sometimes the chosen ones must get independence – and sometimes they are terrorist separatists. We live in a world of double standards – the West is largely responsible for it by not observing what they preach.

    …the government in Moscow is worse than the one in Kiev.

    Better or worse is really not the point during a war. What matters is who prevails.

    In general, Moscow government is better at governing than its counterpart in Kiev: more prosperity – 3 x times better living standards than in Ukraine, more peace – nobody is bombing Russia (yet), national sovereignty as opposed to dependent vassal status for Kiev, fewer oligarchs controlling the government.

    After this is over there will be a huge electoral appeal in Ukraine for law-and-order with prosperity-and-neutrality political parties. The die-hard nationalists and cargo-cultists will have a very small space to operate in – they brought this on, are losing, their dreams and promises not fulfilled. People will crave normalcy.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Beckow


    And West has no double standards?
     
    Why do you think the West's double standards justify the double standards of Aedib? Or of Russia? Are you Goering, talking about the injustices of the American Indians when on trial for what his country did to Slavs?

    In general, Moscow government is better at governing than its counterpart in Kiev: more prosperity
     
    Moscow was richer before the USSR fell apart. And it has oil and gas.

    more peace
     
    It doesn't have Russia as a neighbor.

    After this is over there will be a huge electoral appeal in Ukraine for law-and-order with prosperity-and-neutrality political parties. The die-hard nationalists and cargo-cultists will have a very small space to operate in

     

    You consistently misjudge Ukrainians. You though they would surrender or run away when Russia attacked, and they have done the opposite. And now you think this. Expect hardcore anti-Russian politicians for at least 10 years, maybe 20. Level of hatred towards Russia is off the charts. Only possible mitigating factor is if Zelensky manages to calm people down.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Beckow

  480. @HenryBaker
    @Barbarossa

    An aside: meaningless is an interesting word. Meaningful or meaningless to what and to whom? Hypothetically, as a pagan in 500 AD, you might complain that christianization everywhere rendered culture meaningless. Is a language really that important? The subtle cultural differences between related peoples? Or is the Weltanschauung the fundamental and most important difference? I would say the latter, as language, culture, and ethnic development all derive from the behavior imposed on a society by its value system and World-outlook.

    It's interesting to note that until about 900 AD Dutch names were almost all Germanic in origin. You see names like Odmar, Altmer, Hildegarda. Then in 1200 AD it's like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most 'normal' Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures' names. I'd say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic. Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.

    In my opinion, we are seeing something similar happening with the 'woke' world-outlook that is replacing the Enlightenment world-outlook, which itself replaced the christian-statist world-outlook of the Early Modern period (the most religious period followed the most -anti-religious period, here). The 'materialism' mentioned by Aaron has more or less been rejected already. Likewise, to many woke people it's the Europeans that are the levelling, homogenizing, globalizing force destroying wholesome indigenous communities, and imposing our standards in art and culture on everyone else!

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook. That makes culture inherently 'meaningless' as the world-outlook shared by a larger civilization determines the fate of the culture.

    Replies: @sher singh, @AaronB, @S, @Yevardian, @Barbarossa

    This doesn’t seem quite right to me.

    On one level culture is a very concrete and specific interaction with the local environment – the soil, plants, climate, weather, animals – that builds up in richness and complexity over centuries, and is unique.

    There will often be a more universal element widely shared by many different places, like Christianity, but it will often take on a distinctive local form and be adapted to local conditions.

    Modernity is inherently destructive of culture, because it wants to destroy the specific and replace it with the uniform, as well as “liberate” man from all natural constraints and free his will to construct himself.

    This process of liberation involves the destruction of all culture and tradition, by definition, because they are restraints.

    The desired result is precisely the “boring white guy” trope of the 90s when immigrants from actual cultures with actual traditions started pouring into America, and the contrast with the deracinated American “consumer” could not have been more stark. The children of these immigrants today are largely deracinated American consumers as well.

    For any culture to be lost in it’s entirety, is a tragedy, because that richness was built up over centuries. It can’t be recreated overnight.

    Likewise, to many woke people it’s the Europeans that are the levelling, homogenizing, globalizing force destroying wholesome indigenous communities, and imposing our standards in art and culture on everyone else!

    That used to be an older Leftist critique of Western civilization in it’s rationalist Enlightenment form, the romantic Left, and one with which I am highly sympathetic to – except that I don’t agree with the blame being attached to the average European man.

    The average European was himself a “victim” of this culture destroying rationalist force as much as any indigenous person.

    It’s been said before England colonized others, she colonized herself. (Destroyed her own richly local traditions and cultures and replaced it with a “rationalist” outlook, or at least began the process seriously).

    Today, however, the Woke absolutely support the imposition of Western norms on recalcitrant “backwards” peoples, and are supremely convinced that the modern Woke value system is superior to all others and must be adopted by the whole world.

    Gone is the romantic Left critique of the disembodied rationalist outlook, as is gone so much of the Old Left.

    The ‘materialism’ mentioned by Aaron has more or less been rejected already.

    In a sense I can see why you might say Woke isn’t materialistic, as it says gender isn’t determined by biology, etc.

    But precisely this is it’s materialism – Woke believes we humans can infinitely shape reality to our will, and that happiness is the manipulation of matter.

    Woke recognized no higher value than the manipulation of matter

    Woke is “immaterialistic” only in the sense that it refuses to recognizes limits on human will with regard to matter.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    This is an interesting discussion, this is the 'I'll get back to you' part.


    for instance, you strike me as a materialist, but materialism itself is a major part of the Great Inversion of values, as no previous culture was.
     
    Okay, so what is materialism to you exactly? It's a word with multiple definitions. Is it Marxian materialism, the idea that technology and economy shape the way we think and act, instead of vice versa? Is it a shallow focus on material wealth? Is it a disregard for values or spirituality?

    And I'm also wondering why I strike you as a materialist.

    Secondly, what is culture to you? It sounds like you think it's all 'rooted' behavior, but that doesn't seem like a useful definition. This conflates culture with tradition and makes culture a useless word.

    I always saw it as the reflexive behavior of a group of people, i.e. an anthropological, not a moral definition (as in, you have no 'real' culture, but I do, because I'm trad- therefore I'm better). You claim that modernity uproots and erases culture, but by definition, this seems impossible to me, as any given group must have behavioral patterns and beliefs. Modern man, like any men, has a set of values, clear behavioral patterns, ways of thinking, a world-outlook, etc. Globohomo is a culture too, it's just gay.

    On one level culture is a very concrete and specific interaction with the local environment – the soil, plants, climate, weather, animals – that builds up in richness and complexity over centuries, and is unique.
     
    I don't know if modern culture is necessarily lacking in richness or uniqueness. American consumer culture has had enormous appeal to the global masses for a reason. Stuff like hamburgers, modern cinema, 'the great American novel', the Prom, Coca Cola, baseball, American pizza... it's all very easy to deny for culture snobs, but a culture being easily digestible and uniformly appealing, does not make it a non-culture. A Quentin Tarantino movie or Michael Jackson song is just as much a piece of culture as was Beowulf. There's a reason people let themselves be colonized with Americanisms. It's all very easy to praise cute peasant dances and traditional dress, but let's be honest, America has produced much much more in the way of culture than Moldova.

    “boring white guy” trope of the 90s

     

    But it's boring because the white guy is the vanilla ice of the global monoculture- after all, it's his culture. If we were all copying Africa, you'd have something like 'the boring black guy'. Boring means so normal that the novelty has worn off.


    disembodied rationalist outlook
     
    It's easy to forget for a couple autistics on Unz, but remember that 80% of people do NOT have a hardened, 'disembodied rationalist outlook'. Most people are goaded into wars or into accepting refugees by a few pics of dead children. Both rationalism and an exaggerated praise of 'traditional' norms are the exclusive domain of the dominant bourgeois and academic sector. There's a reason a rationalist community exists as separate from anything else, and is not that big. Most normal people mix casual materialism (caring mostly for sports, their family, and their job) with some sort of superstition, like all those astrology girls do.

    Woke recognized no higher value than the manipulation of matter
     
    I'm not sure I agree. What, exactly, is materialistic about praising 'equity' over everything else which is straightforwardly materialistic, like physical safety, or prosperity? Woke people are always going on about abstractions and values...

    Replies: @songbird, @Barbarossa, @Coconuts

  481. @Levtraro
    @AP

    That's good enough for me. You are not a coward. You are just not that engaged with the outcome of the war because of your circumstances.

    One more thing. Don't you fear that your money will be lost in the sea of corruption that the jew-infested country suffers? I think most of these contributions will end up in some intermediaries pockets and then moved to other jurisdictions.

    Replies: @AP

    I’m sending through trustworthy sources vetted by the Ukrainian diaspora community; you are correct in not trusting randos.

  482. AP says:
    @Thulean Friend
    News are that UKR/RUS negotiations are progressing along a "15 point plan", which would include Ukraine recognising Donbass+Crimea as part of Russia plus ruling out NATO membership. Too early to tell if this is a ploy for time or if it's the real thing but we are now past 3 weeks and if Russia were to make a serious play for the entire country then it will be many more weeks. Kiev alone will likely last quite a bit of time, forget about the western parts of the country.

    In addition, the economic damage to Ukraine is now very substantial. We're talking tens of billions of dollars already. If Russia were to annex many of these destroyed territories, even as their own economy is under increasing strain, then the economic cost would be huge. It's also not clear how many would even stay given how easy it is to get refugee status in richer EU countries for virtually all Ukrainians. Living in Germany or Scandinavia sure beats living in Russia, and anyone who fantasises about "slavic brotherhood" will get a very rude awakening.

    We're about to see if my view of Putin as fundamentally cautious and risk-averse is true. My view of the invasion was that it was Putin being backed into a corner as there was no way to get a fair shake at the negotiating table, for which NATO bears primary responsibility. I was skeptical of the Western MSM narrative that he was driven by imperial ambitions and was similarily unimpressed by Karlin's repeating of that narrative, just with right-wing coating. If Putin settles for some eastern territories, recognition of Crimea + ruling out NATO and some modest demilitarisation, then my view of him would have survived intact. If he goes for the entire country then I'll happily admit I was wrong about my assessment of him. We'll see in a few weeks.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @Philip Owen

    This invasion was a colossal blunder. Putin (or rather, his team) grossly underestimated Ukrainians’ willingness and ability to fight, Russia’s ability to wage war against a large 2nd world army, or both. The question is if somehow he (or his team) was led to make this mistake, if he was deliberately led into a trap.

  483. A123 says: • Website

    Another win for Following the Science & Judeo-Christian Populism: (1)

    The Florida state Senate unanimously passed a huge budget bill today that includes a reward for school districts complying with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order banning mask mandates for students and staff in the state’s public schools.

    The bill, totaling \$112.1 billion, includes a majority of items outlined in December by DeSantis in his proposed “Freedom First Budget,” according to a report by The Epoch Times. A total of \$200 million has been set aside for the 55 school districts that followed the governor’s ban on mask mandates for schools in the Sunshine State. The 12 school districts that imposed a mask mandate after the ban have been made ineligible for the funding.

    There is a huge difference between Real America and the illegitimate, science denying my regime in DC.
    ____

    Not-The-President Biden is supporting the Iranian Nuclear Weapons program via a JCPOA2 that is actually worse than the original. Saudi and the UAE are delivering a crystal clear message to Khamenei’s collaborator. For example, they are publicly showing their contempt for his deeply unpopular administration by selling oil for Yuan.

    The Iranian missile attack on Iraq should permanently end JCPOA2. However, as Obama pointed out, “Don’t underestimate Joe’s ability to f**k things up”. If anyone is clueless enough to appease sociopath Khamenei, it is the current White House occupant.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/florida-senate-approves-budget-that-includes-money-earmarked-for-schools-with-no-mask-mandates/

  484. @AP
    @Beckow


    Only 20 last year? Well, then it is ok. If only 20 civilians were killed, year in and year out, in Maine by shelling from Quebec I am sure Washington would just shrug it off
     
    The shelling is mutual, it’s not like one side is randomly shelling. It just happens to be that the Donbas rebels were shelling from a populated area.

    At any rate, this would perhaps excuse clearing out Ukrainian forces from Donbas. Preventing a situation with 20 deaths yearly does not excuse an invasion that kills thousands of civilians. Clearly that was not the real reason for the invasion.

    Replies: @Boethiuss

    At any rate, this would perhaps excuse clearing out Ukrainian forces from Donbas. Preventing a situation with 20 deaths yearly does not excuse an invasion that kills thousands of civilians. Clearly that was not the real reason for the invasion.

    Yeah this.

    That’s the problem with the Karlin/Putin rationalizations. Not so much that they are wrong, even though they are. The bigger problem is that even if they were right, it wouldn’t make a difference.
    Nato, Donbass, Serbia, globohomo, whatever, none of it justifies what Russia has done, either the decision to invade or Russia’s war crimes and conduct during the course of the war.

    And what’s worse, Putin has completely undermined his own idea of what Russia is or ought to be. In its pursuit of this war, Russia is a nation of low character (or virtue, in the modern liberal way of thinking) and low virtus, ie inadequate male strength. Countries that are weak, like Russia, are supposed to lose.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Boethiuss


    Countries that are weak, like Russia, are supposed to lose.
     
    Depends on definition of a "lose" in some particular set of circumstances, e.g. no matter how delusional or clumsy was initial planing of RF, it is still is capable to win against UA in pure military sense, because weight categories of those two countries are different.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Boethiuss

    , @Beckow
    @Boethiuss


    Nato, Donbass, Serbia, globohomo, whatever, none of it justifies what Russia has done

     

    What justified NATO attack on Serbia? What justified Kiev pummeling Donbas for 8 years? If we are talking justifications, that has to be addressed. You can't only demand justification from one side, the one you don't like.

    In its pursuit of this war, Russia is a nation of low character
     
    Before the war Russia was already described and treated as a nation of low character for many years and much worse than just low character. Or did you forget what was going on for years from sanctions, media demonisation, sports, etc... I recall that some said that there is a danger in West doing it: if Russia already had a horrible reputation and was accused of all sins under the sun, what would keep them from actually doing it? And they can. If you have a reputation as a rogue and a bully, the absolute worst thing is not to be one. Now we have the results of years of the Western demonization of Russia. Let's hope we get through it, but we can see that irrational hatred has consequences.

    Replies: @Boethiuss, @Boethiuss

  485. A123 says: • Website
    @German_reader
    An emblematic story from modern Germany:
    https://jungefreiheit.de/kultur/gesellschaft/2022/ukrainerin-vergewaltigt/

    18-year old Ukrainian woman flees to Germany...and is raped almost immediately by a Nigerian and an Iraqi.
    And it seems like those bastards might have pretended to be refugees from Ukraine themselves (police apparently found a Ukrainian passport with one of them).

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @A123

    An emblematic story from modern Germany:
    https://jungefreiheit.de/kultur/gesellschaft/2022/ukrainerin-vergewaltigt/

    18-year old Ukrainian woman flees to Germany…and is raped almost immediately by a Nigerian and an Iraqi.
    And it seems like those bastards might have pretended to be refugees from Ukraine themselves (police apparently found a Ukrainian passport with one of them).

    Expect to hear this type of story frequently. The number of rape-ugees arriving via Ukraine is huge: (1)

    A significant minority of refugees arriving in France who claim to have fled the Russo-Ukrainian conflict are not Ukrainian, with many originating from Africa and the Middle East, according to information published by French newspaper, Le Figaro.

    However, many of those arriving through official channels and being identified by the authorities are non-Ukrainian, with Le Figaro reporting that as many as 30 percent are migrants of other nationalities.

    Conservative presidential candidate Éric Zemmour has claimed it is right for Ukrainian refugees with French familial links to receive temporary visas to reside in the country.

    “If they have ties to France, if they have family in France … let’s give them visas,” Zemmour told BFM TV.

    When questioned why he supported such a move given his historically strong position on stricter immigration, Zemmour insisted it is a “question of assimilation.”

    “There are people who are like us and people who [are] unlike us,” the conservative populist noted. “Everybody now understands that Arab or Muslim immigrants are too unlike us and that it is harder and harder to integrate them.”

    “We are closer to Christian Europeans,” he added

    The importation of Muslims is a Feature, Not a Bug.

    Zemmour makes an excellent point. The ability to assimilate is key. Having a different standard for Christians with French relatives is merely realistic.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://rmx.news/france/1-out-of-3-refugees-arriving-in-france-from-ukraine-arent-ukrainian/

  486. @Boethiuss
    @AP


    At any rate, this would perhaps excuse clearing out Ukrainian forces from Donbas. Preventing a situation with 20 deaths yearly does not excuse an invasion that kills thousands of civilians. Clearly that was not the real reason for the invasion.
     
    Yeah this.

    That's the problem with the Karlin/Putin rationalizations. Not so much that they are wrong, even though they are. The bigger problem is that even if they were right, it wouldn't make a difference.
    Nato, Donbass, Serbia, globohomo, whatever, none of it justifies what Russia has done, either the decision to invade or Russia's war crimes and conduct during the course of the war.

    And what's worse, Putin has completely undermined his own idea of what Russia is or ought to be. In its pursuit of this war, Russia is a nation of low character (or virtue, in the modern liberal way of thinking) and low virtus, ie inadequate male strength. Countries that are weak, like Russia, are supposed to lose.

    Replies: @sudden death, @Beckow

    Countries that are weak, like Russia, are supposed to lose.

    Depends on definition of a “lose” in some particular set of circumstances, e.g. no matter how delusional or clumsy was initial planing of RF, it is still is capable to win against UA in pure military sense, because weight categories of those two countries are different.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @sudden death


    ...Depends on definition of a “lose”
     
    If Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement that Ukraine will be neutral, there will be no NATO and no foreign bases, and that Russian ethnic people in Ukraine will get language and other civil rights would that be a win or a loss?

    Because that is what Russia proposed before the war (for years) and it was ignored. Win or loss?

    People who are about to lose now claim that if Russia doesn't occupy Kiev and Lviv it will be a glorious victory for Ukraine. But those were not the goals - those were propaganda points by the West. (The old adage that you assign the biggest rock to be lifted to your enemy and then claim that he didn't so he lost...it is always used in propaganda.)

    Replies: @sudden death

    , @Boethiuss
    @sudden death


    Depends on definition of a “lose” in some particular set of circumstances, e.g. no matter how delusional or clumsy was initial planing of RF, it is still is capable to win against UA in pure military sense, because weight categories of those two countries are different.
     
    Yeah, that's certainly in the realm of possibility. My point about losing was meant in a narrative sense, specifically about the justification for invasion. Contrary to the Putin myth, Russia is not a strong nation and does not represent or personify the expression of virtus in military or foreign affairs.

    Instead, Russia is a corrupt nation and its corruptions at many levels are seen in the course (so far) of the Ukraine war.
  487. S says:
    @HenryBaker
    @Barbarossa

    An aside: meaningless is an interesting word. Meaningful or meaningless to what and to whom? Hypothetically, as a pagan in 500 AD, you might complain that christianization everywhere rendered culture meaningless. Is a language really that important? The subtle cultural differences between related peoples? Or is the Weltanschauung the fundamental and most important difference? I would say the latter, as language, culture, and ethnic development all derive from the behavior imposed on a society by its value system and World-outlook.

    It's interesting to note that until about 900 AD Dutch names were almost all Germanic in origin. You see names like Odmar, Altmer, Hildegarda. Then in 1200 AD it's like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most 'normal' Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures' names. I'd say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic. Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.

    In my opinion, we are seeing something similar happening with the 'woke' world-outlook that is replacing the Enlightenment world-outlook, which itself replaced the christian-statist world-outlook of the Early Modern period (the most religious period followed the most -anti-religious period, here). The 'materialism' mentioned by Aaron has more or less been rejected already. Likewise, to many woke people it's the Europeans that are the levelling, homogenizing, globalizing force destroying wholesome indigenous communities, and imposing our standards in art and culture on everyone else!

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook. That makes culture inherently 'meaningless' as the world-outlook shared by a larger civilization determines the fate of the culture.

    Replies: @sher singh, @AaronB, @S, @Yevardian, @Barbarossa

    From your other post, where you talked about your parents visiting the university city that had largely ‘gone Black’, I’d presumed you were English and in Britain. Now I see you are apparently Dutch.

    This isn’t meant in any ‘good ‘ or ‘bad ‘ sense, just as an observation; I always find myself impressed (for the many obvious reasons) how very similar the Dutch and English are to each other. Of course, the ‘Baker’ handle may have had something to do with my thinking you were English. 🙂

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @S

    It's a tiny joke on my part. Henry Baker is the anglified version of Henk Bakker, more or less the most common, crude Dutch name you can come up with (it's also an alias, and not my real name).

    Actually I think I was wrong in picking this name, come to think of it. Hank corresponds to Henk, Henry to Hendrik. Ah well.


    how very similar the Dutch and English are
     
    Yeah, culturally we're both these extremely liberal, mercantile peoples. Also had nuclear families since the 13th centuries, speak related languages... There's definitely large similarities.
  488. @Boethiuss
    @AP


    At any rate, this would perhaps excuse clearing out Ukrainian forces from Donbas. Preventing a situation with 20 deaths yearly does not excuse an invasion that kills thousands of civilians. Clearly that was not the real reason for the invasion.
     
    Yeah this.

    That's the problem with the Karlin/Putin rationalizations. Not so much that they are wrong, even though they are. The bigger problem is that even if they were right, it wouldn't make a difference.
    Nato, Donbass, Serbia, globohomo, whatever, none of it justifies what Russia has done, either the decision to invade or Russia's war crimes and conduct during the course of the war.

    And what's worse, Putin has completely undermined his own idea of what Russia is or ought to be. In its pursuit of this war, Russia is a nation of low character (or virtue, in the modern liberal way of thinking) and low virtus, ie inadequate male strength. Countries that are weak, like Russia, are supposed to lose.

    Replies: @sudden death, @Beckow

    Nato, Donbass, Serbia, globohomo, whatever, none of it justifies what Russia has done

    What justified NATO attack on Serbia? What justified Kiev pummeling Donbas for 8 years? If we are talking justifications, that has to be addressed. You can’t only demand justification from one side, the one you don’t like.

    In its pursuit of this war, Russia is a nation of low character

    Before the war Russia was already described and treated as a nation of low character for many years and much worse than just low character. Or did you forget what was going on for years from sanctions, media demonisation, sports, etc… I recall that some said that there is a danger in West doing it: if Russia already had a horrible reputation and was accused of all sins under the sun, what would keep them from actually doing it? And they can. If you have a reputation as a rogue and a bully, the absolute worst thing is not to be one. Now we have the results of years of the Western demonization of Russia. Let’s hope we get through it, but we can see that irrational hatred has consequences.

    • Replies: @Boethiuss
    @Beckow


    What justified NATO attack on Serbia? What justified Kiev pummeling Donbas for 8 years? If we are talking justifications, that has to be addressed.
     
    No it doesn't, that's the whole point. There's nothing about any of those things, which if true, would justify the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so there's no point diverting or distracting ourselves by worrying about them.

    You can’t only demand justification from one side, the one you don’t like.
     
    That's exactly what I can do.

    Replies: @Beckow

    , @Boethiuss
    @Beckow


    Before the war Russia was already described and treated as a nation of low character for many years and much worse than just low character. Or did you forget what was going on for years from sanctions, media demonisation, sports, etc… I recall that some said that there is a danger in West doing it: if Russia already had a horrible reputation and was accused of all sins under the sun, what would keep them from actually doing it? And they can. If you have a reputation as a rogue and a bully, the absolute worst thing is not to be one. Now we have the results of years of the Western demonization of Russia. Let’s hope we get through it, but we can see that irrational hatred has consequences.
     
    Yeah yeah yeah, that's only a part of it.

    When we speak of Russia in the context of the Ukraine war, it's important to emphasize that, in sociological terms, the motive force in favor of the war is very weak. In fact, in substantial ways it is the product of one man, Putin. There does seem to be a lot of support for the war among the lower classes of Russian society, but even there there seems to be very little enthusiasm or understanding for what's actually going on in Ukraine. Among Russians with any amount of sophistication at all, there's very little endorsement for what's happening, either for personal, ideological, or nationalist reasons.

    Which is actually the only good news of the whole thing. That's because when and if Putin is deposed any which way, the guilt of Russian society is actually pretty narrow, and therefore Russia can plausibly move forward post-Putin. Ie, this is in contrast to Germany, whose nationhood has been assumed to be corrupt for the better part of 100 years because of the reality that all parties know perfectly well that Adolf Hitler was not some sui generis mistake who in some inexplicable way was able to take power in Germany, but in fact had widespread support among many corners of German society (though not all of them of course).

    In this case, this invasion, this expression of the Putinist/Karlinist idea of Russian nationalism is not only of low character, what's worse, it's a weak character. In terms of American marketing from some decades before, it is a 97-pound weakling at the beach where the stronger, more manly beachgoers kick sand in his face.

    The consequences of that for Russia are not good no matter the outcome of this war. Killing civililans is an unfortunate byproduct of war. There's nothing you can do to avoid it completely. But if that's all you can do, it just means you are disgraceful and weak, and that's what Russia is.
  489. @sudden death
    @Boethiuss


    Countries that are weak, like Russia, are supposed to lose.
     
    Depends on definition of a "lose" in some particular set of circumstances, e.g. no matter how delusional or clumsy was initial planing of RF, it is still is capable to win against UA in pure military sense, because weight categories of those two countries are different.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Boethiuss

    …Depends on definition of a “lose”

    If Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement that Ukraine will be neutral, there will be no NATO and no foreign bases, and that Russian ethnic people in Ukraine will get language and other civil rights would that be a win or a loss?

    Because that is what Russia proposed before the war (for years) and it was ignored. Win or loss?

    People who are about to lose now claim that if Russia doesn’t occupy Kiev and Lviv it will be a glorious victory for Ukraine. But those were not the goals – those were propaganda points by the West. (The old adage that you assign the biggest rock to be lifted to your enemy and then claim that he didn’t so he lost…it is always used in propaganda.)

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Beckow


    If Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement that Ukraine will be neutral, there will be no NATO and no foreign bases, and that Russian ethnic people in Ukraine will get language and other civil rights would that be a win or a loss?
     
    Once again it depends upon judging people, e.g. for Karlin type alikes it would be a loss, if UA becomes finlandized, but still separate country, which retains some sovereignity and freedom, even if relatively limited in scope.
  490. @S
    @HenryBaker

    From your other post, where you talked about your parents visiting the university city that had largely 'gone Black', I'd presumed you were English and in Britain. Now I see you are apparently Dutch.

    This isn't meant in any 'good ' or 'bad ' sense, just as an observation; I always find myself impressed (for the many obvious reasons) how very similar the Dutch and English are to each other. Of course, the 'Baker' handle may have had something to do with my thinking you were English. :-)

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    It’s a tiny joke on my part. Henry Baker is the anglified version of Henk Bakker, more or less the most common, crude Dutch name you can come up with (it’s also an alias, and not my real name).

    Actually I think I was wrong in picking this name, come to think of it. Hank corresponds to Henk, Henry to Hendrik. Ah well.

    how very similar the Dutch and English are

    Yeah, culturally we’re both these extremely liberal, mercantile peoples. Also had nuclear families since the 13th centuries, speak related languages… There’s definitely large similarities.

    • Thanks: S
  491. @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    This doesn't seem quite right to me.

    On one level culture is a very concrete and specific interaction with the local environment - the soil, plants, climate, weather, animals - that builds up in richness and complexity over centuries, and is unique.

    There will often be a more universal element widely shared by many different places, like Christianity, but it will often take on a distinctive local form and be adapted to local conditions.

    Modernity is inherently destructive of culture, because it wants to destroy the specific and replace it with the uniform, as well as "liberate" man from all natural constraints and free his will to construct himself.

    This process of liberation involves the destruction of all culture and tradition, by definition, because they are restraints.

    The desired result is precisely the "boring white guy" trope of the 90s when immigrants from actual cultures with actual traditions started pouring into America, and the contrast with the deracinated American "consumer" could not have been more stark. The children of these immigrants today are largely deracinated American consumers as well.

    For any culture to be lost in it's entirety, is a tragedy, because that richness was built up over centuries. It can't be recreated overnight.


    Likewise, to many woke people it’s the Europeans that are the levelling, homogenizing, globalizing force destroying wholesome indigenous communities, and imposing our standards in art and culture on everyone else!
     
    That used to be an older Leftist critique of Western civilization in it's rationalist Enlightenment form, the romantic Left, and one with which I am highly sympathetic to - except that I don't agree with the blame being attached to the average European man.

    The average European was himself a "victim" of this culture destroying rationalist force as much as any indigenous person.

    It's been said before England colonized others, she colonized herself. (Destroyed her own richly local traditions and cultures and replaced it with a "rationalist" outlook, or at least began the process seriously).

    Today, however, the Woke absolutely support the imposition of Western norms on recalcitrant "backwards" peoples, and are supremely convinced that the modern Woke value system is superior to all others and must be adopted by the whole world.

    Gone is the romantic Left critique of the disembodied rationalist outlook, as is gone so much of the Old Left.

    The ‘materialism’ mentioned by Aaron has more or less been rejected already.
     
    In a sense I can see why you might say Woke isn't materialistic, as it says gender isn't determined by biology, etc.

    But precisely this is it's materialism - Woke believes we humans can infinitely shape reality to our will, and that happiness is the manipulation of matter.

    Woke recognized no higher value than the manipulation of matter

    Woke is "immaterialistic" only in the sense that it refuses to recognizes limits on human will with regard to matter.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    This is an interesting discussion, this is the ‘I’ll get back to you’ part.

    for instance, you strike me as a materialist, but materialism itself is a major part of the Great Inversion of values, as no previous culture was.

    Okay, so what is materialism to you exactly? It’s a word with multiple definitions. Is it Marxian materialism, the idea that technology and economy shape the way we think and act, instead of vice versa? Is it a shallow focus on material wealth? Is it a disregard for values or spirituality?

    And I’m also wondering why I strike you as a materialist.

    Secondly, what is culture to you? It sounds like you think it’s all ‘rooted’ behavior, but that doesn’t seem like a useful definition. This conflates culture with tradition and makes culture a useless word.

    I always saw it as the reflexive behavior of a group of people, i.e. an anthropological, not a moral definition (as in, you have no ‘real’ culture, but I do, because I’m trad- therefore I’m better). You claim that modernity uproots and erases culture, but by definition, this seems impossible to me, as any given group must have behavioral patterns and beliefs. Modern man, like any men, has a set of values, clear behavioral patterns, ways of thinking, a world-outlook, etc. Globohomo is a culture too, it’s just gay.

    On one level culture is a very concrete and specific interaction with the local environment – the soil, plants, climate, weather, animals – that builds up in richness and complexity over centuries, and is unique.

    I don’t know if modern culture is necessarily lacking in richness or uniqueness. American consumer culture has had enormous appeal to the global masses for a reason. Stuff like hamburgers, modern cinema, ‘the great American novel’, the Prom, Coca Cola, baseball, American pizza… it’s all very easy to deny for culture snobs, but a culture being easily digestible and uniformly appealing, does not make it a non-culture. A Quentin Tarantino movie or Michael Jackson song is just as much a piece of culture as was Beowulf. There’s a reason people let themselves be colonized with Americanisms. It’s all very easy to praise cute peasant dances and traditional dress, but let’s be honest, America has produced much much more in the way of culture than Moldova.

    “boring white guy” trope of the 90s

    But it’s boring because the white guy is the vanilla ice of the global monoculture- after all, it’s his culture. If we were all copying Africa, you’d have something like ‘the boring black guy’. Boring means so normal that the novelty has worn off.

    disembodied rationalist outlook

    It’s easy to forget for a couple autistics on Unz, but remember that 80% of people do NOT have a hardened, ‘disembodied rationalist outlook’. Most people are goaded into wars or into accepting refugees by a few pics of dead children. Both rationalism and an exaggerated praise of ‘traditional’ norms are the exclusive domain of the dominant bourgeois and academic sector. There’s a reason a rationalist community exists as separate from anything else, and is not that big. Most normal people mix casual materialism (caring mostly for sports, their family, and their job) with some sort of superstition, like all those astrology girls do.

    Woke recognized no higher value than the manipulation of matter

    I’m not sure I agree. What, exactly, is materialistic about praising ‘equity’ over everything else which is straightforwardly materialistic, like physical safety, or prosperity? Woke people are always going on about abstractions and values…

    • Agree: sher singh
    • Replies: @songbird
    @HenryBaker


    A Quentin Tarantino movie or Michael Jackson song is just as much a piece of culture as was Beowulf.
     
    Well, everything is semantics, but I'd disagree with this. I think maximizing utility means whittling the scope down until you get something moral.

    Beowulf has heroic themes, that idealize masculine virtues. For the English, it ties them to well over a thousand years of tradition of their ancestors. And what do we have to weigh against it?

    In Michael Jackson:
    A pedophile who had his own identity problems. Didn't know whether he was a black man or white woman.

    Who wrote globohomo songs with lyrics like:

    Protection for gangs, clubs and nations
    Causing grief in human relations
    It's a turf war on a global scale
    I'd rather hear both sides of the tale
    See, it's not about races
    Just places
    Faces
    Where your blood comes from
    Is where your space is
    I've seen the bright get duller
    I'm not going to spend my life being a color
     
    In Tarantino:

    A guy who created movies that were fantasies about murdering Germans and white people. Or with sodomy. Or who amplified the feminist message of butt-kicking babes.

    IMO, we'd be better off calling it "anti-culture."

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @Barbarossa
    @HenryBaker

    I see that I've gone over some of the same ground in my previous comment that AaronB and yourself have somewhat covered.

    To condense my point, I don't consider modern consumer culture to be comparable to previous cultures because instead of slow accretion which can be assimilated by humans, it practices constant revolution. It's like the great cultural hamster wheel, spinning madly but going nowhere.

    And while it's true that America has produced more "cultural volume" than perhaps any past people, it is also true that most of it is forgotten within years. Most of it is designed to be disposable, or "consumable" as the term goes.

    Too, I'll mention another aspect that others on this board have probably heard before, the critical difference between the consumer and the creator or participant.

    I'd better get to sleep soon though, so I'd better leave off for now.

    , @Coconuts
    @HenryBaker


    Okay, so what is materialism to you exactly? It’s a word with multiple definitions. Is it Marxian materialism, the idea that technology and economy shape the way we think and act, instead of vice versa?
     
    My own view on this, I think in relation to Liberalism and Socialism, it usually means philosophical Naturalism or Physicalism, which as you say comes in various flavours, Empiricist, Kantian and Marxian. You could add Hegelian when is interpreted in a liberal, atheistic spirit.

    Secular Liberal Democracy seems to be obviously the dominant political and cultural form in the West, it either flows from the dominance of the above kinds of Naturalism, or it's advent establishes this dominance.


    I’m not sure I agree. What, exactly, is materialistic about praising ‘equity’ over everything else which is straightforwardly materialistic, like physical safety, or prosperity? Woke people are always going on about abstractions and values…
     
    Post-Modernism brings some new content to Woke (like some Nietzschean influence in all the post-modernists), but these are all rooted in the sceptical Naturalistic philosophy I mentioned above, everything is ultimately about political power, and this is all directed to meeting material needs and to material liberation and emancipation; humans being fully autonomous and able to fulfill whatever they desire in this life. Imo, Woke is an out growth of the progressive, egalitarian end of Liberal Democracy, when it is acquiring a certain amount of Socialist content (but not too much).

    In Western thinking, then you find scepticism about human capacity to acquire knowledge of the external world, plus Voluntarism and Nominalism, it usually seems to end up either in religious Fideism or in a form of materialism.

  492. @Beckow
    @sudden death


    ...Depends on definition of a “lose”
     
    If Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement that Ukraine will be neutral, there will be no NATO and no foreign bases, and that Russian ethnic people in Ukraine will get language and other civil rights would that be a win or a loss?

    Because that is what Russia proposed before the war (for years) and it was ignored. Win or loss?

    People who are about to lose now claim that if Russia doesn't occupy Kiev and Lviv it will be a glorious victory for Ukraine. But those were not the goals - those were propaganda points by the West. (The old adage that you assign the biggest rock to be lifted to your enemy and then claim that he didn't so he lost...it is always used in propaganda.)

    Replies: @sudden death

    If Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement that Ukraine will be neutral, there will be no NATO and no foreign bases, and that Russian ethnic people in Ukraine will get language and other civil rights would that be a win or a loss?

    Once again it depends upon judging people, e.g. for Karlin type alikes it would be a loss, if UA becomes finlandized, but still separate country, which retains some sovereignity and freedom, even if relatively limited in scope.

  493. There will often be a more universal element widely shared by many different places, like Christianity, but it will often take on a distinctive local form and be adapted to local conditions.

    Right, so when you said ‘not quite right’ you mean that the Weltanschauung does not overrule the culture. I disagree quite strongly. Just check the Muslim conquest of Spain. It’s just a small core of berbers and later arabs conquering a great mass of latinized people. In the south, you have your typical cultured but despotic, ‘we build skull pyramids’ Muslim despotism. Ruled by clans hating each other, ethnic stratification, jizya tax, polygamy, no institutions, no national identity, Arab wiping out local languages… In the north you have completely typical European kingdoms.

    Likewise, you can check the DDR against GFR, or North against South Korea… Sure, there’s a German element that is clear, and a Korean element that is clear. But Communism and Capitalism are clearly the more important facts that overrule everything else, and shape the wider culture.

    In Europe we have a lot of subtle differences, i.e. autistic and hard-working Germans or Nordics, fun but a little loose Southerners, etc. Those do exist but the world-outlook is much more fundamental. Language and habits matter little in the face of differences like I described in Spain.

    • Agree: sher singh
  494. Sure, it depends. But there is also an objective standard that we aspire to. By that standard, would it be a win or a loss?

    Regarding taking over all of Ukraine, incl. Galicia: that would be very stupid and no rational person in Moscow wants it. They say so all the time. The costs, the headache, the future problems – this is a figment of Western imagination and Kiev attempt to be the ultimate victim.

  495. @Beckow
    @Boethiuss


    Nato, Donbass, Serbia, globohomo, whatever, none of it justifies what Russia has done

     

    What justified NATO attack on Serbia? What justified Kiev pummeling Donbas for 8 years? If we are talking justifications, that has to be addressed. You can't only demand justification from one side, the one you don't like.

    In its pursuit of this war, Russia is a nation of low character
     
    Before the war Russia was already described and treated as a nation of low character for many years and much worse than just low character. Or did you forget what was going on for years from sanctions, media demonisation, sports, etc... I recall that some said that there is a danger in West doing it: if Russia already had a horrible reputation and was accused of all sins under the sun, what would keep them from actually doing it? And they can. If you have a reputation as a rogue and a bully, the absolute worst thing is not to be one. Now we have the results of years of the Western demonization of Russia. Let's hope we get through it, but we can see that irrational hatred has consequences.

    Replies: @Boethiuss, @Boethiuss

    What justified NATO attack on Serbia? What justified Kiev pummeling Donbas for 8 years? If we are talking justifications, that has to be addressed.

    No it doesn’t, that’s the whole point. There’s nothing about any of those things, which if true, would justify the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so there’s no point diverting or distracting ourselves by worrying about them.

    You can’t only demand justification from one side, the one you don’t like.

    That’s exactly what I can do.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @Boethiuss


    ... if true
     
    You seem to think that sticking 'if true' in front of something that we all know is true is an argument. It isn't, it is a sign of weakness.

    That’s exactly what I can do.
     
    Sure, and nobody notices. You can create any bizarre self-centered idea, it means nothing. Russia is doing something, you are not. The atavistic cave-man bravado so common among Euro-trash is still there.

    Replies: @Boethiuss

  496. @sudden death
    @Boethiuss


    Countries that are weak, like Russia, are supposed to lose.
     
    Depends on definition of a "lose" in some particular set of circumstances, e.g. no matter how delusional or clumsy was initial planing of RF, it is still is capable to win against UA in pure military sense, because weight categories of those two countries are different.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Boethiuss

    Depends on definition of a “lose” in some particular set of circumstances, e.g. no matter how delusional or clumsy was initial planing of RF, it is still is capable to win against UA in pure military sense, because weight categories of those two countries are different.

    Yeah, that’s certainly in the realm of possibility. My point about losing was meant in a narrative sense, specifically about the justification for invasion. Contrary to the Putin myth, Russia is not a strong nation and does not represent or personify the expression of virtus in military or foreign affairs.

    Instead, Russia is a corrupt nation and its corruptions at many levels are seen in the course (so far) of the Ukraine war.

  497. AP says:
    @Beckow
    @AP


    Why the double standard of condemning...
     
    And West has no double standards? I don't have to list for you the recent humanitarian bombings, collateral damage, sometimes the chosen ones must get independence - and sometimes they are terrorist separatists. We live in a world of double standards - the West is largely responsible for it by not observing what they preach.

    ...the government in Moscow is worse than the one in Kiev.
     
    Better or worse is really not the point during a war. What matters is who prevails.

    In general, Moscow government is better at governing than its counterpart in Kiev: more prosperity - 3 x times better living standards than in Ukraine, more peace - nobody is bombing Russia (yet), national sovereignty as opposed to dependent vassal status for Kiev, fewer oligarchs controlling the government.

    After this is over there will be a huge electoral appeal in Ukraine for law-and-order with prosperity-and-neutrality political parties. The die-hard nationalists and cargo-cultists will have a very small space to operate in - they brought this on, are losing, their dreams and promises not fulfilled. People will crave normalcy.

    Replies: @AP

    And West has no double standards?

    Why do you think the West’s double standards justify the double standards of Aedib? Or of Russia? Are you Goering, talking about the injustices of the American Indians when on trial for what his country did to Slavs?

    In general, Moscow government is better at governing than its counterpart in Kiev: more prosperity

    Moscow was richer before the USSR fell apart. And it has oil and gas.

    more peace

    It doesn’t have Russia as a neighbor.

    After this is over there will be a huge electoral appeal in Ukraine for law-and-order with prosperity-and-neutrality political parties. The die-hard nationalists and cargo-cultists will have a very small space to operate in

    You consistently misjudge Ukrainians. You though they would surrender or run away when Russia attacked, and they have done the opposite. And now you think this. Expect hardcore anti-Russian politicians for at least 10 years, maybe 20. Level of hatred towards Russia is off the charts. Only possible mitigating factor is if Zelensky manages to calm people down.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @AP

    About that 'anti-Russian' stuff, there's a very recent vid around of a journalist on Ukrainian state television glowingly quoting Eichmann and calling for the genocide of Russian children, kek.

    https://multipolarista.com/2022/03/16/ukraine-tv-host-genocide-russians-nazi-adolf-eichmann/

    Replies: @AP

    , @Beckow
    @AP


    ...Goering, talking about the injustices of the American Indians
     
    Goering and American Indians had one thing in common: they both lost a war. Unless you know something we don't, Russia is not going to be in the same situation. My point about ours double standard holds. We are just observers.

    Russia was not 3-times richer than Ukraine in 1991. They do have resources, and maybe that is why all f this is happening.


    Expect hardcore anti-Russian politicians for at least 10 years, maybe 20. Level of hatred towards Russia is off the charts.
     
    It will depend on how the war ends. You may know Ukrainian mentality better than I, my experience is that they are quite pliable, non-political, and with a certain poor peoples' hunger for something, anything. But as all humans they will follow certain basic patterns: winning beats losing, riches beat poverty, and when the reward is right all emotions are for sale.

    Unless Ukrainians are different species, they will follow this same dynamic. Russia's problem will be that for the rump Ukraine to become more viable, more normal, Russia would have to invest huge resources there. If they would, things would change. But they probably won't. So we could have hatred combined with poverty and that will eventually turns inward. It is the Zelenskys and the other oligarchs I would worry about in those circumstances.

  498. @AP
    @Beckow


    And West has no double standards?
     
    Why do you think the West's double standards justify the double standards of Aedib? Or of Russia? Are you Goering, talking about the injustices of the American Indians when on trial for what his country did to Slavs?

    In general, Moscow government is better at governing than its counterpart in Kiev: more prosperity
     
    Moscow was richer before the USSR fell apart. And it has oil and gas.

    more peace
     
    It doesn't have Russia as a neighbor.

    After this is over there will be a huge electoral appeal in Ukraine for law-and-order with prosperity-and-neutrality political parties. The die-hard nationalists and cargo-cultists will have a very small space to operate in

     

    You consistently misjudge Ukrainians. You though they would surrender or run away when Russia attacked, and they have done the opposite. And now you think this. Expect hardcore anti-Russian politicians for at least 10 years, maybe 20. Level of hatred towards Russia is off the charts. Only possible mitigating factor is if Zelensky manages to calm people down.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Beckow

    About that ‘anti-Russian’ stuff, there’s a very recent vid around of a journalist on Ukrainian state television glowingly quoting Eichmann and calling for the genocide of Russian children, kek.

    https://multipolarista.com/2022/03/16/ukraine-tv-host-genocide-russians-nazi-adolf-eichmann/

    • Replies: @AP
    @HenryBaker

    He said the army couldn't do it but that he, personally, would be capable of it. Obviously he is speaking at anger, due to all of the Ukrainian children that have actually been killed by Russian. The journalist isn't even an ethnic Ukrainian, but some kind of Afghan (?) which is a unicorn in Ukraine.

    Your link lied about Lviv's mayor, who is from a moderate party whom the far right doesn't like. It's a worthless propaganda source.

  499. @Thulean Friend
    News are that UKR/RUS negotiations are progressing along a "15 point plan", which would include Ukraine recognising Donbass+Crimea as part of Russia plus ruling out NATO membership. Too early to tell if this is a ploy for time or if it's the real thing but we are now past 3 weeks and if Russia were to make a serious play for the entire country then it will be many more weeks. Kiev alone will likely last quite a bit of time, forget about the western parts of the country.

    In addition, the economic damage to Ukraine is now very substantial. We're talking tens of billions of dollars already. If Russia were to annex many of these destroyed territories, even as their own economy is under increasing strain, then the economic cost would be huge. It's also not clear how many would even stay given how easy it is to get refugee status in richer EU countries for virtually all Ukrainians. Living in Germany or Scandinavia sure beats living in Russia, and anyone who fantasises about "slavic brotherhood" will get a very rude awakening.

    We're about to see if my view of Putin as fundamentally cautious and risk-averse is true. My view of the invasion was that it was Putin being backed into a corner as there was no way to get a fair shake at the negotiating table, for which NATO bears primary responsibility. I was skeptical of the Western MSM narrative that he was driven by imperial ambitions and was similarily unimpressed by Karlin's repeating of that narrative, just with right-wing coating. If Putin settles for some eastern territories, recognition of Crimea + ruling out NATO and some modest demilitarisation, then my view of him would have survived intact. If he goes for the entire country then I'll happily admit I was wrong about my assessment of him. We'll see in a few weeks.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @Philip Owen

    So what concessions is Russia making? Ukraine has now called up the reserve (200,000 at least partly trained including on NLAWs and the newly arriving Starstreaks). They have now have a lot more men than Russia with conscripts on the way. The spring thaw has really started so heavy vehicles are most definitely road bound until the end of April. It’s time for a Russian roll back unless they find reinforcements from somewhere. The Chechens are guarding the Belarussian army while they get used to their new Russian officers. There has been a third mutiny amongst the naval infantry at Odessa.

    Russia saves face by taking Mariupol. It took 4 years to take Aleppo. Russia probably doesn’t have that much time. Every day, Russia’s bargaining strength is going to erode. So what concessions is Russia making? What concessions can a Russia losing militarily make? If Russia loses too much, the Belarus Army will capture Minsk.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Philip Owen


    What concessions can a Russia losing militarily make? If Russia loses too much, the Belarus Army will capture Minsk.
     
    I'm not following. Please elaborate. Thanks.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

  500. @Beckow
    @Boethiuss


    Nato, Donbass, Serbia, globohomo, whatever, none of it justifies what Russia has done

     

    What justified NATO attack on Serbia? What justified Kiev pummeling Donbas for 8 years? If we are talking justifications, that has to be addressed. You can't only demand justification from one side, the one you don't like.

    In its pursuit of this war, Russia is a nation of low character
     
    Before the war Russia was already described and treated as a nation of low character for many years and much worse than just low character. Or did you forget what was going on for years from sanctions, media demonisation, sports, etc... I recall that some said that there is a danger in West doing it: if Russia already had a horrible reputation and was accused of all sins under the sun, what would keep them from actually doing it? And they can. If you have a reputation as a rogue and a bully, the absolute worst thing is not to be one. Now we have the results of years of the Western demonization of Russia. Let's hope we get through it, but we can see that irrational hatred has consequences.

    Replies: @Boethiuss, @Boethiuss

    Before the war Russia was already described and treated as a nation of low character for many years and much worse than just low character. Or did you forget what was going on for years from sanctions, media demonisation, sports, etc… I recall that some said that there is a danger in West doing it: if Russia already had a horrible reputation and was accused of all sins under the sun, what would keep them from actually doing it? And they can. If you have a reputation as a rogue and a bully, the absolute worst thing is not to be one. Now we have the results of years of the Western demonization of Russia. Let’s hope we get through it, but we can see that irrational hatred has consequences.

    Yeah yeah yeah, that’s only a part of it.

    When we speak of Russia in the context of the Ukraine war, it’s important to emphasize that, in sociological terms, the motive force in favor of the war is very weak. In fact, in substantial ways it is the product of one man, Putin. There does seem to be a lot of support for the war among the lower classes of Russian society, but even there there seems to be very little enthusiasm or understanding for what’s actually going on in Ukraine. Among Russians with any amount of sophistication at all, there’s very little endorsement for what’s happening, either for personal, ideological, or nationalist reasons.

    Which is actually the only good news of the whole thing. That’s because when and if Putin is deposed any which way, the guilt of Russian society is actually pretty narrow, and therefore Russia can plausibly move forward post-Putin. Ie, this is in contrast to Germany, whose nationhood has been assumed to be corrupt for the better part of 100 years because of the reality that all parties know perfectly well that Adolf Hitler was not some sui generis mistake who in some inexplicable way was able to take power in Germany, but in fact had widespread support among many corners of German society (though not all of them of course).

    In this case, this invasion, this expression of the Putinist/Karlinist idea of Russian nationalism is not only of low character, what’s worse, it’s a weak character. In terms of American marketing from some decades before, it is a 97-pound weakling at the beach where the stronger, more manly beachgoers kick sand in his face.

    The consequences of that for Russia are not good no matter the outcome of this war. Killing civililans is an unfortunate byproduct of war. There’s nothing you can do to avoid it completely. But if that’s all you can do, it just means you are disgraceful and weak, and that’s what Russia is.

  501. @HenryBaker
    @AP

    About that 'anti-Russian' stuff, there's a very recent vid around of a journalist on Ukrainian state television glowingly quoting Eichmann and calling for the genocide of Russian children, kek.

    https://multipolarista.com/2022/03/16/ukraine-tv-host-genocide-russians-nazi-adolf-eichmann/

    Replies: @AP

    He said the army couldn’t do it but that he, personally, would be capable of it. Obviously he is speaking at anger, due to all of the Ukrainian children that have actually been killed by Russian. The journalist isn’t even an ethnic Ukrainian, but some kind of Afghan (?) which is a unicorn in Ukraine.

    Your link lied about Lviv’s mayor, who is from a moderate party whom the far right doesn’t like. It’s a worthless propaganda source.

  502. @songbird
    @PedroAstra

    It doesn't seem plausible to me, at all, that Russia would rely on something as strategically important as tires, to be sourced from another country, even China. Especially, when that would be difficult to hide (tires that big.)

    I could believe that either they weren't storing them right, didn't do the right maintenance on them, or else their manufacturing process left something to be desired.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    I’ve been to rubber industry trade shows in Russia where there were three Russian firms, one making tires and 17 Chinese firms all offering the same tires. There must have been government tenders to draw them in because the 5 people attending the show weren’t interested.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Philip Owen

    From what I am able to read, it seems to me as if Russia is dominated by foreign tire firms (Western) with local factories, including Michelin. Sibur (Russian domestic) used to make most of the tires for the planes in the Russian airforce. Not sure what the current case is, especially in landforces, though it is notable that Michelin seems to specialize in big tires.

    Most of these firms seem to have moved out with the sanctions. Perhaps, Russia can operate the factories. Some of them may have been local partnerships, if they were modeled on what happened in China.

    , @Barbarossa
    @Philip Owen

    I'm in the US but a local car mechanic who I know happens to be a rather profane Russian. I was having him get me a pair of ag tires for a piece of equipment, and had told him I wanted to spend more for better name brand tires. I was somewhat annoyed when he bought the cheaper Chinese tires.

    His statement was, (cue Russian accent) "Firestone, Dickstone, Pussystone, don't matter, they're all Chinastone!"

    It's actually hard to find small trailer tires that aren't Chinese. I must say I haven't had any issues with them so the quality seems acceptable.

  503. @HenryBaker
    @Barbarossa

    An aside: meaningless is an interesting word. Meaningful or meaningless to what and to whom? Hypothetically, as a pagan in 500 AD, you might complain that christianization everywhere rendered culture meaningless. Is a language really that important? The subtle cultural differences between related peoples? Or is the Weltanschauung the fundamental and most important difference? I would say the latter, as language, culture, and ethnic development all derive from the behavior imposed on a society by its value system and World-outlook.

    It's interesting to note that until about 900 AD Dutch names were almost all Germanic in origin. You see names like Odmar, Altmer, Hildegarda. Then in 1200 AD it's like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most 'normal' Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures' names. I'd say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic. Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.

    In my opinion, we are seeing something similar happening with the 'woke' world-outlook that is replacing the Enlightenment world-outlook, which itself replaced the christian-statist world-outlook of the Early Modern period (the most religious period followed the most -anti-religious period, here). The 'materialism' mentioned by Aaron has more or less been rejected already. Likewise, to many woke people it's the Europeans that are the levelling, homogenizing, globalizing force destroying wholesome indigenous communities, and imposing our standards in art and culture on everyone else!

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook. That makes culture inherently 'meaningless' as the world-outlook shared by a larger civilization determines the fate of the culture.

    Replies: @sher singh, @AaronB, @S, @Yevardian, @Barbarossa

    Then in 1200 AD it’s like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most ‘normal’ Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures’ names. I’d say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic.

    I’m suprised it replacement happened that late, honestly. But I don’t really know a lot about the history of Germanic languages other than English, and to a lesser extent (from what little is known, at least), Gothic and its close relative, Vandalic.

    If I think of English personal names in use I think they’re even scarcer, with nearly all sounding distinctly old-fashioned: Edgar, Edward Alfred, Edith (lol), Edmund. I suppose you can throw in a few common native Welsh or Goidelic ones too, Rhys, Arthur, Owen, Broderick (lol), Sean, Alastair (lol), Gareth, Lloyd.. hm, seems Celtic names are more common than Anglo-Saxon ones.. anyway, as I’ve implied, quite a few of them sound quite comical to native or fluent Anglophones nowadays.

    Armenian still has a few extremely common names of pagan/Zoroastrian origin, Anahit, Ani, Hayk, Arman, Tigran, Nare, Arpine, Gor.. on balance I think more than English, even without counting Greek-derived names.

    Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.

    Uselessly? That’s a pretty stupid statement. For some reason I noticed that Dutchies seem to be the people with the most negative attitude to their own language in all of Europe, constantly making half-jokes how useless and ugly (‘Dutch isn’t a language, its German with a throat-disease!’ lol) their own tongue is lol. I guess its their proximity to England, near-universal English-ability, and lack of anything (that I know of) that can compare to Goethe, Kirkegard, or the Norse epics.

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook.

    I suppose that’s unfortunately quite true now. Arnold Toynbee, way back in the 50s (A Study of History), had grave concerns about ‘all of Civilisation’s eggs falling into one basket’ [i.e., the Western], with all the others dead, decaying or moribund (whilst very memorably quoting Coleridge’s ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner‘ doing it, although using actual numbers like Turchin would have been better), curiously Toynbee only considered ‘Muslim Civilisation’ (he saw Israel essentially Western, linguistic atavism aside.. I would say Israel is very distinct now) as the other viable living example at the time.
    He evidently didn’t predict the spectacular rebound of China, or the recruduscence of Indian ‘Dharmic’ culture. Though to what extent China retains its traditional culture and outlook is debateable, I don’t know China that well so I can’t really comment on it.

    I guess the main take from Toynbee’s writings is that Civilisations die by cultural suicide, and practically never by force.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Yevardian


    I suppose you can throw in a few common native Welsh or Goidelic ones too, Rhys, Arthur, Owen, Broderick (lol), Sean, Alastair (lol), Gareth, Lloyd.. hm, seems Celtic names are more common than Anglo-Saxon ones
     
    Sean and Alastair are derived from Norman names, Jean and Alexandre.

    Armenian still has a few extremely common names of pagan/Zoroastrian origin, Anahit, Ani, Hayk, Arman, Tigran, Nare, Arpine, Gor.
     
    i wonder if this might be an effect of the Armenian church being separate, from Rome and not being under its universalizing influence.
    , @HenryBaker
    @Yevardian

    I don't have a lot of time to respond at the moment. One thing I would like to mention:


    Uselessly? That’s a pretty stupid statement. For some reason I noticed that Dutchies seem to be the people with the most negative attitude to their own language in all of Europe, constantly making half-jokes how useless and ugly (‘Dutch isn’t a language, its German with a throat-disease!’ lol) their own tongue is lol.
     
    This is a misunderstanding. I was talking about how Dutch persists 'uselessly' in the Middle Ages. What I meant to say was that speaking a discrete language, even keeping it, seems to have mattered little compared to the wholesale cultural transformation taking place. It has nothing to do with Dutch specifically, I might have said the same about English.

    As an aside, it's therefore funny to me that nationalism always centres around language. It makes some sense (if a nation is an association, you must understand each other to associate. There's also implied familiarity as a language zone is a cultural zone). But ultimately this obscures much deeper cultural differences.

    "I guess its their proximity to England, near-universal English-ability, and lack of anything (that I know of) that can compare to Goethe, Kirkegard, or the Norse epics"

    That's true, our literary output is quite humble. There's some nice Medieval stuff (The Fox Reynaerd), and a couple of modern literary books that are fun, as well as a lot of modern trash. Not too much. However, I prefer to read Dutch translations of literary work, and I write in the language myself.

    , @HenryBaker
    @Yevardian


    Though to what extent China retains its traditional culture and outlook is debateable, I don’t know China that well so I can’t really comment on it.
     
    In my opinion, China has been revolutionized quite thoroughly by both communism and the broader modernization project. It's a pet peeve of mine, as midwit 'China-watchers' can't stop talking about le cyclical history and Chinese dynasties (and pretend the communist party is some sort of dynasty). There's a pretty decent guy in my country writing on this topic, called Henk Schulte Nordholt, who points out that china-watchers always pretend that China has some sort of 'confucian revolution' ongoing, but this is just Bejing propaganda. China is a Stalinist state, with quite extreme and refined censorship and social control, and is a straightforward one-party dictatorship. The break between the old empire and the new China seems very complete, and this was of course the point of the entire modernization project there (that the old China was weak).

    Just like with the Japan modernization project, the Chinese don't stop being Chinese, but their culture has definitely mutated quite rapidly. Idk, if someone like Duke of Qin was still around, he could probably give a better take than my 2 cents.

    Replies: @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms

    , @iffen
    @Yevardian

    I guess the main take from Toynbee’s writings is that Civilisations die by cultural suicide, and practically never by force.

    It is quite clear that we can read the scattered bones, tea leaves, animal entrails, history, etc. as we wish.

  504. @Thulean Friend
    @Dmitry

    A man was complaining to the authorities, that there are too many Oriental and African models used in Nike adverts in Russia. He is claiming the adverts will violate section 1, chapter 2, in the Russian constitution, against discrimination on ” rights of citizens on social, racial, national, linguistic or religious grounds”, as most of the population in Russia are not Oriental or African.

    Karlin has misreported this story, claiming that the authorities themselves are complaining about the use of the Oriental and African models in Nike adverts. When the story is about a man complaining to the authorities, and the article predict he will “100% lose”.

    I’m not sure why Karlin is reversing the story
     

    As GR pointed out, he's basically just a propagandist at this point and he has spent years trying to convince people of "Based Russia". So outright lying/spinning stories to fit the narrative is not something that's beyond Karlin, as your comment demonstrates.

    That's also why I depreciate everything he says about Russia, because he has a proven track record of being willing to bend the truth to push narratives. Or outright deleting comments in the case of UKR/RUS war, as we've seen.

    Personally, I don't find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet, but it's even more hilarious when it's far from true. Your comments over the years have made that abundantly clear, and have indirectly undercut Karlin's narrative. That is likely one of the reasons why he resents you. He doesn't like it when someone factchecks him on his wild tales.

    What's even more hilarious is given his own substantial non-European ancestry, it's not even in his interest to push for a superchud version of Russia. As you've pointed out many times, if a true nationalist takeover really happens then folks like him will be a soft target.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Yevardian, @Dmitry, @Anatoly Karlin

    Personally, I don’t find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet, but it’s even more hilarious when it’s far from true. Your comments over the years have made that abundantly clear, and have indirectly undercut Karlin’s narrative. That is likely one of the reasons why he resents you. He doesn’t like it when someone factchecks him on his wild tales.

    But don’t you know that Egor Prosvirin is ‘a significant influence on Russian youth culture’?
    And yes, Dmitri’s instagram shitposting on popular Kremlin court-vermin, definitely demonstrates that modern Russia is hardly as ‘based’ or ‘trad’ as its foreign-language media would have you believe. The Soviet Union was much better in that regard.

    Russian high-culture has always been the best PR weapon abroad the country has had, but it feels like in the last 20 years the Kremlins threw in the trash heap. You can see Karlin as an aspiring Kremlinoid doesn’t give a shit about it. The thing is, I always considered myself pro-Russian, but sometimes I feel honestly the concept I’m attached to is really a corpse.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @Yevardian


    threw in the trash
     
    Elite culture, in the infrastructure and training level, is being asset-stripped for the last thirty years (with apologies to Silvio for this word), like many area, including the military we now know.

    Boris Berezovsky, Maxim Vengerov, Aleksandr Malofeev, Mischa Maisky, Evgeny Kissin, etc, are still dominating in the concert hall, but they will be like the last inheritance of the Soviet/Russian Empire investments in the music. (Boris Berezovsky probably just killed his international career, by violent, anti-Ukraine opinions.)

    Daniil Trifonov has a rising career, but his musical education has been Cleveland School of Music, partly with the Armenian professor Babayan.

    He really went to America for the final parts of his training.

    -

    A lot of less music schools in Russia lose funding. Pianos thrown out of the windows.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJJKr7KIWYk

    Of course, the upper class in Russia, are one of the world's largest financial contributors of the international art world, but there is a bit of double story here as art is "dual use fintech", as it is partly related to moving money across borders.

    Equally, the government can promote a lot of museums and historical culture, but there is a "dual use" for them, as a form of propaganda about historical continuity.


    modern Russia is hardly as ‘based’ or ‘trad’ as its foreign-language media would have you believe.

     

    Well, Russia is "trad" in the sense of having a large aging population, with values not so much changing in recent decades.

    Traditional in this sense refers to the speed of the change, which is determined a lot by the economics and age of the population.

    So, there is a "trad" in modern Russia, as the country has been slow culturally and economically for decades, so the values do not change too fast.

    But in the 20th century, Soviet Union and late Russian Empire, was throwing rapidly and brutally into modernity from the top-down, and there is of course less preserved of traditional culture (pre-industrial culture), compared to Western Europe. It's more of a fossil of the mid or late 20th century values.


    , I always considered myself pro-Russian, but sometimes I feel honestly the concept I’m attached to is really a corpse.
     
    I think Armenia needs to try to break from the postsoviet space in terms of the political system and legal system. Culturally it can choose as it likes.

    If the political and legal structure of Armenia could be designed like Singapore or (pre 1997) Hong Kong, then they can promote Russian/Soviet artistic culture as much as they want. Russian/Soviet artistic culture is great, as long as you do not copy anything like political and legal coding.

    Just like the Ottoman Empire might be a great influence for cooking and recipes, but not so much for administrative efficiency.

    Armenia is receiving increase in investment or immigration from Russia in the last weeks. Although Armenian journalists writing in an optimistic view about it, reminds of living in a house with heroin addicts, and saying "there are pluses of being in the postsoviet house, sometimes they are fighting each other, they forget free food we can pick up ".


    https://twitter.com/atanessi/status/1498720678060728321

    https://twitter.com/Machiavellimos/status/1504053810863521793

    Replies: @Coconuts

  505. @Boethiuss
    @Beckow


    What justified NATO attack on Serbia? What justified Kiev pummeling Donbas for 8 years? If we are talking justifications, that has to be addressed.
     
    No it doesn't, that's the whole point. There's nothing about any of those things, which if true, would justify the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so there's no point diverting or distracting ourselves by worrying about them.

    You can’t only demand justification from one side, the one you don’t like.
     
    That's exactly what I can do.

    Replies: @Beckow

    … if true

    You seem to think that sticking ‘if true’ in front of something that we all know is true is an argument. It isn’t, it is a sign of weakness.

    That’s exactly what I can do.

    Sure, and nobody notices. You can create any bizarre self-centered idea, it means nothing. Russia is doing something, you are not. The atavistic cave-man bravado so common among Euro-trash is still there.

    • Replies: @Boethiuss
    @Beckow


    You seem to think that sticking ‘if true’ in front of something that we all know is true is an argument. It isn’t, it is a sign of weakness.
     
    Just the opposite in this case. It means that there are caveats and considerations that apply to Serbia, Iraq, Kosovo, wherever that don't apply to the Russian invasion of Ukraine such that those prior military actions were either justified, or at least to a great extent mitigated or rationalized in terms of human rights, international stability, sovereign borders, etc. But, I don't care about those things and have no interest in trying to argue the point.
  506. I have always wondered how humanity would eventually manage to descend to nuclear Armageddon and I’m afraid I am watching the mechanism playing out right now. It’s turning out to be much easier than I ever thought and not the product of an accident but a very conscious collective decision. A recent poll showed that 35% of Americans have already been led to believe (by MSM and social media, evidently) that the US should intervene militarily in Ukraine, even if that means risking WWIII.

    I don’t quite understand how a nuclear war on top of what they are suffering would benefit Ukrainians but it is a fact that their president is pushing for a Western military confrontation with Russia with all his might. Apart from Fidel Castro, who reportedly encouraged Khrushchev to nuke the US, I’m not aware of any other nation having demanded any of the superpowers to unleash WWIII on their behalf. Perhaps Ukrainian nationalism is just as deranged as Russian imperialism (or Cuban socialism-or-deathism?).

    If Biden manages to resist the growing pressure, both from the MSM and an increasing number of lawmakers from both parties, to declare a no-fly-zone, he may actually get my vote in the next elections. I don’t believe Trump would have been able to do that, given the kind of people he likes being surrounded with and the pundits he listens to. And who cares about the southern border, the gender wars and all the rest when your children’s survival is at stake?

    Of course, it may well be very true that Putin would not dare to go nuclear if we declare a no-fly-zone (or carry out any other hostile action) but then again, it may also be false. Why so much rush to find out?

    The way things are going, with Ukraine turning into a Grozny x 40 and no prospects of substantial Russian advance without resorting to more indiscriminate measures that will be propagated and even exaggerated by the MSM 24×7, I will consider myself lucky to escape WWIII this one time.

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @Mikel


    Perhaps Ukrainian nationalism is just as deranged as Russian imperialism (or Cuban socialism-or-deathism?).
     
    Hard to say. Certainly the Ukrainian government has ben led by a suicidal deathcult for a longtime now, and before that their leadership exemplified all the worst aspects of Russian political culture.. their elite is even more cursed than Armenia's geography, they somehow made both Putin and American Congress look good by comparison. Who would die for such a state?
    There are rational people like AP around who (rightfully) always saw East-'Ukraine' as a poison pill, but they haven't lived in the country for decades (if they ever did).

    I have always wondered how humanity would eventually manage to descend to nuclear Armageddon and I’m afraid I am watching the mechanism playing out right now. It’s turning out to be much easier than I ever thought and not the product of an accident but a very conscious collective decision.
     
    The most disturbing part of this is that many of these people aren't necessarily morons, how representative they are is anyone's guess, but you can see intelligent and well-informed people here like utu, or on the opposite pole, I guess Karlin himself, indifferent, nay, actually eager for some kind of major global all-or-nothing conflagration. Absolutely insane.

    Replies: @Mikel

    , @German_reader
    @Mikel


    Of course, it may well be very true that Putin would not dare to go nuclear if we declare a no-fly-zone (or carry out any other hostile action)
     
    Of course Putin would react, at a minimum with conventional missile strikes on NATO air bases. But it's possible that he'd immediately resort to tactical nukes (maybe just a single one, for demonstration effects, which apparently would be according to Russian military doctrine). And depending on NATO's reactions (that is whether NATO would back down or not...or maybe retaliate with a nuclear strike of their own) things could then easily escalate to a strategic level, leading to the deaths of dozens of millions.
    I agree entirely with the rest of your comment (also am glad Biden is president right now, not Trump or some McCain-like Republican loony. As bad as he is on other issues, at least Biden still seems to retain a healthy fear of nuclear war).
  507. @AP
    @Beckow


    And West has no double standards?
     
    Why do you think the West's double standards justify the double standards of Aedib? Or of Russia? Are you Goering, talking about the injustices of the American Indians when on trial for what his country did to Slavs?

    In general, Moscow government is better at governing than its counterpart in Kiev: more prosperity
     
    Moscow was richer before the USSR fell apart. And it has oil and gas.

    more peace
     
    It doesn't have Russia as a neighbor.

    After this is over there will be a huge electoral appeal in Ukraine for law-and-order with prosperity-and-neutrality political parties. The die-hard nationalists and cargo-cultists will have a very small space to operate in

     

    You consistently misjudge Ukrainians. You though they would surrender or run away when Russia attacked, and they have done the opposite. And now you think this. Expect hardcore anti-Russian politicians for at least 10 years, maybe 20. Level of hatred towards Russia is off the charts. Only possible mitigating factor is if Zelensky manages to calm people down.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Beckow

    …Goering, talking about the injustices of the American Indians

    Goering and American Indians had one thing in common: they both lost a war. Unless you know something we don’t, Russia is not going to be in the same situation. My point about ours double standard holds. We are just observers.

    Russia was not 3-times richer than Ukraine in 1991. They do have resources, and maybe that is why all f this is happening.

    Expect hardcore anti-Russian politicians for at least 10 years, maybe 20. Level of hatred towards Russia is off the charts.

    It will depend on how the war ends. You may know Ukrainian mentality better than I, my experience is that they are quite pliable, non-political, and with a certain poor peoples’ hunger for something, anything. But as all humans they will follow certain basic patterns: winning beats losing, riches beat poverty, and when the reward is right all emotions are for sale.

    Unless Ukrainians are different species, they will follow this same dynamic. Russia’s problem will be that for the rump Ukraine to become more viable, more normal, Russia would have to invest huge resources there. If they would, things would change. But they probably won’t. So we could have hatred combined with poverty and that will eventually turns inward. It is the Zelenskys and the other oligarchs I would worry about in those circumstances.

  508. @Mikel
    I have always wondered how humanity would eventually manage to descend to nuclear Armageddon and I'm afraid I am watching the mechanism playing out right now. It's turning out to be much easier than I ever thought and not the product of an accident but a very conscious collective decision. A recent poll showed that 35% of Americans have already been led to believe (by MSM and social media, evidently) that the US should intervene militarily in Ukraine, even if that means risking WWIII.

    I don't quite understand how a nuclear war on top of what they are suffering would benefit Ukrainians but it is a fact that their president is pushing for a Western military confrontation with Russia with all his might. Apart from Fidel Castro, who reportedly encouraged Khrushchev to nuke the US, I'm not aware of any other nation having demanded any of the superpowers to unleash WWIII on their behalf. Perhaps Ukrainian nationalism is just as deranged as Russian imperialism (or Cuban socialism-or-deathism?).

    If Biden manages to resist the growing pressure, both from the MSM and an increasing number of lawmakers from both parties, to declare a no-fly-zone, he may actually get my vote in the next elections. I don't believe Trump would have been able to do that, given the kind of people he likes being surrounded with and the pundits he listens to. And who cares about the southern border, the gender wars and all the rest when your children's survival is at stake?

    Of course, it may well be very true that Putin would not dare to go nuclear if we declare a no-fly-zone (or carry out any other hostile action) but then again, it may also be false. Why so much rush to find out?

    The way things are going, with Ukraine turning into a Grozny x 40 and no prospects of substantial Russian advance without resorting to more indiscriminate measures that will be propagated and even exaggerated by the MSM 24x7, I will consider myself lucky to escape WWIII this one time.

    Replies: @Yevardian, @German_reader

    Perhaps Ukrainian nationalism is just as deranged as Russian imperialism (or Cuban socialism-or-deathism?).

    Hard to say. Certainly the Ukrainian government has ben led by a suicidal deathcult for a longtime now, and before that their leadership exemplified all the worst aspects of Russian political culture.. their elite is even more cursed than Armenia’s geography, they somehow made both Putin and American Congress look good by comparison. Who would die for such a state?
    There are rational people like AP around who (rightfully) always saw East-‘Ukraine’ as a poison pill, but they haven’t lived in the country for decades (if they ever did).

    I have always wondered how humanity would eventually manage to descend to nuclear Armageddon and I’m afraid I am watching the mechanism playing out right now. It’s turning out to be much easier than I ever thought and not the product of an accident but a very conscious collective decision.

    The most disturbing part of this is that many of these people aren’t necessarily morons, how representative they are is anyone’s guess, but you can see intelligent and well-informed people here like utu, or on the opposite pole, I guess Karlin himself, indifferent, nay, actually eager for some kind of major global all-or-nothing conflagration. Absolutely insane.

    • Replies: @Mikel
    @Yevardian


    The most disturbing part of this is that many of these people aren’t necessarily morons
     
    Yes, I remember the Cold War. Anyone proposing to send our planes to shoot down USSR aircraft over Afghanistan or earlier on over Czechoslovakia and Hungary would have been considered a lunatic. Now doing the same is part of an increasingly popular discourse. We seem to have grown bored of such a long peace in the West.

    Replies: @AP, @Beckow

  509. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    This is an interesting discussion, this is the 'I'll get back to you' part.


    for instance, you strike me as a materialist, but materialism itself is a major part of the Great Inversion of values, as no previous culture was.
     
    Okay, so what is materialism to you exactly? It's a word with multiple definitions. Is it Marxian materialism, the idea that technology and economy shape the way we think and act, instead of vice versa? Is it a shallow focus on material wealth? Is it a disregard for values or spirituality?

    And I'm also wondering why I strike you as a materialist.

    Secondly, what is culture to you? It sounds like you think it's all 'rooted' behavior, but that doesn't seem like a useful definition. This conflates culture with tradition and makes culture a useless word.

    I always saw it as the reflexive behavior of a group of people, i.e. an anthropological, not a moral definition (as in, you have no 'real' culture, but I do, because I'm trad- therefore I'm better). You claim that modernity uproots and erases culture, but by definition, this seems impossible to me, as any given group must have behavioral patterns and beliefs. Modern man, like any men, has a set of values, clear behavioral patterns, ways of thinking, a world-outlook, etc. Globohomo is a culture too, it's just gay.

    On one level culture is a very concrete and specific interaction with the local environment – the soil, plants, climate, weather, animals – that builds up in richness and complexity over centuries, and is unique.
     
    I don't know if modern culture is necessarily lacking in richness or uniqueness. American consumer culture has had enormous appeal to the global masses for a reason. Stuff like hamburgers, modern cinema, 'the great American novel', the Prom, Coca Cola, baseball, American pizza... it's all very easy to deny for culture snobs, but a culture being easily digestible and uniformly appealing, does not make it a non-culture. A Quentin Tarantino movie or Michael Jackson song is just as much a piece of culture as was Beowulf. There's a reason people let themselves be colonized with Americanisms. It's all very easy to praise cute peasant dances and traditional dress, but let's be honest, America has produced much much more in the way of culture than Moldova.

    “boring white guy” trope of the 90s

     

    But it's boring because the white guy is the vanilla ice of the global monoculture- after all, it's his culture. If we were all copying Africa, you'd have something like 'the boring black guy'. Boring means so normal that the novelty has worn off.


    disembodied rationalist outlook
     
    It's easy to forget for a couple autistics on Unz, but remember that 80% of people do NOT have a hardened, 'disembodied rationalist outlook'. Most people are goaded into wars or into accepting refugees by a few pics of dead children. Both rationalism and an exaggerated praise of 'traditional' norms are the exclusive domain of the dominant bourgeois and academic sector. There's a reason a rationalist community exists as separate from anything else, and is not that big. Most normal people mix casual materialism (caring mostly for sports, their family, and their job) with some sort of superstition, like all those astrology girls do.

    Woke recognized no higher value than the manipulation of matter
     
    I'm not sure I agree. What, exactly, is materialistic about praising 'equity' over everything else which is straightforwardly materialistic, like physical safety, or prosperity? Woke people are always going on about abstractions and values...

    Replies: @songbird, @Barbarossa, @Coconuts

    A Quentin Tarantino movie or Michael Jackson song is just as much a piece of culture as was Beowulf.

    Well, everything is semantics, but I’d disagree with this. I think maximizing utility means whittling the scope down until you get something moral.

    Beowulf has heroic themes, that idealize masculine virtues. For the English, it ties them to well over a thousand years of tradition of their ancestors. And what do we have to weigh against it?

    [MORE]

    In Michael Jackson:
    A pedophile who had his own identity problems. Didn’t know whether he was a black man or white woman.

    Who wrote globohomo songs with lyrics like:

    Protection for gangs, clubs and nations
    Causing grief in human relations
    It’s a turf war on a global scale
    I’d rather hear both sides of the tale
    See, it’s not about races
    Just places
    Faces
    Where your blood comes from
    Is where your space is
    I’ve seen the bright get duller
    I’m not going to spend my life being a color

    In Tarantino:

    A guy who created movies that were fantasies about murdering Germans and white people. Or with sodomy. Or who amplified the feminist message of butt-kicking babes.

    IMO, we’d be better off calling it “anti-culture.”

    • Agree: Barbarossa
    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @songbird

    Right, this is indeed semantics so it's not worth having a very passionate debate over. By the way, I just remembered there is some historical precedent to the discussion over the word 'culture' that we are having right now. The difference is Culture with a big C, or culture with a small c. Big C Culture is what is known as being refined, well-educated, 'a man of Culture', the 'canon of Culture', etc. Small c culture is just a word used by anthropologists used to describe the behavior, thoughts, language, and habits of different groups.

    So there is of course a small-c culture in the west, as it is by the simple fact of biology impossible not to have one. Our small-c culture is, however, quite flat, often anti-intellectual, and indeed anti big C Culture which is by definition unequal, discriminatory, Eurocentric, etc. But what is surprising is that we have now reached such a Transvaluation of Values that it is seen as talent to denigrate all traditional values to the utmost, or at least to deny that there is or has ever been something special about Europeans...

    Funnily enough, even left-wing friends of mine admit that basically they do not care about the intellectual or artistic history of non-European countries, and more or less think it's all useless. Almost no one truly cares much about non-European musicians or artists beyond virtue signaling. Since European artistry and philosophy is so obviously self-contained, almost no one truly gives a shit about anything else. All that's really made any sort of big inroads here is Japanese stuff, anime and 'cool samurai'. Maybe some Buddhism. Otherwise it's all just a big LARP, which means the Asian-Afrocentrism that's starting to become academically fashionable, must intensify by force to turn Europeans into true believers that think 60% of philosophy was born in Nigeria...

    Replies: @songbird, @AaronB

  510. @Yevardian
    @Thulean Friend


    Personally, I don’t find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet, but it’s even more hilarious when it’s far from true. Your comments over the years have made that abundantly clear, and have indirectly undercut Karlin’s narrative. That is likely one of the reasons why he resents you. He doesn’t like it when someone factchecks him on his wild tales.
     
    But don't you know that Egor Prosvirin is 'a significant influence on Russian youth culture'?
    And yes, Dmitri's instagram shitposting on popular Kremlin court-vermin, definitely demonstrates that modern Russia is hardly as 'based' or 'trad' as its foreign-language media would have you believe. The Soviet Union was much better in that regard.

    Russian high-culture has always been the best PR weapon abroad the country has had, but it feels like in the last 20 years the Kremlins threw in the trash heap. You can see Karlin as an aspiring Kremlinoid doesn't give a shit about it. The thing is, I always considered myself pro-Russian, but sometimes I feel honestly the concept I'm attached to is really a corpse.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    threw in the trash

    Elite culture, in the infrastructure and training level, is being asset-stripped for the last thirty years (with apologies to Silvio for this word), like many area, including the military we now know.

    Boris Berezovsky, Maxim Vengerov, Aleksandr Malofeev, Mischa Maisky, Evgeny Kissin, etc, are still dominating in the concert hall, but they will be like the last inheritance of the Soviet/Russian Empire investments in the music. (Boris Berezovsky probably just killed his international career, by violent, anti-Ukraine opinions.)

    Daniil Trifonov has a rising career, but his musical education has been Cleveland School of Music, partly with the Armenian professor Babayan.

    He really went to America for the final parts of his training.

    A lot of less music schools in Russia lose funding. Pianos thrown out of the windows.

    Of course, the upper class in Russia, are one of the world’s largest financial contributors of the international art world, but there is a bit of double story here as art is “dual use fintech”, as it is partly related to moving money across borders.

    Equally, the government can promote a lot of museums and historical culture, but there is a “dual use” for them, as a form of propaganda about historical continuity.

    modern Russia is hardly as ‘based’ or ‘trad’ as its foreign-language media would have you believe.

    Well, Russia is “trad” in the sense of having a large aging population, with values not so much changing in recent decades.

    Traditional in this sense refers to the speed of the change, which is determined a lot by the economics and age of the population.

    So, there is a “trad” in modern Russia, as the country has been slow culturally and economically for decades, so the values do not change too fast.

    But in the 20th century, Soviet Union and late Russian Empire, was throwing rapidly and brutally into modernity from the top-down, and there is of course less preserved of traditional culture (pre-industrial culture), compared to Western Europe. It’s more of a fossil of the mid or late 20th century values.

    , I always considered myself pro-Russian, but sometimes I feel honestly the concept I’m attached to is really a corpse.

    I think Armenia needs to try to break from the postsoviet space in terms of the political system and legal system. Culturally it can choose as it likes.

    If the political and legal structure of Armenia could be designed like Singapore or (pre 1997) Hong Kong, then they can promote Russian/Soviet artistic culture as much as they want. Russian/Soviet artistic culture is great, as long as you do not copy anything like political and legal coding.

    Just like the Ottoman Empire might be a great influence for cooking and recipes, but not so much for administrative efficiency.

    Armenia is receiving increase in investment or immigration from Russia in the last weeks. Although Armenian journalists writing in an optimistic view about it, reminds of living in a house with heroin addicts, and saying “there are pluses of being in the postsoviet house, sometimes they are fighting each other, they forget free food we can pick up “.

    • Replies: @Coconuts
    @Dmitry


    But in the 20th century, Soviet Union and late Russian Empire, was throwing rapidly and brutally into modernity from the top-down, and there is of course less preserved of traditional culture (pre-industrial culture), compared to Western Europe. It’s more of a fossil of the mid or late 20th century values.
     
    I remember I experienced this as the Belarusian 'Life on Mars' effect, Life on Mars was a BBC police drama that was popular in the mid 2000s, a detective from around 2006 is hit by a car, falls into a coma and wakes up as a policeman in 1974. When you got on the train in Vilnius and fell asleep, a few hours later you woke up in Minsk where it still felt like 1990. Then you get another train to the provinces, fall sleep again and it is 1980 where the train stops.

    But, it was the 1980 of Western mining and industrial towns and cities, not that of other places in the West like Versailles or Hampton Court, rural Portugal or Spain, where older pre-20th C. types of cultural influence persisted.

    Replies: @Philip Owen, @Dmitry

  511. @Philip Owen
    @songbird

    I've been to rubber industry trade shows in Russia where there were three Russian firms, one making tires and 17 Chinese firms all offering the same tires. There must have been government tenders to draw them in because the 5 people attending the show weren't interested.

    Replies: @songbird, @Barbarossa

    From what I am able to read, it seems to me as if Russia is dominated by foreign tire firms (Western) with local factories, including Michelin. Sibur (Russian domestic) used to make most of the tires for the planes in the Russian airforce. Not sure what the current case is, especially in landforces, though it is notable that Michelin seems to specialize in big tires.

    Most of these firms seem to have moved out with the sanctions. Perhaps, Russia can operate the factories. Some of them may have been local partnerships, if they were modeled on what happened in China.

  512. @HenryBaker
    @S

    While I don't disagree with you, I think your analysis is a little imprecise. In general, the clearly pomo inspired 'woke' stuff is not like the early liberal ideas on race. What you are describing is more like how things were before: the idea that all differences are meaningless, will disappear rapidly, etc., is much more classically liberal and has analogues to the Enlightenment. It's a sort of civic nationalism praising first and foremost the 'universal' rational individual, which ends up disparaging differences to a large extent.

    By contrast, what makes woke stuff much more unbearable is that it ceaselessly celebrates differences. This makes it clearly post-Enlightenment and it goes beyond traditional European universalism, which did indeed exist. It's not really like the Borg at all. If we're talking aliens, it's more like some sort of hellish alien hive absorbing and mutating biomass. It celebrates differences insofar as they are normally despised and disliked by the normal culture, while disparaging the normal culture. Whereas classic liberals would say: 'don't think about someone being black', woke liberals grow angry at you if you try not to do that and say that is racist 'colorblindness'. A typical classical liberal would say about gays 'well whatever someone does in the privacy of their own bedroom is not up to me', and then woke people made it about teaching LGBT stuff to kids at 6 years old. Everything that used to be seen as disgusting, foreign, weird, or scary in traditional culture is transvaluated as liberating, authentic, etc. It's therefore no surprise at all that some, *ahem*, 'groups' with a traditional phobia of Western culture are most implicated in the New Left, Post-modernism, and Woke ideas.

    Replies: @silviosilver

    It’s therefore no surprise at all that some, *ahem*, ‘groups’ with a traditional phobia of Western culture are most implicated in the New Left, Post-modernism, and Woke ideas.

    All the while carefully shielding their own group (and ‘real country’) from such criticism. Used to be, of course, that their group was insinuated into – indeed, sat atop – the sanctification of victimhood narrative, but apart from the big H (itself of diminishing significance with each passing year), their ability to maintain this charade is fading fast. Even the shielding is going to require plenty of zogbucks being pressed into plenty of palms.

    • Replies: @A123
    @silviosilver


    All the while carefully shielding their own group (and ‘real country’) from such criticism. Used to be, of course, that their group was insinuated into – indeed, sat atop – the sanctification of victimhood narrative
     
    Careful shielding via terms like "Islamophobia" that are intended to prevent examination of gangs, sex crimes, and no-go zones. Muslim invaders use these methods to seize Infidel (Jewish & Christian) land as directed by the violent Pillar of Jihad.

    Using woke "fake jews" as cover is part of the Pillar of Taqiyya (a.k.a. Deception). Real Jews in Jewish Palestine are nothing like the fake Islam ones that you are calling out. Please feel free to call out Muslims who are operating "fake jews" as a front operation.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Barbarossa

  513. @Yevardian
    @Mikel


    Perhaps Ukrainian nationalism is just as deranged as Russian imperialism (or Cuban socialism-or-deathism?).
     
    Hard to say. Certainly the Ukrainian government has ben led by a suicidal deathcult for a longtime now, and before that their leadership exemplified all the worst aspects of Russian political culture.. their elite is even more cursed than Armenia's geography, they somehow made both Putin and American Congress look good by comparison. Who would die for such a state?
    There are rational people like AP around who (rightfully) always saw East-'Ukraine' as a poison pill, but they haven't lived in the country for decades (if they ever did).

    I have always wondered how humanity would eventually manage to descend to nuclear Armageddon and I’m afraid I am watching the mechanism playing out right now. It’s turning out to be much easier than I ever thought and not the product of an accident but a very conscious collective decision.
     
    The most disturbing part of this is that many of these people aren't necessarily morons, how representative they are is anyone's guess, but you can see intelligent and well-informed people here like utu, or on the opposite pole, I guess Karlin himself, indifferent, nay, actually eager for some kind of major global all-or-nothing conflagration. Absolutely insane.

    Replies: @Mikel

    The most disturbing part of this is that many of these people aren’t necessarily morons

    Yes, I remember the Cold War. Anyone proposing to send our planes to shoot down USSR aircraft over Afghanistan or earlier on over Czechoslovakia and Hungary would have been considered a lunatic. Now doing the same is part of an increasingly popular discourse. We seem to have grown bored of such a long peace in the West.

    • Agree: Pharmakon
    • Replies: @AP
    @Mikel


    Yes, I remember the Cold War. Anyone proposing to send our planes to shoot down USSR aircraft over Afghanistan or earlier on over Czechoslovakia and Hungary would have been considered a lunatic.
     
    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.

    But, just to be safe, I agree that it is better to just give Ukrainians MIGs and missiles, so they can shoot down Russians themselves.

    We seem to have grown bored of such a long peace in the West.
     
    The West isn't the one who chose to invade Ukraine and kill thousands of people in Europe.

    Replies: @for-the-record, @Mikel

    , @Beckow
    @Mikel

    The willingness to use nukes has never been tested. All we have are speculations that have created a large unfilled space where the lunatics can play. Endlessly sitting in front of a forbidden room is tedious, some would like to see what is there.

    There is also today an almost biological level of pure hatred of Russia, and possibly in Russia for the West. With elevated emotions some people have dropped all constraints. Putin said some time ago that he sees 'no point in preserving the world without Russia'. But there must be many in the West who see no point in having a world without Western dominance. Both are understandable, but what happens when they collide?

    Look at the bright side: if we get nuked, even the most fanatical Covid devotees will drop the masks and stop hallucinating about more 'boosters'. That will leave 'utu' all alone in his quixotic fight. There is always a bright side.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @Dmitry, @iffen, @HenryBaker

  514. @Beckow
    @Boethiuss


    ... if true
     
    You seem to think that sticking 'if true' in front of something that we all know is true is an argument. It isn't, it is a sign of weakness.

    That’s exactly what I can do.
     
    Sure, and nobody notices. You can create any bizarre self-centered idea, it means nothing. Russia is doing something, you are not. The atavistic cave-man bravado so common among Euro-trash is still there.

    Replies: @Boethiuss

    You seem to think that sticking ‘if true’ in front of something that we all know is true is an argument. It isn’t, it is a sign of weakness.

    Just the opposite in this case. It means that there are caveats and considerations that apply to Serbia, Iraq, Kosovo, wherever that don’t apply to the Russian invasion of Ukraine such that those prior military actions were either justified, or at least to a great extent mitigated or rationalized in terms of human rights, international stability, sovereign borders, etc. But, I don’t care about those things and have no interest in trying to argue the point.

  515. @Thulean Friend
    @Dmitry

    A man was complaining to the authorities, that there are too many Oriental and African models used in Nike adverts in Russia. He is claiming the adverts will violate section 1, chapter 2, in the Russian constitution, against discrimination on ” rights of citizens on social, racial, national, linguistic or religious grounds”, as most of the population in Russia are not Oriental or African.

    Karlin has misreported this story, claiming that the authorities themselves are complaining about the use of the Oriental and African models in Nike adverts. When the story is about a man complaining to the authorities, and the article predict he will “100% lose”.

    I’m not sure why Karlin is reversing the story
     

    As GR pointed out, he's basically just a propagandist at this point and he has spent years trying to convince people of "Based Russia". So outright lying/spinning stories to fit the narrative is not something that's beyond Karlin, as your comment demonstrates.

    That's also why I depreciate everything he says about Russia, because he has a proven track record of being willing to bend the truth to push narratives. Or outright deleting comments in the case of UKR/RUS war, as we've seen.

    Personally, I don't find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet, but it's even more hilarious when it's far from true. Your comments over the years have made that abundantly clear, and have indirectly undercut Karlin's narrative. That is likely one of the reasons why he resents you. He doesn't like it when someone factchecks him on his wild tales.

    What's even more hilarious is given his own substantial non-European ancestry, it's not even in his interest to push for a superchud version of Russia. As you've pointed out many times, if a true nationalist takeover really happens then folks like him will be a soft target.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Yevardian, @Dmitry, @Anatoly Karlin

    Yes, in Russia there is some of the most strong examples open borders immigration policy in the last decades, with media repression of reporting about inter-ethnic problems which can be caused. It’s also like the government has managed to import far more people than you would imagine could be possible considering the low income levels received by the exploited immigrants.

    It is a popular complaint that there is a bit too much of the open border unfiltered immigration nowadays. It’s mainly the task of liberal opposition to complain about the open borders and ask for closed borders.

    It’s also a problem for the source countries for the mass immigration. Uzbekistan has to reject the Russian pressure for it to join the open-border immigration bloc, as they are losing too many people even when outside open-borders bloc. Whereas countries like Armenia (inside open-borders bloc), have been losing their productive population to Russia and it fatally weakens their country.

    While the recent devaluation and probably future economic problems in Russia, could slow the immigration to more manageable speed. But it’s also possible it will not change relative difference of income, as the source countries of the mass immigration to Russia are economically quite coupled to the Russian economy.

    nationalist takeover really happens then folks like him will be a soft target.

    Even just 15-20 years ago, he would have been the main target for beating by a nationalist street gang (who have fortunately, now been imprisoned).

    Russia is very anti-racist from the top-down though. There is still some mild prejudice like everywhere, but this is just like in Western Europe. And young people are much more tolerant nowadays, like the same as in Western Europe.

    If I showed a picture of Karlin to my parents, and said “this is a Russian nationalist”, they would be laughing at the joke, and would likely say some words which should be considered as having moderately racist overtone. But it doesn’t mean they are racist or have a negative view of these nationalities. (They are anti-racists in reality)

    It’s more because in Soviet times, there was strict control for internal movement, so in most areas the different races were not mixed so closely in the way they are today.

    There had also been lower levels of sensitivity about speech, as people saying redneck comments about other nationalities, doesn’t exactly threaten the authorities, but could be viewed as a socially acceptable way for people to express some natural amount of aggression. What is acceptable for speech, is changing depending on what the authorities told you (it’s not based in peoples’ decisions).

    In Russia, there were many cities which would have almost a “racially homogenous” (white) population until the 1990s.

    On the other hand, there could be cities with racially mixed populations, where there are many decades of interethnic harmony between the groups. This is cities like Ufa. Some regions of Russia, could be almost models of anti-racism and tolerance.

    Although the media in Soviet times and beyond is also controlled by the government, so if there had been inter-ethnic problems, it would not always have been known by wider non-local public. I wouldn’t want to say the soviet or postsoviet situation is a model for that reason.

    • Thanks: Barbarossa, Thulean Friend
  516. @HenryBaker
    @Barbarossa

    An aside: meaningless is an interesting word. Meaningful or meaningless to what and to whom? Hypothetically, as a pagan in 500 AD, you might complain that christianization everywhere rendered culture meaningless. Is a language really that important? The subtle cultural differences between related peoples? Or is the Weltanschauung the fundamental and most important difference? I would say the latter, as language, culture, and ethnic development all derive from the behavior imposed on a society by its value system and World-outlook.

    It's interesting to note that until about 900 AD Dutch names were almost all Germanic in origin. You see names like Odmar, Altmer, Hildegarda. Then in 1200 AD it's like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most 'normal' Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures' names. I'd say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic. Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.

    In my opinion, we are seeing something similar happening with the 'woke' world-outlook that is replacing the Enlightenment world-outlook, which itself replaced the christian-statist world-outlook of the Early Modern period (the most religious period followed the most -anti-religious period, here). The 'materialism' mentioned by Aaron has more or less been rejected already. Likewise, to many woke people it's the Europeans that are the levelling, homogenizing, globalizing force destroying wholesome indigenous communities, and imposing our standards in art and culture on everyone else!

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook. That makes culture inherently 'meaningless' as the world-outlook shared by a larger civilization determines the fate of the culture.

    Replies: @sher singh, @AaronB, @S, @Yevardian, @Barbarossa

    I would say that individual cultural differences may not be relatively important in and of themselves. Cultures change over time, and that is not necessarily a bad thing.

    However, the particulars of a people place it in the world. The language and customs are shaped by the physical environment, the past history of migrations and conquests, by the proximity or lack thereof to other influencing cultures.

    It is a way of placing an individual person within a continuity and context of both time and space. To know that your father and your father’s father walked these paths, fished those seas, battled these foes, and that your grandchildren would likely do the same is powerful stuff. It’s something we have almost no awareness of in our modern disassociated age.

    However, the past typically changed at a very slow rate, slow enough for the individual to easily assimilate changes without breaking the overall continuity. There were naturally violent breaks too, such as being subjugated by a hostile people, and these were naturally seen as deeply traumatic experiences culturally.

    Today, we have changed at such a fast rate, and continue to change generation to generation that there is no hope of any cultural continuity and subsequently the modern Western man finds himself adrift, cut off from a past which has become foreign and offered no real future. He becomes an atomized individual, nothing more.

    This entails a loss of meaning, or deeper cultural and societal context. Consumerism becomes an attempted source of meaning, but one can only derive so much meaning from their choice of toothpaste. Now Wokeness is the manifestation of a secular pseudo-religion but it is the last grasp at meaning from a suicidal culture. Wokeness cannot sustain itself since it seeks to annihilate itself. It builds nothing for it’s children.

    From my perspective, the West has no culture. It is an anti-culture which has no future and is actively dismantling itself. It has been able to coast off the cultural savings account that past generations stored up, but that is about over and done. Is there really a Dutch culture currently, or is it just a thin “Dutch” veneer over the same consumerism and materialism found from New York to Hong Kong?

    This is what I mean when I say “meaningless”. I believe that human beings need the deep cultural specificity and continuity to be really happy. We need to know who we are and where we came from.
    When stripped of those things as much of modern life is, it becomes meaningless on a fundamental level.

  517. @S
    @silviosilver

    I'd meant to add that I appreciate the brutal honesty you display in a great many of your posts. I strive to do the same. I think the times demand it.

    Replies: @silviosilver

    I appreciate the brutal honesty you display in a great many of your posts. I strive to do the same. I think the times demand it.

    Thanks. Unfortunately, I can’t agree that brutal honesty does much good. While it is certainly necessary that some people articulate a fully-fledged pro-white position, for the time being one must be very, very judicious when broadcasting it. And the reason is not merely to avoid provoking a wokelash (although that is a legitimate concern in itself), but because it is all too easy to cause even a receptive audience to turn against you.

    Say you’re talking to Bill, and Bill expresses some skepticism about diversity or immigration or whatever. Great. He’s one of us, right? Not so fast. If, in your attempt to encourage him, you go beyond what he is prepared to countenance, you are more likely to agitate him and cause him to reconsider his views, concluding that perhaps the “anti-racists” are right after all.

    In my view, the important thing is to get people to reject, however minimally, the anti-white status quo. If they do it because “there’s too much immigration” or because “diversity isn’t really a strength”, that’s fine, even though it doesn’t amount to very much by itself. You simply have to trust they’ll grow into something more substantial over time. The opposition is aware of this, which is why they become apoplectic at seemingly innocuous phrases like “it’s okay to be white.” Unfortunately for them, there’s not a lot they can do to evade well-aimed blows, so although progress is slow, you have to plug away.

    • Thanks: S
  518. AP says:
    @Mikel
    @Yevardian


    The most disturbing part of this is that many of these people aren’t necessarily morons
     
    Yes, I remember the Cold War. Anyone proposing to send our planes to shoot down USSR aircraft over Afghanistan or earlier on over Czechoslovakia and Hungary would have been considered a lunatic. Now doing the same is part of an increasingly popular discourse. We seem to have grown bored of such a long peace in the West.

    Replies: @AP, @Beckow

    Yes, I remember the Cold War. Anyone proposing to send our planes to shoot down USSR aircraft over Afghanistan or earlier on over Czechoslovakia and Hungary would have been considered a lunatic.

    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.

    But, just to be safe, I agree that it is better to just give Ukrainians MIGs and missiles, so they can shoot down Russians themselves.

    We seem to have grown bored of such a long peace in the West.

    The West isn’t the one who chose to invade Ukraine and kill thousands of people in Europe.

    • Replies: @for-the-record
    @AP

    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.

    You've said this several times as if this is an obvious fact, if not the gospel. As I recall from the time, and from a quick search it would seem still to be the case, there were allegations, and perhaps justifiable presumptions, that Soviet pilots were flying, but this was never officially confirmed and there is still quite a bit of doubt about it.


    So successful were MiG-17s — in the hands of both skilled Vietnamese pilots as well as allegedly some Russian pilots — that the United States acquired several MiG-17s from Israel in order to evaluate their capabilities and determine what tactics American pilots should employ in order to shoot down the North Vietnamese pilots.

    https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/russian-mig-17-fighters-terrorized-americans-vietnam-192991
     
    So it is really not justifiable, in my opinion, to compare a (perhaps even plausibly) denied presence of Soviet pilots in Vietnam with what you and others are evidently proposing for Ukraine -- an open, undeniable participation of Western aircraft and pilots in Ukraine.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Mikel
    @AP


    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.
     
    Wikipedia doesn't seem to know about those actions:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air-to-air_combat_losses_between_the_Soviet_Union_and_the_United_States

    So at best they were covert operations. The USSR certainly did not declare Vietnam a no-fly-zone. The US or NATO imposing a no-fly-zone over Ukraine right after Putin explicitly warned that anyone trying to interfere in this war would suffer a historical retaliation is just bananas. But many people, including senators from my state, want to do it anyway.

    But, just to be safe, I agree that it is better to just give Ukrainians MIGs and missiles, so they can shoot down Russians themselves.
     
    I actually disagree with that too. Nothing in the US Constitution suggests that this country was founded to be the arbiter of ethnic and territorial conflicts in far away lands (be them your or my old country). Imperfect as it might be, the world is supposed to have the UN for those purposes. This might be the perfect time to prove if NATO is a purely defensive organization or not.

    More importantly, the best outcome of this war from a humanitarian perspective would have been AK's scenario of a 48-hour victory of the Russians. Those children and innocent people hiding in cellars all around Ukraine are not interested in any political outcome as much as in surviving this nightmare.

    Fighting this war from the West to the last Ukrainian will not only increase the amount of civilian victims, it will force Russia to escalate perhaps in an exponential way. Does Putin care about Ukrainian civilian casualties more than about his own future?

    Replies: @Commentator Mike, @AP, @utu

  519. @Mikel
    @Yevardian


    The most disturbing part of this is that many of these people aren’t necessarily morons
     
    Yes, I remember the Cold War. Anyone proposing to send our planes to shoot down USSR aircraft over Afghanistan or earlier on over Czechoslovakia and Hungary would have been considered a lunatic. Now doing the same is part of an increasingly popular discourse. We seem to have grown bored of such a long peace in the West.

    Replies: @AP, @Beckow

    The willingness to use nukes has never been tested. All we have are speculations that have created a large unfilled space where the lunatics can play. Endlessly sitting in front of a forbidden room is tedious, some would like to see what is there.

    There is also today an almost biological level of pure hatred of Russia, and possibly in Russia for the West. With elevated emotions some people have dropped all constraints. Putin said some time ago that he sees ‘no point in preserving the world without Russia‘. But there must be many in the West who see no point in having a world without Western dominance. Both are understandable, but what happens when they collide?

    Look at the bright side: if we get nuked, even the most fanatical Covid devotees will drop the masks and stop hallucinating about more ‘boosters’. That will leave ‘utu’ all alone in his quixotic fight. There is always a bright side.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @Beckow

    A lot of the hatred is the result of decades of propaganda, like the hatred of Germans in the 1st half of the 20th century, and probably the later was transferred to the former because both represent a continental European and Conservative ideal.

    Replies: @Beckow

    , @Dmitry
    @Beckow


    will drop the masks

     

    Lol this sadly will only kill Trump's voting base more rapidly, if there is a nuclear explosion near, but where you survive by not being within explosion radius, first thing you need is respiratory protection and some bottles of mineral water.

    So Utu will emerge safely from the fallout shelter with his mask, but anti-mask "Red States" will be dying of cancer very rapidly.

    Replies: @Beckow

    , @iffen
    @Beckow

    The willingness to use nukes has never been tested.

    Duh! The "good guys" used them.

    , @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    there must be many in the West who see no point in having a world without Western dominance.
     
    I don't think we'd throw nukes over a mere loss of dominance. It'd be more reactive than that. Say we lose control over the economic system very rapidly, Russia and China cut off exports to us somehow, and our leaders panic...

    It'd be weird to see the same people telling us to be 'non-Eurocentric', import millions of Arabs and Africans, and disparaging our history, suddenly press the nuclear button the moment we actually lose our dominance.


    Putin said some time ago that he sees ‘no point in preserving the world without Russia‘.
     
    It seems more likely that if the political system in China, Russia, or USA ever collapses, the current leaders press the button out of spite.

    Replies: @Beckow

  520. @Beckow
    @Mikel

    The willingness to use nukes has never been tested. All we have are speculations that have created a large unfilled space where the lunatics can play. Endlessly sitting in front of a forbidden room is tedious, some would like to see what is there.

    There is also today an almost biological level of pure hatred of Russia, and possibly in Russia for the West. With elevated emotions some people have dropped all constraints. Putin said some time ago that he sees 'no point in preserving the world without Russia'. But there must be many in the West who see no point in having a world without Western dominance. Both are understandable, but what happens when they collide?

    Look at the bright side: if we get nuked, even the most fanatical Covid devotees will drop the masks and stop hallucinating about more 'boosters'. That will leave 'utu' all alone in his quixotic fight. There is always a bright side.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @Dmitry, @iffen, @HenryBaker

    A lot of the hatred is the result of decades of propaganda, like the hatred of Germans in the 1st half of the 20th century, and probably the later was transferred to the former because both represent a continental European and Conservative ideal.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @Yellowface Anon

    The problem with that hatred in the West is that they cannot destroy the object of their hatred without destroying themselves. That drives some of them completely bananas. And some - the milder type like Boettius - only 'mitigate', 'adjust' etc... they still hate, they just don't experience it as vividly.

  521. @Beckow
    @Mikel

    The willingness to use nukes has never been tested. All we have are speculations that have created a large unfilled space where the lunatics can play. Endlessly sitting in front of a forbidden room is tedious, some would like to see what is there.

    There is also today an almost biological level of pure hatred of Russia, and possibly in Russia for the West. With elevated emotions some people have dropped all constraints. Putin said some time ago that he sees 'no point in preserving the world without Russia'. But there must be many in the West who see no point in having a world without Western dominance. Both are understandable, but what happens when they collide?

    Look at the bright side: if we get nuked, even the most fanatical Covid devotees will drop the masks and stop hallucinating about more 'boosters'. That will leave 'utu' all alone in his quixotic fight. There is always a bright side.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @Dmitry, @iffen, @HenryBaker

    will drop the masks

    Lol this sadly will only kill Trump’s voting base more rapidly, if there is a nuclear explosion near, but where you survive by not being within explosion radius, first thing you need is respiratory protection and some bottles of mineral water.

    So Utu will emerge safely from the fallout shelter with his mask, but anti-mask “Red States” will be dying of cancer very rapidly.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @Dmitry

    Weird stuff. You seem a corona devotee, get your 5th booster, one never knows. I have noticed how the whole C19 hysteria was deep-sixed overnight, barely a mention. That should tell you something. If you think.

    Utu lives in a shelter, he won't be coming out. And the 'emerging safely' seems oddly inappropriate with nukes.

    Replies: @Dmitry

  522. The world is genuinely going mad around the Ides of March – #DarkMAGA, Estonia requesting a No-Fly Zone over Ukraine, and then that fishy Russia “whistleblower” claiming Xi had a plan to retake Taiwan this fall. Thanks, attention politics. We probably can’t survive until 2030 at this rate.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Yellowface Anon

    Maybe, Estonia thinks that they are too close for nukes and that the Russians would be worried about fallout. And, maybe, many Eastern Europeans have similar thoughts, that they would be subject to military conquest and not nukes. That it would be the West getting the nukes.

    I mean, I'd like to think that it was something selfish, rather than totally nuts. Even if there is strong countervailing evidence that the world has gone totally mad.
    ________
    Jussie Smollet has been released. Under my program, he would still need to spend 145 days in the "Venice of Africa", Makoko, also known as Nigeria's "floating" slum. (really, most of it is on stilts)

  523. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    This is an interesting discussion, this is the 'I'll get back to you' part.


    for instance, you strike me as a materialist, but materialism itself is a major part of the Great Inversion of values, as no previous culture was.
     
    Okay, so what is materialism to you exactly? It's a word with multiple definitions. Is it Marxian materialism, the idea that technology and economy shape the way we think and act, instead of vice versa? Is it a shallow focus on material wealth? Is it a disregard for values or spirituality?

    And I'm also wondering why I strike you as a materialist.

    Secondly, what is culture to you? It sounds like you think it's all 'rooted' behavior, but that doesn't seem like a useful definition. This conflates culture with tradition and makes culture a useless word.

    I always saw it as the reflexive behavior of a group of people, i.e. an anthropological, not a moral definition (as in, you have no 'real' culture, but I do, because I'm trad- therefore I'm better). You claim that modernity uproots and erases culture, but by definition, this seems impossible to me, as any given group must have behavioral patterns and beliefs. Modern man, like any men, has a set of values, clear behavioral patterns, ways of thinking, a world-outlook, etc. Globohomo is a culture too, it's just gay.

    On one level culture is a very concrete and specific interaction with the local environment – the soil, plants, climate, weather, animals – that builds up in richness and complexity over centuries, and is unique.
     
    I don't know if modern culture is necessarily lacking in richness or uniqueness. American consumer culture has had enormous appeal to the global masses for a reason. Stuff like hamburgers, modern cinema, 'the great American novel', the Prom, Coca Cola, baseball, American pizza... it's all very easy to deny for culture snobs, but a culture being easily digestible and uniformly appealing, does not make it a non-culture. A Quentin Tarantino movie or Michael Jackson song is just as much a piece of culture as was Beowulf. There's a reason people let themselves be colonized with Americanisms. It's all very easy to praise cute peasant dances and traditional dress, but let's be honest, America has produced much much more in the way of culture than Moldova.

    “boring white guy” trope of the 90s

     

    But it's boring because the white guy is the vanilla ice of the global monoculture- after all, it's his culture. If we were all copying Africa, you'd have something like 'the boring black guy'. Boring means so normal that the novelty has worn off.


    disembodied rationalist outlook
     
    It's easy to forget for a couple autistics on Unz, but remember that 80% of people do NOT have a hardened, 'disembodied rationalist outlook'. Most people are goaded into wars or into accepting refugees by a few pics of dead children. Both rationalism and an exaggerated praise of 'traditional' norms are the exclusive domain of the dominant bourgeois and academic sector. There's a reason a rationalist community exists as separate from anything else, and is not that big. Most normal people mix casual materialism (caring mostly for sports, their family, and their job) with some sort of superstition, like all those astrology girls do.

    Woke recognized no higher value than the manipulation of matter
     
    I'm not sure I agree. What, exactly, is materialistic about praising 'equity' over everything else which is straightforwardly materialistic, like physical safety, or prosperity? Woke people are always going on about abstractions and values...

    Replies: @songbird, @Barbarossa, @Coconuts

    I see that I’ve gone over some of the same ground in my previous comment that AaronB and yourself have somewhat covered.

    To condense my point, I don’t consider modern consumer culture to be comparable to previous cultures because instead of slow accretion which can be assimilated by humans, it practices constant revolution. It’s like the great cultural hamster wheel, spinning madly but going nowhere.

    And while it’s true that America has produced more “cultural volume” than perhaps any past people, it is also true that most of it is forgotten within years. Most of it is designed to be disposable, or “consumable” as the term goes.

    Too, I’ll mention another aspect that others on this board have probably heard before, the critical difference between the consumer and the creator or participant.

    I’d better get to sleep soon though, so I’d better leave off for now.

  524. @Yevardian
    @HenryBaker


    Then in 1200 AD it’s like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most ‘normal’ Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures’ names. I’d say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic.
     
    I'm suprised it replacement happened that late, honestly. But I don't really know a lot about the history of Germanic languages other than English, and to a lesser extent (from what little is known, at least), Gothic and its close relative, Vandalic.

    If I think of English personal names in use I think they're even scarcer, with nearly all sounding distinctly old-fashioned: Edgar, Edward Alfred, Edith (lol), Edmund. I suppose you can throw in a few common native Welsh or Goidelic ones too, Rhys, Arthur, Owen, Broderick (lol), Sean, Alastair (lol), Gareth, Lloyd.. hm, seems Celtic names are more common than Anglo-Saxon ones.. anyway, as I've implied, quite a few of them sound quite comical to native or fluent Anglophones nowadays.

    Armenian still has a few extremely common names of pagan/Zoroastrian origin, Anahit, Ani, Hayk, Arman, Tigran, Nare, Arpine, Gor.. on balance I think more than English, even without counting Greek-derived names.


    Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.
     
    Uselessly? That's a pretty stupid statement. For some reason I noticed that Dutchies seem to be the people with the most negative attitude to their own language in all of Europe, constantly making half-jokes how useless and ugly ('Dutch isn't a language, its German with a throat-disease!' lol) their own tongue is lol. I guess its their proximity to England, near-universal English-ability, and lack of anything (that I know of) that can compare to Goethe, Kirkegard, or the Norse epics.

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook.
     

    I suppose that's unfortunately quite true now. Arnold Toynbee, way back in the 50s (A Study of History), had grave concerns about 'all of Civilisation's eggs falling into one basket' [i.e., the Western], with all the others dead, decaying or moribund (whilst very memorably quoting Coleridge's 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner' doing it, although using actual numbers like Turchin would have been better), curiously Toynbee only considered 'Muslim Civilisation' (he saw Israel essentially Western, linguistic atavism aside.. I would say Israel is very distinct now) as the other viable living example at the time.
    He evidently didn't predict the spectacular rebound of China, or the recruduscence of Indian 'Dharmic' culture. Though to what extent China retains its traditional culture and outlook is debateable, I don't know China that well so I can't really comment on it.

    I guess the main take from Toynbee's writings is that Civilisations die by cultural suicide, and practically never by force.

    Replies: @songbird, @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker, @iffen

    I suppose you can throw in a few common native Welsh or Goidelic ones too, Rhys, Arthur, Owen, Broderick (lol), Sean, Alastair (lol), Gareth, Lloyd.. hm, seems Celtic names are more common than Anglo-Saxon ones

    Sean and Alastair are derived from Norman names, Jean and Alexandre.

    Armenian still has a few extremely common names of pagan/Zoroastrian origin, Anahit, Ani, Hayk, Arman, Tigran, Nare, Arpine, Gor.

    i wonder if this might be an effect of the Armenian church being separate, from Rome and not being under its universalizing influence.

  525. There was the new military equipment USA will be giving to Ukraine in future.

    It doesn’t look like so much that could change the war direction from the current situation. There will be just significantly more of the Javelin ATGMs, more of the Stinger MANPADS.

    There are also 100 of the “switchblades” (a very small kind of kamikaze drone, with equivalent munition as a single grenade, that can destroy small unarmored vehicles).

    Also, 25,000 helmets, 1000 pistols, 5000 rifles, 400 shotguns (which would be for urban war).

  526. Tony Blair wants a no-fly-zone, and who else on his forum?

    • Replies: @utu
    @songbird

    Anatoly Karlin wants to genocide Ukrainians, and who else on this forum?

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @songbird, @Seraphim

  527. @Yellowface Anon
    The world is genuinely going mad around the Ides of March - #DarkMAGA, Estonia requesting a No-Fly Zone over Ukraine, and then that fishy Russia "whistleblower" claiming Xi had a plan to retake Taiwan this fall. Thanks, attention politics. We probably can't survive until 2030 at this rate.

    Replies: @songbird

    Maybe, Estonia thinks that they are too close for nukes and that the Russians would be worried about fallout. And, maybe, many Eastern Europeans have similar thoughts, that they would be subject to military conquest and not nukes. That it would be the West getting the nukes.

    I mean, I’d like to think that it was something selfish, rather than totally nuts. Even if there is strong countervailing evidence that the world has gone totally mad.
    ________
    Jussie Smollet has been released. Under my program, he would still need to spend 145 days in the “Venice of Africa”, Makoko, also known as Nigeria’s “floating” slum. (really, most of it is on stilts)

  528. Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.

    This isn’t the right analogy. Actually, to even get close to fair approximation of the Russian mentality here for the US, you have take a serious detour into alternate history, but humour me.

    It would be as if the USSR, continuing to run aggressive victory laps after winning the Cold War, were backing an irredentist Mexico (who had joined the Warsaw Pact, or some Latino equivalent, let’s say the “Bolivarian Anti-Imperialist Defense of the North”, usually referred by the acronym, BAIDN) with regard to the US South West.

    Or perhaps more accurately still, for the sake of analogy, California has been an independent state since soviet victory, declaring ‘Spanglish’ the national language, aggressively promoting the dialect and ‘Chicano Culture’ as the core of its emerging national identity. Of course, nearly everyone speaks English, and the elites practically use it exclusively, but ongoing tensions with the rump US (without California, the US can be no Empire), still harbouring imperialist fantasies, causes Anglophones to be viewed with increasing suspicion, with an eventual ban of all ‘subversive English-lang media (Ron Unz has long since had his assets confiscated, long since reviled as a traitor for passing earlier anti-Spanglish propositions).

    Eventually relations reach a crisis point, with northern White-Anglo border counties declaring the ‘Free State of Jefferson’ in response to a Soviet backed coup, with a populist Caudillo promising to join BAIDN, declaring his (admittedly awful) predecessor, Llamámeguiguez, a corrupt Yankee stooge.

    Separatist insurgencies break out in the Free States of Jefferson and Cascadia, successfully fighting off the central Chicano army with the aid of Yankee volunteers (US hotly denies it). Meanwhile a few Chicano streetgangs prove more effective than the actual Californian army, popularising the battlecry, “GLORIA AL AZTLAN” despite tiny numbers, they become the source of endless US unhinged hysterics, with claims of it becoming a criminal-dominated narcostate that persecutes non-Mestizos. California replies this is impossible, especially as the government is headed by an Armenian comedian of dubious value,
    George Ouzounian (formerly known as Maddox).

    Stalemate drags on for years, with sporadic shelling around Sacramento, until Soviet owned biolabs are found around San Francisco (USSR categorically denies, claiming them to be old US medical research facilities). US begins invasion of inland country of Alpine, expecting warm welcome as they received in bloodlessly annexing Oregon earlier (it was only recently assigned to California anyway). Instead, nearly much of the country unites against the Americans in response, with the World Socialist Media calling for Chicano planes to be allowed to bomb yankee imperialist d*gs from Mexico, and for readiness of all Latin American BAIDN members for Yankee Aggression.

    Ok.. I think I’ve written enough, I got seriously carried away.

    • Thanks: Barbarossa, Pharmakon
  529. @songbird
    Tony Blair wants a no-fly-zone, and who else on his forum?

    Replies: @utu

    Anatoly Karlin wants to genocide Ukrainians, and who else on this forum?

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @utu

    Maybe he wants the entire "Little Russian" population either displaced into Poland or sent to the Far East to revive Green Ukraine, and in their place there might be colonists in Novorossiya.

    , @songbird
    @utu

    To begin with, Bismark was not the same as the H-man.

    Secondly, if you want to use the word "genocide", I would suggest that it would be better used where there is a radical break with genetic and cultural continuity. And if our choice is binary, I don't think that would be Russia, so much as the political sphere, known as the West. You can travel to France and see whole medieval villages, where it looks like everyone was put to the sword, and not even their distant cousins, miles away, survived to repopulate the place. And, if they did, they would have been crazy to resettle there, as it is now filled with hostile aliens.

    , @Seraphim
    @utu

    If they can find any Ukrainian left in the country!

  530. A123 says: • Website
    @silviosilver
    @HenryBaker


    It’s therefore no surprise at all that some, *ahem*, ‘groups’ with a traditional phobia of Western culture are most implicated in the New Left, Post-modernism, and Woke ideas.
     
    All the while carefully shielding their own group (and 'real country') from such criticism. Used to be, of course, that their group was insinuated into - indeed, sat atop - the sanctification of victimhood narrative, but apart from the big H (itself of diminishing significance with each passing year), their ability to maintain this charade is fading fast. Even the shielding is going to require plenty of zogbucks being pressed into plenty of palms.

    Replies: @A123

    All the while carefully shielding their own group (and ‘real country’) from such criticism. Used to be, of course, that their group was insinuated into – indeed, sat atop – the sanctification of victimhood narrative

    Careful shielding via terms like “Islamophobia” that are intended to prevent examination of gangs, sex crimes, and no-go zones. Muslim invaders use these methods to seize Infidel (Jewish & Christian) land as directed by the violent Pillar of Jihad.

    Using woke “fake jews” as cover is part of the Pillar of Taqiyya (a.k.a. Deception). Real Jews in Jewish Palestine are nothing like the fake Islam ones that you are calling out. Please feel free to call out Muslims who are operating “fake jews” as a front operation.

    PEACE 😇

    • Replies: @Barbarossa
    @A123

    Fake Islam Jews. My head is spinning!

    Replies: @A123

  531. @utu
    @songbird

    Anatoly Karlin wants to genocide Ukrainians, and who else on this forum?

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @songbird, @Seraphim

    Maybe he wants the entire “Little Russian” population either displaced into Poland or sent to the Far East to revive Green Ukraine, and in their place there might be colonists in Novorossiya.

  532. A thread for A123 to get high to:

    • Replies: @A123
    @Yellowface Anon

    YellowTroll,

    Your plan for rapid decoupling has encountered a wee obstacle: (1)


    "The Agriculture Ministry, together with the Industry and Trade Ministry, has drafted a government resolution that provides for a temporary ban on the export of basic grain crops ... The exact wording is to impose from March 15 to June 30, 2022 inclusive a temporary ban on the export of wheat and meslin, rye, barley and corn from the Russian Federation, it said
     
    How are you and your CCP Elites going to exchange their "Silver Rounds" for food?
    ___

    China's unreliability is also accelerating Australia's efforts to end dependency on the CCP: (2)

    Australia has large deposits of rare earth metals, coming in right behind Russia and India. Now, it will invest in projects to not just mine but also refine the metals - something that has previously been left to China, which has processed the metals cheaply, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

    Australia announced almost A$500 million (US$360 million) in funding to boost output of critical minerals, aiming to diversify supply for its allies and counter China’s dominance of the global market.

    Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled the funding for a slew of projects in Western Australia on Wednesday and said the state would become a powerhouse for Canberra’s allies.

    “Recent events have underlined that Australia faces its most difficult and dangerous security environment that we have seen in 80 years. The events unfolding in Europe are a reminder of the close relationship between energy security, economic security and national security,” he told reporters.
     

     
    99%+ of the world accepts that the pandemic came from Wuhan Institute of Virology. While I believe that Xi did not order the intentional release of WUHAN-19. Performing research illegal in the U.S. has consequences.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/russia-may-ban-wheat-rye-barley-and-corn-exports-until-june-30

    (2) https://www.zerohedge.com/economics/australia-invests-360-million-rare-earth-projects-combat-chinas-dominance
  533. @Coconuts
    @Philip Owen


    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.
     
    'Orthodox Fascism' seems to be a contradictory concept, i.e. in Orthodox Christianity God is the highest good and the source of moral law (and ultimately all political authority) and God is transcendent, separate from the world.

    In Fascism the state is the highest realisation of the moral good, the closest you can get to the absolute, political authority derives from the people and their rational capabilities as they evolve in time. Totalitarianism is central to Fascism, every part of human life should be integrated into the state community.

    I don't know if the current Russian state has the capacity to attempt to establish totalitarianism, if there is even any inclination, given the way Orthodoxy is favoured, looks like not. But, it also seems like the advent of some modernised form of Fascism would be more plausible than the re-introduction of Communism.

    Replies: @AaronB, @Philip Owen, @Seraphim, @Barbarossa, @HenryBaker

    It becomes every day more apparent that it is a religious war. Finally the ‘Holy Father’ the Joke decided ”to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, is linked to the apparitions at Fatima. On the same day at the shrine in Portugal, papal almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski will make the same act of consecration in the name of Pope Francis”.
    It is known that the demonic apparition of the ‘Mother’ (aka ‘Our Lady of Fatima’, ‘Our Lady of the Rosary’) asked the Pope and the bishops in union with him to consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart so that Russia would be converted to papism, obviously. The Pope resisted to fulfil this command, supposedly to convert Russia from Bolshevism. He didn’t do it during the reign of Bolshevism. It does it now against ‘Orthodox Fascism’. But that was the aim of Papism since it declared war on Orthodoxy, ages ago.
    Feminists would be happy too. The ‘Goddess’ who tramples on the hated ‘Patriarchy’.
    Muslims would be happy too. Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad and the Jewess Khadija (“the Mother of the Believers”) a similar position in Islam that Mary, mother of Jesus, occupies in Christianity. Duh.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @Seraphim

    Do you mean Catholic Mary isn't Orthodox Mary?

    Replies: @Seraphim

    , @AP
    @Seraphim

    The Moscow Patriarch’s own bishop in Lviv called this invasion “Satanic.”

    And Onuohrey has condemned the attack by the Russian Federation upon Ukraine:

    https://news.church.ua/2022/03/10/zayava-ukrajinskoji-pravoslavnoji-cerkvi-vid-10-bereznya-2022-roku/

    The majority of people murdered by Russia belong to the Moscow Patriarchate.

    Good to know what side you are on, blasphemer.

    Replies: @Seraphim, @Seraphim

  534. @Yevardian
    @HenryBaker


    Then in 1200 AD it’s like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most ‘normal’ Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures’ names. I’d say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic.
     
    I'm suprised it replacement happened that late, honestly. But I don't really know a lot about the history of Germanic languages other than English, and to a lesser extent (from what little is known, at least), Gothic and its close relative, Vandalic.

    If I think of English personal names in use I think they're even scarcer, with nearly all sounding distinctly old-fashioned: Edgar, Edward Alfred, Edith (lol), Edmund. I suppose you can throw in a few common native Welsh or Goidelic ones too, Rhys, Arthur, Owen, Broderick (lol), Sean, Alastair (lol), Gareth, Lloyd.. hm, seems Celtic names are more common than Anglo-Saxon ones.. anyway, as I've implied, quite a few of them sound quite comical to native or fluent Anglophones nowadays.

    Armenian still has a few extremely common names of pagan/Zoroastrian origin, Anahit, Ani, Hayk, Arman, Tigran, Nare, Arpine, Gor.. on balance I think more than English, even without counting Greek-derived names.


    Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.
     
    Uselessly? That's a pretty stupid statement. For some reason I noticed that Dutchies seem to be the people with the most negative attitude to their own language in all of Europe, constantly making half-jokes how useless and ugly ('Dutch isn't a language, its German with a throat-disease!' lol) their own tongue is lol. I guess its their proximity to England, near-universal English-ability, and lack of anything (that I know of) that can compare to Goethe, Kirkegard, or the Norse epics.

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook.
     

    I suppose that's unfortunately quite true now. Arnold Toynbee, way back in the 50s (A Study of History), had grave concerns about 'all of Civilisation's eggs falling into one basket' [i.e., the Western], with all the others dead, decaying or moribund (whilst very memorably quoting Coleridge's 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner' doing it, although using actual numbers like Turchin would have been better), curiously Toynbee only considered 'Muslim Civilisation' (he saw Israel essentially Western, linguistic atavism aside.. I would say Israel is very distinct now) as the other viable living example at the time.
    He evidently didn't predict the spectacular rebound of China, or the recruduscence of Indian 'Dharmic' culture. Though to what extent China retains its traditional culture and outlook is debateable, I don't know China that well so I can't really comment on it.

    I guess the main take from Toynbee's writings is that Civilisations die by cultural suicide, and practically never by force.

    Replies: @songbird, @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker, @iffen

    I don’t have a lot of time to respond at the moment. One thing I would like to mention:

    Uselessly? That’s a pretty stupid statement. For some reason I noticed that Dutchies seem to be the people with the most negative attitude to their own language in all of Europe, constantly making half-jokes how useless and ugly (‘Dutch isn’t a language, its German with a throat-disease!’ lol) their own tongue is lol.

    This is a misunderstanding. I was talking about how Dutch persists ‘uselessly’ in the Middle Ages. What I meant to say was that speaking a discrete language, even keeping it, seems to have mattered little compared to the wholesale cultural transformation taking place. It has nothing to do with Dutch specifically, I might have said the same about English.

    As an aside, it’s therefore funny to me that nationalism always centres around language. It makes some sense (if a nation is an association, you must understand each other to associate. There’s also implied familiarity as a language zone is a cultural zone). But ultimately this obscures much deeper cultural differences.

    “I guess its their proximity to England, near-universal English-ability, and lack of anything (that I know of) that can compare to Goethe, Kirkegard, or the Norse epics”

    That’s true, our literary output is quite humble. There’s some nice Medieval stuff (The Fox Reynaerd), and a couple of modern literary books that are fun, as well as a lot of modern trash. Not too much. However, I prefer to read Dutch translations of literary work, and I write in the language myself.

  535. @Seraphim
    @Coconuts

    It becomes every day more apparent that it is a religious war. Finally the 'Holy Father' the Joke decided ''to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, is linked to the apparitions at Fatima. On the same day at the shrine in Portugal, papal almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski will make the same act of consecration in the name of Pope Francis''.
    It is known that the demonic apparition of the 'Mother' (aka 'Our Lady of Fatima', 'Our Lady of the Rosary') asked the Pope and the bishops in union with him to consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart so that Russia would be converted to papism, obviously. The Pope resisted to fulfil this command, supposedly to convert Russia from Bolshevism. He didn't do it during the reign of Bolshevism. It does it now against 'Orthodox Fascism'. But that was the aim of Papism since it declared war on Orthodoxy, ages ago.
    Feminists would be happy too. The 'Goddess' who tramples on the hated 'Patriarchy'.
    Muslims would be happy too. Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad and the Jewess Khadija ("the Mother of the Believers'') a similar position in Islam that Mary, mother of Jesus, occupies in Christianity. Duh.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @AP

    Do you mean Catholic Mary isn’t Orthodox Mary?

    • Replies: @Seraphim
    @Yellowface Anon

    Yes, I do. The Catholic 'Mary', 'Virgin', 'Madonna' is not exactly the same as the Orthodox Mother of God, the 'Most Holy, Most Pure Godbearer and ever virgin Mary'.

  536. @Dmitry
    @for-the-record

    Lol I notice that Chinese have a good sense of humor.

    This story in the Moscow news, is that a man has complaining to the authorities, that there are too many Oriental and African models used in Nike adverts in Russia. He is claiming the adverts will violate section 1, chapter 2, in the Russian constitution, against discrimination on " rights of citizens on social, racial, national, linguistic or religious grounds", as most of the population in Russia are not Oriental or African.

    Karlin has misreported this story, claiming that the authorities themselves are complaining about the use of the Oriental and African models in Nike adverts. When the story is about a man complaining to the authorities, and the article predict he will "100% lose".

    I'm not sure why Karlin is reversing the story (it is not like Russia needs some anti-advertising based on fake news), but of course, those are geopolitically exactly the two nationalities that the authorities in Russia, will be careful to not offend sensitivities nowadays - Oriental and African nationalities.

    Geopolitically, for the authorities, Oriental and Africa nationalities, are main nationalities to support or not condemn Russia in the UN for an invasion of Ukraine. It's like an alignment of support, or at least a non-alignment, from the Third World has been one of the more reliable inheritances from Soviet times. (There had been decades of investment, with many African and Asian students educated in universities in the Soviet Union.)

    https://i.imgur.com/XjdAYRP.png

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Anatoly Karlin

    The article in question is literally titled “Investigative Committee will check Nike due to the lack of white models on the Russian-language website.” https://ruposters.ru/news/14-02-2022/proverit-izza-otsutstviya-belih-modelei

    I made no comment on the likelihood of him winning, but the mere fact that the complaint was accepted and the complainant in question was not defenestrated by the media and activists (as would happen in any Western country) is telling alone.

    … but of course, those are geopolitically exactly the two nationalities that the authorities in Russia, will be careful to not offend sensitivities nowadays – Oriental and African nationalities.

    Literally the only people on the planet this will offend are Eurofags and Amerimutts, not any actual humans. Go watch and review more unboxing videos, they are your appropriate level of discourse.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @Anatoly Karlin

    You don't have to try to dig yourself deeper. I'm not saying whether you are lying or making the honest mistake, who cares. Although as general advice, if you more honestly admitted you wrote a mistake, it would give people a better impression.


    made no comment on the likelihood of him winning, but the mere fact that the complaint
     
    He has sent an application to complain to the authorities, that he is being discriminated under Chapter 2 of the constitution, because of use of Oriental and African models in the advertising by the brand Nike. Lawyers say he will 100% not win. While you write that the authorities are the one who is choosing to open the investigation, i.e. that the authorities are complaining, while in reality he is complaining to the authorities. You reversed the story for some reason.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1493177927390871553


    mere fact that the complaint was accepted and the complainant in question was not defenestrated by the media and activists (as would happen in any Western country) is telling alone.
     
    Not really, if you write the forms correctly, they have to accept the application by law. This is your right in the constitution law. It is what taxpayer pays for.

    only people on the planet this will offend are Eurofags and Amerimutts, not any actual humans.
     
    If it was publicized in their country, Chinese and African governments would be sensitive if their nationality was removed from advertising in Russia, as it would be bad public relations. Imagine how they would report this in South Africa, which is one of the more supportive countries for the Russian government.

    These countries' sensitivities, were partly how the Soviet Union was able to build strong relations with the third world countries, in contrast to Western bloc, during the second half of the 20th century. Fruit of this investment in these relations have still continued to some extent today and we saw that with the voting in relation to Ukraine invasion in the UN last month.

    If you would read books or learn about the 20th century history, then your posts could be more interesting than being only clickbait or Dada performance art. I'm not the right person to recommend about history. But there are people here like Yevardian and German Reader who are educated people and could probably give recommendations .

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

  537. @Thulean Friend
    @Dmitry

    A man was complaining to the authorities, that there are too many Oriental and African models used in Nike adverts in Russia. He is claiming the adverts will violate section 1, chapter 2, in the Russian constitution, against discrimination on ” rights of citizens on social, racial, national, linguistic or religious grounds”, as most of the population in Russia are not Oriental or African.

    Karlin has misreported this story, claiming that the authorities themselves are complaining about the use of the Oriental and African models in Nike adverts. When the story is about a man complaining to the authorities, and the article predict he will “100% lose”.

    I’m not sure why Karlin is reversing the story
     

    As GR pointed out, he's basically just a propagandist at this point and he has spent years trying to convince people of "Based Russia". So outright lying/spinning stories to fit the narrative is not something that's beyond Karlin, as your comment demonstrates.

    That's also why I depreciate everything he says about Russia, because he has a proven track record of being willing to bend the truth to push narratives. Or outright deleting comments in the case of UKR/RUS war, as we've seen.

    Personally, I don't find it very worthwhile trying to convince people your country is the most regressive and backwards on the planet, but it's even more hilarious when it's far from true. Your comments over the years have made that abundantly clear, and have indirectly undercut Karlin's narrative. That is likely one of the reasons why he resents you. He doesn't like it when someone factchecks him on his wild tales.

    What's even more hilarious is given his own substantial non-European ancestry, it's not even in his interest to push for a superchud version of Russia. As you've pointed out many times, if a true nationalist takeover really happens then folks like him will be a soft target.

    Replies: @sher singh, @Yevardian, @Dmitry, @Anatoly Karlin

    Get hit by a bus.

    • Thanks: Yevardian
    • Troll: Yellowface Anon
    • Replies: @In Lulz we Trust
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Calm down political grifter.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/729094509816991744


    Richard Spencer on the left, accompanied by 3 fellow supporters of white nationalism
     
    https://thetab.com/us/uc-berkeley/2016/05/07/white-supremacists-1133

    Replies: @In Lulz we Trust

  538. @HenryBaker
    @AaronB

    This is an interesting discussion, this is the 'I'll get back to you' part.


    for instance, you strike me as a materialist, but materialism itself is a major part of the Great Inversion of values, as no previous culture was.
     
    Okay, so what is materialism to you exactly? It's a word with multiple definitions. Is it Marxian materialism, the idea that technology and economy shape the way we think and act, instead of vice versa? Is it a shallow focus on material wealth? Is it a disregard for values or spirituality?

    And I'm also wondering why I strike you as a materialist.

    Secondly, what is culture to you? It sounds like you think it's all 'rooted' behavior, but that doesn't seem like a useful definition. This conflates culture with tradition and makes culture a useless word.

    I always saw it as the reflexive behavior of a group of people, i.e. an anthropological, not a moral definition (as in, you have no 'real' culture, but I do, because I'm trad- therefore I'm better). You claim that modernity uproots and erases culture, but by definition, this seems impossible to me, as any given group must have behavioral patterns and beliefs. Modern man, like any men, has a set of values, clear behavioral patterns, ways of thinking, a world-outlook, etc. Globohomo is a culture too, it's just gay.

    On one level culture is a very concrete and specific interaction with the local environment – the soil, plants, climate, weather, animals – that builds up in richness and complexity over centuries, and is unique.
     
    I don't know if modern culture is necessarily lacking in richness or uniqueness. American consumer culture has had enormous appeal to the global masses for a reason. Stuff like hamburgers, modern cinema, 'the great American novel', the Prom, Coca Cola, baseball, American pizza... it's all very easy to deny for culture snobs, but a culture being easily digestible and uniformly appealing, does not make it a non-culture. A Quentin Tarantino movie or Michael Jackson song is just as much a piece of culture as was Beowulf. There's a reason people let themselves be colonized with Americanisms. It's all very easy to praise cute peasant dances and traditional dress, but let's be honest, America has produced much much more in the way of culture than Moldova.

    “boring white guy” trope of the 90s

     

    But it's boring because the white guy is the vanilla ice of the global monoculture- after all, it's his culture. If we were all copying Africa, you'd have something like 'the boring black guy'. Boring means so normal that the novelty has worn off.


    disembodied rationalist outlook
     
    It's easy to forget for a couple autistics on Unz, but remember that 80% of people do NOT have a hardened, 'disembodied rationalist outlook'. Most people are goaded into wars or into accepting refugees by a few pics of dead children. Both rationalism and an exaggerated praise of 'traditional' norms are the exclusive domain of the dominant bourgeois and academic sector. There's a reason a rationalist community exists as separate from anything else, and is not that big. Most normal people mix casual materialism (caring mostly for sports, their family, and their job) with some sort of superstition, like all those astrology girls do.

    Woke recognized no higher value than the manipulation of matter
     
    I'm not sure I agree. What, exactly, is materialistic about praising 'equity' over everything else which is straightforwardly materialistic, like physical safety, or prosperity? Woke people are always going on about abstractions and values...

    Replies: @songbird, @Barbarossa, @Coconuts

    Okay, so what is materialism to you exactly? It’s a word with multiple definitions. Is it Marxian materialism, the idea that technology and economy shape the way we think and act, instead of vice versa?

    My own view on this, I think in relation to Liberalism and Socialism, it usually means philosophical Naturalism or Physicalism, which as you say comes in various flavours, Empiricist, Kantian and Marxian. You could add Hegelian when is interpreted in a liberal, atheistic spirit.

    Secular Liberal Democracy seems to be obviously the dominant political and cultural form in the West, it either flows from the dominance of the above kinds of Naturalism, or it’s advent establishes this dominance.

    I’m not sure I agree. What, exactly, is materialistic about praising ‘equity’ over everything else which is straightforwardly materialistic, like physical safety, or prosperity? Woke people are always going on about abstractions and values…

    Post-Modernism brings some new content to Woke (like some Nietzschean influence in all the post-modernists), but these are all rooted in the sceptical Naturalistic philosophy I mentioned above, everything is ultimately about political power, and this is all directed to meeting material needs and to material liberation and emancipation; humans being fully autonomous and able to fulfill whatever they desire in this life. Imo, Woke is an out growth of the progressive, egalitarian end of Liberal Democracy, when it is acquiring a certain amount of Socialist content (but not too much).

    In Western thinking, then you find scepticism about human capacity to acquire knowledge of the external world, plus Voluntarism and Nominalism, it usually seems to end up either in religious Fideism or in a form of materialism.

  539. @AP
    @Mikel


    Yes, I remember the Cold War. Anyone proposing to send our planes to shoot down USSR aircraft over Afghanistan or earlier on over Czechoslovakia and Hungary would have been considered a lunatic.
     
    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.

    But, just to be safe, I agree that it is better to just give Ukrainians MIGs and missiles, so they can shoot down Russians themselves.

    We seem to have grown bored of such a long peace in the West.
     
    The West isn't the one who chose to invade Ukraine and kill thousands of people in Europe.

    Replies: @for-the-record, @Mikel

    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.

    You’ve said this several times as if this is an obvious fact, if not the gospel. As I recall from the time, and from a quick search it would seem still to be the case, there were allegations, and perhaps justifiable presumptions, that Soviet pilots were flying, but this was never officially confirmed and there is still quite a bit of doubt about it.

    So successful were MiG-17s — in the hands of both skilled Vietnamese pilots as well as allegedly some Russian pilots — that the United States acquired several MiG-17s from Israel in order to evaluate their capabilities and determine what tactics American pilots should employ in order to shoot down the North Vietnamese pilots.

    https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/russian-mig-17-fighters-terrorized-americans-vietnam-192991

    So it is really not justifiable, in my opinion, to compare a (perhaps even plausibly) denied presence of Soviet pilots in Vietnam with what you and others are evidently proposing for Ukraine — an open, undeniable participation of Western aircraft and pilots in Ukraine.

    • Replies: @AP
    @for-the-record

    I was quite clear in stating that Ukraine should be given MIGs rather than have America openly fight Russia.

    Or a compromise involving rebranded Ukrainian jets with American pilots as occurred in Vietnam. But first choice is safer.

    Replies: @for-the-record, @Commentator Mike

  540. @Yevardian
    @HenryBaker


    Then in 1200 AD it’s like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most ‘normal’ Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures’ names. I’d say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic.
     
    I'm suprised it replacement happened that late, honestly. But I don't really know a lot about the history of Germanic languages other than English, and to a lesser extent (from what little is known, at least), Gothic and its close relative, Vandalic.

    If I think of English personal names in use I think they're even scarcer, with nearly all sounding distinctly old-fashioned: Edgar, Edward Alfred, Edith (lol), Edmund. I suppose you can throw in a few common native Welsh or Goidelic ones too, Rhys, Arthur, Owen, Broderick (lol), Sean, Alastair (lol), Gareth, Lloyd.. hm, seems Celtic names are more common than Anglo-Saxon ones.. anyway, as I've implied, quite a few of them sound quite comical to native or fluent Anglophones nowadays.

    Armenian still has a few extremely common names of pagan/Zoroastrian origin, Anahit, Ani, Hayk, Arman, Tigran, Nare, Arpine, Gor.. on balance I think more than English, even without counting Greek-derived names.


    Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.
     
    Uselessly? That's a pretty stupid statement. For some reason I noticed that Dutchies seem to be the people with the most negative attitude to their own language in all of Europe, constantly making half-jokes how useless and ugly ('Dutch isn't a language, its German with a throat-disease!' lol) their own tongue is lol. I guess its their proximity to England, near-universal English-ability, and lack of anything (that I know of) that can compare to Goethe, Kirkegard, or the Norse epics.

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook.
     

    I suppose that's unfortunately quite true now. Arnold Toynbee, way back in the 50s (A Study of History), had grave concerns about 'all of Civilisation's eggs falling into one basket' [i.e., the Western], with all the others dead, decaying or moribund (whilst very memorably quoting Coleridge's 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner' doing it, although using actual numbers like Turchin would have been better), curiously Toynbee only considered 'Muslim Civilisation' (he saw Israel essentially Western, linguistic atavism aside.. I would say Israel is very distinct now) as the other viable living example at the time.
    He evidently didn't predict the spectacular rebound of China, or the recruduscence of Indian 'Dharmic' culture. Though to what extent China retains its traditional culture and outlook is debateable, I don't know China that well so I can't really comment on it.

    I guess the main take from Toynbee's writings is that Civilisations die by cultural suicide, and practically never by force.

    Replies: @songbird, @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker, @iffen

    Though to what extent China retains its traditional culture and outlook is debateable, I don’t know China that well so I can’t really comment on it.

    In my opinion, China has been revolutionized quite thoroughly by both communism and the broader modernization project. It’s a pet peeve of mine, as midwit ‘China-watchers’ can’t stop talking about le cyclical history and Chinese dynasties (and pretend the communist party is some sort of dynasty). There’s a pretty decent guy in my country writing on this topic, called Henk Schulte Nordholt, who points out that china-watchers always pretend that China has some sort of ‘confucian revolution’ ongoing, but this is just Bejing propaganda. China is a Stalinist state, with quite extreme and refined censorship and social control, and is a straightforward one-party dictatorship. The break between the old empire and the new China seems very complete, and this was of course the point of the entire modernization project there (that the old China was weak).

    Just like with the Japan modernization project, the Chinese don’t stop being Chinese, but their culture has definitely mutated quite rapidly. Idk, if someone like Duke of Qin was still around, he could probably give a better take than my 2 cents.

    • Replies: @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms
    @HenryBaker

    I would characterize PRC as a Manchu-Mongol conquest dynasty, similar to two out the last three imperial dynasties,

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conquest_dynasty

    Fascinating article here. The best wiki articles are always the ones that doesn't have an English version--


    After the founding of the German Empire in 1871, the Low German or Platt German movement emerged as part of a broad search and collection movement whose ideological commonality lay in their völkisch and anti-Semitic convictions. In this way it is seen today as a regional pioneer of National Socialism.

    The "boom of the Low German-Dutch-Flemish rapprochement" is an example of this.[5] The Low German movement maintained a particularly close relationship with the Flemish movement (“Vlaamse Beweging”) in Belgium. Since the First World War, the Low German movement had maintained contact with the "dietsche Beweging", which they regarded as a national sister organization. Dutch was seen as a language variant of Low German. Flemings, Dutch and Low Germans formed a unified "tribe" for the actors in the movement. The aim is to reanimate the common "Germanic folk spirit" and to "reunite" those who have been politically separated, as the Dutch activist Constant Hansen had proclaimed a few decades earlier.[6]

     

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niederdeutsche_Bewegung

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  541. @Dmitry
    @Yevardian


    threw in the trash
     
    Elite culture, in the infrastructure and training level, is being asset-stripped for the last thirty years (with apologies to Silvio for this word), like many area, including the military we now know.

    Boris Berezovsky, Maxim Vengerov, Aleksandr Malofeev, Mischa Maisky, Evgeny Kissin, etc, are still dominating in the concert hall, but they will be like the last inheritance of the Soviet/Russian Empire investments in the music. (Boris Berezovsky probably just killed his international career, by violent, anti-Ukraine opinions.)

    Daniil Trifonov has a rising career, but his musical education has been Cleveland School of Music, partly with the Armenian professor Babayan.

    He really went to America for the final parts of his training.

    -

    A lot of less music schools in Russia lose funding. Pianos thrown out of the windows.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJJKr7KIWYk

    Of course, the upper class in Russia, are one of the world's largest financial contributors of the international art world, but there is a bit of double story here as art is "dual use fintech", as it is partly related to moving money across borders.

    Equally, the government can promote a lot of museums and historical culture, but there is a "dual use" for them, as a form of propaganda about historical continuity.


    modern Russia is hardly as ‘based’ or ‘trad’ as its foreign-language media would have you believe.

     

    Well, Russia is "trad" in the sense of having a large aging population, with values not so much changing in recent decades.

    Traditional in this sense refers to the speed of the change, which is determined a lot by the economics and age of the population.

    So, there is a "trad" in modern Russia, as the country has been slow culturally and economically for decades, so the values do not change too fast.

    But in the 20th century, Soviet Union and late Russian Empire, was throwing rapidly and brutally into modernity from the top-down, and there is of course less preserved of traditional culture (pre-industrial culture), compared to Western Europe. It's more of a fossil of the mid or late 20th century values.


    , I always considered myself pro-Russian, but sometimes I feel honestly the concept I’m attached to is really a corpse.
     
    I think Armenia needs to try to break from the postsoviet space in terms of the political system and legal system. Culturally it can choose as it likes.

    If the political and legal structure of Armenia could be designed like Singapore or (pre 1997) Hong Kong, then they can promote Russian/Soviet artistic culture as much as they want. Russian/Soviet artistic culture is great, as long as you do not copy anything like political and legal coding.

    Just like the Ottoman Empire might be a great influence for cooking and recipes, but not so much for administrative efficiency.

    Armenia is receiving increase in investment or immigration from Russia in the last weeks. Although Armenian journalists writing in an optimistic view about it, reminds of living in a house with heroin addicts, and saying "there are pluses of being in the postsoviet house, sometimes they are fighting each other, they forget free food we can pick up ".


    https://twitter.com/atanessi/status/1498720678060728321

    https://twitter.com/Machiavellimos/status/1504053810863521793

    Replies: @Coconuts

    But in the 20th century, Soviet Union and late Russian Empire, was throwing rapidly and brutally into modernity from the top-down, and there is of course less preserved of traditional culture (pre-industrial culture), compared to Western Europe. It’s more of a fossil of the mid or late 20th century values.

    I remember I experienced this as the Belarusian ‘Life on Mars’ effect, Life on Mars was a BBC police drama that was popular in the mid 2000s, a detective from around 2006 is hit by a car, falls into a coma and wakes up as a policeman in 1974. When you got on the train in Vilnius and fell asleep, a few hours later you woke up in Minsk where it still felt like 1990. Then you get another train to the provinces, fall sleep again and it is 1980 where the train stops.

    But, it was the 1980 of Western mining and industrial towns and cities, not that of other places in the West like Versailles or Hampton Court, rural Portugal or Spain, where older pre-20th C. types of cultural influence persisted.

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @Coconuts

    I experience this time travel effect strongly in Russia especially in Saratov which might be late 70s and then another 10 years back in the smaller places.

    , @Dmitry
    @Coconuts

    Lol I was born in the 1990s, but when I think about as a child in school, I have a strong sense like I come from the 1970s. But when I think about as a child at home, I feel like I'm from the 1990s or 2000s.

    One of the reasons is when most of the infrastructure in your school, was not updated since the 1970s. Even probably some of the pencil supplies were not opened since Soviet times. At the same time, at home, we were getting a lot of modern infrastructure and equipment.

    But this is 1970s, of the Soviet Union. Obviously, the atmosphere of those epochs is different in other places. Like 1970s Soviet culture is not in the same historical stage as 1970s Western culture.


    it was the 1980 of Western mining and industrial towns and cities,
     
    If you look in 1970s England, this is like early 2000s Russia. There is some desynchronization. But this is about a country at the leading edge, historically. Their fashion since 50 years ago, doesn't seem more than about 10 or 15 years old.

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

    Replies: @Philip Owen

  542. @Seraphim
    @Coconuts

    It becomes every day more apparent that it is a religious war. Finally the 'Holy Father' the Joke decided ''to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, is linked to the apparitions at Fatima. On the same day at the shrine in Portugal, papal almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski will make the same act of consecration in the name of Pope Francis''.
    It is known that the demonic apparition of the 'Mother' (aka 'Our Lady of Fatima', 'Our Lady of the Rosary') asked the Pope and the bishops in union with him to consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart so that Russia would be converted to papism, obviously. The Pope resisted to fulfil this command, supposedly to convert Russia from Bolshevism. He didn't do it during the reign of Bolshevism. It does it now against 'Orthodox Fascism'. But that was the aim of Papism since it declared war on Orthodoxy, ages ago.
    Feminists would be happy too. The 'Goddess' who tramples on the hated 'Patriarchy'.
    Muslims would be happy too. Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad and the Jewess Khadija ("the Mother of the Believers'') a similar position in Islam that Mary, mother of Jesus, occupies in Christianity. Duh.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @AP

    The Moscow Patriarch’s own bishop in Lviv called this invasion “Satanic.”

    And Onuohrey has condemned the attack by the Russian Federation upon Ukraine:

    https://news.church.ua/2022/03/10/zayava-ukrajinskoji-pravoslavnoji-cerkvi-vid-10-bereznya-2022-roku/

    The majority of people murdered by Russia belong to the Moscow Patriarchate.

    Good to know what side you are on, blasphemer.

    • Agree: Mr. Hack
    • Replies: @Seraphim
    @AP

    Nobody is perfect. Uniates were all Moscow Patriarch's bishops who apostatized.

    , @Seraphim
    @AP

    In all fairness, I must recognize that Romanian commentators on these topics surpass you in stupidity (borderline idiocy, actually)), ignorance and laughableness. Sad but true. I can understand that your emotional involvement, your raging Russophobia, clouds your reasoning preventing you (and not only you, of course) to correctly assess the situation, but for Romanians who would have only to gain from the dissolution of NeoKhazaria (highly desirable and inevitable in my opinion) by recovering their stolen territories by Ukrainians, is mind boggling, being a proof of the success of 'Western' brainwashing.
    I remind you that Mazeppa died a fugitive in Bessarabia, Pylip Orlyk died a fugitive in Jassy.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @AP

  543. @for-the-record
    @AP

    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.

    You've said this several times as if this is an obvious fact, if not the gospel. As I recall from the time, and from a quick search it would seem still to be the case, there were allegations, and perhaps justifiable presumptions, that Soviet pilots were flying, but this was never officially confirmed and there is still quite a bit of doubt about it.


    So successful were MiG-17s — in the hands of both skilled Vietnamese pilots as well as allegedly some Russian pilots — that the United States acquired several MiG-17s from Israel in order to evaluate their capabilities and determine what tactics American pilots should employ in order to shoot down the North Vietnamese pilots.

    https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/russian-mig-17-fighters-terrorized-americans-vietnam-192991
     
    So it is really not justifiable, in my opinion, to compare a (perhaps even plausibly) denied presence of Soviet pilots in Vietnam with what you and others are evidently proposing for Ukraine -- an open, undeniable participation of Western aircraft and pilots in Ukraine.

    Replies: @AP

    I was quite clear in stating that Ukraine should be given MIGs rather than have America openly fight Russia.

    Or a compromise involving rebranded Ukrainian jets with American pilots as occurred in Vietnam. But first choice is safer.

    • Replies: @for-the-record
    @AP

    as occurred in Vietnam

    correction: as may have occurred in Vietnam, but if so it was done covertly and never acknowledged (nor proven by the other side). Ukraine would be totally different.

    Those clamoring for "closed airspace" over Ukraine are clearly, for the most part, not assuming that this can be done by Ukrainian pilots alone.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Commentator Mike
    @AP

    But in Vietnam they were flying from an area involved in the war which was under bombardment by the US - North Vietnam. So whoever wants to let these planes fly from their airports they're welcome. I'm sure everyone has their own choice. Hungary won't allow it. I'd suggest Romania lets them fly and see what comes their way in return - there's some US anti-missile shield there that needs taking out.

  544. @songbird
    @HenryBaker


    A Quentin Tarantino movie or Michael Jackson song is just as much a piece of culture as was Beowulf.
     
    Well, everything is semantics, but I'd disagree with this. I think maximizing utility means whittling the scope down until you get something moral.

    Beowulf has heroic themes, that idealize masculine virtues. For the English, it ties them to well over a thousand years of tradition of their ancestors. And what do we have to weigh against it?

    In Michael Jackson:
    A pedophile who had his own identity problems. Didn't know whether he was a black man or white woman.

    Who wrote globohomo songs with lyrics like:

    Protection for gangs, clubs and nations
    Causing grief in human relations
    It's a turf war on a global scale
    I'd rather hear both sides of the tale
    See, it's not about races
    Just places
    Faces
    Where your blood comes from
    Is where your space is
    I've seen the bright get duller
    I'm not going to spend my life being a color
     
    In Tarantino:

    A guy who created movies that were fantasies about murdering Germans and white people. Or with sodomy. Or who amplified the feminist message of butt-kicking babes.

    IMO, we'd be better off calling it "anti-culture."

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Right, this is indeed semantics so it’s not worth having a very passionate debate over. By the way, I just remembered there is some historical precedent to the discussion over the word ‘culture’ that we are having right now. The difference is Culture with a big C, or culture with a small c. Big C Culture is what is known as being refined, well-educated, ‘a man of Culture’, the ‘canon of Culture’, etc. Small c culture is just a word used by anthropologists used to describe the behavior, thoughts, language, and habits of different groups.

    So there is of course a small-c culture in the west, as it is by the simple fact of biology impossible not to have one. Our small-c culture is, however, quite flat, often anti-intellectual, and indeed anti big C Culture which is by definition unequal, discriminatory, Eurocentric, etc. But what is surprising is that we have now reached such a Transvaluation of Values that it is seen as talent to denigrate all traditional values to the utmost, or at least to deny that there is or has ever been something special about Europeans…

    Funnily enough, even left-wing friends of mine admit that basically they do not care about the intellectual or artistic history of non-European countries, and more or less think it’s all useless. Almost no one truly cares much about non-European musicians or artists beyond virtue signaling. Since European artistry and philosophy is so obviously self-contained, almost no one truly gives a shit about anything else. All that’s really made any sort of big inroads here is Japanese stuff, anime and ‘cool samurai’. Maybe some Buddhism. Otherwise it’s all just a big LARP, which means the Asian-Afrocentrism that’s starting to become academically fashionable, must intensify by force to turn Europeans into true believers that think 60% of philosophy was born in Nigeria…

    • Agree: sher singh
    • Replies: @songbird
    @HenryBaker

    In certain properties, like the video game Civilization or the Japanese anime Macross, culture is treated like a civilizational weapon that can subdue the enemy and bring him over to your side. Probably, there is a certain amount of merit in a definition like that, even if a lot of modern "culture" seems to be mainly the result of profit-seeking by appealing to the lowest common denominator, and not necessarily intentional propaganda, though a lot of it is also that.


    So there is of course a small-c culture in the west, as it is by the simple fact of biology impossible not to have one. Our small-c culture is, however, quite flat, often anti-intellectual, and indeed anti big C Culture which is by definition unequal, discriminatory, Eurocentric, etc. But what is surprising is that we have now reached such a Transvaluation of Values that it is seen as talent to denigrate all traditional values to the utmost, or at least to deny that there is or has ever been something special about Europeans
     
    It is my belief that for Europeans (worldwide) to get on a healthy path again, they will need to reclaim their own cultural space. And Hollywood is not a substitute for that.

    If they are able to do it, it will not be easy, but they will face intense opposition.

    Replies: @Asi.

    , @AaronB
    @HenryBaker

    Sorry I wasn't able to reply to your comment earlier I was busy the past few days.

    The reason I say modernity is anti-culture is because culture is not just a collection of behaviors, which we obviously all have, but a typical and unvarying code of behaviors and practices, a style, that are inherited and binding on members of a community.

    In other words, it's something that restricts your freedom, it's an imposition by the community and by the environment.

    Of course, it need not be viewed as an external compulsion, as modernity has chosen to, but can be viewed as a voluntary cooperation with ones environment and community.

    The resulting "style of life" that emerges from this cooperation with environment and community is distinctive, rich and full of nuance and subtlety, and a source of aesthetic and spiritual pleaure and satisfaction. It also isn't the product of rational premeditation - one does not choose based on thinking reasonably and choosing - but embodies a different wisdom.

    Since modernity is about complete freedom from restraint, it's about "deconstructing" and dissolving everything old and that endures, a culture cannot form.

    However, I think humans have a deep need for roots - or I would put it better as a deep need for "connection", to feel they are "part" of something larger.

    Modernity seeks to deny this basic fact of our nature.

    Of course, as human beings we can also have universal shared aspects of our identities, like being Christian or Buddhist.

    As for American culture that has become popular worldwide, things like McDonald's and Coke and blue jeans are what I'd call the "fumes" of culture - they come from an era that has not advanced as far as ours down the path of "deconstruction".

    Even so, they are clearly inferior to genuine traditional cultures and have an aura of antiseptic emptiness to them, of flash without substance.

    I would submit, the main reason for the popularity of American "junk" culture was that they seemed to embody the shiny new "modernity" that was supposed to usher in utopia across the globe through technology.

    Our civilization was living through a particular "story" about technology and modernity - a story that is now collapsing. In the 1950s, one genuinely believed the world's problems would be solved by the more inventions. No one believes that anymore, really.

    Finally, I'm not really trying to convince you - just pointing out that if you embrace modern "disembodied rationality", or the culture of modernity we might say, then Blacks replacing Dutchmen in Europe is the natural concomitant. More - it's actually necessary in order to affirm the world view that "concrete" human qualities don't matter and humans are interchangeable.

    As for why I think you're a materialist, I just saw you using very rationalist and realist language, so that was the impression I got. I would be happy to be wrong!

    Oh, and about the boring white guy trope - other cultures don't have anything like this to refer to themselves. Thai people, Indian people, Japanese people see their own culture as rich and valuable, not boring compared to others that are more "colorful".

    It's a version of Western self hate, but based on the reality that disembodied rationality has deconstructed their formerly rich identities .

  545. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Thulean Friend

    Get hit by a bus.

    Replies: @In Lulz we Trust

    Calm down political grifter.

    Richard Spencer on the left, accompanied by 3 fellow supporters of white nationalism

    https://thetab.com/us/uc-berkeley/2016/05/07/white-supremacists-1133

    • Thanks: Thulean Friend
    • Replies: @In Lulz we Trust
    @In Lulz we Trust

    It's amusing to watch so many of Karlin's regular article commentators turn against him here. People have finally realised he's a mentally unstable political grifter who has no independent thoughts and jumps on any bandwagon or 'movement' - he was a MAGA Trumptard in 2015-2016, then flirted with the alt-right was at its height and was a shill for Richard Spencer and now he's joined the online 'Z' fad (I noticed he changed his name on Twitter to include a 'Z') . In a few years there will be another movement he will join. Watch him ditch the 'Z' Russian ultranationalism like he did MAGA & alt-right.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird

  546. @Philip Owen
    @songbird

    I've been to rubber industry trade shows in Russia where there were three Russian firms, one making tires and 17 Chinese firms all offering the same tires. There must have been government tenders to draw them in because the 5 people attending the show weren't interested.

    Replies: @songbird, @Barbarossa

    I’m in the US but a local car mechanic who I know happens to be a rather profane Russian. I was having him get me a pair of ag tires for a piece of equipment, and had told him I wanted to spend more for better name brand tires. I was somewhat annoyed when he bought the cheaper Chinese tires.

    His statement was, (cue Russian accent) “Firestone, Dickstone, Pussystone, don’t matter, they’re all Chinastone!”

    It’s actually hard to find small trailer tires that aren’t Chinese. I must say I haven’t had any issues with them so the quality seems acceptable.

  547. @utu
    @songbird

    Anatoly Karlin wants to genocide Ukrainians, and who else on this forum?

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @songbird, @Seraphim

    To begin with, Bismark was not the same as the H-man.

    Secondly, if you want to use the word “genocide”, I would suggest that it would be better used where there is a radical break with genetic and cultural continuity. And if our choice is binary, I don’t think that would be Russia, so much as the political sphere, known as the West. You can travel to France and see whole medieval villages, where it looks like everyone was put to the sword, and not even their distant cousins, miles away, survived to repopulate the place. And, if they did, they would have been crazy to resettle there, as it is now filled with hostile aliens.

  548. @Yellowface Anon
    A thread for A123 to get high to:
    https://twitter.com/EJaydouble/status/1504080915420524544

    Replies: @A123

    YellowTroll,

    Your plan for rapid decoupling has encountered a wee obstacle: (1)

    “The Agriculture Ministry, together with the Industry and Trade Ministry, has drafted a government resolution that provides for a temporary ban on the export of basic grain crops … The exact wording is to impose from March 15 to June 30, 2022 inclusive a temporary ban on the export of wheat and meslin, rye, barley and corn from the Russian Federation, it said

    How are you and your CCP Elites going to exchange their “Silver Rounds” for food?
    ___

    China’s unreliability is also accelerating Australia’s efforts to end dependency on the CCP: (2)

    Australia has large deposits of rare earth metals, coming in right behind Russia and India. Now, it will invest in projects to not just mine but also refine the metals – something that has previously been left to China, which has processed the metals cheaply, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

    Australia announced almost A\$500 million (US\$360 million) in funding to boost output of critical minerals, aiming to diversify supply for its allies and counter China’s dominance of the global market.

    Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled the funding for a slew of projects in Western Australia on Wednesday and said the state would become a powerhouse for Canberra’s allies.

    “Recent events have underlined that Australia faces its most difficult and dangerous security environment that we have seen in 80 years. The events unfolding in Europe are a reminder of the close relationship between energy security, economic security and national security,” he told reporters.

    99%+ of the world accepts that the pandemic came from Wuhan Institute of Virology. While I believe that Xi did not order the intentional release of WUHAN-19. Performing research illegal in the U.S. has consequences.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/russia-may-ban-wheat-rye-barley-and-corn-exports-until-june-30

    (2) https://www.zerohedge.com/economics/australia-invests-360-million-rare-earth-projects-combat-chinas-dominance

  549. @Dmitry
    @Beckow


    will drop the masks

     

    Lol this sadly will only kill Trump's voting base more rapidly, if there is a nuclear explosion near, but where you survive by not being within explosion radius, first thing you need is respiratory protection and some bottles of mineral water.

    So Utu will emerge safely from the fallout shelter with his mask, but anti-mask "Red States" will be dying of cancer very rapidly.

    Replies: @Beckow

    Weird stuff. You seem a corona devotee, get your 5th booster, one never knows. I have noticed how the whole C19 hysteria was deep-sixed overnight, barely a mention. That should tell you something. If you think.

    Utu lives in a shelter, he won’t be coming out. And the ‘emerging safely‘ seems oddly inappropriate with nukes.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @Beckow

    If there is nuclear war, it will be unlikely that you would be injured by explosion, unless you live in major city, industrial or military center, which is probably not many of us.

    Most of us do not live somewhere which would be close to blast radius, so we would not be injured in explosions themselves. Maybe our forum can worry about AaronB is in danger as he is in New York.

    But the main danger would be from radioactive fallout which covers over the much wider area in subsequent days and will be absorbed through water, food or breathing of dust. This will be a much wider dispersion that would kill most of the victims in the nuclear war.

    Utu is scientific and educated man so he knows this. But you know a lot of wider public during nuclear war, might be going outside absorbing the dust that falls hours after the explosions.

    Replies: @songbird

  550. @A123
    @silviosilver


    All the while carefully shielding their own group (and ‘real country’) from such criticism. Used to be, of course, that their group was insinuated into – indeed, sat atop – the sanctification of victimhood narrative
     
    Careful shielding via terms like "Islamophobia" that are intended to prevent examination of gangs, sex crimes, and no-go zones. Muslim invaders use these methods to seize Infidel (Jewish & Christian) land as directed by the violent Pillar of Jihad.

    Using woke "fake jews" as cover is part of the Pillar of Taqiyya (a.k.a. Deception). Real Jews in Jewish Palestine are nothing like the fake Islam ones that you are calling out. Please feel free to call out Muslims who are operating "fake jews" as a front operation.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Barbarossa

    Fake Islam Jews. My head is spinning!

    • Replies: @A123
    @Barbarossa


    Fake Islam Jews. My head is spinning!
     
    Please feel free to come up with a better label. Despite its accuracy, "Fake Islam Jews" is not linguisticially graceful.

    Part of the problem conveying the TRUTH is the lack of concise phrase. "Fake Non-Jews for Exterminating Real Jews in Judea"? As an acronym, FNJERJJ is not workable. So again accurate, but not useful as conversational short hand.

    What should one call post-Judaic, SJW apostates who mislabel themselves as Jews when they are pro-Muslim, anti-Jewish "Quislings"?

    PEACE 😇

  551. @HenryBaker
    @Yevardian


    Though to what extent China retains its traditional culture and outlook is debateable, I don’t know China that well so I can’t really comment on it.
     
    In my opinion, China has been revolutionized quite thoroughly by both communism and the broader modernization project. It's a pet peeve of mine, as midwit 'China-watchers' can't stop talking about le cyclical history and Chinese dynasties (and pretend the communist party is some sort of dynasty). There's a pretty decent guy in my country writing on this topic, called Henk Schulte Nordholt, who points out that china-watchers always pretend that China has some sort of 'confucian revolution' ongoing, but this is just Bejing propaganda. China is a Stalinist state, with quite extreme and refined censorship and social control, and is a straightforward one-party dictatorship. The break between the old empire and the new China seems very complete, and this was of course the point of the entire modernization project there (that the old China was weak).

    Just like with the Japan modernization project, the Chinese don't stop being Chinese, but their culture has definitely mutated quite rapidly. Idk, if someone like Duke of Qin was still around, he could probably give a better take than my 2 cents.

    Replies: @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms

    I would characterize PRC as a Manchu-Mongol conquest dynasty, similar to two out the last three imperial dynasties,

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conquest_dynasty

    Fascinating article here. The best wiki articles are always the ones that doesn’t have an English version–

    After the founding of the German Empire in 1871, the Low German or Platt German movement emerged as part of a broad search and collection movement whose ideological commonality lay in their völkisch and anti-Semitic convictions. In this way it is seen today as a regional pioneer of National Socialism.

    The “boom of the Low German-Dutch-Flemish rapprochement” is an example of this.[5] The Low German movement maintained a particularly close relationship with the Flemish movement (“Vlaamse Beweging”) in Belgium. Since the First World War, the Low German movement had maintained contact with the “dietsche Beweging”, which they regarded as a national sister organization. Dutch was seen as a language variant of Low German. Flemings, Dutch and Low Germans formed a unified “tribe” for the actors in the movement. The aim is to reanimate the common “Germanic folk spirit” and to “reunite” those who have been politically separated, as the Dutch activist Constant Hansen had proclaimed a few decades earlier.[6]

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niederdeutsche_Bewegung

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms


    I would characterize PRC as a Manchu-Mongol conquest dynasty
     
    Does that even make sense? Weren't most of the communists either nationalist modernizers or Chinese peasants? It's an honest question- if you suddenly tell me most communists were Manchu or Mongol with some evidence, that's fine. But seeing the PRC as foreign if the cadres and leaders were all Chinese...

    Fascinating article here. The best wiki articles are always the ones that doesn’t have an English version–
     
    It's also just the German wikipedia being high quality. They always have good articles.

    I'm not surprised there was a Völkisch movement surrounding Low German dialects, as our separation from the HRE (and therefore the German world) was purely political in nature, not out of cultural-nationalist reasons.

    Replies: @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms

  552. @Yellowface Anon
    @Beckow

    A lot of the hatred is the result of decades of propaganda, like the hatred of Germans in the 1st half of the 20th century, and probably the later was transferred to the former because both represent a continental European and Conservative ideal.

    Replies: @Beckow

    The problem with that hatred in the West is that they cannot destroy the object of their hatred without destroying themselves. That drives some of them completely bananas. And some – the milder type like Boettius – only ‘mitigate’, ‘adjust’ etc… they still hate, they just don’t experience it as vividly.

  553. @Coconuts
    @Philip Owen


    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.
     
    'Orthodox Fascism' seems to be a contradictory concept, i.e. in Orthodox Christianity God is the highest good and the source of moral law (and ultimately all political authority) and God is transcendent, separate from the world.

    In Fascism the state is the highest realisation of the moral good, the closest you can get to the absolute, political authority derives from the people and their rational capabilities as they evolve in time. Totalitarianism is central to Fascism, every part of human life should be integrated into the state community.

    I don't know if the current Russian state has the capacity to attempt to establish totalitarianism, if there is even any inclination, given the way Orthodoxy is favoured, looks like not. But, it also seems like the advent of some modernised form of Fascism would be more plausible than the re-introduction of Communism.

    Replies: @AaronB, @Philip Owen, @Seraphim, @Barbarossa, @HenryBaker

    My viewpoint is that Putin has promoted Russian Orthodoxy primarily for it’s value in creating a distinctive national identity useful for his political objectives. I don’t think he sees it valuable in and of itself.

    So much of the resurgent Russian Orthodoxy will be used for and tied to explicitly state purposes and aims.

    I suspect this is what Philip Owen means by Orthodox Fascism. It’s actually not an inaccurate use of the term Fascism, since it represents the binding together of State and Church in Russia. It’s not as though Putin is inventing anything new in going this route, since it’s been happening throughout Christian history. However, as Philip Owen implies it has little to do with the message of Jesus Christ.

    This binding together of the reeds of State and Church is nowhere more apparent than in the Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces which deploys religion for a very explicitly nationalist purpose.

    • Agree: Philip Owen
  554. @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms
    @HenryBaker

    I would characterize PRC as a Manchu-Mongol conquest dynasty, similar to two out the last three imperial dynasties,

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conquest_dynasty

    Fascinating article here. The best wiki articles are always the ones that doesn't have an English version--


    After the founding of the German Empire in 1871, the Low German or Platt German movement emerged as part of a broad search and collection movement whose ideological commonality lay in their völkisch and anti-Semitic convictions. In this way it is seen today as a regional pioneer of National Socialism.

    The "boom of the Low German-Dutch-Flemish rapprochement" is an example of this.[5] The Low German movement maintained a particularly close relationship with the Flemish movement (“Vlaamse Beweging”) in Belgium. Since the First World War, the Low German movement had maintained contact with the "dietsche Beweging", which they regarded as a national sister organization. Dutch was seen as a language variant of Low German. Flemings, Dutch and Low Germans formed a unified "tribe" for the actors in the movement. The aim is to reanimate the common "Germanic folk spirit" and to "reunite" those who have been politically separated, as the Dutch activist Constant Hansen had proclaimed a few decades earlier.[6]

     

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niederdeutsche_Bewegung

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    I would characterize PRC as a Manchu-Mongol conquest dynasty

    Does that even make sense? Weren’t most of the communists either nationalist modernizers or Chinese peasants? It’s an honest question- if you suddenly tell me most communists were Manchu or Mongol with some evidence, that’s fine. But seeing the PRC as foreign if the cadres and leaders were all Chinese…

    Fascinating article here. The best wiki articles are always the ones that doesn’t have an English version–

    It’s also just the German wikipedia being high quality. They always have good articles.

    I’m not surprised there was a Völkisch movement surrounding Low German dialects, as our separation from the HRE (and therefore the German world) was purely political in nature, not out of cultural-nationalist reasons.

    • Replies: @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms
    @HenryBaker

    I don't mean to be entirely literal. This analogy requires some linguistic and sinology background:

    - The Russian word for Chinese is "Khitan", for the Mongolic people that dominated northern China in 10-12 CE. There were other warlike Mongolic/Manchu people before, but the Khitans were the first to be literate and capable of advanced civil administration.

    - One the classic works of sinology is Imperial China, 900–1800 by F. W. Mote. This period was used for the emergence of Khitans and other Altaic peoples who were recognized as equally capable of ruling Middle Kingdom as Hans. All but four centuries during the last millenia northern China was ruled by Altaics.

    - The Qing was ruled by a Manchu-Mongol conquering aristocracy in cooperation with a Han meritocracy

    - Now consider the PRC, the CCP founders are indeed entirely Han by ethnicity*. But its progenitor is again a Mongol-- Lenin.

    - The CCP came to power by conquest, again from Manchuria, with backing from Soviets who were there at end of WWII.

    - The CCP has mainly two factions, an aristocratic (clan members of CCP founders) and an meritocratic one
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princelings
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuanpai

    Xi belongs to the former. His predecessor Hu and Jiang belong to the latter.

    *Han is also a macro-ethnicity with a dialect continuum similar to yours:


    High German : Viennese, Bavarian or Swabian
    ::
    Standard Mandarin : Sichuan Mandarin (i.e. mostly understandable)

    High German : Dutch, Flemish, Swiss German
    ::
    Standard Mandarin : Wu or Xiang (very different but not as far as Cantonese)

     

    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-171/#comment-5085256

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

  555. @Coconuts
    @Philip Owen


    To make my point about Orthodox Fascism, here again is their Temple of Mars.
     
    'Orthodox Fascism' seems to be a contradictory concept, i.e. in Orthodox Christianity God is the highest good and the source of moral law (and ultimately all political authority) and God is transcendent, separate from the world.

    In Fascism the state is the highest realisation of the moral good, the closest you can get to the absolute, political authority derives from the people and their rational capabilities as they evolve in time. Totalitarianism is central to Fascism, every part of human life should be integrated into the state community.

    I don't know if the current Russian state has the capacity to attempt to establish totalitarianism, if there is even any inclination, given the way Orthodoxy is favoured, looks like not. But, it also seems like the advent of some modernised form of Fascism would be more plausible than the re-introduction of Communism.

    Replies: @AaronB, @Philip Owen, @Seraphim, @Barbarossa, @HenryBaker

    [Orthodoxy is not good for fascism], in Orthodox Christianity God is the highest good and the source of moral law (and ultimately all political authority) and God is transcendent, separate from the world.

    Ever heard of Caesaropapism?

    “In Fascism the state is the highest realisation of the moral good, the closest you can get to the absolute, political authority derives from the people and their rational capabilities as they evolve in time. Totalitarianism is central to Fascism, every part of human life should be integrated into the state community.”

    Do remember that an Orthodox Fascist/Nazi movement did exist: it’s the Legionaries in Rumania.

  556. A123 says: • Website
    @Barbarossa
    @A123

    Fake Islam Jews. My head is spinning!

    Replies: @A123

    Fake Islam Jews. My head is spinning!

    Please feel free to come up with a better label. Despite its accuracy, “Fake Islam Jews” is not linguisticially graceful.

    Part of the problem conveying the TRUTH is the lack of concise phrase. “Fake Non-Jews for Exterminating Real Jews in Judea”? As an acronym, FNJERJJ is not workable. So again accurate, but not useful as conversational short hand.

    What should one call post-Judaic, SJW apostates who mislabel themselves as Jews when they are pro-Muslim, anti-Jewish “Quislings”?

    PEACE 😇

  557. @AP
    @for-the-record

    I was quite clear in stating that Ukraine should be given MIGs rather than have America openly fight Russia.

    Or a compromise involving rebranded Ukrainian jets with American pilots as occurred in Vietnam. But first choice is safer.

    Replies: @for-the-record, @Commentator Mike

    as occurred in Vietnam

    correction: as may have occurred in Vietnam, but if so it was done covertly and never acknowledged (nor proven by the other side). Ukraine would be totally different.

    Those clamoring for “closed airspace” over Ukraine are clearly, for the most part, not assuming that this can be done by Ukrainian pilots alone.

    • Replies: @AP
    @for-the-record

    It definitely occurred in Korea:

    https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0291russians/

    https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/seventy-years-ago-soviet-mig-15s-attacked-american-pilots-180977440/

    Probably in Viet Nam:

    https://www.rbth.com/history/332396-how-soviets-fought-against-americans

    Apparently there were also Soviet anti aircraft gunners there. This would be the equivalent of Americans sending Patriot and Harpoon missile systems manned my Americans while they train the locals on those systems.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  558. @In Lulz we Trust
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Calm down political grifter.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/729094509816991744


    Richard Spencer on the left, accompanied by 3 fellow supporters of white nationalism
     
    https://thetab.com/us/uc-berkeley/2016/05/07/white-supremacists-1133

    Replies: @In Lulz we Trust

    It’s amusing to watch so many of Karlin’s regular article commentators turn against him here. People have finally realised he’s a mentally unstable political grifter who has no independent thoughts and jumps on any bandwagon or ‘movement’ – he was a MAGA Trumptard in 2015-2016, then flirted with the alt-right was at its height and was a shill for Richard Spencer and now he’s joined the online ‘Z’ fad (I noticed he changed his name on Twitter to include a ‘Z’) . In a few years there will be another movement he will join. Watch him ditch the ‘Z’ Russian ultranationalism like he did MAGA & alt-right.

    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @In Lulz we Trust

    https://akarlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/olver-d-smith.jpg

    , @songbird
    @In Lulz we Trust

    Are you the guy who thought that Lance Welton was the pen name of Emil Kirkegaard?

    IMO, it would take a special kind of craziness to confuse their writing styles.

    Replies: @In Lulz We Trust

  559. @In Lulz we Trust
    @In Lulz we Trust

    It's amusing to watch so many of Karlin's regular article commentators turn against him here. People have finally realised he's a mentally unstable political grifter who has no independent thoughts and jumps on any bandwagon or 'movement' - he was a MAGA Trumptard in 2015-2016, then flirted with the alt-right was at its height and was a shill for Richard Spencer and now he's joined the online 'Z' fad (I noticed he changed his name on Twitter to include a 'Z') . In a few years there will be another movement he will join. Watch him ditch the 'Z' Russian ultranationalism like he did MAGA & alt-right.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird

  560. @In Lulz we Trust
    @In Lulz we Trust

    It's amusing to watch so many of Karlin's regular article commentators turn against him here. People have finally realised he's a mentally unstable political grifter who has no independent thoughts and jumps on any bandwagon or 'movement' - he was a MAGA Trumptard in 2015-2016, then flirted with the alt-right was at its height and was a shill for Richard Spencer and now he's joined the online 'Z' fad (I noticed he changed his name on Twitter to include a 'Z') . In a few years there will be another movement he will join. Watch him ditch the 'Z' Russian ultranationalism like he did MAGA & alt-right.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird

    Are you the guy who thought that Lance Welton was the pen name of Emil Kirkegaard?

    IMO, it would take a special kind of craziness to confuse their writing styles.

    • LOL: Barbarossa
    • Replies: @In Lulz We Trust
    @songbird

    I don't think anyone has claimed with certainty they're the same person, rather, Welton does (or did) Emil Kirkegaard's dirty work for him. All of Kirkegaard's enemies ended up being doxed with hit-pieces written about them in 2018-2020 by Welton e.g., Ben Van Der Merwe
    https://www.unz.com/article/ben-van-der-merwe/
    https://emilkirkegaard.dk/en/2019/11/the-many-lies-of-ben-van-der-merwe/

    Welton seems to have stopped writing these hit-pieces around the same time when Kirkegaard was shown to be tens of thousands in legal debt, in contempt of court and being sued by creditors.
    https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2021/08/13/its-evil-dont-touch-it/

    https://oliveratlantishome.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/emil-kirkegaard-costs-certificate.png

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

  561. @AP
    @for-the-record

    I was quite clear in stating that Ukraine should be given MIGs rather than have America openly fight Russia.

    Or a compromise involving rebranded Ukrainian jets with American pilots as occurred in Vietnam. But first choice is safer.

    Replies: @for-the-record, @Commentator Mike

    But in Vietnam they were flying from an area involved in the war which was under bombardment by the US – North Vietnam. So whoever wants to let these planes fly from their airports they’re welcome. I’m sure everyone has their own choice. Hungary won’t allow it. I’d suggest Romania lets them fly and see what comes their way in return – there’s some US anti-missile shield there that needs taking out.

  562. @AP
    @Mikel


    Yes, I remember the Cold War. Anyone proposing to send our planes to shoot down USSR aircraft over Afghanistan or earlier on over Czechoslovakia and Hungary would have been considered a lunatic.
     
    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.

    But, just to be safe, I agree that it is better to just give Ukrainians MIGs and missiles, so they can shoot down Russians themselves.

    We seem to have grown bored of such a long peace in the West.
     
    The West isn't the one who chose to invade Ukraine and kill thousands of people in Europe.

    Replies: @for-the-record, @Mikel

    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.

    Wikipedia doesn’t seem to know about those actions:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air-to-air_combat_losses_between_the_Soviet_Union_and_the_United_States

    So at best they were covert operations. The USSR certainly did not declare Vietnam a no-fly-zone. The US or NATO imposing a no-fly-zone over Ukraine right after Putin explicitly warned that anyone trying to interfere in this war would suffer a historical retaliation is just bananas. But many people, including senators from my state, want to do it anyway.

    But, just to be safe, I agree that it is better to just give Ukrainians MIGs and missiles, so they can shoot down Russians themselves.

    I actually disagree with that too. Nothing in the US Constitution suggests that this country was founded to be the arbiter of ethnic and territorial conflicts in far away lands (be them your or my old country). Imperfect as it might be, the world is supposed to have the UN for those purposes. This might be the perfect time to prove if NATO is a purely defensive organization or not.

    More importantly, the best outcome of this war from a humanitarian perspective would have been AK’s scenario of a 48-hour victory of the Russians. Those children and innocent people hiding in cellars all around Ukraine are not interested in any political outcome as much as in surviving this nightmare.

    Fighting this war from the West to the last Ukrainian will not only increase the amount of civilian victims, it will force Russia to escalate perhaps in an exponential way. Does Putin care about Ukrainian civilian casualties more than about his own future?

    • Replies: @Commentator Mike
    @Mikel

    Soviets flew planes in the Korean war, probably not in Vietnam.

    NATO is apparently a defensive treaty. So let's say a certain NATO country allows planes to fly against the Russians, for the sake of arguments let this be Romania, and Russia retaliates on Romanian territory, would NATO defend it since Romania would be the aggressor? Hungary certainly wouldn't let planes fly from its territory against Russians. Sounds like a good way to split NATO.

    Something else, if there are US biowarfare laboratories in Moldova, Russia should seriously consider entering the country to decommission them. If Romania gets involved and the conflict spills over into Romania would NATO interfere as one could interpret Romania's involvement as aggression, and would all NATO countries even want to interfere?

    , @AP
    @Mikel


    So at best they were covert operations. The USSR certainly did not declare Vietnam a no-fly-zone
     
    Soviets planes were definitely fighting in Korea and probably in Vietnam. In Vietnam, Soviets are also (unofficiall) manning anti aircraft guns that were shooting down American pilots.

    I agree that an openly declared no fly zone would be too risky, but nothing wrong with reciprocating Vietnam.

    More importantly, the best outcome of this war from a humanitarian perspective would have been AK’s scenario of a 48-hour victory of the Russians.
     
    From a strictly materialistic POV this is correct. And similarly, Poland should have given Germany the Danzig corridor and surrendered without a fight in the 1930s. But these Slavs are not that way. Even my relatives who went through hell in Bucha do not wish that Ukraine had crumbled without a fight; they just hate Russia now. Likewise with Poles. This is the difference between nations that survive and those that fade away.

    Replies: @Mikel

    , @utu
    @Mikel

    Peace loving, what about the children and btw it is not in the US Constitution to oppose Russian...

    Clear sign that Russia is not doing well as appealing to the soft spots in the heart is the last ditch defense of Soviet propaganda. Hard triumphalism (like Karlin's) is always their first choice.

    Comrade Mikel, with these talking points you may get better results on some other forums like for old church ladies not here among the rightoid retards and deplorables. Nobody blinked here to Karlin talks about mass killings and genocide. Thermobaric weapon anybody? I haven' seen you making even a squeak of objections.

    Replies: @Mikel

  563. @AP
    @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    You can check my history, I have supported Ukraine being free of Crimea and the Russian parts of Donbas for years. I was hoping they would go in 2004. These regions’ inclusion in Ukraine prevented Ukraine from becoming another Poland. They were a poison pill.

    Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    My mistake.

  564. Zelenksy has a dream – a dream to stay in power and continue to make the money mentioned in the Pandora Papers.

    In order to facilitate that, he needs US fighter pilots to go head to head with Russian ones. That or a lot of SAMs.

  565. AP says:
    @for-the-record
    @AP

    as occurred in Vietnam

    correction: as may have occurred in Vietnam, but if so it was done covertly and never acknowledged (nor proven by the other side). Ukraine would be totally different.

    Those clamoring for "closed airspace" over Ukraine are clearly, for the most part, not assuming that this can be done by Ukrainian pilots alone.

    Replies: @AP

    It definitely occurred in Korea:

    https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0291russians/

    https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/seventy-years-ago-soviet-mig-15s-attacked-american-pilots-180977440/

    Probably in Viet Nam:

    https://www.rbth.com/history/332396-how-soviets-fought-against-americans

    Apparently there were also Soviet anti aircraft gunners there. This would be the equivalent of Americans sending Patriot and Harpoon missile systems manned my Americans while they train the locals on those systems.

    • Agree: Mr. Hack
    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @AP

    A Ukrainian friend of mine fought against the Americans for the Soviets during the Viet Nam era. If I recall correctly, he was mostly involved in missile attacks.

  566. @sudden death
    @Thulean Friend

    In fact it is quite likely RF is now an object of US-China negotiation just as UA is an object of RF-US negotiation.

    Replies: @sudden death

    So after preparatory US-China talks have been completed, Biden-Xi call is announced, Lavrov allegedly in midflight to Beijing abruptly returns to Moscow and Chinese diplomat in Lvov does this:

    China on Thursday has “affirmed” its “friendship” with Ukraine, vowing to never attack, according to Bloomberg:

    Ambassador Fan Xianrong had told Lviv Governor Maksym Kozytskyi during a meeting Monday that China was a “friendly country for the Ukrainian people” and would “never attack Ukraine,” according to a summary posted on the Lviv government’s website. He went on to praise the strength and unity demonstrated by the Ukrainian people, in an apparent reference to their efforts to resist Russia’s ongoing invasion.

    https://www.zerohedge.com/political/biden-speak-chinas-xi-friday-ukraine

    • Replies: @A123
    @sudden death

    The CCP has put a great deal of money into Ukraine: (1)


    China has been Ukraine’s top trade partner since 2020 and views Ukraine as a critical entrepôt for its Belt and Road Initiative ambitions. Agricultural exports from Ukraine have also become important for China
    ...
    Chinese companies have been investing in Ukraine’s ports. COFCO, China’s state-owned agribusiness giant, invested $50 million in Mariupol – now a frontline city in Donetsk province, which has been besieged by pro-Russia separatists since 2014 – to triple its agricultural transshipment capacity. Chinese companies also have been involved in projects to dredge the Ukrainian ports of Yuzhny (north of Odessa) and Chernomorsk (south of Odessa).

    Chinese companies also see opportunities in Ukraine’s energy sector, including renewables (solar and wind) and nuclear power. Ukraine hopes to become self-sufficient in uranium and there have been discussions with the China Development Bank about Chinese investment in this sector. China imports nearly all of the uranium it uses. Interestingly, after the Russian takeover of Crimea, China began assisting Ukraine to retrofit its power plants to utilize Ukrainian coal instead of Russian gas.
     

    How much of this investment will be burned or destroyed if this become a lengthy, grinding war?

    The inevitable decrease in agricultural output due to combat operations also poses a serious risk to CCP Elite rule. Countries will not starve their own populations in order to sell to the PRC. To maintain domestic stability, the CCP needs full farming to resume in Ukraine as soon as possible.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://thediplomat.com/2022/02/ukraine-chinas-burning-bridge-to-europe/

     
    https://i0.wp.com/thefunnyconservative.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Socialism-Socialists-Free-market-is-a-disease-sanctions-economy-cant-grow-without-free-market.png

    Replies: @AP

    , @Anatoly Karlin
    @sudden death

    99% chance this is just the latest fake and gay Ukrainian psy-op.

    Americans spent 7 hours trying to browbeat China into stopping its support for Russia the other day, the Chinese sent the burgers packing.

    Literally all the China FUD to date from you and AP has been proven false.

    Glory to Russia! Glory to China!

    Replies: @sudden death

    , @songbird
    @sudden death

    If China were signaling, they would probably do it through one of their state news agencies.

    Not sure I would trust the source, but it is a pretty reasonable thing to say that "China would never attack Ukraine." For one thing, the supply lines would be too long.

    This idea that China will turn on Russia just doesn't make sense, IMO. What are they going to offer them? Taiwan?

    Replies: @sudden death

  567. @Mikel
    @AP


    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.
     
    Wikipedia doesn't seem to know about those actions:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air-to-air_combat_losses_between_the_Soviet_Union_and_the_United_States

    So at best they were covert operations. The USSR certainly did not declare Vietnam a no-fly-zone. The US or NATO imposing a no-fly-zone over Ukraine right after Putin explicitly warned that anyone trying to interfere in this war would suffer a historical retaliation is just bananas. But many people, including senators from my state, want to do it anyway.

    But, just to be safe, I agree that it is better to just give Ukrainians MIGs and missiles, so they can shoot down Russians themselves.
     
    I actually disagree with that too. Nothing in the US Constitution suggests that this country was founded to be the arbiter of ethnic and territorial conflicts in far away lands (be them your or my old country). Imperfect as it might be, the world is supposed to have the UN for those purposes. This might be the perfect time to prove if NATO is a purely defensive organization or not.

    More importantly, the best outcome of this war from a humanitarian perspective would have been AK's scenario of a 48-hour victory of the Russians. Those children and innocent people hiding in cellars all around Ukraine are not interested in any political outcome as much as in surviving this nightmare.

    Fighting this war from the West to the last Ukrainian will not only increase the amount of civilian victims, it will force Russia to escalate perhaps in an exponential way. Does Putin care about Ukrainian civilian casualties more than about his own future?

    Replies: @Commentator Mike, @AP, @utu

    Soviets flew planes in the Korean war, probably not in Vietnam.

    NATO is apparently a defensive treaty. So let’s say a certain NATO country allows planes to fly against the Russians, for the sake of arguments let this be Romania, and Russia retaliates on Romanian territory, would NATO defend it since Romania would be the aggressor? Hungary certainly wouldn’t let planes fly from its territory against Russians. Sounds like a good way to split NATO.

    Something else, if there are US biowarfare laboratories in Moldova, Russia should seriously consider entering the country to decommission them. If Romania gets involved and the conflict spills over into Romania would NATO interfere as one could interpret Romania’s involvement as aggression, and would all NATO countries even want to interfere?

  568. @AP
    @for-the-record

    It definitely occurred in Korea:

    https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0291russians/

    https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/seventy-years-ago-soviet-mig-15s-attacked-american-pilots-180977440/

    Probably in Viet Nam:

    https://www.rbth.com/history/332396-how-soviets-fought-against-americans

    Apparently there were also Soviet anti aircraft gunners there. This would be the equivalent of Americans sending Patriot and Harpoon missile systems manned my Americans while they train the locals on those systems.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    A Ukrainian friend of mine fought against the Americans for the Soviets during the Viet Nam era. If I recall correctly, he was mostly involved in missile attacks.

    • Thanks: AP
  569. A123 says: • Website
    @sudden death
    @sudden death

    So after preparatory US-China talks have been completed, Biden-Xi call is announced, Lavrov allegedly in midflight to Beijing abruptly returns to Moscow and Chinese diplomat in Lvov does this:



    China on Thursday has "affirmed" its "friendship" with Ukraine, vowing to never attack, according to Bloomberg:

    Ambassador Fan Xianrong had told Lviv Governor Maksym Kozytskyi during a meeting Monday that China was a “friendly country for the Ukrainian people” and would “never attack Ukraine,” according to a summary posted on the Lviv government’s website. He went on to praise the strength and unity demonstrated by the Ukrainian people, in an apparent reference to their efforts to resist Russia’s ongoing invasion.
     
    https://www.zerohedge.com/political/biden-speak-chinas-xi-friday-ukraine

    Replies: @A123, @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird

    The CCP has put a great deal of money into Ukraine: (1)

    China has been Ukraine’s top trade partner since 2020 and views Ukraine as a critical entrepôt for its Belt and Road Initiative ambitions. Agricultural exports from Ukraine have also become important for China

    Chinese companies have been investing in Ukraine’s ports. COFCO, China’s state-owned agribusiness giant, invested \$50 million in Mariupol – now a frontline city in Donetsk province, which has been besieged by pro-Russia separatists since 2014 – to triple its agricultural transshipment capacity. Chinese companies also have been involved in projects to dredge the Ukrainian ports of Yuzhny (north of Odessa) and Chernomorsk (south of Odessa).

    Chinese companies also see opportunities in Ukraine’s energy sector, including renewables (solar and wind) and nuclear power. Ukraine hopes to become self-sufficient in uranium and there have been discussions with the China Development Bank about Chinese investment in this sector. China imports nearly all of the uranium it uses. Interestingly, after the Russian takeover of Crimea, China began assisting Ukraine to retrofit its power plants to utilize Ukrainian coal instead of Russian gas.

    How much of this investment will be burned or destroyed if this become a lengthy, grinding war?

    The inevitable decrease in agricultural output due to combat operations also poses a serious risk to CCP Elite rule. Countries will not starve their own populations in order to sell to the PRC. To maintain domestic stability, the CCP needs full farming to resume in Ukraine as soon as possible.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://thediplomat.com/2022/02/ukraine-chinas-burning-bridge-to-europe/

     

    • Replies: @AP
    @A123

    Good points. China seems to have been fine with a quick Russian victory, but now that it looks that Russia will fail to win quickly (and may not win at all), peace is more in China’s interests.

  570. @Philip Owen
    @Thulean Friend

    So what concessions is Russia making? Ukraine has now called up the reserve (200,000 at least partly trained including on NLAWs and the newly arriving Starstreaks). They have now have a lot more men than Russia with conscripts on the way. The spring thaw has really started so heavy vehicles are most definitely road bound until the end of April. It's time for a Russian roll back unless they find reinforcements from somewhere. The Chechens are guarding the Belarussian army while they get used to their new Russian officers. There has been a third mutiny amongst the naval infantry at Odessa.

    Russia saves face by taking Mariupol. It took 4 years to take Aleppo. Russia probably doesn't have that much time. Every day, Russia's bargaining strength is going to erode. So what concessions is Russia making? What concessions can a Russia losing militarily make? If Russia loses too much, the Belarus Army will capture Minsk.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    What concessions can a Russia losing militarily make? If Russia loses too much, the Belarus Army will capture Minsk.

    I’m not following. Please elaborate. Thanks.

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @Mr. Hack

    If the Russian army notably failes to win, it may not have the capacity to suppress Belarus. The Belarus army has allegedly mutinied already by refusing to fight. It now has Russian officers in senior positions and some of Kadyrov's enforcers around to provide motivation. If the Russian army fails by not winning, the Belarus army may try to overthrow Lukashenko. The Russian army is not going to come for them.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  571. As most of you have probably heard, the NYT reported that according to conservative American government estimates, more than 7,000 Russian troops have already died in the war, along with another 14,000 to 21,000 wounded:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html

    Offhand, this seems shockingly high to me, and I have absolutely no idea of how plausible those numbers might be. Given the very wide range of partisan attachments among the commenters, I’m curious what most of you think, and what the likely casualty figures would be.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Ron Unz

    The Russians last provided numbers from day 8 (it is now day 22) and it was about 500 dead and 1500 wounded. This was Russian military only and did not include numbers from the Donbas militias which would have been another 200 at least. So about 88 dead per day. At a constant rate, that would be 1,925 dead today and three times more of that wounded.

    Ukrainian figures were much higher, and American estimate was in the middle. Currently the Ukrainian estimate is about 14,000 Russian dead.

    I’d guess that the American estimate is probably realistic.

    After only 3 weeks, even the low Russian figure approaches the entire number of Americans killed in Afghanistan (2,450). And Russia hasn’t stormed any large cities yet.

    , @A123
    @Ron Unz

    Does "casualty" includes those who "left the line" for medical treatment but subsequently returned to service?

    If so, minor & readily treatable injuries can add to the count. For example, the troop compartment temperature in some Russian APC's can be quite high (above 120° F). Having crew out-of-service for ~24 hrs while they receive IV fluids is something that should be expected.

    2:1 or even 3:1 as a ratio is highly implausible for Injured:Dead.

    Given the "fog if war" I decline to guess numbers. However, anything that comes from the NYT is:
       -A- Almost certain to be incorrect
       -B- The intentional misrepresentation error will be in a predictable direction.

    PEACE 😇

    , @prime noticer
    @Ron Unz

    not that believable. in general anything they say is a lie.

    i think it's more like 1000 to 2000 troops, which is acceptable to RUS leadership and not that bad for a 1 month battle over the second largest area in europe. losing 4 low level generals is also acceptable and part of RUS military doctrine, not a sign that UKR forces are having great success. Russia forces generals to show up on the front lines once in a while to directly organize troops, boost morale, and force the generals to have skin in the game. they don't sit at headquarters 2000 miles away watching drones blow up 15 civilians per missile strike while reading CRT books the way General Milli Vanilli does.

    the media never talks about how UKR forces are getting clobbered. there's never any numbers for them. none of them are getting killed, none of their equipment is destroyed.

    more believable are the civilian death numbers, since there is high motivation for those numbers to be as high as possible. yet in a major war across a country with 44 million people, everybody, even the western sources, agrees that total civilians killed so far is under 2000, which is astounding, considering how when the US invades, they literally kill 100,000 people with weeks of bombing, missile strikes, and drones.

    Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    , @Philip Owen
    @Ron Unz

    7000 dead seems very high. The Ukrainians have anti tank weapons which seem to have been very effective when tanks, apcs and supply wagons have been concentrated but 7000 dead would imply a huge amount of equipment lost in such engagements. In a head to head engagement, Ukraine has no chance as Russia has all the air power.

    It might have been possible when the Russians were in convoy, concentrated on the roads but seems unlikely to me. Half that number, maybe.

    , @Dmitry
    @Ron Unz

    Perhaps we will not know the real number of soldiers who died in Ukraine, as Putin has made a law that the number of dead soldiers, or reporting their deaths, as a result of special operations, as an official secret of the government. This is part of the law of special operations – the number of soldiers who die will be a government secret ( https://web.archive.org/web/20220123152305/http://www.rbc.ru/politics/28/05/2015/5566d8889a79477ecebe00e8)

    It will probably not be considered worth it, to collect bodies of dead soldiers from Ukraine (https://echo.msk.ru/news/2988311-echo.html – Echo of Moscow website might be a dead link at the moment, but they say they will not collect much of the bodies).

    Journalists try to collect news about funerals, from the social networks, but some of the families have reported in local media that they were told not to make a noise.

    There are projects to look at social media posts, to count the number of lost equipment seen in photos or videos. "Oryx" is doing this project for this war as also in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.
    https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html

    And Telegram channels (usually by Ukrainians) posting photos of dead bodies in Ukraine.
    https://t.me/s/rf200_now

    Replies: @Wokechoke

    , @V. K. Ovelund
    @Ron Unz


    I’m curious what most of you think, and what the likely casualty figures would be.
     
    I do not know how many (or how few) readers are silently thinking, “I have no idea how many Russian casualties.” However, that is what I am thinking. Though an (unremarkable) ex-soldier, I lack sufficient basis for an opinion in the matter. Who knows which propaganda to believe? Not I.

    I mention it because you have asked.

    As you have noted, we'll probably learn soon enough how many Russian casualties there have been.

    , @Veteran of the Memic Wars
    @Ron Unz

    It seems very high, based on my heuristic reading of western propaganda. That's a brigade or a division worth of corpses. Anyone seen any reporting on cataclysmic battles that would lead to that number of dead?

    I haven't. All the reporting is just vague bullshit. Don't be surprised if they try to retcon something ("check out this battle from two weeks ago that we are just now conveniently reporting on to make the supposed figures make sense to you").

    This is just speculation, of course.

    I think reversing the Ukrainians' reports of Ukrainian and Russian dead gives a much more plausible result than a straight reading.

    I can buy the idea of Russians losing a relatively high number of men over a large number of small-unit actions, where the ratio of Ukrainian:Russian dead favors Ukranians more than one might expect. And I can see the Russians bombing the hell out of cities and not killing many Ukrainians.

    What I can't buy is a ton of casualties over a short period of time AND a ratio that even remotely favors the Ukrainians. Ukrainians can win hit-and-run stuff but big battles inevitably favor Russians.

  572. @A123
    @sudden death

    The CCP has put a great deal of money into Ukraine: (1)


    China has been Ukraine’s top trade partner since 2020 and views Ukraine as a critical entrepôt for its Belt and Road Initiative ambitions. Agricultural exports from Ukraine have also become important for China
    ...
    Chinese companies have been investing in Ukraine’s ports. COFCO, China’s state-owned agribusiness giant, invested $50 million in Mariupol – now a frontline city in Donetsk province, which has been besieged by pro-Russia separatists since 2014 – to triple its agricultural transshipment capacity. Chinese companies also have been involved in projects to dredge the Ukrainian ports of Yuzhny (north of Odessa) and Chernomorsk (south of Odessa).

    Chinese companies also see opportunities in Ukraine’s energy sector, including renewables (solar and wind) and nuclear power. Ukraine hopes to become self-sufficient in uranium and there have been discussions with the China Development Bank about Chinese investment in this sector. China imports nearly all of the uranium it uses. Interestingly, after the Russian takeover of Crimea, China began assisting Ukraine to retrofit its power plants to utilize Ukrainian coal instead of Russian gas.
     

    How much of this investment will be burned or destroyed if this become a lengthy, grinding war?

    The inevitable decrease in agricultural output due to combat operations also poses a serious risk to CCP Elite rule. Countries will not starve their own populations in order to sell to the PRC. To maintain domestic stability, the CCP needs full farming to resume in Ukraine as soon as possible.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://thediplomat.com/2022/02/ukraine-chinas-burning-bridge-to-europe/

     
    https://i0.wp.com/thefunnyconservative.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Socialism-Socialists-Free-market-is-a-disease-sanctions-economy-cant-grow-without-free-market.png

    Replies: @AP

    Good points. China seems to have been fine with a quick Russian victory, but now that it looks that Russia will fail to win quickly (and may not win at all), peace is more in China’s interests.

  573. I read somewhere that bombing those biowarfare labs could be dangerous as the germs could be released into the air. However, would bombing them with air fuel thermobaric missiles do the job or sterilising them? This could be useful for dealing with labs Russian forces don’t have physical access to like those still in Ukrainian occupied territory or even in other countries. It’s time to shut this evil down wherever possible, as soon as possible.

  574. Zelenksy reminds me of the titular monster from The Thing.

    There is something really strange at his attempts at national mimicry, for personal survival.

    He addresses the Bundestag and tells Scholz “Tear down this wall!” And mentions the Berlin Airlift – demands a full energy embargo. He addresses US Congress and evokes MLK and Pearl Harbor, asks for a no-fly-zone. He addresses UK Parliament and evokes Churchill. What did he say to the Canadians? I don’t know.

    In each case, it is like when the monster tried to copy the sled dogs. There is something off and grotesque, maybe because he is hitting on the superficiality of today’s national identities. Maybe, because he is also on drugs.

    I almost think that if you took a sample of his blood and tried to apply a hot wire to it, it would jump up and away.

    • Agree: Pharmakon
    • Replies: @prime noticer
    @songbird

    "Zelenksy reminds me of the titular monster from The Thing. There is something really strange at his attempts at national mimicry, for personal survival."

    so, like a stereotypical nation wrecking jew, then? people have had them pegged correctly for a thousand years.

    , @German_reader
    @songbird


    Zelenksy reminds me of the titular monster from The Thing.

    There is something really strange at his attempts at national mimicry, for personal survival.
     
    Zelensky is a manipulative asshole, totally agree with you about his performances in front of different parliaments. I disapprove strongly of the Russian invasion and am in favour of sending anti-air missiles and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine (to increase the chances for a negotiated settlement which has Ukraine retain at least some meaningful sovereignty), but tbh I can't say I've ever come across a spokesman of the Ukrainian cause I found even remotely likeable. Their sense of entitlement and blatant attempts to manipulate Western audiences are downright repellent. And some of them are just nuts (can't be bothered to dug it out, but people can look up Sergey Sumleny on Twitter...recently did a thread where he fantasized about Russia getting the equivalent of Germany's re-education after WW2. Not surprisingly, he's been affiliated with the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, the party foundation of Germany's Greens).

    Anyway, some other news from the Pacific:
    https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/US-to-build-anti-China-missile-network-along-first-island-chain
    If the nuclear missiles start flying, it will probably be a truly global war.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @songbird

    , @Wielgus
    @songbird

    Obviously a phony and he probably has a CIA/Hollywood speechwriter. He has much of the vapidity of Tinseltown.
    Perhaps his head will rip off his body, invert and sprout spider's legs and antenna. "You've got to be f%%king kidding"...

    Replies: @songbird

  575. AP says:
    @Ron Unz
    As most of you have probably heard, the NYT reported that according to conservative American government estimates, more than 7,000 Russian troops have already died in the war, along with another 14,000 to 21,000 wounded:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html

    Offhand, this seems shockingly high to me, and I have absolutely no idea of how plausible those numbers might be. Given the very wide range of partisan attachments among the commenters, I'm curious what most of you think, and what the likely casualty figures would be.

    Replies: @AP, @A123, @prime noticer, @Philip Owen, @Dmitry, @V. K. Ovelund, @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    The Russians last provided numbers from day 8 (it is now day 22) and it was about 500 dead and 1500 wounded. This was Russian military only and did not include numbers from the Donbas militias which would have been another 200 at least. So about 88 dead per day. At a constant rate, that would be 1,925 dead today and three times more of that wounded.

    Ukrainian figures were much higher, and American estimate was in the middle. Currently the Ukrainian estimate is about 14,000 Russian dead.

    I’d guess that the American estimate is probably realistic.

    After only 3 weeks, even the low Russian figure approaches the entire number of Americans killed in Afghanistan (2,450). And Russia hasn’t stormed any large cities yet.

  576. A123 says: • Website
    @Ron Unz
    As most of you have probably heard, the NYT reported that according to conservative American government estimates, more than 7,000 Russian troops have already died in the war, along with another 14,000 to 21,000 wounded:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html

    Offhand, this seems shockingly high to me, and I have absolutely no idea of how plausible those numbers might be. Given the very wide range of partisan attachments among the commenters, I'm curious what most of you think, and what the likely casualty figures would be.

    Replies: @AP, @A123, @prime noticer, @Philip Owen, @Dmitry, @V. K. Ovelund, @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    Does “casualty” includes those who “left the line” for medical treatment but subsequently returned to service?

    If so, minor & readily treatable injuries can add to the count. For example, the troop compartment temperature in some Russian APC’s can be quite high (above 120° F). Having crew out-of-service for ~24 hrs while they receive IV fluids is something that should be expected.

    2:1 or even 3:1 as a ratio is highly implausible for Injured:Dead.

    Given the “fog if war” I decline to guess numbers. However, anything that comes from the NYT is:
       -A- Almost certain to be incorrect
       -B- The intentional misrepresentation error will be in a predictable direction.

    PEACE 😇

  577. AP says:
    @Mikel
    @AP


    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.
     
    Wikipedia doesn't seem to know about those actions:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air-to-air_combat_losses_between_the_Soviet_Union_and_the_United_States

    So at best they were covert operations. The USSR certainly did not declare Vietnam a no-fly-zone. The US or NATO imposing a no-fly-zone over Ukraine right after Putin explicitly warned that anyone trying to interfere in this war would suffer a historical retaliation is just bananas. But many people, including senators from my state, want to do it anyway.

    But, just to be safe, I agree that it is better to just give Ukrainians MIGs and missiles, so they can shoot down Russians themselves.
     
    I actually disagree with that too. Nothing in the US Constitution suggests that this country was founded to be the arbiter of ethnic and territorial conflicts in far away lands (be them your or my old country). Imperfect as it might be, the world is supposed to have the UN for those purposes. This might be the perfect time to prove if NATO is a purely defensive organization or not.

    More importantly, the best outcome of this war from a humanitarian perspective would have been AK's scenario of a 48-hour victory of the Russians. Those children and innocent people hiding in cellars all around Ukraine are not interested in any political outcome as much as in surviving this nightmare.

    Fighting this war from the West to the last Ukrainian will not only increase the amount of civilian victims, it will force Russia to escalate perhaps in an exponential way. Does Putin care about Ukrainian civilian casualties more than about his own future?

    Replies: @Commentator Mike, @AP, @utu

    So at best they were covert operations. The USSR certainly did not declare Vietnam a no-fly-zone

    Soviets planes were definitely fighting in Korea and probably in Vietnam. In Vietnam, Soviets are also (unofficiall) manning anti aircraft guns that were shooting down American pilots.

    I agree that an openly declared no fly zone would be too risky, but nothing wrong with reciprocating Vietnam.

    More importantly, the best outcome of this war from a humanitarian perspective would have been AK’s scenario of a 48-hour victory of the Russians.

    From a strictly materialistic POV this is correct. And similarly, Poland should have given Germany the Danzig corridor and surrendered without a fight in the 1930s. But these Slavs are not that way. Even my relatives who went through hell in Bucha do not wish that Ukraine had crumbled without a fight; they just hate Russia now. Likewise with Poles. This is the difference between nations that survive and those that fade away.

    • Replies: @Mikel
    @AP


    From a strictly materialistic POV this is correct.
     
    There is nothing materialistic about my opinion on this. It is just human empathy (just like when we used to argue bitterly about the Donbass victims).

    BTW, have you come around to my view that military assets being positioned inside civilian areas (Ukrainians now, pro-Russians then) do not justify shelling those areas and killing innocent people? If you haven't, it would be incongruent from you to denounce the Russians for doing what the Ukrainians did before.

    This is the difference between nations that survive and those that fade away.
     
    That may be true to a large extent, although there are stubborn people that maintain their culture during millennia, even under occupation by nonnative powers, and that may be more valuable than having a different passport. In any case, I saw enough violence up-close in my country of origin and decided that it wasn't worth it a long time ago.

    It's ironic that an non-believer like me is closer to the Catholic Church just war doctrine than a Christian like you.

    Replies: @AP

  578. @songbird
    @In Lulz we Trust

    Are you the guy who thought that Lance Welton was the pen name of Emil Kirkegaard?

    IMO, it would take a special kind of craziness to confuse their writing styles.

    Replies: @In Lulz We Trust

    I don’t think anyone has claimed with certainty they’re the same person, rather, Welton does (or did) Emil Kirkegaard’s dirty work for him. All of Kirkegaard’s enemies ended up being doxed with hit-pieces written about them in 2018-2020 by Welton e.g., Ben Van Der Merwe
    https://www.unz.com/article/ben-van-der-merwe/
    https://emilkirkegaard.dk/en/2019/11/the-many-lies-of-ben-van-der-merwe/

    Welton seems to have stopped writing these hit-pieces around the same time when Kirkegaard was shown to be tens of thousands in legal debt, in contempt of court and being sued by creditors.
    https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2021/08/13/its-evil-dont-touch-it/

    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @In Lulz We Trust

    https://akarlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/oliver-d-smith-pedophile.png

    Replies: @In Lulz We Trust, @Official AK biographer

  579. @Ron Unz
    As most of you have probably heard, the NYT reported that according to conservative American government estimates, more than 7,000 Russian troops have already died in the war, along with another 14,000 to 21,000 wounded:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html

    Offhand, this seems shockingly high to me, and I have absolutely no idea of how plausible those numbers might be. Given the very wide range of partisan attachments among the commenters, I'm curious what most of you think, and what the likely casualty figures would be.

    Replies: @AP, @A123, @prime noticer, @Philip Owen, @Dmitry, @V. K. Ovelund, @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    not that believable. in general anything they say is a lie.

    i think it’s more like 1000 to 2000 troops, which is acceptable to RUS leadership and not that bad for a 1 month battle over the second largest area in europe. losing 4 low level generals is also acceptable and part of RUS military doctrine, not a sign that UKR forces are having great success. Russia forces generals to show up on the front lines once in a while to directly organize troops, boost morale, and force the generals to have skin in the game. they don’t sit at headquarters 2000 miles away watching drones blow up 15 civilians per missile strike while reading CRT books the way General Milli Vanilli does.

    the media never talks about how UKR forces are getting clobbered. there’s never any numbers for them. none of them are getting killed, none of their equipment is destroyed.

    more believable are the civilian death numbers, since there is high motivation for those numbers to be as high as possible. yet in a major war across a country with 44 million people, everybody, even the western sources, agrees that total civilians killed so far is under 2000, which is astounding, considering how when the US invades, they literally kill 100,000 people with weeks of bombing, missile strikes, and drones.

    • Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars
    @prime noticer


    the media never talks about how UKR forces are getting clobbered. there’s never any numbers for them. none of them are getting killed, none of their equipment is destroyed.
     
    This. The narrative is so obviously tightly controlled. The Russian media talks specifics (this Ukrainian unit destroyed, etc.); while obviously also tightly controlled, the mention of specifics points to their having less need to lie (meaning, they're probably winning).

    Just my speculative heuristic again.

    Why isn't the western media embedding journos with the heroic units of the glorious, butt-kicking Ukrainian armed forces? I mean, how dangerous could it be, what with each invincible Ukrainian slaying Russians by the score...

    Why no reports about specific, butt-kicking Ukrainian units? Journals of their exploits?

  580. @AP
    @Mikel


    So at best they were covert operations. The USSR certainly did not declare Vietnam a no-fly-zone
     
    Soviets planes were definitely fighting in Korea and probably in Vietnam. In Vietnam, Soviets are also (unofficiall) manning anti aircraft guns that were shooting down American pilots.

    I agree that an openly declared no fly zone would be too risky, but nothing wrong with reciprocating Vietnam.

    More importantly, the best outcome of this war from a humanitarian perspective would have been AK’s scenario of a 48-hour victory of the Russians.
     
    From a strictly materialistic POV this is correct. And similarly, Poland should have given Germany the Danzig corridor and surrendered without a fight in the 1930s. But these Slavs are not that way. Even my relatives who went through hell in Bucha do not wish that Ukraine had crumbled without a fight; they just hate Russia now. Likewise with Poles. This is the difference between nations that survive and those that fade away.

    Replies: @Mikel

    From a strictly materialistic POV this is correct.

    There is nothing materialistic about my opinion on this. It is just human empathy (just like when we used to argue bitterly about the Donbass victims).

    BTW, have you come around to my view that military assets being positioned inside civilian areas (Ukrainians now, pro-Russians then) do not justify shelling those areas and killing innocent people? If you haven’t, it would be incongruent from you to denounce the Russians for doing what the Ukrainians did before.

    This is the difference between nations that survive and those that fade away.

    That may be true to a large extent, although there are stubborn people that maintain their culture during millennia, even under occupation by nonnative powers, and that may be more valuable than having a different passport. In any case, I saw enough violence up-close in my country of origin and decided that it wasn’t worth it a long time ago.

    It’s ironic that an non-believer like me is closer to the Catholic Church just war doctrine than a Christian like you.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Mikel


    BTW, have you come around to my view that military assets being positioned inside civilian areas (Ukrainians now, pro-Russians then) do not justify shelling those areas and killing innocent people?
     
    1. I am consistent is stating that randomly hitting civilian areas is wrong, but shooting back on positions after one has been fired upon (in order to save oneself) is acceptable. Most of the Russian attacks and destruction have not been upon civilian areas that were sources of fire upon Russian positions. They are just shelling residential areas.

    2. Russia is attacking and invading another country. Ukraine was fighting a civil war with Russian invaders helping the rebels. So, a very different context. Ukrainians had no choice but to hold their positions, and when rebels/Russians fired upon them they fired back. In contrast, Russia chose to cross the border and invade Ukraine. Totally different circumstances.

    3. In the 2 years when the Donbas war was hot, about 3,000 civilians died. UN estimates 2,000 already in 3 weeks,; this number will grow a lot. So the scale is very different.

    So it's just a false comparison.

    It’s ironic that an non-believer like me is closer to the Catholic Church just war doctrine
     
    Ukraine defending itself from Russian invasion does not contradict Just War doctrine. Nor did Poland fighting Germany.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_war_theory#Contemporary_Catholic_doctrine

    The just war doctrine of the Catholic Church found in the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraph 2309, lists four strict conditions for "legitimate defense by military force":[29][30]

    the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;

    Russian occupation and destruction of Ukrainian culture would indeed be grave damage

    all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;

    Russia invaded. Nothing could be done but to fight once Russian missiles hit Ukrainian territory and Russian troops crossed onto Ukrainian soil.

    there must be serious prospects of success;

    While odds of success were less than 50%, they were substantial, contrary to Russia fanboy wishes.

    the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated .

    Yes.

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Mikel

  581. @Mikel
    @AP


    Soviet planes and pilots were shooting down Americans in Vietnam and there was no World War III.
     
    Wikipedia doesn't seem to know about those actions:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air-to-air_combat_losses_between_the_Soviet_Union_and_the_United_States

    So at best they were covert operations. The USSR certainly did not declare Vietnam a no-fly-zone. The US or NATO imposing a no-fly-zone over Ukraine right after Putin explicitly warned that anyone trying to interfere in this war would suffer a historical retaliation is just bananas. But many people, including senators from my state, want to do it anyway.

    But, just to be safe, I agree that it is better to just give Ukrainians MIGs and missiles, so they can shoot down Russians themselves.
     
    I actually disagree with that too. Nothing in the US Constitution suggests that this country was founded to be the arbiter of ethnic and territorial conflicts in far away lands (be them your or my old country). Imperfect as it might be, the world is supposed to have the UN for those purposes. This might be the perfect time to prove if NATO is a purely defensive organization or not.

    More importantly, the best outcome of this war from a humanitarian perspective would have been AK's scenario of a 48-hour victory of the Russians. Those children and innocent people hiding in cellars all around Ukraine are not interested in any political outcome as much as in surviving this nightmare.

    Fighting this war from the West to the last Ukrainian will not only increase the amount of civilian victims, it will force Russia to escalate perhaps in an exponential way. Does Putin care about Ukrainian civilian casualties more than about his own future?

    Replies: @Commentator Mike, @AP, @utu

    Peace loving, what about the children and btw it is not in the US Constitution to oppose Russian…

    Clear sign that Russia is not doing well as appealing to the soft spots in the heart is the last ditch defense of Soviet propaganda. Hard triumphalism (like Karlin’s) is always their first choice.

    Comrade Mikel, with these talking points you may get better results on some other forums like for old church ladies not here among the rightoid retards and deplorables. Nobody blinked here to Karlin talks about mass killings and genocide. Thermobaric weapon anybody? I haven’ seen you making even a squeak of objections.

    • Replies: @Mikel
    @utu


    Thermobaric weapon anybody? I haven’ seen you making even a squeak of objections.
     
    I don't have the time to post my opposition to everything I see written on Unz's most popular blog. But if you somehow think that I endorse AK's threats of thermobaric weapons or Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine, either you are not paying any attention or I am making a very bad job at explaining myself.

    Avoiding the risk a nuclear war used to be the default position of everybody not a long time ago, including hardcore Reaganites and Thatcherists. I don't feel like it's me who has abandoned common sense principles at all.

    Replies: @utu

  582. @Coconuts
    @Dmitry


    But in the 20th century, Soviet Union and late Russian Empire, was throwing rapidly and brutally into modernity from the top-down, and there is of course less preserved of traditional culture (pre-industrial culture), compared to Western Europe. It’s more of a fossil of the mid or late 20th century values.
     
    I remember I experienced this as the Belarusian 'Life on Mars' effect, Life on Mars was a BBC police drama that was popular in the mid 2000s, a detective from around 2006 is hit by a car, falls into a coma and wakes up as a policeman in 1974. When you got on the train in Vilnius and fell asleep, a few hours later you woke up in Minsk where it still felt like 1990. Then you get another train to the provinces, fall sleep again and it is 1980 where the train stops.

    But, it was the 1980 of Western mining and industrial towns and cities, not that of other places in the West like Versailles or Hampton Court, rural Portugal or Spain, where older pre-20th C. types of cultural influence persisted.

    Replies: @Philip Owen, @Dmitry

    I experience this time travel effect strongly in Russia especially in Saratov which might be late 70s and then another 10 years back in the smaller places.

  583. @songbird
    Zelenksy reminds me of the titular monster from The Thing.

    There is something really strange at his attempts at national mimicry, for personal survival.

    He addresses the Bundestag and tells Scholz "Tear down this wall!" And mentions the Berlin Airlift - demands a full energy embargo. He addresses US Congress and evokes MLK and Pearl Harbor, asks for a no-fly-zone. He addresses UK Parliament and evokes Churchill. What did he say to the Canadians? I don't know.

    In each case, it is like when the monster tried to copy the sled dogs. There is something off and grotesque, maybe because he is hitting on the superficiality of today's national identities. Maybe, because he is also on drugs.

    I almost think that if you took a sample of his blood and tried to apply a hot wire to it, it would jump up and away.

    Replies: @prime noticer, @German_reader, @Wielgus

    “Zelenksy reminds me of the titular monster from The Thing. There is something really strange at his attempts at national mimicry, for personal survival.”

    so, like a stereotypical nation wrecking jew, then? people have had them pegged correctly for a thousand years.

  584. @Mr. Hack
    @Philip Owen


    What concessions can a Russia losing militarily make? If Russia loses too much, the Belarus Army will capture Minsk.
     
    I'm not following. Please elaborate. Thanks.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    If the Russian army notably failes to win, it may not have the capacity to suppress Belarus. The Belarus army has allegedly mutinied already by refusing to fight. It now has Russian officers in senior positions and some of Kadyrov’s enforcers around to provide motivation. If the Russian army fails by not winning, the Belarus army may try to overthrow Lukashenko. The Russian army is not going to come for them.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Philip Owen

    I find that this information is fascinating, and something that you don't come across (at least I haven't) too often. A really important side story to the war. Any good citations that you could provide regarding this Byelorussian angle would be appreciated. Thanks!

  585. @Ron Unz
    As most of you have probably heard, the NYT reported that according to conservative American government estimates, more than 7,000 Russian troops have already died in the war, along with another 14,000 to 21,000 wounded:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html

    Offhand, this seems shockingly high to me, and I have absolutely no idea of how plausible those numbers might be. Given the very wide range of partisan attachments among the commenters, I'm curious what most of you think, and what the likely casualty figures would be.

    Replies: @AP, @A123, @prime noticer, @Philip Owen, @Dmitry, @V. K. Ovelund, @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    7000 dead seems very high. The Ukrainians have anti tank weapons which seem to have been very effective when tanks, apcs and supply wagons have been concentrated but 7000 dead would imply a huge amount of equipment lost in such engagements. In a head to head engagement, Ukraine has no chance as Russia has all the air power.

    It might have been possible when the Russians were in convoy, concentrated on the roads but seems unlikely to me. Half that number, maybe.

  586. @utu
    @Mikel

    Peace loving, what about the children and btw it is not in the US Constitution to oppose Russian...

    Clear sign that Russia is not doing well as appealing to the soft spots in the heart is the last ditch defense of Soviet propaganda. Hard triumphalism (like Karlin's) is always their first choice.

    Comrade Mikel, with these talking points you may get better results on some other forums like for old church ladies not here among the rightoid retards and deplorables. Nobody blinked here to Karlin talks about mass killings and genocide. Thermobaric weapon anybody? I haven' seen you making even a squeak of objections.

    Replies: @Mikel

    Thermobaric weapon anybody? I haven’ seen you making even a squeak of objections.

    I don’t have the time to post my opposition to everything I see written on Unz’s most popular blog. But if you somehow think that I endorse AK’s threats of thermobaric weapons or Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine, either you are not paying any attention or I am making a very bad job at explaining myself.

    Avoiding the risk a nuclear war used to be the default position of everybody not a long time ago, including hardcore Reaganites and Thatcherists. I don’t feel like it’s me who has abandoned common sense principles at all.

    • Replies: @utu
    @Mikel

    At best you are confused but most likely you're a Putin troll like pretty much everybody here.

    Replies: @Mikel

  587. @In Lulz We Trust
    @songbird

    I don't think anyone has claimed with certainty they're the same person, rather, Welton does (or did) Emil Kirkegaard's dirty work for him. All of Kirkegaard's enemies ended up being doxed with hit-pieces written about them in 2018-2020 by Welton e.g., Ben Van Der Merwe
    https://www.unz.com/article/ben-van-der-merwe/
    https://emilkirkegaard.dk/en/2019/11/the-many-lies-of-ben-van-der-merwe/

    Welton seems to have stopped writing these hit-pieces around the same time when Kirkegaard was shown to be tens of thousands in legal debt, in contempt of court and being sued by creditors.
    https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2021/08/13/its-evil-dont-touch-it/

    https://oliveratlantishome.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/emil-kirkegaard-costs-certificate.png

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

    • Replies: @In Lulz We Trust
    @Anatoly Karlin

    You have a lot of psychological projection issues to say the least...

    Here's you claiming you find 14 year girls "hot" -

    https://encyclopediadramatica.online/Anatoly_Karlin#Sexual_attraction_to_young_teenage_girls
    https://trad-news.blogspot.com/2021/10/14-year-old-girl-respecter-anatoly.html

    Why is it you've spent ~3 years smearing ODS as a pedophile across the internet but can't provide a single shred of evidence, not even a single quote?

    You're also projecting on the incel smear on your blog:

    https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Anatoly_Karlin#.22Pseudo-rape.22_apologism


    Karlin's controversial views on rape are nonsurprisingly shared by incels and his writings are quoted by incel, MRM and manosphere bloggers.[112]

    He has been described as an "original incel theorist".
     

    Your odious posts are literally quoted with approval on incel and manospere blogs.

    Replies: @Official AK biographer, @Asi.

    , @Official AK biographer
    @Anatoly Karlin

    I find it amusing you attack Lord ODS here but are highly influenced by him and have been adopting his views for the past few years-

    1. You criticised veganism/vegetarianism for years but recently have adopted a more sympathetic attitude to plant-based diets and suddenly claim to love Indian cuisine (most Indian recipes are plant-based), this is despite the fact you were claiming in the 2010s you wanted to ban vegetarianism in India and described vegetarianism as a malnourished diet which lowers IQ.
    2. Distancing yourself, at least cosmetically, from the alt-right/WN in response to the RationalWiki page ODS wrote in 2019.
    3. No public usage anymore of racist slurs (the last ones you made such as the n-word were in 2019). This was after ODS quoted them on RW and you came close to an apology on your blog claiming they were too harsh.

    You have a long way to go, but my predictions -

    2025 - Anatoly Karlin will distance himself from HBD crackpottery.

    2030 - Anatoly Karlin's diet will be plant-based and he will be an antinatalist.

    Replies: @Yevardian

  588. @sudden death
    @sudden death

    So after preparatory US-China talks have been completed, Biden-Xi call is announced, Lavrov allegedly in midflight to Beijing abruptly returns to Moscow and Chinese diplomat in Lvov does this:



    China on Thursday has "affirmed" its "friendship" with Ukraine, vowing to never attack, according to Bloomberg:

    Ambassador Fan Xianrong had told Lviv Governor Maksym Kozytskyi during a meeting Monday that China was a “friendly country for the Ukrainian people” and would “never attack Ukraine,” according to a summary posted on the Lviv government’s website. He went on to praise the strength and unity demonstrated by the Ukrainian people, in an apparent reference to their efforts to resist Russia’s ongoing invasion.
     
    https://www.zerohedge.com/political/biden-speak-chinas-xi-friday-ukraine

    Replies: @A123, @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird

    99% chance this is just the latest fake and gay Ukrainian psy-op.

    Americans spent 7 hours trying to browbeat China into stopping its support for Russia the other day, the Chinese sent the burgers packing.

    Literally all the China FUD to date from you and AP has been proven false.

    Glory to Russia! Glory to China!

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Shock and disbelief.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

  589. @Mikel
    @utu


    Thermobaric weapon anybody? I haven’ seen you making even a squeak of objections.
     
    I don't have the time to post my opposition to everything I see written on Unz's most popular blog. But if you somehow think that I endorse AK's threats of thermobaric weapons or Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine, either you are not paying any attention or I am making a very bad job at explaining myself.

    Avoiding the risk a nuclear war used to be the default position of everybody not a long time ago, including hardcore Reaganites and Thatcherists. I don't feel like it's me who has abandoned common sense principles at all.

    Replies: @utu

    At best you are confused but most likely you’re a Putin troll like pretty much everybody here.

    • Replies: @Mikel
    @utu


    At best you are confused
     
    Confused about what?

    Tens of millions of civilian deaths being worse than thousands? Being against American interventionism around the world?

    And weren't you a Catholic too?

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_war_theory#Contemporary_Catholic_doctrine

    most likely you’re a Putin troll like pretty much everybody here.
     
    Whatever your opinions, please let's keep the difference between this blog and the Saker's or the Truth Jihadist's. Don't let yourself descend to those infantile levels of discussion.

    Replies: @utu

  590. In other news: Stacey Abrams recently played United Earth president on Star Trek STD.

    • Replies: @Barbarossa
    @songbird

    Star Trek STD?! Where are they going NOW where no man has gone before?!

    To your post, that seems like some pro-grade virtue signalling there!

    Replies: @songbird

  591. @HenryBaker
    @songbird

    Right, this is indeed semantics so it's not worth having a very passionate debate over. By the way, I just remembered there is some historical precedent to the discussion over the word 'culture' that we are having right now. The difference is Culture with a big C, or culture with a small c. Big C Culture is what is known as being refined, well-educated, 'a man of Culture', the 'canon of Culture', etc. Small c culture is just a word used by anthropologists used to describe the behavior, thoughts, language, and habits of different groups.

    So there is of course a small-c culture in the west, as it is by the simple fact of biology impossible not to have one. Our small-c culture is, however, quite flat, often anti-intellectual, and indeed anti big C Culture which is by definition unequal, discriminatory, Eurocentric, etc. But what is surprising is that we have now reached such a Transvaluation of Values that it is seen as talent to denigrate all traditional values to the utmost, or at least to deny that there is or has ever been something special about Europeans...

    Funnily enough, even left-wing friends of mine admit that basically they do not care about the intellectual or artistic history of non-European countries, and more or less think it's all useless. Almost no one truly cares much about non-European musicians or artists beyond virtue signaling. Since European artistry and philosophy is so obviously self-contained, almost no one truly gives a shit about anything else. All that's really made any sort of big inroads here is Japanese stuff, anime and 'cool samurai'. Maybe some Buddhism. Otherwise it's all just a big LARP, which means the Asian-Afrocentrism that's starting to become academically fashionable, must intensify by force to turn Europeans into true believers that think 60% of philosophy was born in Nigeria...

    Replies: @songbird, @AaronB

    In certain properties, like the video game Civilization or the Japanese anime Macross, culture is treated like a civilizational weapon that can subdue the enemy and bring him over to your side. Probably, there is a certain amount of merit in a definition like that, even if a lot of modern “culture” seems to be mainly the result of profit-seeking by appealing to the lowest common denominator, and not necessarily intentional propaganda, though a lot of it is also that.

    So there is of course a small-c culture in the west, as it is by the simple fact of biology impossible not to have one. Our small-c culture is, however, quite flat, often anti-intellectual, and indeed anti big C Culture which is by definition unequal, discriminatory, Eurocentric, etc. But what is surprising is that we have now reached such a Transvaluation of Values that it is seen as talent to denigrate all traditional values to the utmost, or at least to deny that there is or has ever been something special about Europeans

    It is my belief that for Europeans (worldwide) to get on a healthy path again, they will need to reclaim their own cultural space. And Hollywood is not a substitute for that.

    If they are able to do it, it will not be easy, but they will face intense opposition.

    • Replies: @Asi.
    @songbird

    "It is my belief that for Europeans (worldwide) to get on a healthy path again, they will need to reclaim their own cultural space. And Hollywood is not a substitute for that"


    They have abdicated that rol the mayority of writters here like hudson , anglin .... are incapable of imagining a future were euro american are capable of confronting sucessfully the stablishment , they have delegated that paper to russia and china. The mayority of people here have blackpilled thenselfs talking 24 h/ d about the jews and their influence ( myself included) without building a counter narrative that could gave us a reason to exist to legitimely reclaim the west ; nobody love that more than the jews thenselfs .

  592. @utu
    @Mikel

    At best you are confused but most likely you're a Putin troll like pretty much everybody here.

    Replies: @Mikel

    At best you are confused

    Confused about what?

    Tens of millions of civilian deaths being worse than thousands? Being against American interventionism around the world?

    And weren’t you a Catholic too?

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_war_theory#Contemporary_Catholic_doctrine

    most likely you’re a Putin troll like pretty much everybody here.

    Whatever your opinions, please let’s keep the difference between this blog and the Saker’s or the Truth Jihadist’s. Don’t let yourself descend to those infantile levels of discussion.

    • Replies: @utu
    @Mikel

    Make your appeals and supplications to Putin. He started the war and he can stop it. He is who threatened nuclear strikes. It is Russia which has the doctrine of deescalation of conventional conflict through escalation via nuclear strike. If you are concerned with nuclear weapons and wars write letters to Putin and appeal to his conscience but do not put morals blackmail on people who are right now fighting to defend their country against Putin aggression. The West will not be the first to use the nuclear weapon. It will be Russia. They have said it so. The West eventually will impose the no-fly zone but it will be up to Russia to escalate.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

  593. @Philip Owen
    @Mr. Hack

    If the Russian army notably failes to win, it may not have the capacity to suppress Belarus. The Belarus army has allegedly mutinied already by refusing to fight. It now has Russian officers in senior positions and some of Kadyrov's enforcers around to provide motivation. If the Russian army fails by not winning, the Belarus army may try to overthrow Lukashenko. The Russian army is not going to come for them.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    I find that this information is fascinating, and something that you don’t come across (at least I haven’t) too often. A really important side story to the war. Any good citations that you could provide regarding this Byelorussian angle would be appreciated. Thanks!

  594. @Anatoly Karlin
    @sudden death

    99% chance this is just the latest fake and gay Ukrainian psy-op.

    Americans spent 7 hours trying to browbeat China into stopping its support for Russia the other day, the Chinese sent the burgers packing.

    Literally all the China FUD to date from you and AP has been proven false.

    Glory to Russia! Glory to China!

    Replies: @sudden death

    Shock and disbelief.

    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @sudden death

    Well said. Shock and disbelief indeed. This is a racial holy war against Western Supremacy.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1496534595759710210

    https://twitter.com/MFA_China/status/1501185437901082629

    https://twitter.com/unquirer/status/1504102321294348294

    Replies: @iffen, @AP, @sudden death, @Mr. Hack

  595. @Mikel
    @utu


    At best you are confused
     
    Confused about what?

    Tens of millions of civilian deaths being worse than thousands? Being against American interventionism around the world?

    And weren't you a Catholic too?

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_war_theory#Contemporary_Catholic_doctrine

    most likely you’re a Putin troll like pretty much everybody here.
     
    Whatever your opinions, please let's keep the difference between this blog and the Saker's or the Truth Jihadist's. Don't let yourself descend to those infantile levels of discussion.

    Replies: @utu

    Make your appeals and supplications to Putin. He started the war and he can stop it. He is who threatened nuclear strikes. It is Russia which has the doctrine of deescalation of conventional conflict through escalation via nuclear strike. If you are concerned with nuclear weapons and wars write letters to Putin and appeal to his conscience but do not put morals blackmail on people who are right now fighting to defend their country against Putin aggression. The West will not be the first to use the nuclear weapon. It will be Russia. They have said it so. The West eventually will impose the no-fly zone but it will be up to Russia to escalate.

    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @utu


    The West eventually will impose the no-fly zone but it will be up to Russia to escalate.
     
    https://www.unz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/russia-do-we-nuke-america-3.png

    Бабахнем.

    Remember what Putin said: We (Russians) will go to Heaven, but you will not even have time to repent.

    Replies: @sudden death

  596. @HenryBaker
    @songbird

    Right, this is indeed semantics so it's not worth having a very passionate debate over. By the way, I just remembered there is some historical precedent to the discussion over the word 'culture' that we are having right now. The difference is Culture with a big C, or culture with a small c. Big C Culture is what is known as being refined, well-educated, 'a man of Culture', the 'canon of Culture', etc. Small c culture is just a word used by anthropologists used to describe the behavior, thoughts, language, and habits of different groups.

    So there is of course a small-c culture in the west, as it is by the simple fact of biology impossible not to have one. Our small-c culture is, however, quite flat, often anti-intellectual, and indeed anti big C Culture which is by definition unequal, discriminatory, Eurocentric, etc. But what is surprising is that we have now reached such a Transvaluation of Values that it is seen as talent to denigrate all traditional values to the utmost, or at least to deny that there is or has ever been something special about Europeans...

    Funnily enough, even left-wing friends of mine admit that basically they do not care about the intellectual or artistic history of non-European countries, and more or less think it's all useless. Almost no one truly cares much about non-European musicians or artists beyond virtue signaling. Since European artistry and philosophy is so obviously self-contained, almost no one truly gives a shit about anything else. All that's really made any sort of big inroads here is Japanese stuff, anime and 'cool samurai'. Maybe some Buddhism. Otherwise it's all just a big LARP, which means the Asian-Afrocentrism that's starting to become academically fashionable, must intensify by force to turn Europeans into true believers that think 60% of philosophy was born in Nigeria...

    Replies: @songbird, @AaronB

    Sorry I wasn’t able to reply to your comment earlier I was busy the past few days.

    The reason I say modernity is anti-culture is because culture is not just a collection of behaviors, which we obviously all have, but a typical and unvarying code of behaviors and practices, a style, that are inherited and binding on members of a community.

    In other words, it’s something that restricts your freedom, it’s an imposition by the community and by the environment.

    Of course, it need not be viewed as an external compulsion, as modernity has chosen to, but can be viewed as a voluntary cooperation with ones environment and community.

    The resulting “style of life” that emerges from this cooperation with environment and community is distinctive, rich and full of nuance and subtlety, and a source of aesthetic and spiritual pleaure and satisfaction. It also isn’t the product of rational premeditation – one does not choose based on thinking reasonably and choosing – but embodies a different wisdom.

    Since modernity is about complete freedom from restraint, it’s about “deconstructing” and dissolving everything old and that endures, a culture cannot form.

    However, I think humans have a deep need for roots – or I would put it better as a deep need for “connection”, to feel they are “part” of something larger.

    Modernity seeks to deny this basic fact of our nature.

    Of course, as human beings we can also have universal shared aspects of our identities, like being Christian or Buddhist.

    As for American culture that has become popular worldwide, things like McDonald’s and Coke and blue jeans are what I’d call the “fumes” of culture – they come from an era that has not advanced as far as ours down the path of “deconstruction”.

    Even so, they are clearly inferior to genuine traditional cultures and have an aura of antiseptic emptiness to them, of flash without substance.

    I would submit, the main reason for the popularity of American “junk” culture was that they seemed to embody the shiny new “modernity” that was supposed to usher in utopia across the globe through technology.

    Our civilization was living through a particular “story” about technology and modernity – a story that is now collapsing. In the 1950s, one genuinely believed the world’s problems would be solved by the more inventions. No one believes that anymore, really.

    Finally, I’m not really trying to convince you – just pointing out that if you embrace modern “disembodied rationality”, or the culture of modernity we might say, then Blacks replacing Dutchmen in Europe is the natural concomitant. More – it’s actually necessary in order to affirm the world view that “concrete” human qualities don’t matter and humans are interchangeable.

    As for why I think you’re a materialist, I just saw you using very rationalist and realist language, so that was the impression I got. I would be happy to be wrong!

    Oh, and about the boring white guy trope – other cultures don’t have anything like this to refer to themselves. Thai people, Indian people, Japanese people see their own culture as rich and valuable, not boring compared to others that are more “colorful”.

    It’s a version of Western self hate, but based on the reality that disembodied rationality has deconstructed their formerly rich identities .

  597. @songbird
    In other news: Stacey Abrams recently played United Earth president on Star Trek STD.

    Replies: @Barbarossa

    Star Trek STD?! Where are they going NOW where no man has gone before?!

    To your post, that seems like some pro-grade virtue signalling there!

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Barbarossa

    Somewhere along the lines, there was a parody, where Kirk got some alien version of AIDS. Normally, I don't enjoy crass stuff like that, but I thought it was funny based on the turn that the series had taken over the years, where is seemed like they were all miscegenating with aliens.

  598. @utu
    @Mikel

    Make your appeals and supplications to Putin. He started the war and he can stop it. He is who threatened nuclear strikes. It is Russia which has the doctrine of deescalation of conventional conflict through escalation via nuclear strike. If you are concerned with nuclear weapons and wars write letters to Putin and appeal to his conscience but do not put morals blackmail on people who are right now fighting to defend their country against Putin aggression. The West will not be the first to use the nuclear weapon. It will be Russia. They have said it so. The West eventually will impose the no-fly zone but it will be up to Russia to escalate.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

    The West eventually will impose the no-fly zone but it will be up to Russia to escalate.

    Бабахнем.

    Remember what Putin said: We (Russians) will go to Heaven, but you will not even have time to repent.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Meanwhile Pu is mortally afraid even to get a mere coronavirus, so in practice oldie does not believe chanches of himself going there or does not want go at all ;)

    Replies: @Philip Owen

  599. @sudden death
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Shock and disbelief.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

    Well said. Shock and disbelief indeed. This is a racial holy war against Western Supremacy.

    • Agree: sher singh
    • LOL: Ron Unz
    • Replies: @iffen
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Well said. Shock and disbelief indeed. This is a racial holy war against Western Supremacy

    Are you doing hallucinogenics again?

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @AP
    @Anatoly Karlin

    https://www.foxnews.com/world/chinas-ambassador-support-ukraine

    Despite fears that China may help Russia avoid economic sanctions and may even provide military support to Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime, China's ambassador to Ukraine told officials in the western city of Lviv this week that his country will support Ukraine both economically and politically.

    "We will always respect your state, we will develop relations on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. We will respect the path chosen by Ukrainians, because this is the sovereign right of every nation," Fan Xiangong, who relocated with the Chinese embassy from Kyiv to Lviv after Russian forces invaded on Feb. 24, told Lviv officials on Monday, according to the Lviv regional government.

    "In this situation, which you have now, we will act responsibly. We have seen how great the unity of the Ukrainian people is, and that means its strength," Fan added.

    https://theprint.in/world/chinas-foreign-ministry-endorses-envoys-comments-on-ukraine-talks-of-political-settlement/877736/

    China’s foreign ministry endorses envoy’s comments on Ukraine, talks of ‘political settlement’

    ::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    China will be happy to have Russia as its vassal (what choice does Russia have?) so will not needlessly antagonize it, but is keeping its options open regarding Ukraine, now that it is clear that Russia will not defeat Ukraine quickly and potentially may not do so at all.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    , @sudden death
    @Anatoly Karlin


    99% chance this is just the latest fake and gay Ukrainian psy-op.
     
    LOL

    Asked about Fan’s comments at a news conference Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: “China surely supports these remarks by our ambassador in Ukraine. China supports all efforts that are conducive to easing the situation and for a political settlement.”
     
    https://theprint.in/world/chinas-foreign-ministry-endorses-envoys-comments-on-ukraine-talks-of-political-settlement/877736/
    , @Mr. Hack
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Hey Mr. Karlin,

    I'm having a hard time trying to understand why the cowardly Russian troops that have invaded Ukraine continually bomb and attack civilian centers?

    Also, why do they so mercilessly bomb and attack cities in Eastern and Southern Ukraine, areas that have historically included more Russians and Russian speaking Ukrainians than other parts of Ukraine?

    If this is the way that they treat people that might actually be open to some of their stupid ideas, no wonder that the whole world thinks that Putin and his followers are a bunch of morons. And you seem to be his main cheerleader?

    https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/surrogate-babies-rt-rc-220316_1647440026767_hpMain_16x9_992.jpg

    "Shock and Disgust"

  600. @Yevardian
    @HenryBaker


    Then in 1200 AD it’s like a population replacement has happened. All names are christianized and indeed most ‘normal’ Dutch names are the usual localized versions of Biblical figures’ names. I’d say 80% of normal names here are indeed not Germanic.
     
    I'm suprised it replacement happened that late, honestly. But I don't really know a lot about the history of Germanic languages other than English, and to a lesser extent (from what little is known, at least), Gothic and its close relative, Vandalic.

    If I think of English personal names in use I think they're even scarcer, with nearly all sounding distinctly old-fashioned: Edgar, Edward Alfred, Edith (lol), Edmund. I suppose you can throw in a few common native Welsh or Goidelic ones too, Rhys, Arthur, Owen, Broderick (lol), Sean, Alastair (lol), Gareth, Lloyd.. hm, seems Celtic names are more common than Anglo-Saxon ones.. anyway, as I've implied, quite a few of them sound quite comical to native or fluent Anglophones nowadays.

    Armenian still has a few extremely common names of pagan/Zoroastrian origin, Anahit, Ani, Hayk, Arman, Tigran, Nare, Arpine, Gor.. on balance I think more than English, even without counting Greek-derived names.


    Likewise the old Germanic kindreds were extinguished and our way of life replaced with christianized forms. Yet, uselessly, the Dutch language persists even as christianity mutates everything around it.
     
    Uselessly? That's a pretty stupid statement. For some reason I noticed that Dutchies seem to be the people with the most negative attitude to their own language in all of Europe, constantly making half-jokes how useless and ugly ('Dutch isn't a language, its German with a throat-disease!' lol) their own tongue is lol. I guess its their proximity to England, near-universal English-ability, and lack of anything (that I know of) that can compare to Goethe, Kirkegard, or the Norse epics.

    The Dutch culture will still exist in a mutated form, but culture and language are ultimately not that important as they are just an appendix of the world-outlook.
     

    I suppose that's unfortunately quite true now. Arnold Toynbee, way back in the 50s (A Study of History), had grave concerns about 'all of Civilisation's eggs falling into one basket' [i.e., the Western], with all the others dead, decaying or moribund (whilst very memorably quoting Coleridge's 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner' doing it, although using actual numbers like Turchin would have been better), curiously Toynbee only considered 'Muslim Civilisation' (he saw Israel essentially Western, linguistic atavism aside.. I would say Israel is very distinct now) as the other viable living example at the time.
    He evidently didn't predict the spectacular rebound of China, or the recruduscence of Indian 'Dharmic' culture. Though to what extent China retains its traditional culture and outlook is debateable, I don't know China that well so I can't really comment on it.

    I guess the main take from Toynbee's writings is that Civilisations die by cultural suicide, and practically never by force.

    Replies: @songbird, @HenryBaker, @HenryBaker, @iffen

    I guess the main take from Toynbee’s writings is that Civilisations die by cultural suicide, and practically never by force.

    It is quite clear that we can read the scattered bones, tea leaves, animal entrails, history, etc. as we wish.

  601. @Beckow
    @Mikel

    The willingness to use nukes has never been tested. All we have are speculations that have created a large unfilled space where the lunatics can play. Endlessly sitting in front of a forbidden room is tedious, some would like to see what is there.

    There is also today an almost biological level of pure hatred of Russia, and possibly in Russia for the West. With elevated emotions some people have dropped all constraints. Putin said some time ago that he sees 'no point in preserving the world without Russia'. But there must be many in the West who see no point in having a world without Western dominance. Both are understandable, but what happens when they collide?

    Look at the bright side: if we get nuked, even the most fanatical Covid devotees will drop the masks and stop hallucinating about more 'boosters'. That will leave 'utu' all alone in his quixotic fight. There is always a bright side.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @Dmitry, @iffen, @HenryBaker

    The willingness to use nukes has never been tested.

    Duh! The “good guys” used them.

  602. @Beckow
    @Mikel

    The willingness to use nukes has never been tested. All we have are speculations that have created a large unfilled space where the lunatics can play. Endlessly sitting in front of a forbidden room is tedious, some would like to see what is there.

    There is also today an almost biological level of pure hatred of Russia, and possibly in Russia for the West. With elevated emotions some people have dropped all constraints. Putin said some time ago that he sees 'no point in preserving the world without Russia'. But there must be many in the West who see no point in having a world without Western dominance. Both are understandable, but what happens when they collide?

    Look at the bright side: if we get nuked, even the most fanatical Covid devotees will drop the masks and stop hallucinating about more 'boosters'. That will leave 'utu' all alone in his quixotic fight. There is always a bright side.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @Dmitry, @iffen, @HenryBaker

    there must be many in the West who see no point in having a world without Western dominance.

    I don’t think we’d throw nukes over a mere loss of dominance. It’d be more reactive than that. Say we lose control over the economic system very rapidly, Russia and China cut off exports to us somehow, and our leaders panic…

    It’d be weird to see the same people telling us to be ‘non-Eurocentric’, import millions of Arabs and Africans, and disparaging our history, suddenly press the nuclear button the moment we actually lose our dominance.

    Putin said some time ago that he sees ‘no point in preserving the world without Russia‘.

    It seems more likely that if the political system in China, Russia, or USA ever collapses, the current leaders press the button out of spite.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    ...the current leaders press the button out of spite.
     
    Yes, spite is an exit emotion. There has always been a rotation of dominant powers in the world, but the declining powers never had nukes. (Soviets collapsed internally while on friendly terms with their main rival as it was happening - a different situation.)

    West is well on its way to experience an internal collapse, demographically and in not able to sustain its debts and virtual economy. It could be triggered by a sudden collapse of availability of cheap real stuff - the MAGA dream of making it again at home has been defeated and too much has been dismantled to bring it back. Plus there are the real resources, e.g. what is coming from Russia today; if that goes it would be hard to replace. West can try to force others to send it stuff with a threat of nukes but it may not work. They also have nukes. Maybe it will end with a spite.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  603. @Anatoly Karlin
    @sudden death

    Well said. Shock and disbelief indeed. This is a racial holy war against Western Supremacy.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1496534595759710210

    https://twitter.com/MFA_China/status/1501185437901082629

    https://twitter.com/unquirer/status/1504102321294348294

    Replies: @iffen, @AP, @sudden death, @Mr. Hack

    Well said. Shock and disbelief indeed. This is a racial holy war against Western Supremacy

    Are you doing hallucinogenics again?

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @iffen

    If Anatolys ramping up of his rhetoric is representative of the Kremlin, at this point, we'll be bathing in nuclear fire in a week.

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war, Russians being almost genetically indistuingishable from other Europeans. I suppose the 3d world larp is the new way to go- we did push the Russians there again, but it's bizarre that we always end up in this spot.

    Seems safe to say that it's over for this 'community', however. There's no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else (us Westoids). All things must come to pass...

    Replies: @sudden death, @iffen, @Anatoly Karlin, @Pharmakon, @Coconuts

  604. @Anatoly Karlin
    @utu


    The West eventually will impose the no-fly zone but it will be up to Russia to escalate.
     
    https://www.unz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/russia-do-we-nuke-america-3.png

    Бабахнем.

    Remember what Putin said: We (Russians) will go to Heaven, but you will not even have time to repent.

    Replies: @sudden death

    Meanwhile Pu is mortally afraid even to get a mere coronavirus, so in practice oldie does not believe chanches of himself going there or does not want go at all 😉

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @sudden death

    SARS2 isn't going anywhere. He can't evade it forever. I currently have Covid-19, a bad cold which is hard to shake off. The worry is upping my considerable risk of heart attack. In Putin's case, the worry looks like death as he might be immunocompromised. He used to be thinner than me. We've swapped places and I still train. I don't think he does now.

    Replies: @sudden death

  605. @iffen
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Well said. Shock and disbelief indeed. This is a racial holy war against Western Supremacy

    Are you doing hallucinogenics again?

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    If Anatolys ramping up of his rhetoric is representative of the Kremlin, at this point, we’ll be bathing in nuclear fire in a week.

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war, Russians being almost genetically indistuingishable from other Europeans. I suppose the 3d world larp is the new way to go- we did push the Russians there again, but it’s bizarre that we always end up in this spot.

    Seems safe to say that it’s over for this ‘community’, however. There’s no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else (us Westoids). All things must come to pass…

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @HenryBaker

    The poor guy saw way too much blown up RF tanks, planes, helis and soldiers in HD instead of fulfilling completely inverse grandiose expectations and absolutely melted down through his soft mental shell, cue the censorship panic and current suicidal imaginable nuclear tendencies. If this will not stop, might end up similar to Prosvirnin...

    , @iffen
    @HenryBaker

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war

    Yeah, doesn't make a lot of sense.

    I tuned in to his blog to learn about "Russian stuff" and now he is asking his commenters what's going on.


    Seems safe to say that it’s over for this ‘community’, however. There’s no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else

    Yeah, for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it, but our esteemed publisher is not that sort of a person.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @HenryBaker

    , @Anatoly Karlin
    @HenryBaker

    It's accurate, at a global level, it is overwhelmingly Whitoids who hate Russia, POCs either support Russia or doesn't care.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1498595366727565316

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Mikel

    , @Pharmakon
    @HenryBaker

    This is the beginning of the End for you, guys.
    The time to pay for 500 years of theft, rape and pillage has come.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    , @Coconuts
    @HenryBaker

    It's very fashionable among younger Anglo and some other Western elites to want to associate with (or somehow be) black, or if not some other type of POC at the moment. It is like the Wigga phenomena from the 90s but on another intellectual (and maybe spiritual) scale.

  606. @Barbarossa
    @songbird

    Star Trek STD?! Where are they going NOW where no man has gone before?!

    To your post, that seems like some pro-grade virtue signalling there!

    Replies: @songbird

    Somewhere along the lines, there was a parody, where Kirk got some alien version of AIDS. Normally, I don’t enjoy crass stuff like that, but I thought it was funny based on the turn that the series had taken over the years, where is seemed like they were all miscegenating with aliens.

  607. Why is the Russian army taking so long exterminating Ukro-Nazi vermin?
    Yes, there are dozens of videos showing the subhuman Ukro-Nazis using civilians as human shield, unbelievable cowards as they are. But people there will hate Russians now anyway, so just getting rid of these anti-Russian rats is the best option.

    Of course, exterminating Galician Svobodites would be the icing on the cake, but will Zelensky the pseudo-Ukrainian not flinch before that?

    The populist right-wing nutcase of a PM of my country (Slovenia) has called for a no-fly zone. But this is a guy who prior to his political career wrote that nuclear war would not be that bad, that a higher class of society would survive in shelters and the mutants that survived outside would be the lower class later on. LOL, yes I know, what a shithole of a country to select such a monkey as its leader (though 60% of the country hates his guts).

  608. @sudden death
    @sudden death

    So after preparatory US-China talks have been completed, Biden-Xi call is announced, Lavrov allegedly in midflight to Beijing abruptly returns to Moscow and Chinese diplomat in Lvov does this:



    China on Thursday has "affirmed" its "friendship" with Ukraine, vowing to never attack, according to Bloomberg:

    Ambassador Fan Xianrong had told Lviv Governor Maksym Kozytskyi during a meeting Monday that China was a “friendly country for the Ukrainian people” and would “never attack Ukraine,” according to a summary posted on the Lviv government’s website. He went on to praise the strength and unity demonstrated by the Ukrainian people, in an apparent reference to their efforts to resist Russia’s ongoing invasion.
     
    https://www.zerohedge.com/political/biden-speak-chinas-xi-friday-ukraine

    Replies: @A123, @Anatoly Karlin, @songbird

    If China were signaling, they would probably do it through one of their state news agencies.

    Not sure I would trust the source, but it is a pretty reasonable thing to say that “China would never attack Ukraine.” For one thing, the supply lines would be too long.

    This idea that China will turn on Russia just doesn’t make sense, IMO. What are they going to offer them? Taiwan?

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @songbird


    This idea that China will turn on Russia just doesn’t make sense, IMO. What are they going to offer them? Taiwan?
     
    Biden has been very based lately, so he even might offer northern asiatic Yakutia, Chukotka and Tuva as compensation for China, lol

    Replies: @songbird

  609. @HenryBaker
    @iffen

    If Anatolys ramping up of his rhetoric is representative of the Kremlin, at this point, we'll be bathing in nuclear fire in a week.

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war, Russians being almost genetically indistuingishable from other Europeans. I suppose the 3d world larp is the new way to go- we did push the Russians there again, but it's bizarre that we always end up in this spot.

    Seems safe to say that it's over for this 'community', however. There's no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else (us Westoids). All things must come to pass...

    Replies: @sudden death, @iffen, @Anatoly Karlin, @Pharmakon, @Coconuts

    The poor guy saw way too much blown up RF tanks, planes, helis and soldiers in HD instead of fulfilling completely inverse grandiose expectations and absolutely melted down through his soft mental shell, cue the censorship panic and current suicidal imaginable nuclear tendencies. If this will not stop, might end up similar to Prosvirnin…

  610. @AP
    @Seraphim

    The Moscow Patriarch’s own bishop in Lviv called this invasion “Satanic.”

    And Onuohrey has condemned the attack by the Russian Federation upon Ukraine:

    https://news.church.ua/2022/03/10/zayava-ukrajinskoji-pravoslavnoji-cerkvi-vid-10-bereznya-2022-roku/

    The majority of people murdered by Russia belong to the Moscow Patriarchate.

    Good to know what side you are on, blasphemer.

    Replies: @Seraphim, @Seraphim

    Nobody is perfect. Uniates were all Moscow Patriarch’s bishops who apostatized.

    • Agree: Pharmakon
  611. @Mikel
    @AP


    From a strictly materialistic POV this is correct.
     
    There is nothing materialistic about my opinion on this. It is just human empathy (just like when we used to argue bitterly about the Donbass victims).

    BTW, have you come around to my view that military assets being positioned inside civilian areas (Ukrainians now, pro-Russians then) do not justify shelling those areas and killing innocent people? If you haven't, it would be incongruent from you to denounce the Russians for doing what the Ukrainians did before.

    This is the difference between nations that survive and those that fade away.
     
    That may be true to a large extent, although there are stubborn people that maintain their culture during millennia, even under occupation by nonnative powers, and that may be more valuable than having a different passport. In any case, I saw enough violence up-close in my country of origin and decided that it wasn't worth it a long time ago.

    It's ironic that an non-believer like me is closer to the Catholic Church just war doctrine than a Christian like you.

    Replies: @AP

    BTW, have you come around to my view that military assets being positioned inside civilian areas (Ukrainians now, pro-Russians then) do not justify shelling those areas and killing innocent people?

    1. I am consistent is stating that randomly hitting civilian areas is wrong, but shooting back on positions after one has been fired upon (in order to save oneself) is acceptable. Most of the Russian attacks and destruction have not been upon civilian areas that were sources of fire upon Russian positions. They are just shelling residential areas.

    2. Russia is attacking and invading another country. Ukraine was fighting a civil war with Russian invaders helping the rebels. So, a very different context. Ukrainians had no choice but to hold their positions, and when rebels/Russians fired upon them they fired back. In contrast, Russia chose to cross the border and invade Ukraine. Totally different circumstances.

    3. In the 2 years when the Donbas war was hot, about 3,000 civilians died. UN estimates 2,000 already in 3 weeks,; this number will grow a lot. So the scale is very different.

    So it’s just a false comparison.

    It’s ironic that an non-believer like me is closer to the Catholic Church just war doctrine

    Ukraine defending itself from Russian invasion does not contradict Just War doctrine. Nor did Poland fighting Germany.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_war_theory#Contemporary_Catholic_doctrine

    The just war doctrine of the Catholic Church found in the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraph 2309, lists four strict conditions for “legitimate defense by military force”:[29][30]

    the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;

    Russian occupation and destruction of Ukrainian culture would indeed be grave damage

    all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;

    Russia invaded. Nothing could be done but to fight once Russian missiles hit Ukrainian territory and Russian troops crossed onto Ukrainian soil.

    there must be serious prospects of success;

    While odds of success were less than 50%, they were substantial, contrary to Russia fanboy wishes.

    the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated .

    Yes.

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @AP

    Ukraine ought to have said No NATO. Might not have stopped the invasion but its obvious that it would have indicated good will on the side of the Ukrainians. The government of Zelenskyy Who I suspect haven't acted in good faith in the run up to the invasion. An Autocratic State invaded a Gangland.

    , @Mikel
    @AP


    shooting back on positions after one has been fired upon (in order to save oneself) is acceptable.
     
    I'm not sure that a situation like that has ever happened either during the Donbass or the current war. And I'm not sure how "acceptable" it is to purposefully kill civilians along with your enemies even if you are trying to protect yourself. I don't believe I would be able to use my shotgun against a group of innocent people even if hiding behind them was one who had shot at me first. Would you?

    So it’s just a false comparison.
     
    Yes, I've noticed that you are consuming a lot of Western MSM "information" but the reality I perceive from multiple and opposing sources is that the tactics of the Russians with regard to shelling civilian areas are strikingly similar to the Ukrainians' in Donbass. Neither is trying (for the time being) to cause a genocide but neither hesitates to kill civilians if it serves to gain military advantage, with occasional instances on both sides of seemingly purposeless atrocities.

    It is true that the scale is going to be very different in this war, especially if we help Ukraine to prolong it, which is why I would personally like to see the war end the sooner the better, no matter who is the winner. A Ukrainian friend whose parents are stuck in Ukraine told me the same last week (quite understandably).

    Ukraine defending itself from Russian invasion does not contradict Just War doctrine. Nor did Poland fighting Germany.
     
    Since the time I saw you justifying the carnage of civilians in Lugansk Square I know that you've somehow convinced yourself that this kind of acts are compatible with your Christian faith. It must have been a tremendous mental effort so I won't waste my time trying to undo what you did to yourself.

    The Catholic Church doctrine on the just war, that I learned from my religion teacher at school, has been clear for centuries: you cannot do more damage in a war than the damage you're trying to prevent.

    From that perspective, the Polish defense against the German invasion was likely justified. It must have been known to the Poles that the Germans were planning to do what they eventually did: enslave and genocide million of Slavs. I'll let each one decide if the Ukranian case today is comparable. But from my point of view any action from outside that has the end result of causing more innocent casualties goes against my moral compass.

    Replies: @AP, @sudden death

  612. @Anatoly Karlin
    @sudden death

    Well said. Shock and disbelief indeed. This is a racial holy war against Western Supremacy.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1496534595759710210

    https://twitter.com/MFA_China/status/1501185437901082629

    https://twitter.com/unquirer/status/1504102321294348294

    Replies: @iffen, @AP, @sudden death, @Mr. Hack

    https://www.foxnews.com/world/chinas-ambassador-support-ukraine

    Despite fears that China may help Russia avoid economic sanctions and may even provide military support to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime, China’s ambassador to Ukraine told officials in the western city of Lviv this week that his country will support Ukraine both economically and politically.

    “We will always respect your state, we will develop relations on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. We will respect the path chosen by Ukrainians, because this is the sovereign right of every nation,” Fan Xiangong, who relocated with the Chinese embassy from Kyiv to Lviv after Russian forces invaded on Feb. 24, told Lviv officials on Monday, according to the Lviv regional government.

    “In this situation, which you have now, we will act responsibly. We have seen how great the unity of the Ukrainian people is, and that means its strength,” Fan added.

    https://theprint.in/world/chinas-foreign-ministry-endorses-envoys-comments-on-ukraine-talks-of-political-settlement/877736/

    China’s foreign ministry endorses envoy’s comments on Ukraine, talks of ‘political settlement’

    ::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    China will be happy to have Russia as its vassal (what choice does Russia have?) so will not needlessly antagonize it, but is keeping its options open regarding Ukraine, now that it is clear that Russia will not defeat Ukraine quickly and potentially may not do so at all.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @AP

    I addition China has suggested that it might be willing to make loans to Russian enterprises, circumventing Russian banks. The role of master and bitch is becoming clearer everyday.

    https://youtu.be/OAtQjNNSDtE

  613. @Anatoly Karlin
    @In Lulz We Trust

    https://akarlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/oliver-d-smith-pedophile.png

    Replies: @In Lulz We Trust, @Official AK biographer

    You have a lot of psychological projection issues to say the least…

    Here’s you claiming you find 14 year girls “hot” –

    https://encyclopediadramatica.online/Anatoly_Karlin#Sexual_attraction_to_young_teenage_girls
    https://trad-news.blogspot.com/2021/10/14-year-old-girl-respecter-anatoly.html

    Why is it you’ve spent ~3 years smearing ODS as a pedophile across the internet but can’t provide a single shred of evidence, not even a single quote?

    You’re also projecting on the incel smear on your blog:

    https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Anatoly_Karlin#.22Pseudo-rape.22_apologism

    Karlin’s controversial views on rape are nonsurprisingly shared by incels and his writings are quoted by incel, MRM and manosphere bloggers.[112]

    He has been described as an “original incel theorist”.

    Your odious posts are literally quoted with approval on incel and manospere blogs.

    • Replies: @Official AK biographer
    @In Lulz We Trust

    Greetings, I have taken over the role of being AK's biographer.

    New section:

    https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Anatoly_Karlin#The_label_.22alt-right.22

    This solves the mystery of Karlin's pointless denial of being alt-right despite the fact he set up an alt-right podcast (did he think deleting the website no one would notice?) and claimed to agree with the vast majority of alt-right positions, as well as share a podium with Richard Spencer etc.

    I'm afraid the answer is rather boring - optics.


    The alt-right is debating whether to try to look less like Nazis
    “Optics-cucking,” the debate roiling white nationalists, explained.
     
    https://www.vox.com/2018/8/10/17670996/alt-right-unite-the-right-nazis-charlottesville
    , @Asi.
    @In Lulz We Trust

    Lmaoo


    https://ibb.co/3v83k4M

  614. @AP
    @Mikel


    BTW, have you come around to my view that military assets being positioned inside civilian areas (Ukrainians now, pro-Russians then) do not justify shelling those areas and killing innocent people?
     
    1. I am consistent is stating that randomly hitting civilian areas is wrong, but shooting back on positions after one has been fired upon (in order to save oneself) is acceptable. Most of the Russian attacks and destruction have not been upon civilian areas that were sources of fire upon Russian positions. They are just shelling residential areas.

    2. Russia is attacking and invading another country. Ukraine was fighting a civil war with Russian invaders helping the rebels. So, a very different context. Ukrainians had no choice but to hold their positions, and when rebels/Russians fired upon them they fired back. In contrast, Russia chose to cross the border and invade Ukraine. Totally different circumstances.

    3. In the 2 years when the Donbas war was hot, about 3,000 civilians died. UN estimates 2,000 already in 3 weeks,; this number will grow a lot. So the scale is very different.

    So it's just a false comparison.

    It’s ironic that an non-believer like me is closer to the Catholic Church just war doctrine
     
    Ukraine defending itself from Russian invasion does not contradict Just War doctrine. Nor did Poland fighting Germany.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_war_theory#Contemporary_Catholic_doctrine

    The just war doctrine of the Catholic Church found in the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraph 2309, lists four strict conditions for "legitimate defense by military force":[29][30]

    the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;

    Russian occupation and destruction of Ukrainian culture would indeed be grave damage

    all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;

    Russia invaded. Nothing could be done but to fight once Russian missiles hit Ukrainian territory and Russian troops crossed onto Ukrainian soil.

    there must be serious prospects of success;

    While odds of success were less than 50%, they were substantial, contrary to Russia fanboy wishes.

    the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated .

    Yes.

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Mikel

    Ukraine ought to have said No NATO. Might not have stopped the invasion but its obvious that it would have indicated good will on the side of the Ukrainians. The government of Zelenskyy Who I suspect haven’t acted in good faith in the run up to the invasion. An Autocratic State invaded a Gangland.

  615. @Yellowface Anon
    @Seraphim

    Do you mean Catholic Mary isn't Orthodox Mary?

    Replies: @Seraphim

    Yes, I do. The Catholic ‘Mary’, ‘Virgin’, ‘Madonna’ is not exactly the same as the Orthodox Mother of God, the ‘Most Holy, Most Pure Godbearer and ever virgin Mary’.

  616. @songbird
    @sudden death

    If China were signaling, they would probably do it through one of their state news agencies.

    Not sure I would trust the source, but it is a pretty reasonable thing to say that "China would never attack Ukraine." For one thing, the supply lines would be too long.

    This idea that China will turn on Russia just doesn't make sense, IMO. What are they going to offer them? Taiwan?

    Replies: @sudden death

    This idea that China will turn on Russia just doesn’t make sense, IMO. What are they going to offer them? Taiwan?

    Biden has been very based lately, so he even might offer northern asiatic Yakutia, Chukotka and Tuva as compensation for China, lol

    • Replies: @songbird
    @sudden death

    In Yakutia, they keep a barrel in their house, to drop in blocks of ice, to melt it for water.

    I always thought it was interesting how much they look like Chinese, even though they're herders. They've got to go out on the ice and cut a hole for their animals to drink out of.

  617. @AP
    @Anatoly Karlin

    https://www.foxnews.com/world/chinas-ambassador-support-ukraine

    Despite fears that China may help Russia avoid economic sanctions and may even provide military support to Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime, China's ambassador to Ukraine told officials in the western city of Lviv this week that his country will support Ukraine both economically and politically.

    "We will always respect your state, we will develop relations on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. We will respect the path chosen by Ukrainians, because this is the sovereign right of every nation," Fan Xiangong, who relocated with the Chinese embassy from Kyiv to Lviv after Russian forces invaded on Feb. 24, told Lviv officials on Monday, according to the Lviv regional government.

    "In this situation, which you have now, we will act responsibly. We have seen how great the unity of the Ukrainian people is, and that means its strength," Fan added.

    https://theprint.in/world/chinas-foreign-ministry-endorses-envoys-comments-on-ukraine-talks-of-political-settlement/877736/

    China’s foreign ministry endorses envoy’s comments on Ukraine, talks of ‘political settlement’

    ::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    China will be happy to have Russia as its vassal (what choice does Russia have?) so will not needlessly antagonize it, but is keeping its options open regarding Ukraine, now that it is clear that Russia will not defeat Ukraine quickly and potentially may not do so at all.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    I addition China has suggested that it might be willing to make loans to Russian enterprises, circumventing Russian banks. The role of master and bitch is becoming clearer everyday.

  618. @sudden death
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Meanwhile Pu is mortally afraid even to get a mere coronavirus, so in practice oldie does not believe chanches of himself going there or does not want go at all ;)

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    SARS2 isn’t going anywhere. He can’t evade it forever. I currently have Covid-19, a bad cold which is hard to shake off. The worry is upping my considerable risk of heart attack. In Putin’s case, the worry looks like death as he might be immunocompromised. He used to be thinner than me. We’ve swapped places and I still train. I don’t think he does now.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @Philip Owen

    Yeah, but that does not change the fact he is not very hurrying himself to go to heaven despite all the rhetorics.

  619. @In Lulz We Trust
    @Anatoly Karlin

    You have a lot of psychological projection issues to say the least...

    Here's you claiming you find 14 year girls "hot" -

    https://encyclopediadramatica.online/Anatoly_Karlin#Sexual_attraction_to_young_teenage_girls
    https://trad-news.blogspot.com/2021/10/14-year-old-girl-respecter-anatoly.html

    Why is it you've spent ~3 years smearing ODS as a pedophile across the internet but can't provide a single shred of evidence, not even a single quote?

    You're also projecting on the incel smear on your blog:

    https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Anatoly_Karlin#.22Pseudo-rape.22_apologism


    Karlin's controversial views on rape are nonsurprisingly shared by incels and his writings are quoted by incel, MRM and manosphere bloggers.[112]

    He has been described as an "original incel theorist".
     

    Your odious posts are literally quoted with approval on incel and manospere blogs.

    Replies: @Official AK biographer, @Asi.

    Greetings, I have taken over the role of being AK’s biographer.

    New section:

    https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Anatoly_Karlin#The_label_.22alt-right.22

    This solves the mystery of Karlin’s pointless denial of being alt-right despite the fact he set up an alt-right podcast (did he think deleting the website no one would notice?) and claimed to agree with the vast majority of alt-right positions, as well as share a podium with Richard Spencer etc.

    I’m afraid the answer is rather boring – optics.

    The alt-right is debating whether to try to look less like Nazis
    “Optics-cucking,” the debate roiling white nationalists, explained.

    https://www.vox.com/2018/8/10/17670996/alt-right-unite-the-right-nazis-charlottesville

  620. @Anatoly Karlin
    @sudden death

    Well said. Shock and disbelief indeed. This is a racial holy war against Western Supremacy.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1496534595759710210

    https://twitter.com/MFA_China/status/1501185437901082629

    https://twitter.com/unquirer/status/1504102321294348294

    Replies: @iffen, @AP, @sudden death, @Mr. Hack

    99% chance this is just the latest fake and gay Ukrainian psy-op.

    LOL

    Asked about Fan’s comments at a news conference Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: “China surely supports these remarks by our ambassador in Ukraine. China supports all efforts that are conducive to easing the situation and for a political settlement.”

    https://theprint.in/world/chinas-foreign-ministry-endorses-envoys-comments-on-ukraine-talks-of-political-settlement/877736/

  621. @Philip Owen
    @sudden death

    SARS2 isn't going anywhere. He can't evade it forever. I currently have Covid-19, a bad cold which is hard to shake off. The worry is upping my considerable risk of heart attack. In Putin's case, the worry looks like death as he might be immunocompromised. He used to be thinner than me. We've swapped places and I still train. I don't think he does now.

    Replies: @sudden death

    Yeah, but that does not change the fact he is not very hurrying himself to go to heaven despite all the rhetorics.

  622. @HenryBaker
    @iffen

    If Anatolys ramping up of his rhetoric is representative of the Kremlin, at this point, we'll be bathing in nuclear fire in a week.

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war, Russians being almost genetically indistuingishable from other Europeans. I suppose the 3d world larp is the new way to go- we did push the Russians there again, but it's bizarre that we always end up in this spot.

    Seems safe to say that it's over for this 'community', however. There's no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else (us Westoids). All things must come to pass...

    Replies: @sudden death, @iffen, @Anatoly Karlin, @Pharmakon, @Coconuts

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war

    Yeah, doesn’t make a lot of sense.

    I tuned in to his blog to learn about “Russian stuff” and now he is asking his commenters what’s going on.


    Seems safe to say that it’s over for this ‘community’, however. There’s no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else

    Yeah, for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it, but our esteemed publisher is not that sort of a person.

    • Replies: @Thulean Friend
    @iffen



    Seems safe to say that it’s over for this ‘community’, however. There’s no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else
     
    Yeah, for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it, but our esteemed publisher is not that sort of a person.
     
    Why? I can't be the only one who enjoys watching Karlin self-imploding. It's not like this community hinges on his presence. When he went away, commenting activity barely budged.

    Replies: @iffen

    , @HenryBaker
    @iffen


    for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here
     
    Well he has been RN for a long time, I think back in 2015 or 2017 or whatever he was poasting plans to strip-mine Ukraine of all talent and was analyzing the strategic situation there. What's happening seems clear: AK has made a very large bet that what is happening here is the vindication of the Russian nationalist strategy, and the start of a revision of the Western-hegemonic world order. Both reputationally and emotionally, he is obviously very invested in this as this event has been years in the making. If the Russian effort deflates with a big fart and they're left hyperinflating and irrelevant, this would obviously invalidate most of his professional efforts. He 'went sideways' on Ukraine supporters because he is obviously simply a nationalist at war with Ukraine, and that tends to heat things up.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it
     
    Well, looking at the level of discourse between AK and a lot of the commenting people here, I think AK will leave soon enough by himself and then the whole thing will bleed out. At some point, mocking, insulting, and fighting with people just gets boring and then you leave.

    Replies: @German_reader, @iffen

  623. @Anatoly Karlin
    @In Lulz We Trust

    https://akarlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/oliver-d-smith-pedophile.png

    Replies: @In Lulz We Trust, @Official AK biographer

    I find it amusing you attack Lord ODS here but are highly influenced by him and have been adopting his views for the past few years-

    1. You criticised veganism/vegetarianism for years but recently have adopted a more sympathetic attitude to plant-based diets and suddenly claim to love Indian cuisine (most Indian recipes are plant-based), this is despite the fact you were claiming in the 2010s you wanted to ban vegetarianism in India and described vegetarianism as a malnourished diet which lowers IQ.
    2. Distancing yourself, at least cosmetically, from the alt-right/WN in response to the RationalWiki page ODS wrote in 2019.
    3. No public usage anymore of racist slurs (the last ones you made such as the n-word were in 2019). This was after ODS quoted them on RW and you came close to an apology on your blog claiming they were too harsh.

    You have a long way to go, but my predictions –

    2025 – Anatoly Karlin will distance himself from HBD crackpottery.

    2030 – Anatoly Karlin’s diet will be plant-based and he will be an antinatalist.

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @Official AK biographer

    You are psychotically obsessed. I suspect rejection in a former pederastic relationship, but sorry, nobody cares about your ex-lovers quarrel. This isn't even AK's forum anymore, so please go away.

  624. So I was recently watching (it was recently live, so I can’t find specific clip) an interview with Solovyev and Kedmiy (former is probably Russia’s most famous TV talkshow host, reliably pushes government line, Dmitri can correct me if I’m wrong), they both seemed (uncharacteristically) extremely negative about The War’s prospects, asking ‘what was the point of all this, just to recognise Crimea.. and then what?’ and so on.

    Things are not looking good when your state-propaganda equivalent of CNN hosts start going offscript. At this stage I have no doubt that this Ukraine War was intended as an almost bloodless (I think army buildup was for intimidation, and not intended to seriously fight) ‘shock and awe’ Crimea-style operation that went horrifically wrong.

    • Agree: Mikel
  625. @sudden death
    @songbird


    This idea that China will turn on Russia just doesn’t make sense, IMO. What are they going to offer them? Taiwan?
     
    Biden has been very based lately, so he even might offer northern asiatic Yakutia, Chukotka and Tuva as compensation for China, lol

    Replies: @songbird

    In Yakutia, they keep a barrel in their house, to drop in blocks of ice, to melt it for water.

    I always thought it was interesting how much they look like Chinese, even though they’re herders. They’ve got to go out on the ice and cut a hole for their animals to drink out of.

  626. @AP
    @Mikel


    BTW, have you come around to my view that military assets being positioned inside civilian areas (Ukrainians now, pro-Russians then) do not justify shelling those areas and killing innocent people?
     
    1. I am consistent is stating that randomly hitting civilian areas is wrong, but shooting back on positions after one has been fired upon (in order to save oneself) is acceptable. Most of the Russian attacks and destruction have not been upon civilian areas that were sources of fire upon Russian positions. They are just shelling residential areas.

    2. Russia is attacking and invading another country. Ukraine was fighting a civil war with Russian invaders helping the rebels. So, a very different context. Ukrainians had no choice but to hold their positions, and when rebels/Russians fired upon them they fired back. In contrast, Russia chose to cross the border and invade Ukraine. Totally different circumstances.

    3. In the 2 years when the Donbas war was hot, about 3,000 civilians died. UN estimates 2,000 already in 3 weeks,; this number will grow a lot. So the scale is very different.

    So it's just a false comparison.

    It’s ironic that an non-believer like me is closer to the Catholic Church just war doctrine
     
    Ukraine defending itself from Russian invasion does not contradict Just War doctrine. Nor did Poland fighting Germany.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_war_theory#Contemporary_Catholic_doctrine

    The just war doctrine of the Catholic Church found in the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraph 2309, lists four strict conditions for "legitimate defense by military force":[29][30]

    the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;

    Russian occupation and destruction of Ukrainian culture would indeed be grave damage

    all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;

    Russia invaded. Nothing could be done but to fight once Russian missiles hit Ukrainian territory and Russian troops crossed onto Ukrainian soil.

    there must be serious prospects of success;

    While odds of success were less than 50%, they were substantial, contrary to Russia fanboy wishes.

    the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated .

    Yes.

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Mikel

    shooting back on positions after one has been fired upon (in order to save oneself) is acceptable.

    I’m not sure that a situation like that has ever happened either during the Donbass or the current war. And I’m not sure how “acceptable” it is to purposefully kill civilians along with your enemies even if you are trying to protect yourself. I don’t believe I would be able to use my shotgun against a group of innocent people even if hiding behind them was one who had shot at me first. Would you?

    So it’s just a false comparison.

    Yes, I’ve noticed that you are consuming a lot of Western MSM “information” but the reality I perceive from multiple and opposing sources is that the tactics of the Russians with regard to shelling civilian areas are strikingly similar to the Ukrainians’ in Donbass. Neither is trying (for the time being) to cause a genocide but neither hesitates to kill civilians if it serves to gain military advantage, with occasional instances on both sides of seemingly purposeless atrocities.

    It is true that the scale is going to be very different in this war, especially if we help Ukraine to prolong it, which is why I would personally like to see the war end the sooner the better, no matter who is the winner. A Ukrainian friend whose parents are stuck in Ukraine told me the same last week (quite understandably).

    Ukraine defending itself from Russian invasion does not contradict Just War doctrine. Nor did Poland fighting Germany.

    Since the time I saw you justifying the carnage of civilians in Lugansk Square I know that you’ve somehow convinced yourself that this kind of acts are compatible with your Christian faith. It must have been a tremendous mental effort so I won’t waste my time trying to undo what you did to yourself.

    The Catholic Church doctrine on the just war, that I learned from my religion teacher at school, has been clear for centuries: you cannot do more damage in a war than the damage you’re trying to prevent.

    From that perspective, the Polish defense against the German invasion was likely justified. It must have been known to the Poles that the Germans were planning to do what they eventually did: enslave and genocide million of Slavs. I’ll let each one decide if the Ukranian case today is comparable. But from my point of view any action from outside that has the end result of causing more innocent casualties goes against my moral compass.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Mikel


    I’m not sure that a situation like that has ever happened either during the Donbass or the current war. And I’m not sure how “acceptable” it is to purposefully kill civilians along with your enemies even if you are trying to protect yourself. I don’t believe I would be able to use my shotgun against a group of innocent people even if hiding behind them was one who had shot at me first. Would you?
     
    If the guy was still armed and thus still a danger to me I don't know if I would shoot him (save myself) or not (sacrifice myself, let him shoot at me again, but not kill the people around him). But if I did choose to shoot, the deaths of the people behind him would be his fault, not mine, because he put me in the position of having to shoot to save myself.

    In the case of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia chose to invade Ukraine. It chose to put itself into the position of making this choice to shoot innocent people or not.

    In contrast, in Donbas it is the rebels who are the aggressors, against the Ukrainian state that is the legally recognized owner of that territory. The rebels were on the attack, trying to grab territory from the state.

    Yes, I’ve noticed that you are consuming a lot of Western MSM “information” but the reality I perceive from multiple and opposing sources is that the tactics of the Russians with regard to shelling civilian areas are strikingly similar to the Ukrainians’ in Donbass.
     
    One doesn't need to consume western MSM to know that Russia invaded another country and is thus wholly to blame for the deaths it caused.

    Since the time I saw you justifying the carnage of civilians in Lugansk Square
     
    The military leadership of a deadly and illegal rebellion chose to base itself among civilians and the Ukrainian government made a good faith attempt to take out that leadership (and hopefully end the rebellion, thereby saving many lives) but tragically killed civilians instead.

    This is simply not comparable to Russia choosing to invade another country and killing thousands of civilians while doing so.

    The Catholic Church doctrine on the just war, that I learned from my religion teacher at school, has been clear for centuries: you cannot do more damage in a war than the damage you’re trying to prevent.
     
    Just Law does not view damage in purely material terms, such as loss of life only.

    Prevention of loss of independence, mass arrests, etc. is arguably worse than losses incurred from fighting back. Ukrainians did not fight off the Soviets hard enough in 1917-1920, with devastating consequences. Why place themselves at Russia's mercy and find out what will be in store for them?

    I would personally like to see the war end the sooner the better, no matter who is the winner.
     
    This is why you don't have a country, and why your people and their beautiful culture will sadly disappear. As is your right.

    A Ukrainian friend whose parents are stuck in Ukraine told me the same last week (quite understandably).
     
    What part of Ukraine is your friend from? My relatives from Bucha survived some horrors and are basically just wanting the Russians to get killed. They certainly wish that the Russians had never invaded (only a sick person would eagerly embrace a war occurring) but they are determined that the Russians should not win.

    From that perspective, the Polish defense against the German invasion was likely justified. It must have been known to the Poles that the Germans were planning to do what they eventually did: enslave and genocide million of Slavs.
     
    Hitler kind of liked Pilsudski and in the 1930s was offering Poland junior partner status (Nazi racial "scientists" were flexible, Croats and Galicians got good deals). But for Poles, the moral cost of allying with that monster was worse than the material advantages of doing so.

    Ultimately, the people of Ukraine have decided that they want to fight to prevent Russian rule over them. Which they are doing, and doing well.

    Replies: @Mikel

    , @sudden death
    @Mikel


    Lugansk Square
     
    Just adding the context about this bloody 2014 episode - the same morning BEFORE the airstrike, rebels in Lugansk began the full scale military atttack on Ukraine state border security building which was located in living quarter of the city, they were shooting RPG's from the top of living buildings, they were shooting from spaces between the buildings and so on. Airstrike was directed at the separatist HQ as a retaliation for the atttack because UA military didn't want to strike the top of the living buildings (meanwhile RF is doing it atm with full abandon towards civilian lives in UA) built in front of the stormed state border security building. You can argue it was not right/accurate and not proportionate response or whatever but it was a city already at full scale war by rebel initiative at the moment of the airstrike.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_the_Luhansk_Border_Base

    Replies: @AP, @Mikel

  627. @Official AK biographer
    @Anatoly Karlin

    I find it amusing you attack Lord ODS here but are highly influenced by him and have been adopting his views for the past few years-

    1. You criticised veganism/vegetarianism for years but recently have adopted a more sympathetic attitude to plant-based diets and suddenly claim to love Indian cuisine (most Indian recipes are plant-based), this is despite the fact you were claiming in the 2010s you wanted to ban vegetarianism in India and described vegetarianism as a malnourished diet which lowers IQ.
    2. Distancing yourself, at least cosmetically, from the alt-right/WN in response to the RationalWiki page ODS wrote in 2019.
    3. No public usage anymore of racist slurs (the last ones you made such as the n-word were in 2019). This was after ODS quoted them on RW and you came close to an apology on your blog claiming they were too harsh.

    You have a long way to go, but my predictions -

    2025 - Anatoly Karlin will distance himself from HBD crackpottery.

    2030 - Anatoly Karlin's diet will be plant-based and he will be an antinatalist.

    Replies: @Yevardian

    You are psychotically obsessed. I suspect rejection in a former pederastic relationship, but sorry, nobody cares about your ex-lovers quarrel. This isn’t even AK’s forum anymore, so please go away.

    • Agree: A123
  628. @songbird
    @HenryBaker

    In certain properties, like the video game Civilization or the Japanese anime Macross, culture is treated like a civilizational weapon that can subdue the enemy and bring him over to your side. Probably, there is a certain amount of merit in a definition like that, even if a lot of modern "culture" seems to be mainly the result of profit-seeking by appealing to the lowest common denominator, and not necessarily intentional propaganda, though a lot of it is also that.


    So there is of course a small-c culture in the west, as it is by the simple fact of biology impossible not to have one. Our small-c culture is, however, quite flat, often anti-intellectual, and indeed anti big C Culture which is by definition unequal, discriminatory, Eurocentric, etc. But what is surprising is that we have now reached such a Transvaluation of Values that it is seen as talent to denigrate all traditional values to the utmost, or at least to deny that there is or has ever been something special about Europeans
     
    It is my belief that for Europeans (worldwide) to get on a healthy path again, they will need to reclaim their own cultural space. And Hollywood is not a substitute for that.

    If they are able to do it, it will not be easy, but they will face intense opposition.

    Replies: @Asi.

    “It is my belief that for Europeans (worldwide) to get on a healthy path again, they will need to reclaim their own cultural space. And Hollywood is not a substitute for that”

    They have abdicated that rol the mayority of writters here like hudson , anglin …. are incapable of imagining a future were euro american are capable of confronting sucessfully the stablishment , they have delegated that paper to russia and china. The mayority of people here have blackpilled thenselfs talking 24 h/ d about the jews and their influence ( myself included) without building a counter narrative that could gave us a reason to exist to legitimely reclaim the west ; nobody love that more than the jews thenselfs .

  629. @In Lulz We Trust
    @Anatoly Karlin

    You have a lot of psychological projection issues to say the least...

    Here's you claiming you find 14 year girls "hot" -

    https://encyclopediadramatica.online/Anatoly_Karlin#Sexual_attraction_to_young_teenage_girls
    https://trad-news.blogspot.com/2021/10/14-year-old-girl-respecter-anatoly.html

    Why is it you've spent ~3 years smearing ODS as a pedophile across the internet but can't provide a single shred of evidence, not even a single quote?

    You're also projecting on the incel smear on your blog:

    https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Anatoly_Karlin#.22Pseudo-rape.22_apologism


    Karlin's controversial views on rape are nonsurprisingly shared by incels and his writings are quoted by incel, MRM and manosphere bloggers.[112]

    He has been described as an "original incel theorist".
     

    Your odious posts are literally quoted with approval on incel and manospere blogs.

    Replies: @Official AK biographer, @Asi.

  630. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Dmitry

    The article in question is literally titled "Investigative Committee will check Nike due to the lack of white models on the Russian-language website." https://ruposters.ru/news/14-02-2022/proverit-izza-otsutstviya-belih-modelei

    I made no comment on the likelihood of him winning, but the mere fact that the complaint was accepted and the complainant in question was not defenestrated by the media and activists (as would happen in any Western country) is telling alone.


    ... but of course, those are geopolitically exactly the two nationalities that the authorities in Russia, will be careful to not offend sensitivities nowadays – Oriental and African nationalities.
     
    Literally the only people on the planet this will offend are Eurofags and Amerimutts, not any actual humans. Go watch and review more unboxing videos, they are your appropriate level of discourse.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    You don’t have to try to dig yourself deeper. I’m not saying whether you are lying or making the honest mistake, who cares. Although as general advice, if you more honestly admitted you wrote a mistake, it would give people a better impression.

    made no comment on the likelihood of him winning, but the mere fact that the complaint

    He has sent an application to complain to the authorities, that he is being discriminated under Chapter 2 of the constitution, because of use of Oriental and African models in the advertising by the brand Nike. Lawyers say he will 100% not win. While you write that the authorities are the one who is choosing to open the investigation, i.e. that the authorities are complaining, while in reality he is complaining to the authorities. You reversed the story for some reason.

    mere fact that the complaint was accepted and the complainant in question was not defenestrated by the media and activists (as would happen in any Western country) is telling alone.

    Not really, if you write the forms correctly, they have to accept the application by law. This is your right in the constitution law. It is what taxpayer pays for.

    only people on the planet this will offend are Eurofags and Amerimutts, not any actual humans.

    If it was publicized in their country, Chinese and African governments would be sensitive if their nationality was removed from advertising in Russia, as it would be bad public relations. Imagine how they would report this in South Africa, which is one of the more supportive countries for the Russian government.

    These countries’ sensitivities, were partly how the Soviet Union was able to build strong relations with the third world countries, in contrast to Western bloc, during the second half of the 20th century. Fruit of this investment in these relations have still continued to some extent today and we saw that with the voting in relation to Ukraine invasion in the UN last month.

    If you would read books or learn about the 20th century history, then your posts could be more interesting than being only clickbait or Dada performance art. I’m not the right person to recommend about history. But there are people here like Yevardian and German Reader who are educated people and could probably give recommendations .

    • LOL: sher singh
    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @Dmitry

    Indeed, I might conceivably consult you for advice on box unpacking methods, Nike shoe shopping, and stalking the children of famous people on Instagram and Facebook. Your primary and indeed only areas of competency.

    Replies: @Dmitry

  631. Just in. State Duma MP Vitaliy Milonov (representing the ‘state Orthodoxy’ faction) is apparently now residing in Armenia. It seems emigration has spread from professionals to the smaller members of government (I suppose larger ones can’t leave).

    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @Yevardian


    It seems emigration has spread from professionals to the smaller members of government.
     
    First search result on Milonov/Armenia: https://govoritmoskva.ru/news/308306/

    «Для меня Армения — это родное место. Я был в Армении не только в какие-то тяжёлые времена для России, в тяжёлые времена для Армении я тоже там бываю, и во время Карабахской войны был. В Армении я чувствую себя абсолютно дома.

    Всё-таки мой прадедушка был судьёй в городе Ереване во время государя императора, мои сёстры там живут и мои друзья-депутаты. У меня даже помощник есть официальный, который сейчас живёт в Ереване и занимается гуманитарными исследованиями. В Армении всё хорошо. И те россияне, которые сейчас прибывают в Армению по различным обстоятельствам, я не говорю сейчас какие, они разные бывают, в их случае я говорю, чтобы наши армянские партнёры помогали этим людям. Чтобы для людей, которые какое-то время хотят побыть в Ереване, были условия нормальные, никто не обманывал, чтобы было комфортно. Я сам уже в России».
     
    You should probably spend less time parroting whatever's on his svidomist social media feed, and like Dmitry, focus more on your core competencies, such as projecting your own presumed urges onto your online interlocutors.

    Replies: @Yevardian

  632. @Ron Unz
    As most of you have probably heard, the NYT reported that according to conservative American government estimates, more than 7,000 Russian troops have already died in the war, along with another 14,000 to 21,000 wounded:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html

    Offhand, this seems shockingly high to me, and I have absolutely no idea of how plausible those numbers might be. Given the very wide range of partisan attachments among the commenters, I'm curious what most of you think, and what the likely casualty figures would be.

    Replies: @AP, @A123, @prime noticer, @Philip Owen, @Dmitry, @V. K. Ovelund, @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    Perhaps we will not know the real number of soldiers who died in Ukraine, as Putin has made a law that the number of dead soldiers, or reporting their deaths, as a result of special operations, as an official secret of the government. This is part of the law of special operations – the number of soldiers who die will be a government secret ( https://web.archive.org/web/20220123152305/http://www.rbc.ru/politics/28/05/2015/5566d8889a79477ecebe00e8)

    It will probably not be considered worth it, to collect bodies of dead soldiers from Ukraine (https://echo.msk.ru/news/2988311-echo.html – Echo of Moscow website might be a dead link at the moment, but they say they will not collect much of the bodies).

    Journalists try to collect news about funerals, from the social networks, but some of the families have reported in local media that they were told not to make a noise.

    There are projects to look at social media posts, to count the number of lost equipment seen in photos or videos. “Oryx” is doing this project for this war as also in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.
    https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html

    And Telegram channels (usually by Ukrainians) posting photos of dead bodies in Ukraine.
    https://t.me/s/rf200_now

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @Dmitry

    After the Waterloo campaigns the bodies of the French German and British troops were turned into bonemeal. Literal fertiliser. 60,000 approx.

  633. @Anatoly Karlin
    @sudden death

    Well said. Shock and disbelief indeed. This is a racial holy war against Western Supremacy.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1496534595759710210

    https://twitter.com/MFA_China/status/1501185437901082629

    https://twitter.com/unquirer/status/1504102321294348294

    Replies: @iffen, @AP, @sudden death, @Mr. Hack

    Hey Mr. Karlin,

    I’m having a hard time trying to understand why the cowardly Russian troops that have invaded Ukraine continually bomb and attack civilian centers?

    Also, why do they so mercilessly bomb and attack cities in Eastern and Southern Ukraine, areas that have historically included more Russians and Russian speaking Ukrainians than other parts of Ukraine?

    If this is the way that they treat people that might actually be open to some of their stupid ideas, no wonder that the whole world thinks that Putin and his followers are a bunch of morons. And you seem to be his main cheerleader?

    “Shock and Disgust”

    • Agree: Philip Owen
  634. https://yandex.com/images/search?text=%D0%94%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%B9%D1%82%D0%B5%20%D0%B6%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8C%20%D0%B4%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B6%D0%BD%D0%BE&from=tabbar&pos=19&img_url=https%3A%2F%2Fds05.infourok.ru%2Fuploads%2Fex%2F12cb%2F000be622-3b015946%2F3%2Fimg30.jpg&rpt=simage

    ‘Shock and Disgust’ does seem to be the operating phrase of the day.
    ‘Christ-like restraint’ is of course utterly ridiculous, but things have been relatively restrained, when comparing with other recent conflicts (any Balkan war, for instance), or ongoing Turkish operations against Kurds. When all is said and done, this isn’t an ethnic war, and the absence of hatred, and indeed, increasing despondence even in Russian official media shows this.
    Perhaps I’m just totally desensitised after the 2020 Artskah war, when Turks were literally spamming Armenian media with drone videos of soldiers being blown up (which media worldwide completely ignored).

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @Yevardian


    spamming Armenian media
     
    Although in retrospective view those drone videos could or should have helped Armenia to reduce losses, because the Armenian media was presenting a too rosy picture of the war, which extending the time of conflict.

    This was a war should have ended much earlier, where Azerbaijan was releasing early drone videos, showing impassable technological difference.

    If more of the Armenian public was watching these drone videos, they might have terminated the war after the first days, with the same concessions that happened after thousands of killed soldiers.

    I remember even in this forum, I was writing about how they should end the war, before there was another 2 weeks of massacres. In the end, Pashinyan had internal difficulty conceding and the parliament was filled protesters. This was partly too optimistic view of the war created by the local media.

    On the other hand, from purely military (non-humanitarian) view Azerbaijan should have maintained secrecy of its drone videos, but then it would have been more difficult internally to end the war.


    ‘Shock and Disgust’ does
     
    At least I'm not sure it is a bad thing, if smartphones mean we receive less "idealized" views of fighting. that's always the reality of war, but sometimes poets (although not great ones e.g. Homer) can try to make it sound more pretty and attractive to public. Of course, soldiers always know through history, that war is really just these picturesque experiences.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/t3xu35/russian_has_his_face_blown_off_during_fighting_in/

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Wokechoke

  635. @Coconuts
    @Dmitry


    But in the 20th century, Soviet Union and late Russian Empire, was throwing rapidly and brutally into modernity from the top-down, and there is of course less preserved of traditional culture (pre-industrial culture), compared to Western Europe. It’s more of a fossil of the mid or late 20th century values.
     
    I remember I experienced this as the Belarusian 'Life on Mars' effect, Life on Mars was a BBC police drama that was popular in the mid 2000s, a detective from around 2006 is hit by a car, falls into a coma and wakes up as a policeman in 1974. When you got on the train in Vilnius and fell asleep, a few hours later you woke up in Minsk where it still felt like 1990. Then you get another train to the provinces, fall sleep again and it is 1980 where the train stops.

    But, it was the 1980 of Western mining and industrial towns and cities, not that of other places in the West like Versailles or Hampton Court, rural Portugal or Spain, where older pre-20th C. types of cultural influence persisted.

    Replies: @Philip Owen, @Dmitry

    Lol I was born in the 1990s, but when I think about as a child in school, I have a strong sense like I come from the 1970s. But when I think about as a child at home, I feel like I’m from the 1990s or 2000s.

    One of the reasons is when most of the infrastructure in your school, was not updated since the 1970s. Even probably some of the pencil supplies were not opened since Soviet times. At the same time, at home, we were getting a lot of modern infrastructure and equipment.

    But this is 1970s, of the Soviet Union. Obviously, the atmosphere of those epochs is different in other places. Like 1970s Soviet culture is not in the same historical stage as 1970s Western culture.

    it was the 1980 of Western mining and industrial towns and cities,

    If you look in 1970s England, this is like early 2000s Russia. There is some desynchronization. But this is about a country at the leading edge, historically. Their fashion since 50 years ago, doesn’t seem more than about 10 or 15 years old.

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @Dmitry

    Yes. When I go to Saratov, I think I am returning to the late 1970's. It is not just fashion choices. It is salary relative to the price of a washing machine. It is the position of men and women. It is motor car ownership and many other things.

  636. @Dmitry
    @Ron Unz

    Perhaps we will not know the real number of soldiers who died in Ukraine, as Putin has made a law that the number of dead soldiers, or reporting their deaths, as a result of special operations, as an official secret of the government. This is part of the law of special operations – the number of soldiers who die will be a government secret ( https://web.archive.org/web/20220123152305/http://www.rbc.ru/politics/28/05/2015/5566d8889a79477ecebe00e8)

    It will probably not be considered worth it, to collect bodies of dead soldiers from Ukraine (https://echo.msk.ru/news/2988311-echo.html – Echo of Moscow website might be a dead link at the moment, but they say they will not collect much of the bodies).

    Journalists try to collect news about funerals, from the social networks, but some of the families have reported in local media that they were told not to make a noise.

    There are projects to look at social media posts, to count the number of lost equipment seen in photos or videos. "Oryx" is doing this project for this war as also in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.
    https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html

    And Telegram channels (usually by Ukrainians) posting photos of dead bodies in Ukraine.
    https://t.me/s/rf200_now

    Replies: @Wokechoke

    After the Waterloo campaigns the bodies of the French German and British troops were turned into bonemeal. Literal fertiliser. 60,000 approx.

  637. @Yevardian
    https://yandex.com/images/search?text=%D0%94%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%B9%D1%82%D0%B5%20%D0%B6%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8C%20%D0%B4%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B6%D0%BD%D0%BE&from=tabbar&pos=19&img_url=https%3A%2F%2Fds05.infourok.ru%2Fuploads%2Fex%2F12cb%2F000be622-3b015946%2F3%2Fimg30.jpg&rpt=simage

    'Shock and Disgust' does seem to be the operating phrase of the day.
    'Christ-like restraint' is of course utterly ridiculous, but things have been relatively restrained, when comparing with other recent conflicts (any Balkan war, for instance), or ongoing Turkish operations against Kurds. When all is said and done, this isn't an ethnic war, and the absence of hatred, and indeed, increasing despondence even in Russian official media shows this.
    Perhaps I'm just totally desensitised after the 2020 Artskah war, when Turks were literally spamming Armenian media with drone videos of soldiers being blown up (which media worldwide completely ignored).

    Replies: @Dmitry

    spamming Armenian media

    Although in retrospective view those drone videos could or should have helped Armenia to reduce losses, because the Armenian media was presenting a too rosy picture of the war, which extending the time of conflict.

    This was a war should have ended much earlier, where Azerbaijan was releasing early drone videos, showing impassable technological difference.

    If more of the Armenian public was watching these drone videos, they might have terminated the war after the first days, with the same concessions that happened after thousands of killed soldiers.

    I remember even in this forum, I was writing about how they should end the war, before there was another 2 weeks of massacres. In the end, Pashinyan had internal difficulty conceding and the parliament was filled protesters. This was partly too optimistic view of the war created by the local media.

    On the other hand, from purely military (non-humanitarian) view Azerbaijan should have maintained secrecy of its drone videos, but then it would have been more difficult internally to end the war.

    ‘Shock and Disgust’ does

    At least I’m not sure it is a bad thing, if smartphones mean we receive less “idealized” views of fighting. that’s always the reality of war, but sometimes poets (although not great ones e.g. Homer) can try to make it sound more pretty and attractive to public. Of course, soldiers always know through history, that war is really just these picturesque experiences.

    Russian has his face blown off during fighting in the Ukraine. 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 from CombatFootage

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @Dmitry

    The main problem with Armenia is that they didn’t strike first. They have no oil or mineral wealth in comparison to a Baku. The Armenians had plenty of anti tank weapons, and the azeris used the drones as artillery spotters for the most devastating phases of the war.

    The population balance heavily favors Azeris as well.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    , @Wokechoke
    @Dmitry

    Armenia 2.5 million people v 10.5 Azeris. It’s not about Drones and AT, which the Armenians do have anyway. Big Battalions work.

  638. AP says:
    @Mikel
    @AP


    shooting back on positions after one has been fired upon (in order to save oneself) is acceptable.
     
    I'm not sure that a situation like that has ever happened either during the Donbass or the current war. And I'm not sure how "acceptable" it is to purposefully kill civilians along with your enemies even if you are trying to protect yourself. I don't believe I would be able to use my shotgun against a group of innocent people even if hiding behind them was one who had shot at me first. Would you?

    So it’s just a false comparison.
     
    Yes, I've noticed that you are consuming a lot of Western MSM "information" but the reality I perceive from multiple and opposing sources is that the tactics of the Russians with regard to shelling civilian areas are strikingly similar to the Ukrainians' in Donbass. Neither is trying (for the time being) to cause a genocide but neither hesitates to kill civilians if it serves to gain military advantage, with occasional instances on both sides of seemingly purposeless atrocities.

    It is true that the scale is going to be very different in this war, especially if we help Ukraine to prolong it, which is why I would personally like to see the war end the sooner the better, no matter who is the winner. A Ukrainian friend whose parents are stuck in Ukraine told me the same last week (quite understandably).

    Ukraine defending itself from Russian invasion does not contradict Just War doctrine. Nor did Poland fighting Germany.
     
    Since the time I saw you justifying the carnage of civilians in Lugansk Square I know that you've somehow convinced yourself that this kind of acts are compatible with your Christian faith. It must have been a tremendous mental effort so I won't waste my time trying to undo what you did to yourself.

    The Catholic Church doctrine on the just war, that I learned from my religion teacher at school, has been clear for centuries: you cannot do more damage in a war than the damage you're trying to prevent.

    From that perspective, the Polish defense against the German invasion was likely justified. It must have been known to the Poles that the Germans were planning to do what they eventually did: enslave and genocide million of Slavs. I'll let each one decide if the Ukranian case today is comparable. But from my point of view any action from outside that has the end result of causing more innocent casualties goes against my moral compass.

    Replies: @AP, @sudden death

    I’m not sure that a situation like that has ever happened either during the Donbass or the current war. And I’m not sure how “acceptable” it is to purposefully kill civilians along with your enemies even if you are trying to protect yourself. I don’t believe I would be able to use my shotgun against a group of innocent people even if hiding behind them was one who had shot at me first. Would you?

    If the guy was still armed and thus still a danger to me I don’t know if I would shoot him (save myself) or not (sacrifice myself, let him shoot at me again, but not kill the people around him). But if I did choose to shoot, the deaths of the people behind him would be his fault, not mine, because he put me in the position of having to shoot to save myself.

    In the case of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia chose to invade Ukraine. It chose to put itself into the position of making this choice to shoot innocent people or not.

    In contrast, in Donbas it is the rebels who are the aggressors, against the Ukrainian state that is the legally recognized owner of that territory. The rebels were on the attack, trying to grab territory from the state.

    Yes, I’ve noticed that you are consuming a lot of Western MSM “information” but the reality I perceive from multiple and opposing sources is that the tactics of the Russians with regard to shelling civilian areas are strikingly similar to the Ukrainians’ in Donbass.

    One doesn’t need to consume western MSM to know that Russia invaded another country and is thus wholly to blame for the deaths it caused.

    Since the time I saw you justifying the carnage of civilians in Lugansk Square

    The military leadership of a deadly and illegal rebellion chose to base itself among civilians and the Ukrainian government made a good faith attempt to take out that leadership (and hopefully end the rebellion, thereby saving many lives) but tragically killed civilians instead.

    This is simply not comparable to Russia choosing to invade another country and killing thousands of civilians while doing so.

    The Catholic Church doctrine on the just war, that I learned from my religion teacher at school, has been clear for centuries: you cannot do more damage in a war than the damage you’re trying to prevent.

    Just Law does not view damage in purely material terms, such as loss of life only.

    Prevention of loss of independence, mass arrests, etc. is arguably worse than losses incurred from fighting back. Ukrainians did not fight off the Soviets hard enough in 1917-1920, with devastating consequences. Why place themselves at Russia’s mercy and find out what will be in store for them?

    I would personally like to see the war end the sooner the better, no matter who is the winner.

    This is why you don’t have a country, and why your people and their beautiful culture will sadly disappear. As is your right.

    A Ukrainian friend whose parents are stuck in Ukraine told me the same last week (quite understandably).

    What part of Ukraine is your friend from? My relatives from Bucha survived some horrors and are basically just wanting the Russians to get killed. They certainly wish that the Russians had never invaded (only a sick person would eagerly embrace a war occurring) but they are determined that the Russians should not win.

    From that perspective, the Polish defense against the German invasion was likely justified. It must have been known to the Poles that the Germans were planning to do what they eventually did: enslave and genocide million of Slavs.

    Hitler kind of liked Pilsudski and in the 1930s was offering Poland junior partner status (Nazi racial “scientists” were flexible, Croats and Galicians got good deals). But for Poles, the moral cost of allying with that monster was worse than the material advantages of doing so.

    Ultimately, the people of Ukraine have decided that they want to fight to prevent Russian rule over them. Which they are doing, and doing well.

    • Replies: @Mikel
    @AP


    Just Law does not view damage in purely material terms, such as loss of life only.

    Prevention of loss of independence, mass arrests, etc. is arguably worse than losses incurred from fighting back. Ukrainians
     
    This is all just the 2,000-year story of Christians convincing themselves that the Fifth Commandment is optional in order to continue doing what humans have always done: fight for territorial and political reasons.

    It's tiresome. I don't have the energy to engage in a point by point debate of these issues with someone with your background.

    The just war doctrine is one of the very few things about Catholicism that I still happen to find reasonable. But there's something beyond the moral aspect for me: the continuation of our genetic lineage. In the WMD era, which we have just barely entered (77 years in historical and technological terms is nothing), there is no hope of survival for our species if we don't learn to solve our political disputes without resorting to war.

    From this perspective, it is disheartening that Ukraine, Russia and the West have been unable to solve a relatively mundane conflict about security concerns and ethnic allegiances and have instead engaged in a pissing contest that has resulted in a very dangerous war.

    What part of Ukraine is your friend from?
     
    She is a Ukrainian speaker from south of Kiev who once told me about her love for her country. Technically, her parents could still escape Ukraine but they are too old and, to her dismay, have decided to accept whatever fate brings them. She is having a really bad time. I also know two other Ukrainians who have close relatives in Odessa and Kharkiv. Unlike in the Donbass war, I now have direct knowledge of people being affected by the devastation of war.

    Replies: @AP, @Beckow

  639. @Dmitry
    @Yevardian


    spamming Armenian media
     
    Although in retrospective view those drone videos could or should have helped Armenia to reduce losses, because the Armenian media was presenting a too rosy picture of the war, which extending the time of conflict.

    This was a war should have ended much earlier, where Azerbaijan was releasing early drone videos, showing impassable technological difference.

    If more of the Armenian public was watching these drone videos, they might have terminated the war after the first days, with the same concessions that happened after thousands of killed soldiers.

    I remember even in this forum, I was writing about how they should end the war, before there was another 2 weeks of massacres. In the end, Pashinyan had internal difficulty conceding and the parliament was filled protesters. This was partly too optimistic view of the war created by the local media.

    On the other hand, from purely military (non-humanitarian) view Azerbaijan should have maintained secrecy of its drone videos, but then it would have been more difficult internally to end the war.


    ‘Shock and Disgust’ does
     
    At least I'm not sure it is a bad thing, if smartphones mean we receive less "idealized" views of fighting. that's always the reality of war, but sometimes poets (although not great ones e.g. Homer) can try to make it sound more pretty and attractive to public. Of course, soldiers always know through history, that war is really just these picturesque experiences.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/t3xu35/russian_has_his_face_blown_off_during_fighting_in/

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Wokechoke

    The main problem with Armenia is that they didn’t strike first. They have no oil or mineral wealth in comparison to a Baku. The Armenians had plenty of anti tank weapons, and the azeris used the drones as artillery spotters for the most devastating phases of the war.

    The population balance heavily favors Azeris as well.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @Wokechoke

    You could see if you used to watch the military parades, before the war.

    Baku was always parading these ultra-expensive equipment they bought from the West with oil money. Look at drones 1:01:00 There are some $30 million each costing Elbit Hermes drone around 1:03:00.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pr36vLGYFU

    And Armenia's army there is nothing really interesting past the 1970s/1980s equipment, except perhaps Iskander missiles. Otherwise I think almost all this military equipment would not be surprising by late in the 1970s. Armenia didn't have the oil money to buy the newer stuff.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp5rGHiH9q8

    Replies: @Dmitry, @LondonBob, @Wokechoke

  640. @Dmitry
    @Yevardian


    spamming Armenian media
     
    Although in retrospective view those drone videos could or should have helped Armenia to reduce losses, because the Armenian media was presenting a too rosy picture of the war, which extending the time of conflict.

    This was a war should have ended much earlier, where Azerbaijan was releasing early drone videos, showing impassable technological difference.

    If more of the Armenian public was watching these drone videos, they might have terminated the war after the first days, with the same concessions that happened after thousands of killed soldiers.

    I remember even in this forum, I was writing about how they should end the war, before there was another 2 weeks of massacres. In the end, Pashinyan had internal difficulty conceding and the parliament was filled protesters. This was partly too optimistic view of the war created by the local media.

    On the other hand, from purely military (non-humanitarian) view Azerbaijan should have maintained secrecy of its drone videos, but then it would have been more difficult internally to end the war.


    ‘Shock and Disgust’ does
     
    At least I'm not sure it is a bad thing, if smartphones mean we receive less "idealized" views of fighting. that's always the reality of war, but sometimes poets (although not great ones e.g. Homer) can try to make it sound more pretty and attractive to public. Of course, soldiers always know through history, that war is really just these picturesque experiences.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/t3xu35/russian_has_his_face_blown_off_during_fighting_in/

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Wokechoke

    Armenia 2.5 million people v 10.5 Azeris. It’s not about Drones and AT, which the Armenians do have anyway. Big Battalions work.

    • Agree: LondonBob
  641. @Beckow
    @Dmitry

    Weird stuff. You seem a corona devotee, get your 5th booster, one never knows. I have noticed how the whole C19 hysteria was deep-sixed overnight, barely a mention. That should tell you something. If you think.

    Utu lives in a shelter, he won't be coming out. And the 'emerging safely' seems oddly inappropriate with nukes.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    If there is nuclear war, it will be unlikely that you would be injured by explosion, unless you live in major city, industrial or military center, which is probably not many of us.

    Most of us do not live somewhere which would be close to blast radius, so we would not be injured in explosions themselves. Maybe our forum can worry about AaronB is in danger as he is in New York.

    But the main danger would be from radioactive fallout which covers over the much wider area in subsequent days and will be absorbed through water, food or breathing of dust. This will be a much wider dispersion that would kill most of the victims in the nuclear war.

    Utu is scientific and educated man so he knows this. But you know a lot of wider public during nuclear war, might be going outside absorbing the dust that falls hours after the explosions.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Dmitry


    Most of us do not live somewhere which would be close to blast radius, so we would not be injured in explosions themselves.
     
    Inverse square law means that they use a number of small warheads instead of one big one.

    If I am lucky, I will be caught between two or three blasts, so as to be "evenly toasted."

    Meanwhile, I picture Aaron B being targeted by the "NYC Feces Attacker" and being relieved when his assailant's missile is hygienically atomized.

    Replies: @Dmitry

  642. Possibly, these stories about blacks in the Ukraine were meant to telegraph to progressives that a massive new shipment of Africans was incoming, as I am sure it would have been quite a curveball to them otherwise.

    https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/767381/breaking-ukrainian-refugees-arrive-in-bundoran.html

    I was interested to see that story Sailer mentioned about the Sudanese who was pre-med in Russia. My theory is that Eastern Europe’s lower per capita is being leveraged so that it can be used as a staging ground for the invasion of Western Europe.

    I bet this guy was thinking, “I’ll become a doctor and then they’ll have to take me. Wait a minute, this is too much trouble! They won’t sell me the degree. I’ll just go without one.”

  643. @Wokechoke
    @Dmitry

    The main problem with Armenia is that they didn’t strike first. They have no oil or mineral wealth in comparison to a Baku. The Armenians had plenty of anti tank weapons, and the azeris used the drones as artillery spotters for the most devastating phases of the war.

    The population balance heavily favors Azeris as well.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    You could see if you used to watch the military parades, before the war.

    Baku was always parading these ultra-expensive equipment they bought from the West with oil money. Look at drones 1:01:00 There are some \$30 million each costing Elbit Hermes drone around 1:03:00.

    And Armenia’s army there is nothing really interesting past the 1970s/1980s equipment, except perhaps Iskander missiles. Otherwise I think almost all this military equipment would not be surprising by late in the 1970s. Armenia didn’t have the oil money to buy the newer stuff.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @Dmitry


    late in the 1970s. Armenia didn’t have the oil money to buy the newer stuff.
     
    Equipment changes also determines a lot of tactics. Think about during total war in Second World War (1939-1945), how rapidly equipment becomes obsolete technologically.

    Panzer I was only introduced 1934, but it was already becoming technologically obsolete in Operation Barbarossa 1941, and the first encounter even of newer Panzer series with T-34 (introduced 1940) had been shocking for the Panzer 2 (introduced 1935).

    Messerschmitt 109 (introduced 1937) and Mitsubishi Zero (introduced 1940) ,were some of the most effective fighter planes in the world in their first years. But by time of Grumman Hellcat (introduced 1943), they are being regularly defeated.

    We're lucky to live in comparatively peaceful time, where military equipment is not obsolete in a few years

    But for armies like Armenia, which was using mostly all equipment introduced in the USSR in the 1970s, not so much changed for 40-50 years. It's chronologically at least, like fighting in the Second World War with equipment based in 1890s or 1900s.

    , @LondonBob
    @Dmitry

    Armenia didn't prepare, the territory was favourable, they could have done like Hezbollah and built a network of impenetrable fortifications.

    https://twitter.com/BhadraPunchline/status/1504722488634527747?s=20&t=DIOh3nzoVgfHZGXbrobStg

    Anyway amused to see Anatoly interviewed by Freddy Gray, year above me and in a different house, G or H house I think. Surprised to see him pop up at the Spectator all these years later, I remember him turning up to chapel in a brown corduroy suit, amusing little fella.

    https://spectatorworld.com/radio/should-the-west-offer-putin-an-off-ramp/

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    , @Wokechoke
    @Dmitry

    It’s interesting that you talk about Azeris as if I don’t know about them.

    I’m familiar with them. My theory of ww2 is that Hitler might have won ww2 if he’s got into Baku. I’ve looked at them closely.

    Replies: @Dmitry

  644. @Dmitry
    @Wokechoke

    You could see if you used to watch the military parades, before the war.

    Baku was always parading these ultra-expensive equipment they bought from the West with oil money. Look at drones 1:01:00 There are some $30 million each costing Elbit Hermes drone around 1:03:00.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pr36vLGYFU

    And Armenia's army there is nothing really interesting past the 1970s/1980s equipment, except perhaps Iskander missiles. Otherwise I think almost all this military equipment would not be surprising by late in the 1970s. Armenia didn't have the oil money to buy the newer stuff.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp5rGHiH9q8

    Replies: @Dmitry, @LondonBob, @Wokechoke

    late in the 1970s. Armenia didn’t have the oil money to buy the newer stuff.

    Equipment changes also determines a lot of tactics. Think about during total war in Second World War (1939-1945), how rapidly equipment becomes obsolete technologically.

    Panzer I was only introduced 1934, but it was already becoming technologically obsolete in Operation Barbarossa 1941, and the first encounter even of newer Panzer series with T-34 (introduced 1940) had been shocking for the Panzer 2 (introduced 1935).

    Messerschmitt 109 (introduced 1937) and Mitsubishi Zero (introduced 1940) ,were some of the most effective fighter planes in the world in their first years. But by time of Grumman Hellcat (introduced 1943), they are being regularly defeated.

    We’re lucky to live in comparatively peaceful time, where military equipment is not obsolete in a few years

    But for armies like Armenia, which was using mostly all equipment introduced in the USSR in the 1970s, not so much changed for 40-50 years. It’s chronologically at least, like fighting in the Second World War with equipment based in 1890s or 1900s.

  645. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    there must be many in the West who see no point in having a world without Western dominance.
     
    I don't think we'd throw nukes over a mere loss of dominance. It'd be more reactive than that. Say we lose control over the economic system very rapidly, Russia and China cut off exports to us somehow, and our leaders panic...

    It'd be weird to see the same people telling us to be 'non-Eurocentric', import millions of Arabs and Africans, and disparaging our history, suddenly press the nuclear button the moment we actually lose our dominance.


    Putin said some time ago that he sees ‘no point in preserving the world without Russia‘.
     
    It seems more likely that if the political system in China, Russia, or USA ever collapses, the current leaders press the button out of spite.

    Replies: @Beckow

    …the current leaders press the button out of spite.

    Yes, spite is an exit emotion. There has always been a rotation of dominant powers in the world, but the declining powers never had nukes. (Soviets collapsed internally while on friendly terms with their main rival as it was happening – a different situation.)

    West is well on its way to experience an internal collapse, demographically and in not able to sustain its debts and virtual economy. It could be triggered by a sudden collapse of availability of cheap real stuff – the MAGA dream of making it again at home has been defeated and too much has been dismantled to bring it back. Plus there are the real resources, e.g. what is coming from Russia today; if that goes it would be hard to replace. West can try to force others to send it stuff with a threat of nukes but it may not work. They also have nukes. Maybe it will end with a spite.

    • Agree: Pharmakon
    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    debts and virtual economy
     
    As someone who has autistically read endless financial reports doing stock research, I can tell you that Western private sector debt is usually rather underwhelming compared to Chinese or Russian private sector debt. If you're talking about state debt, well, a state with a sovereign currency cannot be forced to default on its own currency as it literally prints its own money. Indeed, high state debt is a good thing, as with a debt-based currency it is impossible for the private and public sector to simultaneously be in surplus (if one sector saves 'debt' it must do so by indebting another sector). Since the state is sovereign as regards its own currency, it is always best for the state to indebt itself and thereby leave the household and private sector some breathing room.

    However, the virtual economy stuff is much more worrisome to me. I have absolutely no idea how we manage to maintain this standard of living doing mostly nothing at all. I guess you can make a good amount of money in IT, but that does not really explain any of it- perhaps its a consequence of our corporate domination of a cheap resource base in Africa? Trickle down from FDI extraction by large companies? If you check the European and US account balance, the US constantly imports too much stuff but gets away with it because foreigners like to hoard dollars. But the EU account balance is actually not negative at all. What the hell are we even exporting?

    Replies: @Beckow

  646. Arnold Schwarzenegger weighs in and tells his Russian friends the truth about the war:

    It’s actually quite good.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Mr. Hack

    The full version of Arnold's plea to his Russian friends. If you haven't listened to it, you should. He makes his case using logic and appeals to the heart as well:

    https://youtu.be/fWClXZd9c78

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @nickels

  647. @Dmitry
    @Beckow

    If there is nuclear war, it will be unlikely that you would be injured by explosion, unless you live in major city, industrial or military center, which is probably not many of us.

    Most of us do not live somewhere which would be close to blast radius, so we would not be injured in explosions themselves. Maybe our forum can worry about AaronB is in danger as he is in New York.

    But the main danger would be from radioactive fallout which covers over the much wider area in subsequent days and will be absorbed through water, food or breathing of dust. This will be a much wider dispersion that would kill most of the victims in the nuclear war.

    Utu is scientific and educated man so he knows this. But you know a lot of wider public during nuclear war, might be going outside absorbing the dust that falls hours after the explosions.

    Replies: @songbird

    Most of us do not live somewhere which would be close to blast radius, so we would not be injured in explosions themselves.

    Inverse square law means that they use a number of small warheads instead of one big one.

    If I am lucky, I will be caught between two or three blasts, so as to be “evenly toasted.”

    Meanwhile, I picture Aaron B being targeted by the “NYC Feces Attacker” and being relieved when his assailant’s missile is hygienically atomized.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @songbird

    If you assume "bi-directional" nuclear war between NATO and Russia (rather than some omni-directional nuclear war between everyone, where China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel start to join in the "party")?

    In the Russian side, the main weapons will be soon be upgraded to this generation in Topol M (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-24_Yars ) Number of missiles which could be thrown by the military, would likely be relatively limited compared to NATO.

    NATO has more military capacity, and probably they will really be able to throws hundreds of the Minuteman III (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W87 ) Trident (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W88).

    Probably France would also be throwing their missiles on Russia as well ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M51_(missile) )

    The size of the warheads in either side, seem around the same, with multiple of these warheads in each missile with the newer generation of weapons (currently a minority in Russia, maybe a majority in NATO by now).

    From what I read, a few hundred, would not be the end of the world. But those of us outside of the blast radius (vast majority of people), will have a lot of fallout to die from in subsequent days.

    Replies: @songbird

  648. @Dmitry
    @Wokechoke

    You could see if you used to watch the military parades, before the war.

    Baku was always parading these ultra-expensive equipment they bought from the West with oil money. Look at drones 1:01:00 There are some $30 million each costing Elbit Hermes drone around 1:03:00.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pr36vLGYFU

    And Armenia's army there is nothing really interesting past the 1970s/1980s equipment, except perhaps Iskander missiles. Otherwise I think almost all this military equipment would not be surprising by late in the 1970s. Armenia didn't have the oil money to buy the newer stuff.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp5rGHiH9q8

    Replies: @Dmitry, @LondonBob, @Wokechoke

    Armenia didn’t prepare, the territory was favourable, they could have done like Hezbollah and built a network of impenetrable fortifications.

    Anyway amused to see Anatoly interviewed by Freddy Gray, year above me and in a different house, G or H house I think. Surprised to see him pop up at the Spectator all these years later, I remember him turning up to chapel in a brown corduroy suit, amusing little fella.

    https://spectatorworld.com/radio/should-the-west-offer-putin-an-off-ramp/

    • Thanks: Emil Nikola Richard
    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @LondonBob

    Holy backtrack Batman.

    Perhaps I heard totally wrong but it seems to me at 10:00 it went something like:

    Host: so was this a good idea to attack Ukraine or was this a bad idea to attack Ukraine?

    AK: we will know in about ten years.

    Maybe I was hallucinating. I only woke up about an hour ago.

  649. @Mikel
    @AP


    shooting back on positions after one has been fired upon (in order to save oneself) is acceptable.
     
    I'm not sure that a situation like that has ever happened either during the Donbass or the current war. And I'm not sure how "acceptable" it is to purposefully kill civilians along with your enemies even if you are trying to protect yourself. I don't believe I would be able to use my shotgun against a group of innocent people even if hiding behind them was one who had shot at me first. Would you?

    So it’s just a false comparison.
     
    Yes, I've noticed that you are consuming a lot of Western MSM "information" but the reality I perceive from multiple and opposing sources is that the tactics of the Russians with regard to shelling civilian areas are strikingly similar to the Ukrainians' in Donbass. Neither is trying (for the time being) to cause a genocide but neither hesitates to kill civilians if it serves to gain military advantage, with occasional instances on both sides of seemingly purposeless atrocities.

    It is true that the scale is going to be very different in this war, especially if we help Ukraine to prolong it, which is why I would personally like to see the war end the sooner the better, no matter who is the winner. A Ukrainian friend whose parents are stuck in Ukraine told me the same last week (quite understandably).

    Ukraine defending itself from Russian invasion does not contradict Just War doctrine. Nor did Poland fighting Germany.
     
    Since the time I saw you justifying the carnage of civilians in Lugansk Square I know that you've somehow convinced yourself that this kind of acts are compatible with your Christian faith. It must have been a tremendous mental effort so I won't waste my time trying to undo what you did to yourself.

    The Catholic Church doctrine on the just war, that I learned from my religion teacher at school, has been clear for centuries: you cannot do more damage in a war than the damage you're trying to prevent.

    From that perspective, the Polish defense against the German invasion was likely justified. It must have been known to the Poles that the Germans were planning to do what they eventually did: enslave and genocide million of Slavs. I'll let each one decide if the Ukranian case today is comparable. But from my point of view any action from outside that has the end result of causing more innocent casualties goes against my moral compass.

    Replies: @AP, @sudden death

    Lugansk Square

    Just adding the context about this bloody 2014 episode – the same morning BEFORE the airstrike, rebels in Lugansk began the full scale military atttack on Ukraine state border security building which was located in living quarter of the city, they were shooting RPG’s from the top of living buildings, they were shooting from spaces between the buildings and so on. Airstrike was directed at the separatist HQ as a retaliation for the atttack because UA military didn’t want to strike the top of the living buildings (meanwhile RF is doing it atm with full abandon towards civilian lives in UA) built in front of the stormed state border security building. You can argue it was not right/accurate and not proportionate response or whatever but it was a city already at full scale war by rebel initiative at the moment of the airstrike.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_the_Luhansk_Border_Base

    • Agree: AP
    • Replies: @AP
    @sudden death

    Exactly. Ukrainians sent a plane to bomb the specific building where the rebel military leadership was, which is as targeted attack as could be done. Contrast that with Russian mass bombing of entire residential neighborhoods in Kharkiv or wiping out entire Ukrainian villages. And of course in the case of Luhansk, Ukraine was defending against a hostile rebellion supported by Russian military on Ukrainian soil, whereas what Russia is doing now is an invasion of another country. It's rather obscene to equate the two situations.

    Replies: @sudden death

    , @Mikel
    @sudden death


    Airstrike was directed at the separatist HQ as a retaliation for the atttack because UA military didn’t want to strike the top of the living buildings
     
    Do you have any insider information of what the intentions of the attackers were or are you just offering your guess?

    I think it's obvious that if the attack would have been so justified Ukraine would not have lied and tried to blame the rebels for it (as it did on several other occasions during that conflict).

    it was a city already at full scale war by rebel initiative at the moment of the airstrike
     
    Somehow the innocent locals strolling at the square or coming in and out of the building didn't see it that way. Eight of them paid for it with their lives.

    In any case, as you say, the means were totally disproportionate for what was intended, even if your interpretation is right. That attack with unguided munitions (and signs of strafing, according to international observers) was sure to kill civilians but most unlikely to cause any damage to any specific person inside the building. Besides, the Geneva Convention establishes that civilians must be warned before an attack that may harm them.

    Now the Russians are carrying out similar attacks but painting this as a conflict of innocent heroes versus villainous cowards is very misleading.

    Replies: @AP

  650. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    ...the current leaders press the button out of spite.
     
    Yes, spite is an exit emotion. There has always been a rotation of dominant powers in the world, but the declining powers never had nukes. (Soviets collapsed internally while on friendly terms with their main rival as it was happening - a different situation.)

    West is well on its way to experience an internal collapse, demographically and in not able to sustain its debts and virtual economy. It could be triggered by a sudden collapse of availability of cheap real stuff - the MAGA dream of making it again at home has been defeated and too much has been dismantled to bring it back. Plus there are the real resources, e.g. what is coming from Russia today; if that goes it would be hard to replace. West can try to force others to send it stuff with a threat of nukes but it may not work. They also have nukes. Maybe it will end with a spite.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    debts and virtual economy

    As someone who has autistically read endless financial reports doing stock research, I can tell you that Western private sector debt is usually rather underwhelming compared to Chinese or Russian private sector debt. If you’re talking about state debt, well, a state with a sovereign currency cannot be forced to default on its own currency as it literally prints its own money. Indeed, high state debt is a good thing, as with a debt-based currency it is impossible for the private and public sector to simultaneously be in surplus (if one sector saves ‘debt’ it must do so by indebting another sector). Since the state is sovereign as regards its own currency, it is always best for the state to indebt itself and thereby leave the household and private sector some breathing room.

    However, the virtual economy stuff is much more worrisome to me. I have absolutely no idea how we manage to maintain this standard of living doing mostly nothing at all. I guess you can make a good amount of money in IT, but that does not really explain any of it- perhaps its a consequence of our corporate domination of a cheap resource base in Africa? Trickle down from FDI extraction by large companies? If you check the European and US account balance, the US constantly imports too much stuff but gets away with it because foreigners like to hoard dollars. But the EU account balance is actually not negative at all. What the hell are we even exporting?

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    What the hell are we even exporting?
     
    Dreams. Visas for foreigners. Access to Western attractions. And a safe place to keep money earned doing real stuff. It can go on for a long time, but since it is based on ideas, any sudden shock can collapse it. The 'knowledge economy' is about fun stuff: learning, exploring, entertaining, distracting...and above all selling and efficient distribution of real stuff made elsewhere.

    Two of the pillars of Western economy - Google and Facebook - are advertising companies. They exist so their ads can guide people to buy more. That is not wrong by itself, but how come they are worth a lot more than companies making real stuff? More than food, energy, housing producers in aggregate?

    But if you look deep enough the real Western products today are dollars, euros, pounds. The virtual money they exchange for the real stuff they need. As long as the rest of the world buys this uneven exchange it will be ok - what Russia just did is to crack this willingness to continue with the exchange. If others follow even partially this will lead to an eventual unraveling of the sweet Western deal. It depends now on China, India, S Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and so far they have been rather even-handed as if being intrigued by the possibilities that would open up for them.

    You are too optimistic about the Western government debt; a lot of it directly and indirectly subsidises private companies. As it grows and the numbers and ratios get too big there will be consequences. The inflation today is just one of them. Sometimes when you look too closely at balance sheets you miss the big picture.

    This is not sustainable. The Third Worlders are massing on the borders for a reason - to keep the system going: give them a safety valve and a dream for the compradors, and control the native Western population. It can obviously only go on for so long before it totally changes the realities in the West. But nobody knows the timing, so in the meantime let's enjoy the 'war'.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  651. @HenryBaker
    @iffen

    If Anatolys ramping up of his rhetoric is representative of the Kremlin, at this point, we'll be bathing in nuclear fire in a week.

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war, Russians being almost genetically indistuingishable from other Europeans. I suppose the 3d world larp is the new way to go- we did push the Russians there again, but it's bizarre that we always end up in this spot.

    Seems safe to say that it's over for this 'community', however. There's no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else (us Westoids). All things must come to pass...

    Replies: @sudden death, @iffen, @Anatoly Karlin, @Pharmakon, @Coconuts

    It’s accurate, at a global level, it is overwhelmingly Whitoids who hate Russia, POCs either support Russia or doesn’t care.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Most POC countries seem to be hedging their bets. Japan and South Korea are the same loyal satrapies as the EU countries are. The only true Russia supporter, for now, seems to be China. As far as I can tell. This seems to me to have more to do with revisionism, superpower allegiance, and a shared type of government, than any real racial motive. 'Whitoid' is a misleading world, you should have said 'Westoid', which means USA aligned. If Russia had not been so simply big, if would have been a normal white US satrapy like any other. The third world LARP is simply that.

    By the way, I've heard multiple friends tell me 'what Russia is doing is even worse because they're a civilized European country like us'. Most of my literate friends enjoy Tolstoy and Dostojevski, the latter in particular is seen as one of the greatest authors to have ever existed. If this is somehow a 'race war' (I must assume against Slavs?) then why is the entirety of Europe declaring its willingness to save 'fellow European Ukrainian refugees'?

    However, since Russia and the West seem doomed to be perpetually at odds, the dumb race stuff is dragged in by the hair to give cultural legitimation to what is really more of a geopolitical conflict. The reason Russophobia exists is because the country is big and therefore 'scary'. That's it. As there is only room for one superpower in Eurasia, the US would never countenance Russia being in the same alliance (NATO) as Russia could subvert it from within by working with sympathethic Eastern Euro countries.

    I recently saw one more chart showing that Germans and Russians are (on a global scale) almost genetically identical. You calling us 'whitoids' is simply ridiculous unless you mean a sort of cultural degeneration. Likewise, the adamant nazi claims of Slavs being Untermenschen were pure fantasies as genetic evidence would have proved that they were shooting themselves in the foot. Otherwise it has nothing to do with race; it's all simple revisionism. If you declare a race war, you are, objectively speaking, declaring it against your own race. Good luck with all that.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @sher singh, @Barbarossa

    , @Mikel
    @Anatoly Karlin


    it is overwhelmingly Whitoids who hate Russia, POCs either support Russia or doesn’t care.
     
    That may actually be starting to have an effect in woke circles.

    This morning I was listening to NPR in my car (the only radio station in this area that is likely to talk to me about issues other than sports, religion or scammy retirement plans) and after the daily roundup of Russian atrocities in Ukraine they mentioned South Africa's president's statements about NATO being responsible for this war. They even put a short segment with his voice in English explaining his views. I've listened to NPR for enough time to know that they would have never aired that opinion if it had been expressed by anyone in the West (except maybe to try to expose him as a Putin shill).

    Replies: @S

  652. @Anatoly Karlin
    @HenryBaker

    It's accurate, at a global level, it is overwhelmingly Whitoids who hate Russia, POCs either support Russia or doesn't care.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1498595366727565316

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Mikel

    Most POC countries seem to be hedging their bets. Japan and South Korea are the same loyal satrapies as the EU countries are. The only true Russia supporter, for now, seems to be China. As far as I can tell. This seems to me to have more to do with revisionism, superpower allegiance, and a shared type of government, than any real racial motive. ‘Whitoid’ is a misleading world, you should have said ‘Westoid’, which means USA aligned. If Russia had not been so simply big, if would have been a normal white US satrapy like any other. The third world LARP is simply that.

    By the way, I’ve heard multiple friends tell me ‘what Russia is doing is even worse because they’re a civilized European country like us’. Most of my literate friends enjoy Tolstoy and Dostojevski, the latter in particular is seen as one of the greatest authors to have ever existed. If this is somehow a ‘race war’ (I must assume against Slavs?) then why is the entirety of Europe declaring its willingness to save ‘fellow European Ukrainian refugees’?

    However, since Russia and the West seem doomed to be perpetually at odds, the dumb race stuff is dragged in by the hair to give cultural legitimation to what is really more of a geopolitical conflict. The reason Russophobia exists is because the country is big and therefore ‘scary’. That’s it. As there is only room for one superpower in Eurasia, the US would never countenance Russia being in the same alliance (NATO) as Russia could subvert it from within by working with sympathethic Eastern Euro countries.

    I recently saw one more chart showing that Germans and Russians are (on a global scale) almost genetically identical. You calling us ‘whitoids’ is simply ridiculous unless you mean a sort of cultural degeneration. Likewise, the adamant nazi claims of Slavs being Untermenschen were pure fantasies as genetic evidence would have proved that they were shooting themselves in the foot. Otherwise it has nothing to do with race; it’s all simple revisionism. If you declare a race war, you are, objectively speaking, declaring it against your own race. Good luck with all that.

    • Replies: @LondonBob
    @HenryBaker

    Samsung was talking about expanding in Russia, Japan is keeping their energy interests, they will maintain their economic interests, they aren't suicidal ideologues like the European ruling class.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    , @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    My rationalizations are 'scientific' bro. Panjab to Sicily/Balkans is its own cluster
    Who cares, call it what you will: R1a v B, Centum v Satum, East v West Caucasoid

    Me v my brother, my brother v my cousin, my cousin v the world.
    Race war, Holy war etc all based. There are no relations on the battlefield so we hear from the Gita.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @Barbarossa
    @HenryBaker

    I remember that in the past Anatoly had used the "Russian are POC, cuz of oppression" line to troll kneejerk leftists on Twitter. It was quite funny at the time. I can't imagine that he is actually taking the "race war" tack seriously, since it seemed completely tongue in cheek at the time. If he was taking it seriously it would be an epic act of self parody. I think it's just a similar troll this time as well, though.

  653. @Dmitry
    @Anatoly Karlin

    You don't have to try to dig yourself deeper. I'm not saying whether you are lying or making the honest mistake, who cares. Although as general advice, if you more honestly admitted you wrote a mistake, it would give people a better impression.


    made no comment on the likelihood of him winning, but the mere fact that the complaint
     
    He has sent an application to complain to the authorities, that he is being discriminated under Chapter 2 of the constitution, because of use of Oriental and African models in the advertising by the brand Nike. Lawyers say he will 100% not win. While you write that the authorities are the one who is choosing to open the investigation, i.e. that the authorities are complaining, while in reality he is complaining to the authorities. You reversed the story for some reason.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1493177927390871553


    mere fact that the complaint was accepted and the complainant in question was not defenestrated by the media and activists (as would happen in any Western country) is telling alone.
     
    Not really, if you write the forms correctly, they have to accept the application by law. This is your right in the constitution law. It is what taxpayer pays for.

    only people on the planet this will offend are Eurofags and Amerimutts, not any actual humans.
     
    If it was publicized in their country, Chinese and African governments would be sensitive if their nationality was removed from advertising in Russia, as it would be bad public relations. Imagine how they would report this in South Africa, which is one of the more supportive countries for the Russian government.

    These countries' sensitivities, were partly how the Soviet Union was able to build strong relations with the third world countries, in contrast to Western bloc, during the second half of the 20th century. Fruit of this investment in these relations have still continued to some extent today and we saw that with the voting in relation to Ukraine invasion in the UN last month.

    If you would read books or learn about the 20th century history, then your posts could be more interesting than being only clickbait or Dada performance art. I'm not the right person to recommend about history. But there are people here like Yevardian and German Reader who are educated people and could probably give recommendations .

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

    Indeed, I might conceivably consult you for advice on box unpacking methods, Nike shoe shopping, and stalking the children of famous people on Instagram and Facebook. Your primary and indeed only areas of competency.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Well you did reverse the news story, which you must understand how this would create "fake news" impression for your audience. Whether you were lying to create clickbait or just an honest mistake? I think it is obvious it was an unintentional mistake, otherwise you would not post it to me, as you know I would check. I also don't think you are someone who would intentionally lies to make clickbait. I have a more high opinion of you than that. Generally you seem more in the other direction, almost too honest.

    As for giving you advice (not about shoes, which is just people showing off money i.e. monkeys with trinkets), but more important things, of course I would be happy to. However, at moment you seem a little prickly and defensive, so it can wait until you are more calm. Geopolitical events have raised your blood pressure and you have been behaving like the internet version of Renfield in Bram Stoker's "Dracula" when Dracula is approaching London. Probably in a couple of months you will be more calm and hopefully normally again, like "old Karlin" of the past.

  654. German_reader says:
    @songbird
    Zelenksy reminds me of the titular monster from The Thing.

    There is something really strange at his attempts at national mimicry, for personal survival.

    He addresses the Bundestag and tells Scholz "Tear down this wall!" And mentions the Berlin Airlift - demands a full energy embargo. He addresses US Congress and evokes MLK and Pearl Harbor, asks for a no-fly-zone. He addresses UK Parliament and evokes Churchill. What did he say to the Canadians? I don't know.

    In each case, it is like when the monster tried to copy the sled dogs. There is something off and grotesque, maybe because he is hitting on the superficiality of today's national identities. Maybe, because he is also on drugs.

    I almost think that if you took a sample of his blood and tried to apply a hot wire to it, it would jump up and away.

    Replies: @prime noticer, @German_reader, @Wielgus

    Zelenksy reminds me of the titular monster from The Thing.

    There is something really strange at his attempts at national mimicry, for personal survival.

    Zelensky is a manipulative asshole, totally agree with you about his performances in front of different parliaments. I disapprove strongly of the Russian invasion and am in favour of sending anti-air missiles and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine (to increase the chances for a negotiated settlement which has Ukraine retain at least some meaningful sovereignty), but tbh I can’t say I’ve ever come across a spokesman of the Ukrainian cause I found even remotely likeable. Their sense of entitlement and blatant attempts to manipulate Western audiences are downright repellent. And some of them are just nuts (can’t be bothered to dug it out, but people can look up Sergey Sumleny on Twitter…recently did a thread where he fantasized about Russia getting the equivalent of Germany’s re-education after WW2. Not surprisingly, he’s been affiliated with the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, the party foundation of Germany’s Greens).

    Anyway, some other news from the Pacific:
    https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/US-to-build-anti-China-missile-network-along-first-island-chain
    If the nuclear missiles start flying, it will probably be a truly global war.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @German_reader


    tbh I can’t say I’ve ever come across a spokesman of the Ukrainian cause I found even remotely likeable. Their sense of entitlement and blatant attempts to manipulate Western audiences are downright repellent.
     
    It's not really acknowledged here, but this would be what strong nationalism in small countries means: 'strong nationalism' becomes indistinguishable from a sense of entitlement and national narcissism which makes no sense to the surrounding countries. But extreme nationalists of course only care about themselves, therefore they are narcissistic. This has, by the way, always been a reason of mine to always agitate for the wider civilization of the 'Europe of nations' (with its Greek, Roman, and Early Modern artistic legacy) and not my own, quite humble little country.

    Replies: @LondonBob

    , @songbird
    @German_reader

    Can't say I feel very optimistic about negotiations.

    My impression is that Zelensky is playing for time. He's been encouraged by the arms shipments and thinks that he can get bigger weapons or more support. IMO, he should have tested Putin's willingness to reach a deal, by almost immediately agreeing to his more reasonable demands - Crimea recognition, the two republics being independent, and no NATO.

    But the further Russia makes inroads, the more of their dead that pile up, as well as equipment losses, if they have to street fight in more cities, the less willing Putin will be to make a deal.

    I'm not even sure if the West is willing to pivot from sanctions. Rather than using them as a bargaining chip, I think they might be ideologically committed to them. There's been too much signaling going on. Without the prospect of them being lifted, or without a change in rhetoric, it is hard to see what could motivate Putin to reach a deal.

    I think what may eventually happen is Russia takes Kiev and makes a deal with the locals. Meanwhile, Zelensksy and his group flee (if they have not already) and become a government in exile. It is said that the CIA has been training Ukrainians in insurgency tactics for a number of years now.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Mr. Hack, @Anatoly Karlin, @LondonBob

  655. @Yevardian
    Just in. State Duma MP Vitaliy Milonov (representing the 'state Orthodoxy' faction) is apparently now residing in Armenia. It seems emigration has spread from professionals to the smaller members of government (I suppose larger ones can't leave).

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin

    It seems emigration has spread from professionals to the smaller members of government.

    First search result on Milonov/Armenia: https://govoritmoskva.ru/news/308306/

    «Для меня Армения — это родное место. Я был в Армении не только в какие-то тяжёлые времена для России, в тяжёлые времена для Армении я тоже там бываю, и во время Карабахской войны был. В Армении я чувствую себя абсолютно дома.

    Всё-таки мой прадедушка был судьёй в городе Ереване во время государя императора, мои сёстры там живут и мои друзья-депутаты. У меня даже помощник есть официальный, который сейчас живёт в Ереване и занимается гуманитарными исследованиями. В Армении всё хорошо. И те россияне, которые сейчас прибывают в Армению по различным обстоятельствам, я не говорю сейчас какие, они разные бывают, в их случае я говорю, чтобы наши армянские партнёры помогали этим людям. Чтобы для людей, которые какое-то время хотят побыть в Ереване, были условия нормальные, никто не обманывал, чтобы было комфортно. Я сам уже в России».

    You should probably spend less time parroting whatever’s on his svidomist social media feed, and like Dmitry, focus more on your core competencies, such as projecting your own presumed urges onto your online interlocutors.

    • LOL: sher singh
    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Well if that's indeed the case, I'm glad. I heard it from Armenian media first, what can I say. Despite Milonov's extremely 'powerful' views on all sorts of topics, he was one of the only really strong voices for Armenia during the 2nd Artsakh War (and consistently before). Of course, the Duma is largely symbolic, so that's mute, but it was widely appreciated.

    As I think I've made clear several times here, I've considered this invasion a catastrophic blunder and unfolding disaster for all involved, but the collapse of the Russian government, even as it exists now, would lead to an even greater one. Its not as if I'm taking any joy in watching the Russian media show first stirrings of national panic, while people are being killed in Ukraine everyday.

    Ditto Oliver D Smith, I don't envy you being stalked by a such psychos, but play in the dirt, get dirty, I guess.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  656. @German_reader
    @songbird


    Zelenksy reminds me of the titular monster from The Thing.

    There is something really strange at his attempts at national mimicry, for personal survival.
     
    Zelensky is a manipulative asshole, totally agree with you about his performances in front of different parliaments. I disapprove strongly of the Russian invasion and am in favour of sending anti-air missiles and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine (to increase the chances for a negotiated settlement which has Ukraine retain at least some meaningful sovereignty), but tbh I can't say I've ever come across a spokesman of the Ukrainian cause I found even remotely likeable. Their sense of entitlement and blatant attempts to manipulate Western audiences are downright repellent. And some of them are just nuts (can't be bothered to dug it out, but people can look up Sergey Sumleny on Twitter...recently did a thread where he fantasized about Russia getting the equivalent of Germany's re-education after WW2. Not surprisingly, he's been affiliated with the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, the party foundation of Germany's Greens).

    Anyway, some other news from the Pacific:
    https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/US-to-build-anti-China-missile-network-along-first-island-chain
    If the nuclear missiles start flying, it will probably be a truly global war.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @songbird

    tbh I can’t say I’ve ever come across a spokesman of the Ukrainian cause I found even remotely likeable. Their sense of entitlement and blatant attempts to manipulate Western audiences are downright repellent.

    It’s not really acknowledged here, but this would be what strong nationalism in small countries means: ‘strong nationalism’ becomes indistinguishable from a sense of entitlement and national narcissism which makes no sense to the surrounding countries. But extreme nationalists of course only care about themselves, therefore they are narcissistic. This has, by the way, always been a reason of mine to always agitate for the wider civilization of the ‘Europe of nations’ (with its Greek, Roman, and Early Modern artistic legacy) and not my own, quite humble little country.

    • Agree: Yevardian
    • Replies: @LondonBob
    @HenryBaker

    I find all the nationalism of the Baltic, Polish and Ukrainian varieties extremely tedious, unfortunately the US is amplifying their neuroses.

  657. German_reader says:
    @Mikel
    I have always wondered how humanity would eventually manage to descend to nuclear Armageddon and I'm afraid I am watching the mechanism playing out right now. It's turning out to be much easier than I ever thought and not the product of an accident but a very conscious collective decision. A recent poll showed that 35% of Americans have already been led to believe (by MSM and social media, evidently) that the US should intervene militarily in Ukraine, even if that means risking WWIII.

    I don't quite understand how a nuclear war on top of what they are suffering would benefit Ukrainians but it is a fact that their president is pushing for a Western military confrontation with Russia with all his might. Apart from Fidel Castro, who reportedly encouraged Khrushchev to nuke the US, I'm not aware of any other nation having demanded any of the superpowers to unleash WWIII on their behalf. Perhaps Ukrainian nationalism is just as deranged as Russian imperialism (or Cuban socialism-or-deathism?).

    If Biden manages to resist the growing pressure, both from the MSM and an increasing number of lawmakers from both parties, to declare a no-fly-zone, he may actually get my vote in the next elections. I don't believe Trump would have been able to do that, given the kind of people he likes being surrounded with and the pundits he listens to. And who cares about the southern border, the gender wars and all the rest when your children's survival is at stake?

    Of course, it may well be very true that Putin would not dare to go nuclear if we declare a no-fly-zone (or carry out any other hostile action) but then again, it may also be false. Why so much rush to find out?

    The way things are going, with Ukraine turning into a Grozny x 40 and no prospects of substantial Russian advance without resorting to more indiscriminate measures that will be propagated and even exaggerated by the MSM 24x7, I will consider myself lucky to escape WWIII this one time.

    Replies: @Yevardian, @German_reader

    Of course, it may well be very true that Putin would not dare to go nuclear if we declare a no-fly-zone (or carry out any other hostile action)

    Of course Putin would react, at a minimum with conventional missile strikes on NATO air bases. But it’s possible that he’d immediately resort to tactical nukes (maybe just a single one, for demonstration effects, which apparently would be according to Russian military doctrine). And depending on NATO’s reactions (that is whether NATO would back down or not…or maybe retaliate with a nuclear strike of their own) things could then easily escalate to a strategic level, leading to the deaths of dozens of millions.
    I agree entirely with the rest of your comment (also am glad Biden is president right now, not Trump or some McCain-like Republican loony. As bad as he is on other issues, at least Biden still seems to retain a healthy fear of nuclear war).

    • LOL: iffen
  658. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Yevardian


    It seems emigration has spread from professionals to the smaller members of government.
     
    First search result on Milonov/Armenia: https://govoritmoskva.ru/news/308306/

    «Для меня Армения — это родное место. Я был в Армении не только в какие-то тяжёлые времена для России, в тяжёлые времена для Армении я тоже там бываю, и во время Карабахской войны был. В Армении я чувствую себя абсолютно дома.

    Всё-таки мой прадедушка был судьёй в городе Ереване во время государя императора, мои сёстры там живут и мои друзья-депутаты. У меня даже помощник есть официальный, который сейчас живёт в Ереване и занимается гуманитарными исследованиями. В Армении всё хорошо. И те россияне, которые сейчас прибывают в Армению по различным обстоятельствам, я не говорю сейчас какие, они разные бывают, в их случае я говорю, чтобы наши армянские партнёры помогали этим людям. Чтобы для людей, которые какое-то время хотят побыть в Ереване, были условия нормальные, никто не обманывал, чтобы было комфортно. Я сам уже в России».
     
    You should probably spend less time parroting whatever's on his svidomist social media feed, and like Dmitry, focus more on your core competencies, such as projecting your own presumed urges onto your online interlocutors.

    Replies: @Yevardian

    Well if that’s indeed the case, I’m glad. I heard it from Armenian media first, what can I say. Despite Milonov’s extremely ‘powerful’ views on all sorts of topics, he was one of the only really strong voices for Armenia during the 2nd Artsakh War (and consistently before). Of course, the Duma is largely symbolic, so that’s mute, but it was widely appreciated.

    As I think I’ve made clear several times here, I’ve considered this invasion a catastrophic blunder and unfolding disaster for all involved, but the collapse of the Russian government, even as it exists now, would lead to an even greater one. Its not as if I’m taking any joy in watching the Russian media show first stirrings of national panic, while people are being killed in Ukraine everyday.

    Ditto Oliver D Smith, I don’t envy you being stalked by a such psychos, but play in the dirt, get dirty, I guess.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Yevardian


    the Russian media show first stirrings of national panic
     
    Is there any proof for that?

    By the way, it's quite strange to hear all this talk of an 'existential' struggle, 'national panicking' if an invasion does not go that well, etc. Are people forgetting that wars don't pan out as originally thought, well, all the time? Calling a ceasefire would be a humiliation for the Kremlin, perhaps, but I doubt Russians will suddenly overthrow Putin (the only leader they've known in 20 years) over a single mistake.

    Replies: @Yevardian

  659. German_reader says:
    @Yevardian
    @siberiancat

    @henrybaker

    Well, Russian has two conveniently distinct words that both translate to 'Russian' in English, Русский (roo-skiy), for ethnic Russians, which can equally live in Russia, Lithuania or Ukraine, and Российский (rah-siy-skiy), members of the Russian State, which could equally be Russians, Mari, Udmurts or Armenians.

    Yiddish likewise has separate words for Jewish and Goy residents of all the European countries in which they settled extensively (France, Germany, Hungary, Poland etc), so you have Litvak (Lithuanian Jew) and Litvish (Lithuanian goy).

    I don't know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.

    @shersingh


    Such things are foreign to you.
     
    Isn't your own religion based on Islamic-Hindu syncretism?

    Replies: @Philip Owen, @HenryBaker, @German_reader

    I don’t know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.

    No, it doesn’t, unlike Russia Germany wasn’t a vast multiethnic empire, so there was no need for making such a distinction. But obviously this is a highly relevant distinction today, even if it’s not recognized in official discourse (the official position is pretty much that something like ethnic Germans doesn’t exist, so you can’t even formulate a critique of ethnic Germans becoming a minority in their own homeland, because that would make you a völkisch enemy of the constitution who needs to be repressed).

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @German_reader


    No, it doesn’t, unlike Russia Germany wasn’t a vast multiethnic empire, so there was no need for making such a distinction.
     
    You to have forgot Austria-Hungary somehow, as I recall, the Hapsburgs felt deeply threatened by the rise of German ethnic nationalism and vigorously supressed it, an situation analagous to Russia today. I was also thinking of the vast and quite successful German diaspora that existed across Eastern Europe, from the Baltics to Romania, until 1945.

    So I thought there might be a distinction between a member of the 'Empire' (Holy Roman of the 'German Nation' or not), a citizen of Bismark's Germany and Germans as a people.

    Replies: @German_reader

    , @Emil Nikola Richard
    @German_reader


    the official position is pretty much that something like ethnic Germans doesn’t exist
     
    Is there anything in 2022 Germany resembling descendants-of-Roman-Catholics and descendants-of-Luther?

    There was a German fellow in a Sailer thread who told me a lot of the German immigration to the United States in the late 1800's was moved by Bismarck's faction discriminating against Roman Catholics and the immigration wave was largely from the Roman Catholic fraction which I don't think I appreciate yet if that is true.
  660. @Yevardian
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Well if that's indeed the case, I'm glad. I heard it from Armenian media first, what can I say. Despite Milonov's extremely 'powerful' views on all sorts of topics, he was one of the only really strong voices for Armenia during the 2nd Artsakh War (and consistently before). Of course, the Duma is largely symbolic, so that's mute, but it was widely appreciated.

    As I think I've made clear several times here, I've considered this invasion a catastrophic blunder and unfolding disaster for all involved, but the collapse of the Russian government, even as it exists now, would lead to an even greater one. Its not as if I'm taking any joy in watching the Russian media show first stirrings of national panic, while people are being killed in Ukraine everyday.

    Ditto Oliver D Smith, I don't envy you being stalked by a such psychos, but play in the dirt, get dirty, I guess.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    the Russian media show first stirrings of national panic

    Is there any proof for that?

    By the way, it’s quite strange to hear all this talk of an ‘existential’ struggle, ‘national panicking’ if an invasion does not go that well, etc. Are people forgetting that wars don’t pan out as originally thought, well, all the time? Calling a ceasefire would be a humiliation for the Kremlin, perhaps, but I doubt Russians will suddenly overthrow Putin (the only leader they’ve known in 20 years) over a single mistake.

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @HenryBaker


    Is there any proof for that?
     
    As a mentioned before, I saw by chance middle of an interview with Soloviev yesterday, he might be considered the single most visible news figure in Russia media, he seemed extremely grey, tired and depressed, talking about events in Ukraine and showing non-verbal agreement as his interlocuter wondered out loud what the point of it all was. It will probably do rounds in a few days, maybe Dmitri has already seen it.

    Of course average bidlo peasants in Russia as a whole nonchalantly keep cheering on the 'special operation' with this 'Z' crap, but there are signs of deep pessimism in people in a position to know. Again, I'm not concern trolling, the US largely instigated this situation, although the blame has to lie with Russia's faulty intelligence for starting this disaster, overall, (like any sane person) none of this month's events has given me the slightest joy.

  661. @songbird
    Not sure that the US would try a hard bifurcation, if China invaded Taiwan.

    One really big rub is that the Chinese are propping up the US college system with foreign students. If they were ever pulled, then many colleges might fail. And the college system is basically part of the blank-slatist ideology that the US is committed to. It is the darling of the regime ideologues, who have the idea that we all just need a little more education.

    But, maybe, we are already past peak in the trend, due to Covid and BLM and the number of Chinese students is decreasing where they might be relatively rare in another ten years. Probably Xi is not thinking about it. BTW, his daughter went to Harvard.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @Yellowface Anon

    Looking at it again, if you see the war in Ukraine not as territorial, but of markets in energy and food, then hard decoupling from China will happen even if it appears to be mutually harmful – I actually believe high energy and food prices and shortages in some materials will accelerate what “solutions” that have been touted (“green” transition, bug-eating) even if they are far from adequate. A hard decoupling from China definitely means far more extensive shortages esp. in manufacturing, that is to be “solved” by UBI and automation at home. You will own less and be happy.

  662. @iffen
    @HenryBaker

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war

    Yeah, doesn't make a lot of sense.

    I tuned in to his blog to learn about "Russian stuff" and now he is asking his commenters what's going on.


    Seems safe to say that it’s over for this ‘community’, however. There’s no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else

    Yeah, for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it, but our esteemed publisher is not that sort of a person.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @HenryBaker

    Seems safe to say that it’s over for this ‘community’, however. There’s no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else

    Yeah, for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it, but our esteemed publisher is not that sort of a person.

    Why? I can’t be the only one who enjoys watching Karlin self-imploding. It’s not like this community hinges on his presence. When he went away, commenting activity barely budged.

    • Agree: sudden death
    • Replies: @iffen
    @Thulean Friend

    I can’t be the only one who enjoys watching Karlin self-imploding.

    This is quite peculiar unless you have some sort of deliberate animosity toward him.

  663. @German_reader
    @Yevardian


    I don’t know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.
     
    No, it doesn't, unlike Russia Germany wasn't a vast multiethnic empire, so there was no need for making such a distinction. But obviously this is a highly relevant distinction today, even if it's not recognized in official discourse (the official position is pretty much that something like ethnic Germans doesn't exist, so you can't even formulate a critique of ethnic Germans becoming a minority in their own homeland, because that would make you a völkisch enemy of the constitution who needs to be repressed).

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Emil Nikola Richard

    No, it doesn’t, unlike Russia Germany wasn’t a vast multiethnic empire, so there was no need for making such a distinction.

    You to have forgot Austria-Hungary somehow, as I recall, the Hapsburgs felt deeply threatened by the rise of German ethnic nationalism and vigorously supressed it, an situation analagous to Russia today. I was also thinking of the vast and quite successful German diaspora that existed across Eastern Europe, from the Baltics to Romania, until 1945.

    So I thought there might be a distinction between a member of the ‘Empire’ (Holy Roman of the ‘German Nation’ or not), a citizen of Bismark’s Germany and Germans as a people.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Yevardian


    You to have forgot Austria-Hungary somehow, as I recall, the Hapsburgs felt deeply threatened by the rise of German ethnic nationalism and vigorously supressed it, an situation analagous to Russia today.
     
    I suppose maybe "Austrian" could have had such a dual meaning there (both referring more narrowly to ethnic Germans in Austria and to the wider imperial identity), but tbh I can't say for sure (and have crossed Austria off as German anyway, since 1945 at least they've clearly developed their own identity).
  664. @HenryBaker
    @German_reader


    tbh I can’t say I’ve ever come across a spokesman of the Ukrainian cause I found even remotely likeable. Their sense of entitlement and blatant attempts to manipulate Western audiences are downright repellent.
     
    It's not really acknowledged here, but this would be what strong nationalism in small countries means: 'strong nationalism' becomes indistinguishable from a sense of entitlement and national narcissism which makes no sense to the surrounding countries. But extreme nationalists of course only care about themselves, therefore they are narcissistic. This has, by the way, always been a reason of mine to always agitate for the wider civilization of the 'Europe of nations' (with its Greek, Roman, and Early Modern artistic legacy) and not my own, quite humble little country.

    Replies: @LondonBob

    I find all the nationalism of the Baltic, Polish and Ukrainian varieties extremely tedious, unfortunately the US is amplifying their neuroses.

  665. Too much premature triumphalism in the Western press. Russia could finish this war in a week if they really wanted to, as Strelkov is now urging, but its attendant political costs would be unacceptably high since civilian casualties would skyrocket.

    Moscow is now dithering. They can’t withdraw but accelerating and finally breaking the back of Ukrainian military would foreclose Putin’s preferred outcome of a neutralised (if not pro-Russian) Ukraine. But this shouldn’t be confused with “losing”, which is the narrative I’ve increasingly seen creeping up lately.

    The plan for Ukraine is to turn it into Afghanistan. HR McMaster, the former national security advisor of the US, confirms as much in a recent interview (6:45). Negotiations will be sabotaged at every turn by the US who wants to drag this out as long as possible. Moscow is indirectly playing into their hands by dithering. The good options are now gone. It’s better for Moscow to end this war as soon as possible and then impose a solution since a negotiated settlement cannot be done in good faith.

    P.S.

    Russian oil exports to India surge as Europe shuns cargoes. I’ve always been a skeptic of sanctions’ ability to hurt Russia. It’s a global market. If Europe won’t buy, then someone else will. India is now exploring options on setting up a ruble-rupee exchange mechanism to circumvent the dollar in their trade. The USDRUB has strengthened in recent days and the artificial default never happened. Russia will be hurt but not crippled, and it will recover.

    D.S.

    • Replies: @LondonBob
    @Thulean Friend

    Yes Russia has some hard choices, they can't sit outside Kiev forever, however ultimately they can take the Russian speaking areas and partition if the Ukrainians don't take the generous peace offer, even a mild partition like regional governments in place with Russian peacekeepers watching over.

    Also for Europe, including the Ukraine and Russia, an Afghanistan scenario is a disaster on many levels(immigration, economic, instability). You also have the developing economic disaster that is engulfing the entire world. So I don't think the Afghanistan scenario is that realistic, even if it is clearly the preferred one for the US government. Even the delusional European leaders won't go for that, maybe even not the crazy Easter European governments.

    Also I can imagine the internal conflict and turmoil in the Ukraine would accelerate, the headbangers hold a lot of power, in Mao's sense of the gun, but they are not the majority, and they are being decimated in battle as we speak.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @AP, @Thulean Friend, @Philip Owen

    , @Yellowface Anon
    @Thulean Friend

    You still haven't read Putin's essay that led to AK's conclusion of him having maximalist aims, did you?

    Replies: @Thulean Friend

  666. German_reader says:
    @Yevardian
    @German_reader


    No, it doesn’t, unlike Russia Germany wasn’t a vast multiethnic empire, so there was no need for making such a distinction.
     
    You to have forgot Austria-Hungary somehow, as I recall, the Hapsburgs felt deeply threatened by the rise of German ethnic nationalism and vigorously supressed it, an situation analagous to Russia today. I was also thinking of the vast and quite successful German diaspora that existed across Eastern Europe, from the Baltics to Romania, until 1945.

    So I thought there might be a distinction between a member of the 'Empire' (Holy Roman of the 'German Nation' or not), a citizen of Bismark's Germany and Germans as a people.

    Replies: @German_reader

    You to have forgot Austria-Hungary somehow, as I recall, the Hapsburgs felt deeply threatened by the rise of German ethnic nationalism and vigorously supressed it, an situation analagous to Russia today.

    I suppose maybe “Austrian” could have had such a dual meaning there (both referring more narrowly to ethnic Germans in Austria and to the wider imperial identity), but tbh I can’t say for sure (and have crossed Austria off as German anyway, since 1945 at least they’ve clearly developed their own identity).

  667. @HenryBaker
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Most POC countries seem to be hedging their bets. Japan and South Korea are the same loyal satrapies as the EU countries are. The only true Russia supporter, for now, seems to be China. As far as I can tell. This seems to me to have more to do with revisionism, superpower allegiance, and a shared type of government, than any real racial motive. 'Whitoid' is a misleading world, you should have said 'Westoid', which means USA aligned. If Russia had not been so simply big, if would have been a normal white US satrapy like any other. The third world LARP is simply that.

    By the way, I've heard multiple friends tell me 'what Russia is doing is even worse because they're a civilized European country like us'. Most of my literate friends enjoy Tolstoy and Dostojevski, the latter in particular is seen as one of the greatest authors to have ever existed. If this is somehow a 'race war' (I must assume against Slavs?) then why is the entirety of Europe declaring its willingness to save 'fellow European Ukrainian refugees'?

    However, since Russia and the West seem doomed to be perpetually at odds, the dumb race stuff is dragged in by the hair to give cultural legitimation to what is really more of a geopolitical conflict. The reason Russophobia exists is because the country is big and therefore 'scary'. That's it. As there is only room for one superpower in Eurasia, the US would never countenance Russia being in the same alliance (NATO) as Russia could subvert it from within by working with sympathethic Eastern Euro countries.

    I recently saw one more chart showing that Germans and Russians are (on a global scale) almost genetically identical. You calling us 'whitoids' is simply ridiculous unless you mean a sort of cultural degeneration. Likewise, the adamant nazi claims of Slavs being Untermenschen were pure fantasies as genetic evidence would have proved that they were shooting themselves in the foot. Otherwise it has nothing to do with race; it's all simple revisionism. If you declare a race war, you are, objectively speaking, declaring it against your own race. Good luck with all that.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @sher singh, @Barbarossa

    Samsung was talking about expanding in Russia, Japan is keeping their energy interests, they will maintain their economic interests, they aren’t suicidal ideologues like the European ruling class.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @LondonBob

    We need to remember private businesses divesting from the Russian market have been largely "voluntary", basically intentional overcompliance for scoring moral points, not the result of 2ndary sanctions. The current level of sanctions, difficulties in payments and logistics not withstanding (worsened by more of the same "voluntary" blockages), probably doesn't preclude foreign businesses selling to Russia or operating subsidiaries/distributors there, and retaining the revenue locally. We've actually seen this in Iran: https://asl19.org/en/icd/2016/blog/2016-03-28-impact-of-sanctions-overcompliance.html

    Replies: @LondonBob

  668. @HenryBaker
    @Yevardian


    the Russian media show first stirrings of national panic
     
    Is there any proof for that?

    By the way, it's quite strange to hear all this talk of an 'existential' struggle, 'national panicking' if an invasion does not go that well, etc. Are people forgetting that wars don't pan out as originally thought, well, all the time? Calling a ceasefire would be a humiliation for the Kremlin, perhaps, but I doubt Russians will suddenly overthrow Putin (the only leader they've known in 20 years) over a single mistake.

    Replies: @Yevardian

    Is there any proof for that?

    As a mentioned before, I saw by chance middle of an interview with Soloviev yesterday, he might be considered the single most visible news figure in Russia media, he seemed extremely grey, tired and depressed, talking about events in Ukraine and showing non-verbal agreement as his interlocuter wondered out loud what the point of it all was. It will probably do rounds in a few days, maybe Dmitri has already seen it.

    Of course average bidlo peasants in Russia as a whole nonchalantly keep cheering on the ‘special operation’ with this ‘Z’ crap, but there are signs of deep pessimism in people in a position to know. Again, I’m not concern trolling, the US largely instigated this situation, although the blame has to lie with Russia’s faulty intelligence for starting this disaster, overall, (like any sane person) none of this month’s events has given me the slightest joy.

  669. @iffen
    @HenryBaker

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war

    Yeah, doesn't make a lot of sense.

    I tuned in to his blog to learn about "Russian stuff" and now he is asking his commenters what's going on.


    Seems safe to say that it’s over for this ‘community’, however. There’s no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else

    Yeah, for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it, but our esteemed publisher is not that sort of a person.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @HenryBaker

    for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here

    Well he has been RN for a long time, I think back in 2015 or 2017 or whatever he was poasting plans to strip-mine Ukraine of all talent and was analyzing the strategic situation there. What’s happening seems clear: AK has made a very large bet that what is happening here is the vindication of the Russian nationalist strategy, and the start of a revision of the Western-hegemonic world order. Both reputationally and emotionally, he is obviously very invested in this as this event has been years in the making. If the Russian effort deflates with a big fart and they’re left hyperinflating and irrelevant, this would obviously invalidate most of his professional efforts. He ‘went sideways’ on Ukraine supporters because he is obviously simply a nationalist at war with Ukraine, and that tends to heat things up.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it

    Well, looking at the level of discourse between AK and a lot of the commenting people here, I think AK will leave soon enough by himself and then the whole thing will bleed out. At some point, mocking, insulting, and fighting with people just gets boring and then you leave.

    • Agree: iffen
    • Replies: @German_reader
    @HenryBaker


    I think AK will leave soon enough by himself and then the whole thing will bleed out.
     
    AK stopped producing new content here months ago and up until the start of the recent war wasn't even much of a presence anymore in this comments section, so he hasn't been central to the discussions here for some time.
    At some point it will presumably wind down (and some long-term commenters like reiner tor are already sadly missed), but imo there's no way of telling when that will be.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    , @iffen
    @HenryBaker

    looking at the level of discourse between AK and a lot of the commenting people

    Yeah, to me he seems to be doing a lot of gratuitous BS with regard to some commenters, but that comes with the hard core nationalism. I don't read all of the comments so maybe he is picking up on some particular "attitudes".

  670. German_reader says:
    @HenryBaker
    @iffen


    for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here
     
    Well he has been RN for a long time, I think back in 2015 or 2017 or whatever he was poasting plans to strip-mine Ukraine of all talent and was analyzing the strategic situation there. What's happening seems clear: AK has made a very large bet that what is happening here is the vindication of the Russian nationalist strategy, and the start of a revision of the Western-hegemonic world order. Both reputationally and emotionally, he is obviously very invested in this as this event has been years in the making. If the Russian effort deflates with a big fart and they're left hyperinflating and irrelevant, this would obviously invalidate most of his professional efforts. He 'went sideways' on Ukraine supporters because he is obviously simply a nationalist at war with Ukraine, and that tends to heat things up.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it
     
    Well, looking at the level of discourse between AK and a lot of the commenting people here, I think AK will leave soon enough by himself and then the whole thing will bleed out. At some point, mocking, insulting, and fighting with people just gets boring and then you leave.

    Replies: @German_reader, @iffen

    I think AK will leave soon enough by himself and then the whole thing will bleed out.

    AK stopped producing new content here months ago and up until the start of the recent war wasn’t even much of a presence anymore in this comments section, so he hasn’t been central to the discussions here for some time.
    At some point it will presumably wind down (and some long-term commenters like reiner tor are already sadly missed), but imo there’s no way of telling when that will be.

    • Agree: HenryBaker, Barbarossa
    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @German_reader

    I suspect that he has a restless mind that just isn't satisfied with the low level banter that he encounters over at his new blog at Substack. Every time I visit that site, the articles and new commenter's output seem to be stuck with the needle facing E (empty). He's probably too proud to admit it, but the frequent bursts of panic that he exhibits over here now are really just a nostalgic calling from the past. Life was good back then, a steady paycheck and a fanbase that was respectful from both sides of the aisle. He's just not used to playing the role of a crazed commentator, as he must do now. In a way, the poor guy is playing the role of the modern day Dr. Frankenstein. This blog was wholly his creation, and now, I'm sure that he feels that it's poised to capture and destroy its own creator.

  671. @Thulean Friend
    Too much premature triumphalism in the Western press. Russia could finish this war in a week if they really wanted to, as Strelkov is now urging, but its attendant political costs would be unacceptably high since civilian casualties would skyrocket.

    Moscow is now dithering. They can't withdraw but accelerating and finally breaking the back of Ukrainian military would foreclose Putin's preferred outcome of a neutralised (if not pro-Russian) Ukraine. But this shouldn't be confused with "losing", which is the narrative I've increasingly seen creeping up lately.

    The plan for Ukraine is to turn it into Afghanistan. HR McMaster, the former national security advisor of the US, confirms as much in a recent interview (6:45). Negotiations will be sabotaged at every turn by the US who wants to drag this out as long as possible. Moscow is indirectly playing into their hands by dithering. The good options are now gone. It's better for Moscow to end this war as soon as possible and then impose a solution since a negotiated settlement cannot be done in good faith.

    P.S.

    Russian oil exports to India surge as Europe shuns cargoes. I've always been a skeptic of sanctions' ability to hurt Russia. It's a global market. If Europe won't buy, then someone else will. India is now exploring options on setting up a ruble-rupee exchange mechanism to circumvent the dollar in their trade. The USDRUB has strengthened in recent days and the artificial default never happened. Russia will be hurt but not crippled, and it will recover.

    D.S.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @Yellowface Anon

    Yes Russia has some hard choices, they can’t sit outside Kiev forever, however ultimately they can take the Russian speaking areas and partition if the Ukrainians don’t take the generous peace offer, even a mild partition like regional governments in place with Russian peacekeepers watching over.

    Also for Europe, including the Ukraine and Russia, an Afghanistan scenario is a disaster on many levels(immigration, economic, instability). You also have the developing economic disaster that is engulfing the entire world. So I don’t think the Afghanistan scenario is that realistic, even if it is clearly the preferred one for the US government. Even the delusional European leaders won’t go for that, maybe even not the crazy Easter European governments.

    Also I can imagine the internal conflict and turmoil in the Ukraine would accelerate, the headbangers hold a lot of power, in Mao’s sense of the gun, but they are not the majority, and they are being decimated in battle as we speak.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @LondonBob


    Also for Europe, including the Ukraine and Russia, an Afghanistan scenario is a disaster on many levels(immigration, economic, instability).
     
    I'd like to mention that 30% of Ukrainian refugees are not Ukrainian and are therefore probably non-European 'refugees'. This seems to imply that effective border control is now, at least temporarily, impossible. In the Afghanistan scenario this will go on for years and Ukraine will be a new migrant route.

    Even the delusional European leaders won’t go for that
     
    Unless you believe in 'they want a crisis to impose this and that WEF plan' conspiracies, no they don't. There was a reason that European leaders were not happy about Russia sanctions before. We generally just want peace on our eastern border.
    , @AP
    @LondonBob

    The Russian speaking areas don't want Russian rule, as the hard defense of Kharkiv and Kiev demonstrate. Nowhere that the Russians have taken over have seen pro-Russian celebrations as in Sevastopol, only pro-Ukrainian ones.

    The parts of Ukraine that like Russian rule have already left Ukraine before this invasion - urban Donbas, and Crimea. For the rest it's merely a question of how much they hate Russia and level of resistance.

    , @Thulean Friend
    @LondonBob


    So I don’t think the Afghanistan scenario is that realistic, even if it is clearly the preferred one for the US government. Even the delusional European leaders won’t go for that, maybe even not the crazy Easter European governments.
     
    You have wonderful belief in the autonomy of European leaders. I view them as merely inert puppets of Washington and if Washington wants something done in Europe then it gets done. The only country that has any real say in European security affairs other than the US is Russia, and even then it is a mighty uphill struggle for them.

    The only way to avoid an Afghanistan scenario is if Russia stops dithering, which is what they are doing now.
    , @Philip Owen
    @LondonBob

    Putin will need to backpedal a bit. He set out to incorporate the unoccupied parts of Lugansk and Dontetsk in the independent republics. He probably expected to be welcomed. Without considerable ethnic cleansing, the whole oblast republics may not be Russian majority, especially if the Russian passport holders head to Russia given the economic block caused by the destruction of Mariupol.

    I can see him back pedalling hard on occupying a Novorossiya or Lugansk and Donetsk. That or he goes ahead with ethnic cleansing. Is he that evil? probably.

  672. @LondonBob
    @Thulean Friend

    Yes Russia has some hard choices, they can't sit outside Kiev forever, however ultimately they can take the Russian speaking areas and partition if the Ukrainians don't take the generous peace offer, even a mild partition like regional governments in place with Russian peacekeepers watching over.

    Also for Europe, including the Ukraine and Russia, an Afghanistan scenario is a disaster on many levels(immigration, economic, instability). You also have the developing economic disaster that is engulfing the entire world. So I don't think the Afghanistan scenario is that realistic, even if it is clearly the preferred one for the US government. Even the delusional European leaders won't go for that, maybe even not the crazy Easter European governments.

    Also I can imagine the internal conflict and turmoil in the Ukraine would accelerate, the headbangers hold a lot of power, in Mao's sense of the gun, but they are not the majority, and they are being decimated in battle as we speak.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @AP, @Thulean Friend, @Philip Owen

    Also for Europe, including the Ukraine and Russia, an Afghanistan scenario is a disaster on many levels(immigration, economic, instability).

    I’d like to mention that 30% of Ukrainian refugees are not Ukrainian and are therefore probably non-European ‘refugees’. This seems to imply that effective border control is now, at least temporarily, impossible. In the Afghanistan scenario this will go on for years and Ukraine will be a new migrant route.

    Even the delusional European leaders won’t go for that

    Unless you believe in ‘they want a crisis to impose this and that WEF plan’ conspiracies, no they don’t. There was a reason that European leaders were not happy about Russia sanctions before. We generally just want peace on our eastern border.

  673. @sudden death
    @Mikel


    Lugansk Square
     
    Just adding the context about this bloody 2014 episode - the same morning BEFORE the airstrike, rebels in Lugansk began the full scale military atttack on Ukraine state border security building which was located in living quarter of the city, they were shooting RPG's from the top of living buildings, they were shooting from spaces between the buildings and so on. Airstrike was directed at the separatist HQ as a retaliation for the atttack because UA military didn't want to strike the top of the living buildings (meanwhile RF is doing it atm with full abandon towards civilian lives in UA) built in front of the stormed state border security building. You can argue it was not right/accurate and not proportionate response or whatever but it was a city already at full scale war by rebel initiative at the moment of the airstrike.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_the_Luhansk_Border_Base

    Replies: @AP, @Mikel

    Exactly. Ukrainians sent a plane to bomb the specific building where the rebel military leadership was, which is as targeted attack as could be done. Contrast that with Russian mass bombing of entire residential neighborhoods in Kharkiv or wiping out entire Ukrainian villages. And of course in the case of Luhansk, Ukraine was defending against a hostile rebellion supported by Russian military on Ukrainian soil, whereas what Russia is doing now is an invasion of another country. It’s rather obscene to equate the two situations.

    • Replies: @sudden death
    @AP


    Ukrainians sent a plane to bomb the specific building where the rebel military leadership was, which is as targeted attack as could be done.
     
    imho, the only valid criticism can be applied towards technical accuracy of the strike itself and choice of munition type as unfortunately the main impact was misfired about roughly 30-50 meters maybe and much of the explosive force went into nearby sidewalk/street/square with non combatant human pedestrian losses. The uniformed militant separatist (led by Valery Bolotov at the time) HQ building itself was damaged too, but not critically at all as it should be done.

    Replies: @AP

  674. @LondonBob
    @Thulean Friend

    Yes Russia has some hard choices, they can't sit outside Kiev forever, however ultimately they can take the Russian speaking areas and partition if the Ukrainians don't take the generous peace offer, even a mild partition like regional governments in place with Russian peacekeepers watching over.

    Also for Europe, including the Ukraine and Russia, an Afghanistan scenario is a disaster on many levels(immigration, economic, instability). You also have the developing economic disaster that is engulfing the entire world. So I don't think the Afghanistan scenario is that realistic, even if it is clearly the preferred one for the US government. Even the delusional European leaders won't go for that, maybe even not the crazy Easter European governments.

    Also I can imagine the internal conflict and turmoil in the Ukraine would accelerate, the headbangers hold a lot of power, in Mao's sense of the gun, but they are not the majority, and they are being decimated in battle as we speak.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @AP, @Thulean Friend, @Philip Owen

    The Russian speaking areas don’t want Russian rule, as the hard defense of Kharkiv and Kiev demonstrate. Nowhere that the Russians have taken over have seen pro-Russian celebrations as in Sevastopol, only pro-Ukrainian ones.

    The parts of Ukraine that like Russian rule have already left Ukraine before this invasion – urban Donbas, and Crimea. For the rest it’s merely a question of how much they hate Russia and level of resistance.

    • Agree: Mr. Hack
  675. @Thulean Friend
    Too much premature triumphalism in the Western press. Russia could finish this war in a week if they really wanted to, as Strelkov is now urging, but its attendant political costs would be unacceptably high since civilian casualties would skyrocket.

    Moscow is now dithering. They can't withdraw but accelerating and finally breaking the back of Ukrainian military would foreclose Putin's preferred outcome of a neutralised (if not pro-Russian) Ukraine. But this shouldn't be confused with "losing", which is the narrative I've increasingly seen creeping up lately.

    The plan for Ukraine is to turn it into Afghanistan. HR McMaster, the former national security advisor of the US, confirms as much in a recent interview (6:45). Negotiations will be sabotaged at every turn by the US who wants to drag this out as long as possible. Moscow is indirectly playing into their hands by dithering. The good options are now gone. It's better for Moscow to end this war as soon as possible and then impose a solution since a negotiated settlement cannot be done in good faith.

    P.S.

    Russian oil exports to India surge as Europe shuns cargoes. I've always been a skeptic of sanctions' ability to hurt Russia. It's a global market. If Europe won't buy, then someone else will. India is now exploring options on setting up a ruble-rupee exchange mechanism to circumvent the dollar in their trade. The USDRUB has strengthened in recent days and the artificial default never happened. Russia will be hurt but not crippled, and it will recover.

    D.S.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @Yellowface Anon

    You still haven’t read Putin’s essay that led to AK’s conclusion of him having maximalist aims, did you?

    • Replies: @Thulean Friend
    @Yellowface Anon

    If Putin had maximalist aims then we wouldn't have seen the initial stages of the invasion resembling a blitzkrieg with the aim of toppling the government. A full annexation would have required an entirely different form of warfare from the outset. The only other explanation is criminal incompetence. Neither option is attractive if you're a vatnik.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  676. @LondonBob
    @HenryBaker

    Samsung was talking about expanding in Russia, Japan is keeping their energy interests, they will maintain their economic interests, they aren't suicidal ideologues like the European ruling class.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    We need to remember private businesses divesting from the Russian market have been largely “voluntary”, basically intentional overcompliance for scoring moral points, not the result of 2ndary sanctions. The current level of sanctions, difficulties in payments and logistics not withstanding (worsened by more of the same “voluntary” blockages), probably doesn’t preclude foreign businesses selling to Russia or operating subsidiaries/distributors there, and retaining the revenue locally. We’ve actually seen this in Iran: https://asl19.org/en/icd/2016/blog/2016-03-28-impact-of-sanctions-overcompliance.html

    • Replies: @LondonBob
    @Yellowface Anon

    What goes unsaid is how many companies haven't left and most are just pausing their investments.

    Anyway good to hear Putin commit again to the free market, property rights and not to nationalise foreign assets. I do get the impression the West is looking for an off ramp, perhaps this has been communicated through back channels. If Zelensky is in Poland he can do a deal without having the goons assassinate him.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

  677. china-russia-all-the-way says:

    The people who wishfully believe there will be a rift between Russia and China have no sense of what an immensely powerful ally Russia is to China. With a much closer relationship with Russia, I see the potential for China to become free of seaborne imports of oil or at least import very little by sea within a reasonable timeframe.

    China consumes 15 million barrels of oil a day. Domestic production is a mere 4 million barrels a day. Pipeline capacity from Russia and Kazakhstan is about 2 million barrels a day. There is currently a very favorable growth in electric vehicles and hybrid plugins in China. The estimated percentage of EVs of new cars sold this year in China is an amazing 25% (up from 13% last year). Several years from now it will be 100%. With more pipelines built from Russia/Central Asia to China as Europe tries to cut back on purchases, I foresee Chinese consumption going down to 10 million barrels a day and being met by domestic production and pipelines from Russia/Central Asia. If China no longer needs to import oil by sea, then who cares about the battle for the South China Sea? Does China even need a bluewater navy? The entire focus can be on blockading Taiwan and strengthening air defense in Fujian.

    China remains financially vulnerable because the world financial system still runs on dollars. A closer relationship with Russia also helps address this problem. China becomes more sovereign financially if the yuan is more widely used internationally. There aren’t many countries connected to China’s yuan payment system (CIPS) because few people have any use for yuan in trading. If Russia priced some commodities in yuan that would change. Specifically, I see good potential in the pricing of potash (K) sold by Belarus and Russia in yuan. Belarus and Russia are respectively the second and third largest producers of potash so barring sanctions the world’s farmers must all buy potash from Belarus and Russia for NPK (chemical) fertilizer. All of a sudden there would be a small (it’s a start) worldwide use for yuan. The price of potash is also skyrocketing 3x so any disruption in supply by Belarus and Russia also shows how badly needed Russia is to tame food inflation.

    My key takeaway is the China-Russia alliance is filled with opportunities.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @china-russia-all-the-way

    Could you or Chinese Bromance help us to translate the articles on Xinhua? I believe Xinhua is the main Chinese news website, or the most official one in China?

    Ok, I know translating is a nightmare waste of time, and doing this for a few people on the forum is not an adequate motivation. But maybe paraphrase the main messages to us for a couple of sentences.

    The website has multi-language sections, but there seems to be some change of articles displayed in the different language sections.

    Interestingly, most of the articles, seem to be related to internal Chinese infrastructure and economic development, while the international relations looks like it is not so interesting for Chinese official media. http://www.xinhuanet.com/ You can see the inward looking media.

    It's about Ukraine and racism
    http://www.news.cn/world/2022-03/17/c_1128478930.htm

    It's about Biden's meeting with Xi Jinping. (This article is already available in the other languages).
    http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/2022-03/18/c_1128483866.htm

    Replies: @china-russia-all-the-way

  678. @AP
    @sudden death

    Exactly. Ukrainians sent a plane to bomb the specific building where the rebel military leadership was, which is as targeted attack as could be done. Contrast that with Russian mass bombing of entire residential neighborhoods in Kharkiv or wiping out entire Ukrainian villages. And of course in the case of Luhansk, Ukraine was defending against a hostile rebellion supported by Russian military on Ukrainian soil, whereas what Russia is doing now is an invasion of another country. It's rather obscene to equate the two situations.

    Replies: @sudden death

    Ukrainians sent a plane to bomb the specific building where the rebel military leadership was, which is as targeted attack as could be done.

    imho, the only valid criticism can be applied towards technical accuracy of the strike itself and choice of munition type as unfortunately the main impact was misfired about roughly 30-50 meters maybe and much of the explosive force went into nearby sidewalk/street/square with non combatant human pedestrian losses. The uniformed militant separatist (led by Valery Bolotov at the time) HQ building itself was damaged too, but not critically at all as it should be done.

    • Replies: @AP
    @sudden death

    Correct. Ukraine did the best it could with what it had available. Sending a plane right there and hitting the specific building with the rebel military leadership inside at the time of the attack (albeit not with precision weapons, which weren't available) was maximum effort to minimize collateral casualties.

  679. @sudden death
    @AP


    Ukrainians sent a plane to bomb the specific building where the rebel military leadership was, which is as targeted attack as could be done.
     
    imho, the only valid criticism can be applied towards technical accuracy of the strike itself and choice of munition type as unfortunately the main impact was misfired about roughly 30-50 meters maybe and much of the explosive force went into nearby sidewalk/street/square with non combatant human pedestrian losses. The uniformed militant separatist (led by Valery Bolotov at the time) HQ building itself was damaged too, but not critically at all as it should be done.

    Replies: @AP

    Correct. Ukraine did the best it could with what it had available. Sending a plane right there and hitting the specific building with the rebel military leadership inside at the time of the attack (albeit not with precision weapons, which weren’t available) was maximum effort to minimize collateral casualties.

  680. @Yellowface Anon
    @Thulean Friend

    You still haven't read Putin's essay that led to AK's conclusion of him having maximalist aims, did you?

    Replies: @Thulean Friend

    If Putin had maximalist aims then we wouldn’t have seen the initial stages of the invasion resembling a blitzkrieg with the aim of toppling the government. A full annexation would have required an entirely different form of warfare from the outset. The only other explanation is criminal incompetence. Neither option is attractive if you’re a vatnik.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Thulean Friend


    A full annexation would have required an entirely different form of warfare from the outset.
     
    That doesn't make any sense. Both toppling the government and annexing a country require establishing effective control over the country. At least elaborate on this 'entirely different form' of yours.

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Thulean Friend

  681. @Thulean Friend
    @Yellowface Anon

    If Putin had maximalist aims then we wouldn't have seen the initial stages of the invasion resembling a blitzkrieg with the aim of toppling the government. A full annexation would have required an entirely different form of warfare from the outset. The only other explanation is criminal incompetence. Neither option is attractive if you're a vatnik.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    A full annexation would have required an entirely different form of warfare from the outset.

    That doesn’t make any sense. Both toppling the government and annexing a country require establishing effective control over the country. At least elaborate on this ‘entirely different form’ of yours.

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @HenryBaker

    Level of local support Ukrainian goverment had was grossly miscalculated, this government had been in state of political crisis and paralysis for about a week prior to the war. But the invasion, which I think was mostly planned for show, actually rallied the Rada, instead of it being kicked down like a rotten door as was expected (and I did too frankly).

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    , @Thulean Friend
    @HenryBaker

    If the Russian blitzkrieg operation had been successful then they could have toppled the Kiev junta within 48 hours and essentially replaced the government with one of their own liking, with minimal civilian casualties. But such an operation would not have meant full annexation.

    A full annexation - the "maximalist aim" - would have necessitated a far larger military force at the outset. Remember that Russia only utilised ~30% of their mobilised army during the initial stages of this invasion. Russia barely used airpower and largely skirted the cities.

    The aims of an operation can be judged by the manpower used and Russia used a far too small manpower to annex Ukraine. Even today, with close to 100% of the mobilised border force in use, Strelkov and others are pointing out that it's too low. That's because they have maximalist aims. Putin, as evidenced by Russia's military actions, didn't originally have them. Either that, or Putin and his gang are criminally incompetent. Neither is an attractive option for a vatnik.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

  682. @LondonBob
    @Thulean Friend

    Yes Russia has some hard choices, they can't sit outside Kiev forever, however ultimately they can take the Russian speaking areas and partition if the Ukrainians don't take the generous peace offer, even a mild partition like regional governments in place with Russian peacekeepers watching over.

    Also for Europe, including the Ukraine and Russia, an Afghanistan scenario is a disaster on many levels(immigration, economic, instability). You also have the developing economic disaster that is engulfing the entire world. So I don't think the Afghanistan scenario is that realistic, even if it is clearly the preferred one for the US government. Even the delusional European leaders won't go for that, maybe even not the crazy Easter European governments.

    Also I can imagine the internal conflict and turmoil in the Ukraine would accelerate, the headbangers hold a lot of power, in Mao's sense of the gun, but they are not the majority, and they are being decimated in battle as we speak.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @AP, @Thulean Friend, @Philip Owen

    So I don’t think the Afghanistan scenario is that realistic, even if it is clearly the preferred one for the US government. Even the delusional European leaders won’t go for that, maybe even not the crazy Easter European governments.

    You have wonderful belief in the autonomy of European leaders. I view them as merely inert puppets of Washington and if Washington wants something done in Europe then it gets done. The only country that has any real say in European security affairs other than the US is Russia, and even then it is a mighty uphill struggle for them.

    The only way to avoid an Afghanistan scenario is if Russia stops dithering, which is what they are doing now.

    • Agree: Yevardian
  683. @HenryBaker
    @Thulean Friend


    A full annexation would have required an entirely different form of warfare from the outset.
     
    That doesn't make any sense. Both toppling the government and annexing a country require establishing effective control over the country. At least elaborate on this 'entirely different form' of yours.

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Thulean Friend

    Level of local support Ukrainian goverment had was grossly miscalculated, this government had been in state of political crisis and paralysis for about a week prior to the war. But the invasion, which I think was mostly planned for show, actually rallied the Rada, instead of it being kicked down like a rotten door as was expected (and I did too frankly).

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Yevardian

    Yes, I agree with your logic. But imo TFs logic does not hold because Russia could have expected a pliant society, de facto soft annexed, after a quick show of force and holding 2 big cities. After all, they did attack across the entire front- not just Kiev.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend

  684. @HenryBaker
    @Thulean Friend


    A full annexation would have required an entirely different form of warfare from the outset.
     
    That doesn't make any sense. Both toppling the government and annexing a country require establishing effective control over the country. At least elaborate on this 'entirely different form' of yours.

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Thulean Friend

    If the Russian blitzkrieg operation had been successful then they could have toppled the Kiev junta within 48 hours and essentially replaced the government with one of their own liking, with minimal civilian casualties. But such an operation would not have meant full annexation.

    A full annexation – the “maximalist aim” – would have necessitated a far larger military force at the outset. Remember that Russia only utilised ~30% of their mobilised army during the initial stages of this invasion. Russia barely used airpower and largely skirted the cities.

    The aims of an operation can be judged by the manpower used and Russia used a far too small manpower to annex Ukraine. Even today, with close to 100% of the mobilised border force in use, Strelkov and others are pointing out that it’s too low. That’s because they have maximalist aims. Putin, as evidenced by Russia’s military actions, didn’t originally have them. Either that, or Putin and his gang are criminally incompetent. Neither is an attractive option for a vatnik.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Thulean Friend

    But this logic still doesn't make sense to me. If Russia would have crashed into Ukraine and replaced the government with a puppet government- what then? They would still need to establish control over rebellious cities and the countryside wherever people did not accept the new status quo. A status quo that, I might add, would have amount to soft integration into the Russian space.

    To establish control over a given society, it doesn't really matter whether you annex them or install a new regime. In both cases, you are establishing a new sort of rule by force, which can be resisted. If Russia would have just left and allowed elections, well, say goodbye to 'your' regime. In the 'regime change' logic the best you can hope for is that your job is somewhat easier. But if look at something like Iraq or Afghanistan, the new regime only existed wherever Western forces were occupying the land (Although Iraq could eventually become self-managing because of the Shia majority there) Hell, it's debatable whether Afghanistan was even a puppet regime, for christs sake, the Taliban even said there wasn't really any difference of ideology, just alignment.

    So Russia could still have planned a 'soft annexation': break Kiev, replace the government with a puppet government. Hope the Ukrainian army disintegrates. And then you still occupy the entirety of Ukraine. That's both 'maximalist' and more sensible than an official annexation.

  685. @Thulean Friend
    @HenryBaker

    If the Russian blitzkrieg operation had been successful then they could have toppled the Kiev junta within 48 hours and essentially replaced the government with one of their own liking, with minimal civilian casualties. But such an operation would not have meant full annexation.

    A full annexation - the "maximalist aim" - would have necessitated a far larger military force at the outset. Remember that Russia only utilised ~30% of their mobilised army during the initial stages of this invasion. Russia barely used airpower and largely skirted the cities.

    The aims of an operation can be judged by the manpower used and Russia used a far too small manpower to annex Ukraine. Even today, with close to 100% of the mobilised border force in use, Strelkov and others are pointing out that it's too low. That's because they have maximalist aims. Putin, as evidenced by Russia's military actions, didn't originally have them. Either that, or Putin and his gang are criminally incompetent. Neither is an attractive option for a vatnik.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    But this logic still doesn’t make sense to me. If Russia would have crashed into Ukraine and replaced the government with a puppet government- what then? They would still need to establish control over rebellious cities and the countryside wherever people did not accept the new status quo. A status quo that, I might add, would have amount to soft integration into the Russian space.

    To establish control over a given society, it doesn’t really matter whether you annex them or install a new regime. In both cases, you are establishing a new sort of rule by force, which can be resisted. If Russia would have just left and allowed elections, well, say goodbye to ‘your’ regime. In the ‘regime change’ logic the best you can hope for is that your job is somewhat easier. But if look at something like Iraq or Afghanistan, the new regime only existed wherever Western forces were occupying the land (Although Iraq could eventually become self-managing because of the Shia majority there) Hell, it’s debatable whether Afghanistan was even a puppet regime, for christs sake, the Taliban even said there wasn’t really any difference of ideology, just alignment.

    So Russia could still have planned a ‘soft annexation’: break Kiev, replace the government with a puppet government. Hope the Ukrainian army disintegrates. And then you still occupy the entirety of Ukraine. That’s both ‘maximalist’ and more sensible than an official annexation.

    • Agree: Yellowface Anon
  686. @Yevardian
    @HenryBaker

    Level of local support Ukrainian goverment had was grossly miscalculated, this government had been in state of political crisis and paralysis for about a week prior to the war. But the invasion, which I think was mostly planned for show, actually rallied the Rada, instead of it being kicked down like a rotten door as was expected (and I did too frankly).

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Yes, I agree with your logic. But imo TFs logic does not hold because Russia could have expected a pliant society, de facto soft annexed, after a quick show of force and holding 2 big cities. After all, they did attack across the entire front- not just Kiev.

    • Replies: @Thulean Friend
    @HenryBaker


    But imo TFs logic does not hold because Russia could have expected a pliant society, de facto soft annexed, after a quick show of force and holding 2 big cities. After all, they did attack across the entire front- not just Kiev.
     
    This is where our disagreement lies. You apparently think that if the initial blitzkrieg had been successful then Moscow could have "soft annexed" Ukraine. This is the Strong Horse theory of the conflict: Ukrainians would have been so mesmerised by shock and awe that they'd simply put down their arms en masse and become pliant subjects of Moscow.

    Ukrainian society has become militant over the past 8 years and even prior to that you had considerable portions in the west and even in the central areas where a strong autonomous identity had formed. Not to mention the Azov crazies in Mariupol. It was never going to be realistic, even in the event of a successful blitzkrieg, that the entirety of Ukraine could've been "soft annexed".

    It's impossible to know if this was the endgame the Russians were planning on, since neither of us are privy to Kremlin's internal debates. The only other way to find out is if this blitzkrieg would've been successful, since then you'd know what the next moves would be but that is now a buried chapter in history.

    I'd like to think that Putin isn't an idiot, so I doubt that he'd be persuaded by such childish theories. But perhaps he has simply underestimated the extent to which Ukrainian identity has taken hold, as Steve Sailer has suggested? It's impossible to know since you'd have to get into his head.

    I think this broader debate all comes down to whether you think Putin's endgame was annexation or a more limited operation to impose Putin's stated goals at the pre-invasion negotiations. If you viewed full annexation, whether by hard or "soft" means, as the Russian endgame then Putin and his gang are criminally incompetent since their initial blitzkrieg was unworkable and even now they are not committing the troop levels required to fully take the country.

    If you viewed Putin's goals as more limited, as I do, then he isn't criminally incompetent but simply tried a high-risk, high-reward strategy but will now proceed using greater military might to impose the neutralisation of Ukraine along with limited territorial gains in the east, plus the recognition of Crimea.

    This question will be resolved in the coming weeks. If Putin wanted annexation all along, then he will make a play for the entire country before long. I was skeptical before the invasion and I'm skeptical now. We'll see what he does.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Mikel, @HenryBaker

  687. For any other Russophones that recall the airstrike on the ‘International Battalion’ earlier this week, some exceptionally ‘powerful’ logic on why Ukrainians and Russians are essentially one people, as opposed to Europeans (easily argued if you look like Karlin, I suppose). I’m not even sure if you can call humour this dry and black the name, but it got a chuckle from me, pretty sick. Perhaps these recent post Soviet-wars are getting to me.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Yevardian


    the airstrike on the ‘International Battalion’ earlier this week, some exceptionally ‘powerful’ logic on why Ukrainians and Russians are essentially one people, as opposed to Europeans (easily argued if you look like Karlin, I suppose).
     
    Other than Karlin's non-traditional European features, I don't follow? How were you able to distill this bit of information from just watching this rather mundane and partisan video clip?
  688. @LondonBob
    @Dmitry

    Armenia didn't prepare, the territory was favourable, they could have done like Hezbollah and built a network of impenetrable fortifications.

    https://twitter.com/BhadraPunchline/status/1504722488634527747?s=20&t=DIOh3nzoVgfHZGXbrobStg

    Anyway amused to see Anatoly interviewed by Freddy Gray, year above me and in a different house, G or H house I think. Surprised to see him pop up at the Spectator all these years later, I remember him turning up to chapel in a brown corduroy suit, amusing little fella.

    https://spectatorworld.com/radio/should-the-west-offer-putin-an-off-ramp/

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    Holy backtrack Batman.

    Perhaps I heard totally wrong but it seems to me at 10:00 it went something like:

    Host: so was this a good idea to attack Ukraine or was this a bad idea to attack Ukraine?

    AK: we will know in about ten years.

    Maybe I was hallucinating. I only woke up about an hour ago.

    • LOL: sudden death
  689. As many were predicting, the panic over Covid would develop naturally into the MSM trying to convince us that we never took the Flu seriously enough, and should begin panicking over the flu, because the two are after all fairly similar in mortality (Covid worse but with an older mortality profile).

    Well, looks like the NYT is beginning that transition –
    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/18/health/flu-covid.html

    Well, maybe this article isn’t yet a trend, but either way, somehow, I just don’t think it will work anymore 🙂

    • Agree: Barbarossa
    • Replies: @iffen
    @AaronB

    somehow, I just don’t think it will work anymore

    Jesus H., I'm about to dial 911.

    The end is very near.

    AaronB. has written something that I agree with.

    (Which part of "We don't f***ing trust you cocks***ers do they not understand.")

  690. @German_reader
    @Yevardian


    I don’t know other languages that do this offhand, but I wonder if German has a similar distinction, given their history.
     
    No, it doesn't, unlike Russia Germany wasn't a vast multiethnic empire, so there was no need for making such a distinction. But obviously this is a highly relevant distinction today, even if it's not recognized in official discourse (the official position is pretty much that something like ethnic Germans doesn't exist, so you can't even formulate a critique of ethnic Germans becoming a minority in their own homeland, because that would make you a völkisch enemy of the constitution who needs to be repressed).

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Emil Nikola Richard

    the official position is pretty much that something like ethnic Germans doesn’t exist

    Is there anything in 2022 Germany resembling descendants-of-Roman-Catholics and descendants-of-Luther?

    There was a German fellow in a Sailer thread who told me a lot of the German immigration to the United States in the late 1800’s was moved by Bismarck’s faction discriminating against Roman Catholics and the immigration wave was largely from the Roman Catholic fraction which I don’t think I appreciate yet if that is true.

  691. @German_reader
    @HenryBaker


    I think AK will leave soon enough by himself and then the whole thing will bleed out.
     
    AK stopped producing new content here months ago and up until the start of the recent war wasn't even much of a presence anymore in this comments section, so he hasn't been central to the discussions here for some time.
    At some point it will presumably wind down (and some long-term commenters like reiner tor are already sadly missed), but imo there's no way of telling when that will be.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    I suspect that he has a restless mind that just isn’t satisfied with the low level banter that he encounters over at his new blog at Substack. Every time I visit that site, the articles and new commenter’s output seem to be stuck with the needle facing E (empty). He’s probably too proud to admit it, but the frequent bursts of panic that he exhibits over here now are really just a nostalgic calling from the past. Life was good back then, a steady paycheck and a fanbase that was respectful from both sides of the aisle. He’s just not used to playing the role of a crazed commentator, as he must do now. In a way, the poor guy is playing the role of the modern day Dr. Frankenstein. This blog was wholly his creation, and now, I’m sure that he feels that it’s poised to capture and destroy its own creator.

  692. Pretty bad for Ukraine and the EU if true.
    Poland apparently still insists on bringing up its crazy “peacekeeping mission” idea at the upcoming NATO summit. I doubt it will lead to anything, but still tiresome that nonsense like this is even being discussed.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @German_reader

    What do you think this will amount to? Window-dressing or on the level of 2014 sanctions against Russia, or worse? Will it cover HK?

    Replies: @German_reader

    , @A123
    @German_reader

    As I pointed out earlier, China has a great deal of exposure in Ukraine. (1)
        • There is a huge amount of investment on the ground that can be blown up.
        • The CCP is incapable of feeding its population with local production. Therefore, they are desperate to maximize Ukraine grain yields.

    The term "military assistance" is quite vague. China's PLA owned weapons manufacturers (equivalent to the U.S. MIC) may sell munitions into the fray. Those wanting war bucks will find a way to collect them. The parallels between Elite CCP rule and "Victorian Values" is quite striking.

    There is no upside to either CCP or NATO direct intervention.

    On the U.S. side, the Pentagon has already squashed the idea of a No Fly Zone. It would take 60 Senators to grant any Authorization for Use of Military Force [AUMF]. Strong talk is cheap. Actual votes in the Senate are not. What Republicans would grant Not-The-President Biden an AUMF as Commander in Chief? Weasels from the GOP(e), such as Romney and Graham, possibly. At least 10 Republican sell outs are needed, and those going into midterms will be cautious about warmongering. Even though the DNC is now the War Party, some of their ancestral holdouts may also vote against an AUMF.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-181-russia-ukraine/#comment-5237443

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    , @iffen
    @German_reader

    So, you are all in for Ukraine unless your dick gets pinched.

  693. @German_reader
    https://twitter.com/vtchakarova/status/1504798501129101312

    Pretty bad for Ukraine and the EU if true.
    Poland apparently still insists on bringing up its crazy "peacekeeping mission" idea at the upcoming NATO summit. I doubt it will lead to anything, but still tiresome that nonsense like this is even being discussed.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @A123, @iffen

    What do you think this will amount to? Window-dressing or on the level of 2014 sanctions against Russia, or worse? Will it cover HK?

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Yellowface Anon

    How should I know? I'm not an analyst, I'm merely observing events, and tbh somewhat stunned by the direction they seem to be moving in.

  694. @Yellowface Anon
    @German_reader

    What do you think this will amount to? Window-dressing or on the level of 2014 sanctions against Russia, or worse? Will it cover HK?

    Replies: @German_reader

    How should I know? I’m not an analyst, I’m merely observing events, and tbh somewhat stunned by the direction they seem to be moving in.

  695. @AP
    @Mikel


    I’m not sure that a situation like that has ever happened either during the Donbass or the current war. And I’m not sure how “acceptable” it is to purposefully kill civilians along with your enemies even if you are trying to protect yourself. I don’t believe I would be able to use my shotgun against a group of innocent people even if hiding behind them was one who had shot at me first. Would you?
     
    If the guy was still armed and thus still a danger to me I don't know if I would shoot him (save myself) or not (sacrifice myself, let him shoot at me again, but not kill the people around him). But if I did choose to shoot, the deaths of the people behind him would be his fault, not mine, because he put me in the position of having to shoot to save myself.

    In the case of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia chose to invade Ukraine. It chose to put itself into the position of making this choice to shoot innocent people or not.

    In contrast, in Donbas it is the rebels who are the aggressors, against the Ukrainian state that is the legally recognized owner of that territory. The rebels were on the attack, trying to grab territory from the state.

    Yes, I’ve noticed that you are consuming a lot of Western MSM “information” but the reality I perceive from multiple and opposing sources is that the tactics of the Russians with regard to shelling civilian areas are strikingly similar to the Ukrainians’ in Donbass.
     
    One doesn't need to consume western MSM to know that Russia invaded another country and is thus wholly to blame for the deaths it caused.

    Since the time I saw you justifying the carnage of civilians in Lugansk Square
     
    The military leadership of a deadly and illegal rebellion chose to base itself among civilians and the Ukrainian government made a good faith attempt to take out that leadership (and hopefully end the rebellion, thereby saving many lives) but tragically killed civilians instead.

    This is simply not comparable to Russia choosing to invade another country and killing thousands of civilians while doing so.

    The Catholic Church doctrine on the just war, that I learned from my religion teacher at school, has been clear for centuries: you cannot do more damage in a war than the damage you’re trying to prevent.
     
    Just Law does not view damage in purely material terms, such as loss of life only.

    Prevention of loss of independence, mass arrests, etc. is arguably worse than losses incurred from fighting back. Ukrainians did not fight off the Soviets hard enough in 1917-1920, with devastating consequences. Why place themselves at Russia's mercy and find out what will be in store for them?

    I would personally like to see the war end the sooner the better, no matter who is the winner.
     
    This is why you don't have a country, and why your people and their beautiful culture will sadly disappear. As is your right.

    A Ukrainian friend whose parents are stuck in Ukraine told me the same last week (quite understandably).
     
    What part of Ukraine is your friend from? My relatives from Bucha survived some horrors and are basically just wanting the Russians to get killed. They certainly wish that the Russians had never invaded (only a sick person would eagerly embrace a war occurring) but they are determined that the Russians should not win.

    From that perspective, the Polish defense against the German invasion was likely justified. It must have been known to the Poles that the Germans were planning to do what they eventually did: enslave and genocide million of Slavs.
     
    Hitler kind of liked Pilsudski and in the 1930s was offering Poland junior partner status (Nazi racial "scientists" were flexible, Croats and Galicians got good deals). But for Poles, the moral cost of allying with that monster was worse than the material advantages of doing so.

    Ultimately, the people of Ukraine have decided that they want to fight to prevent Russian rule over them. Which they are doing, and doing well.

    Replies: @Mikel

    Just Law does not view damage in purely material terms, such as loss of life only.

    Prevention of loss of independence, mass arrests, etc. is arguably worse than losses incurred from fighting back. Ukrainians

    This is all just the 2,000-year story of Christians convincing themselves that the Fifth Commandment is optional in order to continue doing what humans have always done: fight for territorial and political reasons.

    It’s tiresome. I don’t have the energy to engage in a point by point debate of these issues with someone with your background.

    The just war doctrine is one of the very few things about Catholicism that I still happen to find reasonable. But there’s something beyond the moral aspect for me: the continuation of our genetic lineage. In the WMD era, which we have just barely entered (77 years in historical and technological terms is nothing), there is no hope of survival for our species if we don’t learn to solve our political disputes without resorting to war.

    From this perspective, it is disheartening that Ukraine, Russia and the West have been unable to solve a relatively mundane conflict about security concerns and ethnic allegiances and have instead engaged in a pissing contest that has resulted in a very dangerous war.

    What part of Ukraine is your friend from?

    She is a Ukrainian speaker from south of Kiev who once told me about her love for her country. Technically, her parents could still escape Ukraine but they are too old and, to her dismay, have decided to accept whatever fate brings them. She is having a really bad time. I also know two other Ukrainians who have close relatives in Odessa and Kharkiv. Unlike in the Donbass war, I now have direct knowledge of people being affected by the devastation of war.

    • Thanks: Yellowface Anon
    • Replies: @AP
    @Mikel


    From this perspective, it is disheartening that Ukraine, Russia and the West have been unable to solve a relatively mundane conflict about security concerns and ethnic allegiances and have instead engaged in a pissing contest that has resulted in a very dangerous war.
     
    Russia is the one who chose to invade. Everything else about being provoked etc. are just excuses.

    Replies: @W

    , @Beckow
    @Mikel


    ... it is disheartening that Ukraine, Russia and the West have been unable to solve a relatively mundane conflict about security concerns and ethnic allegiances and have instead engaged in a pissing contest
     
    Exactly. This is by historical standards a minor dispute. They could settle it by two simple and reasonable compromises:
    - Minsk agreement that was about Donbass having an autonomy inside Ukraine
    - Acknowledging that Ukraine will not be in NATO.

    The Western politicians and media are falling over themselves trying not to mention this. They pretend that there was no Maidan, no brutal war of Kiev on Donbass, and no public attempt to get Ukraine into NATO and eventually have bases and missiles there.

    At least some in the West wanted this - so the compromise was not allowed. That is not a good story, so they are now frantically rewriting the narrative. It will end up with a worse compromise for Ukraine and the West - Minsk was a great deal for Kiev and NATO has been decisively pushed out from Ukraine. If they had simply acknowledged it a month ago, we would be better off.

    If the unthinkable happens, it will be a rather unnecessary ending for a lot of civilizations. Literally about nothing.

  696. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow


    debts and virtual economy
     
    As someone who has autistically read endless financial reports doing stock research, I can tell you that Western private sector debt is usually rather underwhelming compared to Chinese or Russian private sector debt. If you're talking about state debt, well, a state with a sovereign currency cannot be forced to default on its own currency as it literally prints its own money. Indeed, high state debt is a good thing, as with a debt-based currency it is impossible for the private and public sector to simultaneously be in surplus (if one sector saves 'debt' it must do so by indebting another sector). Since the state is sovereign as regards its own currency, it is always best for the state to indebt itself and thereby leave the household and private sector some breathing room.

    However, the virtual economy stuff is much more worrisome to me. I have absolutely no idea how we manage to maintain this standard of living doing mostly nothing at all. I guess you can make a good amount of money in IT, but that does not really explain any of it- perhaps its a consequence of our corporate domination of a cheap resource base in Africa? Trickle down from FDI extraction by large companies? If you check the European and US account balance, the US constantly imports too much stuff but gets away with it because foreigners like to hoard dollars. But the EU account balance is actually not negative at all. What the hell are we even exporting?

    Replies: @Beckow

    What the hell are we even exporting?

    Dreams. Visas for foreigners. Access to Western attractions. And a safe place to keep money earned doing real stuff. It can go on for a long time, but since it is based on ideas, any sudden shock can collapse it. The ‘knowledge economy‘ is about fun stuff: learning, exploring, entertaining, distracting…and above all selling and efficient distribution of real stuff made elsewhere.

    Two of the pillars of Western economy – Google and Facebook – are advertising companies. They exist so their ads can guide people to buy more. That is not wrong by itself, but how come they are worth a lot more than companies making real stuff? More than food, energy, housing producers in aggregate?

    But if you look deep enough the real Western products today are dollars, euros, pounds. The virtual money they exchange for the real stuff they need. As long as the rest of the world buys this uneven exchange it will be ok – what Russia just did is to crack this willingness to continue with the exchange. If others follow even partially this will lead to an eventual unraveling of the sweet Western deal. It depends now on China, India, S Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and so far they have been rather even-handed as if being intrigued by the possibilities that would open up for them.

    You are too optimistic about the Western government debt; a lot of it directly and indirectly subsidises private companies. As it grows and the numbers and ratios get too big there will be consequences. The inflation today is just one of them. Sometimes when you look too closely at balance sheets you miss the big picture.

    This is not sustainable. The Third Worlders are massing on the borders for a reason – to keep the system going: give them a safety valve and a dream for the compradors, and control the native Western population. It can obviously only go on for so long before it totally changes the realities in the West. But nobody knows the timing, so in the meantime let’s enjoy the ‘war’.

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    It's an interesting analysis. Like I said, it seems somewhat more true for the US than EU but I just know more about the EU. Sorry to harp on about my own country all the time, but don't forget, US is the largest agricultural exporter, and the second is... the Netherlands. So a simple pie chart showing 80% of people working in services and 3% in agriculture just doesn't mean that much, if everything's mechanized.
    https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/latest-news/weblog/blog-posts/2021/dutch-export-of-agricultural-goods-in-2020
    If you check the EU export page (I didn't check USA) you see stuff like 'machinery', 'household appliances', 'gas'. If you check the trade page here: https://oec.world/en/profile/country/nld, you see under the exports tab, it's mostly high level machinery and medicine. At first glance it does not look 'virtual' at all but much of it is probably shipped through.

    I don't disagree with what you're saying, necessarily, but I still wonder if our economy isn't a little less virtual than people think. It's certainly the case with agriculture, and it also seems to be the case in seeds, machinery, chips, medicine...

    By the way, friend of mine in the energy sector mentioned we do have industry here in the EU, but that at these energy prices it's going to end up killed (out-competed). Real industry- under real threat.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Philip Owen

  697. AP says:
    @Mikel
    @AP


    Just Law does not view damage in purely material terms, such as loss of life only.

    Prevention of loss of independence, mass arrests, etc. is arguably worse than losses incurred from fighting back. Ukrainians
     
    This is all just the 2,000-year story of Christians convincing themselves that the Fifth Commandment is optional in order to continue doing what humans have always done: fight for territorial and political reasons.

    It's tiresome. I don't have the energy to engage in a point by point debate of these issues with someone with your background.

    The just war doctrine is one of the very few things about Catholicism that I still happen to find reasonable. But there's something beyond the moral aspect for me: the continuation of our genetic lineage. In the WMD era, which we have just barely entered (77 years in historical and technological terms is nothing), there is no hope of survival for our species if we don't learn to solve our political disputes without resorting to war.

    From this perspective, it is disheartening that Ukraine, Russia and the West have been unable to solve a relatively mundane conflict about security concerns and ethnic allegiances and have instead engaged in a pissing contest that has resulted in a very dangerous war.

    What part of Ukraine is your friend from?
     
    She is a Ukrainian speaker from south of Kiev who once told me about her love for her country. Technically, her parents could still escape Ukraine but they are too old and, to her dismay, have decided to accept whatever fate brings them. She is having a really bad time. I also know two other Ukrainians who have close relatives in Odessa and Kharkiv. Unlike in the Donbass war, I now have direct knowledge of people being affected by the devastation of war.

    Replies: @AP, @Beckow

    From this perspective, it is disheartening that Ukraine, Russia and the West have been unable to solve a relatively mundane conflict about security concerns and ethnic allegiances and have instead engaged in a pissing contest that has resulted in a very dangerous war.

    Russia is the one who chose to invade. Everything else about being provoked etc. are just excuses.

    • Replies: @W
    @AP


    Russia is the one who chose to invade. Everything else about being provoked etc. are just excuses.
     
    It doesn't matter to you why Russia invaded -we heard you the first time- that doesn't make the reason she invaded irrelevant; provocation may be an excuse but Russia should not have been provoked in the first place. Your sanctimonious attuide doesn't change or help the situation.

    If NATO/US Empire did to whatever shithole country you live in that they did to to Russia your view might be a little more nuanced...

    Or not, you believe the UN is a reliable source and you're repeating the nonsense about Russia shelling civilians.

    Replies: @AP

  698. @Yevardian
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AFlFziFFdg

    For any other Russophones that recall the airstrike on the 'International Battalion' earlier this week, some exceptionally 'powerful' logic on why Ukrainians and Russians are essentially one people, as opposed to Europeans (easily argued if you look like Karlin, I suppose). I'm not even sure if you can call humour this dry and black the name, but it got a chuckle from me, pretty sick. Perhaps these recent post Soviet-wars are getting to me.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    the airstrike on the ‘International Battalion’ earlier this week, some exceptionally ‘powerful’ logic on why Ukrainians and Russians are essentially one people, as opposed to Europeans (easily argued if you look like Karlin, I suppose).

    Other than Karlin’s non-traditional European features, I don’t follow? How were you able to distill this bit of information from just watching this rather mundane and partisan video clip?

  699. @Mikel
    @AP


    Just Law does not view damage in purely material terms, such as loss of life only.

    Prevention of loss of independence, mass arrests, etc. is arguably worse than losses incurred from fighting back. Ukrainians
     
    This is all just the 2,000-year story of Christians convincing themselves that the Fifth Commandment is optional in order to continue doing what humans have always done: fight for territorial and political reasons.

    It's tiresome. I don't have the energy to engage in a point by point debate of these issues with someone with your background.

    The just war doctrine is one of the very few things about Catholicism that I still happen to find reasonable. But there's something beyond the moral aspect for me: the continuation of our genetic lineage. In the WMD era, which we have just barely entered (77 years in historical and technological terms is nothing), there is no hope of survival for our species if we don't learn to solve our political disputes without resorting to war.

    From this perspective, it is disheartening that Ukraine, Russia and the West have been unable to solve a relatively mundane conflict about security concerns and ethnic allegiances and have instead engaged in a pissing contest that has resulted in a very dangerous war.

    What part of Ukraine is your friend from?
     
    She is a Ukrainian speaker from south of Kiev who once told me about her love for her country. Technically, her parents could still escape Ukraine but they are too old and, to her dismay, have decided to accept whatever fate brings them. She is having a really bad time. I also know two other Ukrainians who have close relatives in Odessa and Kharkiv. Unlike in the Donbass war, I now have direct knowledge of people being affected by the devastation of war.

    Replies: @AP, @Beckow

    … it is disheartening that Ukraine, Russia and the West have been unable to solve a relatively mundane conflict about security concerns and ethnic allegiances and have instead engaged in a pissing contest

    Exactly. This is by historical standards a minor dispute. They could settle it by two simple and reasonable compromises:
    – Minsk agreement that was about Donbass having an autonomy inside Ukraine
    – Acknowledging that Ukraine will not be in NATO.

    The Western politicians and media are falling over themselves trying not to mention this. They pretend that there was no Maidan, no brutal war of Kiev on Donbass, and no public attempt to get Ukraine into NATO and eventually have bases and missiles there.

    At least some in the West wanted this – so the compromise was not allowed. That is not a good story, so they are now frantically rewriting the narrative. It will end up with a worse compromise for Ukraine and the West – Minsk was a great deal for Kiev and NATO has been decisively pushed out from Ukraine. If they had simply acknowledged it a month ago, we would be better off.

    If the unthinkable happens, it will be a rather unnecessary ending for a lot of civilizations. Literally about nothing.

  700. @Beckow
    @HenryBaker


    What the hell are we even exporting?
     
    Dreams. Visas for foreigners. Access to Western attractions. And a safe place to keep money earned doing real stuff. It can go on for a long time, but since it is based on ideas, any sudden shock can collapse it. The 'knowledge economy' is about fun stuff: learning, exploring, entertaining, distracting...and above all selling and efficient distribution of real stuff made elsewhere.

    Two of the pillars of Western economy - Google and Facebook - are advertising companies. They exist so their ads can guide people to buy more. That is not wrong by itself, but how come they are worth a lot more than companies making real stuff? More than food, energy, housing producers in aggregate?

    But if you look deep enough the real Western products today are dollars, euros, pounds. The virtual money they exchange for the real stuff they need. As long as the rest of the world buys this uneven exchange it will be ok - what Russia just did is to crack this willingness to continue with the exchange. If others follow even partially this will lead to an eventual unraveling of the sweet Western deal. It depends now on China, India, S Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and so far they have been rather even-handed as if being intrigued by the possibilities that would open up for them.

    You are too optimistic about the Western government debt; a lot of it directly and indirectly subsidises private companies. As it grows and the numbers and ratios get too big there will be consequences. The inflation today is just one of them. Sometimes when you look too closely at balance sheets you miss the big picture.

    This is not sustainable. The Third Worlders are massing on the borders for a reason - to keep the system going: give them a safety valve and a dream for the compradors, and control the native Western population. It can obviously only go on for so long before it totally changes the realities in the West. But nobody knows the timing, so in the meantime let's enjoy the 'war'.

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    It’s an interesting analysis. Like I said, it seems somewhat more true for the US than EU but I just know more about the EU. Sorry to harp on about my own country all the time, but don’t forget, US is the largest agricultural exporter, and the second is… the Netherlands. So a simple pie chart showing 80% of people working in services and 3% in agriculture just doesn’t mean that much, if everything’s mechanized.
    https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/latest-news/weblog/blog-posts/2021/dutch-export-of-agricultural-goods-in-2020
    If you check the EU export page (I didn’t check USA) you see stuff like ‘machinery’, ‘household appliances’, ‘gas’. If you check the trade page here: https://oec.world/en/profile/country/nld, you see under the exports tab, it’s mostly high level machinery and medicine. At first glance it does not look ‘virtual’ at all but much of it is probably shipped through.

    I don’t disagree with what you’re saying, necessarily, but I still wonder if our economy isn’t a little less virtual than people think. It’s certainly the case with agriculture, and it also seems to be the case in seeds, machinery, chips, medicine…

    By the way, friend of mine in the energy sector mentioned we do have industry here in the EU, but that at these energy prices it’s going to end up killed (out-competed). Real industry- under real threat.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @HenryBaker

    There are no binary absolutes - but the virtual economy in EU is a lot larger portion than ever in the past and it is valued more. There are real industries in EU (defense, farming, energy, airplanes...). But a lot depends on cheap raw materials and energy.


    we do have industry here in the EU, but that at these energy prices it’s going to end up killed (out-competed).
     
    It is not just energy, but wood, minerals, ores... EU fertilizer and chemical industry depends on cheap gas and other materials. It is not a rocket science to make it, if the suppliers like Russia hold back or raise prices, others can take the market. Another issue is intellectual property - if Russia ignores it, where would be the value?

    If there is a de-globalization, EU will suffer. EU doesn't value the material bases of their societies enough, instead going into the lala land of 'enterpreneurship' and often fake stuff. The other parts of the world are more anchored in producing real stuff.

    The real issue for the West is the over-valuation of their virtual economy - that is not sustainable, those are often not much more than air-castles propped up by bluster and cheap money issued by governments.

    The Dutch agriculture is great, we have some Dutch farmers who moved to C Europe (cheaper land), one is a friend of mine. But it is heavily dependent on energy and fertilisers - there is not enough land otherwise. The numbers for EU without access to cheap materials don't work.

    , @Philip Owen
    @HenryBaker

    Just taking the British case, if Rolls Royce stops selling monitoring and maintenance services to Air India, its jets won't work. Same for CCGT generators or high power diesels (the Koreans make big ones but if you want compact, come to the UK). British pharma and medical devices support hude medical service industries in applying them. Doctors come to the UK for their education in how to use them. There is a factory for JCBs (back hoe diggers) in Russia but the key components come from the UK. There is an infrastructure of training and licencing around the JCBs. Goods are still huge to the UK, the 7th largest manufacturing economy in the world. We just don't do low cost hand tools anymore.

  701. A123 says: • Website
    @German_reader
    https://twitter.com/vtchakarova/status/1504798501129101312

    Pretty bad for Ukraine and the EU if true.
    Poland apparently still insists on bringing up its crazy "peacekeeping mission" idea at the upcoming NATO summit. I doubt it will lead to anything, but still tiresome that nonsense like this is even being discussed.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @A123, @iffen

    As I pointed out earlier, China has a great deal of exposure in Ukraine. (1)
        • There is a huge amount of investment on the ground that can be blown up.
        • The CCP is incapable of feeding its population with local production. Therefore, they are desperate to maximize Ukraine grain yields.

    The term “military assistance” is quite vague. China’s PLA owned weapons manufacturers (equivalent to the U.S. MIC) may sell munitions into the fray. Those wanting war bucks will find a way to collect them. The parallels between Elite CCP rule and “Victorian Values” is quite striking.

    There is no upside to either CCP or NATO direct intervention.

    On the U.S. side, the Pentagon has already squashed the idea of a No Fly Zone. It would take 60 Senators to grant any Authorization for Use of Military Force [AUMF]. Strong talk is cheap. Actual votes in the Senate are not. What Republicans would grant Not-The-President Biden an AUMF as Commander in Chief? Weasels from the GOP(e), such as Romney and Graham, possibly. At least 10 Republican sell outs are needed, and those going into midterms will be cautious about warmongering. Even though the DNC is now the War Party, some of their ancestral holdouts may also vote against an AUMF.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-181-russia-ukraine/#comment-5237443

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @A123

    China doesn't care who rules Ukraine, as far as they can extract enough resources from there.

    The original tweet assumes that even sending Russia a single bullet or some medical equipment will trigger "trade barriers" (which I assume are sanctions in all but name). EU is looking more like the Eastern Bloc every passing day with unilateral trade blockages like this.

    US won't risk a direct war where Russia straight up grabs Alaska.

    Replies: @A123

  702. German_reader says:

    This is something songbird should enjoy, apparently Bono of U2 has written a “poem” about Ukraine and Zelensky:
    Oh Saint Patrick he drove out the snakes
    With his prayers but that’s not all it takes
    For the snake symbolizes
    An evil that rises
    And hides in your heart
    As it breaks
    And the evil has risen my friends
    From the darkness that lives in some men
    But in sorrow and fear
    That’s when saints can appear
    To drive out those old snakes once again
    And they struggle for us to be free
    From the psycho in this human family Ireland’s sorrow and pain
    Is now the Ukraine
    And Saint Patrick’s name now Zelensky

    • Replies: @LondonBob
    @German_reader

    The Hiberno-Judaic war on Russia continues.

    , @Beckow
    @German_reader

    Quite bad poetry and poor grammar. Snakes and saints? that is Fenian papist porno at its worst. Take away his potatoes. Bono is always a sh..thead, but this is very embarrassing.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    , @Mr. Hack
    @German_reader

    Not to be outdone, Sean Penn is currently in Ukraine working on a documentary about Ukraine. Vividly pointing his finger at US policymakers, he insists that America needs to do more to help Ukraine out. I haven't always embraced his liberal political views, but I've never passed up an opportunity to watch a movie that he takes part in.

    https://youtu.be/b6O3Lbuoyb8

    Replies: @German_reader

    , @songbird
    @German_reader

    That is pretty funny. I had heard the key point comparing Zelensky to St. Patrick (It is almost as if we are hearing Zelenksy address Irish parliament for military aid, if it were a more powerful country), but didn't want to listen to Nancy Pelosi read it, and didn't realize there was a transcript of it. Pretty weird comparison.

    I've suspected that Bono's brain has been fried for years. (even though he isn't known for using drugs) For me, the opening line of the song Vertigo "Unos, dos, tres, catorce" was the proof of it. Why are you singing in Spanish, Bono? And why leaping from tres to catorce?

    A few years ago he called the Sweden Democrats Nazis, and said Swedes were boring for being blond and blue-eyed and tall.

    Sad to consider how U2 started out with vague Christian themes and then their songs became more woke, and for years now, Bono seems to have been one of the foremost celebrity proponents of globalism. And he is really influential, when he meets powerful people.

    Re: St. Patrick. I've heard that strangely, a lot of snakes are being painted in murals in Ireland now, without the context of St. Patrick. When they were never there before. There is something about the long shape and inhumanity that appeals to multicultists. Amusingly, they now have black and brown pieces to them, along with the green. LMAO. Maybe, Africans are being hired to paint them?

    BTW, it is startling to think about this. I'm not quite sure what year it ended, but I heard a man was prosecuted for putting up a harp in a pub on St. Patrick's Day in the late 1890s.

    @Beckow


    that is Fenian papist porno at its worst.
     
    Bono is not what one would call a "Fenian." IIRC, his mother was Catholic, but not his father and he did not grow up Catholic.

    The charity he set up frankly has genocidal goals about the Irish people. And it is basically in the open too.

    Replies: @German_reader

  703. @A123
    @German_reader

    As I pointed out earlier, China has a great deal of exposure in Ukraine. (1)
        • There is a huge amount of investment on the ground that can be blown up.
        • The CCP is incapable of feeding its population with local production. Therefore, they are desperate to maximize Ukraine grain yields.

    The term "military assistance" is quite vague. China's PLA owned weapons manufacturers (equivalent to the U.S. MIC) may sell munitions into the fray. Those wanting war bucks will find a way to collect them. The parallels between Elite CCP rule and "Victorian Values" is quite striking.

    There is no upside to either CCP or NATO direct intervention.

    On the U.S. side, the Pentagon has already squashed the idea of a No Fly Zone. It would take 60 Senators to grant any Authorization for Use of Military Force [AUMF]. Strong talk is cheap. Actual votes in the Senate are not. What Republicans would grant Not-The-President Biden an AUMF as Commander in Chief? Weasels from the GOP(e), such as Romney and Graham, possibly. At least 10 Republican sell outs are needed, and those going into midterms will be cautious about warmongering. Even though the DNC is now the War Party, some of their ancestral holdouts may also vote against an AUMF.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-181-russia-ukraine/#comment-5237443

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    China doesn’t care who rules Ukraine, as far as they can extract enough resources from there.

    The original tweet assumes that even sending Russia a single bullet or some medical equipment will trigger “trade barriers” (which I assume are sanctions in all but name). EU is looking more like the Eastern Bloc every passing day with unilateral trade blockages like this.

    US won’t risk a direct war where Russia straight up grabs Alaska.

    • Troll: A123
    • Replies: @A123
    @Yellowface Anon


    US won’t risk a direct war where Russia straight up grabs Alaska.
     
    You really have no clue about the American psyche.

    The #1 thing that would cause the U.S. to go for TOTAL WAR footing is a Russian threat against Alaska. That would make it a "matter of honor", which still means something in Red States. No matter how much MAGA citizens dislike the fake president, war would be inevitable.

    Fortunately, Putin is much more rational and restrained than you. He is not foolish enough to launch an unprovoked first strike on Alaska.

    All his has to do to is not provoke America, thus letting the internal domestic issues dominate U.S. politics. Ukraine is a "far away", and thus irrelevant, place to most Americans. Biden-flation is much more important on day-to-day life.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @Mr. Hack

  704. @German_reader
    This is something songbird should enjoy, apparently Bono of U2 has written a "poem" about Ukraine and Zelensky:
    Oh Saint Patrick he drove out the snakes
    With his prayers but that’s not all it takes
    For the snake symbolizes
    An evil that rises
    And hides in your heart
    As it breaks
    And the evil has risen my friends
    From the darkness that lives in some men
    But in sorrow and fear
    That’s when saints can appear
    To drive out those old snakes once again
    And they struggle for us to be free
    From the psycho in this human family Ireland’s sorrow and pain
    Is now the Ukraine
    And Saint Patrick’s name now Zelensky

    Replies: @LondonBob, @Beckow, @Mr. Hack, @songbird

    The Hiberno-Judaic war on Russia continues.

  705. @German_reader
    This is something songbird should enjoy, apparently Bono of U2 has written a "poem" about Ukraine and Zelensky:
    Oh Saint Patrick he drove out the snakes
    With his prayers but that’s not all it takes
    For the snake symbolizes
    An evil that rises
    And hides in your heart
    As it breaks
    And the evil has risen my friends
    From the darkness that lives in some men
    But in sorrow and fear
    That’s when saints can appear
    To drive out those old snakes once again
    And they struggle for us to be free
    From the psycho in this human family Ireland’s sorrow and pain
    Is now the Ukraine
    And Saint Patrick’s name now Zelensky

    Replies: @LondonBob, @Beckow, @Mr. Hack, @songbird

    Quite bad poetry and poor grammar. Snakes and saints? that is Fenian papist porno at its worst. Take away his potatoes. Bono is always a sh..thead, but this is very embarrassing.

    • Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard
    @Beckow

    House speaker Pelosi went to a Saint Patrick's day photo op where she read the bono zelensky poem.

    The other day somebody posted a video of Pelosi referring to a phone / zoom meeting she had with Kerensky. Monty Python couldn't have written this stuff.

    Replies: @A123

  706. @Yellowface Anon
    @LondonBob

    We need to remember private businesses divesting from the Russian market have been largely "voluntary", basically intentional overcompliance for scoring moral points, not the result of 2ndary sanctions. The current level of sanctions, difficulties in payments and logistics not withstanding (worsened by more of the same "voluntary" blockages), probably doesn't preclude foreign businesses selling to Russia or operating subsidiaries/distributors there, and retaining the revenue locally. We've actually seen this in Iran: https://asl19.org/en/icd/2016/blog/2016-03-28-impact-of-sanctions-overcompliance.html

    Replies: @LondonBob

    What goes unsaid is how many companies haven’t left and most are just pausing their investments.

    Anyway good to hear Putin commit again to the free market, property rights and not to nationalise foreign assets. I do get the impression the West is looking for an off ramp, perhaps this has been communicated through back channels. If Zelensky is in Poland he can do a deal without having the goons assassinate him.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @LondonBob

    The really catastrophic suspensions are shipping lines and financial services. They are being weaponized by states that are not at war with Russia, and in places where sanctions don't cover and normal operations are still possible.

  707. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    It's an interesting analysis. Like I said, it seems somewhat more true for the US than EU but I just know more about the EU. Sorry to harp on about my own country all the time, but don't forget, US is the largest agricultural exporter, and the second is... the Netherlands. So a simple pie chart showing 80% of people working in services and 3% in agriculture just doesn't mean that much, if everything's mechanized.
    https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/latest-news/weblog/blog-posts/2021/dutch-export-of-agricultural-goods-in-2020
    If you check the EU export page (I didn't check USA) you see stuff like 'machinery', 'household appliances', 'gas'. If you check the trade page here: https://oec.world/en/profile/country/nld, you see under the exports tab, it's mostly high level machinery and medicine. At first glance it does not look 'virtual' at all but much of it is probably shipped through.

    I don't disagree with what you're saying, necessarily, but I still wonder if our economy isn't a little less virtual than people think. It's certainly the case with agriculture, and it also seems to be the case in seeds, machinery, chips, medicine...

    By the way, friend of mine in the energy sector mentioned we do have industry here in the EU, but that at these energy prices it's going to end up killed (out-competed). Real industry- under real threat.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Philip Owen

    There are no binary absolutes – but the virtual economy in EU is a lot larger portion than ever in the past and it is valued more. There are real industries in EU (defense, farming, energy, airplanes…). But a lot depends on cheap raw materials and energy.

    we do have industry here in the EU, but that at these energy prices it’s going to end up killed (out-competed).

    It is not just energy, but wood, minerals, ores… EU fertilizer and chemical industry depends on cheap gas and other materials. It is not a rocket science to make it, if the suppliers like Russia hold back or raise prices, others can take the market. Another issue is intellectual property – if Russia ignores it, where would be the value?

    If there is a de-globalization, EU will suffer. EU doesn’t value the material bases of their societies enough, instead going into the lala land of ‘enterpreneurship’ and often fake stuff. The other parts of the world are more anchored in producing real stuff.

    The real issue for the West is the over-valuation of their virtual economy – that is not sustainable, those are often not much more than air-castles propped up by bluster and cheap money issued by governments.

    The Dutch agriculture is great, we have some Dutch farmers who moved to C Europe (cheaper land), one is a friend of mine. But it is heavily dependent on energy and fertilisers – there is not enough land otherwise. The numbers for EU without access to cheap materials don’t work.

    • Agree: HenryBaker
  708. A123 says: • Website
    @Yellowface Anon
    @A123

    China doesn't care who rules Ukraine, as far as they can extract enough resources from there.

    The original tweet assumes that even sending Russia a single bullet or some medical equipment will trigger "trade barriers" (which I assume are sanctions in all but name). EU is looking more like the Eastern Bloc every passing day with unilateral trade blockages like this.

    US won't risk a direct war where Russia straight up grabs Alaska.

    Replies: @A123

    US won’t risk a direct war where Russia straight up grabs Alaska.

    You really have no clue about the American psyche.

    The #1 thing that would cause the U.S. to go for TOTAL WAR footing is a Russian threat against Alaska. That would make it a “matter of honor”, which still means something in Red States. No matter how much MAGA citizens dislike the fake president, war would be inevitable.

    Fortunately, Putin is much more rational and restrained than you. He is not foolish enough to launch an unprovoked first strike on Alaska.

    All his has to do to is not provoke America, thus letting the internal domestic issues dominate U.S. politics. Ukraine is a “far away”, and thus irrelevant, place to most Americans. Biden-flation is much more important on day-to-day life.

    PEACE 😇

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @A123


    He is not foolish enough to launch an unprovoked first strike on Alaska.
     
    Exactly. I imagined for Russia to attack Alaska, congress would pass an AUMF on Ukraine and it had to be seen in Russia as a declaration of war, before justifying the attack.
    , @Mr. Hack
    @A123


    Fortunately, Putin is much more rational and restrained than you. He is not foolish enough to launch an unprovoked first strike on Alaska.
     
    I don't really have enough information to make any judgements about Yellowface Anon's state of mind, but are we really to believe that Putin's screws are all correctly tightened? Here's a guy that's willing to start a large war against a neighboring country, where the total well being of his own country and that of Ukraine are at great risk of long term depression because of actions,and really the whole world's economy too, and for what?

    1) to rid Ukraine of Nazis (while his military is needlessly bombing civilian targets).

    2) to ensure that Ukraine does not join NATO, where no formal request to join has been made by either party, and by all calculations wasn't about to be made (if at all) until many years into the future.

    Does this really sound like the thoughts and actions of somebody that has full control of his rational faculties to you?

    Replies: @A123

  709. @German_reader
    This is something songbird should enjoy, apparently Bono of U2 has written a "poem" about Ukraine and Zelensky:
    Oh Saint Patrick he drove out the snakes
    With his prayers but that’s not all it takes
    For the snake symbolizes
    An evil that rises
    And hides in your heart
    As it breaks
    And the evil has risen my friends
    From the darkness that lives in some men
    But in sorrow and fear
    That’s when saints can appear
    To drive out those old snakes once again
    And they struggle for us to be free
    From the psycho in this human family Ireland’s sorrow and pain
    Is now the Ukraine
    And Saint Patrick’s name now Zelensky

    Replies: @LondonBob, @Beckow, @Mr. Hack, @songbird

    Not to be outdone, Sean Penn is currently in Ukraine working on a documentary about Ukraine. Vividly pointing his finger at US policymakers, he insists that America needs to do more to help Ukraine out. I haven’t always embraced his liberal political views, but I’ve never passed up an opportunity to watch a movie that he takes part in.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Mr. Hack

    The only movie with Sean Penn I can remember having watched is Dead man walking, where he plays a death row inmate talking to a nun. I think it's supposed to be an anti-death penalty movie, but tbh I felt his character (based on a real killer) deserved being put to death.
    And I don't know what more exactly the US should do for Ukraine that isn't already being done. This emotion-based activism is tiresome.

    Replies: @A123, @Mr. Hack, @AP, @iffen

  710. @Mr. Hack
    Arnold Schwarzenegger weighs in and tells his Russian friends the truth about the war:

    https://youtu.be/z94JBSITuvw

    It's actually quite good.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    The full version of Arnold’s plea to his Russian friends. If you haven’t listened to it, you should. He makes his case using logic and appeals to the heart as well:

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @Mr. Hack

    He sounds like he must have been a recruit at a young age for Abwehr or CIA

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    , @nickels
    @Mr. Hack

    Except that is amounts to nothing more than appeal to US captured rotten institutions and consists of lies.
    For someone who supposedly loves Russia he doesnt know anything about Russia.
    Or, at least, his CIA script writer doesnt.
    What a fag.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  711. German_reader says:
    @Mr. Hack
    @German_reader

    Not to be outdone, Sean Penn is currently in Ukraine working on a documentary about Ukraine. Vividly pointing his finger at US policymakers, he insists that America needs to do more to help Ukraine out. I haven't always embraced his liberal political views, but I've never passed up an opportunity to watch a movie that he takes part in.

    https://youtu.be/b6O3Lbuoyb8

    Replies: @German_reader

    The only movie with Sean Penn I can remember having watched is Dead man walking, where he plays a death row inmate talking to a nun. I think it’s supposed to be an anti-death penalty movie, but tbh I felt his character (based on a real killer) deserved being put to death.
    And I don’t know what more exactly the US should do for Ukraine that isn’t already being done. This emotion-based activism is tiresome.

    • Replies: @A123
    @German_reader

    You must remember Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Though Sean Penn's performance is probably not at the top of the list for why you remember the movie.

    PEACE 😇



    https://www.mbc.net/default/mediaObject/Photos/2015/February/week3/18-2-2015/max3/44/original/2c2c8b419aaea0818f861c18f30d1b25330595b6/44.jpg

     

    https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oztC0kU_VVg/VZ2uQ6TqQ_I/AAAAAAAACs8/WU5TT1P5pw8/s1600/1118full-fast-times-at-ridgemont-high-screenshot.jpg

    , @Mr. Hack
    @German_reader


    This emotion-based activism is tiresome.
     
    Sorry to protrude on your slumber, or perhaps your "comfortably numb" state of mind. Millions of people's lives are undergoing great dislocation and anguish because of this war. I f you had family or friends in Ukraine, who have either had to flee, or take up arms to defend their homeland, you might be more open to the "activism" on display. Actually, I don't really think that you're this way, and think that the whole war thing is jut getting to be too much to deal with. I'm the same way and wish that this would all end ASAP. I try to leave myself one film at the end of the day to watch, for an outlet, to momentarily forget the dread that is going on. I'm even dreaming about this war.....

    Replies: @German_reader

    , @AP
    @German_reader


    And I don’t know what more exactly the US should do for Ukraine that isn’t already being done.
     
    US should keep doing what it is doing, plus fostering an exchange of AA systems (have Eastern European countries provide theirs in exchange for US providing some to compensate for their loss), replenish MIGS and maybe MLRS systems from other Eastern European countries, although it appears that Ukraine is capturing a of of these from Russia. Ukraine might currently have more tanks than it did when the war started.

    I think NFZ is unnecessarily risky and wouldn't necessary help - Ukrainians can handle a lot of Russian helicopters and planes flying over Ukraine on their own, and I can't imagine USA hitting Russian airfields or missile launchers on Russian territory.

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    , @iffen
    @German_reader

    This emotion-based activism is tiresome.

    You do know that the emotional/cognitive dichotomy is not valid.

    Or did you forget that?

  712. @Beckow
    @German_reader

    Quite bad poetry and poor grammar. Snakes and saints? that is Fenian papist porno at its worst. Take away his potatoes. Bono is always a sh..thead, but this is very embarrassing.

    Replies: @Emil Nikola Richard

    House speaker Pelosi went to a Saint Patrick’s day photo op where she read the bono zelensky poem.

    The other day somebody posted a video of Pelosi referring to a phone / zoom meeting she had with Kerensky. Monty Python couldn’t have written this stuff.

    • Replies: @A123
    @Emil Nikola Richard

    You forgot to mention Pelosi and Riverdance.

    Video of the poetry & Riverdance below [MORE]

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/03/17/while-americans-suffer-their-economy-detached-pelosi-orders-catered-luncheon-and-dancers-for-her-entertainment/

     
    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CONGRESSIONAL-DANCE-2.jpg
     



    https://youtu.be/YyfaWs2mZbs

  713. A123 says: • Website
    @German_reader
    @Mr. Hack

    The only movie with Sean Penn I can remember having watched is Dead man walking, where he plays a death row inmate talking to a nun. I think it's supposed to be an anti-death penalty movie, but tbh I felt his character (based on a real killer) deserved being put to death.
    And I don't know what more exactly the US should do for Ukraine that isn't already being done. This emotion-based activism is tiresome.

    Replies: @A123, @Mr. Hack, @AP, @iffen

    You must remember Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Though Sean Penn’s performance is probably not at the top of the list for why you remember the movie.

    PEACE 😇

    [MORE]

     

  714. @Emil Nikola Richard
    @Beckow

    House speaker Pelosi went to a Saint Patrick's day photo op where she read the bono zelensky poem.

    The other day somebody posted a video of Pelosi referring to a phone / zoom meeting she had with Kerensky. Monty Python couldn't have written this stuff.

    Replies: @A123

    You forgot to mention Pelosi and Riverdance.

    Video of the poetry & Riverdance below [MORE]

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/03/17/while-americans-suffer-their-economy-detached-pelosi-orders-catered-luncheon-and-dancers-for-her-entertainment/

     

     

    [MORE]

  715. @German_reader
    This is something songbird should enjoy, apparently Bono of U2 has written a "poem" about Ukraine and Zelensky:
    Oh Saint Patrick he drove out the snakes
    With his prayers but that’s not all it takes
    For the snake symbolizes
    An evil that rises
    And hides in your heart
    As it breaks
    And the evil has risen my friends
    From the darkness that lives in some men
    But in sorrow and fear
    That’s when saints can appear
    To drive out those old snakes once again
    And they struggle for us to be free
    From the psycho in this human family Ireland’s sorrow and pain
    Is now the Ukraine
    And Saint Patrick’s name now Zelensky

    Replies: @LondonBob, @Beckow, @Mr. Hack, @songbird

    That is pretty funny. I had heard the key point comparing Zelensky to St. Patrick (It is almost as if we are hearing Zelenksy address Irish parliament for military aid, if it were a more powerful country), but didn’t want to listen to Nancy Pelosi read it, and didn’t realize there was a transcript of it. Pretty weird comparison.

    I’ve suspected that Bono’s brain has been fried for years. (even though he isn’t known for using drugs) For me, the opening line of the song Vertigo “Unos, dos, tres, catorce” was the proof of it. Why are you singing in Spanish, Bono? And why leaping from tres to catorce?

    A few years ago he called the Sweden Democrats Nazis, and said Swedes were boring for being blond and blue-eyed and tall.

    Sad to consider how U2 started out with vague Christian themes and then their songs became more woke, and for years now, Bono seems to have been one of the foremost celebrity proponents of globalism. And he is really influential, when he meets powerful people.

    [MORE]

    Re: St. Patrick. I’ve heard that strangely, a lot of snakes are being painted in murals in Ireland now, without the context of St. Patrick. When they were never there before. There is something about the long shape and inhumanity that appeals to multicultists. Amusingly, they now have black and brown pieces to them, along with the green. LMAO. Maybe, Africans are being hired to paint them?

    BTW, it is startling to think about this. I’m not quite sure what year it ended, but I heard a man was prosecuted for putting up a harp in a pub on St. Patrick’s Day in the late 1890s.

    that is Fenian papist porno at its worst.

    Bono is not what one would call a “Fenian.” IIRC, his mother was Catholic, but not his father and he did not grow up Catholic.

    The charity he set up frankly has genocidal goals about the Irish people. And it is basically in the open too.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @songbird


    The charity he set up frankly has genocidal goals about the Irish people.
     
    This is one of the reasons why I have mixed feelings about all of this pro-Ukrainian sentiment in the west.
    Not that I think Russia was justified in invading, and obviously the deaths of civilians through shelling of residential areas are appalling. But all this Western propaganda about how liberal democracy is at stake in this conflict is nauseating, because we all know (or should) what is meant by that. It's kind of telling that much of Western commentary is framing Putin as an ethnic nationalist, someone with a völkisch view of the world, to use of the favourite words of German shitlib journos. If Ukraine manages to stave off defeat, it will be framed not as a victory for national self-determination or nationalism, but as a win for globohomo values.
    And then you've got stuff like this (which is what the Ukrainian creep from the Heinrich Böll Stiftung posted):

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1504425763017310209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3Aakarlin0%7Ctwgr%5EeyJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2hvcml6b25fdHdlZXRfZW1iZWRfOTU1NSI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJodGUiLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3NrZWxldG9uX2xvYWRpbmdfMTMzOTgiOnsiYnVja2V0IjoiY3RhIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19zcGFjZV9jYXJkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9mZiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D%7Ctwcon%5Etimelinechrome&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unz.com%2Fakarlin%2Fopen-thread-181-russia-ukraine%2F

    Some of its "suggestions" might even be sensible if Russians themselves decided on them, but on the whole it's clearly modeled on what was imposed on Germany. And given Germany's likely future trajectory (or indeed that of all of Western Europe, it's not like the "victors" are off that much better), I can't agree with such sentiments at all.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @Dmitry, @Coconuts

  716. @German_reader
    @Mr. Hack

    The only movie with Sean Penn I can remember having watched is Dead man walking, where he plays a death row inmate talking to a nun. I think it's supposed to be an anti-death penalty movie, but tbh I felt his character (based on a real killer) deserved being put to death.
    And I don't know what more exactly the US should do for Ukraine that isn't already being done. This emotion-based activism is tiresome.

    Replies: @A123, @Mr. Hack, @AP, @iffen

    This emotion-based activism is tiresome.

    Sorry to protrude on your slumber, or perhaps your “comfortably numb” state of mind. Millions of people’s lives are undergoing great dislocation and anguish because of this war. I f you had family or friends in Ukraine, who have either had to flee, or take up arms to defend their homeland, you might be more open to the “activism” on display. Actually, I don’t really think that you’re this way, and think that the whole war thing is jut getting to be too much to deal with. I’m the same way and wish that this would all end ASAP. I try to leave myself one film at the end of the day to watch, for an outlet, to momentarily forget the dread that is going on. I’m even dreaming about this war…..

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Mr. Hack

    You didn't answer the question: What more should be done that isn't already being done?
    Maybe the Europeans could adopt even harsher sanctions regarding oil and energy imports (though that's a bit like shooting yourself in the head). And continue sending anti-air missiles/anti-tank weapons to Ukraine and receiving Ukrainian refugees. But apart from that?
    I doubt Sean Penn has a coherent answer to that either. It's pure emotion with people like him.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  717. @A123
    @Yellowface Anon


    US won’t risk a direct war where Russia straight up grabs Alaska.
     
    You really have no clue about the American psyche.

    The #1 thing that would cause the U.S. to go for TOTAL WAR footing is a Russian threat against Alaska. That would make it a "matter of honor", which still means something in Red States. No matter how much MAGA citizens dislike the fake president, war would be inevitable.

    Fortunately, Putin is much more rational and restrained than you. He is not foolish enough to launch an unprovoked first strike on Alaska.

    All his has to do to is not provoke America, thus letting the internal domestic issues dominate U.S. politics. Ukraine is a "far away", and thus irrelevant, place to most Americans. Biden-flation is much more important on day-to-day life.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @Mr. Hack

    He is not foolish enough to launch an unprovoked first strike on Alaska.

    Exactly. I imagined for Russia to attack Alaska, congress would pass an AUMF on Ukraine and it had to be seen in Russia as a declaration of war, before justifying the attack.

  718. German_reader says:
    @Mr. Hack
    @German_reader


    This emotion-based activism is tiresome.
     
    Sorry to protrude on your slumber, or perhaps your "comfortably numb" state of mind. Millions of people's lives are undergoing great dislocation and anguish because of this war. I f you had family or friends in Ukraine, who have either had to flee, or take up arms to defend their homeland, you might be more open to the "activism" on display. Actually, I don't really think that you're this way, and think that the whole war thing is jut getting to be too much to deal with. I'm the same way and wish that this would all end ASAP. I try to leave myself one film at the end of the day to watch, for an outlet, to momentarily forget the dread that is going on. I'm even dreaming about this war.....

    Replies: @German_reader

    You didn’t answer the question: What more should be done that isn’t already being done?
    Maybe the Europeans could adopt even harsher sanctions regarding oil and energy imports (though that’s a bit like shooting yourself in the head). And continue sending anti-air missiles/anti-tank weapons to Ukraine and receiving Ukrainian refugees. But apart from that?
    I doubt Sean Penn has a coherent answer to that either. It’s pure emotion with people like him.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @German_reader

    I'm actually quite pleased with America's support of Ukraine. It seems to be increasing by a billion dollars every week. Keep sending the javelins from the US and the stingers from Germany. And what's ever happened to those MIG planes that would make clearing the skies in Ukraine much more successful, at the behest of Ukraine's own military?

  719. @A123
    @Yellowface Anon


    US won’t risk a direct war where Russia straight up grabs Alaska.
     
    You really have no clue about the American psyche.

    The #1 thing that would cause the U.S. to go for TOTAL WAR footing is a Russian threat against Alaska. That would make it a "matter of honor", which still means something in Red States. No matter how much MAGA citizens dislike the fake president, war would be inevitable.

    Fortunately, Putin is much more rational and restrained than you. He is not foolish enough to launch an unprovoked first strike on Alaska.

    All his has to do to is not provoke America, thus letting the internal domestic issues dominate U.S. politics. Ukraine is a "far away", and thus irrelevant, place to most Americans. Biden-flation is much more important on day-to-day life.

    PEACE 😇

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @Mr. Hack

    Fortunately, Putin is much more rational and restrained than you. He is not foolish enough to launch an unprovoked first strike on Alaska.

    I don’t really have enough information to make any judgements about Yellowface Anon’s state of mind, but are we really to believe that Putin’s screws are all correctly tightened? Here’s a guy that’s willing to start a large war against a neighboring country, where the total well being of his own country and that of Ukraine are at great risk of long term depression because of actions,and really the whole world’s economy too, and for what?

    1) to rid Ukraine of Nazis (while his military is needlessly bombing civilian targets).

    2) to ensure that Ukraine does not join NATO, where no formal request to join has been made by either party, and by all calculations wasn’t about to be made (if at all) until many years into the future.

    Does this really sound like the thoughts and actions of somebody that has full control of his rational faculties to you?

    • Replies: @A123
    @Mr. Hack


    are we really to believe that Putin’s screws are all correctly tightened? Here’s a guy that’s willing to start a large war against a neighboring country, where the total well being of his own country and that of Ukraine are at great risk of long term depression because of actions,and really the whole world’s economy too, and for what?
     
    Zelensky made some critical errors including statements that sounded like Ukraine was going to pursue nuclear weapons and allowing NATO to encroach on Russia's strategic assets in Crimea.

    Putin was rather badly pressed. He also made mistakes including a demand for "legally binding" restrictions on NATO membership.
    ____

    Is Putin "justified"? IMHO, No.
    Can a rational person understand why Putin acted? Yes.

    The good news is that the differences are not irreconcilable. Errors on both sides drove us to where we are today. That means there are still WIN-WIN options to defuse the situation.

    Once Russia goes "all-in" and begins levelling cities with mass artillery there is likely no way back.

    PEACE 😇
  720. @German_reader
    @Mr. Hack

    You didn't answer the question: What more should be done that isn't already being done?
    Maybe the Europeans could adopt even harsher sanctions regarding oil and energy imports (though that's a bit like shooting yourself in the head). And continue sending anti-air missiles/anti-tank weapons to Ukraine and receiving Ukrainian refugees. But apart from that?
    I doubt Sean Penn has a coherent answer to that either. It's pure emotion with people like him.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    I’m actually quite pleased with America’s support of Ukraine. It seems to be increasing by a billion dollars every week. Keep sending the javelins from the US and the stingers from Germany. And what’s ever happened to those MIG planes that would make clearing the skies in Ukraine much more successful, at the behest of Ukraine’s own military?

  721. @LondonBob
    @Yellowface Anon

    What goes unsaid is how many companies haven't left and most are just pausing their investments.

    Anyway good to hear Putin commit again to the free market, property rights and not to nationalise foreign assets. I do get the impression the West is looking for an off ramp, perhaps this has been communicated through back channels. If Zelensky is in Poland he can do a deal without having the goons assassinate him.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    The really catastrophic suspensions are shipping lines and financial services. They are being weaponized by states that are not at war with Russia, and in places where sanctions don’t cover and normal operations are still possible.

  722. I can feel Putin’s desperation and an unfortunate depression coming over supporters of Russian aggression.

    China has seen their disgusting war and wants nothing to do with it. Chineris is back.

    You will all see.

    As for how the battle on the ground is going, see my post on Isteve from two comments ago. Ukraine may end up sweeping Russian troops from its territory, if Putin doesn’t find a way to sign for peace soon. I’m not saying it is definite, but the balance of power is extremely precarious and Ukraine keeps improving their position.

    Also, has anyone seen a picture of Putin without perfect camera framing. Sure, he still has the makeup and perfect lighting, but he looks awful. I wonder how he would look without any artificial support. Real Dorian Gray stuff.

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @Triteleia Laxa

    Enjoy the block by block artillery reduction of Mariupol.

    Replies: @AP, @Boethiuss

    , @Yellowface Anon
    @Triteleia Laxa

    Are you sure China "wants nothing do with it"? All the arguments for China to prop up Russia fly over your head.

    , @songbird
    @Triteleia Laxa

    Help satisfy my curiosity:

    Would you say that you are more in line with Fukuyama? (relieved that there is no no-fly-zone, but doubling-down on his end of history idea.)

    Or more in line with Tony Blair? (wants a no-fly-zone)

    And what do you mean by "Chineris?"

    Replies: @Triteleia Laxa

  723. @German_reader
    @songbird


    Zelenksy reminds me of the titular monster from The Thing.

    There is something really strange at his attempts at national mimicry, for personal survival.
     
    Zelensky is a manipulative asshole, totally agree with you about his performances in front of different parliaments. I disapprove strongly of the Russian invasion and am in favour of sending anti-air missiles and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine (to increase the chances for a negotiated settlement which has Ukraine retain at least some meaningful sovereignty), but tbh I can't say I've ever come across a spokesman of the Ukrainian cause I found even remotely likeable. Their sense of entitlement and blatant attempts to manipulate Western audiences are downright repellent. And some of them are just nuts (can't be bothered to dug it out, but people can look up Sergey Sumleny on Twitter...recently did a thread where he fantasized about Russia getting the equivalent of Germany's re-education after WW2. Not surprisingly, he's been affiliated with the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, the party foundation of Germany's Greens).

    Anyway, some other news from the Pacific:
    https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/US-to-build-anti-China-missile-network-along-first-island-chain
    If the nuclear missiles start flying, it will probably be a truly global war.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @songbird

    Can’t say I feel very optimistic about negotiations.

    [MORE]

    My impression is that Zelensky is playing for time. He’s been encouraged by the arms shipments and thinks that he can get bigger weapons or more support. IMO, he should have tested Putin’s willingness to reach a deal, by almost immediately agreeing to his more reasonable demands – Crimea recognition, the two republics being independent, and no NATO.

    But the further Russia makes inroads, the more of their dead that pile up, as well as equipment losses, if they have to street fight in more cities, the less willing Putin will be to make a deal.

    I’m not even sure if the West is willing to pivot from sanctions. Rather than using them as a bargaining chip, I think they might be ideologically committed to them. There’s been too much signaling going on. Without the prospect of them being lifted, or without a change in rhetoric, it is hard to see what could motivate Putin to reach a deal.

    I think what may eventually happen is Russia takes Kiev and makes a deal with the locals. Meanwhile, Zelensksy and his group flee (if they have not already) and become a government in exile. It is said that the CIA has been training Ukrainians in insurgency tactics for a number of years now.

    • Thanks: German_reader, Yellowface Anon
    • LOL: Mr. Hack
    • Replies: @German_reader
    @songbird

    Thanks, unfortunately that all sounds quite plausible.

    , @Mr. Hack
    @songbird

    Winning the war in Ukraine by street fighting in Fortress Kyiv? Are you kidding? Even Kadyrov's Chechen Fighters all fled once they got close to Kyiv and saw what was waiting for them. And Russia's tank brigades are unceremoniously backtracking and hiding in the woods now, far away from Kyiv.

    Replies: @songbird

    , @Anatoly Karlin
    @songbird

    It is rather curious that increasing numbers of commenters, including even Thulean Fraud, are coming around to my assessment, which I consistently made since the very beginning of the conflict, that all negotiations are a charade.

    https://twitter.com/search?q=from%3Aakarlin0%20charade&src=typed_query&f=live

    Granted, they will never acknowledge this, but that is fine.

    Replies: @songbird

    , @LondonBob
    @songbird

    Seeing a lot of connected European commentators talking about a deal, of course removal of sanctions is necessary for Europe's economy, and also the only leverage they have. The crazies, Azov to Nuland, think differently but we shall see, reality is hitting home, both militarily and economically.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

  724. A123 says: • Website
    @Mr. Hack
    @A123


    Fortunately, Putin is much more rational and restrained than you. He is not foolish enough to launch an unprovoked first strike on Alaska.
     
    I don't really have enough information to make any judgements about Yellowface Anon's state of mind, but are we really to believe that Putin's screws are all correctly tightened? Here's a guy that's willing to start a large war against a neighboring country, where the total well being of his own country and that of Ukraine are at great risk of long term depression because of actions,and really the whole world's economy too, and for what?

    1) to rid Ukraine of Nazis (while his military is needlessly bombing civilian targets).

    2) to ensure that Ukraine does not join NATO, where no formal request to join has been made by either party, and by all calculations wasn't about to be made (if at all) until many years into the future.

    Does this really sound like the thoughts and actions of somebody that has full control of his rational faculties to you?

    Replies: @A123

    are we really to believe that Putin’s screws are all correctly tightened? Here’s a guy that’s willing to start a large war against a neighboring country, where the total well being of his own country and that of Ukraine are at great risk of long term depression because of actions,and really the whole world’s economy too, and for what?

    Zelensky made some critical errors including statements that sounded like Ukraine was going to pursue nuclear weapons and allowing NATO to encroach on Russia’s strategic assets in Crimea.

    Putin was rather badly pressed. He also made mistakes including a demand for “legally binding” restrictions on NATO membership.
    ____

    Is Putin “justified”? IMHO, No.
    Can a rational person understand why Putin acted? Yes.

    The good news is that the differences are not irreconcilable. Errors on both sides drove us to where we are today. That means there are still WIN-WIN options to defuse the situation.

    Once Russia goes “all-in” and begins levelling cities with mass artillery there is likely no way back.

    PEACE 😇

  725. German_reader says:
    @songbird
    @German_reader

    That is pretty funny. I had heard the key point comparing Zelensky to St. Patrick (It is almost as if we are hearing Zelenksy address Irish parliament for military aid, if it were a more powerful country), but didn't want to listen to Nancy Pelosi read it, and didn't realize there was a transcript of it. Pretty weird comparison.

    I've suspected that Bono's brain has been fried for years. (even though he isn't known for using drugs) For me, the opening line of the song Vertigo "Unos, dos, tres, catorce" was the proof of it. Why are you singing in Spanish, Bono? And why leaping from tres to catorce?

    A few years ago he called the Sweden Democrats Nazis, and said Swedes were boring for being blond and blue-eyed and tall.

    Sad to consider how U2 started out with vague Christian themes and then their songs became more woke, and for years now, Bono seems to have been one of the foremost celebrity proponents of globalism. And he is really influential, when he meets powerful people.

    Re: St. Patrick. I've heard that strangely, a lot of snakes are being painted in murals in Ireland now, without the context of St. Patrick. When they were never there before. There is something about the long shape and inhumanity that appeals to multicultists. Amusingly, they now have black and brown pieces to them, along with the green. LMAO. Maybe, Africans are being hired to paint them?

    BTW, it is startling to think about this. I'm not quite sure what year it ended, but I heard a man was prosecuted for putting up a harp in a pub on St. Patrick's Day in the late 1890s.

    @Beckow


    that is Fenian papist porno at its worst.
     
    Bono is not what one would call a "Fenian." IIRC, his mother was Catholic, but not his father and he did not grow up Catholic.

    The charity he set up frankly has genocidal goals about the Irish people. And it is basically in the open too.

    Replies: @German_reader

    The charity he set up frankly has genocidal goals about the Irish people.

    This is one of the reasons why I have mixed feelings about all of this pro-Ukrainian sentiment in the west.
    Not that I think Russia was justified in invading, and obviously the deaths of civilians through shelling of residential areas are appalling. But all this Western propaganda about how liberal democracy is at stake in this conflict is nauseating, because we all know (or should) what is meant by that. It’s kind of telling that much of Western commentary is framing Putin as an ethnic nationalist, someone with a völkisch view of the world, to use of the favourite words of German shitlib journos. If Ukraine manages to stave off defeat, it will be framed not as a victory for national self-determination or nationalism, but as a win for globohomo values.
    And then you’ve got stuff like this (which is what the Ukrainian creep from the Heinrich Böll Stiftung posted):

    [MORE]

    Some of its “suggestions” might even be sensible if Russians themselves decided on them, but on the whole it’s clearly modeled on what was imposed on Germany. And given Germany’s likely future trajectory (or indeed that of all of Western Europe, it’s not like the “victors” are off that much better), I can’t agree with such sentiments at all.

    • Agree: songbird
    • Replies: @Anatoly Karlin
    @German_reader

    I agree with it. A Russia hypothetically defeated by Ukraine will be proven to be a very weak nation, and one that that would not deserve to be long for this world (indeed, the combination of denuclearization and NATO alignment has some chance of realizing the otherwise fantastical neocon scenario of the Chinese taking back Outer Manchuria, which would be perfectly fine by me, because they would likely make better use of those territories and resources while denying them to the Western Supremacy).

    Replies: @Twinkie, @Johann Ricke

    , @Dmitry
    @German_reader

    Ideological "denazification" in Russia, has been a typical theme in the opposition-to government rhetoric. There is Glukhovsky said the similar thing in Twitter

    https://twitter.com/glukhovsky/status/1503661482428579845

    But you know judging from the past, in Russia, nothing really changes so radically, as the external presentation. It's more like a historical continuity, with a lot of ideological change of curtains. In the longer view, things start to look more like changing the curtains in the house, instead of rebuilding the house.

    In the longer term view, the historians of the 22nd century, will probably just say that dashing 1990s in Russia, was like a disorganized and incompetent version of Deng Xiaoping. And e.g. historians nowadays, notice that the first thing after Bolsheviks win the Civil war, is they start re-enforce the most unpleasant institutions in the Russian Empire e.g. secret police.

    Replies: @German_reader

    , @Coconuts
    @German_reader

    Looks like Khodorkovsky has become possessed by...:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Demon-Democracy-Totalitarian-Temptations-Societies/dp/1594039917/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1647684802&sr=8-1

    This is a pretty good, book, interesting read at the moment.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Liberalism-Failed-Politics-Culture/dp/0300240023/ref=pd_bxgy_img_1/260-7436107-6477435?pd_rd_w=kdeCv&pf_rd_p=424ee22f-2317-49a5-9cbb-bc8836ac7d96&pf_rd_r=JVTVPBVN8NB3F33HDRX0&pd_rd_r=9f0cbeff-ede6-4424-ab4b-bd84fe882cee&pd_rd_wg=S4Tdv&pd_rd_i=0300240023&psc=1

    It goes well with this one.

  726. @songbird
    @German_reader

    Can't say I feel very optimistic about negotiations.

    My impression is that Zelensky is playing for time. He's been encouraged by the arms shipments and thinks that he can get bigger weapons or more support. IMO, he should have tested Putin's willingness to reach a deal, by almost immediately agreeing to his more reasonable demands - Crimea recognition, the two republics being independent, and no NATO.

    But the further Russia makes inroads, the more of their dead that pile up, as well as equipment losses, if they have to street fight in more cities, the less willing Putin will be to make a deal.

    I'm not even sure if the West is willing to pivot from sanctions. Rather than using them as a bargaining chip, I think they might be ideologically committed to them. There's been too much signaling going on. Without the prospect of them being lifted, or without a change in rhetoric, it is hard to see what could motivate Putin to reach a deal.

    I think what may eventually happen is Russia takes Kiev and makes a deal with the locals. Meanwhile, Zelensksy and his group flee (if they have not already) and become a government in exile. It is said that the CIA has been training Ukrainians in insurgency tactics for a number of years now.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Mr. Hack, @Anatoly Karlin, @LondonBob

    Thanks, unfortunately that all sounds quite plausible.

  727. sher singh says:
    @HenryBaker
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Most POC countries seem to be hedging their bets. Japan and South Korea are the same loyal satrapies as the EU countries are. The only true Russia supporter, for now, seems to be China. As far as I can tell. This seems to me to have more to do with revisionism, superpower allegiance, and a shared type of government, than any real racial motive. 'Whitoid' is a misleading world, you should have said 'Westoid', which means USA aligned. If Russia had not been so simply big, if would have been a normal white US satrapy like any other. The third world LARP is simply that.

    By the way, I've heard multiple friends tell me 'what Russia is doing is even worse because they're a civilized European country like us'. Most of my literate friends enjoy Tolstoy and Dostojevski, the latter in particular is seen as one of the greatest authors to have ever existed. If this is somehow a 'race war' (I must assume against Slavs?) then why is the entirety of Europe declaring its willingness to save 'fellow European Ukrainian refugees'?

    However, since Russia and the West seem doomed to be perpetually at odds, the dumb race stuff is dragged in by the hair to give cultural legitimation to what is really more of a geopolitical conflict. The reason Russophobia exists is because the country is big and therefore 'scary'. That's it. As there is only room for one superpower in Eurasia, the US would never countenance Russia being in the same alliance (NATO) as Russia could subvert it from within by working with sympathethic Eastern Euro countries.

    I recently saw one more chart showing that Germans and Russians are (on a global scale) almost genetically identical. You calling us 'whitoids' is simply ridiculous unless you mean a sort of cultural degeneration. Likewise, the adamant nazi claims of Slavs being Untermenschen were pure fantasies as genetic evidence would have proved that they were shooting themselves in the foot. Otherwise it has nothing to do with race; it's all simple revisionism. If you declare a race war, you are, objectively speaking, declaring it against your own race. Good luck with all that.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @sher singh, @Barbarossa

    My rationalizations are ‘scientific’ bro. Panjab to Sicily/Balkans is its own cluster
    Who cares, call it what you will: R1a v B, Centum v Satum, East v West Caucasoid

    Me v my brother, my brother v my cousin, my cousin v the world.
    Race war, Holy war etc all based. There are no relations on the battlefield so we hear from the Gita.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    • Replies: @HenryBaker
    @sher singh


    Me v my brother, my brother v my cousin, my cousin v the world.
     
    Can't argue with that
  728. @songbird
    @German_reader

    Can't say I feel very optimistic about negotiations.

    My impression is that Zelensky is playing for time. He's been encouraged by the arms shipments and thinks that he can get bigger weapons or more support. IMO, he should have tested Putin's willingness to reach a deal, by almost immediately agreeing to his more reasonable demands - Crimea recognition, the two republics being independent, and no NATO.

    But the further Russia makes inroads, the more of their dead that pile up, as well as equipment losses, if they have to street fight in more cities, the less willing Putin will be to make a deal.

    I'm not even sure if the West is willing to pivot from sanctions. Rather than using them as a bargaining chip, I think they might be ideologically committed to them. There's been too much signaling going on. Without the prospect of them being lifted, or without a change in rhetoric, it is hard to see what could motivate Putin to reach a deal.

    I think what may eventually happen is Russia takes Kiev and makes a deal with the locals. Meanwhile, Zelensksy and his group flee (if they have not already) and become a government in exile. It is said that the CIA has been training Ukrainians in insurgency tactics for a number of years now.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Mr. Hack, @Anatoly Karlin, @LondonBob

    Winning the war in Ukraine by street fighting in Fortress Kyiv? Are you kidding? Even Kadyrov’s Chechen Fighters all fled once they got close to Kyiv and saw what was waiting for them. And Russia’s tank brigades are unceremoniously backtracking and hiding in the woods now, far away from Kyiv.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Mr. Hack

    What makes you think that they are trying to take the city now?

    Their immediate goal would be simply to surround it, cut off supplies, and wait until they consolidate their forces in the East, so that their position can be strengthened, with reinforcements. Now, when the Russians only have a salient, is their most precarious time. Why would they weaken that salient by engaging in a full battle for the streets? That would leave them open to attack from the west and south. Right now, they are only probing, seeing which ground can be seized, without effort.

    It will be a major test of Zelensky's willingness to cut a deal, once they surround the city completely. If he doesn't cut a deal then, I would say he is unwilling to cut a deal, period. And Putin will need to seek for local partners.

    I know you are Ukrainian and you have your sympathies, but it is hard for me to understand how one could get cheered at the prospect of siege of Kiev. Probably the most hopeful analogy would be Vicksburg. Not a great deal of civilians were killed, but it was still a terrible waste, IMO. And Kiev is likely to be a bigger one because it is much bigger and an historical city.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  729. LOL, I just looked at Richard Spencer’s Twitter account…he’s in favour of a no-fly-zone:

    [MORE]

  730. @German_reader
    @songbird


    The charity he set up frankly has genocidal goals about the Irish people.
     
    This is one of the reasons why I have mixed feelings about all of this pro-Ukrainian sentiment in the west.
    Not that I think Russia was justified in invading, and obviously the deaths of civilians through shelling of residential areas are appalling. But all this Western propaganda about how liberal democracy is at stake in this conflict is nauseating, because we all know (or should) what is meant by that. It's kind of telling that much of Western commentary is framing Putin as an ethnic nationalist, someone with a völkisch view of the world, to use of the favourite words of German shitlib journos. If Ukraine manages to stave off defeat, it will be framed not as a victory for national self-determination or nationalism, but as a win for globohomo values.
    And then you've got stuff like this (which is what the Ukrainian creep from the Heinrich Böll Stiftung posted):

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1504425763017310209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3Aakarlin0%7Ctwgr%5EeyJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2hvcml6b25fdHdlZXRfZW1iZWRfOTU1NSI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJodGUiLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3NrZWxldG9uX2xvYWRpbmdfMTMzOTgiOnsiYnVja2V0IjoiY3RhIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19zcGFjZV9jYXJkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9mZiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D%7Ctwcon%5Etimelinechrome&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unz.com%2Fakarlin%2Fopen-thread-181-russia-ukraine%2F

    Some of its "suggestions" might even be sensible if Russians themselves decided on them, but on the whole it's clearly modeled on what was imposed on Germany. And given Germany's likely future trajectory (or indeed that of all of Western Europe, it's not like the "victors" are off that much better), I can't agree with such sentiments at all.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @Dmitry, @Coconuts

    I agree with it. A Russia hypothetically defeated by Ukraine will be proven to be a very weak nation, and one that that would not deserve to be long for this world (indeed, the combination of denuclearization and NATO alignment has some chance of realizing the otherwise fantastical neocon scenario of the Chinese taking back Outer Manchuria, which would be perfectly fine by me, because they would likely make better use of those territories and resources while denying them to the Western Supremacy).

    • Replies: @Twinkie
    @Anatoly Karlin


    A Russia hypothetically defeated by Ukraine will be proven to be a very weak nation, and one that that would not deserve to be long for this world
     
    That last part has more than a whiff of Hitler railing against the Germans as a people unworthy of victory (and presumably his genius leadership) as the Soviets closed in on Berlin.
    , @Johann Ricke
    @Anatoly Karlin


    A Russia hypothetically defeated by Ukraine will be proven to be a very weak nation, and one that that would not deserve to be long for this world
     
    That's a head-scratcher. Russia was defeated by Poland and Finland. It happens. Heck, it was defeated by Afghanistan, joining a select group of foreign powers that found this particular wasteland not worth the candle. The idea that Russia doesn't deserve to exist as a nation because it is defeated in battle is mind-boggling. We need Russia to remain a unitary nation, if only to ward off the possibility of China tripling in territorial extent, by acquiring the Russian Far East and the stans. China's gulags for Uighurs are a dry run for what will probably happen when it acquires the Muslim nations on its border.
  731. @songbird
    @German_reader

    Can't say I feel very optimistic about negotiations.

    My impression is that Zelensky is playing for time. He's been encouraged by the arms shipments and thinks that he can get bigger weapons or more support. IMO, he should have tested Putin's willingness to reach a deal, by almost immediately agreeing to his more reasonable demands - Crimea recognition, the two republics being independent, and no NATO.

    But the further Russia makes inroads, the more of their dead that pile up, as well as equipment losses, if they have to street fight in more cities, the less willing Putin will be to make a deal.

    I'm not even sure if the West is willing to pivot from sanctions. Rather than using them as a bargaining chip, I think they might be ideologically committed to them. There's been too much signaling going on. Without the prospect of them being lifted, or without a change in rhetoric, it is hard to see what could motivate Putin to reach a deal.

    I think what may eventually happen is Russia takes Kiev and makes a deal with the locals. Meanwhile, Zelensksy and his group flee (if they have not already) and become a government in exile. It is said that the CIA has been training Ukrainians in insurgency tactics for a number of years now.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Mr. Hack, @Anatoly Karlin, @LondonBob

    It is rather curious that increasing numbers of commenters, including even Thulean Fraud, are coming around to my assessment, which I consistently made since the very beginning of the conflict, that all negotiations are a charade.

    https://twitter.com/search?q=from%3Aakarlin0%20charade&src=typed_query&f=live

    Granted, they will never acknowledge this, but that is fine.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Anatoly Karlin

    I give Thulean points for having a realistic power view of the situation and never having advocated for a no-fly-zone.

  732. Latryllic banner at Pu-Z support show – Latin/Cyrillic mix goes into official propaganda:

  733. It can be said that the infamous Azov battle has formally ceased to exist, although there are still some survivors. After the crying and the desperate plea for help from that thug Biletsky, no one will take them seriously anymore.

  734. @Mr. Hack
    @Mr. Hack

    The full version of Arnold's plea to his Russian friends. If you haven't listened to it, you should. He makes his case using logic and appeals to the heart as well:

    https://youtu.be/fWClXZd9c78

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @nickels

    He sounds like he must have been a recruit at a young age for Abwehr or CIA

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Wokechoke

    Like you? A young recruit to the FSB? Schwarzenegger's message is sound and truthful, something that I can't say about anything that you've posted here.

    Replies: @Wokechoke

  735. @songbird
    @German_reader

    Can't say I feel very optimistic about negotiations.

    My impression is that Zelensky is playing for time. He's been encouraged by the arms shipments and thinks that he can get bigger weapons or more support. IMO, he should have tested Putin's willingness to reach a deal, by almost immediately agreeing to his more reasonable demands - Crimea recognition, the two republics being independent, and no NATO.

    But the further Russia makes inroads, the more of their dead that pile up, as well as equipment losses, if they have to street fight in more cities, the less willing Putin will be to make a deal.

    I'm not even sure if the West is willing to pivot from sanctions. Rather than using them as a bargaining chip, I think they might be ideologically committed to them. There's been too much signaling going on. Without the prospect of them being lifted, or without a change in rhetoric, it is hard to see what could motivate Putin to reach a deal.

    I think what may eventually happen is Russia takes Kiev and makes a deal with the locals. Meanwhile, Zelensksy and his group flee (if they have not already) and become a government in exile. It is said that the CIA has been training Ukrainians in insurgency tactics for a number of years now.

    Replies: @German_reader, @Mr. Hack, @Anatoly Karlin, @LondonBob

    Seeing a lot of connected European commentators talking about a deal, of course removal of sanctions is necessary for Europe’s economy, and also the only leverage they have. The crazies, Azov to Nuland, think differently but we shall see, reality is hitting home, both militarily and economically.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @LondonBob

    They have already dug themselves into a corner by kicking Russia out of international institutions where all states theoretically can participate (granted a lot of those need deep reforms or abolition), and it's not even certain whether sanctions will go away if Russia withdraws, Putin is gone, or Russia is thoroughly cannibalized.

    If you are an outcast, you can never forget everyone treating you like that, and you will want to build things outside of where you're excluded instead of trying to get back in. This also explains why those rejecting COVID vaccines hold onto their new alternative ways of life when vaccine mandates are suspended.

  736. @Dmitry
    @Wokechoke

    You could see if you used to watch the military parades, before the war.

    Baku was always parading these ultra-expensive equipment they bought from the West with oil money. Look at drones 1:01:00 There are some $30 million each costing Elbit Hermes drone around 1:03:00.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pr36vLGYFU

    And Armenia's army there is nothing really interesting past the 1970s/1980s equipment, except perhaps Iskander missiles. Otherwise I think almost all this military equipment would not be surprising by late in the 1970s. Armenia didn't have the oil money to buy the newer stuff.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp5rGHiH9q8

    Replies: @Dmitry, @LondonBob, @Wokechoke

    It’s interesting that you talk about Azeris as if I don’t know about them.

    I’m familiar with them. My theory of ww2 is that Hitler might have won ww2 if he’s got into Baku. I’ve looked at them closely.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @Wokechoke

    Well, what is your theory about Azerbaijanis?

    I know they had more creative tactics in the war (like the use of the An-2 to locate the Armenia air defense https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28000/Azerbaijan_Used__Unmanned__Bi_planes_to_Locate_Armenian_Air_Defence ).

    Still, much of Azerbaijan's military advantage against Armenia/"Artsakh", was far more modern technology, including drones, which they can afford with their oil money. And tactics are also determined a lot by the technology level.

    Other things are important like the motivation. But if Azerbaijan had a motivated army and population, so does Armenia in this war.

    Replies: @Yevardian

  737. @Triteleia Laxa
    I can feel Putin's desperation and an unfortunate depression coming over supporters of Russian aggression.

    China has seen their disgusting war and wants nothing to do with it. Chineris is back.

    You will all see.

    As for how the battle on the ground is going, see my post on Isteve from two comments ago. Ukraine may end up sweeping Russian troops from its territory, if Putin doesn't find a way to sign for peace soon. I'm not saying it is definite, but the balance of power is extremely precarious and Ukraine keeps improving their position.

    Also, has anyone seen a picture of Putin without perfect camera framing. Sure, he still has the makeup and perfect lighting, but he looks awful. I wonder how he would look without any artificial support. Real Dorian Gray stuff.

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Yellowface Anon, @songbird

    Enjoy the block by block artillery reduction of Mariupol.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Wokechoke

    Probably the most Russian-speaking city in Ukraine, being destroyed by Russia. To protect Russian -speakers.

    Replies: @Bies Podkrakowski, @Mr. Hack

    , @Boethiuss
    @Wokechoke


    Enjoy the block by block artillery reduction of Mariupol.
     
    Why should anybody "enjoy" that? That's a bad thing, committed by Russia. Therefore we, as decent people should do whatever is plausible to discourage the Russian army and Vladimir Putin from doing that. Ie, sanctions, etc.

    And in particular, you should quit advocating for it, whatever the circumstances which caused you to advocate for it in the first place.
  738. @sher singh
    @HenryBaker

    My rationalizations are 'scientific' bro. Panjab to Sicily/Balkans is its own cluster
    Who cares, call it what you will: R1a v B, Centum v Satum, East v West Caucasoid

    Me v my brother, my brother v my cousin, my cousin v the world.
    Race war, Holy war etc all based. There are no relations on the battlefield so we hear from the Gita.

    ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ

    Replies: @HenryBaker

    Me v my brother, my brother v my cousin, my cousin v the world.

    Can’t argue with that

  739. @Triteleia Laxa
    I can feel Putin's desperation and an unfortunate depression coming over supporters of Russian aggression.

    China has seen their disgusting war and wants nothing to do with it. Chineris is back.

    You will all see.

    As for how the battle on the ground is going, see my post on Isteve from two comments ago. Ukraine may end up sweeping Russian troops from its territory, if Putin doesn't find a way to sign for peace soon. I'm not saying it is definite, but the balance of power is extremely precarious and Ukraine keeps improving their position.

    Also, has anyone seen a picture of Putin without perfect camera framing. Sure, he still has the makeup and perfect lighting, but he looks awful. I wonder how he would look without any artificial support. Real Dorian Gray stuff.

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Yellowface Anon, @songbird

    Are you sure China “wants nothing do with it”? All the arguments for China to prop up Russia fly over your head.

  740. @Mr. Hack
    @songbird

    Winning the war in Ukraine by street fighting in Fortress Kyiv? Are you kidding? Even Kadyrov's Chechen Fighters all fled once they got close to Kyiv and saw what was waiting for them. And Russia's tank brigades are unceremoniously backtracking and hiding in the woods now, far away from Kyiv.

    Replies: @songbird

    What makes you think that they are trying to take the city now?

    Their immediate goal would be simply to surround it, cut off supplies, and wait until they consolidate their forces in the East, so that their position can be strengthened, with reinforcements. Now, when the Russians only have a salient, is their most precarious time. Why would they weaken that salient by engaging in a full battle for the streets? That would leave them open to attack from the west and south. Right now, they are only probing, seeing which ground can be seized, without effort.

    It will be a major test of Zelensky’s willingness to cut a deal, once they surround the city completely. If he doesn’t cut a deal then, I would say he is unwilling to cut a deal, period. And Putin will need to seek for local partners.

    I know you are Ukrainian and you have your sympathies, but it is hard for me to understand how one could get cheered at the prospect of siege of Kiev. Probably the most hopeful analogy would be Vicksburg. Not a great deal of civilians were killed, but it was still a terrible waste, IMO. And Kiev is likely to be a bigger one because it is much bigger and an historical city.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @songbird


    What makes you think that they are trying to take the city now?
     
    Nothing now, of course, as they've been beaten back and they're still retreating.

    Their immediate goal would be simply to surround it, cut off supplies, and wait until they consolidate their forces in the East, so that their position can be strengthened, with reinforcements.
     
    It's not a simple as you think. As I've already mentioned, Kadyrov's fighters have decided to retreat, who knows where they even are now? Putin has sounded the alarm opening Russia's doors to any outside help and recruitment. What are the results of these efforts? He'll need a lot of help, for it seems that his first round of 120,000 troops has spent its resources and morale already in Ukraine.

    If Russia doesn't start to make some headway in the next week, it'll be all over for them. China doesn't seem in any hurry to send Russia any military equipment either. Imagine, the 2nd greatest army in the world needing to request equipment from China?


    I know you are Ukrainian and you have your sympathies, but it is hard for me to understand how one could get cheered at the prospect of siege of Kiev.
     
    Where have I showed any cheer for the prospect of any siege of Kyiv? I don't. But I do understand the psyche of the Ukrainian people. They're a tough lot that are willing to die for the right to be the masters in their own home. They understand that this might be the last time that they'll be able to make such a courageous stand, and they wont give up very easily. This one is far from over anytime soon. My money is on Ukraine.
  741. @Anatoly Karlin
    @songbird

    It is rather curious that increasing numbers of commenters, including even Thulean Fraud, are coming around to my assessment, which I consistently made since the very beginning of the conflict, that all negotiations are a charade.

    https://twitter.com/search?q=from%3Aakarlin0%20charade&src=typed_query&f=live

    Granted, they will never acknowledge this, but that is fine.

    Replies: @songbird

    I give Thulean points for having a realistic power view of the situation and never having advocated for a no-fly-zone.

  742. Today smotrim.ru, a Russian site where you can stream Russian TV, no longer opens from Bulgaria, at least from my internet provider (one of the biggest) and I switched to DNS servers by OpenDNS which also solved the problem with rt.com – now I can open it normally without bothering with VPNs or Tor, so it looks like they simply banned them at the DNS level, the easiest thing to circumvent even for normies. Both RT.com and Smotrim.ru were made to resolve to 127.0.0.1 (localhost) lol.

    But when I checked the DNS records after flushing the DNS cache, I noticed something really strange – RT uses google’s MX records! Which means that emails @rt.com are hosted with Google! WTF?

    ~\$ host rt.com
    rt.com has address 91.215.41.4
    rt.com mail is handled by 10 aspmx.l.google.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 20 alt1.aspmx.l.google.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 20 alt2.aspmx.l.google.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 30 aspmx2.googlemail.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 30 aspmx3.googlemail.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 30 aspmx4.googlemail.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 30 aspmx5.googlemail.com

    I don’t know what is going on there, on their Odysee channel I see that some videos are with robot voices – I know offices are being closed and some people have left, but have they collapsed so much that they can’t even bother with a human reading the text in their videos?

    And how on Earth can they be hosting their emails with google? Imagine if Voice of America/Radio Liberty hosted their emails with Yandex or mail.ru.
    This is truly shocking and not serious.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @Spisarevski

    It's just a news site (actually "trolling site") so I don't know why you think using gmail would be a sin for them.

    I mean what kind of "secret information" do they email each other? Discussion about their logo color or something?

    Personally I thought perhaps funny thing, in context, is for years you could see their user comments with emails, were sent to a Redis database in Tel Aviv. So the comments on the site would be owned by Israelis and also moderated likely by them. That's also nothing special, but contextually of RT's content, I guess it there is created a situation when a lot of comments would be about how Israelis are spying about them. Meanwhile some low paid Israeli intern might be sitting in office having to moderate their comments for a few dollars of money outsourced from the Russian government's media budget.

  743. @Triteleia Laxa
    I can feel Putin's desperation and an unfortunate depression coming over supporters of Russian aggression.

    China has seen their disgusting war and wants nothing to do with it. Chineris is back.

    You will all see.

    As for how the battle on the ground is going, see my post on Isteve from two comments ago. Ukraine may end up sweeping Russian troops from its territory, if Putin doesn't find a way to sign for peace soon. I'm not saying it is definite, but the balance of power is extremely precarious and Ukraine keeps improving their position.

    Also, has anyone seen a picture of Putin without perfect camera framing. Sure, he still has the makeup and perfect lighting, but he looks awful. I wonder how he would look without any artificial support. Real Dorian Gray stuff.

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Yellowface Anon, @songbird

    Help satisfy my curiosity:

    Would you say that you are more in line with Fukuyama? (relieved that there is no no-fly-zone, but doubling-down on his end of history idea.)

    Or more in line with Tony Blair? (wants a no-fly-zone)

    And what do you mean by “Chineris?”

    • Replies: @Triteleia Laxa
    @songbird

    This war does not need a no-fly zone. Why change the dynamic while winning?


    And what do you mean by “Chineris?”
     
    Chimerica, sorry, auto complete.

    My feeling on Taiwan is that if China doesn't have the confidence that it can develop into a country that the Taiwanese will want to be "re-united" with, then China should be considering being absorbed by Taiwan instead.

    Obviously I mean this as a consideration, not a practical reality, but the idea of China invading Taiwan and destroying the place, all so it can be in the "loving embrace of the mother country" is just so f*cking dishonest, stupid and self-contradictory that only a completely broken and corrupt system can believe it.

    And it seems like Xi and China, despite their LARPing at bellicosity, actually does not believe it. This is good and hopeful for the world. It makes me feel positive. If superpowers can avoid catastrophic self-contradiction then I think things will be fine.

    After all democracies may be flawed, but it is very obvious that the Taiwanese are not a horrifically oppressed population like Saddam's Iraqis.

    It is, therefore, clear that Chinese troops would not be welcomed in the streets like American troops were in Baghdad. Yet even that was a disaster.

    And, furthermore, it seems that what is true for Taiwan, is also true for Ukraine, but Putin does not want to accept that, which is why he is committing the ultimate tragedy: that of deceiving yourself into achieving the exact opposite of what you felt was best.

    You can't force people to like you with guns and bombs. Tribal and peasant populations could be ruled over by conquering warlords because they were not politically engaged. The Ukrainians are politically engaged. At best, Putin could have hoped for what Britain had in Ireland in the 20th Century. Say he and enough money to pay people off and the ability to shut down almost all supplies to the insurgents. But even that would have been terrible.

    Or, to put it another way, if you're not good enough to get, at least, people's passive consent through peaceful means, who the hell do you think you are trying to rule them? What abstract historical argument or crazed political point could possibly justify that? And by justified, I don't just mean rationally, but within reality?

    Replies: @songbird

  744. @LondonBob
    @songbird

    Seeing a lot of connected European commentators talking about a deal, of course removal of sanctions is necessary for Europe's economy, and also the only leverage they have. The crazies, Azov to Nuland, think differently but we shall see, reality is hitting home, both militarily and economically.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    They have already dug themselves into a corner by kicking Russia out of international institutions where all states theoretically can participate (granted a lot of those need deep reforms or abolition), and it’s not even certain whether sanctions will go away if Russia withdraws, Putin is gone, or Russia is thoroughly cannibalized.

    If you are an outcast, you can never forget everyone treating you like that, and you will want to build things outside of where you’re excluded instead of trying to get back in. This also explains why those rejecting COVID vaccines hold onto their new alternative ways of life when vaccine mandates are suspended.

  745. @Wokechoke
    @Triteleia Laxa

    Enjoy the block by block artillery reduction of Mariupol.

    Replies: @AP, @Boethiuss

    Probably the most Russian-speaking city in Ukraine, being destroyed by Russia. To protect Russian -speakers.

    • Replies: @Bies Podkrakowski
    @AP


    Probably the most Russian-speaking city in Ukraine, being destroyed by Russia. To protect Russian -speakers.
     
    Not his people. They are only useful props in his cosmic fight with Evil.

    Replies: @Bies Podkrakowski

    , @Mr. Hack
    @AP

    It' really a shame that the basic Russophile (Putin fan boy)* reading this blog is not able to wrap his brains around this basic and cynical truth that you've just exposed:


    Probably the most Russian-speaking city in Ukraine [Mariupol], being destroyed by Russia. To protect Russian -speakers.

     

    *Karlin included.
  746. @sudden death
    @Mikel


    Lugansk Square
     
    Just adding the context about this bloody 2014 episode - the same morning BEFORE the airstrike, rebels in Lugansk began the full scale military atttack on Ukraine state border security building which was located in living quarter of the city, they were shooting RPG's from the top of living buildings, they were shooting from spaces between the buildings and so on. Airstrike was directed at the separatist HQ as a retaliation for the atttack because UA military didn't want to strike the top of the living buildings (meanwhile RF is doing it atm with full abandon towards civilian lives in UA) built in front of the stormed state border security building. You can argue it was not right/accurate and not proportionate response or whatever but it was a city already at full scale war by rebel initiative at the moment of the airstrike.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_the_Luhansk_Border_Base

    Replies: @AP, @Mikel

    Airstrike was directed at the separatist HQ as a retaliation for the atttack because UA military didn’t want to strike the top of the living buildings

    Do you have any insider information of what the intentions of the attackers were or are you just offering your guess?

    I think it’s obvious that if the attack would have been so justified Ukraine would not have lied and tried to blame the rebels for it (as it did on several other occasions during that conflict).

    it was a city already at full scale war by rebel initiative at the moment of the airstrike

    Somehow the innocent locals strolling at the square or coming in and out of the building didn’t see it that way. Eight of them paid for it with their lives.

    In any case, as you say, the means were totally disproportionate for what was intended, even if your interpretation is right. That attack with unguided munitions (and signs of strafing, according to international observers) was sure to kill civilians but most unlikely to cause any damage to any specific person inside the building. Besides, the Geneva Convention establishes that civilians must be warned before an attack that may harm them.

    Now the Russians are carrying out similar attacks but painting this as a conflict of innocent heroes versus villainous cowards is very misleading.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Mikel


    I think it’s obvious that if the attack would have been so justified Ukraine would not have lied and tried to blame the rebels for it (as it did on several other occasions during that conflict).
     
    It may have lied to cover up failure as much as anything else. Had the rebel military leadership been taken out than the civilians deaths would have been presented (correctly) as unfortunate collateral damage occurring during the process of ending a deadly rebellion that otherwise would take far more lives.

    Now the Russians are carrying out similar attacks
     
    They aren't similar because Russia has chosen to invade another country, not being forced to deal with a deadly armed rebellion on its own territory.
  747. @German_reader
    @Mr. Hack

    The only movie with Sean Penn I can remember having watched is Dead man walking, where he plays a death row inmate talking to a nun. I think it's supposed to be an anti-death penalty movie, but tbh I felt his character (based on a real killer) deserved being put to death.
    And I don't know what more exactly the US should do for Ukraine that isn't already being done. This emotion-based activism is tiresome.

    Replies: @A123, @Mr. Hack, @AP, @iffen

    And I don’t know what more exactly the US should do for Ukraine that isn’t already being done.

    US should keep doing what it is doing, plus fostering an exchange of AA systems (have Eastern European countries provide theirs in exchange for US providing some to compensate for their loss), replenish MIGS and maybe MLRS systems from other Eastern European countries, although it appears that Ukraine is capturing a of of these from Russia. Ukraine might currently have more tanks than it did when the war started.

    I think NFZ is unnecessarily risky and wouldn’t necessary help – Ukrainians can handle a lot of Russian helicopters and planes flying over Ukraine on their own, and I can’t imagine USA hitting Russian airfields or missile launchers on Russian territory.

    • Replies: @Commentator Mike
    @AP


    Ukraine might currently have more tanks than it did when the war started.

     

    You are funny. Name one battle that Ukraine has won in this war so far. Russians have taken the administrative buildings in the centre of Mariupol so that's over except for mopping up any pockets of resistance and Chechens are capturing neoNazis holed up in them. Odessa could be next.

    Replies: @AP

  748. @Mikel
    @sudden death


    Airstrike was directed at the separatist HQ as a retaliation for the atttack because UA military didn’t want to strike the top of the living buildings
     
    Do you have any insider information of what the intentions of the attackers were or are you just offering your guess?

    I think it's obvious that if the attack would have been so justified Ukraine would not have lied and tried to blame the rebels for it (as it did on several other occasions during that conflict).

    it was a city already at full scale war by rebel initiative at the moment of the airstrike
     
    Somehow the innocent locals strolling at the square or coming in and out of the building didn't see it that way. Eight of them paid for it with their lives.

    In any case, as you say, the means were totally disproportionate for what was intended, even if your interpretation is right. That attack with unguided munitions (and signs of strafing, according to international observers) was sure to kill civilians but most unlikely to cause any damage to any specific person inside the building. Besides, the Geneva Convention establishes that civilians must be warned before an attack that may harm them.

    Now the Russians are carrying out similar attacks but painting this as a conflict of innocent heroes versus villainous cowards is very misleading.

    Replies: @AP

    I think it’s obvious that if the attack would have been so justified Ukraine would not have lied and tried to blame the rebels for it (as it did on several other occasions during that conflict).

    It may have lied to cover up failure as much as anything else. Had the rebel military leadership been taken out than the civilians deaths would have been presented (correctly) as unfortunate collateral damage occurring during the process of ending a deadly rebellion that otherwise would take far more lives.

    Now the Russians are carrying out similar attacks

    They aren’t similar because Russia has chosen to invade another country, not being forced to deal with a deadly armed rebellion on its own territory.

  749. @German_reader
    https://twitter.com/vtchakarova/status/1504798501129101312

    Pretty bad for Ukraine and the EU if true.
    Poland apparently still insists on bringing up its crazy "peacekeeping mission" idea at the upcoming NATO summit. I doubt it will lead to anything, but still tiresome that nonsense like this is even being discussed.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @A123, @iffen

    So, you are all in for Ukraine unless your dick gets pinched.

  750. @AP
    @German_reader


    And I don’t know what more exactly the US should do for Ukraine that isn’t already being done.
     
    US should keep doing what it is doing, plus fostering an exchange of AA systems (have Eastern European countries provide theirs in exchange for US providing some to compensate for their loss), replenish MIGS and maybe MLRS systems from other Eastern European countries, although it appears that Ukraine is capturing a of of these from Russia. Ukraine might currently have more tanks than it did when the war started.

    I think NFZ is unnecessarily risky and wouldn't necessary help - Ukrainians can handle a lot of Russian helicopters and planes flying over Ukraine on their own, and I can't imagine USA hitting Russian airfields or missile launchers on Russian territory.

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    Ukraine might currently have more tanks than it did when the war started.

    You are funny. Name one battle that Ukraine has won in this war so far. Russians have taken the administrative buildings in the centre of Mariupol so that’s over except for mopping up any pockets of resistance and Chechens are capturing neoNazis holed up in them. Odessa could be next.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Commentator Mike


    You are funny. Name one battle that Ukraine has won in this war so far.
     
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-russia-voznesensk-town-battle-11647444734

    VOZNESENSK, Ukraine—A Kalashnikov rifle slung over his shoulder, Voznesensk’s funeral director, Mykhailo Sokurenko, spent this Tuesday driving through fields and forests, picking up dead Russian soldiers and taking them to a freezer railway car piled with Russian bodies—the casualties of one of the most comprehensive routs President Vladimir Putin’s forces have suffered since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine.

    A rapid Russian advance into the strategic southern town of 35,000 people, a gateway to a Ukrainian nuclear power station and pathway to attack Odessa from the back, would have showcased the Russian military’s abilities and severed Ukraine’s key communications lines.

    Instead, the two-day battle of Voznesensk, details of which are only now emerging, turned decisively against the Russians. Judging from the destroyed and abandoned armor, Ukrainian forces, which comprised local volunteers and the professional military, eliminated most of a Russian battalion tactical group on March 2 and 3.

    ::::::

    Ukraine has strategic depth and can afford to give up territory in exchange for killing Russian troops and destroying equipment. So far, after more than 3 weeks, Russia has not captured any major city and is merely on the verge of taking Mariupol, which is the most Russian city in Ukraine and was only about 20 km from the Russian (DNR) border. With half a million people it is only 1/3 the size of Kharkiv (still not even fully surrounded despite being 40 km from the Russian border) and 1/2 the size of Odessa and Dnipropetrovsk. And all of these cities are less Russian than Mariupol was.

    Things are not going well for Putin if he is purging senior staff in the middle of the war, and desperately seeking help from Syrians, Armenians, etc.

    Replies: @songbird, @Wokechoke

  751. @AaronB
    As many were predicting, the panic over Covid would develop naturally into the MSM trying to convince us that we never took the Flu seriously enough, and should begin panicking over the flu, because the two are after all fairly similar in mortality (Covid worse but with an older mortality profile).

    Well, looks like the NYT is beginning that transition -
    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/18/health/flu-covid.html

    Well, maybe this article isn't yet a trend, but either way, somehow, I just don't think it will work anymore :)

    Replies: @iffen

    somehow, I just don’t think it will work anymore

    Jesus H., I’m about to dial 911.

    The end is very near.

    AaronB. has written something that I agree with.

    (Which part of “We don’t f***ing trust you cocks***ers do they not understand.”)

    • LOL: AaronB
  752. I have been reading and watching some of John Mearsheimer’s articles and lectures, and it seems to me that he has a fairly science-oriented approach. Political science is not an exact science, but his discourse is as close as a scientific discourse as possible in this field of knowledge.
    He seems to be enjoying a little star moment because his theories seem to have been vindicated; things have happened along the lines he predicted. There are some points which I cannot fully comprehend, though. He seems to have predicted exactly what the Russians thought and the reasons why they acted the way they did. But a theory must be able to explain the actions of both sides. I don’t understand why he seems puzzled by the American behavior, or by the overwhelming support it gets from the corporate media. Are not both sides acting within the framework of “offensive realism”? If so, the only thing to do is wait and see whose side is stronger.
    Of course reality is not as fatalistic and automatic as all that. Individuals and other local factors enter into the equation. I suppose one example of that is illustrated by his famous work The Israel Lobby. Without this extraneous element –Israel — I suppose his theories and models would lose their explanatory powers in the specific historic event of the Iraq War.
    In the present case of the Ukraine war, he has not come up with any extraneous factor, but all the same it’s not clear that he thinks that the actions in both sides are developing in a predictable way.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @Brás Cubas

    Russia blew up Ukraine before his pet obsession, Taiwan.

  753. @German_reader
    @Mr. Hack

    The only movie with Sean Penn I can remember having watched is Dead man walking, where he plays a death row inmate talking to a nun. I think it's supposed to be an anti-death penalty movie, but tbh I felt his character (based on a real killer) deserved being put to death.
    And I don't know what more exactly the US should do for Ukraine that isn't already being done. This emotion-based activism is tiresome.

    Replies: @A123, @Mr. Hack, @AP, @iffen

    This emotion-based activism is tiresome.

    You do know that the emotional/cognitive dichotomy is not valid.

    Or did you forget that?

  754. Retired Coronal McGregor appeared on Tucker Carlson to discuss the ability for Zelensky and Putin to reach a deal to end the fighting. (1)

    During a segment last night, Colonel Douglas Macgregor discussed the perspective for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

    The resolution issue is a very critical point, because the U.S. State Dept (CIA) and the DC political machine are standing firm in their collective desire for a long-term insurgency campaign against Russia using Ukraine as a proxy war. Macgregor notes the geopolitical and global economic outcomes from a protracted interventionist NATO/western approach at using Ukraine for conflict against Russia

    He points out that Zelensky seems open on all of the critical issues needed to end this, benefiting both sides.

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/03/18/col-douglas-macgregor-discusses-outlook-for-ceasefire-in-ukraine/

  755. @Dmitry
    @Coconuts

    Lol I was born in the 1990s, but when I think about as a child in school, I have a strong sense like I come from the 1970s. But when I think about as a child at home, I feel like I'm from the 1990s or 2000s.

    One of the reasons is when most of the infrastructure in your school, was not updated since the 1970s. Even probably some of the pencil supplies were not opened since Soviet times. At the same time, at home, we were getting a lot of modern infrastructure and equipment.

    But this is 1970s, of the Soviet Union. Obviously, the atmosphere of those epochs is different in other places. Like 1970s Soviet culture is not in the same historical stage as 1970s Western culture.


    it was the 1980 of Western mining and industrial towns and cities,
     
    If you look in 1970s England, this is like early 2000s Russia. There is some desynchronization. But this is about a country at the leading edge, historically. Their fashion since 50 years ago, doesn't seem more than about 10 or 15 years old.

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

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    Yes. When I go to Saratov, I think I am returning to the late 1970’s. It is not just fashion choices. It is salary relative to the price of a washing machine. It is the position of men and women. It is motor car ownership and many other things.

  756. @LondonBob
    @Thulean Friend

    Yes Russia has some hard choices, they can't sit outside Kiev forever, however ultimately they can take the Russian speaking areas and partition if the Ukrainians don't take the generous peace offer, even a mild partition like regional governments in place with Russian peacekeepers watching over.

    Also for Europe, including the Ukraine and Russia, an Afghanistan scenario is a disaster on many levels(immigration, economic, instability). You also have the developing economic disaster that is engulfing the entire world. So I don't think the Afghanistan scenario is that realistic, even if it is clearly the preferred one for the US government. Even the delusional European leaders won't go for that, maybe even not the crazy Easter European governments.

    Also I can imagine the internal conflict and turmoil in the Ukraine would accelerate, the headbangers hold a lot of power, in Mao's sense of the gun, but they are not the majority, and they are being decimated in battle as we speak.

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @AP, @Thulean Friend, @Philip Owen

    Putin will need to backpedal a bit. He set out to incorporate the unoccupied parts of Lugansk and Dontetsk in the independent republics. He probably expected to be welcomed. Without considerable ethnic cleansing, the whole oblast republics may not be Russian majority, especially if the Russian passport holders head to Russia given the economic block caused by the destruction of Mariupol.

    I can see him back pedalling hard on occupying a Novorossiya or Lugansk and Donetsk. That or he goes ahead with ethnic cleansing. Is he that evil? probably.

  757. @Brás Cubas
    I have been reading and watching some of John Mearsheimer's articles and lectures, and it seems to me that he has a fairly science-oriented approach. Political science is not an exact science, but his discourse is as close as a scientific discourse as possible in this field of knowledge.
    He seems to be enjoying a little star moment because his theories seem to have been vindicated; things have happened along the lines he predicted. There are some points which I cannot fully comprehend, though. He seems to have predicted exactly what the Russians thought and the reasons why they acted the way they did. But a theory must be able to explain the actions of both sides. I don't understand why he seems puzzled by the American behavior, or by the overwhelming support it gets from the corporate media. Are not both sides acting within the framework of "offensive realism"? If so, the only thing to do is wait and see whose side is stronger.
    Of course reality is not as fatalistic and automatic as all that. Individuals and other local factors enter into the equation. I suppose one example of that is illustrated by his famous work The Israel Lobby. Without this extraneous element --Israel -- I suppose his theories and models would lose their explanatory powers in the specific historic event of the Iraq War.
    In the present case of the Ukraine war, he has not come up with any extraneous factor, but all the same it's not clear that he thinks that the actions in both sides are developing in a predictable way.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    Russia blew up Ukraine before his pet obsession, Taiwan.

  758. @Thulean Friend
    @iffen



    Seems safe to say that it’s over for this ‘community’, however. There’s no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else
     
    Yeah, for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it, but our esteemed publisher is not that sort of a person.
     
    Why? I can't be the only one who enjoys watching Karlin self-imploding. It's not like this community hinges on his presence. When he went away, commenting activity barely budged.

    Replies: @iffen

    I can’t be the only one who enjoys watching Karlin self-imploding.

    This is quite peculiar unless you have some sort of deliberate animosity toward him.

  759. @HenryBaker
    @Beckow

    It's an interesting analysis. Like I said, it seems somewhat more true for the US than EU but I just know more about the EU. Sorry to harp on about my own country all the time, but don't forget, US is the largest agricultural exporter, and the second is... the Netherlands. So a simple pie chart showing 80% of people working in services and 3% in agriculture just doesn't mean that much, if everything's mechanized.
    https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/latest-news/weblog/blog-posts/2021/dutch-export-of-agricultural-goods-in-2020
    If you check the EU export page (I didn't check USA) you see stuff like 'machinery', 'household appliances', 'gas'. If you check the trade page here: https://oec.world/en/profile/country/nld, you see under the exports tab, it's mostly high level machinery and medicine. At first glance it does not look 'virtual' at all but much of it is probably shipped through.

    I don't disagree with what you're saying, necessarily, but I still wonder if our economy isn't a little less virtual than people think. It's certainly the case with agriculture, and it also seems to be the case in seeds, machinery, chips, medicine...

    By the way, friend of mine in the energy sector mentioned we do have industry here in the EU, but that at these energy prices it's going to end up killed (out-competed). Real industry- under real threat.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Philip Owen

    Just taking the British case, if Rolls Royce stops selling monitoring and maintenance services to Air India, its jets won’t work. Same for CCGT generators or high power diesels (the Koreans make big ones but if you want compact, come to the UK). British pharma and medical devices support hude medical service industries in applying them. Doctors come to the UK for their education in how to use them. There is a factory for JCBs (back hoe diggers) in Russia but the key components come from the UK. There is an infrastructure of training and licencing around the JCBs. Goods are still huge to the UK, the 7th largest manufacturing economy in the world. We just don’t do low cost hand tools anymore.

  760. @HenryBaker
    @iffen


    for whatever reason he went sideways on the Ukrainian supporters here
     
    Well he has been RN for a long time, I think back in 2015 or 2017 or whatever he was poasting plans to strip-mine Ukraine of all talent and was analyzing the strategic situation there. What's happening seems clear: AK has made a very large bet that what is happening here is the vindication of the Russian nationalist strategy, and the start of a revision of the Western-hegemonic world order. Both reputationally and emotionally, he is obviously very invested in this as this event has been years in the making. If the Russian effort deflates with a big fart and they're left hyperinflating and irrelevant, this would obviously invalidate most of his professional efforts. He 'went sideways' on Ukraine supporters because he is obviously simply a nationalist at war with Ukraine, and that tends to heat things up.

    It would be best to drive a stake into it
     
    Well, looking at the level of discourse between AK and a lot of the commenting people here, I think AK will leave soon enough by himself and then the whole thing will bleed out. At some point, mocking, insulting, and fighting with people just gets boring and then you leave.

    Replies: @German_reader, @iffen

    looking at the level of discourse between AK and a lot of the commenting people

    Yeah, to me he seems to be doing a lot of gratuitous BS with regard to some commenters, but that comes with the hard core nationalism. I don’t read all of the comments so maybe he is picking up on some particular “attitudes”.

  761. @Commentator Mike
    @AP


    Ukraine might currently have more tanks than it did when the war started.

     

    You are funny. Name one battle that Ukraine has won in this war so far. Russians have taken the administrative buildings in the centre of Mariupol so that's over except for mopping up any pockets of resistance and Chechens are capturing neoNazis holed up in them. Odessa could be next.

    Replies: @AP

    You are funny. Name one battle that Ukraine has won in this war so far.

    https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-russia-voznesensk-town-battle-11647444734

    VOZNESENSK, Ukraine—A Kalashnikov rifle slung over his shoulder, Voznesensk’s funeral director, Mykhailo Sokurenko, spent this Tuesday driving through fields and forests, picking up dead Russian soldiers and taking them to a freezer railway car piled with Russian bodies—the casualties of one of the most comprehensive routs President Vladimir Putin’s forces have suffered since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine.

    A rapid Russian advance into the strategic southern town of 35,000 people, a gateway to a Ukrainian nuclear power station and pathway to attack Odessa from the back, would have showcased the Russian military’s abilities and severed Ukraine’s key communications lines.

    Instead, the two-day battle of Voznesensk, details of which are only now emerging, turned decisively against the Russians. Judging from the destroyed and abandoned armor, Ukrainian forces, which comprised local volunteers and the professional military, eliminated most of a Russian battalion tactical group on March 2 and 3.

    ::::::

    Ukraine has strategic depth and can afford to give up territory in exchange for killing Russian troops and destroying equipment. So far, after more than 3 weeks, Russia has not captured any major city and is merely on the verge of taking Mariupol, which is the most Russian city in Ukraine and was only about 20 km from the Russian (DNR) border. With half a million people it is only 1/3 the size of Kharkiv (still not even fully surrounded despite being 40 km from the Russian border) and 1/2 the size of Odessa and Dnipropetrovsk. And all of these cities are less Russian than Mariupol was.

    Things are not going well for Putin if he is purging senior staff in the middle of the war, and desperately seeking help from Syrians, Armenians, etc.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @AP


    So far, after more than 3 weeks, Russia has not captured any major city and is merely on the verge of taking Mariupol
     
    Taking cities is not a strategic priority. It is always on the backburner when compared with another goal, destroying armies in the field.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Wokechoke
    @AP

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_of_the_Dead_Men

  762. @Anatoly Karlin
    @Dmitry

    Indeed, I might conceivably consult you for advice on box unpacking methods, Nike shoe shopping, and stalking the children of famous people on Instagram and Facebook. Your primary and indeed only areas of competency.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    Well you did reverse the news story, which you must understand how this would create “fake news” impression for your audience. Whether you were lying to create clickbait or just an honest mistake? I think it is obvious it was an unintentional mistake, otherwise you would not post it to me, as you know I would check. I also don’t think you are someone who would intentionally lies to make clickbait. I have a more high opinion of you than that. Generally you seem more in the other direction, almost too honest.

    As for giving you advice (not about shoes, which is just people showing off money i.e. monkeys with trinkets), but more important things, of course I would be happy to. However, at moment you seem a little prickly and defensive, so it can wait until you are more calm. Geopolitical events have raised your blood pressure and you have been behaving like the internet version of Renfield in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” when Dracula is approaching London. Probably in a couple of months you will be more calm and hopefully normally again, like “old Karlin” of the past.

  763. @Spisarevski
    Today smotrim.ru, a Russian site where you can stream Russian TV, no longer opens from Bulgaria, at least from my internet provider (one of the biggest) and I switched to DNS servers by OpenDNS which also solved the problem with rt.com - now I can open it normally without bothering with VPNs or Tor, so it looks like they simply banned them at the DNS level, the easiest thing to circumvent even for normies. Both RT.com and Smotrim.ru were made to resolve to 127.0.0.1 (localhost) lol.

    But when I checked the DNS records after flushing the DNS cache, I noticed something really strange - RT uses google's MX records! Which means that emails @rt.com are hosted with Google! WTF?

    ~$ host rt.com
    rt.com has address 91.215.41.4
    rt.com mail is handled by 10 aspmx.l.google.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 20 alt1.aspmx.l.google.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 20 alt2.aspmx.l.google.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 30 aspmx2.googlemail.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 30 aspmx3.googlemail.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 30 aspmx4.googlemail.com.
    rt.com mail is handled by 30 aspmx5.googlemail.com

    I don't know what is going on there, on their Odysee channel I see that some videos are with robot voices - I know offices are being closed and some people have left, but have they collapsed so much that they can't even bother with a human reading the text in their videos?

    And how on Earth can they be hosting their emails with google? Imagine if Voice of America/Radio Liberty hosted their emails with Yandex or mail.ru.
    This is truly shocking and not serious.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    It’s just a news site (actually “trolling site”) so I don’t know why you think using gmail would be a sin for them.

    I mean what kind of “secret information” do they email each other? Discussion about their logo color or something?

    Personally I thought perhaps funny thing, in context, is for years you could see their user comments with emails, were sent to a Redis database in Tel Aviv. So the comments on the site would be owned by Israelis and also moderated likely by them. That’s also nothing special, but contextually of RT’s content, I guess it there is created a situation when a lot of comments would be about how Israelis are spying about them. Meanwhile some low paid Israeli intern might be sitting in office having to moderate their comments for a few dollars of money outsourced from the Russian government’s media budget.

  764. @AP
    @Wokechoke

    Probably the most Russian-speaking city in Ukraine, being destroyed by Russia. To protect Russian -speakers.

    Replies: @Bies Podkrakowski, @Mr. Hack

    Probably the most Russian-speaking city in Ukraine, being destroyed by Russia. To protect Russian -speakers.

    Not his people. They are only useful props in his cosmic fight with Evil.

    • LOL: Yellowface Anon
    • Replies: @Bies Podkrakowski
    @Bies Podkrakowski


    Not his people. They are only useful props in his cosmic fight with Evil.
     
    To be precise I was referring to @Wokechoke not @AP.
  765. @songbird
    @Mr. Hack

    What makes you think that they are trying to take the city now?

    Their immediate goal would be simply to surround it, cut off supplies, and wait until they consolidate their forces in the East, so that their position can be strengthened, with reinforcements. Now, when the Russians only have a salient, is their most precarious time. Why would they weaken that salient by engaging in a full battle for the streets? That would leave them open to attack from the west and south. Right now, they are only probing, seeing which ground can be seized, without effort.

    It will be a major test of Zelensky's willingness to cut a deal, once they surround the city completely. If he doesn't cut a deal then, I would say he is unwilling to cut a deal, period. And Putin will need to seek for local partners.

    I know you are Ukrainian and you have your sympathies, but it is hard for me to understand how one could get cheered at the prospect of siege of Kiev. Probably the most hopeful analogy would be Vicksburg. Not a great deal of civilians were killed, but it was still a terrible waste, IMO. And Kiev is likely to be a bigger one because it is much bigger and an historical city.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    What makes you think that they are trying to take the city now?

    Nothing now, of course, as they’ve been beaten back and they’re still retreating.

    Their immediate goal would be simply to surround it, cut off supplies, and wait until they consolidate their forces in the East, so that their position can be strengthened, with reinforcements.

    It’s not a simple as you think. As I’ve already mentioned, Kadyrov’s fighters have decided to retreat, who knows where they even are now? Putin has sounded the alarm opening Russia’s doors to any outside help and recruitment. What are the results of these efforts? He’ll need a lot of help, for it seems that his first round of 120,000 troops has spent its resources and morale already in Ukraine.

    If Russia doesn’t start to make some headway in the next week, it’ll be all over for them. China doesn’t seem in any hurry to send Russia any military equipment either. Imagine, the 2nd greatest army in the world needing to request equipment from China?

    I know you are Ukrainian and you have your sympathies, but it is hard for me to understand how one could get cheered at the prospect of siege of Kiev.

    Where have I showed any cheer for the prospect of any siege of Kyiv? I don’t. But I do understand the psyche of the Ukrainian people. They’re a tough lot that are willing to die for the right to be the masters in their own home. They understand that this might be the last time that they’ll be able to make such a courageous stand, and they wont give up very easily. This one is far from over anytime soon. My money is on Ukraine.

  766. @Wokechoke
    @Mr. Hack

    He sounds like he must have been a recruit at a young age for Abwehr or CIA

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    Like you? A young recruit to the FSB? Schwarzenegger’s message is sound and truthful, something that I can’t say about anything that you’ve posted here.

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @Mr. Hack

    Arnold was clearly a late cold warrior.

    Look, everything is leading to ww3. It's depressing. The Anglo Establishment misses the certainties of the Crimea War period.

  767. @china-russia-all-the-way
    The people who wishfully believe there will be a rift between Russia and China have no sense of what an immensely powerful ally Russia is to China. With a much closer relationship with Russia, I see the potential for China to become free of seaborne imports of oil or at least import very little by sea within a reasonable timeframe.

    China consumes 15 million barrels of oil a day. Domestic production is a mere 4 million barrels a day. Pipeline capacity from Russia and Kazakhstan is about 2 million barrels a day. There is currently a very favorable growth in electric vehicles and hybrid plugins in China. The estimated percentage of EVs of new cars sold this year in China is an amazing 25% (up from 13% last year). Several years from now it will be 100%. With more pipelines built from Russia/Central Asia to China as Europe tries to cut back on purchases, I foresee Chinese consumption going down to 10 million barrels a day and being met by domestic production and pipelines from Russia/Central Asia. If China no longer needs to import oil by sea, then who cares about the battle for the South China Sea? Does China even need a bluewater navy? The entire focus can be on blockading Taiwan and strengthening air defense in Fujian.

    China remains financially vulnerable because the world financial system still runs on dollars. A closer relationship with Russia also helps address this problem. China becomes more sovereign financially if the yuan is more widely used internationally. There aren't many countries connected to China's yuan payment system (CIPS) because few people have any use for yuan in trading. If Russia priced some commodities in yuan that would change. Specifically, I see good potential in the pricing of potash (K) sold by Belarus and Russia in yuan. Belarus and Russia are respectively the second and third largest producers of potash so barring sanctions the world's farmers must all buy potash from Belarus and Russia for NPK (chemical) fertilizer. All of a sudden there would be a small (it's a start) worldwide use for yuan. The price of potash is also skyrocketing 3x so any disruption in supply by Belarus and Russia also shows how badly needed Russia is to tame food inflation.

    My key takeaway is the China-Russia alliance is filled with opportunities.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    Could you or Chinese Bromance help us to translate the articles on Xinhua? I believe Xinhua is the main Chinese news website, or the most official one in China?

    Ok, I know translating is a nightmare waste of time, and doing this for a few people on the forum is not an adequate motivation. But maybe paraphrase the main messages to us for a couple of sentences.

    The website has multi-language sections, but there seems to be some change of articles displayed in the different language sections.

    Interestingly, most of the articles, seem to be related to internal Chinese infrastructure and economic development, while the international relations looks like it is not so interesting for Chinese official media. http://www.xinhuanet.com/ You can see the inward looking media.

    It’s about Ukraine and racism
    http://www.news.cn/world/2022-03/17/c_1128478930.htm

    It’s about Biden’s meeting with Xi Jinping. (This article is already available in the other languages).
    http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/2022-03/18/c_1128483866.htm

    • Replies: @china-russia-all-the-way
    @Dmitry

    I would look to Twitter commentary on People's Daily headlines and placement of stories (e.g. top of the fold, inside pages, etc.) Xinhua is China's newswire like AFP in France.

    Replies: @Dmitry

  768. @AP
    @Commentator Mike


    You are funny. Name one battle that Ukraine has won in this war so far.
     
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-russia-voznesensk-town-battle-11647444734

    VOZNESENSK, Ukraine—A Kalashnikov rifle slung over his shoulder, Voznesensk’s funeral director, Mykhailo Sokurenko, spent this Tuesday driving through fields and forests, picking up dead Russian soldiers and taking them to a freezer railway car piled with Russian bodies—the casualties of one of the most comprehensive routs President Vladimir Putin’s forces have suffered since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine.

    A rapid Russian advance into the strategic southern town of 35,000 people, a gateway to a Ukrainian nuclear power station and pathway to attack Odessa from the back, would have showcased the Russian military’s abilities and severed Ukraine’s key communications lines.

    Instead, the two-day battle of Voznesensk, details of which are only now emerging, turned decisively against the Russians. Judging from the destroyed and abandoned armor, Ukrainian forces, which comprised local volunteers and the professional military, eliminated most of a Russian battalion tactical group on March 2 and 3.

    ::::::

    Ukraine has strategic depth and can afford to give up territory in exchange for killing Russian troops and destroying equipment. So far, after more than 3 weeks, Russia has not captured any major city and is merely on the verge of taking Mariupol, which is the most Russian city in Ukraine and was only about 20 km from the Russian (DNR) border. With half a million people it is only 1/3 the size of Kharkiv (still not even fully surrounded despite being 40 km from the Russian border) and 1/2 the size of Odessa and Dnipropetrovsk. And all of these cities are less Russian than Mariupol was.

    Things are not going well for Putin if he is purging senior staff in the middle of the war, and desperately seeking help from Syrians, Armenians, etc.

    Replies: @songbird, @Wokechoke

    So far, after more than 3 weeks, Russia has not captured any major city and is merely on the verge of taking Mariupol

    Taking cities is not a strategic priority. It is always on the backburner when compared with another goal, destroying armies in the field.

    • Agree: LondonBob
    • Replies: @AP
    @songbird


    Taking cities is not a strategic priority. It is always on the backburner when compared with another goal, destroying armies in the field.
     
    Which hasn't been done either, as evidenced by the fact that Ukrainian forces keep killing Russian ones and taking their equipment. The slow Russian pace also means that there is plenty of time to remobilize veteran-reserves (about 200,000 total) arm and train territorial defense to compensate for losses.

    Replies: @Wokechoke

  769. @songbird
    @AP


    So far, after more than 3 weeks, Russia has not captured any major city and is merely on the verge of taking Mariupol
     
    Taking cities is not a strategic priority. It is always on the backburner when compared with another goal, destroying armies in the field.

    Replies: @AP

    Taking cities is not a strategic priority. It is always on the backburner when compared with another goal, destroying armies in the field.

    Which hasn’t been done either, as evidenced by the fact that Ukrainian forces keep killing Russian ones and taking their equipment. The slow Russian pace also means that there is plenty of time to remobilize veteran-reserves (about 200,000 total) arm and train territorial defense to compensate for losses.

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @AP

    Mariupol contains 3 Ukrainian divisions and lots of Pschial Operrayshuns troops.

    Replies: @AP

  770. @Anatoly Karlin
    @HenryBaker

    It's accurate, at a global level, it is overwhelmingly Whitoids who hate Russia, POCs either support Russia or doesn't care.

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1498595366727565316

    Replies: @HenryBaker, @Mikel

    it is overwhelmingly Whitoids who hate Russia, POCs either support Russia or doesn’t care.

    That may actually be starting to have an effect in woke circles.

    This morning I was listening to NPR in my car (the only radio station in this area that is likely to talk to me about issues other than sports, religion or scammy retirement plans) and after the daily roundup of Russian atrocities in Ukraine they mentioned South Africa’s president’s statements about NATO being responsible for this war. They even put a short segment with his voice in English explaining his views. I’ve listened to NPR for enough time to know that they would have never aired that opinion if it had been expressed by anyone in the West (except maybe to try to expose him as a Putin shill).

    • Replies: @S
    @Mikel


    I’ve listened to NPR for enough time to know that they would have never aired that opinion if it had been expressed by anyone in the West (except maybe to try to expose him as a Putin shill).
     
    The proles and animals are free!
  771. @AP
    @Seraphim

    The Moscow Patriarch’s own bishop in Lviv called this invasion “Satanic.”

    And Onuohrey has condemned the attack by the Russian Federation upon Ukraine:

    https://news.church.ua/2022/03/10/zayava-ukrajinskoji-pravoslavnoji-cerkvi-vid-10-bereznya-2022-roku/

    The majority of people murdered by Russia belong to the Moscow Patriarchate.

    Good to know what side you are on, blasphemer.

    Replies: @Seraphim, @Seraphim

    In all fairness, I must recognize that Romanian commentators on these topics surpass you in stupidity (borderline idiocy, actually)), ignorance and laughableness. Sad but true. I can understand that your emotional involvement, your raging Russophobia, clouds your reasoning preventing you (and not only you, of course) to correctly assess the situation, but for Romanians who would have only to gain from the dissolution of NeoKhazaria (highly desirable and inevitable in my opinion) by recovering their stolen territories by Ukrainians, is mind boggling, being a proof of the success of ‘Western’ brainwashing.
    I remind you that Mazeppa died a fugitive in Bessarabia, Pylip Orlyk died a fugitive in Jassy.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @Seraphim

    They should just grab Moldova first, more Romanians there than everything Ukraine "owes" to Romania.

    , @AP
    @Seraphim

    Why am I not surprised that you dislike you own people?

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Seraphim

  772. @AP
    @songbird


    Taking cities is not a strategic priority. It is always on the backburner when compared with another goal, destroying armies in the field.
     
    Which hasn't been done either, as evidenced by the fact that Ukrainian forces keep killing Russian ones and taking their equipment. The slow Russian pace also means that there is plenty of time to remobilize veteran-reserves (about 200,000 total) arm and train territorial defense to compensate for losses.

    Replies: @Wokechoke

    Mariupol contains 3 Ukrainian divisions and lots of Pschial Operrayshuns troops.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Wokechoke


    Mariupol contains 3 Ukrainian divisions and lots of Pschial Operrayshuns troops
     
    Thanks for confirming that you know nothing about military stuff.

    Russian wiki says Ukraine has 3 brigades, 3 battalions and Azov in this battle.

    A division typically consists of several brigades.

    Replies: @utu

  773. @Mr. Hack
    @Wokechoke

    Like you? A young recruit to the FSB? Schwarzenegger's message is sound and truthful, something that I can't say about anything that you've posted here.

    Replies: @Wokechoke

    Arnold was clearly a late cold warrior.

    Look, everything is leading to ww3. It’s depressing. The Anglo Establishment misses the certainties of the Crimea War period.

  774. @Seraphim
    @AP

    In all fairness, I must recognize that Romanian commentators on these topics surpass you in stupidity (borderline idiocy, actually)), ignorance and laughableness. Sad but true. I can understand that your emotional involvement, your raging Russophobia, clouds your reasoning preventing you (and not only you, of course) to correctly assess the situation, but for Romanians who would have only to gain from the dissolution of NeoKhazaria (highly desirable and inevitable in my opinion) by recovering their stolen territories by Ukrainians, is mind boggling, being a proof of the success of 'Western' brainwashing.
    I remind you that Mazeppa died a fugitive in Bessarabia, Pylip Orlyk died a fugitive in Jassy.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @AP

    They should just grab Moldova first, more Romanians there than everything Ukraine “owes” to Romania.

  775. @HenryBaker
    @Anatoly Karlin

    Most POC countries seem to be hedging their bets. Japan and South Korea are the same loyal satrapies as the EU countries are. The only true Russia supporter, for now, seems to be China. As far as I can tell. This seems to me to have more to do with revisionism, superpower allegiance, and a shared type of government, than any real racial motive. 'Whitoid' is a misleading world, you should have said 'Westoid', which means USA aligned. If Russia had not been so simply big, if would have been a normal white US satrapy like any other. The third world LARP is simply that.

    By the way, I've heard multiple friends tell me 'what Russia is doing is even worse because they're a civilized European country like us'. Most of my literate friends enjoy Tolstoy and Dostojevski, the latter in particular is seen as one of the greatest authors to have ever existed. If this is somehow a 'race war' (I must assume against Slavs?) then why is the entirety of Europe declaring its willingness to save 'fellow European Ukrainian refugees'?

    However, since Russia and the West seem doomed to be perpetually at odds, the dumb race stuff is dragged in by the hair to give cultural legitimation to what is really more of a geopolitical conflict. The reason Russophobia exists is because the country is big and therefore 'scary'. That's it. As there is only room for one superpower in Eurasia, the US would never countenance Russia being in the same alliance (NATO) as Russia could subvert it from within by working with sympathethic Eastern Euro countries.

    I recently saw one more chart showing that Germans and Russians are (on a global scale) almost genetically identical. You calling us 'whitoids' is simply ridiculous unless you mean a sort of cultural degeneration. Likewise, the adamant nazi claims of Slavs being Untermenschen were pure fantasies as genetic evidence would have proved that they were shooting themselves in the foot. Otherwise it has nothing to do with race; it's all simple revisionism. If you declare a race war, you are, objectively speaking, declaring it against your own race. Good luck with all that.

    Replies: @LondonBob, @sher singh, @Barbarossa

    I remember that in the past Anatoly had used the “Russian are POC, cuz of oppression” line to troll kneejerk leftists on Twitter. It was quite funny at the time. I can’t imagine that he is actually taking the “race war” tack seriously, since it seemed completely tongue in cheek at the time. If he was taking it seriously it would be an epic act of self parody. I think it’s just a similar troll this time as well, though.

  776. @AP
    @Commentator Mike


    You are funny. Name one battle that Ukraine has won in this war so far.
     
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-russia-voznesensk-town-battle-11647444734

    VOZNESENSK, Ukraine—A Kalashnikov rifle slung over his shoulder, Voznesensk’s funeral director, Mykhailo Sokurenko, spent this Tuesday driving through fields and forests, picking up dead Russian soldiers and taking them to a freezer railway car piled with Russian bodies—the casualties of one of the most comprehensive routs President Vladimir Putin’s forces have suffered since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine.

    A rapid Russian advance into the strategic southern town of 35,000 people, a gateway to a Ukrainian nuclear power station and pathway to attack Odessa from the back, would have showcased the Russian military’s abilities and severed Ukraine’s key communications lines.

    Instead, the two-day battle of Voznesensk, details of which are only now emerging, turned decisively against the Russians. Judging from the destroyed and abandoned armor, Ukrainian forces, which comprised local volunteers and the professional military, eliminated most of a Russian battalion tactical group on March 2 and 3.

    ::::::

    Ukraine has strategic depth and can afford to give up territory in exchange for killing Russian troops and destroying equipment. So far, after more than 3 weeks, Russia has not captured any major city and is merely on the verge of taking Mariupol, which is the most Russian city in Ukraine and was only about 20 km from the Russian (DNR) border. With half a million people it is only 1/3 the size of Kharkiv (still not even fully surrounded despite being 40 km from the Russian border) and 1/2 the size of Odessa and Dnipropetrovsk. And all of these cities are less Russian than Mariupol was.

    Things are not going well for Putin if he is purging senior staff in the middle of the war, and desperately seeking help from Syrians, Armenians, etc.

    Replies: @songbird, @Wokechoke

  777. @HenryBaker
    @iffen

    If Anatolys ramping up of his rhetoric is representative of the Kremlin, at this point, we'll be bathing in nuclear fire in a week.

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war, Russians being almost genetically indistuingishable from other Europeans. I suppose the 3d world larp is the new way to go- we did push the Russians there again, but it's bizarre that we always end up in this spot.

    Seems safe to say that it's over for this 'community', however. There's no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else (us Westoids). All things must come to pass...

    Replies: @sudden death, @iffen, @Anatoly Karlin, @Pharmakon, @Coconuts

    This is the beginning of the End for you, guys.
    The time to pay for 500 years of theft, rape and pillage has come.

    • Agree: Ghan-buri-Ghan
    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @Pharmakon

    And yet after that 500 years the whole world is freer, 30 times richer, longer lived, healthier and better educated than the previous 5000 years managed. Yes the British Empire was bad compared to modern Norway. Compared to the alternatives at the times, native or other European, it was an improvement. Capitalism has liberated the world from millenia of landlordism.

  778. @Wokechoke
    @Dmitry

    It’s interesting that you talk about Azeris as if I don’t know about them.

    I’m familiar with them. My theory of ww2 is that Hitler might have won ww2 if he’s got into Baku. I’ve looked at them closely.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    Well, what is your theory about Azerbaijanis?

    I know they had more creative tactics in the war (like the use of the An-2 to locate the Armenia air defense https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28000/Azerbaijan_Used__Unmanned__Bi_planes_to_Locate_Armenian_Air_Defence ).

    Still, much of Azerbaijan’s military advantage against Armenia/”Artsakh”, was far more modern technology, including drones, which they can afford with their oil money. And tactics are also determined a lot by the technology level.

    Other things are important like the motivation. But if Azerbaijan had a motivated army and population, so does Armenia in this war.

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @Dmitry

    Azerbaijan had overwhelming air superiority to begin with, otherwise I'm not sure whether they could have been used to such great effect. Probably also the mountainous terrain optimised their worthiness relative to aircraft, as well as the much higher risk of Turk aircraft accidentally entering Armenia proper (now I think Armenia should have just annexed Artsakh much earlier), thus triggering earlier Russian intervention. Fullscale drone warfare, with accompanying snuff videos, is also probably only possible to wage against a hated enemy that is already completely dehumanised, so I don't think Russians or Ukrainians would use it against each other.

    But that's just speculation.

  779. @Wokechoke
    @AP

    Mariupol contains 3 Ukrainian divisions and lots of Pschial Operrayshuns troops.

    Replies: @AP

    Mariupol contains 3 Ukrainian divisions and lots of Pschial Operrayshuns troops

    Thanks for confirming that you know nothing about military stuff.

    Russian wiki says Ukraine has 3 brigades, 3 battalions and Azov in this battle.

    A division typically consists of several brigades.

    • Replies: @utu
    @AP

    Hey AP, did you expect that unz-dot-com would turn out to be the most intensive 100% Putin propaganda outlet in the West? What will be the future of Ron Unz once the war really gets going?

    Could you fathom that virtually all non Russian commenters here would be against Ukraine?

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war. Provoking Russia to attack convoys with weapons and humanitarian aid may do it.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @AaronB, @German_reader, @songbird, @Philip Owen

  780. @Mr. Hack
    @Mr. Hack

    The full version of Arnold's plea to his Russian friends. If you haven't listened to it, you should. He makes his case using logic and appeals to the heart as well:

    https://youtu.be/fWClXZd9c78

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @nickels

    Except that is amounts to nothing more than appeal to US captured rotten institutions and consists of lies.
    For someone who supposedly loves Russia he doesnt know anything about Russia.
    Or, at least, his CIA script writer doesnt.
    What a fag.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @nickels

    Exactly what lies in his talk did you find the most egregious? Where was his understanding of Russia deficient?

    Replies: @nickels, @Seraphim

  781. @Seraphim
    @AP

    In all fairness, I must recognize that Romanian commentators on these topics surpass you in stupidity (borderline idiocy, actually)), ignorance and laughableness. Sad but true. I can understand that your emotional involvement, your raging Russophobia, clouds your reasoning preventing you (and not only you, of course) to correctly assess the situation, but for Romanians who would have only to gain from the dissolution of NeoKhazaria (highly desirable and inevitable in my opinion) by recovering their stolen territories by Ukrainians, is mind boggling, being a proof of the success of 'Western' brainwashing.
    I remind you that Mazeppa died a fugitive in Bessarabia, Pylip Orlyk died a fugitive in Jassy.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @AP

    Why am I not surprised that you dislike you own people?

    • Replies: @Yevardian
    @AP

    It's an essential component of Romanian national character. Jingoism doesn't really play in Romania, probably some reflection of how the country obtained virtually all the territory it wanted through exceptional diplomacy (and luck). Better than other Balkanoid petty hyper-nationalisms at least. I think Bulgarians and Romanians are the only sane people there.

    , @Seraphim
    @AP

    Please tell me.

  782. @Wokechoke
    @Triteleia Laxa

    Enjoy the block by block artillery reduction of Mariupol.

    Replies: @AP, @Boethiuss

    Enjoy the block by block artillery reduction of Mariupol.

    Why should anybody “enjoy” that? That’s a bad thing, committed by Russia. Therefore we, as decent people should do whatever is plausible to discourage the Russian army and Vladimir Putin from doing that. Ie, sanctions, etc.

    And in particular, you should quit advocating for it, whatever the circumstances which caused you to advocate for it in the first place.

    • LOL: Pharmakon
  783. @German_reader
    @songbird


    The charity he set up frankly has genocidal goals about the Irish people.
     
    This is one of the reasons why I have mixed feelings about all of this pro-Ukrainian sentiment in the west.
    Not that I think Russia was justified in invading, and obviously the deaths of civilians through shelling of residential areas are appalling. But all this Western propaganda about how liberal democracy is at stake in this conflict is nauseating, because we all know (or should) what is meant by that. It's kind of telling that much of Western commentary is framing Putin as an ethnic nationalist, someone with a völkisch view of the world, to use of the favourite words of German shitlib journos. If Ukraine manages to stave off defeat, it will be framed not as a victory for national self-determination or nationalism, but as a win for globohomo values.
    And then you've got stuff like this (which is what the Ukrainian creep from the Heinrich Böll Stiftung posted):

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1504425763017310209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3Aakarlin0%7Ctwgr%5EeyJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2hvcml6b25fdHdlZXRfZW1iZWRfOTU1NSI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJodGUiLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3NrZWxldG9uX2xvYWRpbmdfMTMzOTgiOnsiYnVja2V0IjoiY3RhIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19zcGFjZV9jYXJkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9mZiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D%7Ctwcon%5Etimelinechrome&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unz.com%2Fakarlin%2Fopen-thread-181-russia-ukraine%2F

    Some of its "suggestions" might even be sensible if Russians themselves decided on them, but on the whole it's clearly modeled on what was imposed on Germany. And given Germany's likely future trajectory (or indeed that of all of Western Europe, it's not like the "victors" are off that much better), I can't agree with such sentiments at all.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @Dmitry, @Coconuts

    Ideological “denazification” in Russia, has been a typical theme in the opposition-to government rhetoric. There is Glukhovsky said the similar thing in Twitter

    But you know judging from the past, in Russia, nothing really changes so radically, as the external presentation. It’s more like a historical continuity, with a lot of ideological change of curtains. In the longer view, things start to look more like changing the curtains in the house, instead of rebuilding the house.

    In the longer term view, the historians of the 22nd century, will probably just say that dashing 1990s in Russia, was like a disorganized and incompetent version of Deng Xiaoping. And e.g. historians nowadays, notice that the first thing after Bolsheviks win the Civil war, is they start re-enforce the most unpleasant institutions in the Russian Empire e.g. secret police.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Dmitry


    Denazification in Russia, has been a typical theme in the opposition-to government rhetoric. There is Glukhovsky said the similar thing in Twitter
     
    If that's a common theme, maybe these people are really traitors, if not in intent, then in effect.
    More generally, it's really bizarre how "Nazis" are omnipresent in the discourse of 2022...apparently at Putin's mass rally yesterday there was a sign behind him reading "For a world without Nazism", if I understand correctly. And Western discourse isn't much different. In reality the NSDAP was banned in 1945 and apart from a handful of centenarians all its members are dead, and mostly have been for some time. Yet in the mythology of the modern world "Nazis" seem to be ever-present.

    Replies: @Dmitry

  784. German_reader says:
    @Dmitry
    @German_reader

    Ideological "denazification" in Russia, has been a typical theme in the opposition-to government rhetoric. There is Glukhovsky said the similar thing in Twitter

    https://twitter.com/glukhovsky/status/1503661482428579845

    But you know judging from the past, in Russia, nothing really changes so radically, as the external presentation. It's more like a historical continuity, with a lot of ideological change of curtains. In the longer view, things start to look more like changing the curtains in the house, instead of rebuilding the house.

    In the longer term view, the historians of the 22nd century, will probably just say that dashing 1990s in Russia, was like a disorganized and incompetent version of Deng Xiaoping. And e.g. historians nowadays, notice that the first thing after Bolsheviks win the Civil war, is they start re-enforce the most unpleasant institutions in the Russian Empire e.g. secret police.

    Replies: @German_reader

    Denazification in Russia, has been a typical theme in the opposition-to government rhetoric. There is Glukhovsky said the similar thing in Twitter

    If that’s a common theme, maybe these people are really traitors, if not in intent, then in effect.
    More generally, it’s really bizarre how “Nazis” are omnipresent in the discourse of 2022…apparently at Putin’s mass rally yesterday there was a sign behind him reading “For a world without Nazism”, if I understand correctly. And Western discourse isn’t much different. In reality the NSDAP was banned in 1945 and apart from a handful of centenarians all its members are dead, and mostly have been for some time. Yet in the mythology of the modern world “Nazis” seem to be ever-present.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @German_reader

    Putin said his aim of the "special operation" is "denazification of Ukraine", and that Ukraine's army should rebel against "drug-addicted neo-Nazis that have settled in Kiev". In addition, he had earlier said about "do you want real decommunization", in a rhetorical way, as Ukraine is often talking about decommunization.

    So, in response, predictably opposition to government, people are saying we need "denazification" and "decommunization" in Russia.

    I guess Glukhovsky is kind of relaxed about what rhetoric he can use, as he has residency or citizenship of Russia, Germany, Spain and Israel. According to the media, lives in Barcelona half of the year.

    Where the Nazi Party, are related to this, is more mysterious and elusive. As an authentic German reader, you should complain to all sides for "cultural appropriation".

    Replies: @German_reader, @Philip Owen

  785. @Dmitry
    @Wokechoke

    Well, what is your theory about Azerbaijanis?

    I know they had more creative tactics in the war (like the use of the An-2 to locate the Armenia air defense https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28000/Azerbaijan_Used__Unmanned__Bi_planes_to_Locate_Armenian_Air_Defence ).

    Still, much of Azerbaijan's military advantage against Armenia/"Artsakh", was far more modern technology, including drones, which they can afford with their oil money. And tactics are also determined a lot by the technology level.

    Other things are important like the motivation. But if Azerbaijan had a motivated army and population, so does Armenia in this war.

    Replies: @Yevardian

    Azerbaijan had overwhelming air superiority to begin with, otherwise I’m not sure whether they could have been used to such great effect. Probably also the mountainous terrain optimised their worthiness relative to aircraft, as well as the much higher risk of Turk aircraft accidentally entering Armenia proper (now I think Armenia should have just annexed Artsakh much earlier), thus triggering earlier Russian intervention. Fullscale drone warfare, with accompanying snuff videos, is also probably only possible to wage against a hated enemy that is already completely dehumanised, so I don’t think Russians or Ukrainians would use it against each other.

    But that’s just speculation.

  786. @AP
    @Seraphim

    Why am I not surprised that you dislike you own people?

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Seraphim

    It’s an essential component of Romanian national character. Jingoism doesn’t really play in Romania, probably some reflection of how the country obtained virtually all the territory it wanted through exceptional diplomacy (and luck). Better than other Balkanoid petty hyper-nationalisms at least. I think Bulgarians and Romanians are the only sane people there.

  787. @songbird
    @Dmitry


    Most of us do not live somewhere which would be close to blast radius, so we would not be injured in explosions themselves.
     
    Inverse square law means that they use a number of small warheads instead of one big one.

    If I am lucky, I will be caught between two or three blasts, so as to be "evenly toasted."

    Meanwhile, I picture Aaron B being targeted by the "NYC Feces Attacker" and being relieved when his assailant's missile is hygienically atomized.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    If you assume “bi-directional” nuclear war between NATO and Russia (rather than some omni-directional nuclear war between everyone, where China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel start to join in the “party”)?

    In the Russian side, the main weapons will be soon be upgraded to this generation in Topol M (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-24_Yars ) Number of missiles which could be thrown by the military, would likely be relatively limited compared to NATO.

    NATO has more military capacity, and probably they will really be able to throws hundreds of the Minuteman III (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W87 ) Trident (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W88).

    Probably France would also be throwing their missiles on Russia as well ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M51_(missile) )

    The size of the warheads in either side, seem around the same, with multiple of these warheads in each missile with the newer generation of weapons (currently a minority in Russia, maybe a majority in NATO by now).

    From what I read, a few hundred, would not be the end of the world. But those of us outside of the blast radius (vast majority of people), will have a lot of fallout to die from in subsequent days.

    • Replies: @songbird
    @Dmitry

    Russia also this new Wunderwaffe called "Poseidon" which some describe as being able to generate a radioactive tsunami, and others suppose is laced with cobalt:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status-6_Oceanic_Multipurpose_System

    Putin said it can hit port cities, but I am wondering, if it would be mainly used to try to target carrier groups.

    Am somewhat skeptical about the radioactive part of it, as water is generally considered a shield for radiation, and also used to wash away the heavier particles.


    But those of us outside of the blast radius (vast majority of people), will have a lot of fallout to die from in subsequent days.
     
    I have often wondered what the best climatic zone is for fallout. Like, it probably sucks to be where I am because it is very target rich, but still, maybe, the Eastern seaboard, despite all the targets, might be nice in a way, as it can get a lot of rain, at times.

    BTW, have you ever seen the movie WarGames? That is, IMO, considered the antinuclear classic of the '80s, where there are these giant maps on screen with all the missile flight paths hitting their targets.
  788. @German_reader
    @Dmitry


    Denazification in Russia, has been a typical theme in the opposition-to government rhetoric. There is Glukhovsky said the similar thing in Twitter
     
    If that's a common theme, maybe these people are really traitors, if not in intent, then in effect.
    More generally, it's really bizarre how "Nazis" are omnipresent in the discourse of 2022...apparently at Putin's mass rally yesterday there was a sign behind him reading "For a world without Nazism", if I understand correctly. And Western discourse isn't much different. In reality the NSDAP was banned in 1945 and apart from a handful of centenarians all its members are dead, and mostly have been for some time. Yet in the mythology of the modern world "Nazis" seem to be ever-present.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    Putin said his aim of the “special operation” is “denazification of Ukraine”, and that Ukraine’s army should rebel against “drug-addicted neo-Nazis that have settled in Kiev”. In addition, he had earlier said about “do you want real decommunization”, in a rhetorical way, as Ukraine is often talking about decommunization.

    So, in response, predictably opposition to government, people are saying we need “denazification” and “decommunization” in Russia.

    I guess Glukhovsky is kind of relaxed about what rhetoric he can use, as he has residency or citizenship of Russia, Germany, Spain and Israel. According to the media, lives in Barcelona half of the year.

    Where the Nazi Party, are related to this, is more mysterious and elusive. As an authentic German reader, you should complain to all sides for “cultural appropriation”.

    • Replies: @German_reader
    @Dmitry


    As an authentic German reader, you should complain to all sides for “cultural appropriation”.

     

    I actually complained about that several years ago:
    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/russia-nazi-myths/#comment-1973926

    And yes, it's not ok when others are trying to steal your culture like that.
    , @Philip Owen
    @Dmitry

    I took decommunization to mean the removal of NovoRossiya from Ukraine.

  789. @Dmitry
    @German_reader

    Putin said his aim of the "special operation" is "denazification of Ukraine", and that Ukraine's army should rebel against "drug-addicted neo-Nazis that have settled in Kiev". In addition, he had earlier said about "do you want real decommunization", in a rhetorical way, as Ukraine is often talking about decommunization.

    So, in response, predictably opposition to government, people are saying we need "denazification" and "decommunization" in Russia.

    I guess Glukhovsky is kind of relaxed about what rhetoric he can use, as he has residency or citizenship of Russia, Germany, Spain and Israel. According to the media, lives in Barcelona half of the year.

    Where the Nazi Party, are related to this, is more mysterious and elusive. As an authentic German reader, you should complain to all sides for "cultural appropriation".

    Replies: @German_reader, @Philip Owen

    As an authentic German reader, you should complain to all sides for “cultural appropriation”.

    I actually complained about that several years ago:
    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/russia-nazi-myths/#comment-1973926

    And yes, it’s not ok when others are trying to steal your culture like that.

    • LOL: Dmitry
  790. @Mikel
    @Anatoly Karlin


    it is overwhelmingly Whitoids who hate Russia, POCs either support Russia or doesn’t care.
     
    That may actually be starting to have an effect in woke circles.

    This morning I was listening to NPR in my car (the only radio station in this area that is likely to talk to me about issues other than sports, religion or scammy retirement plans) and after the daily roundup of Russian atrocities in Ukraine they mentioned South Africa's president's statements about NATO being responsible for this war. They even put a short segment with his voice in English explaining his views. I've listened to NPR for enough time to know that they would have never aired that opinion if it had been expressed by anyone in the West (except maybe to try to expose him as a Putin shill).

    Replies: @S

    I’ve listened to NPR for enough time to know that they would have never aired that opinion if it had been expressed by anyone in the West (except maybe to try to expose him as a Putin shill).

    The proles and animals are free!

  791. @AP
    @Wokechoke


    Mariupol contains 3 Ukrainian divisions and lots of Pschial Operrayshuns troops
     
    Thanks for confirming that you know nothing about military stuff.

    Russian wiki says Ukraine has 3 brigades, 3 battalions and Azov in this battle.

    A division typically consists of several brigades.

    Replies: @utu

    Hey AP, did you expect that unz-dot-com would turn out to be the most intensive 100% Putin propaganda outlet in the West? What will be the future of Ron Unz once the war really gets going?

    Could you fathom that virtually all non Russian commenters here would be against Ukraine?

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war. Provoking Russia to attack convoys with weapons and humanitarian aid may do it.

    • Thanks: Mr. Hack
    • Replies: @Thulean Friend
    @utu


    Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.
     
    I'm neither pro-Russia nor pro-Ukraine. I'm pro-peace. NATO is using its puppet Zelensky to drag this out as long as possible. They are now attempting to scuttle any negotiated settlement. They encouraged Zelensky to be as maximalist as possible prior to the invasion which forced Putin's hand.

    The idea that any Great Power would accept a hostile military alliance on its doorstep is ludicrous: just ask the Americans about the Cuban missile crisis. If you are a neighbour to a very strong country, whether it is America, China, Russia or even India, then you have to either have nuclear weapons (like Pakistan) or try to appease them, like Mexico. Those is the only sustainable solutions. Ukraine forfeited nukes and has spent the past 8 years trying to get into NATO and shelling civilians and militias in the Donbass (80% of the 14K casualties were on the pro-Russian side). What did they think would happen?

    The Ukrainian leadership is apparently too stupid to understand these matters, so I blame their enablers. In the event of a Ukrainian military defeat - which I put as highly likely - NATO will encourage whatever's left of Ukraine to be turned into Afghanistan with endless insurgencies and chaos. That is not a recipe for peace. As I've said from the outset: they care next to nothing about their lives, their only objective is to harm Russia and will gladly fight to the last Ukrainian to achieve their aims.

    Replies: @songbird, @AP

    , @Yellowface Anon
    @utu

    "The wage of sin is death".

    In this case, nuclear apocalypse, because everyone sinned according to all their own beliefs. Maybe no one has overcome the "apocalyptic" narrative of ultimate judgement and salvation that Persians transmitted all over the Old World.

    , @AP
    @utu


    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.
     
    Ha. Agree.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.
     
    As long as there are a few excellent commenters like you, Dmitry, Twinkie, German Reader etc. here from whom one can learn things from time to time, it is worth reading.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war.
     
    My opinion against the NFZ is not a strong one but nevertheless I think we should avoid it, because it would essentially be an open declaration of war with Russia. To be sure, I think the odds of Russia escalating to nuclear war are very small; I think they would be very small even if NATO invaded and seized Crimea. Likewise, I doubt NATO would nuke Russia if Russia seized the Baltics. These are not territories whose loss would elicit civilizational suicide by either side.

    But I think that the odds of a nuclear escalation, while small, are high enough that it is not worth pursuing, particularly since Ukraine is doing well under current conditions and because additional measures short of a NFZ such as providing AA systems and MIGs that Ukrainians can use and that can replace lost Ukrainian equipment can be implemented right away. As noted by Theiner, "Eastern NATO members have around 1,000 2S1 self-propelled howitzers & 700 Grad multiple rocket launchers in service or storage - deliver just 20% of these to Ukraine & Ukrainians will have the tools to silence the Russian artillery shelling their cities."

    The next step, short of a NFZ, would be to do for Ukraine what USSR did for Vietnam, more or less: provide long-range antiship and antiplane missiles manned by American volunteers under Ukrainian flag while Ukrainian crews learn how to operate them. If Russia chooses to escalate its bombing campaign across Ukrainian cities, it can start losing its bombers and naval ships.

    One potential problem with a NFZ is that by more or less openly declaring war against Russia, NATO would provide an excuse for Russia to order a general mobilization of millions of men; a war against the entire West is different from a "special operation against Ukraine. This would of course be shambolic, ugly and messy as hell but would not be good for Ukraine or the world. By keeping this war "local" the scale will be smaller and hopefully the war will end sooner.

    Karlin is not the only one who accurately predicted a Russian attempt to invade all of Ukraine. This guy did, too:

    https://twitter.com/sherlaimov/status/1505162202491375616?s=20&t=hKlGHcZaxqzSRggmyQvKWA

    He appears to be a South Tyrolean military vet living in Kiev and Vienna.

    He thinks Ukraine will win this war, and indeed has already "won" in the sense that Russia's position is hopeless and it's only a matter of time. For Russians who think that Russia holding Ukrainian territory means something, don't forge that Germany still held Belgian and French territory (not to mention a lot of Eastern Europe) at the time of its capitulation in 1918.

    https://medium.com/@noclador/victorious-ukraine-2d24634d0afd

    I think many of his details are optimistic (the 1.3 million man army in Ukraine is theoretically possible, but they are far from all armed and trained by now - however this is a real potential in the coming months as long as arms keep flowing into Ukraine and Ukraine has the time to arm and train those men) but his overall case is not to be dismissed.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @utu

    , @AaronB
    @utu

    I am not Russian or Ukrainian. I support Ukraine in this fight and hope they win their war - in fact, increasingly, I expect them to :)

    Neither America nor Russia may be the good guys, but Ukraine clearly is more that than Putin's Russia.

    But lol, why would that surprise you?

    Most commenters on this site have been openly worshipping Russia and China for some time now.

    It's funny, because many of even the more thoughtful right wing commenters here are now openly saying that Putin's Russia represents their ideal right wing state :)

    To me, this just shows that our culture has not yet birthed a viable alternative to Woke - or alternatively, if those are our two alternatives, it means that the human race is so pathetic the time has come for anyone sane to go live in the hills like the Chinese sages of old recommended when the times were bad :)

    Ron Unz and this site are trying to set up the dichotomy of Putin and Xi/or "Globohomo" as our main political and spiritual choices today..

    I completely reject these two choices as supremely stupid :) it's so banal. And it's sad to me that so few others see that we need a third alternative, and stupidly let themsekves be herded into a false binary by demagogues or just bad thinking.

    But then one of the most difficult cognitive skills is to "imagine" a path that transcends existing choices, and most highly intelligent people will use their intelligence to argue for one or the other of the "standard" choices.

    Plenty of people on this site are smarter than me, but I seem to be one of the few who has the tiny modicum of imagination to see that we need something that transcends existing choices.

    I have only the most rudimentary grasp of what a third alternative might look like - I'm not smart enough to have worked out any clear vision.

    For that we await a spiritual genius :)

    Most likely, it will resemble something from our ancient past more than just recycle choices from our recent political past as the banal Putin/Xi/Globohomo binary does, while being also a "renewal" in that it will be a creative return to truth and nature rather than to any specific old cultural script.

    In that sense, it will be both "old" and "new".

    As for German Reader, Mikel, Thulean Friend, I don't blame them - all are excellent commenters in their own right who I like, and who it seems to me have a spiritual "spark" of some kind, however sometimes buried.

    But right now, they are primarily materialists - it is entirely expected and consistent for them to favor different flavors of disguised appeasement, and to not recognize anything worth taking genuine risks and dying for.

    , @German_reader
    @utu


    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace.
     
    I've stated multiple times that I'm in favour of harsh sanctions and of sending anti-tank weapons and anti-air missiles to Ukraine, and that I don't want Ukraine to lose and become a total Russian satellite state.
    If you're so belligerent, I suggest you go to Ukraine as a volunteer. You're probably too old to fight, but maybe you could try charging at Russian tanks as a suicide bomber. I (and maybe other commenters as well) might even be willing to contribute to your travel expenses.
    , @songbird
    @utu


    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed.
     
    Please elaborate on your NFZ policy.

    What area would you like to see under NFZ? And would you extend it over any Russian troops?
    , @Philip Owen
    @utu

    There is a no fly zone. Russian planes do not fly West of the Dneipr. Missiles are sent instead. Ukraine obviously needs to move its AA capabilty further East. The SAS seem to be doing something about it.

  792. In Moscow, there was the public festival for ongoing “Z” “special military operation in Donbass”, or more officially to celebrate 8th anniversary of Crimea re-unification. Thousands of young university students carried there I speculate (without evidence for my claim) receiving some money or discount card for attendance.

    Outside the war context, it would be a nice performance.

    Although predictably less budget to do the same outside of Moscow, in the third most important city of Russia.

  793. @nickels
    @Mr. Hack

    Except that is amounts to nothing more than appeal to US captured rotten institutions and consists of lies.
    For someone who supposedly loves Russia he doesnt know anything about Russia.
    Or, at least, his CIA script writer doesnt.
    What a fag.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    Exactly what lies in his talk did you find the most egregious? Where was his understanding of Russia deficient?

    • Replies: @nickels
    @Mr. Hack

    After Arnies charming but narcicisstic story about visting Russia and filmed some dumb hollywood movie there and meeting a soviet weightlifter- then he launches into the 'you havent really been getting killed in eastern ukrain by nazies because Zelensky is a Jew".
    Retardation at an epic level.
    Then he launches into the '115 nations in the UN voted that the invasion is wrong'.

    Whatever spoook wrote this garbage thinks Russians are snow niggas and would give 2 shats about what the UN thinks.

    If I had to guess I would say it was some westerner at Harvard who has studying the Slavs for 50 years and published 90 articles in highly esteemed western journals.

    Like I said- a total retard.

    At that point I was throwing up in my mouth and had to stop watching.

    The whole thing was so cheesy and insulting-it really shocks me how dumb people in the west have become.

    On another note- the whole war is a disaster further because a lot of the otherwise goodly redneck types have fallen for the idiotic 'call to patriotism' and joined the Russian bashing. This is a tragedy of epic proportions. These people are manipulated into hating the one other group in the world with values most like their own. This is an unforgivable manipulation by the crimnal cabal that runs the country.

    example:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoWHYqdQF5g

    Somehow an army that is completely cut off and surrounded has the Russians in an 'unwinnnable' war.

    Russia needs to wrap this up and either gain a surrender or vaporize the ukronazis sooner-rather than later-for the very reason that if we have to continue suffering such incessant idiocy of these anti russian cliches (which hit so far off the mark they cause moon dust) we will all go stark raving mad.

    Replies: @Ghan-buri-Ghan, @Mr. Hack, @Emil Nikola Richard

    , @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    Schwartzy is intellectually deficient, that's it.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  794. @Mr. Hack
    @nickels

    Exactly what lies in his talk did you find the most egregious? Where was his understanding of Russia deficient?

    Replies: @nickels, @Seraphim

    After Arnies charming but narcicisstic story about visting Russia and filmed some dumb hollywood movie there and meeting a soviet weightlifter- then he launches into the ‘you havent really been getting killed in eastern ukrain by nazies because Zelensky is a Jew”.
    Retardation at an epic level.
    Then he launches into the ‘115 nations in the UN voted that the invasion is wrong’.

    Whatever spoook wrote this garbage thinks Russians are snow niggas and would give 2 shats about what the UN thinks.

    If I had to guess I would say it was some westerner at Harvard who has studying the Slavs for 50 years and published 90 articles in highly esteemed western journals.

    Like I said- a total retard.

    At that point I was throwing up in my mouth and had to stop watching.

    The whole thing was so cheesy and insulting-it really shocks me how dumb people in the west have become.

    On another note- the whole war is a disaster further because a lot of the otherwise goodly redneck types have fallen for the idiotic ‘call to patriotism’ and joined the Russian bashing. This is a tragedy of epic proportions. These people are manipulated into hating the one other group in the world with values most like their own. This is an unforgivable manipulation by the crimnal cabal that runs the country.

    example:

    Somehow an army that is completely cut off and surrounded has the Russians in an ‘unwinnnable’ war.

    Russia needs to wrap this up and either gain a surrender or vaporize the ukronazis sooner-rather than later-for the very reason that if we have to continue suffering such incessant idiocy of these anti russian cliches (which hit so far off the mark they cause moon dust) we will all go stark raving mad.

    • Agree: Pharmakon
    • Replies: @Ghan-buri-Ghan
    @nickels


    On another note- the whole war is a disaster further because a lot of the otherwise goodly redneck types have fallen for the idiotic ‘call to patriotism’ and joined the Russian bashing.
     
    There's nothing "goodly" about retarded redneck scum. They have always been the loudest and most enthusiastic supporters of JUSA's evil wars, from WWII, to Vietnam, to Iraq, to today.

    Being too retarded and brainwashed to understand what they are supporting is not an excuse. Ignorance is never an excuse.

    The wonderful thing is, no matter which side ultimately "wins", these scum will face the utter obliteration they so richly deserve.
    , @Mr. Hack
    @nickels

    You may be right about the things that you write about, but then again I don't believe you, but it doesn't really matter because you failed to answer the two questions that I posed to you:


    Exactly what lies in his talk did you find the most egregious? Where was his understanding of Russia deficient?
     
    If you can't stay on script and answer these two questions, don't bother to write a reply and waste my time.
    , @Emil Nikola Richard
    @nickels

    Arnold Schwarznegger is not in the total retard universe. The best description was Bill Burr's. This is a great man. He is too old to be relevant to any public topic though. It is more than ten years past his time. If he had a time machine and could go back and delete his "girlie man" speech he would probably choose to do so.

    Have you read this book:

    https://www.amazon.com/Who-Are-How-Got-Here/dp/0198821263/

    Have you seen Reich talking on the you tube?

    There might be one chance in a trillion than Arnold could explain the preface of this book. .000000000001 <-------- that much

  795. @utu
    @AP

    Hey AP, did you expect that unz-dot-com would turn out to be the most intensive 100% Putin propaganda outlet in the West? What will be the future of Ron Unz once the war really gets going?

    Could you fathom that virtually all non Russian commenters here would be against Ukraine?

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war. Provoking Russia to attack convoys with weapons and humanitarian aid may do it.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @AaronB, @German_reader, @songbird, @Philip Owen

    Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    I’m neither pro-Russia nor pro-Ukraine. I’m pro-peace. NATO is using its puppet Zelensky to drag this out as long as possible. They are now attempting to scuttle any negotiated settlement. They encouraged Zelensky to be as maximalist as possible prior to the invasion which forced Putin’s hand.

    The idea that any Great Power would accept a hostile military alliance on its doorstep is ludicrous: just ask the Americans about the Cuban missile crisis. If you are a neighbour to a very strong country, whether it is America, China, Russia or even India, then you have to either have nuclear weapons (like Pakistan) or try to appease them, like Mexico. Those is the only sustainable solutions. Ukraine forfeited nukes and has spent the past 8 years trying to get into NATO and shelling civilians and militias in the Donbass (80% of the 14K casualties were on the pro-Russian side). What did they think would happen?

    The Ukrainian leadership is apparently too stupid to understand these matters, so I blame their enablers. In the event of a Ukrainian military defeat – which I put as highly likely – NATO will encourage whatever’s left of Ukraine to be turned into Afghanistan with endless insurgencies and chaos. That is not a recipe for peace. As I’ve said from the outset: they care next to nothing about their lives, their only objective is to harm Russia and will gladly fight to the last Ukrainian to achieve their aims.

    • Agree: LondonBob, Beckow, Mikel
    • Replies: @songbird
    @Thulean Friend


    Ukraine forfeited nukes
     
    I believe they were technically always under the control of the Russian military - at least after the Soviet Union broke up, there were still Russian troops with barracks there.

    Still, I must say I really like the propaganda that some Chinese elementary schoolchildren are made to repeat about Ukraine having these different treasures, after the Soviet Union broke up - including nukes and carriers - and wasting them. It just appeals to my love of folklore, and it is cool to hear such a story with nukes.
    , @AP
    @Thulean Friend


    I’m neither pro-Russia nor pro-Ukraine. I’m pro-peace.
     
    That's like saying in 1939, "I’m neither pro-Germany nor pro-Poland. I’m pro-peace" and urging Poland to surrender and accept Germany's conditions without a fight. Ditto for Netherlands, Denmark, Norway. Perhaps even France, once it is clear that France cannot win.

    NATO is using its puppet Zelensky to drag this out as long as possible.
     
    The Ukrainian people will not accept Putin's conditions. If Zelensky is anyone's puppet at the moment, he is the "puppet" of the Ukrainian people. As it should be, given that he is their elected president.

    Personally, I think Ukraine should let go of Crimea and the pre-February Donbas territories. They are a poison pill. Unfortunately, most Ukrainians disagree about that.

    Ukraine forfeited nukes and has spent the past 8 years trying to get into NATO and shelling civilians and militias in the Donbass (80% of the 14K casualties were on the pro-Russian side)
     
    Please don't repeat this lie. Here is the UN report:

    https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Conflict-related%20civilian%20casualties%20as%20of%2030%20September%202021%20%28rev%

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    So there were around 3,400 civilian casualties total. About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side. Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active. After the front stabilized the number of civilians killed yearly has been in the double digits and declining. In 2021 it was around 20.

    So the Russian excuse to bomb Kiev, Kharkiv and kill thousands of Ukrainian civilians was to end a stable conflict in which civilian casualties were about 20 per year.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Philip Owen

  796. @Dmitry
    @songbird

    If you assume "bi-directional" nuclear war between NATO and Russia (rather than some omni-directional nuclear war between everyone, where China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel start to join in the "party")?

    In the Russian side, the main weapons will be soon be upgraded to this generation in Topol M (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-24_Yars ) Number of missiles which could be thrown by the military, would likely be relatively limited compared to NATO.

    NATO has more military capacity, and probably they will really be able to throws hundreds of the Minuteman III (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W87 ) Trident (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W88).

    Probably France would also be throwing their missiles on Russia as well ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M51_(missile) )

    The size of the warheads in either side, seem around the same, with multiple of these warheads in each missile with the newer generation of weapons (currently a minority in Russia, maybe a majority in NATO by now).

    From what I read, a few hundred, would not be the end of the world. But those of us outside of the blast radius (vast majority of people), will have a lot of fallout to die from in subsequent days.

    Replies: @songbird

    Russia also this new Wunderwaffe called “Poseidon” which some describe as being able to generate a radioactive tsunami, and others suppose is laced with cobalt:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status-6_Oceanic_Multipurpose_System

    Putin said it can hit port cities, but I am wondering, if it would be mainly used to try to target carrier groups.

    Am somewhat skeptical about the radioactive part of it, as water is generally considered a shield for radiation, and also used to wash away the heavier particles.

    [MORE]

    But those of us outside of the blast radius (vast majority of people), will have a lot of fallout to die from in subsequent days.

    I have often wondered what the best climatic zone is for fallout. Like, it probably sucks to be where I am because it is very target rich, but still, maybe, the Eastern seaboard, despite all the targets, might be nice in a way, as it can get a lot of rain, at times.

    BTW, have you ever seen the movie WarGames? That is, IMO, considered the antinuclear classic of the ’80s, where there are these giant maps on screen with all the missile flight paths hitting their targets.

  797. @Thulean Friend
    @utu


    Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.
     
    I'm neither pro-Russia nor pro-Ukraine. I'm pro-peace. NATO is using its puppet Zelensky to drag this out as long as possible. They are now attempting to scuttle any negotiated settlement. They encouraged Zelensky to be as maximalist as possible prior to the invasion which forced Putin's hand.

    The idea that any Great Power would accept a hostile military alliance on its doorstep is ludicrous: just ask the Americans about the Cuban missile crisis. If you are a neighbour to a very strong country, whether it is America, China, Russia or even India, then you have to either have nuclear weapons (like Pakistan) or try to appease them, like Mexico. Those is the only sustainable solutions. Ukraine forfeited nukes and has spent the past 8 years trying to get into NATO and shelling civilians and militias in the Donbass (80% of the 14K casualties were on the pro-Russian side). What did they think would happen?

    The Ukrainian leadership is apparently too stupid to understand these matters, so I blame their enablers. In the event of a Ukrainian military defeat - which I put as highly likely - NATO will encourage whatever's left of Ukraine to be turned into Afghanistan with endless insurgencies and chaos. That is not a recipe for peace. As I've said from the outset: they care next to nothing about their lives, their only objective is to harm Russia and will gladly fight to the last Ukrainian to achieve their aims.

    Replies: @songbird, @AP

    Ukraine forfeited nukes

    I believe they were technically always under the control of the Russian military – at least after the Soviet Union broke up, there were still Russian troops with barracks there.

    Still, I must say I really like the propaganda that some Chinese elementary schoolchildren are made to repeat about Ukraine having these different treasures, after the Soviet Union broke up – including nukes and carriers – and wasting them. It just appeals to my love of folklore, and it is cool to hear such a story with nukes.

  798. @HenryBaker
    @Yevardian

    Yes, I agree with your logic. But imo TFs logic does not hold because Russia could have expected a pliant society, de facto soft annexed, after a quick show of force and holding 2 big cities. After all, they did attack across the entire front- not just Kiev.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend

    But imo TFs logic does not hold because Russia could have expected a pliant society, de facto soft annexed, after a quick show of force and holding 2 big cities. After all, they did attack across the entire front- not just Kiev.

    This is where our disagreement lies. You apparently think that if the initial blitzkrieg had been successful then Moscow could have “soft annexed” Ukraine. This is the Strong Horse theory of the conflict: Ukrainians would have been so mesmerised by shock and awe that they’d simply put down their arms en masse and become pliant subjects of Moscow.

    Ukrainian society has become militant over the past 8 years and even prior to that you had considerable portions in the west and even in the central areas where a strong autonomous identity had formed. Not to mention the Azov crazies in Mariupol. It was never going to be realistic, even in the event of a successful blitzkrieg, that the entirety of Ukraine could’ve been “soft annexed”.

    It’s impossible to know if this was the endgame the Russians were planning on, since neither of us are privy to Kremlin’s internal debates. The only other way to find out is if this blitzkrieg would’ve been successful, since then you’d know what the next moves would be but that is now a buried chapter in history.

    I’d like to think that Putin isn’t an idiot, so I doubt that he’d be persuaded by such childish theories. But perhaps he has simply underestimated the extent to which Ukrainian identity has taken hold, as Steve Sailer has suggested? It’s impossible to know since you’d have to get into his head.

    I think this broader debate all comes down to whether you think Putin’s endgame was annexation or a more limited operation to impose Putin’s stated goals at the pre-invasion negotiations. If you viewed full annexation, whether by hard or “soft” means, as the Russian endgame then Putin and his gang are criminally incompetent since their initial blitzkrieg was unworkable and even now they are not committing the troop levels required to fully take the country.

    If you viewed Putin’s goals as more limited, as I do, then he isn’t criminally incompetent but simply tried a high-risk, high-reward strategy but will now proceed using greater military might to impose the neutralisation of Ukraine along with limited territorial gains in the east, plus the recognition of Crimea.

    This question will be resolved in the coming weeks. If Putin wanted annexation all along, then he will make a play for the entire country before long. I was skeptical before the invasion and I’m skeptical now. We’ll see what he does.

    • Agree: LondonBob
    • Thanks: Yellowface Anon
    • Replies: @Beckow
    @Thulean Friend


    ...I was skeptical before the invasion and I’m skeptical now. We’ll see what he does.
     
    We should listen to what they say, Russians are blunt. Russian officials said that they have no plans to take over all of Ukraine, Putin asked the military not to go into big cities like Kiev-Kharkov. They also said that as the situation evolves this can change and warned Kiev that peace deal now is better than what they will get later.

    It makes no sense for Russia to control Kiev and Western Ukraine: the implied obligations (like debts), poverty, lack of resources, angry population who would prefer to live in Europe, etc...they must know that. But it makes sense to secure Donbass and add the south along Black See - it is an area that has rich farmland, access to Black See, and presumably more Russian or pro-Russian population (see the election results).

    The above would be a horrible deal for NATO and rump Ukraine and so they are fighting like mad to prevent it or at least delay it. The fighting has not been particularly brutal yet and soldiers are trained to obey and fight. So most do. Russia could break them at any point by using massive force, but in the areas that they probably want to keep that would have terrible long-term consequences.

    There is also fear among the population to go against the well armed nationalists who in charge. I suspect that 80% of people are simply staying out of it, trying to survive. They will go with the winning side as always. One sign of what is coming the fact that almost none of the Ukrainians in Russia (3 million plus) have rushed back to fight. That will be the environment after the war.

    , @Mikel
    @Thulean Friend


    I’d like to think that Putin isn’t an idiot
     
    He's not but he's been in power too long. People in that position tend to fall prey to hubris and their own unrealistic beliefs, some probably fed by adulatory minions.

    And he's definitely surrounded by idiots. Multiple incidents in the past years pointed to that fact but the conduction of this war so far is proving it beyond doubt. They couldn't have possibly planned to be in this mess.

    Even AK in his Twitter feed couldn't help express shock and disbelief at the way the 'kremlins' organized the gathering in Moscow yesterday. People being forcibly bused to the meeting in plain sight and the audio breaking down mid-speech while Putin was talking...

    Very good reply to Utu but it's probably not worth it engaging with him much. As GR said, he's turned into the mirror image of AK. Both despair at people not siding unconditionally with one of the parties in this senseless war. And Utu, in particular, will distort anything people say to try to convince himself that they are 'Putin trolls'. Why bother with such childish posts?

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @German_reader

    , @HenryBaker
    @Thulean Friend

    Kek I forgot to add 'not'. It should have been 'could not'

  799. @Mr. Hack
    @nickels

    Exactly what lies in his talk did you find the most egregious? Where was his understanding of Russia deficient?

    Replies: @nickels, @Seraphim

    Schwartzy is intellectually deficient, that’s it.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim

    So are you, but that doesn't stop you from blurting out nonsense all of the time.

    Replies: @Seraphim

  800. @AP
    @Seraphim

    Why am I not surprised that you dislike you own people?

    Replies: @Yevardian, @Seraphim

    Please tell me.

  801. You can see the effect of war in the IQair app looking at the particulate pollution levels in all the cities of the world. Kiev is the city with the worst air quality in the world nowadays, of the cities where people’s IQair devices are uploading data (of course, many cities in the world do not have any people with the relevant IQair device to transmit the information to this ranking).

    • Replies: @RSDB
    @Dmitry

    Interesting.

    But Kiev also always has poor air quality in spring.

    https://www.ukrweekly.com/uwwp/for-two-days-kyiv-tops-list-of-cities-with-worst-air-pollution/

  802. china-russia-all-the-way says:
    @Dmitry
    @china-russia-all-the-way

    Could you or Chinese Bromance help us to translate the articles on Xinhua? I believe Xinhua is the main Chinese news website, or the most official one in China?

    Ok, I know translating is a nightmare waste of time, and doing this for a few people on the forum is not an adequate motivation. But maybe paraphrase the main messages to us for a couple of sentences.

    The website has multi-language sections, but there seems to be some change of articles displayed in the different language sections.

    Interestingly, most of the articles, seem to be related to internal Chinese infrastructure and economic development, while the international relations looks like it is not so interesting for Chinese official media. http://www.xinhuanet.com/ You can see the inward looking media.

    It's about Ukraine and racism
    http://www.news.cn/world/2022-03/17/c_1128478930.htm

    It's about Biden's meeting with Xi Jinping. (This article is already available in the other languages).
    http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/2022-03/18/c_1128483866.htm

    Replies: @china-russia-all-the-way

    I would look to Twitter commentary on People’s Daily headlines and placement of stories (e.g. top of the fold, inside pages, etc.) Xinhua is China’s newswire like AFP in France.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @china-russia-all-the-way

    Twitter is banned in China, so that is not useful what they write on a platform which is banned for the Chinese population.

    What would be interesting is a translation of the main television news in China. I assume there is a television news in the evening each day in China. It would be interesting to watch once or twice China's full daily (I guess 30 minutes) internal news with translation, if we would not lose too many brain cells in this process.

  803. @nickels
    @Mr. Hack

    After Arnies charming but narcicisstic story about visting Russia and filmed some dumb hollywood movie there and meeting a soviet weightlifter- then he launches into the 'you havent really been getting killed in eastern ukrain by nazies because Zelensky is a Jew".
    Retardation at an epic level.
    Then he launches into the '115 nations in the UN voted that the invasion is wrong'.

    Whatever spoook wrote this garbage thinks Russians are snow niggas and would give 2 shats about what the UN thinks.

    If I had to guess I would say it was some westerner at Harvard who has studying the Slavs for 50 years and published 90 articles in highly esteemed western journals.

    Like I said- a total retard.

    At that point I was throwing up in my mouth and had to stop watching.

    The whole thing was so cheesy and insulting-it really shocks me how dumb people in the west have become.

    On another note- the whole war is a disaster further because a lot of the otherwise goodly redneck types have fallen for the idiotic 'call to patriotism' and joined the Russian bashing. This is a tragedy of epic proportions. These people are manipulated into hating the one other group in the world with values most like their own. This is an unforgivable manipulation by the crimnal cabal that runs the country.

    example:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoWHYqdQF5g

    Somehow an army that is completely cut off and surrounded has the Russians in an 'unwinnnable' war.

    Russia needs to wrap this up and either gain a surrender or vaporize the ukronazis sooner-rather than later-for the very reason that if we have to continue suffering such incessant idiocy of these anti russian cliches (which hit so far off the mark they cause moon dust) we will all go stark raving mad.

    Replies: @Ghan-buri-Ghan, @Mr. Hack, @Emil Nikola Richard

    On another note- the whole war is a disaster further because a lot of the otherwise goodly redneck types have fallen for the idiotic ‘call to patriotism’ and joined the Russian bashing.

    There’s nothing “goodly” about retarded redneck scum. They have always been the loudest and most enthusiastic supporters of JUSA’s evil wars, from WWII, to Vietnam, to Iraq, to today.

    Being too retarded and brainwashed to understand what they are supporting is not an excuse. Ignorance is never an excuse.

    The wonderful thing is, no matter which side ultimately “wins”, these scum will face the utter obliteration they so richly deserve.

  804. @HenryBaker
    @iffen

    If Anatolys ramping up of his rhetoric is representative of the Kremlin, at this point, we'll be bathing in nuclear fire in a week.

    Also pretty funny that Anatoly is talking about racial war, Russians being almost genetically indistuingishable from other Europeans. I suppose the 3d world larp is the new way to go- we did push the Russians there again, but it's bizarre that we always end up in this spot.

    Seems safe to say that it's over for this 'community', however. There's no way any sort of cordiality will be re-established here between AK and everyone else (us Westoids). All things must come to pass...

    Replies: @sudden death, @iffen, @Anatoly Karlin, @Pharmakon, @Coconuts

    It’s very fashionable among younger Anglo and some other Western elites to want to associate with (or somehow be) black, or if not some other type of POC at the moment. It is like the Wigga phenomena from the 90s but on another intellectual (and maybe spiritual) scale.

  805. @songbird
    @Triteleia Laxa

    Help satisfy my curiosity:

    Would you say that you are more in line with Fukuyama? (relieved that there is no no-fly-zone, but doubling-down on his end of history idea.)

    Or more in line with Tony Blair? (wants a no-fly-zone)

    And what do you mean by "Chineris?"

    Replies: @Triteleia Laxa

    This war does not need a no-fly zone. Why change the dynamic while winning?

    And what do you mean by “Chineris?”

    Chimerica, sorry, auto complete.

    My feeling on Taiwan is that if China doesn’t have the confidence that it can develop into a country that the Taiwanese will want to be “re-united” with, then China should be considering being absorbed by Taiwan instead.

    Obviously I mean this as a consideration, not a practical reality, but the idea of China invading Taiwan and destroying the place, all so it can be in the “loving embrace of the mother country” is just so f*cking dishonest, stupid and self-contradictory that only a completely broken and corrupt system can believe it.

    And it seems like Xi and China, despite their LARPing at bellicosity, actually does not believe it. This is good and hopeful for the world. It makes me feel positive. If superpowers can avoid catastrophic self-contradiction then I think things will be fine.

    After all democracies may be flawed, but it is very obvious that the Taiwanese are not a horrifically oppressed population like Saddam’s Iraqis.

    It is, therefore, clear that Chinese troops would not be welcomed in the streets like American troops were in Baghdad. Yet even that was a disaster.

    And, furthermore, it seems that what is true for Taiwan, is also true for Ukraine, but Putin does not want to accept that, which is why he is committing the ultimate tragedy: that of deceiving yourself into achieving the exact opposite of what you felt was best.

    You can’t force people to like you with guns and bombs. Tribal and peasant populations could be ruled over by conquering warlords because they were not politically engaged. The Ukrainians are politically engaged. At best, Putin could have hoped for what Britain had in Ireland in the 20th Century. Say he and enough money to pay people off and the ability to shut down almost all supplies to the insurgents. But even that would have been terrible.

    Or, to put it another way, if you’re not good enough to get, at least, people’s passive consent through peaceful means, who the hell do you think you are trying to rule them? What abstract historical argument or crazed political point could possibly justify that? And by justified, I don’t just mean rationally, but within reality?

    • Agree: Mr. Hack
    • Disagree: Yellowface Anon
    • Replies: @songbird
    @Triteleia Laxa

    IMO, China is handicapped for the moment, due to its precarious energy supply. But they are building new nuclear power plants and will probably develop pipelines to Russia, which in the coming years will do a lot to mitigate this problem.

    They are also growing their softpower. Their movie industry has yet to be maximized domestically. They are planning to go to the moon, which the US hasn't done since the seventies. I think it is even possible that they may beat the US back there - the US program has a lot more dysfunction built-in than it did during Apollo. It is more ideological. For example, SpaceX is under a couple of lawsuits for racial and sexual harassment or discrimination, while the Chinese face no such problem.

    I suspect that they are still pursuing a military plan over the long term. My reasoning is the way that violations of Taiwanese airspace have increased significantly over the years. Partly, this is intimidation. Partly, it might be to develop the element of surprise, by doing the same thing virtually every day. Meanwhile, the US seems to be increasing tensions by advocating for a ring of missiles around China.

  806. The biggest positive achievement of bungling Putler so far – he appears to be forcefully kicking some common sense into the skulls of previously hopeless euroidiot type politicians, Germany should be next:

    Belgium has delayed by a decade a plan to scrap nuclear energy in 2025 amid a huge rise in energy prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    “The federal government has decided to take the necessary steps to extend the life of the two most (recently built) nuclear reactors by ten years,” Prime Minister Alexandre De Croo said in a tweet.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60774819?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=6234fb03980bea49f4b7d298%26Belgium%20delays%20nuclear%20energy%20exit%2010%20years%20due%20to%20Ukraine%20war%262022-03-19T01%3A15%3A05.511Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:a7766ae7-d0e9-476d-8be9-cc81d5662818&pinned_post_asset_id=6234fb03980bea49f4b7d298&pinned_post_type=share

    • Replies: @Commentator Mike
    @sudden death

    All these sanctions could be good for everybody so they can start being self-sufficient. Maybe US should introduce total sanctions on China and get back to producing its own everything. Europe will be in a tight spot as it lacks resources; it would be hard for Germany to be self-sufficient, but it could try.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @A123

  807. @songbird
    Zelenksy reminds me of the titular monster from The Thing.

    There is something really strange at his attempts at national mimicry, for personal survival.

    He addresses the Bundestag and tells Scholz "Tear down this wall!" And mentions the Berlin Airlift - demands a full energy embargo. He addresses US Congress and evokes MLK and Pearl Harbor, asks for a no-fly-zone. He addresses UK Parliament and evokes Churchill. What did he say to the Canadians? I don't know.

    In each case, it is like when the monster tried to copy the sled dogs. There is something off and grotesque, maybe because he is hitting on the superficiality of today's national identities. Maybe, because he is also on drugs.

    I almost think that if you took a sample of his blood and tried to apply a hot wire to it, it would jump up and away.

    Replies: @prime noticer, @German_reader, @Wielgus

    Obviously a phony and he probably has a CIA/Hollywood speechwriter. He has much of the vapidity of Tinseltown.
    Perhaps his head will rip off his body, invert and sprout spider’s legs and antenna. “You’ve got to be f%%king kidding”…

    • LOL: songbird
    • Replies: @songbird
    @Wielgus

    Heard his US speech was written by a lobbyist for Ukraine.

  808. That is a nice video about Tyneside, I remembered that you are in the UK so you should be able to see this one from Wearside:

    https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-nice-one-sunderland-1974-online

    This film is less interesting culturally (apart from illustrating the traditional obsession with football in the culture of NE England), I was watching it because it is my home town. But I was also thinking that it reminds me of Belarus in the early 2010s.

    At this time the town was still prosperous, all the heavy industry and mining was working, it went into a kind of decline in the 80s and 90s, like many parts of the former industrial North. There was a kind of aimless consumer culture in the 90s, a lot of crime and drugs (by British standards).

  809. @German_reader
    @songbird


    The charity he set up frankly has genocidal goals about the Irish people.
     
    This is one of the reasons why I have mixed feelings about all of this pro-Ukrainian sentiment in the west.
    Not that I think Russia was justified in invading, and obviously the deaths of civilians through shelling of residential areas are appalling. But all this Western propaganda about how liberal democracy is at stake in this conflict is nauseating, because we all know (or should) what is meant by that. It's kind of telling that much of Western commentary is framing Putin as an ethnic nationalist, someone with a völkisch view of the world, to use of the favourite words of German shitlib journos. If Ukraine manages to stave off defeat, it will be framed not as a victory for national self-determination or nationalism, but as a win for globohomo values.
    And then you've got stuff like this (which is what the Ukrainian creep from the Heinrich Böll Stiftung posted):

    https://twitter.com/akarlin0/status/1504425763017310209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3Aakarlin0%7Ctwgr%5EeyJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2hvcml6b25fdHdlZXRfZW1iZWRfOTU1NSI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJodGUiLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3NrZWxldG9uX2xvYWRpbmdfMTMzOTgiOnsiYnVja2V0IjoiY3RhIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19zcGFjZV9jYXJkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9mZiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D%7Ctwcon%5Etimelinechrome&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unz.com%2Fakarlin%2Fopen-thread-181-russia-ukraine%2F

    Some of its "suggestions" might even be sensible if Russians themselves decided on them, but on the whole it's clearly modeled on what was imposed on Germany. And given Germany's likely future trajectory (or indeed that of all of Western Europe, it's not like the "victors" are off that much better), I can't agree with such sentiments at all.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @Dmitry, @Coconuts

    Looks like Khodorkovsky has become possessed by…:

    This is a pretty good, book, interesting read at the moment.

    It goes well with this one.

    • Thanks: German_reader
  810. @sudden death
    The biggest positive achievement of bungling Putler so far - he appears to be forcefully kicking some common sense into the skulls of previously hopeless euroidiot type politicians, Germany should be next:

    Belgium has delayed by a decade a plan to scrap nuclear energy in 2025 amid a huge rise in energy prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    "The federal government has decided to take the necessary steps to extend the life of the two most (recently built) nuclear reactors by ten years," Prime Minister Alexandre De Croo said in a tweet.
     

    https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60774819?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=6234fb03980bea49f4b7d298%26Belgium%20delays%20nuclear%20energy%20exit%2010%20years%20due%20to%20Ukraine%20war%262022-03-19T01%3A15%3A05.511Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:a7766ae7-d0e9-476d-8be9-cc81d5662818&pinned_post_asset_id=6234fb03980bea49f4b7d298&pinned_post_type=share

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    All these sanctions could be good for everybody so they can start being self-sufficient. Maybe US should introduce total sanctions on China and get back to producing its own everything. Europe will be in a tight spot as it lacks resources; it would be hard for Germany to be self-sufficient, but it could try.

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @Commentator Mike

    This is what Trump ultimately wanted to do, and US consumers will be wiped out before a substantial industrial base is built up. Not that Trumpists want consumerism to stay right now - too Democrat.

    I prefer managed trade, but me and A123 will disagree about which sectors to manage and which to wall off.

    , @A123
    @Commentator Mike


    All these sanctions could be good for everybody so they can start being self-sufficient. Maybe US should introduce total sanctions on China and get back to producing its own everything
     
    Are you channeling Yellowface Anon?

    He has been arguing for an abrupt decoupling for some time now. It is a destructive suggestion on his part, but he seems quite adamant. An overly rapid separation would create shortages in certain categories such as Rare Earth Elements that have a long lead time for replacement.

    I have consistently suggested a more gradual approach. MAGA Reindustrialization is focused on two broad categories:
        • National security essentials (e.g. raw materials, pharmaceuticals, chips and electronics, business & industrial software).
        • High value added manufacturing that would provide good wages for U.S. Citizen workers.

    Products where the value add is low will continue to be obtained offshore. Also, mid value "optional" luxury items that need offshore raw materials. The U.S. is mineral rich, but it does not have "everything".

    No country, or even set of countries, will be 100% disconnected even though that is Yellowface Anon's ambition.

    Europe will be in a tight spot as it lacks resources; it would be hard for Germany to be self-sufficient, but it could try.
     
    The biggest problem in the European block is energy. It is mostly a self inflicted wound coming from SJW extremism cutting nuclear and hydrocarbons.

    BalticPipe1 will complete this year and provide some relief in the North. However, the project is too small to meet that entire demand. Additional BalticPipe lines will be required, and Norway will have to develop their huge fields for higher production.

    EastMed will provide gas from Cyprus and Israeli field to the South via Greece and Italy. The end of Not-The-President Biden's incompetent regime will be marked by a significant increase in U.S. and Canadian hydrocarbon extraction. This will allow more LNG to be shipped to Europe while pipelines are being built. However, LNG is not a cost-effective option in the long run where pipeline projects are viable for supply.

    PEACE 😇

     
    https://cyprus-mail.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/eASTMED.jpg

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

  811. @nickels
    @Mr. Hack

    After Arnies charming but narcicisstic story about visting Russia and filmed some dumb hollywood movie there and meeting a soviet weightlifter- then he launches into the 'you havent really been getting killed in eastern ukrain by nazies because Zelensky is a Jew".
    Retardation at an epic level.
    Then he launches into the '115 nations in the UN voted that the invasion is wrong'.

    Whatever spoook wrote this garbage thinks Russians are snow niggas and would give 2 shats about what the UN thinks.

    If I had to guess I would say it was some westerner at Harvard who has studying the Slavs for 50 years and published 90 articles in highly esteemed western journals.

    Like I said- a total retard.

    At that point I was throwing up in my mouth and had to stop watching.

    The whole thing was so cheesy and insulting-it really shocks me how dumb people in the west have become.

    On another note- the whole war is a disaster further because a lot of the otherwise goodly redneck types have fallen for the idiotic 'call to patriotism' and joined the Russian bashing. This is a tragedy of epic proportions. These people are manipulated into hating the one other group in the world with values most like their own. This is an unforgivable manipulation by the crimnal cabal that runs the country.

    example:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoWHYqdQF5g

    Somehow an army that is completely cut off and surrounded has the Russians in an 'unwinnnable' war.

    Russia needs to wrap this up and either gain a surrender or vaporize the ukronazis sooner-rather than later-for the very reason that if we have to continue suffering such incessant idiocy of these anti russian cliches (which hit so far off the mark they cause moon dust) we will all go stark raving mad.

    Replies: @Ghan-buri-Ghan, @Mr. Hack, @Emil Nikola Richard

    You may be right about the things that you write about, but then again I don’t believe you, but it doesn’t really matter because you failed to answer the two questions that I posed to you:

    Exactly what lies in his talk did you find the most egregious? Where was his understanding of Russia deficient?

    If you can’t stay on script and answer these two questions, don’t bother to write a reply and waste my time.

  812. @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    Schwartzy is intellectually deficient, that's it.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    So are you, but that doesn’t stop you from blurting out nonsense all of the time.

    • LOL: iffen
    • Replies: @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    I was just wondering why the Terminator is not in the thick of the 'battle' to wipe out single- handedly tanks, planes, helicopters on behalf of the 'Aryan Azovian battalions! He the prototype of the 'White Aryan Warrior' (how people imagine the 'Yamnaya people' on this very site).

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  813. @nickels
    @Mr. Hack

    After Arnies charming but narcicisstic story about visting Russia and filmed some dumb hollywood movie there and meeting a soviet weightlifter- then he launches into the 'you havent really been getting killed in eastern ukrain by nazies because Zelensky is a Jew".
    Retardation at an epic level.
    Then he launches into the '115 nations in the UN voted that the invasion is wrong'.

    Whatever spoook wrote this garbage thinks Russians are snow niggas and would give 2 shats about what the UN thinks.

    If I had to guess I would say it was some westerner at Harvard who has studying the Slavs for 50 years and published 90 articles in highly esteemed western journals.

    Like I said- a total retard.

    At that point I was throwing up in my mouth and had to stop watching.

    The whole thing was so cheesy and insulting-it really shocks me how dumb people in the west have become.

    On another note- the whole war is a disaster further because a lot of the otherwise goodly redneck types have fallen for the idiotic 'call to patriotism' and joined the Russian bashing. This is a tragedy of epic proportions. These people are manipulated into hating the one other group in the world with values most like their own. This is an unforgivable manipulation by the crimnal cabal that runs the country.

    example:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoWHYqdQF5g

    Somehow an army that is completely cut off and surrounded has the Russians in an 'unwinnnable' war.

    Russia needs to wrap this up and either gain a surrender or vaporize the ukronazis sooner-rather than later-for the very reason that if we have to continue suffering such incessant idiocy of these anti russian cliches (which hit so far off the mark they cause moon dust) we will all go stark raving mad.

    Replies: @Ghan-buri-Ghan, @Mr. Hack, @Emil Nikola Richard

    Arnold Schwarznegger is not in the total retard universe. The best description was Bill Burr’s. This is a great man. He is too old to be relevant to any public topic though. It is more than ten years past his time. If he had a time machine and could go back and delete his “girlie man” speech he would probably choose to do so.

    Have you read this book:

    Have you seen Reich talking on the you tube?

    There might be one chance in a trillion than Arnold could explain the preface of this book. .000000000001 <——– that much

  814. @AP
    @Wokechoke

    Probably the most Russian-speaking city in Ukraine, being destroyed by Russia. To protect Russian -speakers.

    Replies: @Bies Podkrakowski, @Mr. Hack

    It’ really a shame that the basic Russophile (Putin fan boy)* reading this blog is not able to wrap his brains around this basic and cynical truth that you’ve just exposed:

    Probably the most Russian-speaking city in Ukraine [Mariupol], being destroyed by Russia. To protect Russian -speakers.

    *Karlin included.

  815. @Bies Podkrakowski
    @AP


    Probably the most Russian-speaking city in Ukraine, being destroyed by Russia. To protect Russian -speakers.
     
    Not his people. They are only useful props in his cosmic fight with Evil.

    Replies: @Bies Podkrakowski

    Not his people. They are only useful props in his cosmic fight with Evil.

    To be precise I was referring to not .

  816. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/russia-mcdonald-s-logo-1.6389887

    No. They should revive Soviet fast food instead and make it a competitor in Eastern Europe, Central and Western Asia, India and China. That will be a good market base to start out with.

    Be like the Chinese who build their fast food chains with their own cuisine.
    https://startupbeat.hkej.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/kungfu-19june.jpg

  817. @Dmitry
    You can see the effect of war in the IQair app looking at the particulate pollution levels in all the cities of the world. Kiev is the city with the worst air quality in the world nowadays, of the cities where people's IQair devices are uploading data (of course, many cities in the world do not have any people with the relevant IQair device to transmit the information to this ranking).

    https://i.imgur.com/4sSF5SF.jpeg

    Replies: @RSDB

    Interesting.

    But Kiev also always has poor air quality in spring.

    https://www.ukrweekly.com/uwwp/for-two-days-kyiv-tops-list-of-cities-with-worst-air-pollution/

  818. @Thulean Friend
    @HenryBaker


    But imo TFs logic does not hold because Russia could have expected a pliant society, de facto soft annexed, after a quick show of force and holding 2 big cities. After all, they did attack across the entire front- not just Kiev.
     
    This is where our disagreement lies. You apparently think that if the initial blitzkrieg had been successful then Moscow could have "soft annexed" Ukraine. This is the Strong Horse theory of the conflict: Ukrainians would have been so mesmerised by shock and awe that they'd simply put down their arms en masse and become pliant subjects of Moscow.

    Ukrainian society has become militant over the past 8 years and even prior to that you had considerable portions in the west and even in the central areas where a strong autonomous identity had formed. Not to mention the Azov crazies in Mariupol. It was never going to be realistic, even in the event of a successful blitzkrieg, that the entirety of Ukraine could've been "soft annexed".

    It's impossible to know if this was the endgame the Russians were planning on, since neither of us are privy to Kremlin's internal debates. The only other way to find out is if this blitzkrieg would've been successful, since then you'd know what the next moves would be but that is now a buried chapter in history.

    I'd like to think that Putin isn't an idiot, so I doubt that he'd be persuaded by such childish theories. But perhaps he has simply underestimated the extent to which Ukrainian identity has taken hold, as Steve Sailer has suggested? It's impossible to know since you'd have to get into his head.

    I think this broader debate all comes down to whether you think Putin's endgame was annexation or a more limited operation to impose Putin's stated goals at the pre-invasion negotiations. If you viewed full annexation, whether by hard or "soft" means, as the Russian endgame then Putin and his gang are criminally incompetent since their initial blitzkrieg was unworkable and even now they are not committing the troop levels required to fully take the country.

    If you viewed Putin's goals as more limited, as I do, then he isn't criminally incompetent but simply tried a high-risk, high-reward strategy but will now proceed using greater military might to impose the neutralisation of Ukraine along with limited territorial gains in the east, plus the recognition of Crimea.

    This question will be resolved in the coming weeks. If Putin wanted annexation all along, then he will make a play for the entire country before long. I was skeptical before the invasion and I'm skeptical now. We'll see what he does.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Mikel, @HenryBaker

    …I was skeptical before the invasion and I’m skeptical now. We’ll see what he does.

    We should listen to what they say, Russians are blunt. Russian officials said that they have no plans to take over all of Ukraine, Putin asked the military not to go into big cities like Kiev-Kharkov. They also said that as the situation evolves this can change and warned Kiev that peace deal now is better than what they will get later.

    It makes no sense for Russia to control Kiev and Western Ukraine: the implied obligations (like debts), poverty, lack of resources, angry population who would prefer to live in Europe, etc…they must know that. But it makes sense to secure Donbass and add the south along Black See – it is an area that has rich farmland, access to Black See, and presumably more Russian or pro-Russian population (see the election results).

    The above would be a horrible deal for NATO and rump Ukraine and so they are fighting like mad to prevent it or at least delay it. The fighting has not been particularly brutal yet and soldiers are trained to obey and fight. So most do. Russia could break them at any point by using massive force, but in the areas that they probably want to keep that would have terrible long-term consequences.

    There is also fear among the population to go against the well armed nationalists who in charge. I suspect that 80% of people are simply staying out of it, trying to survive. They will go with the winning side as always. One sign of what is coming the fact that almost none of the Ukrainians in Russia (3 million plus) have rushed back to fight. That will be the environment after the war.

  819. @Commentator Mike
    @sudden death

    All these sanctions could be good for everybody so they can start being self-sufficient. Maybe US should introduce total sanctions on China and get back to producing its own everything. Europe will be in a tight spot as it lacks resources; it would be hard for Germany to be self-sufficient, but it could try.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @A123

    This is what Trump ultimately wanted to do, and US consumers will be wiped out before a substantial industrial base is built up. Not that Trumpists want consumerism to stay right now – too Democrat.

    I prefer managed trade, but me and A123 will disagree about which sectors to manage and which to wall off.

  820. W says:
    @AP
    @Mikel


    From this perspective, it is disheartening that Ukraine, Russia and the West have been unable to solve a relatively mundane conflict about security concerns and ethnic allegiances and have instead engaged in a pissing contest that has resulted in a very dangerous war.
     
    Russia is the one who chose to invade. Everything else about being provoked etc. are just excuses.

    Replies: @W

    Russia is the one who chose to invade. Everything else about being provoked etc. are just excuses.

    It doesn’t matter to you why Russia invaded -we heard you the first time- that doesn’t make the reason she invaded irrelevant; provocation may be an excuse but Russia should not have been provoked in the first place. Your sanctimonious attuide doesn’t change or help the situation.

    If NATO/US Empire did to whatever shithole country you live in that they did to to Russia your view might be a little more nuanced…

    Or not, you believe the UN is a reliable source and you’re repeating the nonsense about Russia shelling civilians.

    • Replies: @AP
    @W


    provocation may be an excuse but Russia should not have been provoked in the first place
     
    Russia would always manufacture an excuse for its imperialism.

    Or not, you believe the UN is a reliable source and you’re repeating the nonsense about Russia shelling civilians.
     
    I and many other people have relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling. You have to wait 50 years before you try this lie.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Commentator Mike

  821. @HenryBaker
    @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms


    I would characterize PRC as a Manchu-Mongol conquest dynasty
     
    Does that even make sense? Weren't most of the communists either nationalist modernizers or Chinese peasants? It's an honest question- if you suddenly tell me most communists were Manchu or Mongol with some evidence, that's fine. But seeing the PRC as foreign if the cadres and leaders were all Chinese...

    Fascinating article here. The best wiki articles are always the ones that doesn’t have an English version–
     
    It's also just the German wikipedia being high quality. They always have good articles.

    I'm not surprised there was a Völkisch movement surrounding Low German dialects, as our separation from the HRE (and therefore the German world) was purely political in nature, not out of cultural-nationalist reasons.

    Replies: @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms

    I don’t mean to be entirely literal. This analogy requires some linguistic and sinology background:

    – The Russian word for Chinese is “Khitan”, for the Mongolic people that dominated northern China in 10-12 CE. There were other warlike Mongolic/Manchu people before, but the Khitans were the first to be literate and capable of advanced civil administration.

    – One the classic works of sinology is Imperial China, 900–1800 by F. W. Mote. This period was used for the emergence of Khitans and other Altaic peoples who were recognized as equally capable of ruling Middle Kingdom as Hans. All but four centuries during the last millenia northern China was ruled by Altaics.

    – The Qing was ruled by a Manchu-Mongol conquering aristocracy in cooperation with a Han meritocracy

    – Now consider the PRC, the CCP founders are indeed entirely Han by ethnicity*. But its progenitor is again a Mongol– Lenin.

    – The CCP came to power by conquest, again from Manchuria, with backing from Soviets who were there at end of WWII.

    – The CCP has mainly two factions, an aristocratic (clan members of CCP founders) and an meritocratic one
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princelings
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuanpai

    Xi belongs to the former. His predecessor Hu and Jiang belong to the latter.

    *Han is also a macro-ethnicity with a dialect continuum similar to yours:

    High German : Viennese, Bavarian or Swabian
    ::
    Standard Mandarin : Sichuan Mandarin (i.e. mostly understandable)

    High German : Dutch, Flemish, Swiss German
    ::
    Standard Mandarin : Wu or Xiang (very different but not as far as Cantonese)

    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-171/#comment-5085256

    • Replies: @Yellowface Anon
    @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms

    4 of the 5 conqueror dynasties (including the PRC) ended up being assimilated to Chinese culture, the rites and propriety of Confucianism.

  822. @utu
    @AP

    Hey AP, did you expect that unz-dot-com would turn out to be the most intensive 100% Putin propaganda outlet in the West? What will be the future of Ron Unz once the war really gets going?

    Could you fathom that virtually all non Russian commenters here would be against Ukraine?

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war. Provoking Russia to attack convoys with weapons and humanitarian aid may do it.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @AaronB, @German_reader, @songbird, @Philip Owen

    “The wage of sin is death”.

    In this case, nuclear apocalypse, because everyone sinned according to all their own beliefs. Maybe no one has overcome the “apocalyptic” narrative of ultimate judgement and salvation that Persians transmitted all over the Old World.

  823. AP says:
    @utu
    @AP

    Hey AP, did you expect that unz-dot-com would turn out to be the most intensive 100% Putin propaganda outlet in the West? What will be the future of Ron Unz once the war really gets going?

    Could you fathom that virtually all non Russian commenters here would be against Ukraine?

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war. Provoking Russia to attack convoys with weapons and humanitarian aid may do it.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @AaronB, @German_reader, @songbird, @Philip Owen

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.

    Ha. Agree.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.

    As long as there are a few excellent commenters like you, Dmitry, Twinkie, German Reader etc. here from whom one can learn things from time to time, it is worth reading.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war.

    My opinion against the NFZ is not a strong one but nevertheless I think we should avoid it, because it would essentially be an open declaration of war with Russia. To be sure, I think the odds of Russia escalating to nuclear war are very small; I think they would be very small even if NATO invaded and seized Crimea. Likewise, I doubt NATO would nuke Russia if Russia seized the Baltics. These are not territories whose loss would elicit civilizational suicide by either side.

    But I think that the odds of a nuclear escalation, while small, are high enough that it is not worth pursuing, particularly since Ukraine is doing well under current conditions and because additional measures short of a NFZ such as providing AA systems and MIGs that Ukrainians can use and that can replace lost Ukrainian equipment can be implemented right away. As noted by Theiner, “Eastern NATO members have around 1,000 2S1 self-propelled howitzers & 700 Grad multiple rocket launchers in service or storage – deliver just 20% of these to Ukraine & Ukrainians will have the tools to silence the Russian artillery shelling their cities.”

    The next step, short of a NFZ, would be to do for Ukraine what USSR did for Vietnam, more or less: provide long-range antiship and antiplane missiles manned by American volunteers under Ukrainian flag while Ukrainian crews learn how to operate them. If Russia chooses to escalate its bombing campaign across Ukrainian cities, it can start losing its bombers and naval ships.

    One potential problem with a NFZ is that by more or less openly declaring war against Russia, NATO would provide an excuse for Russia to order a general mobilization of millions of men; a war against the entire West is different from a “special operation against Ukraine. This would of course be shambolic, ugly and messy as hell but would not be good for Ukraine or the world. By keeping this war “local” the scale will be smaller and hopefully the war will end sooner.

    Karlin is not the only one who accurately predicted a Russian attempt to invade all of Ukraine. This guy did, too:

    He appears to be a South Tyrolean military vet living in Kiev and Vienna.

    He thinks Ukraine will win this war, and indeed has already “won” in the sense that Russia’s position is hopeless and it’s only a matter of time. For Russians who think that Russia holding Ukrainian territory means something, don’t forge that Germany still held Belgian and French territory (not to mention a lot of Eastern Europe) at the time of its capitulation in 1918.

    https://medium.com/@noclador/victorious-ukraine-2d24634d0afd

    I think many of his details are optimistic (the 1.3 million man army in Ukraine is theoretically possible, but they are far from all armed and trained by now – however this is a real potential in the coming months as long as arms keep flowing into Ukraine and Ukraine has the time to arm and train those men) but his overall case is not to be dismissed.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @AP

    Thiner's article that you cite is full of good information. His admonition for no "ceasefire" and a no to NATO involvement in creating NFZ makes sense. Both cautions are premised to not allow Putin to gain more time nor to be able to swell his troops by sending out a general alarm to enlist citizen conscripts. Do you buy his reasoning?

    Replies: @AP

    , @utu
    @AP

    Thanks and thanks for the link to Thomas Theiner writings. I have to admit that his point about the NFZ is well taken.

  824. AP says:
    @W
    @AP


    Russia is the one who chose to invade. Everything else about being provoked etc. are just excuses.
     
    It doesn't matter to you why Russia invaded -we heard you the first time- that doesn't make the reason she invaded irrelevant; provocation may be an excuse but Russia should not have been provoked in the first place. Your sanctimonious attuide doesn't change or help the situation.

    If NATO/US Empire did to whatever shithole country you live in that they did to to Russia your view might be a little more nuanced...

    Or not, you believe the UN is a reliable source and you're repeating the nonsense about Russia shelling civilians.

    Replies: @AP

    provocation may be an excuse but Russia should not have been provoked in the first place

    Russia would always manufacture an excuse for its imperialism.

    Or not, you believe the UN is a reliable source and you’re repeating the nonsense about Russia shelling civilians.

    I and many other people have relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling. You have to wait 50 years before you try this lie.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @AP


    Russia would always manufacture an excuse for its imperialism.
     
    So will US, Britain, France, China...big countries have an enhanced sense of what threatens them. Since you never denounced US or Britain when they pulverized countries like Serbia, Iraq, Libya...you have no standing now. You can't be selectively outraged, it doesn't work that way.

    relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling.
     
    Where? Can you be specific? How do they know who is shelling? Shelling happens in wars. So far shelling in this war is an order of magnitude less than 'shock and awe' or 'we will bomb you to Middle Ages" - the boast by NATO when they were destroying Serbia.

    If Ukies had some common sense this would not be happening: no NATO and stop bombing your Russian population was a very sensible solution, all Kiev had to do is be normal. Instead they chose to parade their dreams and hatreds in front of the world. It looks pathetic, martyrs for the sake of NATO growth. I am sure that Norwegian weirdo (Sholzenberg?) appreciates it. Nobody will even remember this pointless sacrifice.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Commentator Mike
    @AP


    I and many other people have relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling.
     
    So did many Chechens. Razman Kadyrov's fathere even used to fight against the Russians at one point. You're not really saying anything with such statements; it's not argumentation, just emoting. The other side in LDNR can say the same about the Ukrainians.
  825. @AP
    @W


    provocation may be an excuse but Russia should not have been provoked in the first place
     
    Russia would always manufacture an excuse for its imperialism.

    Or not, you believe the UN is a reliable source and you’re repeating the nonsense about Russia shelling civilians.
     
    I and many other people have relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling. You have to wait 50 years before you try this lie.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Commentator Mike

    Russia would always manufacture an excuse for its imperialism.

    So will US, Britain, France, China…big countries have an enhanced sense of what threatens them. Since you never denounced US or Britain when they pulverized countries like Serbia, Iraq, Libya…you have no standing now. You can’t be selectively outraged, it doesn’t work that way.

    relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling.

    Where? Can you be specific? How do they know who is shelling? Shelling happens in wars. So far shelling in this war is an order of magnitude less than ‘shock and awe’ or ‘we will bomb you to Middle Ages” – the boast by NATO when they were destroying Serbia.

    If Ukies had some common sense this would not be happening: no NATO and stop bombing your Russian population was a very sensible solution, all Kiev had to do is be normal. Instead they chose to parade their dreams and hatreds in front of the world. It looks pathetic, martyrs for the sake of NATO growth. I am sure that Norwegian weirdo (Sholzenberg?) appreciates it. Nobody will even remember this pointless sacrifice.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Beckow


    Since you never denounced US or Britain when they pulverized countries like Serbia, Iraq, Libya…you have no standing now.
     
    Of course I denounced the US invasion of Serbia and Iraq. I had no opinion on Libya, I don't know enough about it.

    However, retroactively, I take back my sympathy for the Serbs, given that they support the mass murder in Ukraine despite Ukraine not having been involved in bombing Serbia.

    relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling.

    Where? Can you be specific?
     
    I have family in Bucha who survived the Russian invasion there, and in other parts of metro Kiev.

    How do they know who is shelling? Shelling happens in wars.
     
    At this point your dishonesty seems to blend with idiocy. People know from which direction bombs and mortars are coming in. Setting that aside, it is more likely that residential buildings are being bombed by Russians, whose military did the same to Chechens and Syrians on a mass scale, than by their own neighbors, friends and relatives who serve in their own armed forces.

    Maybe you think that during World War II the Japanese and Germans firebombed themselves? Dresden was a false flag operation made for the purpose of generating anti-Allied hatred?

    Maybe Serbs were waiting for NATO planes and as soon as they appeared they killed their own civilians? Some Russians actually claim that about Ukraine.

    So far shelling in this war is an order of magnitude less than ‘shock and awe’ or ‘we will bomb you to Middle Ages” – the boast by NATO when they were destroying Serbia.
     
    Yet another lie. According to the UN, a few days ago 2,000 civilians were dead in Ukraine as a result of this war. In only 3 weeks.

    After 78 days bombing, the total number of Yugoslavs killed was between 500 (Human Rights Watch estimate) and 1,200-2000 (Yugoslav estimate.)

    So Russians have been deadlier to Ukrainians than NATO was to Serbs.

    Replies: @Beckow

  826. AP says:
    @Thulean Friend
    @utu


    Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.
     
    I'm neither pro-Russia nor pro-Ukraine. I'm pro-peace. NATO is using its puppet Zelensky to drag this out as long as possible. They are now attempting to scuttle any negotiated settlement. They encouraged Zelensky to be as maximalist as possible prior to the invasion which forced Putin's hand.

    The idea that any Great Power would accept a hostile military alliance on its doorstep is ludicrous: just ask the Americans about the Cuban missile crisis. If you are a neighbour to a very strong country, whether it is America, China, Russia or even India, then you have to either have nuclear weapons (like Pakistan) or try to appease them, like Mexico. Those is the only sustainable solutions. Ukraine forfeited nukes and has spent the past 8 years trying to get into NATO and shelling civilians and militias in the Donbass (80% of the 14K casualties were on the pro-Russian side). What did they think would happen?

    The Ukrainian leadership is apparently too stupid to understand these matters, so I blame their enablers. In the event of a Ukrainian military defeat - which I put as highly likely - NATO will encourage whatever's left of Ukraine to be turned into Afghanistan with endless insurgencies and chaos. That is not a recipe for peace. As I've said from the outset: they care next to nothing about their lives, their only objective is to harm Russia and will gladly fight to the last Ukrainian to achieve their aims.

    Replies: @songbird, @AP

    I’m neither pro-Russia nor pro-Ukraine. I’m pro-peace.

    That’s like saying in 1939, “I’m neither pro-Germany nor pro-Poland. I’m pro-peace” and urging Poland to surrender and accept Germany’s conditions without a fight. Ditto for Netherlands, Denmark, Norway. Perhaps even France, once it is clear that France cannot win.

    NATO is using its puppet Zelensky to drag this out as long as possible.

    The Ukrainian people will not accept Putin’s conditions. If Zelensky is anyone’s puppet at the moment, he is the “puppet” of the Ukrainian people. As it should be, given that he is their elected president.

    Personally, I think Ukraine should let go of Crimea and the pre-February Donbas territories. They are a poison pill. Unfortunately, most Ukrainians disagree about that.

    Ukraine forfeited nukes and has spent the past 8 years trying to get into NATO and shelling civilians and militias in the Donbass (80% of the 14K casualties were on the pro-Russian side)

    Please don’t repeat this lie. Here is the UN report:

    https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Conflict-related%20civilian%20casualties%20as%20of%2030%20September%202021%20%28rev%

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    So there were around 3,400 civilian casualties total. About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side. Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active. After the front stabilized the number of civilians killed yearly has been in the double digits and declining. In 2021 it was around 20.

    So the Russian excuse to bomb Kiev, Kharkiv and kill thousands of Ukrainian civilians was to end a stable conflict in which civilian casualties were about 20 per year.

    • Replies: @Thulean Friend
    @AP


    That’s like saying in 1939
     
    I will not engage seriously in arguments that rest on Godwin's law. They are puerile and futile. That includes Putin's laughable statements that fall into the same trap.

    If Zelensky is anyone’s puppet at the moment, he is the “puppet” of the Ukrainian people.
     
    Zelensky banned oppositional TV channels and persecuted politicians who didn't toe the line. He's just a NATO puppet. Ukraine ceased being a democracy several years ago. Russia's hardly a beacon of freedom either, but I am just pointing out that just because the Western media does not highlight these inconvenient facts doesn't make them any less true.

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.
     

    Indeed, which is why I noted that both civilians and militias were targeted. Seems you didn't catch that.

    About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side
     

    How can you justify thousands of innocent civilians being slaughtered and the vast majority of them being on the pro-Russian side? How does that square with Russia being the evil aggressor?

    This war didn't begin in February of 2022. It began in 2014. What we're seeing now is merely a continuation and an escalation from Russia's side. It's a war they did not start, but it's a war they will finish.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Philip Owen
    @AP

    This is a romantic nationalist war. "Russian World". None of these were grounds for war, even in combination.

    NATO expansion was a myth. Those who made promises kept them while they were in office. Even after expansion, British and US bases stayed in Germany. No new bases went East. Weapon renewal was slow and unsubsidized.

    Until 2014, the most onerous language requirement was that local government officials should communicate with the federal government in Ukrainian.

    Azov, a territorial defence force brigade that no one would arm or train except Israel, had 800 members.

    Donbas genocide in graphical form below. Civilian deaths split about 60/40 Occupied Donbass/Ukraine. 18 in 2021 was 7 months. Year end was 25, so about 15 from the Donbass including old people who died of cold cold queuing at a check point.

    https://twitter.com/PCOwen_a/status/1503900958367133697?s=20&t=nQ75yq3m7mbL9Mw1zmgbPA

  827. A123 says: • Website
    @Commentator Mike
    @sudden death

    All these sanctions could be good for everybody so they can start being self-sufficient. Maybe US should introduce total sanctions on China and get back to producing its own everything. Europe will be in a tight spot as it lacks resources; it would be hard for Germany to be self-sufficient, but it could try.

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @A123

    All these sanctions could be good for everybody so they can start being self-sufficient. Maybe US should introduce total sanctions on China and get back to producing its own everything

    Are you channeling Yellowface Anon?

    He has been arguing for an abrupt decoupling for some time now. It is a destructive suggestion on his part, but he seems quite adamant. An overly rapid separation would create shortages in certain categories such as Rare Earth Elements that have a long lead time for replacement.

    I have consistently suggested a more gradual approach. MAGA Reindustrialization is focused on two broad categories:
        • National security essentials (e.g. raw materials, pharmaceuticals, chips and electronics, business & industrial software).
        • High value added manufacturing that would provide good wages for U.S. Citizen workers.

    Products where the value add is low will continue to be obtained offshore. Also, mid value “optional” luxury items that need offshore raw materials. The U.S. is mineral rich, but it does not have “everything”.

    No country, or even set of countries, will be 100% disconnected even though that is Yellowface Anon’s ambition.

    Europe will be in a tight spot as it lacks resources; it would be hard for Germany to be self-sufficient, but it could try.

    The biggest problem in the European block is energy. It is mostly a self inflicted wound coming from SJW extremism cutting nuclear and hydrocarbons.

    BalticPipe1 will complete this year and provide some relief in the North. However, the project is too small to meet that entire demand. Additional BalticPipe lines will be required, and Norway will have to develop their huge fields for higher production.

    EastMed will provide gas from Cyprus and Israeli field to the South via Greece and Italy. The end of Not-The-President Biden’s incompetent regime will be marked by a significant increase in U.S. and Canadian hydrocarbon extraction. This will allow more LNG to be shipped to Europe while pipelines are being built. However, LNG is not a cost-effective option in the long run where pipeline projects are viable for supply.

    PEACE 😇

     

    • Replies: @Commentator Mike
    @A123

    They use the sanctions against Russia (and China) as a weapon so as to hurt most their opponents but least themselves although it only works until their opponents retaliate with sanctions of their own.

    China is in the same position Germany was before WWI and WWII - it cannot sustain its development without foreign imports of natural resources, so all the attempts by USA to have it impose sanctions on Russia and condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine are pointless since it definitely needs to be on good terms with Russia. Of course it could get those resources from elsewhere further away at greater cost but as these have to come via the sea in some future conflict with USA these supplies could become vulnerable. They really would be stupid to give in to USA's demands. Now if USA told China that it would stop importing 100% anything and everything from China then China may have to think hard as this would cut off a huge market for its consumer goods. If then the EU followed as well with such a threat of sanctions then China would have to think even harder about getting cut off from those markets too and the Belt and Road initiative would be pointless, or at least it won't be going further than the Ukraine. Anyway total sanctions by everyone on everyone would hurt most small countries but least of all Russia followed by USA. If at some point in the future China tried to get Russia's resources by force by sending a few hundred million Chinese into Siberia then Russia would have to use tactical nukes or massive thermobaric air-fuel bombs on any such incursions on its soil. Since Siberia is so huge and sparsely populated this should be of no problem to Russia and it wouldn't have to attack China's territory with nuclear weapons thus averting a nuclear war with China.

    Funny how Israel always features as a saviour of Europe in your comments, now with some oil and gas pipelines. Russia will certainly be involved in a war with the West to deprive it of essential resources and could do this by using proxy Arabs and Iranians to step up their war against Israel or Arab terrorists to attack such fields and pipelines. NATO started a war with Libya probably trying to monopolise the Libyan oil and gas industry and any such pipelines out of Libya, but it has instead thrown the country into chaos so that will not happen and neither will Russia let it happen now that things have developed the way they have. Keeping Libya in turmoil and chaos should not be difficult. With their control of Syria they deprive Europe of any sources from the Middle East via pipelines through Syria.

    Replies: @A123

  828. So nobody is going to discuss that Russia just introduced their most advanced hypersonic missile in this conflict?

    [MORE]

    Speaking of missiles…

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @Thulean Friend

    It might not have happened. There was no brigade to use them 4 weeks ago. So either a lab test, a gesture or they are desperately short of guided missiles. Russia is not risking any planes west of the Dneipr.

    Replies: @Seraphim

  829. @AP
    @W


    provocation may be an excuse but Russia should not have been provoked in the first place
     
    Russia would always manufacture an excuse for its imperialism.

    Or not, you believe the UN is a reliable source and you’re repeating the nonsense about Russia shelling civilians.
     
    I and many other people have relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling. You have to wait 50 years before you try this lie.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Commentator Mike

    I and many other people have relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling.

    So did many Chechens. Razman Kadyrov’s fathere even used to fight against the Russians at one point. You’re not really saying anything with such statements; it’s not argumentation, just emoting. The other side in LDNR can say the same about the Ukrainians.

  830. @AP
    @Thulean Friend


    I’m neither pro-Russia nor pro-Ukraine. I’m pro-peace.
     
    That's like saying in 1939, "I’m neither pro-Germany nor pro-Poland. I’m pro-peace" and urging Poland to surrender and accept Germany's conditions without a fight. Ditto for Netherlands, Denmark, Norway. Perhaps even France, once it is clear that France cannot win.

    NATO is using its puppet Zelensky to drag this out as long as possible.
     
    The Ukrainian people will not accept Putin's conditions. If Zelensky is anyone's puppet at the moment, he is the "puppet" of the Ukrainian people. As it should be, given that he is their elected president.

    Personally, I think Ukraine should let go of Crimea and the pre-February Donbas territories. They are a poison pill. Unfortunately, most Ukrainians disagree about that.

    Ukraine forfeited nukes and has spent the past 8 years trying to get into NATO and shelling civilians and militias in the Donbass (80% of the 14K casualties were on the pro-Russian side)
     
    Please don't repeat this lie. Here is the UN report:

    https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Conflict-related%20civilian%20casualties%20as%20of%2030%20September%202021%20%28rev%

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    So there were around 3,400 civilian casualties total. About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side. Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active. After the front stabilized the number of civilians killed yearly has been in the double digits and declining. In 2021 it was around 20.

    So the Russian excuse to bomb Kiev, Kharkiv and kill thousands of Ukrainian civilians was to end a stable conflict in which civilian casualties were about 20 per year.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Philip Owen

    That’s like saying in 1939

    I will not engage seriously in arguments that rest on Godwin’s law. They are puerile and futile. That includes Putin’s laughable statements that fall into the same trap.

    If Zelensky is anyone’s puppet at the moment, he is the “puppet” of the Ukrainian people.

    Zelensky banned oppositional TV channels and persecuted politicians who didn’t toe the line. He’s just a NATO puppet. Ukraine ceased being a democracy several years ago. Russia’s hardly a beacon of freedom either, but I am just pointing out that just because the Western media does not highlight these inconvenient facts doesn’t make them any less true.

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    Indeed, which is why I noted that both civilians and militias were targeted. Seems you didn’t catch that.

    About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side

    How can you justify thousands of innocent civilians being slaughtered and the vast majority of them being on the pro-Russian side? How does that square with Russia being the evil aggressor?

    This war didn’t begin in February of 2022. It began in 2014. What we’re seeing now is merely a continuation and an escalation from Russia’s side. It’s a war they did not start, but it’s a war they will finish.

    • Agree: Pharmakon
    • Disagree: Mr. Hack
    • Replies: @AP
    @Thulean Friend


    That’s like saying in 1939

    I will not engage seriously in arguments that rest on Godwin’s law.
     
    Except it doesn't. I wasn't comparing you to Hitler or the Nazis, rather to someone who would apologize for aggression and demand surrender to aggressors for the sake of "peace." Doing so in essence makes one an apologist for the aggressor.

    If Zelensky is anyone’s puppet at the moment, he is the “puppet” of the Ukrainian people.

    Zelensky banned oppositional TV channels
     
    Not all; the ones he banned seemed to have been linked to the enemy in the civil war. There were times when pro-German or pro-Confederacy media was banned in the USA but I would not characterize the USA at those times as not being democratic.

    Do you think all the Western countries now banning Russian media are no longer democracies?

    Ukraine ceased being a democracy several years ago.
     
    Ukraine has run free elections where the ruling president and party relinquished power peacefully.

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    Indeed, which is why I noted that both civilians and militias were targeted. Seems you didn’t catch that.
     
    In that case, why did you claim 80% of casualties were on the pro-Russian side? The Ukrainians lost more on the military side which was most of the casualties.

    About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side

    How can you justify thousands of innocent civilians being slaughtered and the vast majority of them being on the pro-Russian side?
     
    The Russians insured that this war would last more than a few weeks (and thus, achieve casualty numbers in the thousands) by pumping in arms and volunteers and even their own military. Without the Russians the area would have returned to Kiev's rule.

    It’s a war they did not start, but it’s a war they will finish.
     
    Why is it that everyone shilling for Russia eventually lies.

    The Russians turned what would have been some violent protests and civil disturbances with perhaps a death toll in the dozens, into a war, by pumping in volunteers, weapons and even their own military. This turned into a war with the exploits of Igor Girkin, who seized Sloviansk with his forces. Girkin was a Russian citizen, from Russia, a former FSB officer who had ben involved in Transnistria. The first PM of the Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Borodai, was a Russian nationalist activist from Moscow. Borodai ruled with two deputires. One of the two, Vladimir Antyufeyev, was also a Russian (born in Novosibirsk). He was a former OMON officer who helped organize the Russian separatist republic in Siberia.

    So yes, this war was very much a Russian project from 2014.

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Thulean Friend

  831. So how is the China ukrocope going these days?

    Shock and disbelief.

    • Replies: @Wielgus
    @Anatoly Karlin

    The "West" does seem to think it is dealing with idiots.

  832. Mariupol is on the cusp of falling into Russian hands. We’re talking days, perhaps even hours.

    [MORE]

    Adding info on the Hypersonic missile test & more. Interesting thread.

    https://twitter.com/RWApodcast/status/1505184140915888128

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Thulean Friend

    Wow, I'm real impressed! It took over 3 weeks, and let's be honest, Mariupol has always been on Putin's Christmas wish list since 2014. A smaller city, with a great strategic importance, about 40 miles from Russia, populated by Russians and Russian speaking Ukrainians. Bombed the hell out of it too (how much will it cost to rebuild?). At this pace, I predict that Russia will take Kyiv by 2067....
    Will you be here to enjoy that day? :-(

    Replies: @Wokechoke

  833. @utu
    @AP

    Hey AP, did you expect that unz-dot-com would turn out to be the most intensive 100% Putin propaganda outlet in the West? What will be the future of Ron Unz once the war really gets going?

    Could you fathom that virtually all non Russian commenters here would be against Ukraine?

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war. Provoking Russia to attack convoys with weapons and humanitarian aid may do it.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @AaronB, @German_reader, @songbird, @Philip Owen

    I am not Russian or Ukrainian. I support Ukraine in this fight and hope they win their war – in fact, increasingly, I expect them to 🙂

    Neither America nor Russia may be the good guys, but Ukraine clearly is more that than Putin’s Russia.

    But lol, why would that surprise you?

    Most commenters on this site have been openly worshipping Russia and China for some time now.

    It’s funny, because many of even the more thoughtful right wing commenters here are now openly saying that Putin’s Russia represents their ideal right wing state 🙂

    To me, this just shows that our culture has not yet birthed a viable alternative to Woke – or alternatively, if those are our two alternatives, it means that the human race is so pathetic the time has come for anyone sane to go live in the hills like the Chinese sages of old recommended when the times were bad 🙂

    Ron Unz and this site are trying to set up the dichotomy of Putin and Xi/or “Globohomo” as our main political and spiritual choices today..

    I completely reject these two choices as supremely stupid 🙂 it’s so banal. And it’s sad to me that so few others see that we need a third alternative, and stupidly let themsekves be herded into a false binary by demagogues or just bad thinking.

    But then one of the most difficult cognitive skills is to “imagine” a path that transcends existing choices, and most highly intelligent people will use their intelligence to argue for one or the other of the “standard” choices.

    Plenty of people on this site are smarter than me, but I seem to be one of the few who has the tiny modicum of imagination to see that we need something that transcends existing choices.

    I have only the most rudimentary grasp of what a third alternative might look like – I’m not smart enough to have worked out any clear vision.

    For that we await a spiritual genius 🙂

    Most likely, it will resemble something from our ancient past more than just recycle choices from our recent political past as the banal Putin/Xi/Globohomo binary does, while being also a “renewal” in that it will be a creative return to truth and nature rather than to any specific old cultural script.

    In that sense, it will be both “old” and “new”.

    As for German Reader, Mikel, Thulean Friend, I don’t blame them – all are excellent commenters in their own right who I like, and who it seems to me have a spiritual “spark” of some kind, however sometimes buried.

    But right now, they are primarily materialists – it is entirely expected and consistent for them to favor different flavors of disguised appeasement, and to not recognize anything worth taking genuine risks and dying for.

    • Thanks: utu
  834. @AP
    @utu


    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.
     
    Ha. Agree.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.
     
    As long as there are a few excellent commenters like you, Dmitry, Twinkie, German Reader etc. here from whom one can learn things from time to time, it is worth reading.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war.
     
    My opinion against the NFZ is not a strong one but nevertheless I think we should avoid it, because it would essentially be an open declaration of war with Russia. To be sure, I think the odds of Russia escalating to nuclear war are very small; I think they would be very small even if NATO invaded and seized Crimea. Likewise, I doubt NATO would nuke Russia if Russia seized the Baltics. These are not territories whose loss would elicit civilizational suicide by either side.

    But I think that the odds of a nuclear escalation, while small, are high enough that it is not worth pursuing, particularly since Ukraine is doing well under current conditions and because additional measures short of a NFZ such as providing AA systems and MIGs that Ukrainians can use and that can replace lost Ukrainian equipment can be implemented right away. As noted by Theiner, "Eastern NATO members have around 1,000 2S1 self-propelled howitzers & 700 Grad multiple rocket launchers in service or storage - deliver just 20% of these to Ukraine & Ukrainians will have the tools to silence the Russian artillery shelling their cities."

    The next step, short of a NFZ, would be to do for Ukraine what USSR did for Vietnam, more or less: provide long-range antiship and antiplane missiles manned by American volunteers under Ukrainian flag while Ukrainian crews learn how to operate them. If Russia chooses to escalate its bombing campaign across Ukrainian cities, it can start losing its bombers and naval ships.

    One potential problem with a NFZ is that by more or less openly declaring war against Russia, NATO would provide an excuse for Russia to order a general mobilization of millions of men; a war against the entire West is different from a "special operation against Ukraine. This would of course be shambolic, ugly and messy as hell but would not be good for Ukraine or the world. By keeping this war "local" the scale will be smaller and hopefully the war will end sooner.

    Karlin is not the only one who accurately predicted a Russian attempt to invade all of Ukraine. This guy did, too:

    https://twitter.com/sherlaimov/status/1505162202491375616?s=20&t=hKlGHcZaxqzSRggmyQvKWA

    He appears to be a South Tyrolean military vet living in Kiev and Vienna.

    He thinks Ukraine will win this war, and indeed has already "won" in the sense that Russia's position is hopeless and it's only a matter of time. For Russians who think that Russia holding Ukrainian territory means something, don't forge that Germany still held Belgian and French territory (not to mention a lot of Eastern Europe) at the time of its capitulation in 1918.

    https://medium.com/@noclador/victorious-ukraine-2d24634d0afd

    I think many of his details are optimistic (the 1.3 million man army in Ukraine is theoretically possible, but they are far from all armed and trained by now - however this is a real potential in the coming months as long as arms keep flowing into Ukraine and Ukraine has the time to arm and train those men) but his overall case is not to be dismissed.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @utu

    Thiner’s article that you cite is full of good information. His admonition for no “ceasefire” and a no to NATO involvement in creating NFZ makes sense. Both cautions are premised to not allow Putin to gain more time nor to be able to swell his troops by sending out a general alarm to enlist citizen conscripts. Do you buy his reasoning?

    • Replies: @AP
    @Mr. Hack

    I think a ceasefire in areas to permit civilian evacuations is very good but a general ceasefire to allow Russians to regroup and resupply might not be in Ukraine's best interests.

    During the Polish-Ukrainian war in 1918-1919, at one point the Ukrainians were on the verge of taking Lviv but the Entente demanded a ceasefire so the Ukrainians stopped. They lost the momentum, the Poles fortified the city and brought in reinforcements, and when the war resumed the Ukrainians no longer had a chance of winning.

  835. @Anatoly Karlin
    So how is the China ukrocope going these days?

    https://twitter.com/LiuXininBeijing/status/1505043155682402306

    Shock and disbelief.

    Replies: @Wielgus

    The “West” does seem to think it is dealing with idiots.

  836. AP says:
    @Beckow
    @AP


    Russia would always manufacture an excuse for its imperialism.
     
    So will US, Britain, France, China...big countries have an enhanced sense of what threatens them. Since you never denounced US or Britain when they pulverized countries like Serbia, Iraq, Libya...you have no standing now. You can't be selectively outraged, it doesn't work that way.

    relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling.
     
    Where? Can you be specific? How do they know who is shelling? Shelling happens in wars. So far shelling in this war is an order of magnitude less than 'shock and awe' or 'we will bomb you to Middle Ages" - the boast by NATO when they were destroying Serbia.

    If Ukies had some common sense this would not be happening: no NATO and stop bombing your Russian population was a very sensible solution, all Kiev had to do is be normal. Instead they chose to parade their dreams and hatreds in front of the world. It looks pathetic, martyrs for the sake of NATO growth. I am sure that Norwegian weirdo (Sholzenberg?) appreciates it. Nobody will even remember this pointless sacrifice.

    Replies: @AP

    Since you never denounced US or Britain when they pulverized countries like Serbia, Iraq, Libya…you have no standing now.

    Of course I denounced the US invasion of Serbia and Iraq. I had no opinion on Libya, I don’t know enough about it.

    However, retroactively, I take back my sympathy for the Serbs, given that they support the mass murder in Ukraine despite Ukraine not having been involved in bombing Serbia.

    relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling.

    Where? Can you be specific?

    I have family in Bucha who survived the Russian invasion there, and in other parts of metro Kiev.

    How do they know who is shelling? Shelling happens in wars.

    At this point your dishonesty seems to blend with idiocy. People know from which direction bombs and mortars are coming in. Setting that aside, it is more likely that residential buildings are being bombed by Russians, whose military did the same to Chechens and Syrians on a mass scale, than by their own neighbors, friends and relatives who serve in their own armed forces.

    Maybe you think that during World War II the Japanese and Germans firebombed themselves? Dresden was a false flag operation made for the purpose of generating anti-Allied hatred?

    Maybe Serbs were waiting for NATO planes and as soon as they appeared they killed their own civilians? Some Russians actually claim that about Ukraine.

    So far shelling in this war is an order of magnitude less than ‘shock and awe’ or ‘we will bomb you to Middle Ages” – the boast by NATO when they were destroying Serbia.

    Yet another lie. According to the UN, a few days ago 2,000 civilians were dead in Ukraine as a result of this war. In only 3 weeks.

    After 78 days bombing, the total number of Yugoslavs killed was between 500 (Human Rights Watch estimate) and 1,200-2000 (Yugoslav estimate.)

    So Russians have been deadlier to Ukrainians than NATO was to Serbs.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @AP

    Denouncing and then taking it back, it is quite a show you are putting on here. Your denouncing of NATO in the past didn't amount to a hill of beans and you (as always) cherrypick - how about the 10,000 plus civilians killed by the Ukrainian bombing of Donbass in the last 8 years? Or the hundreds of thousands who died in Iraq?


    Russians have been deadlier to Ukrainians than NATO was to Serbs.
     
    If Ukrainian military wouldn't hide in the cities there would be less shelling and fewer civilian casualties. The same argument was made by NATO in Iraq and Serbia. Izrael also makes that argument. It is called "collateral damage" and we all know who invented that term. I understand why Ukie soldiers do it, they would get pulverized out in the open. But in effect they are hiding among civilians, one could say using them as hostages.

    What's the point of this? Do you think that Kiev will prevail? Or are they delaying to get better deal? Are the civilians in favor of this useless fight if we could ask them? In favor of pointless martyrdom and destruction? There was a compromise that would avoid the war: no NATO and stop bombing and threatening Donbass. That's now going to happen anyway unless Ukraine wins the war. So was the plan to try to win? Do you guys understand math?

    Replies: @AP

  837. @A123
    @Commentator Mike


    All these sanctions could be good for everybody so they can start being self-sufficient. Maybe US should introduce total sanctions on China and get back to producing its own everything
     
    Are you channeling Yellowface Anon?

    He has been arguing for an abrupt decoupling for some time now. It is a destructive suggestion on his part, but he seems quite adamant. An overly rapid separation would create shortages in certain categories such as Rare Earth Elements that have a long lead time for replacement.

    I have consistently suggested a more gradual approach. MAGA Reindustrialization is focused on two broad categories:
        • National security essentials (e.g. raw materials, pharmaceuticals, chips and electronics, business & industrial software).
        • High value added manufacturing that would provide good wages for U.S. Citizen workers.

    Products where the value add is low will continue to be obtained offshore. Also, mid value "optional" luxury items that need offshore raw materials. The U.S. is mineral rich, but it does not have "everything".

    No country, or even set of countries, will be 100% disconnected even though that is Yellowface Anon's ambition.

    Europe will be in a tight spot as it lacks resources; it would be hard for Germany to be self-sufficient, but it could try.
     
    The biggest problem in the European block is energy. It is mostly a self inflicted wound coming from SJW extremism cutting nuclear and hydrocarbons.

    BalticPipe1 will complete this year and provide some relief in the North. However, the project is too small to meet that entire demand. Additional BalticPipe lines will be required, and Norway will have to develop their huge fields for higher production.

    EastMed will provide gas from Cyprus and Israeli field to the South via Greece and Italy. The end of Not-The-President Biden's incompetent regime will be marked by a significant increase in U.S. and Canadian hydrocarbon extraction. This will allow more LNG to be shipped to Europe while pipelines are being built. However, LNG is not a cost-effective option in the long run where pipeline projects are viable for supply.

    PEACE 😇

     
    https://cyprus-mail.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/eASTMED.jpg

    Replies: @Commentator Mike

    They use the sanctions against Russia (and China) as a weapon so as to hurt most their opponents but least themselves although it only works until their opponents retaliate with sanctions of their own.

    China is in the same position Germany was before WWI and WWII – it cannot sustain its development without foreign imports of natural resources, so all the attempts by USA to have it impose sanctions on Russia and condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine are pointless since it definitely needs to be on good terms with Russia. Of course it could get those resources from elsewhere further away at greater cost but as these have to come via the sea in some future conflict with USA these supplies could become vulnerable. They really would be stupid to give in to USA’s demands. Now if USA told China that it would stop importing 100% anything and everything from China then China may have to think hard as this would cut off a huge market for its consumer goods. If then the EU followed as well with such a threat of sanctions then China would have to think even harder about getting cut off from those markets too and the Belt and Road initiative would be pointless, or at least it won’t be going further than the Ukraine. Anyway total sanctions by everyone on everyone would hurt most small countries but least of all Russia followed by USA. If at some point in the future China tried to get Russia’s resources by force by sending a few hundred million Chinese into Siberia then Russia would have to use tactical nukes or massive thermobaric air-fuel bombs on any such incursions on its soil. Since Siberia is so huge and sparsely populated this should be of no problem to Russia and it wouldn’t have to attack China’s territory with nuclear weapons thus averting a nuclear war with China.

    Funny how Israel always features as a saviour of Europe in your comments, now with some oil and gas pipelines. Russia will certainly be involved in a war with the West to deprive it of essential resources and could do this by using proxy Arabs and Iranians to step up their war against Israel or Arab terrorists to attack such fields and pipelines. NATO started a war with Libya probably trying to monopolise the Libyan oil and gas industry and any such pipelines out of Libya, but it has instead thrown the country into chaos so that will not happen and neither will Russia let it happen now that things have developed the way they have. Keeping Libya in turmoil and chaos should not be difficult. With their control of Syria they deprive Europe of any sources from the Middle East via pipelines through Syria.

    • Replies: @A123
    @Commentator Mike

    Here is a map of the BalticPipe project.

     
    https://se.ramboll.com/-/media/images/rgr/markets/oil-gas/abc/baltic-pipe-map-1280x720.png
     

    I also mentioned Norway, Cyprus, and even the U.S. as hydrocarbon suppliers. Are they also "saviours" by your definition? Or, are you obsessive compulsive about a small nation that happens to have natural resources needed to deal with the current geostrategic issues?
    ______

    As I have pointed out several times above, China has huge investments in Ukraine it does not want to write-off (1).

    The CCP also buys significant amounts of food from Ukraine and the country's production is plummeting: (2)


    SovEcon expects Ukraine's 2022 corn harvest to plunge 35% from 41.9 million tons last year to 27.7 million tons this year. This year's estimated wheat harvest has been cut to 26 million tons from an earlier outlook of 28.3 million tons, compared with 32.1 million tons last year.

    SovEcon, which specializes in agricultural markets, said the regions affected by conflict account for 40% of the country's corn and wheat production. They said plantings and yields would be impacted by fuel shortages, lack of workers and fertilizer, and fieldwork challenges due to the conflict. Also, a weather component of drought could affect wheat-producing areas.

    However, the research firm says estimates are based on Russia reaching a ceasefire deal with Ukraine, allowing farmers to begin fieldwork in April as spring is around the corner.

    What if the conflict continues to rage on and or for whatever reason, fieldwork in some areas cannot be completed due to shortages of equipment, fuel, seeds, fertilizer, and labor? Then wait? Harvests could be even lower than SovEcon's current estimates and may propel global food prices even higher. The UN projects global food prices could rise another 8-20% from current levels.
     
    Investments and food supply are the reasons why the CCP is playing a "middle road" approach and not going "all-in" backing Russia. China's strategic interest is best served by an armistice ending the fighting.

    Not-The-President Biden's administration is less threatening than an assault by a toothless, geriatric Chihuahua. America does not take his irrational and illegitimate regime seriously. Why would any other nation take heed of the gibbering, powerless puppet?

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-181-russia-ukraine/#comment-5237443

    (2) https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/ukraines-corn-harvest-may-plunge-third-estimates-say

     
    https://i.imgur.com/UdQpbCx.jpg
  838. AP says:
    @Mr. Hack
    @AP

    Thiner's article that you cite is full of good information. His admonition for no "ceasefire" and a no to NATO involvement in creating NFZ makes sense. Both cautions are premised to not allow Putin to gain more time nor to be able to swell his troops by sending out a general alarm to enlist citizen conscripts. Do you buy his reasoning?

    Replies: @AP

    I think a ceasefire in areas to permit civilian evacuations is very good but a general ceasefire to allow Russians to regroup and resupply might not be in Ukraine’s best interests.

    During the Polish-Ukrainian war in 1918-1919, at one point the Ukrainians were on the verge of taking Lviv but the Entente demanded a ceasefire so the Ukrainians stopped. They lost the momentum, the Poles fortified the city and brought in reinforcements, and when the war resumed the Ukrainians no longer had a chance of winning.

  839. @Thulean Friend
    @HenryBaker


    But imo TFs logic does not hold because Russia could have expected a pliant society, de facto soft annexed, after a quick show of force and holding 2 big cities. After all, they did attack across the entire front- not just Kiev.
     
    This is where our disagreement lies. You apparently think that if the initial blitzkrieg had been successful then Moscow could have "soft annexed" Ukraine. This is the Strong Horse theory of the conflict: Ukrainians would have been so mesmerised by shock and awe that they'd simply put down their arms en masse and become pliant subjects of Moscow.

    Ukrainian society has become militant over the past 8 years and even prior to that you had considerable portions in the west and even in the central areas where a strong autonomous identity had formed. Not to mention the Azov crazies in Mariupol. It was never going to be realistic, even in the event of a successful blitzkrieg, that the entirety of Ukraine could've been "soft annexed".

    It's impossible to know if this was the endgame the Russians were planning on, since neither of us are privy to Kremlin's internal debates. The only other way to find out is if this blitzkrieg would've been successful, since then you'd know what the next moves would be but that is now a buried chapter in history.

    I'd like to think that Putin isn't an idiot, so I doubt that he'd be persuaded by such childish theories. But perhaps he has simply underestimated the extent to which Ukrainian identity has taken hold, as Steve Sailer has suggested? It's impossible to know since you'd have to get into his head.

    I think this broader debate all comes down to whether you think Putin's endgame was annexation or a more limited operation to impose Putin's stated goals at the pre-invasion negotiations. If you viewed full annexation, whether by hard or "soft" means, as the Russian endgame then Putin and his gang are criminally incompetent since their initial blitzkrieg was unworkable and even now they are not committing the troop levels required to fully take the country.

    If you viewed Putin's goals as more limited, as I do, then he isn't criminally incompetent but simply tried a high-risk, high-reward strategy but will now proceed using greater military might to impose the neutralisation of Ukraine along with limited territorial gains in the east, plus the recognition of Crimea.

    This question will be resolved in the coming weeks. If Putin wanted annexation all along, then he will make a play for the entire country before long. I was skeptical before the invasion and I'm skeptical now. We'll see what he does.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Mikel, @HenryBaker

    I’d like to think that Putin isn’t an idiot

    He’s not but he’s been in power too long. People in that position tend to fall prey to hubris and their own unrealistic beliefs, some probably fed by adulatory minions.

    And he’s definitely surrounded by idiots. Multiple incidents in the past years pointed to that fact but the conduction of this war so far is proving it beyond doubt. They couldn’t have possibly planned to be in this mess.

    Even AK in his Twitter feed couldn’t help express shock and disbelief at the way the ‘kremlins’ organized the gathering in Moscow yesterday. People being forcibly bused to the meeting in plain sight and the audio breaking down mid-speech while Putin was talking…

    Very good reply to Utu but it’s probably not worth it engaging with him much. As GR said, he’s turned into the mirror image of AK. Both despair at people not siding unconditionally with one of the parties in this senseless war. And Utu, in particular, will distort anything people say to try to convince himself that they are ‘Putin trolls’. Why bother with such childish posts?

    • Agree: Thulean Friend
    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Mikel


    People being forcibly bused to the meeting in plain sight
     
    And I heard that they were lured to attend by receiving a $5 stipend. :-)
    , @German_reader
    @Mikel


    And Utu, in particular, will distort anything people say to try to convince himself that they are ‘Putin trolls’.
     
    It's pretty ironic that utu's mindset is in some ways structurally similar to that of Putinites, with any dissent being seen as treason or due to the influence of foreign subversion. He's always been fairly insufferable, but the pandemic and the war in Ukraine seem to have fried his brain completely and turned him into a sort of McCarthy parody.

    Replies: @Dmitry

  840. AP says:
    @Thulean Friend
    @AP


    That’s like saying in 1939
     
    I will not engage seriously in arguments that rest on Godwin's law. They are puerile and futile. That includes Putin's laughable statements that fall into the same trap.

    If Zelensky is anyone’s puppet at the moment, he is the “puppet” of the Ukrainian people.
     
    Zelensky banned oppositional TV channels and persecuted politicians who didn't toe the line. He's just a NATO puppet. Ukraine ceased being a democracy several years ago. Russia's hardly a beacon of freedom either, but I am just pointing out that just because the Western media does not highlight these inconvenient facts doesn't make them any less true.

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.
     

    Indeed, which is why I noted that both civilians and militias were targeted. Seems you didn't catch that.

    About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side
     

    How can you justify thousands of innocent civilians being slaughtered and the vast majority of them being on the pro-Russian side? How does that square with Russia being the evil aggressor?

    This war didn't begin in February of 2022. It began in 2014. What we're seeing now is merely a continuation and an escalation from Russia's side. It's a war they did not start, but it's a war they will finish.

    Replies: @AP

    That’s like saying in 1939

    I will not engage seriously in arguments that rest on Godwin’s law.

    Except it doesn’t. I wasn’t comparing you to Hitler or the Nazis, rather to someone who would apologize for aggression and demand surrender to aggressors for the sake of “peace.” Doing so in essence makes one an apologist for the aggressor.

    If Zelensky is anyone’s puppet at the moment, he is the “puppet” of the Ukrainian people.

    Zelensky banned oppositional TV channels

    Not all; the ones he banned seemed to have been linked to the enemy in the civil war. There were times when pro-German or pro-Confederacy media was banned in the USA but I would not characterize the USA at those times as not being democratic.

    Do you think all the Western countries now banning Russian media are no longer democracies?

    Ukraine ceased being a democracy several years ago.

    Ukraine has run free elections where the ruling president and party relinquished power peacefully.

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    Indeed, which is why I noted that both civilians and militias were targeted. Seems you didn’t catch that.

    In that case, why did you claim 80% of casualties were on the pro-Russian side? The Ukrainians lost more on the military side which was most of the casualties.

    About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side

    How can you justify thousands of innocent civilians being slaughtered and the vast majority of them being on the pro-Russian side?

    The Russians insured that this war would last more than a few weeks (and thus, achieve casualty numbers in the thousands) by pumping in arms and volunteers and even their own military. Without the Russians the area would have returned to Kiev’s rule.

    It’s a war they did not start, but it’s a war they will finish.

    Why is it that everyone shilling for Russia eventually lies.

    The Russians turned what would have been some violent protests and civil disturbances with perhaps a death toll in the dozens, into a war, by pumping in volunteers, weapons and even their own military. This turned into a war with the exploits of Igor Girkin, who seized Sloviansk with his forces. Girkin was a Russian citizen, from Russia, a former FSB officer who had ben involved in Transnistria. The first PM of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Alexander Borodai, was a Russian nationalist activist from Moscow. Borodai ruled with two deputires. One of the two, Vladimir Antyufeyev, was also a Russian (born in Novosibirsk). He was a former OMON officer who helped organize the Russian separatist republic in Siberia.

    So yes, this war was very much a Russian project from 2014.

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @AP

    The main error of Hitler was antagonising Jews too much. The other error was haste.

    Putin waited 20 years to annex Ukraine. Hitler blundered into the USSR less than ten years from taking power.

    Napoleon, perhaps he didn’t wait long enough either. It took him around years to seek a decisive battle with the Czar.

    , @Thulean Friend
    @AP


    Do you think all the Western countries now banning Russian media are no longer democracies?
     
    The West isn't just banning Russian state media. There's a gigantic 'Red Scare' going on right now. Mainstream leftists like Lee Camp is getting his show unilaterally banned on platforms such as Spotify. Independent journalists like Michael Tracey get accused of treason for posting what the US army is up to in Eastern Europe. Twitter accounts (like ASB Mil) that showed any shelling of civilians by Ukrainians during this conflict got banned from Twitter. The list keeps getting longer by the day.

    I never claimed Russia was a democracy, I merely pointed out that Ukraine has ceased being one. If Biden shut down Fox News and began a serious persecution of conservative politicians, would we still call the US a democracy? As it stands, the US barely qualifies as one to begin with, more akin an oligarchy with the outward trappings of a democracy.


    Doing so in essence makes one an apologist for the aggressor.
     
    Geopolitics isn't about morality. Countries do not choose their geography, just as children don't choose their parents. Some countries get worse geographies than others and it's up to them to play a bad hand as good as they can. Ukraine has done the opposite of that, which is why it now suffers. It's partly responsible for playing a bad hand poorly, but it would be too easy to blame it all on Ukraine. The enablers of this policy, which primarily reside in Washington D.C., are equally to blame - if not more so.
  841. @Thulean Friend
    Mariupol is on the cusp of falling into Russian hands. We're talking days, perhaps even hours.

    Adding info on the Hypersonic missile test & more. Interesting thread.

    https://twitter.com/RWApodcast/status/1505184140915888128

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    Wow, I’m real impressed! It took over 3 weeks, and let’s be honest, Mariupol has always been on Putin’s Christmas wish list since 2014. A smaller city, with a great strategic importance, about 40 miles from Russia, populated by Russians and Russian speaking Ukrainians. Bombed the hell out of it too (how much will it cost to rebuild?). At this pace, I predict that Russia will take Kyiv by 2067….
    Will you be here to enjoy that day? 🙁

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @Mr. Hack

    Azov is a Russian lake now.

    3 divisions of Ukrainians trapped inside Mariupol now. Once they surrender Zelenskyy will be facing assassination attempts by his intel, advisors and military rivals. He was not a competent head of state and no strategic planner.

    Replies: @AP

  842. @Mikel
    @Thulean Friend


    I’d like to think that Putin isn’t an idiot
     
    He's not but he's been in power too long. People in that position tend to fall prey to hubris and their own unrealistic beliefs, some probably fed by adulatory minions.

    And he's definitely surrounded by idiots. Multiple incidents in the past years pointed to that fact but the conduction of this war so far is proving it beyond doubt. They couldn't have possibly planned to be in this mess.

    Even AK in his Twitter feed couldn't help express shock and disbelief at the way the 'kremlins' organized the gathering in Moscow yesterday. People being forcibly bused to the meeting in plain sight and the audio breaking down mid-speech while Putin was talking...

    Very good reply to Utu but it's probably not worth it engaging with him much. As GR said, he's turned into the mirror image of AK. Both despair at people not siding unconditionally with one of the parties in this senseless war. And Utu, in particular, will distort anything people say to try to convince himself that they are 'Putin trolls'. Why bother with such childish posts?

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @German_reader

    People being forcibly bused to the meeting in plain sight

    And I heard that they were lured to attend by receiving a \$5 stipend. 🙂

  843. A123 says: • Website
    @Commentator Mike
    @A123

    They use the sanctions against Russia (and China) as a weapon so as to hurt most their opponents but least themselves although it only works until their opponents retaliate with sanctions of their own.

    China is in the same position Germany was before WWI and WWII - it cannot sustain its development without foreign imports of natural resources, so all the attempts by USA to have it impose sanctions on Russia and condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine are pointless since it definitely needs to be on good terms with Russia. Of course it could get those resources from elsewhere further away at greater cost but as these have to come via the sea in some future conflict with USA these supplies could become vulnerable. They really would be stupid to give in to USA's demands. Now if USA told China that it would stop importing 100% anything and everything from China then China may have to think hard as this would cut off a huge market for its consumer goods. If then the EU followed as well with such a threat of sanctions then China would have to think even harder about getting cut off from those markets too and the Belt and Road initiative would be pointless, or at least it won't be going further than the Ukraine. Anyway total sanctions by everyone on everyone would hurt most small countries but least of all Russia followed by USA. If at some point in the future China tried to get Russia's resources by force by sending a few hundred million Chinese into Siberia then Russia would have to use tactical nukes or massive thermobaric air-fuel bombs on any such incursions on its soil. Since Siberia is so huge and sparsely populated this should be of no problem to Russia and it wouldn't have to attack China's territory with nuclear weapons thus averting a nuclear war with China.

    Funny how Israel always features as a saviour of Europe in your comments, now with some oil and gas pipelines. Russia will certainly be involved in a war with the West to deprive it of essential resources and could do this by using proxy Arabs and Iranians to step up their war against Israel or Arab terrorists to attack such fields and pipelines. NATO started a war with Libya probably trying to monopolise the Libyan oil and gas industry and any such pipelines out of Libya, but it has instead thrown the country into chaos so that will not happen and neither will Russia let it happen now that things have developed the way they have. Keeping Libya in turmoil and chaos should not be difficult. With their control of Syria they deprive Europe of any sources from the Middle East via pipelines through Syria.

    Replies: @A123

    Here is a map of the BalticPipe project.

     

     

    I also mentioned Norway, Cyprus, and even the U.S. as hydrocarbon suppliers. Are they also “saviours” by your definition? Or, are you obsessive compulsive about a small nation that happens to have natural resources needed to deal with the current geostrategic issues?
    ______

    As I have pointed out several times above, China has huge investments in Ukraine it does not want to write-off (1).

    The CCP also buys significant amounts of food from Ukraine and the country’s production is plummeting: (2)

    SovEcon expects Ukraine’s 2022 corn harvest to plunge 35% from 41.9 million tons last year to 27.7 million tons this year. This year’s estimated wheat harvest has been cut to 26 million tons from an earlier outlook of 28.3 million tons, compared with 32.1 million tons last year.

    SovEcon, which specializes in agricultural markets, said the regions affected by conflict account for 40% of the country’s corn and wheat production. They said plantings and yields would be impacted by fuel shortages, lack of workers and fertilizer, and fieldwork challenges due to the conflict. Also, a weather component of drought could affect wheat-producing areas.

    However, the research firm says estimates are based on Russia reaching a ceasefire deal with Ukraine, allowing farmers to begin fieldwork in April as spring is around the corner.

    What if the conflict continues to rage on and or for whatever reason, fieldwork in some areas cannot be completed due to shortages of equipment, fuel, seeds, fertilizer, and labor? Then wait? Harvests could be even lower than SovEcon’s current estimates and may propel global food prices even higher. The UN projects global food prices could rise another 8-20% from current levels.

    Investments and food supply are the reasons why the CCP is playing a “middle road” approach and not going “all-in” backing Russia. China’s strategic interest is best served by an armistice ending the fighting.

    Not-The-President Biden’s administration is less threatening than an assault by a toothless, geriatric Chihuahua. America does not take his irrational and illegitimate regime seriously. Why would any other nation take heed of the gibbering, powerless puppet?

    PEACE 😇
    __________

    (1) https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-181-russia-ukraine/#comment-5237443

    (2) https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/ukraines-corn-harvest-may-plunge-third-estimates-say

     

  844. @AP
    @Beckow


    Since you never denounced US or Britain when they pulverized countries like Serbia, Iraq, Libya…you have no standing now.
     
    Of course I denounced the US invasion of Serbia and Iraq. I had no opinion on Libya, I don't know enough about it.

    However, retroactively, I take back my sympathy for the Serbs, given that they support the mass murder in Ukraine despite Ukraine not having been involved in bombing Serbia.

    relatives whom we speak to who experience this Russian shelling.

    Where? Can you be specific?
     
    I have family in Bucha who survived the Russian invasion there, and in other parts of metro Kiev.

    How do they know who is shelling? Shelling happens in wars.
     
    At this point your dishonesty seems to blend with idiocy. People know from which direction bombs and mortars are coming in. Setting that aside, it is more likely that residential buildings are being bombed by Russians, whose military did the same to Chechens and Syrians on a mass scale, than by their own neighbors, friends and relatives who serve in their own armed forces.

    Maybe you think that during World War II the Japanese and Germans firebombed themselves? Dresden was a false flag operation made for the purpose of generating anti-Allied hatred?

    Maybe Serbs were waiting for NATO planes and as soon as they appeared they killed their own civilians? Some Russians actually claim that about Ukraine.

    So far shelling in this war is an order of magnitude less than ‘shock and awe’ or ‘we will bomb you to Middle Ages” – the boast by NATO when they were destroying Serbia.
     
    Yet another lie. According to the UN, a few days ago 2,000 civilians were dead in Ukraine as a result of this war. In only 3 weeks.

    After 78 days bombing, the total number of Yugoslavs killed was between 500 (Human Rights Watch estimate) and 1,200-2000 (Yugoslav estimate.)

    So Russians have been deadlier to Ukrainians than NATO was to Serbs.

    Replies: @Beckow

    Denouncing and then taking it back, it is quite a show you are putting on here. Your denouncing of NATO in the past didn’t amount to a hill of beans and you (as always) cherrypick – how about the 10,000 plus civilians killed by the Ukrainian bombing of Donbass in the last 8 years? Or the hundreds of thousands who died in Iraq?

    Russians have been deadlier to Ukrainians than NATO was to Serbs.

    If Ukrainian military wouldn’t hide in the cities there would be less shelling and fewer civilian casualties. The same argument was made by NATO in Iraq and Serbia. Izrael also makes that argument. It is called “collateral damage” and we all know who invented that term. I understand why Ukie soldiers do it, they would get pulverized out in the open. But in effect they are hiding among civilians, one could say using them as hostages.

    What’s the point of this? Do you think that Kiev will prevail? Or are they delaying to get better deal? Are the civilians in favor of this useless fight if we could ask them? In favor of pointless martyrdom and destruction? There was a compromise that would avoid the war: no NATO and stop bombing and threatening Donbass. That’s now going to happen anyway unless Ukraine wins the war. So was the plan to try to win? Do you guys understand math?

    • Replies: @AP
    @Beckow


    Your denouncing of NATO in the past didn’t amount to a hill of beans
     
    I'm just a person. Would your denunciation make any more of a difference? All I could do at the time was vote against the people responsible, which I did.

    how about the 10,000 plus civilians killed by the Ukrainian bombing of Donbass in the last 8 years
     
    As I wrote before, to someone else:

    Please don’t repeat this lie. Here is the UN report:

    https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Conflict-related%20civilian%20casualties%20as%20of%2030%20September%202021%20%28rev%

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    So there were around 3,400 civilian casualties total. About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side. Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active. After the front stabilized the number of civilians killed yearly has been in the double digits and declining. In 2021 it was around 20.

    If Ukrainian military wouldn’t hide in the cities there would be less shelling and fewer civilian casualties.
     
    And if Putin did make the decision to invade the Ukrainian military wouldn't have to be hiding anywhere.

    What’s the point of this? Do you think that Kiev will prevail?
     
    Certainly a chance of that.

    Are the civilians in favor of this useless fight if we could ask them?
     
    None of the ones I know and have spoken to, at least, want Ukraine to capitulate. Their response is to hate Russia (in the case of former Russophiles) or to hate Russia more.

    There was a compromise that would avoid the war: no NATO and stop bombing and threatening Donbass.
     
    Russia also wanted no Euro-integration and full demiliterization. These were deal-breakers.

    Replies: @Beckow

  845. German_reader says:
    @utu
    @AP

    Hey AP, did you expect that unz-dot-com would turn out to be the most intensive 100% Putin propaganda outlet in the West? What will be the future of Ron Unz once the war really gets going?

    Could you fathom that virtually all non Russian commenters here would be against Ukraine?

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war. Provoking Russia to attack convoys with weapons and humanitarian aid may do it.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @AaronB, @German_reader, @songbird, @Philip Owen

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace.

    I’ve stated multiple times that I’m in favour of harsh sanctions and of sending anti-tank weapons and anti-air missiles to Ukraine, and that I don’t want Ukraine to lose and become a total Russian satellite state.
    If you’re so belligerent, I suggest you go to Ukraine as a volunteer. You’re probably too old to fight, but maybe you could try charging at Russian tanks as a suicide bomber. I (and maybe other commenters as well) might even be willing to contribute to your travel expenses.

    • LOL: Thulean Friend
  846. Read the thread to logical conclusion at the end.

    It is never about the US, EU, Russia, China or India; or race, culture, tradition and progress. Not in millennia.

  847. @China Japan and Korea Bromance of Three Kingdoms
    @HenryBaker

    I don't mean to be entirely literal. This analogy requires some linguistic and sinology background:

    - The Russian word for Chinese is "Khitan", for the Mongolic people that dominated northern China in 10-12 CE. There were other warlike Mongolic/Manchu people before, but the Khitans were the first to be literate and capable of advanced civil administration.

    - One the classic works of sinology is Imperial China, 900–1800 by F. W. Mote. This period was used for the emergence of Khitans and other Altaic peoples who were recognized as equally capable of ruling Middle Kingdom as Hans. All but four centuries during the last millenia northern China was ruled by Altaics.

    - The Qing was ruled by a Manchu-Mongol conquering aristocracy in cooperation with a Han meritocracy

    - Now consider the PRC, the CCP founders are indeed entirely Han by ethnicity*. But its progenitor is again a Mongol-- Lenin.

    - The CCP came to power by conquest, again from Manchuria, with backing from Soviets who were there at end of WWII.

    - The CCP has mainly two factions, an aristocratic (clan members of CCP founders) and an meritocratic one
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princelings
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuanpai

    Xi belongs to the former. His predecessor Hu and Jiang belong to the latter.

    *Han is also a macro-ethnicity with a dialect continuum similar to yours:


    High German : Viennese, Bavarian or Swabian
    ::
    Standard Mandarin : Sichuan Mandarin (i.e. mostly understandable)

    High German : Dutch, Flemish, Swiss German
    ::
    Standard Mandarin : Wu or Xiang (very different but not as far as Cantonese)

     

    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-171/#comment-5085256

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon

    4 of the 5 conqueror dynasties (including the PRC) ended up being assimilated to Chinese culture, the rites and propriety of Confucianism.

  848. @Mr. Hack
    @Thulean Friend

    Wow, I'm real impressed! It took over 3 weeks, and let's be honest, Mariupol has always been on Putin's Christmas wish list since 2014. A smaller city, with a great strategic importance, about 40 miles from Russia, populated by Russians and Russian speaking Ukrainians. Bombed the hell out of it too (how much will it cost to rebuild?). At this pace, I predict that Russia will take Kyiv by 2067....
    Will you be here to enjoy that day? :-(

    Replies: @Wokechoke

    Azov is a Russian lake now.

    3 divisions of Ukrainians trapped inside Mariupol now. Once they surrender Zelenskyy will be facing assassination attempts by his intel, advisors and military rivals. He was not a competent head of state and no strategic planner.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Wokechoke


    3 divisions of Ukrainians trapped inside Mariupol now.
     
    Repeated a lie doesn't make it true. And demonstrating ignorance of basic military organization over and over again doesn't make you smart.

    As I wrote to you before:

    Russian wiki says Ukraine has 3 brigades, 3 battalions and Azov in the Mariupol battle.

    A division typically consists of several brigades.

    Replies: @Wokechoke

  849. @AP
    @Thulean Friend


    That’s like saying in 1939

    I will not engage seriously in arguments that rest on Godwin’s law.
     
    Except it doesn't. I wasn't comparing you to Hitler or the Nazis, rather to someone who would apologize for aggression and demand surrender to aggressors for the sake of "peace." Doing so in essence makes one an apologist for the aggressor.

    If Zelensky is anyone’s puppet at the moment, he is the “puppet” of the Ukrainian people.

    Zelensky banned oppositional TV channels
     
    Not all; the ones he banned seemed to have been linked to the enemy in the civil war. There were times when pro-German or pro-Confederacy media was banned in the USA but I would not characterize the USA at those times as not being democratic.

    Do you think all the Western countries now banning Russian media are no longer democracies?

    Ukraine ceased being a democracy several years ago.
     
    Ukraine has run free elections where the ruling president and party relinquished power peacefully.

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    Indeed, which is why I noted that both civilians and militias were targeted. Seems you didn’t catch that.
     
    In that case, why did you claim 80% of casualties were on the pro-Russian side? The Ukrainians lost more on the military side which was most of the casualties.

    About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side

    How can you justify thousands of innocent civilians being slaughtered and the vast majority of them being on the pro-Russian side?
     
    The Russians insured that this war would last more than a few weeks (and thus, achieve casualty numbers in the thousands) by pumping in arms and volunteers and even their own military. Without the Russians the area would have returned to Kiev's rule.

    It’s a war they did not start, but it’s a war they will finish.
     
    Why is it that everyone shilling for Russia eventually lies.

    The Russians turned what would have been some violent protests and civil disturbances with perhaps a death toll in the dozens, into a war, by pumping in volunteers, weapons and even their own military. This turned into a war with the exploits of Igor Girkin, who seized Sloviansk with his forces. Girkin was a Russian citizen, from Russia, a former FSB officer who had ben involved in Transnistria. The first PM of the Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Borodai, was a Russian nationalist activist from Moscow. Borodai ruled with two deputires. One of the two, Vladimir Antyufeyev, was also a Russian (born in Novosibirsk). He was a former OMON officer who helped organize the Russian separatist republic in Siberia.

    So yes, this war was very much a Russian project from 2014.

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Thulean Friend

    The main error of Hitler was antagonising Jews too much. The other error was haste.

    Putin waited 20 years to annex Ukraine. Hitler blundered into the USSR less than ten years from taking power.

    Napoleon, perhaps he didn’t wait long enough either. It took him around years to seek a decisive battle with the Czar.

  850. @AP
    @Thulean Friend


    That’s like saying in 1939

    I will not engage seriously in arguments that rest on Godwin’s law.
     
    Except it doesn't. I wasn't comparing you to Hitler or the Nazis, rather to someone who would apologize for aggression and demand surrender to aggressors for the sake of "peace." Doing so in essence makes one an apologist for the aggressor.

    If Zelensky is anyone’s puppet at the moment, he is the “puppet” of the Ukrainian people.

    Zelensky banned oppositional TV channels
     
    Not all; the ones he banned seemed to have been linked to the enemy in the civil war. There were times when pro-German or pro-Confederacy media was banned in the USA but I would not characterize the USA at those times as not being democratic.

    Do you think all the Western countries now banning Russian media are no longer democracies?

    Ukraine ceased being a democracy several years ago.
     
    Ukraine has run free elections where the ruling president and party relinquished power peacefully.

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    Indeed, which is why I noted that both civilians and militias were targeted. Seems you didn’t catch that.
     
    In that case, why did you claim 80% of casualties were on the pro-Russian side? The Ukrainians lost more on the military side which was most of the casualties.

    About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side

    How can you justify thousands of innocent civilians being slaughtered and the vast majority of them being on the pro-Russian side?
     
    The Russians insured that this war would last more than a few weeks (and thus, achieve casualty numbers in the thousands) by pumping in arms and volunteers and even their own military. Without the Russians the area would have returned to Kiev's rule.

    It’s a war they did not start, but it’s a war they will finish.
     
    Why is it that everyone shilling for Russia eventually lies.

    The Russians turned what would have been some violent protests and civil disturbances with perhaps a death toll in the dozens, into a war, by pumping in volunteers, weapons and even their own military. This turned into a war with the exploits of Igor Girkin, who seized Sloviansk with his forces. Girkin was a Russian citizen, from Russia, a former FSB officer who had ben involved in Transnistria. The first PM of the Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Borodai, was a Russian nationalist activist from Moscow. Borodai ruled with two deputires. One of the two, Vladimir Antyufeyev, was also a Russian (born in Novosibirsk). He was a former OMON officer who helped organize the Russian separatist republic in Siberia.

    So yes, this war was very much a Russian project from 2014.

    Replies: @Wokechoke, @Thulean Friend

    Do you think all the Western countries now banning Russian media are no longer democracies?

    The West isn’t just banning Russian state media. There’s a gigantic ‘Red Scare’ going on right now. Mainstream leftists like Lee Camp is getting his show unilaterally banned on platforms such as Spotify. Independent journalists like Michael Tracey get accused of treason for posting what the US army is up to in Eastern Europe. Twitter accounts (like ASB Mil) that showed any shelling of civilians by Ukrainians during this conflict got banned from Twitter. The list keeps getting longer by the day.

    I never claimed Russia was a democracy, I merely pointed out that Ukraine has ceased being one. If Biden shut down Fox News and began a serious persecution of conservative politicians, would we still call the US a democracy? As it stands, the US barely qualifies as one to begin with, more akin an oligarchy with the outward trappings of a democracy.

    Doing so in essence makes one an apologist for the aggressor.

    Geopolitics isn’t about morality. Countries do not choose their geography, just as children don’t choose their parents. Some countries get worse geographies than others and it’s up to them to play a bad hand as good as they can. Ukraine has done the opposite of that, which is why it now suffers. It’s partly responsible for playing a bad hand poorly, but it would be too easy to blame it all on Ukraine. The enablers of this policy, which primarily reside in Washington D.C., are equally to blame – if not more so.

  851. German_reader says:
    @Mikel
    @Thulean Friend


    I’d like to think that Putin isn’t an idiot
     
    He's not but he's been in power too long. People in that position tend to fall prey to hubris and their own unrealistic beliefs, some probably fed by adulatory minions.

    And he's definitely surrounded by idiots. Multiple incidents in the past years pointed to that fact but the conduction of this war so far is proving it beyond doubt. They couldn't have possibly planned to be in this mess.

    Even AK in his Twitter feed couldn't help express shock and disbelief at the way the 'kremlins' organized the gathering in Moscow yesterday. People being forcibly bused to the meeting in plain sight and the audio breaking down mid-speech while Putin was talking...

    Very good reply to Utu but it's probably not worth it engaging with him much. As GR said, he's turned into the mirror image of AK. Both despair at people not siding unconditionally with one of the parties in this senseless war. And Utu, in particular, will distort anything people say to try to convince himself that they are 'Putin trolls'. Why bother with such childish posts?

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @German_reader

    And Utu, in particular, will distort anything people say to try to convince himself that they are ‘Putin trolls’.

    It’s pretty ironic that utu’s mindset is in some ways structurally similar to that of Putinites, with any dissent being seen as treason or due to the influence of foreign subversion. He’s always been fairly insufferable, but the pandemic and the war in Ukraine seem to have fried his brain completely and turned him into a sort of McCarthy parody.

    • Replies: @Dmitry
    @German_reader

    You can notice after a while, that Utu is an educated person, so his posts are often pretty interesting, makes forum more educated than the originating content. He can write 100% of his posts about Jewish conspiracy theories, that your don't condone, and you can still enjoy his posts.

    When I sometimes checked the sources of his posts, quotes used, and articles, I found there is an problem of "junk in, junk out". E.g. Quotes removed from context, used to support to conspiracy theory. I remember some posts where he quotes from US presidents, which sounded like they support a conspiracy theory. I checked the quote and a sentence has been removed. (I wish I can remember what the post was now, but half of the quote was removed). There is perhaps effects of too much cannabis smoking, belief that everything is a secret plan.

    On the other hand, Utu has also written some of few most educative posts in the forum, which remain in your memory. For example, when he explained why actuary professionals just multiply odds.
    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/number-of-russians-preparing-to-emigrate-reaches-record-low/#comment-3593023

  852. @Triteleia Laxa
    @songbird

    This war does not need a no-fly zone. Why change the dynamic while winning?


    And what do you mean by “Chineris?”
     
    Chimerica, sorry, auto complete.

    My feeling on Taiwan is that if China doesn't have the confidence that it can develop into a country that the Taiwanese will want to be "re-united" with, then China should be considering being absorbed by Taiwan instead.

    Obviously I mean this as a consideration, not a practical reality, but the idea of China invading Taiwan and destroying the place, all so it can be in the "loving embrace of the mother country" is just so f*cking dishonest, stupid and self-contradictory that only a completely broken and corrupt system can believe it.

    And it seems like Xi and China, despite their LARPing at bellicosity, actually does not believe it. This is good and hopeful for the world. It makes me feel positive. If superpowers can avoid catastrophic self-contradiction then I think things will be fine.

    After all democracies may be flawed, but it is very obvious that the Taiwanese are not a horrifically oppressed population like Saddam's Iraqis.

    It is, therefore, clear that Chinese troops would not be welcomed in the streets like American troops were in Baghdad. Yet even that was a disaster.

    And, furthermore, it seems that what is true for Taiwan, is also true for Ukraine, but Putin does not want to accept that, which is why he is committing the ultimate tragedy: that of deceiving yourself into achieving the exact opposite of what you felt was best.

    You can't force people to like you with guns and bombs. Tribal and peasant populations could be ruled over by conquering warlords because they were not politically engaged. The Ukrainians are politically engaged. At best, Putin could have hoped for what Britain had in Ireland in the 20th Century. Say he and enough money to pay people off and the ability to shut down almost all supplies to the insurgents. But even that would have been terrible.

    Or, to put it another way, if you're not good enough to get, at least, people's passive consent through peaceful means, who the hell do you think you are trying to rule them? What abstract historical argument or crazed political point could possibly justify that? And by justified, I don't just mean rationally, but within reality?

    Replies: @songbird

    IMO, China is handicapped for the moment, due to its precarious energy supply. But they are building new nuclear power plants and will probably develop pipelines to Russia, which in the coming years will do a lot to mitigate this problem.

    They are also growing their softpower. Their movie industry has yet to be maximized domestically. They are planning to go to the moon, which the US hasn’t done since the seventies. I think it is even possible that they may beat the US back there – the US program has a lot more dysfunction built-in than it did during Apollo. It is more ideological. For example, SpaceX is under a couple of lawsuits for racial and sexual harassment or discrimination, while the Chinese face no such problem.

    I suspect that they are still pursuing a military plan over the long term. My reasoning is the way that violations of Taiwanese airspace have increased significantly over the years. Partly, this is intimidation. Partly, it might be to develop the element of surprise, by doing the same thing virtually every day. Meanwhile, the US seems to be increasing tensions by advocating for a ring of missiles around China.

  853. @Wielgus
    @songbird

    Obviously a phony and he probably has a CIA/Hollywood speechwriter. He has much of the vapidity of Tinseltown.
    Perhaps his head will rip off his body, invert and sprout spider's legs and antenna. "You've got to be f%%king kidding"...

    Replies: @songbird

    Heard his US speech was written by a lobbyist for Ukraine.

  854. @utu
    @AP

    Hey AP, did you expect that unz-dot-com would turn out to be the most intensive 100% Putin propaganda outlet in the West? What will be the future of Ron Unz once the war really gets going?

    Could you fathom that virtually all non Russian commenters here would be against Ukraine?

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war. Provoking Russia to attack convoys with weapons and humanitarian aid may do it.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @AaronB, @German_reader, @songbird, @Philip Owen

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed.

    Please elaborate on your NFZ policy.

    What area would you like to see under NFZ? And would you extend it over any Russian troops?

  855. This open thread may be getting a little sluggish, so here’s a new one to which you might want to migrate:

    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/open-thread-182-russia-ukraine/

    • Thanks: German_reader, A123
  856. AP says:
    @Beckow
    @AP

    Denouncing and then taking it back, it is quite a show you are putting on here. Your denouncing of NATO in the past didn't amount to a hill of beans and you (as always) cherrypick - how about the 10,000 plus civilians killed by the Ukrainian bombing of Donbass in the last 8 years? Or the hundreds of thousands who died in Iraq?


    Russians have been deadlier to Ukrainians than NATO was to Serbs.
     
    If Ukrainian military wouldn't hide in the cities there would be less shelling and fewer civilian casualties. The same argument was made by NATO in Iraq and Serbia. Izrael also makes that argument. It is called "collateral damage" and we all know who invented that term. I understand why Ukie soldiers do it, they would get pulverized out in the open. But in effect they are hiding among civilians, one could say using them as hostages.

    What's the point of this? Do you think that Kiev will prevail? Or are they delaying to get better deal? Are the civilians in favor of this useless fight if we could ask them? In favor of pointless martyrdom and destruction? There was a compromise that would avoid the war: no NATO and stop bombing and threatening Donbass. That's now going to happen anyway unless Ukraine wins the war. So was the plan to try to win? Do you guys understand math?

    Replies: @AP

    Your denouncing of NATO in the past didn’t amount to a hill of beans

    I’m just a person. Would your denunciation make any more of a difference? All I could do at the time was vote against the people responsible, which I did.

    how about the 10,000 plus civilians killed by the Ukrainian bombing of Donbass in the last 8 years

    As I wrote before, to someone else:

    Please don’t repeat this lie. Here is the UN report:

    https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Conflict-related%20civilian%20casualties%20as%20of%2030%20September%202021%20%28rev%

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    So there were around 3,400 civilian casualties total. About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side. Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active. After the front stabilized the number of civilians killed yearly has been in the double digits and declining. In 2021 it was around 20.

    If Ukrainian military wouldn’t hide in the cities there would be less shelling and fewer civilian casualties.

    And if Putin did make the decision to invade the Ukrainian military wouldn’t have to be hiding anywhere.

    What’s the point of this? Do you think that Kiev will prevail?

    Certainly a chance of that.

    Are the civilians in favor of this useless fight if we could ask them?

    None of the ones I know and have spoken to, at least, want Ukraine to capitulate. Their response is to hate Russia (in the case of former Russophiles) or to hate Russia more.

    There was a compromise that would avoid the war: no NATO and stop bombing and threatening Donbass.

    Russia also wanted no Euro-integration and full demiliterization. These were deal-breakers.

    • Replies: @Beckow
    @AP

    ...


    Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active.
     

    Why does that make any difference? Russia chose the timing when they were ready, they are not obligated to follow others' schedule. There is no way getting around the fact that Kiev killed 3,000 of its civilians. What government does that and aspires to be in EU?


    Certainly a chance of that.
     
    Sure there is also a chance that an asteroid will destroy earth. How would you quantify the chance of Kiev winning? 1 in 2, 1 in 5, 1 in 10? That matters, rational people work with math. Miracles happen almost never, and when you examine 'miracles', they are not really miraculous. What are we missing from the military equation? I think it is more likely that Russia will pull Minsk 3 and do another compromise.

    None of the ones I know and have spoken to, at least, want Ukraine to capitulate. Their response is to hate Russia (in the case of former Russophiles) or to hate Russia more.
     
    Capitulation or a defeat, those are the likely results. I talk to a lot of Ukrainians and they are upset and worried, but don't hate Russia. Some blame Putin, some the "Asiats" (whoever that is), many blame Zelensky for incompetence, most blame NATO for pulling Ukraine into this mess and then abandoning it. It is more complex than you say.

    Russia also wanted no Euro-integration and full demiliterization.
     
    Russia has never opposed Euro-integration, it is not one of the conditions, they never talk about it. You can project that Russia doesn't like it, but since it was never raised as an issue it cannot be a deal-breaker. Who doesn't want Ukraine in EU is EU. Wake up.

    Demilitarization is a continuum, a process, it can be negotiated. Austria and Finland have excellent armies and Russia doesn't object. This is not a deal-breaker unless Kiev plans to make nukes or something of that nature.

    I repeat, this could had been solved very easily: no NATO and Minsk agreement. The people are dying for no good reason. Maybe somebody wants them to suffer and martyr themselves.

    Replies: @AP

  857. AP says:
    @Wokechoke
    @Mr. Hack

    Azov is a Russian lake now.

    3 divisions of Ukrainians trapped inside Mariupol now. Once they surrender Zelenskyy will be facing assassination attempts by his intel, advisors and military rivals. He was not a competent head of state and no strategic planner.

    Replies: @AP

    3 divisions of Ukrainians trapped inside Mariupol now.

    Repeated a lie doesn’t make it true. And demonstrating ignorance of basic military organization over and over again doesn’t make you smart.

    As I wrote to you before:

    Russian wiki says Ukraine has 3 brigades, 3 battalions and Azov in the Mariupol battle.

    A division typically consists of several brigades.

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @AP

    I know the orbat.

    There’s elements of Army, Navy and National Guard trapped there. All dead men. All have a logistics trail that is divisional. To be fair they probably are even at Brigade strength anymore. Just a bunch of guys who are waiting to get shot. There won’t be survivors. They got trapped and are being annihilated.

  858. @AP
    @Beckow


    Your denouncing of NATO in the past didn’t amount to a hill of beans
     
    I'm just a person. Would your denunciation make any more of a difference? All I could do at the time was vote against the people responsible, which I did.

    how about the 10,000 plus civilians killed by the Ukrainian bombing of Donbass in the last 8 years
     
    As I wrote before, to someone else:

    Please don’t repeat this lie. Here is the UN report:

    https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Conflict-related%20civilian%20casualties%20as%20of%2030%20September%202021%20%28rev%

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    So there were around 3,400 civilian casualties total. About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side. Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active. After the front stabilized the number of civilians killed yearly has been in the double digits and declining. In 2021 it was around 20.

    If Ukrainian military wouldn’t hide in the cities there would be less shelling and fewer civilian casualties.
     
    And if Putin did make the decision to invade the Ukrainian military wouldn't have to be hiding anywhere.

    What’s the point of this? Do you think that Kiev will prevail?
     
    Certainly a chance of that.

    Are the civilians in favor of this useless fight if we could ask them?
     
    None of the ones I know and have spoken to, at least, want Ukraine to capitulate. Their response is to hate Russia (in the case of former Russophiles) or to hate Russia more.

    There was a compromise that would avoid the war: no NATO and stop bombing and threatening Donbass.
     
    Russia also wanted no Euro-integration and full demiliterization. These were deal-breakers.

    Replies: @Beckow

    Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active.

    Why does that make any difference? Russia chose the timing when they were ready, they are not obligated to follow others’ schedule. There is no way getting around the fact that Kiev killed 3,000 of its civilians. What government does that and aspires to be in EU?

    Certainly a chance of that.

    Sure there is also a chance that an asteroid will destroy earth. How would you quantify the chance of Kiev winning? 1 in 2, 1 in 5, 1 in 10? That matters, rational people work with math. Miracles happen almost never, and when you examine ‘miracles’, they are not really miraculous. What are we missing from the military equation? I think it is more likely that Russia will pull Minsk 3 and do another compromise.

    None of the ones I know and have spoken to, at least, want Ukraine to capitulate. Their response is to hate Russia (in the case of former Russophiles) or to hate Russia more.

    Capitulation or a defeat, those are the likely results. I talk to a lot of Ukrainians and they are upset and worried, but don’t hate Russia. Some blame Putin, some the “Asiats” (whoever that is), many blame Zelensky for incompetence, most blame NATO for pulling Ukraine into this mess and then abandoning it. It is more complex than you say.

    Russia also wanted no Euro-integration and full demiliterization.

    Russia has never opposed Euro-integration, it is not one of the conditions, they never talk about it. You can project that Russia doesn’t like it, but since it was never raised as an issue it cannot be a deal-breaker. Who doesn’t want Ukraine in EU is EU. Wake up.

    Demilitarization is a continuum, a process, it can be negotiated. Austria and Finland have excellent armies and Russia doesn’t object. This is not a deal-breaker unless Kiev plans to make nukes or something of that nature.

    I repeat, this could had been solved very easily: no NATO and Minsk agreement. The people are dying for no good reason. Maybe somebody wants them to suffer and martyr themselves.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Beckow


    Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active.

    Why does that make any difference? Russia chose the timing when they were ready, they are not obligated to follow others’ schedule. There is no way getting around the fact that Kiev killed 3,000 of its civilians.
     
    In the context of the rebellion whose existence is Russia's fault.

    What government does that and aspires to be in EU?
     
    What government has Russia doing this to it?

    Sure there is also a chance that an asteroid will destroy earth. How would you quantify the chance of Kiev winning? 1 in 2, 1 in 5, 1 in 10?
     
    40/60 Ukraine wins. By win, Russia loses too many men and equipment and leaves without getting its terms, other than Crimea and perhaps Donbas recognition. Ukraine gets rebuilt with Russian money (either seized assets or some % of gas revenue for many years).

    Russia also wanted no Euro-integration and full demiliterization.

    Russia has never opposed Euro-integration, it is not one of the conditions, they never talk about it.
     
    They demanded full neutrality and no blocs. That would preclude EU.

    Capitulation or a defeat, those are the likely results.
     
    You also insisted that Russia would win quickly, Ukraine's elite would all flee, army would desert because they wouldn't want to fight for Ukraine and would worry about legal consequences from the new masters, etc.

    How did that turn out?

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  859. AP says:
    @Beckow
    @AP

    ...


    Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active.
     

    Why does that make any difference? Russia chose the timing when they were ready, they are not obligated to follow others' schedule. There is no way getting around the fact that Kiev killed 3,000 of its civilians. What government does that and aspires to be in EU?


    Certainly a chance of that.
     
    Sure there is also a chance that an asteroid will destroy earth. How would you quantify the chance of Kiev winning? 1 in 2, 1 in 5, 1 in 10? That matters, rational people work with math. Miracles happen almost never, and when you examine 'miracles', they are not really miraculous. What are we missing from the military equation? I think it is more likely that Russia will pull Minsk 3 and do another compromise.

    None of the ones I know and have spoken to, at least, want Ukraine to capitulate. Their response is to hate Russia (in the case of former Russophiles) or to hate Russia more.
     
    Capitulation or a defeat, those are the likely results. I talk to a lot of Ukrainians and they are upset and worried, but don't hate Russia. Some blame Putin, some the "Asiats" (whoever that is), many blame Zelensky for incompetence, most blame NATO for pulling Ukraine into this mess and then abandoning it. It is more complex than you say.

    Russia also wanted no Euro-integration and full demiliterization.
     
    Russia has never opposed Euro-integration, it is not one of the conditions, they never talk about it. You can project that Russia doesn't like it, but since it was never raised as an issue it cannot be a deal-breaker. Who doesn't want Ukraine in EU is EU. Wake up.

    Demilitarization is a continuum, a process, it can be negotiated. Austria and Finland have excellent armies and Russia doesn't object. This is not a deal-breaker unless Kiev plans to make nukes or something of that nature.

    I repeat, this could had been solved very easily: no NATO and Minsk agreement. The people are dying for no good reason. Maybe somebody wants them to suffer and martyr themselves.

    Replies: @AP

    Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active.

    Why does that make any difference? Russia chose the timing when they were ready, they are not obligated to follow others’ schedule. There is no way getting around the fact that Kiev killed 3,000 of its civilians.

    In the context of the rebellion whose existence is Russia’s fault.

    What government does that and aspires to be in EU?

    What government has Russia doing this to it?

    Sure there is also a chance that an asteroid will destroy earth. How would you quantify the chance of Kiev winning? 1 in 2, 1 in 5, 1 in 10?

    40/60 Ukraine wins. By win, Russia loses too many men and equipment and leaves without getting its terms, other than Crimea and perhaps Donbas recognition. Ukraine gets rebuilt with Russian money (either seized assets or some % of gas revenue for many years).

    Russia also wanted no Euro-integration and full demiliterization.

    Russia has never opposed Euro-integration, it is not one of the conditions, they never talk about it.

    They demanded full neutrality and no blocs. That would preclude EU.

    Capitulation or a defeat, those are the likely results.

    You also insisted that Russia would win quickly, Ukraine’s elite would all flee, army would desert because they wouldn’t want to fight for Ukraine and would worry about legal consequences from the new masters, etc.

    How did that turn out?

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @AP


    Expect hardcore anti-Russian politicians for at least 10 years, maybe 20. Level of hatred towards Russia is off the charts. Only possible mitigating factor is if Zelensky manages to calm people down.
     
    You could only have made this comment if you believed Ukraine would ultimately win this war. Hardcore anti-Russian politicians could not exist if Russia were to win this war. So, why the pessimistic outlook today ("40/60" Ukraine wins")? Overall, reading your comments, one might think that you feel that Ukraine has been fighting back the aggressors quite admirably, winning the war so far, showing no indication that this winning strategy is about to change for the worse. Having a bad day at the office, AP? :-)

    Replies: @AP

  860. @AP
    @Beckow


    Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active.

    Why does that make any difference? Russia chose the timing when they were ready, they are not obligated to follow others’ schedule. There is no way getting around the fact that Kiev killed 3,000 of its civilians.
     
    In the context of the rebellion whose existence is Russia's fault.

    What government does that and aspires to be in EU?
     
    What government has Russia doing this to it?

    Sure there is also a chance that an asteroid will destroy earth. How would you quantify the chance of Kiev winning? 1 in 2, 1 in 5, 1 in 10?
     
    40/60 Ukraine wins. By win, Russia loses too many men and equipment and leaves without getting its terms, other than Crimea and perhaps Donbas recognition. Ukraine gets rebuilt with Russian money (either seized assets or some % of gas revenue for many years).

    Russia also wanted no Euro-integration and full demiliterization.

    Russia has never opposed Euro-integration, it is not one of the conditions, they never talk about it.
     
    They demanded full neutrality and no blocs. That would preclude EU.

    Capitulation or a defeat, those are the likely results.
     
    You also insisted that Russia would win quickly, Ukraine's elite would all flee, army would desert because they wouldn't want to fight for Ukraine and would worry about legal consequences from the new masters, etc.

    How did that turn out?

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    Expect hardcore anti-Russian politicians for at least 10 years, maybe 20. Level of hatred towards Russia is off the charts. Only possible mitigating factor is if Zelensky manages to calm people down.

    You could only have made this comment if you believed Ukraine would ultimately win this war. Hardcore anti-Russian politicians could not exist if Russia were to win this war. So, why the pessimistic outlook today (“40/60″ Ukraine wins”)? Overall, reading your comments, one might think that you feel that Ukraine has been fighting back the aggressors quite admirably, winning the war so far, showing no indication that this winning strategy is about to change for the worse. Having a bad day at the office, AP? 🙂

    • Replies: @AP
    @Mr. Hack

    Winning means the Ukrainians get most of what they want and Russia gets little of what it wants because it has been defeated and is forced to give up. I think there is a good chance of this but I don’t think it is the most likely outcome. So 40% chance.

    Not winning could mean a compromise: Russia grabs more land, perhaps Kharkiv and Odessa fall, but Russia fails to take all of Ukraine and then gets exhausted, but Ukraine can’t dislodge it so Ukraine gets a bad deal like the one Russia offered in the first place, in order to end the stalemate. Or Russia takes the whole country - this unlikely.

    Replies: @Johann Ricke, @Mr. Hack

  861. @AP
    @Wokechoke


    3 divisions of Ukrainians trapped inside Mariupol now.
     
    Repeated a lie doesn't make it true. And demonstrating ignorance of basic military organization over and over again doesn't make you smart.

    As I wrote to you before:

    Russian wiki says Ukraine has 3 brigades, 3 battalions and Azov in the Mariupol battle.

    A division typically consists of several brigades.

    Replies: @Wokechoke

    I know the orbat.

    There’s elements of Army, Navy and National Guard trapped there. All dead men. All have a logistics trail that is divisional. To be fair they probably are even at Brigade strength anymore. Just a bunch of guys who are waiting to get shot. There won’t be survivors. They got trapped and are being annihilated.

  862. AP says:
    @Mr. Hack
    @AP


    Expect hardcore anti-Russian politicians for at least 10 years, maybe 20. Level of hatred towards Russia is off the charts. Only possible mitigating factor is if Zelensky manages to calm people down.
     
    You could only have made this comment if you believed Ukraine would ultimately win this war. Hardcore anti-Russian politicians could not exist if Russia were to win this war. So, why the pessimistic outlook today ("40/60" Ukraine wins")? Overall, reading your comments, one might think that you feel that Ukraine has been fighting back the aggressors quite admirably, winning the war so far, showing no indication that this winning strategy is about to change for the worse. Having a bad day at the office, AP? :-)

    Replies: @AP

    Winning means the Ukrainians get most of what they want and Russia gets little of what it wants because it has been defeated and is forced to give up. I think there is a good chance of this but I don’t think it is the most likely outcome. So 40% chance.

    Not winning could mean a compromise: Russia grabs more land, perhaps Kharkiv and Odessa fall, but Russia fails to take all of Ukraine and then gets exhausted, but Ukraine can’t dislodge it so Ukraine gets a bad deal like the one Russia offered in the first place, in order to end the stalemate. Or Russia takes the whole country – this unlikely.

    • Replies: @Johann Ricke
    @AP


    Winning means the Ukrainians get most of what they want and Russia gets little of what it wants because it has been defeated and is forced to give up. I think there is a good chance of this but I don’t think it is the most likely outcome. So 40% chance.
     
    I wouldn't discount it completely. Ukraine is getting a ton of intel. The kind of intel that was crucial to the Miracle on the Vistula.

    Replies: @AP

    , @Mr. Hack
    @AP

    A lot of pundits writing about this war think that the longer this nasty affair drags out, the better it looks that Ukraine will end up the "winner". Remember, Kyiv was to be taken within what, three days? For several reasons, I don't think that it'll ever be taken now. Look how long the Russians have been punishing Mariupol and they still can't conclusively claim that they've captured it yet. And Mariupol is not Kyiv. Even if this is true, as a wise leader, Zelensky is not trying to prolong this whole thing, but is trying to get the Russians to the negotiating table sooner than later, in deference to the tragic deaths of many civilians.

    So, eventually Russia takes Mariupol, what have they won? A bombed out city with civilians that have experienced death and starvation at the hands of their "liberators". They've even destroyed the largest employer there leaving the locals without any prospect of meaningful work for many years. Who's going to stay and rebuild Mariupol besides a few Babushkas and Didos, and perhaps a few chickens and dogs? Whoever is deemed the "winner" of this war, this party will be stuck with paying the bill of rebuilding the infrastructure: roads, railroads, hospitals, airports, apartment buildings, etc...and poor Ukraine will always be saddled with looking over its shoulder wondering when the next Russian "liberation" will take place?

    Replies: @Wokechoke

  863. @AP
    @Mr. Hack

    Winning means the Ukrainians get most of what they want and Russia gets little of what it wants because it has been defeated and is forced to give up. I think there is a good chance of this but I don’t think it is the most likely outcome. So 40% chance.

    Not winning could mean a compromise: Russia grabs more land, perhaps Kharkiv and Odessa fall, but Russia fails to take all of Ukraine and then gets exhausted, but Ukraine can’t dislodge it so Ukraine gets a bad deal like the one Russia offered in the first place, in order to end the stalemate. Or Russia takes the whole country - this unlikely.

    Replies: @Johann Ricke, @Mr. Hack

    Winning means the Ukrainians get most of what they want and Russia gets little of what it wants because it has been defeated and is forced to give up. I think there is a good chance of this but I don’t think it is the most likely outcome. So 40% chance.

    I wouldn’t discount it completely. Ukraine is getting a ton of intel. The kind of intel that was crucial to the Miracle on the Vistula.

    • Replies: @AP
    @Johann Ricke

    I agree, which is why I give this a solid 40% chance of happening. I think it is the most likely single outcome, but various negative outcomes ranging from Putin’s original demands to occupation are collectively probably more likely to occur.

    I might be wrong and hope so. People in Ukraine appear to be confident in victory which is a good sign:



    https://twitter.com/christogrozev/status/1505473701315284993?s=21

  864. @AP
    @utu


    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.
     
    Ha. Agree.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.
     
    As long as there are a few excellent commenters like you, Dmitry, Twinkie, German Reader etc. here from whom one can learn things from time to time, it is worth reading.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war.
     
    My opinion against the NFZ is not a strong one but nevertheless I think we should avoid it, because it would essentially be an open declaration of war with Russia. To be sure, I think the odds of Russia escalating to nuclear war are very small; I think they would be very small even if NATO invaded and seized Crimea. Likewise, I doubt NATO would nuke Russia if Russia seized the Baltics. These are not territories whose loss would elicit civilizational suicide by either side.

    But I think that the odds of a nuclear escalation, while small, are high enough that it is not worth pursuing, particularly since Ukraine is doing well under current conditions and because additional measures short of a NFZ such as providing AA systems and MIGs that Ukrainians can use and that can replace lost Ukrainian equipment can be implemented right away. As noted by Theiner, "Eastern NATO members have around 1,000 2S1 self-propelled howitzers & 700 Grad multiple rocket launchers in service or storage - deliver just 20% of these to Ukraine & Ukrainians will have the tools to silence the Russian artillery shelling their cities."

    The next step, short of a NFZ, would be to do for Ukraine what USSR did for Vietnam, more or less: provide long-range antiship and antiplane missiles manned by American volunteers under Ukrainian flag while Ukrainian crews learn how to operate them. If Russia chooses to escalate its bombing campaign across Ukrainian cities, it can start losing its bombers and naval ships.

    One potential problem with a NFZ is that by more or less openly declaring war against Russia, NATO would provide an excuse for Russia to order a general mobilization of millions of men; a war against the entire West is different from a "special operation against Ukraine. This would of course be shambolic, ugly and messy as hell but would not be good for Ukraine or the world. By keeping this war "local" the scale will be smaller and hopefully the war will end sooner.

    Karlin is not the only one who accurately predicted a Russian attempt to invade all of Ukraine. This guy did, too:

    https://twitter.com/sherlaimov/status/1505162202491375616?s=20&t=hKlGHcZaxqzSRggmyQvKWA

    He appears to be a South Tyrolean military vet living in Kiev and Vienna.

    He thinks Ukraine will win this war, and indeed has already "won" in the sense that Russia's position is hopeless and it's only a matter of time. For Russians who think that Russia holding Ukrainian territory means something, don't forge that Germany still held Belgian and French territory (not to mention a lot of Eastern Europe) at the time of its capitulation in 1918.

    https://medium.com/@noclador/victorious-ukraine-2d24634d0afd

    I think many of his details are optimistic (the 1.3 million man army in Ukraine is theoretically possible, but they are far from all armed and trained by now - however this is a real potential in the coming months as long as arms keep flowing into Ukraine and Ukraine has the time to arm and train those men) but his overall case is not to be dismissed.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack, @utu

    Thanks and thanks for the link to Thomas Theiner writings. I have to admit that his point about the NFZ is well taken.

  865. @AP
    @Mr. Hack

    Winning means the Ukrainians get most of what they want and Russia gets little of what it wants because it has been defeated and is forced to give up. I think there is a good chance of this but I don’t think it is the most likely outcome. So 40% chance.

    Not winning could mean a compromise: Russia grabs more land, perhaps Kharkiv and Odessa fall, but Russia fails to take all of Ukraine and then gets exhausted, but Ukraine can’t dislodge it so Ukraine gets a bad deal like the one Russia offered in the first place, in order to end the stalemate. Or Russia takes the whole country - this unlikely.

    Replies: @Johann Ricke, @Mr. Hack

    A lot of pundits writing about this war think that the longer this nasty affair drags out, the better it looks that Ukraine will end up the “winner”. Remember, Kyiv was to be taken within what, three days? For several reasons, I don’t think that it’ll ever be taken now. Look how long the Russians have been punishing Mariupol and they still can’t conclusively claim that they’ve captured it yet. And Mariupol is not Kyiv. Even if this is true, as a wise leader, Zelensky is not trying to prolong this whole thing, but is trying to get the Russians to the negotiating table sooner than later, in deference to the tragic deaths of many civilians.

    So, eventually Russia takes Mariupol, what have they won? A bombed out city with civilians that have experienced death and starvation at the hands of their “liberators”. They’ve even destroyed the largest employer there leaving the locals without any prospect of meaningful work for many years. Who’s going to stay and rebuild Mariupol besides a few Babushkas and Didos, and perhaps a few chickens and dogs? Whoever is deemed the “winner” of this war, this party will be stuck with paying the bill of rebuilding the infrastructure: roads, railroads, hospitals, airports, apartment buildings, etc…and poor Ukraine will always be saddled with looking over its shoulder wondering when the next Russian “liberation” will take place?

    • Replies: @Wokechoke
    @Mr. Hack

    The Azov Sea, the estuary of the Don River. Big deal bro.

  866. AP says:
    @Johann Ricke
    @AP


    Winning means the Ukrainians get most of what they want and Russia gets little of what it wants because it has been defeated and is forced to give up. I think there is a good chance of this but I don’t think it is the most likely outcome. So 40% chance.
     
    I wouldn't discount it completely. Ukraine is getting a ton of intel. The kind of intel that was crucial to the Miracle on the Vistula.

    Replies: @AP

    I agree, which is why I give this a solid 40% chance of happening. I think it is the most likely single outcome, but various negative outcomes ranging from Putin’s original demands to occupation are collectively probably more likely to occur.

    I might be wrong and hope so. People in Ukraine appear to be confident in victory which is a good sign:

    [MORE]

  867. @German_reader
    @Mikel


    And Utu, in particular, will distort anything people say to try to convince himself that they are ‘Putin trolls’.
     
    It's pretty ironic that utu's mindset is in some ways structurally similar to that of Putinites, with any dissent being seen as treason or due to the influence of foreign subversion. He's always been fairly insufferable, but the pandemic and the war in Ukraine seem to have fried his brain completely and turned him into a sort of McCarthy parody.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    You can notice after a while, that Utu is an educated person, so his posts are often pretty interesting, makes forum more educated than the originating content. He can write 100% of his posts about Jewish conspiracy theories, that your don’t condone, and you can still enjoy his posts.

    When I sometimes checked the sources of his posts, quotes used, and articles, I found there is an problem of “junk in, junk out”. E.g. Quotes removed from context, used to support to conspiracy theory. I remember some posts where he quotes from US presidents, which sounded like they support a conspiracy theory. I checked the quote and a sentence has been removed. (I wish I can remember what the post was now, but half of the quote was removed). There is perhaps effects of too much cannabis smoking, belief that everything is a secret plan.

    On the other hand, Utu has also written some of few most educative posts in the forum, which remain in your memory. For example, when he explained why actuary professionals just multiply odds.
    https://www.unz.com/akarlin/number-of-russians-preparing-to-emigrate-reaches-record-low/#comment-3593023

  868. @china-russia-all-the-way
    @Dmitry

    I would look to Twitter commentary on People's Daily headlines and placement of stories (e.g. top of the fold, inside pages, etc.) Xinhua is China's newswire like AFP in France.

    Replies: @Dmitry

    Twitter is banned in China, so that is not useful what they write on a platform which is banned for the Chinese population.

    What would be interesting is a translation of the main television news in China. I assume there is a television news in the evening each day in China. It would be interesting to watch once or twice China’s full daily (I guess 30 minutes) internal news with translation, if we would not lose too many brain cells in this process.

  869. @Mr. Hack
    @AP

    A lot of pundits writing about this war think that the longer this nasty affair drags out, the better it looks that Ukraine will end up the "winner". Remember, Kyiv was to be taken within what, three days? For several reasons, I don't think that it'll ever be taken now. Look how long the Russians have been punishing Mariupol and they still can't conclusively claim that they've captured it yet. And Mariupol is not Kyiv. Even if this is true, as a wise leader, Zelensky is not trying to prolong this whole thing, but is trying to get the Russians to the negotiating table sooner than later, in deference to the tragic deaths of many civilians.

    So, eventually Russia takes Mariupol, what have they won? A bombed out city with civilians that have experienced death and starvation at the hands of their "liberators". They've even destroyed the largest employer there leaving the locals without any prospect of meaningful work for many years. Who's going to stay and rebuild Mariupol besides a few Babushkas and Didos, and perhaps a few chickens and dogs? Whoever is deemed the "winner" of this war, this party will be stuck with paying the bill of rebuilding the infrastructure: roads, railroads, hospitals, airports, apartment buildings, etc...and poor Ukraine will always be saddled with looking over its shoulder wondering when the next Russian "liberation" will take place?

    Replies: @Wokechoke

    The Azov Sea, the estuary of the Don River. Big deal bro.

  870. @Pharmakon
    @HenryBaker

    This is the beginning of the End for you, guys.
    The time to pay for 500 years of theft, rape and pillage has come.

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    And yet after that 500 years the whole world is freer, 30 times richer, longer lived, healthier and better educated than the previous 5000 years managed. Yes the British Empire was bad compared to modern Norway. Compared to the alternatives at the times, native or other European, it was an improvement. Capitalism has liberated the world from millenia of landlordism.

  871. @Dmitry
    @German_reader

    Putin said his aim of the "special operation" is "denazification of Ukraine", and that Ukraine's army should rebel against "drug-addicted neo-Nazis that have settled in Kiev". In addition, he had earlier said about "do you want real decommunization", in a rhetorical way, as Ukraine is often talking about decommunization.

    So, in response, predictably opposition to government, people are saying we need "denazification" and "decommunization" in Russia.

    I guess Glukhovsky is kind of relaxed about what rhetoric he can use, as he has residency or citizenship of Russia, Germany, Spain and Israel. According to the media, lives in Barcelona half of the year.

    Where the Nazi Party, are related to this, is more mysterious and elusive. As an authentic German reader, you should complain to all sides for "cultural appropriation".

    Replies: @German_reader, @Philip Owen

    I took decommunization to mean the removal of NovoRossiya from Ukraine.

  872. @utu
    @AP

    Hey AP, did you expect that unz-dot-com would turn out to be the most intensive 100% Putin propaganda outlet in the West? What will be the future of Ron Unz once the war really gets going?

    Could you fathom that virtually all non Russian commenters here would be against Ukraine?

    Some German twat hates Zelensky because he is manipulative and endangers his peace. Some Basque suddenly discovers Catholic doctrine of just war from which he concludes that Ukraine should not resist. Some Swedish-Indian hybrid who in his most recent incarnation cared about bike paths in modern cities and not eating meat now wants Ukraine to be defeated asap.

    The rest of the deplorable rabble reacted predictably within the handicaps of their character.

    Anyway, no love for Ukraine at Ron Unz outlet. Does staying here make sense? I do enjoy watching their contortions and increased belligerence as they have to readjust to the facts on the ground that do not go to their liking. I expect that the same people who were so concerned about the nuclear war as Ukraine resistance will only be more effective will actually be calling for nuking Kiev.

    I do not agree with you on the NFZ. It is needed. And I think it will eventually happen though its impact would be better now in terms of shortening the war. Provoking Russia to attack convoys with weapons and humanitarian aid may do it.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Yellowface Anon, @AP, @AaronB, @German_reader, @songbird, @Philip Owen

    There is a no fly zone. Russian planes do not fly West of the Dneipr. Missiles are sent instead. Ukraine obviously needs to move its AA capabilty further East. The SAS seem to be doing something about it.

  873. @Thulean Friend
    @HenryBaker


    But imo TFs logic does not hold because Russia could have expected a pliant society, de facto soft annexed, after a quick show of force and holding 2 big cities. After all, they did attack across the entire front- not just Kiev.
     
    This is where our disagreement lies. You apparently think that if the initial blitzkrieg had been successful then Moscow could have "soft annexed" Ukraine. This is the Strong Horse theory of the conflict: Ukrainians would have been so mesmerised by shock and awe that they'd simply put down their arms en masse and become pliant subjects of Moscow.

    Ukrainian society has become militant over the past 8 years and even prior to that you had considerable portions in the west and even in the central areas where a strong autonomous identity had formed. Not to mention the Azov crazies in Mariupol. It was never going to be realistic, even in the event of a successful blitzkrieg, that the entirety of Ukraine could've been "soft annexed".

    It's impossible to know if this was the endgame the Russians were planning on, since neither of us are privy to Kremlin's internal debates. The only other way to find out is if this blitzkrieg would've been successful, since then you'd know what the next moves would be but that is now a buried chapter in history.

    I'd like to think that Putin isn't an idiot, so I doubt that he'd be persuaded by such childish theories. But perhaps he has simply underestimated the extent to which Ukrainian identity has taken hold, as Steve Sailer has suggested? It's impossible to know since you'd have to get into his head.

    I think this broader debate all comes down to whether you think Putin's endgame was annexation or a more limited operation to impose Putin's stated goals at the pre-invasion negotiations. If you viewed full annexation, whether by hard or "soft" means, as the Russian endgame then Putin and his gang are criminally incompetent since their initial blitzkrieg was unworkable and even now they are not committing the troop levels required to fully take the country.

    If you viewed Putin's goals as more limited, as I do, then he isn't criminally incompetent but simply tried a high-risk, high-reward strategy but will now proceed using greater military might to impose the neutralisation of Ukraine along with limited territorial gains in the east, plus the recognition of Crimea.

    This question will be resolved in the coming weeks. If Putin wanted annexation all along, then he will make a play for the entire country before long. I was skeptical before the invasion and I'm skeptical now. We'll see what he does.

    Replies: @Beckow, @Mikel, @HenryBaker

    Kek I forgot to add ‘not’. It should have been ‘could not’

  874. @AP
    @Thulean Friend


    I’m neither pro-Russia nor pro-Ukraine. I’m pro-peace.
     
    That's like saying in 1939, "I’m neither pro-Germany nor pro-Poland. I’m pro-peace" and urging Poland to surrender and accept Germany's conditions without a fight. Ditto for Netherlands, Denmark, Norway. Perhaps even France, once it is clear that France cannot win.

    NATO is using its puppet Zelensky to drag this out as long as possible.
     
    The Ukrainian people will not accept Putin's conditions. If Zelensky is anyone's puppet at the moment, he is the "puppet" of the Ukrainian people. As it should be, given that he is their elected president.

    Personally, I think Ukraine should let go of Crimea and the pre-February Donbas territories. They are a poison pill. Unfortunately, most Ukrainians disagree about that.

    Ukraine forfeited nukes and has spent the past 8 years trying to get into NATO and shelling civilians and militias in the Donbass (80% of the 14K casualties were on the pro-Russian side)
     
    Please don't repeat this lie. Here is the UN report:

    https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Conflict-related%20civilian%20casualties%20as%20of%2030%20September%202021%20%28rev%

    According to the UN, there were 13,400 total casualties. Of those, about 10,000 were military casualties.

    So there were around 3,400 civilian casualties total. About 80% of these 3,400 were on the pro-Russian side. Of the 3,400 civilian casualties – slightly more than 3,000 were killed in 2014-2015 when the war was still active. After the front stabilized the number of civilians killed yearly has been in the double digits and declining. In 2021 it was around 20.

    So the Russian excuse to bomb Kiev, Kharkiv and kill thousands of Ukrainian civilians was to end a stable conflict in which civilian casualties were about 20 per year.

    Replies: @Thulean Friend, @Philip Owen

    This is a romantic nationalist war. “Russian World”. None of these were grounds for war, even in combination.

    NATO expansion was a myth. Those who made promises kept them while they were in office. Even after expansion, British and US bases stayed in Germany. No new bases went East. Weapon renewal was slow and unsubsidized.

    Until 2014, the most onerous language requirement was that local government officials should communicate with the federal government in Ukrainian.

    Azov, a territorial defence force brigade that no one would arm or train except Israel, had 800 members.

    Donbas genocide in graphical form below. Civilian deaths split about 60/40 Occupied Donbass/Ukraine. 18 in 2021 was 7 months. Year end was 25, so about 15 from the Donbass including old people who died of cold cold queuing at a check point.

  875. @Thulean Friend
    So nobody is going to discuss that Russia just introduced their most advanced hypersonic missile in this conflict?



    https://twitter.com/ClintEhrlich/status/1505099409389805568

    Speaking of missiles...

    https://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1504324316376166406

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    It might not have happened. There was no brigade to use them 4 weeks ago. So either a lab test, a gesture or they are desperately short of guided missiles. Russia is not risking any planes west of the Dneipr.

    • Replies: @Seraphim
    @Philip Owen

    Why risking expensive planes when they can achieve the same goals with inexpensive artillery shells?

    Replies: @Philip Owen

  876. @utu
    @songbird

    Anatoly Karlin wants to genocide Ukrainians, and who else on this forum?

    Replies: @Yellowface Anon, @songbird, @Seraphim

    If they can find any Ukrainian left in the country!

  877. @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim

    So are you, but that doesn't stop you from blurting out nonsense all of the time.

    Replies: @Seraphim

    I was just wondering why the Terminator is not in the thick of the ‘battle’ to wipe out single- handedly tanks, planes, helicopters on behalf of the ‘Aryan Azovian battalions! He the prototype of the ‘White Aryan Warrior’ (how people imagine the ‘Yamnaya people’ on this very site).

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim

    Probably the same reason that a prototypical russophile/gypsy such as yourself choses to fight his battles helping Rasha by tapping out sheer nonsense on his keyboard - he's a decrepit old man. :-(

    Replies: @Seraphim

  878. @Philip Owen
    @Thulean Friend

    It might not have happened. There was no brigade to use them 4 weeks ago. So either a lab test, a gesture or they are desperately short of guided missiles. Russia is not risking any planes west of the Dneipr.

    Replies: @Seraphim

    Why risking expensive planes when they can achieve the same goals with inexpensive artillery shells?

    • Replies: @Philip Owen
    @Seraphim

    Becaue you have run out of smart shells.

    Replies: @Seraphim

  879. @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    I was just wondering why the Terminator is not in the thick of the 'battle' to wipe out single- handedly tanks, planes, helicopters on behalf of the 'Aryan Azovian battalions! He the prototype of the 'White Aryan Warrior' (how people imagine the 'Yamnaya people' on this very site).

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    Probably the same reason that a prototypical russophile/gypsy such as yourself choses to fight his battles helping Rasha by tapping out sheer nonsense on his keyboard – he’s a decrepit old man. 🙁

    • Replies: @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    But how come that you, a young man, are not flying to join the 'foreign legion'?

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  880. @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim

    Probably the same reason that a prototypical russophile/gypsy such as yourself choses to fight his battles helping Rasha by tapping out sheer nonsense on his keyboard - he's a decrepit old man. :-(

    Replies: @Seraphim

    But how come that you, a young man, are not flying to join the ‘foreign legion’?

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim

    The "foreign legion" doesn't interest me. Fighting for the French in this day and age? I have three relatives that have signed up and are fighting for local territorial groups. As soon as they need my help, they'll give me a call.

    How about you? Any desire to enlist for Romania's NATO vanguard? You could finally find a way to proudly serve your country, instead of trying to maintain the facade of being some kind of an erudite Orthodox holy man. :-)

  881. @Ron Unz
    As most of you have probably heard, the NYT reported that according to conservative American government estimates, more than 7,000 Russian troops have already died in the war, along with another 14,000 to 21,000 wounded:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html

    Offhand, this seems shockingly high to me, and I have absolutely no idea of how plausible those numbers might be. Given the very wide range of partisan attachments among the commenters, I'm curious what most of you think, and what the likely casualty figures would be.

    Replies: @AP, @A123, @prime noticer, @Philip Owen, @Dmitry, @V. K. Ovelund, @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    I’m curious what most of you think, and what the likely casualty figures would be.

    I do not know how many (or how few) readers are silently thinking, “I have no idea how many Russian casualties.” However, that is what I am thinking. Though an (unremarkable) ex-soldier, I lack sufficient basis for an opinion in the matter. Who knows which propaganda to believe? Not I.

    I mention it because you have asked.

    As you have noted, we’ll probably learn soon enough how many Russian casualties there have been.

  882. @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    But how come that you, a young man, are not flying to join the 'foreign legion'?

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    The “foreign legion” doesn’t interest me. Fighting for the French in this day and age? I have three relatives that have signed up and are fighting for local territorial groups. As soon as they need my help, they’ll give me a call.

    How about you? Any desire to enlist for Romania’s NATO vanguard? You could finally find a way to proudly serve your country, instead of trying to maintain the facade of being some kind of an erudite Orthodox holy man. 🙂

  883. You dodge the question. Of course you understood that I referring to the ‘foreign legion’ of cartoon warriors going to Ukraine to fight the Russkies. It looks that their warlike enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by the close contact with Messrs. Kinzhal, Iskander…
    Of course I do not have any desire to enlist for ‘Romania’s NATO vanguard’. I am of the opinion that NATO should leave Romania as well.
    I made it abundantly clear that ”J’attends les Cosaques et le Saint-Esprit”, that I wait for the moment when “Europe will really come knocking on our door, so that we get up and go to her house to save order” as Dostoievski said.

    • Replies: @Old Jew
    @Seraphim

    in 1919 Europa a batut la usa si olteanu' si-a pus opinca pe Parlament, in Budapesta.

    , @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim

    You seem to hold a contrary opinion than 99+% of your fellow countrymen. 500 French soldiers recently arrived in your country to help fortify NATO's defenses in your country. Your president, a former general himself, is quite frank and supportive about NATO's role in Europe:


    The world needs such skills today. How to stop the “illegal, unprovoked and brutal aggression against Ukraine,” as Ciucă, a former army general, describes it, is “the biggest test since the end of the Cold War,” promising to “open a new chapter of European history.” Ciucă says that NATO needs to radically broaden and embolden its mandate to meet this next generation threat.
     
    It must be difficult for a Russophile Gypsy to live in today's Romania.

    BTW, Putin is calling on foreigners to help bolster his dwindling troops. Have you considered heeding his call and putting the Ukrainian Nazis out of business, once and for all?

    Replies: @Seraphim, @Wokechoke

  884. @Seraphim
    You dodge the question. Of course you understood that I referring to the 'foreign legion' of cartoon warriors going to Ukraine to fight the Russkies. It looks that their warlike enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by the close contact with Messrs. Kinzhal, Iskander...
    Of course I do not have any desire to enlist for 'Romania's NATO vanguard'. I am of the opinion that NATO should leave Romania as well.
    I made it abundantly clear that ''J’attends les Cosaques et le Saint-Esprit'', that I wait for the moment when "Europe will really come knocking on our door, so that we get up and go to her house to save order" as Dostoievski said.

    Replies: @Old Jew, @Mr. Hack

    in 1919 Europa a batut la usa si olteanu’ si-a pus opinca pe Parlament, in Budapesta.

  885. @Seraphim
    You dodge the question. Of course you understood that I referring to the 'foreign legion' of cartoon warriors going to Ukraine to fight the Russkies. It looks that their warlike enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by the close contact with Messrs. Kinzhal, Iskander...
    Of course I do not have any desire to enlist for 'Romania's NATO vanguard'. I am of the opinion that NATO should leave Romania as well.
    I made it abundantly clear that ''J’attends les Cosaques et le Saint-Esprit'', that I wait for the moment when "Europe will really come knocking on our door, so that we get up and go to her house to save order" as Dostoievski said.

    Replies: @Old Jew, @Mr. Hack

    You seem to hold a contrary opinion than 99+% of your fellow countrymen. 500 French soldiers recently arrived in your country to help fortify NATO’s defenses in your country. Your president, a former general himself, is quite frank and supportive about NATO’s role in Europe:

    The world needs such skills today. How to stop the “illegal, unprovoked and brutal aggression against Ukraine,” as Ciucă, a former army general, describes it, is “the biggest test since the end of the Cold War,” promising to “open a new chapter of European history.” Ciucă says that NATO needs to radically broaden and embolden its mandate to meet this next generation threat.

    It must be difficult for a Russophile Gypsy to live in today’s Romania.

    BTW, Putin is calling on foreigners to help bolster his dwindling troops. Have you considered heeding his call and putting the Ukrainian Nazis out of business, once and for all?

    • Replies: @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    I do indeed hold a 99+% contrary opinion from those held by the majority of Romanians. It was always difficult for someone who had not an utter contempt for the 'Kalmycks' to live in Romania.
    Ciucă is not the President, just Prime-Minister (the tenth in so many years of Gypsy-like politics). The President is Klaus Iohannis, a 'Sas' from Sibiu-Transilvania, a modest physics teacher propelled in politics by the ''Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania''.
    I can't possibly head Putin's call for the reasons you suggested. Anyway I believe that the 'dwindling' Putin's troops are perfectly capable to deal with them once and for all.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    , @Wokechoke
    @Mr. Hack

    The whiff of Sulphur again…

  886. @Thulean Friend
    Thanks to Unz for providing this space, as Karlin has becoming increasingly deranged in his censorship and personal attacks. Not to mention his endless "I quit" only to creep back to this blog.

    I am frequently disagreeing with the pro-Ukraine side, I've called Zelensky a NATO puppet and I largely absolve Putin of the responsibility of this crisis. But I would never want to censor people who disagree with me. Unz.com is a free speech oasis and I am more than elated than Ron himself is fighting to keep it that way.

    The space for open discourse is narrowing everywhere, so we must cherish the few places where actual free speech still exists. This is one of them.

    Replies: @Anatoly Karlin, @Ron Unz, @Jidvei

    Karlin is easily the most obnoxious, arrogant asshole of the Unzverse – with some serious competition – and that’s even when you sympathize with most of his views.

    Good riddance to both you and your Serious Commentary, Anatoly! (I thought you died of Covid, the Deadly Virus or maybe that your Stats & Figures did you in. I was glad to hear you just left.)

    A free tip to anti-Russia propagandists here (there’s a ton here): get Karlin to come back. Pay him.

  887. @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim

    You seem to hold a contrary opinion than 99+% of your fellow countrymen. 500 French soldiers recently arrived in your country to help fortify NATO's defenses in your country. Your president, a former general himself, is quite frank and supportive about NATO's role in Europe:


    The world needs such skills today. How to stop the “illegal, unprovoked and brutal aggression against Ukraine,” as Ciucă, a former army general, describes it, is “the biggest test since the end of the Cold War,” promising to “open a new chapter of European history.” Ciucă says that NATO needs to radically broaden and embolden its mandate to meet this next generation threat.
     
    It must be difficult for a Russophile Gypsy to live in today's Romania.

    BTW, Putin is calling on foreigners to help bolster his dwindling troops. Have you considered heeding his call and putting the Ukrainian Nazis out of business, once and for all?

    Replies: @Seraphim, @Wokechoke

    I do indeed hold a 99+% contrary opinion from those held by the majority of Romanians. It was always difficult for someone who had not an utter contempt for the ‘Kalmycks’ to live in Romania.
    Ciucă is not the President, just Prime-Minister (the tenth in so many years of Gypsy-like politics). The President is Klaus Iohannis, a ‘Sas’ from Sibiu-Transilvania, a modest physics teacher propelled in politics by the ”Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania”.
    I can’t possibly head Putin’s call for the reasons you suggested. Anyway I believe that the ‘dwindling’ Putin’s troops are perfectly capable to deal with them once and for all.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim


    I do indeed hold a 99+% contrary opinion from those held by the majority of Romanians.
     
    What would have influenced you to develop into such a "Romanian" anomaly? I would guess that you're the son of Russian or half Russian parents that were sent to Romania by the Kremlin (real honest to goodness sovoks) to keep an eye on those pesky Romanians? Your knowledge of old history and literature is impressive enough, so that you must have gone to some very good schools. You'd never guess by reading my comments, that I'm interested in Romanian history and culture. From all accounts, it seems like a really beautiful country too.

    Replies: @Seraphim

  888. @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim

    You seem to hold a contrary opinion than 99+% of your fellow countrymen. 500 French soldiers recently arrived in your country to help fortify NATO's defenses in your country. Your president, a former general himself, is quite frank and supportive about NATO's role in Europe:


    The world needs such skills today. How to stop the “illegal, unprovoked and brutal aggression against Ukraine,” as Ciucă, a former army general, describes it, is “the biggest test since the end of the Cold War,” promising to “open a new chapter of European history.” Ciucă says that NATO needs to radically broaden and embolden its mandate to meet this next generation threat.
     
    It must be difficult for a Russophile Gypsy to live in today's Romania.

    BTW, Putin is calling on foreigners to help bolster his dwindling troops. Have you considered heeding his call and putting the Ukrainian Nazis out of business, once and for all?

    Replies: @Seraphim, @Wokechoke

    The whiff of Sulphur again…

    • Agree: Mr. Hack
  889. @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    I do indeed hold a 99+% contrary opinion from those held by the majority of Romanians. It was always difficult for someone who had not an utter contempt for the 'Kalmycks' to live in Romania.
    Ciucă is not the President, just Prime-Minister (the tenth in so many years of Gypsy-like politics). The President is Klaus Iohannis, a 'Sas' from Sibiu-Transilvania, a modest physics teacher propelled in politics by the ''Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania''.
    I can't possibly head Putin's call for the reasons you suggested. Anyway I believe that the 'dwindling' Putin's troops are perfectly capable to deal with them once and for all.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    I do indeed hold a 99+% contrary opinion from those held by the majority of Romanians.

    What would have influenced you to develop into such a “Romanian” anomaly? I would guess that you’re the son of Russian or half Russian parents that were sent to Romania by the Kremlin (real honest to goodness sovoks) to keep an eye on those pesky Romanians? Your knowledge of old history and literature is impressive enough, so that you must have gone to some very good schools. You’d never guess by reading my comments, that I’m interested in Romanian history and culture. From all accounts, it seems like a really beautiful country too.

    • Replies: @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    What influenced me is an in depth study of real Romanian history, obtainable only on the ground, in that really beautiful country. The 'good school' I attended was exclusively Romanian and participating in the Romanian 'culture'.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

  890. @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim


    I do indeed hold a 99+% contrary opinion from those held by the majority of Romanians.
     
    What would have influenced you to develop into such a "Romanian" anomaly? I would guess that you're the son of Russian or half Russian parents that were sent to Romania by the Kremlin (real honest to goodness sovoks) to keep an eye on those pesky Romanians? Your knowledge of old history and literature is impressive enough, so that you must have gone to some very good schools. You'd never guess by reading my comments, that I'm interested in Romanian history and culture. From all accounts, it seems like a really beautiful country too.

    Replies: @Seraphim

    What influenced me is an in depth study of real Romanian history, obtainable only on the ground, in that really beautiful country. The ‘good school’ I attended was exclusively Romanian and participating in the Romanian ‘culture’.

    • Replies: @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim

    Why do you put quotation marks around the word "culture"?

    Replies: @Seraphim

  891. @Ron Unz
    As most of you have probably heard, the NYT reported that according to conservative American government estimates, more than 7,000 Russian troops have already died in the war, along with another 14,000 to 21,000 wounded:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html

    Offhand, this seems shockingly high to me, and I have absolutely no idea of how plausible those numbers might be. Given the very wide range of partisan attachments among the commenters, I'm curious what most of you think, and what the likely casualty figures would be.

    Replies: @AP, @A123, @prime noticer, @Philip Owen, @Dmitry, @V. K. Ovelund, @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    It seems very high, based on my heuristic reading of western propaganda. That’s a brigade or a division worth of corpses. Anyone seen any reporting on cataclysmic battles that would lead to that number of dead?

    I haven’t. All the reporting is just vague bullshit. Don’t be surprised if they try to retcon something (“check out this battle from two weeks ago that we are just now conveniently reporting on to make the supposed figures make sense to you”).

    This is just speculation, of course.

    I think reversing the Ukrainians’ reports of Ukrainian and Russian dead gives a much more plausible result than a straight reading.

    I can buy the idea of Russians losing a relatively high number of men over a large number of small-unit actions, where the ratio of Ukrainian:Russian dead favors Ukranians more than one might expect. And I can see the Russians bombing the hell out of cities and not killing many Ukrainians.

    What I can’t buy is a ton of casualties over a short period of time AND a ratio that even remotely favors the Ukrainians. Ukrainians can win hit-and-run stuff but big battles inevitably favor Russians.

  892. @prime noticer
    @Ron Unz

    not that believable. in general anything they say is a lie.

    i think it's more like 1000 to 2000 troops, which is acceptable to RUS leadership and not that bad for a 1 month battle over the second largest area in europe. losing 4 low level generals is also acceptable and part of RUS military doctrine, not a sign that UKR forces are having great success. Russia forces generals to show up on the front lines once in a while to directly organize troops, boost morale, and force the generals to have skin in the game. they don't sit at headquarters 2000 miles away watching drones blow up 15 civilians per missile strike while reading CRT books the way General Milli Vanilli does.

    the media never talks about how UKR forces are getting clobbered. there's never any numbers for them. none of them are getting killed, none of their equipment is destroyed.

    more believable are the civilian death numbers, since there is high motivation for those numbers to be as high as possible. yet in a major war across a country with 44 million people, everybody, even the western sources, agrees that total civilians killed so far is under 2000, which is astounding, considering how when the US invades, they literally kill 100,000 people with weeks of bombing, missile strikes, and drones.

    Replies: @Veteran of the Memic Wars

    the media never talks about how UKR forces are getting clobbered. there’s never any numbers for them. none of them are getting killed, none of their equipment is destroyed.

    This. The narrative is so obviously tightly controlled. The Russian media talks specifics (this Ukrainian unit destroyed, etc.); while obviously also tightly controlled, the mention of specifics points to their having less need to lie (meaning, they’re probably winning).

    Just my speculative heuristic again.

    Why isn’t the western media embedding journos with the heroic units of the glorious, butt-kicking Ukrainian armed forces? I mean, how dangerous could it be, what with each invincible Ukrainian slaying Russians by the score…

    Why no reports about specific, butt-kicking Ukrainian units? Journals of their exploits?

  893. @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    What influenced me is an in depth study of real Romanian history, obtainable only on the ground, in that really beautiful country. The 'good school' I attended was exclusively Romanian and participating in the Romanian 'culture'.

    Replies: @Mr. Hack

    Why do you put quotation marks around the word “culture”?

    • Replies: @Seraphim
    @Mr. Hack

    Because culture is a very ambiguous term.

  894. @Anatoly Karlin
    @German_reader

    I agree with it. A Russia hypothetically defeated by Ukraine will be proven to be a very weak nation, and one that that would not deserve to be long for this world (indeed, the combination of denuclearization and NATO alignment has some chance of realizing the otherwise fantastical neocon scenario of the Chinese taking back Outer Manchuria, which would be perfectly fine by me, because they would likely make better use of those territories and resources while denying them to the Western Supremacy).

    Replies: @Twinkie, @Johann Ricke

    A Russia hypothetically defeated by Ukraine will be proven to be a very weak nation, and one that that would not deserve to be long for this world

    That last part has more than a whiff of Hitler railing against the Germans as a people unworthy of victory (and presumably his genius leadership) as the Soviets closed in on Berlin.

  895. @Seraphim
    @Philip Owen

    Why risking expensive planes when they can achieve the same goals with inexpensive artillery shells?

    Replies: @Philip Owen

    Becaue you have run out of smart shells.

    • Replies: @Seraphim
    @Philip Owen

    Because you run out of your marbles.

  896. @Mr. Hack
    @Seraphim

    Why do you put quotation marks around the word "culture"?

    Replies: @Seraphim

    Because culture is a very ambiguous term.

  897. @Philip Owen
    @Seraphim

    Becaue you have run out of smart shells.

    Replies: @Seraphim

    Because you run out of your marbles.

  898. @Anatoly Karlin
    @German_reader

    I agree with it. A Russia hypothetically defeated by Ukraine will be proven to be a very weak nation, and one that that would not deserve to be long for this world (indeed, the combination of denuclearization and NATO alignment has some chance of realizing the otherwise fantastical neocon scenario of the Chinese taking back Outer Manchuria, which would be perfectly fine by me, because they would likely make better use of those territories and resources while denying them to the Western Supremacy).

    Replies: @Twinkie, @Johann Ricke

    A Russia hypothetically defeated by Ukraine will be proven to be a very weak nation, and one that that would not deserve to be long for this world

    That’s a head-scratcher. Russia was defeated by Poland and Finland. It happens. Heck, it was defeated by Afghanistan, joining a select group of foreign powers that found this particular wasteland not worth the candle. The idea that Russia doesn’t deserve to exist as a nation because it is defeated in battle is mind-boggling. We need Russia to remain a unitary nation, if only to ward off the possibility of China tripling in territorial extent, by acquiring the Russian Far East and the stans. China’s gulags for Uighurs are a dry run for what will probably happen when it acquires the Muslim nations on its border.

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