Politics

[JGRaider]

Ukraine is one of the most corrupt countries in Europe and Zelenskyy is a loser. I say let them fend for themselves. As long as my taxpayer $$$ are going over there, I'm against it, period. No telling how many $$$ wind up back in our corrupt politicians bank accounts.

 

[RTG]

I could not disagree more - at least not with respect to Ukraine.

The appropriation for Ukraine has nothing to do with any of this whatsoever - not at all. Indeed it is one tiny aspect of this bill where there is thankfully broad bipartisan support. Which of course allows gadflies like Hawley, Gaetz, MTG, and Boebert to spew nonsense without fear of actual consequences.

For the umpteenth time, no defense related funds are "delivered" to Ukraine - on time or otherwise. The guy who wrote this is playing his readers just like the left wing kooks over on MSNBC are playing their audience.

The screwed up budget process (or non budget process) where everything, to include the defense budget, is wrapped up into a single bill which is then delayed to the end of the year in a complicated game of Mexican standoff over very nearly every other item in it is what delays execution. This first happened during the Clinton administration and affected both active duty and the guard.

Merry Christmas Red Leg.

To our politicians, the budget process is not screwed up at all. It’s an effective plan to shield themselves from blame. You must admit, it has worked brilliantly. No more long debates about funding ridiculous, wasteful nonsense. Just ram it through right before Christmas, when nobody is watching. Make sure the most offensive amendments are sponsored by outgoing politicians who won’t be back next year. Most of this 4155 page bill has been sitting in someone’s desk drawer for the last six months, just waiting for Christmas.

The word “delivery” caught your attention? You are a very detailed person. Sorry to have distracted, I don’t give a rats ass about that. Will never be my point. My point is always America, its direction and its future.

Mitch McConnell‘s number one stated goal: Funding for Ukraine. Not funding for American soldiers, not fighting for a stable economy that can continue to pay for all this generosity.

It’s the big picture that’s ignored by all the detailed people. Our nation is in decline. We have no monetary policy. We have no plan for the future. 31 trillion national debt will soon be 50 trillion, which will rapidly lead to 100 trillion. At some point, the hot potato explodes. What then?

We don’t have any of this money. By creating this money, we devalue what money we actually did have. Governmentium is not sustainable. It will eventually explode like the big bang.

 

[RTG]

Governmentium

The heaviest chemical element yet known to science. Governmentium (Gv) has 1 neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, 75 deputy neutrons, and 224 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected as it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Governmentium causes one reaction to take over four days to complete when it would normally take less than a second. Governmentium has a normal half-life of three years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.

In fact, Governmentium mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause some morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.

When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium--an element which radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons

 

[Scott CWO]

Ukraine is one of the most corrupt countries in Europe and Zelenskyy is a loser. I say let them fend for themselves. As long as my taxpayer $$$ are going over there, I'm against it, period. No telling how many $$$ wind up back in our corrupt politicians bank accounts.

@JGRaider yes Ukraine was corrupt. So what? Is this something new in the world? This is about real estate and stopping the rebuilding of the Soviet Bloc. We send aid to hundreds of corrupt countries to keep them friendly, allow trade, etc…

Have you traveled much internationally for hunting, pleasure or business? Deep corruption is everywhere. It’s very bad throughout Eastern Europe, South America, Asia and definitely, Africa. Even in the USA and Western Europe, it is rampant but not always in plain sight. We do attempt to follow the Rule of Law a bit more. However, look at the Biden family’s kleptocracy with Hunter, Joe’s brother and “the Big Guy.” Why do you think our last Republican Governor of Colorado and most US Senators and Congressmen are appointed to various paid bank boards, corporate boards and NGO boards almost immediately after out of political office? In the USA, we usually wait to payoff politicians until AFTER they are out of office. Other countries don’t wait and the Biden’s and Clinton’s changed that here as well.

The Daley machine in Chicago groomed Obama to be a councilman, Senator and President. Bill Daley was Clinton’s Secretary of Commerce and one of Obama’s Chiefs of Staff. He’s now Chief of Public Affairs for Wells Fargo, collecting a big paycheck and not doing much.

If we used a corruption test to determine who we help, we would help no one, not even our own country.

 

[Wheels]

For the umpteenth time, no defense related funds are "delivered" to Ukraine - on time or otherwise.

The problem isn't necessarily military aid. More than half the aid to Ukraine is non military. Out of $48B of aid between January-November, $$23B has been military. It's the $25B of financial and humanitarian aid where monies start slipping into black holes.

How Much U.S. Aid Is Going to Ukraine?

Nine charts illustrate the extraordinary level of support the United States has provided Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders.

www.cfr.org

Infographic: Who provides the most aid to Ukraine?

US, EU and European states provide most of the military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

www.aljazeera.com

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

The problem isn't necessarily military aid. More than half the aid to Ukraine is non military. Out of $48B of aid between January-November, $$23B has been military. It's the $25B of financial and humanitarian aid where monies start slipping into black holes.

How Much U.S. Aid Is Going to Ukraine?

Nine charts illustrate the extraordinary level of support the United States has provided Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders.

www.cfr.org

Infographic: Who provides the most aid to Ukraine?

US, EU and European states provide most of the military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

www.aljazeera.com

From the second article you linked

However, the US, the world’s largest economy, only provides Ukraine with aid that amounts to less than a quarter of a percent (0.23) of its GDP. Contrast that with Baltic countries, such as Estonia whose total bilateral commitments as a percentage of its GDP was 1.1 percent, followed by Latvia with 0.93 percent, Poland 0.5 percent and Lithuania 0.46 percent.

 

[Wheels]

From the second article you linked

However, the US, the world’s largest economy, only provides Ukraine with aid that amounts to less than a quarter of a percent (0.23) of its GDP. Contrast that with Baltic countries, such as Estonia whose total bilateral commitments as a percentage of its GDP was 1.1 percent, followed by Latvia with 0.93 percent, Poland 0.5 percent and Lithuania 0.46 percent.

I understand. That has nothing to do with the point I was making however.

 

[1dirthawker]

I think it is worth knowing that the flag was signed and presented by the defenders of Bachmut in thanks for the American people's support.

an awesome gesture, just bummed that nancy was the one to receive it. she does not deserve any grace at any time.

 

[Ray B]

The sad thing is that the entire Ukraine fiasco was entirely avoidable. Thanks Bidet for your excellent leadership. How we are going to survive another 2 years is anyone's guess.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

An interesting video from an economist who frequently consults with the US military and government. Don't let the terrible taste in ties fool you

 

[Wheels]

 

[WAB]

An interesting video from an economist who frequently consults with the US military and government. Don't let the terrible taste in ties fool you

Fascinating. Fifteen or so years ago a leading economist led a discussion with our board and executive team. His global predictions have been uncannily accurate. One prediction that sticks in my mind was the spread of Islam across Europe, driven by regional birth rates and workforce demands. We would do well to better understand global macro drivers and how they present risks and opportunities for our businesses and countries.

I firmly believe that Russia has charted a course of self destruction. The question we really need to answer is how to manage their demise in a way that minimizes the human and economic toll. I wish I had confidence that our leadership was up to the task.

 

[Wheels]

For those that don't remember, Meme is a takeoff to Biden getting Ukraine state prosecutor fired for investigating Burisma which hired Hunter Biden.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Ukraine is one of the most corrupt countries in Europe and Zelenskyy is a loser. I say let them fend for themselves. As long as my taxpayer $$$ are going over there, I'm against it, period. No telling how many $$$ wind up back in our corrupt politicians bank accounts.

Wars are like fires, unless you contain them they spread, and can grow rapidly. In today's interconnected world nobody is immune, or can escape by putting your head in the sand. Like it or lump it, the best money the USA can spend is to get someone else to do the fire fighting whilst it is still relatively small.

 

[BSO Dave]

Which of course allows gadflies like Hawley, Gaetz, MTG, and Boebert to spew nonsense without fear of actual consequences.

Gadflies??

Interesting term to describe those above that I regard as the very few in Congress willing to call out the bullshit and madness that continues to boil up from the D.C swamp.. If there were more politicians like them in the party, I would actually consider re-joining the republican party again. What nonsense is it that they are spewing exactly? The part about the practice of actual fiscal conservatism perhaps? The McConnell's and McCarthy's are the true "gadflies" or better yet, the manure flies.. They are the actual problem with the republican party today.

I consider myself a Reagan-era conservative and right leaning on most issues especially the fiscal ones.. It surprises me a bit that we see so many issues from completely different perspectives.

Merry Christmas all the same..

Mitch McConnell‘s number one stated goal: Funding for Ukraine. Not funding for American soldiers, not fighting for a stable economy that can continue to pay for all this generosity.

It’s the big picture that’s ignored by all the detailed people. Our nation is in decline. We have no monetary policy. We have no plan for the future. 31 trillion national debt will soon be 50 trillion, which will rapidly lead to 100 trillion. At some point, the hot potato explodes. What then?

We don’t have any of this money. By creating this money, we devalue what money we actually did have. Governmentium is not sustainable. It will eventually explode like the big bang.

Once again, well stated..! You saved me a post..

The blatant hypocrisy in combination with the deliberate misprioritization by the dems along with the vast majority of the republicans in Congress is outrageous and disgusting.

@JGRaider yes Ukraine was corrupt. So what? Is this something new in the world? This is about real estate and stopping the rebuilding of the Soviet Bloc. We send aid to hundreds of corrupt countries to keep them friendly, allow trade, etc…

I agree that most nations, especially, the most powerful ones, send aid in many forms including straight up bribes. I don't think most Americans have a problem with that as long as they can see what we are receiving in exchange. I heard Zelensky mention in his WH speech that we are "investing" in Ukraine but he failed to mention the rate of return or the tangible collateral that the U.S. will be getting...? Hopefully it pays off before we crash our own markets and currency..

 

[BSO Dave]

 

[Scott CWO]

Gadflies??

Interesting term to describe those above that I regard as the very few in Congress willing to call out the bullshit and madness that continues to boil up from the D.C swamp.. If there were more politicians like them in the party, I would actually consider re-joining the republican party again. What nonsense is it that they are spewing exactly? The part about the practice of actual fiscal conservatism perhaps? The McConnell's and McCarthy's are the true "gadflies" or better yet, the manure flies.. They are the actual problem with the republican party today.

I consider myself a Reagan-era conservative and right leaning on most issues especially the fiscal ones.. It surprises me a bit that we see so many issues from completely different perspectives.

Merry Christmas all the same..



Once again, well stated..! You saved me a post..

The blatant hypocrisy in combination with the deliberate misprioritization by the dems along with the vast majority of the republicans in Congress is outrageous and disgusting.



I agree that most nations, especially, the most powerful ones, send aid in many forms including straight up bribes. I don't think most Americans have a problem with that as long as they can see what we are receiving in exchange. I heard Zelensky mention in his WH speech that we are "investing" in Ukraine but he failed to mention the rate of return or the tangible collateral that the U.S. will be getting...? Hopefully it pays off before we crash our own markets and currency..

I agree with most of your points but I don’t admire some of the things the listed politicians do and say in their all-out defense of Trump and his narcissism. As I have said many times here before, I liked Trump’s border policies, tougher on China policy, tougher on NATO policy and a lot of other policies but didn’t like his love of dictators, firing respected military leaders via Twitter, firing his good legal team after the election in November after they told him they could find no SUBSTANTIVE election fraud (other than mailing every deadbeat a ballot), etc, etc… The listed politicians just kept defending EVERYTHING he did, as did some republicans that got caught up in the cult of personality. This blows up your credibility. As for me, I will not condone every idiotic thing someone does just because he’s in my party and my President. It reminds me of some parents that continually blame a teacher or school as they ignore the obvious fact to the rest of us that their kid is a pain in the ass or causing problems that the rest of us can clearly see even if the kid has other admirable qualities. Nobody is always perfect, even Trump or your own kid!

 

[Red Leg]

Gadflies??

Interesting term to describe those above that I regard as the very few in Congress willing to call out the bullshit and madness that continues to boil up from the D.C swamp.. If there were more politicians like them in the party, I would actually consider re-joining the republican party again. What nonsense is it that they are spewing exactly? The part about the practice of actual fiscal conservatism perhaps? The McConnell's and McCarthy's are the true "gadflies" or better yet, the manure flies.. They are the actual problem with the republican party today.

I consider myself a Reagan-era conservative and right leaning on most issues especially the fiscal ones.. It surprises me a bit that we see so many issues from completely different perspectives.

Merry Christmas all the same..



Once again, well stated..! You saved me a post..

The blatant hypocrisy in combination with the deliberate misprioritization by the dems along with the vast majority of the republicans in Congress is outrageous and disgusting.



I agree that most nations, especially, the most powerful ones, send aid in many forms including straight up bribes. I don't think most Americans have a problem with that as long as they can see what we are receiving in exchange. I heard Zelensky mention in his WH speech that we are "investing" in Ukraine but he failed to mention the rate of return or the tangible collateral that the U.S. will be getting...? Hopefully it pays off before we crash our own markets and currency..

I am indeed a staunch eighties era Reagan Republican. That is exactly why these self-promoting blowhards are so offensive. They are able to practice their prattle because enough Republicans are doing what is necessary with respect to our actual national interests that they are free to play to the far right Trump base. I think Gaetz and Hawley are actually fairly bright (well, with respect to the speakership - perhaps not Gaetz) and are simply using their microphones to try to advantage themselves as potential heir apparents to that voting block. That strikes as the height of cynicism. MTG is a reflection of AOC in republican clothing. Their combined IOQ might represent a form of plant life.

As I noted earlier, my experience and understanding of international relations and what constitutes my country's national interests are not so nuanced that supporting Russian territorial ambitions and strategic goals over the self determination of a European state aspiring for a place in the democratic West makes any sort of sense.

And I wish you a merry Christmas as well.

 

[Wheels]

 

[Ray B]

COLLAPSE OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE??
I'm wondering what that would look like. My understanding of the Russian population is that there is the political class- most of whom are wealthy with their funds secured in non-Russian entities. Everyone else is either urban or rural. the govt has provided a supply system so that those in urban areas are at least comfortable in their status a notch or two above poverty level. then there is the rural population who are more or less on their own, striving to scratch an existence out of the soil or resources.
This perspective is the result of seeing Russia through the lens of American media, but I am wondering if the Russian Empire collapses, what will be different for 99% of the Russian citizens not connected to wealth?