All_Pro_Bills

Apparently they are that stupid along with lots of other armchair military strategists. I'm guessing most of these "experts" have never been in any kind of confrontation that escalates into a fight in their lives. The reality that if you punch somebody in the face they're probably going to punch you in the face is lost on them. But sure let's bomb the Russian convoy. What could possibly go wrong with that idea? They would never dare to respond in kind, right?

Sure if you want to believe that's what happened and continue living in your alternate reality then good for you.

Too bad 3 Presidents prior to that were not. And the one after. Along with social, political and business elites being bought off. Threatening our democracy.

They're well on their way to accomplish that goal. We're almost completely dependent on China for consumer goods. They're one of the US government biggest creditors. And they've successfully infiltrated universities and the academic world along with the entertainment industry. Try expressing anti-China sentiment in one of these areas. You won't find work. Espionage on military and civilian technology is a standard practice. Interestingly on a side topics, one of their operatives, a research scientist was kicked out of Canada several years ago for stealing viral samples from a research lab in Winnipeg. Specifically, Coronavirus strains. Patent laws are non-existent. They've systematically built out their military capabilities on land, sea, and air. And the country is ruled by a one-party intelligence and surveillance state. Hong Kong has been completely absorbed and the next target is Taiwan. Their Belt and Road initiative in Asia is growing ever larger. They've for all purposes colonized large parts of Africa. And are securing long term sources of materials and oil & gas. In the case of Russia they back Putin, sit back, and watch and wait. In summary, they appear to have a solid plan in place and are executing it very well. Over the weekend I read this about the strategy called "elite capture". Maybe an eye opener for many. https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/18207/elite-capture

Maybe you can send the Ottawa PD over to help? I heard they're pretty tough when it comes to roughing up unarmed protesters and trampling old ladies.

My overall assessment is the US, NATO, and Europe "partners" led Ukraine into this situation, urged them to pick a fight they couldn't win alone, provided them with some weapons and assurances of support, and then when the hostilities started, we split. If we didn't have their backs in this fight with Russia that was obviously looking for a confrontation and a good excuse to start it, then we should have made that clear at the start. My sympathies to the Ukrainian people because we failed them. And basically hung them out to dry. And our response? Some useless sanctions because we're afraid to bear some pain and sacrifice for our ideals and to support the cause by doing something more intense. Now that to me un-American and calling out our leader and government for what I consider to be their unacceptable actions doesn't make me the bad guy.

I just can't wrap my head around the complete 180 that leftist, social justice types, and virtue signalers here who consistently criticize and basically hate everything about systemically racist and oppressive America, its history, and its culture. and that despise the flag-waving yokels and hicks they label as racists and bigots, have suddenly turned into Patriots. And presto, chango, they're big supporters of all things American. And have the balls to call out anyone as un-patriotic and anti-American that dares to deviate from their latest script on the topic. My advice is they should go fook themselves.

Can anyone identify any "accomplishments" that the President can highlight? Or the positive "vision" he might lay out for the next year? Seriously I think this might be the shortest SOTU speech ever.

It seems every country is joining the sanctions and restrictions. Except China. But is that any surprise?

I wouldn't dismiss your approach but my conclusion is that initiative of accelerating the renewable switch is demonstrably the very thing that put Germany in the precarious position they now face. Having to bow to pressure from Russia because they are dependent as their "green" initiatives faced with a windless and cloudy Winter has left them helpless. And more expensive to boot! So I'd need a good post mortem analysis of Germany's program identifying why they failed and how to avoid it. My other concern is simply what was referred to in my past experience in the logistics world as "material availability". I want the cheapest, quickest, and most effective approach to neutralizing the threat, and signaling to Putin that I mean business here and he's got to pay attention. So objectively show me the benefits, risks & rewards of accelerating alternative energy sources against a conventional approach that I'm expect has an almost 100% chance of success. I'm not sure what the answer is but you're asking the right questions. Maybe Putin wants to use up all the old gear first since its paid for and would otherwise just be scraped (or sold off to 3rd world dictators). Making something of what accountant's call "sunk costs". Maybe he doesn't want to provide Western military analysts with any "game film" on his newest weapons. Provide them with insights into the performance and capabilities of his latest weapons and aircraft in combat situations. Like analysts get when aircraft encroach on a country's territory. They don't have an attack in mind as much as wanting intel on response times and defense tactics. I also expect Putin's strategy is to avoid civilian casualties as much as is possible. The goal isn't to eliminate the population. The goal is to neutralize the Ukrainian military and either replace or re-purpose the current government with one that has a more "independent" posture with the West.

While we can debate how the situation came to this point it's looking clearer that Putin's Ukraine objective is to roll back the clock to 2014 when a Russia friendly government resided in Kiev. Early on there was talk of Putin/Zelensky sit downs to discuss Ukraine neutrality implying the Russian invasion could stop and Zelensky's administration could remain in power but that seems to have fallen apart. So now on to Plan B to be install a pro-Russian government. One that will not join NATO and will expel Western "influences". I don't think these sanctions will have much of an impact. And expelling Russia from SWIFT? That's been talked about for years in the currency and trade sector. Russia has systemically eliminated most of its dollar reserves or direct dollar exposure. If blocked from SWIFT there are alternatives. The key theme is all of the US alliances actions and reactions have been anticipated. Russian strategists will conclude the West has no resolve for conflict. And still doesn't get it. Outside of the hostilities my key takeaway is how completely exposed the Climate Change agenda has left Europe to Russian energy dependence. To the point they're unable to take any tangible and damaging actions outside of direct conflict with Russia that won't hurt them more than they hurt the Russians. Without Russian gas most of Europe would freeze to death during the Winter. These same "Green" policies being pushed in America by radical elements inside and outside the administration. When it comes to Russian collusion, I found it interesting to read how Russian sources pumped more than $150M into NGO's and environmental groups to influence policies pushing renewables, solar, wind, etc., while they monopolized the oil and gas markets in Europe and formed a solid alliance with OPEC countries to form what's been referred to as OPEC+. Now, instead of relying on domestic production in the face of much higher oil prices Biden begs the Saudi's to increase production. Another assessment I have is the Saudi's are moving closer to Russia. And if you've seen recent visuals on Saudi prince MBS greeting Putin you'd see something akin to an NFL TD celebration between players. All this might also embolden Iran to seek better terms in current negotiations. To quote Irv "what a mess". If Biden had a couple functioning brain cells left and any semblance of concern for America, he'd wake up tomorrow morning and re-license the Keystone pipeline and re-think the demonization of the oil & gas sector which would send The Left into a tizzy and throw of plans laid out in Davos but it's time for the adults in the room to take charge. It would send a message we're taking actions to counter Russian energy extortion and blackmail posture. Of course, this is most unlikely to happen.

Along with the belief that American "Patriots" or anyone expressing nationalist tendencies were a dangerous collective of subversive extremists that needed to be squashed and silenced. Add in mind-boggling efforts like the Military "weeding out" extremists thinking among rank-and-file personnel. Most of which are the most battle-ready and battle-hardened soldiers on the planet. And replace them with 90 lb. vegan women's studies graduates that are experts on understanding the roots of oppression that based on Hollywood illusions of strength and courage will have no trouble in hand-to-hand close combat situations with Russian Spetsnaz units.

Yes, the free press and media staffed and controlled by the far-left and DNC assets that has pissed on every core traditional American "value" along with running psych ops against 1/2 of the country by demonizing them as "domestic extremists" and "domestic terrorist" has suddenly got religion and is playing Yankee Doodle Dandy 24/7 while admonishing anyone that doesn't fall in line with the administration's dreadful policy miscalculations as un-American. Or dare I say... supporting Putin. Now that's quite a role reversal for a cast of characters that has spent the better part of their professional and personal lives castigating and criticizing the traditional and historical America of the said "terrorists". But presto.. over the course of just a couple nights they've transformed themselves into true red, white, and blue America loving patriots. All while amazingly appearing to believe they invented the concept! There's just no limit to their ingenuity and abilities. So now we're faced with a media that hates America and can find nothing good about our systemically racist and oppressive country and advocate for cultural Marxism, strangely enough the same type of belief system that spawned the likes of Putin, who convince themselves once again they occupy the moral high ground.

The "progressive" administration has adopted the business best practice of sharing market and product research with competitors. Nothing screams inclusion and equity better. In exchange for valuable real-time intelligence, the Chinese reciprocated by sending Joe a box of 5 1/4" floppy disks.

Maybe events will prove me wrong or maybe they'll prove me right. But my read of the Russian objective is not some fight to the last man scenario. It's to roll back the clock to pre-2014. Before the Maiden revolt. And it looks like both Putin and Zelensky are receptive to talks to discuss the invasion and among other things "neutral status" for Ukraine. What's Putin's pitch going to be? I expect something like this (Using mafia boss protection racket lingo): "Look, we (Russia) don't have anything against the government or people of Ukraine. Our quarrel is with the Americans over various issues that don't concern your country. But they came to Kiev, whispered promises in your ear, and sent all kinds of weapons and urged your countrymen to take an adversarial approach to Russia. All while their President and his administration made belligerent statements and threats towards us. Interfering in the affairs between our two countries. Sticking their noses in our business between each other. But when the fighting started what did they do? They split. They abandoned you. And they're response has been to impose sanctions that honestly we could care less about at the moment. I'm not looking to replace your government or replace you as President. Our countries have co-existing for a long time and have a long history together. All I'm asking is you be agreeable to taking a neutral stance and not to take one side or the other in our disagreements with the Americans. If we can agree to that then we can end this conflict as quickly as possible". If I'm right then the Washington establishment, the deep state, or whoever is calling the shoots screwed the pooch once more by severely miscalculating and playing the game two or three steps behind the curve. Putin got what he wanted, neutralizing the NATO threat or the threat of American forces parked next door for the cost of some useless sanctions. Either we need some more effective thinking and strategies out of Washington or some fresh eyes and minds on the problem. I'm sure their are competent and capable people in the intelligence services and Pentagon that understand exactly what is going on here but they are most certainly being ignored. Ignored by the idiots in charge. Now the usual characters may read this and suggest I'm "blaming America" or siding with Putin. Frankly I wish those that interpret my assessment this way weren't so clueless about the main themes in play here. Our strategies and tactics for dealing with Russia are totally dysfunctional and we better fix it quick. If anybody wants to believe all is well and good and just invoking this good vs. evil ideology and cheering on over-matched Ukrainian forces from 8,000 miles away is going to bring out the tooth fairy to sprinkle magic dust on the American position and make it all work then fine. They way it stands now its like Dick Jauron vs. Bill Belichick. Remember how that went most of the time?

Who sends you this stuff? You're Chinese handlers?

They have a mutual objective of eliminating US global hegemony. Russia in Europe and the Middle East and China in Asia while quietly establishing what can only be described as colonies in Africa. They have made great progress while Americans walk around staring at their smart phones all day. All while our government and media are focused on witch hunts for "domestic extremists" and push things like gender fantasies in life and entertainment such as the virtues of boys adopting feminine traits and pushing the narrative of feminist strength and wisdom. Hollywood relegating the white (sometimes black too) male character to the role of a stupid and ineffective bit player in the story. Wimpifying our younger male population. Hardly the seed stock for an effective fighting force necessary to engage tough and hardening Russian and Chinese soldiers that I guarantee are trained to show no mercy. Is it a surprise as the academic world and entertainment industry and media in many respects are controlled by Chinese money. Maybe this Russian invasion will wake the country up to real threats? If not, then what will?

Honestly, I don't think Biden will have the mental capacity to serve his term through 2024. But please stop suggesting I'm blaming our country. I've recapped the nefarious actions of a specific official, supported by evidence. So I'm blaming one American. I don't see how you can equate citing the actions of one official to blaming a country. But if you want to make the argument "America right or wrong" from the Vietnam era then fine. Like I said, I'm simply stating the actions of un-elected government official running a clandestine unofficial off-the-books operation to destabilize and overthrow an elected government in a foreign country. How much more un-American can it get than that? And if you think overthrowing a corrupt government that was sympathetic to Russian interests and replacing it with a corrupt one that was sympathetic to "American" interests had absolutely no bearing on the events that were set in motion event you're either knowingly ignoring reality or oblivious to it. Why right after that coup Russia invaded and annexed Crimea. Was that a mere coincidence? What you're misinterpreting as anti-American is just an attempt to instill into the conversation some awareness and understanding of what might motivate the enemy. Just thinking we're good and they're evil doesn't provide much guidance and understanding of events or help shape strategy. Know your friends but know you're enemy better. The other thing I'll say is this. I don't know about you but in my experience with confrontations in each and every case there was no totally innocent or totally guilty party involved. Either side could have avoided or de-escalated the confrontation if they desired. Think about that here. This is all I've got to say on the blame America tag.

I also wish Trump would keep quiet but among other things he's a narcissistic megalomaniac that loves to toot his own horn. On the other hand can you blame people that officials, activists, social justice experts, and their party running our government and almost all of our societies economic, social, and political organizations and institutions have pissed all over for 5 years, for being critical of the administration's strategy here. But just like that, without an apology of any kind or any remorse, the said pissers are suggesting all the people they've targeted as fascist dictatorship-loving scum and other less than flattering terms, should fall into line to support "America" which translated means support Joe Biden. That might be asking a lot. Maybe the far-left starting that conversation with an "I'm sorry" would be a good place to start?

I'm just citing facts here without judgment. And it's verified by the very recorded words of the then under-secretary of State telling European officials, to paraphrase, "this is how its going down in Ukraine and if you don't like it then F you". Its not my opinion so why attack me? Why don't you redirect your anger at the people setting and executing these policies and creating negative consequences for a lot of people instead of attacking powerless citizen (me) just pointing them out?

Here's my best shot in bold. And pre-emptively, for anyone that might jump on my back to suggest I'm lining up with the enemy I'm not expressing my personal view of the situation. I am simply looking to provide my opinion and insights into what I believe and conclude is their thinking.

My purpose was to set some historical context which some choose to ignore.

You are completely wrong. Trump's presidency delayed this outcome by 4 years. Obama established the conditions for this conflict through the State Department and CIA orchestrated Maiden protests and the coup against former President Yanukovych. And installed the current government in Kiev. Zelensky's current administration, just as corrupt as the previous administration but answering to Washington rather than Moscow. All verified by recorded conversations between then under secretary of State Victoria Nuland and European counterparts. Nuland coincidentally, is back with the Biden administration in the in a similar role. You should give up blaming Trump here. The shelf life on that has expired. Its sounds like a pathetic excuse that losers use when they can't cope with a problem. And recall Crimea was annexed during the 2nd Obama term and they did nothing.

He's trying to de-legitimize your opinion by implying you're advocating radical changes to our system of government. Like stacking the Supreme Court with more politically compliant judges or changing the rules of order in the Senate like abolishing the filibuster rules, and eliminating the Parliamentarian role. Whereas I suspect your suggesting citizens utilize the democratic process to vote out the slimmest of slim Congressional majority these idiots hold in the November 2022 mid-terms.

In football parlance I'm a diehard Bills fan and I don't like Belichick but I grudgingly have to admit that he's a good and smart football coach. Maybe the GOAT. But that doesn't make me a Patriots fan. That just means I have a comprehension of the abilities of our adversary. And acknowledge them. If others want to say he sucks as a coach well then okay. But is that reality?