Russia

[McParadigm]

Most of the Republican party (and the conservative media community) is critical of, and aggressive about responding to, this invasion.

But it is true that a wing of officials and figureheads exists who trend defensive of Putin even now, and those people are also **all** in the camp that still supports ‘stolen election’ claims, ‘lock them up’ chants, and intimidation tactics against ‘disloyal’ party members.

So it’s not “Republicans,” it’s just one wing of the party apparatus…specifically, one that increasingly favors a conclusive conservative cultural victory and a nationalistic policy approach over the principles of democracy.

It’s not hard to see why that might make them more sympathetic to someone like Putin.

It seems increasingly possible, however, that the primary field for 2024 will feature Republicans on both sides of the “Russia hawk” line, though. It will be interesting to see how that plays out in a contest where the deciding factor is Republican bedrock voters.

[McParadigm]

[tragabigzanda]

FUCK ICE

[McParadigm]

“If only there were some sort of decentralized currency that protects the anonymity of all parties involved in an international transaction.” -Putin

“Hackers use mining malware on Fartcoin servers, accidentally steal Russia.”

[BurtReynolds]

In an alternate universe with people whose brains aren't infested with mindworms, the increasing ability and willingness for western governments to control the world through the banking system would raise some red flags.

Soft power.

[McParadigm]

the increasing ability for western governments to control the world through the banking system

increasing?

[elliseamos]

Banking sanctions in response to tanks and bombs is a pretty amazing phenomenon.

[BurtReynolds]

the increasing ability for western governments to control the world through the banking system

increasing?

Cashless society, increasing interconnectedness and consolidation has made it easier than ever. And they can get as granular as they need to, cutting off individual citizens, dissident groups or "rogue" nations as needed with a push of a button.

The increasing willingness doesn't come as a shock when they have so little to fear. Turns out people don't seem to mind being subject to the social credit system. They actively cheer it on even though they don't know what it is.

[BurtReynolds]

From what I understand, Russia has a system of it's own that's robust enough, and I'm sure they expected it, so it's probably not a huge disruption for them.

SWIFT is still pretty sinister though.

[McParadigm]

And they can get as granular as they need to, cutting off individual citizens, dissident groups…

I mean, it’s certainly easier to prevent a truck convoy protest from receiving outside financial assistance in a world of digital transfer. But then, said convoy was intentionally blockading a major international trade route, so….hoisted, petard, etc.

or "rogue" nations as needed with a push of a button.

Yes. The Euro-American need to aggressively and malevolently dominate weaker nations is the core issue in Ukraine right now.

But going back, what you said was “increasing ability for western governments to control the world through the banking system,” and you said it in response to international economic sanctions.

Do you really believe that the vice grip on international economic order by what are often (goofily) called “western“ nations is greater now than in, say, 2003? Or 1993? That they can decide and dominate the world economy more now than then?

[BurtReynolds]

- then we agree on the first part of your response. For the second part, I care a lot less about the working class disrupting the economy than the state having the ability seize property.

- The beauty of soft power is that you don't have to look aggressive while increasing your power in the world. The bonus is that it makes reactions to it look like the initial aggression.



- I don't know what's goofy about referring to these countries as "The West", but you can substitute whatever name you prefer.

- Yes I think for sure it's easier now than it was in the 90s or 00s. I don't see how someone could think otherwise. Some say crypto is a way around it, but I doubt it.

[elliseamos]

Yeah, I don't know. Jerry was scared of Tom and called in Spike to save his life. The US/NATO isn't scared of Ukraine.

[BurtReynolds]

Yeah, I don't know. Jerry was scared of Tom and called in Spike to save his life. The US/NATO isn't scared of Ukraine.

No way a mouse could hold a board that big either, much less harm a dog with it. And how could it possibly conceive of framing the cat?

[BurtReynolds]

It's a freaking mouse! Their brains are so tiny!

[elliseamos]

Calmer than you are, Burt. Point still stands.

[McParadigm]

It’s amazing to frame a Russian invasion of Ukraine in a manner that treats the country itself as without desires, purely an extension/victim of NATO maneuvering.

No amount of distrusting NATO makes it reasonable for Russia to bomb Kyiv. Kyiv’s existence isn’t theirs to dictate.

[BurtReynolds]

It's not that amazing actually

[elliseamos]

Wait! Ukraine is the plank?! I get it.

[dimejinky99]

This cunt. The pee tape is still obviously front and Center on his tiny little mind

[BurtReynolds]

Weird to see people post clips of Trump making sense on the message board, but I like it!