billisonboard
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:45:44 GMT -5
Posts: 37,430
|
Post by billisonboard on Feb 27, 2022 16:32:35 GMT -5
i have no idea what that means. but just a question: was Bush deranged when he threatened to use Nukes against Iraq? He went to Defcon 3 (or some such stage of readiness).
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,323
|
Post by Tennesseer on Feb 27, 2022 16:46:21 GMT -5
EU closes airspace to Russian aircraft and blocks state-backed media
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Twitter that the European Union will ban Russian state-run media outlets from airing in the EU, as well as bar Russian aircraft from flying in EU airspace. Von der Leyen states that RT and Sputnik — both state-backed Russian networks — along with their subsidies “will no longer be able to spread their lies to justify Putin’s war.” She also says the Commission is working on tools “to ban their toxic and harmful disinformation in Europe,” although there still aren’t any details as to what this may entail. The EU will also no longer allow Russian aircraft, including private jets owned by oligarchs, in EU airspace, taking out a number of flights that land in or travel through Europe. Several EU countries, including Germany, Spain, France, Denmark, and Italy already blocked Russia out of their airspace ahead of this announcement. It remains unclear how the EU will go about banning Russian networks entirely, outside of blocking cable networks and satellite TV services from airing them. RT and Sputnik both have active YouTube channels, and RT makes some of its episodes available on its website. YouTube has banned Russian state-backed channels from monetizing their content on the platform, but has only restricted access to their videos in Ukraine. Facebook is also targeting Russian networks by banning ads from state media, while Twitter has paused ads entirely in Russia and Ukraine. In addition to putting a number of sanctions on Russia after its unprovoked attack on Ukraine, the US and Europe announced plans to ban select Russian banks from SWIFT, an international payment network, on Saturday evening. EU closes airspace to Russian aircraft and blocks state-backed media
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,323
|
Post by Tennesseer on Feb 27, 2022 16:58:12 GMT -5
Russian Planes Face Grounding Risk as Leasing Firms Mull Default
(Bloomberg) -- Russian airlines face the risk of jetliner groundings as sanctions imposed over the Ukraine invasion threaten their ability to fund rented planes and leasing firms look at enforcing default measures. More than half of the active commercial aircraft based in Russia are leased, mostly from companies based abroad, according to analysis from IBA Group, which advises airlines, planemakers, banks and lessors. That tally includes scores of aircraft at flag-carrier Aeroflot. Tests are likely to come over the next few days as carriers go to make payments for the jets they hire. With Russian financial institutions sanctioned and the U.S., European Union, U.K. and Japan taking steps to exclude some banks from the SWIFT messaging system used for transactions, airlines may struggle to submit dues for March, IBA President Phil Seymour said Sunday. There’s a real risk of default as soon as the coming week,” Seymour said in a phone interview. “Leasing firms are aware that the tap will be tightened even further as sanctions are rolled out and there are decisions to be made.” Under EU sanctions announced Sunday, leasing firms will be required to terminate all contracts with Russian airlines over the next 30 days, said a senior leasing executive with aircraft in the country. This requirement is independent of the SWIFT bans, the person said, based on their understanding of the measures. Repossessions may already be taking place. A European lessor is recalling three Boeing Co. 737 aircraft from Aeroflot’s low-cost Pobeda unit, Interfax reported, citing an unidentified source at the Russian flag-carrier. Russian media outlet RBC reported separately that an Irish leasing firm seized a Pobeda 737 at Istanbul Havalimani airport, citing an unidentified Russian airline source. Representatives from the Russian carriers didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment from Bloomberg outside of business hours. AerCap Holdings NV is most exposed to the crisis, with 152 aircraft across Russia and Ukraine that have a portfolio market value approaching $2.5 billion, according to IBA figures. Among foreign lessors, SMBC Aviation Capital, the Dublin-based leasing arm of Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, ranks next by value, with Singapore-based BOC Aviation and Air Lease Corp. of Los Angeles holding smaller positions. Russian state leasing firm GTLK ranks second overall with a blend of commercial jets and helicopters including the Russian-built Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional airliner, which would likely be unaffected, Seymour said. AerCap has 96 planes on lease to Aeroflot and 17 to low-cost subsidiary Pobeda, according to aviation consulting firm Avitas, corresponding to about 5% of the Dublin-based firm’s total fleet. While Russian airlines have been hit by airspace closures that largely prevent them from operating westbound, about 65% of the market comprises domestic flights mostly unaffected by the measures. That means demand for those aircraft will remain strong, IBA says, especially after a strong travel rebound from Covid-19. Even if Russian airlines manage to hand over fees, lessors will be examining grounds for seizing jets should they view themselves as compromised by the developing situation or deem aircraft to be at risk now or in the future. Plane-rental contracts generally contain a “material adverse change” clause and leasing firms could argue that airspace closures and sanctions imposed on Russian carriers amount to just such a breach. That would allow them to declare default and seize back their aircraft, Seymour said. Rest of article here: Russian Planes Face Grounding Risk as Leasing Firms Mull Default
|
|
billisonboard
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:45:44 GMT -5
Posts: 37,430
|
Post by billisonboard on Feb 28, 2022 10:05:15 GMT -5
Think this is well worth reading: Ukraine raises moral question of war as a spectator event Watching war on screen is complicated. Viewing war can deepen our empathy, lead to greater aid and philanthropy and encourage pacifism. But it can also be a source of manipulation, misinformation and even inertia. That is why, as we watch another war begin, we should think carefully about how we consume it.
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,323
|
Post by Tennesseer on Feb 28, 2022 10:13:03 GMT -5
|
|
billisonboard
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:45:44 GMT -5
Posts: 37,430
|
Post by billisonboard on Feb 28, 2022 10:27:26 GMT -5
|
|
happyhoix
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Oct 7, 2011 7:22:42 GMT -5
Posts: 20,851
Member is Online
|
Post by happyhoix on Feb 28, 2022 10:57:49 GMT -5
Yeah, Trump said this, then went into the WH to watch the attack on the big screen with his snacks and Diet Coke. The president of Ukraine is still in the capital with his troops.
|
|
happyhoix
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Oct 7, 2011 7:22:42 GMT -5
Posts: 20,851
Member is Online
|
Post by happyhoix on Feb 28, 2022 11:13:52 GMT -5
Intel services are afraid Putin may be crazy. www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-intel-agencies-are-debating-whether-putin-has-gone-mad-or-is-bluffing-to-disconcert-the-west-report-says/ar-AAUpy7iI was listening to a former ambassador to Russia on the tubes over the weekend and he said Putin has always been notorious for ignoring advice from anyone else, and now, during the Covid period, has physically isolated himself at his compound with few visitors. He doesn’t care about international or national opinions, either. The fear is he might start using poison gas and other weapons of mass destruction if his team doesn’t start winning. Even neutral Switzerland has taken sides against him and Finland thinks it wants to join NATO. Whatever Putin thought would happen, it isn’t. That makes him dangerous.
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,323
|
Post by Tennesseer on Feb 28, 2022 11:22:35 GMT -5
Putin may have accidentally orchestrated his own demise
Shortly before he invaded Ethiopia in 1935, Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini stated, “I follow my instincts, and I am never wrong.” That war bankrupted the state, but it made him popular with Italians as the restorer of the Italian empire. It also further inflated his ego. In 1940, against the advice of many of his generals, Il Duce entered World War II alongside Adolf Hitler. He counted on a quick win and lasting glory, but instead dragged Italy through a disastrous war that ended with his own execution by anti-fascist partisans in 1945. Over time, exerting this kind of power can lead an autocrat to believe his own propaganda and act on his worst impulses. These dramatic events, and the terrible toll of strongman leadership, come to mind as Russian President Vladimir Putin embarks on a risky war against Ukraine. He is motivated by a desire to secure his place in history as the leader who revived a version of the Soviet empire. It could backfire on him in multiple ways. After 22 years in power, Putin's governance style and structures resemble those that have led past autocrats to make bad decisions. The recent photographs of him at enormous tables, absurdly distant not just from foreign heads of state but from members of his own security council, suggest a state of isolation common among leaders who have exercised too much power for too long. All strongmen build "inner sanctums" to manage day-to-day governance. Composed of flatterers, family members and cronies, all of them chosen for their loyalty rather than their expertise, they shield him from any unpleasant counsel — and share handsomely in the profits from his thievery. This is certainly the case in Russia, a fully realized kleptocracy: In 2018, 3 percent of Russians held about 90 percent of the country’s assets, with Putin's oligarchs owning the lion's share of those. Over time, exerting this kind of power can lead an autocrat to believe his own propaganda and act on his worst impulses, leading not just to the destruction of his foreign enemies, but to destabilizing situations at home that can jeopardize his rule. We saw, for example, the thousands of Russians participating in anti-war protests over the past days. A Russian platoon allegedly surrendered to Ukrainian troops when they realized they were sent there to “kill Ukrainians.” As is typical with strongmen, the present international crisis reflects Putin's private preoccupations — what haunts him, as well as what he takes for granted due to his arrogance. Putin has long been inordinately fearful of Ukrainian democracy, seeing it as a threat on his border to his autocratic brand of power. What author Peter Pomerantsev called the Kremlin's "obsessive stalking of Kyiv" reflects this focus. Putin will only feel safe if he annihilates Ukraine as a sovereign entity, which he did, at the rhetorical level, in his Monday speech. In 2018, 3 percent of Russians held about 90 percent of the country’s assets, with Putin's oligarchs owning the lion's share of those. At the same time, Putin suffers from fantasies of grandeur. He obtained a nationalist high, and soaring approval ratings, following his 2014 annexation of Crimea. Perhaps he believes he can repeat the experience. Yet Russia is a different place in 2022, both in terms of foreign preparedness to act against his kleptocracy and the degree of domestic disaffection with Putin's corruption and repression that have accelerated over the past few years. In fact, the Russian president's formal lock on power, secured by his 2020 amendment of the constitution, has been accompanied by more, not less, violence against those who expose his corruption. This is a sign of insecurity, not of confidence. Rest of article here: Putin may have accidentally orchestrated his own demise
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,323
|
Post by Tennesseer on Feb 28, 2022 11:39:36 GMT -5
It's a small act. But many small acts add up to big actions. FIFA to Finally Suspend All Russian Teams: ReportsFIFA is reportedly planning to sideline all Russian national teams, including men’s and women’s, from playing in international games as the nation’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine continues. Reuters reports that FIFA is corresponding with the Union of European Football Associations to finalize the decision on Monday. Some individual countries, like Sweden and Poland, had already independently refused to play Russia in FIFA games. However, it’s unclear what form the suspension would take, including whether the team would still be allowed to play under a generic name with no Russian flag, similar to the country’s Olympic athletes, who have competed in the last two Olympic games under the “Russian Olympic Committee” team name as punishment for widespread state-sanctioned doping. Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board recommended on Monday that Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials be banned from any international sporting competition. The war in Ukraine “puts the Olympic Movement in a dilemma,” the board said in a statement. While the movement doesn’t want to punish athletes for the decisions of their government, many athletes from Ukraine are prevented from competing at all “because of the attack on their country,” they said. FIFA to Finally Suspend All Russian Teams: Reports
|
|
billisonboard
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:45:44 GMT -5
Posts: 37,430
|
Post by billisonboard on Feb 28, 2022 11:46:55 GMT -5
Intel services are afraid Putin may be crazy. www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-intel-agencies-are-debating-whether-putin-has-gone-mad-or-is-bluffing-to-disconcert-the-west-report-says/ar-AAUpy7iI was listening to a former ambassador to Russia on the tubes over the weekend and he said Putin has always been notorious for ignoring advice from anyone else, and now, during the Covid period, has physically isolated himself at his compound with few visitors. He doesn’t care about international or national opinions, either. The fear is he might start using poison gas and other weapons of mass destruction if his team doesn’t start winning. Even neutral Switzerland has taken sides against him and Finland thinks it wants to join NATO. Whatever Putin thought would happen, it isn’t. That makes him dangerous. Nuclear I questioned. Chemical I see as a real possibility.
|
|
Cheesy FL-Vol
Junior Associate
"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." -- Helen Keller
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:13:50 GMT -5
Posts: 6,682
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":""}
|
Post by Cheesy FL-Vol on Feb 28, 2022 12:30:57 GMT -5
Putin may have accidentally orchestrated his own demise
Shortly before he invaded Ethiopia in 1935, Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini stated, “I follow my instincts, and I am never wrong.” That war bankrupted the state, but it made him popular with Italians as the restorer of the Italian empire. It also further inflated his ego. In 1940, against the advice of many of his generals, Il Duce entered World War II alongside Adolf Hitler. He counted on a quick win and lasting glory, but instead dragged Italy through a disastrous war that ended with his own execution by anti-fascist partisans in 1945. Over time, exerting this kind of power can lead an autocrat to believe his own propaganda and act on his worst impulses. These dramatic events, and the terrible toll of strongman leadership, come to mind as Russian President Vladimir Putin embarks on a risky war against Ukraine. He is motivated by a desire to secure his place in history as the leader who revived a version of the Soviet empire. It could backfire on him in multiple ways. After 22 years in power, Putin's governance style and structures resemble those that have led past autocrats to make bad decisions. The recent photographs of him at enormous tables, absurdly distant not just from foreign heads of state but from members of his own security council, suggest a state of isolation common among leaders who have exercised too much power for too long. All strongmen build "inner sanctums" to manage day-to-day governance. Composed of flatterers, family members and cronies, all of them chosen for their loyalty rather than their expertise, they shield him from any unpleasant counsel — and share handsomely in the profits from his thievery. This is certainly the case in Russia, a fully realized kleptocracy: In 2018, 3 percent of Russians held about 90 percent of the country’s assets, with Putin's oligarchs owning the lion's share of those. Over time, exerting this kind of power can lead an autocrat to believe his own propaganda and act on his worst impulses, leading not just to the destruction of his foreign enemies, but to destabilizing situations at home that can jeopardize his rule. We saw, for example, the thousands of Russians participating in anti-war protests over the past days. A Russian platoon allegedly surrendered to Ukrainian troops when they realized they were sent there to “kill Ukrainians.” As is typical with strongmen, the present international crisis reflects Putin's private preoccupations — what haunts him, as well as what he takes for granted due to his arrogance. Putin has long been inordinately fearful of Ukrainian democracy, seeing it as a threat on his border to his autocratic brand of power. What author Peter Pomerantsev called the Kremlin's "obsessive stalking of Kyiv" reflects this focus. Putin will only feel safe if he annihilates Ukraine as a sovereign entity, which he did, at the rhetorical level, in his Monday speech. In 2018, 3 percent of Russians held about 90 percent of the country’s assets, with Putin's oligarchs owning the lion's share of those. At the same time, Putin suffers from fantasies of grandeur. He obtained a nationalist high, and soaring approval ratings, following his 2014 annexation of Crimea. Perhaps he believes he can repeat the experience. Yet Russia is a different place in 2022, both in terms of foreign preparedness to act against his kleptocracy and the degree of domestic disaffection with Putin's corruption and repression that have accelerated over the past few years. In fact, the Russian president's formal lock on power, secured by his 2020 amendment of the constitution, has been accompanied by more, not less, violence against those who expose his corruption. This is a sign of insecurity, not of confidence. Rest of article here: Putin may have accidentally orchestrated his own demise It is really crazy how you can easily insert DT in place of Putin in many areas of this article.
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,323
|
Post by Tennesseer on Feb 28, 2022 12:48:05 GMT -5
Putin may have accidentally orchestrated his own demise
Shortly before he invaded Ethiopia in 1935, Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini stated, “I follow my instincts, and I am never wrong.” That war bankrupted the state, but it made him popular with Italians as the restorer of the Italian empire. It also further inflated his ego. In 1940, against the advice of many of his generals, Il Duce entered World War II alongside Adolf Hitler. He counted on a quick win and lasting glory, but instead dragged Italy through a disastrous war that ended with his own execution by anti-fascist partisans in 1945. Over time, exerting this kind of power can lead an autocrat to believe his own propaganda and act on his worst impulses. These dramatic events, and the terrible toll of strongman leadership, come to mind as Russian President Vladimir Putin embarks on a risky war against Ukraine. He is motivated by a desire to secure his place in history as the leader who revived a version of the Soviet empire. It could backfire on him in multiple ways. After 22 years in power, Putin's governance style and structures resemble those that have led past autocrats to make bad decisions. The recent photographs of him at enormous tables, absurdly distant not just from foreign heads of state but from members of his own security council, suggest a state of isolation common among leaders who have exercised too much power for too long. All strongmen build "inner sanctums" to manage day-to-day governance. Composed of flatterers, family members and cronies, all of them chosen for their loyalty rather than their expertise, they shield him from any unpleasant counsel — and share handsomely in the profits from his thievery. This is certainly the case in Russia, a fully realized kleptocracy: In 2018, 3 percent of Russians held about 90 percent of the country’s assets, with Putin's oligarchs owning the lion's share of those. Over time, exerting this kind of power can lead an autocrat to believe his own propaganda and act on his worst impulses, leading not just to the destruction of his foreign enemies, but to destabilizing situations at home that can jeopardize his rule. We saw, for example, the thousands of Russians participating in anti-war protests over the past days. A Russian platoon allegedly surrendered to Ukrainian troops when they realized they were sent there to “kill Ukrainians.” As is typical with strongmen, the present international crisis reflects Putin's private preoccupations — what haunts him, as well as what he takes for granted due to his arrogance. Putin has long been inordinately fearful of Ukrainian democracy, seeing it as a threat on his border to his autocratic brand of power. What author Peter Pomerantsev called the Kremlin's "obsessive stalking of Kyiv" reflects this focus. Putin will only feel safe if he annihilates Ukraine as a sovereign entity, which he did, at the rhetorical level, in his Monday speech. In 2018, 3 percent of Russians held about 90 percent of the country’s assets, with Putin's oligarchs owning the lion's share of those. At the same time, Putin suffers from fantasies of grandeur. He obtained a nationalist high, and soaring approval ratings, following his 2014 annexation of Crimea. Perhaps he believes he can repeat the experience. Yet Russia is a different place in 2022, both in terms of foreign preparedness to act against his kleptocracy and the degree of domestic disaffection with Putin's corruption and repression that have accelerated over the past few years. In fact, the Russian president's formal lock on power, secured by his 2020 amendment of the constitution, has been accompanied by more, not less, violence against those who expose his corruption. This is a sign of insecurity, not of confidence. Rest of article here: Putin may have accidentally orchestrated his own demise It is really crazy how you can easily insert DT in place of Putin in many areas of this article. It did cross my mind. Several times.
|
|
happyhoix
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Oct 7, 2011 7:22:42 GMT -5
Posts: 20,851
Member is Online
|
Post by happyhoix on Feb 28, 2022 12:49:17 GMT -5
I saw where Putin has an estimated worth of 200 billion with a B while the average income in Russia is less than what the average Chinese earns - a little over 10000 a year.
How is it possible for a communist leader to have that much money?
|
|
billisonboard
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:45:44 GMT -5
Posts: 37,430
|
Post by billisonboard on Feb 28, 2022 12:52:40 GMT -5
I saw where Putin has an estimated worth of 200 billion with a B while the average income in Russia is less than what the average Chinese earns - a little over 10000 a year. How is it possible for a communist leader to have that much money? He isn't a communist leader.
|
|
Cheesy FL-Vol
Junior Associate
"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." -- Helen Keller
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:13:50 GMT -5
Posts: 6,682
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":""}
|
Post by Cheesy FL-Vol on Feb 28, 2022 12:54:13 GMT -5
It is really crazy how you can easily insert DT in place of Putin in many areas of this article. It did cross my mind. Several times. I believe he even said what Mussolini said nearly verbatim: “I follow my instincts, and I am never wrong.”
|
|
laterbloomer
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2018 0:50:42 GMT -5
Posts: 4,347
|
Post by laterbloomer on Feb 28, 2022 13:25:43 GMT -5
I'm watching a young woman on CTV news, a member of parliament in Ukraine, talking about how she is not leaving her country and despite the fact that she has voted against arming civilians many, many times, she is currently carrying an AK47 to protect her children and aging parents from the Russians....just wow... she looks like she is about GW's age
|
|
Value Buy
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 17:57:07 GMT -5
Posts: 18,680
Today's Mood: Getting better by the day!
Location: In the middle of enjoying retirement!
Favorite Drink: Zombie Dust from Three Floyd's brewery
Mini-Profile Name Color: e61975
Mini-Profile Text Color: 196ce6
|
Post by Value Buy on Feb 28, 2022 14:11:23 GMT -5
I'm watching a young woman on CTV news, a member of parliament in Ukraine, talking about how she is not leaving her country and despite the fact that she has voted against arming civilians many, many times, she is currently carrying an AK47 to protect her children and aging parents from the Russians....just wow... she looks like she is about GW's age ABC television Network interviewd a housewife who is in charge of mobilizing the men into a militia to fight in the area against the Russian incursion. A housewife! spoke very good english with the reporter. I cannot fathom a woman in the Ukraine who had no problem discussing her job. So brave. I would think she would be at the top of the Russian hitlist for this if they took over. No facial covering either....... So different from Iraq and Afghanistan where the men dumped their weapons and ran rather than fight for their country and freedom.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Apr 17, 2024 15:20:23 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2022 14:18:54 GMT -5
I’ve read that Shell and BP are divesting their interests in Russia. Any thoughts on this?
|
|
Spellbound454
Senior Member
"In the end, we remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends"
Joined: Sept 9, 2011 17:28:42 GMT -5
Posts: 3,987
|
Post by Spellbound454 on Feb 28, 2022 14:24:54 GMT -5
I saw where Putin has an estimated worth of 200 billion with a B while the average income in Russia is less than what the average Chinese earns - a little over 10000 a year. How is it possible for a communist leader to have that much money? There are is Russian Oligarchs and dirty money in London. We are going after it ... everything from houses to yachts. Its quite well hidden though... and that's a problem.
|
|
billisonboard
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:45:44 GMT -5
Posts: 37,430
|
Post by billisonboard on Feb 28, 2022 15:05:11 GMT -5
I'm watching a young woman on CTV news, a member of parliament in Ukraine, talking about how she is not leaving her country and despite the fact that she has voted against arming civilians many, many times, she is currently carrying an AK47 to protect her children and aging parents from the Russians....just wow... she looks like she is about GW's age ABC television Network interviewd a housewife who is in charge of mobilizing the men into a militia to fight in the area against the Russian incursion. A housewife! spoke very good english with the reporter. I cannot fathom a woman in the Ukraine who had no problem discussing her job. So brave. I would think she would be at the top of the Russian hitlist for this if they took over. No facial covering either....... So different from Iraq and Afghanistan where the men dumped their weapons and ran rather than fight for their country and freedom. Did she also speak good English well? Agree that the Ukraine people, including their President, are putting others to shame. Talking the talk is easy. Walking the walk on the other hand ...
|
|
hurley1980
Well-Known Member
I am all that is wrong with the world....don't get too close, I'm contagious.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 17:35:06 GMT -5
Posts: 1,942
|
Post by hurley1980 on Feb 28, 2022 15:49:41 GMT -5
ABC television Network interviewd a housewife who is in charge of mobilizing the men into a militia to fight in the area against the Russian incursion. A housewife! spoke very good english with the reporter. I cannot fathom a woman in the Ukraine who had no problem discussing her job. So brave. I would think she would be at the top of the Russian hitlist for this if they took over. No facial covering either....... So different from Iraq and Afghanistan where the men dumped their weapons and ran rather than fight for their country and freedom. Did she also speak good English well? Agree that the Ukraine people, including their President, are putting others to shame. Talking the talk is easy. Walking the walk on the other hand ... Everything I have seen on TV and online about the people of Ukraine tells me they are a country of badasses who are not to be messed with! From their citizens to their elected leaders, no one is backing down. I am so proud of them. I hope to travel to Kyiv someday and meet some of the amazing people there!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Apr 17, 2024 15:20:23 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2022 16:39:05 GMT -5
Did she also speak good English well? Agree that the Ukraine people, including their President, are putting others to shame. Talking the talk is easy. Walking the walk on the other hand ... Everything I have seen on TV and online about the people of Ukraine tells me they are a country of badasses who are not to be messed with! From their citizens to their elected leaders, no one is backing down. I am so proud of them. I hope to travel to Kyiv someday and meet some of the amazing people there! Yes! I am very impressed by the courage of the citizens and their leaders. Badasses is a good way to describe them imo. We could learn a lot from them.
|
|
dondub
Senior Associate
The meek shall indeed inherit the earth but only after the Visigoths are done with it.
Joined: Jan 16, 2014 19:31:06 GMT -5
Posts: 12,110
Location: Seattle
Favorite Drink: Laphroig
|
Post by dondub on Feb 28, 2022 16:45:18 GMT -5
I would proudly wear a t-shirt with Zelensky’s quote:
“I need ammunition. I don’t need a ride”.
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,323
|
Post by Tennesseer on Feb 28, 2022 18:36:53 GMT -5
Zelenskyy also said at his 2019 innauguration:
"I really do not want my pictures in your offices, for the President is not an icon, an idol or a portrait. Hang your kids' photos instead, and look at them each time you are making a decision,"
|
|
happyhoix
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Oct 7, 2011 7:22:42 GMT -5
Posts: 20,851
Member is Online
|
Post by happyhoix on Feb 28, 2022 19:44:02 GMT -5
I saw where Putin has an estimated worth of 200 billion with a B while the average income in Russia is less than what the average Chinese earns - a little over 10000 a year. How is it possible for a communist leader to have that much money? He isn't a communist leader. I know. I was joking. Not very well, I know.
|
|
Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
|
Post by Lizard Queen on Feb 28, 2022 19:50:20 GMT -5
|
|
happyhoix
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Oct 7, 2011 7:22:42 GMT -5
Posts: 20,851
Member is Online
|
Post by happyhoix on Feb 28, 2022 20:11:46 GMT -5
I saw where Putin has an estimated worth of 200 billion with a B while the average income in Russia is less than what the average Chinese earns - a little over 10000 a year. How is it possible for a communist leader to have that much money? There are is Russian Oligarchs and dirty money in London. We are going after it ... everything from houses to yachts. Its quite well hidden though... and that's a problem. I remember reading about one of them who bought a beautiful London estate and then was trying to get approval for digging out some massive subterranean bat cave underneath it with garages, pool, gym, etc. crazy. His neighbors were trying to get it rejected. I figured he was sinking all that money into it so if Russia ever collapsed he’d have a wonderful bolt hole to run too - not anymore.
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,323
|
Post by Tennesseer on Feb 28, 2022 20:16:11 GMT -5
Watched this monster one time land and later take off. Very impressive. World’s Biggest Plane Destroyed in Russian Attack on Airfield(Bloomberg) -- The world’s biggest aircraft, the Antonov-225 cargo plane, was destroyed by Russian forces while it was under repair at an airfield in Gostomel near Kyiv, according to Ukraine’s state-run Ukroboronprom. Restoration of the aircraft, known as Mriya, will take more than five years at a cost of over $3 billion following the attack, Ukroboronprom said in a statement dated Sunday, adding that it aimed to ensure Russia covers the costs. “Russia has hit the Mriya as a symbol of Ukraine’s aviation capabilities,” the company said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also tweeted about the aircraft. The six-engine aircraft is 84 meters long and has a wingspan of about 88 meters. It first flew in December 1988 and holds records for transporting the biggest commercial cargo. “The occupiers destroyed the airplane, but they won’t be able to destroy our common dream,” Ukroboronprom said. “Mriya will definitely be reborn.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also tweeted about the aircraft. The six-engine aircraft is 84 meters long and has a wingspan of about 88 meters. It first flew in December 1988 and holds records for transporting the biggest commercial cargo. “The occupiers destroyed the airplane, but they won’t be able to destroy our common dream,” Ukroboronprom said. “Mriya will definitely be reborn.”[/a] World’s Biggest Plane Destroyed in Russian Attack on Airfield
|
|
Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
|
Post by Lizard Queen on Feb 28, 2022 20:46:55 GMT -5
Y'all have heard of this, right?
|
|