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Can we offer this Ukranian solider a scholarship?

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    PostGameOrangeSlicesPostGameOrangeSlices Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 24,610
    First Anniversary 5 Awesomes 5 Up Votes Combo Breaker
    Founders Club

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    Your second point, not as much. Ukrainian corruption is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.

    This was about sending a message that the time of would-be conquerors and land grabs is at an end. The US is great at justifying reasons for invading and bombing the shit out of 3rd world countries, but the US also doesn't annex land like it's the 1700s anymore.

    Russia and China have a military philosophy centered entirely on land grabs. China wants Taiwan, and all of Asia lets be honest. Russia wants USSR 2.0 - Georgia, Crimea, then the big magnum opus - Ukraine - which was a complete and total clusterfuck.

    The West, which runs the world, decided no more landgrabs and therefore it was easy to justify helping Ukraine. Ukraine has shown no lack of will to fight either, and that was before Russia raped, mutilated, and deported children in places like Bucha and Mariupol.

    They have a highly trained and highly motivated army that is pushing Russia to the brink.

    In a lot of ways this "Speshul Military Operation" was about sending a message. Russia tried and failed to show they are to be feared again. The US and allies are showing that the time for bullshit landgrabs is over and there will be consequences for such attempts. And by doing so, it sends a very clear message to China.
  • Options
    PostGameOrangeSlicesPostGameOrangeSlices Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 24,610
    First Anniversary 5 Awesomes 5 Up Votes Combo Breaker
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    Ukrainian corruption is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.

    Bullshit.

    Absolute and utter bullshit.

    I'm sure the nukes will fly any day now buddy.
  • Options
    BlueduckBlueduck Member Posts: 1,105
    First Comment First Anniversary 5 Up Votes 5 Awesomes

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
  • Options
    RoadTripRoadTrip Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 7,300
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    Blueduck said:
    PGOS will claim this is Russian propoganda. He's all in and must surely believe Poland has its own Badass Wardaddy.
  • Options
    PostGameOrangeSlicesPostGameOrangeSlices Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 24,610
    First Anniversary 5 Awesomes 5 Up Votes Combo Breaker
    Founders Club
    edited August 2023
    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
  • Options
    RaceBannonRaceBannon Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 101,727
    First Anniversary First Comment 5 Awesomes 5 Up Votes
    Swaye's Wigwam
  • Options
    RoadTripRoadTrip Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 7,300
    First Anniversary 5 Up Votes First Comment 5 Awesomes
    Founders Club

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    If Russia is so fucking feeble now, why are you worried they'd invade elsewhere? According to your logic, they are disabled and incapable of stamping out an anthill.
  • Options
    BlueduckBlueduck Member Posts: 1,105
    First Comment First Anniversary 5 Up Votes 5 Awesomes

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

  • Options
    PostGameOrangeSlicesPostGameOrangeSlices Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 24,610
    First Anniversary 5 Awesomes 5 Up Votes Combo Breaker
    Founders Club
    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

    Notice no NATO troops are fighting, dipshit
  • Options
    RoadTripRoadTrip Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 7,300
    First Anniversary 5 Up Votes First Comment 5 Awesomes
    Founders Club

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

    Notice no NATO troops are fighting, dipshit
    That wasn't his point but I'll engage your take. When Ukraine is out of teenagers and retirees, where do they turn?
  • Options
    BlueduckBlueduck Member Posts: 1,105
    First Comment First Anniversary 5 Up Votes 5 Awesomes

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

    Notice no NATO troops are fighting, dipshit
    Oh nice, start with the name calling when you cant answer the question

    Why dont they send in the Pols to take care of old Puty Poot?
    Clearly they would mop the the floor with Putin's conventional forces.
    Dont even need NATO ..right?

  • Options
    PostGameOrangeSlicesPostGameOrangeSlices Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 24,610
    First Anniversary 5 Awesomes 5 Up Votes Combo Breaker
    Founders Club
    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

    Notice no NATO troops are fighting, dipshit
    Oh nice, start with the name calling when you cant answer the question

    Why dont they send in the Pols to take care of old Puty Poot?
    Clearly they would mop the the floor with Putin's conventional forces.
    Dont even need NATO ..right?

    Why doesn't Russia send in the troops that can beat Ukraine?

    Why doesn't Poland send in troops in a war they aren't part of?

    See how dumb this is?
  • Options
    PostGameOrangeSlicesPostGameOrangeSlices Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 24,610
    First Anniversary 5 Awesomes 5 Up Votes Combo Breaker
    Founders Club
    RoadTrip said:

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

    Notice no NATO troops are fighting, dipshit
    That wasn't his point but I'll engage your take. When Ukraine is out of teenagers and retirees, where do they turn?
    They seem to be doing just fine with the troops they have
  • Options
    RoadTripRoadTrip Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 7,300
    First Anniversary 5 Up Votes First Comment 5 Awesomes
    Founders Club
    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

    Notice no NATO troops are fighting, dipshit
    Oh nice, start with the name calling when you cant answer the question

    Why dont they send in the Pols to take care of old Puty Poot?
    Clearly they would mop the the floor with Putin's conventional forces.
    Dont even need NATO ..right?

    If any NATO country gets involved, I believe all of them have to by treaty.
  • Options
    Bob_CBob_C Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 9,081
    5 Up Votes Photogenic First Anniversary 5 Awesomes
    Founders Club
    RoadTrip said:

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

    Notice no NATO troops are fighting, dipshit
    Oh nice, start with the name calling when you cant answer the question

    Why dont they send in the Pols to take care of old Puty Poot?
    Clearly they would mop the the floor with Putin's conventional forces.
    Dont even need NATO ..right?

    If any NATO country gets involved, I believe all of them have to by treaty.
    Not true unless attacked. Remember France not going to Iraq?
  • Options
    RoadTripRoadTrip Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 7,300
    First Anniversary 5 Up Votes First Comment 5 Awesomes
    Founders Club

    RoadTrip said:

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

    Notice no NATO troops are fighting, dipshit
    That wasn't his point but I'll engage your take. When Ukraine is out of teenagers and retirees, where do they turn?
    They seem to be doing just fine with the troops they have
    There are plenty of sources who disagree but it doesn't matter if Ukraine has 100,000 or 400,000 casualties. Eventually, if Russia doesn't disengage and pull out, the death count will be undeniable and Ukraine will need foreign soldiers no?
  • Options
    PostGameOrangeSlicesPostGameOrangeSlices Member, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 24,610
    First Anniversary 5 Awesomes 5 Up Votes Combo Breaker
    Founders Club
    RoadTrip said:

    RoadTrip said:

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

    Notice no NATO troops are fighting, dipshit
    That wasn't his point but I'll engage your take. When Ukraine is out of teenagers and retirees, where do they turn?
    They seem to be doing just fine with the troops they have
    There are plenty of sources who disagree but it doesn't matter if Ukraine has 100,000 or 400,000 casualties. Eventually, if Russia doesn't disengage and pull out, the death count will be undeniable and Ukraine will need foreign soldiers no?
    No.
  • Options
    BlueduckBlueduck Member Posts: 1,105
    First Comment First Anniversary 5 Up Votes 5 Awesomes

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    Blueduck said:

    If Putin is the biggest threat since Hitler and wants to go to the English Channel if not stopped in Ukraine why would world War 3 be ridiculous?

    Have you seen what Germany looked like when Hitler lost? If he had nukes he would have used them

    PGOS is willing to fuck around and find out because of his boyfriend Zelensky

    He's not but that doesn't mean Russia isn't the enemy.

    When you're Alabama playing Mississippi State you don't quit when you're up 34-17.

    Or in this case, when you're playing for the North championship you root for Wazzu to knock Oregon off by even a field goal.

    I agree that the admin is lying about the "why". I just overall see it as a net gain to neuter Russia and send a signal to Chy-na about Taiwan(to actually prevent ww3).
    Quite honestly I don't disagree with a lot of this

    My opposition has always been about the bad actors in America and the globalist cabal being behind this

    And Zelensky is a piece of shit

    The bullshit about this whole thing is well, bullshit

    Let them kill each other.
    Agree with most of this.

    What's happening in Ukraine IS horrible but so long as the Ukrainians are willing to be the ones to fight and die for their country then that's their choice.

    I, and I suspect many here who aren't pinkos, would do the same for our own country(not government).

    I'll be rooting for Wazzu this week. Things may change next week. Ups and downs of realpolitik.
    It there is a problem, it's a European problem. They don't act like it's a problem, so why are we carrying most of the freight?
    What would you consider "acting like it's a problem" that is beyond the current response while also not dangerously escalating things towards WW3 as you so claim to be concerned about? Should France send Nukes? What exactly is the critique of the European response beyond "not enough" which you also seem to be against "dangerous escalation"? Which is it?

    Please draw the middle road you are advocating for and do so in detail with specifics by country since Europe is hardly monolithic in its response.

    As per raw numbers the US is the leader but as a percentage of gdp or military spending we aren't close to many other countries. I doubt you expect Luxembourg to out donate even say, Canada, despite the relative interests in security concerns.
    The middle road I'm advocating is that we don't have a national interest in being the world's policeman and rescuing a corrupt Ukraine. Let the Euros figure it out. I don't see the UK, Germany or France on the top list below for some reason. Luxembourg clearly is pulling it's weight though.

    ==========
    As a share of its GDP, Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO, budgeting 3.9 percent in 2023. The U.S. is second, spending 3.49 percent, followed by Greece at 3.01 percent, Estonia at 2.73 percent, and Lithuania at 2.54 percent. Luxembourg, at 0.72 percent, is the smallest spender, followed by Belgium at 1.13 percent, Spain at 1.26 percent, Turkey at 1.31 percent, and Slovenia at 1.35 percent.
    Now do percentage of that spending/gdp donated. Belgium/Netherlands basically both donated their entire air forces.

    And then bought new stuff from the US.

    Similar situations with the Baltic states.

    You can argue that the US should be more isolationist, and I have sympathy for that position as @RaceBannon could probably attest to but, ultimately it's hard to maintain unless you want a multipolar world with Russia and the CCP getting to call the shots.

    I think you have to be the big dick and throw the big dick energy around. Teddy and Trump style. Smartly, but none the less. #rocketman #solemanishredded

    Ad in a long talk about prevention ism and US foreign policy in general.
    Russia has nukes and oil. That's it. NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today. The problem is China and that's where our focus should be. The dems dirty expensive non-reliable US energy policy is a boon for both Russia and China as our energy costs have soared and we are hooked on China's metals and solar panels and wind turbines. So, we have no articulable direct interest in the Ukraine being run by corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs rather than corrupt Russian oligarchs. We do have articulable interests in a secure US border and disengaging from China. The Euros still aren't spending what we do on the military on a GDP percentage.

    Your first point is correct. Poland would win a war against Russia, by itself. We know that now, we didn't in early 2022.

    .
    The statement was...

    NATO without the US can handle Russian conventional forces. Russia couldn't take Poland today.


    Extrapolating "NATO without the US could handle Russian conventional forces"
    into
    "Poland would win a war against Russia by itself" is hilarious!

    If you mean Poland without NATO, you are playing with about a dozen cards short of a full deck.
    Now do Russia vs Ukraine from 2022 ;)

    2023 Russia could not take over 2023 Poland. Case closed
    False

    If Poland is such a bad ass wtf does Ukraine need 100 billion from us for.

    Send in the Pols

    Notice no NATO troops are fighting, dipshit
    Oh nice, start with the name calling when you cant answer the question

    Why dont they send in the Pols to take care of old Puty Poot?
    Clearly they would mop the the floor with Putin's conventional forces.
    Dont even need NATO ..right?

    Why doesn't Russia send in the troops that can beat Ukraine?

    Why doesn't Poland send in troops in a war they aren't part of?

    See how dumb this is?
    You haven't been listening for 183 pages that's how dumb this is.

    YOU made the ridiculous claim Poland can take Russia all by it's lonesome.
    I call BULLSHIT.
    That was the point and now you're waffling around and moving goal poasts and deflecting as you always do.
    By the stats and numbers and assets you are wrong unless Poland has NATO backing. Case closed.

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