Posts by goldenpuma84

Nathan Thomas12 said:You're barking up the wrong tree.🕺
So what was the price of gas before versus after the sanctions?
Just in January of this year, Russia was sitting on a deficit equal to 5% of its GDP.

Major price hikes are coming on March 1st, 2023.

Take a look at your utility bills from Duke Energy...

What happens when the Government's relief measures expire on March 31st, 2023?

Just because the European Union managed to scrape by through one mild winter doesn't mean they've fixed the systemic issue of energy demand versus supply.

Honestly, the European Union hasn't even begun to address the core problem...

I couldn't care less about the Russian deficit. I'm just worried about what life is going to look like for the average American soon...

Nathan Thomas12 said:Market price—because, you know, capitalism.

The guy I was citing argued that China buying up Russian energy proves they're just exploiting the situation for profit rather than being "friendly." So, I asked how American leaders treat their European allies when they sell them energy at five times the price—what kind of relationship is that? And my answer was just that it's simply "market principles."

So why isn't it considered "the market" when China and India buy oil and gas, but instead it's called exploitation?...

Bryan Booth82 said:No matter how hard you try, you can't argue with basic math.
The logic is dead simple: war is expensive, and someone has to foot the bill.
The more they have to buy at high prices while selling their own goods at a discount just to keep moving, the faster they'll run out of cash.
Sanctions take a long time to kick in—especially at the start—but once they gain momentum, they accelerate until they eventually crush the economy.

I would love to see all those people who constantly lecture us about how sanctions don't do a damn thing to the Russians still hanging around here in another year or two... but based on experience, I know they'll vanish just like 90% of the people on the Russia thread did.
Best regards,

Funny thing is, everything you guys say about how sanctions hit the Russian economy applies just as much to the European economies, yet you act like it's not happening, you little pro-American types...

analogbear5 said:Their allies are such great partners—they won't even buy anything without demanding a massive discount, knowing full well the Russians are in a tight spot.

On the flip side—Russians are fighting back by slashing production big time just to offset those discounts.

China and India being "allies" with Russia is nothing more than a pipe dream. Give me something real for once.

And at what price are our allies selling energy to Europe?

Did that cross your mind when you were talking about alliances...

William Anderson5 said:If sanctions hurt the EU more than they hurt Russia, why are the Russians so obsessed with us and constantly meddling? I suppose it serves their interests to see the Western economy collapse...

Based on Putin's rhetoric, you'd think he's trying his hardest to save Europe, but he just can't manage it. It's almost as if he wants the EU and America to become even stronger, but they simply won't allow it...

Sanctions definitely hit Russia, but they hit the EU too—it's just that Russia seems to be feeling it less. There are reports that since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia actually made more money because energy prices spiked for all the neutral countries buying their stuff. Meanwhile, the EU is staring down an economic disaster this summer...

As for Americans, the sanctions don't really hurt them much. If they did, they wouldn't bother passing them in the first place. Unlike Europe, they aren't doing anything that actually hurts their own pockets...

gentlerider7 said:Man, how on earth would Putin even go about feeding an American retiree like that one...

Your point doesn't really land, because that's not Putin's job—it's the responsibility of the US government.

Tyler Jones6 said:"The economic blitzkrieg against Russia never stood a chance," Putin claimed.

link

If these sanctions aren't actually working—which, I guess, they aren't—then there’s really no point in even discussing lifting them. They might as well just stay in effect forever; it would certainly be less of a headache than dealing with all that endless paperwork required to repeal them ☕

Sanctions work, just not when you're looking at the European Union.

They're basically self-destructing.

But hey, if we Americans want this, if the struggle of an American retiree is worth the sacrifice for Ukraine—and maybe it is, if that's our stance and how much Ukraine matters to us—then that's what we'll get.

Christian Torres3 said:Extremely likely. I just have one question: is that worth it to you personally, given the cost to the survival of the Ukrainian people and their nation?

And just so we're clear, my answer to that same question is yes.

Nah, because that’s actually the whole point of the war.

The economic destruction of Europe.

Those sanctions aren't going to hurt Russia in the long run.

They're just irrational and suicidal...

And Ukrainians are basically pawns bleeding out for someone else's agenda.

They signed up for this game themselves.

slyfox43 said:Finally, some actual substance here.

Chechnya was a breakaway republic, and the response was a bloody war.

In Georgia, the Russians back two rebellious regions populated by Russian speakers.

Are you suggesting that the only appropriate response to a breakaway republic is a bloody war?

Then again, one could argue they might have even "supported" such dissent by provoking it in the first place; but then, they wouldn't.

Actually, this is all getting pretty off-topic.

And that’s just my take on the question.

Bottom line: I try to keep a level playing field for everyone.

Something most people here clearly can't do.

Anyway, we're looking at inflation, recession, layoffs, social unrest, and general misery ahead—the perfect breeding ground for anyone selling cheap fixes.

Once that becomes the new normal, denying reality won't matter anymore.

Go ahead and keep doing what you're doing.

Since that's what you asked for.

Of course, it’s also an opportunity for a comeback. Nothing fertilizes growth quite like a pile of broken illusions...

Zachary Booth36 said:Have Americans actually attacked the Solomon Islands? Until they do, there is nothing to discuss.

If they do attack, 90% of ordinary people will condemn it. 🤷

Nah, they won't.

Because at the end of the day, it's all about fighting for democracy and human rights.

Gerald Torres84 said:Please provide a concrete answer regarding the situation in Ukraine instead of circling around other nations that have no connection to this topic or speculating on what might happen in the West or the East.
So, in your view, does Russia have the right to deny the existence of the Ukrainian people (openly labeling them Nazis) and level an entire nation just because they dared to move away from Russian control? You fail to comment on all these wars Russia has waged against its neighbors over the last twenty years or so.

Alright, here’s your straight answer.

Russia is the aggressor in Ukraine, committing atrocities there.

The Ukrainian identity was finally solidified by Putin himself, which is clearly why he can't stomach it...

Look at Chechnya—that was a breakaway republic, and the response was a bloody war.

In Georgia, the Russians back two rebel regions populated by Russian speakers.

Brenda Murphy3 said:Wait, why on earth are you acting surprised by this?
You have to fight against fascist regimes like Russia's, or one-party systems like China's—if you can, you do it. You don't just let them expand unchecked.

I don't get why you're calling this hypocritical, for crying out loud. Of course I think one system is worth defending while the other isn't... you find that weird? You think there's hypocrisy in having values? 😁 That's interesting...

You just have to let them keep typing... eventually, every typical Western totalitarian reveals themselves, convinced they’ve cracked the code on the perfect political system. It's like they think that little epiphany gives them the right to cherry-pick reality and meddle in everyone else's business...

Anyway, I've got some news for you...

The whole democracy concept is just a front the West uses to push its own agenda...

You don't have any right to tell anyone how to live their life, let alone pass judgment on their morals, taste, or politics...

Brenda Murphy3 said:Yeah 😁

Are you feeling satisfied now?

I didn't even say what you're claiming I said; I said something completely different. So, in keeping with your usual style, you're lying and making stuff up. But if you really want my take—fine. I think nuclear powers like France or the UK aren't a threat to anyone, whereas Russian fascists or—heaven forbid—the Iranian theocrats actually are. There isn't a single country on this planet threatening anyone with nukes besides Russia.

Look, honestly, I believe regimes like Russia and Iran shouldn't have nukes under any circumstances, but democratic nations—well, they can have them if they need to.
Go ahead, throw your little tantrum so we can start another round of your endless lies... sound good? 😁

The peak of your argument is just saying I'm lying.

You're lying. You're lying. You're lying.

You say it so much I'm wondering if it's just some psychological defense mechanism called projection...

Russia uses the atomic bomb as a threat because they feel cornered. The United States would do the exact same thing if they felt threatened.

I don't see any real difference in their willingness to use them. Especially since one side has already used them. On civilians. But sure, totally justified, right?

Gerald Torres84 said:Please stop with the "whataboutism" nonsense. It doesn't work here. This thread is specifically about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. If you feel the need to discuss Iraq, go find another topic for that.
People like you, constantly hiding behind those "whataboutism" arguments, really get under my skin. It is quite frustrating.
It follows that Ukraine must seek permission from Russia if they intend to join the European Union, NATO, or even the National Audubon Society, and so on. It is simply how things work.
The Ukrainians don't need to ask Russia for permission. They are a sovereign nation. They decide their own destiny and choose their own path. It is their right to do so.

Let us examine the steady pattern of Russian aggression over the last two decades. They have leveled everything from Chechnya to Georgia and Ukraine. It is a predictable sequence. One could easily place bets on who is next on the list. Personally, I suspect Moldova or perhaps one of the Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia—might be their next target.

A few weeks back, the Solomon Islands expressed interest in forming a strategic partnership with China.

Not only did Australia lose its mind over it, but when a reporter asked, a high-ranking U.S. official didn't rule out military intervention if the Chinese decided to set up a base there.

That isn't whataboutism.

I can easily imagine (or point out) what would happen if China even thought about making a military alliance with the United States or Mexico.

And honestly, I can also picture exactly how you'd react if that actually happened.

Anyway, we haven't seen anything play out yet...

Brenda Murphy3 said:Not true. You're lying... again...

Look, what I actually said was that if some backward, undemocratic wreck wants to get its hands on an Atomic bomb and start blackmailing the entire world like those fascists over in the Kremlin, then yeah, they should be taken out... preemptively.

And that is a completely different thing from the garbage you just typed up... especially that disgusting part about "subhumans." Those "subhumans" are basically using the same fascist tactics that you're out here defending and supporting against "evil Western" interests.

Whatever—you're lying...

So, I guess the kind of "blasting" you like is totally fine, maybe even encouraged, but anything else is "fascism."

Always a pleasure chatting with you... a real masterclass in logical reasoning...

Brenda Murphy3 said:And I’m telling you right now, you’re either lying through your teeth or you have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about.

People talk about the drop in living standards and all these other issues caused by Russian fascists—especially in the West—all the damn time. Nobody is hiding it, so the fact that you keep insisting otherwise is a blatant lie... which, honestly, is pretty much your brand at this point.

And don't lecture me about "illusions"—I am perfectly aware of the hypocrisy coming from both the USA and the West, but I’d still choose them in a heartbeat if it means staying away from Russia and that entire way of thinking... just like any sane person would.

Stop lying to yourself, and maybe you'll finally find your way out of whatever cloud of nonsense you're floating in.

I’m not rooting for the USA or for Russia, because neither side actually wants what's best for Europe.

I haven't told a single lie. Neither have you. You know what lying actually means? You’re just reciting your own interpretation based on a total misunderance of modern geopolitics.

Especially regarding your claim that nothing is going to happen.

Have you even stepped foot in a grocery store lately? Do you realize the average pension in America is $0.83? Tell me, if gas hits $6.75, how much do you think bread is going to cost? Or canned beans?

Do you honestly think everything stays fine through sheer magic? What rational basis do you have for thinking that...

Brenda Murphy3 said:😁

And again—total lie!! I honestly never wrote anything like that, nor have I ever even thought it.

Is there even one single post where you aren't lying?

I can't tell if your parents raised you to be this dishonest, if you were born this way, or if you just picked it up over time... whatever it is—you just constantly lie and make stuff up.

As for subhumans, I'm talking about those Kremlin fascists and the cronies typing out lies on this forum... on that point, you're right.

If you were even slightly smarter, maybe you could lie more convincingly—like that lying Amanda Flores88 or whoever her name is...🍿

Actually, you did say you couldn't care less which upcoming undemocratic ruin gets wiped out by whoever. That’s exactly what you said...

It's a classic line used by people obsessed with "Russian fascists"...

And that whole stance basically screams Western... well, you know what...

If I actually felt like looking for it, I'd copy your exact position...

Brenda Murphy3 said:😁

And again—total lie!! I honestly never wrote anything like that, nor have I ever even thought it.

Is there even one single post where you aren't lying?

I can't tell if your parents raised you to be this dishonest, if you were born this way, or if you just picked it up over time... whatever it is—you just constantly lie and make stuff up.

As for subhumans, I'm talking about those Kremlin fascists and the cronies typing out lies on this forum... on that point, you're right.

If you were even slightly smarter, maybe you could lie more convincingly—like that lying Amanda Flores88 or whoever her name is...🍿

Actually, you did say you couldn't care less which upcoming undemocratic ruin gets destroyed by whoever. That’s exactly what you said.

And that kind of attitude pretty much screams Western... well, you know what I mean.

If I really felt like it, I'd go ahead and copy your little viewpoint...

Michael Ortiz68 said:Nobody is actually inviting anyone into NATO. This war has nothing to do with NATO, regardless of how much certain biased news outlets try to spin it that way.

This conflict is just like most other major wars throughout history—it's fundamentally a war over resources.

Agreed. A war for resources, or rather, fighting for that sweet spot when they actually get sold.

Never looked into those sources you mentioned, honestly don't even know what they're about...

Gerald Torres84 said:Look, if your idea of defending the European Union means backing a single European nation while it gets torn apart, violated, or slaughtered, then your logic regarding the sacrifice of European citizens doesn't actually hold up. Forget about the political elites for a second. This is a textbook aggressive move by Russia. If we don't stop them right now, they’ll be making their way through toward the West in about ten years.

That’s just not true. It’s basically just a lie on repeat.

There are some lines you just don't cross.

You don't see Mexico joining a military alliance with China. You don't see Ukraine in NATO.

Whoever is pushing for that wants war. They're practically begging for it.

And if you're doing this knowing it leads to war, what's your actual agenda? What's the motivation, and where does the responsibility lie?

Man, you just don't do that...

So tell me, how did you react when Iraq was invaded? Is there something wrong with your moral compass while you're busy lecturing everyone else?

Or are they just subhuman, like denijama said, so their destruction doesn't actually matter to us?