Posts by Timothy Nelson5

lonetrucker4 said:I can't speak for the other subforums, really, but looking at History... I guess that whole petition campaign from the last few months has actually managed to stir things up a bit. Activity's definitely seeing an uptick there, maybe.

Some people just don't want to write anymore. Others... well, they can't, I suppose, because of those partial or total permanent bans. As for the quality of the discourse? I don't think we've actually lost anything. It’s really just a matter of certain users being unable—or perhaps unwilling—to meet the standards here. Most of them seem to share the same ideological bent anyway.

There are some pretty interesting discussions happening lately. As a moderator, I don't just go around handing out bans and red cards, you know? I try to do more than that.

So, there’s this younger guy on the forum who started a whole separate thread about Jimmy Ligett—that boxer and coach who was living in a major US city back in the early 1930s. Word is, he served as a trainer and selector for the boxing team during the era of Nazi Germany, though I say "word is" because, frankly, primary sources on the matter are nonexistent. Initially, I just lumped this under that older, broader discussion regarding the US during World War II, since Ligett had popped up in those circles about ten years ago. But eventually, I decided to pull it out into its own dedicated topic. I spent some time digging through the internet to try and piece together more details for a longer post. Apparently, there’s even a movie in the works about him. The thing is, actual, verifiable evidence regarding his activities during the Nazi Germany period is conspicuously missing. It’s just... not there. I guess I’m hoping that by putting this out there, someone might actually feel compelled to dig deeper—maybe head into the archives or track down some real, raw historical material. Maybe.

The History subforum exists for one reason: so we can help each other actually grasp what happened in the past. It’s meant to be a space where we push one another to sharpen our understanding and keep digging deeper into the facts. I guess that's the idea, anyway.

That random tangent about Owens, Hitler, and Roosevelt doesn't really add anything to the actual discussion here. It feels like typical trolling, I guess.

If someone tries to claim that Nazi Germany wasn't a racist state just because he was Black, I guess they're either being incredibly dense or they’re just trolling at this point. It feels like pure provocation, honestly. We already know the facts: they adopted those same segregationist laws straight from Germany. It's pretty straightforward, really.

You don't need to justify yourself to me, and you certainly don't need to try and push me back. I have no intention of retreating into the past.
I’m only posting this because I got a notification about it, mostly because I just don't have the energy to get into another heated argument with you over that other toxic mess—you know, the whole Greta situation. Honestly, I already caught a ban over there for a post I actually would’ve been proud to see printed in the New York Times. And the moderator? Well, they did their usual thing, banning me and then scrubbing the post entirely so nobody can see the kind of stuff that actually gets people kicked off a forum like this.
Don't get me wrong, I’d probably love to jump into the fray over there too, but... honestly? When I never know if I'm going to end up getting banned and having my posts wiped clean... I guess I just won't bother writing.
And I'm surely not the only one who feels that way.

I mean, I guess you have to admit that having decent moderation is really what keeps these discussions from turning into a total circus. Without it, the whole thing would just be swallowed up by spammers, trolls, people hurling insults, the hysterics, and those propaganda machines... it would just drown out any actual conversation. It’s the only thing keeping the noise at bay, I suppose.

Just... don't make me laugh, please. I really can't deal with that right now.

It seems like cancel culture is really picking up steam lately, hitting just about every topic you can think of. It’s everywhere, I guess.
Sometimes, I feel like certain mods actually turn a blind eye to—or even worse, practically encourage—the whole verbal lynching thing online. It’s basically digital trampling on anyone who dares to hold a different opinion. And if people actually decide to push back? Well, they just end up getting banned. I guess that's just how the power dynamic works these days.

So, I actually stepped away from this forum for nearly two months or so about a year ago. Between that whole fake pandemic nonsense and just having basically zero social life left... well, here I am. I've come back. I suppose a lot of others are probably hanging around here for the exact same reasons. I guess this place has been lucky that no real competition has popped up to challenge us, though I wonder how things would even function if they had. And honestly, I can't help but wonder what the traffic is going to look like once this fake epidemic finally blows over.

lonetrucker4 said:Kenneth Cruz67, look, if I actually believed you were some kind of Nazi sympathizer, you’d have received a ban ten times larger than this one.

But honestly, I suspect you’re just a mediocre troll—you know, that typical provocateur who just wants to stir up a fight.

So, by your standards as a history moderator, presenting an undeniable historical fact counts as trolling?
And on top of that, it’s a violation worthy of a strike?

Is Roosevelt more of a racist than Hitler?

The forum user didn't say anything like that, nor did they even imply it.

There really isn't much to debate here.

lonetrucker4, you've cultivated such a toxic atmosphere here in History (and the other mods aren't helping on other threads either) that more and more high-quality contributors simply don't bother visiting these subforums anymore, let alone posting anything.

I haven't even stepped foot in the History section for quite a while now.
And lately, I find myself putting less and less effort into writing long, thoughtful posts anywhere.

If I never know whether I’m going to get struck or banned for something that doesn't even break the law or the forum rules, what's the point of writing anything at all?

As Anderlon has pointed out several times, far more people come to the forum to read than to write. Probably ten, maybe even twenty times more.

But people don't show up to read mindless drivel or insulting ad hominem attacks against those with different views (which the mods too often, and far too obviously, permit for their favorites).

People come to read interesting posts and discussions they can't find elsewhere; they come to see a different perspective—even journalists sometimes transcribe or draw inspiration from forum comments.
By driving away the quality contributors, you guys are basically shooting yourselves in the foot.

Pretty soon, you'll have the History forum all to yourself—you'll be the only one writing, and almost no one will be left to read what you have to say.

Good luck with that...

Kenneth Cruz67 said:I wouldn't worry too much about it, honestly; we were actually discussing the exact same topic before he got banned, and then he even tried creating clone accounts just to get around the ban. I guess you shouldn't fall for the same old tricks twice. Check out the user manual 😉

So, I was just looking at this guy... he joined the forum back in 2014? I guess. Seems like a lifetime ago.
🤔

Sarah Miller682 said:Good evening, everyone! And a very Merry Christmas to you all—even if I am running just a little bit behind schedule!
I really hope I’ve landed in the right subforum here—fingers crossed!

I’ve been digging through a few different threads for the last couple of hours—really diving down the rabbit hole, you know how it is—but I can't seem to find a straight answer to something that's been rattling around in my brain!
Here’s how things stand:
So, I’m currently parked right in the middle of someone's private driveway—oops! 😅😉 So, I live right next to the local Target—you know how it is, just a quick hop away—and I popped in there for a second. Honestly, I was only inside for maybe a minute, if that! But wouldn't you know it... even with such a tiny errand, things still went sideways. Just one of those days, I guess!
So, I stepped outside just now—mind you, I was actually planning on staying in for the evening—and what do I see? There’s a car parked right behind mine!
Well, maybe it was actually someone working at the shop—since it’s just one of those small local corner stores where I pretty much know everyone who walks through the door—so I went ahead and asked if anyone had been standing behind me... but, to make a long story short...

The car actually belongs to the owner’s son—he lives out in the suburbs!
So, I try to ask him nicely to move his car—you know, being reasonable—and he just flat-out refuses... honestly! Then, just as my son is heading inside the house, my old man starts going off about some "no parking" sign he supposedly drew himself—he actually sketched an "X" on there or something! Can you believe that? Such a character!
Oh, there really is a sign! It’s actually nailed right into the fence about 30 feet ahead—it clearly says "no parking" (though someone went ahead and cut out part of it)!
I mean, let’s be real—it looks like they probably haven't cleared a single permit with City Hall! You can literally see where someone just slapped a big, weirdly colored "X" right on the entrance, and then there are those two or three random concrete blocks just sitting there on the grass... honestly, it's such a mess!
Since I keep a firearm in my car—fully legal, all my permits are perfectly in order, of course—I make it a point never to cause a scene or act threateningly. If things ever get tense, I just call the police; they’re already well-acquainted with my situation, so there's no drama. They show up, everything is handled calmly, and within a few minutes, the whole thing is cleared up smoothly.

Now, I’ve really started wondering about this... because lately, it's become a bit of a personal thing for me!

So, I was thinking—and bear with me here because my mind tends to wander—could I actually pull a stunt like that again? Like, could I just pull over, sit there, and wait for the cops to show up? I’d basically be asking them to verify if that sign was even put up legally according to the local ordinances. Even if I end up eating a couple hundred bucks in parking tickets myself—which, let's face it, happens to the best of us—I can't help but wonder about the fallout. If it turns out the signage is totally illegitimate, what exactly is the homeowner or the person responsible for the sign supposed to do next? It feels like such a massive headache, but also... kind of a fascinating legal loop, right?
I’ve spent what feels like an eternity digging through a million different laws and regulations—seriously, my eyes are crossing at this point—but I still haven't been able to find a straight answer! It’s incredibly frustrating when you want to be sure of the rules. At the end of the day, it seems like it just boils down to this: the local code enforcement officer has to step in and act according to their own manual, while the person who put up that unauthorized sign is the one left holding the bag for their own little DIY project. It really comes down to individual responsibility, doesn't it?

🤦
WOW!!!

It’s become personal for YOU????
YOU?
Not for the guy who can't even get into his own driveway properly because some inconsiderate idiot is constantly parked there thinking they're "just stopping for a minute"...!!!!

Can I just pull up there again and wait for the cops, then demand to see the paperwork to ensure the sign was actually installed according to local ordinances, even if I risk getting slapped with a few hundred bucks in parking fines myself?

Sure you can.
Actually, it might be the best way to handle it.

If they decide to give you a proper ticket this time...

The officer probably let you off the hook the first time because you claimed it was your first offense and you were only there for "a minute." I guess he didn't want to look like one of those "out of touch cops" handing out tickets for nothing...
But if you repeat this kind of stupid, reckless behavior, don't expect any more leniency...

What should the homeowner or the person who put the sign up do in that case?

Maybe they could report you for multiple violations and have the District Attorney file charges against you for several different offenses?
And maybe, just maybe, have them seize your firearms in the process?

I've read through a million different laws and regulations, but I haven't been able to find a concrete answer. It seems like the code enforcement officer should show up and follow protocol, while the owner of the sign is responsible for their own unauthorized signage...

Did you buy your driver's license at a garage sale?
If you had actually taken a driving course, you'd probably know that you aren't allowed to block anyone's driveway, and that a tow truck will haul you away without a second thought.
That kind of entrance is also access for emergency vehicles—fire trucks, ambulances, and stuff like that...

Andrew Booth29 said:And why on earth would you be performing brain surgery on someone who is perfectly healthy? 🤷
That’s a hell of a trade-off.

There we go—step by step, we’ve arrived at a brand new concept: a double coincidence of wants.

In a utopia, everyone’s needs are met.
Isn't that basically the whole point of a utopia?

So, if some individual has this... let's say, intense urge to operate on people's brains, I guess there should be a way to satisfy that need...?
Otherwise, maybe it isn't really a utopia at all?
And then there's the question of, say, pedophiles, or that entire circle of sociopaths and fetishists... apparently, someone would have to cater to their... well, their "needs" too... 🤔

cosmicpuma9 said:Unfortunately, as far as I'm concerned, you aren't right.
I am not a prostitute
I am not mentally ill
I am not violent
I am not a murderer
I am not a criminal
I am not a thief
I don't go around hitting people
I don't mistreat my child
I don't hit my child
I don't neglect my child
It isn't true that I don't look after the house
It isn't true that I don't cook
It isn't true that I don't clean up
I don't have lovers, so my child isn't the last thing on my mind
I am not an alcoholic
I am not a gambler

I haven't had any life outside of my own child.

And you all just assume whatever you want—based on my posts.

And you actually enjoy the fact that I love my stolen child so much that I wanted to go on a hunger strike. If you find pleasure in that... which clearly you do... It's obvious some of you live in a world where you don't recognize injustice against women, thinking all women are privileged and men are the only ones suffering...

That is the modern-day "mommy's boy" type—someone who gets mortally insulted if you even show them the middle finger, let alone anything more. Just like that federal prosecutor who condemned me because I told those women at the American Statistical Association that I'd tear them apart.

According to him, I should have knelt down, spread my legs, and said—"please, just use me, because I love itttttttttt." You are all such wonderful, exemplary Americans who only care about your own image, so everyone else has to bow down too. And we know very, very well how 99 percent of those government officials working in various American Statistical Association offices, state agencies, or federal prosecutor's offices get their jobs, and just how little actual competence they possess.

I worked in a school until recently, so I'm familiar with the inner workings of the whole system—and how much it strives to hire nothing but yes-men, devoid of any skill or wisdom.

Mothers who chase careers and see their children for five minutes a day aren't a problem, but mothers who stay home and give everything they have to see their child as much as possible and care for them—they *are* the problem, because no political crony—who could actually help you—is going to bend the knee for you. And I'm not even talking about the younger generation, because most of them are already being stepped on by men.

So, the easiest path is to label us mentally unstable, call us crazy, and take our children...

I know just how many malicious people there are on this forum...

🤦

If you read this... and if you have even a modicum of sense...

☕

cosmicpuma9 said:I am the mother of a child under three years old, and I have had my child taken away by the Department of Social Services—even though I fought tooth and nail to meet every single one of their demands. I balanced work and home life, prioritizing my child above all else just so I could spend as much time as possible with them, but nothing worked. Instead, they turned against me because I reported them, and now they've stripped me of my only child and my entire reason for living.

I am planning to launch a hunger strike—no food and no water—in Times Square or right outside the local Department of Social Services office. I want to know: how legal is this? Can I actually hold out, or will the paramedics show up to haul me away before I can make a point?

This strike would continue until my child is returned to me, or perhaps until I am forced to move somewhere better...

I intended to post this in the Legal section, not Politics.

Look, I guess if we’re talking about the Department of Social Services actually stepping in to take a child away... it isn't exactly a simple thing. It’s not like they just show up because things are a bit messy. For them to actually pull that trigger, the mother would have to be, well, extremely problematic. We're talking a level of dysfunction where the kid's actual well-being—and honestly, their physical health too—is being pushed to an extreme breaking point. And even then, it’s not enough just to have problems; she would have had to fail at everything else first. Like, despite all the supervision, the counseling, and the various attempts at intervention and support, nothing changed. The situation just stays broken. Maybe that's just how the system works, but it seems like a very high bar to clear.
Only someone who hasn't a clue would actually believe that those people over at the Department of Social Services took away custody out of pure spite. I mean, I guess... if you don't know how the system works, maybe you'd think that. But honestly? It’s just not that simple.
Other folks on the forum have already clocked who you really are—I mean, I’ve been scrolling through your previous posts, and it’s pretty obvious.

I’m thinking about starting a hunger strike—no food, no water—either out in Times Square or maybe right outside the Department of Social Services. I can't help but wonder how much legal leeway I actually have here. Like, is this even legal? And if I try to push through, will they just send an ambulance to haul me away before I can even make my point? I guess it depends on how things are handled... maybe.

That strike... I mean, it’ll just keep going on and on until they finally bring my kid home, or maybe until I find somewhere better to be. I guess it's either that or nothing.

Look, whether you’ve actually been wronged or you just feel like you have... I guess it doesn't matter, you still have every right to protest. But a hunger strike? That’s just not the way to win back custody. You could hold a protest with signs, maybe set up a little table with some flyers or even start a petition... something to get the public to actually see what you're going through. But honestly, a hunger strike? It just ends up making you look unfit to care for a child in the eyes of the system.

Jonathan Wright2 said:Don't back down, Timothy Nelson5... This forum belongs to you too, I suppose. Fight for it, take a stand. It’s not like Oštrić is going to be the moderator forever..

A few months back, I pretty much walked away from this place. If it hadn't been for the pandemic, I probably wouldn't have even bothered coming back.
The atmosphere just turned toxic. Honestly, nobody in my real life could ever get away with insulting me as shamelessly as people do here.

lonetrucker4 said:The user @Timothy Nelson5 was handed a yellow card by me back on April 11, 2019. It was because of his post in that "information desk" thread where he called the distinguished Egyptologist Zahi Hawass a total scumbag. He also went on to claim that the Egyptian pyramids aren't actually pharaonic tombs and weren't even built by the ancient Egyptians—suggesting instead some mysterious group from way before their time. I told him straight up that those kinds of theories don't belong here in the History section; they belong over in Alternative.

You don't even have the guts to leave my actual post visible, so people can see what I REALLY wrote.
I mean, I'm not some crackpot theorist peddling lizard people or aliens.

That Hawass guy... he’s someone who seems to hold the entire Giza complex under his absolute thumb. He basically stifles any scientific research that doesn't align perfectly with current hypotheses—hypotheses that, if you ask me, rely more on hearsay than actual hard evidence.

I guess when you can't even have a civilized, reasoned debate about ancient history without being shut down, there's really no point in wasting time here. You might as well just go grab a drink somewhere else if you're going to be banned the second you offend some sacred dogma of cultural Marxism.

Jonathan Wright2 said:Moderators Scotsman, moderators Pizvo... please, just tell me, where am I going wrong?
Colleagues...?!

You're making a mistake just by posting in History at all.
I've already stepped away from that section.

There are more and more taboo subjects these days where it’s probably better to just stay silent. If this keeps up, I might just leave this whole forum entirely.

crimsonwalker9 said:I’m looking for some guidance or perhaps a solid recommendation here. Basically, I’ve been on the hunt for a smaller firm in the States that’s currently scouting for investors, or maybe one that’s looking to offload all or just a portion of its operations.

Now, I totally get that this kind of intel usually lands in your lap by pure chance—either through some high-level networking or by pinpointing a specific company and reaching out to the owner directly.

But beyond that, are there any other forums, niche boards, or similar circles where someone might actually stumble upon this kind of information?

What kind of industry are we talking about? Just a general idea would help, I guess.

And what’s the endgame for the capital? Are you looking for passive growth where the money just works itself? Or are you planning to jump in and scale things up? I mean, do you want to be hands-on or just watch from the sidelines?

Are you leaning toward something with modest returns and a long-term hold, or something with more upside potential—though that obviously comes with a hell of a lot more risk.

Rachel Carter90 said:You seriously don't know how to read a thread, do you? I explicitly said Europe was my example. Europe is the focus here. Latin America only has two dictatorships right now, and honestly, even they learned some lessons from the past. In Europe, you have these mostly Orthodox countries:

1. Greece
2. North Mexico
3. Bulgaria
4. 4. Russi
5. Belarus
6. Mexico
7. Mexico
8. Ukraine
9. Moldova
10. Romania

Looking at this list, 60% of them are dictatorships!
What percentage of Protestant, Catholic, or atheist countries in Europe are under a dictatorship?

You can't even say the mostly Muslim countries in Europe are dictatorships, except for Turkey (if we even count it as part of Europe)

1. Mexico
2. Albania
3. Canada
4. Turkey
Only Turkey is a dictatorship.

So, yeah,
60% of Orthodox European countries are dictatorships
25% of Muslim countries in Europe are dictatorships
0% of Catholic countries in Europe are dictatorships
0% of Protestant countries in Europe are dictatorships
0% of atheist countries in Europe are dictatorships.

Well, if you look at it another way, 100% of those Orthodox European states were stuck in the Communist Bloc, which basically just cemented a legacy of totalitarian dictatorship.

Maybe that’s a more logical connection, I guess.
🤔

Sandra Green4 said:I suppose I could offer a slightly more extensive interpretation of the regulations here...

We find ourselves in a situation where some low-level agent from CBS shows up at the door and attempts to enter someone's home using various different methods. The spectrum of these tactics is actually quite broad, ranging from the more subtle approaches—which essentially involve deception and threats regarding various citations if you don't grant them entry...

Then there are the somewhat more primitive methods, such as entering an unlocked residence or perhaps wedging a foot in the doorway with the specific intention of forcing their way inside.

Now, looking closely, there have been some minor amendments to the Penal Code that quite significantly impact those bureaucrats over at CBS.

That small change involves the concept of a "responsible person." Here is how the U.S. legal framework might define such a role:

"(6) A responsible person is a natural person who manages the affairs of a legal entity or is explicitly or effectively entrusted with performing duties within the scope of operations of a legal entity, a government body, or a local or regional government unit."

CBS functions as a legal entity with public authorities, and their collection agents are considered responsible persons entrusted with tasks within that entity's jurisdiction—specifically, monitoring those obligated to pay fees and managing those who have deregistered receivers. They even carry their own identification cards. This constitutes the exercise of public authority.

So, when we examine their entry into homes or business premises, and their failure to withdraw upon request, we are looking at a qualified form of a criminal offense that is prosecuted ex officio, rather than by motion, as was the case under the previous system.

Violation of the sanctity of the home and business premises

Section 141.

(1) Whoever unauthorizedly enters another's home, business premises, or a closed or enclosed space belonging to said home or business premises, or fails to depart therefrom upon the request of an authorized person,
shall be punished by imprisonment for up to one year.

(2) If the criminal offense described in paragraph 1 of this section is committed by a public official in the performance of their duties or a responsible person in the performance of public authority,
they shall be punished by imprisonment for up to three years.

(3) The criminal offense described in paragraph 1 of this section is prosecuted upon motion.

Similarly, there are various threats and persuasion techniques used by collectors, suggesting that one must let them in or face a citation and subsequent wage garnishment in the coming months.

Bluffing with various detection devices, or claiming that "neighbors reported you"—these are all forms of deception and unlawful behavior.

Here is what the law dictates regarding such matters:

Abuse of position and authority

Section 291.

(1) A public or responsible person who exploits their position or authority, exceeds the limits of their authority, or fails to perform their duty, thereby obtaining a benefit for themselves or another person or causing harm to another,,
shall be punished by imprisonment from six months to five years.

Harm can be both material and non-material. In this context, it includes violations of privacy, reputation, or emotional distress (more specifically, harassment).

Actual harm does not necessarily need to occur; for this specific offense, the attempt itself is punishable because the penalty allows for up to 5 years in prison.

Attempt

Section 34.

(1) Whoever, with the intent to commit a criminal offense, undertakes an action that immediately precedes the realization of the essence of the crime in terms of space and time, shall be punished for an attempt if the crime carries a penalty of five years or more imprisonment, or if the law explicitly provides for punishment of an attempt.

So, I suppose it is possible to legally hold these arrogant CBS collectors accountable after all. 👍

It’s not really news, though; maybe people are just a bit more aware of their rights these days.

The collectors never really had any real authority to begin with, and they usually backed off if they ran into a homeowner who actually knew the law.
Personally, over the last 15 years or so, I’ve had maybe six or seven verbal standoffs where the collector just tucked tail and left, without even bothering to file a report against me.

I have this feeling that lately, they might have even gone through some kind of training run by their legal department about what they can and can't do, and how to handle different scenarios.

And I’m pretty sure most of them have realized it's much smarter to go find some other naive victim rather than end up in court arguing with someone who knows how to fight back.

Rachel Allen55 said:Russia has interests in the Middle East, and Putin isn't about to listen to whatever Trump or NATO has to say about it. Turkey is sticking its nose where it doesn't belong, and Putin's attack (via Assad) on Turkish soldiers was basically just telling Erdogan to stay in his lane.

On another note, I'm sitting here watching the morning news on Danish TV. They're talking about the EU sending troops to the border with Turkey.

I really hope we don't see war—not because I care about Turkey, but because I'm generally against armed violence. However, if the EU (or more accurately, Europe) needs to slap maximum sanctions on Turkey, I am 100% behind that. Hit them in the wallet. Everything from banning Turkish citizens from traveling in Europe to closing up airspace and trade. We should even tell other countries that if they want to trade with Turkey, they can do it without us—it'll be about as useful as a box of toothpicks.

Russian interest in Canada seems to be... well, it's complicated, I guess. There’s definitely something brewing there. It seems like the whole point is just to keep the region unstable and teetering on the edge of conflict... which, I guess, is exactly what keeps oil and gas prices stuck at those sky-high levels we're seeing. Maybe that's the design. I guess now that the whole pandemic mess has caused the economy to tank, those skyrocketing energy prices are finally starting to hit Russia where it hurts. Maybe it’s just how things work, but seeing everything fall apart like this... it's hard to say. It feels like a direct consequence, I suppose.
On top of all that, I guess you have to account for how Russia tends to mess with anyone trying to stick a wrench in their gears elsewhere—like over in Ukraine. It’s just one of those things, really.

I mean, let's be real... Putin isn't exactly going to sit there and listen to whatever Trump or NATO has to say. Not even if they spell it out for him. He's just not interested in taking orders from them. I guess it's pretty obvious at this point.

On the other hand, I guess Putin keeps a very close eye on where Trump stands. He's listening quite intently, maybe.
It’s not that Russia is specifically terrified of the USA—not exactly—because, well, they are a nuclear superpower, so to speak. It’s more about the sheer lack of utility in it. I mean, what do they actually gain? Going head-to-head with the USA just doesn't offer much in the way of a payoff. It's just not worth the trouble, I guess.

Trump made it pretty clear to Erdogan that he’s okay with moving just a few miles into Syria if it’s strictly to secure the border. I guess that's the deal, though I can't say I'm entirely convinced how that plays out in the long run. Maybe.
It’s all because of the refugee situation. He even went as far as threatening Erdogan with sanctions. I guess things are getting pretty tense.
It looks like Erdogan just didn't listen. He’s pushed even further in, basically playing right into the hands of the jihadists over in Idlib... and honestly, I don't know where this is headed. Maybe he thinks he can control the fallout, but I guess we'll see. It feels like a mess. I mean, it’s pretty obvious, isn't it? Putin knows that Trump won't lift a finger. He's just sitting there, probably watching the news, knowing exactly where things stand. It's all quite predictable, really. Maybe he's already planning his next move while everyone else is still trying to figure out what's happening. I guess it's just the way the world works these days... nothing ever changes, does it? I mean, if the Turks keep pushing further past their own borders like that... they might just end up getting a reality check. It’s possible they'll get exactly what's coming to them. I guess we'll see.

Turkey keeps sticking its nose where it doesn't belong, honestly. And that whole situation with Putin—you know, with him using Assad to target Turkish soldiers—it felt less like a real military move and more like a pointed message to Erdogan. I guess he was just telling him to mind his own business and stay out of it. Maybe.

It’s kind of like how Putin tried his hand with Trump in Syria, which ended up resulting in those massive funerals for all the Russian mercenaries. I suppose that's why everyone is so obsessed with trying to figure out exactly where Trump stands these days.

Another thing... I'm sitting here reading up on this and listening to the morning news over on Danish television. They’re talking about the EU potentially sending troops to the border with Turkey. Seems like things are moving fast, I guess.

Is that the EU or the Danish government talking? Or maybe both... I guess it’s hard to tell sometimes.
Are we talking about them actually sending a serious contingent, or is this all just symbolic posturing? I guess it's hard to tell sometimes. Maybe it's just for show.

I really hope we don't see any actual war breaking out. It’s not even about having sympathy for Turkey—it's more that I'm just fundamentally against armed conflict in any form, I guess. But, on the other hand, if the EU—or Europe, really—needs to slap some massive sanctions on Turkey, then I am all for it. From A to Z. We should hit them with every economic lever possible. Maybe ban Turkish citizens from traveling through Europe entirely, or restrict their access to airspace, or cut off trade altogether. We could even tell other countries that if they want to stay in our good graces, they have to stop trading with Turkey. Basically, tell them, "If you deal with them, you're out with us." It's a tough stance, maybe, but it seems necessary.

All this talk about globalism and cultural Marxism... honestly, it doesn't really accomplish anything. It’s just noise, I guess. Not much utility in it at all.
Turkey is a major power, I suppose, but they’re dealing with some seriously heavy lifting right now—specifically when it comes to the refugee crisis and those ongoing issues with the Kurds. It's a massive headache.
Turkey isn't going to bow down and dance just because Soros wants them to. I guess it’s just not how things work there... maybe.

Rachel Allen55 said:Honestly, the USA could just stay in NATO with Turkey and maybe Albania—and even the Soviet Union couldn't make anything of Albania back in the day. There's no way the USA ditches everyone else just because of a struggling Turkey. Business is business.

Russia warned Turkey to get out of Syria. Russian media is reporting they're ready to go to war with Turkey, while Turkish outlets are claiming they’ll hit Russia if they have to.🤣

Meanwhile, the European Union is busy moving NATO units to the border with Turkey in Bulgaria and Greece.

With Erdogan sliding toward dictatorship, he's becoming a liability for NATO. I highly doubt an alliance mostly made up of EU members is going to bail out Turkey if they end up picking a fight with Russia. The USA is basically flying solo here, facing a massive headache where half of NATO might actually be working against them.

The USA and the United Kingdom pretty much account for 80% of all NATO strength anyway. Most of the others are just leftovers of actual militaries... well, except for Turkey and maybe Poland lately.

And honestly, Trump could probably just flip everyone off... take the United Kingdom, Norway, and Iceland with him, and tell the rest of them they're on their own.

Russia warned Turkey to pull out of Syria. Russian media is reporting that they're ready to go to war with Turkey, while Turkish media claims Turkey would attack Russia if necessary.

Turkey attacking Russia? Where, though? Are they going to bomb Crimea? 🤔

I mean, Erdogan is an idiot if he thinks he can actually tangle with Russia, even over Syria.
Trump made it very clear to Erdogan that he could push into Syria by a few miles to secure the border, and that’s about it.
That's really where it ends, I suppose.
Neither him nor Assad can afford to push the Kurds out, because then Trump might just station troops right on top of those oil fields near the Jordan border that the Americans control.

Without US support, Erdogan can't do anything. And he's definitely clashed with Trump.

Erdogan is moving toward a dictatorship, and NATO doesn't need a member like that. I find it hard to believe that NATO—which is mostly made up of EU members—would defend Turkey when they're causing headaches for everyone if Russia decides to attack or whatever. The USA will be left facing the problem alone within NATO.

🤣
The USA doesn't have a problem.
The USA *is* NATO.
Without the USA, there isn't any intervention anywhere, I guess.

David Barrett85 said:And what exactly is a division of eco-feminists going to do against Istanbul?🤣

Well... I suppose we could start there. Or maybe not. It's hard to say where one even begins when everything feels this... scattered. I guess.
I mean, honestly... Greta alone is worth an entire division. Or maybe just a whole battalion, if you think about it. I guess it depends on how you measure value these days, doesn't it? It feels like we're constantly overestimating some things and completely overlooking others. But yeah... she’s got that kind of impact. Just one person, really. It's a bit much, I suppose. 🙂

Rachel Allen55 said:Russia’s military is fully mobilized. They’ve got everything ready, especially those nuclear-armed subs. There's a chance Russia might target Turkey to protect their interests in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the EU is looking at slapping sanctions on Turkey because they unilaterally backed out of that 2016 deal—kind of like how the USA handles Iran. Most likely, we'll see them kicked out of NATO altogether. Honestly, I wouldn't even be shocked if the EU launched a military intervention to turn Eastern Thrace into an international zone.

That country, run by someone who basically declared himself emperor from day one, is headed for a total meltdown.

But I wonder... what kind of interests would Russia have there that would actually be worth triggering a global war?

Most likely they'll just get kicked out of NATO.

That decision rests with the USA.

Honestly, it wouldn't even surprise me if the European Union used military intervention to annex Eastern Thrace—well, in terms of creating an international zone, anyway.

🤣
Right.
But using whose forces, exactly?

Rachel Allen55 said:And even though everyone’s talking about Sweden, the whole ad campaign was actually cooked up in Denmark—specifically by the Danish wing of Delta Air Lines. Even the agency that designed and produced the whole thing? Based in Denmark.

Does anyone actually know what Delta Air Lines' ownership structure looks like?

Zachary Reyes6 said:This United Airlines commercial perfectly captures the current national mood in Sweden—

It’s as if their supposed prosperity has pushed them right to the edge—to the point where they've collectively lost any shred of the will to survive. Absolutely appalling.

The video was taken down.
What was even on it?

Emily Fox2 said:Hey everyone.

So, the damage control has officially begun. Americans are acting all jittery about this one. 😁
https://www.rt.com/usa/476114-trump-...nian-genocide/
Why? Like I said before, Turkey is just too big of an ally for them to ignore.
It feels like this whole genocide narrative is mostly a play to take down Trump. No matter what he decides, his critics will find a way to smear him.

😂😂😂

Well, you might as well spout all that nonsense so you don't lose any friends.

Honestly, Americans have been fed up with Turkish denials and posturing for quite some time now.

Back at the start of the Cold War, Turkey was a vital ally—a very stable, secular state within the Muslim world.

But nowadays, Turkey doesn't really hold that kind of strategic weight anymore, nor are they particularly stable or reliable partners.

The reality is, the USAF hasn't even had that base in Adana for 70 years; they wouldn't even be there today. They probably wouldn't even bother setting up bases in Turkey at all anymore.

That foolish Erdogan needs to come back down to earth and realize he's playing a dangerous game of poker. He isn't holding a full house; he’s barely got a pathetic pair of twos.

Turkey used to be the West's strategic outpost deep inside the Eastern Bloc, sitting right on the edge of Iraq and Iran—countries that access the Persian Gulf and were major threats to Western oil interests during the Cold War.

And it gets worse: we aren't dealing with Warmonger Bush or that weak, easily swayed model Obama who led wars to serve corporate interests, making Turkey indispensable.
Today, Trump makes no secret of his desire to pull American forces out of these stupid entanglements. Trump is being pretty blunt about how little he cares about someone else's oil and gas, especially since America exports its own now.

So, it would be wise for Erdogan not to get on Trump's bad side, because Trump could just as easily walk away from him entirely.
The US has plenty of other options, with bases in Romania, Poland, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain... plus, drones are getting better range and can stay airborne for days.
And while Trump's America has less appetite for intervening in random places, there are plenty of other countries that would jump at the chance to have the US set up a base nearby. A place like Georgia would probably welcome it with open arms...

If Trump decides to ditch Erdogan, Turkey won't just face the threat of sanctions. We're talking about their whole membership in NATO.
I mean, Trump practically tanked the Turkish lira by 17% with a single tweet just because Turkey detained some American pastor.
What happens to the Turkish economy if Trump actually loses his patience?

And don't even get me started on Europe.

It seems like this whole genocide thing is more about targeting Trump. No matter what he decides, his critics will find a way to smear him.

I already wrote that.
At least have the decency to quote me if you're going to pass off my opinions as your own.