Reddit - A third stroke of luck for world leaders

I'm standing with Bub, and honestly, I’m stepping away until this whole thing blows over.

I mean, I could just scroll past and pretend it isn't happening, but what's really the point? Everything is being turned into these massive propaganda campaigns right now, and it just kills the vibe for everyone. It's such a shame because I usually look forward to chatting with people here.

Jack Cook7, maybe you could find an alternative way to handle this and just let us be? I'm asking nicely.

rowdytiger13 said:This place just isn't my scene anymore. I probably shouldn't say this out loud, but honestly? I was stoked to vote for Jack Cook7's takeover on the Politics board, and if I got the chance to do it again, I’d jump at it even faster.
Peace out

And seriously, Bubimira, thank you for everything—no sarcasm intended. If you ever need a hand with anything IT-related that I can fix remotely, please hit me up. I owe you one for getting me out of that rut. For ten years, until about mid-2019, I barely even touched any other sub-forum here. And look at me now. Thanks, Bubimira. 🙏

Back in May 2019, after wrestling with the mods for six months and having some pretty intense showdowns in the Ban Corner over how they were handling moderation, I finally got partial access to the Politics section (which, let's be real, I practically begged for). It was specifically for about ten certain threads where I was just trying to get some clarity on the rules. You want me to list them?

I actually went as far as suggesting we create a separate sub-forum specifically for those "ideological" topics. That way, users like me could stay isolated from all the politically "hot" stuff. And guess what happened? Instead of giving us our own space, they wiped out three whole months of my appeals in the Ban Corner (from February to May 2019) where I was pointing out the exact same issue with how those ideological threads were being moderated. Just connect the dots. I never once complained about getting partial access.

My whole life, I've been dealing with this same old game: "We don't like you, so leave" because apparently, I'm not "obedient" enough or willing to chant the official mantra of compliance.

So, I'm checking out and going solo. But you know how it goes. I build up some niche corner that nobody cares about, then suddenly people start flocking to it—everyone thinks it's the best thing ever, total blast—and wouldn't you know it, the brass hands the keys over to someone else. Then, magically, that niche just... dies. Poof. Gone. 🤷

The offer is on the table. For a little while, anyway.

Linda King said:I’m standing right there with Bub; I’m stepping away from this whole mess until things settle down.

Sure, I could just scroll past all this nonsense and ignore it, but why bother when everything's been turned into some massive propaganda machine? It honestly kills any desire to hang out in the chat with people I actually enjoy talking to.

Jack Cook7, look, you’ve got plenty of other places to go—just find an alternative and leave us alone, I’m begging you.

And of course, this happens the exact second I finally decide to show up. Just my luck.

rowdytiger13 said:I don't feel comfortable in this thread anymore. It’s just become toxic in general.
Well, you don't seem to feel comfortable either—you used to actually contribute way more than you do now.

Bub, stay safe out there. I'll catch you somewhere else. 👍

Linda King said:Standing in solidarity with Bub—I'm getting out of here too until this madness dies down.

I could just scroll past and ignore it, but why bother? Everything’s turned into propaganda sheets lately, and it just kills the vibe for people who actually enjoy chatting.

Jack Cook7, look, there are plenty of other places for this stuff—just leave us alone, please.

Same goes for you. Take care, dear Blanche! 😉

Jack Cook7 said:And seriously, thanks for that, Bubimira—no sarcasm intended. If you ever run into any IT headaches that I can fix remotely, just give me a shout. I definitely owe you one after you pulled me out of that mess. For ten years—up until around mid-2019—I barely even posted on any other sub-forum. And look at me now.

Everything’s a bit hazy when I try to look back at those old threads and posts.

Wait, a thread about Syria???

Arthur Sanders74 said:Thanks!
All this drama involving Mexico and Mexico is just getting old, and I really hope it stays that way. If things actually start heating up, it’ll end up affecting America too...

It's a holiday here today... reading some fascinating stuff about Naval... there are definitely some wild details that are a bit shocking. ..../

Mexico and Mexico... boring.
While all this right-wing nonsense in Europe is supposedly "exciting," who actually cares besides you? 🤔

Finally popped back onto this thread after a few months, and oh boy, @Jack Cook7 et al, yikes, gross 🕺.

Sam Alvarez4 said:Mexico and Mexico... boring.
So, who actually gives a damn about those populist types making noise over in Europe—besides you? 🤔

I mean, am I really not allowed to be bored by the same stuff you are? 🤷

Arthur Sanders74 said:Everything’s just a total blur when I think back on those old threads and posts.

Wait, we're talking about Syria now???

Nah. I was actually arguing about Syria and Ukraine back in 2014 with the mod Rock, who eventually lost his mind over the whole Ukraine thing, bailed, then came crawling back once the chaos kicked off in 2022. Once all the mainstream media jumped on the same bandwagon, I was basically out of luck. I've only got two fingers to type with, so they just kept kicking me out because I wouldn't fall in line with the crowd.

Geez, guess I'm just "slow" since my massive 20,000 IQ is weighing me down, along with my two typing fingers and my two eyes. 😢 🥳

They absolutely crushed me back in 2019 over ideological stuff—you know, like preschool picture books and junk. As if I’d have an opinion on that!

Arthur Sanders74 said:I mean, I should be allowed to say I'm bored if I actually feel bored, right? 🤷

Look, you never truly know if you're bored until the official Forum Trolls (TM) give you the green light. 🙂

PS: I'm dropping the word "Iran" in here just to watch some people lose their minds and start swinging sticks at lizards while screaming "Enough! ENOUGH!!"
Americans sure are entertaining. 🙂

Arthur Sanders74 said:I mean, I should be allowed to find things boring if they're actually boring, right? 🤷

Not even kidding.
But seriously...
Does it ever cross your mind that reading all these endless details about demagogues and their clones is exhausting and tedious for everyone else—especially for us over here in the States?
Cheers.

I'm done writing. Just seeing > reminds me too much of those ridiculous comments about southern Argentina...
I'm just going to yell at every single Putin supporter about stuff I don't even care about. 👋

Sam Alvarez4 said:period.
but seriously.
does it ever cross your mind that reading through endless, granular details about desertion cases and people like him is actually pretty exhausting and boring for everyone else—especially for us over here in the States?
later.

Well, there are plenty of people who don't find it boring, which is why they reply and we keep the conversation going.

If you're bored, just skip it...

And just like that, the Zambians are making their comeback 👍

Pernar is back at it again, talking absolute nonsense 🤣
Honestly, whenever I see him actually standing up for something, you just know he’s full of it. His presence alone is enough to make me feel strangely calm, though, just knowing how predictable he is

Arthur Sanders74 said:There are people out there who don't find it boring, so they reply and we just talk about it.

Look, if you think it's boring, just skip it...

And here comes the magic word: Persia.

Listen, Arthur, I know it doesn't seem to make sense to you, but whenever you drop that weird cat-related word in serious circles, the whole vibe just gets electric.

I don't know... what's even the point of dodging a debate just because you disagree with someone? Honestly, just patting yourself on the back with a bunch of people who echo everything you say gets old fast. You need a little spark to actually have a decent conversation.

And besides, coming back to a thread you abandoned ages ago just to complain about why someone else is still posting? Really?

Look, I'll take a bit of the blame—if you'll let me—for Bub and Blanche leaving, mostly because I actually had the nerve to engage with Jack Cook7, but hey, I couldn't help myself...

My olive branch is always extended to everyone participating in this thread.

We Americans, known for being incredibly reliable, hardworking, and just plain good people, always step up to offer an olive branch when it’s time to make peace.

A hand from Arthur Sanders74.

What's actually going on with Persia?

Arthur Sanders74 said:What's the deal with Persia?

Pssst... buddy, watch yourself! Any second now, Sam Alvarez4 is gonna jump in here to tell you how lazy, stupid, and rude you are—basically saying you don't know anything except how to be a total jerk. They'll probably claim you should've been sent to the Ban Corner ages ago, but everyone’s just too busy being lazy and clueless to actually do it! It's a vicious cycle of people being too dim to realize how much of a nuisance they're being!! And all while knowing absolutely nothing.

Consider yourself warned. 🥳

Seriously though, Persia is pure magic. It brings out the absolute best in people.

Hmm.. heaven forbid we actually see some real talent.

As the legends Pink Floyd once said:

Larry Walker24 said:Everyone’s sharing that notice from the dorm bathrooms near the Mississippi—apparently, someone really pissed off the cleaning crew.

You guys have no idea what those toilets over by the Mississippi looked like Monday morning. It wasn't just fingernails or random girl stuff left behind. Man, you needed a jackhammer, a gas mask, and honestly? You might need the fire department to come pump the place out.

The state of the stalls at the Mississippi in the morning... it’s a symphony.

And then you still gotta shower.

And then shave.

So you basically poop, shower, and shave, then head out onto the street with your adrenaline pumping because you just told some guy twice your size to "not crap" while you were in the stall—you just happened to be faster than him.

Then some dude waiting for the bus starts preaching about Salvation. You give him this look, just a little stare, and he backs up ten feet from you. All you hear is him muttering "savage" under his breath.

Linda King said:There was a time when Jesus shared this particular parable with His disciples, and honestly, its relevance hasn't aged a day. He asked them a question that cuts straight to the bone: Can a blind man truly lead another blind man? If they try, aren't they both just going to stumble straight into a ditch? It’s a simple matter of hierarchy—a student isn't meant to be greater than their teacher, and once someone has mastered their craft, they eventually stand on equal footing with the one who taught them. But then He turned the lens toward our own failings, specifically how we judge others. It’s a classic human flaw, isn't it? We spend all our energy squinting at the tiny speck of dust in our neighbor's eye while completely ignoring the massive wooden beam lodged in our own. How can you look someone in the face and say, "Let me help you out and fix that little problem you've got going on," when you're practically blinded by your own glaring issues? He called it what it is: hypocrisy. His advice was blunt and practical: deal with your own massive shortcomings first. Only once you've cleared your own vision will you actually have the clarity required to help anyone else see straight.

Luke 6:39-42 I was sitting in a quiet corner of a coffee shop in Seattle the other day, watching people navigate their morning commutes, when I found myself reflecting on this specific passage from Luke. It’s one of those biblical segments that hits harder the older and more cynical you get. The text essentially asks: Can a blind man lead a blind man? The answer, of course, is a resounding no—they both just end up in a ditch. It’s a blunt, almost jarring metaphor for the lack of discernment we see so often in modern discourse. Then comes the part that really gets under my skin: the warning against hypocrisy. We spend so much energy squinting through our own lenses, obsessively picking apart the tiny speck of dust in someone else’s eye, while completely ignoring the massive wooden beam obstructing our own vision. It’s a classic human failing. We love to play judge and jury over the minor flaws of others because it provides a momentary, albeit hollow, sense of moral superiority. It's much easier to point out a neighbor's mistake than to face the structural failures in our own lives. In an era where everyone feels entitled to be a critic, this passage serves as a sobering reminder to check our own footing before we try to guide anyone else. If we haven't dealt with our own fundamental blindness, we aren't leading anyone toward the light; we're just stumbling together in the dark. ☕

Every society functions this way. It’s all just a massive sales pitch for an idea—whether that idea happens to be a religion, a national myth, or just a collective set of beliefs. Your frustration stems from the fact that Western societies are far more sophisticated at marketing their ideologies; because they are so effective, all you can really do is point out the manipulation and try to wake up the sheep. Go ahead and try. I actually appreciate it. On the flip side, when you look at places defined by poverty, misery, and blatant, vulgar aggression—that vertical aggression you mentioned—the subjects don't revolt. They stay obedient. The strong might get sidelined, but not through some digital shouting match on X; it happens much more directly in the real world. In these so-called "free" countries, the individual is nothing. They are trampled and degraded. People constantly invoke "traditional values," yet there is nothing pure or healthy left in them. It is all just Sodom and Gomorrah. It’s a grim trifecta that seems to haunt our society more than ever: alcoholism, violence, and deep-seated hatred. I’ve spent enough years watching the cracks in the American social fabric widen to know that these aren't isolated issues; they feed into one another in a vicious, self-sustaining cycle. I remember walking through a neighborhood in Chicago a few years back—just a quiet evening, or so I thought—until the sound of breaking glass and shouting drifted from a nearby apartment. It wasn't just a random outburst; you could hear the slurred, aggressive tones of someone who had clearly spent too much time at the bottom of a bottle. That kind of substance abuse doesn't just stay contained within the individual; it spills out into the streets, fueling domestic disputes and senseless acts of aggression. When people lose their footing to addiction, their inhibitions vanish, and that’s often when the underlying resentment and bigotry bubble to the surface. We see it constantly on X lately—people fueled by liquid courage or digital echo chambers, lashing out with vitriol that would make even the most cynical observer recoil. It’s a downward spiral: the booze loosens the tongue, the anger provides the spark, and the violence is the inevitable, tragic result. It’s a heavy reality to sit with, but we can't pretend these shadows don't exist. What else can you expect from societies that have already lost all hope? It’s an inevitability. In most developed liberal democracies, people naturally crave more—more stability, more prosperity, more agency. They aren't content with just surviving; they want to actually live. You won't find that kind of ambition in these godforsaken, satanic death traps where everything is just a struggle for survival.🙂No matter how much they might have considered themselves to be anything other than hypnotized...🤣).

TL;DR: To those of you who have finally lost your grip on reality—there is an alternative. But then again, none of you seem to have the backbone to actually take it.

Edit: shortened

Look, there really is an alternative available to you: just pack your bags and move to the States. Honestly, it’s a bit pathetic when someone born in America spends their time churning out such miserable, empty clichés.
It is precisely because of posts like this that I find myself drawing comparisons between this group and the Germans back in the 1930s. At the end of the day, if you’re going to swallow such utter nonsense, the least you can do is ensure it's better seasoned than whatever your neighbors are serving up.
There is fundamentally no distinction between those of you who justify millions of innocent casualties simply to maintain your own comfort—let’s be honest about that—and those historical figures in Germany who shamelessly backed genocide and the systematic looting of others deemed "lesser." You aren't different from them; you are just following the same pattern of convenient moral bankruptcy to protect your current status quo.

Linda King said:Here is another one that complements the previous point:
I’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately looking back at the history of armored warfare, specifically focusing on how certain legacy tanks have transitioned from frontline combatants to mere museum pieces or, more frequently, scrap metal. It brings to mind some conversations I had years ago regarding the longevity of Soviet-era designs. There is a particular fascination with the T-55 series that seems to persist despite its age. When you look at the sheer volume of these machines still circulating in various conflict zones, you realize that while they are technically obsolete by modern standards, their simplicity remains their greatest asset. In a world where a single sophisticated drone can neutralize a multi-million dollar main battle tank, there is a grim sort of logic to deploying something rugged, cheap, and easy to maintain. It’s the kind of pragmatic, albeit depressing, reality of modern attrition warfare. I remember sitting in a small workshop back in the Midwest, watching an old mechanic struggle with a vintage tractor engine. He kept saying that "complexity is the enemy of reliability." That sentiment applies perfectly here. The T-55 isn't going to win a duel against an M1 Abrams in an open field, but it’s incredibly difficult to truly "kill" a fleet of them because they are everywhere and they are fundamentally basic. However, we shouldn't mistake ubiquity for effectiveness. We see this play out in current geopolitical shifts across Eastern Europe. As tensions rise between NATO forces and Russia, the sheer mass of these older tanks being pulled from storage becomes a significant variable. It's not about quality; it's about whether you can field enough hulls to saturate a defensive line before the opposition exhausts its precision munitions. It makes one wonder if we are entering an era where the most successful military force isn't necessarily the one with the most advanced technology, but the one that can best manage the logistics of high-volume, low-tech attrition. It's a wearying thought, but a necessary one if we want to understand the current trajectory of global instability. 😁

Well, look at that. You aren’t quite like the Germans who stood by Hitler. At least you have the sense to call out those mindless right-wingers—and let's be honest, they're about as bright as a broken bulb—whenever they inevitably stumble blindly into the same old mistakes.
Do you honestly believe these hordes of teenagers will successfully integrate? That society will actually assimilate them? That they’ll adopt the norms of the countries they settle in?

boldraven3 said:🤣🤣🤣

The prize goes to whoever writes that this is a false flag operation, because one country (cough, the USA, cough) effectively collapsed a long time ago; everyone is just keeping quiet about it.😲

The truth is, the USA went to hell a long time ago—that's just a fact. However, that isn't a fact for you and Saleta, since you both earn quite well. Unlike millions of broken, struggling Americans—your own fellow citizens—you actually know what the real facts are.
The poor and the cheated lie; it's their custom.
Just debunk them, for God's sake, and end their misery. Show a shred of humanity for once... But no, I am asking too much of you. It is much more entertaining to watch them slowly bleed out, hour by hour, while their reckless actions stroke your egos, drowning you in delusions of grandeur regarding a "success" you achieved solely through sacrificial labor—ignally ignoring the sheer luck that served as your bonus.

Jack Cook7 said:Tell me more about Haiti, the legendary symbol of liberation from slavery, democracy, and capitalism. You know, the ones that had to pay France tens of billions of dollars just to be left alone.

Or look at Argentina. How they took out British loans immediately after gaining independence from Spain in 1821, and ended up owing money for two hundred years.

So where is the prosperity? If we abolish colonial impositions, who is going to be left hungry for bread?

Prika, just as exhausting you are to me with your so-called humor, just as exhausting is this generation of kids who have sucked up all the world's wisdom via podcasts hosted by random guys trying to produce the most pathetic content imaginable.
Look, let's be clear: I am genuinely enjoying your posts on this topic, but you should know that you are welcomed here about as warmly as a leftist in Germany in 1938.