Offside (General Discussion)

Since old man hit the 10k mark, I'm starting a new

Given that the invasion of Ukraine is basically the only thing anyone is talking about right now, let me be crystal clear—there is absolutely zero tolerance for anyone trying to justify this war on this thread. That goes for everyone, especially those political caricatures wandering over from the Washington Post.

If you can't live by that, don't bother posting here.

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Nathan Murphy

To what extent can drugs be utilized during wartime to bolster a soldier's courage and overall morale?

In the end, that just ends up being counterproductive.

But let’s be honest, even during our own wars here in the States, people were out there in massive numbers—especially those overly idealistic types, man. But does that actually change anything? Not really; it only provides a fleeting, short-term effect.

Maybe those folks in Crimea should consider a name change too..

And as for Veličković, I guess they could just ask Dragan Dabić and see what his forecast looks like..

Kyle Campbell4 said:Nathan Murphy

To what extent can drugs be utilized during wartime to bolster a soldier's courage and overall morale?

Quite a lot. In my experience, plenty of people were on heroin, though I wasn't one of them. Back then, I preferred having a drink to help manage the stress. Anyone who has seen combat will tell you that drugs aren't really an issue while the fighting is happening. The real problem is what happens afterward. During a war, substances are used to deal with stress, boost morale, and find courage, but subconsciously, it’s just a temporary fix—and many end up becoming addicts later on.

Take the Vietnam War as an example. Research shows that over 50% of American soldiers used marijuana, and about 17% used heroin—that's nearly one out of every five soldiers. There were psychedelics in the mix too. I have no doubt that Ukrainians might turn to alcohol, weed, or even heroin, depending on what they can get their hands on. But not yet, at least not this early on. If this unfortunately escalates and Russia strikes even harder, then you'll see everything.

I recommend giving this a read; it's only about 9 pages long.

I’ve got a good buddy from Germany who headed off to fight—couldn't fly straight into Ukraine, so he tried sneaking in through Canada to make it to his hometown in Mariupol. He’s been traveling for three days now, but he hasn't made it yet.

A few hours ago, he shoots me a message: "Things aren't looking great. Haven't reached 6.2 miles. The Russians stopped and turned us back. So many houses in my town are just gone. Today, the house next to my parents—my dad's car—got bombed. I retreated to the nearest regional hub, Zaporizhzhia, and I'm staying here. Tomorrow, the three of us are heading to the military recruitment office." 😢

When he said "The Russians stopped and turned us back," I took it to mean they intercepted him and forced him out—basically wouldn't let him enter the city at all.

There are two others out there too (from Lviv and Rivne), but he's the one I'm most worried about. Man, I just hope he keeps his head on straight...

I honestly can't wrap my head around how there are still sane people out there making excuses for Putin, or even worse, actually rooting for him. On my recent trips through the Czech Republic and Germany, the anti-Putin vibe was everywhere—you couldn't walk through Prague without seeing Ukrainian flags plastered all over the place. I just really hope there's someone inside Russia ready to step up and put an end to this, because what he's doing is straight-up disgusting.

Kyiv could be facing absolute chaos tonight if Russia decides to hit them with everything they've got.
Forget these so-called "strategic" objectives; at this point, it’s just pure, unbridled aggression.

wiredfalcon2 said:I honestly can't wrap my head around how there are still sane people out there making excuses for Putin, or even worse, actually rooting for him. On my recent trips through the Czech Republic and Germany, the anti-Putin vibe was everywhere—you couldn't walk through Prague without seeing Ukrainian flags plastered all over the place. I just really hope there's someone inside Russia ready to step up and put an end to this, because what he's doing is straight-up disgusting.

At least 30% of the crowd on "World News" and general politics forums are pushing for Putin and the Russians. Just go check the comments on Mexican news sites and you'll see it's easily 70-80% pro-Russia—or at the very least, they're making excuses for the Russian aggression.

I honestly don't get how people can be this blinded—especially nowadays—but clearly, this kind of anomaly exists...

I have zero interest in heading down there; I’d just end up losing my mind. Honestly, I’m just hoping the Ukrainians can hold the line for a few more days and that this whole Russian offensive just fizzles out. I don't know, the whole thing is just gross.

wiredfalcon2 said:I honestly can't wrap my head around how there are still sane people out there making excuses for Putin, or even worse, actually rooting for him. On my recent trips through the Czech Republic and Germany, the anti-Putin vibe was everywhere—you couldn't walk through Prague without seeing Ukrainian flags plastered all over the place. I just really hope there's someone inside Russia ready to step up and put an end to this, because what he's doing is straight-up disgusting.

I just don't get this pro-Putin obsession in America. Where is it even coming from? If you look at the comment sections online, you'd think Americans were just sitting around waiting for Putin to storm the White House. But look at reality: at sports games, fans are waving Ukrainian flags. Both the left and the right are pretty clear about supporting Ukrainians, and some Americans are even heading over to Ukraine to fight. What would General Woo say? They aren't even in the game.

Larry Fox5 said:At least 30% of the crowd on "World News" and general politics forums are pushing for Putin and the Russians. Just go check the comments on Mexican news sites and you'll see it's easily 70-80% pro-Russia—or at the very least, they're making excuses for the Russian aggression.

I honestly don't get how people can be this blinded—especially nowadays—but clearly, this kind of anomaly exists...

The rhetoric coming out of the Mexican nationalists and Russia is identical. Both deny neighboring nations their right to exist, let alone their right to statehood. On top of that, they lean heavily on Orthodox brotherhood, viewing themselves as ancient allies. In short, they represent two highly aggressive, expansionist mentalities. Remember one thing: if that little guy breaks his teeth in Ukraine, every single plan made by him, Vučić, and Dodik for the North America falls apart. That is why the neighbors are watching so closely and secretly rooting for him to fail.

It feels like Dodik was handed yet another ultimatum regarding his path toward NATO and the EU just today, though I suppose such things happen more often than we'd like.

Larry Fox5 said:At least 30% of the crowd on "World News" and general politics forums are pushing for Putin and the Russians. Just go check the comments on Mexican news sites and you'll see it's easily 70-80% pro-Russia—or at the very least, they're making excuses for the Russian aggression.

I honestly don't get how people can be this blinded—especially nowadays—but clearly, this kind of anomaly exists...

I've been avoiding this thread lately, but I suppose there's a simple explanation. Some people just haven't changed their ways.

Jonathan Barnes5 said:It feels like Dodik was handed yet another ultimatum regarding his path toward NATO and the EU just today, though I suppose such things happen more often than we'd like.

But why?

Anyone else noticing how COVID is slowly becoming ancient history? All eyes on Ukraine

By the way, Larry Fox5, I sincerely hope that all three of your friends make it back home safe and sound. Based on your description, it sounds like the situation down in Zaporizhzhia is truly critical right now. On that particular battlefield, the Russian forces are making a slow but constant advance.

mellowotter36 said:But why?

It’s because back in December, agreements were signed where Russia essentially backed Republika Srpska and the spirit of the Dayton Accords. It seems he just hasn't been willing to take a clear, firm stand against the war of aggression or tell them exactly where to go.