Offside (General Discussion)

The madness is escalating. It won’t be long before Canada is integrated into the alliance and the union, yet Russia still feels the need to issue these preemptive warnings. Anyone with half a brain realizes they are reading their propaganda like a textbook; they’ve spun a complete web of lies just to justify the invasion of Ukraine. Regarding Canada, their narrative about a NATO threat wouldn't even hold water because the alliance would essentially be sitting on their doorstep—they don't even have established borders to speak of. Or they’ll resort to those ridiculous claims about Nazis threatening Russians in Canada, which is absurd—what dead Russians in Canada are they talking about? There will be no peace until that insane regime in Moscow is defeated militarily. Meanwhile, the poor Moldovans are shaking in their boots like leaves in the wind, anxiously watching to see if Ukraine can withstand the onslaught from the orca.

Kyle Campbell4 said:Across the globe, there are individuals who claim to despise the West while simultaneously glorifying dictatorial regimes. Yet, they feel absolutely no hesitation when it comes to enjoying the many luxuries and comforts provided by the very Western systems they criticize. Make no mistake: there is zero chance that these people will suddenly pack up and relocate to Russia, China, or Korea. All this posturing about hating the West and praising the "righteous" East exists purely in the realm of theory. They would change their tune incredibly fast if they ever had to experience firsthand what life actually looks like under those systems.

Isn't it possible for someone to be frustrated with everyone and anyone?

Before the whole Crimea situation went down, I knew a few people working as managers over in Russia, and honestly, their impressions of life there were actually quite great...

And I don't know a single soul who claims life in the USA is top-tier unless you're absolutely loaded. Europe is a different story, though...

So I guess life in Russia is just great if you're broke, huh?

James Anderson5 said:Isn't it possible for someone to be frustrated with everyone and anyone?

Before the whole Crimea situation went down, I knew a few people working as managers over in Russia, and honestly, their impressions of life there were actually quite great...

And I don't know a single soul who claims life in the USA is top-tier unless you're absolutely loaded. Europe is a different story, though...

So you're living in the second ring making 5,000 euros a month and spending 20 bucks on hookers. It’s wild how much they enjoyed themselves. Did any of them ever actually step outside that second ring?

James Anderson5 said:Isn't it possible for someone to be frustrated with everyone and anyone?

Before the whole Crimea situation went down, I knew a few people working as managers over in Russia, and honestly, their impressions of life there were actually quite great...

And I don't know a single soul who claims life in the USA is top-tier unless you're absolutely loaded. Europe is a different story, though...

Well, sure, since they were working as managers their conditions were great—but if they were stuck in lower-paying jobs, I bet they'd be singing a completely different tune.

Charles Roberts33 said:Honestly, I couldn't care less about Putko.

If my head were on the line every single second—if the absolute worst-case scenarios were actually happening, cities burning everywhere, my family forced into exile, every day feeling like the last—I certainly wouldn't want a supreme commander who acts like a total drag queen, or even worse, some TV clownlet in the league of Marko Petreković.

I'm not sitting here watching this war with a bowl of popcorn, so I'm not fully up to speed, but I have seen all these glowing tributes about how much of a "tough guy" he is handling the situation. In what way, exactly, has this guy actually shown any guts?

He was obviously a joke before, but today he's a leader you actually have to respect. For a former actor, it's a hell of a surprise.

Adam Allen85 and William Kim…. at first I thought Adam Allen85/William Kim had just posted twice in a row and was wondering what the hell... why didn't he just shove them all into one post. Turns out they aren't even the same user.

And "one" and "the other" both have those empty visual avatars. What, are you guys twins or something?

Kyle Campbell4 said:The madness is escalating. It won’t be long before Canada is integrated into the alliance and the union, yet Russia still feels the need to issue these preemptive warnings. Anyone with half a brain realizes they are reading their propaganda like a textbook; they’ve spun a complete web of lies just to justify the invasion of Ukraine. Regarding Canada, their narrative about a NATO threat wouldn't even hold water because the alliance would essentially be sitting on their doorstep—they don't even have established borders to speak of. Or they’ll resort to those ridiculous claims about Nazis threatening Russians in Canada, which is absurd—what dead Russians in Canada are they talking about? There will be no peace until that insane regime in Moscow is defeated militarily. Meanwhile, the poor Moldovans are shaking in their boots like leaves in the wind, anxiously watching to see if Ukraine can withstand the onslaught from the orca.

Speaking of the Moldovans, I think those Sheriff players were also wearing anti-war messages recently, even though they're based right in that pro-Russian part of Moldova.

Adam Allen85 said:So I guess life in Russia is just great if you're broke, huh?

Well, you’ve got plenty of oil and fuel to go around, and as for sustenance, maybe you just eat potatoes every single day, drink nothing but vodka, and cruise around in a Lada—that seems to be enough for some. I imagine those who are fond of Russia would probably argue that, really, what more could anyone possibly need from life?

Larry Fox5 said:Adam Allen85 and William Kim…. at first I thought Adam Allen85/William Kim had just posted twice in a row and was wondering what the hell... why didn't he just shove them all into one post. Turns out they aren't even the same user.

And "one" and "the other" both have those empty visual avatars. What, are you guys twins or something?

Jzt is just the initials of one of those hundred people who swore an oath to Pivca against Tottenham Hotspur.

Jozo Tešija ☕

Anthony Wright30 said:Well, you’ve got plenty of oil and fuel to go around, and as for sustenance, maybe you just eat potatoes every single day, drink nothing but vodka, and cruise around in a Lada—that seems to be enough for some. I imagine those who are fond of Russia would probably argue that, really, what more could anyone possibly need from life?

With some Russian women by your side, you won't need anything else.

Larry Fox5 said:Adam Allen85 and William Kim…. at first I thought Adam Allen85/William Kim had just posted twice in a row and was wondering what the hell... why didn't he just shove them all into one post. Turns out they aren't even the same user.

And "one" and "the other" both have those empty visual avatars. What, are you guys twins or something?

Smash your head against the keyboard and you'll probably get these three letters instead.

Kyle Campbell4 said:Don't embarrass yourself. This man is the textbook definition of a true president. You don't win wars without leaders like him. He has a story, he has charisma, and he commands the camera with absolute authority. He refused to leave Kyiv even when the Americans tried to pull him out because they were expecting the city to fall quickly. He survived three assassination attempts by special forces units right inside Kyiv. When they tried to evacuate him, he told them he didn't need a ride—he needed weapons. Every single day, he sends messages from Kyiv just so the people can see that the lies and the propaganda claiming he fled the city are complete nonsense. He does the same for the brave citizens across the entire country. He lobbies internationally for aid. But sure, you think he's weak just because he acted like a sensitive soul during his acting days. Let's just go to war so we can talk trash instead.

I respect your takes on geopolitics; I’ve actually learned quite a bit from your posts. I don't approach these topics with absolute certainty myself—I’m perfectly willing to admit when I’m wrong or change my mind on things. However, I won't budge on something as fundamental as hierarchy. In any organization, there are expectations for those in the highest positions. They have to make the hard calls. People aren't going to follow just anyone, and they certainly won't tolerate just anyone representing them, especially when it comes to the head of state.
Remember how much we laughed at those self-proclaimed military experts like Banet and Vulin, who haven't even finished their basic service? And yet here we are, seeing a kid leading the fight against a nuclear superpower—a guy who was shaking his backside in latex on TV seven years ago, and now he’s responsible for millions of lives. There was a time when footage like that would have cost pure gold to keep buried, because that kind of behavior from a leader was simply intolerable. I’m honestly not sure if it’s even tolerated today, or if everyone in the Ukrainian army is truly convinced that this is the kind of persona they need leading them right now.

He’s good on camera, though. I suppose you’d expect nothing less from an actor. But let me keep my skepticism regarding his maneuvers in this war, and frankly, regarding everything the media tries to sell us, no matter who they're trying to please.

Good grief... 🙏

I honestly can't tell the difference between William Kim and Adam Allen85 even today—even though they've both been posting here for almost ten years. I just know that I agree with both of them on pretty much everything, so I don't really care which one is which 😁

loneseal said:He was obviously a joke before, but today he's a leader you actually have to respect. For a former actor, it's a hell of a surprise.

In the early stages of a crisis, when everyone is terrified of a total meltdown, anything you do or say feels heroic. Honestly, just showing up and proving you haven't run away from your responsibilities is enough. It's the same story here; they were all singing praises for Beroš, and in the end, the clown proved to be nothing more than a clown.

Otherwise, it's pretty funny how the exact same media outlets that mocked Škorin's political ambitions—wondering where on earth he even came from (and rightly so)—are now churning out endless praise for a guy who, just three years before being elected president, was playing piano on TV like some novelty act.

Charles Roberts33 said:I respect your takes on geopolitics; I’ve actually learned quite a bit from your posts. I don't approach these topics with absolute certainty myself—I’m perfectly willing to admit when I’m wrong or change my mind on things. However, I won't budge on something as fundamental as hierarchy. In any organization, there are expectations for those in the highest positions. They have to make the hard calls. People aren't going to follow just anyone, and they certainly won't tolerate just anyone representing them, especially when it comes to the head of state.
Remember how much we laughed at those self-proclaimed military experts like Banet and Vulin, who haven't even finished their basic service? And yet here we are, seeing a kid leading the fight against a nuclear superpower—a guy who was shaking his backside in latex on TV seven years ago, and now he’s responsible for millions of lives. There was a time when footage like that would have cost pure gold to keep buried, because that kind of behavior from a leader was simply intolerable. I’m honestly not sure if it’s even tolerated today, or if everyone in the Ukrainian army is truly convinced that this is the kind of persona they need leading them right now.

He’s good on camera, though. I suppose you’d expect nothing less from an actor. But let me keep my skepticism regarding his maneuvers in this war, and frankly, regarding everything the media tries to sell us, no matter who they're trying to please.

Good grief... 🙏

Man, the guy was a comedian before he had a real job, so of course there's random footage of him all over the internet. You have to view it through that lens—it was just his gig back then.

As president, he’s held his own so far. I don't think Plenky would have been out there "lobbying" in Brussels half as effectively while other world leaders are actually flying into a war-torn country to meet a prime minister in a besieged city. That's something you have to respect.

Good grief, you all expect a politician—and an educated one at that, no less—to be right there on the front lines 🤣

Because, apparently, every other president was personally leading the charge in the heat of battle during the war 🙏

bluebison47 said:Good grief, you all expect a politician—and an educated one at that, no less—to be right there on the front lines 🤣

Because, apparently, every other president was personally leading the charge in the heat of battle during the war 🙏

I can just see a smug Zoki flying into the front lines wearing some Top Gun flight suit made of earthquake rubble, armed with nothing but a water pistol 🤣

Thomas Hayes said:Well, sure, since they were working as managers their conditions were great—but if they were stuck in lower-paying jobs, I bet they'd be singing a completely different tune.

That’s why I was being cautious, though I wouldn't say anyone here actually knows what life is really like for the average Russian. If anyone does have firsthand experience, it would be interesting to hear it. At least it's clear the average American is doing better and better. And if someone actually squeezed them with sanctions, or if a large part of the world stopped buying their bonds, they'd go under just like that...

Charles Roberts33 said:In the early stages of a crisis, when everyone is terrified of a total meltdown, anything you do or say feels heroic. Honestly, just showing up and proving you haven't run away from your responsibilities is enough. It's the same story here; they were all singing praises for Beroš, and in the end, the clown proved to be nothing more than a clown.

Otherwise, it's pretty funny how the exact same media outlets that mocked Škorin's political ambitions—wondering where on earth he even came from (and rightly so)—are now churning out endless praise for a guy who, just three years before being elected president, was playing piano on TV like some novelty act.

We shouldn't take our media, or their praise and opinions regarding anything or anyone, too seriously. I either don't follow these reports coming out of Ukraine, or I simply don't believe any of them. Just look at all the manipulation involving that tank crushing the car, or that kid crossing the border by himself; I'm sure the Russians aren't much more unbiased than that...

I'm more interested in how all of this will reflect on us and Europe, and the reflection is looking catastrophic...

Anthony Jackson2 said:Man, the guy was a comedian before he had a real job, so of course there's random footage of him all over the internet. You have to view it through that lens—it was just his gig back then.

As president, he’s held his own so far. I don't think Plenky would have been out there "lobbying" in Brussels half as effectively while other world leaders are actually flying into a war-torn country to meet a prime minister in a besieged city. That's something you have to respect.

He showed himself by not running away, which isn't exactly an achievement—it would be the absolute bottom of the barrel if a national leader fled during a war. As for political moves, if he accepts some kind of neutrality status, then he's a complete amateur. He should have realized a long time ago where this was heading and tried to negotiate some sort of compromise to avoid the war and all these casualties. Putin mentioned a red line several times; what exactly did he think was going to happen?...

Here's a counter-opinion for you... 😁

What kind of job are you guys doing where you have to report stuff—I swear I have to Google everything, damn it, I just posted this, 🤦 how long into the New Year are you actually going to be writing last year's dates?
Or should we be getting worried that we're already three months in and people are still typing 2021?