Offside Chat Archives (2014-2021)

Gregory Chavez said:Just to add to that—if you set aside "Čavoglave," "Juru i Bobana," and that other garbage, Thompson has some seriously impressive rock tracks. You’d be surprised how many people in the Midwest actually listen to him.

But why should we be surprised? It seems to me that more Americans are listening to pop icons like Taylor Swift than there are people over there listening to classic rock legends... and considering the quality of that pop stuff, it’s almost a tragedy.

Ashley Martinez6 said:If you had taken just a moment to actually digest the text, you would have realized that I am in complete agreement with his article, with the sole exception of those 358 instances where he happens to use the word "jerk." ☕

You mentioned reacting to my "nonsense," which, I suppose, is a fair enough assessment of the situation...

However, if you had gone so far as to call me a fool—and I mean explicitly stating it two hundred times over—then we would be having a very different conversation, because I would have certainly reported your post to the moderators...

fali ti "pljus pljus" na kraju posta ☕

Ashley Martinez6 said:If you had taken just a moment to actually digest the text, you would have realized that I am in complete agreement with his article, with the sole exception of those 358 instances where he happens to use the word "jerk." ☕

You mentioned reacting to my "nonsense," which, I suppose, is a fair enough assessment of the situation...

However, if you had gone so far as to call me a fool—and I mean explicitly stating it two hundred times over—then we would be having a very different conversation, because I would have certainly reported your post to the moderators...

Look, it’s all good. You claimed the piece was "the absolute bottom of journalism." Honestly? It's the exact opposite. Around here, we're starving for journalists who actually call things what they are. This article is exactly what I want from a columnist when I pour sugar into my coffee, light up a cigarette, and crack open the morning paper. You added that bit about the "bottom-feeders" later, but even then, I don't buy it. Those people need to be called by their real names.
Let's get one thing straight: regarding the Pride parade, my personal views lean much closer to the official stance of the Catholic Church than to whatever this guy is preaching. But blaming the parade for the disgusting murder of an innocent girl? That’s the real "bottom of journalism." If the government doesn't have the tools to deal with scum like that properly, then journalists at least have a responsibility to name them and highlight it. And frankly, they should be getting awards for that, not getting fired.

brightpilot6 said:But why should we be surprised? It seems to me that more Americans are listening to pop icons like Taylor Swift than there are people over there listening to classic rock legends... and considering the quality of that pop stuff, it’s almost a tragedy.

If you strip away the politics—the kind of stuff that suffocates us daily and keeps us stuck in this endless cycle of dysfunction—you have to admit that rock artists can't be compared to the mainstream pop-country trash that dominates the airwaves.

The core issue is that our entire American culture has been assimilated into this specific trend and lifestyle, one that's been forced on us for over twenty years by the relentless media machine.
Look, everyone has the right to choose their own playlist. But it genuinely frustrates me when I hear "true patriots" dismiss legendary musicians just because of one controversial political anthem or some outdated ideological stance. It’s the same thing when I see people look down on great songwriters simply because they once aligned themselves with a radical political movement.

Walter Grant5 said:It’s not about personal beliefs. It’s about pushing that whole warrior mentality twenty years too late. Digging up history when you shouldn't, dragging everyone's headspace back into all that negative crap, keeping the war complex alive. Shouldn't winning a war actually feel like a win? Like some kind of closure? Instead, it's just sitting there like bad takeout in your stomach. How does that help anyone? It's a total paradox.

I think you might be placing a bit too much weight on these things. And let's be honest, it absolutely comes down to personal belief—though I'm not sure where you're from, I'll just assume you're somewhere like Chicago ☕—so let's not kid ourselves. What do you mean by "reviving history" or dragging people back to that era? This guy is a singer, plain and simple; he isn't some messianic leader followed by millions. He’s a musician. I listen to his tracks just like I'd listen to Foo Fighters, even though Dave Grohl holds completely different views, and that's the end of the story. One artist has great songs, another has great songs, and that's that. I don't quite grasp this notion that people are losing their minds over celebrity opinions or being led astray by them. Some people don't like it when a certain commentator speaks their mind, others dislike it when a specific politician shares a view, and some object to what a rock star or a folk singer has to say. But if you can't stand someone's perspective, why not just turn off the radio and move on? They are perfectly free to express themselves as they please.

Ultimately, everything traces back to individual beliefs, whether we care to admit it subconsciously or not. ☕

brightpilot6 said:Good grief, where on earth did you crawl out from, 🙏🙏 🙂

At first glance, I actually wondered if Morgan Williams was trying to channel some kind of satirical columnist, but then I remembered that whole mess during the opening of the NBA season 🕺

I'm back. Finally. 🙂

Walter Grant5 said:The "veterans" getting all this loud-mouthed criticism in this country are the ones pulling $4,000 a month pensions. They're basically political puppets protesting on our backs. I know there are people behind the scenes—well-off types being handed $67 a day just to eat lamb and hang out in tents to make the crowds look bigger. They demand meetings without even having a real reason to ask for them... etc. These aren't the actual struggling vets, definitely not the ones in the same circle as those big-name lobbyists...

I know these people exist because I personally know one of them.

Yeah, hating others is linked to existential issues, but nothing justifies random hate. Besides, taking criticism won't kill you. It makes you better, smarter, stronger. Gives you some perspective. Avoiding criticism just leaves you narrow-minded.

@Morgan Williams you still in town?

I am. ☕

EDIT:

Keith Miller30 said:I think you might be placing a bit too much weight on these things. And let's be honest, it absolutely comes down to personal belief—though I'm not sure where you're from, I'll just assume you're somewhere like Chicago ☕—so let's not kid ourselves. What do you mean by "reviving history" or dragging people back to that era? This guy is a singer, plain and simple; he isn't some messianic leader followed by millions. He’s a musician. I listen to his tracks just like I'd listen to Foo Fighters, even though Dave Grohl holds completely different views, and that's the end of the story. One artist has great songs, another has great songs, and that's that. I don't quite grasp this notion that people are losing their minds over celebrity opinions or being led astray by them. Some people don't like it when a certain commentator speaks their mind, others dislike it when a specific politician shares a view, and some object to what a rock star or a folk singer has to say. But if you can't stand someone's perspective, why not just turn off the radio and move on? They are perfectly free to express themselves as they please.

Ultimately, everything traces back to individual beliefs, whether we care to admit it subconsciously or not. ☕

Look, I draw a line between personal beliefs and what happened here. It’s one thing to have an opinion, but it’s another entirely to celebrate a genocidal regime at a concert, toast to the slaughter of innocent people, or start a song with a salute from a totalitarian era. That specific slogan wasn't even the official greeting of the modern United States. European nations have already made their stance on this crystal clear.

Take someone like a political commentator criticizing certain views—there's a massive difference between holding a debate and the blatant extremism I just described.

Morgan Williams said:I'm back. Finally. 🙂

I am. ☕

EDIT:

Look, I draw a line between personal beliefs and what happened here. It’s one thing to have an opinion, but it’s another entirely to celebrate a genocidal regime at a concert, toast to the slaughter of innocent people, or start a song with a salute from a totalitarian era. That specific slogan wasn't even the official greeting of the modern United States. European nations have already made their stance on this crystal clear.

Take someone like a political commentator criticizing certain views—there's a massive difference between holding a debate and the blatant extremism I just described.

About time, too ☕

good to have you back 😉

Keith Miller30 said:I think you might be placing a bit too much weight on these things. And let's be honest, it absolutely comes down to personal belief—though I'm not sure where you're from, I'll just assume you're somewhere like Chicago ☕—so let's not kid ourselves. What do you mean by "reviving history" or dragging people back to that era? This guy is a singer, plain and simple; he isn't some messianic leader followed by millions. He’s a musician. I listen to his tracks just like I'd listen to Foo Fighters, even though Dave Grohl holds completely different views, and that's the end of the story. One artist has great songs, another has great songs, and that's that. I don't quite grasp this notion that people are losing their minds over celebrity opinions or being led astray by them. Some people don't like it when a certain commentator speaks their mind, others dislike it when a specific politician shares a view, and some object to what a rock star or a folk singer has to say. But if you can't stand someone's perspective, why not just turn off the radio and move on? They are perfectly free to express themselves as they please.

Ultimately, everything traces back to individual beliefs, whether we care to admit it subconsciously or not. ☕

Well, look at how many people are absolutely captivated by certain political leaders and how those views drive them.

It isn't merely about mindless imitation of an opinion; rather, it’s more about the deliberate push toward elements that trigger a regression in the collective psyche. Think back to the heightened tensions we saw during our own historical conflicts.

What else would explain the sudden obsession with military uniforms, wartime rhetoric, or those intense, divisive clashes we experienced on the streets of D.C.?

Anthony Jackson2 said:About time, too ☕

good to have you back 😉

🙂

brightpilot6 said:Well, look at how many people are absolutely captivated by certain political leaders and how those views drive them.

It isn't merely about mindless imitation of an opinion; rather, it’s more about the deliberate push toward elements that trigger a regression in the collective psyche. Think back to the heightened tensions we saw during our own historical conflicts.

What else would explain the sudden obsession with military uniforms, wartime rhetoric, or those intense, divisive clashes we experienced on the streets of D.C.?

It’s pretty obvious what's happening here. These protests are just a desperate attempt to drag the Republicans back into power. We’re out here fighting these red devils, yet nobody seems to care that twice as many people jumped from the old Communist Party over to the GOP rather than the Democrats. It was the GOP itself that plunged us into this crisis and bled us dry. Even after twenty years, a huge chunk of this country still clings to that outdated "Left equals Communists" logic while claiming the Republicans are the only true American party. Don't get me wrong—I'm not exactly out here singing the praises of the Democrats either.

Keith Miller30 said:Well, I suppose it’s just meant as trolling or perhaps a bit of light provocation. Personally, I refuse to form an opinion about anyone based solely on their internet posts. After all, we might be insulting one another online today, only to find ourselves grabbing a coffee together tomorrow, wouldn't you agree?☕

Whether there was a romantic connection or not, I don't think those are things we should be considering here. And why shouldn't she receive media attention? If the public wants to hear from her, let them; at least the woman knows how to hold a conversation. We can't exactly act as gatekeepers for media space, can we? Because if we tried, someone would always find a reason to dislike someone else. For instance, I’m not particularly fond of Frljic—he could certainly make a living if our society weren't so divided and playing on such low instincts—but even so, why should his media presence be denied? Who, ultimately, is qualified to decide who deserves a platform?

Actually, I wouldn't say he's just "self-proclaimed." To be honest, I quite enjoy his way of thinking; I'd much rather read one of his columns than some leftist columnist who tries to wrap their "hatred"—and I use quotes there to avoid being too literal—for certain values people hold dear, inside a joke or a charming writing style. Though, whether you want to admit it or not, it seems you simply don't like Raspudić for ideological reasons. If I had to find a fault, perhaps it's what GQ wrote—that he lacks a bit of flavor, lacking that edge of malice or mockery directed at the opposition. To put it another way, he is as restrained as Dragutin Lesar.

Well, that’s just how the administration works. 🤷 You have people who haven't earned enough in their entire lives to buy a single bicycle, individuals who couldn't manage a small local pharmacy, those who have completely dismantled our education system, and people who spend their entire nights judging others on Facebook...

Someone voted for them, so I suppose they can go ahead and run the country if that's what they want. ☕

How does it not matter who was whose mistress? Haven't you noticed that yesterday's secretary just became the CEO of a massive municipal corporation in Chicago?? Or look at who was handling procurement for those big city agencies before the current leadership took over...

There's a difference between someone earning media attention through their credentials and someone being forced upon us as a media figure. Look at guys like Siniša Cmrk, who vanished from the news after one huge blunder, versus that guy from the news who became even more politically desirable and popular right after getting caught dealing drugs. Using criteria like that is just toxic for any society...

Is Raspudić ideologically unappealing to me? Well, that depends on what you think his ideology should be—should he represent a truly neutral center-right view, or the party line of the GOP? And which of those two rhetorics do you think he actually uses?

Yeah, the administration is largely like that, and it's because those were the standards set back during the Bush era, when half the cabinet barely spoke English and the Secretary of Homeland Security only had a high school diploma. The current crowd has continued that pattern, maybe slightly less extreme since they at least have a professional for Treasury, whereas under the old guard, things were a lot messier...

Ashley Martinez6 said:Now, just so we're clear, I'm not talking about Thompson here (though I do agree with your point), but this observation of yours could apply to almost any American, including those "great" writers you hold in such high esteem... people like DeJulovic, Tomic, or Pavicic.
Do I even need to bring up someone like Matija Babic, who made such a career out of exposing massive scandals, only to turn around shortly after and publicly call on people to dodge their taxes... while being a tax evader himself, naturally... 🙏🙏 🙏
And what about those illustrious authors at EPH? They're pulling in $50,000 net a month, and everything would be fine if they weren't working for a private corporation that the government has drained of countless billions in subsidies... a type of firm that arguably benefits from being private rather than state-owned.

It’s always easiest to sit there and moralize, to point fingers at veterans, the church, the poor, the rural folk, the religious zealots, or the stubborn types... especially when you're pulling in a monthly salary that an average American earns in an entire year.
Most of these worms' articles are just overflowing with bitterness, contempt, and pure vitriol, and honestly, spitting on others is the easiest thing in the world to do.

To be fair, DeJulovic writes quite well when he sticks to sports or topics that don't involve Americans, history, or political extremists...

Speaking of those worms, since they act so incredibly arrogant behind a keyboard, why on earth do they hire the best lawyers in the country whenever they get hit with a private lawsuit over their supposedly "brilliant" columns? 🙏

Here is the article that forced Free Press to pay out damages: http://pescanik.net/za-njih-bi-lo-...og-ne-postoji/
Just a little thought experiment: what do you think would happen if you talked absolute trash about your boss at work? $0.00 I'd be fired on the spot.
In all honesty, this piece represents the absolute rock bottom of journalism, and it certainly doesn't belong in a daily newspaper, particularly not given a salary of $50,000 $0.00 a month.

They should stick to writing on their own blogs; this kind of garbage isn't fit for a major publication. Anyway, take care... ☕

Nobody trashed Hemingway because of his questionable patriotism; they did it because of his work. A writer is just a writer—there’s no such thing as an "American" or "British" writer. That's just nonsense for people who can't see past their own backyard. In the real world, there are just good writers and bad ones. Their nationality or how much they love the States doesn't change the quality of the prose. It’d be ridiculous to dock points from Hemingway just because he owed some taxes (if he actually did; honestly, who cares?) or because he wasn't patriotic enough for the flag.

Morgan Williams said:I'm back. Finally. 🙂

I am. ☕

EDIT:

Look, I draw a line between personal beliefs and what happened here. It’s one thing to have an opinion, but it’s another entirely to celebrate a genocidal regime at a concert, toast to the slaughter of innocent people, or start a song with a salute from a totalitarian era. That specific slogan wasn't even the official greeting of the modern United States. European nations have already made their stance on this crystal clear.

Take someone like a political commentator criticizing certain views—there's a massive difference between holding a debate and the blatant extremism I just described.

Actually, no, it isn't. Garbage is still garbage even if you wrap it in fancy cellophane—it's just a question of how bad it stinks... and let me tell you, that stench won't kill you, no matter how much it makes you gag...

brightpilot6 said:Well, look at how many people are absolutely captivated by certain political leaders and how those views drive them.

It isn't merely about mindless imitation of an opinion; rather, it’s more about the deliberate push toward elements that trigger a regression in the collective psyche. Think back to the heightened tensions we saw during our own historical conflicts.

What else would explain the sudden obsession with military uniforms, wartime rhetoric, or those intense, divisive clashes we experienced on the streets of D.C.?

It isn't about being obsessed with the Pope's stances; it's about actually living by them if you claim to care. In America, you have a huge Catholic population, yet hardly 20% actually live by the dogma—not even the clergy themselves. It’s not that people *can't* follow the rules; it's just that the most self-proclaimed Catholics are often those who've had affairs, had kids out of wedlock, or dodge their taxes while simultaneously expecting the government to foot the bill for "free" healthcare, education, and elder care.

To me, a true American patriot was someone like a martyr from the mid-century era. He could have moved to the Vatican whenever he pleased, but he stayed to work and live his life, even when facing intense political persecution. He knew what was coming, likely, but the man held his ground and trusted in God, regardless of the grim end he met. Now, look at the American elite. You could say the same for much of the general population: they swap their principles and beliefs whenever it's more convenient to protect their inner circle or the real estate they acquired through questionable means.

Larry Fox5 said:Actually, no, it isn't. Garbage is still garbage even if you wrap it in fancy cellophane—it's just a question of how bad it stinks... and let me tell you, that stench won't kill you, no matter how much it makes you gag...

I disagree. Name one part of Mile's set where he sounds anything like MPT. He doesn't push that kind of stuff. People just hate him because they don't vibe with his style or because they clash with him on politics and religion.

Check out these three songs where he touches on political themes—tell me I'm wrong:


(I'm posting this specifically for the lyrics: "I picked up the phone

to order some pizza for home

answered the call and got confused

what if he's an idiot?

A parasite with no ideas?

An artist? A member of the Republican Party?"

Comparing this to calling for massacres or glorifying totalitarian regimes is a massive stretch.

EDIT: I'm not attacking anyone's beliefs here. I'm pointing out the difference in how Kekin and MPT deliver their views. It's not about what someone thinks in an interview; it's about openly glorifying things at a concert. Just curious how a German singer would fare if he claimed to be a patriot but started his show shouting "Sieg Heil!", praising Hitler, and celebrating the Holocaust and Auschwitz. (And yeah, he doesn't pay his taxes either.) There's a huge distinction between a person stating an opinion and someone performing songs at a concert that celebrate things the rest of the world finds revolting and condemns as some of the darkest chapters in modern history.

Morgan Williams said:I disagree. Name one part of Mile's set where he sounds anything like MPT. He doesn't push that kind of stuff. People just hate him because they don't vibe with his style or because they clash with him on politics and religion.

Check out these three songs where he touches on political themes—tell me I'm wrong:

(I'm posting this specifically for the lyrics: "I picked up the phone

to order some pizza for home

answered the call and got confused

what if he's an idiot?

A parasite with no ideas?

An artist? A member of the Republican Party?"

Comparing this to calling for massacres or glorifying totalitarian regimes is a massive stretch.

EDIT: I'm not attacking anyone's beliefs here. I'm pointing out the difference in how Kekin and MPT deliver their views. It's not about what someone thinks in an interview; it's about openly glorifying things at a concert. Just curious how a German singer would fare if he claimed to be a patriot but started his show shouting "Sieg Heil!", praising Hitler, and celebrating the Holocaust and Auschwitz. (And yeah, he doesn't pay his taxes either.) There's a huge distinction between a person stating an opinion and someone performing songs at a concert that celebrate things the rest of the world finds revolting and condemns as some of the darkest chapters in modern history.

My metaphor wasn't even specifically targeting Kekin or MPT—it was about general perception regarding free speech... basically how we find things more palatable when they're wrapped in fancy packaging versus when they're plain and obvious to everyone.
If you ask me, those bans actually make things worse—they give these people a sense of importance they don't deserve by framing them as martyrs for absolute freedom, which just makes them boring...

It’s the same deal with the swastika—it only becomes "interesting" because it’s banned. Honestly, seventy years after the Holocaust and with two whole new generations grown up, America—and Europe too—should be confident enough to get over its own complexes...

bluebison10 said:It isn't about being obsessed with the Pope's stances; it's about actually living by them if you claim to care. In America, you have a huge Catholic population, yet hardly 20% actually live by the dogma—not even the clergy themselves. It’s not that people *can't* follow the rules; it's just that the most self-proclaimed Catholics are often those who've had affairs, had kids out of wedlock, or dodge their taxes while simultaneously expecting the government to foot the bill for "free" healthcare, education, and elder care.

To me, a true American patriot was someone like a martyr from the mid-century era. He could have moved to the Vatican whenever he pleased, but he stayed to work and live his life, even when facing intense political persecution. He knew what was coming, likely, but the man held his ground and trusted in God, regardless of the grim end he met. Now, look at the American elite. You could say the same for much of the general population: they swap their principles and beliefs whenever it's more convenient to protect their inner circle or the real estate they acquired through questionable means.

Politics and the Church are inseparable here—just like it is with our neighbors in Mexico. The reality is that certain political movements would never achieve this kind of "success" without solid political backing and a specific circle of "clergy" surrounding them.

Then these ultra-traditionalists act shocked when a leader like Pope Francis comes along and calls everyone back to the roots.

Larry Fox5 said:My metaphor wasn't even specifically targeting Kekin or MPT—it was about general perception regarding free speech... basically how we find things more palatable when they're wrapped in fancy packaging versus when they're plain and obvious to everyone.
If you ask me, those bans actually make things worse—they give these people a sense of importance they don't deserve by framing them as martyrs for absolute freedom, which just makes them boring...

It’s the same deal with the swastika—it only becomes "interesting" because it’s banned. Honestly, seventy years after the Holocaust and with two whole new generations grown up, America—and Europe too—should be confident enough to get over its own complexes...

Unlikely to happen here. Just look at the friction between Americans and Canadians over some minor currency dispute regarding a historical defeat from centuries ago. In the States, every neighbor has some petty grievance with someone else, stretching all the way from Maine to California. This finger-pointing at national symbols won't stop in the West; if they did, they'd start accusing one another of various historical wrongs. It's much easier to spit on a common enemy and sweep their own unresolved issues under the rug...

Morgan Foster said:Politics and the Church are inseparable here—just like it is with our neighbors in Mexico. The reality is that certain political movements would never achieve this kind of "success" without solid political backing and a specific circle of "clergy" surrounding them.

Then these ultra-traditionalists act shocked when a leader like Pope Francis comes along and calls everyone back to the roots.

The hardliners would love nothing more than for Francis to fade away or pass on quickly. It’s hard to pivot back to bread and water when you're used to high-end catering funded by parishioners who donate blindly, never questioning where their money actually goes...
Look at what happened with those American bishops who suddenly ditched their gold-plated crosses and staffs once they realized the current administration wasn't following the flashy precedents set by previous leaders. Then there's the millions sitting in Vatican Bank accounts with zero accountability, especially when people try to use that cash for actual global needs...
A contact of mine in Church circles tells me most modern American priests are essentially just administrative bureaucrats. They're focused on finding the fastest route to the biggest paycheck, hiding behind Church autonomy to dodge oversight. Those actually living the faith as written in the Bible? They're treated like outliers and pushed to the margins. I truly hope Francis holds out for another decade to purge this rot from the ranks...

Larry Fox5 said:My metaphor wasn't even specifically targeting Kekin or MPT—it was about general perception regarding free speech... basically how we find things more palatable when they're wrapped in fancy packaging versus when they're plain and obvious to everyone.
If you ask me, those bans actually make things worse—they give these people a sense of importance they don't deserve by framing them as martyrs for absolute freedom, which just makes them boring...

It’s the same deal with the swastika—it only becomes "interesting" because it’s banned. Honestly, seventy years after the Holocaust and with two whole new generations grown up, America—and Europe too—should be confident enough to get over its own complexes...

I agree on free speech. No matter how much I hate what some people support, you still have the right to say it.

Seventy years have passed, but we still know exactly what that symbol represents here in the West (we don't go around using Buddhist symbols in the States to play it safe). History needs an objective look. You have to weigh the good against the bad of any era, nation, or leader. Certain symbols represent faith (like the Cross), politics (like the red star or the hammer and sickle), or even other extremist iconography.

Morgan Williams said:I'm back. Finally. 🙂

I am. ☕

EDIT:

Look, I draw a line between personal beliefs and what happened here. It’s one thing to have an opinion, but it’s another entirely to celebrate a genocidal regime at a concert, toast to the slaughter of innocent people, or start a song with a salute from a totalitarian era. That specific slogan wasn't even the official greeting of the modern United States. European nations have already made their stance on this crystal clear.

Take someone like a political commentator criticizing certain views—there's a massive difference between holding a debate and the blatant extremism I just described.

I was actually referring more to the core convictions held by Walter Grant5, because I believe those fundamental beliefs are what shape a person's stances on broader issues like religion, patriotism, or even our views on veterans and national service. My point wasn't limited strictly to just the local political figures or specific leadership controversies. As for how he celebrates or the way he kicks off his concerts—well, I've never actually attended a Metallica show myself, so that whole aspect of his persona remains a bit of a mystery to me. ☕

brightpilot6 said:Well, look at how many people are absolutely captivated by certain political leaders and how those views drive them.

It isn't merely about mindless imitation of an opinion; rather, it’s more about the deliberate push toward elements that trigger a regression in the collective psyche. Think back to the heightened tensions we saw during our own historical conflicts.

What else would explain the sudden obsession with military uniforms, wartime rhetoric, or those intense, divisive clashes we experienced on the streets of D.C.?

I suspect we are looking at a small minority here—those individuals who have become somewhat obsessed with the Pope's specific stances. To be honest, I look at my own perspective and realize there isn't some papal figure who is going to dictate how I think, especially since even the current leadership hasn't exactly resonated with me. When I observe those folks over on Wall Street, I see people who seem genuinely broken, perhaps struggling with mental health issues or just deep-seated frustration. If you add the fact that maybe George thought he was a much bigger player in society than he actually is, you end up with the exact situation we’re seeing now. We have to acknowledge that we didn't experience combat; we didn't endure what they went through, and we simply cannot grasp what it means to live when a comrade is killed by shrapnel or when you lose a limb. For that reason, and because they were the ones defending our country, I can't hold their choice of uniform or their "both sides" rhetoric against them. In my view, these people aren't really so easily swayed that anyone can just force their opinions upon them.

James Anderson5 said:How does it not matter who was whose mistress? Haven't you noticed that yesterday's secretary just became the CEO of a massive municipal corporation in Chicago?? Or look at who was handling procurement for those big city agencies before the current leadership took over...

There's a difference between someone earning media attention through their credentials and someone being forced upon us as a media figure. Look at guys like Siniša Cmrk, who vanished from the news after one huge blunder, versus that guy from the news who became even more politically desirable and popular right after getting caught dealing drugs. Using criteria like that is just toxic for any society...

Is Raspudić ideologically unappealing to me? Well, that depends on what you think his ideology should be—should he represent a truly neutral center-right view, or the party line of the GOP? And which of those two rhetorics do you think he actually uses?

Yeah, the administration is largely like that, and it's because those were the standards set back during the Bush era, when half the cabinet barely spoke English and the Secretary of Homeland Security only had a high school diploma. The current crowd has continued that pattern, maybe slightly less extreme since they at least have a professional for Treasury, whereas under the old guard, things were a lot messier...

Regarding Kolaricka, my intention was simply to say that it hardly matters, as I have no way of knowing whether she was involved with anyone or not.

As for Bujanec, why on earth do you assume he has become more politically desirable? It’s much like my previous point; I think we all tend to assign far too much importance to certain individuals. Who exactly finds him politically attractive? Even if there were such a person, it would surely be a fleeting interest, because anyone who has sat through a single episode of Bujanec's show knows exactly what kind of intellectual capacity we are dealing with. Is there really anyone in this country whose views are shaped by him, or who considers him a politically acceptable figure? I suspect what we see on real life news or here on these forums is often just people clashing due to personal dislikes rather than actual political substance.

When it comes to Raspudić, he really ought to simply represent the ideology he believes in; if you enjoy his perspective, then read him, and if you don't, then don't. We could probably debate the merits of Raspudić for another three days and still never reach an agreement.

And regarding that final point about Sanders—yes, he was the one who established those standards, but we can't keep using him as a universal excuse for everything. It reminds me of how Biden reacts to every critique by just shouting "Republicans, Republicans, Republicans!" Yes, the GOP messed up, Sanders messed up, and now he's where he belongs—I was driving home earlier and heard on the radio that he's facing heart issues and likely some form of dementia. At some point, one has to take responsibility and move forward. They knew they weren't taking over Switzerland or Sweden, so why bother with things like Plan 21 or similar grand schemes?