Offside Chat Archives (2014-2021)

Keith Miller30 said: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. ☕

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.

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?

I won't be going either, but I stay informed. You’ve seriously never heard that specific shout he uses to start up that patriotic anthem?
Here's the link for the rest:

I didn't even comment on the other stuff. Look, it all depends on how you view Walter Grant5. If you see him as objective, then his opinion carries weight. If he voices exactly what you already believe, it just reinforces your own bias.

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.

🙏 👍

Since we were just discussing Foo Fighters—what are your thoughts on this latest release, Closed Doors? I finally got a chance to listen to a track called "Company" while driving today.

If we’re talking about their discography, Superman remains my absolute favorite, standing alone at the top. Looking back at their earlier work, My Grandpa and Me holds a special place for me too.

As for the classic stuff from the early days, When You Walk is always a standout.

Keith Miller30 said: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. ☕

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.

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?

Well, for starters, he was actually invited to the Presidential Inauguration (even after those cocaine trafficking charges) and here's that photo everyone's sharing online lately. I don't think I've ever seen him look this genuinely happy before...🤣

Matthew Anderson4 said: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.

And besides, Dežulović never even leaned into that whole national identity thing.

One afternoon, he hit the nail on the head. He wrote something about how he doesn't feel any emotional tie to the American state machine (or whatever other government you look at). It was like he was reading my mind, pulling out sentences I hadn't even put together yet. Because that's how I've always felt. Simple as that. I just don't like the hyper-nationalistic vibe where being a patriot becomes this mental cage. I don't need that crap. Look, let's be clear: I love where I live. I love the people—even if they're a mess sometimes—and I love the language and the culture. I appreciate everything I’ve been lucky enough to have here that I wouldn't have elsewhere. But I can't stand the obsession with nationalism, that narrow worldview that shuts out anyone not obsessed with it. I hate how the church gets tied up in politics, or how God is used as a tool for national identity. I hate the idea that I should feel superior just because I'm... American. I don't need that. I wouldn't need it if I were British, Chinese, Iranian, or anything else. I don't think I'm better just because I have access to our coast; I just want to enjoy the fact that I can drive five minutes to a beach and just chill.

It's straightforward. The more you obsess over patriotism, war, and national pride, the less you'll identify with that mindset. Personally, I'd much rather just be a guy from the States than a "Patriot." I get nothing out of those labels, and it's not like we're fighting for some grand cause that makes me proud.

Sorry if anyone's feelings got hurt by that.

James Anderson5 said:Well, for starters, he was actually invited to the Presidential Inauguration (even after those cocaine trafficking charges) and here's that photo everyone's sharing online lately. I don't think I've ever seen him look this genuinely happy before...🤣

Walter Grant5, let's be realistic here; Tomo is going to distance himself from Bujanec the very first chance he gets. While Bujanec might be useful for the moment, can someone with such extremist views truly remain politically viable in the long run? Once the Republicans take control, everyone will simply move on and forget all about Bujanec. You can hold me to that in a few months.

I certainly don't mean to be unkind, but is he even able to button that jacket? I seem to recall an interview where he mentioned losing about 35 or 40 pounds after being released from county jail. 🤣

To hell with Dezulovic...

Walter Grant5 said:And besides, Dežulović never even leaned into that whole national identity thing.

One afternoon, he hit the nail on the head. He wrote something about how he doesn't feel any emotional tie to the American state machine (or whatever other government you look at). It was like he was reading my mind, pulling out sentences I hadn't even put together yet. Because that's how I've always felt. Simple as that. I just don't like the hyper-nationalistic vibe where being a patriot becomes this mental cage. I don't need that crap. Look, let's be clear: I love where I live. I love the people—even if they're a mess sometimes—and I love the language and the culture. I appreciate everything I’ve been lucky enough to have here that I wouldn't have elsewhere. But I can't stand the obsession with nationalism, that narrow worldview that shuts out anyone not obsessed with it. I hate how the church gets tied up in politics, or how God is used as a tool for national identity. I hate the idea that I should feel superior just because I'm... American. I don't need that. I wouldn't need it if I were British, Chinese, Iranian, or anything else. I don't think I'm better just because I have access to our coast; I just want to enjoy the fact that I can drive five minutes to a beach and just chill.

It's straightforward. The more you obsess over patriotism, war, and national pride, the less you'll identify with that mindset. Personally, I'd much rather just be a guy from the States than a "Patriot." I get nothing out of those labels, and it's not like we're fighting for some grand cause that makes me proud.

Sorry if anyone's feelings got hurt by that.

But seriously, who actually gives a damn? It’s completely irrelevant. Everyone has their nationalists and their cosmopolitans—conservatives vs. liberals, Republicans vs. Democrats. In this country, the elites still love nothing more than splitting the population based on political wars that started decades ago, then layering current issues on top like marriage equality stuff, all just to keep the two-party system alive. The only actual divide that matters here is between the people actually funding the treasury and the ones sucking it dry. That horde of parasites on both sides has become unbearable—we're talking millions of them harassing the rest of the country. People try to frame tax debt in a negative light during these debates, but man, tax debt should basically be the metric for how "patriotic" these people are. Every American who actually cares about keeping this country afloat should probably be looking for ways to pay as little as possible—because nobody wants to end up in federal prison, right? Like, if you're heading to Vegas, just fill up your tank without thinking too hard. Those vultures won't stop until they've bled everything dry and shut down every single productive business in the States. To be clear, I’m not talking about the police, firefighters, doctors, teachers, etc.—I know who I'm talking about. Unfortunately, the rest of the country is mostly just clueless and easily manipulated by these divisions the parasite class uses. They just pick a side, and in the end, nothing ever changes. We yell at the top guys in D.C., but they’re really just the most prominent faces of a massive machine of cronies. So, yeah... let's see how fast the bankruptcy and reset happen. 👍

Keith Miller30 said:Walter Grant5, let's be realistic here; Tomo is going to distance himself from Bujanec the very first chance he gets. While Bujanec might be useful for the moment, can someone with such extremist views truly remain politically viable in the long run? Once the Republicans take control, everyone will simply move on and forget all about Bujanec. You can hold me to that in a few months.

I certainly don't mean to be unkind, but is he even able to button that jacket? I seem to recall an interview where he mentioned losing about 35 or 40 pounds after being released from county jail. 🤣

What I’m wondering is how the administration plans to spin this GDP growth and the job numbers. How much can they actually sell the idea that they pulled the country out of the gutter left by their opponent? It even feels like those protesters down on Pennsylvania Avenue are starting to swing in the government's favor. Throw in some scandal about the previous guy having ties to the FBI, or if a legal ruling finally hits one of the old leadership figures, and the momentum could shift fast. Their popularity seems to be climbing lately.

EDIT: Jeffrey Edwards76, I agree we need to break the two-party stranglehold, but give me one example of a legitimate left-wing option that isn't just the Democrats or some fringe group. To my eyes, there are plenty of right-wing alternatives out there.

Morgan Williams said:What I’m wondering is how the administration plans to spin this GDP growth and the job numbers. How much can they actually sell the idea that they pulled the country out of the gutter left by their opponent? It even feels like those protesters down on Pennsylvania Avenue are starting to swing in the government's favor. Throw in some scandal about the previous guy having ties to the FBI, or if a legal ruling finally hits one of the old leadership figures, and the momentum could shift fast. Their popularity seems to be climbing lately.

EDIT: Jeffrey Edwards76, I agree we need to break the two-party stranglehold, but give me one example of a legitimate left-wing option that isn't just the Democrats or some fringe group. To my eyes, there are plenty of right-wing alternatives out there.

I feel fairly certain that, for all intents and purposes, the outcome is already decided; I don't believe there is even a theoretical chance for the Democrats to hold onto power. People forget those heated protests after a day or two—who is even talking about those street demonstrations anymore? You can see that even the veteran groups have quieted down. As for this GDP figure, in my view, it isn't anything they can actually run with; when everyone else is seeing significant gains, we are forced to keep pace, which makes that meager 0.5% look absolutely dismal. That’s pretty much the situation, leaving only that potential move with the special envoy, though nothing there would significantly sway the election results.

The only way they might have a slim mathematical chance of staying in office would be if a few big fish from the GOP were arrested right before the polls open. Up until now, they have collapsed in almost every election because people simply don't trust them anymore, and you can see that even those inflated polls—which somehow always seem to favor them only to be proven wrong once the actual votes are counted—aren't helping them here.

Anyway, we can place our bets after the election is over. I am quite confident that I am right about this one.

Keith Miller30 said:I feel fairly certain that, for all intents and purposes, the outcome is already decided; I don't believe there is even a theoretical chance for the Democrats to hold onto power. People forget those heated protests after a day or two—who is even talking about those street demonstrations anymore? You can see that even the veteran groups have quieted down. As for this GDP figure, in my view, it isn't anything they can actually run with; when everyone else is seeing significant gains, we are forced to keep pace, which makes that meager 0.5% look absolutely dismal. That’s pretty much the situation, leaving only that potential move with the special envoy, though nothing there would significantly sway the election results.

The only way they might have a slim mathematical chance of staying in office would be if a few big fish from the GOP were arrested right before the polls open. Up until now, they have collapsed in almost every election because people simply don't trust them anymore, and you can see that even those inflated polls—which somehow always seem to favor them only to be proven wrong once the actual votes are counted—aren't helping them here.

Anyway, we can place our bets after the election is over. I am quite confident that I am right about this one.

Hmm, the establishment might pull something off if growth keeps accelerating. We haven't heard a single real plan from the GOP (aside from the usual "increase manufacturing and exports" nonsense). Their leadership refuses to go toe-to-toe with the Democrats in a debate. Honestly, I wouldn't blame them; a couple of guys on an internet forum could tear that guy apart, let alone a seasoned politician. Right now, it all boils down to following whatever German consultants suggest, trying to discredit the opposition by digging up old FBI files, and getting the "true" American party back in charge. A Republican victory looks likely, but if the current administration plays their cards right, they still have a shot.

Jeffrey Edwards76 hits the nail on the head. It’s simple and it's damn accurate. Look, we all know how it goes, but there’s zero cohesion among us. Instead of pulling together, people just feed into their own divisions. You see it every day—the little guy stepping on someone even smaller just to get ahead. That’s just the mindset, and honestly, politics is just that same toxic energy played out on a massive scale. The folks running the show? They came from us. As a collective, we just aren't sharp enough. We can't see the big picture coming. When you're stuck in a maze like this, trying to sell anyone on some "greater political good" is a losing game.

Jeffrey Edwards76 said:But seriously, who actually gives a damn? It’s completely irrelevant. Everyone has their nationalists and their cosmopolitans—conservatives vs. liberals, Republicans vs. Democrats. In this country, the elites still love nothing more than splitting the population based on political wars that started decades ago, then layering current issues on top like marriage equality stuff, all just to keep the two-party system alive. The only actual divide that matters here is between the people actually funding the treasury and the ones sucking it dry. That horde of parasites on both sides has become unbearable—we're talking millions of them harassing the rest of the country. People try to frame tax debt in a negative light during these debates, but man, tax debt should basically be the metric for how "patriotic" these people are. Every American who actually cares about keeping this country afloat should probably be looking for ways to pay as little as possible—because nobody wants to end up in federal prison, right? Like, if you're heading to Vegas, just fill up your tank without thinking too hard. Those vultures won't stop until they've bled everything dry and shut down every single productive business in the States. To be clear, I’m not talking about the police, firefighters, doctors, teachers, etc.—I know who I'm talking about. Unfortunately, the rest of the country is mostly just clueless and easily manipulated by these divisions the parasite class uses. They just pick a side, and in the end, nothing ever changes. We yell at the top guys in D.C., but they’re really just the most prominent faces of a massive machine of cronies. So, yeah... let's see how fast the bankruptcy and reset happen. 👍

Solid post, but I can't say I agree regarding the police. After the politicians and the cronies, they're easily the worst kind of people in America—bottom of the barrel, 1/1.

Morgan Williams said:Hmm, the establishment might pull something off if growth keeps accelerating. We haven't heard a single real plan from the GOP (aside from the usual "increase manufacturing and exports" nonsense). Their leadership refuses to go toe-to-toe with the Democrats in a debate. Honestly, I wouldn't blame them; a couple of guys on an internet forum could tear that guy apart, let alone a seasoned politician. Right now, it all boils down to following whatever German consultants suggest, trying to discredit the opposition by digging up old FBI files, and getting the "true" American party back in charge. A Republican victory looks likely, but if the current administration plays their cards right, they still have a shot.

You know, I haven't really been following the whole debate situation. What exactly is the friction about? I caught that segment on CNN yesterday—or whenever it was—where the young reporter asked Karamarko about participating in a debate, and he indicated he would be open to it. So, where is the catch? Is there a concern that the debate will be hosted by a network that isn't truly neutral? I’m genuinely asking because I’m a bit out of the loop on this specific drama. Personally, I think having a debate before the election would be ideal; if someone refuses at that stage, wouldn't that inevitably work against them?

Biden is eloquent and possesses a wide vocabulary, yet he doesn't always offer much substance. He’s a difficult politician who often ends up doing more harm to his own reputation than anyone else's. He has that somewhat arrogant posture and likes to sprinkle in a bit of Latin here and there to sound sophisticated. I suppose that kind of populism resonates with certain voters. Regardless, we’re all sitting here hoping for a clash of the titans, even if it means one of them gets absolutely carried off on a stretcher.☕

I did a little digging online, and some reports suggest Biden only wants to debate on a public broadcaster like PBS, though I'm not sure how accurate that is. Wouldn't the only fair approach be to hold two separate debates, allowing both sides to enjoy the "home field advantage"? It hardly seems right for Biden to insist on only appearing on one network, nor should Karamarko be limited to just another.

Regardless of all this nonsense, if Karamarko had ties to the old intelligence agencies, he needs to be purged from the GOP and stripped of any authority immediately, just like anyone else who ever worked for them...

We should have followed Poland's lead a long time ago and just cleared them all out once and for all. ☕

Keith Miller30 said:Walter Grant5, let's be realistic here; Tomo is going to distance himself from Bujanec the very first chance he gets. While Bujanec might be useful for the moment, can someone with such extremist views truly remain politically viable in the long run? Once the Republicans take control, everyone will simply move on and forget all about Bujanec. You can hold me to that in a few months.

I certainly don't mean to be unkind, but is he even able to button that jacket? I seem to recall an interview where he mentioned losing about 35 or 40 pounds after being released from county jail. 🤣

They aren't going to distance themselves from anyone, I'm pretty sure of it. He’ll just stop being relevant once the election is over, just like they won't distance themselves from Mamić. Honestly, they'll probably lean into it even more.

As for the election, a Republican win looks pretty likely. Granted, over the last month, things have started shifting slightly toward the Democrats (GDP growth, veteran issues...), but the GOP is playing the cheap populism card, and it's working for them so far. Though, since voting is preferential, a lot of the awkward voters might get confused and lose their say. It's hard to see much changing before the end unless some big-shot party members get arrested, which doesn't look likely. Karamarko isn't going to go toe-to-toe with anyone; he knows if he plays that game, he'll end up losing to maminho (that guy on the forum), and he'll do whatever it takes to avoid that.

Overall, there are a few fronts where the left could try to make a move to keep things uncertain, but they aren't doing it right now. The situation is pretty clear-cut.

To hell with GDP, just another useless number used to measure nothing 👍

Keith Miller30 said:You know, I haven't really been following the whole debate situation. What exactly is the friction about? I caught that segment on CNN yesterday—or whenever it was—where the young reporter asked Karamarko about participating in a debate, and he indicated he would be open to it. So, where is the catch? Is there a concern that the debate will be hosted by a network that isn't truly neutral? I’m genuinely asking because I’m a bit out of the loop on this specific drama. Personally, I think having a debate before the election would be ideal; if someone refuses at that stage, wouldn't that inevitably work against them?

Biden is eloquent and possesses a wide vocabulary, yet he doesn't always offer much substance. He’s a difficult politician who often ends up doing more harm to his own reputation than anyone else's. He has that somewhat arrogant posture and likes to sprinkle in a bit of Latin here and there to sound sophisticated. I suppose that kind of populism resonates with certain voters. Regardless, we’re all sitting here hoping for a clash of the titans, even if it means one of them gets absolutely carried off on a stretcher.☕

I did a little digging online, and some reports suggest Biden only wants to debate on a public broadcaster like PBS, though I'm not sure how accurate that is. Wouldn't the only fair approach be to hold two separate debates, allowing both sides to enjoy the "home field advantage"? It hardly seems right for Biden to insist on only appearing on one network, nor should Karamarko be limited to just another.

Obviously he wants the public broadcaster. No sane person would choose a niche cable news host. If I were in his shoes, there is no universe where I'd go there. Why would I let a radical extremist—who used cocaine to fund his lifestyle and founded local party chapters in Ohio—host me when I'm trying to take down the Republican establishment? It makes no sense to walk into the lion's den hosted by someone openly biased toward my opponent.

I'd pick the national network and a legitimate journalist every single time.

EDIT: Plus, the ratings would be much higher on a major network.

The Democrats are finally finding their footing, but let's be real, it’s not enough yet. They managed to halt the bleeding and nudge things slightly upward, plus all this drama involving the veterans is definitely getting their base fired up... either way, the Republicans aren't going to pull together a majority on their own, which means whoever manages to grab that third-party slot is going to hold all the cards.

The Libertarians or maybe even the Green Party... now that could get interesting...

Mamic is everyone's favorite player; you don't survive this long without playing both sides of the fence... especially when you have the backing of the city's most powerful mayor and his primary political party ☕

Clueless... I’m heading over to Whole Foods tomorrow since they're raving about their ribs, though I suppose we'll see if the hype is actually real...