Offside Chat Archives (2014-2021)

The Republican Party?

What are you even talking about? Todorić's nephew is sitting stone-cold in his ministerial seat while the whole country deals with the fallout from the mess his uncle made at Walmart—draining cash from profitable branches and shifting all the debt onto everyone else—yet here you are, obsessing over Maras and Bernardić. 🤣 Sure, they’re definitely incompetent, but you can't ignore how a weakened Plenković is fighting tooth and nail just to shield Marić, effectively insulating him from any accountability for their handiwork.

Maras is a non-issue. 🤦

Jessica Gonzalez said:It’s honestly pretty wild to see how the Democratic Party has gone from being a major political force and a legitimate alternative to feeling more like a disorganized bunch of amateurs. I mean, maybe Bernardić isn't necessarily a bad guy himself, but when you look at the people backing him, there's just such a massive lack of talent and drive. It feels like a total void of competence and ambition. Personally, I think I'd much rather have someone leading the country who actually shows some real initiative.

To me, Bernardić comes across as a very capable and intelligent individual, but his struggle lies in the fact that he lacks that certain political "edge" or ruthlessness that someone like Milanović possessed. Don't get me wrong, I don't exactly hold Milanović in high regard, but you have to give him credit where it's due, regardless of how you feel about him.

But really, who is the alternative to Bernardić? If they actually want to take power, they simply don't have anyone with the necessary weight for the role. They had Milanović, who was ten steps ahead of everyone else in the party, and then they have Bernardić, who is genuinely smart but perhaps unsuited for this specific arena. Then there is Ostojić, though if they ran with him, the right wing and the centrists would likely reject them even more aggressively. Maybe Picula, who is clearly an intelligent man and seems like a reasonable person, but he seems unwilling to leave his current post, so you're stuck.

It feels like a worn-out party that has run out of ideas, talent, and vision. Their only saving grace is that, much like the Republican Party, they will always have a loyal base combined with those people who simply can't stand the opposition and vote for them as the "lesser of two evils."

As for Maras, he is a complete clown and arguably one of the most ridiculous politicians out there. I caught him on ESPN yesterday, and the level of nonsense he is capable of spewing is almost supernatural.

By the way, I noticed that Marić is now apparently Todorić's nephew; just last week, he was being called Todorić's son. At this rate, within a week, Marić will probably be Todorić's father. 🤣

And here comes Eric Adams again. It’s funny how he always seems to resurface exactly when it serves his interests most, isn't it? 🙏 On top of that, Emery actually goes to visit him in the hospital. 🙏

I actually ended up shouting at that little kid who peed in the fountain one day $1.75. I was sitting in a coffee shop, minding my own business, when he mistakenly thought I was someone else; he walks right up to my table, looking incredibly proud of himself, and asks, "Did you see that? Well? What do you have to say?" I honestly had no idea how to respond, so I just gave him a "nice job," and then the guy asked if he could borrow $1.75 for a beer. You really can't refuse to lend money to someone who has made it all the way into a Tompkins column.

Keith Miller30 said:To me, Bernardić comes across as a very capable and intelligent individual, but his struggle lies in the fact that he lacks that certain political "edge" or ruthlessness that someone like Milanović possessed. Don't get me wrong, I don't exactly hold Milanović in high regard, but you have to give him credit where it's due, regardless of how you feel about him.

But really, who is the alternative to Bernardić? If they actually want to take power, they simply don't have anyone with the necessary weight for the role. They had Milanović, who was ten steps ahead of everyone else in the party, and then they have Bernardić, who is genuinely smart but perhaps unsuited for this specific arena. Then there is Ostojić, though if they ran with him, the right wing and the centrists would likely reject them even more aggressively. Maybe Picula, who is clearly an intelligent man and seems like a reasonable person, but he seems unwilling to leave his current post, so you're stuck.

It feels like a worn-out party that has run out of ideas, talent, and vision. Their only saving grace is that, much like the Republican Party, they will always have a loyal base combined with those people who simply can't stand the opposition and vote for them as the "lesser of two evils."

As for Maras, he is a complete clown and arguably one of the most ridiculous politicians out there. I caught him on ESPN yesterday, and the level of nonsense he is capable of spewing is almost supernatural.

By the way, I noticed that Marić is now apparently Todorić's nephew; just last week, he was being called Todorić's son. At this rate, within a week, Marić will probably be Todorić's father. 🤣

Honestly, all these political parties are pretty much useless... I really don't get how anyone could actually want the Republican Party to clean things up in America after everything that's happened. It’s just obvious they're neck-deep in corruption every single term they serve. You can only support them if you're incredibly stubborn or if you've been getting a piece of the pie from them...

So, Marić handed todorićev about $45 million in credit through HBOR, and let’s be real—that money is never coming back. It's like he had no clue what kind of mess he was walking into. Not to mention how they went about rigging those factoring laws... I mean, what are we even talking about here? todorićev was straight-up bribing Rohatinski by buying out worthless companies from his wife, yet nobody ever bothered to look into that. Now everyone is asking why on earth Marić would leave a $75,000 salary just to take this position. This whole country is a total circus, honestly... just a complete disaster...

I still think the bridge is the most logical and fair way to go. Even with all of Joe Biden's flaws and those absolute nightmare ministers he had on his team, he’s basically Churchill compared to what we saw with Kosorica...

I gotta admit, I spent way too much time yesterday watching what was going down in Congress (and honestly, no one’s giving me that time back), and even though it pains me to say it, that guy from the fringe party absolutely shredded them. Biden's performance was on a whole different level compared to everyone else, and he actually showed some backbone, proving he's got what it takes.
The runner-up for me was definitely Yellen.

Look, sorry, but all those conspiracy theories floating around claiming Yellen is somehow related to Trump or that she was specifically put there just to bail out Walmart... man, that’s some straight-up lizard people nonsense right there.

Walmart has been expanding and dominating through pretty much every administration we've had in the US, and it just so happens that Yellen is exactly who the Treasury Department needs right now, serving as Secretary (because let's face it, that's the only way to actually pull the strings) to step in and save them. Yeah, sure, keep dreaming.

To me, Yellen seems like one of those rare, genuinely decent, level-headed, and capable people, and honestly, we could really use more folks like her.

As things stand, this administration is headed for a collapse, but I’m just not seeing what the Democratic Party stands to gain from all this since they were the ones who kicked the whole thing off—I don't see how they benefit from calling for snap elections.

restlesssurfer97 said:I gotta admit, I spent way too much time yesterday watching what was going down in Congress (and honestly, no one’s giving me that time back), and even though it pains me to say it, that guy from the fringe party absolutely shredded them. Biden's performance was on a whole different level compared to everyone else, and he actually showed some backbone, proving he's got what it takes.
The runner-up for me was definitely Yellen.

Look, sorry, but all those conspiracy theories floating around claiming Yellen is somehow related to Trump or that she was specifically put there just to bail out Walmart... man, that’s some straight-up lizard people nonsense right there.

Walmart has been expanding and dominating through pretty much every administration we've had in the US, and it just so happens that Yellen is exactly who the Treasury Department needs right now, serving as Secretary (because let's face it, that's the only way to actually pull the strings) to step in and save them. Yeah, sure, keep dreaming.

To me, Yellen seems like one of those rare, genuinely decent, level-headed, and capable people, and honestly, we could really use more folks like her.

As things stand, this administration is headed for a collapse, but I’m just not seeing what the Democratic Party stands to gain from all this since they were the ones who kicked the whole thing off—I don't see how they benefit from calling for snap elections.

Honestly, what hasn't Andrej Plenković instigated? Just look at him firing those Bridge ministers. It’s pretty obvious where we stand: the Republicans are holding steady, Bridge is circling the drain, and the Democratic Party is stuck at the bottom.

The Democratic Party basically forced Most out into the open by making that move to trust Marić, and honestly, I’ve got this feeling that even they didn't see a full-on government collapse coming, like they totally miscalculated the whole situation.

restlesssurfer97 said:I gotta admit, I spent way too much time yesterday watching what was going down in Congress (and honestly, no one’s giving me that time back), and even though it pains me to say it, that guy from the fringe party absolutely shredded them. Biden's performance was on a whole different level compared to everyone else, and he actually showed some backbone, proving he's got what it takes.
The runner-up for me was definitely Yellen.

Look, sorry, but all those conspiracy theories floating around claiming Yellen is somehow related to Trump or that she was specifically put there just to bail out Walmart... man, that’s some straight-up lizard people nonsense right there.

Walmart has been expanding and dominating through pretty much every administration we've had in the US, and it just so happens that Yellen is exactly who the Treasury Department needs right now, serving as Secretary (because let's face it, that's the only way to actually pull the strings) to step in and save them. Yeah, sure, keep dreaming.

To me, Yellen seems like one of those rare, genuinely decent, level-headed, and capable people, and honestly, we could really use more folks like her.

As things stand, this administration is headed for a collapse, but I’m just not seeing what the Democratic Party stands to gain from all this since they were the ones who kicked the whole thing off—I don't see how they benefit from calling for snap elections.

Marić is certainly great at public speaking, but what makes you think he’s competent and sincere?...

Keith Miller30 said:I actually ended up shouting at that little kid who peed in the fountain one day $1.75. I was sitting in a coffee shop, minding my own business, when he mistakenly thought I was someone else; he walks right up to my table, looking incredibly proud of himself, and asks, "Did you see that? Well? What do you have to say?" I honestly had no idea how to respond, so I just gave him a "nice job," and then the guy asked if he could borrow $1.75 for a beer. You really can't refuse to lend money to someone who has made it all the way into a Tompkins column.

So did he pay you back? 🕺

Anthony Jackson2 said:What are you even talking about? Todorić's nephew is sitting stone-cold in his ministerial seat while the whole country deals with the fallout from the mess his uncle made at Walmart—draining cash from profitable branches and shifting all the debt onto everyone else—yet here you are, obsessing over Maras and Bernardić. 🤣 Sure, they’re definitely incompetent, but you can't ignore how a weakened Plenković is fighting tooth and nail just to shield Marić, effectively insulating him from any accountability for their handiwork.

Maras is a non-issue. 🤦

How can you call him a nephew?
Either it's his son, or a half-brother.

James Anderson5 said:Marić is certainly great at public speaking, but what makes you think he’s competent and sincere?...

Look, I’m judging his honesty based on how he carries himself, which is pretty subjective, but honestly, yesterday's performance really drove it home for me. The biggest "crime" they tried to pin on him—after months of people digging through everything they could find—was that preferential interest rate, which, if you look at the actual law, he was totally entitled to, but according to Morris's moral compass, apparently, it's just wrong.

As for whether he knows what he's doing, again, that's just my own take, and since I'm obviously no Wall Street expert, my opinion doesn't carry much weight anyway; I'm just someone watching his moves from the sidelines. 🙂

I'm more than happy to hear your side of things and change my mind if your arguments make sense. 🙂

restlesssurfer97 said:I gotta admit, I spent way too much time yesterday watching what was going down in Congress (and honestly, no one’s giving me that time back), and even though it pains me to say it, that guy from the fringe party absolutely shredded them. Biden's performance was on a whole different level compared to everyone else, and he actually showed some backbone, proving he's got what it takes.
The runner-up for me was definitely Yellen.

Look, sorry, but all those conspiracy theories floating around claiming Yellen is somehow related to Trump or that she was specifically put there just to bail out Walmart... man, that’s some straight-up lizard people nonsense right there.

Walmart has been expanding and dominating through pretty much every administration we've had in the US, and it just so happens that Yellen is exactly who the Treasury Department needs right now, serving as Secretary (because let's face it, that's the only way to actually pull the strings) to step in and save them. Yeah, sure, keep dreaming.

To me, Yellen seems like one of those rare, genuinely decent, level-headed, and capable people, and honestly, we could really use more folks like her.

As things stand, this administration is headed for a collapse, but I’m just not seeing what the Democratic Party stands to gain from all this since they were the ones who kicked the whole thing off—I don't see how they benefit from calling for snap elections.

I agree with everything you said. Some people are just too blinded by jealousy or preconceived notions to see the truth. Personally, I don't have any issue switching which party I vote for. Once the Democratic Party puts forward people that folks actually know and trust, they'll have my vote again. I have some colleagues who are members of that party, and when I see what they're posting on Facebook and the world they seem to live in, it's pretty clear I don't relate to that at all.

Isn't it fascinating how Božo managed to pull the rug right out from under the Republican Party? 🤣

James Anderson5 said:Honestly, all these political parties are pretty much useless... I really don't get how anyone could actually want the Republican Party to clean things up in America after everything that's happened. It’s just obvious they're neck-deep in corruption every single term they serve. You can only support them if you're incredibly stubborn or if you've been getting a piece of the pie from them...

So, Marić handed todorićev about $45 million in credit through HBOR, and let’s be real—that money is never coming back. It's like he had no clue what kind of mess he was walking into. Not to mention how they went about rigging those factoring laws... I mean, what are we even talking about here? todorićev was straight-up bribing Rohatinski by buying out worthless companies from his wife, yet nobody ever bothered to look into that. Now everyone is asking why on earth Marić would leave a $75,000 salary just to take this position. This whole country is a total circus, honestly... just a complete disaster...

I still think the bridge is the most logical and fair way to go. Even with all of Joe Biden's flaws and those absolute nightmare ministers he had on his team, he’s basically Churchill compared to what we saw with Kosorica...

To be perfectly honest, that is exactly how I view those aligned with the Democratic Party; I simply don't see any viable alternative, unless you count those who oppose the other side purely by default.

Regarding Milanović, I don't really see him as a Churchillian figure for this group, though perhaps Bernardi fits that mold given his youth. Milanović essentially has just one redeeming quality: that specific brand of eloquence mixed with a hint of arrogance, making him quite the effective political troll. Plenković proved yesterday, however, that he is more than capable of navigating those waters. Despite how thin and uninspired he might appear, it turns out he is actually quite energetic, and perhaps even a dangerous player.

By the way, Pernar previously claimed that Saucha was being coerced and promised to vote against the removal of Marić, and he followed through on that; only time will tell what the real story is.

restlesssurfer97 said:Look, I’m judging his honesty based on how he carries himself, which is pretty subjective, but honestly, yesterday's performance really drove it home for me. The biggest "crime" they tried to pin on him—after months of people digging through everything they could find—was that preferential interest rate, which, if you look at the actual law, he was totally entitled to, but according to Morris's moral compass, apparently, it's just wrong.

As for whether he knows what he's doing, again, that's just my own take, and since I'm obviously no Wall Street expert, my opinion doesn't carry much weight anyway; I'm just someone watching his moves from the sidelines. 🙂

I'm more than happy to hear your side of things and change my mind if your arguments make sense. 🙂

The real issue is that he manages to be Todorić's grandson, son, nephew, mother, and aunt all at once. 🤣

Peter Thompson4 said:So did he pay you back? 🕺

Not yet, though I am staying patient and counting on it happening. A few months back, a kid—whose backpack was practically bigger than he was—asked if I could lend him a couple of bucks, and when I followed up to see when he might return it, he told me we should meet up near the Toscan area in about a week. 🤣

I handed over every bit of change I had in my pocket, just 12-$4.25. 😁

Man, there's more of a dead heat happening in Congress than in an Example.

Keith Miller30 said:To be perfectly honest, that is exactly how I view those aligned with the Democratic Party; I simply don't see any viable alternative, unless you count those who oppose the other side purely by default.

Regarding Milanović, I don't really see him as a Churchillian figure for this group, though perhaps Bernardi fits that mold given his youth. Milanović essentially has just one redeeming quality: that specific brand of eloquence mixed with a hint of arrogance, making him quite the effective political troll. Plenković proved yesterday, however, that he is more than capable of navigating those waters. Despite how thin and uninspired he might appear, it turns out he is actually quite energetic, and perhaps even a dangerous player.

By the way, Pernar previously claimed that Saucha was being coerced and promised to vote against the removal of Marić, and he followed through on that; only time will tell what the real story is.

Look, let's be real—I think we're both right here. Both sides are acting pretty much the same way... though personally, I'm really not feeling either side...

restlesssurfer97 said:Look, I’m judging his honesty based on how he carries himself, which is pretty subjective, but honestly, yesterday's performance really drove it home for me. The biggest "crime" they tried to pin on him—after months of people digging through everything they could find—was that preferential interest rate, which, if you look at the actual law, he was totally entitled to, but according to Morris's moral compass, apparently, it's just wrong.

As for whether he knows what he's doing, again, that's just my own take, and since I'm obviously no Wall Street expert, my opinion doesn't carry much weight anyway; I'm just someone watching his moves from the sidelines. 🙂

I'm more than happy to hear your side of things and change my mind if your arguments make sense. 🙂

A preferential interest rate isn't exactly a crime, but approving a $45 million loan through the Federal Reserve is another story entirely. Since he was the chairman of the board at the Federal Reserve, he would have been briefed on every single one of those disbursements. No sane American bank would have handed out a loan like that to any subsidiary of Walmart back then, especially when everyone already knew the money wouldn't be paid back...

It’s the exact same story with Dalić—it's a total conflict of interest. Her husband sits on the board at ExxonMobil, where his interests are basically the polar opposite of what's best for America... you can see it from the view up in an airplane...

Not to sound biased, but the whole situation with Vrdoljak, those contractors, his wife's company, and Duke Energy is just as terrible...

It's all just typical American business...