Interesting the mention of industry differences between the US and Russia...hard hardware in Russia and internet 'stuff' on the American side.
I would say Bill is being very gentle on the US side by mentioning facebook, google, netflix, apple etc. These features of America are nothing less than gross sinkholes of time and thus drive the dumbing down of America (and other such similar societies) that spend their time playing games, watching movies and consuming nonsense.
No imagination, no questions, no fact-finding, no experiments, no learning, no nothing.
There is some light out there, but you have to go looking for it. One channel I have found is the Military Update Channel on Youtube. Yesterday's update is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhM4oZXnMdc
As I watch it day after day, Russia just keeps grinding away. There are setbacks and failed offensives, but the territory controlled by Russia just keeps gradually expanding to the west.
And there are reports that at least some of the materiel sent to the Ukrainian forces is sold on the black market to the Russians. Given the Ukrainian reputation for corruption before this all started, I don't find it surprising, but it is dismaying.
What truly amazes me in all of this is the stupidity and fecklessness of people I had once thought were pretty smart - the Germans. First, they decide to cancel one of the cleanest and safest form of energy known to man - nuclear - which practically guarantees that they will become energy slaves of Vladimir Putin. Then they decide to "sanction" Russia by not buying Russia's gas, thereby causing the shut-down of their industries and a cold winter. (Now who is really "sanctioning" whom?) They ship weapons to Ukraine and then fret that Vladimir will turn off the gas - why in the world wouldn't he? I just don't get these people. Will someone explain this to me.
Bill mentioned things we don’t need but spend a lot of time and money on: Entertainment, Distraction, Consumption. He should have also mentioned Gambling. While you could argue that gambling is contained within those 3, I think it is important enough to have its own mention. Not only sports gambling, casinos and lotteries, we must include the stock market as gambling.
And why, if Russia is getting no chips, there is still a shortage in the US?
After all these years, we know little about the interior of Russia. Socialism doesn’t work, obviously Russia is backward compared to the West. They produce 30% of the worlds grain, must have been successful In reorienting their agriculture, in the 70’s production was a fraction of Czarist days when they had minimal mechanization.
Philosophically, you have to ask, is Russia, in the long term, better off being isolated from the modern economy. I know that is beyond WAPO’s.
I look with nostalgia to an America which was the world low cost producer and completely independent in furnishing essentials.
Western economies are smoke and mirrors and mired in debt and cracking under the strain.
It’s hard to say who will cave first.
The tech revolution seem to put no food in peoples mouths and most necessities are produced elsewhere while Americans while away the time on the internet and do drugs or other diversions seeking illusive happiness. “Build back better.” Humpty Dumpty has had a great fall and all the kings men and horses……….
These are interesting times. “The answers are blowing in the wind.”
Not sure about Bill's assumption that Russia is an unpopular enemy. Seems that Trump's base loves them. Also not sure about the primacy of the defence industry. Had Trump been President there is no way Ukraine gets aid, Putin would be at the Polish border and the US out of NATO. Would that have made the world safer? Maybe. Depends on how you view Putin's motives. I don't see them as defensive.
Well, just a snippet, but some armament was seen being trucked to Hezbolla according to sources. Me, I don't know. But, when all that money we been sending to Ukraine finds its home, I would bet there some 'mericans around to help spread it around and take some for themselves. Whatcha think? Don't like'em, don't trust'em!! Just sayin'
Bill, Most of us instinctively root for the underdog.
For that reason, you can count on my support when rapscallions from North of Annapolis attack without provocation your sylvan retreat in provincial Maryland.
Like Russia, your neck of the woods makes nothing but, like Russia, it does supply raw materials essential for others to produce wealth critical to human progress
Interesting the mention of industry differences between the US and Russia...hard hardware in Russia and internet 'stuff' on the American side.
I would say Bill is being very gentle on the US side by mentioning facebook, google, netflix, apple etc. These features of America are nothing less than gross sinkholes of time and thus drive the dumbing down of America (and other such similar societies) that spend their time playing games, watching movies and consuming nonsense.
No imagination, no questions, no fact-finding, no experiments, no learning, no nothing.
There is some light out there, but you have to go looking for it. One channel I have found is the Military Update Channel on Youtube. Yesterday's update is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhM4oZXnMdc
As I watch it day after day, Russia just keeps grinding away. There are setbacks and failed offensives, but the territory controlled by Russia just keeps gradually expanding to the west.
And there are reports that at least some of the materiel sent to the Ukrainian forces is sold on the black market to the Russians. Given the Ukrainian reputation for corruption before this all started, I don't find it surprising, but it is dismaying.
You forgot to include Pfizer, Moderna & J&J in the list. The pharma cartel busily injecting babies with experimental drugs for profit.
What truly amazes me in all of this is the stupidity and fecklessness of people I had once thought were pretty smart - the Germans. First, they decide to cancel one of the cleanest and safest form of energy known to man - nuclear - which practically guarantees that they will become energy slaves of Vladimir Putin. Then they decide to "sanction" Russia by not buying Russia's gas, thereby causing the shut-down of their industries and a cold winter. (Now who is really "sanctioning" whom?) They ship weapons to Ukraine and then fret that Vladimir will turn off the gas - why in the world wouldn't he? I just don't get these people. Will someone explain this to me.
Bill mentioned things we don’t need but spend a lot of time and money on: Entertainment, Distraction, Consumption. He should have also mentioned Gambling. While you could argue that gambling is contained within those 3, I think it is important enough to have its own mention. Not only sports gambling, casinos and lotteries, we must include the stock market as gambling.
Bill's on fire
4 days ago to WAPO
And why, if Russia is getting no chips, there is still a shortage in the US?
After all these years, we know little about the interior of Russia. Socialism doesn’t work, obviously Russia is backward compared to the West. They produce 30% of the worlds grain, must have been successful In reorienting their agriculture, in the 70’s production was a fraction of Czarist days when they had minimal mechanization.
Philosophically, you have to ask, is Russia, in the long term, better off being isolated from the modern economy. I know that is beyond WAPO’s.
I look with nostalgia to an America which was the world low cost producer and completely independent in furnishing essentials.
Western economies are smoke and mirrors and mired in debt and cracking under the strain.
It’s hard to say who will cave first.
The tech revolution seem to put no food in peoples mouths and most necessities are produced elsewhere while Americans while away the time on the internet and do drugs or other diversions seeking illusive happiness. “Build back better.” Humpty Dumpty has had a great fall and all the kings men and horses……….
These are interesting times. “The answers are blowing in the wind.”
Great honest opinions, with thought-out consequences.
I’m looking forward to read your next missive , starting like this .... here from mother land in Moscow ...
Not sure about Bill's assumption that Russia is an unpopular enemy. Seems that Trump's base loves them. Also not sure about the primacy of the defence industry. Had Trump been President there is no way Ukraine gets aid, Putin would be at the Polish border and the US out of NATO. Would that have made the world safer? Maybe. Depends on how you view Putin's motives. I don't see them as defensive.
Well, just a snippet, but some armament was seen being trucked to Hezbolla according to sources. Me, I don't know. But, when all that money we been sending to Ukraine finds its home, I would bet there some 'mericans around to help spread it around and take some for themselves. Whatcha think? Don't like'em, don't trust'em!! Just sayin'
Don Harrell
Bill, Most of us instinctively root for the underdog.
For that reason, you can count on my support when rapscallions from North of Annapolis attack without provocation your sylvan retreat in provincial Maryland.
Like Russia, your neck of the woods makes nothing but, like Russia, it does supply raw materials essential for others to produce wealth critical to human progress
Try reading RT.com and see another angle on the daily activity in Ukraine. Not saying it is the truth but .....
Discernment is a worthy goal. I believe that fear and reverence for God is the basis of all understanding.