Monday morning links

By NATO expansion you must mean the ex-Soviet vassal states that don't want to be gobbled up by Putin's desire to recreate the Soviet Union.

They see NATO as the only protection against this because they remember.

But "experts" have decided the problem are those ex-Soviet vassal states. All we have to do is let Putin take as many of these countries back to make this fabled buffer and there will piece in the land.

Despicable.

#1 BobJustBob on 2022-02-28 07:52 (Reply)

Russia sees NATO as a threat, because they also remember the threats that came out of western Europe. So they see the encroachment of NATO into their previous Warsaw Pact countries and Baltic countries as an existential threat.

ANy foreign policy that ignores that in our vain attempts to spread liberal democracy into nations that only want the economic benefits but have no intention of changing their culture or political structures, and ends up threatening militarily powerful nations like Russia is doomed to create chaos, anarchy, and eventually war.

The problem is us. We've had a despicable foreign policy for the past 30 years that has caused huge amounts of trouble and death around the world, while squandering our reputation, wealth, and worst of all, American lives.

#1.1 ruralcounsel on 2022-02-28 08:00 (Reply)

And just to add ... Putin showed no indication he was going to "gobble up" the old Soviet Union territory. First, he's probably smart enough to realize that attempt would destroy Russia. They don't have the economic power to carry it off.

The only military aggressions Russia has done since the fall of the old Soviet Union was Georgia, Chechnya and Ukraine. All either directly on their border or internal to Russia, thatposed existential threats.

The alternate view, that Putin has been aggressive gobbling up old ex-Soviet states, just isn't validated if you look at Russia's behavior since 1991. But it is VERY rampant out in the media and a popular piece of propaganda being spun up. People who don't do their own thinking are parroting it a lot.

Russia probably will not try to restore Ukraine as a piece of Russia - the amount of resistance they are getting now indicates that would be like trying to absorb a hornet's nest. A repeat of their misadventure in Afghanistan. They can no longer afford that. But what they can do is wreck Ukraine, so that it can be weaponized by NATO.EU/WEF on their own border. I think they are in the process of wrecking the Ukraine; just like burning a bridge that your enemies armies are trying to cross.

#1.2 ruralcounsel on 2022-02-28 08:10 (Reply)

Oops.

so that it can not be weaponized by NATO.EU/WEF on their own border.

#1.2.1 ruralcounsel on 2022-02-28 08:12 (Reply)

Amazing...simply amazing. The only threat has been Russia and it's insane xenophobia and paranoia. And you people think giving paranoid xenophobes what they want is rational.

It's not.

#1.2.1.1 BobJustBob on 2022-02-28 09:35 (Reply)

It is amazing how many right-wingers still cling to the canard that Putin wants to bring back the USSR.

It's an embarrassment.

Putin has legitimate reasons to address the Ukrainian threat. More than the US has for many of its excursions throughout the world over the past several decades.

#1.2.2 DrTorch (Link) on 2022-02-28 09:30 (Reply)

These are very disappointing comments.

#1.2.2.1 Texan99 on 2022-03-02 18:59 (Reply)

This is as simple as are you are for a communist tyrant or a supporter of freedom . Screw Russia this is about what the citizens in those formally Russian dominated countries want. NATO is zero threat to Russia until he decides to invade Europe. I am old enough to remember that the maps hanging in the schools showed these countries as Europe NOT the USSR. These countries and their citizens get to decide and if that decision means that the invading countries must fight for their freedom than so be it.

#1.3 OneGuy on 2022-02-28 09:36 (Reply)

As ruralcounsel points out, the history is way more complicated than that, and started way before 1945.

Effective geopolitics demands we be cognizant of how our actions are perceived by our opponents. You can blather all you want about what we declare the purpose of NATO to be but the people on the other end of the gun barrel might have a different view, especially after NATO participation in the 1990s conflicts in Serbia and other actions since then.

Unfortunately it's the people of the Ukraine and Russia that are paying the price.

#1.3.1 Christopher B on 2022-02-28 09:54 (Reply)

You may believe in the right of Russia to invade and kill people I do not. You are from the Neville Chamberlain school of diplomacy I am from the Gen Patton school. Fuck Russia! Send them home in body bags until they get tired of carrying them back to their mothers. Screw tyranny, Screw the appeasers.

#1.3.1.1 OneGuy on 2022-02-28 10:00 (Reply)

Nothing I said justifies what Putin is doing.

They're passing out AK47s in Kyiv. Need a plane ticket?

#1.3.1.1.1 Christopher B on 2022-02-28 10:11 (Reply)

I don't need a ticket to the Ukraine but perhaps Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman should get one. The Ukrainians will fight, and they should fight. To say that they should just let Russia roll over them and have their way with the Ukrainian women is foolish and even stupid. Russia will win, many people will die, the only option left is to make sure many Russians die for this invasion as well. Make no mistake if Ukraine choose to go all France and fly the white flag as many here want Russia would still kill tens of thousands of them and basically enslave the rest. THAT is what you are advocating. If you don't see that you are blind.

There is one thing very different in this Russian invasion; it will be tweeted and youtubed and the world will see what "Mother Russia" does to it's victims. Perhaps if you pay attention it will finally dawn on you why Ukraine should resist.

#1.3.1.1.1.1 OneGuy on 2022-02-28 12:32 (Reply)

The US set the invasion precedent in Kosovo, the Russians are following the US precedent.

#1.3.1.1.2 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 10:20 (Reply)

Conservative tree house blog has a good analysis from a retired US colonel.

#1.3.1.2 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 10:01 (Reply)

Another good piece at westernrifleshooters on a Karl Rove quote and "the land where history died".

#1.3.1.3 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 11:35 (Reply)

I'm 64, went to Oscoda High in Michigan, which was built mainly by US military money (Wurtsmith SAC base), and never saw a map hanging in my school showing Ukraine. Didn't really know much about Ukraine until the last few years. Just saying, I don't think it was common knowledge taught by schools. I went at a time when students wore POW bracelets and many of their parents were in the service. Never heard about Ukraine there, and took a lot of history and current world problems classes. Read Time every week. Somehow, I must have missed that day.

My judgement on this issue is guarded, and cautious. I think there is a lot to learn. I have heard the eastern part of Ukraine identifies with Russia quite heavily.

#1.3.2 Becky on 2022-02-28 10:24 (Reply)

The info / disinfo is flowing furiously now. What is quite striking is the lack of information on what the Ukrainians want. As that colonel notes, the eastern provinces are ethnically (and historically) Russian to begin with, and have been fighting for some years for their desire to be ruled by Mother Russia, with Ukrainians fighting to keep them in the fold. The 2014 election resulted in a pro-Russian (puppet) government that was subsequently overturned by rebellion, assisted by Western covert intelligence and funding. It's long-standing grievances boiling up; and as has been noted before, Ukraine is in the top 5 most corrupt countries on the planet. Therefore, very little will seem as it appears, or as it is presented for your consumption.

#1.3.2.1 Aggie on 2022-02-28 11:58 (Reply)

Thank you, it is what I've been reading and hearing others say.

#1.3.2.1.1 Becky on 2022-02-28 12:23 (Reply)

After Russia took Crimea about 95% of Ukraine was predominantly Ukrainian NOT Russian. There are a couple of small regions that are predominantly Russian. Russia is NOT simply trying to bring those predominantly Russian regions back to the mother country they are trying to take ALL of Ukraine. IF they are successful and IF the costs aren't too high then they will attempt to take other former USSR countries back into the fold. This is no time to grow wobbly.

#1.3.2.1.2 JustMe on 2022-02-28 12:40 (Reply)

Nikole Hannah-Jones is right but for the wrong reasons. Our foreign policy has been Eurocentric because that was where the power used to be. Nowadays, Europe is a museum being overrun by foreign criminals, so we really have no reason to be concerned with Europe. Particulalry western Eurpe. Eastern Europe is a different matter, since Russia, while not a global economic power, still has many nuke warheads, and so is still a power to be considered and respected.

But our foreign policy focus should be shifting toward Asia, not Africa. And for the same reasons it was Eurocentric. It has nothing to do with race; it's all about power and economics. Where will our next peer competitors come from? Asia. Certainly not Africa.

#2 ruralcounsel on 2022-02-28 07:52 (Reply)

'UW moves 70-ton Chamberlin Rock off campus after student backlash'

The article is so censorious that it won't even mention the supposed racial slur by which the rock was known as. Anyone?

#3 Maniac on 2022-02-28 08:23 (Reply)

Maniac: The article is so censorious that it won't even mention the supposed racial slur by which the rock was known as. Anyone?

N-word rock.
https://kesq.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2021/08/09/a-rock-that-students-call-a-symbol-of-racism-has-been-removed-from-university-of-wisconsin/

#3.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 08:50 (Reply)

6 Quotes From Orwell's 1984 That Have Come True

https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=2&v=EI5-Ir0RT-o&feature=youtu.be

#3.2 Zachinoff on 2022-02-28 08:54 (Reply)

There was a single reference to it from a hundred years ago. Not an example of deep penetration of serious racism by students then, and certainly not now. It is a manufactured insult.

Unless you believe in primitive taboos, that the utterance of certain sounds in a particular order creates a poison that affects even bystanders.

#3.3 Assistant Village Idiot on 2022-02-28 09:06 (Reply)

I hope they used a solar-powered crane with slings made of hemp.

#3.3.1 Aggie on 2022-02-28 09:25 (Reply)

Assistant Village Idiot: There was a single reference to it from a hundred years ago.

If the word was published in a newspaper, though it was considered a vulgar expression even then, that indicates it had a more common currency. People didn't just stop using the word afterwards.

#3.3.2 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 09:42 (Reply)

"People didn't just stop using the word afterwards".

No, but By Golly now that we moved that hated rock, nobody will ever use that word again ever, You Bet! (Puffs Up)

#3.3.2.1 Aggie on 2022-02-28 12:03 (Reply)

Who decides what words we can use and what words we cannot use and how does it get enforced? Because there are a bunch or rappers, football and basketball players who aren't abiding by the rules. It is such a disgusting word that anyone, any rapper, any athlete, any school kid that uses it should have their bank accounts seized, their businesses taken and their property confiscated and sold off.

Next let's go after anyone who says "cracker", "whitey" or "white supremacist".

#3.3.2.2 JustMe on 2022-02-28 13:29 (Reply)

JustMe: Who decides what words we can use and what words we cannot use and how does it get enforced?

You can use whatever words you want. Others have the right to voice their objection. In this case, students associated with the Wisconsin Black Student Union and Wunk Sheek (a Native American student organization) peacefully assembled to petition for the removal of the offending symbol. How did you think it worked?
https://chancellor.wisc.edu/blog/what-a-rock-has-to-do-with-racism/

#3.3.2.2.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 13:39 (Reply)

A small group of vocally-offensive people made a nuisance of themselves until a cowardly person in authority caved and agreed. The overwhelming majority of people who could have cared less about so trivial an issue will now receive lectures by the social justice victors, and then indirectly foot the bill for this ridiculous exercise that carries no significance and only a contrived meaning.

That's how it works, going through channels. If it was a statue, then a small group of vocally-offensive obese people with weirdly-colored hair would have already rigged up ropes and pulled it over; and then the overwhelming majority of people who could have cared less about so trivial an issue would then have received lectures by the social justice offenders, and then indirectly footed the bill for another ridiculous exercise that carried no significance and only a contrived meaning.

#3.3.2.2.1.1 Aggie on 2022-02-28 14:05 (Reply)

Aggie: If it was a statue, then a small group of vocally-offensive obese people with weirdly-colored hair would have already rigged up ropes and pulled it over

Sorry if they aren't your preferred color or shape.

Wisconsin Black Student Union

Wunk Sheek

#3.3.2.2.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 14:16 (Reply)

Yet once again, you've attempted to draw a connection where there isn't one, misdirect what was said about hair color in order to racialize it, and attempt to introduce race hate into the conversation. There is no place for racial hatred, race baiting, and bigotry such as yours in any progressive society. Yes, you are sorry.

[urlhttps://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/fMudHV4yJHmFnWGBcA3YAMlWbVg=/fit-in/1660x934/smart/filters:no_upscale()/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-dmn.s3.amazonaws.com/public/P3RBTFQYAEMNCQTI7ZEQMW6ZUI.jpg[/url]

#3.3.2.2.1.1.1.1 Aggie on 2022-02-28 15:04 (Reply)

Aggie: Yet once again, you've attempted to draw a connection where there isn't one, misdirect what was said about hair color in order to racialize it

You indicated that the people protesting the Chamberlin Rock were "obese people with weirdly-colored hair." We provided pictures so people could see for themselves.

#3.3.2.2.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 15:13 (Reply)

No. I stated that the rock incident was handled through channels - meaning university authorities. I then made a subsequent comparison to other activist-inspired events such as this one, where sentiments were stoked and people took direct action illegally:

[url]https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/fMudHV4yJHmFnWGBcA3YAMlWbVg=/fit-in/1660x934/smart/filters:no_upscale()/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-dmn.s3.amazonaws.com/public/P3RBTFQYAEMNCQTI7ZEQMW6ZUI.jpg[/url]

You have misconstrued what I actually said and misdirected to portray it as somehow racially derogatory - as if I were speaking about skin color instead of hair color. But I never made any mention of race - I simply spoke about the activism, and sarcastically described what is obvious from the many incidents of statue-toppling.

There have been many such statue-toppling events, none of them prosecuted as felonies, and many of them jaw-droppingly ignorant of the history they are attempting to erase, in the name of modern bigotries.

You seem to enjoy trying to charge comments with a racial animus that simply isn't there. There is no place for racial hatred, race hustling & baiting, and bigotry by any race, or on behalf of any race, in any progressive society.

#3.3.2.2.1.1.1.1.1.1 Aggie on 2022-02-28 16:25 (Reply)

You have misconstrued what I actually said and misdirected...

From the Quibble-DickZ?
Quelle surprise.
That's all they ever do.

#3.3.2.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Zachinoff on 2022-02-28 17:33 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: The current covid tribulations are likely going to be decided in the courts as to who is going to be held responsible for deaths from the disease and the vaccine.

Is there a court case in the U.S? Let us know when you have evidence.

#3.3.2.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.2 Zachriel on 2022-03-01 08:59 (Reply)

Aggie: There have been many such statue-toppling events, none of them prosecuted as felonies

Eight people are now charged in Monday's destruction of a Confederate statue next to the old courthouse in downtown Durham.

Four Men Charged in Federal Court

Aggie: There is no place for racial hatred, race hustling & baiting, and bigotry by any race, or on behalf of any race, in any progressive society.

That's good to hear. We will disregard your previous comments about the shape of people and the color of their hair.

#3.3.2.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.3 Zachriel on 2022-03-01 09:00 (Reply)

It was a general term, not specific to that rock. If we decide that "glacial erratic" is offensive to certain mental health diagnoses, will we then have to move every glacial erratic to a new location? If a student were called the n-word in 1920, would that mean they could not return to campus?

If they had wanted to ban the student who used the term, that would make sense. But the rock is innocent.

#3.3.2.3 Assistant Village Idiot on 2022-02-28 22:49 (Reply)

Assistant Village Idiot: It was a general term, not specific to that rock.

It was called "n-word rock".
https://chancellor.wisc.edu/blog/what-a-rock-has-to-do-with-racism/

#3.3.2.3.1 Zachriel on 2022-03-01 09:05 (Reply)

So if we call that statue of the criminal George Floyd who killed himself the N-statue does that mean we can tear it down?

#3.3.2.3.1.1 JustMe on 2022-03-01 10:20 (Reply)

JustMe: So if we call that statue of the criminal George Floyd who killed himself the N-statue does that mean we can tear it down?

Tearing it down would be illegal, but you have every right to go to a town meeting, call it the 'n-word statue', and ask it be removed. Let us know how that turns out.

#3.3.2.3.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-03-02 08:03 (Reply)

QUOTE:

The West’s reliance on Russian energy gives Putin a free hand to do what he pleases with Ukraine. Another victory in the war against the weather . . . They also made any non-military reaction toothless and unpersuasive.

That has yet to be seen. As former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice noted, Putin has "managed to unite NATO in ways that I didn't think I would ever see again after the end of the Cold War."

QUOTE:

"We tentatively assume that Russia’s economy will contract 20% quarter over quarter, saar [seasonal adjusted annualized rate], in 2Q, and for the year around 3.5%. But the margin of error for any such guesstimate is incredibly high at this point, and risks are skewed heavily to the downside. Moreover, we believe Russia’s growing political and economic isolation will curtail Russia’s growth potential in years to come and lower Russia’s trend growth to 1.0%, down from 1.75% previously," JPMorgan strategists warned in a new note on Monday.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/russia-economy-poised-to-plunge-into-recession-warns-jp-morgan-120344770.html

#4 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 08:48 (Reply)

Russia faces financial meltdown as sanctions slam its economy

If you want the nice things that globalization brings, then you have to accept the vast network of economic relationships that make it all possible.

#4.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 09:00 (Reply)

Pfft.

Anyone who posts CNN as serious is a liar and a fool.

#4.1.1 DrTorch (Link) on 2022-02-28 09:32 (Reply)

DrTorch: Pfft.

Hard to argue with that—or with your genetic fallacy. Are you saying CNN's report is in error? Or is "Pfft" the foundation of your argument?

#4.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 09:36 (Reply)

and the possibility that you're subsidizing your opponent.

#4.1.2 Christopher B on 2022-02-28 10:13 (Reply)

Christopher B: and the possibility that you're subsidizing your opponent.

Sure.

Once upon a time, you could profit by pillaging your neighbors and stealing their land. But nowadays, the vast majority of the wealth of a society is found in complex economic networks and in the individual skills that fit into those networks. Pillaging destroys that wealth, so pillaging just isn't nearly as profitable as it once was.

#4.1.2.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 10:48 (Reply)

Welfare still exists. You just have to use the government to do the pillaging.

#4.1.2.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 14:20 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: You just have to use the government to do the pillaging.

Social safety nets are part of the complex networks that constitute all modern, advanced economies.

#4.1.2.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 14:43 (Reply)

Does that include the banks that seem to require bailing out every 5-10 years plus getting free money lent to them by the FED? It is corporate AND individual welfare.

#4.1.2.1.1.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 14:54 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: Does that include the banks that seem to require bailing out every 5-10 years plus getting free money lent to them by the FED? It is corporate AND individual welfare.

Yes, it does. Allowing the banking sector to collapse could cause extensive and long-lasting economic damage. However, bailouts can create disincentives, which is why the banking industry is regulated. It's not a perfect system, but better than an unfettered system.

#4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 15:21 (Reply)

The banks were allowed to get too big ... that is their problem and not mine. Allow the big banks, which are little more than hedge funds, to fail. That should get the rest of the banks to take heed. It is only Klaus Schwab that believes the business cycle doesn't exist and that we can build back better. Klaus is wrong and if the current stock market trends continue, he will find that out the hard way.

#4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 15:27 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: The banks were allowed to get too big ...

Yes. The banks say the problem is that they are competing against other giant banks in the rest of the world.

indyjonesouthere: that is their problem and not mine.

Turns out, that is not true. The dollars in your pocket are just pieces of paper. When an economy collapses, it can result in widespread economic disruption: loss of employment, loss of customers, loss of business confidence. This sort of damage can last for years and permanently damage the economic future of billions.

indyjonesouthere: Allow the big banks, which are little more than hedge funds, to fail.

Sure, as long as it's not a systemic problem where all the banks are simultaneously threatened with collapse.

#4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 15:32 (Reply)

The banks got too big because they had other big banks buy the losers out and the Fed subsidized the bad loans. The Fed built the problem and the Fed should be stuck with the problem. It isn't my problem. I keep a minimum in fiat currency this past couple of years and a maximum out of reach of the Fed. Let the losers and their shareholders pay for malfeasance and jail the CEO's and management that led them there. They are no different than any other corporation that is allowed to fail.

#4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 15:45 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: The Fed built the problem and the Fed should be stuck with the problem.

If you are a U.S. taxpayer, then the Fed is you. If not, then does it matter to you?

#4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 15:53 (Reply)

The Fed Reserve is owned by private banks. That is why they can print fiat currency. The government can only issue gold and silver money. It was established by law (wilson) but is a private banking system.

#4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 16:05 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: The Fed Reserve is owned by private banks.

The Federal Reserve is not owned by anyone, but is an instrument of the federal government. It's day-to-day operations are largely independent of the political branches, but governors are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The federal government receives all the profits that are made by the Federal Reserve.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/faqs/about_14986.htm

#4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 16:14 (Reply)

It has a government appointed board but the banks are private. If you would check the US Constitution you would see that the government can not issue fiat currency. The banks are private and a duck go go search will even provide the bank ownership. If these were US owned banks they could only issue silver and gold certificates or coins.

#4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 16:25 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: It has a government appointed board but the banks are private.

If you are referring to the Reserve Banks, they are not private. Any profit they make goes to the U.S. Treasury. Here's the link again.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/faqs/about_14986.htm

#4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 16:28 (Reply)

NATO expansion: Yeah, the West was wearing short skirts again, and the innocent Russians, who have hardly ever raped anyone in the past, were helpless before it.

NATO expansion may have been the wrong decision, taking one thing with another. But pretending that the idea just came out of the blue one day, ignoring the general Russian paranoia that has dictated their territorial expansion for decades, is reversing causality.

I will grant to the Russians that German behavior over the last 150 years might feed that paranoia.

#5 Assistant Village Idiot on 2022-02-28 09:14 (Reply)

It's not Merkle's Germany anymore.

QUOTE:

Chancellor Olaf Scholz says the country will invest more than 2 percent of GDP in defence; also announces construction of new gas terminals.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/27/germany-to-ramp-up-military-spending-in-major-policy-shift

#5.1 Zachinoff on 2022-02-28 09:23 (Reply)

Absolutely agree with AVI on this.

#5.2 Texan99 on 2022-03-01 07:24 (Reply)

Re: Psaki: Biden wants to rely on foreign energy...

She has it backasswards.
Should have followed Trumps plan.

#6 Zachinoff on 2022-02-28 09:16 (Reply)

A rock is offensive. Jfc

#7 Joe B. on 2022-02-28 09:50 (Reply)

Got to watch American Idol yesterday. The first singer was awesome. followed by a few other good singers. But then we got an activist trying to act as a singer and tried to pass off Breonna Taylor's death as some kind of evidence of racism and police discrimination. What a stinking pile of horse crap. Well screw them! I am so sick of this racism and race baiting disguised as activism for a just cause. Just add American Idol as a show I will no longer watch as they have been captured by the far left race baiters.

I wonder if they will have a song about the killing of six people in WAUKESHA, Wis. Christmas parade? Or maybe a song about the disgusting murders of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom. Somehow I doubt it.

#8 JustMe on 2022-02-28 10:17 (Reply)

Or Matthew Perna.

https://amgreatness.com/2022/02/27/the-suicide-of-a-january-6-defendant-they-broke-him/

#8.1 Zachinoff on 2022-02-28 14:54 (Reply)

The state of the union, like the inauguration, will be held behind a fence, armed guards and snipers. Odd, huh! But that is not all that will be different. If you watch it on TV you will notice a strange glow... Because they will be gas lighting congress and the citizens. The economy is booming, unemployment at record lows, inflation is really quite low it is white supremacy to say it is high. So calm down, sit down or we will freeze your bank accounts and throw you in a DC jail run by criminals where you will be tortured and strangely the Republicans in congress will say nothing.

It's better to take the red pill now because later it will be used as a suppository.

#9 Anon on 2022-02-28 12:17 (Reply)

The Totalitarian Left Begin Backing Toward the COVID Exits

In case you missed it, March 1st has been declared as the unofficial end date for COVID-19 as a political weapon.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/02/27/it-always-starts-with-a-cultural-shift-the-totalitarian-left-begin-backing-toward-the-covid-exits/

#10 feeblemind on 2022-02-28 12:43 (Reply)

feeblemind (from link): "We are supposed to forget the pain they inflicted as loved ones were choking in anguish, unable to visit family in hospital, the funerals that were not permitted, the catastrophic damage to our children’s lives, and the massive ridicule deployed (with maximum snark) in their condescending attacks against anyone who did not kneel at the altar of COVID virtue signaling."

Oh, and a million Americans dead.

#10.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 13:06 (Reply)

Many of those dead were killed by the vaccine. There are over 2 million businesses that went bankrupt and the total private bankruptcies will be double or triple that number.

And yet in spite of the masks that we always knew didn't work, the 6 feet of social distancing which no one ever thought worked, and the masks on airplanes which made no sense because the airlines had declared that because of their ventilation system flying was safer than staying at home. In spite of that the same number of people died that would have died if we did nothing!! THAT is the point. All the kabuki theater was political so they could steal an election and make billionaires even richer.

Never forget what they did to us just so Nancy Pelosi and Batshit Obama could install a puppet in the white house. Never forget because this all needs to be paid back and jail is too good for them.

#10.1.1 JustMe on 2022-02-28 13:35 (Reply)

JustMe: Many of those dead were killed by the vaccine.

A million deaths in the U.S. are associated with COVID. Deaths associated with vaccination represent only a tiny fraction of deaths associated with COVID.

JustMe: And yet in spite of the masks that we always knew didn't work, the 6 feet of social distancing which no one ever thought worked

The evidence is that masks and social distancing do reduce the probability of infection.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/masking-science-sars-cov2.html

JustMe: In spite of that the same number of people died that would have died if we did nothing!!

The U.S. population implemented social measures poorly, and there was widespread resistance. The U.S. ended up with the worst outcome: a collapsed economy and a high death rate. Other countries had much different outcomes:

Country, COVID deaths per million population
U.S., 2912
Canada, 955
Norway, 291
South Korea, 157
New Zealand, 11

#10.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 13:52 (Reply)

With a PCR test that the inventor said should never be used for diagnosis. You have no idea what they got sick with or what some died from. And not enough autopsies to verify any of the numbers. It was designed to create a panic and lockdown.

#10.1.1.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 14:28 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: With a PCR test that the inventor said should never be used for diagnosis.

That you keep ignoring or waving away the evidence is not an argument.

• PCR tests are supported by whole-genome sequencing. Here's a phylogeny.
• A rise in positive PCR tests for COVID-19 is soon followed by a rise in hospitalization and deaths due to respiratory distress.
• The same correlation between positive PCR tests and the rise in hospitalizations and deaths is found in subsets (states, cities) and in other countries and regions.
• Studies of death certificates supports the COVID death count.
• Autopsies support the finding of a pandemic of COVID deaths.
• The statistics of excess deaths supports the COVID death count.
• The statistics of excess deaths is also seen in subsets (states and cities) and in other countries and regions.

#10.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 14:41 (Reply)

See post below.

#10.1.1.1.1.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 14:50 (Reply)

Worldometer puts the number at 973,000+

The CDC said that fully 3/4 of those had 4 or more comorbidities so a substantial but unknown percentage of those 3/4 of the deaths were not attributable to the Wuhan flu but one or more comorbidities.

For about a year (maybe longer?), the CDC required all deaths to be listed as Wuhan flu deaths if they had a positive Wuhan flu test. This was at a time when the PCR cycles were much higher than prescribed so there were many false positives. This also led to people who died in car crashes and gun shots being listed as Wuhan flu deaths.

Tens of thousands of old people in retirement homes died from the Wuhan flu that were the result of government policies in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

When you start subtracting those who were falsely listed as Wuhan flu deaths from the "official" tally, the numbers come down in a hurry.

Keep in mind, the average age of death in the US is 78.5 and the average age of a Wuhan flu death is 81.5.

#10.1.1.1.2 mudbug on 2022-02-28 14:43 (Reply)

mudbug: The CDC said that fully 3/4 of those had 4 or more comorbidities so a substantial but unknown percentage of those 3/4 of the deaths were not attributable to the Wuhan flu but one or more comorbidities.

Those are deaths where COVID is a contributing factor, not just present. Again, the statistics of excess deaths shows that COVID is not just coincident with the deaths, but a contributor.

mudbug: the CDC required all deaths to be listed as Wuhan flu deaths if they had a positive Wuhan flu test.

The entire world has had to deal with COVID. And again, the statistics of excess deaths supports the death count, not just in the U.S., but in other countries. Infections are followed by hospitalizations are followed by deaths.

mudbug: Keep in mind, the average age of death in the US is 78.5 and the average age of a Wuhan flu death is 81.5.

The expected lifespan of someone who is 80 years old is about 9 years. The average loss of lifespan due to COVID is about 14 years.

#10.1.1.1.2.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 15:06 (Reply)

"The overwhelming number of deaths - over 75 percent - occurred in people who had at least four comorbidites. So really, these are people who were unwell to begin with...." -- Rochelle Walensky

She mentioned nothing about Wuhan flu being a contributing factor but I'll grant you that it was likely a contributing factor. So what. There were at least four other contributing factors. My point is that if you take Walensky's statistics as reasonable (and why not), then the number of deaths in the "official" count is over stated pretty significantly.

The CDC also said that comorbidities were present in 94% "COVID deaths" so there are very few deaths that the CDC will attribute to Wuhan flu alone.

My statistics for average age of death was taken in 2021 as was the average age of a person dying of Wuhan flu.

Excess deaths can be attributed to many things including government malfeasance. They are not all necessarily due to the Wuhan flu.

#10.1.1.1.2.1.1 mudbug on 2022-02-28 17:15 (Reply)

mudbug: The overwhelming number of deaths - over 75 percent - occurred in people who had at least four comorbidites.

That comment referred only to those who are vaccinated, among whom only the most susceptible die from COVID. That means the vaccine is working. Most deaths from COVID are among the unvaccinated.
https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/12/politics/fact-check-walensky-cdc-comorbidities-good-morning-america/index.html

mudbug: The CDC also said that comorbidities were present in 94% "COVID deaths" so there are very few deaths that the CDC will attribute to Wuhan flu alone.

Oh, gee whiz. A patient dies of respirator failure due to pneumonia after a long battle against COVID. What does the death certificate say?

mudbug: My statistics for average age of death was taken in 2021 as was the average age of a person dying of Wuhan flu.

The life expectancy of someone who is 80 years old is about 9 years. That means if they die of COVID at 80, then they have lost 9 years of their lives. The average loss of life expectancy is 14 years due to COVID. That doesn't include the pain, suffering, and disability of those who survive a severe infection.

mudbug: Excess deaths can be attributed to many things including government malfeasance.

Just waving your hands is not an argument. Excess deaths in the U.S. is a million. Did they all fall down the stairs?

#10.1.1.1.2.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-03-01 08:38 (Reply)

That you keep insisting that you know more about the PCR test than the inventor is only your arrogance showing. The PCR test was the key to the BS factory for the admin state of FDA, CDC, and NIH in lockstep with the Joebamma whitehouse.

#11 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 14:48 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: That you keep insisting that you know more about the PCR test than the inventor is only your arrogance showing.

We provided evidence to support our claim. Meanwhile, Mullis never said that PCR can't be used to detect viruses. "This is a misunderstanding of a quote from him about the limitations of PCR testing in general, to find out about the exact levels of a virus in a sample, not whether or not the sample contained the virus."
https://fullfact.org/online/pcr-test-mullis/

#11.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 15:09 (Reply)

The second problem that the developer stated with the use of PCR tests is the number of cycles used to test. Currently he mentioned that they use about twice as many cycles as anyone recommends and it insures far, far too many false positives. Others have noted as many as 90 plus percent false positives. That supports MY claim. Testing using PCR and excess cycles is exactly his complaint. There are numerous viruses always in the environment ... that does not mean you have the associated disease.

#11.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 15:21 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: The second problem that the developer stated with the use of PCR tests is the number of cycles used to test.

If you had actually read our response, you wouldn't continue to make the same unfounded claims.

indyjonesouthere: Currently he mentioned that they use about twice as many cycles as anyone recommends and it insures far, far too many false positives.

Kary Mullis, who invented the PCR method, died in 2019.

#11.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 15:26 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: far, far too many false positives

It doesn't matter how much you amplify it, PCR won't detect a viral fragment that isn't there. It will detect viral fragments from a previous infection, however (for a few weeks at most).

#11.1.1.2 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 15:28 (Reply)

And you forgot about when the original sars came out ... how do you think they tested and found out how many cycles should be done? And to explain once again ... just because the virus is in the environment doesn't mean it is enough of the virus to cause the disease. And it also means the virus may be dead. The PCR test can't tell the difference.

#11.1.1.2.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 15:33 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: And you forgot

Ignoring our comments isn't an argument against them. You said, "Currently he mentioned . . . " It would help your own ability to understand if you would find reliable citations to support your claims. If you had, then you would known he didn't say anything currently. He's dead. Nor, as we pointed out, did Mullis say what you think he did.

Please see our comment above.

#11.1.1.2.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 15:50 (Reply)

Do a bit of a search and you should be able to find the video of him making his PCR comments ... if you can't find the video you will find the picture of him with his comments on PCR and comments on cycles.

#11.1.1.2.1.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 15:55 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: Do a bit of a search and you should be able to find the video of him making his PCR comments .

In other words, you have no evidence to support your claim.
https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/jul/07/blog-posting/covid-19-tests-are-not-scientifically-meaningless/

#11.1.1.2.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 16:04 (Reply)

See the posting below.

#11.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 16:15 (Reply)

Here's one of his comments on the PCR test.

https://fcpp.org/2021/02/27/pcr-test-is-flimsy-say-inventor-and-the-courts/

No picture though.

#12 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 16:14 (Reply)

https://fcpp.org/2021/02/27/pcr-test-is-flimsy-say-inventor-and-courts/

(Are you typing in your links? Try cut-and-paste. Maybe you know someone who can show you.)

In the quote, Mullis is referring to his debunked theory that AIDS is not caused by HIV. He thought the test was picking up a virus that may not have been relevant to AIDS. Nowadays, PCR is used for reliably detecting HIV, EVD, influenza, and a host of other viruses.

#12.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 16:23 (Reply)

And keep reading ... what did the courts say about the PCR test reliability?

#12.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 16:27 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: And keep reading ...

We usually stop reading with the first erroneous information.

indyjonesouthere: what did the courts say about the PCR test reliability?

Courts aren't always the best judge of science, and the Portuguese court clearly misunderstood the statistics involved. In any case, the court ruled infection was not proved "beyond a reasonable doubt," and, indeed, people can have cleared the virus and still test positive for two to three weeks. And sometimes there are false positives for other reasons. Consequently, the court found there should have been verification through other means.

So? PCR isn't perfect. Who said it was? We provided several lines of evidence to support our position. You continue to ignore that evidence.

#12.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2022-02-28 16:40 (Reply)

See response below.

#12.1.1.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 17:15 (Reply)

The current covid tribulations are likely going to be decided in the courts as to who is going to be held responsible for deaths from the disease and the vaccine. I suspect liability and criminal/civil law will make the final determination. But patience ... it will take time and many countries will have trials.

#13 indyjonesouthere on 2022-02-28 17:14 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: The current covid tribulations are likely going to be decided in the courts as to who is going to be held responsible for deaths from the disease and the vaccine.

Is there a court case in the U.S? Let us know when you are ready to address the evidence.

#13.1 Zachriel on 2022-03-02 08:04 (Reply)

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