Thoughtforfood said:
Yep.
TFF, this is pretty mild compared to some of his sh!t.
Buckwheat was termed for way, way less.
Welcome to my world.
- Status
Yep.
TFF, this is pretty mild compared to some of his sh!t.
Buckwheat was termed for way, way less.
Welcome to my world.
freepers making excuses already
""If the shooter is a Muslim it’s NOT a story - and “Homeland” doesn’t care.
If the shooter is a black gang member, it’s NOT a story and “Homeland” doesn’t care.
It’s it’s an Wall Street Occupier type it’s NOT a story and “Homeland” doesn’t care.
If it’s a Tea Party member, then the ‘lone wolf’ represents ALL Republicans and Homeland Security, the FBI, and Southern Poverty Law Center will use this as PROOF that going after conservative Americans was necessary ...""
right..because conservative Americans are getting gone after so much
""If the shooter is a Muslim it’s NOT a story - and “Homeland” doesn’t care.
If the shooter is a black gang member, it’s NOT a story and “Homeland” doesn’t care.
It’s it’s an Wall Street Occupier type it’s NOT a story and “Homeland” doesn’t care.
If it’s a Tea Party member, then the ‘lone wolf’ represents ALL Republicans and Homeland Security, the FBI, and Southern Poverty Law Center will use this as PROOF that going after conservative Americans was necessary ...""
right..because conservative Americans are getting gone after so much
Good pickup in the picture, guess he was like an extreme member of the Tea Bagger Party, but a member of the party never the less.redtreviso said:
mikeNphilly said:
just like this guy
freepers are probably trying to figure out how many of the victims were liberals or looked like liberals or had liberal skin color
- Mar 11, 2009
- 10,526
- 3,529
- 28,180
No need to get into a flame war.Thoughtforfood said:
Good link there. Compelling. But I still think there's plenty of blame to go around, with not enough talk on solutions.Thoughtforfood said:
- Jul 4, 2009
- 9,666
- 0
- 0
Thoughtforfood said:
...what a beautiful and crystal clear presentation of the magic of the market place...
...thank you so very much...I will sleep so much better tonite having seen that!...
...should become required viewing for all thread users...
Cheers
blutto
Terror plot foiled in Ambala
A possible terror attack was foiled just days before the Diwali festival with the recovery of over 5-kg explosives and detonators from a car parked outside the Ambala Cantt Railway Station, police said on Thursday.
Acting on a tip-off, a joint police team of Delhi and Haryana found the explosives in a blue Indica car parked outside the railway station on Wednesday night.
.....
The car was bearing a fake Haryana registration number and police suspect that it was a stolen one.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2533859.ece?homepage=true
Thank goodness for that, we've had far too many terrorist strikes this year.
A possible terror attack was foiled just days before the Diwali festival with the recovery of over 5-kg explosives and detonators from a car parked outside the Ambala Cantt Railway Station, police said on Thursday.
Acting on a tip-off, a joint police team of Delhi and Haryana found the explosives in a blue Indica car parked outside the railway station on Wednesday night.
.....
The car was bearing a fake Haryana registration number and police suspect that it was a stolen one.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2533859.ece?homepage=true
Thank goodness for that, we've had far too many terrorist strikes this year.
Not 100% sure if it's the same but this happened yesterday
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15284053
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15284053
An interesting interview by far right National Front leader Marine Le Pen to the newspaper Kommersant.
Marine Le Pen shockingly led the ratings in March and is now 5% points behind Sarkozy.
http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1793754
English translation
EL: And that is something you can do?
MLP: Yes, as we are the only truly patriotic party. We believe that success and prosperity in France can only be achieved by the strengthening of security, the preservation of the national identity, and patriotism. The National Front is the only party that holds to the policy principles of General de Gaulle. Like him, we support an independent, strong, and influential France, a France that bases its policies on its strategic interests, rather than the desires of other countries, such as the United States.
EL: What will happen if Nikolas Sarkozy stays for a second term?
MLP: I do not think that’s possible. The world is standing on the brink of some serious financial shocks, which will have a particularly strong effect in the Eurozone. Many economists are doubtful that the euro will hold its ground and are predicting a crisis in Europe. I do not believe that Sarkozy will be able to go on leading the country under such conditions. The only thing that will be able to pull France out of the crisis is a return to fiscal sovereignty and our national currency. And that is precisely what we support. At the same time, I strongly believe that this crisis opens some great opportunities for France, as paradoxical as it may sound. And not only for France, but for the whole of Europe – the Europe of free and sovereign nations, which we want to create. The crisis could give rise to changes in the domestic and foreign policy of France, which has long needed to stop conforming to the US and turn towards Russia. I have long been saying that we need to develop relations with Moscow and not Washington, because we share many common interests both in cultural and strategic terms.
EL: More than with the Unites States?
MLP: Of course! American culture is far removed from French and European culture – that is a fact of history. Therefore, I cannot but worry when I see and feel how our president is turning his back on Russia, as desired by the United States. And he is not alone. At a nod from the US, Russia is demonized in the French media. It’s not easy for politicians, who support building a closer relationship with Russia, and one needs to have a lot of courage to abandon this position, which has already become politically incorrect.
EL: That is something that is rarely heard from a European politician.
MLP: Well, I may be the only one in France who stands up for Russia, but I’m not the only one in Europe. At the same time, I believe that Russia is not actively developing relations with European politicians and players who, like myself, sympathize with Moscow and are ready to promote this position. The US, in this sense, is a lot more active – and that’s the problem.
EL: If you become president, will France secede from NATO?
MLP: Yes, I have opposed France’s involvement with the Alliance since the very beginning. In this sense, I fully agree with the opinion of General de Gaulle, who was against the idea of subjecting France’s national interests to any other foreign power – including the United States. Meanwhile, I am confident that the European states must co-operate in the field of security, but I do not see a reason why Russia cannot be a part of this process. European countries should work with Russia to develop a plan to build the Europe of the future.
EL: How do you envision the future Libya, where regime change has taken place under active involvement of French forces?
MLP: I doubt that the new leadership will be able to create democracy. I was against the Libya invasion, and against involvement in the situation in Syria and Cote d’Ivoire. I believe in diplomacy, especially on a regional level. The problems of Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia need to be handled by their Arab or African neighbors. In any event, that is better than an intervention by Western states. I do not believe that NATO and the EU countries have done something heroic in Libya. Forces were absolutely unequal, so the Alliance does not have much to be proud of. At the same time, I understand that the US is pursuing its interests by promoting all of these pseudo-democratic revolutions across the globe, but I do not understand why Europe complies and why Russia is not protecting its interests on the same level as the United States.
Full translation
---
Some bull**** statements like saying the West was against Hozni Mubarak (who was the most critical Arab ally for the US in the region considering his strategic importance for Israel) among other.
But, France was never a militarily involved in NATO prior to Sarkozy and I always thought France was proud of its independence in such issues. And I think she has a point when she says Russia doesn't engage itself with pro Russian politicians in the West.
Marine Le Pen shockingly led the ratings in March and is now 5% points behind Sarkozy.
http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1793754
English translation
EL: And that is something you can do?
MLP: Yes, as we are the only truly patriotic party. We believe that success and prosperity in France can only be achieved by the strengthening of security, the preservation of the national identity, and patriotism. The National Front is the only party that holds to the policy principles of General de Gaulle. Like him, we support an independent, strong, and influential France, a France that bases its policies on its strategic interests, rather than the desires of other countries, such as the United States.
EL: What will happen if Nikolas Sarkozy stays for a second term?
MLP: I do not think that’s possible. The world is standing on the brink of some serious financial shocks, which will have a particularly strong effect in the Eurozone. Many economists are doubtful that the euro will hold its ground and are predicting a crisis in Europe. I do not believe that Sarkozy will be able to go on leading the country under such conditions. The only thing that will be able to pull France out of the crisis is a return to fiscal sovereignty and our national currency. And that is precisely what we support. At the same time, I strongly believe that this crisis opens some great opportunities for France, as paradoxical as it may sound. And not only for France, but for the whole of Europe – the Europe of free and sovereign nations, which we want to create. The crisis could give rise to changes in the domestic and foreign policy of France, which has long needed to stop conforming to the US and turn towards Russia. I have long been saying that we need to develop relations with Moscow and not Washington, because we share many common interests both in cultural and strategic terms.
EL: More than with the Unites States?
MLP: Of course! American culture is far removed from French and European culture – that is a fact of history. Therefore, I cannot but worry when I see and feel how our president is turning his back on Russia, as desired by the United States. And he is not alone. At a nod from the US, Russia is demonized in the French media. It’s not easy for politicians, who support building a closer relationship with Russia, and one needs to have a lot of courage to abandon this position, which has already become politically incorrect.
EL: That is something that is rarely heard from a European politician.
MLP: Well, I may be the only one in France who stands up for Russia, but I’m not the only one in Europe. At the same time, I believe that Russia is not actively developing relations with European politicians and players who, like myself, sympathize with Moscow and are ready to promote this position. The US, in this sense, is a lot more active – and that’s the problem.
EL: If you become president, will France secede from NATO?
MLP: Yes, I have opposed France’s involvement with the Alliance since the very beginning. In this sense, I fully agree with the opinion of General de Gaulle, who was against the idea of subjecting France’s national interests to any other foreign power – including the United States. Meanwhile, I am confident that the European states must co-operate in the field of security, but I do not see a reason why Russia cannot be a part of this process. European countries should work with Russia to develop a plan to build the Europe of the future.
EL: How do you envision the future Libya, where regime change has taken place under active involvement of French forces?
MLP: I doubt that the new leadership will be able to create democracy. I was against the Libya invasion, and against involvement in the situation in Syria and Cote d’Ivoire. I believe in diplomacy, especially on a regional level. The problems of Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia need to be handled by their Arab or African neighbors. In any event, that is better than an intervention by Western states. I do not believe that NATO and the EU countries have done something heroic in Libya. Forces were absolutely unequal, so the Alliance does not have much to be proud of. At the same time, I understand that the US is pursuing its interests by promoting all of these pseudo-democratic revolutions across the globe, but I do not understand why Europe complies and why Russia is not protecting its interests on the same level as the United States.
Full translation
---
Some bull**** statements like saying the West was against Hozni Mubarak (who was the most critical Arab ally for the US in the region considering his strategic importance for Israel) among other.
But, France was never a militarily involved in NATO prior to Sarkozy and I always thought France was proud of its independence in such issues. And I think she has a point when she says Russia doesn't engage itself with pro Russian politicians in the West.
- Sep 25, 2009
- 7,527
- 1
- 0
le pen is laying on butter too thick, imho, and whilst doing so he certainly exaggerated few things...ramjambunath said:
firstly, it is simply inaccurate that the bear is sleeping whilst uncle sam is not...
a quick look back into europe of last decade should remind everyone of a certain helmut kohl, who essentially turned from a chancellor of europe's biggest economy to an agent of influence for a foreign power.
it's a big open secret every german and most europeans know too well...the lad is still sitting on the board of directors of northstream.
even today, germany is essentially a russian proxy in western europe. both are partnering smartly w/o stepping on each others toes...
what le pen calls 'not active enough' is simply a cautious management of chess pieces AT A GIVEN TIME PERIOD b/c the bear's immediate priority and thus most resources are directed at consolidating his own backyard - putin calls it a near abroad.
le pen's criticism of america makes imo some sense but bashing it is my opinion plain stupid.
the still overwhelming economic, financial and military weight of the us will compel him to quit the cheap rhetoric if he ever to become the president.
where europe, russia and china should work together is NOT at rejecting americanism but at eroding omnipotent status of american dollar that is is the cause of both many american and the word's problems.
Yes, the Le Pen clan are a crazy lot and normally I wouldn't give much importance to such fanatical statements but she is doing well in opinion polls.
Marine I think is just a continuation of her father (the World Cup 2006 remarks he made). The US bashing seems and this Anglo Saxon complaint is false just because of the state of the French banks themselves.
Marine I think is just a continuation of her father (the World Cup 2006 remarks he made). The US bashing seems and this Anglo Saxon complaint is false just because of the state of the French banks themselves.
- May 13, 2009
- 3,093
- 3
- 0
python said:
This is IMHO the 800 lb gorilla in the room nobody wants to notice. There will be a point when the EU has to think seriously about inviting / admitting / joining with Russia. It's going to be hugely disruptive, but if the EU is not only considered a vehicle for economic integration but also a project toward lasting peace in Europe, there's no way around Russia. How to integrate one new, huge country, I don't know (up to now, new candidates were small countries from the periphery which easily could be bent), but economically, it actually would make a lot of sense. Think about the EU's manufacturing capability coupled with Russia's wealth in natural resources (which is basically what is already happening right now). What a Russian EU membership will do to create a more unified EU foreign policy or joint military force, heaven knows. But the alternative, a conflicted rivalry between the EU and Russia is definitely the worse option.
- Apr 2, 2009
- 8,660
- 16
- 17,510
Cobblestones said:
But if Europe goes into an alliance with Russia, that would presumably go against just about every pact, including NATO, that it has made with its US ally.
How would it be able to go about this and not seriously jeopardize its relations with America? I mean, that would be about as close to a revolution in both transatlantic and Eurasian policies as one could imagine. And what about Britain? Britain would never accept such a pact.
- May 13, 2009
- 3,093
- 3
- 0
rhubroma said:
The answer to your objections is: yes, and?
What is NATO nowadays? What purpose does it serve? Considering a true and lasting peace in Europe, does NATO in its present form have a positive or negative effect? What is more important for the future in Europe, an unchanged NATO or reduce the mistrust between Russia and the rest of Europe?
When you finish thinking about those questions, there's a second set of questions, where you replace 'NATO' with 'the US': does the US have a positive or negative effect on peace in the greater European region today? Why are the US/Russian relations so bad? What about the argument that normalization of relations will lead to democratization and peace? Does that not apply to Russia? Does it only apply to China? Anyway, who has greater deficiencies in democracy and human rights? Russia or China?
At present, I would argue that the US is still a positive player in Europe, but will that be true when the US/Russia relations don't improve? I'm not so sure about NATO any more. Stationing the missile defense system (against an completely overblown Iranian 'threat') and considering NATO's role in the Middle East, I would have a hard time seeing NATO's positive impact. Why then, would you cling to this organization or use its continued existence in an argument?
- Sep 25, 2009
- 7,527
- 1
- 0
all logical points but the 3 words, 'inviting-admitting-joining ' all carry hugely different meanings and should not be imo separated by a slash ('/')Cobblestones said:
inviting into the eu (in some capacity, not necessarily as a full member) is quite possible at some point. but there are 2big 'ifs':
(i) if the invitee himself wants it and
(ii), if the invite is serious.
i don't doubt that the pr rhetoric on both sides will take full advantage of the logically and economically reasonable opportunity. however i seriously doubt that at least some (particularly poland) east european members will ever allow it and, most importantly that russia really-really wants it.
the reason in my mind is simple - joining the eu, and most americans simply don't appreciate the fact, means automatic loss of most of a new member's sovereignty. you are told by faceless officials from brussels what to do with the budget, with resources, with production quoatas etc...
the country of russia's size, pride, richness and plurality simply can not afford that because it's a matter of their survival as a state.
thus, and the strategic decision has already been made in kremlin -'let's form our own block from the former republics and forge it into something like the eu structure. border-less travel, tariff-free trade, single currency etc...
it's like the soviet union back but slightly more modern, a bit freer, capitalistic and certainly dominated by russia.
if you watch the developments carefully, they've succeed quite handsomely already and only lack the ukraine to complete the gambit...
it will be about the russian block coexisting with the eu, china and the dwindling america.
peace ? may be but as ever unpredictable.
- May 13, 2009
- 3,093
- 3
- 0
python said:
This is all true but does not fully address the issue of EU/Russia relations. Clearly, Russia will never simply 'join' the EU in the sense that it will adopt everything the Germans, French, British (or worse, Polish, Czech, Hungarians) dictate. Neither will many of the EU countries be thrilled to 'invite' Russia (and I don't see Britain as the main problem, it's more likely to hinge on Poland, the Czechs, Hungary and so on). But the development you describe seems to go toward the old 'two block' mentality, which I don't think will promote long term stability. IMHO, this is precisely what has to be overcome (from both sides). Maybe it can start in the way the EU has started, with treaties on steel and coal (or rather on oil and gas as it is already the case) and move on from there. But it will have to move on, and politicians on both sides eventually have to take a hard look at structures and institutions which are roadblocks along the way.
ETA: In a sense, what you describe that Russia wants to restore its region of influence at least as far as the old Soviet Union, can be read in two ways. First of all, Russia does not want to isolate itself. For the better or worse, it is not running an entirely isolationistic course. So the political thought is present. On the other hand, one would hope that Russia is interested in good relations with its neighbors, and not simply try to create new vassal states. To foster that thought, the EU will have to engage Russia so that Russia gets used to negotiate with at least one European entity at more or less eye level.
- Apr 2, 2009
- 8,660
- 16
- 17,510
Cobblestones said:
You ask too many questions. Ok, NATO sucks, but till recently it was the biggest guarantee of Western European security, even if what a price this had for Europe's autonomy. While now you are right it could actually become a burden in aggravating relations with the Great Bear. My point, though, was from the historical, cultural and I guess from a psychological point of view, is this possible? Not long ago the Soviets were seen by the policy makers of the West as the number one threat to its "way of life," however ideologically driven that may have been. The fact remains, though, with Putin behaving like a behind the scenes Tzar and with an extremely restricted Russian political-energy industry class of oligarchs resorting to the old KGB covert repressive tactics to silence all opposing views, Europe still feels uneasy about going into such an open alliance, which would also offend its transatlantic partner.
I don't disagree with you, just to clarify, however, I'd really like to see just how this merger could be done, because there are also those factors I mentioned. Think of Turkey. Its got the biggest army in Europe. It also has the fastest growing economy, with a 10% increase over last years GNP. It is also the largest democracy in the Muslim world I think. And yet, Europe doesn't want her as a member, because it still is afraid of the Turk.
Perhaps, in the end, it will be the economic advantages vs. disadvantages - always something to never underestimate, because wealth leads the states - that will be ultimately decisive.
Certainly, as you say, America doesn't offer the same appeal, or advantages, as it once did to Europe. While if it pursues a monetary policy that threatens the euro and Europe's economic prosperity, then this may also result in a threat to Continent's political stability and hence global strategies.
But it would be truly remarkable if Europe headed East any time soon.
- Status
TRENDING THREADS
-
World Championship 2025: Men’s RR, September 28- Started by Berniece
- Replies: 2K
-
Il Lombardia 2025, monument, October 11- Started by Krzysztof_O
- Replies: 792
-
European Championship 2025: Men’s RR, October 5- Started by Berniece
- Replies: 854
-
Teams & Riders The Remco Evenepoel is the next Eddy Merckx thread- Started by DNP-Old
- Replies: 35K
-
Teams & Riders Tadej Pogačar discussion thread- Started by Lequack
- Replies: 40K
-
World Championship 2025: Men’s ITT, September 21- Started by Berniece
- Replies: 942
-
Teams & Riders The Great Big Cycling Transfers, Extensions, and Rumours Thread- Started by RedheadDane
- Replies: 13K
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram