russia, putler, etc > Likes and Comments
Putin it will be. The other candidates that may have a chance of winning will either be assassinated, poisoned, jailed on trumped charges or intimidated via threats or blackmail. Seriously, what else do you expect from an ex-KGB officer? As for Ksenia Sobtchak (did I get name right?), she will only be a side show.
Against all odds? I assume that's ironic, because the odds are so stacked in his favor, it's not even funny. Putin is dictator for life of Russia, so much for for its democratic experiment.
"So, Mr Putin, you must be happy with being elected again by such a large margin?""Da, I am satisfied most of Russia's eight billion inhabitants voted for me. Even the dead were so convinced by my strong leadership, they climbed out their graves to visit the ballot box. Seven times. Now, I must pose topless for non-gay calendar, and wrestle bear. Death to Pussy Riot."
I would place my bet on Vlad, but I can't get any odds worth having. The problem for Russia is that Putin is not locating his successor, a mistake that Octavian made, and maybe with similar consequences. While Octavian was the best for Rome at the time, that failure cemented in the route to downfall. I would hope Russia could avoid that.Michel, I am hoping Sobchak has no "t", otherwise I have a severe dose of spelling errors in my latest novel. Translating Russian names has its hazards, though, and sometimes there is no real agreement.
Alex wrote: ""So, Mr Putin, you must be happy with being elected again by such a large margin?""Da, I am satisfied most of Russia's eight billion inhabitants voted for me. Even the dead were so convinced by my..."
-:)
Disagree about Pussy Riot though. Long live!
Does anyone know if Pussy Riot can actually sing?
I see they have a discography a little resembling music:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pussy_Riot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXctA...
My guess is, the following will not endear Nadya to the American immigration service either. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-bKF...
Singing quality is, shall we say, limited.
Ian wrote: "My guess is, the following will not endear Nadya to the American immigration service either. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-bKF...
Singing quality is, shall we say, limited."
Yeah, I know Trump and all the tough guys around. May NZ be a little more receptive? -:)
I would expect our immigration service would be a little more civilised 😀. Whether Nadya could earn a living here singing like that is another matter.
Ok, so the moment of truth is nigh. I know there are wild bets. Hillary's leading again. Can Vladimir surprise with a comeback? -:)
I shall show that my soothsaying ability is right up there. I predict Vladimir will come back :-)
Russia's a little boring with exit polls showing 74% for Donald.... err.., sorry Vladimir
The real question will be: how many Russians stayed home and didn't bother voting at all?
Ian wrote: "Hah! A successful sooth!"Hardly. Putin's victory was guaranteed. His control over Russian and its institutions is complete. This election, like those that preceded it, was a complete farce.
Matthew, as the oracle at Delphi showed, soothing is ensuring the sooth is either obvious or sufficiently vague it can't go wrong. Michel, the number I heard was about 65%, which is respectable, and better than most US turnouts. Australia gets much better turnouts because it is compulsory.
It's just not as subtle as our system, Nik - that's all.
The UK GE offers 2 choices of the same thing. The population is brainwashed into believing nobody else can win, so it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
And the US is doing its best to eradicate choice too, by devising underhand ways to prevent the main opposition candidate from running. I've told you, Haley is the 'chosen one' and despite her relative unpopularity, the electorate won't be able to stop her coronation from happening.
The UK GE offers 2 choices of the same thing. The population is brainwashed into believing nobody else can win, so it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
And the US is doing its best to eradicate choice too, by devising underhand ways to prevent the main opposition candidate from running. I've told you, Haley is the 'chosen one' and despite her relative unpopularity, the electorate won't be able to stop her coronation from happening.
Beau wrote: "It's just not as subtle as our system, Nik - that's all..."It's not as subtle for sure, but it's far from "all". What you've told, is yet to happen. You might romanticize places like these for you are deeply concerned, distressed whatever with what is happening in the West, but I assure you the difference is still huge and to feel it, you'd need to take yourself to russia :)
Talk to me after Starmer dies, Flynn disqualified and Davey jailed.
That's true, Nik, but would you discount Trump being jailed or disqualified and Kennedy being shot? I wouldn't.
Nik wrote: "That's how one can be endlessly "democratically elected": https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/..."besides Beau's comments, many forget that many western countries did not carry out elections during a time of war.
Except it hasn’t happened, right? Trump is still (front) running 🏃♂️.As of pres. Kennedy being shot - it indeed happens like to Olaf Palma, Itzhak Rabin and others, but it’s not like president killing opponents to continue his own tyranny
Very accurate description of former, current and future (hope not for long) despot of orcostan: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinio...
Russia is an enormous country that could esioly fragment under Western "democracy{". The average Russian supports a leader strong enough to hold it together. If it fell apart, they would have their lives really run by gangsters. Unfortunately, Western actions have meant that Putin has more or less had to behave as he has. The accusation of his personal wealth is definitely not what is required, but again the accusations never have supporting evidence so that may or may not be true. However, if he has wealth outside Russia he can never use it. He simply cannot leave Russia, at loeast and go westwards
Ian said, "The average Russian supports a leader strong enough to hold it together. If it fell apart, they would have their lives really run by gangsters. Unfortunately, Western actions have meant that Putin has more or less had to behave as he has." Do you hear yourself, Ian? Blaming Putin's actions on the West? Does he not have autonomy, but just reacting? Doesn't sound like the great omnipotent Putin to me. He decided to invade Ukraine, thinking it would be an easy win. Surprise! Ukraine fights for its freedom. Putin invaded a free country, and you defend him, Ian. If Putin knocked on NZ's door, which side would you be on? Play Devil's advocate on that one.
I am not blaming the West for Putin's actions. However, the leader of any country has to react to the situation around him/her. Russia has a whole lot of NATO bases around its borders, with access to the US gravity bombs (with US control).How do you think the US would respond if a foreign alliance put military bases capable of launching missiles in each of the Canadian provinces, and a number of them on the other side of the US Mexican border?
Hint: Look what Kennedy did about milles in Cuba,
Yes, the election is over. Surprise, Surprise, Putin won .
Do you believe the elections were competitive and results real?
It doesn't really matter how competitive or open the election was as Putin would've won a landslide anyway.
Nik himself confirmed that, prior to the invasion, Putin was the most popular political figure in Ukraine too.
And let's face it, if he were to run for PM or President in most Western countries, translating his pro Russian stance for a pro whatever the country in question stance, he'd probably win there too.
Imagine Putin vs Trudeau, Micron, Scholz, Sunak, the Aussie bloke or Biden in a televised election debate lol.
Never mind tuning in, I'd pay to watch! To quote the 6'3, 230lb Big Guy, it'd be a 'bloodbath'! (Note the 's Western MSM.)
Nik himself confirmed that, prior to the invasion, Putin was the most popular political figure in Ukraine too.
And let's face it, if he were to run for PM or President in most Western countries, translating his pro Russian stance for a pro whatever the country in question stance, he'd probably win there too.
Imagine Putin vs Trudeau, Micron, Scholz, Sunak, the Aussie bloke or Biden in a televised election debate lol.
Never mind tuning in, I'd pay to watch! To quote the 6'3, 230lb Big Guy, it'd be a 'bloodbath'! (Note the 's Western MSM.)
I doubt putler would've won real elections. Similar to Lucas with his 3%.putler was popular until revealed his true self. putler is not pro-russian, he cares for himself sacrificing scores of russians without a wink.
I'm sure the West wouldn't have elected a new hitler. Would you vote for putler over Sunak or whoever else you have there?
Ha! A test for Sunak's popularity. You may be surprised, Nik
Among some there is a craving for strong leaders, while supporting weak stance. A contradic
On a personal level, I like Rishi. He comes across as a nice guy and, in a sort of corporate managerial sense, he appears reasonably competent too.
That would be enough to qualify him as a decent PM in normal times, but we're not living in normal times. Our civilisation is under threat - not from any outside influence or religion, but from our own multinational pressure groups, huge corporations and billionaire 'philanthropists'. Rishi, as just a 'nice guy', hasn't got enough about him to stand up to them. He wouldn't even know where to begin.
To solve this problem, people like Soros need to know that accidents can happen to even the most powerful of people. Windows are sometimes left open, floors can be slippy, and stray bullets sometimes pop up in the most unlikely of places. Then, they might wind their necks back in and stop trying to undermine the political process.
But I'm going to sidestep your question, Nik. There are too many hypotheses there for my answer not to be misconstrued. What I will say is that, despite the war, Putin has been better for Russia than the above leaders have been for their respective countries.I
That would be enough to qualify him as a decent PM in normal times, but we're not living in normal times. Our civilisation is under threat - not from any outside influence or religion, but from our own multinational pressure groups, huge corporations and billionaire 'philanthropists'. Rishi, as just a 'nice guy', hasn't got enough about him to stand up to them. He wouldn't even know where to begin.
To solve this problem, people like Soros need to know that accidents can happen to even the most powerful of people. Windows are sometimes left open, floors can be slippy, and stray bullets sometimes pop up in the most unlikely of places. Then, they might wind their necks back in and stop trying to undermine the political process.
But I'm going to sidestep your question, Nik. There are too many hypotheses there for my answer not to be misconstrued. What I will say is that, despite the war, Putin has been better for Russia than the above leaders have been for their respective countries.I
Who congratulated Putin on his election victory and what does it say about global alliances?
https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.amppr...
https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.amppr...
Election? What a joke. Even Ian agrees: "Surprise, Surprise, Putin won." We all know that Putin's people are not free. I just don't get defending Putin's invasion of Ukraine, a free country. If you support Putin, you're saying you don't think freedom is important. Yet you live in a free country, and you would fight for your freedom. And you probably know that if Ukraine falls, Putin won't stop there. Do you really want to see Putin succeed in Ukraine and expand his sphere of influence?
No, Scout, Putin's people aren't free, certainly in the conventional sense of the word. And yes, he ordered the invasion of Ukraine but until you start acknowledging the circumstances that CAUSED the invasion, I won't discuss this any further.
BTW, if you think the US or UK are free, try being a public figure willing to say that women can't have penises, the climate crisis is a scam, white people can be victims of racism, or the covid vaccines are neither safe nor effective.
You might not fall out of a window or get hit by a stray bullet, but you'll be kissing goodbye to your career. And if you live in Canada, you'll be in danger of losing your bank account and maybe liberty too.
Once, I would've agreed with everything you say but I'm afraid, now, you're championing a society that no longer exists.
BTW, if you think the US or UK are free, try being a public figure willing to say that women can't have penises, the climate crisis is a scam, white people can be victims of racism, or the covid vaccines are neither safe nor effective.
You might not fall out of a window or get hit by a stray bullet, but you'll be kissing goodbye to your career. And if you live in Canada, you'll be in danger of losing your bank account and maybe liberty too.
Once, I would've agreed with everything you say but I'm afraid, now, you're championing a society that no longer exists.
I don't care about the circumstances that CAUSED the invasion. I care about individuals who want to live free and are being attacked by Putin's army in order to take their freedom away. It's about the people, not the politics. Just as it would be about you and your family if some power hungry dictator's army wanted to take your freedom away. Would you give a crap about WHY they were attacking you for some political or strategic reason? And if Ukraine falls (you ignored my question), what country's citizens will be the next to suffer? You can choose not to discuss this any further, great, I win.
No, what you are saying is you don't care about the people on the other side. Don't forget that Zelenskyy had the opportunity in TURKEY to have the Donbas and no invasion, and all he had to do was to assure Russia they would not join NATO and they would give the citizens of the Donbas the freedom to exercise Russian culture and trade with Russia. If you are so keen on freedom, why was this rejected?
Most russians are seemingly happy with what Putin does. Its that simple. If they weren't, riots and revolution would have split Russia further up, like all those that did get out of the Sovjet, Ukraine included. Its been like this for a long time and its clear it won't change.The only thing other - at least free ones - countries can do is do is prevent things like invasions from them. As for why and how things could change inside Russia? Thats a complex question and I am quite sure we'll never reach the answer to it. But from a distance its rather easy to see whats happening. I guess Navalny's death - or rather slow execution - could lead to something but it is a country that resposible for the worst kind of oppressed society in history. I think it would take a rather massive effort to change anything there...
Ian wrote: "....Don't forget that Zelenskyy had the opportunity in TURKEY to have the Donbas and no invasion, and all he had to do was to assure Russia they would not join NATO and they would give the citizens of the Donbas the freedom to exercise Russian culture and trade with Russia. If you are so keen on freedom, why was this rejected?..."I must've forgotten. You mean that russian ultimatum that was handed down AFTER the invasion had started?
Bjørn Helge wrote: "Most russians are seemingly happy with what Putin does. ...""Happy" would probably be an overstatement. Beaten down, scared, indifferent, accepting, content. Many revere Stalin too. Happiness rarely visits those terrains. My impression, anyway
Yes, after the invasion started. Putin gave Ukraine the offer of total withdrawal other than from Crimea. The rumour is that Boris Johnson persuaded Zelenskyy to reject that offer. This would be the last possible win-win offer.There was no ultimatum. There was a war gping on, so to say if Ukraine rejected the offer the war would continue is not an ultimatum - it is a simple reality.
How do you say he could've avoided invasion when the invasion had already started?I remember well those "negotiations" first in Belarus then in Turkey. russians handed down an ultimatum, but softened it as their troops were wiped out.
Maybe that was the best Ukraine could've gotten. Maybe not
I didn't say Ukraine could have avoided the invasion. I said there was a chance for the invasion to end with Ukraine retaining all the land except Crimea.
Ian, you always go back to politics or reasons for the war. Putin had already invaded Ukraine with the intention of taking over and taking away the people's freedom. You seem to forget this in these discusssions. Putin invaded Ukraine. Ukraine's citizens want to be free just as you do. Ukraine did not start the war. Ukraine didn't invade Russia. Ukrainian people want to be free. I support them 100%. Why don't you?
If you want to go on about freedom, what have you done about the Palestinians? Smotrich has announced he is going to carve out a corridor on the West bank for more settlers that splits the West Bank in half and makes trade among the Palestinians impossible. The land will be confiscated, enforced by the IDF, tanks, and machine guns. she Palestinians have been under military occupation for fifty years and you ask me why I "don't support freedom"? I do support freedom, and i prefer to focus on he worst cases first.
A usual deflection about nothing. Scout asks you direct questions, which you bend over backwards not to answer.
So, do we know the next president of Russian Federation or anything in life can happen?