The Russia We'd Like To See

[Doll]

I never said that I lived in the USSR or Russia did I?

 But you did try to speak for all Russians by saying,"No, I speak for Russians because I am Russian, was born there and lived for 44 years."

I was talking to Boe. That's one. Two- many of my friends and my kids live there and I talk to them daily

[Boethius]

Boe, I am not sure if you've ever lived in Russia or  USSR at all

Not in Russia, but in the USSR. 


I understand what you are saying.  I am just suggesting that I believe a broader perspective, if possible, would be in Russia's best interests.

[fathertime]

Have you ever been in Ukraine? If so for how many days or years?

I guess I could give the same reponse you just gave Doll, although I think her inquiry was directed at a different member and my response wouldn't be 'never'.

Fathertime!

[AkMike]

So? By talking to family and friends that entitles you in your opinion to speak for all Russians?

What about the 28,000 women that are against the invasion of Ukraine and want to know where their sons bodies are buried and why as well as where they died.

[Doll]

Boe, Putin stands for his nation. What can be 'broader"?

[Boethius]

Turning his country into a pariah state facing sanctions is not in Russia's best interests.

[Doll]

So? By talking to family and friends that entitles you in your opinion to speak for all Russians?

What about the 28,000 women that are against the invasion of Ukraine and want to know where their sons bodies are buried and why as well as where they died.

by the way, as a mother, I am against  ANY  war( including Iraq )

[AkMike]

Yet you support huilotin in the invasion?? 

[fathertime]

FT I do manage to understand both sides in this invasion. I just freely choose the Ukrainian side

You are free to pick sides if you feel like. The side that i choose is the USA shouldn't be meddling in this area. Although we cloak it a different way, we actually have our own self-interest at heart.  Most everybody knows that,  and our actions will do more harm then good on all sides (including our own) imo

Fathertime!

[AkMike]

This is between Russia and Ukraine..

 Remember the little green men that invaded Krym and the other ones that came into eastern UA? They aren't American soldiers.

[Doll]

Yet you support huilotin in the invasion?? 

Listen, I've never called names any president , so there is no sense to respond you.
Again, it is a very strong swearing which says that you need to self respect

[AkMike]

I do respect those who deserve respect.

Huilotin doesn't! la la la la la 

[Doll]

Turning his country into a pariah state facing sanctions is not in Russia's best interests.

But this is what we call русский характер.  You can do nothing with it. I mean NOTHING

[AkMike]

But this is what we call русский характер.

We call it lemmings going over the cliff blindly following others,

[Doll]

I do respect those who deserve respect.

Huilotin doesn't! la la la la la 

Putin is the strongest president in the history of Russia

[Doll]

You are free to pick sides if you feel like. The side that i choose is the USA shouldn't be meddling in this area. Although we cloak it a different way, we actually have our own self-interest at heart.  Most everybody knows that,  and our actions will do more harm then good on all sides (including our own) imo

Fathertime!

I am with you

[Boethius]

But this is what we call русский характер.  You can do nothing with it. I mean NOTHING

Then Russia will never be more than a hewer of water (i.e., supplier to more advanced economies of raw materials), will not develop a rule of law, and will continue to be a bureaucratic nightmare in which all that is developed is done for the convenience of government and bureaucrats, rather than the people.

Two things my better half first noticed when he moved here (he did live in Russia - all over, but mostly in then Leningrad) - a)  cars stopped for pedestrians; and b)  the society was built for the convenience of its citizens.  Both amazed him, but he still comments on the latter.

[sleepycat]

I got a good laugh out of hearing Putler wimping out of the G20 early by using the ridiculous excuse of the need for his beauty sleep!

[Boethius]

I am with you

Except there is no evidence the US was behind Maidan, or the ouster of Yanukovych.

[Doll]

Boe, if he lived in Leningrad it means it was looooooong ago and you both don't' know what Russia is now

[Doll]

I got a good laugh out of hearing Putler wimping out of the G20 early by using the ridiculous excuse of the need for his beauty sleep!

It shows that he is VERY strong and doesn't care

[Doll]

We call it lemmings going over the cliff blindly following others,

You can call it whatever you want. Русский характер никто не отменял

[Boethius]

I am speaking of general trends. 

I understand fully what you are saying.  I just don't happen to believe that it is in Russia's best interests.

Tell me how invading a sovereign country (both directly and by proxy) is in Russia's best interests.  Tell me how Russia's leader being humiliated on the world stage at the G20 is in Russia's best interests.  Tell me how the ruble plummeting, and sanctions being introduced on various Russians and Russian industries is in Russia's best interests.

Now, look back in history.  I mean beyond the USSR.  Throughout its history, Russia has been backward.  The only time it advanced in the world was when it either brought in Germans/the Dutch/Italians to found its academies and design its cities.  Even then, catching up to the rest of the world was rather elusive.  That is what I am referring to.  It is not based on what is occurring at this very moment.  It is a trend that can be seen over the span of centuries.


PS - My better half has relatives in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Siberia, so we do follow what is occurring in that part of the world.

[Doll]

Except there is no evidence the US was behind Maidan, or the ouster of Yanukovych.

Who was behind Maidan?

[Boethius]

It wasn't the U.S.