March 03, 2014

Self-Styled "Elites" Can't Seem to Admit Error
— Ace

Admitting error is, to me, one of the main qualifications of someone as an expert or an "elite." How the hell can anyone trust an "expert" whose ego is such that he can't say when he's gotten something baldly wrong?

But the self-styled "elites," who got Russia so wrong and criticized Palin for getting it right, aren't retreating. They're reloading.

With more dumb.

This Federalist piece notes that the Obama Administration's reaction to Romney's alleged gaffe -- calling Russia America's number one "global foe" -- seems out-of-touch now, doesn't it? Obama's legions quipped "The eighties called, they want their foreign policy back."

Well, the seventies just called for Obama -- and they want their own foreign policy back.

Even the reliably-liberal Washington Post editorial board says that Obama's foreign policy -- such as it may be -- is based on "fantasy."

Excerpts at that link, full editorial here.

If you remember, Obama suggested in 2008 that he would bring us "smart power," rather than Bush's dumb power. This was the Obama's recasting of "soft power" as "smart," and Bush's "hard power" as, impliedly, not smart.

But the ace arrow in their quiver always seemed to be -- as it continues to seem to be -- that all they have to do is patiently inform Russia (or Iran, or China, or whoever) that it is in their own countries' best interest to act as "civilized" members of the "community of nations."

This is so arrogant and dumb I don't know what to say about it.

Did they really think that not a one of Bush's diplomats thought to say something utterly obvious like "You know, it's actually in your own interests to agree with us?" This is the first or second thing said in any negotiation, over anything at all -- buying a car, buying a house, arguing with a spouse about who changes the diapers... The "it's really in your own interest" is such a common gambit that it indicates the incredibly dull-witted nature of Obama's squad to imagine this was new or novel to anyone else.

The second level of arrogance concerns the foreign nation in question -- Does Obama or Kerry (or did Hillary) really imagine these countries hadn't already gamed out in their own heads what their own best interest was? Did they really think that Putin, for example, had utterly failed to consider the benefits of being a good actor in the "civilized community of nations" would net him, and what being a bad actor would lose him?

I have to imagine that our counter-parties in these "smart power" negotiations are somewhat annoyed to be held by Obama's people as slow children who haven't bothered to think about the most basic things, such that they want and need Obama to remind them of the most basic things.

Did they really think they could just Jedi Mind Trick the whole world?

Just because it works on the weak-minded -- Democrats, the media -- doesn't mean it works on everyone.

Posted by: Ace at 08:17 AM | Comments (428)
Post contains 516 words, total size 4 kb.

1 Being an Elite means never having to say you don't know what you're talking about.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:19 AM (LSDdO)

2 A visual representation of a progressive meeting reality. http://tinyurl.com/ly5o2bs

Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 08:22 AM (Hx5uv)

3 Why can't Palin just leave historic first alone!?!?

Posted by: Politico Hack at March 03, 2014 08:22 AM (Aif/5)

4 Political elite = smart as shit, literally.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at March 03, 2014 08:22 AM (YEelc)

5
Obama's Foreign Policy:  WWBD

What Would Blossom Do?

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at March 03, 2014 08:22 AM (gorVZ)

6 And not only does Russia not give a caviar egg about getting along with other countries (because why should it? They are sefl sufficient. More than we are. They don't need anybody else except for purposes of their security) it also has plenty of reasons why those countries will care about getting along with THEM.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:23 AM (LSDdO)

7 Democrats/Progressives: We think obamcare is good, so it will work We think the world has changed and the russians are good, so they are We think there is no longer a need for a strong Military, so let it be so

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:23 AM (t3UFN)

8 Shit to this. Isn't there a show on with dancing and singing or something?

Posted by: LIV at March 03, 2014 08:23 AM (oFCZn)

9 Excellent post, Ace. I agree completely.

Posted by: Sambo at March 03, 2014 08:23 AM (DPhwq)

10 The biggest problem America faces when it comes to liberal foreign policy is that liberals don't give a damn.

The point of the government, from the leftist perspective, is to take from the productive class and give to members of their party.

Defense spending is a poor conduit for that and the rest of foreign policy meaningless...

Posted by: 18-1 at March 03, 2014 08:23 AM (P3U0f)

11 But the ace arrow in their quiver always seemed to be...
You right this thoughtful piece and distract us with longbows?

Posted by: fluffy at March 03, 2014 08:23 AM (Ua6T/)

12 In many ways, the story of Crimea is the story of Obama

Posted by: Thunderb at March 03, 2014 08:24 AM (zOTsN)

13 *waves hand*

Barack Obama, Smartest Man In The World: "This is not the sino-european bread basket you were looking to annex."

Putin: "Your mind tricks don't work on me."

Everybody else outside the Beltway/Liberal cocoon: "Yeah, no sh_t."


Posted by: West at March 03, 2014 08:25 AM (1Rgee)

14 The WaPo correctly notes that Obama's foreign policy is based upon fantasy but neglects to mention that his health care policy, his fiscal policy, his economic po9licy, and his domestic policy are also all based on fantasy. Just as no matter how many times Marxism fails it is still what all the cool kids believe, no matter who many times progressive foreign policy fails the cool kids still believe it.

Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 08:25 AM (Hx5uv)

15 Boooosssshhhh!!!! http://tinyurl.com/kjcspvl

Posted by: White House Official at March 03, 2014 08:25 AM (Aif/5)

16 So this is what Obama meant by "more flexibility".

Posted by: Lizzy at March 03, 2014 08:25 AM (aq/zi)

17 The Elites never have to admit they are wrong. They can just hem, haw and lie their way to truthiness.

Posted by: DangerGirl at March 03, 2014 08:25 AM (GrtrJ)

18 Posted by: Thunderb at March 03, 2014 12:24 PM (zOTsN)

It's on the edge of the Black Sea?

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:26 AM (LSDdO)

19 Did they really think they could just Jedi Mind Trick the whole world?

If those 200,000 fawning German retards in 2008 were any indication ... yes.

Posted by: Waterhouse at March 03, 2014 08:26 AM (t8ySh)

20 Oh, and a secondary problem is the cocoon.

Obama, Kerry, etc all live cloistered from differing opinion, so they view Putin as just another technocratic politician which he...isn't.

And while they believe the silly mult-culti stuff they spew (at least kind of) they have no understanding of the Russian view of politics...and in fact believe that trying to understand it is...racist.

Posted by: 18-1 at March 03, 2014 08:26 AM (P3U0f)

21 When the Georgians got uppity in South Ossetia, Putin took a breath, smelled the scent of a Bush wounded by economic turmoil and the badly-judged Iraq adventure, and decided on a little armored tourism. Now the Ukrainians started cozying up to the EU, Putin looked around, concluded that Obama's not only weak but surrounded by fools, and figured he could get away with pretty much anything.

Posted by: JEM at March 03, 2014 08:26 AM (o+SC1)

22 I asked a disillusioned Deocrat friend of mine about this very problem, and his answer was revealing. He says Obama has proven to be just as stupid as Bush and Palin. Surprised,I was. How can Obama be compared to Palin, a woman who was actually, umm, you know right?! Drumming the President out of the "smart elites" and exiling I'm to the same mental box in which Democrats place Republicans they dislike is as bad a criticism as this Democrat could muster. As I said, revealing.

Posted by: MTF at March 03, 2014 08:26 AM (F58x4)

23 Affirmative Action has consequences.

Posted by: garrett at March 03, 2014 08:26 AM (EheE0)

24 In many ways, the story of Crimea is the story of Obama Posted by: Thunderb at March 03, 2014 12:24 PM (zOTsN) Well in many ways it is: They believe in a piece of paper They believe the Russians They thought giving up their weapons unilaterally was OK They trusted but did not verify

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:27 AM (t3UFN)

25 We think obamcare is good, so it will work
***
The left's central believe that reality is mutable and you can change it by thinking right thoughts is going to cause a lot of pain for all of us until the LIVs wake up...

Posted by: 18-1 at March 03, 2014 08:27 AM (P3U0f)

26 Thinking       good thoughts rarely accomplishes foreign policy goals.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at March 03, 2014 08:27 AM (sBUAE)

27 Liberals apparently think that whatever disasters are visited on us by Putin or other enemies, they will all be exempt. Newsflash - I would rather be here in flyover country than on either coast, given the pathetic and dangerous obama foreign policy 'decisions'.

Posted by: SWOhio at March 03, 2014 08:27 AM (3S0GP)

28 Joe Biden heard about the invasion and says that Ukraine better get out quickly and protect the Crimea River.

Posted by: Mega, AoS Commenter of the Year at March 03, 2014 08:27 AM (hHFOx)

29 Obama's coined a new phrase; "Trading plowshares for Food Stamps".

It is absolutely stunning as we watch the Russians in real-time seize an independent country and the media tries to tell us this is somehow a "victory" for Obama.

By the way, Ukraine gave up their nuclear weapons for what they believed was a security guarantee that would keep them an sovereign nation.

I wonder how that looks to nations who either have or aspire to possess nuclear weapons?

Posted by: Marcus T at March 03, 2014 08:27 AM (GGCsk)

30
I just heard a quote from Kerry:  "This isn't about the US vs Russia, this is about the people of Ukraine, we ought to be able to work this out."

What a dumbass.  He thinks this is some Cold War shit from a Kennedy movie.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (gorVZ)

31 We do tend to get things wrong quite a bit, don't we?

Posted by: Fawning German Retards at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (BrQrN)

32 >>Did they really think they could just Jedi Mind Trick the whole world?

More like, did they really think that they could deploy the "Chicago Way" of governing with countries like Russia, Iran, and N. Korea?

Pikers!

Posted by: Lizzy at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (aq/zi)

33 Well, at least he's threatening Israel. That should make Rashid Kahlidi happy.

Posted by: garrett at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (EheE0)

34 The left give each other awards telling each other how brilliant they are and then, get this, they believe it.

Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (Hx5uv)

35 Hey, Putin and the Russkies end up with Sevastopol. THEN they say "fuck you" to the rest of the world.

Posted by: TANSTAAFL at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (52QEX)

36

Just because it works on the weak-minded -- Democrats, the media -- doesn't mean it works on everyone.

 

 

------------------------------------------------------

 

 

It got them elected twice.  It's  really all they care about.

 

Well, that and the destruction of the USA.

Posted by: Soona at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (xMLV7)

37 "Smart Diplomacy" is sure looking dumb by now.

Thanks, Duh!1....

Posted by: backhoe at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (ULH4o)

38

In this twitter/gif world, a sentence says it all:

 

"Jimmy Carter called, he wants his crappy economy and weakling foreign policy back."

Posted by: prescient11 at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (tVTLU)

39 We think there is no longer a need for a strong Military, so let it be so NGU your list reminds me of Benghazi: We don't think guards with guns projects the right message to the neighborhood.

Posted by: Schwalbe: The Me-262© at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (9Bdcz)

40 The "it's really in your own interest" is such a common gambit that it indicates the incredibly dull-witted nature of Obama's squad to imagine this was    new or novel to anyone else.



Not just new and novel, ace.   New, novel, AND UNASSAILABLE.    They seem to think that they've thrown down the gauntlet and drawn an impenetrable line in the sand.      They're SMUG about it.    It's fucking ridiculous.   We have   toddlers   playacting at foreign policy.


Kerry's laughable appearance on "Face the Nation" on Sunday is   just that -- laughable.      Forgive me paraphrasing, but his quotes make me so angry that I can't read them again without   going purple with rage.  




"In the 21st century     you don't just invade other countries on trumped up pre-texts     like it was still the 19th century."    Oh really, Horseface?   Why not?      




"That's not the actions   of a country in a position of strength, but rather of weakness."   What?   WTF?   Are you fucking kidding me right now,   you    horse-assed       patrician bastard?

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/u][/i][/s][/b] at March 03, 2014 08:28 AM (4df7R)

41 The "elites" are a bunch of idiots The "media" are lapdogs to the Regime The "adults in the room" act like a bunch of children The "Republican Party" is just the take-the-blame wing of Our Commie Overlords "Our Betters" are our worst black is white, up is down, night is day. Transformed America, Ladies and Gents.

Posted by: Citizen X at March 03, 2014 08:29 AM (7ObY1)

42 One day the Iranians will figure out that it is not in their best interests to turn Jerusalem to glass. With luck, that would happen before they've turned Jerusalem to glass.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 03, 2014 08:29 AM (RjEEc)

43 The inability to admit error.  See: Krugman, Paul.

Posted by: Turnip Defense League [/i] at March 03, 2014 08:30 AM (O7Q1u)

44 Hey Obama! How's my ass taste?

After all, by now you should be acquainted with its pungent odor.

Posted by: Vladimir at March 03, 2014 08:30 AM (GGCsk)

45 When all else fails, blame the Jews.
 
Which is basically what he is doing right now.

Posted by: GnuBreed at March 03, 2014 08:30 AM (cHZB7)

46 In the 21st century you don't just invade other countries on trumped up pre-texts like it was still the 19th century
___
Two for two bitches.

Posted by: Vlad Putin at March 03, 2014 08:30 AM (P3U0f)

47 "Jimmy Carter called, he wants his crappy economy and weakling foreign policy back."

So do I.

Posted by: Mega, AoS Commenter of the Year at March 03, 2014 08:31 AM (hHFOx)

48 Remember when they tagged Bush with this same point? Projection.

Posted by: Kevin in ABQ at March 03, 2014 08:31 AM (BvTwT)

49 Kneel before the Sarah and beg forgiveness you vile dogs.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 08:31 AM (bitz6)

50 All the cool nations are laughing at Russia behind its back, so there's that.

Posted by: Secretary Lurch at March 03, 2014 08:31 AM (RjEEc)

51 Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 03, 2014 12:29 PM (RjEEc)

Using weapons of mass destruction are against their religion.


Unless of course they're using them against the infidel or the Jooos.

Then it's Allahu Ackbar mother kcufer.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:31 AM (LSDdO)

52 Yes. Smart power v dumb power. Remember the thing about Gen Powell saying to Pakistan that we would bomb them back to the Stone Age? (Or was that his deputy, Armitage.) Regardless, the point was that our dumb power said to Pakistan we are going through your country to get to Afghanistan. You can let us, or we will bomb you back to the Stone Age. Your choice. That worked. We let them know it was in their interest to agree with us.

Posted by: blaster at March 03, 2014 08:32 AM (4+AaH)

53 Really good piece,on a similar theme, from Eliot Abrams, "If He Believes It, It Must Be So". http://tws.io/1c1tUgi

Posted by: MTF at March 03, 2014 08:33 AM (F58x4)

54 You can't argue with a Bear.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:33 AM (LSDdO)

55 Putin's comment, that he could 'never underestimate' Obama, just about says it all.

Posted by: garrett at March 03, 2014 08:33 AM (EheE0)

56 In many ways, the story of Crimea is the story of Obama

In many ways ISBN 0-916291-45-6 is the story of Obama's policies.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at March 03, 2014 08:33 AM (YEelc)

57 The Obammy "administration's"   foreign policy   --   hell, their domestic policy, too -- is essentially that part in Peter Pan where the   cast tells the audience to clap their hands to save Tinkerbell.    "Clap your hands, everybody!      Then the magic will happen!"

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/u][/i][/s][/b] at March 03, 2014 08:33 AM (4df7R)

58 Using weapons of mass destruction are against their religion.
***
The black plague seems to have gotten started in Europe when a muslim Khanate besieged a Genoese city in...the Crimea... and the inhabitants fled back to Italy...

Posted by: 18-1 at March 03, 2014 08:34 AM (P3U0f)

59 Tell Vladimir I'll be more flexible after the election.

Posted by: Smartest Prez Evah at March 03, 2014 08:34 AM (hHFOx)

60 What makes anyone think getting the olde Soviet Union back together isn't a proverbial wet dream for Obama?

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 03, 2014 08:34 AM (P1WNR)

61 Posted by: garrett at March 03, 2014 12:33 PM (EheE0)

It's hard to think well of a pinhead.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:34 AM (LSDdO)

62 When Carter was floundering he turned to the ME to force peace to save his legacy. JEF cribs everything

Posted by: Thunderb at March 03, 2014 08:34 AM (zOTsN)

63 55 Putin's comment, that he could 'never underestimate' Obama, just about says it all. Gotta give Pooty-Poot points for that one. That's some weapons-grade snark right there.

Posted by: Citizen X at March 03, 2014 08:34 AM (7ObY1)

64 The second level of arrogance concerns the foreign nation in question -- Does Obama or Kerry (or did Hillary) really imagine these countries hadn't already gamed out in their own heads what their own best interest was?

============

When you remember that the entirety of the folks' political beliefs centers around the idea that 'Washington' can do health care, banking, education, dietary guidelines/fitness, etc better than states and all the people living in them, the answer becomes a resounding yes!

Posted by: Jay in PA at March 03, 2014 08:34 AM (3LaGb)

65 In the 21st century you don't just invade other countries on trumped up pre-texts like it was still the 19th century. Wasn't John Fucking Kerry saying that this is exactly what the US did just ten years ago? They can't even keep track of their own stupidity.

Posted by: blaster at March 03, 2014 08:34 AM (4+AaH)

66 The deadliest factor in this regime   in DC     is the complete and    utter inability to be proactive.  They are literally being hit   on all sides by events that could not only have been foreseen, but averted with a modicum of    planning.    We   won't lose    the     geopolitical     battles    due to lack of   resources, but to lack of any policy planning.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (sBUAE)

67 Posted by: Blanco Basura at March 03, 2014 12:33 PM (YEelc)

LOL

Posted by: Mega, AoS Commenter of the Year at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (hHFOx)

68 [Gestering symbolically] "This is not the Black Sea port you are looking for."

Posted by: Obi Barack Kenobi at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (nyguc)

69 You can't argue with a Bear. - No, but you can negotiate with them.

Posted by: Timothy Treadwell at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (Hx5uv)

70 Your analasis is correct only if you take their actions at face value. I don't. I remember an honest to God Sec State who said that it was not good that the US be the only super power. I add to that the leftist hatred for our power and influence throughout the world and come to the conclusion that they are accomplishing the goal of diminishing our status as a nation. To Madelaine Albright and Obama an empowered Russia, a rising china and a turbulent Middle East mean balance against the might of the US.

Posted by: Typo dynamoFO at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (IVgIK)

71 60 What makes anyone think getting the olde Soviet Union back together isn't a proverbial wet dream for Obama? Ah, that old gulag of mine...

Posted by: President Barack Obama at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (7ObY1)

72 I think Obama has gotten exactly what he wants. He does not believe in American exceptionalism and the important, special role we play in the world. He does not want other nations to rely on, and trust us for stability. Stability, by the way, that clearly benefits us as a nation. He just essentially did the same thing to Israel as this is going on in the Ukraine. He basically told them- you're on your own unless you bend you will to meet ours.

No, I believe it is all deliberate. Especially given that perspective.

Honestly, Obama must be chortling as this happens and we are further diminished. He does not even see how it makes us and the world a more dangerous place to live.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (GGCsk)

73 Clearly Mr. Obama hasn't read anything about the prelude to WWII. Chamberlain believed you could "negotiate" with anyone--even a madman like Hitler. That turned out well for Great Britain.. .not. Who, I ask, will be our Churchill???????

Posted by: deez at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (zllbf)

74 I have heard no one in the media refer to Putin as x- or current KGB.  Do kids these days even know what the KGB is/was? 

Posted by: Infidel at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (Xl7GC)

75 I remember reading/hearing somewhere (Dave Ramsey?) something that has really resonated in my experience: bad/inexperienced leaders believe that they should never admit to a mistake. It makes sense in the short term or if you think about something superficially: You do not want people to think that you go around making mistakes all the time. If you go around apologizing every time you screw up, people will think: why the hell do we have this hamster leading us? The problem is that everyone knows that people can make mistakes, sometimes big ones. If you never admit to them, you lose respect from people that you are trying to maintain by holding the line on admitting the mistake in the first place. Part of this also falls into another mistake: not choosing good managers. If you have good people under you to get info/strategize/inform you, then things are a hell of a lot easier because it lowers your risk of making a bad decision. Leaders of big organizations cannot be the most informed about everything their organization deals with- that is why they delegate. That is why, when the time comes that the overall head has to make a decision, if he has good people under him, he has the best chance of making the right one. President Obama has shown both historically and personality wise, that he cannot make good delegation. He chooses people based on their loyalty and enthusiasm for him personally, not for their expertise in a given area. This then feeds back into his belief that he is "Better strategist than his strategists" and bad decisions/strategy gets made. He is possibly one of the most perfect textbook examples of a bad leader I have ever seen. He comes close to being a caricature of a bad leader.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (TGgNi)

76 "Just because it works on the weak-minded -- Democrats, the media -- doesn't mean it works on everyone." For what it's worth, it also works on the majority of the American electorate. So there's that.

Posted by: The Narrative at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (WSjlp)

77 Michelle Obama was quoted on the Ukraine invasion as saying, "my Wagyu is overlooked again."

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (RjEEc)

78 22 I asked a disillusioned Deocrat friend of mine about this very problem, and his answer was revealing. He says Obama has proven to be just as stupid as Bush and Palin. Surprised,I was. How can Obama be compared to Palin, a woman who was actually, umm, you know right?! I would love to have heard that answer or, watch the blank stare while the gears grind to a screeching halt. Bonus points for whiffs of smoke coming out of the ears.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (rY5WG)

79 This ultimatum story has gotten widespread in the media. May not be true. Kevin Bishop ‏@bishopk The BBC now has two separate sources denying Russia has issued an ultimatum at 5am tomorrow. "Nonsense" - spokesman for the Black Sea Fleet

Posted by: Progtard 2000 at March 03, 2014 08:35 AM (ZPrif)

80

You don't understand, they're not wrong!  They  are absolutely correct.

 

It's like if you have a sammich, and some big guy comes along and says "I want your sammich," then punches you in the nose and takes it.

 

If you say "he can't do that!"  You're right.  He can't.  But he did.

 

So, it's not wrong to say Russia  is not our enemy, and they can't just roll their tanks into another country.

 

That is 100% correct.  They can't.  But they did. 

Posted by: BurtTC at March 03, 2014 08:36 AM (TOk1P)

81 he second level of arrogance concerns the foreign nation in question --
Does Obama or Kerry (or did Hillary) really imagine these countries
hadn't already gamed out in their own heads what their own best interest
was?



Well DUH.   Of course    those countries wouldn't think ahead like that.   They aren't    being governed by the Best and Brightest ever to come from the halls of Ivy League academia!  

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/u][/i][/s][/b] at March 03, 2014 08:36 AM (4df7R)

82
The one and only thing the Oblather admin cares about is how this makes them look (other than Kerry who thinks this is his big 1960's moment).

We cannot forget, as I frequently do, that the current executive branch in this country thinks this country needs to be punished for past offenses to the world and they mean to do it.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at March 03, 2014 08:36 AM (gorVZ)

83 Regardless, the point was that our dumb power said to Pakistan we are going through your country to get to Afghanistan. You can let us, or we will bomb you back to the Stone Age. Your choice.
***
I'm pretty sure that is the last time we've actually tried hard nosed foreign policy too.

One wonders how different recent history would be if Bush informed Iran that an attack on American personel in Iraq by their troops would be considered an act of war and would be dealt with by the destruction of Iran from the air...

Posted by: 18-1 at March 03, 2014 08:36 AM (P3U0f)

84 A visual representation of a progressive meeting reality. http://tinyurl.com/ly5o2bs Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 12:22 PM (Hx5uv) Oh Australia. Never change. In order for a negotiation to be successful, each side must have something the other wants. I fail to see what the rest of the world has to offer Putin. That is, well, suboptimal.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at March 03, 2014 08:36 AM (VtjlW)

85 I have a feeling that none of this is going to end well.

Posted by: Soona at March 03, 2014 08:36 AM (xMLV7)

86 Every progressive thinks he's Lisa Simpson; a smart know-it-all kid surrounded by oafs who can't appreciate his intellect. Every prog really is Brian Griffin, a pseudointellectual closet racist who only barely impresses the dumb bimbos he dates and is too insecure to date or be friends with anyone smarter than he is.


Posted by: Gregory of Yardale at March 03, 2014 08:36 AM (6GRz5)

87 "You can't argue with a Bear. "

No, you can't. You shoot in in the heart.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 03, 2014 08:36 AM (GGCsk)

88 See the thing is that all these Ivy League eggheads think that since the foreign leaders didn't go to Harvard, they can be educated up to the level of a Harvardian. Wonder why there is an anti-intellectual-elitist feeling?

Posted by: blaster at March 03, 2014 08:37 AM (4+AaH)

89 Posted by: Timothy Treadwell at March 03, 2014 12:35 PM (Hx5uv)

What? Convince them to eat your head first or your heart?

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:37 AM (LSDdO)

90 Swedish foreign minister: [...]Russia's move in the Crimea was the worst threat in Europe since the i968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia...

Posted by: tasker at March 03, 2014 08:38 AM (RJMhd)

91 You right this thoughtful piece
I hate fucking homonyms!!

Posted by: fluffy at March 03, 2014 08:38 AM (Ua6T/)

92 For what it's worth, it also works on the majority of the American electorate. So there's that. Posted by: The Narrative at March 03, 2014 12:35 PM (WSjlp) Heh...no mind tricks needed for that. They come pre-lobotomized.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at March 03, 2014 08:38 AM (rY5WG)

93 Do kids these days even know what the KGB is/was? Ooh, ooh, I no dis 1...KGB is dat rapper who done dat jam, u no da 1, amiright? I think he d8in' dat actres, da hot 1, u no who I mean...

Posted by: The LIVs at March 03, 2014 08:38 AM (7ObY1)

94

It's a real-world corallary to the Peter Pan Tinkerbell Effect: if one believes hard enough, one makes it happen.  The whole Leftist project is dependent upon the Marxist belief that perception; i.e., true consciousness as opposed to false consciousness, constitutes the truth of reality. Truth (and reality) are malleable, subjective, and relative. That's how Leftists can use phrases such as 'my truth'. Shape, manipulate, and control perceptions and you control the way things are, the idea of a thing is the thing, there is nothing outside of the text, and so on. Which is all bullshit, of course. At some point these flimsy pseudo-intellectual constructs crash against very real and jagged rocks. It's a form of mass self-delusion.

 

Of course, it doesn't help that Valerie Jarrett won't allow White House access to anyone who might hold a countervailing view to hers or that of the President. No opposing viewpoints allowed; hence, an insular, narcissistic and none-too-bright President who no doubt thinks he's got Putin right where he wants him. It would be sitcom funny if the situation wasn't so dangerous.

Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 08:38 AM (gNlvW)

95 >>>73 Clearly Mr. Obama hasn't read anything about the prelude to WWII. Chamberlain believed you could "negotiate" with anyone--even a madman like Hitler ------------ Chamberlain died a few years later a broken man, knowing that history would see him as an avatar of naïveté and failure. Obama will never have that kind of self- revelation. His esteem for himself is impervious to facts and results.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 03, 2014 08:38 AM (RjEEc)

96 "If I had a son, he would look like Vladimir Putin." Now it's time for a beer hall meeting.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 03, 2014 08:38 AM (GGCsk)

97 The left has longed to undue everything Reagan accomplished. Almost there!

Posted by: Thunderb at March 03, 2014 08:38 AM (zOTsN)

98 Honestly, Obama must be chortling as this happens and we are further diminished. He does not even see how it makes us and the world a more dangerous place to live.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 03, 2014 12:35 PM (GGCsk)



Why would he care?   He's the Mocha Messiah.   The Cappuccino Christ.    The rest of the world can go    down in fire and water and he'll be just   fine,   because   he is Teh One.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/u][/i][/s][/b] at March 03, 2014 08:38 AM (4df7R)

99 What does JFK have against Rocky IV? I bet he hated Red Dawn, too.

Posted by: blaster at March 03, 2014 08:39 AM (4+AaH)

100 Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at March 03, 2014 12:36 PM (VtjlW) Indeed, everything he wants can be had either through extortion, bribery or straight up military force. We're boned. Let's end this dance and commence with the burning times already.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) at March 03, 2014 08:39 AM (hq5sb)

101 Do kids these days even know what the KGB is/was?
___
Duh, they put a man on the moon before we did. I think his name with Sput Nik.

Russian names are weird.

Posted by: Your Average Obama Voter at March 03, 2014 08:39 AM (P3U0f)

102 Saw this yesterday. America broke new ground. First official drag queen show. Have we shown Putin that? DRUDGE REPORT ‏@DRUDGE_REPORT Gay troops perform first drag queen show on American military base...

Posted by: Progtard 2000 at March 03, 2014 08:39 AM (ZPrif)

103 Killer Green Bud?

Posted by: garrett at March 03, 2014 08:39 AM (EheE0)

104 "Do kids these days even know what the KGB is/was? "

They think its an app for the iPhone.

Hope and Change !! eleventy!!

Posted by: Marcus T at March 03, 2014 08:40 AM (GGCsk)

105 "the ace arrow in their quiver" Nice.

Posted by: m at March 03, 2014 08:40 AM (omrQI)

106 One wonders how different recent history would be if Bush informed Iran that an attack on American personel in Iraq by their troops would be considered an act of war and would be dealt with by the destruction of Iran from the air...

Posted by: 18-1 at March 03, 2014 12:36 PM (P3U0f)

 

 

-------------------------------------------------

 

 

I think where  W went horribly wrong is when he dubbed  islam a peaceable religion.

Posted by: Soona at March 03, 2014 08:40 AM (xMLV7)

107
They're probably thinking, "If only Obama had apologized more... put more feeling into it... "

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 03, 2014 08:40 AM (BZAd3)

108 What makes anyone think getting the olde Soviet Union back together isn't a proverbial wet dream for Obama? Because he knows he'd be treated like Urkel?

Posted by: rickb223 at March 03, 2014 08:40 AM (b1/nQ)

109 The fuckin idiot on FOX right now- Arron Miller who is left wing doesn't think obama will bring pressure on Israel because of what is happening in the Ukraine? Typical liberal living in fantasy land

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:40 AM (t3UFN)

110 Oh good grief. The first requisite for being an elite is to be beyond error. Check ZeroHedge.

Posted by: Meremortal at March 03, 2014 08:40 AM (1Y+hH)

111 let's go back to 2009:
White House Scraps BushÂ’s Approach to Missile Shield

In one of the biggest national security reversals of his young presidency, Mr. Obama canceled former President George W. BushÂ’s plans to station a radar facility in the Czech Republic and 10 ground-based interceptors in Poland. Instead, he plans to deploy smaller SM-3 interceptors by 2011, first aboard ships and later in Europe, possibly even in Poland or the Czech Republic.

=====
That was a swell idea, huh?

Posted by: Jay in PA at March 03, 2014 08:40 AM (3LaGb)

112 This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we'll be lucky to live through it.

Posted by: Admiral Josh Painter at March 03, 2014 08:41 AM (4+AaH)

113 The chicken hawks here agitating to take on Putin should put their money where their mouth is. Go to the Ukraine and sign up for their military. The American people are not buying the neocon bs anymore.

Posted by: Chicken hawks Suck at March 03, 2014 08:41 AM (JLKJJ)

114 Just remember that Obama and his fluffers believe their own propaganda. Remember this and things become clearer.

Posted by: joncelli at March 03, 2014 08:41 AM (RD7QR)

115 This kind of reminds me of the discussion I read yesterday at Ricochet, "Can an Atheist Be Moral?". Very, very, interesting discussion. How do we expect nations (people) not to ultimately act in their best interests?
http://ricochet.com/main-feed/Can-an-Atheist-be-Moral

Posted by: jeannebodine at March 03, 2014 08:41 AM (2LJqa)

116

I asked a disillusioned Deocrat friend of mine about this very problem, and his answer was revealing. He says Obama has proven to be just as stupid as Bush and Palin. Surprised,I was.

 

On a somewhat similar note, I went weapons-grade on an acquaintance the other night when I was making fun of the SCOAMF's imbecililty with regards to Ukraine and got the "well, at least he's not as stupid as Bush" response.  I shot back with "57 states," "corpseman," "breathalyzer" and about half a dozen more, ending up with Bush the fighter pilot and Barky the choom-blower.

 

Let's say the evening didn't end with a laurel and hearty handshake.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 03, 2014 08:41 AM (zF6Iw)

117 57 The Obammy "administration's" foreign policy -- hell, their domestic policy, too -- is essentially that part in Peter Pan where the cast tells the audience to clap their hands to save Tinkerbell. "Clap your hands, everybody! Then the magic will happen!" Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit at March 03, 2014 12:33 PM (4df7R) Perfect. You've nailed it. That's what it is.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at March 03, 2014 08:42 AM (oFCZn)

118 Wow-- Ukraine Crisis: Vladimir Putin 'in Another World' Angela Merkel Tells Obama By Gianluca Mezzofiore | IB Times – Ukraine Crisis: Vladimir Putin 'in Another World' Angela Merkel Tells Obama German chancellor Angela Merkel has reportedly told Barack Obama that after talking to Vladimir Putin she was unsure whether the Russian president was "in touch with reality".

Posted by: tasker at March 03, 2014 08:42 AM (RJMhd)

119 Troll Alert. Don't feed it, Don't play with it, Don't speak to it. Piss on it at your own risk

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:42 AM (t3UFN)

120 It was an LA Air Force base. The drag queen show was part of their Diversity Day celebrations. Brigadier General Tammy Smith was the keynote speaker of the event.

Posted by: Progtard 2000 at March 03, 2014 08:42 AM (ZPrif)

121 "Fantasy" WaPo?

No more parties with Beyonce, Jay-Z and caviar for you!

Posted by: Marcus T. Just, well, Plain Disgusted. at March 03, 2014 08:42 AM (GGCsk)

122 You right this thoughtful piece I hate fucking homonyms!! - Worst part is you gotta bake 'em wedding cakes.

Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 08:42 AM (Hx5uv)

123 " Does Obama or Kerry (or did Hillary) really imagine these countries hadn't already gamed out in their own heads what their own best interest was?"

e.g. also vis-a-vis Israel.

Posted by: jb at March 03, 2014 08:43 AM (j/fBu)

124 Out before the Alex Jones Troll.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 08:43 AM (bitz6)

125 113 The chicken hawks here agitating to take on Putin should put their money where their mouth is. Go to the Ukraine and sign up for their military. The American people are not buying the neocon bs anymore. Posted by: Chicken hawks Suck at March 03, 2014 12:41 PM (JLKJJ) Who is advocating that? Be specific

Posted by: Thunderb at March 03, 2014 08:43 AM (zOTsN)

126

113 -

 

Is this real?  No way this is real.

 

If so, 2003 called, says it wants its meme back. 

Posted by: BurtTC at March 03, 2014 08:43 AM (TOk1P)

127 Well, we can look at the mess this way; when we redo Red Dawn for a third time, we can use the Russians instead of the Norks as we did in Red Dawn 1.

Posted by: jaimo at March 03, 2014 08:43 AM (9U1OG)

128 Go to the Ukraine and sign up for their military
___
Uh, like, um, didn't we lose to the Taliban there already?

Posted by: Your Average Obama Voter at March 03, 2014 08:43 AM (P3U0f)

129 This still makes me laugh. Halp Us Jon Karry said something like, "You can't just invade a country over a trumped up pretext in your own interests." It is playing as well as I thought it would for op-eds and comedy writers globally.

Posted by: Beagle at March 03, 2014 08:43 AM (sOtz/)

130 Good news! Obama has pivoted to giving Bibi a deadline on signing his "Israel will rest in peace at the hands of my MuzBros accord"

Posted by: Votermom at March 03, 2014 08:44 AM (GSIDW)

131 Who is advocating that? Be specific Posted by: Thunderb at March 03, 2014 12:43 PM (zOTsN) Troll Troll Troll It shows up every day under different names with the same shit Ignore

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:44 AM (t3UFN)

132 So China piles on against US position and the same day it is announced that Mooch is going on a big family trip to China. 2016 will be too late, I am afraid.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at March 03, 2014 08:44 AM (l3vZN)

133 My bad. And I think not Alex Jones. Ron Paultard

Posted by: Thunderb at March 03, 2014 08:44 AM (zOTsN)

134 Why has no one brought up the fact that our own ambassador said "Fuck the EU" just a week or so before Putin thought it would be a good idea to invade Ukraine?

Was that the green light Putin needed?

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at March 03, 2014 08:45 AM (Z7PrM)

135 Fire can't melt chicken shit. Go suck on some thermite.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 08:45 AM (bitz6)

136 Posted by: Chicken hawks Suck at March 03, 2014 12:41 PM (JLKJJ) All options are on the table.

Posted by: John Fuckin Kerry at March 03, 2014 08:45 AM (Aif/5)

137 Putin is the only one living in the real world. Merkel is off with Obama in Skittle Shitting Unicorn Land.

Posted by: kartoffel at March 03, 2014 08:45 AM (1zhvB)

138 There goes Vladimir, showing his weakness again.

Posted by: Secretary Lurch at March 03, 2014 08:45 AM (RjEEc)

139 DRUDGE REPORT þ@DRUDGE_REPORT Gay troops perform first drag queen show on American military base... - Take that, Vlad!

Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 08:45 AM (Hx5uv)

140 65 In the 21st century you don't just invade other countries on trumped up pre-texts like it was still the 19th century. Wasn't John Fucking Kerry saying that this is exactly what the US did just ten years ago? They can't even keep track of their own stupidity. Posted by: blaster at March 03, 2014 12:34 PM (4+AaH) They can, to some degree, but count on their media sluts and LIV base not to keep track of said stupidity.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 08:45 AM (KWIwL)

141 Obama apparently has issued some demands: He is demanding that Israel stop killing off Iranian nuclear scientists.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 03, 2014 08:45 AM (ZPrif)

142 This wishcasting foreign policy behavior first came to light when O went to Brazil (I think) to make a plea for a Chicago olympic venue with no real previous serious campaigning. O was simply going to show up, explain to everyone why Chicago should be awarded the honors, and fly home triumphant.

Didn't work that way though.

Posted by: BuckIV at March 03, 2014 08:45 AM (CLfqv)

143 Our strategy is working. If we further reduce our military, Russia will need even fewer troops to achieve its goals. Less bloodshed!

Posted by: John Effin' Kerry at March 03, 2014 08:46 AM (FcR7P)

144 Their foreign policy -- hell, their domestic policy, too -- is essentially that part in Peter Pan where the cast tells the audience to clap their hands to save Tinkerbell. "Clap your hands, everybody! Then the magic will happen!"

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit at March 03, 2014 12:33 PM (4df7R)

I think of it more as Tony Montana in the restaurant drunk and stumbling around yelling "you need people like me".

Posted by: Mega, AoS Commenter of the Year at March 03, 2014 08:46 AM (hHFOx)

145 You always go full retard!

Posted by: Luap Nor! at March 03, 2014 08:46 AM (BrQrN)

146 I think where W went horribly wrong is when he dubbed islam a peaceable religion.

 

Posted by: Soona at March 03, 2014 12:40 PM (xMLV7)

 

He went wrong by not arresting every fucking Dem for treason.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 03, 2014 08:46 AM (zF6Iw)

147 There was a time when an international crisis meant a good buying opportunity for defense stocks. No more I am afraid

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:46 AM (t3UFN)

148 113 The chicken hawks here agitating to take on Putin should put their money where their mouth is. Go to the Ukraine and sign up for their military. The American people are not buying the neocon bs anymore. Oh Hector...

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at March 03, 2014 08:46 AM (qNzkX)

149 I hate fucking homonyms!! Posted by: fluffy at March 03, 2014 12:38 PM (Ua6T/) So stop fucking homonyms. I'm sure there's a 12 step program for that. To bring all world events back how it relates to me and my life, as everything should, I am reminded of the massive Lefty psychopaths for whom I used to work and who thought that You Can Negotiate Anything book by Cohen was nigh to the Bible. Well, the time came that I quit. They wanted me to come back. When they approached me to come back, my response was thank you but no. Another few overtures were made and I finally said, point blank, "No. I'm not coming back. You have nothing that I want." The person to whom I said that looked like I'd gutted her dog right in front of her. The very concept that maybe, just maybe, the other side is not interested at all in what you're saying was quite literally inconceivable. They wanted something and they thought they should have something so obviously, obviously the only matters to discuss were how to get them what they wanted. The other party's goals and concerns did not matter at all. Obvious really super lame parallel is obvious.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at March 03, 2014 08:46 AM (VtjlW)

150 "Neocons"! Have a drink ten years ago!

Posted by: Beagle at March 03, 2014 08:47 AM (sOtz/)

151 Look at the bright side. Obama now has a new excuse as to why the economy is failing.

Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 08:47 AM (Hx5uv)

152 >>113 The chicken hawks here agitating to take on Putin should put their money where their mouth is<<

Bock!

What people here have advocated is a foreign policy that is actually well thought out based on history, truths, facts and high-probability outcomes that would keep us out of these situations. Not some Ouija Board nonsense written on a napkin and repeated by lemmings, acolytes and people who haven't ever had a cogent thought.

Posted by: Marcus T. Just, well, Plain Disgusted. at March 03, 2014 08:47 AM (GGCsk)

153 >>>141 Obama apparently has issued some demands: He is demanding that Israel stop killing off Iranian nuclear scientists. ------------- Hark! A writ from King Drone.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 03, 2014 08:47 AM (RjEEc)

154 "But Russell Ziskey told me the Russians are pussies."- Barack Obama

Posted by: Darth Randall at March 03, 2014 08:47 AM (xWgW3)

155
If only we could get someone to draw a really cool poster, Putin would see the light.

Posted by: Shepard Fartly at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (bkTIc)

156

DRUDGE REPORT þ@DRUDGE_REPORT
Gay troops perform first drag queen show on American military base...

 

 

Exactly why we need ammo.

 

*spit*

Posted by: Infidel at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (Xl7GC)

157 Look at the bright side. Obama now has a new excuse as to why the economy is failing.
___
I blame B...uh Putin.

See I don't always blame that guy...some of the time I blame completely different people.

Posted by: Barack Obama at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (P3U0f)

158 Gay troops perform first drag queen show on American military base... So manly and fearsome. We're a laughingstock.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (qNzkX)

159

113 The chicken hawks here agitating to take on Putin should put their money where their mouth is. Go to the Ukraine and sign up for their military. The American people are not buying the neocon bs anymore.
Posted by: Chicken hawks Suck at March 03, 2014 12:41 PM (JLKJJ)

 

AoS Style Alert:  never use "neocon" when you mean "JOOOOOO!"

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (zF6Iw)

160 Obama may be gutting defense and slashing our nuclear deterrent. But we have more official military drag queens than ever before in American military history. Soft power! Tremble before the American military's mighty production of The Birdcage!!

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (ZPrif)

161 Does Obama or Kerry (or did Hillary) really imagine these countries hadn't already gamed out in their own heads what their own best interest was? Did they really think that Putin, for example, had utterly failed to consider the benefits of being a good actor in the "civilized community of nations" would net him, and what being a bad actor would lose him? Mark of an idiot: believing everything, every incident is a one-off situation. Such people are incapable of detecting patterns. Mark of a narcissist: believing that you are the first to come up with any idea.

Posted by: baldilocks filipova at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (36Rjy)

162 Posted by: Admiral Josh Painter at March 03, 2014 12:41 PM (4+AaH)

We don't have anything to worry about. We're not a threat to Russia.

It's only if Obama decides he has to do something because Putin goes to far somewhere do we have to worry.

And is there really anything Obama cares about enough to go to war for that Putin might do?

NATO is a paper mache scarecrow. With little to back it up except the promise of American troops.

How good's that promise looking these days?

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (LSDdO)

163 Yes, they thought that it would work because they really think that they are the smartest people eva. Which is scary. We all know really smart people, right? Scary smart. Usually they're the first to downplay their own intelligence. We all also know people who *think* they're smart because they got a 168 on the LSAT. They'll trumpet it to everyone they know. I doubt Obama broke 160, but he will tell us all that he's the smartest man in the world and can solve All The Problems. "Shut up," he'll explain, to anyone who points out his obvious flaws in reasoning. He knows best!

Posted by: Lauren at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (hFL/3)

164 The Story of the Russian Invasion of the Ukraine really IS a story about Obama...

Posted by: Jay in PA at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (3LaGb)

165 Gee combs on Fox said this is a good thing. G-D these liberals are brain dead

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:48 AM (t3UFN)

166 I used to fuck homonyms but I learned to quit having those sects axe.

Posted by: Citizen X at March 03, 2014 08:49 AM (7ObY1)

167 Baldilocks to the barrel. Baldilocks to the barrel please.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:49 AM (LSDdO)

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at March 03, 2014 08:49 AM (qNzkX)

169 The same impulse that causes liberals to think the worst about their own country (and its allies) also causes them to think the best about their country's enemies.

Posted by: Caliban at March 03, 2014 08:49 AM (DrC22)

170 Where is my Pick Axe? Someone said Neocon.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 08:49 AM (bitz6)

171 Your emperor has no clothes

Posted by: Putin at March 03, 2014 08:49 AM (zOTsN)

172 I have to imagine that our counter-parties in these "smart power" negotiations are somewhat annoyed to be held by Obama's people as slow children who haven't bothered to think about the most basic things, such that they want and need Obama to remind them of the most basic things.


"Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), in a new interview with Time magazine, says that President Obama made a good impression on GOP senators when he sat down to dinner with them last year.

Part of the reason? “Because he was smarter than the rest of us.” "

WaPo - March 3, 2014

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (Y/M/K)

173 137 Putin is the only one living in the real world. Merkel is off with Obama in Skittle Shitting Unicorn Land. Posted by: kartoffel at March 03, 2014 12:45 PM (1zhvB) ******* Oh cripes that could be one way to look at it. The Germans are integral in this. Have been looking for signs of what they will do.

Posted by: tasker at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (RJMhd)

174 Or was it Flatbush Joe

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (LSDdO)

175 I need to try this out next time I pick up some tart at the club. "It's in your interest you come back to my crib and finish of this bottle of Madeira (my dear)" "Well, it's technically not FROM Madeira, it's some leakage from those bad grapes I threw in the bin a couple weeks ago. And the crib's more like a portajohn I boosted from the yoga festival. But the bit about it being good for you? That shit's totally true"

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (NG2mq)

176 The same impulse that causes liberals to think the worst about their own country (and its allies) also causes them to think the best about their country's enemies. Posted by: Caliban at March 03, 2014 12:49 PM (DrC22) That pretty much sums it up- Very well put. You should post more often

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (t3UFN)

177 So China piles on against US position and the same day it is announced that Mooch is going on a big family trip to China.

2016 will be too late, I am afraid.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at March 03, 2014 12:44 PM (l3vZN)

 

 

--------------------------------------------

 

 

I've been saying that since November 2012.

Posted by: Soona at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (xMLV7)

178 Will Putin settle for Crimea or take the entire east of Ukraine? John Schindler ‏@20committee State Border Service of Ukraine reptd concentration of troops & mil eqpt on RU territory near border w Kharkiv, Luhansk & Donetsk regions.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (ZPrif)

179 151 Look at the bright side. Obama now has a new excuse as to why the economy is failing. Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 12:47 PM (Hx5uv) I look at it as his excuse to take another lavish vacation, or maybe another round of golf.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (KWIwL)

180 171 Your emperor has no clothes Posted by: Putin at March 03, 2014 12:49 PM (zOTsN) He's changing into an evening gown for the drag show at the Pentagon.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (qNzkX)

181 The chicken hawks here agitating to take on Putin should put their money where their mouth is. Go to the Ukraine and sign up for their military. The American people are not buying the neocon bs anymore.

Posted by: Chicken hawks Suck at March 03, 2014 12:41 PM (JLKJJ)

 

You do know many of us who post here are veterans, right? That 'chickenhawk' shit don't fly, not here.

 

Comes to that, I haven't read any post advocating direct military intervention in the Ukraine, so you're essentially arguing a strawman. And what is it with you Ron Paul true believers, anyway? You do realize that it's not all either/or: either we invade or we do nothing? You do understand that, right? You are aware that we can compete geopolitically with the Russians without putting nukes in the air or boots on the ground?

 

For example, Reagan somehow managed to keep the bad guys at bay without sparking WWIII, so the concept shouldn't be alien to you; that is, unless you're a complete dumbass, and I take it that you are indeed a complete dumbass.

Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (gNlvW)

182 From all the sound bites I've heard from Jug Ears, Horse Face, and company in the last two days, "You can't use 19th century tactics of war in the 21st century!", seems to be the talking point they're trying to run into the ground.

In addition to being blissfully unaware of the entirety of the 20th century with regard to the Soviet Union, they apparently think Putin sending in troops was some sort of "Charge of the Light Brigade" moment.

Posted by: B at March 03, 2014 08:50 AM (XyoGP)

183 Just because it works on the weak-minded -- Democrats, the media -- doesn't mean it works on everyone. You can fool some people all of the timeÂ… -- Stuff Lincoln Said, Volume IV

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars™ [/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at March 03, 2014 08:51 AM (HsTG8)

184 Oh no. Baldilocks, be brave. Be strong. Whatever you do, don't touch anything. See if you can suddenly learn how to hover. Actually, I'm pretty sure if you touch that pulsing goo over there, you may be able to hover, among other sudden powers. Look, just remember, no capes.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at March 03, 2014 08:51 AM (VtjlW)

185 If you do a, ahem, "g" internet search of Sarah Palin news,  the Palin Ukraine prediction subject's "Explore in depth" counts 15, 348  articles.  IOW, the MSM is covering this matter all the way down to the local level.  Saturation.

Posted by: mrp at March 03, 2014 08:51 AM (JBggj)

186 Well Obama has already unleashed the Phone. If Russia doesn't pull back RIGHT NOW he'll get his PEN out too. Then they'll be sorry. I know the pen is hypothetically mightier than the sword... how does it compare to armored personnel carriers precisely?

Posted by: gekkobear at March 03, 2014 08:51 AM (2zHxV)

187 Gay troops perform first drag queen show on American military base...
***
So if an army acts like the man that leads it the Russians have a KGB thug who got where he was be killing everyone in his way and we have the most famous alumni of Chicago's famous Mantown "club"

Posted by: 18-1 at March 03, 2014 08:51 AM (P3U0f)

188 Will Putin settle for Crimea or take the entire east of Ukraine? That's kinda like asking where the giant bear is going to sleep? Where ever he wants

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:51 AM (t3UFN)

189

116 -

 

I was at a trivia event,  where the category was egg-related.  Question  was about  the most well known traitor in American history, shares his name  with an egg dish.

 

So I shouted out "Barack Obama!"

 

Somebody  corrected  me and said, "no, they  said traitor," and spelled out the word for me, as if I hadn't heard it correctly.

 

Sometimes it's impossible to glare hard enough at somebody. 

Posted by: BurtTC at March 03, 2014 08:51 AM (TOk1P)

190

Posted by: weft cut-loop at March 03, 2014 12:50 PM (Y/M/K)

 

Meggie Mac's Cheeto-stained crusty  thong is  smarter than McStain.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 03, 2014 08:51 AM (zF6Iw)

191 The question of wether or not the youth even know who the KGB is is a good one. If they have an idea who they are they may well believe them to be the good guys. I just watched the movie Unknown with Liam Neeson. It contained a nice bit of propaganda wherein a self described proud communist former Stasi spy was a heroic guy.

Posted by: Typo dynamoFO at March 03, 2014 08:51 AM (IVgIK)

192

Alex ... I've downed many a beer trying to analyze WHY Progressives are so bat-shit-crazy. That little anecdote of yours captures it as good as any.

 

They can only see shit one way ... their way.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 03, 2014 08:52 AM (+EikO)

193 Posted by: weft cut-loop at March 03, 2014 12:50 PM (Y/M/K) If that's the case then I'm smarter than then entire congress combined. Barky may be smarter than McCain but that's not that hard.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) at March 03, 2014 08:52 AM (hq5sb)

194 John Schindler ‏@20committee Right now, Putin is either preparing for an actual invasion of Eastern #Ukraine or wants Kyiv to think he is...looks the same now.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 03, 2014 08:52 AM (ZPrif)

195 Gay troops perform first drag queen show on American military base ...really is the Story of Obama.

Posted by: t-bird at March 03, 2014 08:52 AM (FcR7P)

196 Your emperor has no clothes But his wife wears faaaaaaaabulous drapes!

Posted by: rickb223 at March 03, 2014 08:52 AM (b1/nQ)

197 We dropped "it's really in your own interest" in favor of "it's not you; it's me!"

Posted by: obama admin at March 03, 2014 08:52 AM (hn5v5)

198 Europeans were all doe-eyed over Obama, and still are the for most part. Hell, if Russian tanks rolled across Europe, would that be enough to shake them back to reality?

Posted by: Max at March 03, 2014 08:52 AM (o1dbb)

199 It's a form of mass self-delusion. Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 12:38 PM (gNlvW) It is. Once upon a time, we had the wherewithal to make "make believe" things occur (to a point). We had the capacity, the workforce, the excess resources and a limited ability to subsidize dreams around the world. They fucking destroy it and now wonder why dreams can no longer come true. Which, of course, leads to everybody's fault, but theirs.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at March 03, 2014 08:53 AM (rY5WG)

200 I take everything east of river

Posted by: Putin at March 03, 2014 08:53 AM (zOTsN)

201 State Border Service of Ukraine reptd concentration of troops & mil eqpt on RU territory near border w Kharkiv, Luhansk & Donetsk regions. - boy, everything old is new again. Those names were in the news (with slightly different spelling) about 70 years ago.

Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 08:53 AM (Hx5uv)

202 I think it might be the fucking Free Shit Army's turn to fight in a war, since their lord and savior's utter incompetence is a majot reason the world is flying apart. Rather than sitting on their couches like they usually do.

Posted by: Sharkman at March 03, 2014 08:53 AM (nyguc)

203 176 The same impulse that causes liberals to think the worst about their own country (and its allies) also causes them to think the best about their country's enemies. Posted by: Caliban at March 03, 2014 12:49 PM (DrC22) That pretty much sums it up- Very well put. You should post more often Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 12:50 PM (t3UFN) I see it as more of a condition than an impulse...the same condition that makes them dildo-licking twatwaffles.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 08:53 AM (KWIwL)

204 We will allow rest of Ukraine access to sea. Sometimes

Posted by: Putin at March 03, 2014 08:54 AM (zOTsN)

205 the same condition that makes them dildo-licking twatwaffles.

LOL.

I needed that laugh today.  Thanks.

Posted by: GMan at March 03, 2014 08:54 AM (sxq57)

206 kerry just talked. basically he just said russia is losing because they have so many problems?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:54 AM (t3UFN)

207

That dummy Bush was able to bring India into the US coalition after 50+ years of quiet hostility while keeping India's mortal enemy inside the same coalition.  Obama can't keep Europe in the US coalition.

 

After the Syria bungle, the Ukraine invasion & now openly threatening Israel I wouldn't doubt if Japan realizes it can't trust the US to hold strong against China and announces a full rearmament by the end of the month. 

Posted by: Joe at March 03, 2014 08:55 AM (QFnhZ)

208 In Russia, sword is mightier than pen. Thank you, I am being here all night.

Posted by: Yackoff Smirnoff at March 03, 2014 08:55 AM (7ObY1)

209 Shorter Kerry: Stop it! You're acting just like Jenjis Khan!

Posted by: B at March 03, 2014 08:55 AM (XyoGP)

210 Dale Carnegie said. " When you are wrong admit it and admit it profusely". I guess liberals never read his book.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 03, 2014 08:55 AM (0FSuD)

211 "...that all they have to do is patiently inform Russia (or Iran, or China, or whoever) that it is in their own countries' best interest to act as 'civilized' members of the 'community of nations.'" Then, bumbershoot hung over arm, waving a piece of paper, he announced that Hitler had agreed that all Germany needed was the Sudetenland. And this ashtray....

Posted by: mindful webworker — historic wurst at March 03, 2014 08:56 AM (13IVx)

212 Veterans, members of, families of veterans and members of.

We're berating the air headedness of your prince when dealing with someone who's not an idealist but a hard headed pragmatic politically savvy and nationally popular and cold blooded Leader of his country as contrary to the lecturer and whiner we have.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 08:56 AM (LSDdO)

213 Japan should look into a nuclear weapons program.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 08:56 AM (bitz6)

214 If I was president I wouldn't be talking about this at all. It's really none of our business if Putin wants to get the old band back together. It's not really any of our business if North Korea is firing missiles into the South's territorial waters. It's really none of our business if China is making overtly threatening acts against Japan. Now let's talk about silver coins.

Posted by: Luap Nor!!!! at March 03, 2014 08:56 AM (Aif/5)

215 Twatwaffles? Eww. Twats are icky. I'd like a Cock Waffle, and let me be clear, I'd like to finish that waffle in peace.

Posted by: President Barack Obama at March 03, 2014 08:56 AM (7ObY1)

216 In 5 1/2 short years obama has almost totally destroyed all the Alliances it took 65+ years to forge. Quite an accomplishment actually

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 08:56 AM (t3UFN)

217
Side story.....

My leftard brother was wailing on FB over the weekend about Russia.   Being the dutiful older brother.... I engaged, told him this is what happens when our leaders ignore history and impugn warnings from others that take history to heart.

He said something along the lines of "nobody could see this coming", to which I responded, no Obama was warned.   He then went into a rant on how Mitt Romney was talking in generalities and not specifically about Ukraine.

I then linked to his page the video of Sarah Palin (who he HATES with passion of a hundred suns) warning about the Ukraine.  I pointed out that the "stupid, idiotic, Caribou Barbie, snowmobile pants
wearing, gun clinging, sees Russia from
 her house moron" was smarter than Barrack Obama.

Much Hilarity ensued.   The family reunion this year should be a hoot.

Posted by: fixerupper at March 03, 2014 08:57 AM (nELVU)

218 I take everything east of river Posted by: Putin at March 03, 2014 12:53 PM (zOTsN) The Mississippi River.

Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 08:57 AM (Hx5uv)

219 I'll tell you this much: Putin will never take over any golf course in this country as long as I am president.

Posted by: Barack Obama at March 03, 2014 08:57 AM (oFCZn)

220 Actually, I think Drudge's story was wrong. There was a drag show in LA last year, I got the story mixed up with today's story. Today's story was a drag show on Kadena Air Base in Japan. Here's today's story Troops based at the Kadena Air Base in Japan know how to party. On Saturday, six gay and straight service members applied some of their finest makeup and lip synced to "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" in what is believed to be first drag queen and king show on an American military base. The show was thrown in support for the base's recently formed OutServe-SLDN chapter, a nonprofit advocacy group for the army's LGBT community. Navy Lt. Marissa Greene told Stars and Stripes she only expected to sell 75 tickets for the variety show, but ended up selling more than 400 in ten days. The event went through the same approval process as other on-base fundraisers go through, with the only caveat being that it was not allowed to be labeled a "drag show" in its publicity materials. The show was warmly received by spectators, who rocked out to performances by the likes of Manny Nuff and Chocolate Sunrise ("a crowd favorite," the website notes.) Just a few years ago, performances like these would have been grounds for a possible discharge. The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell has made it possible for events like this to occur. --Jordan Valinsky

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 03, 2014 08:57 AM (ZPrif)

221 kerry just talked. basically he just said russia is losing because they have so many problems? Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 12:54 PM
=====
All is well!  All is well!

Posted by: mrp at March 03, 2014 08:57 AM (JBggj)

222 Heh. Reading the comments at the WP is amusing, in a sad way. One is astonished by the extent to which the situation in Ukraine is "Bush's fault". I never saw it stated explicitly, but I assume it was also Bush's fault that Solyndra failed.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at March 03, 2014 08:57 AM (aDwsi)

223 All Obama wants to do is have this issue go away so they can get back to the minimum wage attack for next years election. That is the only outcome they are concerned about. So you will hear a lot of blather and Putin and China will grow stronger. The administration really doesn't care.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at March 03, 2014 08:57 AM (l3vZN)

224 206 kerry just talked. basically he just said russia is losing because they have so many problems? Our army is staging drag shows. Yeah John, we're doing fantastic.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at March 03, 2014 08:57 AM (qNzkX)

225 KGB Colonel outwits Ivy League lawyer Bwahahahaha I laugh

Posted by: Putin at March 03, 2014 08:58 AM (zOTsN)

226 Posted by: Luap Nor!!!! at March 03, 2014 12:56 PM (Aif/5) I got this. I'll distract him while the rest of you run. Hey luaP noR...LOOK...A CHEMTRAIL!!!!!

Posted by: Citizen X at March 03, 2014 08:58 AM (7ObY1)

227 132 So China piles on against US position and the same day it is announced that Mooch is going on a big family trip to China. 2016 will be too late, I am afraid. Posted by: Jinx the Cat at March 03, 2014 12:44 PM (l3vZN) But she's only going at the special request of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus so they'll have an at hand source of spare circus tents while they tour there.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars™ [/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at March 03, 2014 08:59 AM (HsTG8)

228 Europeans were all doe-eyed over Obama, and still are the for most part. Hell, if Russian tanks rolled across Europe, would that be enough to shake them back to reality?

Posted by: Max at March 03, 2014 12:52 PM (o1dbb)

 

 

-------------------------------------------

 

 

Yup.  I ran into some of them while on vacation.  They don't understand our 2d Amendment either.

Posted by: Soona at March 03, 2014 08:59 AM (xMLV7)

229 Just because it works on the weak-minded -- Democrats, the media -- doesn't mean it works on everyone.
=========
It would be funny if we weren't all stuck in this fucking burning clown car of an administration with them.

Posted by: RoyalOil at March 03, 2014 08:59 AM (VjL9S)

230 I'll tell you this much: Putin will never take over any golf course in this country as long as I am president. Period. Posted by: Barack Obama FIFY

Posted by: Mike Hammer at March 03, 2014 08:59 AM (aDwsi)

231 7 Democrats/Progressives: We think obamcare is good, so it will work We think the world has changed and the russians are good, so they are We think there is no longer a need for a strong Military, so let it be so Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 12:23 PM (t3UFN) Such faith that even the most hardcore evangelical Christian would be envious. And then ashamed at the envy.

Posted by: AmishDude at March 03, 2014 08:59 AM (T0NGe)

232 Didn't we hire all the KGB officers already?

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 08:59 AM (bitz6)

233 Here's video of the drag show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3eHX3xZGyw It's on the Stars and Stripes youtube channel. Maybe this was the first formal drag show. The one in LA last year was smaller and perhaps part of a bigger show. This one the main attraction was the drag show. Appears to have been very popular among our military.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 03, 2014 09:00 AM (ZPrif)

234 There are no drag queens in fox holes.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 09:00 AM (bitz6)

235 They spent so much time gathering consensus about what all the smart people think. It was basically the opposite of "dumb Bush". And then everything they think is wrong.

Posted by: AmishDude at March 03, 2014 09:01 AM (T0NGe)

236

The sad part is that Obama's State Department negotiators were probably once Bush's State Department negotiators. The difference is that they now have slightly different negotiating points, i.e. more gum and less tooth.

 

Posted by: Max Entropy at March 03, 2014 09:01 AM (cgtTL)

237 206 kerry just talked. basically he just said russia is losing because they have so many problems? Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 12:54 PM (t3UFN) *facepalm*

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at March 03, 2014 09:01 AM (rY5WG)

238 Breaking: Obama demands end to illegal foreign occupation ... ... of the Palestinian West Bank by Israel.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 03, 2014 09:02 AM (ZPrif)

239 first formal drag show So. Many. Potential. Jokes. Funneh bone on overload...cannot make up mind on joke...

Posted by: Citizen X at March 03, 2014 09:02 AM (7ObY1)

240 The difference is that they now have slightly different negotiating points, i.e. more gum and less tooth. Posted by: Max Entropy ----------------- That is what I refer to as 'flexibility'.

Posted by: Barky at March 03, 2014 09:02 AM (aDwsi)

241 And btw, Obama doesn't really care about the Ukraine.

It's all white people, there's few Muslims and they never voted for him anyway.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 09:02 AM (LSDdO)

242
Yes Barrack.... YOU are the one I was waiting for.

Posted by: Valdimir Putin at March 03, 2014 09:02 AM (nELVU)

243 China Disses Obama, Sides With Russia Over Ukraine… No way the ChiComs would hitch their wagon to Obama’s Loser Express. Via Sky News: Russia has said China is largely “in agreement” over Ukraine, after other world powers condemned Moscow for sending troops into the country. Hundreds of Russian soldiers have surrounded a military base in Crimea, preventing Ukrainian soldiers from going in or out. The convoy blockading the site, near the Crimean capital Simferopol, includes at least 17 military vehicles. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov discussed Ukraine by telephone with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on Monday, and claimed they had “broadly coinciding points of view” on the situation there, according to a ministry statement. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said: “China has always upheld the principles of diplomacy and the fundamental norms of international relations. “At the same time we also take into consideration the history and the current complexities of the Ukrainian issue.” As the tense stand-off continues, the other seven nations of the G8 urged Moscow to hold talks with Kiev. Triangular Diplomacy obama style where we are on the wrong point of the Triangle?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 09:02 AM (t3UFN)

244 If ever a line gets started with prominent liberals speaking openly against Obama, even a little, imagine how the cultivated minority entitled block will start screaming RACIST at the whole of the dem party. 


They know this.  The so-called leaders of the minorities, who benefit from the public they serve being kept down, know this.  In fact, it is probably minority leadership who continually whispers in their ear the threat of the risks associated with mouthing only approved and required homage to the bonehead.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 03, 2014 09:02 AM (BZAd3)

245 But what are we going to call our Team of top SheMen?

Posted by: garrett at March 03, 2014 09:03 AM (Agsf/)

246 Smart Diplomacy doesn't look so good with sand kicked in it's face.

Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn at March 03, 2014 09:03 AM (R5UOB)

247 Jack and the Beanstalk as told by Barack Obama: Sure I traded our national security for these peace beans but they're magic peace beans.

Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 09:04 AM (Hx5uv)

248 When I was young we called leading from behind, following.  If we were in a race, we called it losing.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 03, 2014 09:04 AM (BZAd3)

249 I'm sure Baraka thinks that East and West Germany was a good idea too.

Posted by: Soona at March 03, 2014 09:04 AM (xMLV7)

250 The chest pounding against Russia around here would be comical if it was not so sad. The same people who get beaten on a regular basis by that effeminate coward Obama think they have what it takes to confront Russia. Get with reality people.

Posted by: Too Funny at March 03, 2014 09:04 AM (JLKJJ)

251 #198  French Hipsters weeping on camera as T-90's roll down the Champs Elysées...

Posted by: Richard McEnroe at March 03, 2014 09:04 AM (XO6WW)

252 Breaking: Obama demands end to illegal foreign occupation ...

----

Someone ought to point out to "Teh Smartest President Evah" that territory captured as a result of repelled military incursion is perfectly legal to keep.

Posted by: Valdimir Putin at March 03, 2014 09:04 AM (nELVU)

253 213 Japan should look into a nuclear weapons program. Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 12:56 PM (bitz6) For a cheaper, more efficient method of vaporizing a city.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:05 AM (KWIwL)

254 Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 01:02 PM (t3UFN) Meanwhile... in the 3 AM category, which coincides with the 'Shit just got real' subset... Russia just demanded that Ukrainian troops in Crimea surrender by 5... or they will start a 'real assault'...

Posted by: Romeo13 at March 03, 2014 09:05 AM (84gbM)

255 181 The chicken hawks here agitating to take on Putin should put their money where their mouth is. Go to the Ukraine and sign up for their military. The American people are not buying the neocon bs anymore. Posted by: Chicken hawks Suck at March 03, 2014 12:41 PM (JLKJJ) I gave the Military 25 years to kill my ass. They failed. Nobody here's agitating for war, you stupid fuck.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at March 03, 2014 09:05 AM (rY5WG)

256 >>French Hipsters weeping on camera as T-90's roll down the Champs Elysées...

BUNK

Posted by: kartoffel at March 03, 2014 09:05 AM (1zhvB)

257

Russia might have complete, uncontested operational control of the territory in question, but their stock market dropped 10%, so we win!

Posted by: John Kerry at March 03, 2014 09:05 AM (9qDRl)

258 When I was young we called leading from behind, following. If we were in a race, we called it losing.

Dat oldskool.

Posted by: Ms. Jeantel at March 03, 2014 09:05 AM (ZKzrr)

259 Meanwhile, France has preemptively surrendered to Russia, so there's that.

Posted by: Citizen X at March 03, 2014 09:05 AM (7ObY1)

260 Oops. I think it's my first time in the barrel.

Posted by: baldilocks filipova at March 03, 2014 09:05 AM (36Rjy)

261 So why aren't we running against this suicide? The only person so far that I have seen say anything is Rubio. Where is McLame?

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 03, 2014 09:05 AM (0FSuD)

262 The size of my peen is

Posted by: Too Funny at March 03, 2014 09:05 AM (Aif/5)

263 Let Hector enjoy his cocoa while he considers his Obamacare options.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 03, 2014 09:06 AM (8ZskC)

264 all they have to do is patiently inform Russia (or Iran, or China, or whoever) that it is in their own countries' best interest to act as "civilized" members of the "community of nations."

This is so arrogant and dumb I don't know what to say about it.

This is foreign policy as devised by little old ladies in tennis shoes. This is Jimmy Carter on stilts.

We're in the very best of hands.

Posted by: OregonMuse at March 03, 2014 09:06 AM (I8YZX)

265 The problem with these treasonous liars is that they are so used to operating under false pretenses with the full backing of their ball washers in the MFM, that when the harsh realities of disagreeable events rear up and bite them in the ass they have nothing but Bull Shit, retreat, and coverup as solutions. Â…..and fake movie reviews They're running foreign policy like Mohammad Atta flew airliners.

Posted by: ontherocks at March 03, 2014 09:06 AM (rSNKG)

266 Triangular Diplomacy obama style where we are on the wrong point of the Triangle?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 01:02 PM (t3UFN)


---


That would make Barrack the Hypotenuse President???

Posted by: Valdimir Putin at March 03, 2014 09:06 AM (nELVU)

267 “At the same time we also take into consideration the history and the current complexities of the Ukrainian issue.”

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 01:02 PM (t3UFN)


Sounds like something Obama would say.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 03, 2014 09:06 AM (BZAd3)

268 My reading comprehension is

Posted by: Too Funny at March 03, 2014 09:06 AM (Aif/5)

269 238 Breaking: Obama demands end to illegal foreign occupation ... ... of the Palestinian West Bank by Israel. Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 03, 2014 01:02 PM (ZPrif) Sweeeettttt!

Posted by: La Raza looking at California at March 03, 2014 09:06 AM (84gbM)

270 260 Oops. I think it's my first time in the barrel. For G-d's sake, do not touch anything that looks gooey.

Posted by: Citizen X at March 03, 2014 09:06 AM (7ObY1)

271 ugg.... off dirty sock...

Posted by: Valdimir Putin at March 03, 2014 09:06 AM (nELVU)

272 Parts of the West Bank are inner suburbs of Jerusalem.

Posted by: Putin at March 03, 2014 09:06 AM (zOTsN)

273 "By the way, Ukraine gave up their nuclear weapons for what they believed was a security guarantee that would keep them an sovereign nation.

I wonder how that looks to nations who either have or aspire to possess nuclear weapons?

Posted by: Marcus T at March 03, 2014 12:27 PM (GGCsk)"



I don't wonder about that at all.  Any government leader of a country that does not currently have nuclear weapons is currently reviewing their options to build or buy some.  Unless they already have contingency plans and are assembling the weapons as we speak.



Assuming that things don't go very bad before then, it will be interesting to compare the number of nuclear armed countries on January 1, 2014 to the number of nuclear armed countries on January 1, 2015.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at March 03, 2014 09:07 AM (PD6iL)

274 Oops. I think it's my first time in the barrel.


That's the one where you really build up your immunities.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 03, 2014 09:07 AM (8ZskC)

275 Russia just demanded that Ukrainian troops in Crimea surrender by 5... or they will start a 'real assault'... -- 10pm Eastern Time is what it translates to, I think. My bet is Ukraine folds.

Posted by: Votermom at March 03, 2014 09:07 AM (GSIDW)

276 TUCK TEAM SIX

Posted by: garrett at March 03, 2014 09:07 AM (Agsf/)

277 Oh no. Baldilocks, be brave. Be strong. Whatever you do, don't touch anything. See if you can suddenly learn how to hover. Actually, I'm pretty sure if you touch that pulsing goo over there, you may be able to hover, among other sudden powers. Look, just remember, no capes. Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at March 03, 2014 12:51 PM (VtjlW) Inches from a clean getaway! Leave to the Empress.

Posted by: baldilocks filipova at March 03, 2014 09:07 AM (36Rjy)

278 251 #198 French Hipsters weeping on camera as T-90's roll down the Champs Elysées... Posted by: Richard McEnroe at March 03, 2014 01:04 PM (XO6WW) I guess they just don't have enough panache, joie de vivre, and je ne sais quoi to impress. C'est la vie. Quelle dommage.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:07 AM (KWIwL)

279 250 The chest pounding against Russia around here would be comical if it was not so sad. The same people who get beaten on a regular basis by that effeminate coward Obama think they have what it takes to confront Russia. Get with reality people. Posted by: Too Funny at March 03, 2014 01:04 PM (JLKJJ) We did that once, you stupid motherfucker. We won.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at March 03, 2014 09:08 AM (rY5WG)

280 >>Well, the seventies just called for Obama>>

Seventies my ass. Shades of the late 1930's.

Posted by: Marcus T. Just, well, Plain Disgusted. at March 03, 2014 09:08 AM (GGCsk)

281 I kinda like drag.  Government involvement is going to fuck it up, like it fucks up everything else.

Posted by: HR at March 03, 2014 09:08 AM (ZKzrr)

282 "Did they really think they could just Jedi Mind Trick the whole world?" 'They' fantasied by awarding Obama the Nobel Peace Prize in advance that any future conflicts could never appear. He being so peaceable; he doesn't "deserve" any conflict. ...Obama's entourage is realizing how futile their most effective Alinsky methodology is (best defense good offense) tagging the Chinese and Russians as if racists for not being bozo's bff. The audacity!!

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 09:08 AM (MhA4j)

283 No negative vibes man. A Black dude won the Oscar's with a movie about Black dudes. Racism is over.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 03, 2014 09:08 AM (0FSuD)

284 Whenever Russia flexes its muscles nowadays, my view is that it is related to trying to increase energy prices. Hell, if nothing else, this saber-rattling is causing natural gas prices to spike in Europe, and increasing revenues for Gazprom.

Posted by: Max at March 03, 2014 09:08 AM (o1dbb)

285 The chest pounding against Russia around here would be comical if it was not so sad. The same people who get beaten on a regular basis by that effeminate coward Obama think they have what it takes to confront Russia.

Get with reality people.

Posted by: Too Funny at March 03, 2014 01:04 PM (JLKJJ)

 

So I guess your solution is to just give in to the inevitable and get in touch with our inner submissive? As an aside, do you often fantasize about a dominant, KGB-looking, bare-chested Russian on horseback sweeping you off your feet? Just wondering.

Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 09:09 AM (gNlvW)

286

Unless they already have contingency plans and are assembling the weapons as we speak.

Assuming that things don't go very bad before then, it will be interesting to compare the number of nuclear armed countries on January 1, 2014 to the number of nuclear armed countries on January 1, 2015.

 

*whistles innocently*

Posted by: Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea at March 03, 2014 09:09 AM (BrQrN)

287 Obama: Democrats Must Take Back The Word “Freedom” Back From Republicans… Weasel Zippers: See what this dumb commie bastard cock sucker forgets or never knew: FREEDOM LIES WITH THE PEOPLE NOT EITHER PARTY

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 03, 2014 09:09 AM (t3UFN)

288 The one thing to know about Putin is thathe's going to actin his own (national) interest. Unlike Western leaders, he doesn't try to be leader for the world. Remember when it was Booooooosh who couldn't admit he was WRONG????

Posted by: --- at March 03, 2014 09:09 AM (MMC8r)

289 The chest pounding against Russia around here would be comical if it was not so sad.

===============

The silly, vapid comments by trolls would be comical if they weren't so sad.

Posted by: Jay in PA at March 03, 2014 09:10 AM (3LaGb)

290 Sounds like something Obama would say. ...as he cedes Alaska to Russia and Texas to Mexico.

Posted by: t-bird at March 03, 2014 09:10 AM (FcR7P)

291 'They' fantasied by awarding Obama the Nobel Peace Prize in advance that any future conflicts could never appear. He being so peaceable; he doesn't "deserve" any conflict. - The Obama Nobel Peace Participation Prize.

Posted by: WalrusRex at March 03, 2014 09:10 AM (Hx5uv)

292 Posted by: Too Funny at March 03, 2014 01:04 PM (JLKJJ)

Please. Try actually reading the comments instead of seeing what you want to see.

Or is English a second or third language for you?

Go buy a dictionary or read a grade school reading primer on Reading Comprehension.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 09:10 AM (LSDdO)

293 Yes, they REALLY DO think they can Jedi Mind Trick EVERYONE.

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at March 03, 2014 09:10 AM (vHRtU)

294 Nood

Posted by: rickb223 at March 03, 2014 09:10 AM (b1/nQ)

295

What progs don't understand is that not everyone in the world sees maximizing material comforts and spending your life in front of the TV watching the Kardashians as the be-all-end-all of human and national endeavors.

 

Russians, remember, had bread lines and scarcity of basic goods like frickin' food within the last 30 years. D

Posted by: John Kerry at March 03, 2014 09:10 AM (9qDRl)

296 Meanwhile... in the 3 AM category, which coincides with the 'Shit just got real' subset...

Russia just demanded that Ukrainian troops in Crimea surrender by 5... or they will start a 'real assault'...

Posted by: Romeo13 at March 03, 2014 01:05 PM (84gbM)

 

 

---------------------------------------------

 

 

They gave two Ukranian warships the same ulitmatum.

Posted by: Soona at March 03, 2014 09:10 AM (xMLV7)

297 The Ukraine is mostly Slaves.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 09:10 AM (bitz6)

298 Posted by: Max at March 03, 2014 01:08 PM (o1dbb) Yeah.... funny how the rest of the world (OPEC et al) see Energy as an economic weapon... But our own Government through the EPA disarms us in that arena...

Posted by: Romeo13 at March 03, 2014 09:11 AM (84gbM)

299 Dearest Putin, It is in your own interest to hook your wagon to Obamanominaleconomicforeignpolicy. Have you missed How beloved He is? How absolutely eloquent How He captures the world with a smile? How He parties with the Best this country has to offer? Or how just with a pen and phone He makes everything so-so? Obama would like you to only take the Crimea , but softly please, do not disappoint us and take Ukraine, also Poland is nervous about your audacity , please we are trying to be a softer world sharing dreams and hopes with All mankind. Except those republicans.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:11 AM (nqBYe)

300 Women think my incredibly small penis is

Posted by: Too Funny at March 03, 2014 09:11 AM (rY5WG)

301 Posted by: Nip Sip at March 03, 2014 01:05 PM (0FSuD)

According to him we're all Ukrainians now.

By that he means were all getting boned by a crack head puppet, I guess.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 09:12 AM (LSDdO)

302 275. Votermom yesterday's AP photo of "caged" Ukrainian troops inside their own Ukraine base guarding the entry gate, with "unidentified" troops (trucked in on vehicles with Russian license plates) also at the gate, outside the base, preventing anyone from entry/exit.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 09:12 AM (MhA4j)

303 Obama offered free autographs and pics with Jayz and Beyonce if Putin leaves Crimea.  Film at 11.

Posted by: Marcus T. Just, well, Plain Disgusted. at March 03, 2014 09:13 AM (GGCsk)

304 People all over the world (everybody) Join hands (join) Start a love train, love train People all over the world (all the world, now) Join hands (love ride) Start a love train (love ride), love train The next stop that we make will be England Tell all the folks in Russia, and China, too Don't you know that it's time to get on board And let this train keep on riding, riding on through Well, well People all over the world (you don't need no money) Join hands (come on) Start a love train, love train (don't need no ticket, come on) People all over the world ( ride this train)(Ride this train, y'all) Start a love train (Come on, train), love train All of you brothers over in Africa Tell all the folks in Egypt, and Israel, too Please don't miss this train at the station 'Cause if you miss it, I feel sorry, sorry for you.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:13 AM (nqBYe)

305 290 Sounds like something Obama would say. ...as he cedes Alaska to Russia and Texas to Mexico. Posted by: t-bird at March 03, 2014 01:10 PM (FcR7P) He'd cede Alaska to Haiti and Texas to a casino. He's about that 'reality-based', you know.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:13 AM (KWIwL)

306 DRUDGE REPORT ‏@DRUDGE_REPORT
Gay troops perform first drag queen show on American military base...

Posted by: Progtard 2000 at March 03, 2014 12:39 PM (ZPrif)




Military exercises will be replaced with mincing about. And you know that Vlad is laughing his man boobs off at this.

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 03, 2014 09:13 AM (1Jaio)

307 Europeans were all doe-eyed over Obama, and still are the for most part. Hell, if Russian tanks rolled across Europe, would that be enough to shake them back to reality?


Posted by: Max at March 03, 2014 12:52 PM (o1dbb)




Depends.   Would they still get their government cheese    with a retirement age of 50 for anyone who actually bothers to work?

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/u][/i][/s][/b] at March 03, 2014 09:13 AM (4df7R)

308 Wasn't there a massive slaughter of Ukrainian troops back there in history somewhere?

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 09:14 AM (bitz6)

309 Who were these agitators protesting the legitimately elected government of Ukraine? Why couldn't they just wait for the next election and try to get their EU-centric ticket elected?

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 09:15 AM (u2a4R)

310 Military exercises will be replaced with mincing about. And you know that Vlad is laughing his man boobs off at this. Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 03, 2014 01:13 PM (1Jaio) Is there an official military protocol for sassy gossip?

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:15 AM (KWIwL)

311 Europeans were all doe-eyed over Obama, and still are the for most part. Hell, if Russian tanks rolled across Europe, would that be enough to shake them back to reality? .Bush.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:15 AM (nqBYe)

312

March 3, 7:07 p.m. -- Russian Black Sea Fleet Commander Aleksandr Vitko has delivered an ultimatum to the Ukrainian military in Crimea, Interfax-Ukraine reported, citing Ukraine's Defense Ministry. "If by 0500 tomorrow (March 4) they do not surrender, a real assault on the units and detachments of the armed forces of Ukraine will start across Crimea," the ministry said. Russian soldiers are are conveying this warning of the Russian Black Sea Fleet commander to Ukrainian soldiers in Crimea, the news agency reported. -- Anastasia Forina

Two Ukrainian ship officials confirm Russian ultimatum to Channel 5

March 3, 6:28 p.m. -- A Ukrainian naval officer, Alexei Kyrylov, confirmed to Channel 5 today that the Russian Black Sea Fleet command has issued an ultimatum to Ukrainian naval forces to surrender by 5 p.m. today. Kyrylov told the news channel that he expected an attack by 7 p.m. tonight. Kyrylov is stationed with two Ukrainian ships Ternopil and Slavutych in Sevastopol Bay. Security sources confirmed to the Kyiv Post that the Russian threat took place. -- Anastasia Forina

Posted by: Jay in PA at March 03, 2014 09:15 AM (3LaGb)

313 Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 01:14 PM (bitz6) Well... there was this British Light Brigade once...

Posted by: Romeo13 at March 03, 2014 09:15 AM (84gbM)

314 "You know, it's actually in your own interests to agree with us?" Google what Bush really said after his first meeting with Putin, paraphrase: all "trust" based on shared mutual respect, because Putin would most definitely be acting in Russia's best interest.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 09:16 AM (MhA4j)

315 The parallels between now and the early 20th century are starting to get kind of disturbing. You have a country that had been defeated in a great conflict and had gone through a large economic upheaval and suffered a loss of prestige in the eyes of it's populace. That country makes territorial acquisitions based on the "protecting ethnic populations" in the targeted areas. It does this several times. The western nations believe that diplomacy can blunt the territorial ambitions of this country and that as long as they give them "prestige" again that they will be appeased. Plus, the countries do not make a lot of hay over the acquisitions of the country because one, they can partially see the "ethnic" argument and two, do not have vested interests in the areas in question, at least not enough to risk war. You have an alignment with other expansionistic, militarized powers. (Japan in the original case, China in this one.) Let's hope that the parallels are not prophetic, for while WWII was a necessary conflict, it was an eminently preventable one.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at March 03, 2014 09:16 AM (TGgNi)

316 jwest citizens that weren't thrilled being under Russian Rule again?

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:16 AM (nqBYe)

317 >>The sad part is that Obama's State Department negotiators were probably once Bush's State Department negotiators.

Heard this from a family friend whose daughter (connected Dem who grew up in DC) has worked for Hillary since she was FLOTUS: unlike like past SoS's, Hillary brought with her over 70 people (staff) with her to State. A LOT of them remained at State after Hillary resigned. The State Dept. has always been filled with Lefties, and now it's filled with life-long Hillary hangers-on.

Posted by: Lizzy at March 03, 2014 09:16 AM (aq/zi)

318 /still ringing.... since 3 AM...

Posted by: Whitehouse Phone at March 03, 2014 09:16 AM (84gbM)

319 <<The chest pounding against Russia around here would be comical if it was not so sad. >>

My idea of a "great" or righteous army is not one which is constantly invading sovereign neighbors under the guise of "protecting its citizens" in order to install a corrupt autocratic regime that subjugates the citizenry.

But apparently Obama hasn't figured that our yet. And he may be the only one.

Posted by: Marcus T. Just, well, Plain Disgusted. at March 03, 2014 09:17 AM (GGCsk)

320 284 Whenever Russia flexes its muscles nowadays, my view is that it is related to trying to increase energy prices. Hell, if nothing else, this saber-rattling is causing natural gas prices to spike in Europe, and increasing revenues for Gazprom. Posted by: Max at March 03, 2014 01:08 PM (o1dbb) They are there is to secure their Nat/Gas Pipeline assets that feed into Europe, and naval ports. The rest is extra points to kick in O's face.

Posted by: cajun caret at March 03, 2014 09:18 AM (UZQM8)

321 I believe Putin has asked Venezuela, Cubs and a few (8 i believe)other countries to dock around their shores or use their bases. i cannot find the article now. anyone else see it a few days ago?

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:18 AM (nqBYe)

322 The bear and the Obama fair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARfQtFKQtZo

Posted by: [i]KING[/i] joffrey baratheon at March 03, 2014 09:18 AM (hn5v5)

323 Posted by: Aetius451AD at March 03, 2014 01:16 PM (TGgNi) You forget one parallel that the Russians remember... That every time Europe is United as a single power, it invades Russia.

Posted by: Romeo13 at March 03, 2014 09:19 AM (84gbM)

324 The Cubs, too, willow! Navycopjoe will be heartbroken.

Posted by: [/i]andycanuck[/b] at March 03, 2014 09:19 AM (hn5v5)

325 Ukraine Ikraine WeAllkraine The pain in Ukraine comes mainly from a bitchy shitstain.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:20 AM (KWIwL)

326 andycanuck. well cub(s)a must be good for something.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:20 AM (nqBYe)

327 My idea of a "great" or righteous army is not one which is constantly invading sovereign neighbors under the guise of "protecting its citizens" in order to install a corrupt autocratic regime that subjugates the citizenry. But apparently Obama hasn't figured that our yet. And he may be the only one. Posted by: Marcus T. Just, well, Plain Disgusted. at March 03, 2014 01:17 PM (GGCsk) Really?????

Posted by: Citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan at March 03, 2014 09:20 AM (84gbM)

328 "The "it's really in your own interest" is such a common gambit that it indicates the incredibly dull-witted nature of Obama's squad to imagine this was new or novel to anyone else."

Well, to be fair, when you've never actually done anything on your own before, this technique does in fact seem novel and, worse yet, original as something only a light-bringer (or TOP.MEN) could construct!

Posted by: Hrothgar at March 03, 2014 09:20 AM (o3MSL)

329 Next up: POLSHA tovarisch!!

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 09:20 AM (LSDdO)

330
England has units like the Queen's Royal Hussars. Now America will have units like Queen's Barry's Division of Cross Dressers

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 03, 2014 09:20 AM (1Jaio)

331 @321: Here's an article about that:

http://news.nationalpost.com/ 2014/02/27/ why-did-russia-send-spy-ship-to-

cuba-no-word-from-communist- nation-as-armed-vessel-docks-in-havana/

"Although Russia did not mention the spy ship docked in Cuba, the Kremlin did announce Wednesday that it plans to expand its worldwide military presence by seeking permission for navy ships to use ports in Latin America, Asia and elsewhere.

"Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday in remarks carried by Russian news agencies the military was conducting talks with Algeria, Cyprus, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba, Seychelles, Vietnam and Singapore."

Posted by: Joshua at March 03, 2014 09:21 AM (oCZ4e)

332 The rain in Ukraine falls mainly on the plain.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 09:21 AM (bitz6)

333 You forget one parallel that the Russians remember... That every time Europe is United as a single power, it invades Russia. Posted by: Romeo13 at March 03, 2014 01:19 PM (84gbM) Interesting use of the word united

Posted by: cajun caret at March 03, 2014 09:22 AM (UZQM8)

334 213 Japan should look into a nuclear weapons program.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 12:56 PM (bitz6)


I'm thinking there's a physics package somewhere on Hokkaido and a bomb somewhere on Honshu and they just have to be mated. I would be stunned if the Japanese weren't at least this far along.

Posted by: joncelli at March 03, 2014 09:22 AM (RD7QR)

335 At least now we know what happens when an amateur Marxist goes head to head with a professional Communist..

Posted by: B at March 03, 2014 09:22 AM (XyoGP)

336 Well... there was this British Light Brigade once...

Posted by: Romeo13 at March 03, 2014 01:15 PM (84gbM)



Oh what an "Overcharge" they made!"

Posted by: Hrothgar at March 03, 2014 09:22 AM (o3MSL)

337 316 jwest citizens that weren't thrilled being under Russian Rule again? Most of the educated, urban, manufacturing and commerce people are pro-Russian. They're the majority that elected Viktor Yanukovych.

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 09:23 AM (u2a4R)

338 Joshua, thank you very much. I knew i had read it! Anyway sounds like Putin might be getting all His eggs in a basket.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:23 AM (nqBYe)

339 Reminds me of when Kennedy met with Kruschev. Kennedy had just read 'The guns of August' and his mind locked onto the idea that the greatest danger was war by mistake, spiraling out of control. He didn't grasp that war (to the Russians) wasn't something to be feared/avoided at all costs.

Posted by: buzzsaw90 at March 03, 2014 09:23 AM (FpHdx)

340 335 At least now we know what happens when an amateur Marxist goes head to head with a professional Communist.. Posted by: B at March 03, 2014 01:22 PM (XyoGP) I was thinking it was more like idiot poseur vs. serious ass-kicker.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:23 AM (KWIwL)

341 At least now we know what happens when an amateur Marxist goes head to head with a professional Communist..

Posted by: B at March 03, 2014 01:22 PM (XyoGP)




Barry: I've given head to a lot of commies but never gone head to head like this before

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 03, 2014 09:24 AM (1Jaio)

342 { Most of the educated, urban, manufacturing and commerce people are pro-Russian}. They're the majority that elected Viktor Yanukovych. Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 01:23 PM (u2a4R) of course.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:24 AM (nqBYe)

343 Protestors should have just accepted being shot. And liked it.

Posted by: AOS Court WJester at March 03, 2014 09:25 AM (Aif/5)

344 For Obama acting in the self-interests of one's own country is beyond comprehension because he regularly does the opposite either to deliberately destroy or to comply with ideology. (Usually the same thing with him)

Posted by: SamIam at March 03, 2014 09:25 AM (Lh8u2)

345 336 What's in your wallet?

Posted by: Alec Baldwin at March 03, 2014 09:25 AM (bitz6)

346 The WaPo correctly notes that Obama's foreign policy is based upon fantasy but neglects to mention that his health care policy, his fiscal policy, his economic po9licy, and his domestic policy are also all based on fantasy. **************** Wait, are you saying that adding millions more deadbeats to the food stamp and disability and welfare rolls won't jump-start our economy? And that Obamacare won't provide coverage for millions of new uninsured people while simultaneously lowering everyone else's premiums by thousands of dollars and allowing them to keep the doctors and the plans they already had? Gee, who'd have thunk it?

Posted by: Trivial Pursuer at March 03, 2014 09:25 AM (wqqv3)

347 Putin is invited in to take over Ukraine. really . Because . A peoples desire for their own Sovereignty.is. Hogwash! short memories i guess.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:26 AM (nqBYe)

348

Wasn't John Fucking Kerry saying that this is exactly what the US did just ten years ago?

 

Yes, and he was for it, right before he was against it

 

 

The Mark Simone parody on horseface's flip-flops was classic...

http://tinyurl.com/l65hcjc




 

Posted by: McCool at March 03, 2014 09:26 AM (nCSwS)

349 all we are saying is give the Bear a chance.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:26 AM (nqBYe)

350 323 Posted by: Romeo13 at March 03, 2014 01:19 PM (84gbM) So you think this is about security, in Putin's eyes? To make the EU completely beholden to Russia through energy? Or rather a strike by him to destabilize the EU, figuring that as long as they are squabbling amongst themselves Russia is safe?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at March 03, 2014 09:26 AM (TGgNi)

351 They're the majority that elected Viktor Yanukovych. yeah the guy that snipes protesters. good call. eh/

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:27 AM (nqBYe)

352
Barry: It's a good thing that I'm cutting the military so Vlad won't feel so intimidated by it. I'm sure he'll appreciate the drag shows too! I know my panties are wet for them

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 03, 2014 09:27 AM (1Jaio)

353 The rain in Ukraine falls mainly on the plain.
Come on, John Kerry, move your bloomin' arse!!!

Posted by: eliza obama-little, the cockney flower-girl at March 03, 2014 09:28 AM (hn5v5)

354 really guys all the states that were under the Soviet Empire just long to be back under the Empire.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:28 AM (nqBYe)

355 TheQuietMan, quite fortuitous isn't it?

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:29 AM (nqBYe)

356 TheQuietMan, quite fortuitous isn't it?

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 01:29 PM (nqBYe)




Barry is going to make Jimmy Carter look like George Patton

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 03, 2014 09:31 AM (1Jaio)

357 "yeah the guy that snipes protesters." I'm certain that this is the one fact that the MSM wouldn't lie about or get wrong because of laziness or total ignorance.

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 09:32 AM (u2a4R)

358 Posted by: weft cut-loop at March 03, 2014 12:50 PM (Y/M/K)

I call New Meme!!!!!

Posted by: Mega, AoS Commenter of the Year at March 03, 2014 09:32 AM (hHFOx)

359 309 Who were these agitators protesting the legitimately elected government of Ukraine? Why couldn't they just wait for the next election and try to get their EU-centric ticket elected? Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 01:15 PM (u2a4R) -- A lot of EU shit-stirrers there.

Posted by: Votermom at March 03, 2014 09:33 AM (GSIDW)

360 356 TheQuietMan, quite fortuitous isn't it? Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 01:29 PM (nqBYe) Barry is going to make Jimmy Carter look like George Patton Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 03, 2014 01:31 PM (1Jaio) Barry is the losingest loser that ever lost the feigned affection of other losers.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:34 AM (KWIwL)

361 ""Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), in a new interview with Time magazine, says that President Obama made a good impression on GOP senators when he sat down to dinner with them last year.

Part of the reason? “Because he was smarter than the rest of us.” "

WaPo - March 3, 2014

Posted by: weft cut-loop at March 03, 2014 12:50 PM (Y/M/K)"



Well, if Obama is smarter than most of the GOP Senators, that goes a long way toward explaining their behavior because I don't think Obama is all that smart.  With no basis except watching him handle himself during unguarded moments I would guess Barack Obama's IQ to be in the 100 to 110 range.  Somewhat above average but nowhere near genius territory.  If most Republican senators are not as smart as Obama, the GOP ought to seriously revise its method of selecting Senate candidates.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at March 03, 2014 09:34 AM (PD6iL)

362 213
Japan should look into a nuclear weapons program.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 03, 2014 12:56 PM (bitz6)

I'm thinking there's a physics package somewhere on Hokkaido and a bomb somewhere on Honshu and they just have to be mated. I would be stunned if the Japanese weren't at least this far along.
Posted by: joncelli

Japan, S Korea, and Taiwan have long been rumored to be members of the "4 turns of the torquewrech club".

Posted by: Jean at March 03, 2014 09:35 AM (4JkHl)

363 A lot of EU shit-stirrers there. Posted by: Votermom at March 03, 2014 01:33 PM (GSIDW) We fling poo, we don't stir it. Gross.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:35 AM (KWIwL)

364

I have a pen, which I shall use to issue the strongly worded letter.

 

I have a phone, which I shall use to whine to all of the world.

 

One thing is for certain, none of this is my fault, and to say otherwise is using 19th century racism in a 21st century post-racial world.

 

Ask Reggie, he'll tell you what's up....

Posted by: King Barky I at March 03, 2014 09:35 AM (DErq5)

365 Last weeks of WWII, appalled that Eisenhower was giving Berlin to the USSR, British Gen. Montgomery was rushing his army to secure Denmark before the USSR could monopolize all the ports of the Bering Sea, Russia already having gained the entire Eastern Bloc that included Central Europe's Germany and Austria, along with Manchuria and Korea far East grabs. http://tinyurl.com/lveeygr (Btw, that same April 1945, the Nazis had already starved Norwegians so severely that a 1000 were dying each day -- punishment for not having submitted easily to being a conquered people. Hard Times.)

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 09:36 AM (MhA4j)

366 ""Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), in a new interview with
Time magazine, says that President Obama made a good impression on GOP
senators when he sat down to dinner with them last year.

Part of the reason? “Because he was smarter than the rest of us.” "

WaPo - March 3, 2014

Posted by: weft cut-loop at March 03, 2014 12:50 PM (Y/M/K)"





Well we know that they're stupid but dumber than Barry makes them Biden level idiots

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 03, 2014 09:39 AM (1Jaio)

367

{ Most of the educated, urban, manufacturing and commerce people are pro-Russian}. They're the majority that elected Viktor Yanukovych.

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 01:23 PM (u2a4R)

Putin shut off the electricity and fuel supplies to the Ukraine during the week running up to the election as his not-so-subtle way of telling the Ukrainians how he wanted the vote to go. A majority vote in favor the Russian puppet was coerced. Look it up.

 

And for once, why don't you just shut the hell up when you don't know what you're talking about. That wasn't a question.

Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 09:39 AM (gNlvW)

368 I've said this before: these are people who believe that only they are smart enough and educated enough to solve difficult problems like this. It follows that, in their fat heads, if they can't solve a problem, no one else can.

Posted by: Mallfly at March 03, 2014 09:41 AM (bJm7W)

369 361. Given McLame, the standard was set damned low. You can be certain none of the more intelligent senators representing constitutional conservatism were (invited) seated with AZ Sen. John the Mentally Impaired.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 09:42 AM (MhA4j)

370 368 I've said this before: these are people who believe that only they are smart enough and educated enough to solve difficult problems like this. It follows that, in their fat heads, if they can't solve a problem, no one else can. Posted by: Mallfly at March 03, 2014 01:41 PM (bJm7W) What's even more discouraging is that they think making the situation worse equals progress.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:42 AM (KWIwL)

371 Give the Bear and Inch and he'll take Eastern Europe.

Angie Merkel's hiding under her bed.

The Poles are walking around with a sick smile on their faces. They've seen this movie before and before that and before that.

The French are all sacre bleu and couche the boche and stuff but we all know how long that will last. Till the first tank gets in sight of the Eiffel Tower.

The Brits? Well the Brits are on an island and they don't matter much anymore. No Navy, No Air Force, decent Army but small.

So far every war has been a continuation of the previous. This being potentially WWIII, it's the hashing out of whether Europe is part of Russia or Russia isn't part of Europe. And whether that matters if the Russians think differently.

I only know I'm too old to be drafted but I'll work in a munitions factory if I have to.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 03, 2014 09:43 AM (LSDdO)

372 If you remember, Obama suggested in 2008 that he would bring us "smart power," I remember that being his ENERGY platform. Big fail on that, as well.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 09:43 AM (MhA4j)

373 If there is ANYBODY from any Republican group reading this; please, you need to add stupid voter outreach to any communication campaigns you use.

Stuff along the lines of "Yeah, they were all YAY ME THE '80s CALLED THEY WANT THEIR FOREIGN POLICY BACK and reality's all like DERP YOU LOSE", complete with appropriate pictures of Obama looking stupid and Putin looking crafty. Which aren't hard to find, by the way.

Or "Yeah Palin's such an airhead HA HA RUSSIA WILL NEVER INVADE UKRAINE OOPS DERP DERP WHUT?? LOL!!! UMADBRO???"

Get it out there somewhere where it will go viral, and knock some of the ignorant louts that only pay attention to this type of idiocy off the USS ObamaHappyArkToUtopia. 

Because if you're just looking to convince people with some brains in their head, well, that appeal is becoming more selective every year. Sucks, but that appears to be the way it is.

Posted by: Sort-of-Mad Max at March 03, 2014 09:44 AM (DLu2s)

374 372 If you remember, Obama suggested in 2008 that he would bring us "smart power," I remember that being his ENERGY platform. Big fail on that, as well. Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 01:43 PM (MhA4j) Yes, the entire administration is a mobius strip of stupid weakness.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:45 AM (KWIwL)

375 I find your lack of faith disturbing... [pinches fingers together in Ace's general direction]

Posted by: DNC Darth Anal Invader at March 03, 2014 09:46 AM (TjI1n)

376 375 I find your lack of faith disturbing... [pinches fingers together in Ace's general direction] Posted by: DNC Darth Anal Invader at March 03, 2014 01:46 PM (TjI1n) I find faith in your lack of disturbance.

Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 09:47 AM (KWIwL)

377 Putin is a wet dream for righties !! Anti abortion anti gay and not afraid to give a bit of the boot to those euro weenies

Posted by: righter at March 03, 2014 09:48 AM (JBYUX)

378 "279 250 The chest pounding against Russia around here would be comical if it was not so sad. The same people who get beaten on a regular basis by that effeminate coward Obama think they have what it takes to confront Russia.

Get with reality people.
Posted by: Too Funny at March 03, 2014 01:04 PM (JLKJJ)

We did that once, you stupid motherfucker. We won.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at March 03, 2014 01:08 PM (rY5WG)"



Well, see, that's the thing.  Democrats feel compelled to overturn the results of every US military victory.  Look at Vietnam.  Look at Iraq.  Now Obama is working on undoing the results of the Cold War. 

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at March 03, 2014 09:49 AM (PD6iL)

379 rolls eyes.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 09:49 AM (nqBYe)

380 I'm confused.  China is siding with Russia and today Michelle announces she is taking the kids and going to China for a week.  What is going on?  Nothing makes any sense here.

Posted by: DailyDish at March 03, 2014 09:49 AM (JEzFU)

381 When does John McCain add the "D" after his name? Seriously?

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at March 03, 2014 09:49 AM (HVff2)

382 "377 Putin is a wet dream for righties !! Anti abortion anti gay and not afraid to give a bit of the boot to those euro weenies

Posted by: righter at March 03, 2014 01:48 PM (JBYUX)"



Don't forget that unlike the current American President, Putin loves his country.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at March 03, 2014 09:51 AM (PD6iL)

383 My friendsh; we have nothing to fear from a Barack Obama presidency!

And by "we", I mean rich connected assholes like me. You proles, on the other hand, are gonna get reamed like 40 feet of root-encrusted sewer. Serves you right for not being me!

Posted by: Sen John McCain (R-Senile Dementia) at March 03, 2014 09:52 AM (DLu2s)

384 Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 01:39 PM (gNlvW) I'll wait for the links on this bit of assholery. I can't imagine what actual events your naïve little mind is twisting into a vision of Putin shutting off electricity to Ukraine in order to win an election. Go ahead. Fill the thread with your delusions. Show us how fucking stupid or insane you truly are.

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 09:54 AM (u2a4R)

385 Sorry, we missed 'internet troll' in the latest edition; but it's DEFINITELY in DSM-VI!

Recommended treatment: pointing and laughing 10x daily.

Posted by: The Editors Of The Diagnostic And Statisical Manual for Mental Illness Regret This Error. at March 03, 2014 09:54 AM (DLu2s)

386 I don't doubt that Yanukovich cheated to win his election. I heard some Philly precincts had more than 100% of the votes going to him. Ugh . I always get my election-stealing Presidents mixed up...

Posted by: Votermom at March 03, 2014 09:56 AM (GSIDW)

387 Go ahead. Fill the thread with your delusions. Show us how fucking stupid or insane you truly are.

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 01:54 PM (u2a4R)

 

I'm pretty sure I'm smarter and more accomplished than you, but that's a low bar.

Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 10:00 AM (gNlvW)

388 371 That's likely going overboard. It is one thing to manipulate power over regions via economics. Quite another to militarily conquer it. I don't think it would be in Putin's or in Russia's "best interest" to conduct first strike military interventionism against the original NATO Members. As for NATO? How well did each member participate their full share in NATO exploits to date? Before the cookie crumbles, expect something like the Pres./Iran's open letter to the American People from Putin. One thing that Russia and the USA share in common today, beyond vastness in size and variety of peoples, is that unlike a century ago, we Americans are also living under a centralized government. But the Russians have never known anything else; whereas we have and yet do hold expectations of Liberty. So I wouldn't be surprised if Putin were to play our own best interests to the American People (impeach and depose Obama) before undertaking the too-great-a-task, literal war with America/allies. It wouldn't be as if Putin could militarily conquer the USA (without Obama's compliance). Anyway, this Ukraine business is still between Ukraine and Russia. It isn't as if Putin came out of nowhere with never before terms of agreement signed by Ukraine's government officials to invest mightily in Ukraine's infrastructure. How is Russia to be repaid for what they've already spent/loaned to the Ukraine unless the deals already made go through to completion? Goose/Gander. It isn't as if American investors in transnational development would take kindly were (the latest) Burma to take our money (actually, our US TAX FUNDS given to transnational corporations as their own "free" piggy bank [ a la Tea Pot Dome Scandals]; and then either confiscate our business ventures to nationalize themselves, or hand it all over to China.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 10:01 AM (MhA4j)

389 I only know I'm too old to be drafted but I'll work in a munitions factory if I have to.
Won't you need a Chinese work visa then?

Posted by: [/i]andycanuck[/b] at March 03, 2014 10:02 AM (hn5v5)

390 I saw the dildo-licking twatwaffles open for the Likety-Splits in Tampa in '93.


Posted by: Breakfast food you don't want to eat. at March 03, 2014 10:04 AM (1Rgee)

391 380 I'm confused. China is siding with Russia and today Michelle announces she is taking the kids and going to China for a week. What is going on? [] Posted by: DailyDish at March 03, 2014 01:49 PM (JEzFU) Go Figure. Going to see Barry's half-brother, the one Barry "disowned"?

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 10:05 AM (MhA4j)

392 "Well, see, that's the thing. Democrats feel compelled to overturn the results of every US military victory. Look at Vietnam. Look at Iraq. Now Obama is working on undoing the results of the Cold War."


That's what I have been thinking. Obama is the first US President to lose three wars. Two of which were already won.


He must be going for the Guiness.

Posted by: West at March 03, 2014 10:07 AM (1Rgee)

393 Gay troops perform first drag queen show on American military base ...really is the Story of Obama. Posted by: t-bird at March 03, 2014 12:52 PM (FcR7P) And part of the plan to downsize the military. Let's make it so unattractive to decent fighting men by filling it with obvious, highly visible gay activists, female infantry with reduced physical requirements,reduce wages, remove benefit incentives, reduce pensions, increase cost of living and voila, a lot less volunteers. The left's perfect idea of a military. A Peace Corp with drones to eliminate American citizens overseas that give it bad optics in the press.

Posted by: Jen at March 03, 2014 10:08 AM (XkXzn)

394 Did they really think they could just Jedi Mind Trick the whole world? Just because it works on the weak-minded -- Democrats, the media -- doesn't mean it works on everyone. So...Putin is a Hutt? Makes sense, since he's also a gangster.

Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie © at March 03, 2014 10:09 AM (1hM1d)

395 But the ace arrow in their quiver always seemed to be -- as it continues to seem to be -- that all they have to do is patiently inform Russia (or Iran, or China, or whoever) that Obama is president, now.

FIFY

Posted by: Null at March 03, 2014 10:09 AM (xjpRj)

396 I'm pretty sure I'm smarter and more accomplished than you, but that's a low bar. Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 02:00 PM (gNlvW) I'm absolutely sure you're dull witted and much, much poorer than I am, however that wasn't the point. You've obviously never been more 50 miles of your birthplace and rely on the media to fill your tiny mind with a narrative that makes sense to one as limited as you. I understand why you would think you're informed and on the side of "Goodness", whereas others, for their own nefarious reasons are on the side of "Badness". It doesn't make any sense arguing with you because you're just too fucking stupid to deal with. So, from now on, try to live your miserable little life in the shadow of whatever trailer park you inhabit and stay out of my way.

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 10:10 AM (u2a4R)

397 stay out of my way? what a dick. perhaps You have a grandiose opinion of yourself, but you are not very good at convincing anyone else of your specialness.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:17 AM (nqBYe)

398 377 Putin is a wet dream for righties !! Anti abortion anti gay and not afraid to give a bit of the boot to those euro weenies Posted by: righter at March 03, 2014 01:48 PM (JBYUX) So long as he stays on his side of the curtain, Cold War II perhaps. This round, though, we're broke. We'll need to be smarter, not just harder this time. There are huge differences in Russia and its neighboring regions. Putin hasn't crossed against the progress that Gorbachev instituted perestroika, "free" elections (government provided). Stalin militarily occupied and refused everyone any sense of their own traditions. Putin's Russia invests in other nations' infrastructures, rather than stripping them of all their own natural resources. And compared to Stalin, well, Putin is simply not Stalin, not from the same region or era. Putin is much more effective in conserving strength that the grotesque Stalin didn't care to waste. Stalin's genocide of Russians was greater than Hitler's genocide of Jews/political-opponents combined, by a LONG SHOT. Putin hasn't conducted a pogrom or rebuilt all the concentration camps that Stalin did, which Khrushchev closed and halted the mandated "worship" of Stalin, as well. No, Putin isn't Gandhi. But he isn't Stalin, either.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 10:19 AM (MhA4j)

399 Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 02:17 PM (nqBYe) Willow, You might want to go back and re-read this thread to establish who came out of nowhere with personal attacks. I don't care if people agree or disagree with my take on the issues, but I'm never the one who instigates exchanges like this.

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 10:20 AM (u2a4R)

400 www.rferl.org/content/Russia_Sharply_Curbs_Gas_Flow_To_Ukraine/1365501.html

Posted by: [/i]andycanuck[/b] at March 03, 2014 10:21 AM (hn5v5)

401 It doesn't make any sense arguing with you because you're just too fucking stupid to deal with. So, from now on, try to live your miserable little life in the shadow of whatever trailer park you inhabit and stay out of my way.

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 02:10 PM (u2a4R)

 

Er, sorry there, Jungle Jim, but I use my real name online, which means I'm pretty easy to look up if you (or anyone) so choose, meaning every assumption you made about me can easily be negated.  I've also been around enough to know a pussillanamous pissmire when I encounter one: all brave and bold when typing from the privacy of your sticky-floored masturbatorium but suddenly all flustered and chickenshit afraid when confronted out in the world. 

 

So no, I won't stay out of your way. From now on, I'll make it a point to get in your way whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 10:24 AM (gNlvW)

402 By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN Published: October 29, 2012 KIEV, Ukraine — International observers delivered scathing criticism on Monday of Ukraine’s parliamentary election, saying the vote was heavily tilted in favor of President Viktor F. Yanukovich’s Party of Regions through the abuse of government resources, the dominance of media coverage and the jailing of two prominent opposition leaders. Related in Opinion Op-Ed Contributors: Ukraine’s Troubling Trends (October 25, 2012) Follow @nytimesworld for international breaking news and headlines. Twitter List: Reporters and Editors Enlarge This Image Olga Kravets for The New York Times International observers on Monday said that the vote was heavily tilted in favor of President Viktor F. Yanukovich’s Party of Regions. “Considering the abuse of power, and the excessive role of money in this election, democratic progress appears to have reversed in Ukraine,” said Walburga Habsburg Douglas, a Swedish lawmaker who led an observer mission for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:24 AM (nqBYe)

403 The results showed the Communist Party with about 14 percent; Punch, a party led by the boxing champion Vitali Klitschko, with 13 percent; and the ultranationalist Freedom party with 9 percent. The vote was closely watched as a gauge of developing democracy in this former Soviet republic of 45 million, once viewed as being on a steady track toward integration with Europe after the Orange Revolution of 2004. Framed in that context, the verdict by international observers was devastating. “Obviously, if you look at the excitement of the Orange Revolution and what it brought about and where we are today, it’s very unfortunate,” said Representative David Dreier, Republican of California, who led an American delegation here. “When you have political opponents incarcerated, when you have the minority television stations basically kept off the air, these are not positive developments,” Mr. Dreier said. “Democracy is about much more than elections. Democracy is about recognizing the rights of minorities, respecting the rule of law, building Democratic institutions

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:25 AM (nqBYe)

404 “When you have political opponents incarcerated, when you have the minority television stations basically kept off the air, these are not positive developments,”

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:26 AM (nqBYe)

405 I don't care if people agree or disagree with my take on the issues, but I'm never the one who instigates exchanges like this.

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 02:20 PM (u2a4R)

 

That's an outright lie, sweetheart.

Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 10:26 AM (gNlvW)

406 394 Did they really think they could just Jedi Mind Trick the whole world? Just because it works on the weak-minded -- Democrats, the media -- doesn't mean it works on everyone. So...Putin is a Hutt? Makes sense, since he's also a gangster. Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie © at March 03, 2014 02:09 PM (1hM1d) The Huns tribe was East of the Volga in part of Scythia. Is Putin a Hun?

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 10:27 AM (MhA4j)

407 interesting: Putin's PhD thesis was titled "The Strategic Planning of Regional Resources Under the Formation of Market Relations" and it argued that Russian economic success would depend on creating national energy champions. He also studied business law.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 10:27 AM (MhA4j)

408 It’s the only political party that can maybe, maybe change something in Ukraine, because it’s really very corrupted,” he said. “Everything in Ukraine belongs to one family, the Yanukovich family.”

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:28 AM (nqBYe)

409 "The election has been widely recognized and endorsed as being fair and an accurate reflection of voters' intentions by all international agencies observing the election..." Wikipedia - President of Ukraine

Posted by: jwest at March 03, 2014 10:28 AM (u2a4R)

410 405 give it rest, do us all a favor, please.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 10:28 AM (MhA4j)

411 On the City Council, Mr. Rizanenko built a reputation for fighting land-use corruption by public officials. Last year, he spent a month in a hospital after four men beat him with rubber clubs on a street. Mr. Rizanenko declared victory on Monday, citing parallel counting of votes at polling stations by his supporters.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:29 AM (nqBYe)

412 so. we have seen intimidation coercion used in Ukraines election. right? fair election? ok

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:30 AM (nqBYe)

413 nevermind, i need to clean the carpets. have a day.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:31 AM (nqBYe)

414 "The Ukraine acted stupidly, and we support our new overlords in Russia, China AND Iran in all that they do."


Posted by: Smart Power at March 03, 2014 10:31 AM (25HWz)

415 give it rest, do us all a favor, please.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 02:28 PM (MhA4j)

 

Oh, right. Because you're the magnanimous sort who's above all that, and if someone personally insulted you, why, you'd just say Bless your heart and move on. 

 

Which, sarcasm aside, is probably the best course to take, thinking about it. Okay.

Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 10:34 AM (gNlvW)

416 They bought the cool-aid about Bush. He's so "dumb" it will be easy to do better. This is like us normal people yelling at the TV "You dropped that ball! I could have caught that!" And then suddenly we get subbed in.

Posted by: sexypig at March 03, 2014 10:44 AM (dZQh7)

417 TheVotingNews@ Canadian election observers sent to Ukraine to monitor repeat elections in five ridings that saw election fraud in 2012 have found irregularities, the observer team said, putting in doubt the legitimacy of the ruling party’s victory in those ridings. President Viktor Yanukovich’s Party of Regions won four of the five open seats in Sunday’s election despite the vote taking place amid the biggest anti-government protests the country has seen since 2004. The election findings also came as Yanukovich signed a $15-billion loan deal with Russia, a move that protesters had been mobilizing against for weeks. The elections in the ridings — which were so marred by election misconduct in 2012 the national election commission could not even compile results — were again beset with irregularities, including vote buying, Canadem, the election observer group, said in a release Monday on their preliminary findings. The group said it was “unable” to determine whether the elections “met international democratic standards.” Canadian election observers sent to Ukraine to monitor repeat elections in five ridings that saw election fraud in 2012 have found irregularities, the observer team said, putting in doubt the legitimacy of the ruling party’s victory in those ridings. President Viktor Yanukovich’s Party of Regions won four of the five open seats in Sunday’s election despite the vote taking place amid the biggest anti-government protests the country has seen since 2004. The election findings also came as Yanukovich signed a $15-billion loan deal with Russia, a move that protesters had been mobilizing against for weeks. The elections in the ridings — which were so marred by election misconduct in 2012 the national election commission could not even compile results — were again beset with irregularities, including vote buying, Canadem, the election observer group, said in a release Monday on their preliminary findings. The group said it was “unable” to determine whether the elections “met international democratic standards.”

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:44 AM (nqBYe)

418 dec 18, 2013

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:44 AM (nqBYe)

419 ok now to work.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 10:45 AM (nqBYe)

420 ok now to work.

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 02:45 PM (nqBYe)

 

Thanks. Hard to find older Ukrainian rigged election links buried beneath all of the ongoing Russian invasion stuff.

Posted by: troyriser at March 03, 2014 11:02 AM (gNlvW)

421 Troy, one more. One should not have to visit a prison to hear from leading political figures,” said the OSCE representative, stating the obvious fact, after being denied by the authorities to see Mrs Tymoshenko in jail. She has declared a hunger strike in protest against fraudulent elections. The OSCE observers together with EU representatives and other foreign observers, have criticized among other things the use of government resources on behalf of the Party of the Regions, the inability of opposition candidates to get television air time, the deployment of oligarchs’ money to influence the campaign and the absolute lack of transparency, in particular non-transparent vote counting. Counting votes seems more difficult this time. The process seemed to be abnormally long (up to 3 days and 3 nights) in the areas where opposition enjoys strong support, and was marked with constant conflicts, strange power cuts in the polls and international observers or observers from opposition parties not being let into the polls at all: all symptomatic of possible attempts to alternate the results and change the voting papers. The Internet immediately filled up with videos of fraudulent substitution of voting papers. Observers and members of the election commissions have been reported to be subjected to threats and pressure. OSCE observers also reported allegations that district election commissions members were being pressured to withdraw from their positions. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton added her voice to criticism of the election, saying: “We share the view of OSCE monitors that Sunday’s election constituted a step backward for Ukrainian democracy.” Alona Shkrum on November 12, 2012 in Democracy and Elections, European Politics and Society, Law, Political Science University of Campbridge

Posted by: willow at March 03, 2014 11:05 AM (nqBYe)

422 Yes, the entire administration is a mobius strip of stupid weakness. Posted by: model_1066 at March 03, 2014 01:45 PM (KWIwL) Their only hard core is authoritarian abuses of power that WE THE PEOPLE have yet to stomp him on. The Blind Man and the Lame A blind man was carrying a lame man on his back, And everything was going well, everything's on track, When the blind man decides to take it into his head That he needn't listen to all that the lame man said. "This stick I have will guide the two of us safe," said he, And though warned by the lame man, he plowed into a tree. On they proceeded; the lame man now warned of a brook; The two survived, but their possessions a soaking took. At last the blind man ignored the warning of a drop, And that was to turn out their final and fatal stop. Which of the two travelers, you may ask, was to blame? Why, 'twas both the heedless blind man and the trusting lame.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 03, 2014 11:08 AM (MhA4j)

423 All the reasons of domestic economic trouble the elites and Obama figured meant Putin would not invade are the very reason he did.  Following the old Soviet playbook, foreign enemies and adventures can gin up nationalist sentiment and distract from domestic problems like the falling ruble or the diminishing long-term prospects for the oil and gas revenue stream that's kept Russia afloat.

The Russian stock market is down over 10%, the ruble is at a low vs the dollar, the biggest bank is down 17% and the next four biggest are down 10-20%.  Capital will be fleeing like rats off a sinking ship.  It's very much like the 1998 default and devaluation.  You may remember when Clinton begged the Saudis to stop pumping the $11/barrel oil so higher prices could save Russia.

You do remember 99¢ gas, don't you?  And why it disappeared? 

Everything bad that happens is because of Democrats if you look deeply enough.

Posted by: Adjoran at March 03, 2014 11:12 AM (QIQ6j)

424 Obama's National Merit score was what?

Posted by: Goatweed at March 03, 2014 11:23 AM (8HrdX)

425 "Admitting error is, to me, one of the main qualifications of someone as an expert or an "elite." How the hell can anyone trust an "expert" whose ego is such that he can't say when he's gotten something baldly wrong?"

Not to derail the thread or anything... but ... *cough* CLIMATE *CHANGE* ANYONE??? *cough*

Posted by: Bob at March 03, 2014 11:39 AM (xkSSa)

426 Hey, Prezzy O-bah-muhh can just show Putin his Nobel Peace Prize and Putin will give Crimea / Ukraine it's sovereignty back.

Posted by: Cuz Prezzy O-bah-muhh Is Just That Awesome! at March 03, 2014 01:01 PM (nbGZj)

427 >> Even the reliably-liberal Washington Post editorial board Fun fact: In NYC, the Times is leftist and the Post is less leftist. In DC they're reversed.

Posted by: Frank Underwood (D-SC) at March 03, 2014 02:56 PM (OpaBw)

428 Oh, cry me a blue streak...  No one (on the left) could see this coming. 

Posted by: Seipherd at March 03, 2014 08:36 PM (1etLu)

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