March 17, 2014

Ukraine Refuses to Remove Its Own Troops from Russian-Occupied Crimea; Tells Troops to Prepare for War
— Ace

I hope this is just bluster for domestic consumption. I don't want to see a lot of dead Ukrainians.


In the wake of a March 16 referendum in which Crimeans voted to join the Russian Federation, Ukrainian leaders refused to cede any part of the peninsula, calling on their troops to prepare for war.

“Crimea was, is, and will be our territory,” said Defense Minister Ihor Tenyukh in a statement delivered at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center on March 17.

Former heavyweight boxing champion and leader of the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform Vitali Klitschko announced that Ukrainian troops would remain at their bases, even after March 21, the end of a peace treaty signed by the interior ministries of Ukraine and Russia.

In accordance with the March 16 peace treaty, the Russian Interior Ministry promised to allow Ukrainian soldiers to pass freely into and out of their bases, which Russian troops had surrounded for more than two weeks. Tenyukh said that the Russian military had thus far respected the terms of the treaty.

Russia has, not unexpectedly, immediately recognized the new free and totally legitimate state of Serious You Guys We're Independent Crimea.

The worry is that Putin doesn't just want Crimea, but is looking for a pretext to invade either the eastern half of Ukraine, or all of it.

If Obama expected this morning's sanctions to dissuade Putin from making more aggressive moves, Russia's Deputy PM splashed cold water on that.

U.S. official have warned of additional sanctions for Russian action, hoping it will deter Russia from any further aggression towards Ukraine, but it didnÂ’t appear to upset the often outspoke Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.

Rogozin, a friend of actor Steven Seagal, took to Twitter to tweak Obama, tweeting he thinks “some prankster” came up with the sanctions list.

In a later tweet addressed to “Comrade @BarackObama,” he asked, “what should do those who have neither accounts nor property abroad? Or U didn’t think about it?”

Over the weekend the completely free referendum on Crimea's autonomy was held, and the completely plausible results were 96.77% voting in favor of joining the Russian federation.

In other moves, Crimea will nationalize some of its energy companies and of course sell them to Russia. In exchange...


The deputy prime minister of Crimea says the region has set up a new central bank and is expecting to get $30 million in support from Russia. Rustam Temirgaliyev was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying Russia will send to Crimea 1 billion rubles "in the coming days" to help it stabilize its financial situation. Temirgaliyev said the new central bank will later function as a regional branch of the Russian central bank.


Posted by: Ace at 01:22 PM | Comments (367)
Post contains 483 words, total size 4 kb.

1 Isn't this how Texas came into the Union?

Posted by: Mike at March 17, 2014 01:24 PM (r/L31)

2 Three things you don't mess with:
Mother Love
Mother Nature
Mother-frikin' Ukrainians...

Posted by: k duncan at March 17, 2014 01:24 PM (c/F3T)

3 Who will Obama call on his pen-phone?

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at March 17, 2014 01:24 PM (9eDbm)

4 Â… the wonders of a Baccalaureus Â…

The firestorm began when [EPA administrator Gina] McCarthy’s comments were reported by The Wall Street Journal last week while the agency head discussed federal gift guidelines. McCarthy said that federal officials chased her down for a “dinky” North Pole pin someone gave her at an event to which she said, “I threw the f–ing thing away.” She also said that a jar of moose meat she got from a little girl at a hearing in Alaska “could gag a maggot.”

Â… and the bedside manner of a pimp from a cheap New Orleans whorehouse

Posted by: Chef Boyardee at March 17, 2014 01:25 PM (e8kgV)

5 Oh boy we are frightened now, The Dictators of The World.

Posted by: Misanthopic Humanitarian at March 17, 2014 01:25 PM (HVff2)

6 Hello Finland. John Schindler ‏@20committee 3000 Russian intel personnel (mainly SIGINT) moving to Finnish border...wonder why? http://barentsobserver.com/en/security/2014/03/ moving-3000-intelligence-officers-finnish-border-14-03 Â… HT @MarkGaleotti

Posted by: Costanza Defense at March 17, 2014 01:26 PM (ZPrif)

7 96.77 %?


LOL!

Posted by: Kim Jong-un at March 17, 2014 01:26 PM (slXFW)

8 I don't want to see a lot of dead Ukrainians. ************** Well that's the "nice" thing about Liberals and the DNC-Media Alliance-- Since it's Obama Time--they won't cover it. They'll turn to other things like--Sanjay Gupta "Specials".

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 01:27 PM (RJMhd)

9 I told your Barry he was going to take it in the ass. He thought I meant literally and got excited.

Posted by: Vlad Putin at March 17, 2014 01:27 PM (Aif/5)

10 I'd love to see a map of who is and is not recognizing Crimean secession.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at March 17, 2014 01:27 PM (ZPrif)

11 Quick, push the "RESET" button

Posted by: teh Hillary at March 17, 2014 01:27 PM (z+4T3)

12 This will be bloody and awful if the Ukes don't back down.  It will be another Afghanistan for the Russians.  But it will be worst for the people.  I foresee an all-out civil war. 

Yugoslavia redux, but one of the primaries has nukes. 

Mr prediction: the Ukes will back down.  What else can they do?

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 01:28 PM (4nR9/)

13 Putin has UCONN winning it all. What a dumbass!!

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 17, 2014 01:28 PM (+lsX1)

14 7 96.77 %? LOL! Posted by: Kim Jong-un at March 17, 2014 05:26 PM (slXFW) *************** CNN actually reported that all the votes falling into a transparent glass box-- was a ggod thing. Jezzuz. You know that secret ballot crap....screw it!

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 01:28 PM (RJMhd)

15 We have nothing to fear with Barack Obama in the White House.

Posted by: John McCain at March 17, 2014 01:29 PM (Q6pxP)

16 You know that secret ballot crap....screw it!

I know, right?

Posted by: Labor Unions at March 17, 2014 01:29 PM (4nR9/)

17 I'd like to take this opportunity to post this reminder of how long and thoroughly Ukraine has been frakk'd: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_%28city%29

Posted by: Brother Cavil at March 17, 2014 01:29 PM (naUcP)

18 Hillary the table setter. Horseface running around in panic. Obama with no foreign policy and has lost the trust of our allies. But he has a tee time.

Posted by: redenzo at March 17, 2014 01:29 PM (WCnJW)

19 I saw Dead Ukrainians open for The Pixies at Crimeastock 2008.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 17, 2014 01:30 PM (slXFW)

20 We have nothing to fear with Barack Obama in the White House. The more I see that quote, the more I suspect it wasn't intended for -us-...

Posted by: Brother Cavil at March 17, 2014 01:30 PM (naUcP)

21 You know what would've stopped Hitler? Sanctions.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at March 17, 2014 01:30 PM (oFCZn)

22 Elect me President and I will have unemployment in the DC/MD/beltway VA region at 40% in a month. If you are a realtor in the region you'll probably be bankrupt by the end of my first term. There are whole cabinet-level departments who should be panhandling in the subway.

Posted by: JEM at March 17, 2014 01:30 PM (o+SC1)

23 damn it CNN actually reported that all the votes falling into a transparent glass box-- was a *good* thing. They actually filmed the glass box as the votes were put in it. "So far we haven't seen a NO vote yet!!" CNN Ya you know who else didn't see no votes--the Russian "peacekeepers".

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 01:30 PM (RJMhd)

24 Who will Obama call on his pen-phone?

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at March 17, 2014 05:24 PM (9eDbm)




Open Channel D

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 17, 2014 01:30 PM (1Jaio)

25 An isolated or weak Russia will side with Communist China.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:30 PM (jhfwW)

26 all the votes falling into a transparent glass box

Ok, new plan for the next organizing push at VW Chattanooga.

Posted by: UAW at March 17, 2014 01:30 PM (Q6pxP)

27 4 Moose meat in a ... jar? If that's anything, anything like ... surströmming http://demislw.com/blog/2014/3/9/its-a-fork-off-the-worlds-foulest-food then I have to sympathise with Administrator McCarthy here. Here's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIXA2gal-C4

Posted by: anonymous irishman at March 17, 2014 01:32 PM (DJgfL)

28 ffffaaaaaaawwwwwwwkkkkkk here hoping Poland stays out of it little wars start big wars

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:32 PM (zOTsN)

29 CNN--transparency!!! It's a good thing!! Stupid bastards.

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 01:32 PM (RJMhd)

30 Russia does probably have a right to the land which legitimately belongs to Russia.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:32 PM (jhfwW)

31 Thank goodness we have seasoned TOP.MEN in charge in the WH DoD, and DOS!

Posted by: Hrothgar at March 17, 2014 01:32 PM (o3MSL)

32 Rogozin is a funny guy.  Then I realize I'm laughing about some pinko commie bastard waving his dick at Obama - and by extension he's waving that dick in the face of every man, woman and child in the United States of America.

This is what you get when you elect a guy who equates negotiation with making vapid, idle threats via the media.  It's his M.O. for domestic issues too.

Apparently the Ruskies picked up on it as well and are now quite literally laughing in his face.  How fucking hard were they laughing when he promised more flexibility after re-election?  I'm sure Putin was just quaking in his borscht at the prospect of an inflexible Obama.

Posted by: Baron Von Ottomatic at March 17, 2014 01:32 PM (kUgpq)

33 Yo, chill the eff out! I got this!

Posted by: Emperor Golfswing at March 17, 2014 01:32 PM (/AHDz)

34 If Obama really wants to punish Putin he will sign him up for Obamacare.

Posted by: Thatch at March 17, 2014 01:32 PM (qYvEa)

35 I bet Putin calls Obama sugar tits

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:33 PM (zOTsN)

36 The Ukraine is gone.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 01:33 PM (gmeXX)

37 Remember that "chill out, I got this!" meme the left ran with a few years ago to show how cool Obama was.

Posted by: Kensington (@NYKensington) at March 17, 2014 01:33 PM (/AHDz)

38 Pretty sure the average Ukrainian is smarter than a CNN upstart reporter.

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 01:33 PM (RJMhd)

39 31 Thank goodness we have seasoned TOP.MEN in charge in the WH DoD, and DOS! Posted by: Hrothgar at March 17, 2014 05:32 PM (o3MSL And Gibbs at NCIS. Yeah, I'm a smart ass

Posted by: Misanthopic Humanitarian at March 17, 2014 01:33 PM (HVff2)

40 I've got Crimea making it to the Sweet 16!

Posted by: Barackhenaten I at March 17, 2014 01:33 PM (/076+)

41 I'll be in my bunk.

Posted by: Walter Duranty at March 17, 2014 01:33 PM (bf+1U)

42 37 Remember that "chill out, I got this!" meme the left ran with a few years ago to show how cool Obama was. Posted by: Kensington (@NYKensington) at March 17, 2014 05:33 PM (/AHDz) Office of President-Elect. Ready to go.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at March 17, 2014 01:33 PM (oFCZn)

43 31 Thank goodness we have seasoned TOP.MEN in charge in the WH DoD, and DOS!
Posted by: Hrothgar

Looking pretty good now, aren't we.  Say you're sorry for all the mean things you've said.

Posted by: Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin at March 17, 2014 01:33 PM (4nR9/)

44 Just wait Obama is about to drop a sternly worded letter That'll do it

Posted by: Navycopjoe at March 17, 2014 01:34 PM (pR5YY)

45 Putin gonna tell the JEF "elections have consequences. I won"

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:34 PM (zOTsN)

46 Posted by: Misanthopic Humanitarian at March 17, 2014 05:33 PM (HVff2)

Sad that Gibbs is the only one I trust!

Posted by: Hrothgar at March 17, 2014 01:34 PM (o3MSL)

47 What's Mr Moo Moo's take? Tell me that and I'll know what not to do.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 17, 2014 01:34 PM (slXFW)

48 Yo, chill the eff out; I GOT this.

*Brings out "reset" button*

Posted by: Emperor Golfswing at March 17, 2014 01:34 PM (/AHDz)

49 This is going to get bloody, isn't it.

Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 01:34 PM (Xs26g)

50 41 I'll be in my bunk. Posted by: Walter Duranty at March 17, 2014 05:33 PM (bf+1U) ********* Ha! gawd

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 01:35 PM (RJMhd)

51 38 Pretty sure the average Ukrainian is smarter than a CNN upstart reporter. Posted by: tasker

Wow.  High bar.

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 01:35 PM (4nR9/)

52 46 Posted by: Misanthopic Humanitarian at March 17, 2014 05:33 PM (HVff2) Sad that Gibbs is the only one I trust! Posted by: Hrothgar at March 17, 2014 05:34 PM (o3MSL Sad that I agree with you too Hrothgar.

Posted by: Misanthopic Humanitarian at March 17, 2014 01:35 PM (HVff2)

53 Have you seen Putin's swing? I seriously doubt he's ever broken 100. What a loser!

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 17, 2014 01:35 PM (+lsX1)

54 Yo, chill the eff out; I GOT this. *Brings out "reset" button* Why does that feel like part of a postmodern Roadrunner cartoon...?

Posted by: Brother Cavil at March 17, 2014 01:35 PM (naUcP)

55 It would appear the Putin is using the JEF as a punching bag of sorts

Posted by: The Obvious Sock at March 17, 2014 01:35 PM (q+zA9)

56 didn't the dems/media criticize Condoleza Rice for having Cold War experience because we would never need that experience again?

Posted by: teh Hillary at March 17, 2014 01:35 PM (z+4T3)

57 has Putin ever said "I got a phone, and I got a pen"

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:35 PM (zOTsN)

58 It's all fun and games until somebody's illegitimate central bank begins cranking out worthless currency.

Posted by: Fritz at March 17, 2014 01:36 PM (UzPAd)

59 I think this one should be handled by the Office of the President-Elect. What better way to get started?

Hillary?

Posted by: Emperor Golfswing at March 17, 2014 01:36 PM (/AHDz)

60 47 What's Mr Moo Moo's take? Tell me that and I'll know what not to do. Posted by: Dr Spank at March 17, 2014 05:34 PM (slXFW) You mean the bloviating bovine?

Posted by: Misanthopic Humanitarian at March 17, 2014 01:36 PM (HVff2)

61 This is going to get bloody, isn't it. It was only ever a question of when and where...

Posted by: Brother Cavil at March 17, 2014 01:36 PM (naUcP)

62 I think we are "gifting" the Ukrainians with the MREs we have that are about to expire. Recycling!

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 01:36 PM (RJMhd)

63 *trying to rally countrymen in front of Russian troops*

They may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR TOILET PAPER!!!

Posted by: Ukrainian William Wallace at March 17, 2014 01:36 PM (yweJB)

64 Obama is probably not going to go Full Barbarossa for the Ukrainians, so the Ukrainians should not go Full Ukrainian.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:36 PM (jhfwW)

65 I don't think Putin wears mom jeans...

Posted by: The Obvious Sock at March 17, 2014 01:37 PM (q+zA9)

66 how is he going to blame Bush

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:37 PM (zOTsN)

67 Posted by: Mike at March 17, 2014 05:24 PM (r/L31) Isn't this how Texas came into the Union? Good point, and they have come to regret it. They might want to keep an eye on how Obama handles this, for future reference. They still have almost a three year window.

Posted by: Guy Fawkes at March 17, 2014 01:37 PM (qZr+9)

68 Yo, chill the eff out, I GOT this.

*puts on bike helmet*

Posted by: Emperor Golfswing at March 17, 2014 01:37 PM (/AHDz)

69 As I indicated before, the 97% may be close to accurate since the opposition boycotted the referendum.

Posted by: Yes it sucks at March 17, 2014 01:37 PM (Vf2XA)

70 Hell Has Putin been called racist yet? That always works

Posted by: Navycopjoe at March 17, 2014 01:37 PM (pR5YY)

71 But...but...I made a statement!

Posted by: Barack Obama at March 17, 2014 01:37 PM (oFCZn)

72 I have no reason to doubt that ethnic Russians voted 90% + in favor of joining.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 17, 2014 01:37 PM (0LHZx)

73 55 It would appear the Putin is using the JEF as a punching bag of sorts

In boxing parlance, an unskilled boxer who bleeds quickly is a "tomato can".  That would be a more apt description. 

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 01:38 PM (4nR9/)

74 Not that this will stop Russia in anyway, but does anyone know if FIFA has made any statement about this since Russia is set to hold the next World Cup after Brazil. While I believe FIFA to be as corrupt (if not more) than the IOC, the World Cup is still a big event.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 01:38 PM (gmeXX)

75 Although Obama might order General Holder to deploy some Black Panzers to the Ukraine.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:38 PM (jhfwW)

76 69 As I indicated before, the 97% may be close to accurate since the opposition boycotted the referendum.

Posted by: Yes it sucks at March 17, 2014 05:37 PM (Vf2XA)


_____________


Russians make up 60% of the population. 97% of 60% is still more than 50%.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 17, 2014 01:38 PM (0LHZx)

77 *unplugs the phone*

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at March 17, 2014 01:38 PM (/AHDz)

78 The big questions are who's next and how many former Soviet bloc countries will Putin be able to reunify into the Russian Federation before January 2017.

That date's gotta seem awfully far away for anyone in Kiev.

Posted by: Baron Von Ottomatic at March 17, 2014 01:38 PM (kUgpq)

79 97% would have just looked so silly.

Posted by: steevy at March 17, 2014 01:38 PM (zqvg6)

80 Invade now!

Posted by: John McCain at March 17, 2014 01:38 PM (Aif/5)

81 The world loves Communism but hates Russia. That's interesting.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:39 PM (jhfwW)

82 The Ukraine is weak.  It's a sitting duck. A road apple, Obama.

Posted by: Obligatory at March 17, 2014 01:39 PM (Kkt/i)

83 has Putin ever said "I got a phone, and I got a pen"

Posted by: thunderb

Only when it was prefaced by," I am going to kill you," and followed by,"Which do you prefer?"

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i][/b] at March 17, 2014 01:39 PM (ligos)

84 >>>Have you seen Putin's swing? I seriously doubt he's ever broken 100. What a loser!

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 17, 2014 05:35 PM (+lsX1)<<<



I taught him everything he knows.

Posted by: Charles Barkley at March 17, 2014 01:39 PM (yweJB)

85 62 I think we are "gifting" the Ukrainians with the MREs we have that are about to expire.

Excellent idea.  Give food to the breadbasket of Europe. 

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 01:39 PM (4nR9/)

86 From Drudge.......Russian Deputy PM Laughs at Obama’s Sanctions Russia’s deputy prime minister laughed off President Obama’s sanction against him today asking “Comrade @BarackObama” if “some prankster” came up with the list."...............He should ask, you mad bro?

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 17, 2014 01:39 PM (/rlXg)

87 teh Hillary sock off

Posted by: Lemmiwinks at March 17, 2014 01:39 PM (z+4T3)

88 Is Kerplakistan next?

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 17, 2014 01:40 PM (0LHZx)

89

I saw where Rick Perry endorsed Mitch McConnell in his Kentucky race.

 

What the fuckety fuck.

Perry, what were you thinking.

*head desk*

Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 01:40 PM (Xs26g)

90 On the plus side, thanks to Obama we don't have to worry about any of our missile defense technology falling into Russian hands as they reunify the former Soviet Union.

Posted by: Baron Von Ottomatic at March 17, 2014 01:40 PM (kUgpq)

91 Russians make up 60% of the population. 97% of 60% is still more than 50%.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 17, 2014 05:38 PM (0LHZx)


Math is hard.

Posted by: Barack Obama at March 17, 2014 01:40 PM (Kkt/i)

92  By the way....all of you who think Texas should secede....'splain to me why Crimea shouldn't have the right to secede from Ukraine.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 17, 2014 01:41 PM (0LHZx)

93 The Russian navy doesn't even use biodiesel yet. Nice job Putin, ever heard of global climate change? What a rube!!

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 17, 2014 01:41 PM (+lsX1)

94 Great job, Barry! A for effort!

Posted by: Zombie Ann Dunham at March 17, 2014 01:41 PM (/AHDz)

95 28 The good news is that I don't think Poland will be hastening to fight alongside Ukraine. Google "Volhynian Massacres". The bad news is that when Putin and his fans associate radical Ukranian nationalists—y'know, like the guys shooting and Molotov-grenading the police during the negotiated truce—with Nazis and other bad things, it's not 100% made up.

Posted by: anonymous irishman at March 17, 2014 01:41 PM (DJgfL)

96 commentary magazine praising the Obama Doctrine in 2011 Since his campaign in 2007 and 2008, Barack Obama has declared that he wants to transform AmericaÂ’s role in world affairs. And now, in the third year of his term, we can see how he is bringing about that transformation. The United States under Barack Obama is less assertive, less dominant, less power-minded, less focused on the American peopleÂ’s particular interests, and less concerned about preserving U.S. freedom of action

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:41 PM (zOTsN)

97 Perry, what were you thinking.
*head desk*

Please, please, please reconsider your enthusiasm for this man.  Perhaps the initial impression that he isn't very bright is actually correct. 

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 01:42 PM (4nR9/)

98 Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 05:40 PM (Xs26g)

Money.

Maybe McConnell agreed to funnel donors to Perry's campaign.

I'm guessing, but it sucks no matter what.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (anti-Irish Bigot) at March 17, 2014 01:42 PM (QFxY5)

99 Rogozin, a friend of actor Steven Seagal, took to Twitter to tweak Obama, tweeting he thinks “some prankster” came up with the sanctions list.
--

Is this a new low?  I can't recall any foreign power ever mocking POTUS this derisively and openly before.  Can you imagine anyone pulling this with Reagan or Bush?  Or even with JFK.

Then again, we hit new lows with this Chauncey Gardner preezy every day, often multiple times a day.

Puts us in a tough spot.  I mean, it's hard to argue with this Rogo guy when he can't take Barky seriously, but it's demeaning to the office of the POTUS and to all Americans.


Posted by: Mayday at March 17, 2014 01:42 PM (eHc+1)

100 This is terrible.

*does that lower lip biting thing*

I mean, some of those Ukrainian chicks are pretty hot, amirite?

Posted by: Bill Clinton at March 17, 2014 01:42 PM (/AHDz)

101 more on the Obama Doctrine Two large ideas animate the Obama Doctrine. The first is that AmericaÂ’s role in world affairs for more than a century has been, more often than not, aggressive rather than constrained, wasteful rather than communal, and arrogant in promoting democracy, despite our own democratic shortcomings. Accordingly, America has much to apologize for, including failure to understand others, refusal to defer sufficiently to others, selfishness in pursuing U.S. interests as opposed to global interests, and showing far too much concern for U.S. sovereignty, independence, and freedom of action. The second idea is that multilateral institutions offer the best hope for restraining U.S. power and moderating our national assertiveness.

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:43 PM (zOTsN)

102 The referendum is generally true. Most Crimeans would actually like to join Russia. On the other hand, most Crimeans are Russians. So, fuck them.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:43 PM (jhfwW)

103 Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 17, 2014 05:38 PM (0LHZx I understand that. My point is many are using the 97% figure to make claim that the election was obviously fraudulent . I'm saying not necessarily.

Posted by: Yes it sucks at March 17, 2014 01:43 PM (Vf2XA)

104 The Russian navy doesn't even use biodiesel yet. Nice job Putin, ever heard of global climate change? What a rube!!

And don't get me started on their COMPLETE lack of tranny parades. 

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 01:43 PM (4nR9/)

105 Poland and Ukraine are completely different, which any rational actor would know. What we should worry about is when Russia no longer acts rationally. That is how real wars get started. Despite what John Kerry said, seizing Ukraine is rational for Russia.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 01:43 PM (gmeXX)

106 >>An isolated or weak Russia will side with Communist China. They already have. Take a look at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Russia, China, a couple of the stans and now Turkey is leaning that way too.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 17, 2014 01:43 PM (g1DWB)

107 Obama, I am sure, will threaten Putin with a firm finger wag and a tsk, tsk, tsk if he doesn't stop it. As for the Ukranians, they have to, at the very least, put up a show. If they don't do it, they will lose the confidence of the remaining territory. Or, perhaps they think that Putin will think twice about slaughtering them in front of the world.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 17, 2014 01:44 PM (DmNpO)

108 By the way....all of you who think Texas should secede....'splain to me why Crimea shouldn't have the right to secede from Ukraine.

Texas should have the right to be invaded by Mexico and then vote to secede by a ludicrously large margin. That's just common sense.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 17, 2014 01:44 PM (+lsX1)

109 "all of you who think Texas should secede....'splain to me why Crimea shouldn't have the right to secede from Ukraine."

Are we assuming the vote was 97% in favor of joining Mexico?

Posted by: Baron Von Ottomatic at March 17, 2014 01:44 PM (kUgpq)

110 It is a dangerous thing when the most powerful military in the world is led by a group of fucking lazy incompetent idiots.

Posted by: prescient11 at March 17, 2014 01:44 PM (tVTLU)

111 Far from me to tell the Ukrainians not to fight for their freedom, but given a pretext, Putin might just take more of the Ukraine. And they can't expect any help from the West. Just saying.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 01:44 PM (nzKvP)

112 Over at Market Ticker, there's an article about the energy situation in Crimea.

"First is that Crimea has nearly no electrical generation capacity on the peninsula.  There are only two routes into there by land for electrical power and both go into Ukraine.  Ukraine has no obligation to leave the power on.  If they turn it off then Crimea is roughly, by my figures, 80% short of its electrical demand requirements.

Second of course are the gas pipeline issues; there appears to be exactly one gas pipeline route into Crimea and it doesn't come from Russia."

Interesting.

/hope Poland stays out of this....

Posted by: shibumi at March 17, 2014 01:44 PM (25HWz)

113 Samantha Power on American influence in international affairs In a 2003 article for the New Republic, Power argued that since “international institutions certainly could not restrain American will,” American unilateralism was the force giving rise to the anti-Americanism commonplace in intellectual circles abroad. “The U.S,” she wrote, “came to be seen less as it sees itself (the cop protecting the world from rogue nations) than as the very runaway state international law needs to contain.”

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:44 PM (zOTsN)

114 Russians make up 60% of the population. 97% of 60% is still more than 50%.

State your assumptions, bitch.  That's only true if they got 100% turnout.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at March 17, 2014 01:45 PM (P7Wsr)

115 I saw where Rick Perry endorsed Mitch McConnell in his Kentucky race. What the fuckety fuck. Perry, what were you thinking. I haven't been following this closely, but isn't his opponent clownish? Not really interested in an amateur who might lose the general just because he's not McConnell.

Posted by: AmishDude at March 17, 2014 01:45 PM (xSegX)

116 The Ukrainians only care about themselves. They might actually attempt to initiate WWIII.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:45 PM (jhfwW)

117

I've got friends in the Ukraine.  I'm not finding this  funny at all.  I'm praying for them.

 

Oh, and hey!  Did you see Dear Leader's NCAA picks? 

 

 

I want to cry.

Posted by: Soona at March 17, 2014 01:45 PM (0IPQM)

118 more Samantha Power U.S. foreign policy has to be rethought. It needs not tweaking but overhaulingÂ….Instituting a doctrine of mea culpa would enhance our credibility by showing that American decision-makers do not endorse the sins of their predecessors

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:45 PM (zOTsN)

119

92 By the way....all of you who think Texas should secede....'splain to me why Crimea shouldn't have the right to secede from Ukraine.

 

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 17, 2014 05:41 PM (0LHZx) 

 

----------

 

Are you damaged?

 

Secession-by-Gunpoint is not really 'secession'.

 

Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 01:46 PM (Xs26g)

120 O's foreign policy: speak softly and carry a toothpick.

Posted by: Mayday at March 17, 2014 01:46 PM (eHc+1)

121

The European Union should sit down with Putin and make a deal. They wouldnt want the Ukraine in its current state anyway. The big Russian minority makes the country too unstable. If the big blocks wouldnt fight a cold proxy war there, it would be a civil war candidate. Give Putin the eastern and southern provinces and the rest of the Ukraine will fit much better into Western institutions. Make that deal before Putin takes the entire Ukraine. To guarantee the deal make Ukraine a NATO member and station troops there.

Posted by: The Red Widow at March 17, 2014 01:46 PM (JLvkO)

122 An isolated or weak Russia will side with Communist China.

Man, these roundeyes are dumb. 

Posted by: Li Keqiang at March 17, 2014 01:46 PM (4nR9/)

123 94 The sense of deja vu between this and the Georgian war under GWB are palpable.

Posted by: anonymous irishman at March 17, 2014 01:46 PM (DJgfL)

124 Perry also supported Dewhurst against Cruz in the primary. Governors usually stay out of primary races.

Posted by: Yes it sucks at March 17, 2014 01:46 PM (Vf2XA)

125 I just don't understand why Ear Leader has been posturing against Russia.  It was not the MB demonstrating in Ukraine so why didn't Barky ignore the protestors like usual or call them out as not representing Ukraine.

  If Ukraine is going to switch to a government that is not in Russia's pocket of course Russia is not letting go of Crimea,  I don't understand why they even left Crimea as part of Ukraine when they did the sort of split in the 90s. 

We are no more going to do anything serious then we did when Hungarians protested in the 50s,  I was not around then but did Eisenhower bluster like the U.S. would do something back then or did they just keep/strengthen any economic sanctions against the Soviets. 

Is Barky just taking the opportunity to diminish USA standing in the world with his professor voice speeches about this? 

Posted by: palerider at March 17, 2014 01:47 PM (dkExz)

126 Well if you are a foreign power now is the best time to do what you want since the JEF has 3  years left

Posted by: The Obvious Sock at March 17, 2014 01:47 PM (q+zA9)

127 Note that we talk about Russian minorities, etc. and it's abundantly clear. It's all tribal. All the way down.

Posted by: AmishDude at March 17, 2014 01:47 PM (xSegX)

128 They might actually attempt to initiate WWIII. Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 05:45 PM (jhfwW) Well it's a coming sooner or later anyway. May as well come while I can still take part in it. And I am semi-serious about that

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 01:47 PM (nzKvP)

129 Anne-Marie Slaughter, the head of State Department Policy Planning: In a 2007 article in Harper’s, Slaughter argued against traditional conceptions of American international leadership and against the importance of American freedom of action. She promoted a theory that detaches power from influence in the world. She asserted that America is “more powerful than ever…and never more reviled.” Stressing that “force has its limits” and that diplomacy “is a game of suasion, not coercion,” Slaughter predicted: “The more that America is respected and admired in the world, the greater will our diplomatic powers be.”

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:47 PM (zOTsN)

130 Wow, plural instead of singular and a mixed metaphor. Pretty bad.

Posted by: anonymous irishman at March 17, 2014 01:47 PM (DJgfL)

131 I haven't been following this closely, but isn't his opponent clownish? Not really interested in an amateur who might lose the general just because he's not McConnell.

Posted by: AmishDude at March 17, 2014 05:45 PM (xSegX)

 

 

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

 

 

No he's not.  Bevin is a staunch supporter of the US Constitution.  But if YOU want to call that clownish........

Posted by: Soona at March 17, 2014 01:47 PM (0IPQM)

132 Mr. Moo Moo,

Do you live in New York?
Do you have lots of cats?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (anti-Irish Bigot) at March 17, 2014 01:48 PM (QFxY5)

133 Also, if Russia wants to annex Alaska, what's to stop him? The Jug Eared F*ck? Hell, at this point, I think he'll give away the U.S. That is his plan, isn't it?

Posted by: shibumi who is exceptionally cynical today at March 17, 2014 01:48 PM (25HWz)

134 Sister fucking is pretty bad. Worse than slavery, in fact. Being a slave owner is certainly better than being a sister fucker. So, the Ukrainians really leave Putin no choice.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:48 PM (jhfwW)

135 " “Comrade @BarackObama,” he asked, “what should do those who have neither accounts nor property abroad? Or U didn’t think about it?”" And this, Mr Moo Moo, is why you don't degrade the office of the presidency.

Posted by: Lauren at March 17, 2014 01:48 PM (hFL/3)

136 Putin is a Little Lincoln.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:49 PM (jhfwW)

137 To guarantee the deal make Ukraine a NATO member and station troops there. ---- Too late for that now. That would be unwise. At this point, there really isn't much we can directly with respect to Ukraine.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 01:49 PM (gmeXX)

138 Kasparov is a smart dude Garry Kasparov ‏@Kasparov63 Is it Putin's birthday? Is Obama's list of sanctioned Russians a present to him?! Stop messing with political hacks and FOLLOW THE MONEY! Garry Kasparov ‏@Kasparov63 If sanctions are to matter, must target what Putin's oligarchs care about: assets & access to the West for them & their families. Period. Garry Kasparov ‏@Kasparov63 Good to put Matviyenko on the list, but everyone knows her son is the one who lives in Europe and controls all the money. So they laugh. Garry Kasparov ‏@Kasparov63 This is the oldest trick & why so many spouses & children of Russian politicians are incredibly wealthy, to keep it off officials' names. Garry Kasparov ‏@Kasparov63 You want a strong sanctions list? Go to Forbes! Go down the list of Russian billionaires who support Putin & loot the treasury & hit them.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at March 17, 2014 01:49 PM (ZPrif)

139
Drago Putin:  I will break you.

Rocky Obama:  ok, but could you use lube this time.

Drago Putin:  No.  Sand.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at March 17, 2014 01:49 PM (0Kobm)

140 92 By the way....all of you who think Texas should secede....'splain to me why Crimea shouldn't have the right to secede from Ukraine.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 17, 2014 05:41 PM (0LHZx)


Annexation is not secession.

Posted by: Barack Obama at March 17, 2014 01:49 PM (Kkt/i)

141 Maybe even a Little Stalin. And Stalin was a hero.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:49 PM (jhfwW)

142 Stressing that “force has its limits” and that diplomacy “is a game of suasion, not coercion,” Slaughter predicted: “The more that America is respected and admired in the world, the greater will our diplomatic powers be.”

The Dalai Lama has lots of admirers.  Tibet is still a slave state. 

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 01:50 PM (4nR9/)

143

115 I saw where Rick Perry endorsed Mitch McConnell in his Kentucky race. 

 

What the fuckety fuck. 
 

Perry, what were you thinking.

 

 

I haven't been following this closely, but isn't his opponent clownish? Not really interested in an amateur who might lose the general just because he's not McConnell.

 

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

 

Good point, AmishDude.

I hope that was his thinking...but it just looks bad, like he's endorsing McConnell's war on the tea party.

Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 01:50 PM (Xs26g)

144 From Drudge.......Russian Deputy PM Laughs at Obama’s Sanctions Russia’s deputy prime minister laughed off President Obama’s sanction against him today asking “Comrade @BarackObama” if “some prankster” came up with the list."...............He should ask, you mad bro? Yes! Well, I'm polarized tree sap and you're inorganic adhesive, so whatever verbal projectile you launch in my direction it's reflected off of me, returns on its original trajectory and adheres to you. Or something.

Posted by: Dr. Barry Dumbass at March 17, 2014 01:50 PM (qZr+9)

145 The Turkish occupation of Cyprus goes on. Fuck the Cypriots. Subhuman mongrels.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:51 PM (jhfwW)

146 96 commentary magazine praising the Obama Doctrine in 2011

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 05:41 PM (zOTsN)


Solid B+

Posted by: Barack Obama at March 17, 2014 01:51 PM (Kkt/i)

147 “Comrade @BarackObama,” he asked, “what should do those who have neither accounts nor property abroad? Or U didn’t think about it?"

The tweet was kind of funny, but the London Boys picture was a step too far.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 17, 2014 01:51 PM (+lsX1)

148 Polls in 2011 and 2013 showed only 10-20% of Crimeans wanted to join Russia. A solid majority wanted to remain in Ukraine, but with more autonomy. Stooges treated 97% like it's a real vote. 123% turnout baby!

Posted by: Costanza Defense at March 17, 2014 01:51 PM (ZPrif)

149 The more that America is respected and admired in the world, the greater will our diplomatic powers be. ---- I agree with this statement completely. Where I think we disagree is in what brings respect.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 01:51 PM (gmeXX)

150 Wish I had a missile defense.

Posted by: Poland at March 17, 2014 01:51 PM (B3WUC)

151 Crimera just had a government that they voted for overthrown and the new government immediately passed anti-Russian legislation that was directed at them. I don't think their vote to secede had anything to do with the point of a gun.

Posted by: Yes it sucks at March 17, 2014 01:52 PM (Vf2XA)

152 The European Unionshould sit down with Putin and make a deal. They wouldnt want the Ukraine in its current state anyway. The big Russian minority makes the country too unstable. If the big blocks wouldnt fight a cold proxy war there, it would be a civil war candidate.Give Putin the eastern and southern provinces and the rest of the Ukraine will fit much better into Western institutions. Make that deal before Putin takes the entire Ukraine.To guarantee the deal make Ukraine a NATO member and station troops there.

Posted by: The Red Widow at March 17, 2014 05:46 PM (JLvkO)

 

 

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

 

 

Yeah.  Give  Putin just some of the Ukraine.  He'll be happy then.

 

This is the 1930's all over again.   And Adolf wasn't happy with his sweet deals.  I doubt Putin will be either.

 

Sounds like you need to read some history.

Posted by: Soona at March 17, 2014 01:52 PM (0IPQM)

153 And the only nation keeping the few surviving Armenians alive is Russia. Everyone else doesn't care about "brown" Christians. Subhuman mongrels.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:52 PM (jhfwW)

154

"I don't want to see a lot of dead Ukrainians."

 

I can't fault the Ukrainians. I can't fault anyone who decides to fight against overwhelming odds for the sake of their country. Better to fight than slink away. Let the Russians know there's a price for this even if the US and the EU lack the nerve and the will to exact one.

 

Anyway, with luck, there will be a lot of dead Russians, too. 

Posted by: troyriser at March 17, 2014 01:53 PM (gNlvW)

155 Putin has put "sanctions" on Dick Durbin so maybe he isn't all bad.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at March 17, 2014 01:53 PM (4vQmk)

156 Except for all the pointed guns.

Posted by: Lincolntf at March 17, 2014 01:53 PM (ZshNr)

157 Wish I had a missile defense. Posted by: Poland at March 17, 2014 05:51 PM (B3WUC) Hey you fucked up, you trusted me

Posted by: obama at March 17, 2014 01:53 PM (nzKvP)

158 Posted by: Costanza Defense at March 17, 2014 05:51 PM (ZPrif) Why do you continue to ignore that the opposition did not vote?

Posted by: Yes it sucks at March 17, 2014 01:53 PM (Vf2XA)

159 Wish I had a missile defense.

Posted by: Poland

Haeve lots of meesiles. How many you want?

Posted by: Putin [/i][/b] at March 17, 2014 01:53 PM (ligos)

160 Are you damaged? Secession-by-Gunpoint is not really 'secession'. Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 05:46 PM (Xs26g) _____________ Good fucking lord. Do you really not understand that pretty much every Russian in Crimea wants to be part of Russia?

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 17, 2014 01:53 PM (0LHZx)

161 Eh, they're just a bunch of honkeys.  I don't care if they get killed.

Posted by: Barack Hussein Obama at March 17, 2014 01:54 PM (tv7DV)

162 RE: Russians laughing at O's sanctions... I have to say, I'm totally down with that. O is weak, and I have no problem with the world pointing their fingers and giggling.

Of course, Sir Golfsalot is a raging malignant narcissist, so he may very well nuke Russia if they tread on his delicate little girl eggshell ego. So there is that.

/if we're nuked in retaliation, those of us who are immediately killed will not have to worry about Obamacare, so there is an up side...

Posted by: shibumi who is exceptionally cynical today at March 17, 2014 01:54 PM (25HWz)

163 brb outfitting my Fuhrer Bunker.

Posted by: Barky O'genius at March 17, 2014 01:54 PM (dvRYt)

164 I think it is timeout for Barry, and no TV for two weeks.

Posted by: Vlad Putin at March 17, 2014 01:54 PM (wAQA5)

165 "140 92 By the way....all of you who think Texas should secede....'splain to me why Crimea shouldn't have the right to secede from Ukraine." Because It would be like if Mexico invaded the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and then "offered" everyone in the valley the chance to leave Texas/America. At gunpoint.

Posted by: Lauren at March 17, 2014 01:54 PM (hFL/3)

166 Breaking: MSNBC reporting the Obama administration has authorized the freezing and potential cancellation of Russian President Putin's Instragram account.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 17, 2014 01:54 PM (+lsX1)

167 SO

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 01:55 PM (nzKvP)

168 Imperial Russia protected a tiny fraction of Armenia from the Turks. The Turks murdered the rest.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:55 PM (jhfwW)

169

Russia, Ukraine,

 

It is just white people killin each other

Posted by: The NAACP at March 17, 2014 01:55 PM (q+zA9)

170 When asked whether Ukrainian troops would fight to defend Crimea, Tenyukh replied tersely, “The armed forces will execute their tasks, ” later adding, “Ukrainian forces will stay [in Crimea] until all their tasks have been completed.” OK, it's obvious what Russia is in a position to do, though Putin's chesting his cards rather than give them up to boot licker Kerry. Tacky wet noodle Obama sanctions are playing out so foolishly. You NEVER begin diplomacy by withdrawing/banning diplomacy between statesmen. Duh, Obama is no statesman and has no such skills. Daily Beast: U.S. senators, congressmen and top Obama administration officials are sure to be on Vladimir Putin’s sanctions list; a response to the Obama Administration’s announcement on Monday that 7 Russian officials and 4 Ukrainian officials would be barred from holding assets or traveling to the United States. http://tinyurl.com/jwr56el UPDATE: Durbin told The Daily Beast in a statement Monday: "My Lithuanian-born mother would be proud her son made Vladimir Putin’s American enemies list." Not to be out-shown, McCain cried "I WOULD BE proud to be on that list. Me, too. Me too, me too! Pretty please with sugar on top, Mr. Putin, my friend, please put my name on you most wanted list, too. I want to be proud of something." As if Putin puts McCain on the same plane as Durbin. /no missing aircraft snark intended/ Yes, the worst could happen. But it wouldn't be Putin personally firing the first shot. (my bet) Obama, on the other hand, itchy trigger finger interventionist is waiting to settle a peaceful accord of sorts before hoping Putin will "turn his back" providing Obama's modus operandi, too cowardly to personally get in Putin's face. Raunchy mouse roaring through TOTUS. "I Won! I'm the Nobel Peace Prize Weener! Give me my way, or I'm going to throw a tantrum and start another interventionist military war." Speaking of Nobel prizes, who wants to bet that Putin's going to win the next award for having "prevented" Obama's lust for war? Just like what to expect...

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 17, 2014 01:55 PM (MhA4j)

171 But, fuck Christendom.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:55 PM (jhfwW)

172 Posted by: Lincolntf at March 17, 2014 05:53 PM (ZshNr) So they were brave enough to face sniper fire to overthrow a government but too scared to vote?

Posted by: Yes it sucks at March 17, 2014 01:55 PM (Vf2XA)

173 Fellow Americans, I'm with agreement that this vote is be a fair vote. 97%! That is a lot of vote, no? I am just like you, with blue jeans and the Candy Crush. If Crimea want to be Russia, who are we Americans with our baseballs to say no? Are we the Rambo? Best to just enjoy with the barbecue. From one America to another - Touchdown!

Posted by: Russia Strong!! at March 17, 2014 01:55 PM (ZPrif)

174 In other gibbering moron news:  Union maintenance workers drilled a 2" hole in the hull of the WA ferry, "Walla Walla".  Fortunately they got a pressure patch on the thing and the taxpayers get stuck with the bill for fixing it.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at March 17, 2014 01:55 PM (P7Wsr)

175 13 Putin has UCONN winning it all. What a dumbass!! Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 17, 2014 05:28 PM (+lsX1) You dumbass, everybody knows the UCONN is in Malaysia.

Posted by: President Obama at March 17, 2014 01:56 PM (DrC22)

176 about Perry I dislike and do not trust McConnell but that does not matter because everything says McConnell is going to win Perry is a politician above all else, and must see some political advantage to supporting McConnell. A quid pro quo not saying I like it, not saying its admirable, but its not necessarily stupid from Perry's point of view McConnell is not going to lose

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 01:56 PM (zOTsN)

177 "Do you really not understand that pretty much every Russian in Crimea wants to be part of Russia?" And do you really not understand that Crimea has a substantial non-Russian minority who do NOT want to be part of Russia?

Posted by: Lauren at March 17, 2014 01:56 PM (hFL/3)

178 thunderb @ 57-
Has Putin ever said 'I got a pen and I got a phone.'?
Nope.
He said 'I got a hammer. And a effing sickle. And I know how to use a gun to kill people. Your 'president' knows, well, he knows communism. He should have seen me coming.'

Posted by: Erowmero at March 17, 2014 01:56 PM (1gcFZ)

179 Good point, AmishDude.
I hope that was his thinking...but it just looks bad,like he's endorsing McConnell's war on the tea party. Posted by: wheatie

The smart thing is to say nothing.  Perry should understand by now the relatively simple principle of not inserting yourself into domestic arguments, in this case the GOP.

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 01:56 PM (4nR9/)

180 The vast majority didn't vote. Polling stations surrounded by thugs, no anti-Russian Imperialism option on the ballot, campaigning against the Russkies earning a bullseye on the back. It was a majority, but it was not a free and fair election, so it is meaningless to me. The artifice of evil, I don't have to pretend it's real.

Posted by: Lincolntf at March 17, 2014 01:56 PM (ZshNr)

181 And do you really not understand that Crimea has a substantial non-Russian minority who do NOT want to be part of Russia? Posted by: Lauren at March 17, 2014 05:56 PM (hFL/3) ________ Too bad. PS: A majority of that minority is Muslim.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 17, 2014 01:57 PM (0LHZx)

182

Hey!

 

Do not be harshing on President Thin-Skin

Posted by: The NAACP at March 17, 2014 01:57 PM (q+zA9)

183 Speaking of Nobel prizes, who wants to bet that Putin's going to win the next award for having "prevented" Obama's lust for war? Just like what to expect... No, the Nobel prize people are naive and stupid, but even they know when they're getting played. Putin is not subtle. They're also passive-aggressive. I think they'll pick some gay rights advocate. Not somebody actually in Russia, but it will be someone who's gay.

Posted by: AmishDude at March 17, 2014 01:58 PM (xSegX)

184

160...Good fucking lord. Do you really not understand that pretty much every Russian in Crimea wants to be part of Russia?

 

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo

 

Yeah...at gunpoint.

Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 01:58 PM (Xs26g)

185 The 2011 and 2013 polls were the lies. Most likely of the Jews. Listen to the Moo. I agree with him about the Jews. Crimea is the Russia now. Double Play Touchdown!

Posted by: Russia Strong!! at March 17, 2014 01:58 PM (ZPrif)

186 Has Putin ever said 'I got a pen and I got a phone.'?
Nope.
He said 'I got a hammer. And a effing sickle. And I know how to use a gun to kill people.

And a big swinging d***.   Don't forget that.

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 01:58 PM (4nR9/)

187 The smart thing is to say nothing. Perry should understand by now the relatively simple principle of not inserting yourself into domestic arguments, in this case the GOP. --- I agree with that. Perhaps Perry is making a long-term play here that will make sense in time. I doubt it will really harm Perry, but it is hard to see any real upside.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 01:58 PM (gmeXX)

188 Next time we meet I give Barry noogie, then major wedgie.

Posted by: Vlad Putin at March 17, 2014 01:58 PM (wAQA5)

189 All that matters is CPSU's "antibourgeois" borders.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:59 PM (jhfwW)

190 Abort the Tatars!

Posted by: Asshole at March 17, 2014 01:59 PM (Aif/5)

191 Just like this administration should have been talking to the opposition in Ukraine before they staged their takeover; making sure they had a viable government ready to go, making sure they understood the ramifications, making sure they understood they fiscal realities they faced etc.,  they should be doing to the Ukraine government now.  Don't blow smoke up their ass with this constant "we stand with you" horseshit, tell them the truth. Militarily confronting Russia in Crimea will in all likely hood led to mass slaughter and losing Eastern Ukraine also.
Foreign policy by idiots.

Posted by: lowandslow at March 17, 2014 01:59 PM (IV4od)

192 You dumbass, everybody knows the UCONN is in Malaysia.
Posted by: President Obama at March 17, 2014 05:56 PM (DrC22)
That's where Sergeant Preston is.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at March 17, 2014 01:59 PM (4vQmk)

193 I expect to find out next that the International organization that Obama ceded control of the internet to is actually controlled hy Putin.

Posted by: votermom at March 17, 2014 01:59 PM (GSIDW)

194 Too late for that now. That would be unwise. At this point, there really isn't much we can directly with respect to Ukraine.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 05:49 PM (gmeXX) <<<<<<<<<<<<

 

I meant that in context of the deal I outlined, so I was talking about making the rest-Ukraine a NATO/EU member. I hope its not too late for such a deal.

Posted by: The Red Widow at March 17, 2014 01:59 PM (JLvkO)

195 And war.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 01:59 PM (jhfwW)

196 As much war as possible.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 02:00 PM (jhfwW)

197 "Too bad. " Seriously? That's your response? So you're not a big fan of the concept of Republicanism, I take it?

Posted by: Lauren at March 17, 2014 02:00 PM (hFL/3)

198 Perry is a politician above all else, and must see some political advantage to supporting McConnell. A quid pro quo That's what I like about him. We've been too long without Lee Atwater.

Posted by: AmishDude at March 17, 2014 02:00 PM (xSegX)

199 Where is Empire of Jeff?

Posted by: kathysaysso at March 17, 2014 02:00 PM (6H6o8)

200 Posted by: lowandslow at March 17, 2014 05:59 PM (IV4od) Agree.

Posted by: Yes it sucks at March 17, 2014 02:00 PM (Vf2XA)

201 The more war the better.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 02:00 PM (jhfwW)

202 So where are all the anti-war protestors? The human shields?

Remember when the US went after Saddam Hussein in 2004 after 12 years of shooting over the no-fly zone, shenanigans with his WMDs, subverting the UN with massive bribes in the oil-for-food program, support for international terrorism, and just generally being a world-class menace to society??? There were anti-war protests everywhere!!.

Now, Russia invades a country whose sovereignty it has guaranteed, and...........crickets. I mean, we can't fault Medea Benjamin for not showing up, because last we heard she was in jail in Cairo, with a broken arm. But the rest of Code Pink? International ANSWER?? Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt?? They can't ALL be doing their NCAA brackets!

I'm beginning to think all that anti-war crap was just plain old anti-Americanism. Huh. Who'da thought??

Posted by: Sort-of-Mad Max at March 17, 2014 02:01 PM (DLu2s)

203
So, has Hector popped in today to defend the actions of The Third Rome yet again?

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at March 17, 2014 02:01 PM (kdS6q)

204 Hope this shit gets wrapped up soon. The weather will start improving soon and I need to work on my short game.

Posted by: Barky O'genius at March 17, 2014 02:01 PM (dvRYt)

205
"Over the weekend the completely free referendum on Crimea's autonomy was held, and the completely plausible, results were  96.77% voting in favor of joining the Russian federation."



..., and the completely plausible, Soviet Style (SS), results...

Febuary poll showed 41% in favor of Russian authority.



Posted by: CO at March 17, 2014 02:01 PM (KEA7I)

206 201 Are you trying to up your post count by throwing out stuff like this?

Posted by: ManWithNoParty at March 17, 2014 02:02 PM (ojnk6)

207 That's what I like about him. We've been too long without Lee Atwater. Posted by: AmishDude

Atwater was smart and strategic.  Where's your evidence that Perry is?

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 02:02 PM (4nR9/)

208 Just like this administration should have been talking to the opposition in Ukraine before they staged their takeover See I disagree with that. Since we were in NO position to help or defend them, but interceding and giving them some hope of international support we screwed the pooch and gave Putin all he needed to crush them and take over the Crimea and maybe all of the Ukraine. It's the difference between paper diplomacy and real diplomacy

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:02 PM (nzKvP)

209 151 "Crimera just had a government that they voted for overthrown and the new government immediately passed anti-Russian legislation that was directed at them. I don't think their vote to secede had anything to do with the point of a gun." This. The 97.whatever% result isn't super-reliable, but that could have a lot to do with pro-Ukraine voters boycotting the referendum rather than intimidation or ballot-rigging, though I certainly couldn't rule those out either. My gut feeling is that over-50% support is pretty certain to be the reality. Nonetheless a rushed referendum under a foreign occupation obviously has ... procedural shortcomings.

Posted by: anonymous irishman at March 17, 2014 02:02 PM (DJgfL)

210 'God wants Christians to murder each other.' Later, all. God bless. :-)

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 17, 2014 02:03 PM (jhfwW)

211 I meant that in context of the deal I outlined, so I was talking about making the rest-Ukraine a NATO/EU member. I hope its not too late for such a deal. ---- No I understood your point. I think that would be unwise too. For me that is too risky, and I don't want the US put in a position where the only rational move is retreat. I'm not willing to get into a bluffing game with Russia over Ukraine.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 02:03 PM (gmeXX)

212 Twitter has inaugurated The Era of Diplomatic Smartassery.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 17, 2014 02:03 PM (8ZskC)

213 Thank God.

Posted by: Adam at March 17, 2014 02:03 PM (Aif/5)

214 Turnout was about 80%, low for that part of the world. So, 97% of 80%.

Posted by: Stringer Davis at March 17, 2014 02:04 PM (xq1UY)

215 When all you have is a hammer and sickle, everything looks like a nail or a sheaf of wheat.

Posted by: Dr. Weevil at March 17, 2014 02:04 PM (qBnyJ)

216 Quit questioning the results of the vote - we verified them ourselves.  123% voter turnout sounds just about right.  "Russia" was the black candidate, right?

Posted by: Philadelphia Dept of Voting at March 17, 2014 02:04 PM (tv7DV)

217 I have no stake in the Ukraine, less in Crimea. Crimea does have a sizeable muslim minority (tartar) and the majority are ethnic Russian What I do have a stake in is avoiding an aggressive Russia seeking to establish world dominance and we not providing a counter balance I have a huge problem with that. And our enemies, besides Putin, are watching. And taking notes

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 02:04 PM (zOTsN)

218

Guys/Gals!

 

Only 3 more years till the end of the Obama Presidentcy

Posted by: The Obvious Sock at March 17, 2014 02:05 PM (q+zA9)

219 I don't want the US put in a position where the only rational move is retreat.

Exactly.  You don't start something you can't finish.  Schoolyard kids understand this, but apparently it's too integratively complex for Barry. 

Posted by: pep at March 17, 2014 02:05 PM (4nR9/)

220 Jeeze, I bought a case of 7.62x39 two weeks ago in case King Putt decides to use this as an excuse to stop importation of Russian ammo.  Maybe I should go ahead and order another one...

Posted by: Sandra Fluke's solid gold diaphragm at March 17, 2014 02:05 PM (M5T54)

221 I don't want the US put in a position where the only rational move is retreat. I'm not willing to get into a bluffing game with Russia over Ukraine. Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 06:03 PM (gmeXX) Exactly

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:05 PM (nzKvP)

Posted by: CO at March 17, 2014 02:05 PM (KEA7I)

223 Notice which name is absent from the list of those target by US sanctions? http://t.co/MtJNkC7opi

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 17, 2014 02:05 PM (DmNpO)

224 Looks like rich white guys are ODing on drugs in NYC.

Posted by: The Yellow Pug at March 17, 2014 02:06 PM (r7mtu)

225

179...The smart thing is to say nothing. Perry should understand by now the relatively simple principle of not inserting yourself into domestic arguments, in this case the GOP.

 

 

Well you'd think so, pep.

 

And others do it too... 

Palin endorsed John McCain over the tea party candidate...and that doesn't seem to have hurt her popularity.

 

 

 


 

Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 02:06 PM (Xs26g)

226 "Since we were in NO position to help or defend them, but interceding and giving them some hope of international support we screwed the pooch and gave Putin all he needed to crush them and take over the Crimea and maybe all of the Ukraine."

That's what I was saying Nevergiveup, the opposition in Ukraine should have been well informed on what we, the U.S., was prepared to do for them and also what lay ahead for them if they go ahead. Not the happy horseshit they were fed.

Posted by: lowandslow at March 17, 2014 02:06 PM (IV4od)

227

>>>Then I realize I'm laughing about some pinko commie bastard waving his dick at Obama - and by extension he's waving that dick in the face of every man, woman and child in the United States of America.

 

Meh, I'm not there yet. Obama is a clown and deserves to be treated like a clown. I don't support him, take no ownership of his misdeeds, and don't take offense on his behalf.

Posted by: Paul at March 17, 2014 02:06 PM (9qDRl)

228 and order another one...

Posted by: Sandra Fluke's solid gold diaphragm at March 17, 2014 06:05 PM (M5T54)

 

how much did you pay?

Posted by: The Obvious Sock at March 17, 2014 02:07 PM (q+zA9)

229 What we do is again build a wall around Russia, starting with putting that missile shield into Poland and the Chez Republic NOW and restore all Defense Cuts to the Pentagon

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:07 PM (nzKvP)

230 123 94 The sense of deja vu between this and the Georgian war under GWB are palpable. Posted by: anonymous irishman at March 17, 2014 05:46 PM (DJgfL) *************** The Crimea crisis has brought back memories of 2008, when Russia went to war with Georgia over break-away territory. In that case, two regions — Abkhazia and South Ossetia — had been functioning for 15 years outside Georgian control, their de facto independence guaranteed by Russian peacekeeping troops. Washington Post ********** Not exactly analogous.

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:07 PM (RJMhd)

231 Oh balls. Are you telling me that they still haven't found the 370 missing Crimeans yet lost in Malaysia?

Posted by: soothsayer at March 17, 2014 02:07 PM (xSfiX)

232 216 Quit questioning the results of the vote - we verified them ourselves. 123% voter turnout sounds just about right. "Russia" was the black candidate, right?


Posted by: Philadelphia Dept of Voting at March 17, 2014 06:04 PM (tv7DV)


I concur. Wholeheartedly.

Posted by: Jimmeh Carteh at March 17, 2014 02:07 PM (M5T54)

233 Ugh. I hope the Ukranian statements that the troops aren't pulling out until they're done have an underlying motive. By that, I mean "Russia may get the Crimea, but the infrastructure will be fucked and there may be some "collateral damage" to the Russian assets such as the Black Sea fleet in the process." Unfortunately, though, I'm not sure if this is mid-30s Czechoslovakia or 1938 Poland. The rest of Europe better be wary of the Russian Bear attempting to suborn them next.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at March 17, 2014 02:07 PM (APuJ7)

234 I pray for a solution that would preserve a fee Ukraine, without bloodshed, but I don't see events going in that direction. I think that the only way to dissuade the Russkies from going for another, sizeable chunk is to get their nose bloodied sooner than later. But that's a frightful prospect for the essentially surrounded and vastly outgunned Ukranian forces in Crimea. To that extent, the Crimean Ukranians may be at one of those turning points in history in which a heroic rearguard action may actually save the rest of their country. It brings to mind the Maryland 400, as in "Good God, what brave fellows I have lost this day!"

Posted by: NYC Parent at March 17, 2014 02:07 PM (HEo6y)

235 That's what I was saying Nevergiveup, the opposition in Ukraine should have been well informed on what we, the U.S., was prepared to do for them and also what lay ahead for them if they go ahead. Not the happy horseshit they were fed. Posted by: lowandslow at March 17, 2014 06:06 PM (IV4od) OK excuse me. Then we are on the same page

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:08 PM (nzKvP)

236 165 "140 92 By the way....all of you who think Texas should secede....'splain to me why Crimea shouldn't have the right to secede from Ukraine." Because It would be like if Mexico invaded the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and then "offered" everyone in the valley the chance to leave Texas/America. At gunpoint. Posted by: Lauren at March 17, 2014 05:54 PM (hFL/3) As a matter of fact, Lauren, Mexico has accomplished that and much more. Much, much more. But as for Texas as Crimean equivalent, to the point you responded to, we in the USA hardly have the thousands of years ongoing conflict in this particular geographical zone between the SAME usual suspects. That would more closely align with our hemisphere's indigenous First Nation tribal conflict for territorial dominance, before Europeans, Africans and Asians arrived with dreams for a better life (by taking life rights and sustenance from the indigenous). And regarding the very first Europeans arriving, we should review old journals as to their personal intentions regarding the natives. It isn't as if peaceful coexistence wasn't desired by many, given their Thanksgiving expression.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 17, 2014 02:08 PM (MhA4j)

237 Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 06:02 PM (nzKvP) I think you have it backwards. We did not intervene. We provided some weak lip service is all. If we had intervened behind the scenes we would have interacted with Russia and also convinced the Ukranian opposition to agree to early elections which would have taken away any pretext for Russia to occupy Crimera.

Posted by: Yes it sucks at March 17, 2014 02:08 PM (Vf2XA)

238 That secret addendum to the sanctions listing all Republican members of Congress?  I didn't know about that until I heard it from the media!

Posted by: Barack Hussein Obama at March 17, 2014 02:08 PM (tv7DV)

239 Our chance to make Ukraine a NATO member long passed. Regardless of whether it ever really made sense.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 02:08 PM (gmeXX)

240 I've already laughed all the way to the bank, you can all kiss my fat ass:

http://tinyurl.com/kboz6mn

Posted by: Al Gore, Hah Ha ha at March 17, 2014 02:08 PM (Aqvh6)

241 McConnell is the Senate minority leader -- possibly about to be the Senate majority leader. He is one of the most powerful Republicans in the country. It would be stupid for someone, like Perry, who wants to be the Republican nominee to pick a fight with him. Especially this early in the 2016 nomination race.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at March 17, 2014 02:08 PM (ZPrif)

242 What we do is again build a wall around Russia, starting with putting that missile shield into Poland and the Chez Republic NOW and restore all Defense Cuts to the Pentagon Posted by: Nevergiveup when dipshit leaves office. Unless Hillary is elected

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 02:09 PM (zOTsN)

243 For the last month Barack has been seen walking around with a sign that says Пните меня taped to his ass.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 17, 2014 02:09 PM (8ZskC)

244 Where is Empire of Jeff? I think the AoSHQ road production of Cats is in Omaha, this week.

Posted by: garrett at March 17, 2014 02:09 PM (iJYnE)

245
Perry/McConnell, another brain fart.

Posted by: CO at March 17, 2014 02:09 PM (KEA7I)

246 243 For the last month Barack has been seen walking around with a sign that says Пните меня taped to his ass. --- Is that Russian for "kick me" or "insert here"?

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at March 17, 2014 02:10 PM (APuJ7)

247 Yeah. Give Putin just some of the Ukraine. He'll be happy then.

This is the 1930's all over again. And Adolf wasn't happy with his sweet deals. I doubt Putin will be either.

Sounds like you need to read some history.

Posted by: Soona at March 17, 2014 05:52 PM (0IPQM) <<<<<<<<<

 

Yeah, because breaking Godwins Law is the hallmark of a true history buff. But if you really wanna do it: the problem with the 1930ies was that a horrible regime was riding the wave of a justifiable cause. We had promised the peoples of Europe self-determination only to go on and carve out borders that violated said promise. Upper Silesia, Austria and the Sudeten-Germans would have joined Germany long before the Nazi regime if the treaty of Versailes hadnt forced them apart.

Posted by: The Red Widow at March 17, 2014 02:10 PM (JLvkO)

248 "Hoping to get $30 million in aid from Russia" How fucking poor is the Crimea?

Posted by: SamIam at March 17, 2014 02:10 PM (Lh8u2)

249 Get real. I don't see Putin WANTING absolute warfare against either the EU or USA or both. But he isn't going to let the West push Russia around.

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 17, 2014 02:10 PM (MhA4j)

250 It would be stupid for someone, like Perry, who wants to be the Republican nominee to pick a fight with him. Especially this early in the 2016 nomination race. ---- Perry didn't need to pick a fight. He could have stayed out of the fight.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 02:10 PM (gmeXX)

251
Polls in 2011 and 2013 showed only 10-20% of Crimeans wanted to join Russia.
Posted by: Costanza




Read more at: www.unskewed_crimea_polls.com

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at March 17, 2014 02:11 PM (kdS6q)

252 anonymous irishman Did Ukraine do anything close to this: During the night of 7 to 8 August 2008, Georgia launched a large-scale military offensive against South Ossetia, in an attempt to reclaim the territory There's more....

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:11 PM (RJMhd)

253 McConnell is the Senate minority leader -- possibly about to be the Senate majority leader. He is one of the most powerful Republicans in the country. It would be stupid for someone, like Perry, who wants to be the Republican nominee to pick a fight with him. Especially this early in the 2016 nomination race. Posted by: Costanza Defense this like it or not

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 02:11 PM (zOTsN)

254
Putin - Dog

Obama - Bed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D5bPLxU8U8

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at March 17, 2014 02:11 PM (0Kobm)

255 I was listening to a reporter inside the Ukraine, and he said he was scared, but this is his home, so they will fight if need be. He also said, a lot of deaths will be forthcoming if so. No kidding.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at March 17, 2014 02:12 PM (IXrOn)

256 Polls in 2011 and 2013 showed only 10-20% of Crimeans wanted to join Russia.
Posted by: Costanza


A lot of TV ads featuring a shirtless Putin probably made for a volatile female electorate.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 17, 2014 02:12 PM (8ZskC)

257 Where is Empire of Jeff?

New Orleans Airport.  He just complained on twitter about a flight delay and how he's stuck on Satan's nutsack.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at March 17, 2014 02:12 PM (P7Wsr)

258 Putin - Dog

Obama - Bed


Putin - Dog

Obama - Fire Hydrant

Posted by: rickb223 at March 17, 2014 02:12 PM (d0Dmj)

259 We did not intervene??? Why do you think the Russians tapped that idiot State Department broad telling the EU to fuck itself over the Ukraine? We knee deep giving them encouragement probably

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:12 PM (nzKvP)

260 We are still commencing some military exercises there, so we have our own on the ground in the Ukraine. I don't like this.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at March 17, 2014 02:13 PM (IXrOn)

261 New Orleans Airport. He just complained on twitter about a flight delay and how he's stuck on Satan's nutsack. --- Sounds about right. One of the contractors in my office was on a delayed flight getting back to BR from Florida.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at March 17, 2014 02:13 PM (APuJ7)

262 259 We did not intervene??? Why do you think the Russians tapped that idiot State Department broad telling the EU to fuck itself over the Ukraine? We knee deep giving them encouragement probably Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 06:12 PM (nzKvP) ************** Actually they turned it into-- a youtube video--the irony of that.

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:14 PM (RJMhd)

263 The SCOAMF is a gutless pussy. Pray for Crimea and Ukraine.

Posted by: Insomniac at March 17, 2014 02:14 PM (UAMVq)

264 It will be another Afghanistan for the Russians.

The Difference being that the Ukraine was made for Armor, unlike Afghanistan.  I believe the two major tank battles were fought there.  Germany on the way in to Russia, then on the way out.

Posted by: Paladin at March 17, 2014 02:14 PM (ycm4Q)

265 We are still commencing some military exercises there, so we have our own on the ground in the Ukraine.

I don't like this.


Don't worry, we're in the best of hands.  Lightbringer, Philosopher King, sharp creases, shit like that.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 17, 2014 02:15 PM (8ZskC)

266 228

how much did you pay?


Posted by: The Obvious Sock at March 17, 2014 06:07 PM (q+zA9)


$221/case shipped from Ammoman.com.  It's some Wolf "white box" so it's cheap even for Wolf.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke's solid gold diaphragm at March 17, 2014 02:15 PM (M5T54)

267 257 Where is Empire of Jeff? New Orleans Airport. He just complained on twitter about a flight delay and how he's stuck on Satan's nutsack. Posted by: bonhomme at March 17, 2014 06:12 PM (P7Wsr) ****************** He's sitting on Satan's nut sack?

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:15 PM (RJMhd)

268 we will do nothing not sure we can do anything now we have to rely now on the limits of Putin's appetite and hope our other enemies haven't noticed

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 02:15 PM (zOTsN)

269 Who gets to play me this time?

Posted by: Archduke Francis Ferdinand at March 17, 2014 02:16 PM (8ZskC)

270 It was Victoria fucking Nuland--probably with her full jewelry set on.

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:16 PM (RJMhd)

271 I thought you guys told me Perry was the most conservativey conservative that ever ran an Al Gore campaign?

Posted by: X at March 17, 2014 02:16 PM (KHo8t)

272 Actually they turned it into-- a youtube video--the irony of that. Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 06:14 PM (RJMhd) Yeah made us look like fools, but that is par for the course under bami

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:17 PM (nzKvP)

273 The Difference being that the Ukraine was made for Armor, unlike Afghanistan. I believe the two major tank battles were fought there. Germany on the way in to Russia, then on the way out.

Posted by: Paladin at March 17, 2014 06:14 PM (ycm4Q)

 

Yes, alot of WW2 documentaries on have a lot of arrows drawn on maps of what is today Ukraine

Posted by: The Obvious Sock at March 17, 2014 02:17 PM (q+zA9)

274 I feel like we're back in full Cold War status. Thanks Obama!

Posted by: votermom at March 17, 2014 02:17 PM (GSIDW)

275 Simple as that. --- Possibly, there is danger in trying to overthink every decision. Cornyn may have asked him since he and McConnel are tight. May be able to call in a favor when the time comes.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 02:17 PM (gmeXX)

276 He's sitting on Satan's nut sack?

Yes, he's in New Orleans. 

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at March 17, 2014 02:17 PM (P7Wsr)

277 hope our other enemies haven't noticed Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 06:15 PM (zOTsN) To late

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:17 PM (nzKvP)

278 270 Who gets to play me this time? Posted by: Archduke Francis Ferdinand at March 17, 2014 06:16 PM (8ZskC) *********** Malaysian Airlines flight 370

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:17 PM (RJMhd)

279 It was Victoria fucking Nuland--probably with her full jewelry set on. Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 06:16 PM (RJMhd) Yup that was her. What's her title now? Ambassador to the EU or Ukraine? Or what?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:18 PM (nzKvP)

280 The 80's called, they want their trite, liberal cliche-spewing Columbia sophomore back.

Posted by: Baron Von Ottomatic at March 17, 2014 02:18 PM (kUgpq)

281 not sure we can do anything now ---- Not directly for Ukraine. But we can start talking to Poland about missile defense. I don't expect that, but that it is a way to check back on Russia's aggression without being overly provocative.

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 02:19 PM (gmeXX)

282 Malaysia jetliner live interview with Captain of USS Kidd. they are stopping their search of Indian Ocean. US leaving modified B-737, the P8 Orion as part of the search team

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 02:19 PM (zOTsN)

283 277 He's sitting on Satan's nut sack? Yes, he's in New Orleans. Posted by: bonhomme at March 17, 2014 06:17 PM (P7Wsr) ************ He's suppose to be our star in Cats! hopefully he's practicing his jazz hands not his jizz--oh forget it.

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:19 PM (RJMhd)

284 191 The problem is partly that there wasn't a single opposition in charge of the whole situation. The 'martyrs' shooting and petrol-bombing the police in the parliament square, in spite of the agreed truce, were the radical fringe trying (successfully) to drag everyone else into the confrontation. (If you want to see how that works, look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_Rising .) But absolutely, some of the earlier we-stand-with-you messages egging the Ukranian opposition into a confrontation were indeed highly irresponsible and counterproductive. It seems that certain EU countries were the main offenders this time, though, moreso than the US government.

Posted by: anonymous irishman at March 17, 2014 02:19 PM (DJgfL)

285

250 It would be stupid for someone, like Perry, who wants to be the Republican nominee to pick a fight with him. Especially this early in the 2016 nomination race.

 

 

----

 

Perry didn't need to pick a fight. He could have stayed out of the fight.

 

Posted by: SH at March 17, 2014 06:10 PM (gmeXX) 

 

-----------

 

Maybe he tried to...

But the party leaders came to him and said..."We need you to do this".

 

It still sucks, though.

Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 02:21 PM (Xs26g)

286 Bush was president in 1989 after Jan 20.

Posted by: soothsayer at March 17, 2014 02:21 PM (xSfiX)

287 I feel like we're back in full Cold War status.
Thanks Obama!
---
We finally know what O and Hillary meant by "reset."

Posted by: Mayday at March 17, 2014 02:21 PM (eHc+1)

288 280 It was Victoria fucking Nuland--probably with her full jewelry set on. Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 06:16 PM (RJMhd) Yup that was her. What's her title now? Ambassador to the EU or Ukraine? Or what? Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 06:18 PM (nzKvP) ************* Not sure--she use to be just the "spokesmodel" at State. Went and looked it up looks like they gave her a desk: is the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs at the United States Department of State. Looks like the emphasis right now would be on the Eurasian.

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:22 PM (RJMhd)

289 Convene my military council!

Posted by: Prince Barkus, 1st Earle of Cornhole at March 17, 2014 02:22 PM (8ZskC)

290
One of the happiest days in my life was when, during the Reagan presidency, 'the wall' came down
Posted by: Ugg Boots




*sigh*

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at March 17, 2014 02:23 PM (kdS6q)

291 CNN states Israel just raised alert level to its highest for its ATC hmmmm

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 02:23 PM (zOTsN)

292 >>I feel like we're back in full Cold War status. Thanks Obama! Remember during the Obama-Romney debate when Obama attempted to humiliate Romney by claiming that Romney's claim that Russia was our greatest strategic foe was a return to the Cold War politics? Good. Times.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 17, 2014 02:24 PM (g1DWB)

293 So given today's crisis, is Zero golfing, watching b-ball, or playing cards with Reggie?

Oops, forgot the other likelihood, going to a Jay-Z Hollywood fundraiser.

Posted by: Mayday at March 17, 2014 02:24 PM (eHc+1)

294 293 CNN states Israel just raised alert level to its highest for its ATC hmmmm Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 06:23 PM (zOTsN) ********** Highest? A person on the plane according to some Malaysian newspapers... their favorite charity was for feeding children in Gaza.

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:25 PM (RJMhd)

295 CNN states Israel just raised alert level to its highest for its ATC hmmmm Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 06:23 PM (zOTsN) CNN is full of shit. It's been that way for a few days already

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:25 PM (nzKvP)

296 Here's the thing, even though there's real pressure being applied, I genuinely think Crimeans overwhelmingly want to be part of Russia. 

If you saw a massive amount of resistance and pushback with citizens taking up arms, it would be a different matter.  I'm just not seeing it.

Posted by: McAdams at March 17, 2014 02:25 PM (YpcgQ)

297 Hello there, I bet you weren't expecting me.

Posted by: World War III at March 17, 2014 02:25 PM (Tm1Xr)

298 Palestinian children have a healthy appetite for bomb-making materials, as it so happens.

Posted by: soothsayer at March 17, 2014 02:26 PM (xSfiX)

299 FOX is now showing ( bret Bear) all the lies obama and the Dems told about obamacare.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:26 PM (nzKvP)

300 their favorite charity was for feeding children in Gaza.

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 06:25 PM (RJMhd)

There was an American Jew on the plane?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (anti-Irish Bigot) at March 17, 2014 02:26 PM (QFxY5)

301 Hello there, I bet you weren't expecting me. Posted by: World War III at March 17, 2014 06:25 PM (Tm1Xr) Well as soon as America started showing weakness I did

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:27 PM (nzKvP)

302 299 Actyally, we were wondering what took you so long to get here. You've had over 5 years and all....

Posted by: ManWithNoParty at March 17, 2014 02:27 PM (ojnk6)

303 Who would have guessed back in 2008 that this wet behind the ears high yellow bastard child of a commie mom and whore chasing daddy would get us into WW3. Oh Lawd.....

Posted by: IrishEd at March 17, 2014 02:28 PM (bfm04)

304 3 Who will Obama call on his pen-phone? Posted by: Chairman LMAO at March 17, 2014 05:24 PM (9eDbm) I nominate this for the thread winner. Yes, I did not read the comments.

Posted by: DM at March 17, 2014 02:28 PM (Ztudx)

305

That Red Line in Syria seemed to work out well

 

 

Posted by: The Obvious Sock at March 17, 2014 02:28 PM (q+zA9)

306 Chess Grandmaster Gary Kasparov has had some good twitter comments about Obama,,Clinton and Kerry :

"Hillary was the captain of the Titanic that was US-Russia relations as Secretary of State. Her as admiral of whole fleet makes me nervous!"

"I've said it before, but if Barack Obama had been president instead of Ronald Reagan, I'd still be a citizen of the Soviet Union."

Posted by: Cheri at March 17, 2014 02:28 PM (VDGzf)

307

272 I thought you guys told me Perry was the most conservativey conservative that ever ran an Al Gore campaign?

 

Well, yeah...he is.

 

That's why this sucks so much.

 

But Perry ran as the 'Washington outsider' in 2011...and got kicked in the nuts for it.

So maybe he's decided to play it smarter this time.

 

Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 02:29 PM (Xs26g)

308 Why doesn't Ukrainistan have an Army?

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 17, 2014 02:29 PM (bitz6)

309

Kill a bunch of Ukranian troops and watch the guerilla war start. This could really go bad for the ruskies.

Remember Afghanistan?

Posted by: Andrew at March 17, 2014 02:29 PM (/1B9W)

310 Smart diplomacy.

That is all.

Posted by: Baron Von Ottomatic at March 17, 2014 02:30 PM (kUgpq)

311 Are the Ukraini civilians armed?

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 17, 2014 02:30 PM (bitz6)

312 Who will Obama call on his pen-phone?>>

What's the Cell reception like under the Resolute Desk?

Posted by: The Hickster at March 17, 2014 02:30 PM (TI3xG)

313 301 Palestinian children have a healthy appetite for bomb-making materials, as it so happens. Posted by: soothsayer at March 17, 2014 06:26 PM (xSfiX) ************* Well the plane was full of 2 to 3 tons of -- mangosteen fruit.

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:31 PM (RJMhd)

314 Although mangosteen fruit sounds sort of Jewish....

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:31 PM (RJMhd)

315 Polonium sandwiches for all my Russian friends.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 17, 2014 02:32 PM (bitz6)

316 In the future, when you contemplate questions like, "All this over the Crimea," just ask yourself, "Who the fuck was Archduke Franz Ferdinand?"

Posted by: World War III at March 17, 2014 02:32 PM (Tm1Xr)

317 Garry Kasparov ‏@Kasparov63 Anyone who thinks the Crimean referendum was legitimate is either a Kremlin stooge or an idiot. But there's lots of overlap there, I admit. Garry Kasparov ‏@Kasparov63 As with Putin's "elections" in Russia, if they'd win anyway why not allow them to be free & fair? Why the troops & arrests & propaganda? Garry Kasparov ‏@Kasparov63 Elections at gunpoint are not a convincing way to show you are confident of what the result would be without all the guns.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at March 17, 2014 02:32 PM (ZPrif)

318 Sounds like Holder. Russia appointed former gangster Sergey Aksionov Prime Minister of Crimea this week. Aksionov’s party won 4% of the vote in the last election. ... The new Crimean “Prime Minister” Sergey Aksionov was a local gangster in the 1990s. His nickname was “goblin”. His Russia Party won only 4 percent at the last elections in Crimea. ... Sergei Aksionov, a little known Crimean politician, was appointed prime minister of the peninsula by the regional parliament last week after armed men linked to Russia entered the parliament building. Aksionov declared March 2 as the “birthday” of an independent Crimean naval force, and said that almost all Ukrainian military bases on the peninsula had now come under the control of the “Autonomous Republic”. thegatewaypundit

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at March 17, 2014 02:32 PM (IXrOn)

319 "Who the fuck was Archduke Franz Ferdinand?" Posted by: World War III at March 17, 2014 06:32 PM (Tm1Xr) Wasn't he the gay designer who was shot outside his Miami home?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:33 PM (nzKvP)

320 Hey, Mom Jeans...go shit in your bike helmet.

Posted by: Vladdy at March 17, 2014 02:33 PM (yv+63)

321 WHERE IN THE HOLY FUCK IS THE GOP LEADERSHIP?

Posted by: Unit 1B at March 17, 2014 02:33 PM (Cs2tJ)

322 Anyone who thinks the Crimean referendum was legitimate is either a Kremlin stooge or an idiot. But there's lots of overlap there, I admit.

Moo's proudest moment, when Gary Kasparov correctly identified his malady.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at March 17, 2014 02:34 PM (P7Wsr)

323 Russian Nazi gangs were guarding the polling places.

Posted by: Boss Moss at March 17, 2014 02:34 PM (bitz6)

324 Obama springs into action!


*FORE*

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 17, 2014 02:34 PM (BZAd3)

325 JEF taking notes on how to conduct an election from Crimea

Posted by: thunderb at March 17, 2014 02:35 PM (zOTsN)

326 No hazardous cargo, just tonnes of mangosteens on flight MH370, says airline CEO Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370 was transporting 3-4 tonnes of mangosteens to China, said the airline's group chief executive officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya (pic) today. The Malaysia Insider

Posted by: tasker at March 17, 2014 02:36 PM (RJMhd)

327 Wasn't he the gay designer who was shot outside his Miami home?

Gianni Versace?

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at March 17, 2014 02:36 PM (P7Wsr)

328 Yeah, those Sudetenlanders, I mean, Crimeans were just clamoring for liberation, weren't they?

Posted by: World War III at March 17, 2014 02:36 PM (Tm1Xr)

329 nood

Posted by: The Obvious Sock at March 17, 2014 02:36 PM (q+zA9)

330 Wasn't he the gay designer who was shot outside his Miami home? Gianni Versace? Posted by: bonhomme at March 17, 2014 06:36 PM (P7Wsr) It was a joke. Your answer is suppose to be: " Yeah that's the guy"

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 17, 2014 02:37 PM (nzKvP)

331 Time for Texas to the leave the unionÂ…..

Posted by: redguy at March 17, 2014 02:37 PM (d8wEw)

332 nood ace

Posted by: soothsayer at March 17, 2014 02:37 PM (xSfiX)

333 319 Garry Kasparov ‏@Kasparov63 Anyone who thinks the Crimean referendum was legitimate is either a Kremlin stooge or an idiot. But there's lots of overlap there, I admit. ....... And the dairy cattle weeps .......

Posted by: grammie winger at March 17, 2014 02:38 PM (oMKp3)

334 OK time for a vodka summit. That's a Russian drink right?

Posted by: Barky O'genius at March 17, 2014 02:38 PM (VSfsH)

335 "Kill a bunch of Ukranian troops and watch the guerilla war start. This could really go bad for the ruskies.
Remember Afghanistan?"

Crimea ain't Afghanistan, there may be some pockets of resistance but nothing on the scale both in numbers and land mass that Russia has to sweat it to much.

Posted by: lowandslow at March 17, 2014 02:38 PM (IV4od)

336

323 Anyone who thinks the Crimean referendum was legitimate is either 

a Kremlin stooge or an idiot. But there's lots of overlap there, I admit.

 



 

Moo's proudest moment, when Gary Kasparov correctly identified his malady.

 

Posted by: bonhomme at March 17, 2014 06:34 PM (P7Wsr) 

 

----------

 

Haaaa.

Gary Kasparov - cow tipper extraordinaire.

Posted by: wheatie at March 17, 2014 02:38 PM (Xs26g)

337 298 It's still a terrible precedent, though. You can't just drive the tanks in (without any serious humanitarian etc. justification) and then pull a snap referendum to make it all OK, even if you do get a genuine majority in favour as a result. In as far as secession is a right at all, it's a matter for serious negotiation and compromise, not something you can rush into anytime you like. Let alone a stunt the neighbouring dictator state can pull the minute it sees a chance to win a plebiscite due to a temporary crisis (partly of its own making!)

Posted by: anonymous irishman at March 17, 2014 02:38 PM (DJgfL)

338 So President O'Bumbles calls for the ban on Russian officials from being in the US....Putin is putting out his own list tomorrow on US officials that will be banned from travel to Russia.

What leadership!  Putin again kicks JEF in the nuts and is probably laughing the whole time.  Reset baby!

Posted by: Cheri at March 17, 2014 02:40 PM (VDGzf)

339 As usual, Daniel Greenfield has an excellent perspective on all of this:

http://tinyurl.com/oxb34rn

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 17, 2014 02:40 PM (BZAd3)

340 It was a joke. Your answer is suppose to be: " Yeah that's the guy"

Most sincerest apologies, Saheeb.  I do believe that is the dood. 

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at March 17, 2014 02:41 PM (P7Wsr)

341 @RussiaStrong!! High Five!

Posted by: Borat Sagdiyev at March 17, 2014 02:42 PM (9eDbm)

342 I'm surprised Garry Kasparov has not been invited for polonium cocktails yet. Brave man

Posted by: Tuna at March 17, 2014 02:42 PM (M/TDA)

343 What is a mangosteen? Jewish fruit?

Posted by: Cheri at March 17, 2014 02:42 PM (VDGzf)

344 Tell SEAL Team 6 to get suited up and meet me on the roof. Looks like I have to slip down the rope and finish this like I did Osama bin Laden. Tell Reggie I will meet him for a steambath in the morning and show him the "selfies" of me kicking ass.

Posted by: Barack Obama at March 17, 2014 02:43 PM (h6cl2)

345 http://tinyurl.com/oxb34rn

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 17, 2014 06:40 PM (BZAd3)


Really.  He nails it, and you should read it.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 17, 2014 02:43 PM (BZAd3)

346
Obama's gone up the Eurasian trail.


Posted by: CO at March 17, 2014 02:46 PM (KEA7I)

347 42 Office of President-Elect. Ready to go. Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at March 17, 2014 05:33 PM (oFCZn) Remember Valerie Jarrett saying "he'll be ready to rule on day 1". Some people thought she misspoke and meant "govern", but I didn't think so then and I don't now. She meant what she said.

Posted by: rickl at March 17, 2014 02:47 PM (sdi6R)

348 "FOX is now showing ( bret Bear) all the lies obama and the Dems told about obamacare."

Did they show the one in which Democrats swore that there was no way for illegal aliens to be receiving Obamacare?

Juxtapose that with the snapshot posted over at Weasel Zippers today of the vans rolling up and down the streets of Miami promising Obamacare "totalmente gratis".

But you can be sure that no illegals will get their O-care totalmente gratis! Why, it's been many years since there were any Spanish speaking illegals in Miami.

By the way, scroll down in the WZ comments to see the altered photo of the van.

Posted by: torquewrench at March 17, 2014 02:48 PM (gqT4g)

349 Hello there, I bet you weren't expecting me.
Posted by: World War III at March 17, 2014 06:25 PM (Tm1Xr)  


I have foreseen it...

Posted by: Nostradamus at March 17, 2014 02:50 PM (Q6pxP)

350 230 252 But if anything that makes GWB look even worse than Obama, as the Georgians he was egging on did something arguably even crazier than the Ukrainians that Obama (but mainly probably the EU) has been egging on. That said 1) Abkhazia and South Ossetia were (and are) officially in Georgia, so officially Georgia had as much right to go there and suppress separatism as Ukraine does to exert control over the Crimea. How*ever*, in reality I think that Georgia rushing to reconquer its north was a Bad Idea, for reasons that go beyond the obvious Russia-will-batter-you reason. 2) I don't remember the details, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Putin may indeed have had something to do with those provocations that suckered the Georgian army into South Ossetia, just as he seems to be trying to rustle up some kind of provocation in eastern Ukraine right now.

Posted by: anonymous irishman at March 17, 2014 02:58 PM (DJgfL)

351 It will be another Afghanistan for the Russians. -- Not unlike our own Afghan "victory" //

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 17, 2014 02:59 PM (MhA4j)

352 You know what would've stopped Hitler? Sanctions.
And the Irish.

Posted by: [/i]andycanuck[/b] at March 17, 2014 03:00 PM (hn5v5)

353 346 http://tinyurl.com/oxb34rn Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 17, 2014 06:40 PM (BZAd3) Really. He nails it, and you should read it. Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 17, 2014 06:43 PM (BZAd3) Yep, I just did.

Posted by: rickl at March 17, 2014 03:03 PM (sdi6R)

354 I hope this is just bluster for domestic consumption. I don't want to see a lot of dead Ukrainians. Everybody's gotta die sometime, Red.

Posted by: toby928© at March 17, 2014 03:03 PM (QupBk)

355 353 but mostly the Irish. Scotland rumbles independence from England/Britain. And Venice from Italy, really persuasive online vote // Italians barely got together in time for Mussolini to usurp governance fascist goose step fashioned El Duck (the Duck of Death, spaghetti western). Well, at least they still pine for local governance, City States? What blew their unity, having joined the EU?

Posted by: panzernashorn at March 17, 2014 03:04 PM (MhA4j)

356 Russia does probably have a right to the land which legitimately belongs to Russia.
Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney
Remember that when they start making moves in the Arctic.

Posted by: [/i]andycanuck[/b] at March 17, 2014 03:08 PM (hn5v5)

357 Uh.... question... Are not sanctions on individuals, if given by Congress, Bills of Attainder? They broke no laws, and Congress and the Prezzy even SAY they are there to put pressure on for political reasons. And can the Prezzy SEIZE an individuals assets without due process of law??? ie... just because he says so by Executive order? Remember, these are not Russian Government assets, they are going after individuals.

Posted by: Romeo13 at March 17, 2014 03:10 PM (84gbM)

358 The whining of the US and the EU is pathetic. The US/EU started this confrontation when the US/EU supported a coup in Ukraine. When Russia didn't just roll over and accept it and made counter-moves the West has done nothing but cry foul.

This is the don't tase me bro foreign policy of the left who act shocked when someone fights back.

Posted by: Mr hobbit at March 17, 2014 03:24 PM (sbaXF)

359 Remember, these are not Russian Government assets, they are going after individuals. These are foreign nationals, who probably aren't even present within our borders.

Posted by: toby928© at March 17, 2014 03:25 PM (QupBk)

360 This is the don't tase me bro foreign policy of the left who act shocked when someone fights back. Posted by: Mr hobbit at March 17, 2014 07:24 PM (sbaXF) That's an interesting take on events. Let me guess: you're a big fan of Ron Paul, aren't you?

Posted by: troyriser at March 17, 2014 03:36 PM (ptcFO)

361 And do you really not understand that Crimea has a substantial non-Russian minority who do NOT want to be part of Russia? Posted by: Lauren at March 17, 2014 05:56 PM (hFL/3) Oh, why don't tell that to the significant Serbian minority in Kosovo?

Posted by: Aristotle at March 17, 2014 03:55 PM (Te1wc)

362 I think the Ukrainians should blow up the sewage and drinking water plants before they are forced out of Crimea.

Posted by: isophorone at March 17, 2014 04:07 PM (9+Maw)

363 >>See I disagree with that. Since we were in NO position to help or defend them, but interceding and giving them some hope of international support we screwed the pooch and gave Putin all he needed to crush them and take over the Crimea and maybe all of the Ukraine. So we were in a BETTER tactical situation before the USSR collapsed? Or, we couldn't fight the USSR either, and NATO is just a big bluff?

Posted by: Chris_Balsz at March 17, 2014 04:14 PM (5xmd7)

364 >> The whining of the US and the EU is pathetic. The US/EU started this confrontation when the US/EU supported a coup in Ukraine. When Russia didn't just roll over and accept it and made counter-moves the West has done nothing but cry foul. Russia has no say in whether its neighbors prefer peaceful, fair, open commerce with the West to taking orders from Moscow. Apparently we mislead them into thinking so when we permitted their country to exist in 1991. Perhaps we should rethink the matter.

Posted by: Chris_Balsz at March 17, 2014 04:16 PM (5xmd7)

365 Greetings: No one in the media seems in the least interested in how the brill-yentos of the European Union led the Ukrainian-Ukrainians down the path to the coup that threw out their somewhat democratically elected President to be replace by an even less democratically constructed ruling junta that was sure to cement the bonds of financial and political Euro-Luv. That must have been a pretty flexible constitution those folks over there had. And not unexpectedly, our own President, following from behind, decides to be a caboose on the EU Tran Grand Vitesse to political and finacial misery as he confidently proffers sanctions that I'm pretty sure a former Corsican Euro-Unionist would have responded to by something along the lines of "There you stand with your sanctions and here I stand with my bayonets." The best description of this lack of adult supervision I came upon was from Ben Judah, a British historian, who described it as "The banks versus the tanks."

Posted by: 11B40 at March 17, 2014 04:26 PM (evgyj)

366 366 They didn't even have their sh*t together financially! Putin had his deal on the table; when the Ukrainians ended up rejecting it and turning to their European friends to rescue them from bankruptcy the answer was "oh God, *money*? Uh, go and ask the IMF or something."

Posted by: anonymous irishman at March 17, 2014 06:45 PM (DJgfL)

367 Re: Perry endorsing McConnell.


That's politics. You're not going to find a 'pure' candidate.  Much as I love Cruz, he'll make what we consider 'mistakes' as well for political allies and to repay political debts.

I'm favoring Cruz or Palin over Perry, if they run.  Even Rand Paul. And I like Perry OK. He's my gov.

Politics is a dirty, dirty business. Like prostitution.

Posted by: Sphynx at March 18, 2014 06:29 AM (OZmbA)

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