BruceVC

Guys I have to support Meshugger around this point, it would be imprudent to Ignore my posts....I do occasionally post real inspiration Took me three reads to realize you wrote "imprudent" not "impudent". Thats funny....I could easily have made that mistake

Guys I have to support Meshugger around this point, it would be imprudent to Ignore my posts....I do occasionally post real inspiration

Oby it seems like you want Turkey to go to war with Assad ....now Russia may get involved. Are you sure Russia should be doing this considering the mess the Russian economy is in?

You did? Where? I must have missed it. All I see is this... ...which actually rather says the opposite, as it says you know you annoy certain people...which I would think would imply you know what certain people you annoy... No Barti you are completely missing another option but I can see how you may think my view is inconsistent There are people who I know I annoy but that aren't necessarily the people who may have an issue....its potentially 2 separate groups It sounds what you are referring to is how you feel once you realize I have won the debate....thats never been a strong point of yours. You notice I often admit I'm wrong...the older you get the less relevant " being right" is

I think you have misunderstood something about the situation in Eastern Europe here. None of the nations in Eastern Europe is any military threat to Russia, and so there is no need to intimidate anyone. The more they fear Russia, the more they are going to flock to NATO and allow NATO to place bases, nukes, weapons and whatever in their countries. Scaring people with a Russian military threat is exactly what the pro-NATO folks are doing. These people were losing ground steadily up until the Russian intervention in Ukraine. Then everybody started eyeing NATO membership and they are still on a roll today, and will be until the conflict in Eastern Ukraine is resolved. Ukraine (previously a country with friendly relations to Russia) desperately wants into NATO and the EU and even Belarus started inching closer to the EU. Finland and even Sweden are going to join NATO at the latest in 2020 if things continue like this, it's an unavoidable consequence of public opinion. If Russian foreign policy was really working, they would have an Eastern Europe with increasingly pro-Russian opinions and Russian trade ties so deep that sanctions would be impossible to put in place. The entire Crimea debacle happened at exactly the right time to prevent this course of events. Gold is a crap metal anyway, and only worth so much because people collectively believe it has some kind of fiat value. Just like diamonds. If things really would go to hell, people would laugh at you trying to peddle gold. Congratulations for playing the game on the other gold fans, though. Ros maybe you should confirm joining the EU is a good thing so our American members have no doubt about what you mean?

No you cant use the doomed prognostication again....remember Obama 2nd term and the buying of gold ....you said we were doomed then

Barti stop making suggestions that aren't relevant !!! I have no idea who may have an issue, as I mentioned. And the issue is they don't tell me....so I dont know Barti you must read the post before suggesting something that is clearly already explained ....you naughty boy Oh and of course it doesn't bother me ....you know me but if other people are getting annoyed then I would like to know I'm all about other peoples feelings Barti Thanks GD, yeah I agree with you. I didn't think there was an issue but someone just suggested some people dont get my jokes and instead get annoyed So for me since I basically know everyone it just makes sense to ask and I think I have my response

http://www.theguardian.com/news/2015/feb/18/yanis-varoufakis-how-i-became-an-erratic-marxist This link summarizes his view and the main issues I have with him, he espouses archaic socialist policies and basically suggests that the EU is a doomed institution. Its very myopic and is insulting People like him Baro just encourage people to now believe in ideological changes for the EU that are not sustainable ....yet he persists He also seemed to have a complete disdain for the EU when he was negotiating. I am not sure what he really believed he was doing back then? Did he actually help Greece at all?

Yes, I lost it when she went after service members. Tigranes immediately deleted me, and rightly, but I couldn't help it, my PT shorts became so twisted I didn't login for a week. Or three days, which is the same thing in internet time. But then I was all, WWSD. What would Shady do. He wouldn't hate, or react with anger. So I deleted my ignore list and it's been all namaste since. dude you funny, you are as cool as a cucumber You would tell me if I was saying anything perhaps rude in your opinion?

Ignore list? I'm not with you.,...I have never added anyone ever to any list as I find some tend to ignore me so it allows periods where I can chill

Absolutely yes, but please explain what you mean? I like you Hurlshort, you are a consistent, reasonable person who is a committed family man and also spends time defending things that many wouldn't because of the principle You are a stereotypical Californian liberal and I would be proud to be that but its obvious I annoy you yet you have never actually explained to me what I do that annoys you . I am well aware of that. And you are a teacher but you can't just send me a two line PM? So yes I would love you to be honest...I would have expected it much sooner, sorry if I am being rude its just we agreed to be honest...this has nothing to do with me liking you

Good point Mani....did Qistina get to you? I remember you were noticeably annoyed the one time She is not a good person to start believing her view is real.....I still dont know if she was a troll or not? But I have had real debates with people like her, the secret is you have to accept she is not very informed,...she is not very bright Her links and " accurate " portrayals of the West are from these websites that have only one purpose...to go into great detail " revealing " how the West wants to destroy Islam They contain these violent and incredulous videos about things....but I tried to keep telling Qistina that the West doesnt want to destroy Islam or the ME, Muslims are doing that on there own

I dont think we have ever said a bad word to each? But yes I have been a little perhaps surprised at your lack of support for the success of Germany...which I was honest about? I don't think I was condescending...was I ?

Guys it has come to my attention on several occasions that I make some comments on some occasions that are offensive to people....so for example In my country people like me help people make the right decision....think about it Elerond wouldnt it be better not having to think about a solution when I can just tell you the right answer....." "Compare him to Trump.....you Canadians seem to be an unpatriotic bunch?" "Remember just because I'm speaking on your behalf it doesn't mean you can't sometimes correct me...." "..,.. tlisteningo me takes the stress over having to make your own decisions, now you can focus on other things" I am very surprised that anyone would take this seriously...of course I'm joking. But in the interests of brevity and candor lets please be honest, I really want your views on my posting etiquette, I promise you wont offend me in anyway and it doesn't mean I will agree but I will respect it So let me start..and remember its about honesty, we should be able to discuss this We all adults, how come very few people didn't just contact me on PM...I would do that if I felt offended. But I have no issues with anyone on this forum despite the fact I know I annoy certain people but they must let me know Yes we had some heated debates during GG but I moved on after a few days .,...yet some people I think still carry some sort of protracted grudge Honestly? People must learn to get thicker skins, I live in a country where many of us engage in RL debates about racism, economic transformation, GDP and politics. Its intense, brutal, honest but rewarding....I have learnt so much about what Apartheid was and what it means to be a white, South African. I know the true suffering of many black South Africans...its real, tangible and I help deal with and we unpack it You feel horrible as a white person but liberated and profoundly committed to the country..I am happy very happy but we major social, political and economic issues So sorry if I can't feel resentful about gg...I moved on quickly

I'm still waiting to read that debate between you and KP on the European debt crisis. Yes well thats a good example, we started it but then I ended up dating with alum about GG but I'll be honest I think I went out or got stoned and lost interest But I feel I have been rude to KP in the past and I'm tyring to understand his view...ultimately I can produce irrefutable links that describe how the Greeks mismanaged there economy for years...this is not a secret to anyone who works in any financial sector in any country. But end of the day I'm sure we will still disagree because he feels the austerity measures are crippling and cannot be successfully implemented He has more empathy than me, I respect that but for me the Greeks need to do what everyone else has to do and adhere to the austerity. I would be betraying my principles if I gave any European country a pass for not managing there own economies...I won't do this with any African country as I believe in the transformation of the continent but certain African countries and the whole AU needs to follow prudent Western principles around good governance and general Democratic values...if most African countries are doing it surly we can expect the Greeks to do it?

In my experience that's not why we're laughing at you. Thats fine but you guys really need to start debating with me and then we can gauge who is the most informed, its not about being superior. Its just a debate....but I'll be honest you seem to debate mostly using emotion which is influenced by a certain bias so because I can honestly support everything I say I doubt you would win.. But its just fun, I love having debates ....but I wont hold back

Uh oh, Val is going to take his ball and go home. We better lay off guys. This whole courtroom is out of order! Fantastic quotes of Scalia, btw Gromnir. I don't know how they will replace his opinions. Vals dont overreact, this forum isn't that bad ....seriously of course Gromnir will challenge you on certain views you have about the Constitution. Can you blame him considering the fact he is a Constitutional Lawyer and he should give us the proper interpretation...its nothing personal. You should just look at this as way to improve your view on these matters, he isn't malicious and he doesn't feel the need to correct everyone so its not inordinate

Okay but you seemed to be concerned about the fact that Americas enemies were laughing at you because they see America as weak and stupid ...yet you mention countries that cannot laugh at either of those things because Russia's economy is in recession and this wont change and the Chinese great economic experiment of a export driven economy and relying on state control in times of economic hardship has failed .....its really failed and the Chinese are now restructuring there entire economy to consumer based and industrialized. This makes sense but will take 3-5 years if it succeeds So think about it neither of those countries could possibly laugh at the USA when they failed to maintain there own economies. And this is a fundamental point that actually contradicts what certain right wing views espouse...and I'm worried they may be unduly influencing your view. I'm not suggesting you stupid at all but can you see how someone saying " America is now the laughing stock of its enemies due to Obama" is factually not correct And I'm not going to even mention NK or Iran as they are no real threat to the West

Well, US was in the Civil War at the time. Also I'm not sure how something that happened 150 years ago is relevant now. Rule of law definitely declined when the President constantly refuses to enforce or follow the law. We're a laughing stock in foreign affairs because our enemies believe us weak and stupid. All the new regulations and laws and the general anti-business attitude I believe hurt the economy. The accumulated national debt is a heavy burden on the economy. The deficit is going up without bound again and no one's dealing with it, possibly leading to an economic collapse in the future. As far as Iraq having nuclear weapons, I think Cheney meant to say Iraq had reconstituted a nuclear weapon capability, not an actual nuclear weapon, because I don't remember such a claim being made at the time. Okay those criticism are not dissimilar to GD, when you say enemies can you be specific ? Question, what would you say if I told you that millions of people who live outside the USA think that USA offers them the best quality of life and the best economic prospects ?

Of course,also he used them against the Iranians and the Kurd's I am way over the whole " America should not have invaded Iraq" .....the real issue here is most of the ME is just not interested in understanding why a Democracy is a good thing. For them religious intolerance is preferable ....so the West must just not get involved. The Russians also dont place much value in overall human rights unless its there own citizens so they would feel more comfortable in the region...that makes sense to me

No dont be so dramatic....this is an interesting development but IMO not that bad So firstly lets be honest...do we really care? I don't ...the ME should have been taken care of there own problems years ago. So the Saudi and the Turks attack ISIS ....good no Western troops have to die The Russians and Assad now know not to bomb the " good rebels " and the Russians target ISIS ...good maybe ISIS is removed from Raqqa ISIS is by the far the biggest concern to the region, I don't care if the Russian, Saudis or Turks remove them...I just don't want the West to have to do it So what if the Russians and Saudi actually go to war...Russian will quickly subdue them. But there is NO way the West will go to war and start WW3 over such a pointless and benighted region as Syria....the West doesn't really care, why should they after all the effort and constant criticism If Russia " wins " and Assad stays in power do we really care? I dont even know if the " good rebels " are good....let Assad run his broken country. His entire economy will be dysfunctional and the country will be a failed state I really dont understand what Putin thinks is the benefit? People say " Russia has outmaneuvered the USA in Syria " Why do people think the USA cares if Russia ends the conflict. Maybe Putin is hoping if they end the war then the West will drop sanctions as then the Syrian refugees can go home which would be great But why would the refugees want to go home to Assad ....there will NO economic prospects under his rule I'm glad the Russians are involved but unless Assad resigns then the Russians will be left having to support a very unpopular leader who the West detests and this is understandably

" but I am opposed to activist judge" I love the world you guys all live in....I have called this " first world privileged blindness " ( dont you think thats a cool phrase )and I'm not being condescending. I often see it and hope one day that would be a reality for what ails my fellow countrymen Its a good place to get to and not realize you there

I find porn sites the only place where true love can be explained in such a sincere and non-platonic way

Funny how liberals suddenly find outmoded, useless Constitution when it's convenient. WOD do you think the USA has declined under Obama...and if so what specifically? You have mentioned some things but I am still keen to see your updated view

Firstly I don't blindly trust my government because it all it members are human and they aren't usually brightest minds in my country. Also they are there to represent my interest (and interest of other people in Finland) and if they aren't open and give reasons for their decision I and other people of Finland can't review and determine if their actions were actually in our best interest as they should. And without that knowledge I can't do educated decision in next elections if I continue to give my support for them or do I seek new representatives for my interests. Also blind trust for government opens doors for corruption and other things that people who have power but no supervision do and in democratic societies people are supervisors of their government, all their power should come from will of people. Not blindingly trust in government is even more important when it comes to EU, because EU represent all it member nations and not only Finland so representatives there less likely represent my interest than they do in Finnish government. Also nature of EU's governance allows even more corruption and misuses of power than government of Finland. Although on bright side our representatives in our local governments work as partial supervisors over EU's governance which make it easier to supervise such multinational institution, but existence of EU make it even more important that people in Finland supervise our own government and demand them to do their jobs and supervise over EU's governance and keep us in the loop. Also it is important to keep our representatives in European Parliament responsible of their actions and give reasons for Parliaments actions and supervise European Commission. If people don't question their governments and keep up how their interest are handled by them our democratic systems lose their foundation. It would be like company that don't question actions of their employees. It is not fear that they can sue, it is actual fact that TTIP's current revision would give corporations power sue countries and ECB or Commission or any other institution but that new international trade court, which will be established to handle those suits, will have power to say anything about it if agreement would come in effective in its current form. Whole purpose of that agreement is to create new rules in trade between USA and EU and those new rules will overwrite current ones to make trade easier and more free. Also it is not USA who has ability to sue, but US companies that make invests in EU (this of course also means that EU companies can sue USA, but I write these concerns from Finnish perspective naturally). And as I pointed out those concerns in my previous post were from out Foreign Trade minister, who is the accountable Finnish representative in negotiations about the agreement (so I am not sure that are you saying that I should trust or not trust my government in this matter? Because now your statements are contract each other ). People don't need to necessary know how any specific company will work in Finland, but they need to know when some international agreement will change how they can govern themselves. And also need to have knowledge of new rules so that they can judge how those will effect their everyday lives, companies, etc.. / Hold on...maybe I'm misunderstanding you....are you telling me Finnish citizens get to scrutinize government decisions? In my country people like me help people make the right decision....think about it Elerond wouldnt it be better not having to think about a solution when I can just tell you the right answer.....then you don't have to worry about making the wrong decision ?