Miscellaneous And Off Topic Subjects

[Mike]

Doug Ford:

"To those who have attempted to disrupt our way of life by targeting our lifeline for food, fuel and goods across our borders, to those trying to force a political agenda through disruption, intimidation and chaos, my message to you is this," Mr Ford said. "Your right to make a political statement does not outweigh the right of hundreds of thousands of workers to earn their living."

Looks like Ontario's leader has done some self-reflection and realizes the damage the government's draconian Covid measures have caused. Kudos to him for this mea culpa. Hopefully more elected officials will follow his lead and denounce those politicians who have disrupted the livelihoods of untold millions.

[Dr. Strangelove]

If they want to occupy random streets honking their horns, whatever. I draw the line at shutting down major international checkpoints or if they did something like circle a major airport so no traffic could arrive or leave. And some of them aren't keeping their demands limited to covid. I've heard some saying they want Trudeau's resignation. The Alberta branch wants that premier to resign. I''m sure Doug Ford will now be the subject of intense rage. Especially since, as a Conservative, he's suppose to be on their side.

[Dr. Strangelove]

LOL...not exactly a celebrity slapfight I saw coming, but I'm pulling up a chair (also, Marx with the finishing move)

[Dr. Strangelove]

Canada is the prime example of what happens when large urban areas determine who rules the country. This is where America is headed if the Electoral College is abolished. The only leaders we'll ever have is those who appease the most voters in NYC, Chicago and LA.

And Hillary is going to run again. Ain't that grand?

Rural America contains 97% of the land and under 20% of the people. It's been shrinking since the late 1800's when farming, mining, and timbering all became heavily industrialized and the need for workers in al of those industries significantly shrank.

And Hillary isn't running. That's a Fox News fantasy they're trying to will into existence.

[THE_WIZARD_]

If they want to occupy random streets honking their horns, whatever. I draw the line at shutting down major international checkpoints or if they did something like circle a major airport so no traffic could arrive or leave. And some of them aren't keeping their demands limited to covid. I've heard some saying they want Trudeau's resignation. The Alberta branch wants that premier to resign. I''m sure Doug Ford will now be the subject of intense rage. Especially since, as a Conservative, he's suppose to be on their side.

He should resign. I hear he's been colluding with the Russians...

[THE_WIZARD_]

Rural America contains 97% of the land and under 20% of the people. It's been shrinking since the late 1800's when farming, mining, and timbering all became heavily industrialized and the need for workers in al of those industries significantly shrank.

And Hillary isn't running. That's a Fox News fantasy they're trying to will into existence.

Well secession is the obvious choice for us hilljacks in flyover country...

[Dr. Strangelove]

Haven't looked at this since the 2020 Census came out so here goes:

US Population: 331,449,281

The total population living in just the 10 biggest metro areas: 87,519,590 (26.4%)

The total population living in the 50 biggest metro areas: 182,876,464 (55.2%)

EDIT: These numbers would go up slightly if you included Los Angeles/Riverside as one metro area instead of two separate ones like the Census does. Same goes for San Francisco/San Jose

[Mike]

[Dr. Strangelove]

I'm still not sure if the administration is overcompensating for what happened in Afghanistan but they are telling Americans to get out of Ukraine in the next 48 hours if they haven't already done so. Do they really believe an invasion is imminent?

I still believe a full-blown invasion would be a disaster for Russia and totally unnecessary to wield influence over the country, but pushing the boundaries of the DNR and LNR deeper into Ukraine is plausible. Mariupol is in deep shit if the Russians truly intend to take territory.

[Dr. Strangelove]

RIP Jim Angle. If you watched Fox's more serious news shows during the Bush or Obama years you will probably remember him

https://www.foxnews.com/media/fox-news-channel-original-jim-angle

[Jeff Buchanan]

When you here the administration announcing an "invasion is imminent," that comes from electronic signals intell that is paired to specific movements of specific units. So, it's happening, assuming Russian forces aren't spoofing and there are usually tells that it's that.

What I've read that makes sense is that Putin will.order an invasion from the east into the Donbas region of Ukraine under the contested control of the DPR an opposition group that Russia has been arming. Russia will make up some bullshit reason that renders the invasion legal. They'll threaten Kiev from Belarus.

Next, theyll seek a negotiated settlement that will depose the current government and install one favorable to Moscow. Russian forces will take and hold key installations and turf. They won't engage Ukranian forces and will leave civilian communities untouched for the time being.

From there it will be a waiting game that Putin is prepared to play. It's a tough play for the West or NATO to respond effectively to. Authoritarian governments that Putin has aligned himself with will support his economy and financial system from sanctions.

[THE_WIZARD_]

Putin is playing Biden like a harp in heaven...

[lineygoblue]

So write down that Strangelove believes only the large urban areas should determine the nation's leadership. Not surprising.

I thought it was a very important liberal mantra that 'every vote should count'. Maybe I'm wrong.

[THE_WIZARD_]

The electoral college was specifically put in place to prevent urban areas from dominating politics so his argument about population means nothing. Our founding fathers were pretty damn foreseeing and smart. The system of checks and balances are brilliant as well. Two houses with one based on population and the other with 2 seats per state...brilliant...checks on all 3 branches...brilliant...but progs will have you believe these ideas are not applicable to today. They are. Probably more so now. DSL and his ilk are fucking tools...

[Mike]

I’m thankful everyday that Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas all get two Senators each.