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#11

Off the Record / Re: Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-2...

Last post by HVC - November 22, 2025, 09:55:48 PM

So apparently the Russian Duma has rejected Trump's farcical peace plan, saying only total victory is acceptable.

Well that doesn't mean anything. What authority does that toothless body have?

It's theater.  It's cover so that Putin can complain how much he has to compromise to accept the "American" deal - see look at all the domestic criticism I have to face? 

Would he choose to look weak domestically? Isn't his whole thing being a strong man? Would the narrative that he was cowed by a body even Russians know is powerless be in his favour? Wouldn't it make more sense to push the narrative that he's ignoring the cowardly politicians for Russian glory?

#12

Off the Record / Re: Football (Soccer) Thread

Last post by HVC - November 22, 2025, 09:53:16 PM

I imagine thats the look on most peoples faces when they visit northern England

Sunderland!

The North's fantastic - Lake District, York, Durham, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Harrogate. Some great cities too. But I think it's fair to say Sunderland's very much a connoisseur's choice

If given the choice between northern England and your personal usual European travel destinations for your next vacation which would you pick?

Kidding... mostly.

#13

Off the Record / Re: Football (Soccer) Thread

Last post by Sheilbh - November 22, 2025, 09:44:52 PM

I imagine thats the look on most peoples faces when they visit northern England

Sunderland!

The North's fantastic - Lake District, York, Durham, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Harrogate. Some great cities too. But I think it's fair to say Sunderland's very much a connoisseur's choice

#14

Off the Record / Re: Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-2...

Last post by The Minsky Moment - November 22, 2025, 09:19:48 PM

So apparently the Russian Duma has rejected Trump's farcical peace plan, saying only total victory is acceptable.

Well that doesn't mean anything. What authority does that toothless body have?

It's theater.  It's cover so that Putin can complain how much he has to compromise to accept the "American" deal - see look at all the domestic criticism I have to face? 

#15

Off the Record / Re: Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-2...

Last post by The Minsky Moment - November 22, 2025, 09:18:20 PM

Looking more and more likely that Witkoff is compromised.

The guy taking orders from Quisling #1 is compromised?  How could that be?

Besides the deal is great.  The Russians get Ukraine, and we get not to see the Bubba pictures.  Win-win.

#16

Off the Record / Re: Quo Vadis GOP?

Last post by Zoupa - November 22, 2025, 07:47:54 PM

I think she's just predicting that the Trump era is coming to end. She'll run for something in 2028.

#17

Off the Record / Re: Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-2...

Last post by Zoupa - November 22, 2025, 07:15:43 PM

Looking more and more likely that Witkoff is compromised.

Senator Mike Rounds:

"Secretary Rubio did make a phone call to us this afternoon. I think he made it very clear to us that we are the recipients of a proposal that was delivered to one of our representatives. It is not our recommendation, it is not our peace plan. It is a proposal that was received. And as an intermediary, we have made arrangements to share it. And we did not release it. It was leaked. It was not released by our members or our representatives... This is an opportunity to receive it and that it has been utilized and delivered to the Ukrainians, and that they will have an opportunity to respond. And in doing so, you now have one side being presented and the opportunity for the other side to respond."

Fucking amateurs. This is active measures 101.

#18

Off the Record / Re: The AI dooooooom thread

Last post by The Minsky Moment - November 22, 2025, 06:42:39 PM

The tech companies don't cleanly fit into the old categories that applies to oil, steel, or chemicals.

Under the antitrust law, monopoly power means the power to impose a meaningful unilateral price increase without experiencing diversion.  The cases usually require proof of consumer harm, as in paying higher prices.  But that doesn't fit tech companies that offer "free" or inexpensive services as an attraction to get control over consumer data or consumer eyeballs.

#19

Off the Record / Re: Quo Vadis GOP?

Last post by Tonitrus - November 22, 2025, 04:30:31 PM

From what I can figure, it looks like the pension would be ~$1200-1300/month, but not until she is 62.

As Sav said, she'll rake in much more cash from the media circuit.  Heck, she'll likely have a show on Fox/OAN/some other fringe network in short order.

#20

Off the Record / Re: Quo Vadis GOP?

Last post by Savonarola - November 22, 2025, 04:25:22 PM

Speaking of MTG, she just quit Congress after Trump called her a traitor.     I don't understand the world anymore.

I'm not sure MTG puts much political calculus in anything she does, but I guess she wants to duck a nasty year for the GOP, and prime herself for the post-Trump years.

This is probably her best chance to cash in, as Valmy said she's eligible for her pension on January 5 and at the moment she's a media sensation (she's even been on The View) for defying Trump.  That's not going to last, so this is her best chance to join a cable news program or something along those lines.