Yes, I recall your exchanges with a poster who in supporting the Russian ‘position’ (and therefore invasion), called for Ukraine from the outset to enter ‘peace negotiations’ to concede Russian demands (effectively, to surrender). Behind all the obfuscation, that poster appears, in essence to still hold a similar outlook.
Agreed, but as I think we’re likely already doomed, I take a more dispassionate view. I’ve found it fascinating and enlightening observing the posts you’re presumably alluding to, seeing them as a masterclass in obfuscation, gaslighting, deflection, evasion, circular and repetitive arguments, practically mirroring the propaganda tactics of the Russian regime. They have also for me served to create even further doubts over the MMT evangelism elsewhere, and, my past (lifelong) voting choice. While I also cynically view it as surely just par for the course on social media, I do find it pointless and tiresome to see the same mind games playing on repeat. I’ve better things to do with whatever time is left to us, and I intend to leave here and concentrate on them.
My initial thoughts on reading this were ‘completely barking!’, but after a moments reflection I saw it as a serious post outlining the Russian position to justify the reinstatement of the former Soviet Union empire. In that light, it makes complete sense, though I’m taken aback at the articulation, almost coming from the horse’s mouth. Leaves me wondering at the Left’s lingering soviet sympathies, despite the Russian core having long ago morphed into something to the political right of Ghengis Khan – presumably the continuing pull is the anti-West hostility.
A couple of points, first, both interference by US in the Americas was as wrong as Russian oppression; to assert that Russian ‘cruel oppression’ was 'by no means as cruel', well great, that’s alright then, no doubt peoples of the former soviet states will relish living under it again. Or maybe they’ll be given a reasonable, by Russian standards, offer they can’t refuse – live under ‘cruel oppression’ or face nuclear weapon strikes? The Russian regime knows full well that NATO is a defensive organisation which has no wish to go to war with Russia, proven over the 70+ years since its inception, including the unwillingness to confront Russian military aggression in Georgia and Crimea. The regime confidently factored this in to their calculations over the invasion of Ukraine, but it is the stiff resistance of the latter (people literally fighting for their lives) which is the crucial difference.
I intend to post no further here. Though I’ve never been more than a very occasional contributor, I’m now finished with this thread, and, indeed, with any of the ‘political’ threads on PFM.
To DimitryZ and other colleagues who are like minded in seeing clearly, without caveat or weasel words, the murder, destruction and brutal oppression being inflicted on the people of Ukraine, my best wishes for what will be an uncertain future for us all.