Ukraine Thread

[Montmorency]

Those driven to acquire and use power are different personality types from those who just enjoy/live life day to day. Pretty much an ubiquitous aspect of the human condition, Frags. And as Gil' has noted, the Russian people have been tolerating or supporting Putin's efforts. The internal opposition to Putin is scattered, with only those protests/opposition to corruption issues having anything resembling a broad base of support. Wiki

30k people for an anti-war protest? I could probably gin up an anti-war protest of that size just on the campus of UC Berkeley (though admittedly, even among universities they are known for being something of a 'People's Republic').

It's known as such by conservatives.

I wonder if you could point out an example of a protest on Berkeley campus in the past 50 years that reaches that number. Note that 4 of the 5 largest national protests in American history have taken place in the past few years.

Americans just don't protest like other peoples, very rarely have.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

It's known as such by conservatives.

I wonder if you could point out an example of a protest on Berkeley campus in the past 50 years that reaches that number. Note that 4 of the 5 largest national protests in American history have taken place in the past few years.

Americans just don't protest like other peoples, very rarely have.

Oh, I know I am playing with the Berkeley stereotype a bit. And I am in complete agreement with you that most of our culture doesn't do the protest thing the way it occurs around the world. I was just pointing up for Frags that active Russian opposition to Putin's leadership isn't that broad.

[Hooahguy]

The Russian military in the Ukraine area seem to have started conducting a readiness check of some sort. Some on Twitter says this is a move like they did in 2014 before they took Crimea. Others say its just a harmless facility check. Not sure what to make of it but the recent tensions dont help. NATO wont come to the aid of Ukraine. Literally a 0% chance. Now will some NATO allies send aid in case of war? Likely yes. But an all out war? Nah. Not unless someone does something very dumb.

Also Frags, don't forget MH17. I would wager that the families of 193 of your countrymen don't.