Explosions in Kiev

[Babybluejeans]

Regardless of our mistakes in the past we all need to support the current administration.  I'm very interested in what Biden will say today.  I'd like to hear more specifics about these sanctions and whether we can cripple their banking system and energy piggy bank permanently.

On that point, I thought this morning that one unintended consequence of Russia's misconduct is it could unite Americans to rally around a single purpose. Perhaps that's naive, especially given the odd things some talking heads have been saying. But I'm hoping it could help break the horrible divisiveness here.

[Billy Hoyle]

On that point, I thought this morning that one unintended consequence of Russia's misconduct is it could unite Americans to rally around a single purpose. Perhaps that's naive, especially given the odd things some talking heads have been saying. But I'm hoping it could help break the horrible divisiveness here.

I feel like this country is too far gone from ever being able to unite on any issue. During the height of the cold war would any news organization have openly supported the Soviet regime mainly out of spite of the current Administration? Would one side be infusing racial issues into reasons to oppose aggressive actions?

I give major props to the protesters in St. Petersburg and Moscow who are rallying against Putin's actions. They're putting their lives at risk to show their government they do not support their (his) actions.  https://twitter.com/AVindman/status/1496900368344797184

[MarquetteDano]

On that point, I thought this morning that one unintended consequence of Russia's misconduct is it could unite Americans to rally around a single purpose. Perhaps that's naive, especially given the odd things some talking heads have been saying. But I'm hoping it could help break the horrible divisiveness here.

I really hope you are right.  If you look at the clownish right and left outlets they are already blaming one another.  And if anything their ratings are going to go up since there is a war on now.

And if we do start to get more united I would bet Russia/China will find some new astroturf issues to get Americans all pissed off at one another while they laugh at us.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

This one is making the rounds. 
Apparently, Russian military service is compulsory and many of the soldiers have no interest is shooting Ukrainians.

[Hards Alumni]

This one is making the rounds. 
Apparently, Russian military service is compulsory and many of the soldiers have no interest is shooting Ukrainians.

Putin is deeply unpopular in his own country.  He hasn't been fairly elected in two decades.

[MuggsyB]

I think we need to hear more specifics about these banks vs Swift from the Treasury.  It's pretty clear Germany doesn't want to cut Russia off.  Biden stated these sanctions will be more damaging to Putin than kicking Russia out of Swift but we don't have a lot of details. 

[Billy Hoyle]

Putin is deeply unpopular in his own country.  He hasn't been fairly elected in two decades.

Which to me is a problem as he doesn't have to care about being reelected or popular opinion.

The fact the Russian hockey team has been wearing "CCCP" jerseys during international competitions recently should have been a warning as to what Putin is seeking.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-20/russia-s-hockey-team-raises-eyebrows-with-throwback-ussr-jerseys

[Jockey]

On that point, I thought this morning that one unintended consequence of Russia's misconduct is it could unite Americans to rally around a single purpose. Perhaps that's naive, especially given the odd things some talking heads have been saying. But I'm hoping it could help break the horrible divisiveness here.

As most of us here are pretty mainstream, we would love to believe it - and I don't think that is necessarily naive. But there are 10s of millions that listen and watch really crazy crap every day.

[Jockey]

Putin is deeply unpopular in his own country.  He hasn't been fairly elected in two decades ever.

[21Jumpstreet]

I'm not trying to state an opinion why we should or shouldn't, but why do we care about this? Oil? Cold War ptsd? Human rights?

[Jockey]

I'm not trying to state an opinion why we should or shouldn't, but why do we care about this? Oil? Cold War ptsd? Human rights?

"It doesn't affect me. Why should I care?"

[Galway Eagle]

I'm not trying to state an opinion why we should or shouldn't, but why do we care about this? Oil? Cold War ptsd? Human rights?

My guess is the lack of buffer zone for countries we actually have allied ourselves with. Plus the refugee crisis it creates. Oh and the massive energy destabilization

[21Jumpstreet]

"It doesn't affect me. Why should I care?"

Man I hate that sentiment.

[21Jumpstreet]

My guess is the lack of buffer zone for countries we actually have allied ourselves with. Plus the refugee crisis it creates. Oh and the massive energy destabilization

We have had a buffer or lack of buffer all over the world, why Ukraine? Because Russia is more likely to start a nuclear war? Should the US open our borders for refugees? Is that a better option than putting money and bodies in Ukraine? Will there be massive destabilization? Russia needs to export oil?

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I'm not trying to state an opinion why we should or shouldn't, but why do we care about this? Oil? Cold War ptsd? Human rights?

Because you don't just invade another country without a reason other then Putin is a demented asshat.  Ukraine was on the right path and it's time to put the brakes on dictators doing dictator things.

[Jockey]

Man I hate that sentiment.

That isn't my sentiment. It was my opinion on your comment's meaning.

[PBRme]

"It doesn't affect me. Why should I care?"

Racism, Poverty, Human trafficking,  Global Warming (i'm old) don't/won't effect me .  Why should I care.  Character revealed

[21Jumpstreet]

That isn't my sentiment. It was my opinion on your comment's meaning.

Not the way I feel in the least, which is why I said I'm not making an opinion, I was genuinely curious. I wasn't saying you felt that way either, simply stating I hate that sentiment. Just trying to sift through the usual political rhetoric and ask what people who are clearly more intelligent and knowledgeable on the subject think.

[21Jumpstreet]

Because you don't just invade another country without a reason other then Putin is a demented asshat.  Ukraine was on the right path and it's time to put the brakes on dictators doing dictator things.

Fair, and like most, I assume, I'm not fond of a good old invasion. I'm definitely not a scholar on Ukraine, so I'll take your word for it, and from what I do know, seems like a reasonable take. Is Ukraine currently pro-democracy?

[dgies9156]

An eye opening, informative, and heartbreaking post.  Thanks for sharing this.

Good news is my son is in his 20s, a full American Citizen and has completed a college degree at Southern Illinois University. Few people truly understand what the challenges are coming from that environment. He faced strong challenges in his life and has handled them with good cheer and determination.

My son is an off-the-charts good guy!

[21Jumpstreet]

Racism, Poverty, Human trafficking,  Global Warming (i'm old) don't/won't effect me .  Why should I care.  Character revealed

I don't think he was saying that at all, and neither was I. I know there is sentiment out there that we shouldn't care outside our borders, or that we should care more about outside our borders, or a combo.

[21Jumpstreet]

Good news is my son is in his 20s, a full American Citizen and has completed a college degree at Southern Illinois University. Few people truly understand what the challenges are coming from that environment. He faced strong challenges in his life and has handled them with good cheer and determination.

My son is an off-the-charts good guy!

Incredible from you and your son. I can only hope to impact the world like you have, mad respect.

[Lennys Tap]

Putin is deeply unpopular in his own country. 

So was Trump. So is Biden.

[Billy Hoyle]

So was Trump. So is Biden.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Kyiv is very popular and along with his brother, is calling for action. Sorry Putin, you're not getting past these two:

https://www.cbssports.com/boxing/news/ukrainian-former-world-champions-wladimir-kitschko-vitali-klitschko-take-up-arms-amid-russian-invasion/

[Goose]

dgies


I like you more and more every month. Looking forward to meeting you at Final Four or down in FL one of these days.