Political Posts

[John Hjorth]

On 6/19/2026 at 1:45 AM, Spekulatius said:

Moscow under attack:

https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/18/europe/putin-confronts-war-reality?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc&recs_exp=most-popular-article-end&tenant_id=trending.en.hybrid-trending
 

Looks like Ukraine has a substantial superiority in drones (slow and low flying and quite cheap ones) and those destroy military targets but also hit the capital city.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyj on X a cpouple of days ago :

 

 

- - - o 0 o - - - 

 

For those who may not know what Valdia is : It the private place of Putins located between Moscow and Sct. Petersburg.

 

- - - o 0 o - - -

 

Volodymyr, the popular and brave, head of Ukraine vs Vladimir, the whimp, hit by paranoia, head of Russia! 

[John Hjorth]

On 6/19/2026 at 5:39 AM, John Hjorth said:

It's Putin, who's refusing to come to the table. Moscow refinery attack was pay-back time for Russia hitting historical monastery in Kyiv a few days ago. Ukraine, please carry on.

 

Next thing is likely POTUS negotiating a MOU with Putin related to the Russian-Ukrainian war without involving Ukraine and Europe, where POTUS accepts that Ukranie and its European supporters shall pay Russia USD 600 billion in war damages, and when Ukraine and European supporters says no, POTUS throws himself  on the floor in a hysterical tantrum.

 

There are rumors among observers of what's going on in Russia, that Elvira Nabiullina now hasen't been seen around for a while [is she removed, terminated?], and that Putins paranoia is progressing.

 

Yesterday :

 

 

 

Edited 22 hours ago by John Hjorth

[dwy000]

9 minutes ago, 73 Reds said:

So you refuse to participate?  Socialists are the opposition to Trump and have taken over the Democratic Party.  You epitomize the opposition.  Nice try.

Have you not read the posts here?  Socialists aren't the opposition to Trump, people with common sense and integrity and values are the opposition to Trump.  Which is why so many former Republicans oppose him. To try and claim everyone who dislikes Trump is a Socialist is like saying everyone who didn't like Biden is a MAGA. 

 

Again (and again and again) you are avoiding the list of things where you think Trump is wrong. Because you are in a cult. 

[adesigar]

The McCarthyism playbook. Just using Socialism instead of Communism.

[73 Reds]

2 hours ago, dwy000 said:

Have you not read the posts here?  Socialists aren't the opposition to Trump, people with common sense and integrity and values are the opposition to Trump.  Which is why so many former Republicans oppose him. To try and claim everyone who dislikes Trump is a Socialist is like saying everyone who didn't like Biden is a MAGA. 

 

Again (and again and again) you are avoiding the list of things where you think Trump is wrong. Because you are in a cult. 

Ah, the socialist cult has enveloped you.  No wonder you use the phrase so often.  The pot calling the kettle black has yet to come up with one original idea of your own in opposition to anything Trump.  Just like all the other complainers here.  But keep at it, you'll think of something eventually.  

Edited 20 hours ago by 73 Reds
words

[Spekulatius]

3 hours ago, John Hjorth said:

 

Yesterday :

 

 

 

They are putting the squeeze on Crimea as the supply lines are haunted by drones. If they lose Crimea (still far from it but the noose is closing ) then it will be obvious to even the dumbest Russian that this war is lost.

 

FWIW, bombing the capital is exactly  what the Allies did in 1942 to overstretch German air defenses.

Edited 19 hours ago by Spekulatius

[whiskybravo]

Borrowing from Andrew Sullivan regarding World Cup visitors:

 

And it’s always a joy when Europeans express the same amazement I felt all those decades ago as I first discovered this wonderland. “Everyone’s just so nice,” said one, which is what every relative who has ever visited me always says about America. Always. 

 

If you think the American way of life is ending, you should listen to some of these star-struck visitors. “Indiana is exactly how I dreamed America would be. Small towns, wide open spaces, cornfields, barns, cute houses, diners, water towers, friendly people, great food, American flags everywhere, and so much more!” said one Swede, who’d also been won over by Ranch dressing (a true revelation). By getting peeps to go to the heartland for matches in various stadiums, rather than the usual coastal tourist fare, the World Cup is actually giving a more representative picture of the entire country and it’s a huge hit.

 

https://open.substack.com/pub/andrewsullivan/p/dude-lmao-this-is-a-gas-station?r=9iue0&utm_medium=ios

 

Edited 18 hours ago by whiskybravo

[Gregmal]

Gee, I thought they came to America for the trash bag lined streets of NY and LA!

[adesigar]

https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/26/us/texas-schools-bible-curriculum-vote

 

[Spekulatius]

A gas station masquerading as a county runs out of gas:

 

[Maverick47]

3 hours ago, Spekulatius said:

They are putting the squeeze on Crimea as the supply lines are haunted by drones. If they lose Crimea (still far from it but the noose is closing ) then it will be obvious to even the dumbest Russian that this war is lost.

 

FWIW, bombing the capital is exactly  what the Allies did in 1942 to overstretch German air defenses.

Interesting to see the asymmetry in inexpensive drones for attack  versus expensive drone defense.  Probably one of the reasons the US is interested in bringing the war with Iran to a close.  US air defense missiles are quite expensive and the war has already likely depleted years worth of current production levels needed just to replace what has already been expended.

 

 

[Parsad]

If only more "oligarchs" did this:

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/healthcare/articles/snap-evan-spiegel-joins-mackenzie-072600191.html

 

Cheers!

[Spekulatius]

4 hours ago, whiskybravo said:

Borrowing from Andrew Sullivan regarding World Cup visitors:

 

And it’s always a joy when Europeans express the same amazement I felt all those decades ago as I first discovered this wonderland. “Everyone’s just so nice,” said one, which is what every relative who has ever visited me always says about America. Always. 

 

If you think the American way of life is ending, you should listen to some of these star-struck visitors. “Indiana is exactly how I dreamed America would be. Small towns, wide open spaces, cornfields, barns, cute houses, diners, water towers, friendly people, great food, American flags everywhere, and so much more!” said one Swede, who’d also been won over by Ranch dressing (a true revelation). By getting peeps to go to the heartland for matches in various stadiums, rather than the usual coastal tourist fare, the World Cup is actually giving a more representative picture of the entire country and it’s a huge hit.

 

https://open.substack.com/pub/andrewsullivan/p/dude-lmao-this-is-a-gas-station?r=9iue0&utm_medium=ios

 

Something to think about. These Europoors, seem to be just average  people can afford to travel 4 weeks through US, pay for multiple airplane tickets, expensive Worldcup games and see more of America than many Americans have.

Only roughly half of Americans have a passport and only 10-15% have been to Europe. Those Americans who can afford a Europe trip typically do a 7day trip and scratch of the tourist traps in Paris, Berlin, Rome and Amsterdam. So who exactly is winning here? 

[cwericb]

28 minutes ago, Spekulatius said:

Something to think about. These Europoors, seem to be just average  people can afford to travel 4 weeks through US, pay for multiple airplane tickets, expensive Worldcup games and see more of America than many Americans have.

Only roughly half of Americans have a passport and only 10-15% have been to Europe. Those Americans who can afford a Europe trip typically do a 7day trip and scratch of the tourist traps in Paris, Berlin, Rome and Amsterdam. So who exactly is winning here? 

 

Reminds me of the old saying, "A months travel is worth a year in university."

 

"There is no substitute for the real-world education, adaptability, and personal growth that comes from immersing yourself in new cultures, navigating unfamiliar cities, and stepping completely outside your comfort zone."

 

But those who go to a foreign resort and never leave the grounds are not included.   

[whiskybravo]

2 hours ago, Spekulatius said:

Something to think about. These Europoors, seem to be just average  people can afford to travel 4 weeks through US, pay for multiple airplane tickets, expensive Worldcup games and see more of America than many Americans have.

Only roughly half of Americans have a passport and only 10-15% have been to Europe. Those Americans who can afford a Europe trip typically do a 7day trip and scratch of the tourist traps in Paris, Berlin, Rome and Amsterdam. So who exactly is winning here? 

My point was in the face of our pessimistic atmosphere, foreign visitors seem to be having a very positive experience.  
 

“And in the middle of this humid, oppressive gloom? An unexpected, fresh burst of globalized joy, a spasm of multiracial harmony, and the real shocker: a broad, genuine outburst of love for this country, its big-hearted people, and its unsung prosperity. No one expected the World Cup to be much of a draw this year, and many were afraid it would be an almighty flop, given the global atmosphere and you-know-who. But here we are. It’s the one obvious, uplifting, positive thing going on, and it feels like a fucking tonic.”

[Marco Van Basten]

3 hours ago, Spekulatius said:

Something to think about. These Europoors, seem to be just average  people can afford to travel 4 weeks through US, pay for multiple airplane tickets, expensive Worldcup games and see more of America than many Americans have.

Only roughly half of Americans have a passport and only 10-15% have been to Europe. Those Americans who can afford a Europe trip typically do a 7day trip and scratch of the tourist traps in Paris, Berlin, Rome and Amsterdam. So who exactly is winning here? 

Spek, I know plenty of people who summer in the Hamptons every year for two months and have not been to Europe in decades.  Check out how much it costs to rent a house in the Hamptons for the summer, compare it to the cost of spending two months in Greece/Spain/Portugal/Italy.  You will see that it's not the lack of money, it's the lack of desire to stand in two hour security lines in Paris Airports, zero air conditioning in Europe, and having to buy timed tickets to visit any sort of attraction in Europe these days.   

Europe is dirt cheap compared to the US.  When my first son was born, I wanted to take the family to Maine for the summer, when I looked at prices, I realized that it would be cheaper to fly business class and stay in Ritz Carlton in Spain than to stay in Class B hotel in Maine.  

It's not that Americans cannot afford to go to Europe, it's just most don't value what you get in Europe - European culture, heritage, architecture  and food. 

Edited 10 hours ago by Marco Van Basten

[John Hjorth]

7 hours ago, whiskybravo said:

Borrowing from Andrew Sullivan regarding World Cup visitors:

 

And it’s always a joy when Europeans express the same amazement I felt all those decades ago as I first discovered this wonderland. “Everyone’s just so nice,” said one, which is what every relative who has ever visited me always says about America. Always. 

 

If you think the American way of life is ending, you should listen to some of these star-struck visitors. “Indiana is exactly how I dreamed America would be. Small towns, wide open spaces, cornfields, barns, cute houses, diners, water towers, friendly people, great food, American flags everywhere, and so much more!” said one Swede, who’d also been won over by Ranch dressing (a true revelation). By getting peeps to go to the heartland for matches in various stadiums, rather than the usual coastal tourist fare, the World Cup is actually giving a more representative picture of the entire country and it’s a huge hit.

 

https://open.substack.com/pub/andrewsullivan/p/dude-lmao-this-is-a-gas-station?r=9iue0&utm_medium=ios

 

7 hours ago, Gregmal said:

Gee, I thought they came to America for the trash bag lined streets of NY and LA!

 

HaHa!  [-Fun at 5:30 AM here Saturday morning! -Best part of the day in the heat wave!] -I suppose it is Greg @Gregmal, NJ, not Greg [ @Gregmal ], NW FL [Joe Land], posting

[John Hjorth]

3 hours ago, Spekulatius said:

... These Europoors, seem to be ...

 

Is this a usual way talking about, dubbing European tourists in USA among Americans? - I'm just asking.

[Spekulatius]

6 hours ago, John Hjorth said:

 

Is this a usual way talking about, dubbing European tourists in USA among Americans? - I'm just asking.

No it’s the general description of Europeans on the bird app and other social media. Sometimes from those who have never been to Europe and probably live in Dollar General towns.

 

Europe does not have Dollar General towns but if you have ever driven through rural America, they are everywhere.

 

There are basically three sorts of towns in Americas - Dollar General  towns, Walmart towns and Costco towns (likely cities).   You do not want to live in Dollar General towns.

[John Hjorth]

1 hour ago, Spekulatius said:

No it’s the general description of Europeans on the bird app and other social media. Sometimes from those who have never been to Europe and probably live in Dollar General towns.

 

Europe does not have Dollar General towns but if you have ever driven through rural America, they are everywhere.

 

There are basically three sorts of towns in Americas - Dollar General  towns, Walmart towns and Costco towns (likely cities).   You do not want to live in Dollar General towns.

 

Thanks, @Spekulatius,

 

As a Northern European citizen I learn something new here on CofB&F almost every dag about USA and American culture.

Edited 2 hours ago by John Hjorth

[dealraker]

10 hours ago, Spekulatius said:

Something to think about. These Europoors, seem to be just average  people can afford to travel 4 weeks through US, pay for multiple airplane tickets, expensive Worldcup games and see more of America than many Americans have.

Only roughly half of Americans have a passport and only 10-15% have been to Europe. Those Americans who can afford a Europe trip typically do a 7day trip and scratch of the tourist traps in Paris, Berlin, Rome and Amsterdam. So who exactly is winning here? 

In September Angela and I will stay three weeks in Conwy then most of the time in Betws-y-Coed - both Wales.  I think Betws-y-Coed population is 476.  LOL!

 

And 6 weeks ago we spent two weeks in Okehampton UK then one week in Falmouth.

Edited 2 hours ago by dealraker

[Spekulatius]

28 minutes ago, dealraker said:

In September Angela and I will stay three weeks in Conwy then most of the time in Betws-y-Coed - both Wales.  I think Betws-y-Coed population is 476.  LOL!

 

And 6 weeks ago we spent two weeks in Okehampton UK then one week in Falmouth.

This is the way to do it. I guess you are in the top 1% of people in terms of travel experience. The WS guy who lives in Manhattan and does his annual vacation for a week in an overpriced beach house in the Hamptons or Montauk, while answering teams messages from his work while sitting on a beach share is travel poorer in many respects than Europoor peon who travels on a package deal to Spain for 4 weeks with no worries whatsoever.

[73 Reds]

12 hours ago, Spekulatius said:

Something to think about. These Europoors, seem to be just average  people can afford to travel 4 weeks through US, pay for multiple airplane tickets, expensive Worldcup games and see more of America than many Americans have.

Only roughly half of Americans have a passport and only 10-15% have been to Europe. Those Americans who can afford a Europe trip typically do a 7day trip and scratch of the tourist traps in Paris, Berlin, Rome and Amsterdam. So who exactly is winning here? 

Could it be that Americans work much more than Europeans?  That said, I spent most of the month of May in Italy - during the off time in many places.  As someone posted earlier, avoid major European cities and destinations in peak Summer months.

[dealraker]

1 hour ago, Spekulatius said:

This is the way to do it. I guess you are in the top 1% of people in terms of travel experience. The WS guy who lives in Manhattan and does his annual vacation for a week in an overpriced beach house in the Hamptons or Montauk, while answering teams messages from his work while sitting on a beach share is travel poorer in many respects than Europoor peon who travels on a package deal to Spain for 4 weeks with no worries whatsoever.

Our loves: Hike a bit, do culture, history, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.  Then hit the pub late afternoon and chat it up with locals.  Its an obsession now, we can't seem to find any small place in Europe that doesn't fascinate us to no end.

Edited 20 minutes ago by dealraker