Pipeline sabotage: An act of War.

THIS ACT HAS PERMANENTLY SEVERED ANY POSSIBILITY OF NEGOTIATIONS  

WILL IT END IN WW3 OR THE POLITICAL COLLAPSE OF EUROPE?

The sabotage of the Nord stream pipelines indicates a desperation and frustration of the U.S. in the conflict between NATO and Russia. Whether motivated by a desire for political advantage in the coming election or fear that protests in Germany to open the Nord stream 2 pipeline were going to break the will of politicians in NATO, it may very well be a defining moment in world history. The next few months will see an escalation in tensions throughout the world.

The energy crisis in Europe has now taken on a new dimension. There is no longer any hope of a negotiated settlement concerning Russian security and NATO expansion or the preservation of Ukraine as a viable country. It is now a question of when, not if, there is a dramatic escalation in a conflict that will certainly end with a politically devastated Europe and a materially devastated Ukraine. It may very well change the direction of public opinion in Europe to the risks of a political alliance with the United States. 

Russian retaliation can be expected, and it will likely be very costly in one way or another. Russia does not need to immediately respond, as the NATO alliance is going to be tested by lack of energy, by imploding economies, political unrest and possibly revolution. In the United States a severely divided nation is now  entering a period of shortages, high prices and possibly political unrest. We hear how the Russian economy is on verge of collapse and the people are divided, but which people will be able to withstand deprivation the longest? Why would Russia take actions that would politically aid the west, when it is collapsing from its own misjudgments and juvenile policies?

It seems this course was set decades ago when some in the U.S. decided that as the only super power they could set the direction of the world. That they could control events either by financial sanctions for small countries and military power over others. The regime change policies of the last few decades have devastated the cultural adhesion of the populations of the middle east and Europe. Their unrestrained immigration policies have attempted to do the same in the U.S.  These policies have been promoted by both Republican and Democrat administrations. 

It seems to no longer be left or right or liberal, conservative, but the lust for a global authoritarianism at home and abroad. It is unrelenting, unrestrained and void of any limits by law and justice, just a headlong rush toward an inevitable catastrophic conclusion. 

It is the season of voter and donor suppression.

POLLS AND NEWS HOPE TO DISCOURAGE CONSERVATIVE VOTERS 

IN THE END MOST RACES WILL BE DECIDED BY TURNOUT

We are continually being bombarded by the great revival of the chances of the democrat candidates. At the same time, republican candidates are continually being dismissed as too extreme or out of the mainstream. When November comes many of these races will be decided by who can turn out their voters in the greatest numbers and who can damage the other side by keeping their voters home. This is classic voter suppression.

Then there is the other part of this strategy and it is donor suppression. Do not waste your money on a candidate that is so far behind in the polls? And the other side is our candidate is so close that all we need is some more money. It is indeed a story of political psychological warfare, a strategy that has intensified in recent years. 

In the past we have increasingly seen candidates who were written of early coming within 1 or 2% of winning and of course candidates who were polling at 5 or 6 behind actually winning. In this election, we can expect the physiological warfare to be much more intense. 

Much of the influence of the media, while still relevant, has been diluted. We have witnessed them lie, cover up or refuse to address many issues. Why would we trust them to give us accurate information on elections.

While this is the season to discourage voters, workers and donors, when it gets closer to the election, we can expect a published tightening of all these races. It is all done in the hope of  keeping some credibility after the election. By damaging the opposition early it is hoped they will not be able to recover in volunteers or money to conduct a winning campign.

We have seen in recent years more and more candidates able to win with far less  money than their opponent. Often more money is just spent and wasted by greedy campaign consultants. In the end, it is the willingness for voters to ignore the drumbeat of negativity and just come out and vote and bring the rest of the relatives with you.

U.S. likely suspect in pipeline sabotage.

 MOTIVE MAY BE TO ELIMINATE OPTIONS FOR EU

RUSSIAN ENERGY NO LONGER OPTION

The two main gas pipelines from Russia, Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 were damaged by deep sea explosions yesterday. While Ukraine blames Russia for destroying their own pipeline, the U.S. is the prime suspect for this event. Not only because of previous threats by Biden and Victoria Nuland to do just that, but the fact that only the U.S. has the technical ability to do this act. The U.S. has not refuted these accusations.

Poland has already openly thanked the U.S. for the sabotage and some Germans claims they were warned beforehand by the the U.S.. Russia has pointed to either Ukraine or the U.S. 

While some may claim this is an escalation focused at Russia, it is evident that Russia has mostly resigned itself to having no future relations or economic ties to the west. This act is most likely focused at those EU countries, particularly Germany, who may be wavering in their support of sanctions against Russia. The European countries are going to take the brunt of the sanctions against Russia as winter brings increased risk of a severe energy crisis. The destruction of these pipelines has removed any options for the EU countries. 

One has to wonder if the NATO coalition has approved of this strategy or are they now the victims of Washington's obsession with damaging Russia at any cost to the rest of the world. 

As this crisis escalates we will see who will be the most damaged from this ill fated foreign policy. Without a doubt Ukraine is so far the worst damaged, but we can expect all of western Europe to soon be the next casualty, both economically and politically.

It seems there is now no going back, no hope of any negotiated settlement, only the expectation of all out war.

Referendum in eastern Ukraine to be completed tomorrow.

 VOTE IS CONCLUSION OF PROCESS BEGAN IN 2014

WILL SPELL DOOM OF ANY NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT

Voting is underway in four regions of Ukraine to decide whether they support annexation into the Russian federation. Donetsk and Lugansk have had a voter turnout of 77 and 76% as of Sunday with 2 days remaining. Zaporozhye  has had a turnout of 51%  and Kherson a turnout of 49%. A majority participation is necessary to have a binding referendum.

While the West will surely never recognize any vote as legitimate, it is the conclusion of  a process that began after the Ukrainian revolution in 2014. The eastern parts of Ukraine, which had voted overwhelmingly in support of the overthrown government, immediately declared their independence from Ukraine. This resulted in an 8 year conflict between the separatists and Ukraine. In early 2022 Russia announced their recognition of these regions as independent of Ukraine. This vote, if in the affirmative to join Russia, will likely be approved by the Russian Duma.

While many will opine that the vote is illegitimate, it will be considered binding by Russia and will change the complexion of the conflict in Ukraine. While the western press ignores the formalities considered by Russia as unimportant, to Russia it seems everything has a process and a consequence.  When these regions are considers part of Russia, it opens the door to Russia to a new approach in this conflict. Russia will then consider any attacks on these regions as an attack on Russia with, according to Russian law, the necessary response.  This may be the end of the label," Special Operation" which had meaning in Russian law and process. 

While to now, this has been a limited conflict on the part of Russia it is likely to take on a new face in the near future. Russia has what is called a reserve force of 2 million, this is made up of former military personal, much like the reserve forces in the U.S.  They have now activated 300,000 of that reserve force. Contrary to the western media this is not a draft of untrained or new recruits.

The stage is now going to be set for the next phase of this conflict, with more manpower and the ability to use more sophisticated weapons, we can expect a escalation in violence. This coupled with the onset of winter, frozen ground and the elimination of forest cover change the dynamics of this in favor of Russia. 

Then of course understand that Ukraine is still dependent on Russian gas which is still their main energy source and continues to have revenue from the transit of gas to Poland and and other western  countries. While this supply has been reduced, it is likely to be eliminated in a broader conflict.

Then there is the ongoing energy crisis in all of western Europe which will most likely reach untenable dimensions in the coming months.

Negotiations will now not be possible and in hindsight the rejection by the U.S. and the UK of a tentative agreement between Ukraine and Russia, in Turkey in the siring, that would have made Ukraine a non-aligned, neutral country, with guarantees to their borders was a defining moment. The insistence that Ukraine become a NATO member may have sealed the future of Ukraine.

U.S. military recruiting most difficult since 1970's

AIR FORCE DECLARES DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION KEY TO MODERN WARFARE 

SEXUAL ASSAULT AND LIMITS ON ABORTION LISTED AS REASONS

Yesterday there were hearings on capital hill concerning lagging military recruitment. When one listens to the testimony you can understand, if you have any understanding about the culture of a military force, why recruitment is down and will remain down in the future.

Military leaderships is now composed of political appointees who view social revolutions as the priority of the military. Elizabeth Warren opines that sexual assault and the unavailability of abortion hinder the recruitment of women. No mention of the rising incidents of sexual assaults on male recruits.

The head of the Air force is stressing the need for inclusion and diversity. How about an abundance of testosterone based willingness to fight and die in defense of the country? Does anyone think it is attractive for young men to take orders from women and multi gendered leadership?  Of course, this is the modern age, and any such notions of primitive human nature should be controlled and excluded. Hey, the military is a place were primitive human nature is what keeps men and maybe women fighting.

No one ever mentioned that the core of the military has been generations of military families who have had family serve since the revolution and the civil war. It was a family tradition whose members fought in every war since the beginning of the country. Recruits were supported by family, both emotionally and economically. They were proud to serve and put up with the hardships of military life. That core is now looked down upon by the powers that be in the new military. They are more focused on social revolution and the military as a opportunity to have subjects that can be controlled for social experimentation. Many of those family's were from the geographic south and mid-west. Once the cycle of recruits from this resource of military recruitment is broken it may be lost forever.

The purpose of the military is to use controlled violence to kill the enemy and destroy things. That is the harsh reality. Military life is not soft and cushy, this may explain the rising suicide and emotional problems with new recruits.

The military has been incrementally lowering the standards for recruits, from including gay recruits, minor drug use and other things that would have kept recruits out. This policy may be discouraging those who traditionally served in the military.

It is possible that this trend will not improve, even in the event of a 9/11 incident other test of the nation. Like the image of our government in general, the image of the new military is no longer as pristine as it once was. One must ask, what would real wartime generals, like Patton or MacArthur recommend to encourage military service?

Letitia James, a disgrace to the legal profession.

 OBVIOUS ABUSE OF POWER SHOULD BE THROWN OUT AT FIRST HEARING

ANOTHER POLITICAL  PROSECUTION

Yesterday, the Attorney General of New York state, Letitia James,  who in her campaign pledged to get Donald Trump, filed a civil suit claiming fraud, by the Trump family and the Trump organization. This is the culmination of  her political investigation to find any violation by the Trump Company or its executives. All without any serious probable cause or complaint from anyone. It is a purely political persecution of the worst kind. It is an abuse of power which needs to be stopped in this country,

This suit claims that the Trump organization under assessed their assets to save on property taxes. They also claim they inflated their assets values to acquire loans. This is an absurd accusation, as anyone who owns property knows, that the assessor for the government determines asset values and you have a right to appeal those decisions to get the best result.  As for inflating the value of assets to acquire loans, the bank or lending institution does not take anyone's word for a value, but does the evaluation by their own personnel. This is all a blatant abuse of power and this AG is way out of line and needs to face disbarment and other accountability. 

One must wonder how the state has standing to file civil suits when there has not been anyone who has filed suit claiming fraud or loss from any of these transactions. It is baseless charge and a blatant abuse of power. This should be thrown out by the first judge that is a reputable member of the legal profession. 

Sadly, we can expect that they have a judge lined up, who allow this suit to go forward in the interest of political expediency.

NATO/Russian conflict more than a military action.

 CONFLICT IS GLOBAL ECONOMIC, POLITICAL  STRUGGLE

RESULT LIKELY TO BE FUTURE GLOBAL REALIGNMENT

While much is made about Ukraine self determination, this war is much more. It will have lasting repercussions on the global order. While the talk is mostly about who will win the military conflict in Ukraine, the far reaching and long lasting repercussions will be more important than any result of the war in Ukraine. Much is now at stake, the viability and unity of NATO. the economic survival of Western Europe and the future economic and political divisions of the global economy.

Whenever the decision was made by the powers that be to contain Russia, to decide to deny them a major role in the global economy and to pressure Russia to submit to the dictates of the U.S. and western Europe, the stage was set for this eventuality. Russian realization of the futility of attempting to co-exist economically and politically became evident with the Ukraine revolution in 2014. They then realized that their survival depended on them becoming self reliant. 

While the U.S. planned the confrontation with Russia decades ago, it did not become obvious until 2008 when speeches were made that showed the intention of expanding NATO onto the western and southern borders of Russia. The hope was that squeezing Russia would eventually result in regime change in Russia that would allow the opportunity for western access and control of Russian resources. 

When Russia eventually realized what was in store they also began their planning for this conflict. Putin began a political campaign to win the neutrality of counties to their south. They became a reliable partner with many meetings and summits in Moscow with countries in the south and the middle east. Many of those countries do not fear cooperating and having economic relations with Russia. At the same time the west began building up the military capability of Ukraine. Both sides seemed to know that a show down was in the future.

When Zelensky began making speeches about recovering Crimea and defeating the rebel force in Donetsk and then began moving troops into the region, the Russians responded by moving their troops to the border. It seemed that the U.S actually wanted a Russian action so that they could enable a prolonged confrontation that would force the collapse of the Russian government. They misjudged by hoping such a collapse would occur within weeks or several months. The Russian's also misjudged by expecting a show of Russian force would force a compromise with a neutral and independent Ukraine. It has now become a fight that will likely have destructive repercussions for years into the future.

It is obvious that the west believed that a proxy war between Russia and Ukraine would bleed Russia and make it vulnerable to political collapse and a new government. At the same time Russia's strategy is not completely clear.  We can assume they also knew the West's expectations and also has a long range plan. It could be foreseen that they hoped to encroach on Ukraine by making those rebel provinces part of Russia and also a partition to keep NATO expansion at a distance from the homeland. 

Now, it seems Russia may have a far bigger and long lasting plan. One must wonder why they never took out the infrastructure of Ukraine, the bridges, the government buildings and the railways. We are told they are weak and incapable of that strategy, but Russia could have done most of that damage from within the Russian borders. It has indeed been fighting a limited war. Never attempting to end it quickly and decisively. That raises serious questions about Russia's long range plan. Are they also hoping to bleed the west, and drain their reserves, weaken their ability to continue and eventually push them over the economic cliff they have been balancing on for some time?

It is clear that Russia has manged to survive the sanctions placed on them by the west. While they have suffered slightly economically, it is debatable which side has suffered more. At the same time Russia's diplomacy in the past decade has paid off and allowed the creation of an independent global economy in the east and south of the globe. An economy that is very close to equal balance to the rest of the world. 

The next few months will test the resolve of western Europe. It has a huge crisis brewing with energy shortfalls that do not have a source of replacement. It could lead to social unrest and the collapse of some EU governments. It could also lead to a severe economic collapse. It will put serious pressure on NATO members to question their continued support.

Is this really a great "rope a dope" strategy being placed by both sides. Inevitably this contest will never end in a settlement that will look like a former time. The old global order is dying, it will never go back. It is inevitable it will be replaced with something all together different. Will it be duel spheres of influence that can co-exist? Or will an all out decisive confrontation be the only outcome?

Lindsey Graham still believes in big government solutions for abortion.

 HIS NEW PROPOSAL IS ALSO UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND  HATED BY EVERYONE

THE COURT HAS GIVEN FEDERAL LEGISLATORS A GIFT, JUST SAY "THANK YOU" AND SHUT UP

Republican senator Lindsey Graham has announced his national abortion law. It would restrict abortion after 15 weeks. Why he thought this is an acceptable solution, just goes to show the out of touch condition of Washington  politicians. The left will find any restrictions too oppressive and the pro-life folks will reject this in the same manner that they rejected the Roe vs Wade decision. It appears that those in Washington would like to continue the division and unrest created by this issue.

Any such federal law should again be declared unconstitutional, since there is no provision in the constitution that gives the federal government power over this issue. This issue is in the purview of the states. Let it alone, it will in time reach solutions that will not be part of federal legislation and possibly reach a point that could have a constitutional amendment adopted. Some just can't resist the opportunity for the expansion of federal power.

One must wonder what Graham is thinking, does he now think such a law will lessen the risk of republicans in the election, far from it, it will just keep the division and hostility going. 

All federal legislators, if they were smart, would declare that, sorry, this in not an issue that they can deal with, talk to your state legislators.

The Supreme court wearied by 50 years of law suits and challenges finally placed this were it should have always been, with the states. In the long run, it was the right decision and the states over time will come to acceptable provisions for their states. 

Many just can't accept any limitation on federal power. Limited federal power is just what we need, now more than ever. States rights is the relief valve that may be able to actually save the union.

Again, federal legislators of both parties should accept the court decision and give a big "Thank You"

The left is engineering their own extinction.

THE IDEOLOGY OF THE LEFT WILL MAKE THEM EXTINCT IN ONE GENERATION

WILL THE MEEK INHERIT THE EARTH?

It is interesting that we now witness the attempt by the left to influence the children of their opponents. They believe that their ideology is far superior to that of preceding generations, but their ideology will cause their extinction in one generation. If you believe that LGBT is a superior lifestyle, that having children is an assault on the earth and childless is the best lifestyle for the future, they are if fact, making sure that they will be a dying ideology. 

I have in the last few years made west of Lehigh county in eastern Pennsylvania my goto  for shopping, commerce etc. I am amazed at the growth that is evident in the Amish and Mennonite communities. They are actually thriving, even in this government oppressive economic environment. They are mostly in the agricultural economies, but also very strong in the building trades. What I really noticed is they have a lot of children. It not unusual to see young women with 3 or 4 young children. I expect large families are still the norm and according to census numbers their numbers are growing all across the country. 

I have had the opportunity to do business with many of these people and they are good at business, mostly honest and forthright and their good practices have allowed them to reap the prosperity that does come to just engaging in good honest business practices. 

They seem to just go about their lives and let the rest the world go their way. Very little interest in politics or looking for recruits to their lifestyle. Their success is a witness to the rest of the world, that simple is best. Eliminate most of fluff and false gratifications of the world and you can live a successful, fulfilling and prosperous life.

It is also reported that their numbers are also growing in western Europe and some governments like Hungary, Czech republic, Poland and Russia are also encouraging having more children. 

Children do indeed change peoples lives and lifestyles, it is a maturing process that comes from dealing with children. Children require patience, a look to the future. A denial of self for something bigger. They create humility and wisdom. Families are still the foundation of society. Societies with a large decline in the fertility rate are a recipe for decline and collapse.

It may very well fulfill the prophecy that the meek will indeed literally inherit the earth.

Socialism always has to rely on the bayonet in the end.

SOCIALISM STARTS OUT WITH PERSUASION AND THE ALLURE OF UTOPIA 

IT ALWAYS LEADS TO THE BAYONET AND FORCE

Socialism has been a 20th century phenomenon that originated in the 19th century and will die in the 21st. century. It will die due its failed policies that have never accounted for basic human nature and the will for self-preservation, freedom and self interest. While advocates of socialism will insult, demean and attempt to humiliate those who do not live up to their hypocritical calls for collectivism, basic human instinct and nature will in the end always resist and oppose putting the interest of the state and the elite above their own.

It is more than ironic that the advocates for socialism in the beginning talk of working people and the neglected masses. In the end it is their privileged existence as part of the ruling class that is were their focus eventually turns. After gaining the power and leverage of the socialist government it is their self interest and self preservation that is the basis of all economic, political and social policy.

Most of the advocates in the late cycle of socialism have enjoyed the fruits of the labor of the average worker, small business and those that keep the nation running. There existence has been supported by those that manufactured, mined, built and increased the wealth of the nation. They have mostly dealt with theories and philosophies, that while nice sounding, have never been successful unless they are supported by their parents, or the government. Most of the advocates of socialism have never had a real job or broke a sweat from engaging in work. 

Marx himself was the son of a wealthy business man in Germany and was very perceptive at identifying the inequalities and problems in society at the time. Most of his time was spent in debating these issues with fellow travelers at coffee shops and other gathering places, but never took to the workplace to see the realities of life. His perceptions of problems was sometimes accurate, but his solutions were uninformed at best. This is mostly the case of the present end stage advocates of socialism.

When opposition presents a threat to their cushy existence they first resort to political oppression of the opposition. Threats, oppression and  censorship, then finally political persecution and prosecution. They attempt to make examples of their critics, to intimidate their supporters. Eventually, it will escalate to out right imprisonment and possible extermination. If opposition continues and the wealth created by the non-elite is threatened they will then move to forced labor, possibly covered by the forced labor of prisoners. Most likely political prisoners.

This is the end stage of socialism, when it cannot be enforced with persuasion it moves to threats and violence. It is an escalation to demand submission. Usually the more intimidation, threats and violence, the less voluntary submission, a escalating cycle, until it all collapses.

Soviet Union gone, but influence continues

MARXIST EDUCATION AND THE GREEN MOVEMENT BEGAN IN USSR

INFLUENCE CONTINUES IN THE WESTERN COUNTRIES

At one time the Soviet Union was the leader of the world communist movement. The Marxist ideology may have originated in Germany, but found its first opportunity for experimentation with the Russian Revolution in 1917. It was not the first choice of the communist revolutionaries, but being that Germany had a strong opposition to communism, the collapse of the government in Russia was an opportunity that could not be resisted. Communists always favored to bring communism to prosperous advanced economies that had the economic wealth to support their communist experimentation.

After the communist's of Russia stabilized their hold on the country, they set out to expand their influence around the world. First in Europe and then America. They understood that to advance Marxist principles they had to change the culture of countries from the inside. They were patient, and began by targeting the educations systems of Europe, England and the United States. By the late 1930's they had been successful at positioning professors in many universities that would implant their ideology into the students who they taught. After the collapse of most of the social order in Europe after WW2  that opportunity was taken to insert many Marxist principles into the economies of those countries. This was also implemented in the United States with the New Deal initiatives, while resisted by many, it found a foothold and continued to grow. There were successful communist revolutions in China and all of eastern Europe was incorporated into the USSR.

The 1950's saw a push-back in the United States with a strong anti-communist movement. It was evident to some, that the expansion of communist ideology was well underway, with this ideology being incorporated into not only education, but Hollywood, media and the government bureaucracy. 

It reached a peak in the 1960's and 1970's with actual communist revolutionaries becoming much more militant and open in their embrace of communist ideology. This was evident with open groups, like the Weather Underground, that openly embraced violent revolution. Interesting that many members of that early movement have been active in the Obama and Biden administrations.

This was also a time when we witnessed communist revolutions in Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, India, Philippines,Turkey, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Malaysia and other countries. Not all these revolutions were successful, but they had lasting influence on many of these counties.

Much of the financing for these groups came indirectly from the USSR and its subsidiaries. With a push-back to actual revolution it became more patient and labeled itself the progressive movement, slow steady progress, toward Marxist totalitarianism,  never moving backward. The idea was, Move Foreword and hold. With opportunity move forward again. It has been a very successful strategy.

In the late 1960s' and 1970's a new front was opened up by the Marxist ideologues with the introduction of the green movement into western Europe. This was pushed with the books with apocalyptic depictions of the future without government measures to control most industries and the population. "The late great planet earth" and the "Population bomb" were some examples. They caught the imagination of the younger generation and resulted in many government initiatives to control emissions, pollution and population. While controlling pollution was a good thing, it also gave government control over most industries and also led to the elimination of many industries in the western world. It is now evident that these policies have destroyed much of the manufacturing base of the United States and Western Europe.

One of the main tenets of communism is government control of the means of production. This has largely been accomplished through regulation. Energy and food production are now the last remaining parts of the economy not completely controlled by the government. They are in the process of accomplishing that now.

In the late 1980's the Soviet experiment in totalitarian socialism came to an abrupt end. It became obvious to many of the new leaders in Russia that they were becoming stagnate and declining and that they soon would be facing the inability to continue due to no incentive for industry and competitiveness. It took 70 years to realize that socialism is a failed economic experiment. It just began to collapse from its own weight of mismanagement, incompetence and lack of incentives.

No one in the west listens to the former leaders of the Soviet Union who have openly warned the west of their fate. Former victims, like writer Solzhenitsyn and former government officials have all been rejected by the elites of this country, who believe somehow our fate will be different and continue to double down on these failed experiments. It appears that Russia is now viewed as a traitor to the international communist cause.

Over $30 trillion dollars of deficit spending has been able to prolong the inevitable collapse of democratic socialism. It is now approaching the point of were it cannot be propped up any longer.

We are now witnessing the result of the policies of Marxist ideology in the United States and Western Europe. The West is about to collapse from the weight of its own mismanagement, incompetence and lack of incentives. The question is, will it be able to manage this collapse in an orderly way or will it descend into chaos, death and destruction.

Ukraine makes progress in Kharkov offensive.

WAR LIKELY TO CONTINUE FOR MANY MORE MONTHS

NEITHER NATO OR RUSSIA CAN ACCEPT DEFEAT 

The counter-offensive in the Kharkov region has been very successful for the Ukraine troops as it has forced the Russians to withdraw to a more defensive position. It is the first successful counter-offensive by the Ukrainians. An earlier counter-offensive in the Kherson region was a failure. While it is a much needed victory for the Ukrainians and NATO it is yet to be seen as a trend or just a setback for the Russian advance. It seems that there is increasing pressure on Ukraine to show results if it wants continued aid for their cause. This will surely create positive political situation for those who want to increase military aid to Ukraine. 

Neither Russia or NATO is willing to bring an end to this conflict without a clear defeat or victory. Sadly the civilian population of the areas recaptured in this Ukrainian push will suffer the consequences of having lived and survived the Russian occupation. It is reported that the violent purging of those who attempted to just get along will be quick to send a message to others not to cooperate with occupying forces.

While it is victory for Ukraine, in the long run it is likely to be a temporary situation, as Russia cannot accept defeat in this conflict. So far they have used limited numbers of forces, mostly WW2 era artillery and avoided taking out the infrastructure of Ukraine. They have not destroyed the public buildings, the bridges and railways. While they have concentrated on attacking infrastructure moving military aid, they surely could take out much more. Likewise we have not seen any use of their more sophisticated weapons, possibly not wanting them to be a subject of research into countermeasures.

It is reported that Ukraine will attempt other counter-offensives in the coming days. Most likely it will require a escalation by the Russian forces to more advanced weapons or more troops. With a population of 130+ million, we can assume that if necessary, Russia can increase its capabilities if necessary. 

It seems that the political situation in western Europe requires that Ukraine make progress if it is to expect to continue to receive aid. There are many facets to this conflict and the economic survival of western Europe is to be at risk in the coming months. It is not easy to predict the actual outcome, but it may soon require either negotiations or escalation. 

It is a sad situation for the civilian population of Ukraine who suffers at the hands of both sides in this conflict.

Europe readies for long cold winter.

FIREWOOD BECOMING THE GO TO TO STAY WARM

EXPECT CHAOS AND POLITICAL UNREST 

While the U.S. press focuses on Trump, LBGTQ rights, and abortion, Europe is realizing that they do not have enough energy to sustain their economy, their manufacturing or even home heating fuel and electric. It is now September and in few short weeks the reality of their eliminating their energy independence and reliance on wind power and Russian gas will become the only story. Will the U.S. be the next to suffer from a lack of affordable energy, both heating oil and electric?

Europe adopted the policy of shutting down their Nuclear, coal and domestic energy production in the hope of becoming free from carbon fuels. They hoped to use Russian natural gas to a be bridge to the day when they would only have renewable fuel sources.  The U.S. not too long ago touted natural gas as such a bridge, but then decided it to was a fossil fuel and refused to grant permits for pipelines and plants to convert gas to Liquefied Natural Gas. It looks like this winter will see the catastrophic results of these short sighted, unreasonable decisions.

We see how citizens of Poland, Germany and the UK are now cutting firewood for the winter. It is the only recourse for those who either cannot obtain or cannot afford the cost of energy. If the situation is not solved they will likely deforest the continent in a few short years. Or, maybe they can buy firewood from Russia which has an abundance of forest wood.

We hear that Germany the economic dynamo of Europe is shutting its manufacturing plants due to shortages of energy.

The EU has made a series of unreasonable decisions that have led to this situation. First their headlong rush to eliminate fossil fuels and nuclear power from their domestic production without having a sustainable alternative. Then, rather than objectively consider Russia's concern about NATO expansion and its encroachment on its border, it caved to U.S. leadership and refused to open the Nord Steam 2 pipeline. Then with the onset of the Russia/Ukraine conflict they adopted sanctions that hoped to eliminate dependence on Russian gas without an alternative source. Sanctions also created the incentive for Russia to no longer accept payment in Dollars or Euro's and demanded payment in Rubles as they had no where to spend those currencies. They then decided that they would join together and set the price they were willing to pay Russia for gas. Russia then shut off the gas.

While the U.S. and the EU claims that Russia is using energy as a weapon, it is a stretch to claim this is all Russia's fault. First they should have considered energy independence not only from Russia but from any foreign sources, second they should have not joined in supporting NATO expansion to the border of Russia and then they were in no viable position to demand conditions for Russian energy.  Now, the results of their failed policies cannot be spun or blamed on others. When this reality sets in, it may very well lead to political unrest, economic collapse and changes in the governments in most of Europe.

The U.S. should be watching this play out and making a change in direction quickly, but sadly we see California demand electric cars replace gas powered cars, then within days ask for drivers not to charge their cars as there is a shortage of electric power.

It seems the world has elected leaders without the common sense to foresee the results of their policies. Maybe it is time that voters stop voting for those without any practical experience, who make policies based on ideological dreams rather the realities of everyday life.  

Governors need to protect their citizens.

GOVERNORS NEED TO FOCUS ON MAKING THEIR STATES SELF RELIANT

PROTECT CITIZENS AND COMPANIES FROM FEDERAL OVERREACH 

We are beginning to see the failure of infrastructure in some states, shortages of electricity in particular. The power grid often stretches across many state lines and may be controlled by the federal government. Up to now, this has been a way to shift needed resources in the event of weather or other disruptions. In the future this may be manipulated for political or economic purposes. Governors have the authority to view their state as an independent entity and make sure that their state has control of the resources of their state for the well being of their citizens.

This idea would also pertain to other energy and food resources that would insure their state is not damaged by political or economic decisions made in Washington, that are not in the best interest of their state. 

We have already seen indications of this in how some governors have dealt with  COVID, forced closings and vaccination mandates. Some have been able to protect their citizens from federal government overreach, as they should. 

The latest controversy has been the bussing of illegal immigrants to northern cities. It is interesting how northern mayors complain about the overloading of their social safety net by a few thousand additions, but had no concern as to the plight of border states for the last few decades. Many of these states have been invaded with 100's of thousands of new people that have damaged their education, health and social networks.

Many believe that the federal government has intentionally allowed this invasion in an attempt to disrupt and change the political environment in these border states. They have refused to enforce their constitutional obligations to control immigration. These states also have a obligation to protect their citizens, their economy and their infrastructure from the results of federal irresponsibility. They actually should increase the number of immigrant bussed to the D.C. I would expect many would be willing to contribute to this cause if asked by the sates in question. 

These states also need to begin border enforcement on their own and then send a bill for the cost or deduct the cost from any monies owed to the federal government.

Governors need to be aware that they may not be able to depend on the federal government in the future to treat states in a fair and  impartial manner. They need to make decisions now, to insure the protection and resources for their citizens in the future.

Americans have a right and a duty to question government

MAGA MAY BE A THREAT TO RADICAL DEMOCRATS, BUT NOT TO DEMOCRACY 

GREATEST THREAT TO THIS COUNTRY IS NOW IN POWER

We are being bombarded with the message that those who question the government, the results of an election, or the unconstitutional abuses of this present government are the enemies of democracy and America. In fact, just opposite is the case. The greatest threat to freedom and prosperity of America is now in the positions of power in the present administration, they are a greater threat than Communist China, Russia or even Islamic extremist's. We are now facing the biggest threat to this country since its inception, a slow, but now escalating demoralization and dehumanization of the fabric of American society, both social and economic. 

What is good is labeled evil, and evil is touted as good.

Policy decisions are crippling the economic prosperity of the nation to bring about suffering and chaos. We can now expect shortages of energy, food and other necessities, all in an attempt to bring about more government control of all aspects of life in the quest of totalitarian government. This is being created not only here, but all of the western world. 

It seems there is a timetable and the time is running out. 

We are daily bombarded with attacks on the time tested moral and social values that created the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in world history. Again labeling good evil and evil good. Criminals are encouraged and not prosecuted, political opponents are persecuted, demonized and prosecuted. Riots and vandalism from the leftist extremist's is praised and encouraged, but opposition is labeled an overthrow of democracy.

Fascist cooperation between ruling elites and corporate and media companies join forces in silencing and demonizing the opposition. A classic definition of real fascism that they attempt to label those who really want freedom, equal justice and a free expression of opinion.

Evil is again called good and good evil.

The country is in the midst of a psychological assault on the fabric of this country. An assault that would not be possible if Americans would have rejected the idea that morals and good and evil was the purview of the state. An ever changing standard that is guided by what is in the best interest of the state in its quest for totalitarian power. 

The hope of America and the world lies with the people, can they reawaken to the time tested truths as to what is good and evil, before it is too late and the world descends into a new era dark age of death and destruction.

The Arctic: The New frontier?

THE ARCTIC IS NOW VIEWED AS A PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY 

A CONSEQUENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Recently more attention has been placed on the opportunities in the Arctic due to climate change. The largest claimed land masses are Russia, Canada and Greenland, which still a protectorate of Denmark. There are also claims from the United States, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Russia has several large cities north of the arctic circle Murmansk population 295,374 and Norlisk 178,018. Norway, Sweden and Finland have cities north of the circle. North American population north of the Arctic circle in United States, Canadian  and Greenland cities are all less than 10,000. 

The estimated resources that will become available in the Arctic is now over $40 Trillion. 

Russia is far ahead of the the rest of the world in the exploration and research in this region.  One reason is that it has a long history of developing assets in cold climates. Their scientific community has mostly come to the conclusion that climate change is occurring, but that human actions are not able to change that phenomenon.They view climate change as an inevitable occurrence and have been working for decades to adapt to this new opportunity. They also have built the most advanced naval fleet for the exploration of the Arctic.

The opportunities in the Arctic have not gone unnoticed by other nations, even though they are far behind the Russians in actually taking serious actions. In fact, it has been suggested by some in the U.S. that a cooperative effort should be undertaken with Norway in the exploration of the changing opportunities in Greenland. There has even been the suggestion of the outright purchase of Greenland from Norway.

It is also recorded that the earths Axis is moving North and West now at the rate of 48 feet a year and is increasing in velocity, this also in time will possibly make a difference in the climate of these northern regions.

Russia occupies almost half of the shoreline north of the Arctic circle and will also have access to much of the offshore possibilities. 

China and Russia are now negotiating a  joint economic cooperation agreement in the Arctic. 

It seems inevitable that such economic investments will be countered by other nations and a possible competition for the resources of the Arctic may be soon underway. 

While much of the population of the world has settled in the most comfortable environments, will that someday change into a actual migration toward the north and south poles?  Much will have to do if climate change will continue in one direction or will it possibly reverse course and throw the best plans and intentions of humans into disarray. 

Biden: no policy, just hate and division.

AUTHORITARIAN PRESIDENT THREATENS POLITICAL OPPOSITION WITH NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND F-15'S 

THEN STATES THAT OPPOSING HIS RADICAL POLICIES ARE A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY

In the last few days we have seen Joe Biden on the campign trail in Pennsylvania. We hear nothing of policy, because he has none. We hear nothing of consensus because he only believes in threatening political opposition with legal action, government prosecution and violence. Then he turns around and calls those who oppose his policies as a threat to democracy and advocates of violence.

Joe Biden is the most divisive president in the history of this country.

In his view, If you believe in a country that has a border and has a right to control immigration you are a racist and a threat to democracy.

If you believe you have a right to the fruits of your labor you are a greedy extremist..

If you question the viability of mail in voting and no voter ID you do not believe in democracy and deserve to be persecuted.

If you believe that criminals who steal from others and violate the physical well being of others should be separated from society you are a racist and extremist. 

If you believe that children should be protected from indoctrination of alternative lifestyles and physical mutilation of minors is abhorrent,  you are again a bigot and a threat to democracy.

This president and his supporters are now supporters of the worst form of child abuse that has ever been practiced. Allowing the attempt to transform minors by some disgusting intervention and experimentation is an insult to humanity.

If you believe that the politicians who make decisions for this country should put the interests of its citizens before those who espouse some form of global government or liberal order that uses the resources of this counties citizens to further their agenda, then again you are considered a threat to democracy.

If you believe that the recent foreign policy of this country has contributed to the destabilization of the middle east and western Europe and desire an end to regime change and nation building, you are now considered unpatriotic and guilty of treason.

Those who advocate energy independence and self reliance are attacked as enemies of the earth. Especially when there is no attempt to provide a viable alternative source of energy. 

Those who believe education should be about gaining the knowledge and understanding to support themselves and the country in the future and that social and political programming should not be part of the government education system are also considered a threat to democracy.

He and his party have used their fascist relationship with the media to censor, silence and defame anyone who opposes their unrealistic and dangerous agenda.

I could go on and on, but the fact is that Biden believes he has the power and the right to castigate, persecute, possibly prosecute anyone who opposes his radical view of the future of America. He is reigning over the destruction of this country, both socially and economically. He has no positive policy for the future of the country or the world. He is using his bully pulpit and the power of the federal government to poke and inflame adversaries both at home and abroad. He seems hellbent in hoping for political violence at home and world war abroad.

Then he proclaims himself as the great unifier,  What an oxymoron, he and his administration are the greatest threat to this nation in its history, both from domestic and foreign enemies. They truly are the greatest threat to democracy and this country in our history.