Conflicting stories on Kramatorsk restaurant strike.

 RUSSIA AND OTHERS CLAIM UKRAINIAN AND NATO OFFICERS KILLED

UKRAINE CLAIMS CIVILIAN CASUALTIES

There is no doubt that a cruise missile struck a restaurant adjacent to a hotel in Kramatorsk, a town about 15 miles from the front line. Reports from Russian military and it now seems other independent sources verify that this was a meeting or celebration of Ukrainian and NATO advisers. It has been claimed that 2 Ukrainian generals, 50 Ukrainian officers and around 20 foreign advisers, including British and Americans were killed. 

Ukrainians report that 11 civilians were killed and 56 wounded, ironically the totals are very similar but the details widely different. It has been reported in the western press as a strike on civilians. This seems to be the typical situation in this conflict, seldom any matching descriptions of the details.

It has been reported by Ukraine that a suspect has been arrested for cooperation with Russia in the attack. That is in itself an interesting side line, if this was a random civilian target.

It has been the 2nd time that there were reports of such a strike. Earlier this year it was reported that a massive strike near Kiev killed well  over 100 Ukrainian and NATO military in a command center in the area. This was never mentioned in the western press. In fact, Russia only hinted about this strike. 

This is the first conflict in modem times with so little professional journalistic coverage. No main stream media people on the ground, only press releases by Kiev and Washington. Most of the reporting is by independent freelancers who receive news 2nd hand as if actually caught in Ukraine would be prosecuted or worse. The other source is Russian military reports.

I suspect that as time goes by, these claims will be verified one way or the other. Too many people are aware of what happened for it be kept a secret.

Mercenaries and proxy armies have risks.

 MODERN MERCENARIES HAVE OFTEN PROVED DANGEROUS

PROXY ARMIES OFTEN TAKE ON A LIFE OF THEIR OWN

Much is being made of the revolt of the leader of the Russian Wagner group, touted as private mercenary army. In fact they are mostly Russian ex military and they are far from private. They have been organized and funded by the Russian Government to bypass laws that forbid Russian troops in foreign lands. Even so, it has proved once again, funding and giving autonomous groups military power is a dangerous enterprise. An enterprise that often comes back to haunt the creators in the future.

A recent example was the massive aid and funding given to the insurrection that fought against the Russian occupation in Afghanistan. When the Russians left, the army remained and was soon recognized as Al Qaida, that went on fighting and continued to focus on other western enemies including the United States.

Then there was the Syrian rebels, who were extensively funded by the west to overthrow the government of Syria. They were paid and expanded by the United States and other western countries. Then when the funding ended they refused to quit and morphed into ISIS. Then they and other former proxy forces caused havoc and chaos in much of the region. 

It seems the Russians may have learned their lesson and seem to be attempting to disband Wagner and incorporate their resources into the regular Russian army.

When countries attempt to create deniable military action by funding and paying other groups, they create an entity that finds power and violence to be very profitable and seem to become addicted to the action. This occurs in a situation without the controls and rules often encountered by organized militaries of a modern state. It is very easy for things to get out of control and these groups can take on a life of their own.

While many talk of peace in Ukraine, no one has talked of how the west has created another proxy army, that has the most extensive funding and supply in history. It is now a massive military enterprise, much larger than could have ever been possible from a corrupt and economically poor country. The massive money has now become the norm and has anyone thought about what will happen when the money dries up. Will there be a stable government and military structure able to handle such a transition.

We can all expect an end to this conflict with Russia one way or another, but will Ukraine be able to transition into a stable and peaceful country in the future.

Biden corruption, just tip of corruption iceberg.

 U.S. FOREIGN PAYMENTS, SOURCE FOR FRAUD AND POLITICAL CORRUPTION

BILLIONS FOR SKIMMING, KICKBACKS AND POLITICAL FINANCING

In the last few years we have seen indications that it is easier to have access to U.S. taxpayer money when it is funneled through foreign governments and NGO's. Foreign aid of all sorts, including the massive government spending by the defense department, is paid to overseas governments and other entities. These payments are much harder to have a transparent journey back to politicians and leaders of both political parties. A little graft is always present when there are large sums of money involved, but it may be the case that the greed and prevalence has now reached a level where it will bring down the whole country. Much of the political warfare now going in this country is the fallout of covering up and perpetuating the acceleration and continuation of this corruption.

Joe and Hunter Biden's ability to reap millions in payments from Ukraine, China, Romania and others is possibly small potatoes to what is possible. Then the cover up and protection of this corruption by distorting the law, the corrupting the Justice system, the Russian collusion hoax, the Trump impeachment, to cover Biden's corruption with Ukraine, it is all destroying the country from within. 

We see that the democrat party has been financing its elections with foreign money for years. Clinton took money from China in 1992. The Clinton foundation reaped millions from foreign countries, then funneled that money to non profit political groups who then made sure there were contributions made to election campaigns. Chelsea Clinton was paid $400,000 plus benefits, NBC news Chris Matthews daughter also had a job and influence with the media. How many others are reaping money from these kickback etc from U.S. money paid to foreign countries. A long chain of beneficiaries who have a motive to continue the gravy chain.

Then there is Joe Biden bragging that he threatened to hold $1 billion in aid to Ukraine unless Ukraine fired the prosecutor investigating his son and company paying him. Just business as usual in Washington.

Obama arranged possibly $10 billion in payment from U.S. bank penalties to political nonprofits,  another source of vast sums of payoffs and election money.

A large part of our $880 billion defense spending is payments to foreign countries and politicians for use of bases in their countries, over 100 countries. How much of that money is kicked back to players in this country?  Remember the phony crypto kid who funneled millions to the democrats from investments by Ukraine from, in effect aid given to the country, just one example of how this money is kicked back.

$42 Trillion  and expanding debt, it is all a symptom of how out of control and prevalent the corruption has become.

While I talk of the obvious instance of democrat instances, who knows how much money, and who was the benefactor of $billions in Iraqi oil sold while under occupation? It is clear that foreign payments are well protected by members of both parties. If there is no outrage or demand by the citizens of both parties to end this corruption, it will be the end of this country. 

Is NATO now replacing the United Nations?

 MOVING FROM WORLD COOPERATION TO WORLD INTIMIDATION

EVERYONE MUST NOW CHOOSE SIDES

While NATO is often touted as a "defensive alliance" its mere existence is also a source of intimidation for those who are not members of this ever expanding alliance. 

Originally formed after WW2 as a counter to offset the Warsaw Pact, its membership was just 12 members when the Soviet Union disbanded in 1991. Today, we see it is now 30 nations and is likely to be expanding even further with the formerly neutral nations of Sweden and Finland being the latest to be scheduled to be included. Now there is talk that even nations in Asia may become members of this North Atlantic Treaty Organization. I would assume this will require a name change. 

It is now becoming a world situation were nations must decide to choose sides. There is no provision for neutrality. There is considerable pressure both economically and often politically to choose sides in an increasingly polarized world, just as is the case within most nations. There are a vast array of sticks and carrots to cooperate. Money is often the carrot mostly offered from the coffers of the United States, then there is economic benefits. Be one of the club or risk being excluded from the world economic system. Or, there is political stress internally from those who would like the economic benefits and less interested in national sovereignty.  Has anyone ever considered departing this alliance? Never. 

So, in effect, it appears this enhanced alliance is becoming the enforcement arm of this new world system. The U.N. never had any actual military power to enforce its will, but a system of persuasion that was far less intimidating, some thought it was ineffective because it could not force its will upon those who disagreed with its policy.

It is no secret that the power behind NATO is the United States. All members have the ability to purchase top of the line and the latest weapons produced by U.S. arms producers and are required to pledge 2% of their GDP toward mutual defense. A number that is staggering compared to other expenditures.

Does the existence of an ever expanding NATO force other nations to increase its weapons production and create an ever increasing division that inevitably will end in a distrasous confrontation? What if all nations would opt to join NATO, would there then be no need for such an alliance? Or would the focus then be on submission of even the members to be compliant with a long list of internal objectives, economic, social and whatever the alliance should embrace?

It just seems the world is rushing headlong into a similar situation of alliances that resulted in WW1 and its sequel WW2. It is evident the western world is in void of any statesmen that could offer a change of direction. With the economies of the western alliance in an increasing precarious situation due to high debt, ever increasing social costs and much divided populace, one wonders if there is the domestic support in any of these nations for large extended conflict.

Originally published 7/5/2022

4/25/23

Yesterday was the opening of the UN security council meetings in New York. Russia has now taken its scheduled turn as the chair of this body. Russia's chief diplomat Lavrov gave a lengthy speech, comparing international law agreed on by the UN members and the now "Rules Based Order"  that seems to be made up of  rules as the need arises and what is in the best interest of the NATO countries.

The United Nations can be expected to be castigated whenever it disagrees with the powerful global interests and if necessary it will be disbanded or at least an effort will be made to have certain members expelled. I am sure Lavrov's speech will be censured by most of the western media. The United States, the cradle of free speech and democracy refused to issue visa's to any reporters it deemed to not toe the U.S. narrative. It was a clear message sent to the members of this body and we will see if it will gain the United States any new allies as much of the world is increasingly distancing it self from our country. 

It is all a natural result of what happens when anyone or any state departs from true moral objectivity.

6/27/23

This is all as relevant today as when it was originally published.

Saturday melodrama on the "Road to Moscow"

 YEVGENY PRIGOZHIN, ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF "LOOSE CANNON"

DISPUTE OVER STRATEGY , WAGNER ROLE, AND CONTRACTS

A 24 hour Russian melodrama played out Saturday, as the world watched, not sure what what was happening. In fact, there is still confusion as to what has happened and I would expect lots of speculation will continue for a long time.

The saga of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the spokesman for the infamous Wagner group,  has been going on for months. The whole show was often questioned as to its motives, its reality, or was it a high stakes publicity stunt. Saturday seems to be the culmination and maybe the end of this dramatic phase of the Ukraine conflict. 

Ok, so there is lots of speculation, and that in itself may be the just another speculation as to what has happened. Here is just some of the speculation followed with what are pretty solid provable facts.

Speculations 1, It was a publicity stunt, a very dangerous one, that was intended to shock the Russian population into the seriousness of the situation. Like in much of the world, average citizens are oblivious to the risks that are growing in this conflict. 

Speculation 2. It was sneaky way of putting Prigozhin in Belarus to ready for an offensive on Kiev.It seems there are actual preparations for a new thrust by Russia in the northern part of the conflict.

Speculation 3. The West and Ukraine has flipped Prigozhin with promises of a role in a new government in Russia. Very unlikely.

Speculation 4. It was a opportunity to smoke out any possible traitorous players in the  Russian military who would come out and support Prigozhin.

While some of that maybe true the facts are most likely much more simple. Prigozhin and Wagner have become folk heroes in Russia. They are very popular and have been very visible in there videos and dramatic tirades for months. Some wonder, why this was allowed or was it felt to be a good patriotic stimulus to national support. 

Wagner is not a private mercenary group, like the U.S. Blackwater group. They are portrayed as such to be an end run around constitutional restriction of Russia concerning using there troops overseas. They are funded and take their directives from the Russian military.

As  Prigozhin and Wagner gained fame in the battle for Bakhmut, it became evident that Prigozhin, as many do, became addicted to the attention, fame and notoriety. While not actually the commander of Wagner, he is in fact the representative or spokesman. Wagner has several very capable  commanders who keep a low profile, while they are also well known. I expect all this was in cooperation with the Russian military and the political leadership. All wars need heros or leaders to be proud of. 

It seemed there was a dispute about strategy. Prigozhin was clear he wanted to be much more aggressive. He believed that the slow deliberate decimation of the Ukrainian military was costing more Russian lives and would wanted to speed up the progress. While he blamed this strategy on the military leaders, it was supported by the political leadership. He blamed them for not giving him the provisions to speedily end the battle. At one point he threatened to quit and ran videos of tirades against the military leadership, accusing them of corruption and incompetence. In the past history of Russia he would have been long gone.

It did seem that the battle for Bakhmut was accelerated and after the consummation, Wagner was given time off for R&R and refurbishment. It was all intended to change the make-up of Wagner and ease Prigozhin  out of control. After all they did not want to make changes in the middle of a battle nor appear to be unfair to a national hero.

It has been reported that Wagner fighters were given a deadline for when they were to sign contracts with the regular Russian military and that time is supposed to be in July. It was also rumored that upcoming offensive for Karkov would be using Wagner, but under the control of the Russian military. It was likely to be a nice way of moving Prigozhin out with the least collateral damage.

While many proclaim this to be the end of Putin and the end of Russia it is very unlikely, it is a saga that will now most likely soon become a bump in the road. Military leaders and generals have historically become in conflict with political leaders. Patten with Eisenhower. MacArthur with Truman. Most of the time the Generals are allowed to retire and go away. This is likely to be the situation now or he will just disappear. 

While many in the west speculate that without Putin, Russia would be another country, it is again a delusion, the leadership is widespread and unified on their objectives. While it is true that there is pressure to get this over with quicker,  so far, Putin has been very methodical and restrained in his strategy and it has been successful.

U.S. foreign policy, a disaster and dangerous.

 THIS ADMINISTRATION CANNOT CLAIM ONE POSITIVE FOREIGN POLICY ACCOMPLISHMENT

WE ARE NOW NEAR A NUCLEAR WW3

In less than 2 years this administration has alienated much of the world, it has created disastrous conditions in Europe and Ukraine and caused worsening conditions in much of the world. 

Their insistence on NATO expansion to surround Russia, while not the architects of this policy, it has refused to back down. This policy can be compared to the Treaty of Versailles as the greatest foreign policy blunder in modern history. While the Treaty of Versailles led to WW2 this policy is far along in leading to even more death and destruction.

It is a fact, that this Ukraine crisis could have been avoided, it could have been derailed in the early months of the conflict, but it was the U.S. who refused to consider a neutral non-aligned Ukraine and insisted on Ukraine becoming a NATO member. Only Ukraine knows what promises were made by this administration to convince them that this plan was in their best interest.

The results, so far, has been an economically hamstrung Europe, a devastated Ukraine that no longer has a positive future, and it continues. This counter offensive is pushed by this administration, even though every objective military analysis knew it was suicide to attack a fortified Russian defense, without the ability to control the skies. The U.S. generals knew it, the U.S. politicians knew it, The NATO military knew it, the NATO politicians knew it, the Ukrainian military knew it, yet it was insisted upon in the hope of saving face of the policial planners in Washington, Brussels and Kiev. It is a crime of the worst kind to send young naive soldiers to their death to cover the asses of fools in political power.

Ukraine will not recover their lost territory, they will not reclaim Crimea. There will never be a NATO naval base in Sevastopol. Not unless the collective west is ready to defeat Russia in an all out nuclear confrontation. That decision is going to be made very soon, either by Washington or Moscow. 

Then there is the absurdity of beating the war drums with China. We keep proclaiming we believe in the one China policy, yet vow to provide Taiwan with as much military hardware to defend against China. Joe Biden has publicly voiced that we will go to war with China to keep Taiwan independent. It is all contradictory. Hopefully up-coming elections in Taiwan will resolve this matter and deny the U.S. any leverage in this matter. 

Interesting, the U.S, also has plans to blow up the semi-conducter industry of Taiwan rather than it allow to fall into Chinese hands. Will this plan continue even if Taiwan votes to unite with China?

Much of the world seems at this point to want to distance itself from the U.S.  It has become a dangerous relationship, much like being married to wife beater, love today and who knows what tomorrow. 

The policy of "you are either our ally or our enemy" did not start with this administration, but it has reached new levels by being blatant and very transparent.

The U.S. Senate is considering making any use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine as an attack on NATO. Zelensky is putting forth the idea that Russia will blow up the nuclear power plant, that Russia controls and occupies. It is an absurd accusation, but if the Ukrainians do it, the west and the media will claim it was done by Russia.

It is no secret that U.S. politicians on both sides of the isle want to introduce NATO soldiers into Ukraine rather than admit failure. It will be WW3 and it will end in nuclear war.

The U.S. since the days of Bush 2 has a stated policy of nuclear preemption. Russia does not, but there is pressure in Russia to change that policy. We are fast approaching the time of decision making that will chart the future of the world. It is very scary situation, especially with the track record of this administration.

 

It must be embarrassing, if you play "rope a dope" and end up the dope.

 THIS WOKE ADMINISTRATION IS GETTING A REAL AWAKENING TO REALITY

SPIN AND DELUSION CAN ALL EVAPORATE SUDDENLY

Many in this administration have openingly admitted that this Ukraine conflict was all planned and intended on putting Russia into a predicament where they would be bled by the cost of war and the imposition of sanctions. Bled to the point to where their economy would be destroyed and hopefully they could oust Putin and change the government of Russia. They made comparisons with the results of the Soviet Union and Afghanistan conflict. A conflict fought by others and supplied and encouraged by the U.S. This time it was the Ukrainians who would do the fighting and dying, and die they have, in very great numbers. Of course, they are of little consequence in the great global chess game of world dominance.

It was a simple game of "rope a dope", Russia was to be the dope, which would be baited into entering Ukraine and then a damaging insurgency of Ukrainians would sap the resources of Russia. This coupled with economic sanctions would bring about the collapse of the Russian economy, the rejection of the government and the west could install a government that they could control and give them access to the great resources of the Russian federation. Decades of planning and NATO expansion would finally fulfil their biggest dream. Oh, the best laid plans can turn into the roper becoming the dope.

After 18 months of this tragedy, it continues with lies, propaganda and a grand illusion of impending success. Actually a delsional dream that has gone far amiss.

So we see western Europe with declining economies, high inflation and oppressive food and energy prices. An actual de-industrialization is taking place.

We see both the United States and NATO running out of weapons to give and finding it hard to keep up with the demand for rockets, ammunition and supplies.

Ukraine has suffered 100's of thousands of deaths, possibly half a million disabled veterans. The economy is destroyed. Over 40% of the population have fled the country, likely to never return. But the bleeding and destruction must go on until Russia is destroyed. How long can they expect poor Ukrainian men to continue? 

The United States has spent at least $140 billion in weapons and support. Ukraine is now a dependent on the U.S. for $5 billion a month, just to keep the government running, paying the salaries and pensions of government workers. In reality, Ukraine is now a failed state that may never even exist in the future.

The sanctions, and the intimidation that has been used on the world to submit, is resulting in a new division of the world into 2 economic systems. The reality will force the economic decline of the United States.

While to this point they are all going to be labeled as enemies of democracy and the United States, the reality is they just want out from under the oppression of economic power to force economic, political  and social revolution on their countries.

So, now we are at a cross roads of decision, can the United States re-think its failed objective and mend fences with the world or will it do, as it seems to be inclined, to double down and escalate. 

With the present government now in a position of near dictatorship, engaging in fascist media cooperation in censorship and using its power to suppress and punish opposition and dissent, it is unlikely it will change direction from within.

We are probably destined to escalate, either NATO troops on the ground or air power over Ukraine, a reality that Russia has been preparing for, understanding the mentality of this crowd. A confrontation that is by no means certain as to the outcome. A confrontation that can only end in Nuclear catastrophe.

The last hope may be only that some wisdom will appear in prominent NATO members, who will say enough, this has to stop now.

Is NATO readying to enter Ukraine?

 ONLY DIRECT NATO INVOLVEMENT CAN SAVE UKRAINE

UKRAINE REPOSITIONING TROOPS FOR MAJOR ATTACK

In the last few days it seems Ukraine is moving troops away for the border with Belarus to the border of  the disputed territory. It is unlikely that they are willing to leave the Belarus border without protection, so there is speculation that western Ukraine is going to be manned with NATO troops. Of course, they will not be "officially" NATO, but will be wearing Ukrainian uniforms. It seems Russia is aware and has spoken out by advising NATO that they are ready for conflict with NATO. If this is what is happening, we can expect that there will be Russian attacks on these troops.

It seems there is a short pause by Ukraine while they do a lot of repositioning troops, it may be that soon there will be major attack most likely in the north.

While NATO has showcased its air power in exercises in western Europe, it is sending a message that they may be ready to provide air support to the Ukrainian ground forces. This will then be the end of the phony Ukrainian conflict being a war between between Russia and Ukraine and will then be what it has always been, a war between the United States and its fake allies and Russia. I suspect that those EU countries have been snookered into this and will soon be in the middle of WW3.

In the last few days it has been revealed and attested to by other diplomats, including the former Israeli prime minister, that a tentative peace deal was reached in March of 2022 in Turkey. It had gone through 7 rounds of edits and was in the final stages when it was vetoed by the United States and UK. Such a deal could have saved 100,s of thousand of casualties and provided a future for Ukraine. It is clear the future of Ukraine is not the goal, it has never been. The goal is defeating and dismembering Russia.

Of course, the last hurdle has not yet been crossed, and maybe the French, Germans or someone will get a backbone and say, enough. You can bet it will not come from the U.S. leadership which is the architect and is willing to risk catastrophe rather than lose face and the next election.

If NATO provides ground troops and air cover, we will be in WW3. The Russians cannot back down. NATO or I should say the United States feels it must prevail, so the next few days or weeks will reveal where all this going.

Many have speculated about tactical Nuclear weapons being used, it is unlikely that Russia would use weapons that would expose their citizens from fallout. After all, Ukraine is not the real enemy in this conflict. Any such targeting will be Washington and  London and their primary decision centers.

Trump prosecution full of catch-22's for the prosecution.

 DO THEY BELIEVE THEY CAN REFUSE TO REVEAL THE EVIDENCE TO THE COUNTRY?

THIS CASE MAY NEVER GET TO TRIAL

So it appears that the prosecution in the Trump records case is going to attempt to convict a former president of the United States without revealing to the country the documents in question. We are to believe that said documents are a real threat to national security and that they were intentionally compromised while in Trump's possession. Are they really expecting that the country will just believe a biased and compromised Department of Justice without revealing these documents to the country? This is and will be unacceptable.

Are the Judge and the Jury going to be able to view all these documents in detail or are they going to show them the top label put on them by some federal bureaucrat?

Then of course, the president had access to all these records, continued to have security clearance and is covered by the Presidential records act, unlike Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, who actually destroyed many documents. A valid claim of selective prosecution with no president ever being prosecuted in history.

It seems that there could be multipole challenges to the charges before any trial, with many of them being appealed up to the supreme court. This is without a doubt an unprecedented case that will be in front of the court multiple times.

There is little chance that this will be resolved before the next election and, so far, Trump has actually increased his showing in polls.

It is likely, like all the other prosecutions of Trump, it is all an attempt to force him from the race or damage him severely, the same tactic employed for the last 8 years.

It reminds me of the grand gesture of the Muller probe that made headlines of indicting 16 Russians in the collusion hoax, then when they showed up with legal counsel and wanted discovery, the whole thing disappeared without any headlines, because it was a fraud from the beginning.

The Justice system of this country has no credibility, either here or around the world, it has so tarnished itself by using the system for political persecutions. It will not be redeemed, without a wholesale cleansing of this and many other federal bureaucracies. What presidential candidate has more incentive to do just that, than Donald J. Trump.

Such charges during an election seem to becoming more common, Benjamin Netanyahu has had charges against him for years and is now reelected to the leader of Israel. Mr. Lulu, who was prosecuted in Brazil and found guilty has been reelected. So another first may be achieved, not exactly what is anticipated.

It appears that many now are going to support Trump, just so they can give a collective middle finger to a corrupt Department of Justice and FBI, all presided over by a corrupt current president.

Political directed war, no regard for poor soldiers.

 THE LEADERS OF THIS CONFLICT NEED TO REFLECT ON THEIR MORAL DECISIONS

21ST CENTURY AND STILL NO REGARD FOR LIFE

This conflict has been a political directed affair since the beginning, without any regard for the lives of those who are in these battles. Maybe that is the way it's always been, but it seems nothing has changed and that soldiers lives are even less valued than ever.

This conflict is the culmination of at least 20 years of political planning to weaken and damage the Russian federation. Was Russia viewed as threat by the Germans, French, or UK citizens? The lie that Russia desired to remanufacture the Soviet Union and that they were behind all types of evil conspiracies, including colluding with Donald Trump, was an orchestrated campaign to shape public opinion. To make this conflict appear as an  evil desire of Vladimir Putin and Russia. 

It has been apparent, to anyone who was interested, that including Ukraine and Georgia in NATO was not going to be acceptable to Russia, not only Putin, but by the whole political class of Russia.

The orchestrated overthrow of the elected government of Ukraine in 2014 was manufactured and funded by the United States because that government wanted to find a peaceful resolution to the differences between the eastern and western parts of the country. It was in fact the beginning of this conflict. 

Zelensky ran in his election effort as a peace candidate who would improve relation with Russia and find a resolution in the eastern parts of the country. Whether he was insincere or co-opted by the west, it is evident he has now gotten into position with no viable way out. There has been little regard for the young men of his country. It was political decision to defend Bakhmut to the last man, losing 50,000 men in the futile defense. It is a political decision pushed by his western handlers to engage in a counter offensive that has little hope of success, but a guaranteed immense loss of life. Ukraine has become no land for young men.

The west has invested billions and at least 20 years of planning in this undertaking. It has risked the political futures of many of its governments. It has risked the future of NATO itself. It was all a bad political decision made many years ago and so far they have been unwilling to admit their error. They have had many opportunities to save face and end this, but now it seems like the future is now beyond anyone's control. Too much hubris and arrogance, too little regard for the lives of poor Ukrainian men. They are indeed willing to fight until the last Ukrainian. 

While the much anticipated counter offensive looks doomed to failure, the word is just keep fighting and dying, maybe a miracle will happen. Nice for leader in Washington, Paris, Berlin or even Kiev to have this attitude. It is apparent their political objectives are far important than some nameless soldiers life.

The only hope left for these arrogant political leaders is direct NATO involvement, they want it, they cant ever lose face. It will just be many more thousands and maybe millions of lives rather than admit they made a big mistake.

Without air support, Ukraine is on suicide mission.

 AS LOSSES MOUNT, NEW STRATEGY IS NEEDED

WITHOUT SOME SUCCESS, MORALE WILL SOON EVAPORATE

After 13 days of the much anticipated Ukrainian counter offensive it is becoming clear, that the assumptions that the Russians would panic and be overrun by the Ukrainians is not reality. This offensive is near impossible without any air support to protect advancing troops from above. This defensive zone is heavily mined, so besides clearing mines the advancing troops are sitting ducks for artillary and then attack from the air by drones and helicopters. It is  a killing field that has resulted in heavy losses of equipment and manpower. How long can NATO leaders expect these troops to keep doing this?

Many had forecasted just this situation, but it seems NATO demanded Ukraine move forward even when it was clear it was a gigant gamble. It is easy to gamble with lives of people many miles away, it cannot continue.

We are beginning to see vehicle crews now abandon their vehicles as soon as they see their fellow crews being analiated, they know they are next. It soon becomes clear that they are only going to die, if this strategy is repeated. You can not have a viable offensive against heavily defensive positions without air cover, when the enemy owns the air above you, you are in fact a sitting duck.

This is the third army assembled with the help of NATO arms, materials and logistics. The first army was developed between 2014 and the onset of this conflict, It was badly decimated with the initial fighting, The second army was assembled for the fall offensive that saw the undermanned Russians withdraw from Kharkov and Kherson and then mobilize more troops and assume this defensive strategy. This third army was assembled in the last 6 months with NATO tanks, fighting vehicles and materials for this counteroffensive. It has already lost near 30 % of those weapons and a at least 15% of their manpower.

Now there is talk of building a 4th army with the necessary aircraft to provide cover for the Ukrainian army. This will take at least another 6 months. Can the poor soldiers on the ground really be expected to keep doing this?

The only other option is to provide NATO air cover with U.S. and NATO planes and pilots.  You can bet it is now being considered, but they now have only weeks to do this if they expect to save this army. This will subject these planes to sophisticated Russian air defenses, which are now tuned up and very effective. It will also be, in effect, WW3.

Ripple effects of store closings.

 CHAINS STORE AND FRANCHISES CONTINUE TO ELIMINATE STORES

REPERCUSSIONS ARE NOT EASILY CALCULATED

We are witnessing the largest shrinking of store locations in modern history. While many talk of major department store closings in large cities due to retail theft and declining revenues, it is much more widespread. 

The franchise locations of many fast food stores are shrinking by the day. We see Starbucks, Dunkin Donut, Subway, Dairy Queen and even Chick Fillet trimming stores that have not recovered since the pandemic. There are very few stores that have not been significantly affected. This retrenchment has affected every retail enterprise in the country. It is also affecting stores privately owned and operated. 

While the loss of revenue for the owners and the loss of jobs by the employees is evident, there are going to be long lasting and fareaching consequences.

We see that the commercial Re-estate business is in serious trouble, many lending institutions are underwater on these properties and it is unlikely they will get better in the near future. It is expected that many of these institutions will also be going out of business. 

Then there is the loss of tax revenue that will result form these closings. and eventually there will be challenges to the property tax revenue based on the declining value of these retail locations. We are probably just in the beginning of this coming crisis.

Most retail business's suffered under the consequences of the pandemic restrictions. Then they have been hit by higher energy costs, food costs and a lack of personnel to cover the open hours of the stores. Many cut hours because of a lack of personnel, increased costs to hire workers, then the required rise in prices have lowered the volume of business. There are very few food and department stores that have increased their revenue or opened new stores.

Many chains are incrementally closing locations to stop the bleeding, hopefully eventually the remaining locations will be able to stabilize and become profitable. The long lasting effects are not easy to calculate, and they will be with us for a long time.

What is the battlefield like in Ukraine?

 UKRAINE'S DIFFICULT CHALLENGE AGAINST RUSSIAN DEFENSE

DESCRIPTION OF RUSSIAN DEFENSES

The Ukrainian counter-offensive is now 11 days along and it is now becoming clear the challenges it is experiencing. In the fall of last year Russia decided to change strategy and move to consolidating its gains and readying the battlefield for the inevitable battle that is now underway. The Russians may very well be also readying for an all out war with NATO.

The Russian defense is made up of 4 lines of defense, the first is called a security zone, this is defended  by mobile units of armour, artillery, drones and ground forces. They are backed up by stand off air support. This entire area is also mined extensively. The Ukrainians need to use mine clearing equipment before they can move forward, this is then followed by armoured vehicles and tanks. The Russian strategy has been to allow the Ukrainians to make some progress, then hit the lead armored vehicle, this now often blocks the forward movement of the followers, then they must turn around or go around. Either way they then are vulnerable to drone, anti tank weapons, artillery fire and attack from the air. If they move out of the cleared area they are vulnerable to hitting mines. So far this situation has resulted in heavy losses of Ukrainian equipment and manpower. While they have taken over some territory and some small villages, it must be noted that the Russians often fallback in certain areas, hoping to lure the enemy into vulnerable positions. They also then drop mines in their rear from the air before they counter offense. At present it is a very dangerous situation that they have not yet found a tactic to overcome.

So far, the Ukrainians have commited 3 of their 9 Brigades. So far, they have not yet reached the Russians first line of defense, which is made up of tank obstacles, large trenches and also mined. The Russians have spent 6 months manufacturing a system of defenses probably not seen since the world wars. After the first line of defense is a second and third line. Then there are around 200,000  reserves in the rear.

The Ukrainians lack any real air support, as their air force has mostly been destroyed. without air support they are in an unsustainable vulnerable situation.

The Russians have been systematically destroying Ukrainian supply lines, their air defenses and troops way behind the actual fighting front. This has also been going on for many months. The Russian forces mostly control the sky. 

While there are press releases from Washington and Kiev that often paint a rosy picture, the reality is a very dire future for the Ukrainian military. It will continue without a change of strategy. Without air support, which can only be provide by NATO planes and pilots, the Ukrainians are being asked to do the impossible. 

While a year and half ago Russia would have been in trouble if it had to confront a NATO offensive, it may no longer be a sure thing. The Russians have mobilized, place their industry into a wartime mode and understand that they need to prepare for an allout NATO confrontation. There are many who do not believe NATO is physically prepared to engage Russia in this present conflict. The danger is that the NATO leaders may hope to prevail by spinning a narrative, without facing the reality of this dangerous situation.

Most of the world just wants to do business.

 WHILE WEST CONTEMPLATES UKRAINE ESCALATION

WILL EUROPE AND UNITED STATES RECOVER?

While here in the United States we are fed a constant stream of propaganda that the world is conspiring to damage us or that we are being threatened first by Russia and now China. At the same time the U.S. is pressuring the rest of the world to choose sides. The motto is "you are either our allies or our enemy". This policy is now being rejected by much of the world. In fact, most of the world desires stability, economic security and better future for their citizens. This is contrary to constant drumbeat of sanctions and intervention.

We see this in the gulf countries, who have generally supported U.S. Policies in the past. They do not see either Russia or China as a threat to their well being. In fact they actually find that they can do business in a pragmatic and beneficial way without the constant prodding of social policies and internal intervention in their country. So far China and Russia have shown that it is profitable enterprise and do not view their business as threat from these countries. That is why there is an effort being made to work on lowering the hostilities with Iran and Syria to create a stable region were all can prosper economically.

The same is appling increasingly in Africa were the relationships with Russia and China have been economic and not strained with ideological conflicts. They would all like to just do business in the best interest of their countries. This seems to be the trend in southern Asia and even South America, it seems many have tired of ideological confrontation that has resulted in chaos, death and destruction.

While much of the world is moving to a new era of cooperative business enterprise, the U.S. and NATO is caught in a quagmire in Ukraine that will not be resolved in their favor. While Russia is being damaged by this conflict, it may actually cause serious economic and political consequences for those counties supporting this conflict. In fact, as the rest of the world moves on, the west may actually be dooming their future to alienation and marginalization. There are not going to be any positive economic outcomes for NATO or Ukraine.

We see that Germany, France and Poland are now meeting to discuss some sort of Military security guarantee's for Ukraine. Sounds like NATO intervention by another name. As we witness the fact that Ukraine cannot overcome in this conflict, it seems the West is willing to gamble on the future of the whole region. It is true, a defeat will be very damaging to NATO and likewise a defeat for Russia is equally unacceptable. Crunch time is coming, either it is all out European war or hopefully some so far unseen diplomats will save the day.

Russia defense department out managing U.S. defense dept.

 AMERICAN NEED TO ASK WHERE HAS ALL THE MONEY GONE?

$67 BILLION VS $880 BILLION

Much has been made of Russia's feeble economy when compared to the U.S. economy. Often refereed to to as a "Gas station masquerading as a country". This last 18 months of war between NATO, mostly the U.S., and Russia have been very revealing. We have been told that Russia would suffer an economic collapse in weeks, That they would run out of Ammo and Missiles and other materials at any moment.

Apparently those assumptions were far from the mark. Why? Are are intelligence communities that far off in their analysis? Is anyone asking those analysists what has happened? Are our intelligence communities too busy and preoccupied with domestic surveillance and interfering in the politics of other countries to provide important credible information on our adversaries?

Then, Russia seems to have quite adequate weapons systems. Their air defense weapons are often touted as the best in the world. Their hyper-sonic missiles are very effective. It appears they have very large numbers of artillery. Then they consistently fire 20,000 rounds of 155 mm armillary shells in a day when the U.S. can only produce that much in a month and the NATO countries not even that. What is this telling us? It seems it is far overdue for a thorough accounting and audit of the defense department, something that is claimed is impossible. Where is all this money going? $880 billion U.S. vs $67 billion in Russia, an  extraordinary number.

Now, we understand that Russia has not maintained a surface naval fleet to project power around the world, a very expensive endeavor. Russia has heavily invested in a very formidable submarine fleet, that while never tested, is considered a formidable fleet. Some say this is a serious counter to any surface fleet.

It is reported that Russia can produce possibly 100 tanks a month, even if it is half that, it is far more than what is possible in the west. Is the United States so dependant on materials and supplies from China, that it is incapable of ramping up production of basic military supplies, if needed? Has the United States focused on complicated, expensive and difficult to maintain weapons systems that has left it vulnerable with shortages of Ammunition and other basic supplies? Someone better be asking those questions?

The U.S. 's closest competitor in military spending is China with approximately $200 billion per year. The U.S. spends more than the next 10 counties combined and claims that it needs to be raised dramatically. 

While the discussion is about the defense department, is the situation the same in other departments. Are we getting a good return on this outrageous spending? Spending that is being financed by increased borrowing and borrowing costs. Congress needs to be responsible and stop giving blank checks to everyone.

Challenges to U.S. getting closer to home.

 CHINA BASE IN CUBA, MEXICO AND OTHERS JOINING BRICS

TEST OF U.S. DOMINANCE INCREASING

It seems the dominance of the U.S. around the world has been challenged increasingly in the last 2 years. Much has to do with the reality that much of the world is viewing the U.S. as an empire in decline. We will soon see if this reality can be reversed by this administration or any other that should follow.

It has been revealed that China is planning on putting some sort of electronic monitoring facility in Cuba. Whether this is a real endeavor or just a plan to showcase the U.S. hypocrisy of putting military bases on the doorstep of other nations and declaring it is their right or a real test of U.S. ability to control events in this hemisphere. 

Then there is growing interest to nations around the world to join the BRICS group of economic cooperation that plans on replacing the dollar as the medium of international trade. This is a huge challenge to the U.S. ability to control world events through economic power.

Beside Brazil, the largest economy in South America and a founding member, it appears that Venezuela, Argentina and even Mexico is interested in becoming part of this cooperation. This is not going to set well with planners in Washington.

While many have likened the challenges facing the United States as a conspiracy by its adversaries, it is in reality the result of the countries own arrogance and irresponsibility. Irresponsibility in its spending excesses that has destroyed the value of the dollar and its arrogance, lack of credibility and hypocrisy in its dealings with other nations. It is a fact that the United states has lost its way, and is now reaping the results.

It is apparent that many nations no longer trust or desire to deal with this country. The list is growling longer, while of course, Russia has been demonized by this country for decades and is now in a situation of no communication and no reconciliation. China it is reported, no longer even takes phone calls from members of this administration. The Gulf countries appear to be distancing themselves from the U.S. more every day. Many African counties desire to ally economically with China and Russia before the U.S. This is not a one day occurrence but 30 years of intervention and arrogant demands over the wellbeing of many of these nations.  

Besides the recent history of failed diplomacy there is the image of the U.S. portrayed to the world of a country that has lost its foundation of values. A justice system politically corrupted, an election system that is questionable as to its validity, no nation on earth has a system that this country's has evolved into. The pushing of the LGBQT+ agenda around the world, were it is not accepted by the majority of the other nations. Then finally the acceptance and endorsement of the transition policy that is viewed with horror in many other places.

Sadly, it is very unlikely this decline can now be reversed by electoral overturn as the purveyors of these economic, political and social policies have entrenched themselves into the bureaucracy and seem to be able to control any challenges to their supremacy. While they may continue to rule, it will be an ever declining system that they rule. The natural results of their corruption will inevitably lead to collapse of this whole corrupt enterprise.

Will China dominate the electric car market?

 CHINA NOW POSITIONED TO DOMINATE ELECTRIC CAR PRODUCTION AND COMPONENTS

NO WESTERN COMPANY WILL BE ABLE TO OUTCOMPETE CHINA

While the world is obsessed with the Ukraine war, LGBQT+ politics and domestic political stories, China has now positioned itself to be the dominate player in electric vehicles. It is a culmination of a policy that began several years ago and is now about to come to fruition. 

China is now the dominate player in materials necessary for the production of electric vehicles. They are now the cutting edge manufacturer of rechargeable batteries. With their manufacturing agility they will render most of the worlds car manufacturers of electric vehicles uncompetitive. 

China mines much of the materials needed, but also processes most of the materials produced by other countries. While they have struggled, but are becoming more successful, in the traditional vehicle market, they have set out a policy and now are positioned to produce most of the electric cars for the world market.

Some of this is coupled with sanctions that have allowed China to make inroads in the car market in Russia and will undoubtedly be able to be able to challenge Japanese and S.Korean manufactures in other parts of the world. China is expected to be able to sell electric vehicles that will actually cost substantially less than traditional gas vehicles.

Premier electric car maker Tesla has opened its manufacturing plant in China in 2019. It took only 12 months from ground breaking to first cars rolled off line, something that could only happen in China. They are now building their most advanced battery plant that will be in production in 2024 in Shanghai. China offered Musk deals he could not refuse to build his new plants there and will give Tesla access to the Chinese market.  

China is also well positioned by its access to raw materials from Russia and also access to Russian technology, particularly in the field of nuclear electric production. Russia in now the premier engineering and manufacture of nuclear power plants and controls much of the worlds uranium resources. It can be expected that this will aid China in converting much of its domestic market to electric vehicles. 

China has been diplomatically maneuvering into positions in Asia, Africa and South America. With their competitive advantages they are well positioned to build cars in these countries and become the leading source of electric vehicles. While they will most likely not gain access to the U.S. and European markets they will render those manufactures uncompetitive in much of the worlds markets.

Is counter-offensive over?

 IS UKRAINE REALIZING THE FUTILITY OF THE SITUATION?

BLOWING UP DAM, NO POSITIVE FOR RUSSIA

The situation in Ukraine today is relatively quite, only advances are being made by Russia in the northern sector. It seems the 3 day Ukrainian offensive has been a decisive failure. While some claim the main offensive is yet to come, it may actually have been the last offensive assault by Ukraine. Will they now prepare for a defensive option to contain any future advances from Russia? Without major air support Ukraine can not conduct a successful offensive operation. While Ukraine has fought bravely and in a more effective way than thought possible, it may now be the end of the line. We will see very soon if Ukraine has any more options, without NATO troop participation, either on the ground and also air support. Of course this would then be WW3 with all the possible consequences.

The blowing up of the dam on the Dnieper river is most likely a desperate move by Ukraine to encourage more support from NATO. There are no positive advantages to Russia to have blown up this dam. Russia had to evacuate their troops south of this dam from their hard built defensive positions. Their troops were at risk and no one knows if there were any casualties from the flooding. In the fall, Russia had evacuated 70, 000 civilians for Kherson and moved their troops to the east side of the river because they had reports that Ukraine was planning to blow up the dam. This dam also provides fresh water to Crimea through a canal that is connected upstream of the dam. This will create another costly and difficult situation for Russia. It appears to have been a tactic by Ukraine to divert attention from their counter-offensive failure.

It is soon going to be crunch time for the U.S. administration and its NATO siblings. With Europe entering economic recession and much of their surplus military equipment liquidated, are they willing to go to a escalated stance to fight Russia in Ukraine? Much of the civilian support for this war has deteriorated in the last year and actual social unrest is a real possibility. 

Even an all out NATO war in Ukraine is not a guaranteed success. It would guarantee death and destruction on scale not seen since WW2. It would devastate the economies of Europe, Russia, United States and much of the western world.  It is not a sane option, but then, who knows, it would not be the first time in history that insane options have been chosen.

Russia: Divided on strategy, United on goals.

 RELUCTANT WAR, NOW IRREVERSIBLE

WAR OF ATTRITION OR OVERWHELMING DESTRUCTION

While many have speculated that there would be an uprising in Russia against this war, that they would collapse from within, or that Putin would be removed from office, none of those things are apparent. The fact is this war will continue until the objectives are attained either by the West or Russia. Russia is unified in their goal for Ukraine, not being a member of NATO and not a future military threat to Russia or the former Russian areas of Ukraine. As for strategy, there seem to be 2 opposing camps.

The present strategy is to fight a limited war of attrition, using mostly ground weapons and stand off weapons in an effort to minimize Russian casualties. To fight this war in eastern Ukraine, 700 mile from Ukrainian supply origins in Poland and Romania. To fight mostly a defensive conflict until the Ukrainian army and the NATO suppliers are exhausted by this war. Until western Europe finds itself with economic and social problems being more of a threat than a non NATO Ukraine. Until the U.S. realizes that they have divided the world into 2 camps and the other camp, while not wishing to be an adversary, does think it is time to form a separate economic reality without the U.S. as the cornerstone. 

This strategy seems to hinge on the hope of a wearing down without an escalation into a global conflict. It also is rooted in the belief of many in Russia that Ukrainians are their brothers and would rather not completely destroy the country or the people. Many, including Putin, believe in preserving the historic cities of Kiev and Odessa and not completely destroying the infrastructure of Ukraine, if at all possible.

It seems the majority of Russians do understand the existential threat to their nation, even while they, including much of the leadership, did not want this war. Those debates are over and now it is a war to the conclusion.

The other strategy voiced by Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner group, and I suspect many others, is that Russia should go to total mobilization and fight a scorched earth battle to get this conflict over quickly. This would entail the complete destruction of all government buildings in Kiev, all the bridges across the Dnieper river and the use of  Russia's, so far unused sophisticated weaponry. 

While either strategy would eventually end in the similar result, the present strategy is working, and is in the best long term interest of Russia after this war concludes. It minimizes casualties on both sides, preserves the possibility of a future Ukraine and has enabled Russia to have some benefit in world public opinion. The West, who is bombarded daily with propaganda about this war, does not understand that this war is viewed differently by much of the world. 

We can expect this war to continue, and we can expect further death and destruction in Ukraine, the possible economic decline of Europe and a duel world economic system. While Russia may have been damaged by this war, their future in this new exonymic reality will be brighter. The United States, the actual architect of this conflict will not prosper from this war but has actually hastened its own decline, both economically and ultimately in world public opinion..

 

Ukraine begins counteroffensive probes.

 REJECTS ANY PEACE PLAN THAT SURRENDERS TERRITORY

REALITY OF SITUATION WILL SOON BE UNDENIABLE

It appears that Ukraine has begun serious probing assaults to find weak spots in the Russian defenses. So far, Russia has prevented 4 of the 5 assaults and stopped Ukrainian advances. The 1 advance with some limited success will likely be soon repulsed. It appears it is now time for the last ditch attempt to retake ground and hope for a positive negotiation. It is most likely to result in many casualties and very limited success. Maybe the west can then declare victory and go home.

While Ukraine has been preparing for this much anticipated counter offensive, Russia has been continuously destroying Ammo supplies and materials in Ukraine. They have severally damaged the Ukrainian air defenses and Ukraine does not have a serious air support for their offensive. The only possibility is a NATO provided air cover which would be a serious escalation and likely bring about all out war with NATO. While the U.S. and UK may actually desire this result, it is unlikely Germany and France want to go to war with Russia, as their territory would become part of the battlefield.

Indonesia, who was hosting a world intelligence community meeting in Singapore this past week, offered to mediate a peaceful resolution.  It was soundly rejected by Ukraine and the West. 

Indonesia's plan would call for a ceasefire, a UN buffer zone between the adversaries  and UN supervised elections in the disputed provenances. so far NATO and Ukraine are demanding complete withdrawal from eastern Ukraine as any condition of peace.

Russia will not cede those parts of Ukraine that have had referendums to join Russia and are now considered part of Russia. Russia will not accept a frozen conflict that will allow Ukraine to be further armed for another war in the future. Russia will not accept Ukraine as a member of NATO. Only defeat of Russia on the battlefield with change this stance. That would likely only result from all out war with NATO and the destruction of most of Europe and maybe the Northern Hemisphere.

I would expect that the reality of this situation will become apparent within the next few months. Then the West must decide if they are now willing to accept a neutral non aligned status, of what remains of Ukraine, or be ready to enter the conflict in a real all out war with Russia or allow Russia to destroy Ukraine until they can no longer resist.

The West and Ukraine rejected the offer of a security for Europe plan that provided for a neutral non militarized Ukraine. Ukraine is now economically destroyed, they have lost over half their population from war or fleeing war and most will never return. Ukraine has been set back for decades and it may get a lot worse. This could have all been avoided except for the hubris, arrogance and dismissal by U,S. and Uk architects of chaos who were willing to have the Ukrainians die and be destroyed for their dream of global control. 

Ukraine war sanctions, China winner, Germany biggest loser.

 CHINA TAKES ADVANTAGE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

CONTINUED SANCTIONS WILL CAUSE EUROPEAN DECLINE

While of course, Ukraine is the ultimate loser from this conflict, its economy is now near non-existent and will be for the foreseeable future.  It appears Europe will be the next loser in this economic catastrophe, particularly Germany. While Germany and Europe are losing markets in Russia and elsewhere, China is expanding its reach everywhere.

One example is the Russian automobile business. Before sanctions, German cars were the vehicles of choice for many Russians. BMW, Mercedes and VW being the top selling cars in Russia. Now that these vehicles are no longer available, except for overpriced black market cars, the Chinese have gone full bore in capturing the Russian auto market. They are now offering cars with all the bells and whistles of high priced German cars and 7 year 100,000 mile warranties. The Russians, who prefered German cars are discovering that Chinese cars are actually performing pretty well and it is likely that much of the German brands will find it may never regain its former market share. The Chinese are actually able to sell their cars in Russia for double what they cost in China, so if it later should come to price competition, the Germans may have a hard time competing. 

While sanctions are directly removing markets to the Europeans it is also the cost of energy that has quadrupled with the sanctions now making many manufacturing plants no longer competitive in the world market. At the same time China, India and other manufacturers are reaping a competitive advantage by continuing access to cheap Russian energy and basic materials. 

While Europe is the big loser it is also effecting some Asian and other manufacturers. Recently France has agreed to purchase 21 billion euros of cargo ships form China. While China trails S. Korea and Japan, who are the biggest builders of ships, China is going after this market with its new competitive advantage in energy and material from Russia. S. Korea and Japan cried foul, but then it was revealed that China has agreed to purchase 292 planes from French based Air-bus for 37 billion Euros. A deal the French could not economically resist even with the political repercussions.

Australia whose economy has enjoyed Chinese thirst for raw materials and is dependent for over 50 % of its economy will likely soon feel the shift of trade to other Asian, Russian and African resource competitors.

Now, China has unveiled their entry into the commercial airline business, so we can expect they will be a competitor for Boeing and other western manufactures, particularly in the Asian and southern hemisphere market.

Some believed that the decline of manufacturing in Europe would be a boost for U.S. attracting European companies and U.S. products, but time will tell if the high manufacturing costs, regulations and a sketchy labor market can compete with China.

At present the Chinese economy is projected to grow 6% in the coming year, Russia + 2 % and Germany is now considered in a recession with a -2% growth. Most of the rest of Europe is either flat or down. It is unlikely to get better in the near future and the shifts in global trade may become permanent and difficult for European economies.

It seems that China, Russia and other asian and southern countries are accepting that they will need to do without access to American and some european markets. They believe they can thrive and prosper by focusing on trade with the other half of the world. The question will be can the west thrive and prosper without that other half.

Delusional fools will kill us all.

 ESCALATION IN UKRAINE WILL NOT LEAD TO VICTORY OVER RUSSIA

THREATENING CHINA WILL NOT MAKE THE WEST MORE COMPETITIVE

Sadly, we are now seeing the results of the western democracies electing fools for leaders. Fools who actually believe they can manufacture results by creating a narrative and a perception that they are actually accomplishing positive results, when in fact they are going to blow up the world both economically and militarily.

We see the continue rhetoric that the only solution is victory for Ukraine over Russia. This they believe will be accomplished by furnishing Ukraine with more and more weapons and escalating the war into Russian territory with the hope of convincing Russia to give up on the conflict in Ukraine. They are delusional in their analysis and have been for 2 decades with their hope of encircling Russia with NATO and bringing about a change of government in Russia.

What they actually have done is persuade Russia that they are in existential fight for their survival, which they are, and then encourage them to prepare for an all out war with NATO. I suspect they have been telling the Ukrainians that they will defend them if necessary, and encourage them to fight to the last Ukrainian, Linsey Grahams own words. Are they prepared to institute the draft in the U.S. and Europe and put these countries on a all out war economy? Are these blow hard politicians, who want to appear tough, ready to send their sons, daughters and grandchildren to Ukraine? I expect not.

They have got the world into this and they are bewildered as to what to do next. Threaten other countries who are not cooperating, dividing and alienating, anything that they hope will solve this dilemma that they started by their ignorance of other peoples view of the world and their arrogance.

Russia is not going to give up on keeping Ukraine on their border, out of NATO, even if it means all out Nuclear WW3. Spin, Narratives and hot air will not change this reality.

As for China, a country that we persuaded and encouraged to focus on business rather than on communist expansion. They took our advice and became very good at it, in fact better than us. So now our foolish leaders believe the answer is to militarily threaten them into exactly what, I am not sure. They have now convinced China that they need to build their military and be ready to defend themselves from these threats. 

Why not compete with China economically by making our country lucrative to do business rather than put hurdles into out own economy and complain when others become rich while we go further into debt. 

Why not work to make the dollar a sound store of value rather than a constantly declining currency that others no no longer want to accumulate. Why attack and threaten them when they choose to look for a more sound alternative. Fix our own problems at home before we believe we have the wisdom to rule the world. Lead by example, rather than threats and phony narratives.