Ukraine & Russia
The dude really ties the story together
“The Dude Abides”
Bagholder’s favorite movie to come out of Hollywood in the last 30 years, is without doubt, The Big Lebowski. For those who have not seen the Big Lebowski, know it was more than just a movie - it is a philosophy, and a way of life. The lead character, played by Jeff Bridges, known as the "Dude", was a simple guy, who only wanted what was right. He had a remarkable Zen like ability to stay composed in the face of extreme volatility. In the interest of painting a complete picture, he was also a total pot-head, borderline alcoholic, and riddled with sloth, but, whatever, the dude abides. It is through the lens of a dozen quotes from that film we wish to examine the Ukraine mess, hoping for a little clarity. So grab yourself a white Russian, and lets go bowling….
"This aggression will not stand, Man."
Our current vice president was kind enough to explain, in terms even the average Biden voter can grasp, what is going on in the Ukraine with the following quote:
"So, Ukraine is a country in Europe. It exists next to another country called Russia. Russia is a bigger country. Russia is a powerful country. Russia decided to invade a smaller country called Ukraine. So, basically, that's wrong, and it goes against everything that we stand for."
If we are to believe our leaders, the nightly news, and social media, this aggression is, in keeping with the theme, “over the line.” Supposedly, Russia is 100% to be blamed for starting this problem. Of course, the Russians are quick to blame the US for the skirmish. If we are going to get to the bottom of who peed on the Ukraine's rug, we will have to rely on more than just the main stream media's version of events.
"This is a very complicated case. You know, a lotta ins, a lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.”
If Bagholder understands correctly, Russia is worried the West is looking to add Ukraine into NATO. Once this happens, Ukraine will have to do our bidding. When we demand they plant nukes on their common border with Russia, and aim them towards Moscow, the Ukraine (as part of NATO) would have to do it. 60 years ago, in what was known as the Cuban missile crisis, JFK nearly dragged us into World War 3 when the Russians were looking to plant Nukes on our front porch. Bagholder wonders, how is it JFK is considered the savior of humanity for doing what he did, but now that Putin is doing the same for his country, he is considered the devil? Glaring hypocrisy.
"Is this your (home) work Larry?
If any country could be considered an expert in the field of invading sovereign nations and killing off the citizenry there, under the guise of making the world a better place, it is the United States. In just the last 20 years, between Yemen, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, The US has killed roughly 5.5 million people in the name of spreading freedom and fighting terror... or is that fighting freedom and spreading terror, I get confused. We have a history of global expansion, Russia does not. So when the Russians say they were provoked and this whole thing is the work of the US, my instincts are to believe them.
"Nobody fucks with the (jes) US"
How do our US leaders respond to this Russian invasion? Do they seek to sit down at the negotiating table and explore a workable middle ground with Russia? a Detente? It is the one sane thing to do, in that it would save lives, yet for some reason it appears to be completely off the table. No, they would rather exhibit the - nobody is going to fuck with us attitude. Our leaders, apparently from the all stick and no carrot school, have decided to throw some gasoline on the flames hitting Russia with economic sanctions, threatening no fly zones, and sending arms to the Ukraine. Cause, yeah, that is the path to peace.
"This is what happens Larry…."
Speaking of sanctions, it seems we intend to isolate Russia economically by cutting off all business with them. Unlike the US, who depend heavily on other countries, Russia is both food and energy independent. Russia is the largest wheat exporter in the world, surpassing the US last year. Russia is also the worlds largest exporter of fertilizer, providing over 77% of the world supply. Here at home, groceries are already increasing in price at the fastest rate in 40 years. So how exactly, are we punishing Russia by making it more difficult and more expensive for us to grow our own food?
“Sooner or later, you are going to have to face the fact that you’re a moron.”
By the time Biden faces that fact, it may well be too late. The price of Gasoline at the pump has doubled in the 14 months Biden has been president. He has shut down pipelines, capped wells, and dipped into the strategic reserves which Trump topped off - and yet can’t figure out why prices are soaring. As if that is not enough, now he is picking a fight with one of the worlds largest energy exporters who also has the 2nd largest army on the planet. Apparently his preferred method of combating rising oil prices is to remove Russian supply from the market via sanctions, and at the same time increase world-wide military demand. Moron, might be an understatement.
"Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.”
While many would say studying body language is all speculation and opinion; take it from Bagholder, who has made a living from it, it is all science. Bagholder does not speak Russian, but he did watch multiple times the last two public speeches made by Putin since the invasion. There is no doubt in my mind, Putin believes he is doing right - whether or not he is, is up for debate, but make no mistake, he believes it. There is also no doubt he has a genuine seething anger for the US; the contempt he displays when talking about the US is obvious. And after a couple decades on the world stage, even casual observers like myself, can see Putin has something of a Messiah complex. He feels duty bound to save his people.
"You are entering a world of pain"
When it comes to people with Messiah complex, they all have fragile egos and grandiose ideas about their destinies. When you isolate and corner people like that, their initial reaction is usually to lash out. Putin has at his disposal the largest nuclear arsenal on the planet - even bigger than the US arsenal. In addition, there is no evidence of Putin not being a man of his word. So when he says World War 4 will be fought with sticks and stones, implying he is not afraid to go nuclear in world war 3, we would be wise to believe him.
“Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, well, he eats you.”
The bear has been the unofficial symbol of Russia since the 1600's. In nature, bears are both strong and fierce. They are not to be taken lightly. Our leaders would be wise to stop driving us towards another world war, and try to find a compromise everyone can live with. Unlike Hitler, who could not be reasoned with and could not be trusted - Putin is sensible and appears to be a man of his word. Bagholder is certain there is workable middle ground to be had, as there is no upside, for either the Russians or the US in continuing this game of nuclear brinkmanship.
“It's like Lenin said: you look for the person who will benefit, and, uh, you know..”
As Bagholder said above, no idea who is to blame for this Ukraine mess. Blame does not matter. What is important is where we go from here. Either we wisely get on a road towards a peaceful resolution, or we continue down this insane path towards nuclear war. Expect the latter, as the leadership in this country is badly in need of someone on which to foist blame for the rising energy costs, broken supply chains, soaring inflation, and upcoming food shortages. The Russian invasion has benefitted the political class by getting Covid out of the headlines. They also benefit by getting themselves a ready made scapegoat on which to blame all our domestic problems. So, while our overlords reap the benefits, the rest of us will pay the price, as usual.
“Vee Vontz da Munny Lebowski”
What is the endgame for the US with regards to the Ukraine mess? Bagholder suspects it will be the catalyst for the introduction of the new US central bank digital currency - which will of course mean the end of Cash as we know it. It is only a matter of time until the media reports some Russian Oligarch is arrested at some faraway airport with a satchel full of $100 bills. Then we will hear about how the Russians are evading sanctions by using crypto. In one fell swoop, TPTB will eliminate cash, and any crypto (bitcoin included) which competes with the new Digital dollar. Ridding the world of discreet cash and crypto transactions which Gman knows nothing about, and forcing everyone into a digital currency they 100% control - will mean more power for Gman, and less freedom for us plebes. That … is what this war is all about.
“AM I WRONG?”
No Bag you’re not wrong, you’re just a fucking ass hole
“OK THEN”
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Brilliant and very funny and no you’re not an asshole. I Love your rhetorical device of speaking in the third person referring to yourself as Bagholder and using the royal WE. You’re a very good writer.
Are you religious, you didn’t write out the word Jesus but you could have under cover of it being a common first name for Hispanics. I’m an atheist and I can be a bit of an asshole when it comes to mocking religious people or at least their pieties.
As for your political read it comports with my own thinking and with much of what I have read. The American hegemon is up to it’s usual tricks with it’s usual bullshit certainty: The political Gnosticism of imperial liberalism.
Excellent read. Does make you wonder if the story is a comedy or a tragedy. Your post also reminded of an old movie called "The Mouse that Roared". I think I'll have to watch that again soon.