General News

[Dahnsouff]

Curious about the Poland thing if it is indeed the attention to attack Poland, then something must be different in the attempt. As they were unable to dislodge a stubborn Ukraine, unable to save face against a newly Nato’d Finland, so this would either be  a more blustering misdirection/attempt or something far less palatable.

Thankfully likely the former I would guess.

[Salisbury Fox]

2 hours ago, Dahnsouff said:

Curious about the Poland thing if it is indeed the attention to attack Poland, then something must be different in the attempt. As they were unable to dislodge a stubborn Ukraine, unable to save face against a newly Nato’d Finland, so this would either be  a more blustering misdirection/attempt or something far less palatable.

Thankfully likely the former I would guess.

The general consensus appears to suggest that it will be between 3-5 years before Russia is equipped to be of serious concern. By that time Poland should be well equipped themselves. I would imagine that Russia would be quite content to sow discord in Poland for now like they are suspected of doing with farmers blocking Ukrainian grain shipments. I suspect similar tactics being used on Moldova and Romania are of more immediate concern.

[The Fox Covert]

On 06/03/2025 at 17:11, Bilo said:

Copying this from a Facebook post I made earlier this week.

 

Applying the revised “14 Common Features of Fascism” to Putin’s Russia, we see that many of these characteristics manifest in the country’s political landscape:

 

1. The Cult of Tradition

Putin regularly invokes Russia’s past—whether the Orthodox Church, the Romanov dynasty, or the Soviet Union—as a guide for the present. He presents Russia as a unique civilisation with eternal values, often in contrast to the “decadent” West.

 

2. The Rejection of Modernism

Western liberal democracy is framed as a corrupting force, undermining traditional Russian society. Concepts such as LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and multiculturalism are dismissed as Western impositions that threaten national identity.

 

3. The Cult of Action for Action’s Sake

Military interventions, such as the annexation of Crimea and the war in Ukraine, are portrayed as necessary and heroic. Strategic patience or diplomacy is often cast as weakness, reinforcing the idea that immediate, forceful action is preferable.

 

4. Disagreement Is Treason

Political opposition is not just discouraged but criminalised. Figures like Alexei Navalny have been imprisoned or eliminated, while independent media outlets have been shut down. Criticism of the government is equated with betrayal of the state.

 

5. Fear of Difference

Putin’s Russia promotes nationalism by positioning itself against external and internal “threats.” LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants, and Western influences are portrayed as dangers to the Russian way of life. Anti-Ukrainian sentiment has been used to justify military aggression.

 

6. Appeal to Social Frustration

Many Russians, particularly older generations, feel humiliated by the collapse of the Soviet Union. Putin channels this frustration into a narrative of restoring Russia’s rightful place as a great power, offering a sense of purpose and unity.

 

7. The Obsession with a Plot

State-controlled media pushes conspiracy theories about Western plots to destroy Russia, depicting NATO, the EU, and internal dissidents as part of a coordinated effort to undermine the country. Foreign-funded NGOs are labelled “foreign agents.”

 

8. The Enemy Is Both Strong and Weak

The West is simultaneously depicted as an all-powerful manipulator orchestrating global events and as a declining, morally bankrupt civilisation that Russia will inevitably outlast. Similarly, Ukraine is framed as both a puppet of NATO and a nation incapable of self-governance.

 

9. Pacifism as Collusion

Advocates for peace are treated as enemies of the state. Any criticism of the war in Ukraine is met with legal repercussions, and those who call for dialogue with the West are accused of disloyalty.

 

10. Contempt for the Weak

Strength is glorified, whether in the form of military power, Putin’s personal image as a strongman, or the suppression of dissent. Groups perceived as weak—such as the LGBTQ+ community, political dissidents, or intellectuals—are marginalised or attacked.

 

11. Everyone Is Raised to Be a Hero

Russian propaganda glorifies military service, celebrating fallen soldiers as martyrs for the homeland. The “Immortal Regiment” marches reinforce the idea that Russians must be prepared to sacrifice themselves for the nation’s greatness.

 

12. Machismo and Weaponry

Putin’s personal brand relies heavily on displays of masculinity—shirtless hunting trips, judo matches, and military posturing. This aligns with a broader cultural emphasis on traditional gender roles and the glorification of armed force.

 

13. Selective Populism

While elections still occur, they are tightly controlled. Putin presents himself as the only legitimate voice of “the real Russian people,” dismissing opposition figures and protesters as foreign-backed agitators.

 

 

14. Ur-Fascism Speaks Newspeak

Russian political language has been stripped of nuance, relying on simple slogans such as “denazification” to justify aggression. Independent journalists and scholars who challenge these narratives face censorship or persecution.

 

 

 

While Putin’s Russia may not fit every single aspect of classical fascism, these tendencies strongly suggest a regime with clear authoritarian, nationalist, and militaristic features—many of which align with Umberto Eco's Ur-Fascism. 

This is increasingly true of Trumpist USA.

The cult of tradition wrapped up in fundamentalist Christianity.

The rejection of modernism.

The appeal to social frustration, particularly among older and poorer Trump followers in red states who feel left behind.

An impoverished vocabulary and the use of soundbites and social media to propagate Newspeak - Trumpspeak.

The fear of difference, hence the purge on undocumented migrants, the vast majority of whom are not white north European.

Contempt for the weak, whether it is vets surviving on a small pension or the old and sick on Medicare. 

Machismo and weaponry hasn't quite come into it yet, as Trump is elderly and obese and not a great advertisement for muscular masculinity, but give it time.

Disagreement is treason also hasn't quite come into it, but the most fascistic elements in Trump's administration have been emboldened and have made calls for the jailing or deportation of vocal opponents of the regime like Sanders and AOC. Trump has already carried out a purge of the top military.

[Dunge]

Poland are also making noises toward getting their own nukes.

I’ve been wondering for a while whether nuclear proliferation would be a consequence of the old order breaking down, and the Trumpian White House should only serve to hasten that.

Keep an eye out for the actions of other likely countries on that front too - Germany, Finland, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Australia and perhaps others.

I wouldn’t blame a single one of them.

Edited 9 March by Dunge

[Bilo]

59 minutes ago, The Fox Covert said:

This is increasingly true of Trumpist USA.

The cult of tradition wrapped up in fundamentalist Christianity.

The rejection of modernism.

The appeal to social frustration, particularly among older and poorer Trump followers in red states who feel left behind.

An impoverished vocabulary and the use of soundbites and social media to propagate Newspeak - Trumpspeak.

The fear of difference, hence the purge on undocumented migrants, the vast majority of whom are not white north European.

Contempt for the weak, whether it is vets surviving on a small pension or the old and sick on Medicare. 

Machismo and weaponry hasn't quite come into it yet, as Trump is elderly and obese and not a great advertisement for muscular masculinity, but give it time.

Disagreement is treason also hasn't quite come into it, but the most fascistic elements in Trump's administration have been emboldened and have made calls for the jailing or deportation of vocal opponents of the regime like Sanders and AOC. Trump has already carried out a purge of the top military.

I don't disagree. MAGA are sympathetic towards Putin because his neo-fascist authoritarian model closely resembles what they wish to impose on the US.

[Zear0]

14 minutes ago, Bilo said:

I don't disagree. MAGA are sympathetic towards Putin because his neo-fascist authoritarian model closely resembles what they wish to impose on the US.

John Stewart had a bit on his show. It's not West against East with MAGA, it's "woke" against not "woke". 

[leicsmac]

7 minutes ago, Zear0 said:

John Stewart had a bit on his show. It's not West against East with MAGA, it's "woke" against not "woke". 

Spot on.

 

This is a clash of worldviews that really surpasses international borders.

 

And the stakes are high.

[foxes1988]

34 minutes ago, Zear0 said:

John Stewart had a bit on his show. It's not West against East with MAGA, it's "woke" against not "woke". 

Yeah saw that and thought it's bang on.

 

Social fairness Vs old order

[bovril]

36 minutes ago, Zear0 said:

John Stewart had a bit on his show. It's not West against East with MAGA, it's "woke" against not "woke". 

American right wingers view of Russian society is very far from the reality

[Zear0]

19 minutes ago, bovril said:

American right wingers view of Russian society is very far from the reality

Tucker's amazement at the coin operated trolly system is the perfect metaphor for that. 

[Dahnsouff]

2 hours ago, Salisbury Fox said:

The general consensus appears to suggest that it will be between 3-5 years before Russia is equipped to be of serious concern. By that time Poland should be well equipped themselves. I would imagine that Russia would be quite content to sow discord in Poland for now like they are suspected of doing with farmers blocking Ukrainian grain shipments. I suspect similar tactics being used on Moldova and Romania are of more immediate concern.

Yes, this timeline would seem sensible from a Russian perspective, and I agree sowing disharmony amongst potential targets is also a fairly known approach from Putin/Russia.

 

Does suggest that intelligence from western nations needs to massively ramp over the same period, if not sooner, especially if the US will not so readily share.

Edited 9 March by Dahnsouff

[Salisbury Fox]

32 minutes ago, Dahnsouff said:

Yes, this timeline would seem sensible from a Russian perspective, and I agree sowing disharmony amongst potential targets is also a fairly known approach from Putin/Russia.

 

Does suggest that intelligence from western nations needs to massively ramp over the same period, if not sooner, especially if the US will not so readily share.

 

32 minutes ago, Dahnsouff said:

Does suggest that intelligence from western nations needs to massively ramp over the same period, if not sooner, especially if the US will not so readily share.

Agreed, it does look like there are already suggestions of some limitations being applied to 5 eyes which is crazy. If you work in that area you surely have to be questioning the integrity of the US, especially with Tulsi Gabbard being appointed. I suspect the whole basis of who is friendly and who isn’t must be questioned.

[leicsmac]

19 minutes ago, Salisbury Fox said:

 

Agreed, it does look like there are already suggestions of some limitations being applied to 5 eyes which is crazy. If you work in that area you surely have to be questioning the integrity of the US, especially with Tulsi Gabbard being appointed. I suspect the whole basis of who is friendly and who isn’t must be questioned.

That should have been obvious the moment Trump won his second term (or even his first), in all honesty.

[Bilo]

11 hours ago, Dahnsouff said:

Curious about the Poland thing if it is indeed the attention to attack Poland, then something must be different in the attempt. As they were unable to dislodge a stubborn Ukraine, unable to save face against a newly Nato’d Finland, so this would either be  a more blustering misdirection/attempt or something far less palatable.

Thankfully likely the former I would guess.

The thing now is that Russia's struggles in Ukraine means that NATO countries will feel more emboldened in calling their bluff.

 

Even before the flow of Western aid really got going, they lost the Battle of Kyiv thanks to poor logistics, command and tactics. Since then, they have lost most of their best soldiers and are now dependent on poorly trained teenage conscripts. 

 

So everyone can now see a poorly trained, ill-equipped, corrupt and badly run army lodged in stalemate against an impoverished nation where a significant minority were largely sympathetic to Russia in the East and where they had achieved a land bridge and partial occupation eight years prior to escalation. 

 

Compare that to a Poland armed to the teeth, implacably hostile to Russia through centuries of experience, backed up by at least its European neighbours (which are rearming) and possibly a USA as well due to its militarisation meeting Trump's demands and probable pressure from its large Polish-American community.

 

Russia going on to invade Poland after Ukraine would be a blunder on par with, for example, the US and UK deciding to attempt an invasion and occupation of Iran in 2006. The US and UK weren't that stupid and Russia won't be either. Everyone knows that. Any threats made to Poland will therefore be transparently empty.

[Jattdogg]

Mark Carney who some of you know well, will be our new PM and lead us into the upcoming election. Liberals have gone from being out of contention with the PC party in majority territory to now possibly forming a minority government if Carney can gain support.  Will be a close race that could go either way but I am happy we have moved on from Trudeau. He has done well in recent weeks with his big balls act with Trump but definitely it is his time to sail off onto a new path.

 

 

Edited 10 March by Jattdogg

[Bilo]

8 hours ago, Jattdogg said:

Mark Carney who some of you know well, will be our new PM and lead us into the upcoming election. Liberals have gone from being out of contention with the PC party in majority territory to now possibly forming a minority government if Carney can gain support.  Will be a close race that could go either way but I am happy we have moved on from Trudeau. He has done well in recent weeks with his big balls act with Trump but definitely it is his time to sail off onto a new path.

 

 

Carney is very impressive. In terms of economics and negotiating trade deals and tariffs with the US, he's miles ahead of anything they have.

[Jon the Hat]

1 minute ago, Bilo said:

Carney is very impressive. In terms of economics and negotiating trade deals and tariffs with the US, he's miles ahead of anything they have.

Its going to be a fine balance, with how integrated the Canadian and US economies are.  As you say if anyone can do it he can.

[leicsmac]

24 minutes ago, Bilo said:

Carney is very impressive. In terms of economics and negotiating trade deals and tariffs with the US, he's miles ahead of anything they have.

When you're dealing with a power that apparently just sees you as a subordinate, dealing with that power is going to require you to be at the top of your game.

 

I hope Carney can deliver - goodness knows it's long past time Convict#47 got a bloody nose from someone.

[Tommy G]

2 hours ago, Bilo said:

Carney is very impressive. In terms of economics and negotiating trade deals and tariffs with the US, he's miles ahead of anything they have.

He was when he was BofE Governor too, much more impressive than Andrew Bailey.

[Lionator]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cgq1pwjlqq2t
 

This is disastrous for our coastal towns. 

Edited 10 March by Lionator

[urban.spaceman]

1 hour ago, Lionator said:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cgq1pwjlqq2t
 

This is disastrous for our coastal towns. 

Authorities have released the following photograph of a person of interest:

 

[Trav Le Bleu]

1 hour ago, Lionator said:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cgq1pwjlqq2t
 

This is disastrous for our coastal towns. 

The beach at Skeggy will look terrible...

 

Oh... wait...

[jgtuk]

1 hour ago, Lionator said:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cgq1pwjlqq2t
 

This is disastrous for our coastal towns. 

Never mind the towns, devastating for the wildlife… 

Just coming into breeding season for our sea birds now, all dependant on sea life. 

[PAULCFC]

Only thing is that it's jet fuel,not crude that's leaking,so should burn off!But living up here it's not great!

[PAULCFC]

Other ship carrying Sodium Cyanide, which doesn't sound good!