patrick.net

Strategist says

If Putin is so good why is Russia going over the cliff?

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102235487

Not even a half-truth. Putin becomes President in 2000:

Of course, with a last name ending in -chuk, and hosted on CNBC, home of noted economic experts Jim Kramer and Larry "Cokey" Kudlow, is such propaganda any wonder?

Strategist says

Today Russia's economy is smaller than Italy's, its dependent on oil like the Saudis. Russia has become the brunt of jokes. Boone Pickens was on CNBC yesterday, where he said "Russia only produces 2 things, oil and vodka. They don't export the vodka because they drink it"

You should educate yourself a little bit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Russia#Sectors

thunderlips11 says

Strategist says

If Putin is so good why is Russia going over the cliff?

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102235487

Not even a half-truth. Putin becomes President in 2000:

Thanks to oil prices:
From the CNBC article:
"As the price of oil, Russia's most important export, climbed from $16 a barrel in 1999 to more than $140 in 2008, a new middle class enjoyed the fruits of prosperity, eagerly burying the memories of the impoverished 1990s."
---------------
Easy to achieve those figures when oil goes up almost 10 fold. Now what?

Strategist says

A plummeting currency, rising inflation and sagging oil prices — that's the stuff Vladimir Putin's nightmares are probably made of.

Ukrainian Hryvina

"Take a gamble on Freedom - buy the Iraqi Dinar Ukrainian Hryvina".
https://www.dinartrade.com/

Also, my cousin makes $500 a day writing pro-Putin social media comments. Visit www.putiesgold.ru - free cubic meter of gas just for signing up!

Strategist says

Today Russia's economy is smaller than Italy's

Can you imagine what would happen to Italy if Italian banks could not get any dollar funding. Remember 2011. Russian ruble is way down because their banks cannot get any dollar funding outside of the country.

tr6 says

Strategist says

Today Russia's economy is smaller than Italy's, its dependent on oil like the Saudis. Russia has become the brunt of jokes. Boone Pickens was on CNBC yesterday, where he said "Russia only produces 2 things, oil and vodka. They don't export the vodka because they drink it"

You should educate yourself a little bit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Russia#Sectors

Let me help you with facts:

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2014/jul/27/lindsey-graham/graham-russia-has-economy-size-italy/

tr6 says

Strategist says

Today Russia's economy is smaller than Italy's

Can you imagine what would happen to Italy if Italian banks could not get any dollar funding. Remember 2011. Russian ruble is way down because their banks cannot get any dollar funding outside of the country.

True.
Why can't Russia do the same to us?
Ans. Because Russia is a mouse that roars.

Strategist says

Let me help you with facts:

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2014/jul/27/lindsey-graham/graham-russia-has-economy-size-italy/

And it's still the 8th Largest Economy in the world - in nominal GDP.

And India, with 5x the population, is in 10th place, below Russia. Yet you never see American MSM go out of it's way to remind people how relatively poor India is.

Strategist says

Let me help you with facts:

From Lindsay:

"Russia’s GDP calculated for purchasing power parity was $3.5 trillion, while Italy’s was $2.1 trillion. So in 2013, Russia had a higher level of economic activity than Italy, but because goods and services are more expensive in Italy, the overall value (nominal GDP) ended up the same"

thunderlips11 says

Yet you never see American MSM go out of it's way to remind people how relatively poor India is.

Or they are anti-gay http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_India and have a very strong caste system.

BTW, have been averaging into emerging market bonds since mid September. I figure we should bottom within the next six months (will keep averaging in) as US recouples with emerging markets.

Strategist says

Why can't Russia do the same to us?

Dollar is king and has been for a long time.

tr6 says

thunderlips11 says

Yet you never see American MSM go out of it's way to remind people how relatively poor India is.

Or they are anti-gay http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_India and have a very strong caste system.

Word. Or pointing out that just 20 years ago, the US Military discharged gays.

Or that Saudi Arabia has some of the most anti-gay legislation in the world, as well as US-outsourcing destinations like Malaysia, which incarcerates for sodomy and homosexual activity and outreach.

Yellow means "laws against association" - ie "No pro-homosexual literature to children" in Russia's case.

Red means up to and including Death.

Funny how the US Press is always harping on Russia's ban on gay outreach to minors, but seldom reports lashing, imprisonment and death just for being gay in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and the Gulf States.

Beat the Press.

thunderlips11 says

Strategist says

Let me help you with facts:

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2014/jul/27/lindsey-graham/graham-russia-has-economy-size-italy/

And it's still the 8th Largest Economy in the world - in nominal GDP.

And India, with 5x the population, is in 10th place, below Russia. Yet you never see American MSM go out of it's way to remind people how relatively poor India is.

India is one of the poorest countries in the world. 400 million of Indians don't even have electricity, so what. They have the potential to rise to the top, and probably will.
Comparing Russia with India tells me you believe Russia is sinking. There was a time when Russia proudly compared itself to USA. Now look where they are.
The solution is simple....Cooperate with the West and other successful countries. Let go your inflated ego.
The world needs more scientific progress, not stupid politics that hurt everyone.

Strategist says

India is one of the poorest countries in the world.

Do you understand nominal GDP explained in the link you yourself posted? By nominal GDP, India is in the top ten.

Strategist says

Comparing Russia with India tells me you believe Russia is sinking. There was a time when Russia proudly compared itself to USA. Now look where they are.

Rising rapidly, as I posted in the charts above, which are from the Neoliberal World Bank controlled by DC and hateful of Russia.

Strategist says

The world needs more scientific progress, not stupid politics that hurt everyone.

I agree. Let's celebrate Soyuz, the most successful and versatile and reliable space vehicle ever, whose variants are used even in the 21st Century in the ISS (as well as in MIR).

tr6 says

Strategist says

Why can't Russia do the same to us?

Dollar is king and has been for a long time.

Exactly. We have a successful economy whose currency the world trusts and values. The Rouble is not valued or wanted by anyone because their economy stinks. I have never seen Russian computers, cars, drugs, high tech, or anything in American stores.
Only vodka left over because they were too drunk to finish the bottle.

Strategist says

The Rouble is not valued or wanted by anyone because their economy stinks

Rouble was at 22 in 2007 when Russia's economy was half the size and oil prices were the same. I would say it's very undervalued right now and once technical reasons, no dollar liquidity because of sanctions, are gone it will bounce to 36-40 range quickly.

How about getting drugs from India? http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-03/indian-labs-deleted-test-results-for-u-s-drugs-documents-show.html

thunderlips11 says

Strategist says

The world needs more scientific progress, not stupid politics that hurt everyone.

I agree. Let's celebrate Soyuz, the most successful and versatile and reliable space vehicle ever, whose variants are used even in the 21st Century in the ISS (as well as in MIR).

I'm all for it. I want Russia to join hands with the rest of the world and use its potential towards world progress. We need Russia. You don't hear me say that about the Saudis, because they have no potential. They are as dumb as their goats.
Putin needs to change course immediately.

tr6 says

Strategist says

The Rouble is not valued or wanted by anyone because their economy stinks

Rouble was at 22 in 2007 when Russia's economy was half the size and oil prices were the same. I would say it's very undervalued right now and once technical reasons, no dollar liquidity because of sanctions, are gone it will bounce to 36-40 range quickly.

My guess.....when Putin is gone and a leader with sense takes over Russia, its currency and stocks will boom. I will buy Russian Index funds.

tr6 says

How about getting drugs from India? http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-03/indian-labs-deleted-test-results-for-u-s-drugs-documents-show.html

That problem is at the corporate level due to mismanagement and easily corrected.

Strategist says

My guess.....when Putin is gone and a leader with sense takes over Russia, its currency and stocks will boom. I will buy Russian Index funds.

Strategist, are you going to continue to ignore the massive growth - proven by graphs above - in Russia since Yeltsin was ousted?

Ever notice that the US press, and the financial press in particular, seldom gives specifics when bashing Russia?

If Russia is sinking, how come it is the #2 destination for immigrants in the world?

If Russia is sinking, how come Putin is so popular?

If Russia is sinking, how come the employment is borderline full (5.1%) and wages are rising?

Where are the unemployment protests we saw under Yeltsin, the ones he dispatched with Mafiosos and armed forces?

thunderlips11 says

Strategist says

My guess.....when Putin is gone and a leader with sense takes over Russia, its currency and stocks will boom. I will buy Russian Index funds.

Strategist, are you going to continue to ignore the massive growth - proven by graphs above - in Russia since Yeltsin was ousted?

Ever notice that the US press, and the financial press in particular, seldom gives specifics when bashing Russia?

I addressed that "massive growth" It was due to oil prices going from $16 in 1999 to $147 in 2008. Now that oil prices are $70, and if they remain there what happens? The sanctions are also hurting Russia a lot more than they are hurting us.
The message to Russia is simple - If you want to be like one of us, behave like one of us, or take a hike.

thunderlips11 says

Ever notice that the US press, and the financial press in particular, seldom gives specifics when bashing Russia?

I agree...sometimes unfairly.

thunderlips11 says

If Russia is sinking, how come it is the #2 destination for immigrants in the world?

What? You must be joking.

thunderlips11 says

If Russia is sinking, how come Putin is so popular?

He is a charismatic leader who rides a horse without his shirt.

thunderlips11 says

If Russia is sinking, how come the employment is borderline full (5.1%) and wages are rising?

They won't anymore. The oil collapse has to still seep into the economy.

thunderlips11 says

Turnabout is fair play.

Tough words coming from a country where a large segment of the population thinks the President is a Kenyan-born Muslim and millions of e-mail chain letters go around each day about his birth certificate.

American hicks are maybe 15% of the population at most while in russia its probably close to 50%. That makes a huge difference.

dublin hillz says

American hicks are maybe 15% of the population at most while in russia its probably close to 50%. That makes a huge difference.

Tough Russian peasant, eating their cabbage. Unlike American rednecks, however, their children become rocket scientists and engineers, and don't believe in Creationism.

Just wait till the Ukraineans start kicking their ass..nomo Crimea for U!!

Strategist says

Now that oil prices are $70, and if they remain there what happens?

First of all you have to look at the entire curve. The curve was in contango earlier in the year and is now in backwardation, meaning the long term prices did not decline as much as short term prices.

thunderlips11 says

dublin hillz says

American hicks are maybe 15% of the population at most while in russia its probably close to 50%. That makes a huge difference.

Tough Russian peasant, eating their cabbage. Unlike American rednecks, however, their children become rocket scientists and engineers, and don't believe in Creationism.

http://www.pewforum.org/2014/02/10/russians-return-to-religion-but-not-to-church/

72% of russians identify as orthodox christians

thunderlips11 says

dublin hillz says

American hicks are maybe 15% of the population at most while in russia its probably close to 50%. That makes a huge difference.

Tough Russian peasant, eating their cabbage. Unlike American rednecks, however, their children become rocket scientists and engineers, and don't believe in Creationism.

See...that's potential.
Hey, lets steal their scientists by giving them visas.

dublin hillz says

72% of russians identify as orthodox christians

This used to be America, before this country went overboard with liberalism and half the Bay Area decided to go progay.

It's weird to see America today, young people don't appreciate or focus on important things anymore. Our generation focused on jobs and economy, this new generation just focuses on saving gays and whales while can't hold a job for longer than a week.

Strategist says

See...that's potential.

Hey, lets steal their scientists by giving them visas.

We can give the Ferguson in return.

Strategist says

Hey, lets steal their scientists by giving them visas.

Already do. If we expelled all the Russians, huge swaths of research departments and academia would grind to a halt.

One place that would certainly be devastated: Private Launch and Satellite Companies.
dublin hillz says

http://www.pewforum.org/2014/02/10/russians-return-to-religion-but-not-to-church/

72% of russians identify as orthodox christians

Yep. But not as Pentecostals or Charismatics or Southern Baptists, where one finds a lot of Creationists. Eastern Orthodoxy is pretty Cosmopolitan about science.

Strategist says

We can give the Ferguson in return.

And Russia would give them each a few hectares of cold Siberian grassland, and say "Go grow your cabbages."

thunderlips11 says

Strategist says

Hey, lets steal their scientists by giving them visas.

Already do. If we expelled all the Russians, huge swaths of research departments and academia would grind to a halt.

Awesome - It's the American way.
If you can't make em, you buy em.
If you can't buy em, you steal em.

thunderlips11 says

Strategist says

We can give the Ferguson in return.

And Russia would give them each a few hectares of cold Siberian grassland, and say "Go grow your cabbages."

We could do something like that in Detroit. I bet they won't go.

FortWayne says

dublin hillz says

72% of russians identify as orthodox christians

This used to be America, before this country went overboard with liberalism and half the Bay Area decided to go progay.

It's weird to see America today, young people don't appreciate or focus on important things anymore. Our generation focused on jobs and economy, this new generation just focuses on saving gays and whales while can't hold a job for longer than a week.

America was never orthodox christian. In fact, orthodox christianity is a bitter enemy of western christianity especially regarding catholicism. Some orthodox christians consider the pope to be the anti-christ.

dublin hillz says

America was never orthodox christian. In fact, orthodox christianity is a bitter enemy of western christianity especially regarding catholicism. Some orthodox christians consider the pope to be the anti-christ.

Some Orthodox militants mistrust the pope, just like some ultra Catholic traditionalists hate Orthodoxy.

Both organizations are disciplining and marginalizing their kooks, however, and probably enjoy the best relationship in 1000 years.

It all started over whether leavened or unleavened bread should be served at mass, then over semantics over the filoque clause, of which 99% of it was in agreement. Or whether the old, ruined former capital of Rome that was long abandoned even as capital of just Western Rome (in favor of Milan and Ravenna) should be the seat of Christianity, or the current, vibrant new capital from which Christianity was declared to be the official religion for the first time, the city of Constantinople:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East%E2%80%93West_Schism

This is because Religon is pretty dumb and petty. Since nothing can be proven or disproven, it's all emotional stuff which leads to dumb hatred.

Then these two things happened:
Catholic Knights invited to join Byzantium and Orthodoxy on a Crusade against Islam, instead looted the city of their allies after being invited into the city walls. And abolished the Patriarch's office, and installed a Puppet "Latin" Patriarch.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sack_of_Constantinople
The city never fully recovered from the Sack and Burning, when it was on the road to recovering territories lost to the Arab invaders.

It should be noted that the Pope did not approve, nor order the sack (but accepted the overthrow of the Patriarch as a convenient fait accompli).

And this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Crusades

Oh good:
"U.S. Army sending 100 tanks to Eastern Europe to deter ‘Russian aggression"

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/2/us-army-sending-100-tanks-eastern-europe-deter-rus/

I don't think I have ever seen Putin back down. Ever.

Robert Sproul says

Oh good:

"U.S. Army sending 100 tanks to Eastern Europe to deter ‘Russian aggression"

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/2/us-army-sending-100-tanks-eastern-europe-deter-rus/

I don't think I have ever seen Putin back down. Ever.

Well, this is what Neocons want, endless war. The deployment is typical Neocon Bombast and Posturing. Even the dumbest US Army MBA Graduate General Officer must know that 100 tanks is a speedbump. Although, sometimes I wonder.

There are no George Kennans anymore. Nobody that's truly Serious. Only radical Jacobin Neoliberal/Neocons, the same people Reagan and Nixon kept in the basement of the White House and rolled their eyes at. People like Victoria "Nurse Ratchet" Nuland.

Underestimating Russia's resolve and fortitude is a longtime habit of Western Europeans. "You only have to kick in the door and the whole rotten structure will come crashing down." - Hitler. Yet, at the gates of Leningrad and Moscow, with Kiev, Smolensk, Novogorod, Bryansk and Minsk all gone, there wasn't even the least bit of a sign of a Political Collapse.

Poland in the 1500s (The Time of Troubles), the Swedes in the 1600s, Austro-Hungary in the 19th-20th, Napoleon, etc. Each one thought they would crush the Tsar and his ill-trained backward Russian peasant rabble in one fell swoop. Yet those Russian peasants - Konev was a lumberjack; Vatutin born a literal peasant - Humble Soldier to General both - defeated the formerly implacable crack Panzer Armies including Tiger I tanks at Kursk in 1943. Led by the finest Prussian Aristocrats like von Kluge, and Tank Masters like Hoth with years of actual combat experience - both were crushed by Russian peasants. That year, the Russians outproduced the Germans, even with half their industry overrun.

Robert Sproul says

Oh good:

"U.S. Army sending 100 tanks to Eastern Europe to deter ‘Russian aggression"

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/2/us-army-sending-100-tanks-eastern-europe-deter-rus/

Invade is the new "deter" right? We are such a screwed up nation these days.