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Post by hcpride on Mar 10, 2022 8:08:46 GMT -5
Solely for the purpose of accuracy: Reagan was 69 yrs old (a few days shy of his 70th) on the day he was inaugurated. Trump was inaugurated (& elected) at the age of 70. Indeed Trump is the second eldest person to assume the presidency. This is the standard measurement. And, it truly is of little consequence. Biden inaugurated at age 78 really stands out in that context. 4th oldest when taking office is William Henry Harrison at age 68.
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Post by rgs318 on Mar 10, 2022 8:24:07 GMT -5
"Did they have to send her or anybody else halfway around the world for that?"
"Making an appearance" used to be referred to as "showing the flag." Such a visit is intended to show that the U.S. is aware of what is happening and to show whose "side" we are on, at the same time reassuring the people there. I am not sure such appearances mean what they once did.
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Post by Tom on Mar 10, 2022 8:56:51 GMT -5
District Atty. for San Francisco CA Attorney General U.S. Senator Vice President Pretty good resume in my book. You can like her or dislike her, but the amount of gratuitous hatefulness directed toward her is appalling. She has a resume like Nelson's. I'd like to see her have a signature accomplishment as VP. We may need her as President Biden must be the oldest US President ever. Biden's pulling NATO together has been a signature accomplishment for him. Much like George HW Bush's Iraq coalition was for him. This is not a comment about VP Harris, but about the office: Has there ever been a signature accomplishment of a VP? Unless there was major legislation that had a tie in the Senate, I'm guessing "no" Different presidents have different views of the VP. Some delegate tasks. Others do not. There could be times when major tasks were delegated to the VP and the VP hit a home run, but we likely will never know and either way the president will get all the credit for any accomplishment
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Post by mm67 on Mar 10, 2022 9:54:24 GMT -5
" The Vice Presidency is not worth a bucket of warm spit." Cactus Jack Garner, FDR's VP
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Post by longsuffering on Mar 10, 2022 12:45:50 GMT -5
She has a resume like Nelson's. I'd like to see her have a signature accomplishment as VP. We may need her as President Biden must be the oldest US President ever. Biden's pulling NATO together has been a signature accomplishment for him. Much like George HW Bush's Iraq coalition was for him. This is not a comment about VP Harris, but about the office: Has there ever been a signature accomplishment of a VP? Unless there was major legislation that had a tie in the Senate, I'm guessing "no" Different presidents have different views of the VP. Some delegate tasks. Others do not. There could be times when major tasks were delegated to the VP and the VP hit a home run, but we likely will never know and either way the president will get all the credit for any accomplishment Uh, Mike Pence 01-06-21? Historians can decide how significant it was. But it was something.
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Post by Tom on Mar 10, 2022 13:13:50 GMT -5
This is not a comment about VP Harris, but about the office: Has there ever been a signature accomplishment of a VP? Unless there was major legislation that had a tie in the Senate, I'm guessing "no" Different presidents have different views of the VP. Some delegate tasks. Others do not. There could be times when major tasks were delegated to the VP and the VP hit a home run, but we likely will never know and either way the president will get all the credit for any accomplishment Uh, Mike Pence 01-06-21? Historians can decide how significant it was. But it was something. Well that kind of reinforces my point if one might consider doing nothing the best example of a VP's signature accomplishment, Or more specifically not trying to exercise authority that you never had under the Constitution. Sometimes doing nothing can be a big deal and the best decision. Just hard to call it a signature accomplishment
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Mar 10, 2022 16:10:00 GMT -5
A U.S. official told CBS yesterday that Russia has lost between 5,000 and 6,000 men in the first two weeks of the invasion. For comparison, the U.S. lost 7,000 dead in 20 years of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Again for comparison, the Soviets acknowledge 13,500 combat-related deaths in the 9+ year Soviet Afghan War. For a running scorecard on equipment losses, see: www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.htmlRussian losses are much higher than Ukrainian losses. Only losses with photographic proof are counted. The red flag indicates the piece of equipment dates from the Soviet Union era.
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Post by longsuffering on Mar 10, 2022 17:12:47 GMT -5
A U.S. official told CBS yesterday that Russia has lost between 5,000 and 6,000 men in the first two weeks of the invasion. For comparison, the U.S. lost 7,000 dead in 20 years of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Again for comparison, the Soviets acknowledge 13,500 combat-related deaths in the 9+ year Soviet Afghan War. For a running scorecard on equipment losses, see: www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.htmlRussian losses are much higher than Ukrainian losses. Only losses with photographic proof are counted. The red flag indicates the piece of equipment dates from the Soviet Union era. The Russians brought together their invasion force from the far points of their eleven time zones, brought along mobile crematoriums and told many they were training in Belarus to tamp down geographic pockets of concentrated losses back home that might prompt revolt.
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Post by hcpride on Mar 11, 2022 6:43:43 GMT -5
Ukraine has had some success in delaying/disrupting Russian maneuver forces (whose objectives are to cut off/encircle certain cities). At the same time, it is clear Russia’s plan is to subsequently (Phase II) pulverize these cities from the air. (This is separate and apart from the ongoing ‘surgical’ aerial campaign and Phase II may be simultaneous with Phase I as Russian circumstances indicate).
Ukrainian cities are essentially defenseless regarding bomber attack.
Most ominously for Kyiv, it is located just 50 (!) miles from the Belarus border and Russian bombers are based in Belarus.
(On a separate note, the VP ‘s trip yesterday was a gesture of US solidarity with Poland [and all NATO states] and support for Ukraine.)
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Mar 23, 2022 14:47:17 GMT -5
thehill.com/policy/international/599431-as-many-as-40k-russian-troops-killed-wounded-held-prisoner-or-missingIn the nine+ year Soviet Afghan War, Soviet casualties were 9,500 killed in action, 4,000 died of wounds, 1,000 dead of disease and accidents, and nearly 55,000 wounded. The Russia invading force was about 150,000, but a significant number of these troops were second-rate units /reserves whose task was to administer Ukraine after the Ukrainian government collapsed. Conservatively, if 30,000 of the strength of the first-line units are now casualties, and these units started with 120,000 troops total, their strength is now 75 percent, and their combat effectiveness is low, particularly for offensive operations. Morale, already low is sinking further. Morale is low because the Russian military has little understanding of why they are fighting, other than Ukraine is led by Nazis. ____________________ The Russian defense minister has not been seen since March 10. www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/03/23/7333825/^^^ This is not the Pravda published in Moscow. Pravda means 'truth' in Russian, and the other major Russian newspaper is Izvestia.,which means 'News'. The old saying was, 'There is no Pravda in Izvestia, and no Izvestia in Pravda'. ___________________ www.zyri.net/2022/03/23/the-director-of-the-central-bank-of-russia-also-wanted-to-resign-when-the-war-broke-out-but-putin-forbade-her/^^^ This site is redistributing an article that appeared in Bloomberg. Bloomberg is probably beyond a paywall for most. From the language, it is not a verbatim re-print, but an edited version by someone who is not natively fluent in English.
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Mar 26, 2022 10:04:54 GMT -5
An article in the Atlantic on the Russians pursuing outdated strategies with respect to the use of armor. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/03/putin-doesnt-realize-how-much-warfare-has-changed/627600/The article cites an instance of what I will describe as incredulous incompetence. The Russian encrypted field communication system is wholly dependent on a 3G network being available. The Russians destroyed the 3G network in the areas they invaded, apparently deliberately. Now with no encrypted communications, the Russian commanders resorted to their cellphones to communicate. Which made them a target. The Ukrainians have targeted the location of Russian commanders because of their use of cellphones, and at least six or seven generals have been killed (by Ukrainian accounts, The Russians have acknowledged only losing several generals.) Not all the generals were killed because they used their cellphones, but most apparently were. In any event, the Russians are creating an exit strategy for Putin, by supposedly now limiting their invasion objective to a relatively small area in Eastern Ukraine. The Russians can no longer mount an offensive strategy because of the loss of so much equipment and manpower, and it will only get worse, with all the arms still being sent to Ukraine. It will be interesting to learn, post-war, how many Ukrainians were brought to the US for training in guerrilla warfare by the CIA. The count of Ukrainians trained in Ukraine by the US Army is known: over 25,000. These programs were started by Obama in 2014, and continued through at least 2021.
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Post by ndgradbuthcfan on Mar 26, 2022 10:29:34 GMT -5
I hope the author and you are right, PP. Totally support Ukraine but very disturbed about the casualties on both sides and expecially the civilians.
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Mar 28, 2022 9:34:21 GMT -5
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Post by mm67 on Mar 28, 2022 10:17:29 GMT -5
Maybe, this comment is an oversimplification. At one time didn't Russians trumpet Moscow as the third capital of Christendom - Rome, & Constantinople & Moscow? Historically,Russia has "looked West" then reverted back to its Eastern identity. Over the centuries prior to 1917Russia repelled invaders but conquered its neighbors to build the Russian Empire. Since the Bolshevik Revolution Russia expanded its control behind an Iron Curtain. Then the wall came down and seemingly everything was thought to have changed. In the '90's, naively perhaps, I was hopeful a continuing rapprochement with the West would lead to a fuller integration of Russia with the West. However, as Russians opted for autocracy instead of democracy my hopes were dashed. At that time there were numerous articles about the large number of "conservative" Russians (not US conservative) especially among the elderly who preferred strong autocratic rule to provide a safety net (ex.pensions) and protection. Simply put the ideals of Jeffersonian Democracy have not been adopted by millions of Russians. Any attempt to understand Russians through western eyes fails to understand the dynamics of Russia. This latest invasion of Ukraine ends any hope for sustained good relations for the foreseeable future. Russia continues to be an outlaw country, a pariah led by Putin, another Russian criminal ruler in a long line of war criminals.
An additional point. Some friends have stated their belief that Russia's invasion & attempted takeover of Ukraine was motivated by a perceived need for protection from western invaders. Ukraine would provide a buffer zone to protect Russia. Also other eastern Euro nations under Russian control would provide a buffer zone.They point to the numerous invasions from the West to support their view. It's perfectly understandable to have this view but I think there is more. Ukraine is different. I think Russia's attack was an attempt to fulfill what they consider Russia's Manifest Destiny(Russian style). They believe it is Russia's destiny to absorb Ukraine as its own. Putin's statements for many years gives credence to his belief and no doubt the belief of others that Ukraine is destined to be Russia. In my view this theory of Russian Manifest Destiny is of far greater long term significance. It's literally in their DNA.
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Post by clmetsfan on Mar 29, 2022 10:24:08 GMT -5
Maybe, this comment is an oversimplification. At one time didn't Russians trumpet Moscow as the third capital of Christendom - Rome, & Constantinople & Moscow? Historically,Russia has "looked West" then reverted back to its Eastern identity. Over the centuries prior to 1917Russia repelled invaders but conquered its neighbors to establish the Russian Empire. Since the Bolshevik Revolution Russia expanded its control behind an Iron Curtain. Then the wall came down and seemingly everything was thought to have changed. In the '90's, naively perhaps, I was hopeful a continuing rapprochement with the West would lead to a fuller integration of Russia with the West. However, as Russians opted for autocracy instead of democracy my hopes were dashed. At that time there were numerous articles about the large number of "conservative" Russians (not US conservative) especially among the elderly who preferred strong autocratic rule to provide a safety net (ex.pensions) and protection. Simply put the ideals of Jeffersonian Democracy have not been adopted by millions of Russians.Any attempt to understand Russians through western eyes fails to understand the dynamics of Russia. This latest invasion of Ukraine ends any hope for sustained good relations for the foreseeable future. Russia continues to be an outlaw country, a pariah led by Putin, another Russian criminal ruler in a long line of war criminals. An additional point. Some friends have stated their belief that Russia's invasion & attempted takeover of Ukraine was motivated by a perceived need for protection from western invaders. Ukraine would provide a buffer zone to protect Russia. Also other eastern Euro nations under Russian control would provide a buffer zone.They point to the numerous invasions from the West to support their view. It's perfectly understandable to have this view but I think there is more. Ukraine is different. I think Russia's attack was an attempt to fulfill what they consider Russia's Manifest Destiny(Russian style). They believe it is Russia's destiny to absorb Ukraine as its own. Putin's statements for many years gives credence to his belief and no doubt the belief of others that Ukraine is destined to be Russia. In my view this theory of Russian Manifest Destiny is of far greater long term significance. It's literally in their DNA. I have a few Russian acquaintances (mostly friends of friends) who, in the past few years prior to the invasion, have lauded Putin because they believe that he projected strength and made Russia an intimidating force on the world stage. When I challenged them with the facts of his autocratic tendencies and megolomania, they made it clear that those are secondary to the first priority of regaining the international power that Russia lost with the fall of the Soviet Union. I haven't seen any of them since the pandemic began, but I'm very curious about how they feel now that most of that Russian strength has proven to be a complete facade and its army woefully unprepared and ill-equipped to carry out a major operation.
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Post by mm67 on Mar 29, 2022 10:42:17 GMT -5
clmets. How would they feel about the slaughter of thousands of Ukrainians and massive destruction Ukrainian cities inflicted by their military? Thanks for your insights.
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Post by clmetsfan on Mar 29, 2022 14:25:02 GMT -5
clmets. How would they feel about the slaughter of thousands of Ukrainians and massive destruction Ukrainian cities inflicted by their military? Thanks for your insights. Prior to this, I imagine that they'd have touted the typical RT propaganda line of Ukraine really being part of Russia and that Ukrainians would ultimately welcome reunification. Now, I certainly hope that they'd be disillusioned with Putin's actions, but you never know. Based on what we've seen from our own citizens, people who value "strongman" leaders and outward boasts of nationalist strength are typically resistent to believe any facts that might lead to disabuse of those feelings.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2022 19:34:27 GMT -5
Just met a Navy vet who served on the USS Liberty when it was fired upon by Israeli air & naval forces.Very interesting conversation.My brother who went through Navy boot camp with a few men that served on the ship at that time. Lunchtime in Fl. is always a treat.
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Post by clmetsfan on Mar 30, 2022 14:15:13 GMT -5
Really interesting analysis by the WaPo on Russia's logistical struggles. It's a long read (not sure if it's behind a paywall or not), but it breaks down their problems into some key areas: - Inadequate protection of supply convoys
- Scattered command, poor communication
- Shortages of food, water and fuel
- Questionable medical care
- Low supplies of guided missiles
- Excessive vehicle breakdowns
Combine all those things together and you have to figure that it also takes a massive toll on the morale and fighting spirit of Russian troops, most of whom probably believed the state's propaganda about how they'd be welcomed as long-lost comrades and had no idea that they'd be hunkering down for a long slog and carrying out atrocities against civilian population centers.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/30/russia-military-logistics-supply-chain
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Mar 30, 2022 15:41:07 GMT -5
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Post by hcpride on Mar 30, 2022 16:10:51 GMT -5
According to the article:
“The war continues to go poorly for Russian forces. Ukraine’s military has not only held its own but also begun counterattacking.”
Excellent sign as Russia has clearly lost the initiative in certain areas (although continuing to pulverize cities).
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Mar 30, 2022 17:08:32 GMT -5
From Oryx, Russian equipment losses Vehicle count is only of those which there is photographic evidence. Vehicle type: Tanks (345*, of which destroyed: 155, damaged: 6, abandoned: 42, captured: 142) Armoured Fighting Vehicles (243, of which destroyed: 115, abandoned: 32, captured: 96) Infantry Fighting Vehicles (324, of which destroyed: 178, damaged: 2, abandoned: 30, captured: 114) Infantry Mobility Vehicles (71, of which destroyed: 42, damaged: 2, abandoned: 5, captured: 20) Armoured Personnel Carriers (81, of which destroyed: 21, damaged: 1, abandoned: 17, captured: 42) Towed Artillery (46, of which destroyed: 9, damaged: 4, abandoned: 5, captured: 28) Self-Propelled Artillery (62, of which destroyed: 20, damaged: 3, abandoned: 13, captured: 25) Multiple Rocket Launchers (36, of which destroyed: 16, abandoned: 5, captured: 16) Surface-To-Air Missile Systems (41, of which destroyed: 21, damaged: 1, abandoned: 7, captured: 12) Engineering Vehicles And Equipment (64, of which destroyed: 20, abandoned: 12, captured: 32) www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html^^^ List is updated continuously. Aircraft losses by typeFighter, Attack, Transport Aircraft (17, of which destroyed: 16, damaged: 1) Helicopters (all types) (36, of which destroyed: 31, damaged: 3, abandoned: 2) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (18, of which destroyed: 12, captured: 6) www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/03/list-of-aircraft-losses-during-2022.htmlNaval ship losses by typeRussia:Landing Ships (2, of which destroyed: 1, damaged: 1) 1 Project 1171 Tapir class landing ship BDK-65 Saratov: (1, destroyed) 1 Project 775 Ropucha class landing ship: (1, damaged) Patrol Boats Ships (1, of which damaged: 1) 1 Project 03160 Raptor class patrol boat: (1, damaged) UkraineUkraine - 14, of which: sunk: 2, captured: 12 Frigate (1, of which destroyed: 1) 1 Krivak III class frigate 'Hetman Sahaydachniy': (1, scuttled to prevent capture by Russia) Patrol and Gunboats (5 of which destroyed: 1, captured: 4) 2 Gyurza-M class gunboat: (1, Akkerman 'P174', captured) (2, Vyshhorod 'P179', captured) 1 Island class patrol boat P190 Slovyansk: (1, sunk) 2 Zhuk class patrol boat (Operated by the Sea Guard): (1, 'BG 118', captured) (2, unknown ID, captured) Miscellaneous Vessels (13, of which destroyed: 2, captured: 11) 1 Sorum class seagoing tugboat 'Korets' ''A830 or P186'': (1, captured) 6 Small patrol boats (Operated by the Sea Guard): (1, BG ??8, captured) (2, BG 311, captured) (3, BG 14, captured) (4, BG 24, captured) (5, BG 310, captured) (6, unknown ID, captured) 1 Sapphire search and rescue vessel (Operated by the Maritime Search and Rescue Service of Ukraine): (1, seized and captured) www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/03/list-of-naval-losses-during-2022.html* For reference, the number of tanks in the U.S. First Armored Division is 261 (3 Heavy brigades, 87 tanks each). The Russians have lost the equivalent of four heavy brigades of U.S. armor.
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on May 16, 2022 19:00:10 GMT -5
Endgame may be near. Very, very remarkable exchange tonight on state-run Russian TV. See link below. Also just announced that all the soldiers and any remaining civilians are being evacuated from the steel plant that had been besieged. This was apparently brokered by turkey. That they didn't cut off this retired Russian army colonel is extraordinary. In the old days, he would be a dead man walking at the end of his commentary. Since Russian TV is scripted this may indicate that there are powerful forces in Moscow starting to undercut Putin, or Putin himself realizes his invasion of Ukraine is nearing a collapse. Note particularly the comment of the woman talking about Sen. Rand Paul holding up Lend-Lease bill. From the remarks, Congress enacting the lend lease bill for Ukraine is having a big impact in Russia. Russia remembers all too well it was American Lend lease in WWII that saved the Soviet Union from Hitler and the German army. Note the colonel's comment that Russia simply can't compete with the arsenals of the West.
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Post by longsuffering on May 16, 2022 19:21:21 GMT -5
Glory to Ukraine.
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on May 16, 2022 20:50:58 GMT -5
Putin said today that he does not have a problem with Finland and Sweden joining NATO.
Two key points, IMO, in the colonel's commentary. 1.) Russia could call up more conscripts and match Ukraine's one million strong armed forces (that was the number he used). But Ukraine's one million men are motivated, and a Russian army of one million will not be.
2.) Even if Russia called up more conscripts, the million man Russian army cannot match the amount of equipment, and the amount of technologically-advanced equipment that is being supplied by the West.
For these reasons, in his view, the war cannot be won.
Verified Russian tank losses are presently at 670. This is equivalent to the U.S. losing every tank in 4.5 armored brigades, the U.S. Army has ten armored brigades. in the two wars against Iraq, the U.S. lost about 30 Abrams tanks. Most of the losses were to damage beyond repair.
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