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Europe Furious That Putin Dares To Retaliate To Sanctions, Blames Economic Slide On Kremlin

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Either Europe is run by a bunch of unelected idiots, or... well, that's about it.

After blindly doing the US' bidding over all propaganda matters Ukraine-related, and following just as blindly into round after round of US-inspired sanctions, sanctions to whose retaliation Europe would be on the frontline unlike the largely insulated US, Europe appears to be absolutely shocked and is apoplectic that after several rounds of sanction escalations, Russia finally unleashed its own round of sanctions and yesterday announced a 1 year ban on all European food imports, something which will further push Europe into a triple-dip recession as already hinted by Italy yesterday.

In fact, Europe is so stunned by this unexpected "politically-motivated" retaliation by Russia, it issued a press release.

Statement by Commission spokesman on the announcement of measures by the Russian Federation

 

The European Union regrets the announcement by the Russian Federation of measures which will target imports of food and agricultural products. This announcement is clearly politically motivated. The Commission will assess the measures in question as soon as we have more information as to their full content and extent. We underline that the European Union's restrictive measures are directly linked with the illegal annexation of Crimea and destabilisation of Ukraine. The European Union remains committed to de-escalating the situation in Ukraine. All should join in this effort. Following full assessment by the Commission of the Russian Federation's measures, we reserve the right to take action as appropriate.

Surely, Putin is waiting for the European Commission to also issue a #hashtag before he starts shaking in his boots.

For an indication of just how clueless Europe is, we also read that it is ready to appeal to the World Trade Organization to have the Russian agriculture import bans lifted, a European diplomatic source told ITAR-TASS.

“Politically motivated large-scale trade restrictions are a direct violation of WTO rules, which Russia pledged to comply with,” the diplomat said. “These measures will be thoroughly analyzed, and then relevant claims will be submitted with the WTO.”

 

The source added that the European Commission would start analyzing Russia’s ban on imports from EU states as soon as the official list of banned goods would be published.

 

The EU Council may convene an urgent meeting in connection with Russia's response to European sanctions.

 

It is early to say whether the EU will take measures in response to the Russian ban on imports of food products from Europe, source told.

 

“First, it is necessary to see and analyze the official list of product that Moscow intends to ban. After that, decisions will be made both at the European and the national level,” the source stressed.

The punchline: "The Russian ban on agricultural imports from the European Union is an “irresponsible measure” that can lead to losses of billions of euro for European as well as Russian consumers, the source told ITAR-TASS."

In other words, Europe actually thought it would keep escalating without Russia retaliation. If confused, see the first sentence of this article again.

In the meantime, Europe counter-retaliating to Russia's retaliation to European sanction aggression is sure to make the already bad trade war, worse. A trade war so bad in fact, that what snow was to Q1, "evil Putin" will be to Q3. From Bloomberg:

The crisis in eastern Europe is showing signs of disrupting Mario Draghi’s economic outlook.

 

Evidence is building that the conflict in Ukraine and European Union sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s Russia are undermining a euro-area recovery that the European Central Bank president already describes as weak. With the ECB expected to keep interest rates on hold near zero today and refrain from any new policy measures, Draghi is likely to face questions on how he plans to keep the economy on track.

 

The ECB may have few tools left to mitigate the impact of political turmoil that European companies from Anheuser-Busch InBev NV (ABI) to Siemens AG (SIE) say is hurting their business. A volley of measures introduced in June will take time to work, and policy makers have so far shied away from wheeling out a full-scale asset-purchase program.

 

“The euro-zone recovery is very fragile and the macro situation fluid,” said Andrew Bosomworth, managing director at Pacific Investment Management Co. in Munich. “Expect Draghi to elaborate on spillover risks from the Russia-Ukraine crisis.”

Ironic, because this is just as we said would happen when we predicted that Putin will soon become Draghi's best friend and as a result of Putin "aggression" Draghi will have "no choice" but to boost Europe's monetary insanity, which recently crossed into the NIRP twilight zone, even beyond the rabbit hole.

Finally, Bloomberg actually did touch correctly on what the recent trade war escalation is all about in "Russia Sanctions Accelerate Risk to Dollar Dominance."

U.S. and European Union sanctions against Russia threaten to hasten a move away from the dollar that’s been stirring since the global financial crisis.

 

One place the shift has become evident is Hong Kong, where dollar selling has led the central bank to buy more than $9.5 billion since July 1 to prevent its currency from rallying as the sanctions stoked speculation of an influx of Russian cash. OAO MegaFon, Russia’s second-largest wireless operator, shifted some cash holdings into the city’s dollar. Trading of the Chinese yuan versus the Russian ruble rose to the highest on July 31 since the end of 2010, according to the Moscow Exchange.

 

While no one’s suggesting the dollar will lose its status as the main currency of business any time soon, its dominance is ebbing. The greenback’s share of global reserves has already shrunk to under 61 percent from more than 72 percent in 2001. The drumbeat has only gotten louder since the financial crisis in 2008, an event that began in the U.S. when subprime-mortgage loans soured, and the largest emerging-market nations including Russia have vowed to conduct more business in their currencies.

"No one is suggesting"? We are!

As for the propaganda landscape, the scene is already set:

 

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Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:15 | 5058083 Kina
Kina's picture

Winter is coming...hope it isn't a real bad winter for Europe.

Of course EU knows that Russia would do something of this nature sooner or later as the US kept on with its sanctions and ways to deliberately provole Russia into action.

There must be enough Oligarch owned and fucked European leaders that they willing sacrifice their citizens to satisfy the arrogant tantrums of the US.

There is NO win situation for Europe at al in going along with the US, none at all, they will suffer all the while. There is no US partnership scenario that sees Europe coming out of this without a lot of pain and trouble...

AND the US in making sure Europe gets fucked over in various ways will itself reap the bitter results of their arrogant greed.

 

The EU is in the process of sacrificing its economy and citizens for god knows who...whoever these Oligarchs are, it must be someone of great power for them to be such fuck-dolls.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:12 | 5058609 Anarchy 99
Anarchy 99's picture

a tiny worthless piece of shit tribe in the s.e.med?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:30 | 5058089 Euro Monster
Euro Monster's picture

If they blame weather for economic slide why not Putin? That's even a better excuse... That became so predictable. Next on the list is Ebola!

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:32 | 5058095 yogibear
yogibear's picture

Russia raise Natural Gas prices big time (double or triple) and demand payment in gold. Watch the EU scramble.

 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:40 | 5058123 Mi Naem
Mi Naem's picture

That's no problem - Europe's gold is safely secured at the Fed in NY (he said with a straight face). 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:53 | 5058169 CHX
CHX's picture

Yes, the "Energy-for-Gold option" is one of the scenarios for a much higher (re-)valuation (in fiat terms) of the yellow metal. 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:32 | 5058096 nosuchnick
nosuchnick's picture

EU's massive hashtags build-up near Russian border is ongoing and nobody says anything!!

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:34 | 5058098 SpanishGoop
SpanishGoop's picture

Think before you act.

Guy Verhofstadt speaking on Maidan Square

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=wZa0E3eZwj0

 

You stupid Europeans.

 

 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:32 | 5058101 ThisIsBob
ThisIsBob's picture

Can't say I care a whole lot about Europe.  Bunch of ass kissers.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:34 | 5058104 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

http://www.motherjones.com/media/2014/03/newsweek-ibt-olivet-david-jang

Newsweek: a trusted source or agenda by crazies? Agenda by crazies. 

 

Anne worked part time and gave a large portion of her earnings to a group she called "the Community," a Christian sect led by a charismatic Korean pastor named David Jang. After joining the group in her late teens, Anne had spent more than seven years working in its ministries—organizations and businesses run by Jang's disciples. With short hair and large glasses, Anne was now in her late 20s but looked younger. She said she rarely had enough money for small luxuries like coffee. We chatted with a mutual friend while we waited for her husband, Caleb, who also worked for a ministry: the International Business Times, the flagship publication of an eponymous online news company that would, nine months later, become the new owner of Newsweek magazine.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:03 | 5058231 Buckaroo Banzai
Buckaroo Banzai's picture

When Mother Jones is outing you as crazy you know you're batshit crazy. They oughta know.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:35 | 5058106 lakecity55
lakecity55's picture

Hahahhaaha, that will teach them to play hand grenade with the Monkeyman across the ocean.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:39 | 5058118 agstacks
agstacks's picture

If I have to hear the MSM use this as an excuse for poor economic results going forward, I will have to increase my drinking substantially. 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:41 | 5058129 CHX
CHX's picture

With Angie and Vlad on the phone every other day, this has to be scripted behind the scenes. It's all part of much (MUCH) larger doings that are in the works by the global psychos running the show. This is only a surprise to severely brain-damaged or otherwise impaired people that cannot add together 1+1, but that's just my 2 oz.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:41 | 5058131 Son of Captain Nemo
Son of Captain Nemo's picture

Either Europe is run by a bunch of unelected idiots, or... well, that's about it.

"Yes" they are idiots but this read left out the U.S. MIC that has bases all over it's territories that threatens them at every turn if they don't "say" and "do" what they are told!...

Stupid "yes" but "cowardice" is the larger of the two problems!

Just imagine where the EU would be right about now if Germany, Italy, and Greece took the peace dividend from the Cold War 24 years ago and told the United States they would be downsizing their presence to "0" over the next decade?...

Answer: No EU!

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:43 | 5058136 shanearthur
shanearthur's picture

Unless the WTO can stop winter, Europe better reverse course.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:54 | 5058175 Son of Captain Nemo
Son of Captain Nemo's picture

Unless the WTO can stop winter, Europe better reverse course.

'shanearthur'

Nailed it!

Don't think iPutin isn't looking at his calendar every morning counting the days to September 21, with the Rolling Stones "Time is on my side" as his wake up call!

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:06 | 5058249 CHX
CHX's picture

Dear Europe, if you really want inflation, you'll get inflation. Vlad

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:34 | 5058742 Day_Of_The_Tentacle
Day_Of_The_Tentacle's picture

Hmmmm... good point there. With almost deflation in Europe that may be a blessing in disguise (I don't really mean that, but making a different point) whereas the maintenance of that 17 trillion dollar pile of dung the US is sporting these days may become ever so slightly more difficult is the perception of inflation risk in both Europe and Russia takes a moon-shot.

Who was it that whispered about loss of market access or sumting.... nah that was different. that was only for 2-10 days or so. All good.

Just musing.... 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:12 | 5058286 my_nym
my_nym's picture

Maybe they're planning on there being more global warming.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:44 | 5058140 lakecity55
lakecity55's picture

Yeah, they put the wrong guy's photo on the cover. It should be Ebolabama.

What horesehockey. Russia was bothering nobody until Nulandsteinberg came along with her two passports.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:44 | 5058142 Itchy and Scratchy
Itchy and Scratchy's picture

Winners have a plan ...losers have excuses.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:02 | 5058879 CrazyCatLady
CrazyCatLady's picture

Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth.

 

Such a truism

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:49 | 5058155 Buster Cherry
Buster Cherry's picture

Well, Putin warned of the boomerang effect....and here it is.

Hopefully europeans will remember that wool blankets are still the best.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:36 | 5058425 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

You bring up a good point.

How can we exploit the cold Europeans?  Three months before the freeze.  

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:50 | 5058158 Itchy and Scratchy
Itchy and Scratchy's picture

Can 'ya remind me again which ones are the communists cuz I ain't sure?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:50 | 5058161 boomny
boomny's picture

Menwhile today in Kiev http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/1716827.html

Lately I adhere to the philosophy of George Carlin - enjoy the freakshow...

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:53 | 5058174 Itchy and Scratchy
Itchy and Scratchy's picture

A dream cum true for the lovely Asst Sec of State Victoria (FU) Nuland (nee: Nudleman) Kagan!

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:54 | 5058186 laomei
laomei's picture

Russia has only been in the WTO for 2 years and has seen few if any benefits, while foreign companies gaining market access have seen most benefit.  Russia was fine with trade unions before and pulling out of the WTO would basically be fucking it over rather hard.  Once again, all the cards in Russia's hands. 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:06 | 5058254 boattrash
boattrash's picture

Yep, ya mess with the bull, ya get the horn.

 EU better just hope Putin keeps that gas flowing, that is, IF they want to be able to cook all those "Left-Overs".

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:12 | 5058293 Son of Captain Nemo
Son of Captain Nemo's picture

Russia has only been in the WTO for 2 years and has seen few if any benefits, while foreign companies gaining market access have seen most benefit.

And over those 2 years imagine what Russia has had to listen to from the likes of the U.S. and EU members, "carrot/stick" that always winds up as an idle threat from the ameba.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:55 | 5058191 buzzsaw99
buzzsaw99's picture

i have no respect for putin whatsoever until he cuts oil and gas exports severely. if he can't do that he might as well kiss hopey's black ass right now and save everyone all the drama.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:05 | 5058238 Clint Liquor
Clint Liquor's picture

How about he waits until winter and then says they will only accept Gold for it?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:06 | 5058256 buzzsaw99
buzzsaw99's picture

that would suck for germany. lolz lolz lolz

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:12 | 5058287 Clint Liquor
Clint Liquor's picture

That would suck for the world's reserve currency, as it's value is benchmarked against Gold.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:14 | 5058296 buzzsaw99
buzzsaw99's picture

i'm just saying, how ironic the usa maggots steal all germany's gold right before a gold standard is unilaterally enacted by an energy power? funny shit there.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:05 | 5058240 Victor999
Victor999's picture

Why do that when he can torture them with a thousand cuts?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:07 | 5058248 buzzsaw99
buzzsaw99's picture

'tis a mere flesh wound

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:58 | 5058204 medium giraffe
medium giraffe's picture

They must still think we're fooled by these fucking globalist charades.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:20 | 5058335 my_nym
my_nym's picture

It has been my experience that the average American doesn't even know that charades, propaganda and entertainment are being produced for them.

Many still think that Osama planned and executed 911 (after a CNN interview) from one of his mythical cave complexes that Rumsfeld said on Meet the Press that "Al Qaeda" could drive (non-existent) tanks in and out of.  Etc.etc.  

More entertainment.  People usually want a reality show, not reality.  Indeed, many are willing to die or have their limbs blown off to pay the price of admission to their reality show.  The apparent value of incorporating reality into a Wizard of Oz/gold ounces type of reality show?

Priceless.  After all, once the "band of brothers" type stuff kicks in, in war... or you've lost a limb... or a family member... can you admit that you lost priceless things in life, for oligarchs and foreign factions?  

"It is easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled."  --Mark Twain

"Fool me once, shame on you... fool me twice... uh, a fool can't get fooled again!"  --W, the pet (scape) goat for the magick of 9, 11... who wasn't even needed to perform his role in the reality show.  That's how dumb people are getting.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:29 | 5059044 medium giraffe
medium giraffe's picture

Yep. Or send their sons and daughters off to be murdered for 'honour' or some such fiction.  Whatever lets them sleep at night without having to face the fact that they are sacrificing their children for a bigger TV, or so they can run their gigantic pointless SUV around without having to get blood on their own hands.

But you don't need the people, you only need 100 monkeys.  And there seem to be enough monkeys around that some of the plans are not quite working out so well.

Whatever happened to W.? As a younger senator he was lucid and eloquent.  Just the booze and drugs or did someone drop him on his head, so to speak?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:59 | 5058209 yogibear
yogibear's picture

"Once again, all the cards in Russia's hands."

Putin should realize that. 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:58 | 5058213 Took Red Pill
Took Red Pill's picture

Fuck with Putin and you'll be sorry!

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:59 | 5058215 Victor999
Victor999's picture

Three levels of sanctions.  Blaming Putin for all the troubles of the world.  Blaming Putin for MH17 without a shred of evidence.  And when Putin finally takes action, they sqeal like poked pigs, shocked that Russia could even contemplate sanctioning back at them.

They have now roused the bear, and I suggewst they back off quickly.  If they retaliate with further sanctions, they will be asking for a torturous winter.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:01 | 5058556 Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill's picture

Germany just needs to be able to run faster than the others.

Its choice time. Go down with the USA ,or join the eurasian alliance.

Not too difficult a decision , but the tactics are a little tricky to say the least.

The green, green, glass of Germany is a very real possibility.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:01 | 5058225 krispkritter
krispkritter's picture

US/EU: Primates Porking Pigskins.

Putin: One hand on a gas main valve, laughing.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:01 | 5058229 Walt D.
Walt D.'s picture

Wait until Russia starts asking for gold in exchange for oil and gas. They will eventually figure out that it is not a good idea to exchange valuable tangible commodities for potentially worthless fiat money IOU's that can easily be reneged upon. 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:10 | 5058273 gcjohns1971
gcjohns1971's picture

Cuts both ways.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:01 | 5058876 Took Red Pill
Took Red Pill's picture

yes, but who has the gold?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 12:18 | 5059309 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture

Let's start with deduction.

We know it's not in Ft. Knox.

 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:02 | 5058230 Victor999
Victor999's picture

Three levels of sanctions.  Blaming Putin for all the troubles of the world.  Blaming Putin for MH17 without a shred of evidence.  And when Putin finally takes action, they sqeal like poked pigs, shocked that Russia could even contemplate sanctioning back at them.

They have now roused the bear, and I suggewst they back off quickly.  If they retaliate with further sanctions, they will be asking for a torturous winter.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:29 | 5059036 Pumpkin
Pumpkin's picture

Or maybe another not so fun teaparty.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:05 | 5058246 MalteseFalcon
MalteseFalcon's picture

Ain't worried 'bout no winter.  AlGore got that covered.

#Global Warming #Hating on Putin

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:06 | 5058247 Kina
Kina's picture

I notice Australia was on the list of banned importers.

I expect Australia to get some bonus banning from Russia since Australia has been out their as the USA's little dog yapping away from the beginning about Russia.

Australian PM Abbott is a total fuckwit moron, a one of a kind idiot whose ignorance is real. His only concern from day one was trade on the MH17 to win himslef as many voters as he could and, suck off Obama as hard as he could.

He is a true froreign affairs embarassment for Australia, probably the worse of any of the world's countries.

 

So -- Australia should get ready for some more counter sanctions from Russia coutresy of PM Abbott's cheerleading stupidity.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:07 | 5058255 gcjohns1971
gcjohns1971's picture

My sister in Law in Moscow reported last night that food prices are rising sharply in Russia.

 

FWIW, the meme, "Putin is a master chess player, and can do no wrong.  Your situation is hopeless before the might of the BEAR" actually has a name in propaganda and interrogation literature.   It is called the 'Omnipotence Approach'.

In the 'Omnipotence Approach' one tries to convince the target that the subjects' compliance is unnecessary, a mere formality that is sought only to help the subject, because the outcome of the conflict is already decided.

 

Whatever the effect on Russia, Europe, or the US, this line of propaganda regarding Putin and Russia is absolutely a calculated issuance of a well-worn technique.

 

People continue under the illusion that wars are winnable.  They are not, except by avoiding them.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:11 | 5058279 buzzsaw99
buzzsaw99's picture

putin has no problem whatsoever with sacrificing his own people like pawns and then blaming it on the west. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/28/world/europe/putin-to-sign-ban-on-us-a...

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:42 | 5058463 NotApplicable
NotApplicable's picture

Has any saint ever ascended the throne?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:10 | 5058584 813kml
813kml's picture

There is more to the adoption story.  Putin wants to reverse Russia's population decline and passed subsidies and financial incentives for births which I believe extend to adoptions as well.  It doesn't make sense to export a country's most valuable commodity.

But it is unfortunate that Manhattan yuppies will have to find other avenues to boost their self-esteem.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:58 | 5059187 basho
basho's picture

nyt as a source? come on you can do better than that. can't you?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:56 | 5059178 basho
basho's picture

"People continue under the illusion that wars are winnable.  They are not, except by avoiding them."

nicely said but a big so what. humanity doesn't seem to know any other way of conflict resolution. maybe its got to do with their choice of gods.

of course food prices are going to go. that's a no-brainer.

And as for 'Putin is a master chess player and can do no wrong'. The "and can do no wrong" seems to be your take on it so you can tell us all about the 'Omnpotence approach'.

calculated it may be but that chess isn't it?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:08 | 5058267 Clint Liquor
Clint Liquor's picture

Russia gives Snowden a three residency permit. Another middle finger to Obama.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:08 | 5058269 SubjectivObject
SubjectivObject's picture

Dear European c-i-t-i-z-e-n-s (you know who you are):

With my full support, please freely tell the Amerwreckan Goforyourmoneyment their complicit Eugivusyourmoneyment to eFF oFF in any/every way possible.

We need to work together on this.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:11 | 5058598 Day_Of_The_Tentacle
Day_Of_The_Tentacle's picture

Although I profoundly appreciate your sincerity and fine suggestion for broader cooperation on this important matter, you are unfortunately making one grave and highly debilitating mistake that will lead to no tangible result in your otherwise admirable attempt to solicit action.

You are adressing us as European Citizens. But there is no such thing.

That is the whole problem that the Eurocrats find so hard to understand. There are plenty of people from different countries in Europe, who are delighted to work together, travel together, celebrate together, study together and trade together..... in the context of all our mostly adorable cultural differences and quirks. BUT we also mostly agree that we are not the same - and that we quite enjoy our individual quirks - and that we do not like when some bloody globalist bureaucrat from Brussels is ramming homologation directives left, right and center down our thoats until we eventually end up as one bland indistinguisable blob of sewer-coloured BORING slime.

Yes, we are Europeans - but we are not European Citizens, because that implies a European State - a concept they can take and shove in a dark place - but we are first and foremost Italians, French, German, Dutch, Belgium etc.etc.etc.

On a final note: Loved your expression "Goforyourmoneyment" - dat's a keeper!

On a finaler note: I know, you know, but one should never let an opportunity to state the obvious go to waste, ay?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:21 | 5058664 Anarchy 99
Anarchy 99's picture

very well  stated

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:44 | 5059125 basho
basho's picture

thumbs up

Fri, 08/08/2014 - 09:32 | 5064721 SubjectivObject
SubjectivObject's picture

I apologize for my poor choice of conceptions (whaddya spec froma na Merican?  The whirld's revolved around us so long we tend to see our illusions in everyone else).

I can be educated.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:14 | 5058299 DeliciousSteak
DeliciousSteak's picture

Phew. And here I thought they might soon have to admit that the Eurozone isn't working, but it was Russia's fault all along! Damn those evil reds, always trying to ruin Europe.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:15 | 5058304 Brokenarrow
Brokenarrow's picture

Russians know how to live with hardship. Eu and US are terrified their stock markets might go down. Putin is not one bit afraid of the US. Russia is not Viet Nam or some poor country the us can invade and enrich the defense contractors. They have no qualm about sending some great men to death or worse for profit.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:16 | 5058312 himaroid
himaroid's picture

Thank you Ed Snowden and Mr Putin.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:17 | 5058321 Kina
Kina's picture

well Russia could be quite smart here.....cause food prices to drop....then use a proxy to buy the same products for Russia cheaper....lol

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:23 | 5058344 shovelhead
shovelhead's picture

As Tony Soprano would say:

Farg me?

No. Farg YOU.

Shove them cukes up your ass.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:23 | 5058351 gcjohns1971
gcjohns1971's picture

Economic trade wars, like all wars, consist of one of a pair of siamese twins burning themselves to disgust the other with the smell of burning flesh.

It is IMPOSSIBLE to either deliver or receive economic sanctions (or outright warfare) without suffering.  BOTH will suffer.

 

Trade always has two partners.  The idea that only one partner suffers from a distruption of trade is nonsense.

Russia buys things.

If they do not sell gas, they will not be able to buy things.

The China deal is not a replacement for Europe even if it was of equal volume, because the expenses to deliver to China are higher.

 

When China tells Russia, "You go get 'em! Give 'em hell!  I will cheer you from the sidelines!"  They express sympathy while expending none of their own resources.

 

Who is actually a greater security risk to Russia?  Who has actually invaded Russia before?  Encouraging Russia to expend all her resources is a very Sun-Tzu move.

 

Of course the US and EU are threats to Russia, and the reverse is true too.  This is because of the nature of governments.  They are mafia-style gangs.  Simple as that. 

It is a strategic error to expend the majority of resources on other than the most severe threat.

What is happening is a lot of emotion backed by little thought.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:25 | 5058681 Anarchy 99
Anarchy 99's picture

actually for Putin it's a lot of thought backed by a little emotion. (chess master)

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:42 | 5059109 basho
basho's picture

to your post

" a lot of emotion backed by little thought"

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:26 | 5058360 SMC
SMC's picture

“While no one's suggesting the dollar will lose it's status as the main currency of business any time soon, it's dominance is ebbing.”

Astute readers might investigate beyond the propaganda and think for themselves.

My conclusion is that baring politically unpalatable changes in the oligarch controlled US Government and Federal Reserve, the current version of the US Dollar will be worthless for international trade by 2020, and worthless domestically a few years afterward.

Investigate and think for yourself.

 

Remember: Tomorrow's happiness must be earned today.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:26 | 5058362 Eyeroller
Eyeroller's picture

Puzzled as to why Putin doesn't send in the troops to Ukraine.

Europe won't do anything:  Terrified of the gas being turned off.

US won't do anything, except send sleeping bags and meals on wheels.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:11 | 5058593 NoWayJose
NoWayJose's picture

Ukraine is swimming in debt, their industry and infrastructure is collapsing, and the western half of the country hates Russia. If Putin invades it will validate all the bogus claims the West has been making. He will not invade - rather he will just wait for the Ukrainian government and economy to collapse - and he might not have to wait long.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:58 | 5059190 Ventnor
Ventnor's picture

OK, he can just wait for the "Ukrainian government and economy to collapse."  But if Eastern Ukraine falls to Kiev before that happens, he's in trouble.  He'll have NATO forces up against the Ukriane/Russia border in the batting of an eye.   I think VVP cannot and should not invade.  But he should supply the East Ukrainians withl all the weaponry they need (esp. anti-aircraft and anti-tank), and he should allow Russians and Russian Cossaks and Chechens to cross from Russia into Ukraine in numbers in order to bolster Strelkov's forces.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 13:15 | 5059727 JohninMK
JohninMK's picture

I agree he doesn't want the economic basketcase that is Ukraine.

The ammo being used by the Militia must be coming from somewhere. I suspect there is quite a lot of 'smuggling' going on. Even a few tunnels (a proven technique elsewhere).

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:28 | 5058365 mogul rider
mogul rider's picture

Russian overlords and the people of Russia can play this fucking game all day....

 

American yuppiy pussies wouldn't last 5 minutes without their donuts, starbucks, and cherry flavored condoms

 

this war will end quickly when OCOMMIE gets bent over in the media when the Yuppy zombies awaken

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:36 | 5058371 tony wilson
tony wilson's picture

 

the russian is soft not hardy

thats a mossad rupert murdoch fact.

putin is crazy

he must be.

how can he believe organic dung infested foods

can be good for you.

my fallow americains

in the coming months we will see the russians

wilt

without are dunken donuts,krispi kreams

watch how those vodka drunks wither on the vine.

this soft  putnik clown cannot survive

without team mossad cia and rothschilds pink slime.

with jewish isis balkan strategy

we can win this

come on fatties lets roll

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 12:30 | 5059388 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture


my fallow americains

JHC i can't quit laughing!

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:27 | 5058372 ClowardPiven2016
ClowardPiven2016's picture

Draghi should just print up a few billion in food stamps and drop them from helicopters all over Europe. Problem solved!

 

 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:29 | 5058374 robertocarlos
robertocarlos's picture

We send the Russians frozen pork. More bacon for me. It will cost our farmers billions.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:30 | 5058385 nah
nah's picture

bigger squabbles over industry agriculture and land bitchez

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:29 | 5058390 danpos
danpos's picture

The Pariah will be a fun summer flick.

The cyborg, Vladimir Putin, comes from the future to kill the European Union.  And only one man can stop him...Mario Draghi!

From the producers of The War on Terror...

Hey, down here at the bottom of this website it says, "Zero Hedge is intended for Mature Audiences."

IN A WORLD...WHERE QUANTITATIVE EASING...

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:31 | 5058394 Two dogs
Two dogs's picture

Maybe part of the master plan is to use the east-Ukrainian refugees and set them up with farms.  Once everyone's tucked up safe in Russia,  they can say "If you like your uninhabited wasteland,  you can keep . . . ."

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:33 | 5058403 heywood
heywood's picture

 

Oh, those poor peace-loving Russians! Here they to to all that trouble to gather together a force of peace and brotherhood military hardware for the Ukranians. Then they are beset by all that warmongering talk from the EU and America.

 Poor, poor, Russkis.

 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:33 | 5058405 Overdrawn
Overdrawn's picture

This is a good thing for the UK, now we can keep all our food to ourselves, as according to the Government we don't grow enough food to feed the population after the 7th August each year.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2718548/We-d-hungry-today-ate-Br...

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:55 | 5058847 Freddie
Freddie's picture

Look up Cameron's wiki and you will see he is dual citizen like Millband.  His family and his wife's family were bankers for the Red Shield financing wars.  Tribe members.  Cameron is screaming for war.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:35 | 5058408 WTFUD
WTFUD's picture

Somewhere in the huge bureaucratic monolithic structure that is the EU a lowly graded secretary has responded to Moscow on the sanction issue. Pure Hubris, just listen to Draghi talking for hours and saying FUCK ALL. Pissed that some reporter has dared ask for clarity to one of his responses. Barney Frank was the SAME.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:34 | 5058409 Kina
Kina's picture

The price of Freedom, eternal vigalence.

Bad luck Americans, you lost it. Problem is they didn't suffer like most of the planet did during WW1 and WW2... so never learned the valuable lesson.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:37 | 5058421 ramacers
ramacers's picture

keep up the good work vlad and , btw, remind the eu you're tweakin' the nuke algos.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:36 | 5058423 dogismycopilot
dogismycopilot's picture

Man, the Chinese are loving this. I can hear the Shanghai traders already laughing and booking their tickets and sharpening their pencils...they are all going to do very well this year. Russia is full of Catepilliars, US Oil equipment, Audis and BMWs and the Chinese reproduction parts are going to FLOW LIKE A FUCKING RIVER INTO RUSSIA AND NO ONE IS USING DOLLARS! 

As for food prices in Russia...yes, they are going to go up. No doubt about it. But I am sure some enterprising Russians will soon set up some nice farms. And honestly, how fucking hard can it be to design and build a good combine. Not like there isn't a John Deere factory in Russia already (or two even) http://www.cnbc.com/id/101675707 where Putin can just make some plans to hand over to the Kashlinikov design bureau for fun and giggles to improve on.

Honestly, how could the EU be so fucking stupid as to follow Obama and Kerry and carry water for them? 

 

 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:04 | 5058570 NoWayJose
NoWayJose's picture

Hard to tell the Chinese reproduction parts from the Chinese-made OWM parts in Caterpillar, BMW, etc. That is what destroyed Detroit - all the US parts makers that sold to GM and Ford moved production to China. That's what got Toyota in trouble - Chinese accelerators.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:59 | 5058871 Freddie
Freddie's picture

When the Russians start getting really good at copying stuff and creating tech then the USA is really screwed.  No one wants that Silicon Valley spying hardware and software.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:23 | 5058988 basho
basho's picture

this is brilliant.

this is about making RU self sufficient.

this is more than just friction between UE, EU, USSA.

this is about rebuilding a country, rebuilding a people.

when you look at it in that way, the whole picture changes.

sacrifice is a necessary element and the RU people have been there before.

imo Putin has reawoken the Russian soul (look at his ratings)

no way the West is going to win this one. no way.

the west has had its day in the sun. it's over.

 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:36 | 5058426 no1wonder
no1wonder's picture

New Straits Times (Malaysia) - 7 August 2014:

"US analysts conclude MH17 downed by aircraft"

http://www.nst.com.my/node/20925

KUALA LUMPUR: INTELLIGENCE analysts in the United States had already concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by an air-to-air missile, and that the Ukrainian government had had something to do with it.

This corroborates an emerging theory postulated by local investigators that the Boeing 777-200 was crippled by an air-to-air missile and finished off with cannon fire from a fighter that had been shadowing it as it plummeted to earth.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:41 | 5058455 dogismycopilot
dogismycopilot's picture

intersting. i have been wondering why no one has shown a video of the exhaust plume from the missle going up 30K into the sky in broad day light. Not like several hundred thousand people under it had smart phones and cameras to take a video of a missile the size of a telephone pole going up and leaving an exhaust plume a kilometer wide up into the sky.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:56 | 5058514 smacker
smacker's picture

This NST article confirms my own suspicions of late except that I thought the missile may have been a BUK ground-to-air from either side in the civil war. The fuselage sections with 30mm bullet holes can only have come from one of Ukie air force fighter planes who were seen trailing MH17 before the incident.

And it raises the big question: what is the real operational ceiling of the SU-25?? currently reckoned to be 23,000ft. Clearly it's higher even with missiles on board.

And when this is confirmed, I'm sure the SU-25 pilot(s) will be arrested and charged with mass murder. ho-ho.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:30 | 5058711 Two dogs
Two dogs's picture

According to the local dealership in Kiev:

http://en.uos.ua/produktsiya/aviakosmicheskaya-tehnika/84-cy-25

anything up to 10,000 m (about 33,000 ft)

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 12:49 | 5059543 smacker
smacker's picture

Thanks for that. It makes me wonder why there have been so many people on ZH asserting with apparent authority that its max celing is 16,000ft loaded and 23,000ft unloaded. Clearly it can operate at 33,000ft which explains why MH was ordered to lower altitude to 30,000ft when it was diverted by Kiev ATC. I wonder if those "experts" were simply mistaken or paid disinformation trolls? They seem to have evaporated lately.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 13:26 | 5059806 JohninMK
JohninMK's picture

I think many ZHers were just quoting Wiki and the SU website, perhaps not reading the replies that came fairly early when it was realised that the only problem in going higher was the non pressurised cockpit. Easily solved.

The bigger puzzle is why a SU25 and not their SU27?

On a slightly different topic, the Militia are reporting that last night a Ukrainian SU24, a bomber, attacked Kiev army positions in an area where they are cut off. They say it looks like Kiev would rather have their soldiers dead than walking over the border into Russia.

The recent flight of hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers to Russia, which the junta continuously calls the "enemy" and "the external aggressor," has been a political and PR nightmare for the Nazis in Kiev. They, therefore, tried to respond and help their soldiers in a way which suits their character. So, under the cover of darkness last night on July 6, they sent SU-24s to bomb their own soldiers from the 79th brigade. Rather than seeing them saved, the junta prefers killing them off.

https://vk.com/strelkov_info?w=wall-57424472_10989

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:12 | 5058928 basho
basho's picture

"I'm sure the SU-25 pilot(s) will be arrested and charged with mass murder. ho-ho."

supposedly a Pole. think ZH had a comment in this regard

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 12:45 | 5059508 smacker
smacker's picture

A Pole pilot? That wouldn't surprise me one jot. Polish elites appear to be very anti-Russian.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:59 | 5058545 NoWayJose
NoWayJose's picture

Now we know why the Ukrainian National Security Chief resigned today!

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:41 | 5058456 IronShield
IronShield's picture

Not sure if anyone posted this but this just might heat things up a little:

 

Russians Mock Obama with Racist Laser Light Show on US Embassy

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:58 | 5058543 smacker
smacker's picture

Is that really a banana in Obama's mouth??

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:15 | 5058628 himaroid
himaroid's picture

Funny. Where can I get one of those arty laser lights?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:58 | 5058867 HardAssets
HardAssets's picture

Theyre even playing the race card in foreign affairs.

 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:02 | 5058884 dogismycopilot
dogismycopilot's picture

or joe bidens banana

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 12:42 | 5059495 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture

I had a bit of trouble trying to determine if it was a reference to ethnicity or what used to be a republic.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:44 | 5058462 no1wonder
no1wonder's picture

"MH17 Brought Down by Air-to-Air Missile, Finished Off by 30-mm Cannon, Experts Allege"

http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20140806/191783761/MH17-Brought-Down-by-Air-to-Air-Missile-Finished-Off-by-30-mm.html

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 09:44 | 5058478 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

Hopefully Russia can BK the U.S. Social Security system – we’ll be able to buy all the oldsters gold on the cheap.    Then Euthanasia for them. 

This will really help the U.S. in the long-run…. 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:00 | 5058551 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

European Union: This is to punish you Russia. Err, wait! We didn't mean it. You're hurting our economy. We take our demands back. EU is a fucking joke, talk about shooting yourself in the foot.

Shakes my head in amazement. 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:05 | 5058571 Escapeclaws
Escapeclaws's picture

Fee Fi Fo Fum!
I smell the ruse of an Englishman!

This enmity between the US and Russia has British fingerprints all over it. Without British machinations it is likely that the US and Russia would be friends.

Check out Tarpley.net. Read his essay on the "Great Encircler" Edward VII and how his machinations led to WWI. Tarpley has also posted his 1995 video on the subject.* Fascinating is the way highly placed people in England were inquiring about whether there was any news on the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand just before it occurred.

Basically, Britain is Master and America is Blaster in this geopolitical Masterblaster duo.

* There's also a very informative book on this written at the time by a Frenchman and another short essay by a German. It includes an essay by Tarpley as well. See "La France Conquise" at Tarpley.net. How can we hope to avoid WWIII if we have no idea who the responsible parties are and what is really going on behind the scenes?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:31 | 5058727 Anarchy 99
Anarchy 99's picture

I agree, I have stated many times here, Europe's old money, and managed by "little london". the US is just the muscle.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:52 | 5059154 Renfield
Renfield's picture

There was also never an "American Empire". The British Empire morphed into the Globalist Empire at Bretton Woods. Down with any and every World Reserve Currency. May I see the day that finally rids the world of the reserve curse.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 13:31 | 5059844 JohninMK
JohninMK's picture

The British Empire may have morphed into the American Empire but the benefits split changed. From then on the only beneficiaries from the old British Empire were the rich, whereas before the whole community benefitted.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 12:50 | 5059541 WillyGroper
Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:07 | 5058577 Ghostdog
Ghostdog's picture

No matter what happens, Krugmen is mastubating wildly at the thought of more money printing

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:36 | 5058746 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

The scary part, he's teaching the next generation exponential economic failure. 

To the poster above, thanks for link. Will look into it. ;-)

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:04 | 5058899 basho
basho's picture

what 'next generation' ?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:31 | 5059057 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

20-30 aged adults. Then next generation is 10-17 aged children. Do you understand now? 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:33 | 5059058 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

Repeated post.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:09 | 5058583 Banker Buster
Banker Buster's picture

It seems more and more they are blaming the slowdown and a horrible recovery on Putin and Russia.  I'm seeing it all over the headlines now, Draghi = the recover is not working out because Putin.  I guess the HFT bad guy fizzled out a little so they went with their next best fall guy.  

 

It's not Putin, it's the brain dead number crunching monkeys over at the fed.  

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:12 | 5058606 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

Funny that. You don't sell something to someone and he's at fault.  He says he doesn't want to buy from you any more and you get upset.

The Ukrainians can buy everything the Russians refuse and can get TARGET2 loans from Germany

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:10 | 5058589 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

Having just had EU-wide Pseudo Elections the EU Commission did not bother discussing these sanctions with the EU Parliament but dealt with Obamatron himself by-passing any EU-elected entity.

Then again the TTIP Treaty which must be agreed if EU politicians are not to have details of their pederasty leaked by the NSA, is also negotiated in secret and requires suspension of EU Law in order to do so.

It is really a case of NATO having an Economic Subcommittee called EU

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:14 | 5058617 Peter Pan
Peter Pan's picture

The Europeans have given a new meaning to the word WANKERS.

This meaning will be hard to beat unless the Nobel Committee gives another Peace Prize to Obama or Kerry.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:20 | 5058649 himaroid
himaroid's picture

Is there a Polonium tester/taster at the white house?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:21 | 5058661 lost money
lost money's picture

Everything is the fault of the USA and its controlling JOOOOOS. Putin is just a peace loving guy who is compeled to defend poor mother russia from the evil western jooooish led cabal.

that's the majority opinon on this site right?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:24 | 5058684 IronShield
IronShield's picture

If that's your assertion, just change your handle to "lost".

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:25 | 5058693 Freddie
Freddie's picture

The State Dept shills arrived early this morning.  Say hi to your boss Nudelman.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:26 | 5058695 Peter Pan
Peter Pan's picture

Basically your conclusion is right but your tone is wrong.

If you want to talk about evil you just have to follow the trail of US interference in foreign nations not to mention the bombing of Japan despite advice to the contrary by its own generals.

Russia has had its own share of evils with its Gulags and other atrocities but at least it has moved further away from the dark whereas the US is moving closer and closer if not actually beyond the Orwellian nightmare.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:59 | 5058798 HardAssets
HardAssets's picture

The USSR was Orwell's '1984' world. They've taken a few steps back from that. On the other hand, the USA is rushing toward '1984' and 'Brave New World' (where people will be conditioned and/or programmed to love their servitude). Unfortunately, the oligarchs used the wealth created from what little freedom and true free market capitalism that existed in America, to build their sophisticated technocratic nightmare. Such a system could not be built in the '1984' like USSR. The boot on the neck of humanity caused too much resistance and was extremely inefficient. In the USA people are unaware that they are slaves, they think they are 'free' and 'vote' for their 'leaders'.  They cheer their servitude. This is a much more dangerous system than '1984' USSR.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:02 | 5058883 basho
basho's picture

maybe you should read a bit more.

but you should be commended for not screaming 'anti-semite' and over wallowing in your self-pity . lol

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 12:43 | 5059501 The Chief
The Chief's picture

I'll bite. Although no one on ZH that I have read hates Jooos, as you call them, I would have to try very hard not to understand the reason why any thinking, educated, Russian today would NOT hate them.

Which part of the stalking, western cabal is not commanded by a "Joooo"? Define cabal? What we know is that Russia was nearly decimated in the first half of the last century by Joooos. It is historical fact, not conjecture. A literal genocide.

It was assailed again in the 1990's by a criminal cartel of Joooo bankers in the west and Joooo oligarchs in the former USSR. Putin noticed, as did the rest of the sentient planet. He did something about it and is now paying for his affrontery.

It's only a small matter of time before the death toll will permiate the sanctity a slumbering, anethetized west. Already, the internet has allowed fissures to develop in the wall of the western media conglomerate which is largely controlled by, you guessed it, Jooos (as you call them). This time Putin's people are more vigilant if only because their countrymen had been slaughtered by the millions by those peace-loving Jooos in the past. Putin's people are fighting back. Putin's people will win, and win for the right reasons.

On a lighter side note- Why do you think that Ian Fleming chose a Joooo, "Blofeld", as the name of his most evil super-villian? Or "Goldfinger"? As we were taught to believe, they were coniving, sworn enemies of the West. Now they have gone legit (in appearences only) and have homes in RI,  CT, or NY. They are much more evil than before with complicit political and MIC establishments at their finger tips. "Monster" is an overused term. I can't think of anything else at the moment to describe them more accurately.

We, Joe Blo Citizen, are at the point where we have to pray for the system to get shredded in order for something better to develop for the futuire of our kids and country. There must remain those amongst us who will remember the who, what, where and why during the reset, especially the WHO.

 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:24 | 5058685 cn13
cn13's picture

And Putin hasn't even come close to pulling out his "wild card", the natural gas flow to Europe of which Russia supplies over 30%.

This is not going to end pretty. 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:43 | 5058789 Peter Pan
Peter Pan's picture

Quick before he stops the Russian brides. 

Don't worry everyone, my sources tell me that they are all going to gather around the table for a conversation like grown ups quite soon.

Gold may well get hammered but what's new?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:59 | 5058864 basho
basho's picture

...and someone mentioned titanium the other day. hmmm

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:26 | 5058696 Joe Tierney
Joe Tierney's picture

Stupid damn hypocrite euros!

 

They complain that Russia's sanctions are "politically motivated". What the hell motivated theirs against Russia in the first place???? Politics! The politics of demonizing Russia to please their U.S. master.

 

The politics of arrogance and stupidity - thinking they can get away with whatever they want against Russia.

 

The smug politics of elitism.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:27 | 5058700 Kina
Kina's picture

It isn't just the average American who is totally dumb and the sheep of US propaganda....Australians are equally stupid and easily deluded. 

 

Just check on any Austrlian poltical or economic blog...when they discuss Russia Ukraine USA it is the same view as the MSM.

Australian bloggers are so stupid to think that this is all about Russia trying to take over Ukraine, or shooting down MH17...... and that the current Ukraine leadership is all white hat and walking the good walk with USA against the evil Russians.

They believe Putin has lost it with his sanctions, that he is only bluffing and so on.....how do you counter such deep ignorance? They are like 3 year olds expressing a view on open heart surgery....the span of their ignorance is too large to cover.

But as soon as they feel the economic pain, or physical pain associated with all out war....slowly they lose their MSM glasses and want out.

I call them, the Murdoch, Fairfax media blogs...the indpendents like Pollbludger especially ignorant and truly stupid.....call them warm milk masturbation blogs.

Australia like the US never suffered the way Europe and Asia did during the last major wars....so lessons in  critical and survival thinking never ever learned....just being lead around by US propaganda is all they are good for.

 

 

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:36 | 5058744 Anarchy 99
Anarchy 99's picture

Australia , 20 million sheeple, they are relevant?

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:00 | 5058874 Peter Pan
Peter Pan's picture

Unfortunately too many Australians are still living out there real estate fantasies courtesy of a still strong market driven by the Chinese. Thus they are too busy to engage in critical thinking. 

If Chinese money stops flowing down south or Chines orders for iron ore start to freeze, Australia will be like the proverbial bug meeting the windscreen at 200 miles an hour.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 11:18 | 5058952 HardAssets
HardAssets's picture

@ Kina - I can sure relate to what youre saying.

The US population is so ignorant. These moves by the various players and their proclamations are about propaganda directed to the fools at home. Its difficult to break through the stupidity. It was created purposely from years of 'schooling' designed to dumb people down. - - - I was talking to someone recently about this, trying to show them the evidence and how it differed from what they saw on 'news' programs. They wouldn't have it. They 'knew' that 'Russia is evil' and that was that. 'Prophecy' told them that. They wouldn't even look at evidence.

Even when really bad suffering is common, such fools can be manipulated to assign cause to anything and anyone. But, many of us were also ignorant on these matters before 'waking up', so maybe others can do the same.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 13:14 | 5059716 The Chief
The Chief's picture

We should have let the Japs have Port Moresby. Sometimes I am astonished by my brothers Down Under.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 13:31 | 5059848 PrecipiceWatching
PrecipiceWatching's picture

Oh this wholly ignorant, broad brush shit is fun.

 

The "average European" and the "average Asian" are also, in their own way, "totally dumb" and are literally soaked in their own "delusions".

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:28 | 5058710 Raging Debate
Raging Debate's picture

Blame shifting has got to be as old as human language itself. I think it is important to summarize how we got here:

1) Decision to make China next reserve currency happens around late 1990's. Outsourcing accelerated to China and other nations.

2) Glass-Steagall repealed.

3) Debt is issued to mask stagnant wages, housing bubble created to "extend and pretend."

4) More manufacturing, wealth, trade secrets and military secrets shipped to China.

5) 2008 crash created by overleverage, debt overhang 40%. Investment banks line up at Fed discount window and use bailout money and dump into necessities like oil creating knock-on inflationary effects. Job losses, depression begins. Wages and real wealth decline for majority of peopulation as housing bubble bursts. More outsourcing, insourcing begins acceleration of immagrants flooding country and receiving benefits further straining social safety net which cannot be paid for long-term anyways. Printing fills the gap. More inflation through 2014. Lot's of bankruptcies, foreclosures and desperate hurting people.

6) Increased taxes from local and state governments to avoid reform, cops as tax collectors creating societal angst, police state on top of inflation and poor wage angst. Obamacare tax which is windfall for insurance driving insurance costs up. Cuts in medications and services for medicaide and medicare.

Did I miss anything? Oh yeah it is Russia's fault. (sarc)

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:55 | 5058833 Two dogs
Two dogs's picture

According to "The Miscreants’ Global Bust-Out",  the Russians certainly had a hand in the 2008 crash.  Maybe winding them up is not such a clever idea by Western governments.

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 10:58 | 5058866 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

Well said. 7,8,9,10 can be listed. No reason to bullet point. We have already discussed on Zerohedge. 

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