Punters think Lab’s chances of winning most seats at the GE have improved – politicalbetting.com

TheScreamingEagles said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

The Vanilla AI add on has detected Leon repeatedly talking about AI in violation of the rules.

AI has recommended a ban of 66 days.

"Commander TSE - execute Order 66!"

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Happy second fasting day of Ramadan. Many Muslim charities are currently appealing for donations.

And happy Oscars night tonight.

The worst thing about this Ramadan this year is that Eid is likely to be at weekend and I cannot use work to get out of going to the mosque.

The only living descendant of Rollo has been banned?

TheScreamingEagles said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

The Vanilla AI add on has detected Leon repeatedly talking about AI in violation of the rules.

AI has recommended a ban of 66 days.

What is the issue with talking about AI. Presumably it's a legitimate topic in and of itself.

TOPPING said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

The Vanilla AI add on has detected Leon repeatedly talking about AI in violation of the rules.

AI has recommended a ban of 66 days.

What is the issue with talking about AI. Presumably it's a legitimate topic in and of itself.

The issue was @Leon droning on and on and on about it.

TheScreamingEagles said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Happy second fasting day of Ramadan. Many Muslim charities are currently appealing for donations.

And happy Oscars night tonight.

The worst thing about this Ramadan this year is that Eid is likely to be at weekend and I cannot use work to get out of going to the mosque.

When I worked in 24x7 ops, our Muslim colleagues all volunteered for night shifts during Ramadan. It turns out fasting during daylight hours is a damn sight easier if you are asleep after working nights.

Benpointer said:

TOPPING said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

The Vanilla AI add on has detected Leon repeatedly talking about AI in violation of the rules.

AI has recommended a ban of 66 days.

What is the issue with talking about AI. Presumably it's a legitimate topic in and of itself.

The issue was @Leon droning on and on and on about it.

We all drone on and on about everything. Was that it then, just banging on about something too much.

Benpointer said:

TOPPING said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

The Vanilla AI add on has detected Leon repeatedly talking about AI in violation of the rules.

AI has recommended a ban of 66 days.

What is the issue with talking about AI. Presumably it's a legitimate topic in and of itself.

The issue was @Leon droning on and on and on about it.

The issue is not Leon droning on but the number of people he suckers into replying to his diversions.

TheScreamingEagles said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Happy second fasting day of Ramadan. Many Muslim charities are currently appealing for donations.

And happy Oscars night tonight.

The worst thing about this Ramadan this year is that Eid is likely to be at weekend and I cannot use work to get out of going to the mosque.

Did you ever see 10 Nights at the Riverside Studios (not sure if it toured). Very interesting piece about a young Muslim man and his faith.

https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/10-nights-137618/

On topic, I'm inclined to agree.

I also think the election of Trump has been the first real stroke of good fortune for the Conservatives since 2019. They can now carve out a distinct position vis a vis Reform as being pro-Ukraine which should sit well with public opinion.

It's a disaster for Reform who find themselves a populist party on the unpopular side of public opinion.

As for Labour, they will also benefit from Reform's implosion and it's been a decent few days for Starmer.

All this with the caveat the next GE is a long way off unless Labour builds a substantial lead by 2027 on the back of an improving economy and decides to go for a snap election (the memory of May in 2017 may on the other hand offer a defree of caution).

TOPPING said:

Benpointer said:

TOPPING said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

The Vanilla AI add on has detected Leon repeatedly talking about AI in violation of the rules.

AI has recommended a ban of 66 days.

What is the issue with talking about AI. Presumably it's a legitimate topic in and of itself.

The issue was @Leon droning on and on and on about it.

We all drone on and on about everything. Was that it then, just banging on about something too much.

I know you and I will disagree but that user has personally resulted in many people leaving. He’s not worth it and actively makes the site worse whenever he is here. It is no coincidence that the quality of debate goes up a lot when he is not here or banned.

A lot of people here say they want a wide range of views yet say nothing when people who don’t share their views leave but throw their arms up when one poster who isn’t even a real person gets removed.

williamglenn said:

This has gone under the radar but seems very significant:

https://x.com/nhazony/status/1895954842662883767

Israeli forces are preparing to advance toward Damascus, Syria, to defend the Druze suburb of Jaramana, currently under attack by the Syrian regime (HTS).

I'd comment (much) further but don't particularly want to be banned.

N-n-n-n-Nigel is heading for n-n-n-n-nineteen !

kamski said:

Have we had this?

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/02/27/elon-musk-daily-show-jon-stewart-doge/80669525007/

Musk says he will go on Jon Stewart's Daily Show - should be fun, though I bet he chickens out.

Jon Stewart has been quite supportive of the DOGE agenda, Musk will definitely do the show and bring examples of ridiculous spending he's cut and have a laugh with Jon about it.

kamski said:

What about the stories that Republican members of Congress, with very few exceptions, are unwilling to criticise or vote against Trump because of fears for their/their families' personal safety?

eg

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/27/republicans-trump-threats
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-congress-political-violence?srsltid=AfmBOor7zKM0TOWhlUENK0X_bzDfzpKWrl7KfZWHZy7aAXITdICB0Vs6

Romney already reported Republican Senators voting not to convict Trump 4 years ago out of this kind of fear.

https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/romney-gop-members-feared-far-right-violence-ahead-key-votes-rcna105272

The irony is, not taking on Trump for fear of being primaried will not save many of them from first contact with the voters.

Defy Trump, risk the primary. At least you will have a decent record to defend in that primary.

BatteryCorrectHorse said:

TOPPING said:

Benpointer said:

TOPPING said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

The Vanilla AI add on has detected Leon repeatedly talking about AI in violation of the rules.

AI has recommended a ban of 66 days.

What is the issue with talking about AI. Presumably it's a legitimate topic in and of itself.

The issue was @Leon droning on and on and on about it.

We all drone on and on about everything. Was that it then, just banging on about something too much.

I know you and I will disagree but that user has personally resulted in many people leaving. He’s not worth it and actively makes the site worse whenever he is here. It is no coincidence that the quality of debate goes up a lot when he is not here or banned.

A lot of people here say they want a wide range of views yet say nothing when people who don’t share their views leave but throw their arms up when one poster who isn’t even a real person gets removed.

As you say our views differ and yes Leon has his obsessions (w3w anyone). But they soon peter out and it's all part of what makes PB PB.

But the rules is the rules.

TheScreamingEagles said:

TOPPING said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Happy second fasting day of Ramadan. Many Muslim charities are currently appealing for donations.

And happy Oscars night tonight.

The worst thing about this Ramadan this year is that Eid is likely to be at weekend and I cannot use work to get out of going to the mosque.

Did you ever see 10 Nights at the Riverside Studios (not sure if it toured). Very interesting piece about a young Muslim man and his faith.

https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/10-nights-137618/

I didn't, looks like something I can relate to.

Looks like it might be coming to cinemas.

I think Starmer is doing well on this topic and deserves praise. It should improve his personal polling.

It is also true though, that Labour face a very difficult task ahead. There will be big decisions on defence - perhaps even going beyond the measures announced last week - and those will require navigating very sensitively. Away from all this new global order stuff, there is a March statement that won’t look fantastic and will probably include a few nasties. Reeves remains a weak link.

I think Starmer has proved himself on the international circuit this week, and that’s important for all of us, but what comes next has the potential to be very disruptive, and he and Labour need to be able to bring the country with them on that journey. The bad news for them is it’s a tricky journey to sell. The good news is that at least after 9 months in power they finally have some kind of journey narrative and a frontman who looks capable on the topic.

SouthamObserver said:

People shouldn't be banned for being boring. It sets a terrible precedent.

Send not to know for whom the bell tolls.


(ETA. Not a personal dig! Donne's insight was universal.)

MaxPB said:

kamski said:

Have we had this?

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/02/27/elon-musk-daily-show-jon-stewart-doge/80669525007/

Musk says he will go on Jon Stewart's Daily Show - should be fun, though I bet he chickens out.

Jon Stewart has been quite supportive of the DOGE agenda, Musk will definitely do the show and bring examples of ridiculous spending he's cut and have a laugh with Jon about it.

Not really.

Here's his latest show on the subject (25th Feb):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utl2uLh1wVI

The Daily Show's description:

"Jon Stewart dives into Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, a.k.a. DOGE, and how the Elon Musk-led project masks its allegiance to corporate overlords and negligence to the American people under the guise of slashing the government's budget".

The headline in the Sunday Telegraph amused me. The quote from Starmer to Zelenskyy:

"You're very welcome to Number 10."

Was it followed by "I've had enough of it. Enjoy being PM...."?

Will you ALL please stop droning on about Leon being banned for droning on about AI... It's tedious and is spamming the site.

Gallowgate said:

I don't understand the European Ukraine play. It seems that Russia will only end the war if they can claim a victory (the Donbas at a minimum, presumably) and that Ukraine will only end the war if they are defeated (or, a negotiated peace with cast iron Western-backed security guarantees - boots on the ground presumably via NATO or another structure).

Therefore what are we playing at? It seems like the options are simple:

• Let Russia defeat Ukraine.
  
• Help Ukraine push Russia out of their borders.
  
• Tell Russia that if they don't accept a negotiated settlement (probably less than the whole Donbas with western bases in Ukraine) then Europe/UK will use all their military might to achieve the above.
  

What else is there, realistically?

Rope a dope.

Help Ukraine absorb Russia's attacks until Russia is tired and exhausted and collapses. Which looks like coming soon, which is why Russia's shills are getting increasingly shrill about the need for "peace".

SouthamObserver said:

People shouldn't be banned for being boring. It sets a terrible precedent.

It's also completely subjective.

One man's boring crap is another man's elixir of life, as I often reflect when scanning some particularly riveting financial data or economic models on a fine Sunday morning ...

BatteryCorrectHorse said:

Starmer did very well on BBC this morning IMHO.

He is looking like a real PM, unlike any of the alternatives.

Because you like his stance on the Ukraine?
What about the rest of his (domestic) shitshow?

BartholomewRoberts said:

Gallowgate said:

I don't understand the European Ukraine play. It seems that Russia will only end the war if they can claim a victory (the Donbas at a minimum, presumably) and that Ukraine will only end the war if they are defeated (or, a negotiated peace with cast iron Western-backed security guarantees - boots on the ground presumably via NATO or another structure).

Therefore what are we playing at? It seems like the options are simple:

• Let Russia defeat Ukraine.
  
• Help Ukraine push Russia out of their borders.
  
• Tell Russia that if they don't accept a negotiated settlement (probably less than the whole Donbas with western bases in Ukraine) then Europe/UK will use all their military might to achieve the above.
  

What else is there, realistically?

Rope a dope.

Help Ukraine absorb Russia's attacks until Russia is tired and exhausted and collapses. Which looks like coming soon, which is why Russia's shills are getting increasingly shrill about the need for "peace".

The shrillest shills being Trump and Vance. As we saw this week.

Gallowgate said:

I don't understand the European Ukraine play. It seems that Russia will only end the war if they can claim a victory (the Donbas at a minimum, presumably) and that Ukraine will only end the war if they are defeated (or, a negotiated peace with cast iron Western-backed security guarantees - boots on the ground presumably via NATO or another structure).

Therefore what are we playing at? It seems like the options are simple:

• Let Russia defeat Ukraine.
  
• Help Ukraine push Russia out of their borders.
  
• Tell Russia that if they don't accept a negotiated settlement (probably less than the whole Donbas with western bases in Ukraine) then Europe/UK will use all their military might to achieve the above.
  

What else is there, realistically?

It's pretty much the same strategy as the last three years, only without the very considerable logistical, financial and intelligence heft of the US. Defiantly proclaim #2 as the plan of record while #1 slowly happens.

kamski said:

MaxPB said:

MarqueeMark said:

FPT:

The amount of Russian kit destroyed is remarkable. These are the claimed "kills" by the Ukrainians (yesterday's claims in brackets):

Tanks — 10,241 (+8)
Armored fighting vehicle — 21,274 (+25)
Artillery systems — 23,959 (+51)
MLRS — 1306 (+2)
Anti-aircraft warfare — 1091 (+3)

Even if you halve them, that is still untold billions. The anti-aircraft systems alone are often cited as being $10m plus a pop. The Soviet stockpiles are gone. The troops are now often old men on crutches, forced to go back and finish the job of getting killed for Mother Russia.

Russia has battled on the assumpton that Trump will deliver a ceasefire. They've gone all in, with men and materal from stockpiles plus those they can get from abroad. It’s weird how much Russia has misjudged this. It’s almost as if they were getting their information from Trump...

This is why securing that extra year of sanctions is absolutely paramount for Ukraine, much more important than anything else on the table. We need to continue to exhaust Russia's ability to wage war and replenish it's weapons stockpile.

"no sanctions, no state visit" Trump is so incredibly vain it would probably work

Yes it probably would, I wouldn't be surprised if that's what the PM was saying to Trump in the aftermath of Friday. Sign the sanctions extension and the state visit goes ahead.

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

Can I propose that, each time Leon is banned, it's for twice as long as the previous ban?

TheScreamingEagles said:

Anyhoo, he's unbanned, it was a reminder to him about the rules.

Next time, it is a ban of 66 days according to AI.

Oh god we didn't mean unban him.

Kidding.

BatteryCorrectHorse said:

Starmer did very well on BBC this morning IMHO.

He is looking like a real PM, unlike any of the alternatives.

This crisis has so far suited him considerably better than the economy or his various donations and gifts have. He suddenly looks like a PM rather than a peevish blimp and that is obviously a real improvement.

As others have said, however, he has a long way to go and a difficult furrow to plough. Its far too far to the next election to be making any judgments yet.

BartholomewRoberts said:

Malmesbury said:

BartholomewRoberts said:

DavidL said:

The nature of warfare is changing very fast. Last year Ukraine produced more than 1.3m drones for its military to use, comfortably more than anyone else in the world. This year there will be considerably more. How much longer will the Russian manpower advantage even be relevant?

The Russians, in contrast, have largely been dependent upon running down huge stocks of artillery and tanks together with imports paid for by capital reserves which are now exhausted.

This war is not developing to Russia’s advantage, not at all. The balance is swinging in Ukraine’s favour but they still need financial help to keep their government running, the economy moving and the Russians at bay until the swing becomes more decisive. Hopefully they will get it today.

It’s weird how much Trump has misjudged this. It’s almost as if they were getting their information from Russia.

Well said.

There is a reason Putin's shills are desperate for "peace" soon and it is because Russia is getting close to culmination.

Europe needs to stand firm and back Ukraine.

Trump was completely wrong to say Ukraine doesn't "hold any cards", it is Russia that is failing more than Ukraine. Russia's already raided its prisons and sent North Koreans in meatwaves to the front, they're running out of money and meat to send to the grinder.

If Europe backs Ukraine fully, then even if Trump cuts America's support, Ukraine still should win this war. If Europe stands firm, I doubt Putin will make it to the end of Trump's term, which would be quite an irony and what a legacy for Trump to be the US POTUS who upended America's relationships and backed the wrong horse.

There won’t be any sudden collapse. I expect the broken back nature of the Russian war effort to become even more pronounced.

I expect Russia to collapse in two ways. Gradually at first, then suddenly.

I misread that as you expect Russia to collapse in two days. Which I wouldn't not have expected from you.

Still wishing the world did what you wanted it to do while ignoring facts on the ground.

IanB2 said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

Can I propose that, each time Leon is banned, it's for twice as long as the previous ban?

That made me laugh out loud. Maybe the maths will then sink in.

BatteryCorrectHorse said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Benpointer said:

TOPPING said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

The Vanilla AI add on has detected Leon repeatedly talking about AI in violation of the rules.

AI has recommended a ban of 66 days.

What is the issue with talking about AI. Presumably it's a legitimate topic in and of itself.

The issue was @Leon droning on and on and on about it.

The issue is not Leon droning on but the number of people he suckers into replying to his diversions.

I just don’t reply anymore. He doesn’t post anything useful.

I will admit that as somebody who actually works with AI, reading his utter nonsense about it does grate.

A marker for someone with intelligence is that they never mention it.

Mind you, not mentioning it doesn't make you intelligent.

Tres said:

kamski said:

What about the stories that Republican members of Congress, with very few exceptions, are unwilling to criticise or vote against Trump because of fears for their/their families' personal safety?

eg

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/27/republicans-trump-threats
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-congress-political-violence?srsltid=AfmBOor7zKM0TOWhlUENK0X_bzDfzpKWrl7KfZWHZy7aAXITdICB0Vs6

Romney already reported Republican Senators voting not to convict Trump 4 years ago out of this kind of fear.

https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/romney-gop-members-feared-far-right-violence-ahead-key-votes-rcna105272

same old GOP, always someone elses fault

Is it? Or are members of Congress genuinely scared, and making decisions not to oppose Trump because of that? It seems plausible at this point. In which case we would be much further down the road to an actual fascist-style dictatorship.

It's going to be pretty interesting see what Starmer and Macron can come up with.

twistedfirestopper3 said:

IanB2 said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

Can I propose that, each time Leon is banned, it's for twice as long as the previous ban?

Why?

Because he would find it educational?

MaxPB said:

BartholomewRoberts said:

Gallowgate said:

I don't understand the European Ukraine play. It seems that Russia will only end the war if they can claim a victory (the Donbas at a minimum, presumably) and that Ukraine will only end the war if they are defeated (or, a negotiated peace with cast iron Western-backed security guarantees - boots on the ground presumably via NATO or another structure).

Therefore what are we playing at? It seems like the options are simple:

• Let Russia defeat Ukraine.
  
• Help Ukraine push Russia out of their borders.
  
• Tell Russia that if they don't accept a negotiated settlement (probably less than the whole Donbas with western bases in Ukraine) then Europe/UK will use all their military might to achieve the above.
  

What else is there, realistically?

Rope a dope.

Help Ukraine absorb Russia's attacks until Russia is tired and exhausted and collapses. Which looks like coming soon, which is why Russia's shills are getting increasingly shrill about the need for "peace".

Putin has gambled absolutely everything on a normalisation of relations with the US and a return of their oil revenue to 100% rather than having to sell at a pretty big discount to China and India. This is why I was so surprised by Trump's agreement to extend US sanctions for a year, it completely throws Putin's plan out of the window and over the year we can continue to work with Trump to show him the threat of WW3 is extremely low and we need to continue supporting Ukraine until the Russians shoot Putin in the back.

Though the sanctions are presumably good for US and Saudi fossil fuel billionaires.

Malmesbury said:

Taz said:

MarqueeMark said:

Will you ALL please stop droning on about Leon being banned for droning on about AI... It's tedious and is spamming the site.

Do we have a new mod in town ?

Could we please ban all those droning on about people droning on about AI?

And anybody who wants to ban other posters.
Let the mods decide on what is acceptable.
By all means, drawing attention to a dodgy post should be done, but anything else is nowt to do with us below the liners.

numbertwelve said:

I think Starmer is doing well on this topic and deserves praise. It should improve his personal polling.

It is also true though, that Labour face a very difficult task ahead. There will be big decisions on defence - perhaps even going beyond the measures announced last week - and those will require navigating very sensitively. Away from all this new global order stuff, there is a March statement that won’t look fantastic and will probably include a few nasties. Reeves remains a weak link.

I think Starmer has proved himself on the international circuit this week, and that’s important for all of us, but what comes next has the potential to be very disruptive, and he and Labour need to be able to bring the country with them on that journey. The bad news for them is it’s a tricky journey to sell. The good news is that at least after 9 months in power they finally have some kind of journey narrative and a frontman who looks capable on the topic.

As well as the Prime Minister looking Prime Ministerial, the economy is perking up a bit and, perhaps more significantly, so is the weather. Against that, there are an awful lot of price rises pencilled in for the new tax year in a month or so.

Malmesbury said:

BartholomewRoberts said:

Malmesbury said:

BartholomewRoberts said:

DavidL said:

The nature of warfare is changing very fast. Last year Ukraine produced more than 1.3m drones for its military to use, comfortably more than anyone else in the world. This year there will be considerably more. How much longer will the Russian manpower advantage even be relevant?

The Russians, in contrast, have largely been dependent upon running down huge stocks of artillery and tanks together with imports paid for by capital reserves which are now exhausted.

This war is not developing to Russia’s advantage, not at all. The balance is swinging in Ukraine’s favour but they still need financial help to keep their government running, the economy moving and the Russians at bay until the swing becomes more decisive. Hopefully they will get it today.

It’s weird how much Trump has misjudged this. It’s almost as if they were getting their information from Russia.

Well said.

There is a reason Putin's shills are desperate for "peace" soon and it is because Russia is getting close to culmination.

Europe needs to stand firm and back Ukraine.

Trump was completely wrong to say Ukraine doesn't "hold any cards", it is Russia that is failing more than Ukraine. Russia's already raided its prisons and sent North Koreans in meatwaves to the front, they're running out of money and meat to send to the grinder.

If Europe backs Ukraine fully, then even if Trump cuts America's support, Ukraine still should win this war. If Europe stands firm, I doubt Putin will make it to the end of Trump's term, which would be quite an irony and what a legacy for Trump to be the US POTUS who upended America's relationships and backed the wrong horse.

There won’t be any sudden collapse. I expect the broken back nature of the Russian war effort to become even more pronounced.

I expect Russia to collapse in two ways. Gradually at first, then suddenly.

I don’t.

According to Russian relatives, there is zero sign of war weariness expressed as even vaguely anti-war sentiment. Even anti-Putinists still think the war must carry on until Russia “wins”.

There’s no sign of the morale collapse that would be required for defeat.

If Putin can keep supplying the troops from outside the Greater Russian population, and give them some kind of equipment, it will continue.

Morale collapses much faster when the money stops flowing. When people can't afford bread or eggs, then morale can change rapidly.

It isn't based on morale that I'm making my judgment. Russia is running out of men, materials and money. Those three determine the outcome of a long-term war far more than morale ever does.

BartholomewRoberts said:

Gallowgate said:

I don't understand the European Ukraine play. It seems that Russia will only end the war if they can claim a victory (the Donbas at a minimum, presumably) and that Ukraine will only end the war if they are defeated (or, a negotiated peace with cast iron Western-backed security guarantees - boots on the ground presumably via NATO or another structure).

Therefore what are we playing at? It seems like the options are simple:

• Let Russia defeat Ukraine.
  
• Help Ukraine push Russia out of their borders.
  
• Tell Russia that if they don't accept a negotiated settlement (probably less than the whole Donbas with western bases in Ukraine) then Europe/UK will use all their military might to achieve the above.
  

What else is there, realistically?

Rope a dope.

Help Ukraine absorb Russia's attacks until Russia is tired and exhausted and collapses. Which looks like coming soon, which is why Russia's shills are getting increasingly shrill about the need for "peace".

Yes but that relies upon American support and American sanctions.

If Europe wants to do this alone, then I can't see any alternative to the above.

TOPPING said:

BartholomewRoberts said:

TOPPING said:

BartholomewRoberts said:

Malmesbury said:

BartholomewRoberts said:

DavidL said:

The nature of warfare is changing very fast. Last year Ukraine produced more than 1.3m drones for its military to use, comfortably more than anyone else in the world. This year there will be considerably more. How much longer will the Russian manpower advantage even be relevant?

The Russians, in contrast, have largely been dependent upon running down huge stocks of artillery and tanks together with imports paid for by capital reserves which are now exhausted.

This war is not developing to Russia’s advantage, not at all. The balance is swinging in Ukraine’s favour but they still need financial help to keep their government running, the economy moving and the Russians at bay until the swing becomes more decisive. Hopefully they will get it today.

It’s weird how much Trump has misjudged this. It’s almost as if they were getting their information from Russia.

Well said.

There is a reason Putin's shills are desperate for "peace" soon and it is because Russia is getting close to culmination.

Europe needs to stand firm and back Ukraine.

Trump was completely wrong to say Ukraine doesn't "hold any cards", it is Russia that is failing more than Ukraine. Russia's already raided its prisons and sent North Koreans in meatwaves to the front, they're running out of money and meat to send to the grinder.

If Europe backs Ukraine fully, then even if Trump cuts America's support, Ukraine still should win this war. If Europe stands firm, I doubt Putin will make it to the end of Trump's term, which would be quite an irony and what a legacy for Trump to be the US POTUS who upended America's relationships and backed the wrong horse.

There won’t be any sudden collapse. I expect the broken back nature of the Russian war effort to become even more pronounced.

I expect Russia to collapse in two ways. Gradually at first, then suddenly.

I misread that as you expect Russia to collapse in two days. Which I wouldn't not have expected from you.

Still wishing the world did what you wanted it to do while ignoring facts on the ground.

It isn't about wishes, the facts on the ground are the Russia is going bankrupt in men, materials and money.

Hence the Hemingway reference that seems to have gone over your head.

I am aware of the reference.

You have been calling for the imminent collapse of Russia for three years and, then as now, I just don't see it.

Russia is not collapsing in my view, any time soon. This war will go on and on.

MattW said:

Man stabs police dog, and is hit by police car.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cevxd8dgmkjo

(I'm interested to know why he wasn't tasered, which seems appropriate. This is Police Scotland, and I do not know their practice.)

Only some officers carry tasers in Scotland, it seems. And more training than in many/some? E&W forces. Which I hadn't known. So possibly there was nobody with a taser to hand?

https://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us/how-we-do-it/taser/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10610-023-09569-3

The champagne in Shanghai Airlines Business Class is exceptional

twistedfirestopper3 said:

IanB2 said:

twistedfirestopper3 said:

IanB2 said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

Can I propose that, each time Leon is banned, it's for twice as long as the previous ban?

Why?

Because he would find it educational?

What's it got to do with you, though?
Can't we let the site operators deal with how they run it, rather than us demand bans on other posters?

It was a joke. Perhaps you missed the previous thread? In which Leon demonstrated the truth about his IQ beyond all reasonable doubt.

kjh said:

twistedfirestopper3 said:

IanB2 said:

twistedfirestopper3 said:

IanB2 said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

Can I propose that, each time Leon is banned, it's for twice as long as the previous ban?

Why?

Because he would find it educational?

What's it got to do with you, though?
Can't we let the site operators deal with how they run it, rather than us demand bans on other posters?

@TwistedFireStopper . I think you are missing the point. @IanB2 was cracking a rather good joke. You need to see the previous thread. It made me laugh out loud.

Ahhh, I'm just an occasional lurker, so miss lots.
In that case, I withdraw my pompous rebuttal to Ian!

kamski said:

twistedfirestopper3 said:

IanB2 said:

twistedfirestopper3 said:

IanB2 said:

Pro_Rata said:

Leon banned?

Can I propose that, each time Leon is banned, it's for twice as long as the previous ban?

Why?

Because he would find it educational?

What's it got to do with you, though?
Can't we let the site operators deal with how they run it, rather than us demand bans on other posters?

It was joke! - though you'd need to read the previous thread to get it

A bit of banter is fine, and can be fun. But the site's owners have to trust people to follow the rules, otherwise it becomes impossible.

I should probably call to ban myself!