I keep on getting these idiotic pro-Ukraine videos recommended to me by the youtube algorithm. Finally gave in and clicked on this one from Times Radio interviewing Lord Richards, former chief of staff, mainly because the title is so clearly divorced from reality that there had to be some interesting psychology at play:
Turned out it was a click bait title, and Richards was making a cope argument about Putin supposedly having been defeated by the initial failure to take and hold "Keeve", and all he's won since were the Donbas oblasts which Russia already controlled (??). Most of the insanity actually came from the interviewer, wondering if the West should have 'front-loaded' as much military aid as possible at the start of the war, because obviously Putin was bluffing about nuclear retaliation. Richards makes some surprising points about being in favour of diplomacy, how the west shouldn't have pushed Ukraine to keep fighting when negotiations were within reach, and how Russia's view of the conflict was existential and this should have been taken seriously (somehow doubt he was vocal with these opinions at the time). He also gets masses of abuse in the comments for saying these things.
Anyway, what most struck me is how often I'm able to tell, even with just a little bit of knowledge of the subject, that some 'expert' being interviewed in the msm is talking utter sh!te about the subject they've supposedly devoted their life to. How is it that I know that Russia's early move on Kiev was a gambit to try and force negotiations and divert the Ukrainian military from its threatened invasion of the Donbas, but this former chief of staff either doesn't understand that and thinks it was strategic defeat, or is just lying about it? How is it that I know Russia will never settle for a Korea-style or East/West Germany partition of Ukraine, but somehow he thinks it might be feasible? How is it that I know Russia & China have been driven into eachother's arms and the idea that plucky little UK will be able to drive them apart and dictate terms, do deals etc. is a complete fantasy?
More to the point how can anyone listen to this and think it's a sound analysis? I'm sure lots of gammons in their 60s are nodding along sagely (apart from the parts that actually make sense) and thinking that it's all wonderfully informative brain food.
Yes...the video titles of this Murdoch outfits output are consistently ludicrous and contrary to any informed reality. That they named it after the "Times" debases the currency of that flag further: to be frank the output mostly doesn't even rise above the "Sun" level.
-It all works though. Nearly half the UK population have swallowed the bullshit and are quite convinced that Russia represents the greatest threat to world peace ever. It's a dual strategy. Convince them Russia is a terrible danger...but we need not be alarmed because of course our splendid governments are actively protecting us and prevailing against this wicked evil state: but... they WILL need to spend lots of money on bombs for Democratic Ukraine...oh and unfortunately curtail your "freedoms" a teensy weensy bit until we prevail...oh and we might have to dress your children in khaki too...
Re: Times Radio...
Posted by Keith-264 on December 4, 2024, 9:37 pm, in reply to "Times Radio..."
Not even half, after two years of lies? That isn't a result, more an expensive failure.The last working-class hero in England.
Clio the cat, ? July 1997 - 1 May 2016 Kira the cat, ? ? 2010 - 3 August 2018 Jasper the Ruffian cat ? ? ? - 4 November 2021
Re: Times Radio...
Posted by Ian M on December 4, 2024, 9:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Times Radio..."
I guess it's hard to tell the real state of public opinion, because even if half the population don't buy the BS they are still likely to stay quiet about it because the whole media & political class are unified on the opposing side & there are likely to be severe social or even employment consequences for speaking out and saying the empire has no clothes. Not many people willing to get fired over saying that there are nazis in the Ukraine Tell your story; Ask a question; Interpret generously http://storybythethroat.wordpress.com/tell-ask-listen/
I should have been a cobbler....nm
Posted by Keith-264 on December 4, 2024, 10:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Times Radio..."
nmThe last working-class hero in England.
Clio the cat, ? July 1997 - 1 May 2016 Kira the cat, ? ? 2010 - 3 August 2018 Jasper the Ruffian cat ? ? ? - 4 November 2021
Re: Times Radio...
Posted by Ken Waldron on December 5, 2024, 12:06 am, in reply to "Re: Times Radio..."
Not even half, after two years of lies? That isn't a result, more an expensive failure.
-Not in a world where a mere 30-40% wins you an election plus a large majority: it's an resounding success.
Besides, those who recognise the facts of the matter aren't the other 53%. After Russia at 47%, comes China at 11% then Iran at 10%. So...77% have swallowed the standard manufactured propaganda in one iteration or another.
Those who actually recognise the obvious: that the warmongering country with more military bases around the world than all the rest put together and with the highest military budget by far represents the greatest danger is a view held by a paltry 7%.
Recte
Posted by Ken Waldron on December 5, 2024, 12:11 am, in reply to "Re: Times Radio..."
Ah well...that's what a visit to the dentist does: 68% of course. Apologies.
Re: Recte
Posted by Keith-264 on December 5, 2024, 7:48 am, in reply to "Recte"
Ouch!The last working-class hero in England.
Clio the cat, ? July 1997 - 1 May 2016 Kira the cat, ? ? 2010 - 3 August 2018 Jasper the Ruffian cat ? ? ? - 4 November 2021
on December 4, 2024, 6:43 pm