This is slap-bang in the middle of my wheelhouse - my first and most beloved instructional qualification was RSI (Regimental Signals Instructor), a major achievement as I obtained it roughly 2 years ahead of the RACES projection. Yes, I was that nerdy!
(RACES = Royal Armoured Corps Employment Structure - a detailed projection of how and when a soldier's career should develop from initial recruitment all the way to retirement)
Anyway, as you would imagine, I'm pretty clued up about all things "radio" and have years of hands-on experience working with, repairing and in some cases, manufacturing radio equipment and ancillaries. I could talk the ears off a mule about antenna theory, path-profile analysis, skywave propagation (truly, a black art!) and all manner of highly nerdy military equipment.
Now, about the batteries and solar mats - I'll need to explain a bit of boring terminology before I highlight how stupid her comments were.
There are a number of different configurations/types of radio setups. The main ones are as follows:
1) Base installation
Normally used in semi-permanent locations such as HQ's, patrol bases and the like, these rigs (slang for entire working system) are either powered by mains electricity or a small generator. We usually run the supply through a rectifier (where possible) as a form of surge protection and an additional method for controlling output at antenna. Also of note, these rigs are always connected to a bank of batteries, dirty great 24v/100ahc numbers, connected in series parrallel, just in case the generator or mains is knocked out.
Solar charging systems, many of which I've used, are of next to zero use for these rigs. The power demand is just to great but more importantly, HQ/control stations cannot afford to lose coms, not even for a minute.
2) Vehicle installations (my speciality)
Vehicle rigs draw their power from the vehicle internal supply (obviously) and, if fitted, the GUE (generator unit engine) can be used to greatly reduce/negate this demand. Also, during "silent watch" or if the engine/GUE is buggered, the rig(s) can draw power directly from the vehicle batteries. As you would imagine, depending upon the systems (and TX/RX ratio), this will drain the batteries very, very quickly.
Example: A field HQ vehicle (battlegroup level) will have:
a) Brigade net ("higher") - usually two forms, always secure, always on.
b) Admin/Echelon net - sometimes HF but more often than not VHF or UHF HCDR (high capacity data radio) - always on and very, very busy.
c) BG command net - main line of communication to sub-units (squadrons, companies etc) and the primary purpose of the vehicle. This net is always on and if it goes down for any reason, heads will roll! I've seen staff officers being roasted alive in front of oily troopers (extremely poor form but you love to see it!) for falling asleep or wandering away from the radio.
d) Local net - not usually part of the vehicle rigs but sometimes, due to equipment demands, it can be. This is the net used to control the troops guarding the field HQ (a miserable job, god awful!) but it's usually done via PRR - personal role radio - little radios the size of a pack of smokes, issued to every individual, powered by AA batteries.
As you can imagine, the power requirements for the above (quite typical) rig are very demanding. Yes, I've used solar offsets before (Kosovo & Bosnia mainly) but only to test the gear and make sure it's still serviceable. The solar offsets we have are very much a "last ditch" option but according to spec, they're pretty much the best in circulation.
3) Portable rigs
These rigs are designed to be highly robust, capable of running around the clock and useable without chewing through batteries at an alarming rate. Normally issued to the infantry (and recce, forward observation teams and the like), they come with a pile of spare batteries (google "scaly backs") and a small pack of ancils such as spare headsets, mic covers and whatnot. Not the best of equipment but we've made some decent advances in capability with our more modern systems.
Solar offsets have been issued with these rigs for years - they're next to useless. The infantry tend to run around quite a lot, jump in and out of ditches, crawl through mud and shit, wade through rivers and generally bump into and scrape along everything they see. A solar mat wouldn't last five minutes - I know, I've had to repair/replace tons of the bloody things because grunts, understandably, try to reduce their pack-load by ditching the "spare" batteries and hooking the solar mats onto their bergens. Bottom line - they're unfit for role.
I know exactly, exactly how this game is played! The procurement chimps obtain a new Gucci solar system, it gets issued, we still have to lug batteries around because the solar offset either doesn't work or we use it as a last-ditch backup.
Oh, and whilst this nonsense is happening, the tax payer is footing the bill.
Christ, I've bored myself with this. Anyway, that video clip really rattled my cage.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Fri May 28, 2021 7:43 pm
by MarcusAu
Service Dog wrote: ↑
I said Mexicans are unlikely to be butthurt about silly caricature humor.
Indeed - I get the feeling that their cultural sensitivities are somewhat differently attuned when compared to US culture in general.
At least if you go by what they produce for children's entertainment...
If Trey Parker and Matt Stone are correct, they'll be gagging for some giant American penis!
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Sat May 29, 2021 3:01 am
by ThreeFlangedJavis
Scoff or applaud as your dogmas permit. Bitcoin in, USD out by the reckoning of some.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Sat May 29, 2021 4:51 am
by Matt Cavanaugh
What is the value of a crypto-currency based on? If I wanted to pay you in Bitcoin for something, wouldn't I need to first buy some Bitcoin with USD? How is that not just like buying a gift certificate?
It seems like everyone is pretending crypto-currency is causa sui; but it's not.
What is the value of a crypto-currency based on? If I wanted to pay you in Bitcoin for something, wouldn't I need to first buy some Bitcoin with USD? How is that not just like buying a gift certificate?
It seems like everyone is pretending crypto-currency is causa sui; but it's not.
Don't ask me, I'm no expert! All I do know is that BTC has been consistently talked down by "experts" for ten years and yet stubbornly gains value over time. I would guess that one of the biggest things separating it from fiat clams is the finite number of coins. No fool is going to be devaluing the things by printing them. Only way to get hold of them is by stumping up the value in fiat or mining them. In fact the coin count goes down over time as people lose their wallet codes. The affected coins just sit there unclaimed in the blockchain.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Sat May 29, 2021 8:34 am
by Matt Cavanaugh
I converted all my savings into Quatloos, then blew it all gambling.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Sat May 29, 2021 8:45 am
by Matt Cavanaugh
Creepy uncle Joe's been hitting on nine-year-old girls again:
"I love those barrettes in your hair. Man I’ll tell you what, look at her she looks like she's 19 years old sitting there like a little lady with her legs crossed."
To be fair, Joe gets pervy with females of any age:
“We had to cancel the VP Christmas get together at the Vice President’s house because Biden would grope all of our wives and girlfriend’s asses.” The annual party was for agents and Navy personnel who were tasked with protecting the Biden family. “He would mess with every single woman or teen. It was horrible”
I actually feel sad when I read about Muscato. She is obviously in great distress. I don't deny that she may be in great physical pain. My wife has constant pain diagnosed as Fibromyalgia. These chronic pain conditions are real and we know very little about how to cure them. My wife is on several drugs that help... and the side effects are fatigue and brain fog. She is chronically depressed... thinking about killing herself every day... but she never actually does it. Maybe one day she will do herself in and I have to keep in mind that it is not my fault (not a small task).
I remember following PZ early on. I was fully on board. At that time I thought there were lots of people like me who believed in traditional Western values... but also wanted to pursue the truth. Unfortunately, there are very few people like me. The skeptical atheist movement basically became a neo-Marxist social movement. I feel completely defeated on this. Oh well....
I get along better with my Catholic friends now... which is actually a benefit. We used to fight all the time... about the church and god. And now.... I don't really fucking care. People are odd beasts.
I am going to backpack through the Porcupine Mountains with some friends next week. Six straight days on the trail... living off the food on our backs. It should be great. My wife warned me.... she said "You know K is not very healthy and he has been having trouble with his leg." I explained that our hike distance is short and that I would carry his gear if needed. and she was like.... "Why would you let him off the hook like that?" and I said "I want to hike with my good friend K.... and I will carry his stuff if I have to!" It's very strange. I carry my wife through life. I cook, and clean, and shop, and make repairs... everything. She sleeps 16 hours a day and barely makes it to her doctor's appointments. and yet.... she picks on my being willing to help my friend on a backpacking trip. This happens with her. She picks on me when I help our kids.... or the neighbors. I guess she is the only person whose water I can carry.
It is tough for me to stay in love with her...haha.
Further... on the topic of skepticism. It feels like social media has actually made our culture less skeptical. It is so strange how passionate people got over the Wuhan lab leak idea, for example. I think it is obvious that this is a strong possibility that has not been discounted. People supporting the wet market idea have a vested interest in supporting the lab. All this information is easy to find. But, the passion around stupid ideas is very great. We live in the Oprah reality. Everyone's feelings become a "reality". Facts don't matter. Very strange to watch.
Further... on the topic of skepticism. It feels like social media has actually made our culture less skeptical. It is so strange how passionate people got over the Wuhan lab leak idea, for example. I think it is obvious that this is a strong possibility that has not been discounted. People supporting the wet market idea have a vested interest in supporting the lab. All this information is easy to find. But, the passion around stupid ideas is very great. We live in the Oprah reality. Everyone's feelings become a "reality". Facts don't matter. Very strange to watch.
Fauci/Politifact/Ibram X Kendi/Jussie Smolett/Christine Blasey Ford said it.
God-shaped hole. Years ago, I didn't think this was a thing.... but it is. Somehow, humans evolved with a need to fill a hole in our psychology. Perhaps it is a feature because it creates successful and powerful group bonds. I think I filled my god-shaped with a Western tradition of truth, honor, hard work, self-sufficiency etc. Those Western cultural ideas. These are the ideas that fill my God-shaped hole. Nothing I can do about it now!
Really? wrote: ↑
Remember when the skeptic community cared about skepticism?
Depends on what you mean by community.
Shermer at least is doing the same sort of thing thing he's always done. (Well, the other same thing at least).
Though I suspect that fewer and fewer people have the time, energy, interest or inclination to listen to close on 2 hours of ID apologetics...
Time is a mother....
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 9:40 am
by Matt Cavanaugh
Service Dog wrote: ↑
WE SAID WE WOULDN'T TALK ABOUT CANADA!!
Whatever you do, don't ask Canadian about currency matters -- there's a bunch of Loonies up there.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 9:55 am
by Matt Cavanaugh
Really? wrote: ↑
Danielle is now on Medicaid. For a woman of her age, this is a much easier way to get health care than to actually get a job.
To avoid those cruel waits for immediate treatment for chronic ailments, ze should just identify as transsmallanimal (e.g., dog, cat, muskrat; no need to settle on one, as you can be species-fluid), then bring zirself to the local emergency vet.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 5:56 pm
by Service Dog
The U.S. State Department authorized the BLM flag’s display at all U.S. “Diplomatic and Consular posts”....
“The Department supports the use of the term ‘Black Lives Matter’ in messaging content, speeches, and other diplomatic engagements with foreign audiences to advance racial equity and access to justice on May 25 and beyond. We encourage posts to focus on the need to eliminate systemic racism and its continued impact,” the memo read.
“This cable constitutes a blanket written authorization for calendar year 2021 from the Under Secretary for Management (M) to display the BLM flag on the external-facing flagpole to any Chiefs of Mission...
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 6:01 pm
by Really?
So if I become a porn star who neglects my kids and have a heart attack after ODing on Fentanyl, do I get a flag?
Really? wrote: ↑
Danielle is now on Medicaid. For a woman of her age, this is a much easier way to get health care than to actually get a job.
To avoid those cruel waits for immediate treatment for chronic ailments, ze should just identify as transsmallanimal (e.g., dog, cat, muskrat; no need to settle on one, as you can be species-fluid), then bring zirself to the local emergency vet.
Or perhaps identify as a transbillionaire, talk to the Fed, get an nine-figure gift and pay for bzair own healthcare?
Service Dog wrote: ↑
WE SAID WE WOULDN'T TALK ABOUT CANADA!!
Whatever you do, don't ask Canadian about currency matters -- there's a bunch of Loonies up there.
I am going to pretend I never saw that.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Mon May 31, 2021 7:30 am
by John D
White people are worth twice as much as Negroids. Spain proves this with a new stamp collection. I agree... and I would love to have these for my stamp collection (a hobby only a white man would have).
Not sure that such a position is compatible with skepticism. Though I suppose you have already have an answer to that.
John D wrote: ↑
God-shaped hole...Somehow, humans evolved with a need to fill a hole in our psychology.
Now there's an interesting assertion / hypothesis - I wonder how it could be tested. Correlation does not equal causation was the common phrase that used to be used round here -so while good for a narrative, it could be a tricky thing to prove.
Others have characterised humans as story-telling species - which is a broader category in which to fit the supernatural.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Mon May 31, 2021 2:51 pm
by Service Dog
I bought a used bike on Craigslist, when was that?, last week? Painted it 'Circus Camo' to discourage theft.
Yesterday, this happened...
Went outside today, intending to stroll around the neighborhood, visiting various piles-of-bikes locked to street-signs by hoarders, to see if my bike had been added to a pile.
Instead, almost immediately, I saw these two smelly derelicts pushing my bike up the street...
I snapped a photo, blocked their path, & said '"That's my bike." They began whining that they'd spent their last $10 on the bike, just a few blocks earlier. She wanted me to pay her $10. I said, "I'm not going to pay for my own bike." I said, "hang on, let me call my brother", called my GF instead, "come downstairs duuude, I found my bike". Which caused Short-George-Floyd to change his attitude & become enthusiastic about giving-up the bike. The walrus bitch kept whining, tho.
After they handed it over & shut-up-- I said, "tough break" and gave them four bucks. Breaking my policy of not giving bums money anywhere-near my home.
Then I wheeled the bike to a restaurant & pumped govt-issue hand sanitizer all over the handlebars & the saddle & my hands.
=
In the background, behind them, is the ransacked Burger King which I've posted-about previously. And the Holiday Inn-- one of many hotels which the City has used to house homeless people since 2020. The news says they're kicking-out all the homeless people from the hotels-- tomorrow.
So coming days could get ugly, on the sidewalks.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Mon May 31, 2021 4:40 pm
by Really?
Service Dog wrote: ↑
SNIP
=
In the background, behind them, is the ransacked Burger King which I've posted-about previously. And the Holiday Inn-- one of many hotels which the City has used to house homeless people since 2020. The news says they're kicking-out all the homeless people from the hotels-- tomorrow.
So coming days could get ugly, on the sidewalks.
What a pity. NYC was such a great place before the Democrats turned it into a shithole.
There's only one man who can fix everything, in spite of his flaws.
Service Dog wrote: ↑
SNIP
=
In the background, behind them, is the ransacked Burger King which I've posted-about previously. And the Holiday Inn-- one of many hotels which the City has used to house homeless people since 2020. The news says they're kicking-out all the homeless people from the hotels-- tomorrow.
So coming days could get ugly, on the sidewalks.
What a pity. NYC was such a great place before the Democrats turned it into a shithole.
There's only one man who can fix everything, in spite of his flaws.
Not sure that such a position is compatible with skepticism. Though I suppose you have already have an answer to that.
John D wrote: ↑
God-shaped hole...Somehow, humans evolved with a need to fill a hole in our psychology.
Now there's an interesting assertion / hypothesis - I wonder how it could be tested. Correlation does not equal causation was the common phrase that used to be used round here -so while good for a narrative, it could be a tricky thing to prove.
Others have characterised humans as story-telling species - which is a broader category in which to fit the supernatural.
The "god-shaped hole" idea is a metaphor. Of course, you know this... but I guess you don't think it is a good metaphor.
I remember my personal mental debate between Hitchens (completely anti-religion) and Daniel Dennett (warning that religion has a purpose). I guess this topic was on my mind about 8 or 10 years ago. Hitchens was always fun to read.... and he was a clever writer... but I always felt his anti-religion stance was not quite right. At the same time, Dennett was saying that we should be careful trying to destroy religion because we don't know what will replace it. Well, in my view, Dennett won this argument ... clearly... he won this argument.
Listening to Sam Harris is also interesting. He is about the only person left trying to say you can "logic" your way to ethics. No Sam.... people don't work this way. It reminds me of communism. Communism is a really good idea if people were not people. If people were something different then communism would work great. The people who support communism just ignore how people really behave.
Religion has been replaced by SocJus. Dennett was right.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 5:27 am
by John D
People are tribal.... and they have a need to be tribal. There are plenty of "intellectuals" who say that tribalism is an evil... that tribalism needs to be destroyed. This is a naïve understanding in my view. Those "intellectuals" actually think they are not being tribal themselves. This is complete nonsense. They are part of the "philosopher kings" tribe.... and they love it.
Funny that religions (Christianity, Buddhism, etc.) often have features that allow for tamping down tribal behavior. Religions find ways to pull the tribes together.... concepts like forgiveness... and mindfulness. This allows the religion to grow and still allow for some tribal behavior.
SocJus has no such features. There is no forgiveness... only tribalism. There is no escape valve.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 5:41 am
by John D
I am chatty this morning. I love the Judge Dread image. It reminds me of what happens when crime is super high. Crime is skyrocketing in US cities right now. It may keep going up... who really knows? It was the riots in the 1960s that were at the start of the increasing crime in the US.
Crime becomes acceptable after certain events. Lord God George Floyd is now a martyr. This kind of story pushes more people to consider criminal behavior. I can't say crime will continue to rise in US cities.... but it might.
So... switching gears... the super high crime in the 1970s resulted in several very violent anti-crime comic books and movies. These were popular because many people thought that the country needed tough justice. The list includes Judge Dread, The Punisher, Robocop, Heavy Metal...
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 7:08 am
by Bhurzum
John D wrote: ↑So... switching gears... the super high crime in the 1970s resulted in several very violent anti-crime comic books and movies. These were popular because many people thought that the country needed tough justice. The list includes Judge Dread, The Punisher, Robocop, Heavy Metal...
The fight against crime, in a fictional setting, reached its zenith with this delightful chap and his cohorts...
Now, there's an image-search for the brave of heart. I know what it means because a psycho I used to run with in DayZ used it as a trash-talk victory cry. I genuinely think I'd hurl if I seen one...
Listening to Sam Harris is also interesting. He is about the only person left trying to say you can "logic" your way to ethics. No Sam.... people don't work this way. It reminds me of communism. Communism is a really good idea if people were not people. If people were something different then communism would work great. The people who support communism just ignore how people really behave.
Religion has been replaced by SocJus. Dennett was right.
Is that really what Harris was saying? You don't think he was addressing the apologist claim that morality is only derivable from Dog? I thought he was arguing that you can come up with an objective basis for morality in the human context based on the minimisation of suffering. Christians have to "logic" their way to morality all the time by constructing get out clauses for Jehovah's psychopathic behaviour and morally reprehensible edicts. The current form of Christianity is the result of moderation by human beings. The closer to the supposed original scriptures a cult gets the more morally questionable it's beliefs.
SJWism is just another religion, just a non-supernatural one. If we have to have religions then why not have reason-derived ones? Why not the religion of reason itself? Of course you have to foster certain basic premises from which to reason otherwise you end up in a mess. I think you can argue that SJWism has flourished because some basic premises have been undermined.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 9:09 am
by Matt Cavanaugh
John D wrote: ↑
SocJus has no such features. There is no forgiveness... only tribalism. There is no escape valve.
Wokesim is, like Islam, all about forced submission.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 9:11 am
by Matt Cavanaugh
John D wrote: ↑ the super high crime in the 1970s resulted in several very violent anti-crime comic books and movies. These were popular because many people thought that the country needed tough justice. The list includes Judge Dread, The Punisher, Robocop, Heavy Metal...
Now, there's an image-search for the brave of heart. I know what it means because a psycho I used to run with in DayZ used it as a trash-talk victory cry. I genuinely think I'd hurl if I seen one...
Which reminds me, can anybody find my transcocks paean to Zinnia? I must've deleted it.
John D wrote: ↑ the super high crime in the 1970s resulted in several very violent anti-crime comic books and movies. These were popular because many people thought that the country needed tough justice. The list includes Judge Dread, The Punisher, Robocop, Heavy Metal...
Dirty Harry, Death Wish.
Good additions. Interesting... and perhaps I am biased... but movie bad guys over the most recent years have been corporate leaders, government officials, rich men, or cosmic evil-superheroes. Criminals are never the bad guys anymore. Maybe I am wrong on this. I haven't done a proper survey.
Because.... that is not a real thing.... and people can't do this. It goes against "human nature". (just like communism).
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 10:04 am
by MarcusAu
John D wrote: ↑
The "god-shaped hole" idea is a metaphor. Of course, you know this...
Indeed - it's one of those things that Marx was so appreciative of.
Well, Groucho at least.
People can and will find - Hope, Meaning and Purpose - in whatever way they want...but, if they are going to build it on the shakey ground of someone rising from the dead then they are going to have to get used to others asking questions.
And no - I don't think that is something that can just be glossed over - in fact it's kind of a big deal to those that take such things seriously.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 10:49 am
by ThreeFlangedJavis
Talking of the failings of command economies and running an economy without the requisite price signals and economic indicators, which is what some claim the US is doing. Might seem strange to use the example of German WWII logistics but it turns out to be very illustrative.
John D wrote: ↑So... switching gears... the super high crime in the 1970s resulted in several very violent anti-crime comic books and movies. These were popular because many people thought that the country needed tough justice. The list includes Judge Dread, The Punisher, Robocop, Heavy Metal...
The fight against crime, in a fictional setting, reached its zenith with this delightful chap and his cohorts...
I'm at the point where Harry Hopkins, Roosevelt's right-hand man, is basically giving the USSR so much matérial under Lend-Lease that it is damaging the US war effort, and the UK war effort even more. And he's giving it for free, no repayments required, in strict contrast to the bankrupting of the UK.
The USSR is treating the US like it's bitch, and yet the US does NOTHING.
The way they USSR managed to catch up after WWII is basically down to the fact that the US gave them a billion tons of stuff, and asked nothing in return.
Of course, McMeekin hates the Ivans with a passion, but if the numbers he quotes are accurate (and they are all given references) then it's staggering stupidity on the part of the US.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 11:35 am
by MarcusAu
Well, this seems appropriate...
"Next time we get our retaliation in first"
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 12:20 pm
by dog puke
Happy Pride 2021 everyone.
Please remember that inclusivity is vital. Thank you. :twatson:
I'm at the point where Harry Hopkins, Roosevelt's right-hand man, is basically giving the USSR so much matérial under Lend-Lease that it is damaging the US war effort, and the UK war effort even more. And he's giving it for free, no repayments required, in strict contrast to the bankrupting of the UK.
The USSR is treating the US like it's bitch, and yet the US does NOTHING.
The way they USSR managed to catch up after WWII is basically down to the fact that the US gave them a billion tons of stuff, and asked nothing in return.
Of course, McMeekin hates the Ivans with a passion, but if the numbers he quotes are accurate (and they are all given references) then it's staggering stupidity on the part of the US.
Roosevelt didn't want to accept warnings about Stalin's nature. He very pointedly cosied up to Stalin and began to freeze out Churchill, which worried Churchill a lot because he was wise to Stalin. Much of it was down to Roosevelt having a bee in his bonnet about British colonialism. The Soviets have never acknowledged the extent to which they were helped. The other Allies took all responsibility for the strategic war off the Soviets and showered them with goodies. They never seem to ask themselves how they would have fared if the US/UK hadn't been tying up Germany in a desperate attempt to protect their production facilities. The Russians regularly claim to have won the war all on their own.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 2:57 pm
by Matt Cavanaugh
Lsuoma wrote: ↑
Just reading "Stalin's War" by Sean McMeekin.
I'm at the point where Harry Hopkins, Roosevelt's right-hand man, is basically giving the USSR so much matérial under Lend-Lease that it is damaging the US war effort, and the UK war effort even more. And he's giving it for free, no repayments required, in strict contrast to the bankrupting of the UK.
The USSR is treating the US like it's bitch, and yet the US does NOTHING.
The way they USSR managed to catch up after WWII is basically down to the fact that the US gave them a billion tons of stuff, and asked nothing in return.
Of course, McMeekin hates the Ivans with a passion, but if the numbers he quotes are accurate (and they are all given references) then it's staggering stupidity on the part of the US.
Of course, FDR's administration was infiltrated by soviet agents and sympathizers. FDR himself (as NPD as Trump if not more so) believed he had Stalin wrapped around his little finger. Along with the US, GB, and China, the USSR would be one of FDR's "Four Policemen" ruling the post-war world. That turned out well.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 3:12 pm
by Matt Cavanaugh
The way they USSR managed to catch up after WWII is basically down to the fact that the US gave them a billion tons of stuff, and asked nothing in return.
It also didn't hurt that they were allowed to confiscate all the rolling stock in their Zone, transplant entire German factories to Mother Russia, exhaust the Silesian coal mines they'd so magnanimously transferred to the Poles, and retain hundreds of thousands of German POWs as slave labor for a decade or more.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 4:38 pm
by Lsuoma
Yep, all that stuff is documented in McMeekin's book. I didn't realize just how staggering the extent was.
And yes, people wise to Harry Hopkins like Ivan Yeaton, who had served in Russia during the civil was, got sidelined and demoted for pointing that shit out.
And, yes, it's always been clear that FDR wanted to bring down the British Empire - after all, as well as being colonial and thus anti-democratic, it defaulted on its WWI debts (not WWII, though, which the UK finally paid off in 2006).
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 6:37 pm
by Matt Cavanaugh
I recently read Roosevelt and Stalin: Portrait of a Partnership by Susan Butler, an incredibly naive dual hagiography that practically fellates both leaders, then blames Truman for fucking up the Four Policeman scheme.
Further back, I read Ivan's War by Catherine Merridale. Interesting insight into a Russian grunt's world, but falls into 'they were just good-hearted socialists' wartime propaganda. Also, Merridale's revolting apologetics for the mass rape committed by the Red Army -- combat had been tough, and German women basically deserved it for not opposing Hitler -- did not sit well with someone whose ex-wife's grandmother and great aunt were raped 50 and 38 times, respectively.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 7:10 pm
by Service Dog
And he's giving it for free, no repayments required, in strict contrast to the bankrupting of the UK.
Meh. The British ran a massive spying/blackmail/propaganda/corruption campaign out of Rockfeller Center-- to drag the US into their war.
Seems fair to charge them an arm & a leg for it.
Re: The 3FJ, Matt, & Dog Conspiracy Show
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 8:26 pm
by Matt Cavanaugh
Service Dog wrote: ↑
Seems fair to charge them an arm & a leg for it.
