‘He will not stop’
There will be no peace in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin is determined to kill his way to absolute victory. No mercy. No quarter given.
Russia is bigger and stronger than Ukraine. Ukraine will fall. That is not to say I wish it to fall. But realistically, the odds are against Ukraine surviving the Russian military. They are doing all they can, but it will not be enough.
So, when Russia wins this lopsided war against its neighbor, then what? Will the world still keep the sanctions against Russia? For how long? Years? Decades? Forever?
Will we recognize the new puppet government in Ukraine? Will America continue aid to Ukraine after the war is over? If not, then how long will aid be given?
Will Putin even let aid come to Ukraine?
Some nations are betting on Russia and supporting Putin. Are they just playing the odds and hoping for a piece of the trade with Russia and Ukraine? Ukraine and Russia normally produce huge amounts of wheat and corn and petroleum and metals. Will the world start trading with Ukraine/Russia so they can procure these resources, or will they shun Russia?
I believe self-interest will put aside any moral or ethical queasiness. Nations need resources. They will come to Russia begging for what was stolen from Ukraine. They won’t like it, but they will do it.
Even American corporations will be in the ring bidding for resources and markets. Greed and need will be the order of the day. Putin is well aware of all this. He is counting on it.
Ukraine will be a slave nation. It will provide goods and services at cheap prices, and the world will buy their goods and services not out of compassion or to help Ukraine, but because they can then make a bigger profit, because slaves produce stuff so cheaply.
Just think of all the great stuff nations can buy from Ukraine at dirt-cheap prices? And they will feel good about helping the Ukraine economy and providing jobs and help rebuild the nation.
So, to all people and nations that hope to get in on the ground floor in Ukraine, I hope you are not too put off by all the dead bodies and stench left by the war. It will be gone in a year or so.
Just think of all the great investments. I hope you choke on them.
Putin is risking World War III because he knows that the West does not want another war. He will not stop at Ukraine though. He will not stop in Europe. He will not stop until he is stopped by force. He will not stop until someone puts a bullet in his brain. Then he will stop.
Let us hope for peace, but not at any price.
Tom Beach
Waimea
What’s going on?
I must admit I had cautious optimism when FEMA finally received the plans for the Pohoiki Road reconstruction and were able to start the EA report.
I thought: Well, the county can’t delay any longer.
Well, imagine my surprise when I listened to the county Zoom meeting on Friday. They were still trying to decide between a 4-inch or 6-inch waterline. Really! I was reminded of a story from the Middle Ages where the priests would argue about how many angels could sit on the head of a pin.
So, what’s going on? Well, in my humble opinion our county is owned by Ormat. They are able to drill, vent gases and operate without any of those pesky neighbors complaining.
It’s my firm belief that had the lava taken out Puna Geothermal Venture we would already have our roads back.
Ian C McArthur
Pahoa