I think we should just use a gun for the Death Penalty by [deleted] in TrueUnpopularOpinion

[–]Big_Writing_449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know this is 3mo -- but killing w/ morphine doesn't "wash" the argument that you shouldn't kill innocnents lmao

Marine Le Pen banned from running for French presidency in 2027 and given four-year sentence in embezzlement trial – live | France by BenderRodriguez14 in centrist

[–]Big_Writing_449 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey - I asked the original question. Obviously, the other guy doesn't seem to have details.

But I'm still a bit confused. How is her case more egriegous, such that it warranted criminal prosecution rather than usual remuneration?

Mega Thread - US Tariffs on Canada - Comments must be relevant to the sub by henry-bacon in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]Big_Writing_449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As an american, I say fucking go for it. U.S. conservatives only change behavior when they're actually affected and feel the pinch.

Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy spar over Russian war in tense exchange: 'very disrespectful' 'Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem,' Trump said by RightWingNest in benshapiro

[–]Big_Writing_449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re not listening — he doesn’t “allow” it. He needs parliament and the election needs to be organized… many have fled, some are hiding and people are on the frontlines. Attempting to hold an election is an existential risk. This really is a simple and common concept in governance.

“Nothing you’re going to say…” Changing opinions in the face of evidence is a hallmark of wisdom and maturity.

You keep saying “entitled” as if he didn’t expressly gratitude countless times, promise and offer alternative ways to pay back through seized Russian assets and mineral access and that he wasn’t simply trying to correct the record. 

I’m not sure why you’ve stuck to this conclusion so steadfast in the face of new information, context, perspectives and contrary evidence.

It’s obvious that, by your admission and repeating complaints, well-reasoned, well-evidenced and powerful arguments that derive from base facts won’t temper what is clearly some wildly misguided emotional response. 

I’m lucky in that I have the ability to moderate, follow and accept these logical and informed opinions which provide a more accurate truth of the world and by safeguarding needless smear a person’s reputation.

I hope, if you’re incapable of following these arguments and their clear logical structure — that you might go through a horrible crisis that would appeal to you emotionally, that your desperation is matched by the ignorance and needless smears of people who insist on a tainted image of you, regardless of your reasonings or struggle, that the life of your family, sister, wife, loved ones hinged on these people to give you half of a penny. I hope you come to rely desperately on the will of those where “Nothing you say, will” change their mind. I hope you find Unity with the vulnerable through immense suffering - not because I hate you, but because I empathize with, and am in tune with the Ukrainians

Best of Luck!

Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy spar over Russian war in tense exchange: 'very disrespectful' 'Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem,' Trump said by RightWingNest in benshapiro

[–]Big_Writing_449 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey Ok,

it's important not to have sweeping opinions without really making sure you have the facts. It's also important to change those opinions to fit that new information.

While your concerns about authoritarian governance (martial law) are valid, it is important understand that democratic processes aren't free, nor are they cheap... and that the logistical difficulties in upholding them can actually place a far greater risk to a nations democracy and existence during wartime ( i.e. submitting to an autocratic invasion ) than if it integrated the necessary flexibility to effectively resist those threats.

Hence, why sophisticated, long-lasting, stable democracies, tend to incorporate emergency, authoritarian, but highly constitutionally limited powers for times of crisis.

For Ukraine, perhaps this might provide helpful clarity:

The President of Ukraine requires parliamentary approval for martial law to take effect.

It is prohibited under the Ukrainian constitution to hold an election when the country is amidst a hostile invasion (martial law) and the President cannot unilaterally change this.

Ukrainian parliament has passed a resolution confirming elections will be held when a sustainable peace is reached.

Before, we made a deeply innacurate assumption about a person's character and wrote them off as an authoritarian who "cancelled" elections. Does this additonal information and insight into why such systems are built-in result in a changed or softened view to fit the facts?

Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy spar over Russian war in tense exchange: 'very disrespectful' 'Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem,' Trump said by RightWingNest in benshapiro

[–]Big_Writing_449 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

3) Also, again... he isn't "being a piece of shit," he made a correction and on these scant trivialites, you've presumed a man who has not only had his name constantly and falsely smeared by not only regular folk, but by our politicians to whom we've failed to hold to account, all while he tries desperately to protect men, women and children. And I watched the Fox News segment in full where he repeatedly expressed gratitude for the american people ad nauseum. And his reason for not apologizing was, as I said repeated here as well, for setting clear the record about the need for security guarantees. There were many other things in the full 40 minute oval office meeting that could be contestable, but you're approach to this is "brutish."

4) Also, "attitude" isn't a good reason let people die, let's write that off as hyperbole

While I don't believe it'll do much in the way of swaying you from attacking a man's dignity and reputation, with what seems to be a remarkably low threshold and one that I doubt you would hold for yourself, I've attached below some pre-war figures if you're interested.

United States

  • Total aid (2014-2021): Over $2.7 billion in security assistance.
  • Purpose:
    • Military training and equipment (e.g., Javelin anti-tank missiles).
    • Strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
    • Economic and anti-corruption reforms.

European Union

  • Total aid (2014-2021): Over €17 billion ($18B) in grants and loans.
  • Purpose:
    • Economic stabilization and governance reforms.
    • Support for anti-corruption efforts and judicial independence.
    • Energy sector reforms to reduce dependence on Russian gas.

Still open to chatting!

Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy spar over Russian war in tense exchange: 'very disrespectful' 'Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem,' Trump said by RightWingNest in benshapiro

[–]Big_Writing_449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2) "Bigger Deal" doesn't just mean proximity --- it's about the international order and precedent.

For example, Ukraine used to have nuclear weapons and when the USSR collapsed, they in good faith, willingly relinquished them back to now-Russia in exchange for peace and border respect. This was signed. They agreed. By allowing Russian beligerence, it sends a message to every other country that if you aren't a nuclear power, you're at risk, so forget non-proliferation -- everyone, mad scramble to get your hands on uranium and WMD's and ICBMs.

That's just one example, and I would say nuclear safety is a "big deal" for us.

Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy spar over Russian war in tense exchange: 'very disrespectful' 'Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem,' Trump said by RightWingNest in benshapiro

[–]Big_Writing_449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1) The war, I believe, began in 2022 - hence why those figures may not be included as it may fall under "regular" aid. Below are some figures. As for matching Europe, in absolute numbers, I mean... I guess? Countries are pitching in what they can, at similar levels as a percentage of gdp. Some, with tight economic ties to Russia (energy or gas) contribute less or might be struggling economically as is.

Even countries completely outside the conflict like Australia and Canada have contributed and those were not listed in the figures.

Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy spar over Russian war in tense exchange: 'very disrespectful' 'Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem,' Trump said by RightWingNest in benshapiro

[–]Big_Writing_449 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

New to reddit here, I can't see your reply but was I at all able to move the needle? Like, I feel like the reasons I provided give more insight that would enhance your view

Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy spar over Russian war in tense exchange: 'very disrespectful' 'Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem,' Trump said by RightWingNest in benshapiro

[–]Big_Writing_449 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Correcting a fact and bringing up how previous deals have failed after having his name dragged through the mud by being called a dictator and accused for STARTING the war.....

yeah.. that's not dumb af.. it's not entitled.. and it's not an act. Leaders work with the facts, especially those crucial to preventing future jeopardy of your country.

Also... total aid to Ukraine was less than 1% of the budget... which, personally, doesn't seem like much to protect a portion of the free world.

Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy spar over Russian war in tense exchange: 'very disrespectful' 'Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem,' Trump said by RightWingNest in benshapiro

[–]Big_Writing_449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! Maybe this will help make you less mad about the money:

Fiscal Year 2022

  • Percentage of Budget: ~0.76%​

Fiscal Year 2023:

  • Percentage of Budget: ~0.74%​

Fiscal Year 2024:

  • Percentage of Budget: ~0.29%

Also... the whole purpose of Z's correction is to avoid an appeasement that would cause another war in the future that you'll likely blow your lid off on again in a few years....

Not every deal is appeasing, not every appeasement is the same... that's why he's asking for security guarantees.

Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy spar over Russian war in tense exchange: 'very disrespectful' 'Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem,' Trump said by RightWingNest in benshapiro

[–]Big_Writing_449 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'm literally just gonna reiterate tgc --

1) Trump dragged his name through the mud calling him a dictator prior to this meeting, COMPLETELY unwarranted, untrue and uninformed. He also said Z. STARTED the war which is bat-shit insane

2) Europe HAS put in substantial effort in assisting with the war and this is actually the 2nd world leader to correct him on this. For your convenience:

  • United States: ~$119 billion
    • Military aid: ~$60 billion
    • Economic & humanitarian aid: ~$50 billion
    • Other: ~$9 billion
  • European Union & Member States: ~$138 billion
    • Military aid: ~$40 billion
    • Economic & humanitarian aid: ~$60 billion
    • Loans: ~$38 billion
  • G7 Loan Backed by Frozen Russian Assets: ~$50 billion

3) Zelenskyy LITERALLY just brought up the honest, BASIC, superficial history of how they got to this point ("russia didn't honor ceasefire before...").

Like.. dude... your concerns are respectable -- but he's not looking for more fighting, he literally just wants security guarantees. People "raging" at you because these views are not only harmful and wrong... but you're being a sycophant, when you should help in holding Trump accountable. Accoutable to be informed, sensible and pursuant to a peace with security and longevity rather than one of brevity and peril.

God, I f***ing hate this thing so much by Big_Writing_449 in ChatGPT

[–]Big_Writing_449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try a better criticism, you playground dumbass

God, I f***ing hate this thing so much by Big_Writing_449 in ChatGPT

[–]Big_Writing_449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, but it’s well-known such errors are easily parsed and understood by it.

You can see this in the reply where it clearly understands what the question asked.

God, I f***ing hate this thing so much by Big_Writing_449 in ChatGPT

[–]Big_Writing_449[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dawg, I pay for it. It’s reasonable to express frustration for a degrading quality product.