Remember this week.
Two days ago evil Vlad Putin waged war on the Ukrainians. Missiles, tanks, boats and helos met some brave defenders. Thirteen soldiers guarding a small island off the coast stood up to one of Putin’s destroyers when ordered to surrender or be shelled into oblivion. “Russian warship,” they messaged, “go F yourself.”
They died. But on their feet, not their knees.
Well, markets didn’t capitulate either. Yesterday we (my pal Ryan and I) gave you some reasons why we sold nothing when the tanks moved in. That turned out to be wise.
Now before we go further yammering about your portfolio, retirement funds, house money and TFSAs, let’s reflect on the context. We’re in safe Canada, enjoying stability, prosperity and liberties that people surging to the Ukraine-Poland border can only dream of. Watching smoke plumes over Europe underscores the absurdity of the ‘Freedom Convoy’ we just endured. Thousands of our citizens rebelled against wearing a protective mask in public or receiving a safe vaccine. How naïve. We may not be worthy of the blessings we have.
Now, about the money. The markets. And what’s next.
Thursday was historic, and a lesson. US markets recorded the widest single-day swing on record, from a loss of 850 points on the Dow to a gain of 100, while the Nasdaq swung over 6%. Anyone selling in a panic in the morning was in regret by noon and disbelief by four. Once again the classic pattern had played out – but this time in high gear. Fear. Overreaction. Losses. Recovery. Gains.
The short-term explanation is that the war in Ukraine will be over in a few days. Tragic, but decisive. The reopening, post-pandemic trade will continue on the markets. Investors will turn their attention back to inflation, CB monetary policy, employment and corporate earnings. This latest geopolitical shock will end up being but a shake-out of inexperienced investors and misguided money managers who think they can shed alpha as they walk.
Today bond yields have jumped back (and bond prices decreased) as the flight to safety wanes. The betting is central bankers will carry on with their agenda of raising rates in March, but perhaps on a slightly slower path. The US clearly will not escalate the tensions in Europe since neither the president nor the people want another long, hideously-expensive war on their hands. (And Putin knows it.)
Meanwhile, more eyes here are on the Canadian banks than on Kyiv.
So far this week the Royal and CIBC have reported. Profits. Big profits. For example the penguin guys are earning more than half a billion – per month. The provision for bad loans is coming down, revenues are going up and this gives us one more harbinger of an economy where jobs, incomes, prices and GDP are all swelling. Yes, it’s the reopening trade. Only 50% of the world is vaccinated and as that number grows, the virus fades and global growth resumes. Such things are way more consequential to Mr. Market than the Russian dictator.
Lessons? Simple. The same.
Ignore the noise. Wars. Pandemics. Truckers. They all pass. Getting older – that’s permanent.
Keep a long-term perspective. Are you investing for a house? Your kid’s future? Retirement? Then why sweat a temporary blip? Look at the chart over decades.
Stay invested. Don’t react to headlines. Never day trade. Turn off BNN. Shun advice from some kid goof on Reddit. Do not think you’re smarter than the market.
Don’t look at your portfolio every day, or week, or month. It’s irrelevant. Get the right weightings, rebalance every year or so. Go walk the pooch instead.
Not only do we live in volatile days, but a time of information overload, instant communications and the dubious gift of social media. As mainstream media voices fade, we’ve lost the benefit of filtered, accurate and actionable news. We have to understand peer-to-peer messages, Tweets and FB groups are, at best, unreliable. At worst they’re swill. Basing investment decisions on any of this is lethal.
Remember the facts. Ukraine is a sad situation. Putin’s a sociopathic bully. But markets are agnostic and care only about creating and trading wealth. We’re still heading into a protracted period of global expansion as Covid retreats. Inflation and interest rates are a more immediate threat than the dogs of war. Tens of millions will be heading back to workplaces in 2022. Corporations will continue to make money, atop an incredible year in 2021. There will be no new lockdowns, quarantines or restrictions. And we’re blessed to live in a free land, of democratic rule, next door to the guys with the biggest stick in the world. Nobody’s invading us. Ever.
Worry less. Live more. And remember this week.
About the picture: This is from Dave…
142 comments ↓
CIBC 2-for-1 stock split announced! Woo hoo!
Mr. T yesterday you wrote:
First, keep your cool. Things always suck when they’re unfolding. We went through this two years ago. Covid came out of nowhere. Stocks crashed 35% in a couple of weeks. A bear market. The global economy essentially shut down. If the lights were going to go out on life as we know it, that was the time.
But you remember what happened. We survived and actually thrived.
ARE YOU SERIOUS? REALLY?
Ummm, WHY did we survive and Thrive?
Have anything with the TRILLIONS printed worldwide by central banks?
Is this inflation we are dealing with helping people Thrive? No concerns how this will hurt the masses for decades ahead? Please…
You can’t have it both ways Garth….tell the ENTIRE STORY PLEASE just what’s not “catchy” at the moment to get your view across…unreal…
#182 Sail Away on 02.25.22 at 3:10 pm
Ad hominem, or at least slurs
—
I don’t know how often I have to repeat this, but when there is ample evidence for my claims — I repeat abmple — then what you incorrectly call “ad hominem” transforms to accurate characterization. It’s not an ad hominem attack when I call a particular suit of cards whose symbol is black and shaped like an inverted leaf of populus tremuloides a spade.
Frankly, characterizing me as someone who would willingly or inadvertantly nuke millions of people is truly slanderous in that you are implying a harmful action at a level that supercedes the worst war crimes. Characterizing my work as pseudo-science is duly slanderous. More so because I comment here under my own name as my easily googelable self. This is in opposition to my applying an adjective with no implied harmful actions in this case to your heroes. And, regarding you, have I ever implied that you are prone to murderous rampage?
It never fails to amaze me how conservatives tend to be both the most fearful and the most rapaciously armed (and therefore isolated) against their humans. A steady diet of Ngo, Hannity, Carlson, Rogan will do that I guess.
We are lucky indeed, Garth. Its nice to have a little perspective once and a while. Unfortunately, we have grown lazy and pompous and have forgotten the many, many years of war that have brought the freedoms we take for granted today.
Happy Friday!
Dow Jones Industrial Average
34,012.93
+2.38%
+789.10 Today
Feb 25, 3:30:43 PM UTC-5
For once,
Wow. Just wow.
Appropriate.
Great Blog today Garth. Ate it all up. Near Messianic My Liege.
As for Twitter, this sums it up as of late:
https://twitter.com/Gab_H_R/status/1497240663448039429
…until the next thing comes along.
SO MANY HEROES in the Ukraine incl. the brave the died on that island:
https://twitter.com/RupamDh41164418/status/1497240078392840198
https://twitter.com/LatestGosip/status/1497301317949214727
https://twitter.com/arpit_apoorva/status/1497250044608532481
https://twitter.com/rahulshah14327/status/1497265850809667586
and on, and on.
———–
Please God render them all harmless.
Ha, ample. Never fails LOL.
A good twitter follow on energy supplies and strategy had “I will die on my hill of typos” pinned to her timeline. At least I’m in good company. And I have Clippy to help.
Ok, for reals. Have a good weekend The Squad and some of you others as well. Spring beckons.
Really good post there, Garth.
Day trader?
I’ve been a bad old dog!
I see the opposite. The market is saying that Javelins and Stingers are very effective. Multiply those 13 soldiers by the population of Ukraine and one can see why it’s virtually impossible for Russia govern Ukraine in any sense given that US/Nato will supply as much arms as any Ukrainian needs, and Poland is next door.
The real worry is if Putin decides to go nuclear. But then we might not have to worry about a portfolio at that point.
So Canadian troops are going to help defend Ukraine. I wonder how may Russians own investment property in Toronto and Vancouver.
Maybe that would be a good starting point. Send the military to deal with the politicians and law makers that have put this country up for sale to anyone with a bag of cash.
I grew up in AB.
Seemed ever 2nd surname there ends in a “ski”. Met some fine people when living there mani of them of them of Ukrainian lineage. Fond memories.
So when I saw this today, I broke down and cried.
https://youtu.be/LVJEgvLKgxk
Sir Garth you are wrong if you think Ukraine will be quick and decisive. Think Iraq. A quick initial battle giving way to years of insurgency violence and instability.
“There’s nothing I can do about what happened last year, or yesterday, and there’s not a lot I can do about tomorrow, but right now everything’s good.”
–Willie Nelson
Good advice Garth! The stress just isn’t worth it. We have it pretty good in this country.
“Nobody’s invading us. Ever.”
…………………………………………….
At least not in the next 5&1/2 or 6 years.
… I would agree with the first part of that statement for that approximate duration. Totally disagree with the (“Ever”) end of it.
Without exception ….. “Worry less. Live more.”
I for one have always been for that.
#1 JSS on 02.25.22 at 3:28 pm
CIBC 2-for-1 stock split announced! Woo hoo!
not understanding the joy…
day 1: 100 shares at $100 each
stock splits two-4-one
day 2: 200 shares at $50 each
you didn’t actually double your money, right?
what is the Woo hoo! all about?
— curious and confused.
How much Oil & Gas does Canada import from Russia? – yes IMPORT!
According to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Canada imports roughly $550 million worth of crude oil a year from Russia, most of which is consumed in Eastern Canada.
Eric Nuttall says the U.S. imports even more than that: “They’re basically contributing $66 million a day into the Russian coffers to empower them to launch cruise missiles into Ukraine when they had a safe and reliable supplier to the north,” he said of the Biden administration’s decision to kill the Keystone XL pipeline once and for all.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/ukraine-economic-impact-1.6362992
“The White House has gone to great lengths to convey that it will not target the Russian energy sector and exacerbate an already tight supply situation,”
While Xi and Putin have been on a decades long strategy of making their nations stronger and more powerful our Elite have been undermining our Industrial might, our energy independence and faith in our institutions.
Our Globalist “Baizuo” Elite could not be playing the game of “Realpolitik” any worse. These naive Globalist’s by example are making it clear the world over that Woke Democracy and Western Liberalism is the losing strategy.
Now because it is so utterly cringeworthy here is Canada’s poster boy of global elitism, Mark Carney’s view on pipeline again…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPY_SxyNB5M
Canada is like the really bright Teenager you meet with huge potential and all the gifts to wildly succeed, but instead chooses tattoos, body piercing and selling drugs to their friends….so much potential wasted that it makes you want to scream.
Ukrainian and Nazi connection
In case you are wondering what all the Ukrainian = Nazi buzz is about here is a short video that gives you a taste:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQTXaWTmQE4
Essentially for many the Nazi’s seemed a better choice than the Stalinist purges the Ukrainians had been subjected to for over a decade.
Turns out both options really sucked.
Live interactive map of the conflict;
https://liveuamap.com/
You may have to refresh as server demand is very high.
Maybe it’s “war porn” or information, depends on perspective.
Remember “Truth is the first casualty of war”
Free money and the hope now that rate increases will be mostly off the table(maybe 2 in 2022 and then a recession)have got people hopped up on an overblown casino mentality.Getting excited now about bouncing back from Wednesday is silly and whenever we see huge swings in one day it is always a bad sign.It’s a long game no question but we haven’t dodged a bullet here and buying into this is nuts imo.
Do not think you’re smarter than the market.
The tiny number of folks who have actual verified track records of beating the markets for decades, like Stanley Druckenmiller, are such publicly modest people.
Helps me focus to remember that as an investor I’m competing with guys like Stan.
As for Vlad, maybe it’s useful to remember that the current average life expectancy of a Russian male is 66 years. Mr Putin will be 70 on Oct. 7th.
I for one think that the worlds response to the full scale invasion of Ukraine is a disgrace. It starts a month ago with Biden green lighting Putin’s invasion and continues with no meaningful sanctions on Russia. If they don’t kill SWIFT for Russia they haven’t done anything meaningful.
This is why Putin is laughing: https://wallstreetonparade.com/2022/02/heres-why-the-russian-sanctions-are-a-dud-big-foreign-banks-from-the-u-s-france-austria-and-italy-are-operating-in-a-routine-manner-in-russia/
Expect massive cyber disruptions.
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/02/ukraine-war-russian-hack-cybersecurity/622922/
This is only the early days.
PREPARE
Tonight I do not give a fat damn about my portfolio.
Yes, I “guess” I am “lucky” to be able “watch” smoke bombs pile over Ukraine as its brave people and leaders stand alone in facing the enemy while the Western oligarchs content themselves to do nothing (although they’re probably creaming their jeans as they watch their oil investments raging hard).
No, no… we can’t help because that would start WW3, right?
Hmmm, if we sit back and do nothing, will that really calm Herr Putin? I fear it will aid and abet him. He’s going to dump his nukes one way or another. Would he dump more now than he would once stronger and more powerful? Anyone’s guess, I suppose.
Now, I’m no foreign strategist, but I’m willing to wager that the West’s complacency in this matter sure as Hell isn’t going to encourage alliances with NATO going forward.
Tonight I pray for a miracle for the Ukrainian people. May they fight a good fight and not be slaughtered while their supposed allies safely watch the big show on their big screens. AMEN.
Ukrainians showing what kind of soft, pliable, spoiled babies we actually are. Bless them and thank you for the reality check.
I do think this week will go down in history as an illuminating one. As they say, history is lost on those who make it.
The pain of the Ukrainian people has much to do with those who live in a global warming dream world, like Germany and to a lesser extent Canada and now the US under Biden.
In the real world (not the dream world), it gets very cold in winter and people need heat to survive. The best way to do this is by burning natural gas. They also need electric power, and the easiest generation sources to control are turbines burning natural gas. Also need food delivered by diesel powered trucks (and drivers!), and it doesn’t hurt to have gasoline for your car, as well as a host of petro-chemicals that make life easier than out great grandparents had it.
Winter will keep coming, and every prediction of the global warmists over the last 30+ years has been wrong. Do any of you remember what was said at the Earth Summit in Rio in ’92?
If Germany hadn’t made itself Putin’s bitch, none of this would be happening. To kill off your own energy industry is one thing, but to keep consuming (as we all do!) without supply is suicide.
Our debt based system, where most live happily off government supplied largesse, cannot last forever, unsustainable. Deep down, many people, like the truckers, understand this, even if they can’t articulate it well.
As we go further down the debt hole, the financial noose will tighten, and the protests have shown just how fast any registered asset can be seized.
A true B/D portfolio includes some insurance from having funds in other countries and currencies, and assets harder to seize. Having some control over your own business doesn’t hurt either.
DELETED
While our Prime Minster Justin Trudeau was invoking the Emergencies Act to stop a handful of middle class truckers, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was doing the same to stop a full-on Russian invasion of 100,000+ troops.
To the world, the headlines must have looked like a mis-print. This is why Trudeau reversed so quickly. Justin would have loved nothing more than to let it expire after 30 days, just to bask in it. But the truckers got the world’s attention – optics are everything. And overreach it was, as the Ukraine crisis proves.
Great poem Dave.
#22 Cici on 02.25.22 at 4:42 pm
I understand what you say. Very good thought. But please, be careful what terms you use. Herr Putin is just Mr. Putin. Although I know what you mean, your intent must have been ‘Der Führer’ b/c you must be comparing Putin to Hitler during WWII.
By saying Herr Putin you’re bringing Germany into the fray who have nothing to do with this.
This confusion still causes embarrassment to Germans this day.
Okay, so it’s Fox news, but this Russian-born intelligence agent is worth listening to. Unfortunately, I believe everything she is saying is 100% true.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJW7tn4wPys
Excellent and wise words written today Garth. Thanks for reminding us all of just how good we truly have it in this crazy and mixed up world.
“And we’re blessed to live in a free land, of democratic rule, next door to the guys with the biggest stick in the world.”
And I had the biggest stick in Canada, Turner.
That’s how I got rid of you. :)
**Warning, Warning, Warning**
History lesson to follow, might attain Nonplused levels in length.
Way back in 2016 Paul Manafort (bagman for Russian oligarchs and Trumps campaign manager) wrestled the GOP into removing support for Ukraine from the party platform.
Does that now seem unrelated to any of today’s events?
Recall when Trump eased Russian sanctions put in place for their invasion of Crimea?
Or when he withheld military aid to Ukraine that was already passed by Congress?
Or when he basically blackmailed Zelensky (sp?) into a fake investigation of Biden?
Any of that have any bearing on what is currently happening?
At least I now know where to shove the Ukrainian Sausage that has been sitting in my fridge for a month and a half…
M47BC
‘Pearl’ looks like she is channeling the Snoopy dance of joy:) We all of us would benefit by following her lead.
#182 Sail Away on 02.25.22 at 3:10 pm
I feel a civic duty to point out intellectually dishonest arguments. It’s a bit of a calling.
Understand with the above that I am criticizing your words, not you as a person. This is important to honest and intelligent debate.
This is important to honest and intelligent debate
Where does crude and rude “jokes” about my long deceased mother fit in with all this?
My head nearly exploded after watching this 9 minute tutorial on the shared History of Russia and Ukraine.
https://youtu.be/nK-yJD_fAtk
It puts things into better context. No, we are not headed for WWIII. Putin will not touch a NATO member. But it’s clear that NATO members were not so sure, as in recent days they pumped out “NATO stands united” media messages aimed at Putin.
Also, it’s crazy that Ukraine inherited a massive arsenal of nukes after the Soviet Union broke up, but later gave them all to Russia in exchange for protection and sovereignty.
trade in the rumor, trade out the news
short or stay out the pending fiasco, cover, or get in when others get out in panic on the arrival of news everyone knew was coming
does it work all the time, maybe not, but it sure gives juicy trades
The real worry is if Putin decides to go nuclear.
——————-
Much has been said about how unhinged Putin is. I don’t think so. He has run circles around the west and will achieve his goal of controlling the Ukraine.
He’s too smart to launch nukes, that would be the step too far. By some accounts he and his oligarch accomplices control over $1 trillion US dollars. They live extremely opulent lifestyle and would not jeopardize that.
“Anyone selling in a panic in the morning was in regret by noon and disbelief by four. Once again the classic pattern had played out – but this time in high gear. Fear. Overreaction. Losses. Recovery. Gains.”
———
Yep. Ever it repeats.
I manage and advise on a number of accounts in our family and put together a simple information sheet for account creation/sample portfolios/tax considerations/sources for more information, etc.
The last line in large font capital bold is:
Most important: Never, ever sell in a downturn. Talk to somebody first.
Wow! Thirteen Ukrainian solders. True Spartans. Thermopylae again. Maybe movies will be made of them in future.
It is too bad they didn’t have some anti-ship missiles.
Two in one deal. Interview with Dodge and Gov’t spending.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/politics/documents-show-trudeau-warned-of-issues-linked-to-build-back-better-pledge-1.5796040
Agreed Garth but one day it may actually be the ones with the “big stick” that actually invade us lol
Here’s one for your watch list: ERUS
This ishares etf has tanked in the last week, understandably, and might be worth a gamble at some point. It did rally a bit today.
On the money…strong piece today, Garth.
Very sad to see what is going on in the Ukraine dealing with Putin is an exercise in learning how to be helpless.
We in the west just let him go ahead and expand his empire fearful if we do anything he will nuke us. My
mother’s family left the Ukraine when she was 8 first to
Saskatchewan for free homestead land then when I was 3 my parents along with my grand parents moved to Osoyoos B.C. and became orchardists which proved to be an excellent move. I cannot imagine what it is like
to be in a war. We have the charmed life in this GREAT COUNTRY.I feel tearfully sad for the people in the Ukraine.
#35 Ustabe on 02.25.22 at 5:18 pm
#182 Sail Away on 02.25.22 at 3:10 pm
I feel a civic duty to point out intellectually dishonest arguments. It’s a bit of a calling.
Understand with the above that I am criticizing your words, not you as a person. This is important to honest and intelligent debate.
This is important to honest and intelligent debate
——-
Where does crude and rude “jokes” about my long deceased mother fit in with all this?
——-
I don’t think this happened, U.
You’ve mentioned this 3 times. Because I felt it odd that I would do such a thing, I checked and could find nothing of the sort.
One ‘yo momma’ slam to Ponzie, yes, but nothing to you.
If you can please post the instance here, I will happily review and revisit. If you find nothing, I would respectfully request you cease and desist with the accusation.
#28 Weltschmerz
Yes, of course I was comparing Putin to Hitler, but that was in no way meant to be an insult toward the Germans. I do not blame the Germans for Nazi Germany, I blame Hitler and his fascist regime. Like I do not blame the Russian people for what is happening right now in Ukraine. That’s on the Führer and his cronies.
Sorry for any confusion, although no harm was intended. I do have a tendency to shoot my mouth off when I’m emotionally charged, but I guess I might as well make use of that political luxury while it’s still sort of available to us…
Feb 25 Today’s flipped ‘Principal Residences’
https://www.zolo.ca/welland-real-estate/25-mccrae-drive#sold-history
https://housesigma.com/web/en/house/JRv53KDedLoYVPW4/110-WESTWOOD-Crescent-Welland-40202309
https://housesigma.com/web/en/house/JRv53KDedLoYVPW4/110-WESTWOOD-Crescent-Welland-40202309-X5483749
https://housesigma.com/web/en/house/dXze3eKaZLky8m9K/777-KING-Street-Port-Colborne-40076903
https://www.zolo.ca/port-colborne-real-estate/777-king-street
https://housesigma.com/web/en/house/2Zpj39ExeV03DrK8/11-Aaron-Tr-Welland-X5475845-H4124468
https://www.zolo.ca/fort-erie-real-estate/616-lakeside-road
https://www.zolo.ca/port-colborne-real-estate/73-oakwood-street
https://housesigma.com/web/en/house/eVbOYEp9MXV3x2P0/73-OAKWOOD-Street-Port-Colborne-40159666
Those asshat “freedom convoy” people can see on the news what an ACTUAL authoritarian does… not this weak snowflake ish they get so worked up about.
Was wearing a mask the same as being bombarded by bombs? The same as having your home blown to pieces or your car stomped on by a tank?!
#26 Shirl Clarts on 02.25.22 at 4:58 pm
While our Prime Minster Justin Trudeau was invoking the Emergencies Act to stop a handful of middle class truckers, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was doing the same to stop a full-on Russian invasion of 100,000+ troops.
To the world, the headlines must have looked like a mis-print. This is why Trudeau reversed so quickly. Justin would have loved nothing more than to let it expire after 30 days, just to bask in it. But the truckers got the world’s attention – optics are everything. And overreach it was, as the Ukraine crisis proves.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Got the job done when no one else could. And now it’s revoked. How is that overreach?
“The betting is central bankers will carry on with their agenda of raising rates in March, but perhaps on a slightly slower path.”
Unlikely rates will go up by any significant amount.
Even at a neutral rate the carrying cost of the national debt of both Canada and the US, would eat upwards of 20% of GDP.
Politically and economically impossible to allow.
I worry for my children’s future. This seems like the late 1930’s all over again. I worry Putin is a worse threat to world peace than Hitler as he is willing to use nuclear weapons to achieve his imperial ambitions:
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2022/02/25/Meet-The-Face-Global-Fascism/
He is arguably the richest man in the world (his Oligarchs hold his wealth for him) and the UK and other European countries seem unwilling to act substantively to curtail his financial reach:
https://fortune.com/2022/02/25/putin-net-worth-wealth-russia-ukraine-invasion-sanctions-biden-us/
China is also on a steady march with imperialist ambitions. How long until China invades Taiwan? They are much more patient than Putin. It could be 5 or 10 years but after the events of this week, I would not be surprised to see it happen this year (with Putin’s blessing):
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/15/xi-putin-russia-china-beijing-ukraine/?itid=ap_anthonyfaiola
Boris Johnson is no Winston Churchill. Can Joe Biden rally America like FDR?
America is tired of foreign conflicts and seems so divided and ravaged by misinformation that I wonder about their willingness to stand up to Russia or China.
The UN seems impotent.
Hopefully others more versed in world history and current affairs than I can provide some hope.
Putin definitely biting more than he can chew. The a**hole will be defeated in the end.
The only question, how much do the Ukrainians suffer until then.
People fighting for their freedom tend to be motivated, might take a while but in the end Russia don’t stand a chance.
Not sure if true.
But this am, I came accross a media article stating the Russia is still pumping gas to Europe via tbe Ukraine pipeline and the sactions on Russian banks does not include the incoming gas payments from Europe. Hmmmm?
All about the dollars?
#47 Cici on 02.25.22 at 6:01 pm
Agreed. I guess I have to ask myself what is the use of political correctness if you’re not in the public eye? If we walk around trying not offend everyone you talk to, and who THEY talk to, we would all be a nervous wreck.
But, what I do know is that most of German society today will take offense to any inference to Nazi Germany. They take it very seriously. So, with possible Ethnic German readers of these comments in mind, I thought it best to say something – emotions encouraged!
#23 Guy in Calgary on 02.25.22 at 4:44 pm
^^ That’s an insult to all the fallen Canadians from WW2. Our grandfathers. We would do the same today. In fact the gathering in Ottawa – right or wrong – did show a muster and cause united. And flags everywhere.
—
#49 yorkville renter on 02.25.22 at 6:19 pm
“Was wearing a mask the same as being bombarded by bombs”
^^ Well you have to look at how it all starts. It begins with an authortatian leader, but well spoken good orator. Who begins then seperating the population. Striping some of jobs, assets, travel rights (via mandates). Add to that Essential/Non-essential. Many small business economically bombed to bits, along with their family’s security and peace. A done deal in Kanada. Check your history books, in any country. Same playbook. We are living a total spectrum domination/multi dimensional war – since 2020.
Were our hospitals bombed? Well for 2 years you could not/still cannot see a doctor in person, nor get typed of surgeries/procedures. They might as well be.
You must of the elite clerical Laptop class, unaffected.
European sanctions that hurt???
There is no easy way to talk about money when people’s lives are at stake. Ukrainians are huddling in basements, their president is worried for his own life, and thousands of anxious people are trying to escape, some of them by foot. And yet … narrow financial interests are, as always, a big driver of the global response to this war. Look no further than the fact that Gucci loafers from Italy could get a carve-out in the EU’s sanctions package.
36 shirl – thank you for this link
45 Cuke – thank you for sharing
Dave, she’s a beauty that Pearl, lovely girl.
Attaboy, you’re our poet laureate, oh joy!
—————————————
“We’re in safe Canada, enjoying stability, prosperity and liberties that people surging to the Ukraine-Poland border can only dream of. ”
Feeling awful after grumbling about having to shop/stop at 5 stores today. So tired of mask on, mask off.
Then it occurred to me that people are dying there… yesterday and today, and will tomorrow. And for what…a petulant and narcissistic despot’s dreams of a long-gone “glorified” past. If I believed in heaven, I’d know he was destined for hell.
#26 Shirl Clarts on 02.25.22 at 4:58 pm
While our Prime Minster Justin Trudeau was invoking the Emergencies Act to stop a handful of middle class truckers, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was doing the same to stop a full-on Russian invasion of 100,000+ troops.
To the world, the headlines must have looked like a mis-print. This is why Trudeau reversed so quickly. Justin would have loved nothing more than to let it expire after 30 days, just to bask in it. But the truckers got the world’s attention – optics are everything. And overreach it was, as the Ukraine crisis proves.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Got the job done when no one else could. And now it’s revoked. How is that overreach?
*****************
Yes, agree with Observer.
#26 Shirl Clarts
Yes, the Freedumb Truckers got the world’s attention but it didn’t make them look good, an embarrassment on their part perhaps??
“ Stay invested”
And keep watching your stocks go down as gold keeps going up.
The Dow surged 800 points today and gold crumbled $38 an ounce. Try to keep up. – Garth
Large telecom monopolies like ROGERS is CLOSING DOWN their warehouse operations in North York and Vaughan, resulting in THOUSANDS of PERMANENT LAYOFFS!
The economy is heading to dirt…
@Ustabe
Rough time frame and a key word or two and i’ll do a search when i get home. I have a complete archive of his comments. i will report facts, so if there is nothing i will report as much.
Not sure why all the hate on the truckers. They are against mandates, big deal. Get your shot, wear your mask and live your life. It did expose who our PM really was, which was the big win out of this.
Still love the blog…
Two days ago evil Vlad Putin waged war on the Ukrainians. Missiles, tanks, boats and helos met some brave defenders. Thirteen soldiers guarding a small island off the coast stood up to one of Putin’s destroyers when ordered to surrender or be shelled into oblivion. “Russian warship,” they messaged, “go F yourself.”
They died. But on their feet, not their knees.
Welll…..hmmmmm sounds familiar….. oh the truckers!
A new low. – Garth
‘The short-term explanation is that the war in Ukraine will be over in a few days’. ….predictions… like the housing bubble..not always right
#56- TN – GTFO
I used to think your ridiculous blathering was a weird joke, a la Smoking Man, but your creeds are delusional, pathetic and incredibly annoying.
authoritarianism doesn’t start in the middle of a once-in-a-century pandemic — put on your big boy pants, get out a little, and live your best life here in Canada..
be thankful you live in one of the safest nations on the globe
#63 Faron on 02.25.22 at 7:52 pm
@Ustabe
Rough time frame and a key word or two and i’ll do a search when i get home. I have a complete archive of his comments. i will report facts, so if there is nothing i will report as much.
+++++++++++++++++++
Get help. Really.
Down to my last 50 bucks.
Went to the bank last weekend to get $500 but the ATM was out of action and the branch was shut.
This has happened before on long weekends, people seem to load up on the Friday night and Saturday, and by Sunday the machine has run dry of dosh.
I didn’t give any money to the trucker convey, so hopefully I get my hands on some this weekend, especially since I don’t have a credit card.
Either that, or I’m about to find out there’s another guy named Flop who went to Ottawa and was a bit of a naughty boy…
M47BC
Just saying…Garth your writing abilities are off the charts. What an excellent post today. Thanks (again) for keeping this blog kicking. Cheers.
Further to sanctions…
BC’s-own died-in-the-wool socialist, Premier Horgan, is banning the sale of Russian alcoholic beverages.
Wish he’d rather have done something about the fact that B.C. teachers worked all of…wait for it…two (yes, 2) days this week.
I can’t be the only one who detects a whiff of desperation in Putin’s gambit – there are responsible elements in Russia (I know some professionally) who despise the man and his acolytes.
These folks can’t wait for the West to impose crushing sanctions on the KGB cabal, primarily by seizing assets and cutting off access to capital. Krugman wrote a great piece on this in the NYT yesterday:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/opinion/russia-ukraine-sanctions-offshore-accounts.html
Putin’s more likely to be killed by his own troops than NATO, and he knows it. Ukraine might be the last waltz.
#32 – Ustabe – wasn’t Manafort the campaign manager for Yanukovic, Putin’s man in Ukraine?
These guys are all in on it…
Weren’t we invaded by the Beatles?
#56 TurnerNation on 02.25.22 at 7:09 pm
#23 Guy in Calgary on 02.25.22 at 4:44 pm
#49 yorkville renter on 02.25.22 at 6:19 pm
“Was wearing a mask the same as being bombarded by bombs”
^^ Well you have to look at how it all starts. It begins with an authortatian leader, but well spoken good orator. Who begins then seperating the population. Striping some of jobs, assets, travel rights (via mandates). Add to that Essential/Non-essential. Many small business economically bombed to bits, along with their family’s security and peace. A done deal in Kanada. Check your history books, in any country. Same playbook. We are living a total spectrum domination/multi dimensional war – since 2020.
Were our hospitals bombed? Well for 2 years you could not/still cannot see a doctor in person, nor get typed of surgeries/procedures. They might as well be.
You must of the elite clerical Laptop class, unaffected.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
TurnerNation is one regular whose comments I have become habituated to just scroll by.
But I will make an exception.
TurnerNation, you have no idea how fortunate Canadians are. Trudeau is not your enemy. Our democratic country gave him the power he has and will remove it. Trucker Convoys are not required. I feel sad for you.
#12 STeve french on 02.25.22 at 4:03 pm
Sir Garth you are wrong if you think Ukraine will be quick and decisive. Think Iraq. A quick initial battle giving way to years of insurgency violence and instability.
____________________________
The Russian military is not governed by the same rules as the Americans. There’s no CNN or MSM parked in the conflict zone actively looking for atrocities. The Russians don’t discuss potential political fallout for their actions. Their media are under complete control and any deviation from the ‘party line’ is dealt with the old fashion way.
DELETED
#53 pPrasseur on 02.25.22 at 6:48 pm
People fighting for their freedom tend to be motivated, might take a while but in the end Russia don’t stand a chance.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Dreaming, but I wish sufficient numbers of unenthusiastic Russian soldiers would rebel against Putin.
Political words so well written. Thank you! At times your writing reminds me of Christie Blatchford. Please don’t ever stop writing.
DELETED (Anti-vax)
Further to sanctions…
#71
BC’s-own died-in-the-wool socialist, Premier Horgan, is banning the sale of Russian alcoholic beverages.
Wish he’d rather have done something about the fact that B.C. teachers worked all of…wait for it…two (yes, 2) days this week.
——————
??? Was family day a 3-day event this past week??? Perhaps it is different on the island, but my kid went to school 4 days this week. I think you must have forgotten to take your meds…
Thanks for the great financial advice provided here time and time again. It’s money! (literally).
One of the best commentator of the Ukraine invasion and a person that understands Putin’s mentality, Garry Kasparov was interviewed on PBS:
” What is Putin’s Endgame? Garry Kasparov on Russia’s Attack on Ukraine ”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYhsloRid_c
Mr. Kasparov summarizes very well how Putin got here and what may happen next.
#71 Barb on 02.25.22 at 8:22 pm
Further to sanctions…
BC’s-own died-in-the-wool socialist, Premier Horgan, is banning the sale of Russian alcoholic beverages.
Wish he’d rather have done something about the fact that
B.C. teachers worked all of…wait for it…two (yes, 2) days this week.
++++++++++++++++
Horgan also wants to impose a 12% sales tax on used cars.
#51 Quintilian on 02.25.22 at 6:33 pm
“The betting is central bankers will carry on with their agenda of raising rates in March, but perhaps on a slightly slower path.”
Unlikely rates will go up by any significant amount.
Even at a neutral rate the carrying cost of the national debt of both Canada and the US, would eat upwards of 20% of GDP.
Politically and economically impossible to allow
*******
What happens if they don’t do enou
#81 DON on 02.25.22 at 9:15 pm
#51 Quintilian on 02.25.22 at 6:33 pm
“The betting is central bankers will carry on with their agenda of raising rates in March, but perhaps on a slightly slower path.”
Unlikely rates will go up by any significant amount.
Even at a neutral rate the carrying cost of the national debt of both Canada and the US, would eat upwards of 20% of GDP.
Politically and economically impossible to allow
*******
What happens if they don’t do enough to contain inflation?
@#65 Don on 02.25.22 at 8:12 pm
Two days ago evil Vlad Putin waged war on the Ukrainians. Missiles, tanks, boats and helos met some brave defenders. Thirteen soldiers guarding a small island off the coast stood up to one of Putin’s destroyers when ordered to surrender or be shelled into oblivion. “Russian warship,” they messaged, “go F yourself.”
They died. But on their feet, not their knees.
Welll…..hmmmmm sounds familiar….. oh the truckers!
A new low. – Garth
–
this guy is about as ignorant as they come Garth.
Sigh.
Woke meets reality.
Perhaps all the firearms the Liberals keep advertising they will “take off the streets” could be sent to Ukraine.
@#71 Barb
“Wish he’d rather have done something about the fact that B.C. teachers worked all of…wait for it…two (yes, 2) days this week.”
+++
Politically correct indoctrination wasn’t built in a day.
Never question the need for university degreed Teachers to require more training.
The fact that those Professional Development “training days” usually happen on Fridays or Mondays is pure coincidence.
#50 Observer on 02.25.22 at 6:27 pm
#26 Shirl Clarts on 02.25.22 at 4:58 pm
While our Prime Minster Justin Trudeau was invoking the Emergencies Act to stop a handful of middle class truckers, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was doing the same to stop a full-on Russian invasion of 100,000+ troops.
To the world, the headlines must have looked like a mis-print. This is why Trudeau reversed so quickly. Justin would have loved nothing more than to let it expire after 30 days, just to bask in it. But the truckers got the world’s attention – optics are everything. And overreach it was, as the Ukraine crisis proves.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Got the job done when no one else could. And now it’s revoked. How is that overreach?
_________________________________
It’s not so much the fact that he ‘got the job done’. It was the way it was done. I don’t think I’m alone in admitting it’s a little embarrassing that this country lacks municipal police forces incapable of dealing with a group of mostly peaceful protesters and that our PM used such a tool in the first place. At the end of the day, nothing happened, nobody was hurt, nobody died, no major damage done, no burning buildings, and yet we use a martial law type tool to deal with it?
In my opinion, wwaaaaayyyyy overeach.
And we’re blessed to live in a free land, of democratic rule, next door to the guys with the biggest stick in the world. Nobody’s invading us. Ever.
Ain’t that the truth. Despite the rhetoric, nobody sane would ever seriously attempt to invade either of us. We both have our problems yes given Earth’s longest unenforced border is not without understanding simply how stupid any attempt that would be.
Hopefully Vlad and co. can come to some sort of agreement to end this as this is way out of hand – did not have escalate.
This is a good analysis (long). The bottom line that the Ukraine war started in 2014 could’ve been avoided.
NATO Too Weak to Face Russia: Scott Ritter on Russian Offensive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GkmdCaBECs
#15 rob4j on 02.25.22 at 4:09 pm
#1 JSS on 02.25.22 at 3:28 pm
CIBC 2-for-1 stock split announced! Woo hoo!
not understanding the joy…
day 1: 100 shares at $100 each
stock splits two-4-one
day 2: 200 shares at $50 each
you didn’t actually double your money, right?
what is the Woo hoo! all about?
— curious and confused.
________________
Oh Rob. Sounds like this is your first rodeo.
Mathematically, there is in fact no difference.
However, more times than not, popular stocks becomes even more popular after a split. It sends a message to investors that this stock grew so much that it had to be split before it grew too big.
Secondly, rightly or wrongly, investors would much rather own more shares of a stock than fewer, so therefore will be more likely to pick up new shares at the lower price and thereby causing greater demand and a kicker to the share price.
It has everything to do with perception and sentiment. There are lots of studies to back this thesis. Start by looking at Tesla, probably the best example in recent history of how a split can initiate a fury of new interest.
#71 Barb on 02.25.22 at 8:22 pm
Further to sanctions…
BC’s-own died-in-the-wool socialist, Premier Horgan, is banning the sale of Russian alcoholic beverages.
Wish he’d rather have done something about the fact that B.C. teachers worked all of…wait for it…two (yes, 2) days this week.
***********
Curious to know how banning Russian product will help anything. Didn’t we already pay for it? So we are just scrooging ourselves?
Better yet, why not sell it but send the proceeds to Ukrainian Red Cross and get a matching donation from Canadian government?
#53 pPrauser
Wake up
#68 Yukon Elvis on 02.25.22 at 8:15 pm
#63 Faron on 02.25.22 at 7:52 pm
Rough time frame and a key word or two and i’ll do a search when i get home. I have a complete archive of his comments. i will report facts, so if there is nothing i will report as much.
———
Get help. Really
———
It’s ok. I await the book. Two possible titles:
1. My Awakening: A Compilation of Extraordinary Logic and Rational Thought, or
2. Descent into Darkness: A Case Study of Pathological Obsessive Compulsion
#85 DON on 02.25.22 at 9:16 pm
*******
What happens if they don’t do enough to contain inflation?
The economy will crash. Those who have been immoral and irresponsible, will walk away with a lot of loot, platinum pensions, United Nations positions, and will be offered board of directors positions in large corporations.
And me and my generation will have to pick up the tab.
Putin threatens Sweden and Finland: Warns of ‘military and political consequences’ if they join NATO
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10553723/Putin-turns-attention-Finland-Sweden-Kremlin-official-warns-nations.html
Garth ….thirteen soldiers guarding a small island off the coast stood up to one of Putin’s destroyers when ordered to surrender or be shelled into oblivion. “Russian warship,” they messaged, “go F yourself.”
**************
Garth. It sounds very poetic and heroic. Good for movie. But reality is different! You were deceived by the Canadian or British press (BBS). Ukraine is ashamed to admit that none of the normal people want to fight for the Ukraine that has existed for the last 8 years and that why not telling true.
In fact, everything is simpler. Here is the official announcement.
Ukrainian military personnel consisting of 82 people laid down their weapons ‘near the island of Zmeiny’ and voluntarily surrendered to the Russian armed forces, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.
‘Currently, they are charged with a subscription to refuse to participate in hostilities. They will soon be returned to their families, ‘ Konashenkov said in a statement.
I hope you trust officials person.
I watched video – nobody told like this …. “go F yourself.” Troops on video looked even not exited. Nobody was dead or killed.
Sure, Vlad. Whatever you say. Russian spokesguy. Very credible. – Garth
Thousands of our citizens rebelled against wearing a protective mask in public or receiving a safe vaccine. How naïve. We may not be worthy of the blessings we have.
————————————————————-
That’s consistent with my thoughts. I saw a lot of spoiled rotten idiots there who have no idea how well off we are here. Personally I believe I won the lottery by being born in this country. I’d like to see those same protestors try the same thing in Russia or China and see how that turns out.
What a pointless and meaningless death for those Ukrainian lads, so that overweight Westerners with no stake in their lives can grandstand upon.
The West sent arms and prodded Ukraine to adopt a contrived bellicosity and hostility towards its most important neighbour, and now that missiles are flying, they have nothing to offer but mere words…
Western Values® – breath-taking hypocricy.
Sure, Vlad. Whatever you say. Russian spokesguy. Very credible. – Garth
***********
Garth, I understand your irony. I read the report. But it does not seem strange the fact that the Ministry of Defense knew how many soldiers was “heroically” killed, but did not know how many of them there are only on the island. About this in the report silence. They simply was ashamed to confess everything as it really was. This is a shame! That’s the whole lie.
I would have written so:
82 soldiers heroically defended the island from the superior forces of the Russian Marine Guard. 13 was killed but not surrender. The rest are injured and captured by the Marine Infantry of Tirana Putin. 24 enemy soldiers killed and many injured. The landing ship was also severely damaged by the coastal battery. This is all that we learned from the last message on military communication. Glory to the heroes!
RE: #98 VladTor on 02.25.22 at 10:23 pm
‘Currently, they are charged with a subscription to refuse to participate in hostilities. They will soon be returned to their families, ‘ Konashenkov said in a statement.
=======================================
“They vill be joining their families… Who are already in the gulag…” is what Konashenkov really meant.
One of my calls came true yesterday when CIBC announced its intention to split. What the split will be is yet to be known, likely 2-1. I started buying the banks when they broke out over the 10 year highs. At over $100 it was a no brainer. This and the buy backs are great news for us little people. Post split most stocks pop around 17% on average. Yay !!
Back to the bad news. I hope everyone watched the YouTube video where Pollievre nailed Carney into admitting the killing our energy patch had nothing to do with “Greening”. It’s the globalist insane Davis plan to kneecap Canada as punishment for our colonialist history. IMHO Carney is a very evil man and a super bad guy to be anywhere near our easily swayed PM.
Carney touts spending billions on pipelines in UAE, he wants to expand Irans field, but Canada gets screwed in his vision. People should be up in arms that our tax dollars are going to prop up dictatorships like Saudi Arabia and Russia and not building Canadas hospitals and schools. Shame on you Trudeau, Biden and all the bootlickers.
#49 yorkville renter on 02.25.22 at 6:19 pm
Those asshat “freedom convoy” people …
——
You’re absolutely right! Everybody should just shut up until things become absolutely unbearable.
As long as we ain’t droppin bombs on you, you ain’t got nuthin to complain about. That thar’s what we call a Demockery.
Canada is very fortunate to have the country with the largest stick in the world next to them. Let’s please try to remember this the next time we put her down in what unfortunately is sometimes the typical Canadian smug fashion.
The USA, despite her imperfections makes Canada stronger and a better place to be.
“Putin’s a sociopathic bully”
And so is Trudeau.
“No one is invading us ever?” The ‘Muricuns will protect us? Well, I’ll be a Yankee doodle dandy!
#71 Barb on 02.25.22 at 8:22 pm
Really? I guess my wife went shopping every morning instead of to work. And I dropped my daughter off at an empty school and she just milled around until I picked her up in the afternoon. Stick with what you know and stop making things up.
Your precious banks were the reason Trudeau cancelled the Emergency act because they were afraid of a bank run (which had started to happen) in spite of your denials. They also realized their reputations for siding with a tyrant was hurting their business.
Their excessive profits are being made at the expense of hard working Canadians who could have used the money they are paying the banks to feed their families and bolster the economy.
BTW: Putin will not stop with Ukraine. He will threaten the Baltic region next. He’s already threatened to use nukes. He’s gone crazy.
We pay high taxes for all the stuff we get! A Safety net?
As noted this war against us is multi-dimensional.
Every system deigned to protect us has been turned against us. Year 3 – no end in sight.
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2022/02/24/bc-health-care-workers-fired-covid-vaccination
Posted Feb 24, 2022, 5:28PM PST
2,452 B.C. health-care workers fired for not getting COVID vaccination
—
—
[email protected]
Thank you. Sadly, the second day after BC healthcare workers were placed on unpaid leave (aka suspended) surgeries were cancelled in BC, this was back in October.
Trudeau just declared war on Russia. Trudeau wants Russia removed from Swift. Wow.
You really have no clue what is actually going on.
The Russian Bear is PISSED as thousands of dead Russians were slaughtered in the Donbass region of Ukraine. Thanks the Biden Administration to wanting NATO to join in WW3 with the US.
I expect retaliation not by missiles but by Russia shutting off it’s oil to the failing Western Nations and really creating Chaos as fuel supplies dry up and prices increase exponentially.
I truly feel sorry for the game of pawn our politicians put us as and the innocent lives lost just so our corrupted politicians can stay in office abusing it’s citizens.
It is quite unfortunate that the Rhinoceros party is no longer around, nor Royal Canadian Air Farce as both would have had a field day poking fun at the Ukraine situation and the world of 2022. How about Putin giving Justin a phone call to consult on how to handle demonstrators? Or, it is okay for Ukranian-Canadians to fundraise for their ex-homeland but it is illegal to fundraise for the Freedom Convoy? A good chuckle is watching CNN having the Secretary of State, Blinken, condemning the invasion of a sovereign country. Didn’t the USA write the book on invading sovereign countries over the years? Since 1800 the list is Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Iraq and Afghanistan. I am sure I have left off several. Point is in 1962 the USA found it repugnant that Soviet arms were in Cuba and precipitated the Crisis. If Putin found NATO expansion unacceptable then he has done something about it. The NA in NATO is for North Atlantic. Ukraine is 1,000 miles from the North Atlantic. Very sad to see that less than a year after NATO retreated from Afghanistan with their tales between their legs that NATO is looking forward to another war. I cannot wait for when the EU becomes hostage to USA LNG imports that the Americans will dictate their future. Germany and the EU should look at how the USA is holding Canada hostage on Line 5 via the Michigan governor. The EU will be going from the frying pan into the fire. Only good thing I see in this situation is a possible source for immigrants to Canada. The “UKES” have over the last century proved to be hard workers and exceptional citizens. The Ukranian-Canadian people should be looking into sponsoring these people to Canada. JOHN PICKETT
@#97 Yukon Elvis
“Putin threatens Sweden and Finland: Warns of ‘military and political consequences’ if they join NATO
+++
Wow.
Finland always refused to join NATO because they knew their Russian bear neighbor next door would be less than impressed.
Sweden has usually taken a neutral attitude as well.
If Putin thinks that threatening them into submission will work….ultimately stupid.
As for Ukraine. 1000 years of history is wiped out because he refuses to recognize it?
“They aren’t a country, they have always been a part of Russia”
And he “proves” that argument by invading and killing thousands of his “brothers and sisters”?
I can’t think of a better way to drive a country into the arms of NATO and or western democracy.
As his troops swarm in to take over the capital and other key cities the entire country is arming its men and women who are willing to fight.
A dirty , nasty, conventional, guerrilla insurgency where cities are turned to rubble, the countryside is a “no go zone” of attacks, mines, and citizens that hate you.
The invader loses men daily to sniping, IED’s and suicide bombers.
A middle eastern “war” in Europe.
The Russians learned in 40+ years ago in Afghanistan, 25 years ago in Chechnya, The US in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan….. on and on it goes.
The only comparison to Putin ridiculous reasoning for invading Ukraine I can think of would be Trump invading Canada with a massive army because ” Their history is for a bunch of losers”
Invaders that speak the same language and watch the same tv shows. That’ll turn out well.
I’m thinking it won’t be too long before there’s going to be some very upset Russian soldiers wouldering what the hell they are doing when they start seeing dead women and children that look ,just like their families back home and the people are cursing them in their own language.
Pretty hard to vilify the “enemy” when they look , act and talk …. just like you.
Putin cant allow democracy to flourish in Ukraine.
He’s a dictator , stealing billions from his fellow Russians who would eventually rise up and replace him.
His desperate act is merely delaying the inevitable.
He’s toast.
A pariah who can’t go anywhere with his stolen billions even if he wanted to unless he likes eating Chinese food morning, noon and night from a billion dollar luxury villa prison..
You have to wonder when the top people around Putin are going to realize …. he’s batsh!t, paranoid, and certifiably nuts.
@#93 Stoly Vodka
“Curious to know how banning Russian product will help anything. Didn’t we already pay for it? So we are just scrooging ourselves?
Better yet, why not sell it but send the proceeds to Ukrainian Red Cross and get a matching donation from Canadian government?”
+++
100% correct and a great suggestion.
Ban the purchase of further Russian products AFTER the remaining stock is gone.
I wonder if they pulled it from the shelves before the infantile , screaming pc mobs of professional protesters splash red paint all over it and smashed the bottles.
I’m sure it will all go into a warehouse, to be restocked on BC liquor store shelves in 2, 4 or 10 years.
Booze doesn’t mind sitting on a shelf for decades.
@113 John Pickett. Exactly. But there is only one narrative being broadcast which leaves out the principal issue of Ukraine/NATO inclusion. Here is what another writer said in this regard. (JHK) He puts it very well. :
“It is fair to say that the “Joe Biden” government dearly wanted a Russian invasion of Ukraine in order to divert attention from the “Joe Biden” government’s war on its own people in the United States. The table was nicely laid for it over many years, including, by the way, Mr. Trump’s vaunted gift of weaponry to Ukraine, which enabled and emboldened the Kiev regime to harass the Russian-speaking population of Donbas without relent. And the situation was aggravated by the deliberate negotiation-unworthiness (Russian term) of “Joe Biden” and Company, who refused to discuss the chief issue between the US and Russia, namely, the dishonest effort, in violation of written agreements dating from 1990, to enlist Ukraine in NATO, and thereby to place missiles on Russia’s border. The US disallowed something very similar in 1962, when the old USSR tried to put missiles in Cuba.
You are also seeing payback for the Maidan color revolution of 2014, engineered by John Kerry’s State Department and John Brennan’s CIA. We have been managing Ukraine backstage since then and, alas for that poor country, quite deceitfully. If you bother to read the recent statements of both “Joe Biden” and Mr. Putin, you will see exactly why and how the situation developed. You will also see an appalling difference in the quality of public utterance — as, say, the difference between Zippy the Pinhead and a Metternich.”
The arrogance of the corrupt Russian leadership in the early days of this war…
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-no-longer-needs-diplomatic-ties-with-west-ex-president-medvedev-2022-02-26/
For the swift person. Wouldn’t swift be a monitoring point? Why shut it down when you could trace the transactions and document, investigate and subsequently freeze them once it has left the country. Does that make sense? Is there a super swift person among us?
#15 rob4j on 02.25.22 at 4:09 pm
Xxxxx
This way they don’t end up creating a brk.b type of share.
@#113 John Appeasment
Wow.
So many anti western jabs….I’d almost think you were a russian troll.
No matter how you try and deflect .
Russia is the invader.
War crimes in Ukraine will be on Putin’s head.
Perhaps you’d like to comment on the good friend of Putin and founder of the mercenary Wagner group Dimitry Utkin ( the nazi “SS” tattoos on his neck are a nice touch don’t you think?) an avowed neo nazi .
https://nypost.com/2022/02/24/wagner-group-private-mercenaries-fighting-in-ukraine/
It makes one wonder how Putin plans on the “de-nazification” of Ukraine when he send nazi’s in to actually fight the battle.
Sorry sir, your card has been declined because of your political views
The M.S.M. ,wholly owned by warmongers and psychopaths, wants war! 90% owned by 5 Multinational corporations in the ‘Muricun nation. Yes, let’s believe what they say! Or Yer a con- spiracy theorist. They also own the Military Industrial Congressional Complex. War is big money, and War stocks are doing fine. You investors who enable these monsters are culpable in their crimes. God Bless Vladimir Putin, and God help the poor Ukrainians, deserted by N.A.T.O.
to #102 kommykim on 02.25.22 at 11:27 pm
RE: #98 VladTor on 02.25.22 at 10:23 pm
“They vill be joining their families… Who are already in the gulag…” is what Konashenkov really meant.
*************
GULAG!!!!!
Dude, You improved my mood for all weekend. I was laughing like a baby.
You definitely need to receive treatment from addiction from CNN style media. Do you have insurance?
Have you woken up from a lethargic dream in which you have been since 1937 ?
I give you a hint. They will be sent to the Guantanamo base in Cuba.
#111 DENNIS BENDER
“Trudeau just declared war on Russia. Trudeau wants Russia removed from Swift. Wow.”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
This in itself goes to show just how ill-informed , ill-advised and unfit Trudeau is for the office he holds that he truly is all over again.
Barring Russia from SWIFT will add one more big nail to the coffin that is going to bury us sooner rather than later.
Russian removal from SWIFT, a move the US wisely apposes currently, would help speed up the ultimate demise of the US dollar.
Half the world awaits the catalyst to upend the US dollar as the worlds primary reserve currency and will wail with glee when that day comes.
The economic end of the line for our gargantuanly over indebted gas-bag nations is being plotted against us.
Who was first to flee Ukraine, when the SHTF? The Oligarchy, of course! The cowards left ordinary Ukrainians to face Russia’s justified wrath. Ukraine is being freed from her corrupt masters, the people behind the colour revolution. Isn’t this the reason Russia went in? M.S.M. lies like a rug.
Sorry, that was supposed to say currently opposes.
Crowdedelevatorfartz:
Have you considered changing your lame handle? How old are you? I was offended just typing it. How about calling yourself Ihavenolifesoihauntthisblogspewingnonsensead nauseum?
Take all the Russian Dolls off the shelves.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therussianstore.com%2Fmedia%2Fwysiwyg%2FTraditional_Russian_Matryoshka.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therussianstore.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-history-of-nesting-dolls%2F&tbnid=L8XXUXZVgZUOVM&vet=12ahUKEwjUo4il4Z32AhXSgXIEHa1qCngQMygBegUIARDhAQ..i&docid=-uZfRMVH-m-biM&w=669&h=438&q=russian%20dolls&ved=2ahUKEwjUo4il4Z32AhXSgXIEHa1qCngQMygBegUIARDhAQ
That’ll show ’em!
Garth…STOP with the convoy crap, no one cares about your opinion. We all know you’re against it, stop commenting on it every 2nd day. It’s like you’re trying to convince yourself that you don’t believe in what they stood for.
Appreciate the investing advice but as for politics, we know where you stand.
I’d like to buy all four of you one-way airline tickets to Moscow so you can get a taste of ‘freedom’, thereby reducing the number of fifth columnists in the West by four.
108 Longterm on 02.26.22 at 1:36 am
OK, so it was only SD#22
Family Day stat was Monday,
School calendar states Thurs and Fri were “vacation days”.
https://sd22.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/School-Calendar-Form-2021-2022-2.pdf
So no sooner do i mention the foolishness of Trudeau wanting to remove Russian access to SWIFT and then CNN announces Biden’s now considering it.
Sure…accelerate the downfall of the US buck…go for it.
Doing a good job wrecking the country already.
The world doesn’t care as it prepares for a replacement reserve currency to upend the US dollar.
#130 Gravy Train:
Then you support Azov Battalion and Right Sector NAZIS receiving Canadian weapons? You must be watching the 24/7 lying mainstream media version of reality. YOU GO and join your NAZI brethren in a lost cause, whom the Russians are currently hunting down. Here’s your rifle, here’s your helmet, take Justin and Crystia with you.
#130 gravee train:
Prove any of us 5th columnists wrong. Stop watching msm and get an education on how the world really works. Start with Veteranstoday.com
Zelenskyy could easily have avoided this war by declaring that Ukraine would remain neutral and not join NATO. Now his country is paying the price of his arrogance.
I am Ukrainian. My dad come to pier 21 with a suitcase and 20 bucks in his pocket. He escaped form USSR somehow, he passed on when I was 14. so I never heard the stories of Russian rule.
The Cossacks were warriors and I believe the present day people of the Ukraine will not go down without a fight. Putin will not show them mercy just as Hitler did not. We can all thank Winston Churchill for standing his ground on that one. Lets hope Putin is stopped before he crosses the Atlantic.
In regards to the pandemic people might be wise to read The Great Influenza by John Barry. Just saying
#136-Grave trainer:
Are you currently invested in defense stocks? You should be happy about the coming Apocalypse. Your mind is made up, believe what you want.
to #130 Gravy Train on 02.26.22 at 12:42 pm
… you can get a taste of ‘freedom
***********
1. Don’t be rude, please, and respect other people’s opinions as they respect yours.
2. My friend I can can take you with us. You definitely change opinion about how much freedom there compare with for example USA. By the way Moscow is best world destination for tourists (I’m thinking last year was rate #1). I’m sure you enjoy from your visit.
And again don’t watch too much CNN style media.
As I understand it, your opinion about freedom in Russia is based on these sources.
Be careful if follow them or one day you can scream and how the Senator McCarthy jump out of the window with a cry of “Russians go!”
The spirit was freedom and justice
And it’s keeper’s seemed generous and kind
It’s leaders were supposed to serve the country
But now they won’t pay it no mind
‘Cause the people grew fat and got lazy
Now their vote is a meaningless joke
They babble about law and order
But it’s all just an echo of what they’re been told
Yeah, there’s a monster on the loose
It’s got our heads into the noose
And it just sits there watching…..
Right on the money as always Garth. Still lots of idiots flying the flags off their trucks in my neighborhood, folks don’t know how lucky we are to live in this beautiful country.
The war will be over in a few days says the market? The market doesn’t know shit and hasn’t seemed to know much in these unpredictable events. I’m amazed that this blog even echoed that sentiment?
DELETED (Anti-vax)