Romania's government is on the brink of collapse as the social democrats that bankrupted the country collude with the "sovereignist" (hidden pro-RU) puppets. There's not much they can do without completely destabilising the country. It's a very shameful situation to be in.

The problem is that if we recognise that fact, we might need to do something about that, and it would terrify the electorate! Besides, think of the pensions!

Tankies are fascists, but in red. They are not serious people, and do not deserve attention.

That might mean embracing those who we once disliked and written off. Those who have wronged us. It will be uncomfortable, and a lot of work. But if we do fail in this, then we will likely be the last generation for quite some time that will have enjoyed some measure of freedom.

It is precisely in such times that we must not give in to these feelings and build communities on that which unites us. We can resist the coming tide, but only if we stand together.

They divide us with fear and hatred of the other, because they know they cannot defeat us if we're united. And once we are alone, we feel weak and helpless. Afraid of a world ever more terrifying. Hopelessness and apathy are the only ways through which tyrants can prosper.

What is it with baptists promoting this stuff everywhere they go? We've just had an investigation in Romania that revealed the US funded baptist church was not just rife with this, but also putting lots of pressure to keep it hidden.

There's a whole market for these things. I remember that around 2000 or so we used to see in the peasant markets magical medicine imported from russia channeling the ancient russian soul or some other woo. Example: The curious will find a rabbit hole if they look into shungite based "medicine"

Co-ordinated by a former PM of Norway of all people?

And much of the increase in spending is to replenish national armies, not necessarily support Ukraine.

Sure, European countries are doing something. Is it all they can? Enough? That's for each of us to decide. Here's what Rutte had to say:

kyivindependent.com/nato-chief-s...

And yes, many countries did raise to 5%! Of which 1.5% is road/rail infrastructure, so not really defence.

I just saw a comment on a YT video that summarizes this very well, I think:

"You sit in a basement during missile and drone strikes hoping that in the 4th year of the war at least someone in the West who promised to protect our sovereignty will start to believe that we still exist here."

I struggle to think of a legal change that would "ban" Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp) or Twitter and survive past the CJEU. GDPR, DSA, DSM certainly disincentivise them, which is why you see Trump apply pressure, but outright discriminatory banning goes against fundamental principles.

When people choose to not use their products or use alternatives. The network effect is one hell of a thing, sadly :(

Wish you guys the best. Hope she gets better soon.

Worse. Gimli and Legolas at the Black Gate. I'm Gimli and Cheney is Legolas.

If Ukraine had managed to get rid of the Soviet mindset, things would look very differently... But it's a very, very difficult thing to do. We're still struggling with it in Romania, and we've been a NATO/EU member for ~20 years now.

I've kind of written off Nightwish after Tarja left, but I think I'll give this a try.