The Soviet Union was well known for its efforts at disinformation and getting covertly involved in other nations political activities and elections. A prime example was during the Viet Nam war, when monies were funneled to various anti-war groups which helped to created pressure on the politicians to withdraw from that war. After the fall of the Soviet Union, most countries seemed to have let their guard down but, Russia kept up its efforts in that area.

Evidence is now coming out that Russia has been passing money to various environmental groups to support the groups efforts to eliminate the use of fossil fuels. Is Russia taking such action because its leaders believe in the “green” agenda? Hardly. Putin and his minions realize that the “green” agenda puts additional financial burdens on Western societies which in turn, slows their growth. Russia also realizes that movement away from efficient fossil fuel leads to a weaking of the national infrastructures due to the simple events such as a lack of wind or a cloudy day.

The article linked below is an excellent place to begin to realize that the old Soviet saying of “useful idiot” is still alive and well today. There remain those who have blinders on in their quest for what can be a positive goal, but hopefully they will begin to ask why some of the worse actors in the world also support their efforts.

https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/596304-investigate-russias-covert-funding-of-us-anti-fossil-fuel-groups

Given the war in the Ukraine, I thought this might be a good time to repost this review which I originally posted in December 2019. Although as written it could be a history, it was written before so many events and was ignored by so many “leaders” in the West who were more concerned about their ideology or keeping their power. Why face reality when those who yell the loudest and demand the most of you are among the villians in this book. I guess that is the story of mankind; take the easy way and let someone else clean up the mess.

Mao Tse-tung once said that “political power comes from the barrel of a gun”, but Vladimir Putin could just as easily say that “political power comes from the end of a pipeline”.  This excellent book analyses how Putin uses his countries gas companies for both tactical and strategic means to his end; to regain the power, and perhaps the territory which was lost by the collapse of the Soviet Union.  How can he do this?  By providing the European nations the energy they need at a below market price and by letting them know that he holds the comfort and economies of many nations within the EU in the palm of his hand.

Of course, he could not pursue this course if it were not for the lack of political will on the part of numerous European leaders and their own ideology regarding energy in the 21^st century.  By pursuing “green energy”, being intimidated by the “green” movement (which is often subsidized by Russia to serve its own ends) and by insuring that the social safety net is kept in place. European leaders have mortgaged their energy futures to a nation which uses its energy reserves almost regardless of short term financial considerations all in the pursuit of increased European dependence on Russian energy.

Consider that the EU has reserves of shale oil and natural gas, but refuses to spend the monies to exploit them.  They would rather purchase the oil and natural gas from the Russians and the U.S. They don’t want to spend their money on their defenses and are more concerned with maintaining their social programs; in short, they are living at the sufferance of other powers.

Needless to say, we are living in a dangerous world.  For a long time, many of our “allies” who have lived under our protection have felt free to go their own way, often mocking the U.S. and ignoring their treaty obligations.  Suddenly, though, reality has hit many of our “allies” and we are seeing them begin to once again arm against the slings and arrows of an outrageous world.  The nations who mocked our former Presidents’ demands that they live up to their treaty commitments are increasing their military budgets (for weapons and not, as previously, higher retirement pay) and joint consultations.  

Before we take a look at this further thought, I must say that in my humble opinion, this crisis with Putin and Russia will not go away soon.  There is no easy way out for Putin; if he crushes the Ukraine, there will be a difficult and bloody occupation which will impact the world economy for the foreseeable future.  If he is overthrown, which is a possibility, there will be a period of instability in Russia and the cost of rebuilding will be huge. This means that for the foreseeable future, the markets will be in turmoil. Depending on your risk tolerance, time frame, financial stability, etc., you should decide and watch your course of action.  

Some will flee the market and put their money in cash (and lose out due to inflation) or bonds (which will provide some protection).  Some will buy into the market in the belief that in the end, as in the past, the market will recover and move forward.  Some will put monies into annuities which, while illiquid, can provide downside protection.  Some will depend upon diversification, which is a combination of all the above.  In short, there is no one easy answer; as always, saving and investing depends upon your own personal paranoia.

WHAT WILL OTHER COUNTRIES DO?  Let us look at some of the players and see what their actions might be:

The concept of “broken windows” policing should apply on a national level; when we see politicians or bureaucrats ignoring the laws and traditions that have been the basis of our nation, we need to take corrective action. When our basic rights are abused, we need to act. When the very value of our citizenship is discounted, we need to respond. These are the premises and foundation of Victor Davis Hansons’ excellent new book, The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America.

I purchased the book because I have been increasingly concerned about the decreasing value of my personal citizenship. How is it that citizens can be mandated to limit travel, wear masks, show proof of vaccination while during the last year, two million individuals from over 150 countries have entered our nation illegally and be allowed to disappear into the vastness of our nation by the government officials who have sworn to uphold our laws? How is it that those who enter our nation illegally are not 100% assessed for Covid, quarantined, etc.? In a naked power grab, politicians in various cities decree non-citizens can vote in local elections thus decreasing the power of our citizenship. The supremacy of national laws? Worthless as hundreds of cities openly ignore Federal law, making tax paying citizens pay for the education, health care, etc., of those who decided that they and not we the citizens should decide our rules for living in our nation.

It seems that every cause de jour creates a life of its own.  It goes on forever, constantly demanding more action and attention, constantly finding new ways to justify its very existence.  Can anyone image any “cause” throwing up its collective hands and declaring that the cause they fought for has been conquered?  “Victory!  We can all go home; we have achieved our purpose!”

Of course not! Why? Too many people depend on the “cause” for their income, their lifestyle, their very purpose.  Where would they be without their “cause”?  They might have to go out and find a position where they might have actual accountability or proof of productivity. Or they could just go join another “cause” but who would want them as the recruit came from a cause that was settled and disappeared.  No, that employee might be a threat to the new groups job security.

The article with the link exposes some of the ways that the Woke movement is diligently working to ensure their own job security. It really is a brilliant concept; create a “cause” that can sit in judgment on the history, actions and thoughts of billions of people including into the future.  At the same time, instill in others a sense of being helpless before a great conspiracy that impacts every aspect of their lives!  A dream scenario for an enlightened elite who have found the Absolute Truth! 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/inside-the-woke-indoctrination-machine-diversity-equity-inclusion-bipoc-schools-conference-11644613908?page=1

A few months ago, the U.S. military had a recruiting campaign called “The Calling.”  At the time, there were numerous comparisons between that “woke” campaign and typical Russian recruiting commercials. One was an idealized cartoon full of politically correct images while the other was a dark, at times brutal look at what exists at the core of the military. There is no indication if “The Calling” was a successful campaign, but it was a taste of things to come.

Women’s place in the military has been and is a thorny issue. It is the case that there are many skills and responsibilities that woman can fulfill while in service, but the sharp end of the bayonet is one area that raises numerous questions and difficulties. Physically speaking, are women up to the most brutal aspects of military service? We see in the civilian area where biological males who fail in competition against other biological males set new records when they become transgenders and compete against the best of biological females. Is the same true in the military?

The linked article looks at a real-world example and should be a warning to those who create and direct policy for the military. We tend to think of the responsibility of the military in terms of force, but it also has a responsibility to act in a manner to minimize the danger, when possible, to its own members. Soldiers are expensive and any action which can put them at risk involves clear thinking. Simply put, does the ideal of wokeness strengthen the chances of survival for those directly involved, or is it another danger factor which must be realized and countered.

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2022/02/14/airman-eliminated-after-third-womens-skeleton-heat-at-beijing-olympics/

Never was the adage, “follow the money” better demonstrated than the change of course for the ACLU. With the huge increase in donations in response to the Presidency of Donald Trump, the ACLU has gone from a group which fought for the right of self-styled Nazis to march in a heavily Jewish suburb of Chicago, to one which supports those who which to harm the State of Israel through boycotts. This dramatic change was a fundamental change in its basic principles; the ACLU was more against Trump than for free speech.

Going further down the path, the ACLU has basically stated that subjects cannot be taught in schools unless the curriculum is kept a secret; parents are not to be included in those who are privileged to know. This is the same organization that fought for years for greater transparency of public institutions but that was before they became rich with newfound wealth.

Which leads one to ask; just who is supplying the ACLU with such substantial amounts of cash? What direct influence do they have over the policies and battles fought by the ACLU? And, when will the ACLU provide the names and financial donations of their contributors? Personally, I am against the efforts of the “progressives” in demanding that same information from conservative organizations, but I am also a great believer in leading by example, so I am sure the ACLU will wish to be the first to fully open its books. I am just not holding my breath for that to happen.

https://www.city-journal.org/progressives-against-school-transparency

There are numerous black conservative writers of note, Thomas Sowell, Shelby Steele, Ken Blackwell, Jason Riley, etc. Those men are often the subjects of abuse from other blacks and whites who see their writing as traitorous to a viewpoint that that been the ideology of oppression and submission for generations. Now, added to this distinguished company can be added a black professor who must be admired for his courage as well as for his clear thinking and adherence to sometime uncomfortable facts which all too many black “leaders” ignore.

My first thought after reading this article was that I wanted to meet the author and offer him my hand for his bravery, clear thinking, and confidence in the future. His positive message is a real breath of fresh air! I hope you shall have the same feelings.

https://www.firstthings.com/article/2022/01/the-case-for-black-patriotism

It may have seemed since 9/11 that the radical form of Islam was on a victorious march against all that the West has and does stand for in the world. Yet, as the linked article shows, in those countries where radical Islam has seized power, they have a wonderful record of failure. Blinded by ideology which has an answer for every problem and situation, they have managed time after time to fail.

This is a lengthy article, but if you make it to the end, you may just feel a bit more optimistic.  The only downside is that millions of citizens of the nations seized by radical Muslims must learn such a tough lesson the hard way. Too bad they cannot just read about the failures elsewhere and skip the experience

https://quillette.com/2022/01/21/in-the-muslim-world-islamism-is-going-out-of-vogue/

The link below will take you to an article that points out the pros and cons, the errors, and positives of both sides in the environmental question. Fanatics on either side only hurt their own cause and are a major source of confusion and misinformation which can lead to greater than necessary expenses and be counterproductive.

People are beginning to see and question the cost of ill-prepared actions in facing questions on the environment. Rational individuals realize that moving boldly into the fourteenth century by pushing wind power will never be able to replace petroleum in powering airplanes, ships, trucks, cars, etc. They are also able to see the failure of solar in northern climates and the huge cost of going against nature, as in Germany and other nations which are not blessed with enough clear and sunny days. At the same time, there are technologies, mostly in the infant stage which can help to ease the dependence on fossil fuels, but development will take years and a huge investment.

Recently, the boogieman of nuclear power has begun to be faced by a few countries who simply are more inclined to face reality in this area than others. For a balanced and informative discussion of options for the future in facing whatever climate change we face, click on the link below.

https://quillette.com/2022/01/27/why-environmentalists-pose-a-bigger-obstacle-to-effective-climate-policy-than-denialists/