Clearly they did, or they wouldn't be members. The EU might have been flexible with their rules when admitting Greece, but Nato would have ensured their democratic principles were sound (it would be surprising if they weren't) and their military up to scratch. Russia falls at the first hurdle,

Is an excuse which really says you don't have an answer. Nato's stated purpose is "NATO’s essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means. Collective defence is at the heart of the Alliance and creates a spirit of solidarity and cohesion among its members." There's a fuller version here:-

[Link]

Of course, I believe in race. I believe in the human race. What I don't believe in is the fake segregation, or association, of people simply by skin colour. I segregate, or associate, by behaviour and values. Russians may have white skins, like us, but much else is different. The white skins play no role at all in how they behave. The Russians are not our brothers.

Edited by Wisbech Eagle (29 May 2022 11.22pm)

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

There are sometimes misreadings of what 'no more brother wars' actually means.

It's not a commentary on who is right or wrong about any particular conflict. It's a general statement urging unity instead of discord within a particular community.

It only speaks to those that recognise themselves within it.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

I wonder if it's perhaps the case that most major conflicts are between those of similar racial groups (whatever we decide that means on any given day), mostly due to proximity, resources and geographical advantage. War in general it would seem is mostly an unfortune and avoidable situation in many, but not all cases regardless of the genetic coin tosses involved.

The point being raised before is that if people are against this war, rather than solely blaming the West they should also be against the extreme ongoing Russian aggression. That is a central factor at play right now, above and beyond the idea that if those they are attacking weren't armed they would lose faster and so it would be over sooner. An unusual Russian pushed perspective that some appear fond of.

Interesting opinion piece in the Guardian...

[Link]

Definitely noting the mood music starting to shift over the last week or so.

"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." - 1984 - George Orwell.

Do you have any idea how popular Putin is in Russia?

And these 'sanctions' are beyond ludicrous. They are actually making Russia richer.

I appreciate that pushing what can be perceived as a 'Pro' Russia line is hardly going to win me many plaudits, and that is fine but all I am asking is for people to try and be rational.

We live in a West in which our political leadership is punishing a country it claims to dislike by pushing up the prices of the very thing the West rely on and continuing to allow Russia to export it which the West then pay up for at a far higher rate than before the sanctions. Earning the bad guys billions. And by way of even more punishment, the West then forbids its own business to sell goods to Russia, denying them a chance to at least profit from all the extra money the 'enemy' are making. Because that will teach them. That will show them who the clever ones are.

This is insanity. Utter madness.

"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." - 1984 - George Orwell.

No viable opposition to him remains in good health for long enough to change people perspectives. They're all tarred as terrorists overnight. We could all be popular if we have a vice like, North Korean-esque grip on media, and criminalise criticism.

He's certainly not been all bad for the Russian people, but again just because you favour a persons ideology, it doesn't sanitise the endless poisoning of political opponents and people falling from their balconies with strange frequency.

You don't seem keen on your own country or culture. That's kind of attested to by your stated desire to move East. Let's hope they're more tolerant of change than you appear to be. Your opt out, may not translate to a viable opt in.

Edited by BlueJay (30 May 2022 10.04pm)