China v India - Page 2

Susheel · 17th June 2020, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

Excellent post, mate - from the metaphor to the description of the action.

Thank you...

Cosmic Yak · 17th June 2020, 04:03 AM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

But no shots were fired.

Looks like the Chinese have loaded the front with 14k Triad.

The only reason shots weren't fired is because both sides have agreed not to allow them within (I think) 2km of the border.
I agree, though, that there must be some pretty badass Chinese soldiers there. India is saying 20 of its soldiers were killed, with fists, clubs and stones.
Should it actually come to war, India has no chance at all.

Jungle Jim · 17th June 2020, 04:21 AM

Originally Posted by Cosmic Yak

The only reason shots weren't fired is because both sides have agreed not to allow them within (I think) 2km of the border.
I agree, though, that there must be some pretty badass Chinese soldiers there. India is saying 20 of its soldiers were killed, with fists, clubs and stones.
Should it actually come to war, India has no chance at all.

The Indian army initially confirmed three casualties, but later said an additional 17 soldiers "exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain have succumbed to their injuries." - https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/17/asia/...hnk/index.html

The Atheist · 17th June 2020, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by Cosmic Yak

Should it actually come to war, India has no chance at all.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if China stacked the local regiment with Kung Fu black belts.

Susheel · 17th June 2020, 10:24 PM

I would be called a traitor for saying this, but while the Indian army has stayed more or less up to date with regard to weapons and equipment, the "attitude" is still a remnant of its colonial roots. Training methods for soldiers are outdated and have made little or no attempts at modernization since the Brits left. Command structures also reflect the feudal legacy of pre-independent India. This is ok when fighting battles with enemies with a similar legacy, but up against a constantly modernizing and innovating force like China, they are on the back foot.

The Atheist · 17th June 2020, 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by Susheel

I would be called a traitor for saying this, but while the Indian army has stayed more or less up to date with regard to weapons and equipment, the "attitude" is still a remnant of its colonial roots.

That's sound entirely Indian.

Maybe you should arm the troops with cricket bats. And balls.

Hell, go all the way an put them in full batting gear - the pads would come in handy as well.

Susheel · 21st June 2020, 10:42 AM

Modi has declared that there was NO incursion. But he heaps praise on the brave soldiers of the 16 Bihars who were killed so that his party can use them to win the upcoming Bihar elections.
Meanwhile BJP party workers are going around vandalising shops selling chinese products even as the government coddles major Indian companies with massive chinese investment.

abaddon · 21st June 2020, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

That's sound entirely Indian.

Maybe you should arm the troops with cricket bats. And balls.

Hell, go all the way an put them in full batting gear - the pads would come in handy as well.

How amusing.

Except that is pretty much what happened. Given the ban on weapons in the area, both sides improvised all manner of blunt weapons from whatever materials were at hand.

Ziggurat · 22nd June 2020, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by Cosmic Yak

The only reason shots weren't fired is because both sides have agreed not to allow them within (I think) 2km of the border.
I agree, though, that there must be some pretty badass Chinese soldiers there. India is saying 20 of its soldiers were killed, with fists, clubs and stones.
Should it actually come to war, India has no chance at all.

We don’t know how many Chinese soldiers were injured or died. China isn’t saying, but it isn’t zero.

rjh01 · 23rd June 2020, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by abaddon

How amusing.

Except that is pretty much what happened. Given the ban on weapons in the area, both sides improvised all manner of blunt weapons from whatever materials were at hand.

There are some very deadly weapons that are not firearms. For example a two handed sword (as used by King Richard the Lionheart) or long spear (as used by Alexander the Great) would be very deadly.

The Atheist · 24th June 2020, 01:58 AM

I'd say the China clash is over - Modi's back to softer targets, like Pakistan diplomats.

Susheel · 24th June 2020, 03:02 AM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

I'd say the China clash is over - Modi's back to softer targets, like Pakistan diplomats.

...and dissenters in India.

The Atheist · 24th June 2020, 01:48 PM

Well of course!

Aren't they permanently on the agenda?

Cosmic Yak · 25th June 2020, 03:34 AM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

I'd say the China clash is over - Modi's back to softer targets, like Pakistan diplomats.

That doesn't mean the Chinese have given up, though. They are, I believe, still occupying some 60 square km of Indian territory.

The Atheist · 25th June 2020, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Cosmic Yak

That doesn't mean the Chinese have given up, though. They are, I believe, still occupying some 60 square km of Indian territory.

38,000 km2, according to India.

China has certainly built some structures in the area over the past few months. It looks a bit like their policy in the SC Sea - build the base and let someone try to remove it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53174887

Susheel · 30th June 2020, 10:11 PM

In his address to the nation yesterday afternoon, Modi has announced the banning of 59 android apps as India's response to the Chinese incursion.

The Atheist · 1st July 2020, 02:01 AM

Originally Posted by Susheel

In his address to the nation yesterday afternoon, Modi has announced the banning of 59 android apps as India's response to the Chinese incursion.

It's an odd one - he's picked a target that will cost him votes. TikTok is the fastest-growing App around and an India-only alternative won't give the same reach. I don't see it causing China much harm.

Susheel · 1st July 2020, 03:25 AM

It won't. However, this is the kind of grandstanding that his fanboys like. Also, the media has now got the terrorist attack in Kashmir to blow up. would be interesting to contrast the government and media responses.

The Atheist · 1st July 2020, 11:05 AM

China's taken to outright trolling India at the border now - this is hilarious:

https://www.9news.com.au/national/ch...e-63b9054d976b

The Atheist · 10th September 2020, 08:43 PM

After recent increasing tensions, both parties have kissed and made up.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54113306

Very sensible option for both parties. Let's hope it catches on.

Susheel · 26th October 2020, 12:34 AM

Primary rhetoric of the ruling BJP for the Legislative Assembly elections in the state of Bihar:
1. Vote for us and we will provide the COVID vaccine for free.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/bihar...rBS7vMx0J.html

2. We have already fixed dates for commencing our war with China and Pakistan.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...w/78856910.cms

3. Opposition parties are resorting to black magic and tantric rituals to kill state BJP leaders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN3V9l6kj_A

The Atheist · 26th October 2020, 01:38 AM

Holy crap, it gets madder over there every day!

dudalb · 26th October 2020, 01:06 PM

I bet what happened is some Green Indian or Chinese Second Looey went off course a little and strayed where he should not have gone.
Old US Army Joke when I was in the US Army in the mid 80;s:
The most dangerous weapon in the Soviet Arsenel after nukes is a Green US 2nd Looey with a map and compass...I suspect things have not changed much.

The Atheist · 26th October 2020, 04:21 PM

More than likely.

Although I'd be surprised if Modi didn't drop a suggestion somewhere - Xi had no need to fire anything up, with USA, Taiwan & Hong Kong on the go, while Modi will always look for a chance to play tough guy.

The Atheist · 13th December 2020, 10:34 AM

Mildly interesting development: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india...dntsM6UWK.html

Garrison · 13th December 2020, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

Mildly interesting development: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india...dntsM6UWK.html

Sorry but when a page tells me I need to turn off my adblocker I close the page.

The Atheist · 13th December 2020, 03:54 PM

Here's the important part of the information in it:

Quote:

In the middle of a conflict with China, India has taken a significant step by authorising the defence forces to enhance their stocking of weapons and ammunition for a 15-day intense war now.

The authorisation to increase the weapon and ammunition reserves to minimum 15-I levels from the earlier existing 10-day stocking is to prepare the defence forces for a two-front war with both China and Pakistan.

Appears to come from Indian Government sources.

Susheel · 13th December 2020, 10:18 PM

A couple of state elections and the current bad press from the farmer agitation, Modi has to show that he still is the "BIG MAN". Apart from the staged photoshoots and speeches at election rallies, Modi has really never spoken about issues. Since his election, Modi has done all of three interviews mainly with sycophantic interviewers asking him questions like what kind of mangoes he likes and whether he likes to suck on them (true story).
Particularly ironic since he and his accolytees constantly harped about how the previous Prime Minister Manmohan Singh never gave interviews, when in fact he gave more interviews to various papers both national and international, and also spoke at international forums with well prepared speeches. He did not spend his tenure as Prime Minister primarily as the propaganda machine for elections.

The Atheist · 13th December 2020, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by Susheel

A couple of state elections and the current bad press from the farmer agitation, Modi has to show that he still is the "BIG MAN".

Yeah, I noticed the timing of it when the strikes are happening.

He's certainly learnt the "change the talk" lesson.

Originally Posted by Susheel

.. whether he likes to suck on them (true story).

He certainly sucks on something.

Originally Posted by Susheel

Particularly ironic since he and his accolytees constantly harped about how the previous Prime Minister Manmohan Singh never gave interviews, when in fact he gave more interviews to various papers both national and international, and also spoke at international forums with well prepared speeches. He did not spend his tenure as Prime Minister primarily as the propaganda machine for elections.

So many similarities with his American pal, who spent all 8 years of Obama's presidency crying about how much golf Obama played, then went and doubled it during his term without a shred of shame.

Why do we* keep electing these clowns?

*Pretty sure you and me aren't part of that "we".

Mader Levap · 14th December 2020, 07:18 AM

"We" as in humanity keeps electing clowns because they are skilled in fooling people.

The Atheist · 14th December 2020, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by Mader Levap

"We" as in humanity keeps electing clowns because they are skilled in fooling people.

I don't believe a bar of that. Might be worth a new thread, but from the clowns I'm seeing in action, they're not capable of fooling people and never have been. Their votes are more of a **** you to other people than being sucked in to a whirlpool of nonsense.

Modi's a good example - he's ridden the wave of nationalism that was already running deep through India. He doesn't persuade people, or fool anyone, but he picked up a message that resonates with nationalists, of which there are many.

Mader Levap · 15th December 2020, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

I don't believe a bar of that. Might be worth a new thread, but from the clowns I'm seeing in action, they're not capable of fooling people and never have been. Their votes are more of a **** you to other people than being sucked in to a whirlpool of nonsense.

No, no. Not "fooling" in sense they believe promises of these clowns. While there are idiots that actually believe in snake oil (clown oil?), majority as you say want to screw over those they blame for whatever.
And THIS is suicidal foolishness of highest order, because these clowns aren't interested in wellbeing of their electorate any more than in wellbeing of ones hated by them.

My prediction for far future is grim one - democracy is something that is considered not working out. New systems are in place that our culture would consider totalitarian.

Susheel · 15th December 2020, 10:04 PM

In, India, the message that the BJP has for its followers is simple: Hey, it's ok to be casteist and hate non-Hindus. We are bringing back our glorious Hindu patriarchal "traditions".
The secular promises of development and progress are just talking points to be thrown at the non-acolytes.

The Atheist · 15th December 2020, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by Susheel

In, India, the message that the BJP has for its followers is simple: Hey, it's ok to be casteist and hate non-Hindus. We are bringing back our glorious Hindu patriarchal "traditions".

Exactly mirroring Trump, Erdogan, China, and Russia, where things like blackness and gayness are often met with death, or worse.

Even in UK now, Johnson and Brexiteers built their movement on nationalism, racism and the exclusion of non-Britishness.

It does look like a world going backwards. One step forward, two back.

The Atheist · 25th January 2021, 02:01 AM

Looks like the border isn't as settled as it might have appeared: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55793112

17th June 2020, 01:00 AM	#41
Susheel Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 1,754	Originally Posted by The Atheist Excellent post, mate - from the metaphor to the description of the action. Thank you...
	__________________ I've got to get to a library...fast Robert Langdon

17th June 2020, 04:03 AM	#42
Cosmic Yak Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Where there's never a road broader than the back of your hand. Posts: 3,887	Originally Posted by The Atheist But no shots were fired. Looks like the Chinese have loaded the front with 14k Triad. The only reason shots weren't fired is because both sides have agreed not to allow them within (I think) 2km of the border. I agree, though, that there must be some pretty badass Chinese soldiers there. India is saying 20 of its soldiers were killed, with fists, clubs and stones. Should it actually come to war, India has no chance at all.
	__________________ Fortuna Faveat Fatuis

17th June 2020, 06:11 PM	#44
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Originally Posted by Cosmic Yak Should it actually come to war, India has no chance at all. I wouldn't be at all surprised if China stacked the local regiment with Kung Fu black belts.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

17th June 2020, 10:24 PM	#45
Susheel Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 1,754	I would be called a traitor for saying this, but while the Indian army has stayed more or less up to date with regard to weapons and equipment, the "attitude" is still a remnant of its colonial roots. Training methods for soldiers are outdated and have made little or no attempts at modernization since the Brits left. Command structures also reflect the feudal legacy of pre-independent India. This is ok when fighting battles with enemies with a similar legacy, but up against a constantly modernizing and innovating force like China, they are on the back foot.
	__________________ I've got to get to a library...fast Robert Langdon

17th June 2020, 11:08 PM	#46
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Originally Posted by Susheel I would be called a traitor for saying this, but while the Indian army has stayed more or less up to date with regard to weapons and equipment, the "attitude" is still a remnant of its colonial roots. That's sound entirely Indian. Maybe you should arm the troops with cricket bats. And balls. Hell, go all the way an put them in full batting gear - the pads would come in handy as well.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

17th June 2020, 04:21 AM	#43
Jungle Jim Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,217	Originally Posted by Cosmic Yak The only reason shots weren't fired is because both sides have agreed not to allow them within (I think) 2km of the border. I agree, though, that there must be some pretty badass Chinese soldiers there. India is saying 20 of its soldiers were killed, with fists, clubs and stones. Should it actually come to war, India has no chance at all. The Indian army initially confirmed three casualties, but later said an additional 17 soldiers "exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain have succumbed to their injuries." - https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/17/asia/...hnk/index.html

21st June 2020, 10:42 AM	#47
Susheel Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 1,754	Modi has declared that there was NO incursion. But he heaps praise on the brave soldiers of the 16 Bihars who were killed so that his party can use them to win the upcoming Bihar elections. Meanwhile BJP party workers are going around vandalising shops selling chinese products even as the government coddles major Indian companies with massive chinese investment.
	__________________ I've got to get to a library...fast Robert Langdon

21st June 2020, 11:59 AM	#48
abaddon Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Republic of Ireland Posts: 21,286	Originally Posted by The Atheist That's sound entirely Indian. Maybe you should arm the troops with cricket bats. And balls. Hell, go all the way an put them in full batting gear - the pads would come in handy as well. How amusing. Except that is pretty much what happened. Given the ban on weapons in the area, both sides improvised all manner of blunt weapons from whatever materials were at hand.
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22nd June 2020, 09:46 PM	#49
Ziggurat Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 48,249	Originally Posted by Cosmic Yak The only reason shots weren't fired is because both sides have agreed not to allow them within (I think) 2km of the border. I agree, though, that there must be some pretty badass Chinese soldiers there. India is saying 20 of its soldiers were killed, with fists, clubs and stones. Should it actually come to war, India has no chance at all. We don’t know how many Chinese soldiers were injured or died. China isn’t saying, but it isn’t zero.
	__________________ "As long as it is admitted that the law may be diverted from its true purpose -- that it may violate property instead of protecting it -- then everyone will want to participate in making the law, either to protect himself against plunder or to use it for plunder. Political questions will always be prejudicial, dominant, and all-absorbing. There will be fighting at the door of the Legislative Palace, and the struggle within will be no less furious." - Bastiat, The Law

23rd June 2020, 11:07 PM	#50
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Flying around in the sky Posts: 26,503	Originally Posted by abaddon How amusing. Except that is pretty much what happened. Given the ban on weapons in the area, both sides improvised all manner of blunt weapons from whatever materials were at hand. There are some very deadly weapons that are not firearms. For example a two handed sword (as used by King Richard the Lionheart) or long spear (as used by Alexander the Great) would be very deadly.
	__________________ This signature is for rent.

24th June 2020, 01:58 AM	#51
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	I'd say the China clash is over - Modi's back to softer targets, like Pakistan diplomats.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

24th June 2020, 03:02 AM	#52
Susheel Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 1,754	Originally Posted by The Atheist I'd say the China clash is over - Modi's back to softer targets, like Pakistan diplomats. ...and dissenters in India.
	__________________ I've got to get to a library...fast Robert Langdon

24th June 2020, 01:48 PM	#53
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Well of course! Aren't they permanently on the agenda?
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

25th June 2020, 03:34 AM	#54
Cosmic Yak Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Where there's never a road broader than the back of your hand. Posts: 3,887	Originally Posted by The Atheist I'd say the China clash is over - Modi's back to softer targets, like Pakistan diplomats. That doesn't mean the Chinese have given up, though. They are, I believe, still occupying some 60 square km of Indian territory.
	__________________ Fortuna Faveat Fatuis

25th June 2020, 11:55 AM	#55
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Originally Posted by Cosmic Yak That doesn't mean the Chinese have given up, though. They are, I believe, still occupying some 60 square km of Indian territory. 38,000 km2, according to India. China has certainly built some structures in the area over the past few months. It looks a bit like their policy in the SC Sea - build the base and let someone try to remove it. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53174887
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

30th June 2020, 10:11 PM	#56
Susheel Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 1,754	In his address to the nation yesterday afternoon, Modi has announced the banning of 59 android apps as India's response to the Chinese incursion.
	__________________ I've got to get to a library...fast Robert Langdon

1st July 2020, 02:01 AM	#57
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Originally Posted by Susheel In his address to the nation yesterday afternoon, Modi has announced the banning of 59 android apps as India's response to the Chinese incursion. It's an odd one - he's picked a target that will cost him votes. TikTok is the fastest-growing App around and an India-only alternative won't give the same reach. I don't see it causing China much harm.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

1st July 2020, 03:25 AM	#58
Susheel Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 1,754	It won't. However, this is the kind of grandstanding that his fanboys like. Also, the media has now got the terrorist attack in Kashmir to blow up. would be interesting to contrast the government and media responses.
	__________________ I've got to get to a library...fast Robert Langdon

1st July 2020, 11:05 AM	#59
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	China's taken to outright trolling India at the border now - this is hilarious: https://www.9news.com.au/national/ch...e-63b9054d976b
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

10th September 2020, 08:43 PM	#60
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	After recent increasing tensions, both parties have kissed and made up. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54113306 Very sensible option for both parties. Let's hope it catches on.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

26th October 2020, 12:34 AM	#61
Susheel Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 1,754	Primary rhetoric of the ruling BJP for the Legislative Assembly elections in the state of Bihar: 1. Vote for us and we will provide the COVID vaccine for free. https://www.hindustantimes.com/bihar...rBS7vMx0J.html 2. We have already fixed dates for commencing our war with China and Pakistan. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...w/78856910.cms 3. Opposition parties are resorting to black magic and tantric rituals to kill state BJP leaders. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN3V9l6kj_A
	__________________ I've got to get to a library...fast Robert Langdon

26th October 2020, 01:38 AM	#62
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Holy crap, it gets madder over there every day!
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

26th October 2020, 01:06 PM	#63
dudalb Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Posts: 50,307	I bet what happened is some Green Indian or Chinese Second Looey went off course a little and strayed where he should not have gone. Old US Army Joke when I was in the US Army in the mid 80;s: The most dangerous weapon in the Soviet Arsenel after nukes is a Green US 2nd Looey with a map and compass...I suspect things have not changed much.
	__________________ Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty. Robert Heinlein.

26th October 2020, 04:21 PM	#64
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	More than likely. Although I'd be surprised if Modi didn't drop a suggestion somewhere - Xi had no need to fire anything up, with USA, Taiwan & Hong Kong on the go, while Modi will always look for a chance to play tough guy.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

13th December 2020, 10:34 AM	#65
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Mildly interesting development: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india...dntsM6UWK.html
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

13th December 2020, 02:44 PM	#66
Garrison Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: UK Posts: 5,516	Originally Posted by The Atheist Mildly interesting development: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india...dntsM6UWK.html Sorry but when a page tells me I need to turn off my adblocker I close the page.
	__________________ So I've started a blog about my writing. Check it out at: http://fourth-planet-problem.blogspot.com/ And my first book is on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077W322FX

13th December 2020, 03:54 PM	#67
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Here's the important part of the information in it: Quote: In the middle of a conflict with China, India has taken a significant step by authorising the defence forces to enhance their stocking of weapons and ammunition for a 15-day intense war now. The authorisation to increase the weapon and ammunition reserves to minimum 15-I levels from the earlier existing 10-day stocking is to prepare the defence forces for a two-front war with both China and Pakistan. Appears to come from Indian Government sources.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

13th December 2020, 10:18 PM	#68
Susheel Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 1,754	A couple of state elections and the current bad press from the farmer agitation, Modi has to show that he still is the "BIG MAN". Apart from the staged photoshoots and speeches at election rallies, Modi has really never spoken about issues. Since his election, Modi has done all of three interviews mainly with sycophantic interviewers asking him questions like what kind of mangoes he likes and whether he likes to suck on them (true story). Particularly ironic since he and his accolytees constantly harped about how the previous Prime Minister Manmohan Singh never gave interviews, when in fact he gave more interviews to various papers both national and international, and also spoke at international forums with well prepared speeches. He did not spend his tenure as Prime Minister primarily as the propaganda machine for elections.
	__________________ I've got to get to a library...fast Robert Langdon

13th December 2020, 11:25 PM	#69
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Originally Posted by Susheel A couple of state elections and the current bad press from the farmer agitation, Modi has to show that he still is the "BIG MAN". Yeah, I noticed the timing of it when the strikes are happening. He's certainly learnt the "change the talk" lesson. Originally Posted by Susheel .. whether he likes to suck on them (true story). He certainly sucks on something. Originally Posted by Susheel Particularly ironic since he and his accolytees constantly harped about how the previous Prime Minister Manmohan Singh never gave interviews, when in fact he gave more interviews to various papers both national and international, and also spoke at international forums with well prepared speeches. He did not spend his tenure as Prime Minister primarily as the propaganda machine for elections. So many similarities with his American pal, who spent all 8 years of Obama's presidency crying about how much golf Obama played, then went and doubled it during his term without a shred of shame. Why do we* keep electing these clowns? *Pretty sure you and me aren't part of that "we".
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

14th December 2020, 07:18 AM	#70
Mader Levap Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 1,576	"We" as in humanity keeps electing clowns because they are skilled in fooling people.
	__________________ Sanity is overrated. / Voting for Republicans is morally equivalent to voting for Nazis in early 30's.

14th December 2020, 04:15 PM	#71
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Originally Posted by Mader Levap "We" as in humanity keeps electing clowns because they are skilled in fooling people. I don't believe a bar of that. Might be worth a new thread, but from the clowns I'm seeing in action, they're not capable of fooling people and never have been. Their votes are more of a **** you to other people than being sucked in to a whirlpool of nonsense. Modi's a good example - he's ridden the wave of nationalism that was already running deep through India. He doesn't persuade people, or fool anyone, but he picked up a message that resonates with nationalists, of which there are many.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

15th December 2020, 12:45 PM	#72
Mader Levap Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 1,576	Originally Posted by The Atheist I don't believe a bar of that. Might be worth a new thread, but from the clowns I'm seeing in action, they're not capable of fooling people and never have been. Their votes are more of a **** you to other people than being sucked in to a whirlpool of nonsense. No, no. Not "fooling" in sense they believe promises of these clowns. While there are idiots that actually believe in snake oil (clown oil?), majority as you say want to screw over those they blame for whatever. And THIS is suicidal foolishness of highest order, because these clowns aren't interested in wellbeing of their electorate any more than in wellbeing of ones hated by them. My prediction for far future is grim one - democracy is something that is considered not working out. New systems are in place that our culture would consider totalitarian.
	__________________ Sanity is overrated. / Voting for Republicans is morally equivalent to voting for Nazis in early 30's.

15th December 2020, 10:04 PM	#73
Susheel Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 1,754	In, India, the message that the BJP has for its followers is simple: Hey, it's ok to be casteist and hate non-Hindus. We are bringing back our glorious Hindu patriarchal "traditions". The secular promises of development and progress are just talking points to be thrown at the non-acolytes.
	__________________ I've got to get to a library...fast Robert Langdon

15th December 2020, 10:20 PM	#74
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Originally Posted by Susheel In, India, the message that the BJP has for its followers is simple: Hey, it's ok to be casteist and hate non-Hindus. We are bringing back our glorious Hindu patriarchal "traditions". Exactly mirroring Trump, Erdogan, China, and Russia, where things like blackness and gayness are often met with death, or worse. Even in UK now, Johnson and Brexiteers built their movement on nationalism, racism and the exclusion of non-Britishness. It does look like a world going backwards. One step forward, two back.
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25th January 2021, 02:01 AM	#75
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,222	Looks like the border isn't as settled as it might have appeared: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55793112
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.