swissie

Just a theory: For decades (mainly in Europe), The "working class" has saved their money to purchase a house with garden. But in the meantime a house and garden is no more affordable for them. Mainly the case in Europe, less so in the US, so far. But still some savings are accumulated. If not enough for a house, still enough to buy some stocks. Perhaps those savings find their way into the stock markets, providing the "liquidity" that fuels any broad based Bull market, regardless of any other "logical inputs". "Excess Money" (savings) will end up somewhere. Currently preferrably in the stock markets. Regardless of other "logical inputs". While currently everybody including his uncle is mesmorised by the performance and resiliancy of the stock markets, I have decided to re-direct my funds to greener pastures.

The term "investement advisor" is still a unclassified profession. Everybody including his uncle can call himself an "investement advisor".

It took centuries to form something like "Switzerland". Never having a chance to emerge as a "world power". But some mountain tribes decided that the rule of the "Habsburgs" had to end. The result was that many small "countries" joined the "Swiss Confederation". Small is beautiful, nevermind the 4 languages, still in effect and causing no problems. Knowing that we would be too small to affect "world happenings", we decided to stay neutral. =May the "world powers" bang each others head in. We rather not partake. What if: All countries turn "Neutral"? No interferance of other countries internal affairs? Switzerland as a shining example?

Can not see why this thread has been moved to "The war in Ukraine", as the thread of "Why are Russians fleeing to Thailand" still remains in the "pub forum". It adresses the same configuration be it in Thailand or Europe. But I suppose that as long as Russian Tourists can support themselves, they are welcome. Once they run out of money, Thai authorities will find a way to "unload" them to Europe. But as long as they have money to spend (as usual), everybody is welcome in Thailand. Seems to me that "ASEAN NOW" is supportive of this concept.

In the eastern Ukraine they speak Russian, In the western Ukraine they speak Ukrainian. Just another Russian slang. Same as US southern slang compared to the slang of Boston. Still undersrtanding each other.

Let's remember: Before the war, the Ukraine was classified as corrupt as Russia, making it impossible to join the "EU". Just as a reminder.

No magic. All very predictable.

"Kiss my grits" is somewhat of an outdatet term, sometimes still used in the southern states of the US. In todays lingo it would mean something like "f+ck-up, leave me alone".

Facts? Easy, government statistics. 70'000 refugees from the Ukraine in my (small) home country.

I woulden't go this far. But true"southern slang" warms my heart. Long live "dixie".

Yes, sad story. But to this very day, there were no Russian soldiers in the "Western Ukraine". Who did the looting? His neighbors? PS: I would never put JT on ignore, as (on a good day), he is perfectly able to deliver good in depth analysis of a wide array of subjects.

Judging by your past contributions you can do much better than that. Try again. Deliver pro's and con's based on facts outlined in my OP.

How do you connect this to Putin and propaganda? Just comparing the faith of Ukrainian/Russian refugees.

What about the Ukrainians fleeing to Europe? In 80% of the Ukraine, no war takes place. Most Ukrainians never felt the need to flee. Still, 10 thousands of Ukrainian refugees ended up in Europe. Less than 10% are gainfully employed in Europe and language/integration courses are not in much demand by the refugees. Preferring to live on welfare benefits. As opposed to Russian refugees in Thailand, where they have to pay for their livelyhood. Someday the war will end. I could imagine that refugees returning to the Ukraine will not receive a warm "welcome back" by their countrymen.

There is so much more to it: For decades, Government Statistics "prove" that the average wage earners are better off than ever. Really? My dad was the only provider, my mother never had to work. We had a good life, lacking nothing. Therefore, how come, that in todays Europe, mom and dad have to work to make ends meet? Same in Thailand. Have 2 stepdaughters, both married, having good jobs at the Bank and Industry. But mom and dad have to work, otherwise they could not afford to live in Bangkok. If in the olden days a single provider could "carry" a family. Today it takes 2 "earners". So how do Government Statistics derive their "better off than ever" from? Today we have to deal with "fake news". But long before we have appearantly and obviously been fed with "fake statistics". To "fine tune" and "adjust" the basket of consumer goods is paradise for government "statiscians", wanting to low ball annual inflation rates.