All this empathy for refugees all of a sudden

[regis80]

Ah, hello again Mr ‘Regis’, another post to try to wind up certain members of this board? When was the last time you posted something about West Bromwich Albion? Also what’s BLM got to do with it?

I’ve clearly stated that i’m not trying to have a pop at anybody? Any posters here think I am? I’d like to know. I’ve started a genuine post and despite what you think, i’m not trying to wind anyone up but you clearly must be? Oh I do apologise.

With regards to the Albion, i’ve stated some months ago and put my hand up to say that i’m not a strong follower as I used to be. That said, i have commented on the VI posts recently. I have not been to the Hawthorns in quite a while, perhaps mainly because I live so far away and circumstances don’t allow it. Hence why you won’t see me talk much about our team because those that go to the games and pay money have more reason to vent frustration than a non-paying armchair footie fan like me. But i’ll tell you this, i am west brom born bred and the main reason I do support wba is because i’d like my team/home town where I grew up to do well. Sorry if my affinity to my club isn’t as much as yours.

[regis80]

Putin is a mass murderer who is targeting civilians like animals with woman and children killed. More of a shock that it’s on our doorstep in Europe in a cosmopolitan city. The Ukrainian president can hardly be a nazi when he’s Jewish.

.

Also to say it’s not Zelenski I was calling a nazi nor probably majority of Ukrainians.. but I read somewhere that parts or regions of Ukraine are Nazis. In fact, Putin was using this as some justification to attack.

[baggieal]

I see your points Baggieal and agree some of them. As said by another poster (sorry can’t scroll to see) is that those countries you mention in the middle east could take refugees but nobody is queuing up to go there. And with their Human rights policies, would you blame them. It’s about time western leaders (at least try to attempt to) tell those nations they need to do more. But my guess is those countries have so much wealth they don’t want to share any of it.. because ultimately that’s what will be impacted.

You are right of course Regis! For example I do like going to Dubai but have seen the other side with how Indian/Bangladeshi people etc are treated together with very long hours and poor pay. Yes pressure should be applied to these countries to help their neighbours but the mentality is - they would rather sell their mothers first! I used to contract hotels in places like Tunisia and Morocco and there’s so much corruption and back handers,

I have always maintained on immigration there should be a fair system ( like Australia ) which is based on skills - what the person can offer and individuals vetted on security. Look at some of the terrorism cases in the last few years with illegals being let loose! Legal immigration is a must to recruit more doctors - engineers etc!

In life there should be no such thing as a free lunch either way. Those entering should be made to pay back any financials and be prepared to work immediately! Why the hell are we still paying huge costs for example to bring over Romanian fruit pickers! People understandably who are citizens will feel resentment of illegal boat people coming in and given free food and warm cosy heating. Sadly in this day and age of spiralling costs our elderly and have nots can’t afford to feed their kids and will soon freeze with sky high energy costs. I get it!!

Many of the illegal boat people are always single men - that tells you something! Many of the Ukrainians who are European and known to be hard working are women and children - that tells you a story too! Many of the Ukrainian men have stayed to fight for their country and freedom. I salute them as most will die!

On the other hand the Afghan army were trained for years and ran like chickens despite being armed and giving up any kind of fight. That tells you a story too!

[baggieal]

Also to say it’s not Zelenski I was calling a nazi nor probably majority of Ukrainians.. but I read somewhere that parts or regions of Ukraine are Nazis. In fact, Putin was using this as some justification to attack.

I know you wasn’t but the biggest Nazi since Hitler is Putin and his command! Massacring women and children and with the use of banned ammo is what Hitler did!

Whilst I don’t hold normal Russians to account except the crooked Oligarchs - I do hold the Russian military to account! Anybody knows what’s right or wrong when bombing women and children!

So if thousands of Russians in their army meet a gory death - no sorrow from me!

[Omegstrat6]

There are many valid points made in the original post, some of which were similarly made by BS in another thread.

Modern day global trade has meant that many Western countries have become involved with unsavoury regimes as greed and self interest will always sadly over ride moral considerations. It is now extremely hard for these countries to extricate themselves from such relationships due to reliance on goods/resources.

There are plenty of countries across the globe right now experiencing violence and violations of human rights beside Ukraine whether that be in Yemen or Mongolia or much of Africa and India. You can easily find out about these but they are not in your face on all media outlets as the situation in Ukraine is. Why? Sadly, there probably is an element of this being because these other violations affect poorer non-white communities and that makes them less newsworthy in the West whereas Ukraine is both culturally and geographically far closer to Western nations so maybe there is more empathy towards them. But the key issue is that what is happening in Ukraine is far more likely to directly affect us than what is happening in Africa or Yemen-including the scary proposition of WW3.

I believe the UN and so called "develped" nations should-and could-do more but it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to attempt to police the world and human nature seems to ensure a never ending provision of those who would either seek power at the expense and subjugation of others or else seek to enforce religious or political extremism and intolerance. Many of the developed countries are also now far more focussed on domestic issues than expending both money and lives on foreign soil as "charity begins at home" . After its experiences in the Middle East, the USA is certainly wanting to pull away from such involvement, although Putin is testing this resolve.

The situation in Ukraine is both horrible and worrying but even if it can be resolved and Putin forced to step back the rest of the world will likely just continue on as it has been and people across the globe will continue to be oppressed under various regimes. Cheery thought isn't it?

[BaggieSingh]

There are many valid points made in the original post, some of which were similarly made by BS in another thread.

Modern day global trade has meant that many Western countries have become involved with unsavoury regimes as greed and self interest will always sadly over ride moral considerations. It is now extremely hard for these countries to extricate themselves from such relationships due to reliance on goods/resources.

There are plenty of countries across the globe right now experiencing violence and violations of human rights beside Ukraine whether that be in Yemen or Mongolia or much of Africa and India. You can easily find out about these but they are not in your face on all media outlets as the situation in Ukraine is. Why? Sadly, there probably is an element of this being because these other violations affect poorer non-white communities and that makes them less newsworthy in the West whereas Ukraine is both culturally and geographically far closer to Western nations so maybe there is more empathy towards them. But the key issue is that what is happening in Ukraine is far more likely to directly affect us than what is happening in Africa or Yemen-including the scary proposition of WW3.

I believe the UN and so called "develped" nations should-and could-do more but it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to attempt to police the world and human nature seems to ensure a never ending provision of those who would either seek power at the expense and subjugation of others or else seek to enforce religious or political extremism and intolerance. Many of the developed countries are also now far more focussed on domestic issues than expending both money and lives on foreign soil as "charity begins at home" . After its experiences in the Middle East, the USA is certainly wanting to pull away from such involvement, although Putin is testing this resolve.

The situation in Ukraine is both horrible and worrying but even if it can be resolved and Putin forced to step back the rest of the world will likely just continue on as it has been and people across the globe will continue to be oppressed under various regimes. Cheery thought isn't it?

Hey Regis I have to agree and said the same a while ago, but slightly more diplomatically as I knew it would draw some reaction from people that didn’t read it in the way it was meant, Omegstrat did read it the way it was meant, so thanks for that mate also Al I always measured in his response and open to discussion, but not all on here are

@regis mate you can’t be surprised at people feeling sorry for people that look more like them than we do, it happens and it’s not right but it happens
Also we are conditioned to think of the world as continents with lines which is ****ing weird but it happens again
Have you seen some of the reports saying we don’t see these sort of things in a civilised place, like the rest of the world is not civilised
Bias towards people that look, sound, and are based near to you will always happen doesn’t make it right

And I also think you are right to point it out, as we should all be made to think about our actions and analyse our thoughts and responses that’s how we grow as people and change

[Barrera]

Don't be fooled....There is serious poverty in Saudis Arabia and other Emirates in that region....if you are not a Sunni Muslim....you are nothing...treated worse then a dog....over 18% are Shi'ite and have never benefited from petrodollars.....
Most people just want to feel secure and safe in life.......and it would appear that the whole world is becoming unsafe no matter where you live......but Yemen, Syria...and now Ukraine are places I thank GOD each day that I am no were near these places......

Mate ... I lived in Bahrain and worked in Saudi for 10 years - came back about 18 months ago. So I know a little about that region. Yes there is a Sunni v Shia rift which has been there for centuries -especially in Bahrain where I lived. KSA v Iran is the regional tension which underpins most of the regional conflicts in Yemen, Lebanon and the rest. But this is different issue .. the countries have space and money ..... surely pressure could be put on for them to do there bit with refugees. After all how many palaces, football clubs, entertainment venues, racing tracks do these princes need ....

[baggieal]

Hey Regis I have to agree and said the same a while ago, but slightly more diplomatically as I knew it would draw some reaction from people that didn’t read it in the way it was meant, Omegstrat did read it the way it was meant, so thanks for that mate also Al I always measured in his response and open to discussion, but not all on here are

@regis mate you can’t be surprised at people feeling sorry for people that look more like them than we do, it happens and it’s not right but it happens
Also we are conditioned to think of the world as continents with lines which is ****ing weird but it happens again
Have you seen some of the reports saying we don’t see these sort of things in a civilised place, like the rest of the world is not civilised
Bias towards people that look, sound, and are based near to you will always happen doesn’t make it right

And I also think you are right to point it out, as we should all be made to think about our actions and analyse our thoughts and responses that’s how we grow as people and change

It’s a dangerous old world when Hitler 2 in Russia has hands on the button and likewise old Jo looks like he should be playing French boules rather than delivering news speeches.

Questions have to be asked why have the Chinese and Russians been allowed to money launder in London for years. I went to the Bank last week and wanted 3 grand in cash and the old bidy behind the cashiers desk had the audacity to ask why I wanted cash - she nearly fell off her chair when I said for the horses and ladies of the night as I was so p issed off with her asking this pathetic question! 3 grand would not go far on a to week family holiday for f uck sake!

Hopefully there can be a diplomatic solution but the end result surely should be - do not reinstate those sanctions and don’t ever trade with Russia again! Why with the hostility are we also reliant on China and again with should look at other countries such as India or be far more self sufficient!in the U.K./EU!

I don’t get hypocrites of any description either and if those Russians in the U.K. support Russia then perhaps they should go back there! The thousands of people arrested in Russia for their opinions tells the story of this country. You dare not speak out!!! What a life!!!

We are we cosying up to the UAE and the Saudis-with weapons sales etc and ignoring what’s going on in Yemen etc. Why don’t the West boycott the World Cup in Qatar until they start helping their neighbours in Afghanistan etc etc. Its alright for Beckham to be the face of the World Cup - why does he not donate his millions in payment to those who need it in Afghanistan? Why should the West ( mainly USA ) keep Getty my involved which actually makes matters worse!

Trouble with the West there is so much corruption and greed - look at the government with contracts and Prince Andrew ( or k nob Andrew )? We need to look in our own back garden!

Did not like Trump but would Russia have invaded if he was still in? Not because he was a good president but he’s chums with Putin! I wonder why?

The only people who suffer all the time are the innocent civilians and women and kids being murdered. The haves get richer and the have nots poorer!

I feel for the younger generation with two years of proper schooling lost and social interaction missing plus now listening to all the crap going on in Ukraine. Got to the point where I dread my 14 year old seeing the news and used to encourage it from an educational insight of world news and ‘ kindness’ towards every individual of every background!

So sad BS!

[regis80]

Hey Regis I have to agree and said the same a while ago, but slightly more diplomatically as I knew it would draw some reaction from people that didn’t read it in the way it was meant, Omegstrat did read it the way it was meant, so thanks for that mate also Al I always measured in his response and open to discussion, but not all on here are

@regis mate you can’t be surprised at people feeling sorry for people that look more like them than we do, it happens and it’s not right but it happens
Also we are conditioned to think of the world as continents with lines which is ****ing weird but it happens again
Have you seen some of the reports saying we don’t see these sort of things in a civilised place, like the rest of the world is not civilised
Bias towards people that look, sound, and are based near to you will always happen doesn’t make it right

And I also think you are right to point it out, as we should all be made to think about our actions and analyse our thoughts and responses that’s how we grow as people and change

That’s exactly what it should be mate, discussion. Thanks BS. It can be awkward talking about it but it’s not trying to catch people out here either. Sometimes stating the obvious in this example is needed to bring some balance to the way we all think when we need to show support for those needing to flee.
The problem is, everyone can get so fired up when the media ante up everything, it’s constantly in our faces that we should support Ukraine. As omegastrat stated countries are now trying to look and help more closer to home and not get involved.
Over 2 months ago we gave 50m to ukraine and nobody batted an eyelid.. prices going up here but nobody here asked why that 50m could have helped the vulnerable here in the UK. Instead we get questioned why aid is sent to india or pakistan. This is a right wing rhetoric coming out from the tabloids trying to sell a paper or click?

Also for baggieal, hope your op went well and your in good spirits. I don’t know enough about the pain or what the op entails. But hope you’re well.
Anyway, forgot to mention from earlier about those running away in Afghanistan - reckon they did that because they knew full well they wouldn’t survive. Past experiences tell them they better leave. The taliban are some murderous scum that would probably abuse their own and do - something different to Ukraine where the enemy is coming from outside their country where you’ll defend. Taliban doing be headings drive a bit of fear in and if you stay you’re likely to live by there ancient rules. Where in ukraine you’d live by russian rules. Not trying to justify any of it but you get what I mean, i hope.

[Dubbag]

Mate ... I lived in Bahrain and worked in Saudi for 10 years - came back about 18 months ago. So I know a little about that region. Yes there is a Sunni v Shia rift which has been there for centuries -especially in Bahrain where I lived. KSA v Iran is the regional tension which underpins most of the regional conflicts in Yemen, Lebanon and the rest. But this is different issue .. the countries have space and money ..... surely pressure could be put on for them to do there bit with refugees. After all how many palaces, football clubs, entertainment venues, racing tracks do these princes need ....

Then you will no that your suggestion could not come to pass....because the west is not capable of putting pressure on "those" countries for the same reason the EU is not able to stop Russian oil and gas coming in......to many years leaning on corrupt regimes who ignored human rights, so they could cozy up to....
As baggieal says even the royal family are at it.......So refugees, while desperate, still would not make a trip to KSA if it were their choice....
It is going to be hard to roll back years of been nice to pretty horrendous re gems....but that has been the price in petrodollars....