12 Comments

Dear Laura, Ukrainian corruption, however small or large, is not at stake here. We have, in Putin, a megalomaniac without an ounce of humanity. Had NATO not expanded, he'd have taken the Baltics and Finland by now. NATO did not expand to threaten Russia. It expanded to protect itself from Russia. I listened to the links you sent. I was completely underwhelmed by an armchair academic who knew it all and was adamant that Putin would never invade Ukraine. The past can't be changed. At this point, we are, yet again, in a war to defend Europe from a madman. You need to choose sides. It's that simple.

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Hi Arthur, No need whatsoever to read anything that's not likely of interest. I do think, though, that you are missing something major. Putin's strategy is to sit back and bomb Ukraine on an endless basis -- for years as needed. Ukraine does not have the means to kick Putin out of Ukraine. It does have the means to inflict lots of casualties on Russian troops in Ukraine. So this is a war of attrition with enormous economic consequences for all of us. If Russia's main weapon -- terror -- is eliminated, the duration to a peace treaty will be much shorter. Hence, my column is largely about economics as is most geopolitics. best, Larry

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Hi Larry. Thanks for providing me with your take; I do not disagree with your assessment of the likely financial outcome of the war in Ukraine. But, with all due respect, I think it is you who is missing something. I used the "Drone Strike" piece as one example and the "Quiz for Antisemites and their Dinner Partners" as another. Speaking for myself, and perhaps others, I came to know you and respect you for your financial guidance, especially with the SSA. Not for your political commentary. In the past I have paid for your financial guidance; however I have no need for much-less a desire to pay for your political commentary. We are inundated with partisan political opinion / editorial pieces. I do not want or need yet another.

Best-

Art

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Hi Heather, Glad you are sticking with me. But the facts aren't fully on your side. The economy has not gone to hell. Inflation has gone crazy, but that's true across the planet, including in Korea where I'm currently sitting. Biden didn't cause inflation in Korea or Germany or the UK or ... I'm not opposed to all of Trump's policies. I think TCJA was second-rate and that he is responsible for undercutting a first-rate reform. I have some inside knowledge on this. Re digital IDs, Democrats don't want that any more than Republicans. This is not yet China. best, Larry

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Hi Heather, I don't know what Trump himself did on these matters. And I don't think the Democrats caused crime to go out of control or killed the economy. Inflation is occurring around the world. Trump's boyfriend is mostly responsible for this in conjunction with COVID. And nothing will ever excuse his treason on January 6th. I don't know why you would want to carry water for this person. I'm not a Democrat. But I can spot a con artist from very long distance. The man is a blight on the country. Dining with bigots is just his latest insult to our heritage and values. Yes, good things happened under Trump. But he will go down in history as far worse than Benedict Arnold. best, Larry

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Fair enough. I'll edit the piece. best, Larry

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Trump does and says a lot of stupid things and I wish he would disappear gracefully and quietly, but honesty does require acknowledging that he did recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and his son in law and daughter are Jewish. In deeds he was a better friend to Jews (at least the state of Israel) than most democrats.

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Hello Larry-

I have long enjoyed your financial guidance, have purchased your book and otherwise been a strong fan & supporter of you. But lately it seems like there is less in the way of financial wisdom and guidance and more politically inspired editorial comments. No offense, but I read your stuff for the finance information and not the extreme partisan political opinion(s). Today an essay entitled "The Real Message in Ukraine's Drone Strike on Russian Airbases" arrived. Yet another example of your distancing yourself from your core business expertise and the type of writings that created your following. Quite frankly, I just delete your non-finance stuff without even reading it. It is of no value to me.

I can completely understand where you might take the stance that I'm getting it for free and I am in no position to "complain" about it. But, the point is that this IS the point. I'm not going to pay for this stuff whereas in the past I HAVE paid for your materials.

Net, net I have no idea if you are going to gain or lose readers but going in this direction. That's yours to assess and determine if it is the best course for you to follow. I just want you to know my opinion because, after all you have done for me, I'd feel remiss if I did not let you know how I feel. I simply cannot imagine that I am the only one who feels this way.

Best-

Art

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Trump did a lot of great things for this country which he does not get credit for. The economy has gone to hell since the Democrats have taken over and crime is out of control. Trump exposed the corruption in D.C. Americans are in for many more surprises down the road, under the Democrats, and they aren't good ones.... digital ID and losing control of our daily lives are just a few example. You may be OK with that, but I and many others are NOT.

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Larry, you might benefit from watching this -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrMiSQAGOS4&t=23s

as well as his more recent lecture(s) updating his position based upon the events over the last year, which, by the way are in agreement with Henry Kissinger's recommendations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qciVozNtCDM

The FTX/SBF hearings and subsequent judicial filings will hopefully expose the incredible money laundering operations centered in Ukraine.

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There would be no American cinema without Jews; indeed, the world of entertainment in general would be radically different if its history were rewritten without Jews (several names on your list indicate that). Getting personal about your concept, I must say how deprived my life would be without the Jews who taught me (and whom I taught).

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I am a Jew and not a Jew Hater, but I could memory hole Adam Sandler and Mark Zuckerberg with a clean conscience and a smile on my face.

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