So the biggest land war in Europe since WWII has ground on for another year. It’s been interesting to say the least. Most of us expected to see Putin in Kyiv not Biden. The best laid plans of mice and men and all that.
So the question is, how desperate is Putin? His goals have not changed. Apparently some people are slow learners.
Assume for a moment that the current Russian push does not go very well. Maybe the Ukrainian effort is really successful. They’ve pulled some big surprises in the past. Don’t sell them short.
So what will a desperate Putin do? Will he actually follow through with his treats and go nuclear? I really don’t know, but I’m not afraid of the the rhetoric. Having grown up in the duck and cover age of the Cold War I’ve seen it all before. It seems every other week there would be a threat of global nuclear destruction. You can only maintain a level of high anxiety so long. After a while we’d shrug and go on with our lives.
Personally, I can’t see Putin going the whole strategic nuclear weapon route. However, I see a less than zero chance that he might try one tactical battlefield nuke -just to make a point. He must know that going full out strategic war would be his death warrant. One nuke . . . he might think he can get away with that.
I wonder if the Russian nuclear forces are as shabby as the rest of his military? Just a thought -and not one to bank on.
What might be more likely is for the Russians to damage a Ukrainian nuclear power plant. They’ve put nuclear plants at risk before. It’s entirely possible that there would be a radioactive release from that sort of thing. It seems like the sort of “accident” that could lend itself to some level of deniability.
With that in mind it might not be too bad an idea to have a few bottles of Potassium Iodide around for the fallout.
-Sixbears
I've read that there are serious side effects from that for older people. You shouldn't take it unless you see a nuclear cloud heading your way for certain.
ReplyDeleteI was unaware of the hazard. I'd take it if that glowy cloud was coming.
DeleteYou and me both.
Delete2% iodine applied at the elbow a 3 inch square every morning is a fair level of protection.
ReplyDeleteAs I used more than that daily washing my hands in the OR it's safe enough for most folks.
Thyroid needs iodine and cares not if it's plain or Extra Glowy version so flood it with safe iodine.
The Politics of the situation is something worthless to discuss. Neither of us know the real score. Propaganda is too deeply infesting the news.
I heard of it being painted on the back of the neck on kids.
DeleteI'm betting we'll eventually get the real story behind the news. Might take a couple years, but I've some hints of that going on behind the scenes. Can't name names yet.
We all know that Potassium and Iodine are only short term solutions, they fail after long term exposure. Anyone remember those 40 back pack nukes that disappeared from a Russian supply train going across the Urals in the 80's?
ReplyDeleteReally? Nuclear war is taken so lightly? Xi is now siding with Putin. Biden has dementia. Your okay with this?
ReplyDeleteI don't believe any of us said or implied that they were ok with a Nuke war. Just pointing out some very bleak facts. The idea of that actually happening scares the hell out of me, and I'm sure anyone who is quasi rational.
DeleteIf you really believe that either side is shooting straight with their propaganda . Then you are delusional.
ReplyDeleteWe are not sending the best of the best , any more than Russia is. Just using up old stock of equipment that is surplus. Which Russia has a shit ton of... remember they defeated the German army with thousands of Russian troops equipped with no ammo... basically overwhelming the Nazis and smothered them with a mass of poorly equipped men.