They were not like the Rockefellers of US economic history, who had developed new resources, methods and institutions over the course of several decades. Rather, these manipulators in Russia appeared from nowhere and took over in about five years an enormous infrastructure and enormous wealth that the Soviet Union had developed during seven decades.

“Some see private enterprise as a predatory target to be shot, others as a cow to be milked, but few are those who see it as a sturdy horse pulling the wagon.” Winston Churchill

Ah, that explains Russia seizing western oil company assets in Russia. No new technology for you Ivan. Oil output is already in decline. So conquer or die it is. We get it. Pitler gets it. Bush gets it.

I would say that Bush has chosen your death even if it means war. We shall see if it means a small one now and nips in the bud a big one later.

The Euros? Simpering wimps as always. Churchill had their number:

”Britain and France had to choose between war and dishonor. They chose dishonor. They will have war.” Winston Churchill

Fortunately the US learned a couple of things in the 20th century. Russia? The classic case of forgotten nothing and learned nothing. More is the pity. A truly charming people on an individual basis. Too much in love with their kings.