this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2023
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[–] Plaid_Kaleidoscope 242 points 1 year ago (15 children)

On one hand, I absolutely agree with this. It's human nature to want to avoid such a fate if one can reasonably avoid it. If I had the money and could buy my way out of participation in a fucking war...I'd hate to think that I wouldn't.

I know it's their home and things like that...but not everyone cares about those sorts of ties, and they become even less meaningful in death. I'm not saying I condone their actions, just that I understand.

[–] [email protected] 183 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I mean, I have some sympathy for the ones giving the bribes. No sympathy for the ones taking the bribes who are being charged.

[–] Plaid_Kaleidoscope 30 points 1 year ago

For sure, that's what I was commenting on. Can't speak at all for the one's accepting the bribes, knowing what it means for their fellow soldiers.

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[–] [email protected] 32 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Trust me, you'll find an official to bribe in such a situation in Eastern Europe. This is a PR move, to arrest some from time to time and show that in the news. Happens regularly.

[–] uncle_bagel 47 points 1 year ago (7 children)

Doesnt have to be Eastern Europe. Plenty of examples of rich people finding ways for their kids to avaoid the draft during Vietnam and WWII in the US.

[–] UnderpantsWeevil 27 points 1 year ago (1 children)

My dad got out of Vietnam (unwittingly) when my grandparents paid the doctor to give him a bad medical evaluation. He was all hyped to go, only to discover he had... I want to say it was flat feet or something? Basically "you're no good at marching so you won't war good".

Stayed in college, got his masters and then his PhD, then went on to work for a major energy company and move out to the suburbs and live the good life into his golden years. A couple of his high school buddies went and got killed - one in a helicopter crash and another after stepping on a landmine.

When 9/11 happened and I was ready to enlist, he grabbed me by the shoulder and explained the best thing his parents ever did for him was keeping him out of the war.

I only wish every parent had this conversation with their kids. The world would be a better place.

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[–] [email protected] 25 points 1 year ago

I would definitely try to get out too. Either by bribes or just fleeing

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[–] SuddenDownpour 181 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If it's a crime, do not fire them, lock them up in pris-

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the actions "treason" and has initiated criminal proceedings.

Oh. Oh well.

[–] Dicska 102 points 1 year ago (4 children)

Also, one of the main reasons the Russian army has been underperforming is corruption. Loads of money siphoned, incompetent people getting positions, you name it. Zelenskyy is also making sure the same doesn't happen in his country and stays on top performance/efficiency wise.

[–] SupraMario 45 points 1 year ago (14 children)

Zelenskyy will go down in history with the likes of all great leaders. The man has risen to legendary status. Once this war is won and Ukraine is free, I hope he gets that much deserved beer and beach vacation.

Slava Ukraina

[–] Dicska 25 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I can only agree with every single word, but I think he should go the Churchill way, and just find some peaceful and relaxing job once the whole thing is over (I know, Churchill actually stayed around for a while). For one: because he will definitely deserve it; but for two: looking at history (not excluding my own country's), too many great politicians have fallen into the "...or you live long enough to become the villain" category. I'm rooting hard for Zelenskyy to at least get a draw and not go mad later.

[–] [email protected] 49 points 1 year ago

He has said a few times that after the war he'll retire from politics.

Considering his abysmal approval rating before the war and his huge popularity during it, I think he'll take the "amazing wartime president" label and happily walk away afterwards.

If history has shown us anything, the politicians you need in wartime and peacetime need very different skillsets.

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[–] [email protected] 60 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Zelensky didn't want the job either but he packed up his actor clothes and has so far been putting on a damn fine leadership show. I can imagine plenty of wealthier families are trying to dodge. who wouldn't...10k seems low for bargaining ones potential life. not that any of this or that in ukraine is good right now. I just hope zelensky's soul isn't so blackened that he turns this into a teaching moment rather than punishment.

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[–] [email protected] 53 points 1 year ago (4 children)

Bruh what's wrong with this comment section

[–] BombOmOm 41 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (4 children)

People who apparently think just lying down and dying is the best option when facing an invading country killing civilians en-mass. I have a feeling their opinion would be different it was their family being killed by invaders, if it was their country facing complete destruction.

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[–] [email protected] 38 points 1 year ago (44 children)

Lemmy.ml tankies gunna tankie

[–] [email protected] 22 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Tankies are what happens when kids start snorting totalitarianism at a young age. Heartbreaking!

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[–] [email protected] 29 points 1 year ago

You should see the threads where the huxbear and lemmygrad users get going!

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[–] [email protected] 47 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Well, in my limited knowledge and general thoughts about it being treason, I agree with what he's saying as it doesn't come off as these recruiters are trying to be compassionate and save citizens to become soldiers.

Sounds like profiteering favoritism to keep rich and prominent men and women from serving.

This doesn't strike me as 16 year old Billy is getting handed a bayonet and told to die for oil.

Bottom line, against or for the war, people getting rich by saving the rich is a pretty shitty way to do your profiteering.

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[–] DarkMFG 41 points 1 year ago (4 children)

Don't know about you, but I think bribery should be an act of treasen whether at war or at peace.

[–] Aermis 30 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Treason is a really powerful crime that carries heavy consequences. Bribery at peace should still carry consequences but in some cases (countries) treason alone carries a death penalty. Bribery during peace maybe shouldn't carry such a steep penalty

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[–] dx1 22 points 1 year ago

Alt-righters calling Zelenskyy corrupt and so on all day long. Look how stressed his face looks. He's aged like 30 years since the war started.

[–] [email protected] 20 points 1 year ago (2 children)

accepting bribes is bad actually

being sent to war against your will is bad actually

[–] PeckerBrown 34 points 1 year ago

Being invaded by shitbirds is bad actually.

Not fighting them is bad actually.

Diluting that message is bad actually.

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