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TexasTowelie
TexasTowelie's Journal
TexasTowelie's Journal
December 8, 2025
Steve argues even suspected smugglers deserve due process rather than summary execution.
So, We're Just Blowing Up Boats Now? - Steve Shives
Steve argues even suspected smugglers deserve due process rather than summary execution.
December 8, 2025
The ruble is TOO strong… and that’s turning into a nightmare for Russian companies.
A stronger ruble might sound like good news — but for an export-driven economy like Russia, it’s actually terrible.
Oil, gas, metals, fertilisers and grain are all priced globally in dollars. Russian companies don’t control the global price, and when they convert their revenues back into rubles, a strong ruble destroys their profit margins.
In this video, I take a deep dive into the severe problems Russian exporters are now facing, the collapse in ruble-denominated revenue, and why entire export projects may become unprofitable. I also look at Russia’s capital-control rules, the impact on importers, inflation, investment, and the long-term health of the Russian economy.
The paradox is simple:
A strong ruble is now a serious economic risk.
This might be one of the most important — and least understood — issues inside the Russian financial system right now.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:27 RUBLE
4:47 EXPORTS
8:48 IMPORTS
11:05 SUMMARY & CONCLUSION
Russian Ruble Crisis - Joe Blogs
The ruble is TOO strong… and that’s turning into a nightmare for Russian companies.
A stronger ruble might sound like good news — but for an export-driven economy like Russia, it’s actually terrible.
Oil, gas, metals, fertilisers and grain are all priced globally in dollars. Russian companies don’t control the global price, and when they convert their revenues back into rubles, a strong ruble destroys their profit margins.
In this video, I take a deep dive into the severe problems Russian exporters are now facing, the collapse in ruble-denominated revenue, and why entire export projects may become unprofitable. I also look at Russia’s capital-control rules, the impact on importers, inflation, investment, and the long-term health of the Russian economy.
The paradox is simple:
A strong ruble is now a serious economic risk.
This might be one of the most important — and least understood — issues inside the Russian financial system right now.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:27 RUBLE
4:47 EXPORTS
8:48 IMPORTS
11:05 SUMMARY & CONCLUSION
December 8, 2025
Benin's President Patrice Talon has appeared on television to tell the nation an attempted coup has been foiled. Benin was plunged into uncertainty when soldiers took control of the state broadcaster and announced they were seizing power. What followed was a tense, chaotic morning marked by gunfire, border closures and rapid government countermeasures.
00:00 Benin's armed forces foil coup attempt
01:47 Christopher Fomunyoh National Democratic Institute
Did plot to overthrow Benin President Patrice Talon come as a surprise? - DW News
Benin's President Patrice Talon has appeared on television to tell the nation an attempted coup has been foiled. Benin was plunged into uncertainty when soldiers took control of the state broadcaster and announced they were seizing power. What followed was a tense, chaotic morning marked by gunfire, border closures and rapid government countermeasures.
00:00 Benin's armed forces foil coup attempt
01:47 Christopher Fomunyoh National Democratic Institute
December 8, 2025
CNN's Dana Bash sits down with Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) for a wide-ranging interview on "State of the Union."
Sen. Duckworth: Double-tap boat strike 'essentially murder' - CNN
CNN's Dana Bash sits down with Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) for a wide-ranging interview on "State of the Union."
December 8, 2025
Let's talk about Trump's National Security Doctrine and General Butler.... - Belle of the Ranch
December 7, 2025
Missouri Republican Senator Eric Schmitt melts down and turns to classic Republican denial, distraction and attacks after ABC's George Stephanopoulos calls out his obvious lies on-air.
Republican Senator Throws Tantrum After Stephanopoulos Calls Out His Lies - Reflect Politics
Missouri Republican Senator Eric Schmitt melts down and turns to classic Republican denial, distraction and attacks after ABC's George Stephanopoulos calls out his obvious lies on-air.
December 7, 2025
The Russian Federation is facing severe financial strain that goes far beyond the battlefield. The Kremlin is fighting two simultaneous wars with one on the front lines and one inside its own economy. Official reports confirm that oil and gas revenues have fallen significantly in just ten months. This revenue drop has forced the federal deficit to expand beyond initial estimates.
The situation is worsening because Ukrainian drones are systematically hitting the refineries that fund the war machine. Beyond the energy sector the Russian space program has suffered a major setback at the Baikonur Cosmodrome that leaves Russia without reliable crewed access for the near term. We analyze how the shadow fleet is struggling to maintain profit margins and why the central bank is expanding the money supply to cover the gap.
This video explains the paradox of rising military spending during a resource squeeze. You will learn why elite purges are accelerating in Moscow as security services compete for shrinking funds. The damage to the Ryazan refinery is a critical pressure point for the regional energy market. Investors are now watching the sovereign debt strain that is gripping the Russian economy.
The loss of infrastructure is causing fuel tightness that challenges the stability of the regions. This is a comprehensive look at how the war economy is consuming its own future resources. The incident at the Soyuz launch pad is a powerful symbol of this industrial strain. Watch this full analysis to understand the true cost of the conflict and why the Russian economy is sliding toward deeper long-term instability.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Kremlin Fighting Two Wars
00:42 Ukraine Targets Fuel and Cash
01:20 Elite Clans Turn on Each Other
01:55 The Meaning of the 653 Drone Strike
02:34 Projection of Strength to Hide Collapse
03:08 Ukraine’s Successful Interceptions
03:42 Zaporizhia Nuclear Risk Returns
04:10 NATO Border Tensions Rise
04:33 Russia’s Frontline Failures
05:05 Spectacle Attacks Mask Military Weakness
05:42 Drone Strikes Rewriting Russia’s Economy
06:15 Refinery Network Under Systemic Attack
06:56 Razon and Major Facilities Hit Repeatedly
07:35 Russia’s Fuel Shortage Threat
08:10 Shadow Fleet Under Pressure
08:45 Financial Strain Inside the Kremlin
09:20 Purges Reveal Elite Civil War
10:00 Elite Panic and Capital Flight
10:32 Ruble Collapse Warning
11:05 Gold Sales Signal Regime Fear
11:42 Putin Surrounded by Family Clans
12:15 Purges Destroy Institutional Cohesion
12:55 Repression Deepens Across Society
13:25 Elite Loyalty Starts to Fracture
14:00 Two Wars Converge on the Kremlin
14:40 Russia’s Decline Behind the Spectacle
15:20 The Coming Moment of Regime Choice
15:55 Closing Call to Support Ukraine
Moscow's Dangerous Turning Point - Jason Jay Smart
The Russian Federation is facing severe financial strain that goes far beyond the battlefield. The Kremlin is fighting two simultaneous wars with one on the front lines and one inside its own economy. Official reports confirm that oil and gas revenues have fallen significantly in just ten months. This revenue drop has forced the federal deficit to expand beyond initial estimates.
The situation is worsening because Ukrainian drones are systematically hitting the refineries that fund the war machine. Beyond the energy sector the Russian space program has suffered a major setback at the Baikonur Cosmodrome that leaves Russia without reliable crewed access for the near term. We analyze how the shadow fleet is struggling to maintain profit margins and why the central bank is expanding the money supply to cover the gap.
This video explains the paradox of rising military spending during a resource squeeze. You will learn why elite purges are accelerating in Moscow as security services compete for shrinking funds. The damage to the Ryazan refinery is a critical pressure point for the regional energy market. Investors are now watching the sovereign debt strain that is gripping the Russian economy.
The loss of infrastructure is causing fuel tightness that challenges the stability of the regions. This is a comprehensive look at how the war economy is consuming its own future resources. The incident at the Soyuz launch pad is a powerful symbol of this industrial strain. Watch this full analysis to understand the true cost of the conflict and why the Russian economy is sliding toward deeper long-term instability.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Kremlin Fighting Two Wars
00:42 Ukraine Targets Fuel and Cash
01:20 Elite Clans Turn on Each Other
01:55 The Meaning of the 653 Drone Strike
02:34 Projection of Strength to Hide Collapse
03:08 Ukraine’s Successful Interceptions
03:42 Zaporizhia Nuclear Risk Returns
04:10 NATO Border Tensions Rise
04:33 Russia’s Frontline Failures
05:05 Spectacle Attacks Mask Military Weakness
05:42 Drone Strikes Rewriting Russia’s Economy
06:15 Refinery Network Under Systemic Attack
06:56 Razon and Major Facilities Hit Repeatedly
07:35 Russia’s Fuel Shortage Threat
08:10 Shadow Fleet Under Pressure
08:45 Financial Strain Inside the Kremlin
09:20 Purges Reveal Elite Civil War
10:00 Elite Panic and Capital Flight
10:32 Ruble Collapse Warning
11:05 Gold Sales Signal Regime Fear
11:42 Putin Surrounded by Family Clans
12:15 Purges Destroy Institutional Cohesion
12:55 Repression Deepens Across Society
13:25 Elite Loyalty Starts to Fracture
14:00 Two Wars Converge on the Kremlin
14:40 Russia’s Decline Behind the Spectacle
15:20 The Coming Moment of Regime Choice
15:55 Closing Call to Support Ukraine
December 7, 2025
Summary of France's Economic Crisis
This video analyzes France's deepening economic and political challenges, arguing the country faces a "slow-motion collapse" despite its wealth and global influence.
Three Interconnected Crises
1. Demographic Crisis
Fertility rate dropped from 2.0 (2010) to 1.6 (2024), with births declining 20%
Worker-to-retiree ratio collapsed from 5:1 (1990) to nearly 2:1 today, heading toward 1.5:1 by 2040
Productivity growth stagnated at 0.3% annually (half the OECD average)
Pension system now consumes 14% of GDP—more than education, defense, and transportation combined
2. Industrial Decline
Manufacturing share fell from 26% (1980) to 13% today
France lost 900,000 manufacturing jobs after the euro's introduction
Labor costs are highest in the eurozone (50% above gross salary vs. 30% in Germany)
Major companies (Michelin, Renault, Peugeot) relocated production to Eastern Europe and Morocco
3. Political Paralysis
51 consecutive years of budget deficits; debt tripled to €3.4 trillion over 25 years
Seven prime ministers since 2017, none delivering lasting reforms
Parliament fragmented across five blocks with no majority
Anti-establishment parties (far-right and far-left) now command over 50% support, blocking comprehensive reform
Market Consequences
France's bond yields have risen to 3.2% (highest since 2012), with the spread over German bonds approaching 80 basis points. The country violates EU fiscal rules with 6% deficits and 113% debt-to-GDP ratio, projected to reach 125% by 2030.
How France is becoming a 'third-world' economy - CaspianReport
Summary of France's Economic Crisis
This video analyzes France's deepening economic and political challenges, arguing the country faces a "slow-motion collapse" despite its wealth and global influence.
Three Interconnected Crises
1. Demographic Crisis
Fertility rate dropped from 2.0 (2010) to 1.6 (2024), with births declining 20%
Worker-to-retiree ratio collapsed from 5:1 (1990) to nearly 2:1 today, heading toward 1.5:1 by 2040
Productivity growth stagnated at 0.3% annually (half the OECD average)
Pension system now consumes 14% of GDP—more than education, defense, and transportation combined
2. Industrial Decline
Manufacturing share fell from 26% (1980) to 13% today
France lost 900,000 manufacturing jobs after the euro's introduction
Labor costs are highest in the eurozone (50% above gross salary vs. 30% in Germany)
Major companies (Michelin, Renault, Peugeot) relocated production to Eastern Europe and Morocco
3. Political Paralysis
51 consecutive years of budget deficits; debt tripled to €3.4 trillion over 25 years
Seven prime ministers since 2017, none delivering lasting reforms
Parliament fragmented across five blocks with no majority
Anti-establishment parties (far-right and far-left) now command over 50% support, blocking comprehensive reform
Market Consequences
France's bond yields have risen to 3.2% (highest since 2012), with the spread over German bonds approaching 80 basis points. The country violates EU fiscal rules with 6% deficits and 113% debt-to-GDP ratio, projected to reach 125% by 2030.
December 7, 2025
Let's talk about Johnson asking Republicans to stop trashing him in public.... - Belle of the Ranch
December 7, 2025
In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) reacts to the Supreme Court ruling that allows Texas to move forward with a GOP-friendly redistricted map and shares his concerns over history repeating itself.
Jim Clyburn warns about the 'catastrophic consequences' of redistricting: Full interview - NBC News
In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) reacts to the Supreme Court ruling that allows Texas to move forward with a GOP-friendly redistricted map and shares his concerns over history repeating itself.
Profile Information
Gender: MaleHometown: South Texas. most of my life I lived in Austin and Dallas
Home country: United States
Current location: Bryan, Texas
Member since: Sun Aug 14, 2011, 02:57 AM
Number of posts: 124,735