Western Buddhists caught again in a web of lies

[Charbel]

Dear forum

Its interesting how the Buddha so highly emphasised truthfulness; thus doing one's best to be honest, even when not fully informed, to get as informed as possible; or otherwise keep silent. How many Buddhists on the internet were supporting Russia-Gate? What does this say about the quality of Western Buddhism? How can we improve ourselves as Buddhist practitioners?

The Robert Mueller investigation which monopolized political discourse for two years has finally concluded, and his anxiously awaited report has been submitted to Attorney General William Barr. The results are in and the debate is over: those advancing the conspiracy theory that the Kremlin has infiltrated the highest levels of the US government were wrong, and those of us voicing skepticism of this were right.

https://theantimedia.com/mueller-report ... N09KAoPs1w

[Kim O'Hara]

How many Buddhists on the internet were supporting Russia-Gate? What does this say about the quality of Western Buddhism? How can we improve ourselves as Buddhist practitioners?

Good questions are answerable. The first of these three is not, so the second is not.
And there is no discernible connection between Mueller and the third.


Kim

[DNS]

Are you generalizing all Western Buddhists to holding one particular view on this? Why would you do that? Buddhists have various political views, including on this issue.

I was skeptical myself and knew that even if there were something, nothing would come of it. Just like the Ken Starr investigation back in the 90s on Clinton, it's just more wasted money on nothing. Even if one believes there was something, what is the likelihood of anything happening from it?

Trump will be out of office one day; it won't be by impeachment. Even many leading Democrats understand this and know this is for the best. It's best to just vote him out of office if you don't like him. If he's impeached, it would just make him a martyr.

[Buck McGeehy]

Its interesting how the Buddha so highly emphasised truthfulness; thus doing one's best to be honest, even when not fully informed, to get as informed as possible; or otherwise keep silent. How many Buddhists on the internet were supporting Russia-Gate?

You are referring to the investigation that led to the indictment of 34 individuals and three Russian businesses on charges ranging from computer hacking to conspiracy and financial crimes. Those indictments resulted in seven guilty pleas and four people sentenced to prison. To characterize it as a "witch hunt," as Trump and Base repeatedly did, is an attack on the independence Justice Department and the U.S. democratic system.

What does this say about the quality of Western Buddhism?

Nothing at all.

The Robert Mueller investigation which monopolized political discourse for two years has finally concluded, and his anxiously awaited report has been submitted to Attorney General William Barr. The results are in and the debate is over: those advancing the conspiracy theory that the Kremlin has infiltrated the highest levels of the US government were wrong, and those of us voicing skepticism of this were right.

We can be grateful there was no evidence supporting an effort by the Trump campaign to work directly with Russia to influence the 2016 election, but this does not mean it should never have been investigated at all. We now have further details of the scope of Russia's efforts to interfere with our democracy. If Trump and Base had their way, we would know less.

The Subject of this OP, "Western Buddhist caught again in a web of lies," is false. The viewpoint that the Mueller investigation should not have occurred aligns with the interests of Russia and other opponents of the U.S. democratic system and its traditional institutions of an independent Justice Department, and independent judiciary, a free press, bipartisanship, etc.

Also don't forget, the evidence regarding obstruction of justice was mixed. Trump faces ongoing legal issues. Virtually all of his current and former supporters lied to investigators.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-muel ... 06842.html

[Buck McGeehy]

... it's just more wasted money on nothing.

I disagree. Dozens of indictments and several criminal convictions have resulted.

Even if one believes there was something, what is the likelihood of anything happening from it?

Something did happen from it. In addition, the question remains open whether Trump committed the crime of obstruction of justice.

[Kim O'Hara]

... it's just more wasted money on nothing.

I disagree. Dozens of indictments and several criminal convictions have resulted. ...

Read about them here - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-23/ ... s/10679256


Kim

[Dorje Shedrub]

The attorney general's report said that Trump was not found to have conspired with Russia, but regarding impeding the investigation, the AG said that Trump was not charged, but neither was he exonerated.

Remember too, that although the Mueller investigation is over, the U.S. Congress is still investigating as well as the U.S. Southern District of New York federal court.

DS

[Charbel]

The only Russia-Gate that actually occurred was Israel's Netanyahu phoning Trump son-in-law Kushner to get old Tillerson & Co to phone Putin to help Israel at the United Nations. This was very old news (from MSM Haaretz, for example) and I recall was posted on a Buddhist forum somewhere at the time by those who keep their ear close to the ground.

Anyway, a video with new information below. I must watch. Only 3 minutes long.

[Dan74]

Trump very openly dogwhistled to Russia throughout his election campaign and said very clearly that his administration would align with Putin's policies on sanctions, NATO, Syria and Europe and that they would be great friends. He even asked if the Russians would find the lost Clinton's emails.

Collusion was very much in the open. He made it clear to Russia that they should help him win, that that would be in Russia's interests, even by hacking.

[Pseudobabble]

Some items for your delectation:

[Nicholas]

Dear forum

Its interesting how the Buddha so highly emphasised truthfulness; thus doing one's best to be honest, even when not fully informed, to get as informed as possible; or otherwise keep silent. How many Buddhists on the internet were supporting Russia-Gate? What does this say about the quality of Western Buddhism? How can we improve ourselves as Buddhist practitioners?

Charbel will answer for himself, but I think all he is suggesting is that for many (most?) Buddhists in the West, the buddhadharma is a hobby. Whenever there is a conflict between political loyalties or ideas and the teachings of Buddha, political notions will trump the Dharma.