Saryn

Somehow I seriously doubt that

Didn't blow Bubba so far

No yeah I didn't mean to imply that this is something that is particular to Russia, or any other entity for that matter. I think the functions and methods must be analyzed independently of who they concern on either side of the equation

Indeed, different approaches lead to different conclusions. Which isn't to say either or is exclusively valid. As I always like to say - two things can true at the same time.

Also, I get what you're saying and didn't mean to imply you were making a normative statement. I also didn't mean to imply that the aspect of understanding is not important. It's fundamental, including from a practical standpoint. In fact, in the past I used to be so much into figuring out the why that I ended up underestimating the what . Then I noticed that different whys can lead to the same or very similar whats, regardless of the content of the whys and I thought that was very interesting. And yet, trying to seperate them beyond the conceptual has tunred out to be nigh impossible.

Anyway, confusing internal monologue over.

Edit: Basically, I am sorta halfway retracting the "distinction without a difference" and going with the always safe "it's complicated"

Thing is, that's a distinction without a difference, at least in the eyes of analysts in the IC, the people charged with making a formal assessment. From that perspective, what you do is more important than why you do it because the effects aland the fallout are all the same.

.... so he is an asset?

Stop projecting and it'll be fine

We (Europeans) are just more active, including walking / cycling to work every day. Try it and see the difference.

They're gonna have a good story to tell Gandalf about how they lost the ring while orcs are marching them to mount doom.

It's worth considering that we might not have a choice in the matter, at least as far as the subconscious is concerned.

Thanks, good to know

Sounds smart and reasonable. Worked out great last time.