Britney Griner deal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think this is at all about "bringing home American citizens". It is about fame and bravado. BG was not an innocent. Yes the sentence was unfair but the fact remains that she broke the laws. Yes she received the more harsh sentence because of her notoriety but the fact remains that she broke the rules. Plenty of other Americans are currently imprisoned in other countries, often for not even breaking the law, and there is no trade for them. No nationwide effort. No countless millions (I can only guess at the cost) spent on their rescue. Plenty of other Americans break the law and are told by State that they cannot get them out of prison. The only reason she was captured and the only reason she was traded is because she is famous and the gov't couldn't stand to lose face.

I'm frustrated by the expense and attention when there are millions of children in this country who are struggling to get by. We have a child welfare system that could use this level of money, attention and support. But no, we always pay attention to the shiniest thing. We can pat ourselves on the back that we 'take care of Americans'. Meanwhile if you or I are caught or scooped up on sham charges, they are really sorry but cannot help.

It is good she is home but the disparity in both priorities when it comes to individuals and our priorities as a nation are really sickening.

Now do Trevor Reed. The US has worked to release its citizens from detainment around the world because it’s simply the right thing to do. Otto Warmbler. Jason Razaian. Lisa Ling. Baquet and Siamat Namazi. Seven Americans held in Venezuela exchanged in October. The US is still working to secure the release of journalist Austin Tice from Syria. We can help the struggling children with the $900 billion spent on defense (exclusive of black box projects) annually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think this is at all about "bringing home American citizens". It is about fame and bravado. BG was not an innocent. Yes the sentence was unfair but the fact remains that she broke the laws. Yes she received the more harsh sentence because of her notoriety but the fact remains that she broke the rules. Plenty of other Americans are currently imprisoned in other countries, often for not even breaking the law, and there is no trade for them. No nationwide effort. No countless millions (I can only guess at the cost) spent on their rescue. Plenty of other Americans break the law and are told by State that they cannot get them out of prison. The only reason she was captured and the only reason she was traded is because she is famous and the gov't couldn't stand to lose face.

I'm frustrated by the expense and attention when there are millions of children in this country who are struggling to get by. We have a child welfare system that could use this level of money, attention and support. But no, we always pay attention to the shiniest thing. We can pat ourselves on the back that we 'take care of Americans'. Meanwhile if you or I are caught or scooped up on sham charges, they are really sorry but cannot help.

It is good she is home but the disparity in both priorities when it comes to individuals and our priorities as a nation are really sickening.

But they snatched her SO THAT they could then make a deal. That's who they were willing to trade for. They were in the driver seat the entire time. They played the game, and she was the piece. It didn't matter one iota what she did or didn't do. She was the game piece they were going to use once she went over there to play basketball. It's not like Russia said hey, we want this dude back. Who do you want for him? That's not how it went down. It was her or no one. So they said yes to the only one on the table. It's not like Biden was offered a menu of prisoners to choose from. And the guy was going to get out of prison anyway. That wasn't a life sentence.

[Anonymous]

Putin really wanted an exchange for assassin Vadim Krasikov.

[Anonymous]

Trump admitted he didn't care about bringing Whelan home.

That's on Trump.

Biden will get Whelan home at some point.

Americans should be glad BG is back in the U.S.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I’m not overly enthused with the seemingly flippant, masculine energy she exudes in those stone faced pictures we’ve all seen of her, but it’s nice to get an American returned home.

Here you go, PP. Not so “stone faced” here!

The problem with the conservative PPs in this thread is that they see that picture and hate her even more.

I'm shocked that she is standing in front of the American flag, an obvious symbol of racism.

Griner won two Olympic gold medals for Team America, what did YOU do that compares?

I didn't go to Russia and stupidly carry an substance illegal in that country putting my own country in a predicament.

+1

Had she gone to Singapore and been found with drugs she may have received the death penalty. Why is she exempt for laws just because she is a sports star? While many may feel it’s stupid to be arrested anywhere for something like marijuana we are still arresting people here for it and thousands of people are rotting in jail for minor drug crimes.

She had massage oils. It like arresting people for having hemp rope. Well I guess you all want PW to rot in a Russian prison because he was clearly breaking Russian laws.

She had hash oil in vape cartridges. Do you live an alternative reality?

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/05/sports/basketball/russia-brittney-griner.html

PW had $80,000 in cash? Yet you RWNJ getting your white brother out.

Not a Whelan fan, but it is illegal to have 80k in cash in Russia?

The money wasn’t as much of a problem as the USB drive containing a list of Russian intelligence employees.

Yeah, I am confused why the 80k was mentioned as a problem.

I'm convinced Whelan is a Russian spy that pissed someone off. His entire backstory is basically the same as Russian illegals that have been caught and subsequently talked to the press, down to the stolen SSN and Canadian citizenship. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_and_Russian_influence_operations_in_Canada

If he is a spy, he knows the US won’t deal to get him out.

That's probably why it took him a while to call the US. He worked through his other citizenships first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She took illegal drugs to Russia. Their country, their rules. She did the crime, now she must do the time. I agree that we should not be doing a prisoner exchange in this circumstance. It’s clearly just a political stunt by a desperately failing administration.

You wouldn't say this if she was a straight white male.

Totally!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think this is at all about "bringing home American citizens". It is about fame and bravado. BG was not an innocent. Yes the sentence was unfair but the fact remains that she broke the laws. Yes she received the more harsh sentence because of her notoriety but the fact remains that she broke the rules. Plenty of other Americans are currently imprisoned in other countries, often for not even breaking the law, and there is no trade for them. No nationwide effort. No countless millions (I can only guess at the cost) spent on their rescue. Plenty of other Americans break the law and are told by State that they cannot get them out of prison. The only reason she was captured and the only reason she was traded is because she is famous and the gov't couldn't stand to lose face.

I'm frustrated by the expense and attention when there are millions of children in this country who are struggling to get by. We have a child welfare system that could use this level of money, attention and support. But no, we always pay attention to the shiniest thing. We can pat ourselves on the back that we 'take care of Americans'. Meanwhile if you or I are caught or scooped up on sham charges, they are really sorry but cannot help.

It is good she is home but the disparity in both priorities when it comes to individuals and our priorities as a nation are really sickening.

But they snatched her SO THAT they could then make a deal. That's who they were willing to trade for. They were in the driver seat the entire time. They played the game, and she was the piece. It didn't matter one iota what she did or didn't do. She was the game piece they were going to use once she went over there to play basketball. It's not like Russia said hey, we want this dude back. Who do you want for him? That's not how it went down. It was her or no one. So they said yes to the only one on the table. It's not like Biden was offered a menu of prisoners to choose from. And the guy was going to get out of prison anyway. That wasn't a life sentence.

Yep

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m not overly enthused with the seemingly flippant, masculine energy she exudes in those stone faced pictures we’ve all seen of her, but it’s nice to get an American returned home.

Here you go, PP. Not so “stone faced” here!

The problem with the conservative PPs in this thread is that they see that picture and hate her even more.

I'm shocked that she is standing in front of the American flag, an obvious symbol of racism.

Griner won two Olympic gold medals for Team America, what did YOU do that compares?

I didn't go to Russia and stupidly carry an substance illegal in that country putting my own country in a predicament.

+1

Had she gone to Singapore and been found with drugs she may have received the death penalty. Why is she exempt for laws just because she is a sports star? While many may feel it’s stupid to be arrested anywhere for something like marijuana we are still arresting people here for it and thousands of people are rotting in jail for minor drug crimes.

She had massage oils. It like arresting people for having hemp rope. Well I guess you all want PW to rot in a Russian prison because he was clearly breaking Russian laws.

She had hash oil in vape cartridges. Do you live an alternative reality?

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/05/sports/basketball/russia-brittney-griner.html

Pain relief for sports injuries.

The small quantity she had would have would gotten a Russian a small fine and no jail time. A Russian would not have been sentenced to 9 years. It was complete bullshit.

She is not Russian. What a Russian would have been sentenced to is irrelevant. Russia is under no obligation to treat non citizens the same as their own citizens.

So you admit she was a political prisoner because she is American.

I "admit" nothing. She committed a crime, and her host country is not obligated to extend any courtesies to criminals. Period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m not overly enthused with the seemingly flippant, masculine energy she exudes in those stone faced pictures we’ve all seen of her, but it’s nice to get an American returned home.

Here you go, PP. Not so “stone faced” here!

The problem with the conservative PPs in this thread is that they see that picture and hate her even more.

I'm shocked that she is standing in front of the American flag, an obvious symbol of racism.

Griner won two Olympic gold medals for Team America, what did YOU do that compares?

I didn't go to Russia and stupidly carry an substance illegal in that country putting my own country in a predicament.

Word salad. Sounds like you do your illegal substance here.

Seems pretty easy to understand. I remember there was a US citizen in Singapore sentenced to caning for shoplifting.

I think the issue is that but for being a U.S. citizen, Griner would have gotten a fine, like every single other Russian caught with the same amount/style of CBD. GMAFB, it was a BS charge. And this Whelan guy is a dirt bag. Everyone acting like we're leaving an active Martine POW over there or something is off their rocker. He's a POS thief who was thrown out of the marines.

There are more countries in the world than just Russia and the US. What sentence would a French citizen get? A Mongolian citizen? A Kenyan? Etc.

And really, even if Russia choses to punish French citizens and Kenyan citizens lighter than American citizens--that's their prerogative. Don't like it? Think it's unfair? There's an easy solution--DON'T GO THERE!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think this is at all about "bringing home American citizens". It is about fame and bravado. BG was not an innocent. Yes the sentence was unfair but the fact remains that she broke the laws. Yes she received the more harsh sentence because of her notoriety but the fact remains that she broke the rules. Plenty of other Americans are currently imprisoned in other countries, often for not even breaking the law, and there is no trade for them. No nationwide effort. No countless millions (I can only guess at the cost) spent on their rescue. Plenty of other Americans break the law and are told by State that they cannot get them out of prison. The only reason she was captured and the only reason she was traded is because she is famous and the gov't couldn't stand to lose face.

I'm frustrated by the expense and attention when there are millions of children in this country who are struggling to get by. We have a child welfare system that could use this level of money, attention and support. But no, we always pay attention to the shiniest thing. We can pat ourselves on the back that we 'take care of Americans'. Meanwhile if you or I are caught or scooped up on sham charges, they are really sorry but cannot help.

It is good she is home but the disparity in both priorities when it comes to individuals and our priorities as a nation are really sickening.

But they snatched her SO THAT they could then make a deal. That's who they were willing to trade for. They were in the driver seat the entire time. They played the game, and she was the piece. It didn't matter one iota what she did or didn't do. She was the game piece they were going to use once she went over there to play basketball. It's not like Russia said hey, we want this dude back. Who do you want for him? That's not how it went down. It was her or no one. So they said yes to the only one on the table. It's not like Biden was offered a menu of prisoners to choose from. And the guy was going to get out of prison anyway. That wasn't a life sentence.

No one "snatched" her. She willingly boarded a plane and went right to them. With her illegal drugs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think this is at all about "bringing home American citizens". It is about fame and bravado. BG was not an innocent. Yes the sentence was unfair but the fact remains that she broke the laws. Yes she received the more harsh sentence because of her notoriety but the fact remains that she broke the rules. Plenty of other Americans are currently imprisoned in other countries, often for not even breaking the law, and there is no trade for them. No nationwide effort. No countless millions (I can only guess at the cost) spent on their rescue. Plenty of other Americans break the law and are told by State that they cannot get them out of prison. The only reason she was captured and the only reason she was traded is because she is famous and the gov't couldn't stand to lose face.

I'm frustrated by the expense and attention when there are millions of children in this country who are struggling to get by. We have a child welfare system that could use this level of money, attention and support. But no, we always pay attention to the shiniest thing. We can pat ourselves on the back that we 'take care of Americans'. Meanwhile if you or I are caught or scooped up on sham charges, they are really sorry but cannot help.

It is good she is home but the disparity in both priorities when it comes to individuals and our priorities as a nation are really sickening.

But they snatched her SO THAT they could then make a deal. That's who they were willing to trade for. They were in the driver seat the entire time. They played the game, and she was the piece. It didn't matter one iota what she did or didn't do. She was the game piece they were going to use once she went over there to play basketball. It's not like Russia said hey, we want this dude back. Who do you want for him? That's not how it went down. It was her or no one. So they said yes to the only one on the table. It's not like Biden was offered a menu of prisoners to choose from. And the guy was going to get out of prison anyway. That wasn't a life sentence.

No one "snatched" her. She willingly boarded a plane and went right to them. With her illegal drugs.

You're cute. Naive, but cute. She was a political pawn and you know it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m not overly enthused with the seemingly flippant, masculine energy she exudes in those stone faced pictures we’ve all seen of her, but it’s nice to get an American returned home.

Here you go, PP. Not so “stone faced” here!

The problem with the conservative PPs in this thread is that they see that picture and hate her even more.

I'm shocked that she is standing in front of the American flag, an obvious symbol of racism.

Griner won two Olympic gold medals for Team America, what did YOU do that compares?

I didn't go to Russia and stupidly carry an substance illegal in that country putting my own country in a predicament.

Word salad. Sounds like you do your illegal substance here.

Seems pretty easy to understand. I remember there was a US citizen in Singapore sentenced to caning for shoplifting.

I think the issue is that but for being a U.S. citizen, Griner would have gotten a fine, like every single other Russian caught with the same amount/style of CBD. GMAFB, it was a BS charge. And this Whelan guy is a dirt bag. Everyone acting like we're leaving an active Martine POW over there or something is off their rocker. He's a POS thief who was thrown out of the marines.

There are more countries in the world than just Russia and the US. What sentence would a French citizen get? A Mongolian citizen? A Kenyan? Etc.

And really, even if Russia choses to punish French citizens and Kenyan citizens lighter than American citizens--that's their prerogative. Don't like it? Think it's unfair? There's an easy solution--DON'T GO THERE!

Well, did those countries house an inmate the Russians wanted returned? That's the only question that matters. The U.S. had Viktor Bout. Not sure what kidnapping a Mongolian citizen do to get him back. That's what they do. They kidnap the citizens of countries where they want people back and then imprison them for stupid "crimes." How can people not see this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m not overly enthused with the seemingly flippant, masculine energy she exudes in those stone faced pictures we’ve all seen of her, but it’s nice to get an American returned home.

Here you go, PP. Not so “stone faced” here!

The problem with the conservative PPs in this thread is that they see that picture and hate her even more.

I'm shocked that she is standing in front of the American flag, an obvious symbol of racism.

Griner won two Olympic gold medals for Team America, what did YOU do that compares?

I didn't go to Russia and stupidly carry an substance illegal in that country putting my own country in a predicament.

Word salad. Sounds like you do your illegal substance here.

Seems pretty easy to understand. I remember there was a US citizen in Singapore sentenced to caning for shoplifting.

I think the issue is that but for being a U.S. citizen, Griner would have gotten a fine, like every single other Russian caught with the same amount/style of CBD. GMAFB, it was a BS charge. And this Whelan guy is a dirt bag. Everyone acting like we're leaving an active Martine POW over there or something is off their rocker. He's a POS thief who was thrown out of the marines.

There are more countries in the world than just Russia and the US. What sentence would a French citizen get? A Mongolian citizen? A Kenyan? Etc.

And really, even if Russia choses to punish French citizens and Kenyan citizens lighter than American citizens--that's their prerogative. Don't like it? Think it's unfair? There's an easy solution--DON'T GO THERE!

Well, did those countries house an inmate the Russians wanted returned? That's the only question that matters. The U.S. had Viktor Bout. Not sure what kidnapping a Mongolian citizen do to get him back. That's what they do. They kidnap the citizens of countries where they want people back and then imprison them for stupid "crimes." How can people not see this?

No one kidnapped her. She willingly committed a crime and was arrested for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m not overly enthused with the seemingly flippant, masculine energy she exudes in those stone faced pictures we’ve all seen of her, but it’s nice to get an American returned home.

Here you go, PP. Not so “stone faced” here!

The problem with the conservative PPs in this thread is that they see that picture and hate her even more.

I'm shocked that she is standing in front of the American flag, an obvious symbol of racism.

Griner won two Olympic gold medals for Team America, what did YOU do that compares?

I didn't go to Russia and stupidly carry an substance illegal in that country putting my own country in a predicament.

Word salad. Sounds like you do your illegal substance here.

Seems pretty easy to understand. I remember there was a US citizen in Singapore sentenced to caning for shoplifting.

I think the issue is that but for being a U.S. citizen, Griner would have gotten a fine, like every single other Russian caught with the same amount/style of CBD. GMAFB, it was a BS charge. And this Whelan guy is a dirt bag. Everyone acting like we're leaving an active Martine POW over there or something is off their rocker. He's a POS thief who was thrown out of the marines.

There are more countries in the world than just Russia and the US. What sentence would a French citizen get? A Mongolian citizen? A Kenyan? Etc.

And really, even if Russia choses to punish French citizens and Kenyan citizens lighter than American citizens--that's their prerogative. Don't like it? Think it's unfair? There's an easy solution--DON'T GO THERE!

Well, did those countries house an inmate the Russians wanted returned? That's the only question that matters. The U.S. had Viktor Bout. Not sure what kidnapping a Mongolian citizen do to get him back. That's what they do. They kidnap the citizens of countries where they want people back and then imprison them for stupid "crimes." How can people not see this?

No one kidnapped her. She willingly committed a crime and was arrested for it.

100% you’re defending Jan6 insurrectionists as patriotic tourists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m not overly enthused with the seemingly flippant, masculine energy she exudes in those stone faced pictures we’ve all seen of her, but it’s nice to get an American returned home.

Here you go, PP. Not so “stone faced” here!

The problem with the conservative PPs in this thread is that they see that picture and hate her even more.

I'm shocked that she is standing in front of the American flag, an obvious symbol of racism.

Griner won two Olympic gold medals for Team America, what did YOU do that compares?

I didn't go to Russia and stupidly carry an substance illegal in that country putting my own country in a predicament.

Word salad. Sounds like you do your illegal substance here.

Seems pretty easy to understand. I remember there was a US citizen in Singapore sentenced to caning for shoplifting.

I think the issue is that but for being a U.S. citizen, Griner would have gotten a fine, like every single other Russian caught with the same amount/style of CBD. GMAFB, it was a BS charge. And this Whelan guy is a dirt bag. Everyone acting like we're leaving an active Martine POW over there or something is off their rocker. He's a POS thief who was thrown out of the marines.

There are more countries in the world than just Russia and the US. What sentence would a French citizen get? A Mongolian citizen? A Kenyan? Etc.

And really, even if Russia choses to punish French citizens and Kenyan citizens lighter than American citizens--that's their prerogative. Don't like it? Think it's unfair? There's an easy solution--DON'T GO THERE!

Well, did those countries house an inmate the Russians wanted returned? That's the only question that matters. The U.S. had Viktor Bout. Not sure what kidnapping a Mongolian citizen do to get him back. That's what they do. They kidnap the citizens of countries where they want people back and then imprison them for stupid "crimes." How can people not see this?

No one kidnapped her. She willingly committed a crime and was arrested for it.

100% you’re defending Jan6 insurrectionists as patriotic tourists.

Not the PP, but interesting comments. Does anyone have stats on what percentage of people who entered the Capitol were members of organized groups versus just happened to be there? My guess is most of them were not oath keepers etc?