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TexasTowelie
TexasTowelie's Journal
TexasTowelie's Journal
November 26, 2025
India and China are abandoning Russian oil, seemingly overnight. For years Russia's shadow fleet has evaded sanctions and continued sales to China and India. Most people assumed this was for ideological reasons, and that India and China were Russia's allies. But now, that's been flipped on its head, showing the relationships are based on little more than mere convenience and personal interest. The implications are large - first for the war in Ukraine and Russia's revenues, and second, for how we understand India and China as a whole. We can take these learnings to grow a greater understanding of geopolitics - with some surprising insights.
Why India is Suddenly Abandoning Russia - Paul Warburg
India and China are abandoning Russian oil, seemingly overnight. For years Russia's shadow fleet has evaded sanctions and continued sales to China and India. Most people assumed this was for ideological reasons, and that India and China were Russia's allies. But now, that's been flipped on its head, showing the relationships are based on little more than mere convenience and personal interest. The implications are large - first for the war in Ukraine and Russia's revenues, and second, for how we understand India and China as a whole. We can take these learnings to grow a greater understanding of geopolitics - with some surprising insights.
November 26, 2025
Kaliningrad has become the ultimate warning sign for Vladimir Putin’s weakening grip over Russia’s most vulnerable territories. Once a proud symbol of Soviet conquest and a showcase of communist victory on the Baltic Sea, this isolated enclave has transformed into a political liability, a strategic failure, and a reflection of Russia’s slow collapse under Putin’s leadership. From its origins in 1945 as a rebuilt German city shaped by European culture, to its chaotic rebirth after the collapse of the USSR, Kaliningrad evolved into a region that never fully identified with Moscow’s ideology. Its proximity to Poland, Lithuania, and Europe exposed it to Western freedoms, markets, and ideas in ways no other Russian region experienced.
Under Putin, Kaliningrad drifted culturally and politically, quietly rejecting authoritarian propaganda while developing a hybrid identity that aligned closer with Europe than Russia. After the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the region became trapped and isolated as borders closed, trade collapsed, supply routes vanished, and Europe turned away. Today, Kaliningrad stands as a stranded military enclave, surrounded by NATO, economically suffocating, politically resentful, and psychologically detached from Moscow. The worst case scenario is unfolding, as Putin slowly loses control over this critical region—not through rebellion, but through alienation, strategic failure, and cultural abandonment.
"This Is Really Bad For Putin": Russia Slowly Loses Control Over 'This Region' - The Russian Dude
Kaliningrad has become the ultimate warning sign for Vladimir Putin’s weakening grip over Russia’s most vulnerable territories. Once a proud symbol of Soviet conquest and a showcase of communist victory on the Baltic Sea, this isolated enclave has transformed into a political liability, a strategic failure, and a reflection of Russia’s slow collapse under Putin’s leadership. From its origins in 1945 as a rebuilt German city shaped by European culture, to its chaotic rebirth after the collapse of the USSR, Kaliningrad evolved into a region that never fully identified with Moscow’s ideology. Its proximity to Poland, Lithuania, and Europe exposed it to Western freedoms, markets, and ideas in ways no other Russian region experienced.
Under Putin, Kaliningrad drifted culturally and politically, quietly rejecting authoritarian propaganda while developing a hybrid identity that aligned closer with Europe than Russia. After the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the region became trapped and isolated as borders closed, trade collapsed, supply routes vanished, and Europe turned away. Today, Kaliningrad stands as a stranded military enclave, surrounded by NATO, economically suffocating, politically resentful, and psychologically detached from Moscow. The worst case scenario is unfolding, as Putin slowly loses control over this critical region—not through rebellion, but through alienation, strategic failure, and cultural abandonment.
November 26, 2025
US border towns are still feeling the pain in 2025. With fewer Canadians crossing into the United States, local economies are shrinking, restaurants are closing, and long standing businesses are being forced to adjust or shut down completely. Many border communities relied heavily on Canadian shoppers and day travelers, and now the revenue they once took for granted has disappeared. The result is a clear us tourism decline and in some regions a complete us tourism collapse.
In today’s video, we look at several new reports covering how these towns are struggling and why the us boycott continues to have a major impact. The economy in many border regions has been hit hard because Canadians do not want to travel to the United States due to Donald Trump, the 51st state rhetoric, and open annexation threats. Concerns about border security, rude behavior at crossings, and elevated risks involving CBP and ICE agents have only made the situation worse.
US media has been focused on other news today, including national politics, ice raids, tariffs, trade issues, and internal scandals, while avoiding the real story of why cross border travel has collapsed. For months, Canada News and international coverage have shown that Canadians are avoiding the United States because of political instability, denied entry incidents, and the US travel advisory and US travel warning issued to protect travelers.
In this video, I also respond to a question raised by Belle Of The Ranch in one of her recent uploads. Her video sparked an important discussion about how Canadians feel about the United States, how the relationship is shifting, and whether Canadians now see the United States as a reliable partner or something closer to an adversary.
Today, I share my full response.
The situation at the border is not improving, and US Tourism continues to feel the impact. Businesses, border crossings, and local governments are now realizing the long term consequences of alienating their closest neighbor.
My Response To Belle And US Border Pain Continues - Guard The Leaf and Belle of the Ranch
US border towns are still feeling the pain in 2025. With fewer Canadians crossing into the United States, local economies are shrinking, restaurants are closing, and long standing businesses are being forced to adjust or shut down completely. Many border communities relied heavily on Canadian shoppers and day travelers, and now the revenue they once took for granted has disappeared. The result is a clear us tourism decline and in some regions a complete us tourism collapse.
In today’s video, we look at several new reports covering how these towns are struggling and why the us boycott continues to have a major impact. The economy in many border regions has been hit hard because Canadians do not want to travel to the United States due to Donald Trump, the 51st state rhetoric, and open annexation threats. Concerns about border security, rude behavior at crossings, and elevated risks involving CBP and ICE agents have only made the situation worse.
US media has been focused on other news today, including national politics, ice raids, tariffs, trade issues, and internal scandals, while avoiding the real story of why cross border travel has collapsed. For months, Canada News and international coverage have shown that Canadians are avoiding the United States because of political instability, denied entry incidents, and the US travel advisory and US travel warning issued to protect travelers.
In this video, I also respond to a question raised by Belle Of The Ranch in one of her recent uploads. Her video sparked an important discussion about how Canadians feel about the United States, how the relationship is shifting, and whether Canadians now see the United States as a reliable partner or something closer to an adversary.
Today, I share my full response.
The situation at the border is not improving, and US Tourism continues to feel the impact. Businesses, border crossings, and local governments are now realizing the long term consequences of alienating their closest neighbor.
November 26, 2025
INTERVIEW: Senator Mark Kelly defiant amid threats of being court-martialed.
Trump threatens Senator with court martial, gets what he deserves - Brian Tyler Cohen
INTERVIEW: Senator Mark Kelly defiant amid threats of being court-martialed.
November 26, 2025
The White House is ready for Thanksgiving, Trump spent some time pardoning two turkeys while bragging and ranting about his political enemies, the day after Thanksgiving is known to plumbers as Brown Friday, Hegseth opens investigation into Senator Mark Kelly over the video reminding service members that they're not required to obey illegal orders, we chat with RFK Junior Jr. about his love poems & since Trump seems to think that gas costs $2 a gallon we're asking that if you see a sign that actually says that, please take a picture and post it with #Gassolini.
Kimmel: Trump Hurls Insults & Pardons Turkeys, Hegseth Threatens Senator Kelly & RFK Junior Jr's Love Poems
The White House is ready for Thanksgiving, Trump spent some time pardoning two turkeys while bragging and ranting about his political enemies, the day after Thanksgiving is known to plumbers as Brown Friday, Hegseth opens investigation into Senator Mark Kelly over the video reminding service members that they're not required to obey illegal orders, we chat with RFK Junior Jr. about his love poems & since Trump seems to think that gas costs $2 a gallon we're asking that if you see a sign that actually says that, please take a picture and post it with #Gassolini.
November 26, 2025
With trade to Pakistan collapsing, Kabul is searching for new lifelines in Central Asia and India. But unfinished railways, lack of recognition, and Chinese competition keep Afghanistan stuck. This episode examines the fragile peace between Pakistan and the Taliban following failed negotiations in Turkey. Eastern Express breaks down the sharp military imbalance between the two sides – and why Afghanistan’s armed forces are slowly losing capability.
Afghans seek alternative trade routes - Eastern Express - TVP WORLD
With trade to Pakistan collapsing, Kabul is searching for new lifelines in Central Asia and India. But unfinished railways, lack of recognition, and Chinese competition keep Afghanistan stuck. This episode examines the fragile peace between Pakistan and the Taliban following failed negotiations in Turkey. Eastern Express breaks down the sharp military imbalance between the two sides – and why Afghanistan’s armed forces are slowly losing capability.
November 26, 2025
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has a warning for fellow Democrats: Addressing affordability isn't enough. Beshear joins "The Takeout" to explain what he thinks his colleagues are missing.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says Democrats need to "reignite that American Dream" - CBS News
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has a warning for fellow Democrats: Addressing affordability isn't enough. Beshear joins "The Takeout" to explain what he thinks his colleagues are missing.
November 26, 2025
The Expectations Index collapsed 8.6 points to 63.2 - worse than during COVID-19 peak, comparable to Great Recession recovery period. Numbers below 80 on the expectations index are considered a leading recession indicator.
Consumer Concerns include prices and inflation, tariffs and trade policies, federal government shutdown, and
pessimism about business conditions, labor market, and household income growth.
Let's talk about expectations for the future of the Trump economy.... - Belle of the Ranch
The Expectations Index collapsed 8.6 points to 63.2 - worse than during COVID-19 peak, comparable to Great Recession recovery period. Numbers below 80 on the expectations index are considered a leading recession indicator.
Consumer Concerns include prices and inflation, tariffs and trade policies, federal government shutdown, and
pessimism about business conditions, labor market, and household income growth.
November 26, 2025
Reports indicate that the United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement on a draft of a peace deal. What does that even mean? Today, we examine what is known about the deal, and how Russia might respond. We then take a deep dive into the power struggle inside of the White House that is causing this process to be so disjointed. Who will emerge as the winner, Vance or Rubio?
0:00 The New U.S-Ukraine Deal
0:38 What's in the Deal?
2:46 How Will Russia Respond?
4:38 The Vance-Rubio Power Struggle
6:33 Vance's Goals
10:05 Rubio's Goals
Kyiv's Counter: What's in the New Deal, and How It Reveals a White House Power Struggle - William Spaniel
Reports indicate that the United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement on a draft of a peace deal. What does that even mean? Today, we examine what is known about the deal, and how Russia might respond. We then take a deep dive into the power struggle inside of the White House that is causing this process to be so disjointed. Who will emerge as the winner, Vance or Rubio?
0:00 The New U.S-Ukraine Deal
0:38 What's in the Deal?
2:46 How Will Russia Respond?
4:38 The Vance-Rubio Power Struggle
6:33 Vance's Goals
10:05 Rubio's Goals
November 25, 2025
Legal Breakdown episode 627: Pam Bondi vows to appeal James & Comey case dismissals.
Breaking: Pam Bondi makes major announcement - Brian Tyler Cohen
Legal Breakdown episode 627: Pam Bondi vows to appeal James & Comey case dismissals.
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: 124,485