FYI.AX

[Budge]

I repeat the words of Budge :"" the Belgians were monsters in the Belgian Congo. Estimates of 10 million Congolese murdered and countless mutilated. Belgians (and most of the colonial powers) should remember""

Who is bitter? I regret but Im not an ethno masochist, nowadays, its cool, its modern to be ethno masochist, but I will never be an ethno masochist. These figures of 10 millions are false, its a british manipulation.

If you really want to know a part of the history of belgian colonisation, learn french and read Bernard Lugan

http://bernardlugan.blogspot.com/2020/0 ... u-roi.html

This thread was supposed to be about this stock FYI.AX and then all unnecessary stuff was discussed. Politics like religion is a very dangerous topic to discuss and taking a Knee falls under politics and there are strong emotions surrounding this topic. For the record I disagree with the whole Knee Stand issue, but I am not going to rock the boat as I understand this is a highly porlarizing topic and at the end of the day it comes down to ego. if I win the argument my investments won't do better, I won't become a better person and if lose the argument the outcome is the same. So I choose not to engage in topics that have the potential to trigger an explosive outcome.

I think it is possible to be neutral almost all the time. When I lose my patience I take a step back and wait to cool down for I know that if start talking during that period when my temper is ready to flare things can go out of control.

Let's examine your claim about Budge. I am taking a neutral stance. You can't accuse Budge of lying because I just did a quick random search on Google and almost every result states that King Leopold slaughtered 10 million Congolese. Now let's assume that information is false. No one that is not from Belgium is going to want to spend hours finding out if it's valid or not. I certainly would not think to do so, unless the topic was of paramount importance to me. For you, this topic is of paramount importance so logically speaking you would take the time to weed the facts from the junk. Here are two screenshots from my google search and pay attention to the search I conducted. I am going to post the search term below

the truth about king Leopold and the Congolese genocide

I am going to post two screenshots




As you can see from the screenshots the top 5 results all seem to indicate that several million Congolese were killed. In fact, if scrolled through the top 10 and they all seemed to indicate that millions were killed by King Leopold. Again, this might not be true. I don't know I have not researched this topic deeply. Most individuals will not take the time to research a topic deeply, so based on the data available one could conclude that Budge made the statement based on the research that was available to him.

Here is the result 7 based on the search I conducted

King of Belgium 'regrets' crimes against Congolese. But is that enough?

King Philippe of Belgium sent a letter on Tuesday to the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expressing his "deepest regret" over the atrocities committed by his ancestor Leopold II during the height of Belgium's colonial rule over the African country.

Although the letter was a watershed moment for DRC, which celebrated the 60th anniversary of its independence day on June 30, it fell short of a formal apology.

In his letter, the monarch wrote: “I would like to express my deepest regrets for these wounds of the past, the pain of which is now revived by the discrimination still too present in our societies”.

“I will continue to fight all forms of racism. I encourage the reflection that has been initiated by our parliament so that our memory is definitively pacified"

https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/king- ... ough-37782

Those are the words from your own Monarch. If we take a full observer view, then one can conclude on the information that was available his analysis is not faulty and was not made with intent to cause problems. Now you conducted deeper research and once again I submit that very few people would dig as deep as you did.

My feeling is that you are both smart individuals and that we should do our best to avoid topics that are not necessary and can elicit strong emotional reactions. I think other than looking at the trend of polarization increasing, topics such as BLM, ANTIFA, Taking a Knee, Religion should be avoided as they don't bring much to the table and the odds of a spark exploding into a raging fire are quite high

Sorry to have taken this so far off topic George but it is important. Not the BLM crap, which is but a symptom, but the totalitarian era we are moving into.

https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/unca ... e-for-all/

https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/worl ... gregation/

[gnosis12]

I did a bit of digging and this article I found seems to provide some support for Steflk position. I will post some of the comments here. I am only doing this to show that I am not taking sides and I once again I think such topics are too sensitive to be discussed if both parties can't keep their cool. At this point I see both participants losing their cool and it's a lose-lose situation. Once again let cool minds prevail as there are a lot of other readers in this board who I am sure don't appreciate the fact that things are close to spiralling out of control.

Letter to the editor regarding Congo and Belgium

I want to make use of my right of reply and take the opportunity to rectify the numerous slanders and unfounded accusations against King Leopold II and the Belgians who created and developed the Congo (1885-1960) in the piece published by EUobserver, Colonisers Speak - 60 years after Congo's independence.

What I want is to rectify the unfounded accusations he has written, as follows:

"Belgium pillaged the wealth of a nation for almost eight decades and was responsible for, what some historians (sic) call, one of the largest genocides in human history."

This statement is just a repetition of all these unfounded accusations of a genocide which was never proved, because of lack of statistics and knowledge of the size of the population in 1885 when the Congo Free State was founded. It is a well-known fact that Stanley evaluated the population size on the basis of a very limited number of observations along the Congo river, and dubious extrapolation calculation methods containing several errors. As a matter of fact, nobody, even today, can seriously provide any reliable figures in this respect.

The question of the population of the Congo is a so far unsettled one. Various estimations have been made ranging from 11 million to 29 million inhabitants. One may choose which estimation he prefers. No one knows, or is likely to ever know for sure, since the very first official population census was made in 1920!

Whereas there is no question that there has been a depopulation at that time, this was due to various causes among which: the involuntary introduction of new diseases such as smallpox, the fact that many villagers moved massively across the River Congo into the less well-occupied by white posts French colonies, the sleeping sickness which caused tens of thousands deaths and thus not solely to punitive expeditions ordered by the Congo Free State.

Belgium does not owe its wealth to te exploitation of the Congo. In the 19th century, Belgium was the second-most industrialised country in the whole world. It is true that the colonisation of the Congo was undoubtedly an enterprise with an economic agenda that yielded much profits to those who took part of it, It is also undeniable that it had a favorable outcome for the Belgian economy. But it was also a "win-win" issue for all concerned, including the Congolese.

Leopold II did his utmost to pacify his Congo Free State, by putting an end to the incessant tribal wars (with ensuing atrocities including cannibalism), and by defeating the Arab slave traders who were decimating the population of the eastern part of the country, with the assistance of local tribes such as the Batetela.

"Wahis was personally appointed by King Leopold II of the Belgians to be governor-general of the Congo from 1892 to 1908, the highest office in the colonial administration. Under his governorship the colonial administration imposed a population-wide tax in the form of rubber…"

"For a period of two decades, governor Wahis, from its seat in the coastal town of Boma, ordered low-ranking officials in outposts scattered across Congo's vast jungles to collect a so-called "rubber tax" from every individual, if necessary by force."

Let me first correct the word "colonial". The Congo was not a colony at that time, but a Free State ruled by King Leopold II. I cannot see what's wrong for a state to collect income from taxes. The natives who did not have money to pay their taxes in cash, were paying their contribution to the state in natural products, such as rubber or foodstuffs. The rubber tax represented one week collection and they were fairly paid for the rest.

As regards the Wahis governance, I have several documents from him containing strong recommendations to his subordinates, urging them to treat the natives with all due respect and to avoid using force when it was not necessary. How else does any government nowadays behave when tax-payers do not comply ?

His way of exercising his function has been so much appreciated by the Belgian politicians at that time, that they did not hesitate to appoint him as the first governor-general of the Belgian Congo, after its takeover in 1908. He remained at the head of the colony until his retirement in 1912.

A large boulevard in Brussels bears his name.

"State officials proceeded to terrorise the local population, using coercive measures ans punishment techniques such as draining out whiplashes , taking female hostages, raping, torturing, mutilating and in some cases performing cannibalism…"

It is absolutely undeniable and most regrettable that such atrocities have been committed. But it should be added that, when discovered, their authors have been prosecuted.

The custom of chopping hands of death enemies was a local custom and was introduced in the Congo by the Arabs from the Muslim sharia law to punish thieves.

The first penal code introduced by Leopold II in 1888, strictly forbids this cruel practice. The report of "The Inquiry Commission" of 1905 is absolutely clear in this respect. Though this report was extremely severe in denouncing such crimes, King Leopold II did not hesitate to have it published - in extenso - in the "Journal Officiel de l'Etat Indépendant du Congo" and issued no less than 24 royal decrees to put an end to all those malpractices.

Speaking about cannibalism, let me quote this message sent by the local chief Manangame of Avakubi to a Swedish officer in 1905 :

"At the time when the Arabs were ruling our country, they were taking us, our wives and children, as slaves. They burned our villages. The white man never burns villages and when we bring him hens or bananas, he pays us well. He also pays us fairly for the mupira (rubber) that we collect. The white man has put an end to slavery… But we, black people, nevertheless wish that the white men go home, since we are forced to maintain roads and may no longer fight neighbour tribes and eat our prisoners, because if we eat them, we are hanged!"

Finally, if you want to learn more about the Congo Free State ruled by King Leopold II, I warmly recommend you to read the attached book written around 1905 by an American anthropologist Frederick Starr, after 13 months inquiries on the spot.

https://euobserver.com/opinion/146723

[Yodean]

https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/unca ... e-for-all/

These developments in Spain are quite disturbing, to say the least. I expected something like this to happen eventually, but so soon? Damn. It looks like I will have to speed up my preparations.

The Collectivist-Authoritarian pendulum is swinging heavy, hard, and fast through the Western nations.

[SOL]

https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/unca ... e-for-all/

These developments in Spain are quite disturbing, to say the least. I expected something like this to happen eventually, but so soon? Damn. It looks like I will have to speed up my preparations.

The Collectivist-Authoritarian pendulum is swinging heavy, hard, and fast through the Western nations.

Quite distrubing indeed. The pendulum on the West has started to swing as we stated it would, but its moving a lot faster than even we expected. For those that beleive in theme of freedom or death, its time to make backup plans

[stefk]

Disturbing but normal for leftist countries. All european countries, behalve ex eastern sovietic countries, are infected by leftism. Its normal for the left to impose dictature, dictature is the DNA of leftism. For them, all the means are good, all the lies and fakes are welcome to weaken our nations. Therefore, I will never accept their lies and their fake news. Desinformation is evil, its a weapon. We live in a period of fake news pandemy. The glory and the dignity of the people lie on the truth. Death or freedom, Im ready for the two.

https://www.memoiresducongo.be/wp-conte ... 2021-1.pdf

A book written by a congolese advocate and writer, about the biggest fake news of the history.

""Les «millions de morts» n'apparaissent nulle part dans la riche tradition orale ni dans les discours de Lumumba.Et pas non plus dans ceux de Mobutu, né et élevé dans la province équatoriale"",

[SOL]

@Steflk

Change of topic. Since you find small-cap stocks interesting. You might find this one interesting LOMLF

This is a high risk play FLYLF

[stefk]

Yes Sol, its a very good one, thanks.

https://liononemetals.com/wp-content/up ... y-2021.pdf

Alkaline epithermal gold system, very high grades, such system rarely held by juniors. Long term play, only 5% explored and already 1Moz reserves. In the future, they can multiply it by minimum 10.....

[Triplethought]

Budge says that Belgium committed a genocide, yes its cool. France committed genocide, cool, Portugal also. All europeans are genocidairs, thats what he says, ok, its a cool guy, a good observer.....

On this forum, we are real people, real men, its normal not always to stay neutral.

You don't have to be neutral. You can make your point without getting mad or calling someone a liar. Just present your statistics (as you did) and say you don't see it the way they do.

I've hit SOL and others here pretty hard for their beliefs when i think they aren't being scientific. And I've probably come off arrogant for doing it. But I hope it was only offensive to someone whose world view can't withstand the criticism of a "third rate night club comic".

[AstuteShift]

Budge says that Belgium committed a genocide, yes its cool. France committed genocide, cool, Portugal also. All europeans are genocidairs, thats what he says, ok, its a cool guy, a good observer.....

On this forum, we are real people, real men, its normal not always to stay neutral.

You don't have to be neutral. You can make your point without getting mad or calling someone a liar. Just present your statistics (as you did) and say you don't see it the way they do.

I've hit SOL and others here pretty hard for their beliefs when i think they aren't being scientific. And I've probably come off arrogant for doing it. But I hope it was only offensive to someone whose world view can't withstand the criticism of a "third rate night club comic".

Would be boring if we all agreed

[jlhooter]

Budge says that Belgium committed a genocide, yes its cool. France committed genocide, cool, Portugal also. All europeans are genocidairs, thats what he says, ok, its a cool guy, a good observer.....

On this forum, we are real people, real men, its normal not always to stay neutral.

You don't have to be neutral. You can make your point without getting mad or calling someone a liar. Just present your statistics (as you did) and say you don't see it the way they do.

I've hit SOL and others here pretty hard for their beliefs when i think they aren't being scientific. And I've probably come off arrogant for doing it. But I hope it was only offensive to someone whose world view can't withstand the criticism of a "third rate night club comic".

Would be boring if we all agreed

AGREED

[stefk]

I've hit SOL and others here pretty hard for their beliefs when i think they aren't being scientific. And I've probably come off arrogant for doing it. But I hope it was only offensive to someone whose world view can't withstand the criticism of a "third rate night club comic".

The next time I receive a kick from a mule, I will not lose my time to kick this mule in response. The best when you are kicked by a mule, is to go away..... and ignore this aggressive animal.....

[SOL]

Budge says that Belgium committed a genocide, yes its cool. France committed genocide, cool, Portugal also. All europeans are genocidairs, thats what he says, ok, its a cool guy, a good observer.....

On this forum, we are real people, real men, its normal not always to stay neutral.

You don't have to be neutral. You can make your point without getting mad or calling someone a liar. Just present your statistics (as you did) and say you don't see it the way they do.

I've hit SOL and others here pretty hard for their beliefs when i think they aren't being scientific. And I've probably come off arrogant for doing it. But I hope it was only offensive to someone whose world view can't withstand the criticism of a "third rate night club comic".

Criticism is just a different angle. A different angle of observation. I don't usually view it in a negative light, but then again I am not trying to change the world or anyone. The way I see if you are going to provide new information, which equates to a new angle of observation then one should be ready for some flak from the old angle of observation.

In the end, the day is and goes on with or without us. The day is neither good or bad, it is we that add colour or subtract colour and define what a day is

[SOL]

Yes Sol, its a very good one, thanks.

Alkaline epithermal gold system, very high grades, such system rarely held by juniors. Long term play, only 5% explored and already 1Moz reserves. In the future, they can multiply it by minimum 10.....

Well here's hoping it works out for you. You seem to have done very well with these small caps

[AstuteShift]

I've hit SOL and others here pretty hard for their beliefs when i think they aren't being scientific. And I've probably come off arrogant for doing it. But I hope it was only offensive to someone whose world view can't withstand the criticism of a "third rate night club comic".

The next time I receive a kick from a mule, I will not lose my time to kick this mule in response. The best when you are kicked by a mule, is to go away..... and ignore this aggressive animal.....

Either ignore or better yet just respond with no attachment. emotions cloud judgement and feed a perpetual loop, those who just observe save energy and escape the onslaught

The book reality transurfing goes into depth about this. Pretty insightful

[Yodean]

The book reality transurfing goes into depth about this. Pretty insightful

_Reality transurfing_ is my next planned read.

Currently, almost finished 2nd pass of Nicoll's _Psychological Commentaries of G. and O._; it's great, really clarifies and goes into detail all the ideas brought up in Ouspensky's _4th Way_.