Brittney Griner in jail

[Ifreann]

You have presented no facts, only repeated the claims of the Russian government. Why you believe their claims is beyond me. None of you seem to be able to offer any reasoning for trusting the FSB. None of you seem to be able to offer any explanation for why Griner even would have been smuggling drugs beyond a small amount for personal use.

She was arrested at the airport while coming into the country, she never disputed that. Whether they picked her out for the search cause they knew she did it before or it was a random, honestly we can't know. That said she NEVER disputed the basic facts as presented

She's in Russian custody, I hardly think she's free to hold a press release.

I dont ascribe a motive to her, it wouldn't surprise me if she did bring in for her personal use. Doesn't matter, Its still smuggling.

So then surely the appropriate response would have been to fine her for possession rather than arrest her for smuggling?

[Ethel mermania]

She was arrested at the airport while coming into the country, she never disputed that. Whether they picked her out for the search cause they knew she did it before or it was a random, honestly we can't know. That said she NEVER disputed the basic facts as presented

She's in Russian custody, I hardly think she's free to hold a press release.

I dont ascribe a motive to her, it wouldn't surprise me if she did bring in for her personal use. Doesn't matter, Its still smuggling.

So then surely the appropriate response would have been to fine her for possession rather than arrest her for smuggling?

in happy fantasy land, sure.

[Ifreann]

She's in Russian custody, I hardly think she's free to hold a press release.


So then surely the appropriate response would have been to fine her for possession rather than arrest her for smuggling?

in happy fantasy land, sure.

What?

[Ethel mermania]

in happy fantasy land, sure.

What?

In happy fantasy land she would have just gotten a ticket for possession and sent on her merry way. In the real world not so much.

[Kerwa]

The state department did issue an advisory telling US citizens not to go to Russia in Jan. before she was arrested. I’m not sure why anyone cares at this point. Play stupid games etc.

People care because the injustice of this situation is not lessened by state department advice.

What injustice? She was warned not to go, but she did anyway and added some extra stupid. It could have easily been avoided but for her self entitlement.

[Ifreann]

What?

In happy fantasy land she would have just gotten a ticket for possession and sent on her merry way. In the real world not so much.

I do not understand what your point is here. It was smuggling and not possession because just getting a fine for possession would be unrealistic?

[Senkaku]

According to the same people who say that the dead bodies in Bucha were smuggled in by the Ukrainians.

So you are just sticking to your narrative no matter the facts.

And you’re sticking to the FSB’s facts, no matter what other bald-faced lies the regime spouts to the world on a daily basis?

What?

In happy fantasy land she would have just gotten a ticket for possession and sent on her merry way. In the real world not so much.

Damn. It’s almost like political considerations might be influencing this case huh

You have presented no facts, only repeated the claims of the Russian government. Why you believe their claims is beyond me. None of you seem to be able to offer any reasoning for trusting the FSB. None of you seem to be able to offer any explanation for why Griner even would have been smuggling drugs beyond a small amount for personal use.

She was arrested at the airport while coming into the country, she never disputed that. Whether they picked her out for the search cause they knew she did it before or it was a random, honestly we can't know. That said she NEVER disputed the basic facts as presented

After all, as we all know, people arrested by the FSB usually have an easy time pleading their case in the court of public opinion— the soundproofing in the Lubyanka basement is actually just to keep down the noise from all the simultaneous press conferences

[Senkaku]

People care because the injustice of this situation is not lessened by state department advice.

What injustice? She was warned not to go, but she did anyway and added some extra stupid. It could have easily been avoided but for her self entitlement.

Yeah it’s crazy how she didn’t want to just immediately set her career on fire because the State Department issued a memo about Russia

[Ifreann]

People care because the injustice of this situation is not lessened by state department advice.

What injustice?

She's being held hostage to secure the release of a Russian prisoner, obviously that is unjust.

She was warned not to go, but she did anyway and added some extra stupid. It could have easily been avoided but for her self entitlement.

Self-entitlement? She wasn't on a holiday, she works in Russia. She's worked there for years.

[Ethel mermania]

In happy fantasy land she would have just gotten a ticket for possession and sent on her merry way. In the real world not so much.

I do not understand what your point is here. It was smuggling and not possession because just getting a fine for possession would be unrealistic?

It was smuggling because that is what she did.

To the second part
Unfortunately yes. Particularly in the shithole that is Russia. Even In good times they wouldn't let anyone go easily.

[Ifreann]

I do not understand what your point is here. It was smuggling and not possession because just getting a fine for possession would be unrealistic?

It was smuggling because that is what she did.

It was because it was, very compelling.

To the second part
Unfortunately yes. Particularly in the shithole that is Russia. Even In good times they wouldn't let anyone go easily.

I'm betting that lots of people in Russia, both Russians and foreigners, get fined for something and that's that, no months in prison or threats of years in a penal colony. Sorry to inform the gleefully jaded cynics of this, but very often outcomes are better than the worst thing possible.

[Ethel mermania]

It was smuggling because that is what she did.

It was because it was, very compelling.

To the second part
Unfortunately yes. Particularly in the shithole that is Russia. Even In good times they wouldn't let anyone go easily.

I'm betting that lots of people in Russia, both Russians and foreigners, get fined for something and that's that, no months in prison or threats of years in a penal colony. Sorry to inform the gleefully jaded cynics of this, but very often outcomes are better than the worst thing possible.

Your view of the world is unrealistic, its a lovely fantasy mind you, but its strictly fantasy.

[Ifreann]

It was because it was, very compelling.


I'm betting that lots of people in Russia, both Russians and foreigners, get fined for something and that's that, no months in prison or threats of years in a penal colony. Sorry to inform the gleefully jaded cynics of this, but very often outcomes are better than the worst thing possible.

Your view of the world is unrealistic, its a lovely fantasy mind you, but its strictly fantasy.

Sure thing, Ethel, that's why there's hundreds, no, thousands and thousands of people in Russian prisons being held hostage over parking violations or littering or whatever. Every world government is being blackmailed by Russia with the lives of their citizens. Very realistic view you have.

[Ethel mermania]

Your view of the world is unrealistic, its a lovely fantasy mind you, but its strictly fantasy.

Sure thing, Ethel, that's why there's hundreds, no, thousands and thousands of people in Russian prisons being held hostage over parking violations or littering or whatever. Every world government is being blackmailed by Russia with the lives of their citizens. Very realistic view you have.

Clearly that is what I said

[Des-Bal]

It was because it was, very compelling.

I'm betting that lots of people in Russia, both Russians and foreigners, get fined for something and that's that, no months in prison or threats of years in a penal colony. Sorry to inform the gleefully jaded cynics of this, but very often outcomes are better than the worst thing possible.

To any optimists put there the worst outcomes possible are possible so operating as though they're not is dumb. I would be in no way surprised if she was targeted- that's a thing that happens. Don't do the thing. You can say "look lots of people do thing and don't get the book thrown at them" but what you should do instead is not do the thing. Do you know how many dumb motherfuckers end up doing serious time over bullshit charges because the news picked up their story? Don't do the thing. She did the thing and now shes a pawn in a political game and her wife is begging the state she denigrated for help.

She gave Russia the option of totally fucking her over and its on her head if it goes that way.

[Bear Stearns]

we must start a war to save literally who from this travesty. i have spoken

[Page]

It was because it was, very compelling.

I'm betting that lots of people in Russia, both Russians and foreigners, get fined for something and that's that, no months in prison or threats of years in a penal colony. Sorry to inform the gleefully jaded cynics of this, but very often outcomes are better than the worst thing possible.

To any optimists put there the worst outcomes possible are possible so operating as though they're not is dumb. I would be in no way surprised if she was targeted- that's a thing that happens. Don't do the thing. You can say "look lots of people do thing and don't get the book thrown at them" but what you should do instead is not do the thing. Do you know how many dumb motherfuckers end up doing serious time over bullshit charges because the news picked up their story? Don't do the thing. She did the thing and now shes a pawn in a political game and her wife is begging the state she denigrated for help.

She gave Russia the option of totally fucking her over and its on her head if it goes that way.

Is a state's obligation to protect its citizens at all diminished when a citizen in danger or their loved ones have been critical of the state? Should the American government only help people who kiss ass?

[Des-Bal]

Is a state's obligation to protect its citizens at all diminished when a citizen in danger or their loved ones have been critical of the state? Should the American government only help people who kiss ass?

I don't view the state as having any obligation to help when a citizen places themselves in danger like this. When we talk obligation the worst most evil person in our country should be entitled to the faithful rendering of any aid they're entitled to. She wasn't kidnapped by terrorists she was arrested for committing a crime. We're not trafficking in obligation we're talking about paying major political costs to secure the safety of who is the architect of their own misery. The state can and absolutely should be choosy about who gets the over and above treatment.

[Kerwa]

Is a state's obligation to protect its citizens at all diminished when a citizen in danger or their loved ones have been critical of the state? Should the American government only help people who kiss ass?

I don’t care that she was critical of the US and I don’t think the Russians do either. If they care about her in particular - other than being a US citizen - it’s because she has a modest degree of fame: Huston has a Britteny Griner Day etc.

But the bottom line is this: she is an upper class American who is therefore used to the rules not applying to her. Her dad was county sheriff and she’s lived the life of a moderately famous athlete. I’ve no doubt she’s gotten all sorts of passes her entire life that poor people just never do.

Then she went to Russia after being told that’s exactly what not do to - because why not “rules are for little people” - and doubled down by breaking Russian law. And, all of a sudden, rules do apply, and she’s shocked. As I said, self entitlement. It’s typical for people like her (upper class).

The fact that we’re even talking about this is just part of her privilege: rando Americans get wrongly arrested overseas all the time; nobody gives a fuck. On the other hand former Governor Bill Richardson is apparently going to Russia to negotiate for her release which he wouldn’t do for 99% of the population even if they were huge Toby Keith fans.

As for her having no choice about having to go because “work”, that’s horseshit. She has plenty of life options. It’s not like she’s a young mother facing another night working as a stripper at a seedy club (or worse) to buy medicine for her kid.

This is upper class bullshit and nobody should care about it.

I do agree that Russian law is overly harsh and wrong… but it’s their law so it is what it is.

[Old Tyrannia]

How dare Russia enforce its laws against foreign citizens who voluntarily enter their country. Don't they understand that Americans are supposed to be untouchable wherever they go?

[Ifreann]

Sure thing, Ethel, that's why there's hundreds, no, thousands and thousands of people in Russian prisons being held hostage over parking violations or littering or whatever. Every world government is being blackmailed by Russia with the lives of their citizens. Very realistic view you have.

Clearly that is what I said

The view of the world I am putting forward, the one which you are mocking as a fantasy, is just that sometimes people commit some small infraction and get fined or otherwise minimally punished by the authorities and that's the end of it. You are saying that it's a fantasy world in which someone gets pulled over, gets a ticket, and then goes about their day.

---

Is a state's obligation to protect its citizens at all diminished when a citizen in danger or their loved ones have been critical of the state? Should the American government only help people who kiss ass?

I don’t care that she was critical of the US and I don’t think the Russians do either. If they care about her in particular - other than being a US citizen - it’s because she has a modest degree of fame: Huston has a Britteny Griner Day etc.

But the bottom line is this: she is an upper class American who is therefore used to the rules not applying to her. Her dad was county sheriff and she’s lived the life of a moderately famous athlete. I’ve no doubt she’s gotten all sorts of passes her entire life that poor people just never do.

Yeah, I bet this gay black woman has been skating by in life, narry a pebble in the road to trouble her. Maybe by the time she gets back to America her marriage will have been voided by the Supreme Court. Such privilege.

Then she went to Russia after being told that’s exactly what not do to - because why not “rules are for little people”

Weird to put quotes around a thing no one said.

- and doubled down by breaking Russian law. And, all of a sudden, rules do apply, and she’s shocked. As I said, self entitlement. It’s typical for people like her (upper class).

The fact that we’re even talking about this is just part of her privilege: rando Americans get wrongly arrested overseas all the time; nobody gives a fuck. On the other hand former Governor Bill Richardson is apparently going to Russia to negotiate for her release which he wouldn’t do for 99% of the population even if they were huge Toby Keith fans.

The federal government does usually get involved when Americans are wrongly arrested overseas. What do you think American consulates do all the time? It's not all embassy row parties and Havana syndrome.

As for her having no choice about having to go because “work”, that’s horseshit. She has plenty of life options. It’s not like she’s a young mother facing another night working as a stripper at a seedy club (or worse) to buy medicine for her kid.

I don't think anyone was saying that she had to go to Russia. I've been bringing up the fact that she works in Russia to show to people that she is not some silly fool who doesn't understand how the world works, she would actually know more about the reality on the ground in Russia than most of us talking about her.

This is upper class bullshit and nobody should care about it.

I do agree that Russian law is overly harsh and wrong… but it’s their law so it is what it is.

Nobody should care about harsh and wrong laws, cool attitude.

---

How dare Russia enforce its laws against foreign citizens who voluntarily enter their country. Don't they understand that Americans are supposed to be untouchable wherever they go?

Logging on to NSG to express my deep respect for the entirely legitimate law enforcement authorities of the Russian Federation.

[Ethel mermania]

Clearly that is what I said

The view of the world I am putting forward, the one which you are mocking as a fantasy, is just that sometimes people commit some small infraction and get fined or otherwise minimally punished by the authorities and that's the end of it. You are saying that it's a fantasy world in which someone gets pulled over, gets a ticket, and then goes about their day.

---

I don’t care that she was critical of the US and I don’t think the Russians do either. If they care about her in particular - other than being a US citizen - it’s because she has a modest degree of fame: Huston has a Britteny Griner Day etc.

But the bottom line is this: she is an upper class American who is therefore used to the rules not applying to her. Her dad was county sheriff and she’s lived the life of a moderately famous athlete. I’ve no doubt she’s gotten all sorts of passes her entire life that poor people just never do.

Yeah, I bet this gay black woman has been skating by in life, narry a pebble in the road to trouble her. Maybe by the time she gets back to America her marriage will have been voided by the Supreme Court. Such privilege.

Then she went to Russia after being told that’s exactly what not do to - because why not “rules are for little people”

Weird to put quotes around a thing no one said.

- and doubled down by breaking Russian law. And, all of a sudden, rules do apply, and she’s shocked. As I said, self entitlement. It’s typical for people like her (upper class).

The fact that we’re even talking about this is just part of her privilege: rando Americans get wrongly arrested overseas all the time; nobody gives a fuck. On the other hand former Governor Bill Richardson is apparently going to Russia to negotiate for her release which he wouldn’t do for 99% of the population even if they were huge Toby Keith fans.

The federal government does usually get involved when Americans are wrongly arrested overseas. What do you think American consulates do all the time? It's not all embassy row parties and Havana syndrome.

As for her having no choice about having to go because “work”, that’s horseshit. She has plenty of life options. It’s not like she’s a young mother facing another night working as a stripper at a seedy club (or worse) to buy medicine for her kid.

I don't think anyone was saying that she had to go to Russia. I've been bringing up the fact that she works in Russia to show to people that she is not some silly fool who doesn't understand how the world works, she would actually know more about the reality on the ground in Russia than most of us talking about her.

This is upper class bullshit and nobody should care about it.

I do agree that Russian law is overly harsh and wrong… but it’s their law so it is what it is.

Nobody should care about harsh and wrong laws, cool attitude.

---

How dare Russia enforce its laws against foreign citizens who voluntarily enter their country. Don't they understand that Americans are supposed to be untouchable wherever they go?

Logging on to NSG to express my deep respect for the entirely legitimate law enforcement authorities of the Russian Federation.

Smuggling is not anything that any country anywhere goes lightly on. Your fantasy that what you propose is anywhere near the normal state if affairs

Surprising enough I would love a planet with filled with fully automated gay luxury space communism on it. Sorry to say It doesn't exist and its naieve and dangerous to pretend it does.

[Ifreann]

The view of the world I am putting forward, the one which you are mocking as a fantasy, is just that sometimes people commit some small infraction and get fined or otherwise minimally punished by the authorities and that's the end of it. You are saying that it's a fantasy world in which someone gets pulled over, gets a ticket, and then goes about their day.

---

Yeah, I bet this gay black woman has been skating by in life, narry a pebble in the road to trouble her. Maybe by the time she gets back to America her marriage will have been voided by the Supreme Court. Such privilege.


Weird to put quotes around a thing no one said.

The federal government does usually get involved when Americans are wrongly arrested overseas. What do you think American consulates do all the time? It's not all embassy row parties and Havana syndrome.


I don't think anyone was saying that she had to go to Russia. I've been bringing up the fact that she works in Russia to show to people that she is not some silly fool who doesn't understand how the world works, she would actually know more about the reality on the ground in Russia than most of us talking about her.


Nobody should care about harsh and wrong laws, cool attitude.

---

Logging on to NSG to express my deep respect for the entirely legitimate law enforcement authorities of the Russian Federation.

Smuggling is not anything that any country anywhere goes lightly on. Your fantasy that what you propose is anywhere near the normal state if affairs

I keep telling you that I don't think she was smuggling, so if you think I'm saying that it's normal to get away with smuggling then you're just telling me that you're not paying attention when you're talking to me.

[Des-Bal]

I keep telling you that I don't think she was smuggling, so if you think I'm saying that it's normal to get away with smuggling then you're just telling me that you're not paying attention when you're talking to me.

Oh, in that case I don't think she was arrested.

[Ethel mermania]

Smuggling is not anything that any country anywhere goes lightly on. Your fantasy that what you propose is anywhere near the normal state if affairs

I keep telling you that I don't think she was smuggling, so if you think I'm saying that it's normal to get away with smuggling then you're just telling me that you're not paying attention when you're talking to me.

And you are simply denying the facts of the case to support your false narrative.

She was arrested in the airport and the drugs were found in her suitcase. No one but you disputes this. Are you proposing she bought them in the airport after she cleared customs?