perhaps i am too young and naive, but i am terrified of playing that game. i'm very glad i took up a career where these are dinner-time conversations and that i don't have to bear the weight of making those kinds of decisions. can i ask why you think it's a bluff from putin?

for my entire life, the media has portrayed him as either an evil genius or a mad-man (sometimes, both). in any case, it's painted a picture of a man perfectly capable of taking everyone down with him. why should i think otherwise?

note: i am being completely earnest in this response. in the last week, i have thrown up several times post doom-scrolling on twitter. i had to delete the app. i am convinced this will end up with everyone in dust. my mind has reverted to the following quote from The Wasteland several times:

<< "And I will show you something different from either

<< Your shadow at morning striding behind you

<< Or your shadow at evening rising to meet you;

<< I will show you fear in a handful of dust."