MiG
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Post by MiG on Jun 17, 2008 20:49:15 GMT -5
Oke guys. What do the Croats think of Croatia here... What is your position on where the government/economy/military is heading? Where is the culture/religion/tradition heading? Where would you like to see Croatia? Where do you think Croatia will be? If so, would you like to see border changes? What would you do if you were the head of the Government in the country?
Can't wait for your responses.
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Fender
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Post by Fender on Jun 17, 2008 20:51:07 GMT -5
I'll respond shortly to this. Good thread by the way.
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Zvone
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Post by Zvone on Jun 17, 2008 21:33:27 GMT -5
What is your position on where the government/economy/military is heading?
Government will always be corrupt no matter what country we talk about. But I do believe that HDZ is is losing control and better parties, well perhaps, like SDP can come into power and reform the country. Economically I don't know where Croatia is. It is in debt, outsold, and suffering deficit every year. It will get better if Croatia was to join the EU, but for all the wrong reasons such as foreign owned companies. Does Croatia have a Federal Reserve System similar to the one in the US? If so, I'd tell them to increase money supply while the gov. raised taxes. Inflation would go up, but at least more money directed towards poor citizens would channel a spur of activity because of the MPS. We don't need a military, hence it will be demilitarized into these "shock" troops where speed is important while NATO or some other organization can sweep in.
Where is the culture/religion/tradition heading?
The whole world is gradually moving from a traditional mindset to a more realist. Nationalism was a dominant trait but things are leveling out, excluding diaspora. Religion will always remain religion although I do hope it will be deemed obsolete one day. But Croats will always follow the Pope like sheep so I doubt I'll see much change in my lifetime. Tradition/religion/culture seem to be intertwined so I'll leave it at that.
Where would you like to see Croatia?
I hope it turns into a Social democracy with a president capable of withstanding foreign influence. A president that actually prioritizes Croatian citizens and not foreign interests. Look at the later response...
Where do you think Croatia will be?
It's moving towards the EU and I envision it in the union in a few years. From there the country will be sold out to foreigners and any tangible manner of governance will disappear with only culture and nationality remaining. However both will be futile and meaningless.
If so, would you like to see border changes?
What border changes? Croatia is fine the way it is. Taking up BiH land would create a great influx of people that couldn't be supported by the government. With a 16% unemployment rate the country's employees would feel the after effect of annexing any land.
What would you do if you were the head of the Government in the country?
Simply I would convert the country from a service based economy into an industrious. Tourism should NEVER be any countries main economical source. Foreign investing is always welcome but when they can buy subsidized land then there is a problem. I would prioritize loan enabled deals that would secure Croatian employees a job while foreign companies succumb to Croatian jurisdiction. Churches would be taxed to provide for education and infrastructure. I would legalize marijuana and tax it, along with cigarettes, to fund further infrastructure improvements. Preferably a military should be kept on a 1% GDP allowance similar to Japan. Invest in Croatian Manufacturing, double federal funding for basic research and make the research and development tax credit permanent to help create high-paying, secure jobs. Fight for Fair Trade, simplify tax filings for middle class, provide a tax cut for working families, basically strengthen the middle class.
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MiG
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Post by MiG on Jun 17, 2008 21:58:35 GMT -5
^ Wow, some excellent suggestions. Very interesting Zvone.
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CiKoLa
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Post by CiKoLa on Jun 17, 2008 22:27:24 GMT -5
legalize marijuana and tax it dimis ha . !
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Trazi Vise
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Post by Trazi Vise on Jun 17, 2008 22:40:13 GMT -5
I'll be back with my 1000 word essay.
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Zvone
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Post by Zvone on Jun 17, 2008 22:48:26 GMT -5
What perplexes you my friend?
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Post by markosijekira on Jun 17, 2008 23:50:30 GMT -5
Oke guys. What do the Croats think of Croatia here... What is your position on where the government/economy/military is heading? Hey I’m 1/2 Croat, do I get to answer? Good thought so! Where is the culture/religion/tradition heading? As Croatia is approaching western economical standards rapidly, it is also getting saturated with western pop culture. Which is fine to a certain point, I just don’t want to see Croatia turn into some western clone. We in the Balkans still have unique and vibrant culture, which can’t be said about westerners...all rather dull in my opinion. I want that unique vibrant culture to be preserved. The Catholic Church is still in a strong position in Croatia, however i suspect over time with increasing wealth in the country that the population of active worshipers and church goers will dwindle, like we have seen in France and Germany over the last 50 years, also north Italy, the wealthier part of that state. Where would you like to see Croatia?In the EU as a strong self confident country, however the EU needs some tweaking before i like it. Where do you think Croatia will be?In the EU no doubt If so, would you like to see border changes?Well Croatia could use Trst from Italy and Hungarian provinces of Zala and Somogy just for the hell of it What would you do if you were the head of the Government in the country?Buy back all the coastal properties sold to foreign interests
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MiG
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Post by MiG on Jun 17, 2008 23:56:23 GMT -5
^ Great thoughts guys, keep it up. Looking to see some more.
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Zvone
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Post by Zvone on Jun 18, 2008 7:48:51 GMT -5
Why don't you respond Mig? I can't wait for Fender's answer...lol
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Post by SKORIC on Jun 25, 2008 3:44:57 GMT -5
Mig and Fender didnt post their opinions!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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MiG
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Post by MiG on Jun 25, 2008 12:34:29 GMT -5
I'll post 'em when I have time (soon times)... btw nice sig.
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Post by zgembo on Jun 26, 2008 1:00:04 GMT -5
I'll be back with my 1000 word essay. Can't wait for this gem
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MiG
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Post by MiG on Jun 26, 2008 13:12:33 GMT -5
Oke, let me have a crack at this one..
What is your position on where the government/economy/military is heading?
The current government doesn't know anything at the moment. They are awaiting approval from the EU for anything they do. I think that once a party is elected that actually cares about the people and the country (2010 Elections), they should hopefully start to change their foreign policy and take more of a neutral approach.
I very much dislike the fact that Croatia recognized Kosovo as an independent state, and I think that they are idiot for doing that. That only damages the relations between Croatia and Serbia, and to some extent most of the world (Which is anti-Kosovo).
The economy is growing nicely, but still is very much reliant on tourism. I think that Croatia should become an industrialized nation, which has a lot of potential of happening. The economic situation can snap in half if only a small hit to the nations stability is taken. Small Stability contributes to a low tourist influx, which in turn can sever the economy of Croatia. The polititians are aware of this and are only now (Since the breakup of Yugoslavia) trying and actually doing something about it. We have a good education system that can benefit the entire nation should we invest in Research, and research related fields.
The military spending in Croatia is going up. It is growing at a rate faster than the GDP per capita a year in taxes, and I have no idea why that is. Maybe preparations for NATO entry, or just investing in a newer military. The HKoV is getting new tanks, new artillery pieces, new infantry weaponry. It is getting new APC's, and training is going up every year, and is becoming more and more intense as time and training phases go on. The HZSiPZO is in plan to replace the fleet of 24 MiG-21bis/UMD aircraft with the Swedish JAS-39 Gripen, (An upgrade which will cost close to 1.2 Billion USD) and the Helicopters (Mi-24D/Mi-171) will get upgrades as time goes on. Another thing I noticed is that the domestic market might be opened up to make way for building domestic trainer aircraft, but that is not happening anytime soon (2015 at the earliest).
Where is the culture/religion/tradition heading?
Since these three are intertwined, I think that Croatian youth in Croatia itself is not doing enough to upkeep this. It would be nice to have a nice image of what we are to the world, as this is done through these three, but they are not participating enough, and looks as though there will not be a continuous trend to keep this up, and that is a bit sad to say the least. Everyone dreams of a "Western Life" or an "American Dream", but in the end it will only let them down. Being materialistic doesn't get you far at most times.
It is also a shame to see that Croats outside of Croatia know more about the culture/religion/tradition, than some Croats within Croatia. It always surprises me.
Not to sound like a Nationalist, but that's the way it is lol.
Where would you like to see Croatia?
I'd like to see Croatia in NATO or the ESDP. If all else fails, the SCO. But I would like to see it as a part of something greater, contributing to the regional stability.
I wouldn't like to see it in the EU, simply because I'd like to see Croatia keep its national identity. Instead of the EU, I'd like to see it become a sort of observer state, as it has done until now, but with way more political freedom from the EU.
Where do you think Croatia will be?
At the moment, Croatia is heading towards the EU. It is a good benefit economically, but its still giving up national identity, which is something I don't want our people to lose. It is becoming a regional leader by example, and heading towards a moderate fighting force.
If so, would you like to see border changes?
As for now, no. But if there is a war in BiH, Croat parts will seek to join up with Croatia.
What would you do if you were the head of the Government in the country?
Isolation for now. I don't like how they treat Croatia. I would minimize foreign ownership in the nation, and make stiffer business laws so to minimize corruption. I would make stiffer penalties as well, so that the owners couldn't cheat the workers. I would make the economy more industrialized (Something similar to Japan). I would try and curb the negative birth rates, and make my foreign policy as neutral as it possibly can be.
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Post by sweetnugs on Jun 26, 2008 15:00:14 GMT -5
---edit---
Way out of line stick to the topic and do not attack others.
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Post by vinjak on Jun 26, 2008 20:35:09 GMT -5
Japodian sorry bro accidently pressed the delete key on ya man. While I was editing Sweetnugs.
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MiG
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Post by MiG on Jun 26, 2008 21:26:41 GMT -5
I wonder what sweetnugs said.
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Post by markosijekira on Jun 26, 2008 23:36:04 GMT -5
"The military spending in Croatia is going up. It is growing at a rate faster than the GDP per capita a year in taxes, and I have no idea why that is. Maybe preparations for NATO entry, or just investing in a newer military"
Yep, you are right. The upgrade is especially expensive because a whole generation of equipment was missed during the wars, and the gap needs to be closed to comply with NATO standard. KoVS is going through the same reconstruction and upgrades...although from what I can tell they are sticking to Russian made stuff to save cost as well as less headache on logistics Hey Mig what’s the news on the Degman, is it still considered for export? Will all M84s be upgraded to Degman status?
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MiG
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Post by MiG on Jun 26, 2008 23:49:51 GMT -5
^ All the M-84's (T-72's) are being upgrated to M-84A4 standard, if not already completed. Last I heard in April they were completed and they will start taking in the Kuwaiti army's M-84's and upgrade them to the M-84A4 at the cost of 1.8 billion kuna. (I don't know if they are still going to upgrade fully to the M-84D, which they probably want since they are mostly in the desert)
The Degman is hitting some slight delays in its production process. The army has two right now for testing, and they are expecting to order 75 by 2010 for further development and field testing. The tank design is looking very promising actually. It has everything western and domestic, except the frames of the tank, which are obviously Soviet/Russian influenced design (This is because it was base off the M-91 Vihor, which was based off the M-84, which was based off the Soviet T-72). The Defence Ministry has announced earlier in 2007, that if the Degman is as promising as it sounds, then the HKoV will employ 350-400 tanks, on top of the 75 that they already have ordered.
Future customers of the tank include so far, Croatia, Kuwait, and Lybia. The Croatian Defence Ministry has put the offer on the table for the HKoV to upgrade the 74 M-84A4's and the 30 M-84D's to M-95 standard (Which means to literally strip the tanks to their skeleton/frame and start from almost scratch).
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Post by markosijekira on Jun 27, 2008 0:37:37 GMT -5
I know that Croatia inherited only some of the M84 production facilities, is the arms industry capable of producing the chassis and turrets from scratch or is this all upgrading existing stocks?
A Design like the M-95 Degman makes of course much more sense for Balkan terrain then a bulky heavy LeoII or M1A2, given that its what, 15t lighter.
I imagine the Polish T-72 upgrade PT-91E/Ex could be a potential competitor
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