The slow and cheap response of Dubya & Co to the Tsunami disaster could be a sign of something even more serious.
Has the US become a "Nickel Millionaire Super Power?"
It is the destiny of all Super-Powers to eventually bankrupt themselves by "Imperial Overreach."
If indeed this is what's happening to the US, it would not be the first time the world has witnessed this phenomenon.
The Romans did it. And the French, remember IndoChina and North Africa? And the Brits in India, Palestine, Egypt and East Africa. But at least the Brits got to swipe plenty of "antiquities" for their museums while in the process of "going broke."
And even the US has had a brush with IMPERIAL BANKRUPTCY in the post-Johnson Era. Sometimes called the Nixon Years.......1971 was the end of Bretton Woods, and the rest is history as they say. A history of 20% prime rates for nearly a decade to "apologize" for the weak VietNam Era Dollar!
Now we do it again. 1971 REDUX! That is what I would call the coming Era of Dollar Re-habilitiation. Hmmmm.....the DOLLAR IN REHAB? Now there's something Dubya could relate to.....on a personal level.
My hunch is that 2005 will be an annis horribilis for Washington.
Primarily because Washington is run by a bunch of "anus horribili!" And Wall Street too!
Yet, it is likely that the Miracle of Higher Rates will not save the dollar this time. Or, put another way, THIS ISN'T 1971.
Things are a little more....."advanced" this time around.
FIRST, THE US IS NO LONGER THE WORLD'S FACTORY FLOOR, AS IT WAS IN 1971.
CHINA HOLDS THAT HONOR NOW.
AND ASIA IN GENERAL IS THE WORKSHOP OF THE WORLD TODAY.
Will the US be able to accept a "genteel poverty" like Britain has? I don't think so. The US and Britain are miles apart culturally. And, even Brits are moving out of England now!
BUT, CAN CHINA REALLY "TAKE OVER" THE AMERICAN ROLE AS THE GLOBAL
ECONOMIC LEADER?
IN A WORD: NO!
China is a "mono-culture" just like almost everyplace else on the globe.
The American EXCEPTIONALISM comes from the fact that ANYONE can become
a REAL AMERICAN.
THE US HAS THE WORLD'S ONLY "GLOBAL CULTURE."
SO TO THAT EXTEND, THE US HAS LEAD THE WORLD "BY DEFAULT" BY VIRTUE OF IT'S UNIQUE CULTURAL POSITION IN THE WORLD COMMUNITY.
Example, were the Germans disturbed, or a little relieved, when they were defeated in World War II by an AMERICAN OF GERMAN DECENT? Get the picture?
SOMEHOW NONE OF US CAN REALLY BECOME "CHINESE!" EVER!
Or even "French." Although few Americans would apply for that honor!
Still, the laid back life style of the French Welfare State has it's attractions, at least to me. Less money, but more time to travel, read, write and pontificate shamelessly like a French Public Intellectual! And there are no public intellectuals like French public intellectuals! Eat your heart out David Brooks!
The AMERICAN CULTURAL ADVANTAGE is the LAST BEST HOPE for pulling off
yet another DOLLAR MIRACLE RECOVERY circa 1982.
And thus preserving the US Dollar as the world's main reserve currency.
WELL, MAYBE.... BUT MAYBE NOT.
NOW, WE HAVE SERIOUS COMPETITION FROM THE EURO.
AND THE "YEN BLOC" IN ASIA. AND THE CHINESE FUNNY MONEY.
My hunch is that future historians will note that the Cold War ended with the bankruptcy of BOTH the USSR and the US!
Yes, I know "we won" the Cold War. But you have to think in HISTORIC TIME, not NEWS CYCLE TIME.
VERY LIKELY 2005 WILL BE SEEN AS A PIVOTAL YEAR IN WORLD HISTORY.
SOMETHING VERY NEW AND DIFFERENT IS COMING......
BUT WHAT?
Stay tuned.....................
THIS IS THE ONE WEB PAGE TO BOOKMARK FOR THE FAST BREAKING KEY
DEVELOPMENTS DURING 2005!
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 30, 2004
DUBYA: AN AMERICAN NERO!
What was Dubya doing while The Great Dying was going on in South Asia?
When the tragedy struck on Sunday, Dubya stayed publically silent on the disaster until Wednesday!
What was he doing all that time?
Fiddling? Drinking? Asking God if or how he should respond to an "Act of God!"
Was Carl Rove on vacation? What? What?
True, it must be hard to be "God's Messenger on Earth."
After all, what does God's Messenger say about an "Act of God!"
"I'm Sorry?" Why bother? Why not just stay silent?
Dubya didn't have to come out on Sunday with exact dollar amounts of relief aid.
Even that attempt was too strange to be believed.
Why start right off with a "low ball" dollar amount! Really Really Odd!
A simple statement from the Western White House to the effect that:
"We are on this tragedy. And, we are now sending high level people to the disaster area to coordinate with local rescue operations. I have called all the national leaders in the region to express my condolences, and I have promised to assist in any way."
THAT' IT!
THAT'S ALL HE HAD TO SAY------ON SUNDAY!
INSTEAD THIS BIZZARO NUTTY SILENCE! NOTHING!
Oh, yeah, Dubya says he "wrote letters" to the leaders in the region.
WROTE LETTERS!!!
WHO WRITES LETTERS NOWADAYS???
..............................NOTHING FROM DUBYA UNTIL THREE DAYS LATER!
WASSUP! THAT WAS NUTS! SO TOTALLY OFF THE WALL.
AND THEN CAME THE IMMEDIATE CRIES OF: "CHEAP SKATE!"
WHEN DUBYA STUPIDLY LOW BALLED THE US CONTRIBUTION DURING HIS FIRST PUBLIC STATEMENT.......
I GUESS DUBYA THINKS THAT BEING PRESIDENT MEANS NEVER HAVING TO SAY YOU'RE SORRY!
IS THIS HOW WIERD THE NEXT FOUR YEARS ARE GOING TO BE!!
ALAS, I THINK IT IS....................
DUBYA HAS BECOME:
AN AMERICAN NERO!!
When the tragedy struck on Sunday, Dubya stayed publically silent on the disaster until Wednesday!
What was he doing all that time?
Fiddling? Drinking? Asking God if or how he should respond to an "Act of God!"
Was Carl Rove on vacation? What? What?
True, it must be hard to be "God's Messenger on Earth."
After all, what does God's Messenger say about an "Act of God!"
"I'm Sorry?" Why bother? Why not just stay silent?
Dubya didn't have to come out on Sunday with exact dollar amounts of relief aid.
Even that attempt was too strange to be believed.
Why start right off with a "low ball" dollar amount! Really Really Odd!
A simple statement from the Western White House to the effect that:
"We are on this tragedy. And, we are now sending high level people to the disaster area to coordinate with local rescue operations. I have called all the national leaders in the region to express my condolences, and I have promised to assist in any way."
THAT' IT!
THAT'S ALL HE HAD TO SAY------ON SUNDAY!
INSTEAD THIS BIZZARO NUTTY SILENCE! NOTHING!
Oh, yeah, Dubya says he "wrote letters" to the leaders in the region.
WROTE LETTERS!!!
WHO WRITES LETTERS NOWADAYS???
..............................NOTHING FROM DUBYA UNTIL THREE DAYS LATER!
WASSUP! THAT WAS NUTS! SO TOTALLY OFF THE WALL.
AND THEN CAME THE IMMEDIATE CRIES OF: "CHEAP SKATE!"
WHEN DUBYA STUPIDLY LOW BALLED THE US CONTRIBUTION DURING HIS FIRST PUBLIC STATEMENT.......
I GUESS DUBYA THINKS THAT BEING PRESIDENT MEANS NEVER HAVING TO SAY YOU'RE SORRY!
IS THIS HOW WIERD THE NEXT FOUR YEARS ARE GOING TO BE!!
ALAS, I THINK IT IS....................
DUBYA HAS BECOME:
AN AMERICAN NERO!!
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
THE DOLLAR TSUNAMI
Wall Street will continue to rally wildly for the rest of the year, but the rest of the world is apparently not impressed.
INDEED, THE WHOLE AFFAIR LOOKS LIKE: LOOTING IN LALA LAND!
With thin markets and performance bonuses on the line. GO FOR PERFORMANCE!
Indeed, we know that the Fed will continue to "print money" for it's Beloved Street until no one will take the Greenback except for WallPaper!
Greenspan is the Greatest Bubblemaniac since John Law "ruined" Europe for a hundred years back in 1720!
Of course from the "outsider" perspective our "stock rally" looks hollow. If your market is "up 10%" and your currency is "down 10%?
It's all a wash! Or, a Sham!!
Look for a lot of that kind of thinking in Washington, going forward. The Fed and the
Administration have the backs to the wall on the dollar now.
The only thing left is to chant the old mantras faster and faster and faster. Like those people who do the "disclaimers" at the end of commercials!
And, of course, Pray!
Well, that's actually good though, because we all know that Dubya likes to pray...........................
If prayer can move mountains? Maybe it can move the currency markets? Let's ALL pray hard now.
PRAY THAT THE "GREENSPAN DOLLAR" AND OUR BOND FLOATATIONS CAN BECOME THE WORLD'S BIGGEST "FAITH BASED CURRENCY!"
POSTSCRIPT: But then again, all paper money is faith-based, right?
See the Bloomberg link below for more dollar news; and bookmark it
because you're going to use it alot in the coming year!
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/markets/currencies.html
INDEED, THE WHOLE AFFAIR LOOKS LIKE: LOOTING IN LALA LAND!
With thin markets and performance bonuses on the line. GO FOR PERFORMANCE!
Indeed, we know that the Fed will continue to "print money" for it's Beloved Street until no one will take the Greenback except for WallPaper!
Greenspan is the Greatest Bubblemaniac since John Law "ruined" Europe for a hundred years back in 1720!
Of course from the "outsider" perspective our "stock rally" looks hollow. If your market is "up 10%" and your currency is "down 10%?
It's all a wash! Or, a Sham!!
Look for a lot of that kind of thinking in Washington, going forward. The Fed and the
Administration have the backs to the wall on the dollar now.
The only thing left is to chant the old mantras faster and faster and faster. Like those people who do the "disclaimers" at the end of commercials!
And, of course, Pray!
Well, that's actually good though, because we all know that Dubya likes to pray...........................
If prayer can move mountains? Maybe it can move the currency markets? Let's ALL pray hard now.
PRAY THAT THE "GREENSPAN DOLLAR" AND OUR BOND FLOATATIONS CAN BECOME THE WORLD'S BIGGEST "FAITH BASED CURRENCY!"
POSTSCRIPT: But then again, all paper money is faith-based, right?
See the Bloomberg link below for more dollar news; and bookmark it
because you're going to use it alot in the coming year!
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/markets/currencies.html
THE TORTURE PAPERS
If you're still wondering why the world won't support the dollar?
See the link below---here's a book just published by Cambridge University Press called: "The Torture Papers."
It pretty much expresses the notion that the US has become a "rogue state" on the issues of torture and human rights.
So, Dubya has consequences!
That is very likely going to be the basic theme of the next four years.
Can the US "survive" another Dubya Presidency?
I'd like to say yes to that. But I'm not sure that delaying The Progressive Agenda for that long will not have serious costs and consequences;
And create long term permanent damage to the US economy and society.
Remember, we live in a world where "Tsunamis" can happen! We know now that things can change forever----overnight!
Click link for the British intellectuals' view of America Today:
http://us.cambridge.org/features/0521853249/
See the link below---here's a book just published by Cambridge University Press called: "The Torture Papers."
It pretty much expresses the notion that the US has become a "rogue state" on the issues of torture and human rights.
So, Dubya has consequences!
That is very likely going to be the basic theme of the next four years.
Can the US "survive" another Dubya Presidency?
I'd like to say yes to that. But I'm not sure that delaying The Progressive Agenda for that long will not have serious costs and consequences;
And create long term permanent damage to the US economy and society.
Remember, we live in a world where "Tsunamis" can happen! We know now that things can change forever----overnight!
Click link for the British intellectuals' view of America Today:
http://us.cambridge.org/features/0521853249/
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
OUR WATER WORLD
For those of us living in a Puritanical City on a Hill in some frozen northern clime, it's hard to imagine life on a tropical beach in the exotic latitudes.
What kind of life did those Tsunami victims lead?
Was it all sun, surf and sand?
Perhaps, the plain village life where everyone knew their place, and things were always simple and relaxed.
Alas, we can only imagine---or, tune in to "Survivor!"
Perhaps, the more beautiful a place is, the more dangerous it can be?
The mountains can be risky too, there are always earthquake faults somewhere nearby. Even if you can't seen them........
Now that's a Puritanical notion!
The wages of fun in the sun, or breathtaking mountain views is death by Tsunami, Cyclone or Earthquake!
Why can't everyplace be like Minnesota? Safe! Cold! Dull! Always cloudy!
People in Minnesota live longer! Or maybe it just seems longer.....?
One commentator on the Tsunami Tragedy today said something rather odd.
He asked: Do these people have any consolation from a belief in life after death, like we Christians do? Does their religion help them in time of disaster?
Well, of course this is the land of Hindus and Buddhists. These are the foundational religions of the Human Race. And, of course religion comforts them.
But not the way a Christian would understand.
Hindus and Buddhists are both rather fatalistic. They believe that anyone who has lived out his days has had a long life. So, all who die do so because their life is over, no matter what their age or station in life.
Buddhists believe in the transient nature of all things.
And, the Tsunami certainly showed that our material things are weak and transient when confronted with the full force of the natural world.
OUR TINY WATER WORLD MOVING IN SPACE TIME AROUND A STAR UNIMAGINABLY HOT AND VIOLENT, SURROUNDED BY COMETS, ASTEROIDS, AND METEORS!
SOMETIMES IT'S GOOD TO BE VERY SMALL AND VERY INSIGNIFICANT, AS WE SURELY ARE----
IN A UNIVERSE SO MUCH MORE POWERFUL AND VIOLENT THAN WE CAN EVEN IMAGINE.
What kind of life did those Tsunami victims lead?
Was it all sun, surf and sand?
Perhaps, the plain village life where everyone knew their place, and things were always simple and relaxed.
Alas, we can only imagine---or, tune in to "Survivor!"
Perhaps, the more beautiful a place is, the more dangerous it can be?
The mountains can be risky too, there are always earthquake faults somewhere nearby. Even if you can't seen them........
Now that's a Puritanical notion!
The wages of fun in the sun, or breathtaking mountain views is death by Tsunami, Cyclone or Earthquake!
Why can't everyplace be like Minnesota? Safe! Cold! Dull! Always cloudy!
People in Minnesota live longer! Or maybe it just seems longer.....?
One commentator on the Tsunami Tragedy today said something rather odd.
He asked: Do these people have any consolation from a belief in life after death, like we Christians do? Does their religion help them in time of disaster?
Well, of course this is the land of Hindus and Buddhists. These are the foundational religions of the Human Race. And, of course religion comforts them.
But not the way a Christian would understand.
Hindus and Buddhists are both rather fatalistic. They believe that anyone who has lived out his days has had a long life. So, all who die do so because their life is over, no matter what their age or station in life.
Buddhists believe in the transient nature of all things.
And, the Tsunami certainly showed that our material things are weak and transient when confronted with the full force of the natural world.
OUR TINY WATER WORLD MOVING IN SPACE TIME AROUND A STAR UNIMAGINABLY HOT AND VIOLENT, SURROUNDED BY COMETS, ASTEROIDS, AND METEORS!
SOMETIMES IT'S GOOD TO BE VERY SMALL AND VERY INSIGNIFICANT, AS WE SURELY ARE----
IN A UNIVERSE SO MUCH MORE POWERFUL AND VIOLENT THAN WE CAN EVEN IMAGINE.
LIFE'S A BEACH! WITH 200,000 DEAD?
Life's a Beach again for the American Consumer. Confidence is up. Gas is down. And God's Messenger on Earth is running Washington! What's not to like?
Well, we learned one thing in South Asia this week. Tsunamis can happen without warning!
In the case of American Consumer Confidence, the PLUNGING DOLLAR is something that has the potential to become A GLOBAL CURRENCY TSUNAMI, if something isn't done soon.
Still, there are no credible solutions for the problem on offer. Dubya & Co are merely saying: LET IT HAPPEN! Again no "early warning" system for ordinary folks.
Still, a global currency tsunami could mean economic death for millions. Perhaps it behooves the rich to show a little compassion for these poor folks who still think that: LIFE'S A BEACH!
As to the REAL TSUNAMI in Asia; it now appears that the death toll will surpass that of Japan when the A-Bombs where dropped in 1945. Then, about 200,000 died instantly.
Since many island chains are now totally wiped off the face of the earth.....it's very possible that entire populations are still unaccounted for in the death totals!
ALAS, WHAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T YET REALIZE IS THAT LIFE IS NEVER A BEACH!
Well, we learned one thing in South Asia this week. Tsunamis can happen without warning!
In the case of American Consumer Confidence, the PLUNGING DOLLAR is something that has the potential to become A GLOBAL CURRENCY TSUNAMI, if something isn't done soon.
Still, there are no credible solutions for the problem on offer. Dubya & Co are merely saying: LET IT HAPPEN! Again no "early warning" system for ordinary folks.
Still, a global currency tsunami could mean economic death for millions. Perhaps it behooves the rich to show a little compassion for these poor folks who still think that: LIFE'S A BEACH!
As to the REAL TSUNAMI in Asia; it now appears that the death toll will surpass that of Japan when the A-Bombs where dropped in 1945. Then, about 200,000 died instantly.
Since many island chains are now totally wiped off the face of the earth.....it's very possible that entire populations are still unaccounted for in the death totals!
ALAS, WHAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T YET REALIZE IS THAT LIFE IS NEVER A BEACH!
NEW BRETTON WOODS NEEDED
It may be time for a NEW BRETTON WOODS CONFERENCE.
I don't know if the old hotel in New Hampshire is still available, but clearly something must be done about the Dollar in 2005, sooner rather than later.
The problem is that the notion of AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM dies hard, especially in the US.
Still world leaders are now so turned off by Dubya and his Neocons that they are unwilling to help. Many seem to think that the US has sinned against the Monetary Gods, and that Monetary Damnation is the only just result.
But what is to be done?
LIKELY, THE WORLD'S FINANCIAL COMMUNITY MUST "READ THE RIOT ACT" TO THE US KONGRESS AND LAY DOWN THE NEW GROUND RULES FOR THE US ECONOMY.
This is a bitter pill for Dubya etal, who dreamed of having a "transfomational presidency."
BUT SIMPLY PUT, THE WORLD IS SICK AND TIRED OF FINANCING AMERICAN DEBACLES AT HOME OR ABROAD.
THAT, GENTLE REAER, IS REALLY WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE DOLLAR.
If Americans had any other leader than Dubya, likely something could be worked out. Dubya has "outed" the Big Lie of American Exceptionalism to the entire world!
If America had less military spending, and more spending on National Health Care to make American industry more competitive globally, and not requied seek lower costs in the global economy, THEN THE DOLLAR MIGHT BE SAVED.
SOON THE GLOBAL ECONOMY WILL START DICTATING THE TERMS OF TRADE TO AMERICA.
THE DEFICITS HAVE REACHED A CRITICAL MASS THAT CAN NO LONGER BE IGNORED.
A NEW BRETTON WOODS CONFERENCE IS FINALLY NECESSARY.
MY ADVISE TO GREENSPAN, DUBYA AND OTHERS IN CHARGE:
1. GET REAL ABOUT THE ECONOMY!
2. THE US ECONOMY CAN NO LONGER BE LOOTED BY THE AMERICAN ECONOMIC ELITE WITHOUT CAUSING SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE GLOBAL ECONOMY.
3. CUT THE MILITARY BUDGET!! AND PUT THAT MONEY INTO NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AND DOMESTIC HUMAN INFRASTURCTURE, SO THE US CAN TRULY COMPETE.
4. SIMPLY PUT, BEGGERS CAN'T BE IMPERIALISTS! THE DAZE OF AMERICAN IMPERIALISM ON THE "ASIAN DIME" ARE COMING TO AN IGNOBLE END! AND FOR THAT MANY WILL BE GRATEFUL.
5. RUN THE US DOMESTIC ECONOMY "AS IF" IT WERE NOT "EXCEPTIONAL" AND THEREFORE NOT SUBJECT TO THE NORMAL LAWS OF MACRO-ECONOMICS.
6. QUIT "BULLSHITTING" US ON THE US ECONOMY. NO ONE BELIEVES ANYTHING YOU SAY ANY MORE. THAT'S REALLY WHY THE DOLLAR IS PLUNGING. START TELLING THE TRUTH FOR A CHANGE. CUT THE PHONEY MUMBO-JUMBO, SOME OF US ACTUALLY KNOW WHATS GOING ON, EVEN IF THE BARSTOOL BUBBAS ARE "DUELY IMPRESSED" BY YOUR "BIG WORDS."
7. ADMIT TO YOUR MISTAKES AND DON'T LOOK FOR A FOREIGN SCAPEGOAT TO TAKE THE BLAME.
8. CONVENE A NEW BRETTON WOODS CONFERENCE ASAP.
I don't know if the old hotel in New Hampshire is still available, but clearly something must be done about the Dollar in 2005, sooner rather than later.
The problem is that the notion of AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM dies hard, especially in the US.
Still world leaders are now so turned off by Dubya and his Neocons that they are unwilling to help. Many seem to think that the US has sinned against the Monetary Gods, and that Monetary Damnation is the only just result.
But what is to be done?
LIKELY, THE WORLD'S FINANCIAL COMMUNITY MUST "READ THE RIOT ACT" TO THE US KONGRESS AND LAY DOWN THE NEW GROUND RULES FOR THE US ECONOMY.
This is a bitter pill for Dubya etal, who dreamed of having a "transfomational presidency."
BUT SIMPLY PUT, THE WORLD IS SICK AND TIRED OF FINANCING AMERICAN DEBACLES AT HOME OR ABROAD.
THAT, GENTLE REAER, IS REALLY WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE DOLLAR.
If Americans had any other leader than Dubya, likely something could be worked out. Dubya has "outed" the Big Lie of American Exceptionalism to the entire world!
If America had less military spending, and more spending on National Health Care to make American industry more competitive globally, and not requied seek lower costs in the global economy, THEN THE DOLLAR MIGHT BE SAVED.
SOON THE GLOBAL ECONOMY WILL START DICTATING THE TERMS OF TRADE TO AMERICA.
THE DEFICITS HAVE REACHED A CRITICAL MASS THAT CAN NO LONGER BE IGNORED.
A NEW BRETTON WOODS CONFERENCE IS FINALLY NECESSARY.
MY ADVISE TO GREENSPAN, DUBYA AND OTHERS IN CHARGE:
1. GET REAL ABOUT THE ECONOMY!
2. THE US ECONOMY CAN NO LONGER BE LOOTED BY THE AMERICAN ECONOMIC ELITE WITHOUT CAUSING SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE GLOBAL ECONOMY.
3. CUT THE MILITARY BUDGET!! AND PUT THAT MONEY INTO NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AND DOMESTIC HUMAN INFRASTURCTURE, SO THE US CAN TRULY COMPETE.
4. SIMPLY PUT, BEGGERS CAN'T BE IMPERIALISTS! THE DAZE OF AMERICAN IMPERIALISM ON THE "ASIAN DIME" ARE COMING TO AN IGNOBLE END! AND FOR THAT MANY WILL BE GRATEFUL.
5. RUN THE US DOMESTIC ECONOMY "AS IF" IT WERE NOT "EXCEPTIONAL" AND THEREFORE NOT SUBJECT TO THE NORMAL LAWS OF MACRO-ECONOMICS.
6. QUIT "BULLSHITTING" US ON THE US ECONOMY. NO ONE BELIEVES ANYTHING YOU SAY ANY MORE. THAT'S REALLY WHY THE DOLLAR IS PLUNGING. START TELLING THE TRUTH FOR A CHANGE. CUT THE PHONEY MUMBO-JUMBO, SOME OF US ACTUALLY KNOW WHATS GOING ON, EVEN IF THE BARSTOOL BUBBAS ARE "DUELY IMPRESSED" BY YOUR "BIG WORDS."
7. ADMIT TO YOUR MISTAKES AND DON'T LOOK FOR A FOREIGN SCAPEGOAT TO TAKE THE BLAME.
8. CONVENE A NEW BRETTON WOODS CONFERENCE ASAP.
Monday, December 27, 2004
THE GREENSPAN DOLLAR, EXPOSED!
Several years ago I coined the phrase, "GREENSPAN DOLLAR" and it's been in the "blub" for Gloom and Doom ever since.
Of course, for many years the idea of the "Greenspan Dollar" was cryptic and odd sounding. What was meant by a "Greenspan Dollar?
WELL, NOW WE KNOW.
It has been my position all along that the only "cure" for the bubble mentality was a CURRENCY COLLAPSE AND ITS FOLLOW ON BOND PLUNGE.
ARE WE THERE YET? WELL, WE'RE CLOSE.
AND '05 SEEMS LIKE THE YEAR WHEN IT ALL HITS THE FAN:
FOR THE DOLLAR, THE DEFICITS AND THE US BOND MARKET.
For one thing, Greenspan has been SO SLOW to raise rates, and "shock" the market.
This was not always so, a few years ago, the Fed would routinely "shock the markets."
In fact, that was the whole rational behind keeping the Fed minutes secret.
Then, Greenspan bought into this NEW ECONOMY nonsense---hook, line, andsinker. And as they say: The Rest is History!
And it has been a dismal history of Bubbles and Speculation, with this odd notion that ONLY STOCKS mattered in the US economy.
Indeed, it was as if nothing else concerned Greenspan, other than if Cudlow and Kramer think the G-Man to be--- " a swell guy."
THAT could FINALLY be over.
Now, the Eurolanders are watching the US financial leadership like a security gaurd at the mall staring at a couple of homeless guys!
What are these guys up too now.............?
Everyone is a little bit confused by the "inaction" in Washington and at the Fed.
Wassup?
Perhaps, the biggest debt default in history?
The Chinese Communists have the dollar in a strangle hold, and they aren't about to let go.
Our Washington Leadership, in Kongress, and at the White House has been supportive of the Cult of the CEO, and the Wall Street Looting Parties for decades.
While the public was deliberately decieved with "wedge issues" like gays and abortion rights or "values."
Perhaps, there is a sense among the leadership that "it's too late" to do anything about it now.
I suppose it's a case of, we all hang together, or we'll all surely hang seperately?
BUT HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE;
IF THE 10 YEAR BOND GOES TO 5%. ITS ALL OVER ON THE STREET.
We ain't there yet, but we're getting closer everyday.
A 5% bond would change everyone's view of The Street and Stocks in General.
Many mom and pop investors would love to get out of stocks, and take a nice safe 5% yield.
Never underestimate the shock of those 1% bank yields on the general public!
It was devastating to many who relied on interest for living expenses.
THE GREENSPAN DOLLAR IS GOING TO BRING YIELDS BACK UP TO HISTORICAL NORMS IN 2005. BELIEVE IT!
AND THE GREENSPAN DOLLAR IS GOING TO BRING AN END TO OUR LONG YEARS OF SAD BUBBLEMANIA!
THE YEAR 2005 WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS A KEY TURNING POINT IN THE HISTORY OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY.
So stay tuned..................and watch it all happen;
Right here at GLOOM AND DOOM! -----------24.7.365.
Of course, for many years the idea of the "Greenspan Dollar" was cryptic and odd sounding. What was meant by a "Greenspan Dollar?
WELL, NOW WE KNOW.
It has been my position all along that the only "cure" for the bubble mentality was a CURRENCY COLLAPSE AND ITS FOLLOW ON BOND PLUNGE.
ARE WE THERE YET? WELL, WE'RE CLOSE.
AND '05 SEEMS LIKE THE YEAR WHEN IT ALL HITS THE FAN:
FOR THE DOLLAR, THE DEFICITS AND THE US BOND MARKET.
For one thing, Greenspan has been SO SLOW to raise rates, and "shock" the market.
This was not always so, a few years ago, the Fed would routinely "shock the markets."
In fact, that was the whole rational behind keeping the Fed minutes secret.
Then, Greenspan bought into this NEW ECONOMY nonsense---hook, line, andsinker. And as they say: The Rest is History!
And it has been a dismal history of Bubbles and Speculation, with this odd notion that ONLY STOCKS mattered in the US economy.
Indeed, it was as if nothing else concerned Greenspan, other than if Cudlow and Kramer think the G-Man to be--- " a swell guy."
THAT could FINALLY be over.
Now, the Eurolanders are watching the US financial leadership like a security gaurd at the mall staring at a couple of homeless guys!
What are these guys up too now.............?
Everyone is a little bit confused by the "inaction" in Washington and at the Fed.
Wassup?
Perhaps, the biggest debt default in history?
The Chinese Communists have the dollar in a strangle hold, and they aren't about to let go.
Our Washington Leadership, in Kongress, and at the White House has been supportive of the Cult of the CEO, and the Wall Street Looting Parties for decades.
While the public was deliberately decieved with "wedge issues" like gays and abortion rights or "values."
Perhaps, there is a sense among the leadership that "it's too late" to do anything about it now.
I suppose it's a case of, we all hang together, or we'll all surely hang seperately?
BUT HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE;
IF THE 10 YEAR BOND GOES TO 5%. ITS ALL OVER ON THE STREET.
We ain't there yet, but we're getting closer everyday.
A 5% bond would change everyone's view of The Street and Stocks in General.
Many mom and pop investors would love to get out of stocks, and take a nice safe 5% yield.
Never underestimate the shock of those 1% bank yields on the general public!
It was devastating to many who relied on interest for living expenses.
THE GREENSPAN DOLLAR IS GOING TO BRING YIELDS BACK UP TO HISTORICAL NORMS IN 2005. BELIEVE IT!
AND THE GREENSPAN DOLLAR IS GOING TO BRING AN END TO OUR LONG YEARS OF SAD BUBBLEMANIA!
THE YEAR 2005 WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS A KEY TURNING POINT IN THE HISTORY OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY.
So stay tuned..................and watch it all happen;
Right here at GLOOM AND DOOM! -----------24.7.365.
THE STREET MAKES IT'S OWN WEATHER!
Sometimes THE STREET makes it's own weather!
Take the recent WINTER TEMPERATURES; it's "warm" outside!
But you'd never know it when you're piling on the extra layer of coats!
It fact, it's ASS CHILLING FREEZING COLD OUT THERE!
No matter. Wall Street is so big, it makes it's own weather!
Not only that, Wall Street also makes it's own "reality!"
The Tidal Waves that struck most of South Asia yesterday are currently: "no problem."
But, what of ships, and shipping ports? Well, that's next weeks news. Rally on today!
But wait?
Someone's selling! But who? .................WHO?
WHO WOULD BREAK THIS GREAT YEAR END MOMO RALLY? OUR PERFORMANCE BONUSES ARE AT STAKE! WHO'SE "GETTING REAL!"
Well, I say LET WALL STREET SOAR!
LET THEM RALLY ON TO EVER GREATER HEIGHTS OF UNREALITY!
I'LL BE UNLOADING SOME OF MY OLD "SURE THINGS," RIGHT AFTER THE FIRST OF THE YEAR!
And, note well, those closed end funds are looking really pricey now......SHADES OF THE APRIL MASSACRE!
TIME FOR ANOTHER CLOSED-END PANIC?
TIME FOR ANOTHER "SUCKER FLUSH?"
YEAH, WE'RE GETTIN' THERE.................
I WON'T TOUCH A CLOSED END FUND WITH A TEN FOOT POLE NOW! I'D SAY A BIG FAT SELL ON CLOSED ENDS ASAP.
WAY, WAY TO HIGH!!
AND, WITH RATES GOING UP, AND THE DOLLAR GOING DOWN YET!
SUCKER ALERT! SUCKER ALERT! SUCKER ALERT!
LET THIS STRANGE BULL RUN TILL IT GETS TIRED!
DON'T CHASE THIS ODD JOHN RALLY!
PLENTY OF TIME NEXT YEAR, AFTER THE ANNUAL "SUCKER FLUSH!"
PLENTY OF TIME TO CATCH THE NEXT BUS TO WALL STREET, AFTER JANUARY'S BIG REALITY CHECK IS OVER.
A STRANGE AND ULTRA-OVERBOUGHT MARKET IF THERE EVER WAS ONE!
Take the recent WINTER TEMPERATURES; it's "warm" outside!
But you'd never know it when you're piling on the extra layer of coats!
It fact, it's ASS CHILLING FREEZING COLD OUT THERE!
No matter. Wall Street is so big, it makes it's own weather!
Not only that, Wall Street also makes it's own "reality!"
The Tidal Waves that struck most of South Asia yesterday are currently: "no problem."
But, what of ships, and shipping ports? Well, that's next weeks news. Rally on today!
But wait?
Someone's selling! But who? .................WHO?
WHO WOULD BREAK THIS GREAT YEAR END MOMO RALLY? OUR PERFORMANCE BONUSES ARE AT STAKE! WHO'SE "GETTING REAL!"
Well, I say LET WALL STREET SOAR!
LET THEM RALLY ON TO EVER GREATER HEIGHTS OF UNREALITY!
I'LL BE UNLOADING SOME OF MY OLD "SURE THINGS," RIGHT AFTER THE FIRST OF THE YEAR!
And, note well, those closed end funds are looking really pricey now......SHADES OF THE APRIL MASSACRE!
TIME FOR ANOTHER CLOSED-END PANIC?
TIME FOR ANOTHER "SUCKER FLUSH?"
YEAH, WE'RE GETTIN' THERE.................
I WON'T TOUCH A CLOSED END FUND WITH A TEN FOOT POLE NOW! I'D SAY A BIG FAT SELL ON CLOSED ENDS ASAP.
WAY, WAY TO HIGH!!
AND, WITH RATES GOING UP, AND THE DOLLAR GOING DOWN YET!
SUCKER ALERT! SUCKER ALERT! SUCKER ALERT!
LET THIS STRANGE BULL RUN TILL IT GETS TIRED!
DON'T CHASE THIS ODD JOHN RALLY!
PLENTY OF TIME NEXT YEAR, AFTER THE ANNUAL "SUCKER FLUSH!"
PLENTY OF TIME TO CATCH THE NEXT BUS TO WALL STREET, AFTER JANUARY'S BIG REALITY CHECK IS OVER.
A STRANGE AND ULTRA-OVERBOUGHT MARKET IF THERE EVER WAS ONE!
REPUBICANS PUT THE "ME" BACK IN MEANESS
This is the week for Republican Triumphalism in the media. Let's call it "Top Gun" on Steroids!
We are going to be told over and over about THE BUSH MIRACLE AND THE BUSH MANDATE.
Nevermind that Dubya only got 51% of the vote; and even that required some hanky-panky and confusion in Ohio. It makes no difference now......
LET BUSH BE BUSH! BUT:
1. Let's fight against more economic looting by the Wall Street Cult of the CEO.
2. Let's save Social Security; and demand a SINGLE PAYER NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PLAN. Just like everyone else in the world has had for decades!
3. Let's expose the "Ownership Society" for what it really is!
Namely---THE YOUR-ON-YOUR-OWN SOCIETY.
Which is really a Republican scheme intended to FORCE even more working class people into supporting a STOCK MARKET that is owned and operated almost solely for the benefit of the US and Global ultra-rich!
Call that the 401k on steroids!
4. Let's stop the INSANE CRUSADE to conquor the Holy Lands of Islam!
Because, It's not working in Iraq and everyone knows it! Even Sharon sees this now, and he's back-peddling on the Likud West Bank Annexation Plans.
And remember, Sharon is possibly the only world leader who is actually stupider than Dubya!
And these Hosannas about "Afghan Democracy?" Oh Please! The US military, it's contractors and puppets now control 90% of the world's HEROIN SUPPLY! Afhganistan is the Haiti of the middle east.
I'd be losing sleep over Moochie Musharaff in Pakistan; not hyping the US Puppets trapped in the Kabul "Green Zone!"
5. Let's see the Repubican JOBS MIRACLE that was supposedly "just kicking in" during the elections.
I still have doubts. It seems that the game plan of the Cult of the CEO is more OFF-SHORING AND MORE OUT SOURCING!
Indeed, at my family Christmas gathering an accountant from from a western US state noted that his company is "sending all our income tax work to India now"
IF IT CAN BE DIGITIZED, IT WILL BE DIGITIZED, AND IT WILL GO TO INDIA!
MY HUNCH IS THE REPUBLICAN "JOBS MIRACLE" WILL JOIN THE TRADE DEFICIT AND THE BUDGET DEFICT IN THE CATAGORY OF "THINGS WE DON'T TALK ABOUT IN 2005!"
WALMART STOCKHOLDERS BEWARE THE CONSUMER PULLBACK IS GOING TO HIT LIKE A TIDAL WAVE IN 2005.
6. The Dollar? Doomed. See point 5. "Things we don't talk about anymore."
7. Can the Democrats be "saved?"
That usually means, can the Democrats become as anti-black, anti-gay, anti-feminist and anti-worker as Republicans. I say the Democrats can not be THUS saved, and they shouldn't even try. The Democrats have lost many elections because they try pitifully to be Republican-Lite.
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY MUST GO TO THE LEFT. AND BE PROUD OF IT.
JUST AS THE FAR RIGHT WAS WHEN THEY STARTED THEIR HISTORIC TAKE-OVER OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN THE EARLY 1980's.
THE DEMOCRATIC STRATEGY SHOULD BE TO MAKE BEING A DEMOCRAT "FUN" AGAIN.
ONLY WHEN DEMOCRATS CAN AGAIN FEEL PROUD AND FREE TO BE 'IN YOUR FACE" IN PUBLIC WILL THE DEMOCRATS BE SAVED.
DURING THE LAST ELECTION, MANY DEMOCRATS WERE AFRAID OR EMBARASSED TO PUT UP LAWN SIGNS BECAUSE THEY FEARED THEIR BORN AGAIN BUBBA NEIGHBORS!
DEMOCRATS HAVE GREAT POLICY POSITIONS ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES.
BUT ALAS, THESE ISSUES GO AGAINST THE CURRENT ECONOMIC DOGMATISM OF ADAM SMITH, WHICH IS NOW ACCEPTED IN THE WEST LIKE ARISTOTLE WAS DURING THE MIDDLE AGES!
WITHOUT ANY QUESTIONS ASKED
MAYBE IT'S TIME TO START ASKING SOME QUESTIONS?!
LET'S GIVE DUBYA THE ECONOMIC "Q & A" TREATMENT THAT THE TROOPS GAVE RUMMY LAST WEEK ON HIS WAR IN IRAQ!
THAT'S THE TICKET TO "RESPECTABLITY" FOR DEMOCRATIC POLICY......!
IN 2005,
DEMOCRATS SHOULD "PUT A FACE ON" THEIR POLICIES LIKE THAT AMERICAN SOLDIER DID WITH RUMMY!
FORGET ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT STATISTICS. AND WHITE PAPERS.....
45 MILLIONS UNINSURED? WHASAT MEAN? IT'S JUST A NUMBER?
Do we really feel any worse because the recent Asian Tidal Waves killed 12,000, instead of "merely" 8000? It's all just numbers.
And numbers don't have faces!
THE REPUBLICANS HAVE PUT THE "ME" BACK IN MEANNESS.
NOW LET THEM LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.
REPUBLICANS HAVE THE WHIP HAND IN KONGRESS.
NOW LET THE RED STATE BUBBAS FEEL THE LASH OF REPUBLICAN COMPASSION!
REMEMBER, THE RED STATE BUBBAS REALLY VOTED AGAINST JESSE, AL, THE HOMOS, AND THE FLIP-FLOPPER WHO WAS REALLY A COWARD IN VIETNAM.
AND TO "SUPPORT THE TROOPS" IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
NOW LET BUBBA LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING "GOD'S MESSENGER" IN THE WHITE HOUSE.
THIS WEEK THE REPUBLICANS WILL HAVE ANOTHER GREAT "TOP GUN MOMENT," AS WE LISTEN TO THEIR BIZARRO TWISTED VERSION "THE YEAR IN REVIEW."
LET THEM HAVE IT!
A YEAR IS A LONG, LONG TIME IN OUR NEWS CYCLE.
AND 2005 WILL BE A VERY, VERY, VERY LONG YEAR FOR THE BUSH REPUBLICANS.
We are going to be told over and over about THE BUSH MIRACLE AND THE BUSH MANDATE.
Nevermind that Dubya only got 51% of the vote; and even that required some hanky-panky and confusion in Ohio. It makes no difference now......
LET BUSH BE BUSH! BUT:
1. Let's fight against more economic looting by the Wall Street Cult of the CEO.
2. Let's save Social Security; and demand a SINGLE PAYER NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PLAN. Just like everyone else in the world has had for decades!
3. Let's expose the "Ownership Society" for what it really is!
Namely---THE YOUR-ON-YOUR-OWN SOCIETY.
Which is really a Republican scheme intended to FORCE even more working class people into supporting a STOCK MARKET that is owned and operated almost solely for the benefit of the US and Global ultra-rich!
Call that the 401k on steroids!
4. Let's stop the INSANE CRUSADE to conquor the Holy Lands of Islam!
Because, It's not working in Iraq and everyone knows it! Even Sharon sees this now, and he's back-peddling on the Likud West Bank Annexation Plans.
And remember, Sharon is possibly the only world leader who is actually stupider than Dubya!
And these Hosannas about "Afghan Democracy?" Oh Please! The US military, it's contractors and puppets now control 90% of the world's HEROIN SUPPLY! Afhganistan is the Haiti of the middle east.
I'd be losing sleep over Moochie Musharaff in Pakistan; not hyping the US Puppets trapped in the Kabul "Green Zone!"
5. Let's see the Repubican JOBS MIRACLE that was supposedly "just kicking in" during the elections.
I still have doubts. It seems that the game plan of the Cult of the CEO is more OFF-SHORING AND MORE OUT SOURCING!
Indeed, at my family Christmas gathering an accountant from from a western US state noted that his company is "sending all our income tax work to India now"
IF IT CAN BE DIGITIZED, IT WILL BE DIGITIZED, AND IT WILL GO TO INDIA!
MY HUNCH IS THE REPUBLICAN "JOBS MIRACLE" WILL JOIN THE TRADE DEFICIT AND THE BUDGET DEFICT IN THE CATAGORY OF "THINGS WE DON'T TALK ABOUT IN 2005!"
WALMART STOCKHOLDERS BEWARE THE CONSUMER PULLBACK IS GOING TO HIT LIKE A TIDAL WAVE IN 2005.
6. The Dollar? Doomed. See point 5. "Things we don't talk about anymore."
7. Can the Democrats be "saved?"
That usually means, can the Democrats become as anti-black, anti-gay, anti-feminist and anti-worker as Republicans. I say the Democrats can not be THUS saved, and they shouldn't even try. The Democrats have lost many elections because they try pitifully to be Republican-Lite.
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY MUST GO TO THE LEFT. AND BE PROUD OF IT.
JUST AS THE FAR RIGHT WAS WHEN THEY STARTED THEIR HISTORIC TAKE-OVER OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN THE EARLY 1980's.
THE DEMOCRATIC STRATEGY SHOULD BE TO MAKE BEING A DEMOCRAT "FUN" AGAIN.
ONLY WHEN DEMOCRATS CAN AGAIN FEEL PROUD AND FREE TO BE 'IN YOUR FACE" IN PUBLIC WILL THE DEMOCRATS BE SAVED.
DURING THE LAST ELECTION, MANY DEMOCRATS WERE AFRAID OR EMBARASSED TO PUT UP LAWN SIGNS BECAUSE THEY FEARED THEIR BORN AGAIN BUBBA NEIGHBORS!
DEMOCRATS HAVE GREAT POLICY POSITIONS ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES.
BUT ALAS, THESE ISSUES GO AGAINST THE CURRENT ECONOMIC DOGMATISM OF ADAM SMITH, WHICH IS NOW ACCEPTED IN THE WEST LIKE ARISTOTLE WAS DURING THE MIDDLE AGES!
WITHOUT ANY QUESTIONS ASKED
MAYBE IT'S TIME TO START ASKING SOME QUESTIONS?!
LET'S GIVE DUBYA THE ECONOMIC "Q & A" TREATMENT THAT THE TROOPS GAVE RUMMY LAST WEEK ON HIS WAR IN IRAQ!
THAT'S THE TICKET TO "RESPECTABLITY" FOR DEMOCRATIC POLICY......!
IN 2005,
DEMOCRATS SHOULD "PUT A FACE ON" THEIR POLICIES LIKE THAT AMERICAN SOLDIER DID WITH RUMMY!
FORGET ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT STATISTICS. AND WHITE PAPERS.....
45 MILLIONS UNINSURED? WHASAT MEAN? IT'S JUST A NUMBER?
Do we really feel any worse because the recent Asian Tidal Waves killed 12,000, instead of "merely" 8000? It's all just numbers.
And numbers don't have faces!
THE REPUBLICANS HAVE PUT THE "ME" BACK IN MEANNESS.
NOW LET THEM LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.
REPUBLICANS HAVE THE WHIP HAND IN KONGRESS.
NOW LET THE RED STATE BUBBAS FEEL THE LASH OF REPUBLICAN COMPASSION!
REMEMBER, THE RED STATE BUBBAS REALLY VOTED AGAINST JESSE, AL, THE HOMOS, AND THE FLIP-FLOPPER WHO WAS REALLY A COWARD IN VIETNAM.
AND TO "SUPPORT THE TROOPS" IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
NOW LET BUBBA LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING "GOD'S MESSENGER" IN THE WHITE HOUSE.
THIS WEEK THE REPUBLICANS WILL HAVE ANOTHER GREAT "TOP GUN MOMENT," AS WE LISTEN TO THEIR BIZARRO TWISTED VERSION "THE YEAR IN REVIEW."
LET THEM HAVE IT!
A YEAR IS A LONG, LONG TIME IN OUR NEWS CYCLE.
AND 2005 WILL BE A VERY, VERY, VERY LONG YEAR FOR THE BUSH REPUBLICANS.
Sunday, December 26, 2004
EARTH FALLING APART!! THE RAPTURE IS NEAR!!
RAPTURE ALERT!
Will Christian Evangelicals see the WRATH OF JESUS in the Christmas Earthquakes that have shaken the earth's very rotation!!
Is this "The Sign" that "The Religious" ----from the White House to the Vatican have been waiting for!!
IS THE RAPTURE UPON US!!
WILL THE ONLY PEOPLE LEFT ON EARTH BE NEW YORK TIMES READERS, AND OTHER SINNERS??
WELL, I HOPE SO!
LO, THE WRATH OF JESUS IS STARTING!
READ THE BOOK, "THE BIBLE CODE," IT PREDICTS THE END OF DAYS IN 2006!!
ALAS, IT DOESN'T SAY WHETHER THE RAPTURE WILL COME BEFORE OR AFTER THE
2006 KONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS!!
BUT LO, GOD AND REPUBLICANS POLICY MAKERS WORK IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS!!
EVANGELICALS WHO WANT TO "GO UP" NOT "DOWN" HAD BEST JOIN THIS GROUP
TODAY!!
AND STAY TUNED, FOR MORE TIMELY REPORTS ON THE COMING RAPTURE...........!!
PLEASE NOTE; YOU CAN'T RELY ON MAUREEN DOWD FOR THE TRUTH ANYMORE!!
STAY TUNED.....................
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqinthenews/2004/usslav/
Is this "The Sign" that "The Religious" ----from the White House to the Vatican have been waiting for!!
IS THE RAPTURE UPON US!!
WILL THE ONLY PEOPLE LEFT ON EARTH BE NEW YORK TIMES READERS, AND OTHER SINNERS??
WELL, I HOPE SO!
LO, THE WRATH OF JESUS IS STARTING!
READ THE BOOK, "THE BIBLE CODE," IT PREDICTS THE END OF DAYS IN 2006!!
ALAS, IT DOESN'T SAY WHETHER THE RAPTURE WILL COME BEFORE OR AFTER THE
2006 KONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS!!
BUT LO, GOD AND REPUBLICANS POLICY MAKERS WORK IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS!!
EVANGELICALS WHO WANT TO "GO UP" NOT "DOWN" HAD BEST JOIN THIS GROUP
TODAY!!
AND STAY TUNED, FOR MORE TIMELY REPORTS ON THE COMING RAPTURE...........!!
PLEASE NOTE; YOU CAN'T RELY ON MAUREEN DOWD FOR THE TRUTH ANYMORE!!
STAY TUNED.....................
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqinthenews/2004/usslav/
THE POLITICS OF HAPPY FACE
Today's network Talking Heads were all about The Politics of Happy Face.
This is understandable on the day after Christmas, when everyone's still on a sugar high with triglycerides that are likely "off the charts,"
So, "a little rest" is well deserved--and probably in order.
Indeed, if a Great Earthquake caused a Tidal Wave that wiped out Thousands, it probably won't even be mentioned today.
Perhaps, for one day The Politics of Happy Face can hold sway on the media.
THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF TIME FOR GREAT EARTHQUAKES AND TIDAL WAVES IN THE COMING YEAR...........
STAY TUNED.................FOR THE ANNUAL GLOOM AND DOOM "YEAR IN REVIEW."
AND THE TOP TEN BIG BUSH LIES FROM DUBYA'S DISASTEROUS FIRST TERM!
Plenty of "interesting times" ahead.....gauranteed!
This is understandable on the day after Christmas, when everyone's still on a sugar high with triglycerides that are likely "off the charts,"
So, "a little rest" is well deserved--and probably in order.
Indeed, if a Great Earthquake caused a Tidal Wave that wiped out Thousands, it probably won't even be mentioned today.
Perhaps, for one day The Politics of Happy Face can hold sway on the media.
THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF TIME FOR GREAT EARTHQUAKES AND TIDAL WAVES IN THE COMING YEAR...........
STAY TUNED.................FOR THE ANNUAL GLOOM AND DOOM "YEAR IN REVIEW."
AND THE TOP TEN BIG BUSH LIES FROM DUBYA'S DISASTEROUS FIRST TERM!
Plenty of "interesting times" ahead.....gauranteed!
THE DAVID BROOKS MISTAKE
David Brooks writes in the New York Times that everything is coming up roses in the Middle East despite the nay-sayers and Likud/Neocon/Dubya/Sharon bashers in and out of the major media.
Well maybe, but if this is true, why is it true?
Why is Sharon "suddenly" warming to his Labor Party? Why is Egypt suddenly working for free trade with Israel? Why this NEW DAWN according to Mr Brooks?
Well first, there is no proof of a NEW DAWN, only a real fear of being FIVE MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT in Israel, in the Middle East, and in the US.
THE ABSOLUTE AND TOTAL INCOMPETENCE OF SHARON AND DUBYA IN THEIR
POLICY CHOICES IN THE MIDDLE EAST HAS SHOWN PEOPLE THE DARK ABYSS OF WAR;
AND THE DYSTOPIA OF RELIGIOUS IGNORANCE!!
NOW AT LAST, RATIONAL MODERNIST PEOPLE ARE REPULSED BY IT!
WORLD OPINION IS NOT ADMITTING THAT SHARON AND DUBYA AND THE NEOCONS ARE "RIGHT" ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST;
WORLD OPINION IS FINALLY REALIZING THAT SOME HOW, SOME WAY, THE MATURE AND REASONABLE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD MUST FIND A WAY TO STOP THE INCOMPENTENT THEOCRATS WHO ARE RUNNING THE WORLD'S GEO-POLITICS IN WASHINGTON AND IN ISRAEL!
KNOW THIS, GENTLE READER, SHARON AND DUBYA ARE STILL AS STUPID AS EVER!
THEY WON'T CHANGE.
WHAT MIGHT CHANGE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE REST OF US, WHO ARE STILL "ATTACHED TO REALITY AND MODERN THINKING"
AND THE FEW, WHO ARE STILL PUTTING "TWO AND TWO TOGETHER," AND FINDING "FOUR,"
NOT THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS AND THE RAPTURE!
YOU MIGHT CALL THIS THE WORLD'S COLLECTIVE: VACCINATION RESPONSE!!
SIMILAR TO THE WAY THE BODY CREATES AN ANTI-BODY TO AN INVADING VIRUS OR BACTERIA!
WORLD OPINION HAS CONGEALED AGAINST THE ISRAELI THEOCRATS AND THE MORONIC NEOCONS IN WASHINGTON WITH HORROR!
NO ONE IS SAYING THE NEOCONS AND THE LIKUD WERE RIGHT ABOUT THE
"BIBICAL RIGHT" ISRAEL TO TAKE THE WEST BANK;
OR ABOUT DUBYA SPREADING DEMOCRACY BY OPTIONAL CHRISTIAN INVASIONS OF THE HOLY LANDS OF ISLAM!!
WHAT WE MIGHT BE SEEING IS A GLOBAL REACTION TO THE "SO HORRIBLY
WRONG" POLICIES OF DUBYA AND SHARON!!
BROOKS MIGHT THANK DUBYA AND SHARON FOR BEING "SO WRONG" ON SO MANY THINGS THAT--FINALLY--THEY HAVE CAUSED A GLOBAL REACTION AMONG THE RATIONAL MODERNIST WING OF GEO-POLICITIANS AND PUBLIC INTELLECTUALS;
AND A GLOBAL SENSE THAT SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO SAVE THE WORLD FROM CATASTROPE AND DUBYA AND SHARON AND THE NEOCONS AND THE LIKUD!
SORRY, DAVID! NICE TRY!
BUT, NO ONE EVER SAID BEING A "CONSERVATIVE PUBLIC INTELLECTUAL" WOULD BE EASY!
AS YOU SEEM TO BE FINDING OUT NOW WITH EVERY NEW COLUMN.
Well maybe, but if this is true, why is it true?
Why is Sharon "suddenly" warming to his Labor Party? Why is Egypt suddenly working for free trade with Israel? Why this NEW DAWN according to Mr Brooks?
Well first, there is no proof of a NEW DAWN, only a real fear of being FIVE MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT in Israel, in the Middle East, and in the US.
THE ABSOLUTE AND TOTAL INCOMPETENCE OF SHARON AND DUBYA IN THEIR
POLICY CHOICES IN THE MIDDLE EAST HAS SHOWN PEOPLE THE DARK ABYSS OF WAR;
AND THE DYSTOPIA OF RELIGIOUS IGNORANCE!!
NOW AT LAST, RATIONAL MODERNIST PEOPLE ARE REPULSED BY IT!
WORLD OPINION IS NOT ADMITTING THAT SHARON AND DUBYA AND THE NEOCONS ARE "RIGHT" ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST;
WORLD OPINION IS FINALLY REALIZING THAT SOME HOW, SOME WAY, THE MATURE AND REASONABLE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD MUST FIND A WAY TO STOP THE INCOMPENTENT THEOCRATS WHO ARE RUNNING THE WORLD'S GEO-POLITICS IN WASHINGTON AND IN ISRAEL!
KNOW THIS, GENTLE READER, SHARON AND DUBYA ARE STILL AS STUPID AS EVER!
THEY WON'T CHANGE.
WHAT MIGHT CHANGE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE REST OF US, WHO ARE STILL "ATTACHED TO REALITY AND MODERN THINKING"
AND THE FEW, WHO ARE STILL PUTTING "TWO AND TWO TOGETHER," AND FINDING "FOUR,"
NOT THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS AND THE RAPTURE!
YOU MIGHT CALL THIS THE WORLD'S COLLECTIVE: VACCINATION RESPONSE!!
SIMILAR TO THE WAY THE BODY CREATES AN ANTI-BODY TO AN INVADING VIRUS OR BACTERIA!
WORLD OPINION HAS CONGEALED AGAINST THE ISRAELI THEOCRATS AND THE MORONIC NEOCONS IN WASHINGTON WITH HORROR!
NO ONE IS SAYING THE NEOCONS AND THE LIKUD WERE RIGHT ABOUT THE
"BIBICAL RIGHT" ISRAEL TO TAKE THE WEST BANK;
OR ABOUT DUBYA SPREADING DEMOCRACY BY OPTIONAL CHRISTIAN INVASIONS OF THE HOLY LANDS OF ISLAM!!
WHAT WE MIGHT BE SEEING IS A GLOBAL REACTION TO THE "SO HORRIBLY
WRONG" POLICIES OF DUBYA AND SHARON!!
BROOKS MIGHT THANK DUBYA AND SHARON FOR BEING "SO WRONG" ON SO MANY THINGS THAT--FINALLY--THEY HAVE CAUSED A GLOBAL REACTION AMONG THE RATIONAL MODERNIST WING OF GEO-POLICITIANS AND PUBLIC INTELLECTUALS;
AND A GLOBAL SENSE THAT SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO SAVE THE WORLD FROM CATASTROPE AND DUBYA AND SHARON AND THE NEOCONS AND THE LIKUD!
SORRY, DAVID! NICE TRY!
BUT, NO ONE EVER SAID BEING A "CONSERVATIVE PUBLIC INTELLECTUAL" WOULD BE EASY!
AS YOU SEEM TO BE FINDING OUT NOW WITH EVERY NEW COLUMN.
Friday, December 24, 2004
WILL ASTEROID "SOLVE" SOCIAL SECURITY?
News that an asteroid is heading for earth with the best chances of impact since they have been tracking these things is interesting.
COULD THIS BE THE SOLUTION TO OUR LONG TERM SOCIAL SECURITY DEFICITS!
IF SO, WHY BOTHER WITH DUBYA'S PLAN TO "REFORM THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM!"
I MEAN, WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL IT MAKE!
OR, AS AN EVANGELICAL MIGHT SAY:
GOD IS SENDING US A "CURE!"
AND JUST IN TIME! IF YOU READ THE LINK BELOW:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/12/24/asteroid.ap/index.html
COULD THIS BE THE SOLUTION TO OUR LONG TERM SOCIAL SECURITY DEFICITS!
IF SO, WHY BOTHER WITH DUBYA'S PLAN TO "REFORM THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM!"
I MEAN, WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL IT MAKE!
OR, AS AN EVANGELICAL MIGHT SAY:
GOD IS SENDING US A "CURE!"
AND JUST IN TIME! IF YOU READ THE LINK BELOW:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/12/24/asteroid.ap/index.html
RUMMY: A SENSITIVE GUY!
Rummy's Holiday Grand Tour of Iraq is intended to show that he is really a "sensitive guy." Even if it looks a little forced by recent events.
And you can bet the farm that ALL QUESTIONS will be screened in advance to make sure they fit the White House Message of the Day!
No more out of the blue embarassing questions.
But that's really the whole problem. Isn't it?
Dubya & Co have been running their war the way they ran the campaign against Kerry and Edwards!
Reality is optional or to be avoided at all costs.
The only thing that's important is to stay on message and keep the spin going!
In an election this may work. In a war it's a very questionable tactic.
The problem is that the war operates globally. But all politics is local.
PUTTING CARL ROVE IN CHARGE OF SPINNING THIS WAR COULD BE DUBYA'S BIGGEST MISTAKE YET.
YOU CAN'T SPIN PUTIN. YOU CAN'T SPIN EUROLAND. YOU CAN'T SPIN OSAMA.
While all of the "questions from the troops" will likely be: "SIR, HOW CAN WE BUILD MORE SCHOOLS IN IRAQ?"
WHOSE REALLY BEING FOOLED?
NO ONE BUT THE BIGGEST FOOLS OF ALL---THE AMERICAN BUBBAS?
WATCH FOR EVEN MORE WAR SPIN AFTER THE NEW YEAR......BECAUSE THAT'S REALLY ALL THAT'S LEFT NOW.
WHEN THE LEADERSHIP HAS THEIR BACKS TO THE WALL, THEY OFTEN LAPSE INTO EXTREME DENIAL. THE ONLY CURE FOR DENIAL IS "EVENTS ON THE GROUND."
a/k/a "REALITY."
And you can bet the farm that ALL QUESTIONS will be screened in advance to make sure they fit the White House Message of the Day!
No more out of the blue embarassing questions.
But that's really the whole problem. Isn't it?
Dubya & Co have been running their war the way they ran the campaign against Kerry and Edwards!
Reality is optional or to be avoided at all costs.
The only thing that's important is to stay on message and keep the spin going!
In an election this may work. In a war it's a very questionable tactic.
The problem is that the war operates globally. But all politics is local.
PUTTING CARL ROVE IN CHARGE OF SPINNING THIS WAR COULD BE DUBYA'S BIGGEST MISTAKE YET.
YOU CAN'T SPIN PUTIN. YOU CAN'T SPIN EUROLAND. YOU CAN'T SPIN OSAMA.
While all of the "questions from the troops" will likely be: "SIR, HOW CAN WE BUILD MORE SCHOOLS IN IRAQ?"
WHOSE REALLY BEING FOOLED?
NO ONE BUT THE BIGGEST FOOLS OF ALL---THE AMERICAN BUBBAS?
WATCH FOR EVEN MORE WAR SPIN AFTER THE NEW YEAR......BECAUSE THAT'S REALLY ALL THAT'S LEFT NOW.
WHEN THE LEADERSHIP HAS THEIR BACKS TO THE WALL, THEY OFTEN LAPSE INTO EXTREME DENIAL. THE ONLY CURE FOR DENIAL IS "EVENTS ON THE GROUND."
a/k/a "REALITY."
WILL MOSUL BE "FALLUJAED" or THE MOSUL MOLE!
Is it time to destroy Mosul to save it?
As was done a few weeks ago in Falluja?
Probably.....
The basic problem for Dubya, Rummy, Wolfie and the rest of the Neocons is that, at this point, nothing but a total withdrawal will work.
There is NO WAY that a PRO-AMERICAN, PRO-ISRAELI GOVERNMENT will be installed in Iraq, by force or by the ballot box.
Not Now!
Why should the Iraqi people be anymore pro-American than the French or the German or the Russian people?
IT IS A TOTALLY ABSURD TO EXPECT THE IRAQIS TO LOVE DUBYA MORE THAN EUROLAND LOVES DUBYA.
DUBYA'S STATED GOAL IN IRAQ WAS TO "GET RID OF SADDAM."
REMEMBER DUBYA'S "GET OUT OF DODGE" ULTIMATIM TO SADDAM AND HIS SONS, JUST BEFORE THE WAR?
OK. SADDAM IS GONE NOW.
WHY IS DUBYA STILL IN IRAQ?
WELL, WE ALL KNOW THAT JUST GETTING SADDAM OUT WAS NOT THE REAL PLAN.
IT WAS NECESSARY TO STAY AROUND TO ASSURE THAT THE NEW GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PRO-AMERICAN, PRO-ISRAEL AND PRO-BIG OIL!
BUT THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!
LET ME REPEAT THAT BECAUSE ITS KEY:
THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!
As to the recent MOSUL MOLE that blew up the dining tent with great loss of American life.
IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT THE US IS NOT RECRUITING "THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST" TO THE AMERICAN CAUSE IN IRAQ!
In fact, most the of "new recuits" are from the lower or criminal "AliBaba" classes in Iraq.
Respectable Iraqis are holding back on supporting the occupation.
The only "respectable" Iraqis that support the occupation are the "exile groups," and their motives toward and nexus to Iraqi society is questionable. These folks never leave the "Green Zone!"
MANY OF THE "NEW RECUITS" ARE ACTUALLY OSAMA'S BOYS!!
SINCE THE US JUST NEEDS "WARM BODIES" TO FILL THE "CANON FODDER" POSITIONS IN THE SO-CALLED "NEW IRAQI SECURITY FORCES"----REAL SCREENING IS OPTIONAL.
SIGNING UP GETS YOU A PAY VOUCHER AND A BLUE SHIRT!
AND, OF COURSE, "THESE PEOPLE" ARE NOT GIVEN ANY REAL POLICING
EQUIPMENT, SINCE WE KNOW THAT THEY COULD "VIETCONG" US IN A HEARTBEAT!
BASICALLY, ALL A NEW IRAQI POLICEMAN IS GIVEN IS HIS SHIRT AND A PAYCHECK!
HE'LL CASH THE PAYCHECK ASAP!
AND DITCH THE SHIRT AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE!
Is any of this so hard to understand?
THE PROBLEM IS THAT MOST AMERICANS AND THE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ARE NOW VICTIMS OF THEIR OWN PROPAGANDA.
The first rule of propaganda is don't believe any of it!
AND, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S YOUR OWN!!
WHAT IS NEEDED IN IRAQ NOW IS TO PUT SOME REALISTIC GROWNUPS BACK IN CHARGE BOTH IN IRAQ AND IN WASHINGTON.
DUBYA NEEDS SOMEONE IN THE WHITE HOUSE THAT CAN GIVE HIM A SERIOUS REALITY CHECK ON THIS WAR!
A HARD AND THANKLESS JOB.......BUT IT'S OUR ONLY HOPE NOW.
Otherwise, there will be more MOSUL MOLE CATASTROPHES!
AND SADDLY, THE "ILLOGIC" OF THE WASHINGTON NEOCONS WILL SUGGEST THAT MOSUL MUST BE "FALLUJAED"-----TO SAVE IT!
It has been my position all along that the "way this ends" is with Iraq a "smoldering ruin" utterly chaotic and amorphous.
Thus ripe for the very real possiblity of "spill over wars" in the region.
Soon, the SCRAMBLE FOR IRAQ will engage the entire region, and perhaps the MAJOR POWERS like Russia, China and Fortress Euroland.
But alas, that little Doomsday Story is for another day.
As was done a few weeks ago in Falluja?
Probably.....
The basic problem for Dubya, Rummy, Wolfie and the rest of the Neocons is that, at this point, nothing but a total withdrawal will work.
There is NO WAY that a PRO-AMERICAN, PRO-ISRAELI GOVERNMENT will be installed in Iraq, by force or by the ballot box.
Not Now!
Why should the Iraqi people be anymore pro-American than the French or the German or the Russian people?
IT IS A TOTALLY ABSURD TO EXPECT THE IRAQIS TO LOVE DUBYA MORE THAN EUROLAND LOVES DUBYA.
DUBYA'S STATED GOAL IN IRAQ WAS TO "GET RID OF SADDAM."
REMEMBER DUBYA'S "GET OUT OF DODGE" ULTIMATIM TO SADDAM AND HIS SONS, JUST BEFORE THE WAR?
OK. SADDAM IS GONE NOW.
WHY IS DUBYA STILL IN IRAQ?
WELL, WE ALL KNOW THAT JUST GETTING SADDAM OUT WAS NOT THE REAL PLAN.
IT WAS NECESSARY TO STAY AROUND TO ASSURE THAT THE NEW GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PRO-AMERICAN, PRO-ISRAEL AND PRO-BIG OIL!
BUT THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!
LET ME REPEAT THAT BECAUSE ITS KEY:
THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!
As to the recent MOSUL MOLE that blew up the dining tent with great loss of American life.
IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT THE US IS NOT RECRUITING "THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST" TO THE AMERICAN CAUSE IN IRAQ!
In fact, most the of "new recuits" are from the lower or criminal "AliBaba" classes in Iraq.
Respectable Iraqis are holding back on supporting the occupation.
The only "respectable" Iraqis that support the occupation are the "exile groups," and their motives toward and nexus to Iraqi society is questionable. These folks never leave the "Green Zone!"
MANY OF THE "NEW RECUITS" ARE ACTUALLY OSAMA'S BOYS!!
SINCE THE US JUST NEEDS "WARM BODIES" TO FILL THE "CANON FODDER" POSITIONS IN THE SO-CALLED "NEW IRAQI SECURITY FORCES"----REAL SCREENING IS OPTIONAL.
SIGNING UP GETS YOU A PAY VOUCHER AND A BLUE SHIRT!
AND, OF COURSE, "THESE PEOPLE" ARE NOT GIVEN ANY REAL POLICING
EQUIPMENT, SINCE WE KNOW THAT THEY COULD "VIETCONG" US IN A HEARTBEAT!
BASICALLY, ALL A NEW IRAQI POLICEMAN IS GIVEN IS HIS SHIRT AND A PAYCHECK!
HE'LL CASH THE PAYCHECK ASAP!
AND DITCH THE SHIRT AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE!
Is any of this so hard to understand?
THE PROBLEM IS THAT MOST AMERICANS AND THE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ARE NOW VICTIMS OF THEIR OWN PROPAGANDA.
The first rule of propaganda is don't believe any of it!
AND, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S YOUR OWN!!
WHAT IS NEEDED IN IRAQ NOW IS TO PUT SOME REALISTIC GROWNUPS BACK IN CHARGE BOTH IN IRAQ AND IN WASHINGTON.
DUBYA NEEDS SOMEONE IN THE WHITE HOUSE THAT CAN GIVE HIM A SERIOUS REALITY CHECK ON THIS WAR!
A HARD AND THANKLESS JOB.......BUT IT'S OUR ONLY HOPE NOW.
Otherwise, there will be more MOSUL MOLE CATASTROPHES!
AND SADDLY, THE "ILLOGIC" OF THE WASHINGTON NEOCONS WILL SUGGEST THAT MOSUL MUST BE "FALLUJAED"-----TO SAVE IT!
It has been my position all along that the "way this ends" is with Iraq a "smoldering ruin" utterly chaotic and amorphous.
Thus ripe for the very real possiblity of "spill over wars" in the region.
Soon, the SCRAMBLE FOR IRAQ will engage the entire region, and perhaps the MAJOR POWERS like Russia, China and Fortress Euroland.
But alas, that little Doomsday Story is for another day.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
DOW POLAR EXPRESS!
No Grinches allowed on the Dow Polar Express!
Despite the worst weather in history, Stocks want to rise. So....they will.
The POLAR EXPRESS is bringing record cold and snow for the Christmas Holiday across a huge portion of the US;
LAST MINUTE SHOPPING AND TRAVEL COULD BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED.
But no matter, this is a market that WANTS IT'S PERFORMANCE BONUSES! NOT MATTER WHAT......AND IT'S GOING TO GET THEM.
Iraq is a mess. Russia is pissed. The dollar is plunging. New home sales plunged off a cliff likely because of interest rate worries and glut.
Nevermind.
THE DOW POLAR EXPRESS IS HEADING NORTH! ALL ABOARD!
IT IS TRULY AMAZING SOMETIMES HOW TOTALLY DISCONNECTED WALL STREET GETS FROM THE REST OF THE NATION!
AND THAT, GENTLE READER, IS WHAT'S CALLED "AN OPPORTUNITY!"
SOME HEAVY DUTY SHORT SELLERS ARE GOING TO START MOVING IN ON THIS ULTRA-OVERBOUGHT MARKET REAL SOON....WATCH FOR THEM!
Despite the worst weather in history, Stocks want to rise. So....they will.
The POLAR EXPRESS is bringing record cold and snow for the Christmas Holiday across a huge portion of the US;
LAST MINUTE SHOPPING AND TRAVEL COULD BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED.
But no matter, this is a market that WANTS IT'S PERFORMANCE BONUSES! NOT MATTER WHAT......AND IT'S GOING TO GET THEM.
Iraq is a mess. Russia is pissed. The dollar is plunging. New home sales plunged off a cliff likely because of interest rate worries and glut.
Nevermind.
THE DOW POLAR EXPRESS IS HEADING NORTH! ALL ABOARD!
IT IS TRULY AMAZING SOMETIMES HOW TOTALLY DISCONNECTED WALL STREET GETS FROM THE REST OF THE NATION!
AND THAT, GENTLE READER, IS WHAT'S CALLED "AN OPPORTUNITY!"
SOME HEAVY DUTY SHORT SELLERS ARE GOING TO START MOVING IN ON THIS ULTRA-OVERBOUGHT MARKET REAL SOON....WATCH FOR THEM!
NEW HIGHS OR NEW LIES?
With the market euphorically bubbling away you'd expect a lot of NEW HIGHS to be made.
WRONG!
The new highs and new lows are showing a rather narrow market.
True,only 5 new lows, so no one is being devastated.
But why only 200 or so, new highs?
WHERE'S THE BEEF!
Chances are that most of your stock holdings are doing just so-so this
year. Mostly, up a little, or down a little.
SO, WHERE'S THE 1000 POINT DOW RALLY GOING?
APPARENTLY INTO THE DOW ONLY ! AND NOTHING ELSE!
WITH A NEW ALL TIME HIGH ON THE DOW WITHIN REACH;
YOU'D EXPECT THAT THE NEW HIGHS WOULD BE 500-700++, BUT IT'S NOT!
SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BIG DOW RALLY DOESN'T PASS THE SMELL TEST.
IT'S ALL "TOO NARROW" TO BE FOR REAL.
AND THE DOLLAR JUST KEEPS ON FALLIN!
WHILE GOLD SEEMS VERY VERY STEADY LATELY.
BEWARE THE NEW HIGHS, NEW LOWS, AND NEW LIES ABOUT THIS MARKET!
See link for stats:
http://finance.yahoo.com/m0
WRONG!
The new highs and new lows are showing a rather narrow market.
True,only 5 new lows, so no one is being devastated.
But why only 200 or so, new highs?
WHERE'S THE BEEF!
Chances are that most of your stock holdings are doing just so-so this
year. Mostly, up a little, or down a little.
SO, WHERE'S THE 1000 POINT DOW RALLY GOING?
APPARENTLY INTO THE DOW ONLY ! AND NOTHING ELSE!
WITH A NEW ALL TIME HIGH ON THE DOW WITHIN REACH;
YOU'D EXPECT THAT THE NEW HIGHS WOULD BE 500-700++, BUT IT'S NOT!
SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BIG DOW RALLY DOESN'T PASS THE SMELL TEST.
IT'S ALL "TOO NARROW" TO BE FOR REAL.
AND THE DOLLAR JUST KEEPS ON FALLIN!
WHILE GOLD SEEMS VERY VERY STEADY LATELY.
BEWARE THE NEW HIGHS, NEW LOWS, AND NEW LIES ABOUT THIS MARKET!
See link for stats:
http://finance.yahoo.com/m0
DISABILITY BELT DOOMS SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM
Thank Jesus, Mary and Joseph for those RED STATE BUBBAS!
The Red States will stop any reform of Social Security, so beloved by Dubya and His pals, "The Rich!"
How so? The Red States are solid Republican!
Yes! But they are also the "Bubba Republicans," remember?
THE RED STATE BIBLE BELT HAS ANOTHER NAME: IT'S THE "DISABILITY BELT!"
Most Red States don't pay their own way in Washington. Red States are NET USERS of Federal Money, whether it's for military spending, or Social Security Checks or Government Disability Payments.
So for Red State Kongress persons? We have a problem!
While bashing Gays, Abortion and Flip-Flopping was GREAT FUN during the elections.
When Bubba hears about the CUTS IN SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABILITY PROGRAMS?
WELL, BUBBA'S KONGRESS PERSON WILL HAVE SOME "SPLANEN" TO DO!
ADDITIONALLY, BUBBA'S KONGRESS PERSON PROBABLY ALREADY KNOWS WHAT'S BEING SAID DOWN AT JAN'S DONUT SHACK AND AT THE BUGGER KING DOWN BY THE INTERSTATE!
THE RED STATES LIVE OFF SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS! AND IT'S STILL THE THIRD RAIL FOR RED STATE VOTERS AND POLITICIANS!
DUBYA'S "MAJORITY" FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM IS AN ILLUSION;
AS WE SHALL QUICKLY SEE AS SOON AS THE NEW KONGRESS CONVENES.
RED STATE BUBBAS WANT THEIR GOVERNMENT CHECKS TO KEEP ON COMIN'!
AND ON TIME TOO!
The Red States will stop any reform of Social Security, so beloved by Dubya and His pals, "The Rich!"
How so? The Red States are solid Republican!
Yes! But they are also the "Bubba Republicans," remember?
THE RED STATE BIBLE BELT HAS ANOTHER NAME: IT'S THE "DISABILITY BELT!"
Most Red States don't pay their own way in Washington. Red States are NET USERS of Federal Money, whether it's for military spending, or Social Security Checks or Government Disability Payments.
So for Red State Kongress persons? We have a problem!
While bashing Gays, Abortion and Flip-Flopping was GREAT FUN during the elections.
When Bubba hears about the CUTS IN SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABILITY PROGRAMS?
WELL, BUBBA'S KONGRESS PERSON WILL HAVE SOME "SPLANEN" TO DO!
ADDITIONALLY, BUBBA'S KONGRESS PERSON PROBABLY ALREADY KNOWS WHAT'S BEING SAID DOWN AT JAN'S DONUT SHACK AND AT THE BUGGER KING DOWN BY THE INTERSTATE!
THE RED STATES LIVE OFF SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS! AND IT'S STILL THE THIRD RAIL FOR RED STATE VOTERS AND POLITICIANS!
DUBYA'S "MAJORITY" FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM IS AN ILLUSION;
AS WE SHALL QUICKLY SEE AS SOON AS THE NEW KONGRESS CONVENES.
RED STATE BUBBAS WANT THEIR GOVERNMENT CHECKS TO KEEP ON COMIN'!
AND ON TIME TOO!
DUBYA "DOES" IRAN IN '05!
As the year ends and the new one begins, folks can't help making predictions.
One of the BIG predictions for '05 is that Bush will "do" Iran.
Nevermind that he's running from pillar to post in Iraq! The Neocons, (a/k/a The American Likud Party), want to "do" Iran, so that settles it.
IRAN WILL BE DONE IN 2005.
But, we know that Dubya & Co have this little problem with---THE MORNING AFTER;
Even if they have supposedly "quit drinkin'," which I don't believe for one minute.
Here's the problem: Doing Iran will be very expensive, and very disruptive to the stability of the region, right? So.....?
HEY, LETS ROLL! That didn't stop Dubya in Iraq............
BUT, THERE'S ANOTHER PROBLEM;
DOING IRAN WILL SET IN STONE THE NOTION THAT, FOR THE DEFENCE OF ISRAEL, THE US IS DETERMINED TO CONQUER ALL OF THE MIDDLE EAST.
IF IRAQ WAS JUST A "MISTAKE."
IRAN WILL BE SEEN AS A "POLICY."
AND, THAT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE. ESPECIALLY ON THE ARAB STREET. AND THE EURO-STREET FOR THAT MATTER!
My hunch is that just starting a bombing campaign on Shia Iran will outrage those parts of the Empire of Islam that Dubya has not already totally alienated. Namely the Shias of the world.
The whole notion of those "nice Shia" in the south of Iraq may disappear.
And, we are already having some small problems with those "evil Sunni" in the North of Iraq.
IN SHORT, DUBYA'S WAR POLICY AND HIS OLD DRINKING PROBLEM SEEM JOINED AT THE HIP!
ONE WAR WAS TOO MUCH!
BUT, TWO WARS WON'T BE ENOUGH!!
DUBYA SEEMS TO ENJOY PISSING OFF THE WORLD AND THEN SHRUGGING AND STAMMERING.
LIKE A BAD FRAT BOY "GETTING EVEN" WITH "THE DEANS" AT THE SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND GEO-POLITICS.
RESULT?
THE GEOPOLITICAL SITUATION WILL BE A VERY BIG PART OF THE ECONOMIC AND MARKET PICTURE IN 2005.
WE'VE KINDA MISSED THAT AMID THE BIG MARKET RALLY, HAVEN'T WE?
Postscript: And that doesn't even consider that Osama is over-due for more terrorism inside the US. All things considered, 2005 could be THE YEAR when Osama's "next shoe" finally drops.
One of the BIG predictions for '05 is that Bush will "do" Iran.
Nevermind that he's running from pillar to post in Iraq! The Neocons, (a/k/a The American Likud Party), want to "do" Iran, so that settles it.
IRAN WILL BE DONE IN 2005.
But, we know that Dubya & Co have this little problem with---THE MORNING AFTER;
Even if they have supposedly "quit drinkin'," which I don't believe for one minute.
Here's the problem: Doing Iran will be very expensive, and very disruptive to the stability of the region, right? So.....?
HEY, LETS ROLL! That didn't stop Dubya in Iraq............
BUT, THERE'S ANOTHER PROBLEM;
DOING IRAN WILL SET IN STONE THE NOTION THAT, FOR THE DEFENCE OF ISRAEL, THE US IS DETERMINED TO CONQUER ALL OF THE MIDDLE EAST.
IF IRAQ WAS JUST A "MISTAKE."
IRAN WILL BE SEEN AS A "POLICY."
AND, THAT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE. ESPECIALLY ON THE ARAB STREET. AND THE EURO-STREET FOR THAT MATTER!
My hunch is that just starting a bombing campaign on Shia Iran will outrage those parts of the Empire of Islam that Dubya has not already totally alienated. Namely the Shias of the world.
The whole notion of those "nice Shia" in the south of Iraq may disappear.
And, we are already having some small problems with those "evil Sunni" in the North of Iraq.
IN SHORT, DUBYA'S WAR POLICY AND HIS OLD DRINKING PROBLEM SEEM JOINED AT THE HIP!
ONE WAR WAS TOO MUCH!
BUT, TWO WARS WON'T BE ENOUGH!!
DUBYA SEEMS TO ENJOY PISSING OFF THE WORLD AND THEN SHRUGGING AND STAMMERING.
LIKE A BAD FRAT BOY "GETTING EVEN" WITH "THE DEANS" AT THE SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND GEO-POLITICS.
RESULT?
THE GEOPOLITICAL SITUATION WILL BE A VERY BIG PART OF THE ECONOMIC AND MARKET PICTURE IN 2005.
WE'VE KINDA MISSED THAT AMID THE BIG MARKET RALLY, HAVEN'T WE?
Postscript: And that doesn't even consider that Osama is over-due for more terrorism inside the US. All things considered, 2005 could be THE YEAR when Osama's "next shoe" finally drops.
REALITY AVOIDANCE AT ALL COSTS!
The markets could continue to soar INDEFINATELY, as long as investors can avoid reality at all costs!
Wall Street is actually very good at avoiding reality; witness the GREAT BUBBLE of a few years ago.
What has to happen for this to work is that EVERYBODY has to agree to AVOID REALITY.
If even one person starts to "take profits" the entire scheme
collapses.
SO THE ISSUE IS: DO WE HAVE CONSENUS ON LONG TERM REALITY AVOIDANCE?
I THINK WE DO.....AT LEAST FOR NOW.
Look at the Fanny Freddie Problems; totally off the media radar screens!
In more rational times, these problems would have brought the market down 100 points in one day! Not now.....!
We are probably in the BEST REALITY AVOIDANCE MODE I have seen since the height of the BUBBLE DAZE of yore!
Ignore still high oil! Ignore the chaos in Iraq and it's costs! Ignore the plunging Dollar! Ignore the twin deficits! Ignore four more years of incompetent govenment CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED every day! Ignore the punk and debt ridden low wage American consumer!
Adopt "circular reasoning."
For example: "The LEI was up because stocks were up and stocks were up because the LEI was up." Get the picture?
OK, now this. Then shout Hossannas when brokerage profits are up because stocks are up, so the LEI can now go up more, and stocks go up more and brokerage profits increase.......etc etc. See how this works?
CIRCULAR REASONING IS EASY!
BUT, IT ONLY WORKS WHEN EVERYONE DOES IT!
WALL STREET HAS IT'S BUBBLE BACK AND IT'S NOT GOING TO GIVE IT UP WITHOUT A FIGHT!
A real cynic might call the current bubble: THE DOOMSDAY BUBBLE, because NEVER has the underlying economy been more chaotic, more unfocused, more vulnerable, more lacking in a "new thing."
This could truly be THE LAST BUBBLE SHOW for a long long time on Wall Street! Grim Reality looms very large in 2005.
But Heck, enjoy it while it lasts! Maybe even dump some of those old "can't miss sure things" after New Years!
I'm doing just that.
Wall Street is actually very good at avoiding reality; witness the GREAT BUBBLE of a few years ago.
What has to happen for this to work is that EVERYBODY has to agree to AVOID REALITY.
If even one person starts to "take profits" the entire scheme
collapses.
SO THE ISSUE IS: DO WE HAVE CONSENUS ON LONG TERM REALITY AVOIDANCE?
I THINK WE DO.....AT LEAST FOR NOW.
Look at the Fanny Freddie Problems; totally off the media radar screens!
In more rational times, these problems would have brought the market down 100 points in one day! Not now.....!
We are probably in the BEST REALITY AVOIDANCE MODE I have seen since the height of the BUBBLE DAZE of yore!
Ignore still high oil! Ignore the chaos in Iraq and it's costs! Ignore the plunging Dollar! Ignore the twin deficits! Ignore four more years of incompetent govenment CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED every day! Ignore the punk and debt ridden low wage American consumer!
Adopt "circular reasoning."
For example: "The LEI was up because stocks were up and stocks were up because the LEI was up." Get the picture?
OK, now this. Then shout Hossannas when brokerage profits are up because stocks are up, so the LEI can now go up more, and stocks go up more and brokerage profits increase.......etc etc. See how this works?
CIRCULAR REASONING IS EASY!
BUT, IT ONLY WORKS WHEN EVERYONE DOES IT!
WALL STREET HAS IT'S BUBBLE BACK AND IT'S NOT GOING TO GIVE IT UP WITHOUT A FIGHT!
A real cynic might call the current bubble: THE DOOMSDAY BUBBLE, because NEVER has the underlying economy been more chaotic, more unfocused, more vulnerable, more lacking in a "new thing."
This could truly be THE LAST BUBBLE SHOW for a long long time on Wall Street! Grim Reality looms very large in 2005.
But Heck, enjoy it while it lasts! Maybe even dump some of those old "can't miss sure things" after New Years!
I'm doing just that.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
MONEY RUNNERS RALLY ON!!
HO! HO! HO!
AIN'T NO STOPPIN IT NOW!
THE MONEY MANAGERS WANT THOSE BIG BONUS "PERFORMANCE CHECKS!" AND NO ONE IS GOING TO STOP THEM....AT LEAST UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR.
LOOK FOR YOUR INVESTMENTS TO SOAR FOR THE NEXT WEEK OR SO.
IN FACT, IT MIGHT BE A GOOD TIME TO SELL SOME; IF YOU CAN HANDLE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES.
THIS MARKET IS GOING TO THE MOON! AT LEAST TILL JANUARY....
THEN ALAS, THE GRIM REALITIES WILL SET IN.
GOOD NEWS.? BAD NEWS.? NO NEWS? NOTHING MATTERS ON THE STREET FOR NOW!! EXCEPT THOSE BONUS CHECKS!
UP! UP! AND AWAY BABY!
THE BUBBLE IS BACK......HO! HO! HO! ENJOY!
Postscipt: There could be a little plunge protection for the dollar going on too, with the thin markets this week.
AIN'T NO STOPPIN IT NOW!
THE MONEY MANAGERS WANT THOSE BIG BONUS "PERFORMANCE CHECKS!" AND NO ONE IS GOING TO STOP THEM....AT LEAST UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR.
LOOK FOR YOUR INVESTMENTS TO SOAR FOR THE NEXT WEEK OR SO.
IN FACT, IT MIGHT BE A GOOD TIME TO SELL SOME; IF YOU CAN HANDLE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES.
THIS MARKET IS GOING TO THE MOON! AT LEAST TILL JANUARY....
THEN ALAS, THE GRIM REALITIES WILL SET IN.
GOOD NEWS.? BAD NEWS.? NO NEWS? NOTHING MATTERS ON THE STREET FOR NOW!! EXCEPT THOSE BONUS CHECKS!
UP! UP! AND AWAY BABY!
THE BUBBLE IS BACK......HO! HO! HO! ENJOY!
Postscipt: There could be a little plunge protection for the dollar going on too, with the thin markets this week.
THE NEW GLOBAL JAZZ AGE!
The last time the "religious right" took power in the US was during THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT which culminated in THE PROHIBITION OF THE 1920's!
Prohibition, of course, gave us the JAZZ AGE! !
The Jazz Age arose as middle class white folks were "made into criminals" for wanting some "fun" in their lives!
Prohitition caused white folks to go into "bad neighborhoods," mostly black or Italian, to "get a drink" when the "church lady" wasn't lookin.
There, upscale middle class folks were exposed to JAZZ! (still called the "devil's music" by evangelicals who consider any "toe tappin" to be sinfull),
And as they say; the rest is history!
THE GRIM TRUTH IS THAT THE "RELIGIOUS RIGHT" IS ALMOST ALWAYS DEAD WRONG!
BUT, WHEN THEY DO "PREVAIL," AS THEY DID IN THE 1920'S AND AGAIN TODAY;
THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT OFTEN "FORCE THE ISSUE."
PEOPLE ARE FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN; "THE CHURCH LADY LIVESTYLE."
AND LIVING A FULL MODERN LIFE IN THE REAL WORLD.
MOST PEOPLE CHOOSE MODERNISM.
We see today attempts to "mainstream" the religious folks into the American media conversation are falling short.
And worse, it all seems a little bit hokey to many of us!
Most of us are not going to be convinced that Darwin was wrong, or that Darwinism is "just a theory" as the religious right claims.
Most of us are not going to reject fifty years of feminist progress. And say that a women is controlled by her husband or father, and all abortion is illegal.
Most of us are not going to "put religious symbolism" back into public
life.
It would be impossible in a multicultural nation like the US. The courthouse lawns would be stuffed with displays of every kind, not just "manger scenes!"
Most of us realize that religion is a "means of social control" used by the political and economic elites to "do their bidding" by institutionalizing inequalities, and fighting meaningless wars like the one in Iraq today.
AND SOME OF US FEEL THAT THE WORLD COULD USE A LOT LESS RELIGION NOWADAYS-----NOT MORE!
WITNESS THE PRESENT CHAOS IN THE MIDDLE EAST!
IT'S ALL SO VERY, VERY UNNECESSARY; BUT FOR THE NONSENSICAL DEMANDS AND BELIEFS OF VARIOUS MISGUIDED "RELIGIOUS FOLK" ON ALL SIDES.
COULD THESE MISGUIDED FORCES OF MEDIEVEL DARKNESS PREVAIL?
Well if so, the good news is we might be on the verge of a: NEW JAZZ AGE!
The real problem is that "religion," like communism, "looks great on paper,"
But, when you actually try to apply it to real people in the politcial sturcture..............it doesn't work.
Things break down quickly........the most you get is alot of public hypocrisy
Sooner or later a public reaction develops.
The Witch Hunts suddenly aren't any fun anymore!
A "NEW JAZZ AGE" is born, where "old sins" are embraced or at least tolerated.
Then, the "old time religion" is rejected for the always more interesting: "Shock of the New."
COULD THIS BE THE ULTIMATE END OF OUR CURRENT AFFAIR WITH THE "NEW RELIGIOUSITY?"
ARE WE ON THE VERGE OF A NEW JAZZ AGE? I THINK WE ARE.
Before you reject this notion outright. Consider the new "Swing Kids" in Iran! It's happening! Instead of giving "democracy" to the Arabs, maybe we should be giving them more "Jazz!"
Perhaps, more CD's, less Bombs and Invading Armies?
Because, as Adam knew well the "forbidden fruit" tastes the sweetest."
Secular Neocons take note....
Prohibition, of course, gave us the JAZZ AGE! !
The Jazz Age arose as middle class white folks were "made into criminals" for wanting some "fun" in their lives!
Prohitition caused white folks to go into "bad neighborhoods," mostly black or Italian, to "get a drink" when the "church lady" wasn't lookin.
There, upscale middle class folks were exposed to JAZZ! (still called the "devil's music" by evangelicals who consider any "toe tappin" to be sinfull),
And as they say; the rest is history!
THE GRIM TRUTH IS THAT THE "RELIGIOUS RIGHT" IS ALMOST ALWAYS DEAD WRONG!
BUT, WHEN THEY DO "PREVAIL," AS THEY DID IN THE 1920'S AND AGAIN TODAY;
THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT OFTEN "FORCE THE ISSUE."
PEOPLE ARE FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN; "THE CHURCH LADY LIVESTYLE."
AND LIVING A FULL MODERN LIFE IN THE REAL WORLD.
MOST PEOPLE CHOOSE MODERNISM.
We see today attempts to "mainstream" the religious folks into the American media conversation are falling short.
And worse, it all seems a little bit hokey to many of us!
Most of us are not going to be convinced that Darwin was wrong, or that Darwinism is "just a theory" as the religious right claims.
Most of us are not going to reject fifty years of feminist progress. And say that a women is controlled by her husband or father, and all abortion is illegal.
Most of us are not going to "put religious symbolism" back into public
life.
It would be impossible in a multicultural nation like the US. The courthouse lawns would be stuffed with displays of every kind, not just "manger scenes!"
Most of us realize that religion is a "means of social control" used by the political and economic elites to "do their bidding" by institutionalizing inequalities, and fighting meaningless wars like the one in Iraq today.
AND SOME OF US FEEL THAT THE WORLD COULD USE A LOT LESS RELIGION NOWADAYS-----NOT MORE!
WITNESS THE PRESENT CHAOS IN THE MIDDLE EAST!
IT'S ALL SO VERY, VERY UNNECESSARY; BUT FOR THE NONSENSICAL DEMANDS AND BELIEFS OF VARIOUS MISGUIDED "RELIGIOUS FOLK" ON ALL SIDES.
COULD THESE MISGUIDED FORCES OF MEDIEVEL DARKNESS PREVAIL?
Well if so, the good news is we might be on the verge of a: NEW JAZZ AGE!
The real problem is that "religion," like communism, "looks great on paper,"
But, when you actually try to apply it to real people in the politcial sturcture..............it doesn't work.
Things break down quickly........the most you get is alot of public hypocrisy
Sooner or later a public reaction develops.
The Witch Hunts suddenly aren't any fun anymore!
A "NEW JAZZ AGE" is born, where "old sins" are embraced or at least tolerated.
Then, the "old time religion" is rejected for the always more interesting: "Shock of the New."
COULD THIS BE THE ULTIMATE END OF OUR CURRENT AFFAIR WITH THE "NEW RELIGIOUSITY?"
ARE WE ON THE VERGE OF A NEW JAZZ AGE? I THINK WE ARE.
Before you reject this notion outright. Consider the new "Swing Kids" in Iran! It's happening! Instead of giving "democracy" to the Arabs, maybe we should be giving them more "Jazz!"
Perhaps, more CD's, less Bombs and Invading Armies?
Because, as Adam knew well the "forbidden fruit" tastes the sweetest."
Secular Neocons take note....
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
SELL THE NEW HIGH?
Much is being made of the "Three Year High" that the markets achieved today.
What to do now? Chase the new high, or sell it?
Unless and until, it is shown that there is "something different" happening in the economy?
I SAY SELL THE NEW HIGH!
AFTER ALL, HIGHS ARE FOR SELLING. LOWS ARE FOR BUYING.
THOSE WHO BOUGHT THE LOWS IN MAY--WHEN THE DISMAL MARKET WAS HAVING 800+ NEW LOWS EVERY DAY---ARE THE ONES SITTING ON NICE GAINS TODAY.
Frankly I won't even consider dabbling outside of Gold and Oil: UNLESS the market is producing 500 to 800 new daily lows.
Additionally, there is no hint that anything "good" is happening to the US economy or its markets.
To wit: the dollar, interest rates, deficits, the war costs, medicare and prescription drugs, Hanky Panky by Fannie and Freddie, and the list goes on.
The only real "positive" is that THE STOCK MARKET IS NOW THE "OFFICIAL RETIREMENT SCHEME" FOR AMERICANS BY PROCLAMATION OF THE US KONGRESS!
THE STOCK MARKET IS NO LONGER MERELY THE PLAY THING OF THE IDLE RICH, OR MIDDLE CLASS PLUNGERS.
FOR BETTER OR WORSE: THE STOCK MARKET IS "THE OFFICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM" FOR THE AMERICAN WORKER; VIA THE 401k; and perhaps eventually with the new Bush Social Security scheme.
THIS ALAS, WAS PROCLAIMED BY THE RICH, THROUGH THEIR BOUGHT AND PAID FOR REPRESENTIVES IN KONGRESS;
MY HUNCH IS THAT ORDINARY FOLKS HAD VERY LITTLE TO SAY ABOUT IT.
SO IN TRUTH, AMERICAN SOCIETY WILL RISE OR FALL BASED ON THE VALIDITY OF OUR OFFICIAL CONVENTIONAL WISDOM ABOUT THE "BENEFITS OF FINANCIAL MARKET SPECULATION" TO THE WORKING CLASSES!
THAT'S THE "BIG BIG PICTURE" HERE.......
IF MARKET SPECULATION BY THE WORKING CLASS WORKS? THEN, I'M WRONG, AND I OWE EVERYONE A BIG APOLOGY!
IF SPECULATON BY THE WORKING CLASSES FAILS? THEN I'M RIGHT, AND WE ARE IN FOR SOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TIMES AHEAD.
IN SHORT; IN AMERICA TODAY EVERYTHING IS TIED TO MARKET SPECULATION; AND ITS SUPPOSED "AMAZING" BENEFITS TO THE AMERICAN ECONOMY AND SOCIETY AS A WHOLE.
STILL, WITH EVERYTHING GOING "SO WRONG" IN THE "REAL WORLD" HOW CAN ANYTHING TURN OUT RIGHT FOR THE FINANCIAL WORLD?
NEVERMIND THE WELL KNOWN DISMAL HISTORY OF FINANCIAL SPECUALTION IN GENERAL.
NET-NET
TODAY'S NEW HIGHS MIGHT GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO "UNLOAD" SOME OF THOSE "SURE THINGS" THAT SUDDENLY TURNED INTO "LONG TERM INVESTMENTS" THIS SPRING!
HOW CAN YOU GO WRONG SELLING NEW HIGHS, AND BUYING ONLY NEW LOWS?
WELL,.....THERE IS THE CAPITAL GAINS PROBLEM I SUPPOSE.......WHY TAKE PROFITS IN THE LAST DAYS OF THE TAX YEAR?
Hmmmm......maybe that's the real reason there was so few sellers today!
Ya think?
What to do now? Chase the new high, or sell it?
Unless and until, it is shown that there is "something different" happening in the economy?
I SAY SELL THE NEW HIGH!
AFTER ALL, HIGHS ARE FOR SELLING. LOWS ARE FOR BUYING.
THOSE WHO BOUGHT THE LOWS IN MAY--WHEN THE DISMAL MARKET WAS HAVING 800+ NEW LOWS EVERY DAY---ARE THE ONES SITTING ON NICE GAINS TODAY.
Frankly I won't even consider dabbling outside of Gold and Oil: UNLESS the market is producing 500 to 800 new daily lows.
Additionally, there is no hint that anything "good" is happening to the US economy or its markets.
To wit: the dollar, interest rates, deficits, the war costs, medicare and prescription drugs, Hanky Panky by Fannie and Freddie, and the list goes on.
The only real "positive" is that THE STOCK MARKET IS NOW THE "OFFICIAL RETIREMENT SCHEME" FOR AMERICANS BY PROCLAMATION OF THE US KONGRESS!
THE STOCK MARKET IS NO LONGER MERELY THE PLAY THING OF THE IDLE RICH, OR MIDDLE CLASS PLUNGERS.
FOR BETTER OR WORSE: THE STOCK MARKET IS "THE OFFICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM" FOR THE AMERICAN WORKER; VIA THE 401k; and perhaps eventually with the new Bush Social Security scheme.
THIS ALAS, WAS PROCLAIMED BY THE RICH, THROUGH THEIR BOUGHT AND PAID FOR REPRESENTIVES IN KONGRESS;
MY HUNCH IS THAT ORDINARY FOLKS HAD VERY LITTLE TO SAY ABOUT IT.
SO IN TRUTH, AMERICAN SOCIETY WILL RISE OR FALL BASED ON THE VALIDITY OF OUR OFFICIAL CONVENTIONAL WISDOM ABOUT THE "BENEFITS OF FINANCIAL MARKET SPECULATION" TO THE WORKING CLASSES!
THAT'S THE "BIG BIG PICTURE" HERE.......
IF MARKET SPECULATION BY THE WORKING CLASS WORKS? THEN, I'M WRONG, AND I OWE EVERYONE A BIG APOLOGY!
IF SPECULATON BY THE WORKING CLASSES FAILS? THEN I'M RIGHT, AND WE ARE IN FOR SOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TIMES AHEAD.
IN SHORT; IN AMERICA TODAY EVERYTHING IS TIED TO MARKET SPECULATION; AND ITS SUPPOSED "AMAZING" BENEFITS TO THE AMERICAN ECONOMY AND SOCIETY AS A WHOLE.
STILL, WITH EVERYTHING GOING "SO WRONG" IN THE "REAL WORLD" HOW CAN ANYTHING TURN OUT RIGHT FOR THE FINANCIAL WORLD?
NEVERMIND THE WELL KNOWN DISMAL HISTORY OF FINANCIAL SPECUALTION IN GENERAL.
NET-NET
TODAY'S NEW HIGHS MIGHT GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO "UNLOAD" SOME OF THOSE "SURE THINGS" THAT SUDDENLY TURNED INTO "LONG TERM INVESTMENTS" THIS SPRING!
HOW CAN YOU GO WRONG SELLING NEW HIGHS, AND BUYING ONLY NEW LOWS?
WELL,.....THERE IS THE CAPITAL GAINS PROBLEM I SUPPOSE.......WHY TAKE PROFITS IN THE LAST DAYS OF THE TAX YEAR?
Hmmmm......maybe that's the real reason there was so few sellers today!
Ya think?
THE GOOD NEWS DOLLAR
Higher rates may save the dollar; Bloomberg reports in the link below.
But what's good for the dollar?
WILL NOT BE GOOD FOR STOCKS OR BONDS or anything else for that matter!
Indeed, everyone has been waiting for the "other shoe to drop" in the bond market since May of this year.
Despite several rates hikes, and assurances of plenty more where that came from; the bond is up and rates are down, or at least steady. Probably because of Asian Central Banks.
BUT ANY RETURN TO NOMRALCY FOR THE DOLLAR COULD BE NEGATIVE FOR ALL THE "PAPER" UNDERNEATH.
WHY BUY STOCKS IF THEY ARE HEADING DOWN!
WHY BUY BONDS IF THEY ARE HEADING DOWN!
INDEED, WHY BUY THE DOLLAR, EVEN AT HIGHER RATES, IF THE UNDERLYING US ECONOMY IS ON A DOWNWARD PATH?
A paradox perhaps.
Well there is always "speculation" that everyone else will buy the dollar so perhaps you buy it first.
BUT, TO REALLY JUICE FOREIGN APPETITE FOR DOLLARS, RATES ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE MUCH MUCH HIGHER!
ESPECIALLY SINCE THOSE VERY SAME RATE HIKES ARE GOING TO "KILL" THE DOMESTIC US ECONOMY.
REMEMBER, THERE IS THAT LITTLE HOUSE-DEBT REFI BUBBLE HIDING IN THE CORNER......LIKE DUMBO!
THERE ARE ALL THOSE JUNK BONDS OUT THERE NEEDING TO BE "RE-PRICED."
THERE IS NEW EUPHORIA AMONG KONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS TO REALLY REALLY: LOOT, POLLUTE AND SCOOT THIS TIME!
HEY, IT'S A MANDATE, BUBBA HAS SPOKEN!
NET-NET?
BUY THE DOLLAR~~BUT DON'T BUY THE US ECONOMY IN 2005!!
Hmmmm.......maybe those newly popular "higher rate" dollars could go into OIL AND GAS SPECULATION!! Ya think?
Or maybe, we could fop-off more real estate on the "foreign suckers!"
Wanna buy some "rental property?" Real Cheap?
ALAS, THE GOOD NEWS DOLLAR COULD BE BAD NEWS FOR EVERTHING ELSE IN 2005!
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/markets/currencies.html
But what's good for the dollar?
WILL NOT BE GOOD FOR STOCKS OR BONDS or anything else for that matter!
Indeed, everyone has been waiting for the "other shoe to drop" in the bond market since May of this year.
Despite several rates hikes, and assurances of plenty more where that came from; the bond is up and rates are down, or at least steady. Probably because of Asian Central Banks.
BUT ANY RETURN TO NOMRALCY FOR THE DOLLAR COULD BE NEGATIVE FOR ALL THE "PAPER" UNDERNEATH.
WHY BUY STOCKS IF THEY ARE HEADING DOWN!
WHY BUY BONDS IF THEY ARE HEADING DOWN!
INDEED, WHY BUY THE DOLLAR, EVEN AT HIGHER RATES, IF THE UNDERLYING US ECONOMY IS ON A DOWNWARD PATH?
A paradox perhaps.
Well there is always "speculation" that everyone else will buy the dollar so perhaps you buy it first.
BUT, TO REALLY JUICE FOREIGN APPETITE FOR DOLLARS, RATES ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE MUCH MUCH HIGHER!
ESPECIALLY SINCE THOSE VERY SAME RATE HIKES ARE GOING TO "KILL" THE DOMESTIC US ECONOMY.
REMEMBER, THERE IS THAT LITTLE HOUSE-DEBT REFI BUBBLE HIDING IN THE CORNER......LIKE DUMBO!
THERE ARE ALL THOSE JUNK BONDS OUT THERE NEEDING TO BE "RE-PRICED."
THERE IS NEW EUPHORIA AMONG KONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS TO REALLY REALLY: LOOT, POLLUTE AND SCOOT THIS TIME!
HEY, IT'S A MANDATE, BUBBA HAS SPOKEN!
NET-NET?
BUY THE DOLLAR~~BUT DON'T BUY THE US ECONOMY IN 2005!!
Hmmmm.......maybe those newly popular "higher rate" dollars could go into OIL AND GAS SPECULATION!! Ya think?
Or maybe, we could fop-off more real estate on the "foreign suckers!"
Wanna buy some "rental property?" Real Cheap?
ALAS, THE GOOD NEWS DOLLAR COULD BE BAD NEWS FOR EVERTHING ELSE IN 2005!
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/markets/currencies.html
Monday, December 20, 2004
TO DUBYA: WINNING IN IRAQ
How will we know if we are "winning" in Iraq?
Well, for openers, lets just say if a whole week goes by without American Troops kicking in someone's door!
This notion that you can go into a city or town and just starting kicking in doors and arresting people, and thereby make the place "secure" for US troops is pure nonsense.
If I could tell Bush one thing "to do" in Iraq in 2005, it would be to pull back from the cities and towns, then let the "local mullahs" organize their respective populations, because they really are the last vestiges of "social control" left in Iraq.
And, just leave as soon as possible.
The Iraqis are a clever people. They were "doing government" when Yours, mine and Dubya's ancestors were still running around "bare ass in the woods!"
DUBYA HAS NOTHING AT ALL "TO TEACH" IRAQIS.
BUT, ALAS, IRAQIS MAY HAVE A LOT TO TEACH BUSH!
As I fear we will soon see.....................
Well, for openers, lets just say if a whole week goes by without American Troops kicking in someone's door!
This notion that you can go into a city or town and just starting kicking in doors and arresting people, and thereby make the place "secure" for US troops is pure nonsense.
If I could tell Bush one thing "to do" in Iraq in 2005, it would be to pull back from the cities and towns, then let the "local mullahs" organize their respective populations, because they really are the last vestiges of "social control" left in Iraq.
And, just leave as soon as possible.
The Iraqis are a clever people. They were "doing government" when Yours, mine and Dubya's ancestors were still running around "bare ass in the woods!"
DUBYA HAS NOTHING AT ALL "TO TEACH" IRAQIS.
BUT, ALAS, IRAQIS MAY HAVE A LOT TO TEACH BUSH!
As I fear we will soon see.....................
MARKET PADDLING WITH ONE OAR!
Today's "rally," if it makes it to 4PM, is one of the lamest in a market populated by lame brains.
Retail Sales; Saturday down a whopping 7%!
Dollar; still down today!
Iraq; still sucking up money! Feed Me! Feed Me!
The Kongress; now both korrupt, and newly assertive! What's Senator Porkie up to? What's left to loot? Maybe steal the Fed's printing presses?
Foreigners; horrified by the coming "four more years" of Dubya & Friends.
Trade Deficit; Huh....? We don't talk about that much in the major media.
Punk Jobs; which everyone knows AIN'T COMIN BACK!
So why the rally?
Well, oil, still high, was down a small tad. But, Is the early Dow going to trade off of Euroland's morning oil price everyday now?
And, best yet, there is "money on the sidelines" that doesn't want to "miss the market!"
Oh Pleaseeee.......miss what? The next sell off?
BUT, I GUESS ALL MONEY MANAGERS ARE "MARKET TIMERS" IN THIS DISMAL ECONOMY! EVERYONE WANTS TO "FIND A DIME" ON THE STREET NOWADAYS. PRETTY SLIM PICKENS IF YOU ASK ME.....
Paddling with one oar makes for a STRANGE MARKET. Kinda, well, "circular," ya think?
YOUR RETIREMENT DOLLARS "AT WORK" FOLKS!
Retail Sales; Saturday down a whopping 7%!
Dollar; still down today!
Iraq; still sucking up money! Feed Me! Feed Me!
The Kongress; now both korrupt, and newly assertive! What's Senator Porkie up to? What's left to loot? Maybe steal the Fed's printing presses?
Foreigners; horrified by the coming "four more years" of Dubya & Friends.
Trade Deficit; Huh....? We don't talk about that much in the major media.
Punk Jobs; which everyone knows AIN'T COMIN BACK!
So why the rally?
Well, oil, still high, was down a small tad. But, Is the early Dow going to trade off of Euroland's morning oil price everyday now?
And, best yet, there is "money on the sidelines" that doesn't want to "miss the market!"
Oh Pleaseeee.......miss what? The next sell off?
BUT, I GUESS ALL MONEY MANAGERS ARE "MARKET TIMERS" IN THIS DISMAL ECONOMY! EVERYONE WANTS TO "FIND A DIME" ON THE STREET NOWADAYS. PRETTY SLIM PICKENS IF YOU ASK ME.....
Paddling with one oar makes for a STRANGE MARKET. Kinda, well, "circular," ya think?
YOUR RETIREMENT DOLLARS "AT WORK" FOLKS!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)