For many Americans, the world seems upside down or topsy-turvy, and headed for unbelievable—if not unprecedented—chaos, calamity and helter skelter. This is true economically, militarily, socially, and in countless other ways. Countries and regions are coming apart at the seams; accepted institutions are attacked; lives are uprooted, or ended in truly savage ways; and little seems sacred or even predictable anymore. Many lives appear to move at light speed, while others barely move at all.[2]
An unfathomable global economic crash is predicted, unlike anything that we have witnessed in our lifetimes.[3] The murderous Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has seized portions of Georgia and Ukraine (including Crimea), and may expand his aggression into Europe.[4] China is flexing its muscles in the Pacific[5]; North Korea continues to be a loose cannon[6]; the Middle East is imploding, with much worse yet to come; and terrorists stalk the world, creating death and destruction.[7] Human trafficking flourishes, while there are problems with adoptions and illegal immigration.[8]
Accepted views of marriage are being rewritten; and divorces occur too often.[9] The inmates are running the asylum. Organized religion is under attack.[10] America’s history is challenged for being racist, with attempts being made to rewrite it. Riots have been occurring in American cities, provoked by hoods, thugs and criminals. So-called man-made “global warming” and “climate change” are being pushed worldwide, even though it is clear that our planet has gone through warming and cooling periods for millions of years. Also, other natural disasters are occurring.[11]
Americans’ trust in business[12], Congress and our elected officials[13], the law and judiciary[14], the police, government in general—and in the future—are shaken each and every day. The old “norms” seem to be gone. Replacing them appears to be anarchy, certainly in the Middle East and Africa, where countries and regions are fragmenting, and order and the value of human lives are in short supply. Those who stay abreast of the news see barbarism in action, which is all too reminiscent of what is portrayed in Hollywood films.
Yet, whether one is a Republican or a Democrat or an Independent or something else—and regardless of one’s skin color, ethnicity or religious beliefs—there is hope and plenty of it.[15] We are Americans!
© 2015, Timothy D. Naegele
[1] Timothy D. Naegele was counsel to the United States Senate’s Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and chief of staff to Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal recipient and former U.S. Senator Edward W. Brooke (R-Mass). He and his firm, Timothy D. Naegele & Associates, specialize in Banking and Financial Institutions Law, Internet Law, Litigation and other matters (see www.naegele.com and http://www.naegele.com/naegele_resume.html). He has an undergraduate degree in economics from UCLA, as well as two law degrees from the School of Law (Boalt Hall), University of California, Berkeley, and from Georgetown University. He is a member of the District of Columbia and California bars. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon, where he received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Mr. Naegele is an Independent politically; and he is listed in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Law, and Who’s Who in Finance and Business. He has written extensively over the years (see, e.g.,www.naegele.com/whats_new.html#articles), and can be contacted directly at tdnaegele.associates@gmail.com; see also Google search:Timothy D. Naegele
[2] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/is-google-becoming-microsoft-or-worse/ (“Is Google Becoming Microsoft Or Worse?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/are-colleges-dinosaurs/ (“Are Colleges Dinosaurs?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/poverty-in-america/ (“Poverty In America”). But see https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/what-and-where-is-god/ (“What And Where Is God?”)
[3] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/ (“The Economic Tsunami Continues Its Relentless And Unforgiving Advance Globally”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/16/will-the-eus-collapse-push-the-world-deeper-into-the-great-depression-ii/ (“Will The EU’s Collapse Push The World Deeper Into The Great Depression II?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/the-great-depression-ii/ (“The Great Depression II?”) and http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/tms/politics/2009/Apr/08/euphoria_or_the_obama_depression_.html (“Euphoria or the Obama Depression?”) and http://marketshadows.com/2012/05/21/greenspans-legacy-more-suffering-to-come/ (“Greenspan’s legacy: more suffering to come”) and http://www.americanbanker.com/issues/173_212/-365185-1.html (“Greenspan’s Fingerprints All Over Enduring Mess”)
[4] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/russias-putin-is-a-killer/ (“Russia’s Putin Is A Killer”)
[5] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/china-is-americas-enemy-make-no-mistake-about-that/ (“China Is America’s Enemy: Make No Mistake About That”)
[6] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/22/the-next-major-war-korea-again/ (“The Next Major War: Korea Again?”)
[7] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/the-madness-of-benjamin-netanyahu/ (“The Madness Of Benjamin Netanyahu”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/ (“Israel’s Senseless Killings And War With Iran”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/the-silent-voices-of-stalin’s-soviet-holocaust-and-mao’s-chinese-holocaust/ (“The Silent Voices Of Stalin’s Soviet Holocaust And Mao’s Chinese Holocaust”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/ (“EMP Attack: Only 30 Million Americans Survive”)
[8] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/28/human-trafficking/ (“Human Trafficking”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/problems-with-foreign-adoptions/ (“Problems With Foreign Adoptions”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/illegal-immigration-the-solution-is-simple/ (“Illegal Immigration: The Solution Is Simple”)
[9] Even the great Alexander is rumored to have been bisexual, inter alia, because those were the mores of the day.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/alexander-the-great/ (“Alexander the Great”)
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2011/07/14/divorces/ (“Divorces”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/abortions-and-autos-kill-more-in-america-than-guns/ (“Abortions And Autos Kill More In America Than Guns”)
[10] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/04/the-duggar-family-v-anti-christians/ (“The Duggar Family v. Anti-Christians”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/the-catholic-church-at-a-crossroads/ (“The Catholic Church At A Crossroads”)
[11] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/08/earthquakes-the-big-one-is-coming-to-at-least-los-angeles/ (“Earthquakes: The Big One Is Coming To At Least Los Angeles”)
[12] See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/04/toyota-and-lexus-vehicles-are-unsafe/ (“Toyota And Lexus Vehicles Are Unsafe”)
[13] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/are-all-tea-partiers-wackos-misfits-and-extremists/ (“Are All Tea Partiers Wackos, Misfits And Extremists?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/11/12/sarah-and-todd-palin-the-big-winners/ (“Sarah And Todd Palin: The Big Winners?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/john-f-kennedy-the-most-despicable-president-in-american-history/ (“John F. Kennedy: The Most Despicable President In American History”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/washington-is-sick-and-the-american-people-know-it/ (“Washington Is Sick And The American People Know It”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/04/23/is-financial-reform-simply-washingtons-latest-boondoggle/ (“Is Financial Reform Simply Washington’s Latest Boondoggle?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/the-rise-of-independents/ (“The Rise Of Independents”); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/17/is-redemption-possible-for-tiger-woods/ (“Is Redemption Possible For Tiger Woods?”); and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2013/03/01/is-obama-the-new-nixon/ (“Is Obama The New Nixon?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/barack-obama-is-a-lame-duck-president-who-will-not-be-reelected/ (“Barack Obama Is A Lame-Duck President Who Will Not Be Reelected”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/09/are-afghanistan-iraq-and-pakistan-hopeless-and-is-the-spread-of-radical-islam-inevitable-and-is-barack-obama-finished-as-americas-president/ (“Are Afghanistan, Iraq And Pakistan Hopeless, And Is The Spread Of Radical Islam Inevitable, And Is Barack Obama Finished As America’s President?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/01/the-speech—is-barack-obama-smoking-pot-again/ (“The Speech—Is Barack Obama Smoking Pot Again?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/the-end-of-barack-obama/ (“The End Of Barack Obama”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/01/barack-obama-america’s-second-emperor/ (“Barack Obama: America’s Second Emperor?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/obama-in-afghanistan-doomed-from-the-start/ (“Obama In Afghanistan: Doomed From The Start?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/ (“Is Barack Obama A Racist?”); but see https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/edward-w-brooke-is-dead/ (“Edward W. Brooke Is Dead”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/ariel-sharon-is-missed/ (“Ariel Sharon Is Missed”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/jefferson-lincoln-and-america/ (“Jefferson, Lincoln And America”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/21/ulysses-s-grant-an-american-hero/ (“Ulysses S. Grant: An American Hero”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/ansel-adams-has-an-heir/ (“Ansel Adams Has An Heir”)
[14] See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2014/09/08/the-state-bar-of-california-is-lawless-and-a-travesty-and-should-be-abolished/ (“The State Bar Of California Is Lawless And A Travesty, And Should Be Abolished”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/justice-and-the-law-do-not-mix/ (“Justice And The Law Do Not Mix”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/21/the-united-states-department-of-injustice/ (“The United States Department of Injustice”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/the-american-legal-system-is-broken-can-it-be-fixed/ (“The American Legal System Is Broken: Can It Be Fixed?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/lawyers-and-internet-scams/ (“Lawyers And Internet Scams”)
[15] See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/what-and-where-is-god/ (“What And Where Is God?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/20/ronald-reagan-and-john-f-kennedy-a-question-of-character/ (“Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy: A Question of Character”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/america-a-rich-tapestry-of-life/ (“America: A Rich Tapestry Of Life”)
NaegeleBlog 
Absolutely correct…up to the very end. The real conclusion is that the true Hope is the Christ. Christ Jesus. The unraveling you write of is very much the written Word being manifest. There is only one Hope left and His Ark is set to Sail. May you and your readers be found on board.
Gary
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Thank you, Gary.
The following article is cited in footnotes 2 and 15.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/what-and-where-is-god/ (“What And Where Is God?”)
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Hello, Timothy. Regarding Global Chaos, I think about these things in the smugness of my retirement and reading. I’ve traveled a lot with my wife including East Asia and (before the failed revolutions) in 5 Middle Eastern countries. Note that I still can’t give “likes” here, so a symbolic one to you and poster engenios.
I see some trends in the chaos. First, there have been two major Sunni Caliphate empires since Mulhammed started his first revolution. The last one was the Ottomans from the 13th to the early 20th century. These empires controlled the Middle East and parts of Europe. The dangerously naive US gov’t and Western media thought we had an “Arab Spring” starting 5 years ago, to create democracy and freedom. Of course, it was just the opposite. It was a strong and well organized attempt to create a third Caliphate Empire. This involves ISIS, Al Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood and their many allies. Really, they’ve made no secret of it!
Our reckless US support of the MB in Egypt could have ensured success of a Caliphate, but fortunately this was overthrown by General El Sisi. Our removal of a strong (if evil) gov’t in Iraq insured that it will fall to ISIS and likely so will Syria. It’s cruel irony that Israel and the US are arming the very ISIS terrorists in Syria (to overthrow Assad) that insure ISIS will take that over again and essentially bring back the old Caliphate and/or Assyrian Empire. Same mistake in Libya will see it fall to this new empire. The US gov’t claims to be at war with ISIS. In fact, we indirectly created and support them.
Another major trend, and I’m undecided if this is good or bad………..with the end of thousands of years of European empires and the decline of US power (loss of Vietnam war, a string of weak leaders with no war veterans in office from any post WWII war, not keeping up with profound power shifts, etc) combined with the gigantic rise of East Asia while we’re distracted by a declining Russia and a volatile Middle East, the world has shifted from Western Hegemony. My wife and I took an educational tour around China and to a lesser extent, Japan last year. The technology, engineering, architecture and infrastructure, along with such unified cultures astounded us. It appeared vastly advanced over the West………we’ve been too busy sleeping and fighting among ourselves and now we see a changed world.
Anyway, that’s my pontificating for the day. Nice reading your columns as always, Timothy.
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Thank you, Jonathan, for your comments.
Sorry about the “Like” button not working for you. As you can see, I have clicked on it with respect to your comments and those of Gary.
I agree with your second and third paragraphs.
See, e.g., http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3149469/Slaughter-amphitheatre-ISIS-executioners-brutally-shoot-dead-25-Syrian-regime-soldiers-bloodthirsty-crowds-ancient-Palmyra-ruin.html (“Slaughter in the Roman amphitheatre: Horrific moment ISIS child executioners brutally shoot dead 25 Syrian regime soldiers in front of bloodthirsty crowds at ancient Palmyra ruin”)
In your fourth paragraph, you wrote:
As I assume you know, China has some very serious problems.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/china-is-americas-enemy-make-no-mistake-about-that/#comment-7169 (“The Coming Chinese Crack-Up”); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7485 (“The World Is Defenseless Against The Next Financial Crisis”)
What is perhaps most interesting is that as the Middle East continues to implode, and as the United States becomes the dominant energy producer in the world once again—and energy independent—China may find that it needs American energy products desperately.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7283 (“US To Launch Blitz Of Gas Exports, Eyes Global Energy Dominance“)
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Right on target Timothy !!!
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Thank you, Smilin Jack. 🙂
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9/11-Like Cyberattacks On America?
The UK’s Daily Mail has reported:
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3153716/New-York-Stock-Exchange-halts-trading.html (“New York Stock Exchange unexpectedly halts ALL trading over ‘technical issue’, two hours after United was forced to ground all its flights nationwide also blaming an unexplained ‘computer glitch’“); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/is-google-becoming-microsoft-or-worse/#comment-3305 (“Imagine If The Internet Went Down: Court System Hit With Cyberattack“) and http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jul/10/katherine-archuleta-quits-opm-director-after-massi/ (“Katherine Archuleta ousted as OPM director after massive data hack“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11754089/Hacker-remotely-crashes-Jeep-from-10-miles-away.html (“Hacker remotely crashes Jeep from 10 miles away“) and http://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/06/russia-hacks-pentagon-computers-nbc-citing-sources.html (“Russia hacks Pentagon“) and http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2015/08/06/russians-hacked-joint-chiefs-of-staff.html (“Russians Hacked Joint Chiefs of Staff“)
If the events described above were not part of a coordinated series of cyberattacks—like 9/11 was a series of well-coordinated attacks by terrorists—what is? If not today, then when?
Aside from the risk of a nuclear attack, there is also the risk of a devastating EMP Attack.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/ (“EMP Attack: Only 30 Million Americans Survive“); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7485 (“The World Is Defenseless Against The Next Financial Crisis“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/russias-putin-is-a-killer/#comment-7486 (“Putin Meets Economic Collapse With Purges, Broken Promises“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/china-is-americas-enemy-make-no-mistake-about-that/#comment-7169 (“The Coming Chinese Crack-Up“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2014/09/08/the-state-bar-of-california-is-lawless-and-a-travesty-and-should-be-abolished/#comment-7016 (“California Is Lawless“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/28/human-trafficking/#comment-6470 (“Nearly 36 million People Are Slaves“)
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The Thought Police Are At It Again
The Wall Street Journal has published an article entitled, “The Right Way to Remember the Confederacy,” which is not worth reading but it is nevertheless mentioned here.
See http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-right-way-to-remember-the-confederacy-1436568855
There is NO right or wrong way to remember the Confederacy—which is why the Journal article is so absurd and should not have been published.
It is another example of the Putinesque “thought police” trying to dictate to Americans how to think about racism, global warming and a whole host of other issues.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/russias-putin-is-a-killer/#comment-7486 (“Putin Meets Economic Collapse With Purges, Broken Promises“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-3036 (“The Global Warming Hoax, And The Great Green Con, Revisited“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7356 (“The Global Green Energy Fad“)
The so-called “progressives”—which they are not—or far-Left Democrats want to shove their beliefs down our throats, which is not working and is falling on deaf ears. More importantly, it is apt to be remembered and reflected in next year’s election results.
Their efforts are the fulfillment of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” where all of the animals were equal until the pigs reigned supreme.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm (“https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm”)
My first paternal ancestor arrived here from Rottweil, Germany in 1849; and 11 years later, he began serving with the Union Army. I never thought that I would be defending the Confederacy, much less its flag.
However, the Confederacy should be remembered, and its flags should fly proudly—because this is a right that every American has. Indeed, lots of us who have never put up a Confederate flag may do so now.
See http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/07/11/confederate-flag-treated-like-fallen-hero.html (“Confederate Flag Treated Like Fallen Hero“) and https://ca.news.yahoo.com/confederate-flag-supporters-rise-defend-embattled-symbol-222059682.html (“Confederate flag supporters rise up to defend embattled symbol“) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/confederate-flag-supporters-rally-in-georgia-1438466232 (“Confederate Flag Supporters Rally in Georgia“)
The Leftists and their politicians are trying to mask the fact, and deflect attention from the fact that Hispanics are not rioting. Asians are not rioting. Jews are not rioting. Only the blacks are rioting . . . and then only a small portion of them: the hoods, thugs and criminals who also target elderly and inner-city blacks—and our police.
Racial tensions, hostility and outright hatred exist in America today, in the faces and actions of such hoods, thugs and criminals; and it is creating a reaction of equal or greater magnitude on the part of other Americans.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/edward-w-brooke-is-dead/#comment-7434 (“Disappointment In Obama Leads Some Blacks To Ask Whether Voting Is Worth It“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/#comment-7288 (“Rioting, Looting And Killing By Thugs And Hoods In American Cities“)
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Heroes . . . And Three Friends [UPDATED]
This photo shows three American childhood friends who attended the same Christian high school in California, and who were touring Europe when they stopped a Kalashnikov-wielding terrorist on a train, and instantly became global heroes.
They are, left to right: Oregon National Guard member Alek Skarlatos from Roseburg, Oregon, who had been deployed in Afghanistan; U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Spencer Stone (standing) of Carmichael, California; and Anthony Sadler, a senior at Sacramento State University in California.
Their heroics are described in numerous articles, too many to cite. However, two in the UK’s Daily Mail stand out, which should be read and the videos viewed. An emotional video interview with Sadler’s father, a Baptist pastor, in the second Daily Mail article is especially worth watching.
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3207243/True-American-hero-airman-tackled-beat-disarmed-Kalashnikov-wielding-terrorist-French-train-treated-tending-stab-wounds-emerges-hospital-humble-wave.html (“A humble wave from a hero: Wounded US airman who took down AK47-wielding terrorist on French train, then treated others before tending to his own stab wounds emerges from hospital with a smile“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3206977/Spencer-airman-charged-Kalashnikov-wielding-terrorist-Paris-bound-train-hearing-load-gun-toilet.html (“‘Let’s go!’ How hero American airman charged Kalashnikov-wielding terrorist on French train, tackled him and beat him unconscious with the help of his comrade in arms and a friend”); see also http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150822/eu–france-train_attack-5be2fb37d9.html (“3 Americans praised for subduing gunman on European train“) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/two-u-s-soldiers-help-subdue-attacker-on-french-train-1440238328 (“[President] Obama spoke with the three Americans and expressed his gratitude”) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3208541/Passenger-wrestled-Paris-train-terrorist-servicemen-Briton-disarmed-revealed-American-professor-Hollande-thanks-preventing-carnage.html (“Three Americans and a British grandfather who tackled Paris train terrorist are awarded France’s highest honour for bravery for preventing ‘carnage’ – as first hero passenger is revealed to be a U.S. professor [Mark Moogalian]“) and http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/french-train-attack/french-train-hero-spencer-stone-earns-promotion-staff-sergeant-n455006 (“French Train Hero Spencer Stone Earns Promotion to Staff Sergeant“)
The entertainment news magazine “Extra” has reported:
See http://extratv.com/2015/11/16/paris-train-attack-heroes-reflect-on-fridays-violence/ (“Paris Train-Attack Heroes Reflect on Friday [the 13th]’s Violence“) (emphasis added)
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Aylan And Galip Kurdi Will Be Remembered [UPDATED]
People around the world may not remember their names, but their faces and their fate will be remembered.
In a UK Daily Mail article, it has been reported:
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3219553/Terrible-fate-tiny-boy-symbolises-desperation-thousands-Body-drowned-Syrian-refugee-washed-Turkish-beach-family-tried-reach-Europe.html (“The final journey of tragic little boys washed up on a Turkish beach: Mother and sons who died in sea tragedy are taken from morgue after heartbroken father says goodbye to the family he couldn’t save”) (emphasis added; photos and videos omitted); see also http://www.wsj.com/articles/image-of-syrian-boy-washed-up-on-beach-hits-hard-1441282847 (“Image of Drowned Syrian Boy Echoes Around World“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/11843440/The-power-of-photography-How-images-have-changed-world-opinions.html (“The power of photography: Images that changed world opinions“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/11847321/Police-officer-who-found-Syrian-toddler-I-prayed-he-was-still-alive.html (“Police officer who found Syrian toddler: ‘I prayed he was still alive'”)
Regardless of what one thinks about migration or immigration, or the wars and chaos around the world, millions of hearts and prayers go out to the bereaved father, Abdullah Kurdi—and to the families of others who have died.
[Photograph taken by Nilufer Demir of Turkish police Sgt Mehmet Ciplak carrying the lifeless body of Aylan Kurdi on a beach near the Turkish resort of Bodrum]
See also http://graphics.wsj.com/migrants-map/ (“Forging Ahead: Migrant Journeys to Europe”—”More than half a million people have crossed from Africa and the Middle East into Europe this year. Here are the major routes they’ve taken and where many have gone”) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3424644/Horror-history-repeats-lifeless-child-carried-beach-39-drown-Turkish-coast.html (“Horror as history repeats itself: Another lifeless child is carried off a beach as 39 drown off Turkish coast“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/12132808/Eyewitness-to-migrant-drowning-gives-harrowing-account-of-trying-to-save-Syrian-boy.html (“Eyewitness to migrant drowning gives harrowing account of trying to save Syrian boy”—”A witness to the drowning of at least 39 people, including babies and other young children, off Turkey’s coast recounted the disaster, and says she will never stop hearing their cries for ‘the rest of my life'”)
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EU Death March
The UK’s Telegraph has reported:
See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/11955742/We-are-seeing-the-last-dying-days-of-open-frontiers-in-Europe.html (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-7653 (“Aylan And Galip Kurdi Will Be Remembered“)
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The Flat Earth Society, Environmental Nazis Are At It Again, Bigtime [UPDATED]
During the Middle Ages, the myth and cosmological view of the flat Earth—instead of spherical—prevailed in Europe.
See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myth_of_the_flat_Earth (“Myth of the flat Earth”)
Today, its intellectual equivalent, counterpart and alter ego is that man-made “global warming” or “climate change” exists, and that human beings can do something about it. Today’s “environmental Nazis” cite it as a fact, and try to silence those who believe otherwise. It is Hitler-esque and intolerable, yet it is happening.
Pollution of our oceans, sky and Earth is something that is man made; and steps have been taken for decades to deal with such issues as smog and litter. Great strides have been made.
However, our planet goes through natural cycles, of warming and cooling. It always has; and it will continue long after all of us—and our children, and their offspring—have left this earthly realm.
In another time, the proponents of “global warming” and the “green energy” fad would have been members of the “Flat Earth Society,” and claimed a “consensus” with respect to them too.
The latest and perhaps most important evolution of this bogus issue is discussed by the UK Telegraph‘s International Business Editor in London, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, in an article entitled “Fossil fuel companies risk plague of ‘asbestos’ lawsuits as tide turns on climate change”:
See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11958713/Fossil-fuel-companies-risk-plague-of-asbestos-lawsuits-as-tide-turns-on-climate-change.html (emphasis added; charts omitted); see also http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/environment/globalwarming/11395516/The-fiddling-with-temperature-data-is-the-biggest-science-scandal-ever.html (“The fiddling with temperature data is the biggest science scandal ever”—”When future generations look back on the global-warming scare of the past 30 years, nothing will shock them more than the extent to which the official temperature records – on which the entire panic ultimately rested – were systematically “adjusted” to show the Earth as having warmed much more than the actual data justified”)
What is really frightening is the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris—which begins later this month—and its aftermath.
See, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_United_Nations_Climate_Change_Conference and http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/06/science/exxon-mobil-under-investigation-in-new-york-over-climate-statements.html (“Exxon Mobil Investigated for Possible Climate Change Lies by New York Attorney General“); see also http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11958916/Paris-climate-deal-to-ignite-a-90-trillion-energy-revolution.html (“Paris climate deal to ignite a $90 trillion energy revolution”—”[T]he energy industry is still banking on ever-rising demand for its products as if nothing has changed”—”[W]hile it might once have been possible for energy companies to dismiss these utterings as empty pieties, to persist now is to trifle with fate”—”A Carbon Tracker forum in the City this week was packed with bankers and fund managers itching to find a way into the biggest investment boom of all time, which is what the Paris accord promises to ignite”—”Technology takes no prisoners. Nor does politics. World leaders have repeatedly stated that they would defend the line of a ‘two degree planet’, and now they are taking the concrete steps to do so. Fossil investors have been warned”) and http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/1101/Antarctica-is-actually-gaining-ice-says-NASA.-Is-global-warming-over (“Antarctica is actually gaining ice, says NASA“) and http://www.express.co.uk/news/science/616937/GLOBAL-COOLING-Decade-long-ice-age-predicted-as-sun-hibernates (“GLOBAL COOLING: Decade long ice age predicted as sun ‘hibernates'”) and http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/617144/Antarctica-not-shrinking-growing-ice-caps-melting (“MELTDOWN MYTH: Antarctic ice growing is just the first EVIDENCE global warming is NOT REAL“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-7777 (“Pumpkins And The Flatulence Of Cows Cause Global Warming“) and http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/259395-union-obama-threw-workers-under-the-bus (“Union: Obama threw workers ‘under the bus’ in Keystone decision“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/11980548/The-obsession-with-global-warming-will-put-the-lights-out-all-over-Britain.html (“The obsession with global warming will put the lights out“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11980840/Fossil-crisis-deepens-as-Exxon-probed-on-climate-cover-up.html (“Fossil crisis deepens as Exxon probed on climate cover-up”) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-climate-agenda-behind-the-bacon-scare-1447115536?alg=y (“The Climate Agenda Behind the Bacon Scare“) and http://www.climatedepot.com/2015/11/19/scientists-declare-un-climate-summit-goals-irrational-based-on-nonsense-leading-us-down-a-false-path/ (“Prominent Scientists Declare Climate Claims Ahead of UN Summit ‘Irrational’—‘Based On Nonsense’—‘Leading us down a false path’”) and http://dailycaller.com/2015/11/25/the-new-consensus-97-of-americans-arent-worried-about-global-warming/ (“97 Percent Of Americans Aren’t Worried About Global Warming“) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/your-complete-guide-to-the-climate-debate-1448656890 (“[W]orld temperatures . . . have gone up only very slowly, less than half as fast as the scientific consensus predicted in 1990 when the global-warming scare began in earnest. Even with this year’s El Niño-boosted warmth threatening to break records, the world is barely half a degree Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than it was about 35 years ago. Also, it is increasingly clear that the planet was significantly warmer than today several times during the past 10,000 years”—”On a global scale, as scientists keep confirming, there has been no increase in frequency or intensity of storms, floods or droughts, while deaths attributed to such natural disasters have never been fewer, thanks to modern technology and infrastructure. Arctic sea ice has recently melted more in summer than it used to in the 1980s, but Antarctic sea ice has increased, and Antarctica is gaining land-based ice, according to a new study by NASA scientists published in the Journal of Glaciology. Sea level continues its centuries-long slow rise—about a foot a century—with no sign of recent acceleration”—”[A] new study by a leading climate economist, Richard Tol of the University of Sussex, concludes that warming may well bring gains, because carbon dioxide causes crops and wild ecosystems to grow greener and more drought-resistant”—”The latest science on the “sensitivity” of the world’s temperature to a doubling of carbon-dioxide levels (from 0.03% of the air to 0.06%) is also reassuring. Several recent peer-reviewed studies of climate sensitivity based on actual observations, including one published in 2013 in Nature Geoscience with 14 mainstream IPCC authors, conclude that this key measure is much lower—about 30%-50% lower—than the climate models are generally assuming”—”Scientific skeptics are now routinely censored, or threatened with prosecution. One recent survey by Rasmussen Reports shows that 27% of Democrats in the U.S. are in favor of prosecuting climate skeptics. This is the mentality of religious fanaticism, not scientific debate”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/12021394/COP-21-climate-deal-in-Paris-spells-end-of-the-fossil-era.html (“COP-21 climate deal in Paris spells end of the fossil era”—”Much of the fossil industry will go into slow run-off while the new plutocrats will be masters of post-carbon technology”—”[T]he fossil fuel industry of coal, gas, and oil could forfeit $34 trillion in revenues over the next quarter century – a quarter of their income – if the Paris accord is followed by a series of tougher reviews every five years to force down the trajectory of CO2 emissions, as proposed by the United Nations and French officials hosting the talks”—”Most fossil companies would face run-off unless they could reinvent themselves as 21st Century post-carbon leaders, as Shell, Total, and Statoil are already doing”—”Such a scenario would imply the near extinction of the coal industry unless there is a big push for carbon capture and storage. It also implies a near total switch to electric cars, rendering the internal combustion engine obsolete”) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/scientists-dispute-2-degree-model-guiding-climate-talks-1448829047 (“Scientists Dispute 2-Degree Model Guiding Climate Talks”—”Many scientists say the benchmark underpinning talks in Paris on climate change is an arbitrary threshold based on tenuous research”—”It emerged from a political agenda, not a scientific analysis”—”Policy makers tend to assume the two-degree target expresses a solid scientific view, but it doesn’t”—”Hell is not going to break loose at two degrees—it will take hundreds of years to unfold”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/12022821/Paris-climate-talks-Through-the-smog-coal-hungry-India-sees-carbon-imperialism-in-the-West.html (“Paris climate talks: . . . coal-hungry India sees ‘carbon imperialism’ in the West”—”Faced with a rapidly growing population, a buoyant but fragile economy blighted by constant power shortages and millions still living in abject poverty, India argues that it cannot simply decide between renewable and non-renewable power – it needs both. So a breakneck dash for coal is taking place across the country, where on average one new mine is opening every month”—”Officials here are quick to point out that it still burns less coal than the US or China”—”This smacks of a ‘carbon imperialism.’ And such imperialism on the part of advanced nations could spell disaster for India and other developing countries”); but see https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7249 (“The Environmental Nazis Are At It Again“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-3036 (“The Global Warming Hoax, And The Great Green Con, Revisited“)
Even if all human beings were removed from the Earth, there would still be natural global warming and cooling as there have been for millions of years.
The Western policy elites’ obsession and fanaticism with global warming are threats to civilized life on this planet.
There are infinitesimally greater issues to think about today, such as growing terrorism and the collapse of the global economy, which will affect everyone in the world.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7614 (“Doomsday Clock For Global Market Crash Strikes One Minute To Midnight As Central Banks Lose Control“)
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Pumpkins And The Flatulence Of Cows Cause Global Warming
Yes, if you can believe that: pumpkins are the latest claim from Barack Obama’s Department of Energy:
See http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/oct/28/pumpkins-cause-climate-change-energy-department/ (emphasis added)
If that is not madness enough, it has been claimed that a planet-wide menace consists of farting and belching cows:
See http://news.yahoo.com/blowing-wind-stop-cow-burps-warming-earth-061428031.html (“Blowing in the wind: how to stop cow burps warming Earth“) (emphasis added)
Wow! Is there anything human beings and other animals do which does not cause so-called “global warming” or “climate change”?
Perhaps it would be best if our planet Earth was uninhabited. Yes, that is facetious, but the “environmental Nazis” are out to change the world; and they will not be satisfied until they do it—even in the process of silencing critics, snuffing out freedom of speech and destroying Capitalism.
Even if all human beings and other animals were removed from the Earth, there would still be natural global warming and cooling as there have been for millions of years.
George Orwell foretold of the latest madness in his “Animal Farm,” where the “Pigs” reigned supreme and were masters over—and subjugated—the other animals. Indeed, “Animal Farm” is alive and well in the United States and throughout the world.
In another time, the proponents of “global warming” and the “green energy” fad would have been members of the “Flat Earth Society,” and claimed a “consensus” with respect to them too.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm (“Animal Farm“); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-7770 (“The Flat Earth Society, Environmental Nazis Are At It Again, Bigtime“)
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Doomsday Clock For Global Market Crash Strikes One Minute To Midnight As Central Banks Lose Control [UPDATED]
[Note: These comments were published originally on August 17, 2015 (see https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7614) and have been updated since then]
The UK’s Telegraph has reported:
See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/11805523/Doomsday-clock-for-global-market-crash-strikes-one-minute-to-midnight-as-central-banks-lose-control.html (charts and graphs omitted; emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7485 (“The World Is Defenseless Against The Next Financial Crisis“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7283 (“US To Launch Blitz Of Gas Exports, Eyes Global Energy Dominance“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11808488/World-shipping-slump-deepens-as-China-retreats.html (“World shipping slump deepens as China retreats”—”[T]he six-year economic expansion may be on its last legs”—”A closely-watched gauge of emerging market currencies has fallen for the eighth week – the longest run of unbroken declines since the beginning of the century – led by the Malaysian Ringgit, the Russian rouble and the Turkish lira”—”The port of Hamburg said trade with Russia collapsed by 36pc, the latest evidence that the rouble crash and deepening recession has forced Russian consumers to cut back drastically on purchases of imported cars and heavy goods”) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-lacks-ammo-for-next-economic-crisis-1439865442 (“U.S. Lacks Ammo for Next Economic Crisis”—”The world economy is like an ocean liner without lifeboats”) and http://www.marketwatch.com/story/dow-5000-yes-it-could-happen-2015-08-21 (“[S]omeone needs to tell the public that there is a plausible scenario in which the U.S. stock market now collapses by another 70% until the Dow Jones Industrial Average falls to about 5,000″—”[A] serious reading of history suggests this week’s sell-off might . . . be the beginning”—”There is a great deal of evidence suggesting that . . . the downward move that first began in 2000 has not ended”) and http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-08-24/nyse-will-suspend-stock-trading-if-s-p-500-index-plunges-7- (“Stock Trading in U.S. Will Pause If S&P 500 Plunges 7%“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/poverty-in-america/#comment-7646 (“The Surging Ranks Of America’s Ultrapoor“) and http://cnsnews.com/news/article/susan-jones/record-94031000-americans-not-labor-force-participation-rate-stuck-38-year (“Record 94,031,000 Americans Not in Labor Force; Participation Rate Stuck at 38-Year Low for 3rd Straight Month“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11874484/Fed-is-riding-the-tail-of-a-dangerous-global-tiger.html (“Fed is riding the tail of a dangerous global tiger“) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/eurozone-nears-limits-of-what-monetary-policy-can-do-1442771605 (“Eurozone Nears Limits of What Monetary Policy Can Do“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11898936/World-set-for-emerging-market-mass-default-warns-IMF.html (“World set for emerging market mass default, warns IMF”—”[P]anic in financial markets as liquidity evaporates”) and http://www.newsmax.com/Finance/StreetTalk/Carl-Icahn-fed-Minefield-economy/2015/11/04/id/700572/ (“[T]he Fed has inflated an economic bubble that is poised to burst”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7812 (“Shipping Is Being Hit Hard By The Gathering Global Storm“) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/g-20-faces-dwindling-capacity-to-spur-souring-global-growth-1447617488 (“G-20 Faces Dwindling Capacity to Spur Souring Global Growth”—”World leaders are running out of options to revive a sickly global economy”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/12001710/Europe-is-sliding-towards-the-abyss-and-the-terrorists-know-it.html (“Europe is sliding towards the abyss, and the terrorists know it”—”The terrorists have struck just as Europe is at its most vulnerable – economically as well as politically”) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-housing-starts-fall-11-in-october-1447853742 (“U.S. Housing Starts Fall 11% in October“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/12001895/Finlands-depression-is-the-final-indictment-of-Europes-monetary-union.html (“Finland’s depression is the final indictment of Europe’s monetary union”—”Finland is sliding deeper into economic depression . . . than the post-Soviet crash of the early 1990s, or the Great Depression of the 1930s”)
As I have written:
See http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/tms/politics/2009/Apr/08/euphoria_or_the_obama_depression_.html (“Euphoria or the Obama Depression?“)
One thing is certain: the worst is yet to come. The United States may fare better than other countries, but it will be affected too.
Hold on tight. Things will get very ugly!
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/poverty-in-america/#comment-7646 (“The Surging Ranks Of America’s Ultrapoor“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-7653 (“Aylan And Galip Kurdi Will Be Remembered“)
. . .
Not factored into any of these comments are the terrorist strikes on Paris, or the immigration issue that is tearing Europe apart.
See, e.g., http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11996678/Paris-terror-attacks-victims-isil-suspects-Syria-arrests-live.html (“Paris attacks: Chaos and fear grips capital after false reports of fresh gunfire send people ‘running for their lives’ – latest news“)
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A Friday The 13th Paris Survivor’s Tale [UPDATED]
See http://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2015/11/18/paris-attacks-concert-hall-survivors-isobel-bowdery-amaury-baudoin-cooper-intv-ac.cnn (CNN’s Anderson Cooper interviews Isobel Bowdery and Amaury Baudoin—”Paris attack survivor: Felt like the worst horror film”)
The UK’s Daily Mail has reported:
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3318812/You-never-think-happen-just-Friday-night-rock-Paris-survivor-posts-photo-blood-stained-t-shirt-reveals-played-dead-escape-Bataclan-massacre.html (“‘Dozens of people were shot right in front of me. Pools of blood filled the floor’: Paris survivor posts photo of her blood stained T-shirt and reveals she played dead for more than an HOUR in theatre”) (emphasis added)
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Global Anger
The Wall Street Journal has discussed “How Alienated Youth Fall Prey to the Militant Allure of Islamic State.”
See http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-alienated-youth-fall-prey-to-the-militant-allure-of-islamic-state-1449205294
Forget the “Allure of [the] Islamic State,” and militant groups of blacks in the U.S. There are plenty of reasons why non-Islamists and non-blacks are drawn to similar groups that advocate the downfall of governments around the world.
In the United States alone, a sizable majority of Americans do not believe in our government. They condemn government in all of its forms, and they are angry, very angry, and justifiably so.
This anger will only grow as economic conditions in the U.S. and globally deteriorate, and as more and more people come to hate government at every level—our corrupt judiciary, Congress . . . and the list goes on and on.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-7614 (“Doomsday Clock For Global Market Crash Strikes One Minute To Midnight As Central Banks Lose Control“); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/ (“Global Chaos And Helter Skelter”)
Hold on tight. Global chaos and helter skelter are just around the corner. It will be a “brave new world” in which we live . . .
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Good post, Timothy. Reading it, I’m reminded of a book from college long ago, Eric Fromms “Escape from Freedom”. It points out the many times in history people of any country may want to avoid the chaos, sometime corruption and uncertainty of freedom and democracy and pick a dictatorship for it’s certainty, strong leaders and clear rules (“at least the trains ran on time under Mussolini”).
We see this process in the admiration of many Americans for Vladimir Putin. We saw it in the depressed chaos of Weimer Republic Germany when Hitler was elected in 1933. Disturbingly, we see it in a bigoted demagogue and presidential front runner, Donald Trump, who successfully plays on the fears and ignorance of an America overwhelmed by the bad news they read and hear 24/7 from a media industry turned tabloid.
I worked professionally in the helping professions in a long career with thousands of people. Most of the time I feel empathy for the human race. Sometimes, sadly, I have serious doubts of their value.
The world may often hate governmental authority, who are merely human and cannot perform miracles, not being God. They may forget the significance of the fact that all people,everywhere, in all times and places, have rejected one “political” system; Anarchy. Whenever this has appeared, it’s very quickly replaced, often by a dictatorship.
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Thank you, as always.
We must never forget how Mussolini met his fate, which the murderous Putin may share.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/the-death-of-putin-and-russia-the-final-chapter-of-the-cold-war/ (“The Death Of Putin And Russia: The Final Chapter Of The Cold War”)
I have a different take on Donald Trump than you do. Indeed, he may be our next president.
I have worked with many on Capitol Hill, in business and in the law who make him seem like a “choir boy” and a giant, in terms of honesty, ethics, intelligence and accomplishments.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/washington-is-sick-and-the-american-people-know-it/#comment-7834 (“The GOP Establishment Neanderthals”)
You noted:
I appreciate your wisdom.
And yes, I am well aware of what happened in Germany and elsewhere, and of what is happening in Russia now.
It is amazing how George Orwell’s Animal Farm continues to have such relevancy today. He foretold of this madness in the book, where the “Pigs” reigned supreme and were masters over—and subjugated—the other animals.
See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm (“Animal Farm”)
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Timothy, what is the source of the plentiful amount of hope, that you are suggesting, still exists? Please elaborate.
Rick
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Thank you as always, Rick.
Above all else, it is a belief in God.
I am not preaching, but merely expressing my personal views. I believe we are blessed as a people, and that the United States is blessed.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/what-and-where-is-god/ (“What And Where Is God?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/america-a-rich-tapestry-of-life/ (“America: A Rich Tapestry Of Life”)
Although our “trials and tribulations” in the future may be many, I believe we will survive and flourish.
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America Elects Its Next President [UPDATED]
This election cycle is fascinating.
If Hillary Clinton is indicted—which seems to be a growing possibility—it will be “game over” for her candidacy. She will watch from the sidelines, like she did in the general election of 2008.
Then, either Senator Bernie Sanders will be the Democrats’ nominee or Vice President Joe Biden will jump into the race—albeit it may be too late already.
One thing is crystal clear: Hillary Clinton does not have the charm, magnetism, charisma or political appeal of Bill Clinton when he was at the height of his intellectual powers, nor does she compare well with Donald Trump either. She is a sad “retread” of what is wrong with U.S. politics, and she embodies what Americans want to change.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/washington-is-sick-and-the-american-people-know-it/#comment-7185 (“Clinton Fatigue“); see also http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/trump-biden-would-run-if-clinton-indicted (“Trump: Biden would run if Clinton indicted”)
With respect to the GOP, there are legitimate questions about Senator Ted Cruz’s legal ability to run for the presidency. Even without them, Trump is leading the pack . . . by miles.
See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural-born-citizen_clause#Ted_Cruz (“Natural-born-citizen clause: Ted Cruz“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/11/boycott-the-gop-and-ignore-foreign-naysayers/#comment-7996 (“Trump Rises, Hillary Wallows“) and http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2016/01/20/bob-dole-warns-of-cataclysmic-losses-with-ted-cruz-and-says-donald-trump-would-do-better/ (“Bob Dole Warns of ‘Cataclysmic’ Losses With Ted Cruz, and Says Donald Trump Would Do Better”—”The remarks by Mr. Dole reflect wider unease with Mr. Cruz among members of the Republican establishment, but few leading members of the party have been as candid and cutting”—”Mr. Dole added that he thought it would be harder for Hillary Clinton to defeat Mr. Trump in a general election than Mr. Cruz”) and http://theweek.com/articles/600335/donald-trump-poised-strongest-primary-performance-modern-history (“Donald Trump is poised for the strongest primary performance in modern history”)
Imagine a Sanders-Trump face-off.
While many of us may not agree with Sanders, he is refreshing—like Trump. Both are “authentic,” which is why so many Americans are drawn to them:
(1) America, Bernie Sanders’ Simon & Garfunkel TV ad
(2) Ivanka Trump TV ad
The UK is abuzz with outlandish sentiments to ban Trump from its shores, which are only overshadowed by the movements to withdraw from the EU, and for Scotland to become independent (Trump’s mother was born on the Scottish island of Lewis)—making Britain irrelevant.
Germany and the continent as a whole are cascading toward fragmentation, as it is being asked:
See http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-18/wef-boss-schwab-warns-commodities-rout-could-spur-more-migration (“Davos Boss Warns Refugee Crisis Could Be Precursor to Something Much Bigger“); see also http://www.wsj.com/articles/welcome-to-the-crisis-economy-where-tumult-reigns-1453154909 (“Welcome to the Crisis Economy, Where Tumult Reigns”—”Myriad sources of anxiety are roiling global financial markets and political capitals: a weakening Chinese economy; collapsing oil prices; escalating tension in the Middle East that has spawned a refugee crisis in Europe; the possibility of financial dislocation as U.S. monetary policy tightens”—”The earthquake that began with the 2008 financial crisis in the U.S. and that later rumbled through Europe has finally shaken China, in turn crippling countries and companies from Africa to South America that prospered feeding Chinese demand”—”[G]eopolitical uncertainty abounds. Conflict in the Middle East—made worse by an increasingly overt proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran—has sent waves of refugees into Europe and fanned fears of terrorism in the West. Movements opposed to political and economic integration have gained ground across much of Europe. Nuclear tests in North Korea and territorial disputes over the South China Sea underscore how Asia is not immune from turmoil”) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/europes-new-medieval-map-1452875514 (“Europe’s New Medieval Map”—”As the European Union unravels, the continent is reverting to divisions that go back centuries”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/davos/12108569/World-faces-wave-of-epic-debt-defaults-fears-central-bank-veteran.html (“World faces wave of epic debt defaults”—”Situation worse than it was in 2007, says chairman of the OECD’s review committee”—”The global financial system has become dangerously unstable and faces an avalanche of bankruptcies that will test social and political stability”—”‘Our macroeconomic ammunition to fight downturns is essentially all used up'”—”Europe’s creditors are likely to face some of the biggest haircuts. European banks have already admitted to $1 trillion of non-performing loans: they are heavily exposed to emerging markets and are almost certainly rolling over further bad debts that have never been disclosed.
The European banking system may have to be recapitalized on a scale yet unimagined, and . . . any deposit holder above the guarantee of €100,000 will have to help pay for it”—”[I]t is impossible know what the trigger will be for the next crisis since the global system has lost its anchor and is inherently prone to breakdown”—”[T]he Fed is now in a horrible quandary as it tries to extract itself from QE and right the ship again. ‘It is a debt trap. Things are so bad that there is no right answer. If they raise rates it’ll be nasty. If they don’t raise rates, it just makes matters worse'”—”‘It was always dangerous to rely on central banks to sort out a solvency problem when all they can do is tackle liquidity problems. It is a recipe for disorder, and now we are hitting the limit'”)
Helter skelter is alive and well.
Global economic, political and social problems are beyond any one person’s ability to create or fix them. Yet, they may be blamed on Barack Obama, among others.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/the-obama-great-depression/ (“The Obama Great Depression“)
Any sense of “world order” is coming apart at the seams; and the world is teetering closer to the edge of an economic abyss.
The economists and other bureaucrats at the Fed and other central banks of the world will be helpless; and the myth of their overweening power and omnipotence will be exposed for all to see, like the Emperor with no clothes.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emperor%27s_New_Clothes
It will not be pretty or nice; and it seems to be coming fast.
Just when its full force and fury will hit is anyone’s guess, but it may happen before Barack Obama’s presidency ends.
Then, it will be up to America’s next president to pick up the pieces, which will be a daunting task—especially as Americans and others around the world have lost faith in their governments.
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/ (“The Economic Tsunami Continues Its Relentless And Unforgiving Advance Globally“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/the-death-of-putin-and-russia-the-final-chapter-of-the-cold-war/ (“The Death Of Putin And Russia: The Final Chapter Of The Cold War“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/a-34-trillion-swindle-the-shame-of-global-warming/ (“A $34 Trillion Swindle: The Shame Of Global Warming“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/ (“Global Chaos And Helter Skelter“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/31/is-israel-doomed/ (“Is Israel Doomed?“) and http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/general_lifestyle/january_2016/50_say_race_relations_in_america_getting_worse (Rasmussen Reports: “50% Say Race Relations in America Getting Worse”—”Interestingly, unlike most questions related to race, there isn’t a wide difference of opinion on these questions between blacks and whites”—”Men and women are in general agreement about race relations in America and what the future holds. Adults of all ages agree about the current state of race relations”) and http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/january_2016/gop_says_government_a_problem_for_democrats_it_s_the_solution (Rasmussen Reports: “GOP Says Government A Problem; For Democrats, It’s the Solution”) and http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/january_2016/most_voters_are_still_angry (Rasmussen Reports: “Most Voters Are Still Angry”—”A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that two-out-of-three Likely U.S. Voters (67%) are angry at the current policies of the federal government, including 38% who are Very Angry”) and http://humanevents.com/2016/01/20/liberal-and-conservative-media-unite-against-trump/ (Ann Coulter: “Liberal and Conservative Media Unite Against Trump”—”We have never had total war against a candidate like we’re seeing with Donald Trump. All elements of national media are uniting to stop him. Look for a fake Trump scandal to break — probably from a conservative news outlet — right before the Iowa caucus”—”All the stories about Trump being a fraud keep turning out to be the real frauds”—”Looking at what the party has become, I certainly hope he’s not a ‘real Republican.’ I know he’s a real American. Those used to be the same thing”) and http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/january_2016/81_think_federal_government_is_corrupt (Rasmussen Reports: “81% Think Federal Government is Corrupt”)
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Migrant Crisis Spreads [UPDATED]
[Migrants walking]
The Wall Street Journal has reported:
See http://www.wsj.com/articles/as-french-crack-down-in-calais-migrant-crisis-spreads-to-neighboring-towns-1454864213 (“Migrant Crisis in Calais Spreads to Neighboring French Towns“) (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-7653 (“Aylan And Galip Kurdi Will Be Remembered“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/28/human-trafficking/#comment-8087 (“Europol: More Than 10,000 Migrant Children Are Missing“)
One’s heart goes out to the migrants who have fled chaos and helter skelter in the Middle East, which will only get far worse as the region continues to implode and disintegrate. Indeed, it may be consumed by unspeakable violence, the likes of which we have not seen during our lifetimes.
Also, Europe’s fabric is being torn asunder by the migrant hoards that are descending on its member countries. At a time when the EU is under attack as being a bureaucratic monstrosity that has outlived its usefulness, the unending influx of migrants may seal its future.
Certainly one must overlay all of this with the global economic tsunami that has been gathering for a long time now, which—when it hits with its full force and fury—may make 2008 seem like a “blip” by comparison.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/the-obama-great-depression/#comment-8114 (“WORLD ECONOMY IN DEATH SPIRAL, THE PERFECT STORM OF 2016“)
Not a pretty picture.
For those who argue that the fall of Western Civilization is underway, the response is that it will not fall any more than the United States has fallen as a result of being the world’s only true melting pot—an amalgamation of the peoples of the world.
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WORLD ECONOMY IN DEATH SPIRAL, THE PERFECT STORM OF 2016 [UPDATED]
Katy Barnato of CNBC has reported:
See http://www.cnbc.com/2016/02/05/citi-world-economy-trapped-in-death-spiral.html (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/the-obama-great-depression/ (“The Obama Great Depression“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/the-obama-great-depression/#comment-8068 (“The World’s Central Banks Can’t Save Us Anymore“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/the-obama-great-depression/#comment-8083 (“The Coming Global Meltdown“) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/oilprices/12143304/Oil-market-spiral-threatens-to-prick-global-debt-bubble-warns-BIS.html (“Oil market spiral threatens to prick global debt bubble, warns BIS”—”The global oil industry is caught in a self-feeding downward spiral as falling prices cause producers to boost output even further in a scramble to service $3 trillion of dollar debt”—”[T]he sheer scale of leverage in the oil and gas industry is amplifying the downturn since companies are attempting to eke out extra production to stay afloat”—”The [Bank for International Settlements] calculates that debt in US dollars outside the United States has surged to $9.8 trillion, a fivefold rise since 2000 and an unprecedented level for the global monetary system as a whole”—”[T]here is now clear evidence that this liquidity is drying up”—”We may be approaching the eye of the storm”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/12138466/when-is-the-next-financial-crash-coming-oil-prices-markets-recession.html (“Debt, defaults, and devaluations: why this market crash is like nothing we’ve seen before”—”A pernicious cycle of collapsing commodities, corporate defaults, and currency wars loom over the global economy. Can anything stop it from unravelling?”—”The real question is always when and how deep the upcoming downturn will be”—”Commodity prices have crashed by two thirds since their peaks in 2014. Oil has borne the brunt of the sell-off, suffering the worst price collapse in modern history. Brent crude has fallen from $115 a barrel in the summer of 2014, to just $27.70 in mid-January”—”[A] confluence of factors – led by oil, but encompassing China, the emerging world, and financial markets – are all brewing to create a perfect storm”—”[T]he current sell-off has seen commodity prices, equities and credit conditions all move in dangerous lockstep”—”Although a 75pc oil price collapse should represent an unmitigated positive for the world’s fuel thirsty consumers, the sheer scale of the price rout is already imperiling the finances of producer nations from Nigeria to Azerbaijan, and is now threatening to unleash a wave of bankruptcies across corporate America. It is the prospect of this vicious feedback loop – where low oil prices create financial tail risks that spill over into the real economy – which could now propel the world into a ‘full blown crisis'”—”[T]he globe’s largest emerging markets have shown signs of deterioration over the last six months”—”[A] tipping point may well be approaching. . . . [A] 20pc decline in stock markets that persists for more than six months, will translate into a decline in consumption of between 0.5pc to 1.0pc. ‘This would be a serious shock. My biggest fear is precisely that the dramatic shift in mood becomes self-fulfilling'”—”2016 is set to see the first wave of corporate bankruptcies in the oil and gas sector. Highly leveraged US shale companies will be the first be picked off. Should escalating defaults have a further depressant effect on oil prices, it could unleash a tidal wave of corporate bankruptcies in the world’s largest economy. Indebtedness is not just the scourge of the US. Globally, the oil and gas industry has issued $1.4 trillion of bonds and taken out a further $1.6 trillion in syndicated loans, driving the sector’s combined debt to $3 trillion, according to the Bank of International Settlements. They warn of an ‘illusion of sustainability’ that could quickly turn toxic as the credit cycle unravels. The question exercising the minds of economists and investors is the extent to which this contagion could metastasize beyond the energy sector, as banks cut off credit access, loans turn bad, and financial conditions enter a critical tightening phase”—”[A] series of other indicators are also flashing red. Global equity markets have endured their worst start to a year since the dotcom crash. To paraphrase Nobel prize-winning US economist Paul Samuelson, Wall Street has predicted nine out of the last five recessions, but the current turbulence has an ominous precedent”—”Macroeconomic indicators from the world’s largest economy are also beginning to turn sour. The US has already fallen prey to a manufacturing collapse. Service sector data for December showed the slowdown is spreading to the dominant driver of economic growth”—”[T]he economy is ‘firing on one cylinder’ with consumers the sole bright spot in an environment of still weak capital investment, and a crippling exchange rate that is hurting exporters and squeezing corporate profits”—”The soaring dollar has put record pressure on China’s exchange rate peg, forcing Beijing to burn through its reserves with interventions amounting to $140bn-a-month in December to protect the renminbi. Meanwhile, China’s capital outflows have accelerated to $676bn, according to the Institute of International Finance”—”A weaker renminbi would unleash a new wave of deflation in an already fragile global environment, and hasten the pressure on emerging market exchange rates as the world’s currency wars would renew apace”—”The lower oil prices fall, the faster buyers are expected to flood back in, with violent upward movements already in evidence”—”[The] world could find itself defenceless against another round of mania, panics or crashes”—”Should the world manage to ride out the perfect storm of 2016, next time round, answers will be difficult to find”) and http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-a-selloff-in-european-banks-is-ominous-2016-02-07 (“Why a selloff in European banks is ominous”—”European banks have been caught in a perfect storm of market turmoil”—”‘The current environment for European banks is very, very bad'”—”The doom-and-gloom outlook for banks comes as the stock market has had an ominous start to the year. East or west, investors ran for the exit in a market marred by panic over tumbling oil prices and signs of sluggishness in China. But for Europe’s banking sector, the new year has started even worse, sending the bank index down 23% year-to-date”—”[I]ts worrisome, because banks are much more important for the credit mechanism in the economy here in Europe than it is in the U.S. There, you have a capital market where it’s easier to issue corporate bonds and get funding outside the commercial banking system. We don’t have that to the same extent in Europe, and therefore [the current weakness] is a little bit scary”)) and http://news.yahoo.com/russia-shuts-down-two-more-banks-093516555.html (“Russia shuts down two more banks“) and http://news.yahoo.com/greek-stock-market-falls-sharply-banking-sector-meltdown-001624353.html (“Greek stock market falls sharply on banking sector meltdown“)
As I have said in comments above, while the United States will not be hit as hard as other countries and regions of the world (e.g., Russia, emerging countries), it will be hurt too.
A “perfect storm” has been gathering for a long time now; and when it hits with its full force and fury, 2008 may seem like a “blip” by comparison.
Hold on tight. Things may get very scary!
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Why Is America So Angry? [UPDATED]
The UK’s Telegraph has an fascinating article on this subject, which states:
See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/12147570/America-Barack-Obama-Donald-Trump-Why-is-America-so-angry.html (“The American people have had enough and are turning on their government”) (emphasis added; graphs omitted); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/poverty-in-america/#comment-7646 (“The Surging Ranks Of America’s Ultrapoor”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/the-obama-great-depression/#comment-8114 (“WORLD ECONOMY IN DEATH SPIRAL, THE PERFECT STORM OF 2016“)
First, Donald Trump and this article are correct. He has tapped into the anger of Americans, which is present in other countries too. The United States is not alone.
Second, there is no question that Barack Obama is hated. Not since the hatred of Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon has America witnessed such unbridled hatred of its president.
Part of it is owing to Obama’s racism, which has reignited racism in America. He has been a divider, not a healer, which was foretold in his book “Dreams from My Father” that set forth his core racist beliefs.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
Third, the hatred of American government is deep; and rightly so, it reaches all levels of government—from Congress through our dysfunctional and corrupt judiciary.
[Melania and Donald Trump]
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America’s Wars [UPDATED]
Patrick J. Buchanan—an adviser to Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, and a former GOP presidential aspirant himself—has written:
See http://buchanan.org/blog/how-republics-perish-124781 (“How Republics Perish“) (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/america-a-rich-tapestry-of-life/#comment-7766 (“American Strength“)
The United States is by far the strongest country in the world, both economically and militarily. However, if the Vietnam War taught us anything—after more than 58,000 Americans were killed there, and more than 300,000 were wounded, not counting the “walking wounded” and suicides after that war—it is that American military might must be used intelligently and responsibly.
The Iraq War taught us similar lessons; and the Afghan War has taught us too.
Each American life that is lost or maimed is precious, and cannot be replaced. The Middle East is a quagmire, and not our fight anymore. The United States is the largest energy producer in the world once again, and essentially energy independent. We do not need the region.
The murderous Putin and Russia are in a death spiral from which they will not recover. They will leave the Middle East in body bags, just as the USSR left Afghanistan in defeat and humiliation—with the Soviet Union collapsing after that.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/the-death-of-putin-and-russia-the-final-chapter-of-the-cold-war/ (“The Death Of Putin And Russia: The Final Chapter Of The Cold War“); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/china-is-americas-enemy-make-no-mistake-about-that/ (“China Is America’s Enemy: Make No Mistake About That“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/22/the-next-major-war-korea-again/ (“The Next Major War: Korea Again?“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/ (“EMP Attack: Only 30 Million Americans Survive“)
The world is a very dangerous place today, and it will get much worse before things get better. The coming global economic collapse will contribute mightily to chaos and helter skelter, both domestically and globally.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/the-obama-great-depression/ (“The Obama Great Depression“)
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Hi, Timothy. I was actually responding to your article about a U Boat being discovered in Lake Ontario and ended up by an older article. This is fascinating and probably shouldn’t be surprising, given their military technological innovation to this day. The St. Lawrence Seaway, which I last saw in 1999 when I took my family on a vacation to Quebec, is certainly as strategic a waterway as North America has.
Here’s a bit of related irony regarding that German U Boat, and a warning of nuclear dangers. I’m not a fan of either the Israeli or Iranian gov’t and know the history of both, but the following is just factual. I’ve been following the many leaks (intentional, perhaps) of Israels nuclear development and they do have a full Triad.
Germany has built them Dolphin I and Dolphin II diesel powered submarines with Cruise Missiles. Der Spiegal’s investigative reporters did a big story a few years ago in which German gov’t officials admitted they knew that Israel put nuclear warheads on them after delivery. It’s well publicized that Israelis modifications of Cruise Missiles to their “Popeye” versions of it have a proven range of 1800 kilometers. It was also reported in the MSM that their German made subs have been able to get thru the Suez Canal (it wasn’t clear if this was with or without Egyptian permission). In addition, the Dolphin II subs can stay submerged for several months at a time.
While no reporter that I know of has speculated on the implications, the first thing that came to my mind is the picture of Israeli Dolphin II subs in the Persian Gulf near the coast of Iran, hidden away, in case it’s believed Iran has the Bomb, and this would also give them Second Strike Capacity, as we called it during the Cold War. Our many concerns in the world are very real, but they pale in comparison to the possibility of a nuclear exchange or a preemptive nuclear strike in the Middle East. I don’t trust at least half of the nuclear powers in the world.
Thanks as always for your informative articles.
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Thank you as always, Jonathan. Happy Easter to you and your family.
Yes, I posted the comments about the German U-boat and tweeted about it, after the article had been sent to me by a hiking friend. However, like so much on the Web these days (e.g.. fraud, impersonation, phishing), it turned out to be a hoax. The same friend got back to me within hours with a link to Snopes.com.
See http://www.snopes.com/nazi-sub-found-in-great-lakes/ (“[T]he Nazi sub story was entirely fabricated. The article used an unrelated image of a rusting, decommissioned Russian submarine from the Cold War era to illustrate the claim, not a picture of a genuine World War II-era German U-boat. World News Daily Report is a fake news site that regularly publishes wild and sensational false claims to drive social media share-based traffic and generate thereby ad revenues”)
Thus, I pulled both the comments and the tweet; and I apologize to you and others.
Nonetheless, the “fictional” story was important because it underscores how vulnerable we are to attacks by our enemies; and that the recent attacks on Belgium and France could have happened here. Indeed, as 9/11 recedes in the memories of many Americans, we must remember that the attacks on Pearl Harbor came on Sunday morning, December 7, 1941; and that we must remain ever vigilant.
I agree completely with your statement:
The Middle East is a powder keg, which is apt to become decisively worse. My greatest concern for the safety and well-being of Americans and the United States is an EMP Attack, which could be launched from a barge off our Atlantic or Pacific coasts, or in the Gulf of Mexico or the Sea of Cortez.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/ (“EMP Attack: Only 30 Million Americans Survive”)
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Why Americans Hate Government [UPDATED]
The Wall Street Journal has an article with this title, which is not worth reading.
See http://www.wsj.com/articles/why-americans-hate-government-1459117724
The Journal‘s editorial board and the GOP “establishment” Neanderthals (e.g., Karl Rove, Bill Kristol, George Will) are out of touch with America.
When everything is said and done, the Murdochs—who own both the Journal and FOX—should dispense with the services of every one of them, in perpetuity.
They have no clues about the depth of the anger that is welling up among Americans of all political stripes—be they supporters of Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders, or the uncommitted.
Given the mounting evidence of Hillary Clinton’s criminality, if she is not indicted, the haters of government are apt to become enraged.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/washington-is-sick-and-the-american-people-know-it/#comment-8525 (“Will Hillary Clinton Fry?“)
Government does not work. Those of us who have served on Capitol Hill and worked with other organs of federal government learned this years ago. State and local governments are every bit as bad, if not worse. The government that governs least truly governs best.
Trump and Sanders have caught the waves of political discontent in this country. But we have not seen anything yet, compared with what is coming.
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Trump Is Right Again: Screw The Saudis Who Gave Us 9/11! [UPDATED]
The New York Times has reported:
See http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/16/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-warns-ofeconomic-fallout-if-congress-passes-9-11-bill.html?_r=0 (“Saudi Arabia Warns of Economic Fallout if Congress Passes 9/11 Bill“) (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/the-obama-great-depression/#comment-8654 (“FINANCIAL ARMAGEDDON?“)
ALL Saudi assets in the United States should be frozen, and the 28 pages of the report—and other documents relating to the Saudis’ complicity in the attacks on our great nation—must be released immediately.
As many Americans know, there is reason to believe that Franklin D. Roosevelt had advanced warning of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, yet did nothing about it.
The American people must know the truth. Donald Trump is correct, again!
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/barack-obama-is-a-lame-duck-president-who-will-not-be-reelected/#comment-1396 (“Obama Is Bowing Again . . . This Time To The Saudis“)
[Sen. Bob Graham + CIA Robert Baer: 9/11 Saudi Connection, published on September 20, 2015]
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Man Who Choked 8-Year-Old Girl In Women’s Restroom Stokes Alarm Over Transgender Access
Valerie Richardson has reported for the Washington Times:
See http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/may/14/man-who-choked-girl-in-womens-restroom-stokes-alar/ (emphasis added)
First, Barack Obama is a black racist. If you have any doubts whatsoever, please read his book “Dreams from My Father,” which is summarized in the article below, with direct quotes and page cites.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/ (“Is Barack Obama A Racist?“)
Second, he is the worst president in U.S. history, and the most divisive. Americans are counting the days, quite literally, until his presidency ends and he never darkens the corridors of the White House again.
Third, are the United States and other countries going to skew time-tested rules to accommodate the “freaks of nature” in this world? Time will tell.
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Hi, Timothy.
The US uses troops to prop up the brutal Saudi Kingdom still, even though we’re now energy independent. The current reason, however bizarre, is that this slave state (referring to women there) is seen as keeping the Middle East stable. The President should not interfere with the Congressional bill to allow Saudis to be held responsible for 9/11 in court, it’s a great idea.
Democrats who don’t support the bill and interfere with overriding a Presidential veto will probably be attacked by Democratic voters at once in this case, we do remember 9/11. If US assets, which should never have been sold to the Saudis in the first place, are sold, we should simply first confiscate those assets at once. I doubt anyone outside of the Persian Gulf (West coast) would defend the widely hated Saudis and care that we did this. Then, sell those assets to any corporate US bidder and let the Saudis go into extreme Recession.
The Saudis will not stay in power without our troops there (and having them there is treason, I believe). Their economy is greatly weakened due to energy prices and unrest within the Kingdom is near. Americans should welcome this make it clear its what they want, and our troops should be pulled out right away, leaving these butchers to their fate. This is an election year, after all, and Americans will love this.
Your candidate Trump………..if elected, what would he do? Due to Bernie supporters refusing to support Hillary, I admit Trump will likely win.
Nice to write to you as always, Timothy. Our grandson is visiting, and I just learned he’s now registered to vote and wants my advice!………… Jonathan
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Thank you as always, Jonathan, for your comments.
First, I am pleased to hear that your grandson is visiting. Based on your previous comments, I know how important he is. Also, the fact that he wants your political advice is a revelation. Be careful what you say. 🙂
Second, with respect to Saudi Arabia, I am aware of credible reports that the kingdom will not survive, which—if true—mean that there will be vastly more chaos in a region of the world that is coming apart at the seams already.
Third, the only American interest in the region, or so I believe, is to prevent vast economic resources from falling into the hands of our enemies. Europe depends on the region’s oil, which is one of the reasons why we are there at all.
Fourth, regarding the Saudis’ involvement with 9/11 and the ability of Americans to sue, the only constraint that I see involves Americans being sued abroad by citizens of other countries. Once the floodgates are opened, the lawyers of the world will go wild; and there may be no end to the litigation and legal chaos.
Fifth, If one were to make moral judgments about the countries of the region, few if any would pass the test. All “discriminate.”
Sixth, as I stated above in response to your earlier comments:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/ (“EMP Attack: Only 30 Million Americans Survive”)
Lastly, enjoy your time with your grandson. Perhaps he will have some good advice for you too. 🙂
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Thanks for your reply, appreciate it, Timothy.
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Terrorist Attacks: Are The Mega-Cruise Ships Next? [UPDATED]
[Harmony of the Seas]
As these comments are written, searchers are scouring the Mediterranean for wreckage of an Airbus A320, EgyptAir flight MS804, which crashed off the Greek island of Karpathos en route from Paris’ Charles De Gaulle Airport to Cairo, killing all 66 people on board.
See, e.g., http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/7160744/Pictured-British-victim-of-EgyptAir-flight-MS804-named-as-40-year-old-doctors-son-Richard-Osman.html (“Cockpit battle for life: 66 including Brit dad die after Flight MS804 crashes in sea as fears grow that hijakers fought crew”—”A life-or-death struggle between hijackers and the crew as the plane plummeted from the sky was emerging as the most likely cause”—”‘How long will Egypt live if human lives are so cheap?'”—”Ten crew on board included three sky marshal security staff, who would have been in the thick of any fight”)
The four coordinated terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001 (or “9/11”), involving four passenger airliners (i.e., American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 that crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; American Airlines Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon; United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania) “claimed the lives of 2,996 people (including the 19 hijackers) and caused at least $10 billion in property and infrastructure damage and $3 trillion in total costs.”
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks (“September 11 attacks“)
Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Harmony of the Seas, made its debut today on its pre-inaugural sailing out of Southampton, England. “[W]ith a passenger capacity of 5,479 guests at double occupancy (it fits 6,780 guests total) and 2,100 crew members, Harmony is now the world’s largest cruise ship.”
See http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/19/travel/harmony-of-the-seas-worlds-biggest-cruise-ship/ (“On board the world’s biggest cruise ship“)
Imagine terrorists targeting such mega-cruise ships—in a much more sophisticated and deadly manner than the USS Cole was targeted in the Yemeni port of Aden—and sinking them, and killing all passengers aboard.
See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing (“USS Cole bombing”)
Even worse, of course, would be nation-ending EMP or nuclear attacks.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/ (“EMP Attack: Only 30 Million Americans Survive“)
There are a myriad of factors that are triggering and contributing to the Helter Skelter that is described in the article above, which cast a pall over the world today. The economic storm that has been gathering for years now is prominent among them. Its effects may be truly catastrophic.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/the-obama-great-depression/ (“The Obama Great Depression“)
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Well, Timothy, good timing lol…….we’re taking our grandson on a cruise in a week as a High School graduation present! Anyway, I never worry about terrorism or other disaster as a personal philosophy (when your time is up it’s up), although we’ve traveled to many places where terrorist attacks took place right where we were, before or after we were there. But this is everywhere now.
The monster mega ships…..I’ve always wondered why we’ve been fortunate that no one has attacked them…….terrorists like body count in high profile areas, and a giant ship has tons of people in one densely packed space in isolated spots with little security……..Most of our trips aren’t cruises, but we avoid the supersized ships as it’s annoying to get around them. I’m afraid the mega ships are a perfect target, vulnerable and full of people in poor physical shape who are kind of spoiled. Sports stadiums would be vulnerable too but the crowd there would be tougher, the kind of people who would fight back.
Hillary vs. Trump………..well, our wars provoke most terrorism more than stop terrorism………..Hillary is too pro war and Trump is an unknown factor who seems to know little about other cultures and military matters. but would probably pick people who did know. Traditionally, voters look to Republicans for security and Democrats for economics. I wish we had better choices but it is what it is.
You know, I didn’t vote for Nixon but despite his many faults, he would do very well in today’s climate, a tough hard liner who could make peace with enemies. We didn’t appreciate his accomplishments.
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Thank you, Jonathan, for your comments.
I agree completely with everything you have said, except regarding Trump and security. I believe he will protect us, and not be “trigger happy.”
I gave the same gift to my daughter when she graduated from high school. She and a friend had a marvelous cruise through the Caribbean; and we met them when they returned to Miami.
Have a wonderful and safe trip. 🙂
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Thanks, Timothy for your good wishes!
I’m pretty much resigned to the likelihood of a Trump Presidency. The Democrats are too divided to win.
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Thank you as always, Jonathan.
The Clintons are so fatally flawed that one hardly knows where to start.
Clearly, the women’s vote is very important; and both Clintons have atrocious records there.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/11/boycott-the-gop-and-ignore-foreign-naysayers/#comment-8845 (“A MUST READ: Treatment Of Women – Trump v. Clintons”)
If she is not indicted, I believe she will sink of her own dead weight. She is not a “charming rogue,” which is what kept Bill “afloat” long after any other politician would have sunk beneath the waves.
I would like to see Bernie take her out, so the contest becomes Sanders v. Trump. It would be exciting and energized: two very different visions for the future of our country.
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Hi, Timothy. Bernie would be my first choice to vote for. I was an independent but wasn’t able to vote for him in the AZ primary, which was a disaster, with Independents banned, most polling places shut down on election day and people’s registrations changed without permission. This benefited Hillary and wiped out Bernies chances. So I returned reluctantly to the Democratic party to avoid this again, as I hadn’t missed an election since 1972.
Bernie has been hampered as independents make up a lot of his support and they’ve been banned from half the nations primaries. Also superdelegates are a big thing in the DNC, and are usually party hacks who pick the party favorite.
I don’t really think Bernie can keep his promises, as they would require a Scandinavian style tax rate and Americans seem more adverse to taxes than Europeans do. However, his honesty and non interventionist views, and even handed views vis a vis Israel and Palestine appeal to me. Trump probably not either, as he has no plans for a lot of his proposals. But campaign promises are rarely kept by anyone.
The reason I’m kind of resigned to Trump winning although I’m against his views (okay for us to agree to disagree on him), is that the Democratic party will remain divided so that Hillary will not get enough votes to win.
I don’t believe in the accuracy of polls……..twice a pollster called me to canvass my views. In each case, when they each learned I was an old white man, one just hung up and the other say good bye first! They forget that my demographic is the most likely to vote, and we grew up in the 60s, so aren’t necessary conservative.
A Bernie nomination will be very tough to achieve at this point due to delegates. However, I agree with you that a Bernie vs. Trump contest would make most Americans very happy, and record turnouts to vote would be likely.
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Thank you as always, Jonathan.
Yes, indeed, we can agree to disagree. 🙂
I like Bernie, as I have said before, and hope that he is the Dems’ nominee in the final analysis. I believe he is a good man, albeit far to the left of me.
He is like a nice old Berkeley radical.
I did not vote in 1972 either.
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Zika Crisis: Rio Olympics Should Be Moved Or Postponed [UPDATED]
This is the title of a BBC News article, which states:
See http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36401150 (emphasis added); see also http://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/36361506 (“Rio 2016: Rory McIlroy may reject Olympics over Zika virus”—”McIlroy said that there is going to be ‘a point in the next couple of years’ where he and fiancee Erica Stoll may think about starting a family. ‘Right now, I’m ready to go but I don’t want anything to affect that,’ he said. . . . He was speaking just hours after securing his first Irish Open title”—”Fiji’s Vijay Singh and Australian Marc Leishman have already pulled out of the Rio Games because of the Zika virus”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/28/who-and-ioc-accused-of-cover-up-over-zika-virus-threat-to-rio-ol/ (“WHO and IOC accused of ‘conflict of interest’ over Zika virus threat to Rio Olympics athletes and fans”—”WHO said yesterday that postponing or moving the Rio Olympics would not stop the further spread of Zika. And it added that the virus will inevitably reach other continents, regardless of whether the Games are staged in Brazil or not”—”In a damning assessment of the relationship between the WHO and the IOC, the letter [signed by 150 international doctors, scientists and researchers] questions whether the UN health agency is able to give a non-biased view of the situation”—”Zika can cause birth defects, including a devastating syndrome known as microcephaly in which babies are born with unusually small heads and brains”) and http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/7183623/Andy-Murray-to-seek-medical-advice-over-Zika-virus-risk-before-confirming-hell-head-to-Rio-for-Olympics.html (“Tennis ace Andy Murray to seek medical advice over Zika risk before confirming he’ll go to Rio for Olympics“) and http://www.ktvz.com/sports/gasol-may-skip-olympics-because-of-zika/39789524 (“Gasol may skip Olympics because of Zika”—”Bulls center said other athletes have said they may not attend”—”‘Some of these athletes are planning to have children in the near future and this could affect them, it could affect the health of their kids and their wives,’ Gasol said at an event in Madrid. ‘Their health should come first'”) and https://www.yahoo.com/news/brazils-rio-state-declares-financial-disaster-games-215847439.html (“Brazil’s Rio state declares financial disaster before Games“)
McIlroy and other athletes may be wise not to attend the Olympics.
Indeed, it may be best to postpone them because of Zika, or shift their location, albeit the latter alternative may be impossible due to the looming starting date of August 5, 2016.
See also http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3614551/Zika-expert-warns-Britons-think-twice-trips-Disney-World-virus-set-reach-US.html (“Zika expert warns Britons to ‘think twice’ about trips to Disney World because the virus is set to reach the US”—”Those considering holidays to southern states including Texas, Louisiana and Florida – which contains Miami, Cape Canaveral and the Florida Keys – should look at alternatives, said Professor Jimmy Whitworth of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. There is currently no evidence that mosquitoes on the US mainland are infected with the virus . . . [b]ut Prof Whitworth said he believed the situation could change as the summer heat builds and – with it – the number of mosquitoes. His assessment is backed by US scientists”—”Zika is carried by the Aedes aegypti species of mosquito, which has swept the virus throughout South and Central America, and the Caribbean. Transmission is now occurring in Mexico, on the US’s southwestern border, and Cuba in the east, 90 miles from Key West. . . . ‘If you are not pregnant or not thinking of getting pregnant, then I don’t think it is something to worry about,’ he said”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/golf/2016/06/22/rory-mcilroy-pulls-out-of-rio-olympics-due-to-zika-virus-fears/ (“Rory McIlroy pulls out of Rio Olympics due to Zika virus fears“) and http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/list-of-possible-zika-birth-defects-grows-longer/ (“List of Possible Zika Birth Defects Grows Longer”—”[E]ven when Zika-exposed babies are born without microcephaly and appear largely normal at birth they can go on to have health issues including seizures and developmental delays that only become apparent in the weeks and months after birth”) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/zika-fears-are-growing-among-women-in-u-s-1467298677 (“Zika Fears Are Growing Among Women in U.S.“) and https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/1604764/official-warn-of-rampant-spread-of-head-shrinking-virus-in-us-territory-puerto-rico/ (“Official expects 1 in 4 people to be infected with Zika virus in US territory of Puerto Rico by end of year“)
______
About | Zika virus
The most common symptoms of the Zika disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes), usually lasting from several days to a week, and most patients don’t need hospitalisation. However the outbreak in Brazil has led to instances of Guillain-Barre syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects
How it spreads
• Through mosquitoes, which mostly spread the virus during the day
• Through sexual transmission
• Mosquitoes also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses
• There is no vaccine
How to prevent it
• Avoid getting mosquito bites by using insect repellants, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• Use air conditioning and/or a window screen to keep mosquitoes outside
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net
• Reduce the number of mosquitoes by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or bucket
Source: UK Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
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Hello, Timothy. I just read your statement on the Olympic games matter regarding Brazil (we were out of town taking our graduated grandson on a cruise to Mexican beach towns and back, didn’t buy ship Wi Fi).
With scientific organizations on both sides having different opinions, I’d have to defer my own opinion on the games being played there. Brazil historically has been a major sports venue, and Maracana, the gigantic stadium in the photo, has been the world center of Soccer cups. So the political fallout in and out of Brazil would be significant, I don’t think a country ever had to give up an Olympics already being organized there before.
The country has always had a huge income disparity highlighted by major international sporting and entertainment events that occur there. World economists were aghast at the current President, now being impeached, being re-elected despite a dismal record. So the political backdrop under way will probably interact in some unpleasant way with the Olympic and Zika controversy.
We traveled in Brazil in 2006 and saw a local soccer game in Maracana. Their soccer is more violent than our hockey or football and the fans are even scarier than the players.
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Thank you, Jonathan. I hope the trip was wonderful! 🙂
Yes, Zika presents some real problems for athletes who are contemplating starting young families, such as Golf’s #3 Rory McIlroy.
As you say, Brazil could be hit very hard by this.
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Has Europe Begun To Die?
Patrick J. Buchanan—an adviser to Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, and a former GOP presidential aspirant himself—has written:
See http://buchanan.org/blog/will-always-england-125299 (“Will There Always Be an England?“) (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-8263 (“The EU And Brexit“)
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More Un-American Islamophobia And Fear [UPDATED]
In a Wall Street Journal editorial, it is stated:
See http://www.wsj.com/articles/jihad-in-orlando-1465772204 (“Jihad in Orlando“) (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/06/islamophobia-is-un-american/ (“Islamophobia Is Un-American“); but see http://buchanan.org/blog/islam-west-irreconcilable-conflict-125343 (“Islam & the West: Irreconcilable Conflict?”—”The more Islamic the West becomes, the less it remains the West”)
This is not a “Mary Poppins” world in which we live.
Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities are hated in America and globally—for religious and a whole host of other reasons—and no amount of “political correctness” is going to change that fact.
One can stick one’s head in the sand and deny that such over-arching prejudices exist, but they do. To think otherwise is delusional. On a higher plane, each of us is a child of God, free to pursue our lives and dreams as we see fit. We have free will, to choose our own paths, with which others may not agree.
To take the Islamophobic approach that the Journal has in this editorial—as well as in so many articles by Bret Stephens, in particular—is patently absurd and ignorant. There are 1.8 billion followers of Islam in this world; and to target or stigmatize them is un-American, at the very least.
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/06/islamophobia-is-un-american/#comment-7908 (“The Ugly Face of Islamophobia: Wall Street Journal’s Bret Stephens“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/06/islamophobia-is-un-american/#comment-8058 (“More Islamophobia From The Wall Street Journal And Bret Stephens“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/31/is-israel-doomed/#comment-8012 (“Is The Wall Street Journal Islamophobic?“)
This editorial states:
Entrapment is illegal in the United States, but the Journal‘s editors do not care.
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Hi, Timothy.
We’ve had mass murders in the US for perhaps two generations now, many of the early ones being marginalized students killing their teachers and fellow students, starting with a 12 and 14 year old in Arkansas. In my psychology field, the copycat phenomena was very important. Mentally deranged people and adolescents (we can assume many terrorists fall in the first category) will often act when they read about others like them committing mass killings or suicide. Savvy schools (not many of them around) recognize that a student shooting or suicide will lead to more and bring in experts to intervene ahead of time.
In the juvenile facilities I worked in, when a suicide occurred, we would evaluate everyone for suicidal intentions and place precautions on the higher risk ones. Everything else was put aside as this was done. Murders have the same level of copycat behavior, and lone terrorists like the current one are very vulnerable to this influence.
As for the FBI, I’m also reminded that the 9/11 hijackers went to flight school in my own metro area in Arizona on legal visas from Saudi Arabia. A local FBI agent reported them to superiors as being suspicious….for one thing, they took no classes on landing. He was disregarded by his superiors and the rest is horrid history.
I have little confidence in either candidates ability to handle these things. I think one will overreact and the other will under react. I admit this would be a good time for a Reagan kind of leader but we haven’t anyone like that. The current catastrophe will probably aid Trumps campaign.
On a different note in a previous comment of yours, McGovern vs. Nixon was my very first election. I voted for McGovern as I was anti war, knowing he would lose but voting anyway. In my own state elections, our Democrats are of poor material and lazy, while the Republicans are too anti education so I’ve sometimes written in a candidate.
Thanks for all the good ideas in your Blog material! Jonathan.
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Thank you for your comments as always, Jonathan, and for your kind words.
Yes, all too often those who commit horrendous crimes slip through the cracks and are not dealt with before their acts occur. But as you say, others are anticipated effectively.
It is my belief that no president can “lead” with mental health issues. Perhaps Trump will sensitize Americans to be more alert, but that can be a “double-edged sword” too, as innocent people are subjected to increased scrutiny by their peers.
And yes too, I believe Trump will benefit politically.
I could not vote for McGovern, albeit he was liked by his colleagues in the Senate. He was too far to the left for me, even though I had come to the conclusion that the Vietnam War was hopeless.
I had three chances to vote for Nixon, but never did, although I believe many of his post-presidency foreign policy views were prescient.
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Is Islamic Terror America’s Future? [UPDATED]
Patrick J. Buchanan—an adviser to Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, and a former GOP presidential aspirant himself—has written:
See http://buchanan.org/blog/islamic-terror-americas-future-125352 (emphasis added); see also http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/06/17/obama-admin-pace-issue-one-million-green-cards-migrants-majority-muslim-countries/ (“Obama Admin. On Pace to Issue One Million Green Cards to Migrants from Majority-Muslim Countries“)
Sobering thoughts to ponder, indeed.
Imagine, just imagine, a nation-ending EMP Attack launched from a barge—in the Gulf of Mexico, the Sea of Cortez, or off our Atlantic or Pacific Coasts—consisting of one nuclear warhead attached to a single missile that might shut down much of the country and kill all except 30 million Americans.
This is why it is so vital to elect a president like Donald Trump, who will not cower or fail to arm our military with everything that it needs to fight conventional and asymmetric wars of the present and the future.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/ (“EMP Attack: Only 30 Million Americans Survive“); but see https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/06/islamophobia-is-un-american/ (“Islamophobia Is Un-American“)
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The EU’s Death: Brexit Passes, Trump Elated!
The UK’s Daily Mail has reported:
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3657605/UK-pound-takes-wild-ride-EU-referendum-results-come-in.html (“David Cameron says he will QUIT as British Prime Minister after voters trigger a political earthquake by backing Brexit in historic referendum which sparked global Black Friday panic“) (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-8890 (“Has Europe Begun To Die?“)
Good riddance to David Cameron, and long live Brexit!
The EU has become a bureaucratic nightmare, encroaching on everything that moves. Indeed, the Germans lost World War II militarily, but they have achieved a stranglehold over their neighbors through the EU.
Today, Europe is defenseless, a mere shadow of its former self. The EU should be scuttled and replaced by a robust NATO with its member states owning up to their obligations and responsibilities, as Donald Trump has advocated/demanded.
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Hello, Timothy.
I agree with some of that message, except that I think Trump is an opportunist using it without understanding it…..so let me get my rant on him out of the way and than take a more positive note……….I still think he plays on people’s fears and even used the Orlando shootings as a political attack and campaign fodder, but doesn’t really understand any of the events happening in the US and world……..an anecdote from the US Hispanic press; when he went to Scotland to see about buying land to expand his golfing property, the nearby landowners continued their policy of refusing him. This last visit, they put up Mexican Flags on their property facing his, to insult him.
Trump apparently isn’t very funded at this time for a general campaign, and the GOP has a lot of concerns over this….there may still be dissension at the Convention over freeing delegates. Notice how the usually passive Democrats are now emboldened to defy Paul Ryan with demonstrations in the House now that he gave up his own beliefs to support Trump for party unity? Ryan is less respected now by Republicans, I think. I used to respect him a great deal for his intelligence and maturity and opposition to racism in the ranks.
Anyway, on a note of irony, my wife is a Mexican Immigrant from a middle class, well educated family in Mexico (mostly business owners, a few of whom are wealthy and come to the US for shopping trips; recently we hosted two of them overnight at our home in Arizona).
My wife and I both despise Trumps racism towards Hispanics, but she actually agrees with him about Muslims and immigration! This is also ironic, as we traveled thru 5 ME countries (Israel, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey and Jordan) in the years before the failed revolutions. However, ME refugees were never vetted here or in Europe, and It’s clear unrestricted immigration (ME refugees, some of whom were terrorists and Eastern Europeans looking for work) and the following terrorist attacks were a major factor in Brexit.
Anyway, it’s done, the UK will go to the conservatives over the next few months as Cameron winds down his career ahead of the transition. The Scots and Northern Ireland may vote again on independence in the next few years so as to stay in the EU and for Northern Ireland, to become part of the Irish Republic. The world will not end. The EU did end thousands of years of European wars, for which they got the Nobel Peace Prize, so a great deal of good came from it. Whether a global economy which the EU is a big part of, is good or bad in the long run, I don’t feel qualified to say.
As my wife and I invest a fair amount in stocks and to a lesser extent, bonds, we are concerned over today’s effect on them……….but our retirement incomes aren’t affected by stock fluctuations (I’m a retired gov’t worker with a pension among other incomes we both have), so it’s all good.
Thanks for your interesting and thoughtful (and provocative, we need that too) essays, Timothy!
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Thank you as always, Jonathan, for your comments and kind words.
First, you wrote:
This is true of every U.S. Senator and congressperson, and essentially all elected officials in our states and local governments; and it is true of our judiciary from top to bottom.
None of them are saints, or even remotely close. Indeed, some are downright evil.
Second, the rest of your first paragraph describes narrow-minded, petty people. They inhabit our globe.
Third, I have never respected Paul Ryan. He is a politician, pure and simple, who could not even carry his own state of Wisconsin for the Romney-Ryan ticket in 2012. End of story.
Hopefully he is a nice and decent family man. 🙂
Fourth, you have written:
I grew up in Southern California, where the Hispanic/Mexican influence is enormous. My favorite foods are Mexican; I love the missions, and spent time in one yesterday; and the titles to property in California show how they were part of old Spanish ranchos.
See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranchos_of_California#List_of_Spanish_era_concessions
They are wonderful people; and indeed, three of my grandchildren are one-fourth Mexican, stemming from their father’s mother, who grew up in East Los Angeles where she married her Irish sweetheart.
I have listened to all of Trump’s speeches online (see https://www.youtube.com/user/rightsideradio); and he is not a Hispanic racist. He is simply put, an “America firster.”
I had a long-time Irish Love from County Meath; and we lived together on the beach at Malibu, and traveled back and forth to the Emerald Isle. She could not get a Green Card, no matter how hard we tried (e.g., I hired an immigration lawyer).
Ireland had/has a lottery; and on a fluke, her sister tried once and received her Green Card. Thus, the sister could and did work in Malibu, while my Irish Love could not, even though we tentatively lined up a job for her in IT at Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus.
Following the rules seems to get one nowhere, while illegal immigrants flood our shores.
Fifth, my belief is that Boris Johnson will be the UK’s next PM, which may be a refreshing change.
Sixth, on my mother’s side of the family, they are British, Irish and Scots, the first of whom came to America from Bristol, England in 1760. I have visited all three “countries” many times, and would like to see an independent Scotland; the two parts of Ireland united; and possibly Wales become independent too.
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Thanks for the feedback, Timothy. I’ve been to England three times (the last two with my wife), and spent a day in Wales, but have not been to the other places. I agree it’s now best for Scotland and Northern Ireland to take those steps……….Scotland wants to remain in the EU and Northern Ireland has long been an unfinished solution towards Irish sovereignty. Sorry that you were not able to have your Irish lady become a permanent resident.
An anecdote on immigration contradictions;
We had two nephews from Mexico who lived with us for a year each on a student visa while teens,one after the other. When we took the first one to the local public high school, we offered to show our legal guardianship papers (provided by his mother thru a lawyer who was a family member in Mexico). We also had his VISA. The school accepted him as a student, but said they weren’t allowed to ask for any paperwork as to the legal status of a student, as it was considered discrimination! So, if he had been illegal with no papers, it wouldn’t have mattered……….bizarre.
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Thank you again, Jonathan.
I have been to Ireland 12 times, and to England more than that, and to Scotland twice.
My guess is that Scotland will vote for independence, and opt for the EU. My guess too is that the Republic and Northern Ireland will unite, and opt for the EU. What happens with Wales remains to be seen.
The biggest issues for Scotland involve the North Sea oil, and the Trident nuclear facilities at Clyde Naval Base on the west coast of Scotland.
See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trident_nuclear_programme (“Trident nuclear program me”)
The first times that I was in Ireland, those from the Republic (the southern two-thirds of the island) were often hesitant about going into the north. My Irish Love was.
Times have changed radically, such that the island should be integrated politically and legally.
I agree with your last paragraph; and what my Irish Love and I went through is mentioned in an earlier article.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/illegal-immigration-the-solution-is-simple/ (“Illegal Immigration: The Solution Is Simple”)
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Trump Hails Brexit, Which Could Foretell His American Election Victory [UPDATED]
Donald Trump has issued the following statement regarding Brexit:
See https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/donald-j.-trump-statement-regarding-british-referendum-on-e.u.-membership (“DONALD J. TRUMP STATEMENT REGARDING BRITISH REFERENDUM ON E.U. MEMBERSHIP“) (emphasis added)
Also, Katty Kay of the UK’s BBC World News has reported “Five reasons Brexit could signal Trump winning the White House”:
See http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-36564808?SThisFB (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-8981 (“The EU’s Death: Brexit Passes, Trump Elated!“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-8263 (“The EU And Brexit“) and http://www.cnbc.com/2016/06/24/alan-greenspan-says-british-break-from-eu-is-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg.html (“Alan Greenspan says British break from EU ‘is just the tip of the iceberg'”—”Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan told CNBC on Friday the U.K. vote to leave the European Union ushers in a period that’s even worse than the darkest days of October 1987″—”‘This is the worst period, I recall since I’ve been in public service,’ Greenspan said”—”‘There’s nothing like it, including the crisis — remember October 19th, 1987, when the Dow went down by a record amount 23 percent? That I thought was the bottom of all potential problems. This has a corrosive effect that will not go away'”—”The former Fed chairman said that the root of the ‘British problem is far more widespread.’ He said the result of the referendum will ‘almost surely’ lead to the Scottish National Party trying to ‘resurrect Scottish Independence.’ Greenspan said the ‘euro currency is the immediate problem.’ While the euro and the euro zone were major steps in a movement toward European political integration, ‘it’s failing,’ he said”) and http://www.nysun.com/foreign/magna-carta-moment-emerges-after-vote-on-the-brexit/89633/ (“Britain will regain its political freedom, its autonomous self-government, and its independence from an EU that is spinning out of control under the power of establishment elites, unelected and unaccountable socialist bureaucrats, and a judicial court that is increasingly making legal decisions that replace Britain’s powerful common law. The EU’s tax and regulatory policies, climate-change and welfare spending, and free immigration even in wartime are gradually ruining Europe”—”The business elites told British voters that leaving the EU would lead to economic catastrophe. Well, in England, Main Street defeated the establishment elites by sending a populist message”—”The EU needs Britain more than Britain needs the EU. The London Stock Exchange is one of the most powerful financial centers in the world. Frankfurt will never replace it”—”The American election in November may parallel the British story. Barack Obama, who insulted British voters by campaigning in London against Brexit, is a huge loser. Hillary Clinton will suffer from this. Donald Trump will benefit. . . . [W]atch for a full populist revolt in America this fall”) and http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/683224/END-OF-THE-EU-Germany-France-Austria-Hungary-Finland-Netherlands-Europe-Brexit (“END OF THE EU? Germany warns FIVE more countries could leave Europe after Brexit”—”France, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland and Hungary could leave”)
As Bob Dylan wrote in a song: “The Times They Are a-Changin.”
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Times_They_Are_a-Changin%27_(song)
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Britain Is Sailing Into A Storm With No One At The Wheel
This is the title of an article in the UK’s Economist, which states:
See http://www.economist.com/blogs/bagehot/2016/06/anarchy-uk (emphasis added)
This will get far far worse.
Scotland should split off; and Northern Ireland should join the Republic and form a united Ireland.
Both Scotland and new Ireland should join the EU, which ought to welcome them with open arms.
The UK in crumbling from within; and the monarchy should be booted out of Scotland, Ireland and Wales, with their properties seized for the good of the people—and no compensation paid.
After all, the monarchy bled the people for hundreds of years, and it is “payback time,” similar to what happened to the Russian Czar and his family.
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Did Hitler Win World War II After All?
The UK’s Express has reported:
See http://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/683739/EU-referendum-German-French-European-superstate-Brexit (“European SUPERSTATE to be unveiled: EU nations ‘to be morphed into one’ post-Brexit“)
Adolf Hitler lost World War II militarily. However, in the years that have ensued, has Germany won the war economically, and is it on the verge of producing a European “Superstate” the likes of which Hitler envisioned?
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Hi, Timothy.
I was surprised to see this information, it did seem ill timed for such a proposal. I do have skepticism of British tabloids, two of which published this story……….the Express and the Daily Mail. I went thru Google news to look up different sources.
We were last in England in 2009 and I read those papers in the breakfast room of our hotel in Southampton (we were going on a cruise from there, and my wife had suggested arriving a week early to explore West England). I didn’t think too much of the papers. The Politico today seemed to say the EU would ease up on restrictions to calm people down. The Guardian didn’t mention it. However, this excerpt from the BBC on line seemed to clarify;
“The foreign ministers of France and Germany have just authored a discussion paper setting out a blueprint for a “strong Europe in an uncertain world”, with an invitation to other EU countries to join “a political union”.
But their bosses, Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande, are wary. Very wary. Of further alienating a Eurosceptic public with suggestions of pooling even more national sovereignty.”
So it seems those ministers, like Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany, may have ridiculously overreached in a ill advised manner at the most inopportune time. Stenmeier was a “hawk” to Merkels “dove”.
I agree with your previous statements that there will be more independent movements. Such movements in Europe in the past have failed, but the above discussions from maverick foreign ministers certainly do the EU no favors. Merkel must have been privately furious at the timing and publicity.
As for old Adolph, where ever he is now (chuckling in hell?), I’m reminded of a novel I read and still own, “Fatherland” by Robert Harris (1992), a what if novel describing the world if Germany had won WWII, borrowing on the designs of the late Nazi war criminal, Albert Speer (I read his book, “Inside the Third Reich”, although it censored out his role in the Holocaust, which other sources verified. He has been released from prison after 20 years).
I recommend the Harris novel, although a movie based on it wasn’t that good. Jonathan.
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Thank you as always, Jonathan, for your comments.
Normally I do not give much credence to the Express or other UK tabloids, but I have found the Daily Mail to be quite accurate, and at times much more insightful than the American media including the Wall Street Journal. Indeed, I read selected articles in the Daily Mail at least once a day.
See http://www.naegele.com/links.html (“Links”)
I would like to see the EU and euro disappear, and a reinvigorated NATO reemerge to become the cornerstone of Europe once again, with each country doing its fair share, as Donald Trump has urged.
Albert Speer died in 1981, and I too read his book years ago and was impressed by it. At that time, I was trying to determine what made the German people “tick.”
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Speer
In the final analysis, I concluded that Germans are not monolithic. Northern Germans are often cold and not very friendly, while their southern counterparts are warm and gregarious. The teachings of Martin Luther undergird the north, while Catholicism undergirds the south, which is where my paternal ancestors (and their 16 children) hailed from in 1849 when they arrived in America.
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Brexit: Sovereign Kingdom Or Little England? [UPDATED]
This is the title of an article by the Washington Post‘s Charles Krauthammer:
See https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/brexit-sovereign-kingdom-or-little-england/2016/06/30/be86e5ba-3ef3-11e6-a66f-aa6c1883b6b1_story.html (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/11/boycott-the-gop-and-ignore-foreign-naysayers/#comment-8998 (“After Brexit, a Trump Path to Victory“)
First, Britain lost its empire. Now it is losing parts of its little island, with the distinct possibility that Wales will follow Scotland and Northern Ireland out the door.
The Queen and “Royal Family” should be booted out of each of these new countries; and their properties should be seized and converted into public parks.
At least they are likely to avoid the fate of the Russian Czar and his family; and of Putin and his cronies and thugs.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/the-death-of-putin-and-russia-the-final-chapter-of-the-cold-war/ (“The Death Of Putin And Russia: The Final Chapter Of The Cold War“)
With respect to the EU and euro, Adolf Hitler lost World War II militarily, but Germany won it economically by reason of its control of the EU and euro.
Now the EU must be replaced by a reinvigorated NATO.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-8997 (“Did Hitler Win World War II After All?“)
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:Hello, Timothy!
Just read your article. I have lots of somewhat disjointed thoughts on it. In retirement, I’m more than ever a political junkie and history buff (my field before retiring was as a professional counselor with degrees in Psychology at the Masters level; after 36 years, I never think about it anymore and focus on intellectual pursuits that have no relationship to my past profession. Burn out does occur, when one knows its time to call it a day.
Okay, now to Europe. I do think they earned their Nobel peace prize. The EU isn’t perfect, but it did end large wars as you noted, which reached their worst level in the 20th century. Their past aggression I would trace to the massive Sea People’s invasions, mostly Greek, that covered the entire Eastern Mediterranean 3200 years ago. Egypt successfully pushed them away for two generations but the Turks fell at Troy as did the Hittite Empire. I have the impression that some stayed in the temporarily occupied Levant, perhaps giving Philistines (today called Palestinians after the Romans renamed them for political reasons) some Greek ancestry added to their Arabic.
I think some type of union should stay, perhaps NATO (which I don’t have a high opinion of, but it has it’s uses), so Europe doesn’t sink into nationalistic wars again. The Brits always knew the English Channel was the physical and symbolic barrier that saved them in WWII (odd the Romans breached it, but not the WWII Germans). So they were never in all the way, as they avoided the Euro.
The United Kingdom is a politically correct term. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were never really equal to the power and control of England, with only a little bit more autonomy than Eastern Europe had under the Czars and Soviets. Northern Ireland has a place to go, of course, but Scotland may be pushed out of the North Sea oil fields by England if independent. We’ve been thru those fields on a cruise once. I don’t know if I can post a photo of that area here until I send this. If it doesn’t appear, sorry.
IMG_1387-1.jpg
The UK will find resistance to accessing the free market without compromises that that could defeat the purpose of independence (control of immigration, for example). There is publicity saying that promises by the Brexit advocates in the UK were deceptions.
The Globalization of the world economy has detractors on the left as well as the right; Many democrats oppose NAFTA and especially the Trans Pacific Trade Partnership, due to corporate powers overruling our environmental laws as they interfere with profit. Canada has been successfully sued by such interests when they wanted to limit the power of oil companies to engage in certain environmentally destructive activities. or so the Sierra Club informed us (I’m a local officer). Growing up, I remember countries had excellent trade with each other before globilization regulated it world wide.
Finally, I notice the Stock Market quickly recovered a fair amount of losses after a two day Brexit related drop. Perhaps the process of sell high to lock in profits and buy low during the following buying opportunity overrules world events, said without irony. As we invest in stocks (but are diversified with safer assets too), we like to follow this. As for the Brits, the next few years will be in “interesting times”……..which I think was also an old Chinese curse.
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Thank you, Jonathan. A belated Happy 4th to you and your family. 🙂
With respect to your first paragraph, I understand completely. There is so much wrong with the American legal system that when someone told me yesterday that it was no better than Russia, I had to agree. It is truly pathetic, principally because of our judiciary, many or most of whom should be removed from office.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/justice-and-the-law-do-not-mix/ (“Justice And The Law Do Not Mix”)
[Note: this article was published in Europe first: http://www.naegele.com/documents/Twill-Naegele-JusticeAndTheLawDoNotMix.pdf]
Second, as you know, the great Alexander controlled the known world; and he was probably the most important figure in history, aside from Jesus, as an article of mine contends.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/alexander-the-great/ (“Alexander the Great”)
Third, as I have written, NATO can be reinvigorated.
Fourth, with respect to your photo, it can be seen if you post a link.
Fifth, if Donald Trump is elected, we may see economic alliances with Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other English-speaking countries, which Obama spurned but others have been advocating for a long time now.
Lastly, I do not believe there is any rhyme or reason to the markets. I concluded years ago that the only people who make money there are those who trade on inside information, or are market makers.
See http://marketshadows.com/2012/05/21/greenspans-legacy-more-suffering-to-come/ (“Greenspan’s legacy: more suffering to come”—Interview with Timothy D. Naegele) or http://www.naegele.com/documents/InterviewwithTimothyD.Naegele-ilene–SeekingAlpha.pdf
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Will The West Survive The Century?
Pat Buchanan—an adviser to Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, and a former GOP presidential aspirant himself—has written:
See http://buchanan.org/blog/will-west-survive-century-125408
Barack Obama is the sickest of sick, racist human beings. If anyone has any doubts whatsoever, please read his book “Dreams from My Father,” which sets forth his core beliefs that undergird his life and presidency.
He grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia, and did not live on the American mainland until he attended Occidental College in Los Angeles and then Columbia University in New York City, during which time he admits to being a “druggie.”
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/ (“Junkie. Pothead. That’s where I’d been headed: the final, fatal role of the young would-be black man”)
He is a living and poignant symbol of what is wrong with the West, which—unless spurned and rejected completely—may lead to the West’s decline and disappearance as a great and lasting culture.
Who is a part of the West, and a Westerner? Anyone who embraces its culture, and fights for its future. Today I met three wonderful young men from Egypt who were studying in the States. If they and others like them embrace the West and its future, then they will be Westerners just like me, regardless of their heritage or country of origin.
In some ways that he may not understand fully, Barack Obama hates America and wants to change it forever. Thankfully his presidency is ending, and he will be gone from the White House, never to darken its corridors again.
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Police On High Alert Across America Following Dallas Massacre [UPDATED]
The UK’s Daily Mail has reported:
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3681287/Police-officers-alert-nationwide-wake-Dallas-shooting.html (“Black Lives Matter protesters sprayed with tear gas in Phoenix as rally spirals out of control and thousands demonstrate against police brutality, with cops on high alert following Dallas massacre“) (emphasis added)
There is a race war underway in the United States that has been spawned in no small part by the black racist Barack Obama, who is at the opposite end of the spectrum from Edward W. Brooke, the first black U.S. Senator following Reconstruction after the U.S. Civil War.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/edward-w-brooke-is-dead/ (“Edward W. Brooke Is Dead“)
Brooke was an American patriot. Obama is a divisive black racist. If you have any doubts whatsoever that he is a racist, and has been throughout his life, please read his book “Dreams from My Father,” which sets forth his core beliefs in his own words. They are shocking.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
Black-on-black crimes have terrorized America’s blacks for decades, striking especially hard at the elderly who are defenseless.
No mercy must be shown to those who perpetrate these and other crimes. “Black Lives Matter” must be snuffed out, and strewn on the dustheap of history, like other terrorist and racist groups before it.
I have been critical of the police ever since I investigated claims of police brutality in Los Angeles during the summer before the Watts Riots.
See, e.g., http://www.naegele.com/documents/Naegele-CivilianComplaintsAgainstthePoliceInLosAngeles.pdf (“Civilian Complaints Against the Police in Los Angeles“)
However, by and large, the police are wonderful, dedicated Americans who conduct themselves professionally and are there when we really need them—whether we are white, black or some other color of the rainbow.
I have only been to Dallas twice in my life, during two summers when I took depositions there. Because of the kindnesses that were shown to me, I have had a warm spot in my heart for Dallas and its people ever since.
Thus, the tragic killings have touched me, as I know they have touched so many other Americans from all walks of life, and of all colors and political persuasions. I grieve with the wonderful people of Dallas over what has happened, and pray for healing to take place, and a lessening of the stain of so much grief.
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Hi, Timothy. This is a subject where I leave my progressive ways and go “to the Right of Genghis Khan”, as the old joke goes.
In the Nationwide race riots of the summers of 1967 and 1968, major historic events excised out of the media and history books, we called them what they were; Race Riots. Over 100 died in each and cities like Detroit and Newark were effectively destroyed, never recovered, and today have few jobs and only half the population they had before the riots. My father was a small business owner in Newark and looters destroyed his livelihood; he had a small gun behind the register but knew it would be suicide if he used it. He left bankrupt but kept his life.
Today, race riots, violence, snipers and looters are called “protesters” and “demonstrators” by a fearful, corporate owned news media. The Media of the 60s and 70s had actual journalists who were free to tell the truth, whether about violence in the cities or lies about the Vietnam War. The police were right to break up these violence insurrections this week.
About the “shooter” in Dallas…….I don’t believe it was one sniper, not when all those police………and Texas police at that!………were shot. Whenever a riot happens, there are numerous snipers on tops of buildings, lots of look outs on the streets working for them, and organizers behind the scene arranging all this and keeping out of sight. This was a many person job and all but one got away. The police have to know this, it’s impossible they don’t………but the media is clueless as can be.
Trial by comment section and street violence is common, but real Constitutional due process usually finds the police officers, be they White, Black or Hispanic, were innocent and did what was what they had to do.
Michael Brown, the so called “unarmed teenager” was a gigantic adult gang leader under the influence with an ongoing history of violence and robbery. Having worked for many years in the Mental Health and Juvenile Justice field, I know such a person is as dangerous if not more so, than any firearm. Darren Wilson, who saved innocent lives by what he did, was not found guilty of any crime but lost his well deserved career. The parents, who neglected their terror of a son until the funeral, became rich for being the real people responsible for his death.
Well, that’s how I’ve felt about all this since the summer of 1967. Tragically, the police have been portrayed as the bad guys by the media, the Justice Dept and the ignorant masses. In the old days, the National Guard would have been called out for combat duty and know they were in a war zone, and the police would be heroes and martyrs.
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Thank you for your comments as always, Jonathan.
I am so sorry about what happened to your father.
By the time of those events, I “lived through” JFK’s assassaination (November 22, 1963), the Watts Riots in LA (summer 1965), the “Free Speech Movement” and anti-Vietnam War protests in Berkeley (when I was attending the law school there), and of course the riots in Washington, D.C. following the killing of Martin Luther King, Jr. (April 4, 1968, when I was an Army officer stationed at the Pentagon).
We may see more of those days ahead. However, this time white America is very angry; and our divisive president has poured fuel on the lingering fires and festering wounds of racial hatred.
Also, the media really does not count anymore. Americans get their news through so many different sources that the “fearful, corporate owned news media” may be on its last legs, and a creature of the past like the horse and buggy.
I agree completely with your comment:
You added:
You may be correct. I do not speculate.
I agree too with what you wrote:
Lastly, you wrote:
Again, I agree completely.
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Nobody is talking about the tragedy of Hilary Clinton being cleared of criminal charges, after the tragic shooting of 12 police officers in Dallas. I always found it odd how one tragedy can alleviate another.
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Well said, Rick.
Of course you are correct.
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Thanks for your very nice reply, Timothy!
Appreciate the response.
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The New Normal: Is Helter Skelter Sweeping The World?
My article above has predicted rising global chaos and helter skelter, stretching through the end of this decade and beyond.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/ (“Global Chaos And Helter Skelter“)
The Wall Street Journal has echoed this prediction:
See http://www.wsj.com/articles/europeans-question-if-terrorism-is-becoming-a-fact-of-life-1469282722 (“Europeans Question if Violence Is Becoming Fact of Life“) (emphasis added)
Violence will become the new normal, in Europe and the United States and around the world, unless draconian measures are taken to stop it.
This is why Donald Trump’s words and movement are resonating among Americans across the political spectrum: (1) “Reagan Democrats,” (2) the best of the GOP, and of course (3) the all-important Independent bloc of voters who comprise approximately 42 percent of Americans, according to Gallup polling.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/the-rise-of-independents/#comment-3244 (“Record-High 42 Percent Of Americans Identify As Independents”)
Americans want a real leader, not someone who panders to every group imaginable. This is among the many reasons why Hillary Clinton will be defeated, and Trump will be sworn in as our next president in January.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/washington-is-sick-and-the-american-people-know-it/#comment-7185 (“Clinton Fatigue”)
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Hello, Timothy.
I worked in the Psychology field for 36 years with very high risk people; mental health and Juvenile Justice. what does this have to do with the article? The news media has been misreporting for decades on the subject of mass murder and random violence against innocents, and in recent years, the word “terrorist”. It’s not really about politics and only occasionally about terrorist organizations but more often about a psychological process called the copycat factor.
I’m appalled that the psychological profession has failed to educate people about this, but most of them are perhaps too interested in college research or counseling neurotic housewives. Most don’t venture into high risk populations with few resources as I did all those years, so they’re not really learning about the real world.
When a mass killing occurs, the media publicizes it around the clock world wide. They glorify and romanticize the killer, telling their story for weeks on end. This encourages mentally deranged people to do the same to achieve that fame, even in death. This process is also very common in adolescents, who are often unstable as well.
For over 30 years we saw mass school shootings starting with Arkansas done by students who were socially isolated from others. When a suicide or murder is done by a school student, the chances of another skyrockets immediately. A few smart schools suffering this bring in experts to talk to all the students when this happens, but most don’t.
Most Muslims who have committed mass murders in various countries in the last number of years appeared to be clearly mentally ill with no connection to any actual terrorist group. They’re impressionable and can read the news like anyone else, so off they go. Groups like the Islamic state take advantage and claim responsibility, which our political parties and citizens fall for every time. The media reports this supposed connection, uncaring of what this does to our political and cultural system.
Unfortunately, the only solution is restrictions on news reporting, which is likely impossible here, and they won’t self police. They can’t be that stupid about what they’re doing so don’t care. Our candidates are all clueless on what’s going on and use it for election fodder.
The other major factor; Another major cause of all this is that mental health funding has steadily been reduced since the late 1970s at the federal and state level. Most are aware that it’s poorly funded but not the extreme and long term extend of this process. The most dangerous are the ones dependent on gov’t funding for treatment).
Lastly, I’ve probably mentioned I worked professionally in a Juvenile facility my last years in work. Although correctional, many or most had mental health problems and we’re the ones who had funding to treat them. Whenever we had a suicide (which sometimes led to federal lawsuits and more hiring of MH staff), we shut every other activity down and had professionals evaluate every single juvenile state wide in our facilities, putting some on a suicide watch. In a Correctional facility, there are no secrets and word spreads rapidly to already troubled youth with past trauma and psychological issues. We knew there would be copycats, and quickly.
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Thank you as always, Jonathan, for your excellent comments.
Based on what I know—which is obviously far less than your experience in the mental health field—your first full paragraph seems to sum up the present debate, and cut through all of the gibberish that appears in the global media.
Regarding your second full paragraph, you have essentially described the economics “profession” globally. They are like lemmings who follow the leader, and are at best risk averse.
Your third full paragraph warrants repeating:
The same is true of your fifth paragraph:
You added:
This is particularly true of California where—when he was governor—Ronald Reagan was responsible for turning mental health patients out on the streets. I voted for him as president, but disagree vehemently with what was done in California.
See http://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/30/science/how-release-of-mental-patients-began.html?pagewanted=all (“HOW RELEASE OF MENTAL PATIENTS BEGAN”)
Today, they wander the streets and are drawn to California’s weather; and my guess is they comprise a very large percentage of the State’s homeless community.
Your entire set of comments are important, and should be read and heeded by others. Thank you again for sharing.
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Thanks so much, Timothy. That response will give me a boosted ego and a swelled head………..will have to show it to my wife! Keep the interesting information coming, Timothy.
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Thank you, Jonathan. Show it to your grandson. 🙂
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Well said Jonathan, you show understanding and knowledge of the subject, The media needs to report the news, but they should stop publicizing the names and faces of the perps, therefore robbing them of the “glory”.
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By End of 2016 One In Four Puerto Ricans Will Be Infected By Zika Virus
The UK’s Sun has reported:
See https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/1604764/official-warn-of-rampant-spread-of-head-shrinking-virus-in-us-territory-puerto-rico/ (“Official expects 1 in 4 people to be infected with Zika virus in US territory of Puerto Rico by end of year“) (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-8876 (“Zika Crisis: Rio Olympics Should Be Moved Or Postponed“)
The United States needs to prepare for the tragic spread of Zika.
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The Traitor Obama Hands Over Internet To America’s Enemies
The Washington Examiner has reported:
See http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/america-to-hand-off-internet-in-under-two-months/article/2599521 (“America to hand off Internet in under two months“) (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/russias-putin-is-a-killer/#comment-4044 (“RUSSIA AND CHINA PUSH FOR CONTROL OF INTERNET“) and http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/915216/detainee-transfers-announced?source=GovDelivery (Obama seeks to close Guantanamo: “Detainee Transfers Announced”) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-transfers-15-guantanamo-bay-detainees-1471303872 (“U.S. Transfers 15 Guantanamo Bay Detainees“)
Barack Obama is a traitor, and a black racist.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
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FINANCIAL ARMAGEDDON: UPDATED
The UK Telegraph‘s International Business Editor in London, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, has written:
See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/09/08/ecbs-mario-draghi-has-run-out-of-magic-as-deflation-closes-in/ (“ECB’s Mario Draghi has run out of magic as deflation closes in“) (emphasis added; charts omitted); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/the-obama-great-depression/#comment-8654 (“FINANCIAL ARMAGEDDON?“) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-fed-insider-warns-of-the-risk-of-low-rates-1474196402 (“‘Should prevailing economic conditions change in response to a large negative economic shock, commercial real-estate prices could decline relatively quickly, leading to large losses at leveraged firms,’ [Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren] said in an Aug. 31 speech in Beijing. That, in turn, could trigger a broader economic downturn, he said”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/09/18/bis-flashes-red-alert-for-a-banking-crisis-in-china/ (“The Bank for International Settlements warned in its quarterly report that China’s ‘credit to GDP gap’ has reached 30.1, the highest to date and in a different league altogether from any other major country tracked by the institution. It is also significantly higher than the scores in East Asia’s speculative boom on 1997 or in the US subprime bubble before the Lehman crisis”—”Outstanding loans have reached $28 trillion, as much as the commercial banking systems of the US and Japan combined. The scale is enough to threaten a worldwide shock if China ever loses control. . . The BIS said there are ample reasons to worry about the health of world’s financial system”) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/banks-are-now-too-scared-to-even-make-money-1474277532 (“Banks Are Now Too Scared to Even Make Money“) and https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/condominiums-in-crisis-financial-troubles-put-many-communities-at-risk/2016/09/17/07ba32ac-6972-11e6-ba32-5a4bf5aad4fa_story.html (“Condominiums in crisis: Financial troubles put many communities at risk“) and http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-19/that-100-000-painting-bought-to-flip-yours-for-about-20-000 (Art market crash: “That $100,000 Painting Bought to Flip Is Now Worth About $20,000”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/09/13/oil-investment-crashes-to-60-year-low-incubating-next-energy-sho/ (“[Putin’s Russia] is burning through its Reserve Fund to cover a fiscal deficit, drawing down $6bn in August alone. There is only $32bn left”) and http://www.wsj.com/articles/londons-mega-mansion-owners-have-a-tough-time-selling-1476889789 (“London’s Mega-Mansion Owners Have a Tough Time Selling”)
At some point in time—in the not-too-distant future—the bottom will fall out. It is simply a function of time.
The storm clouds have been gathering globally for a long time now; and when the perfect storm hits, an economic tsunami will be unleashed that will roll the world’s financial markets, unlike anything that we have witnessed in our lifetimes.
The Fed and the other central banks will be helpless, and hopeless. One of the great worries in Washington for years is that there would be runs on the uninsured funds, which would be unstoppable, and massive panics would ensue.
Hold on tight. It will not be pretty when it hits; and the destruction of families and their lives, economically, will be unparalleled.
See, e.g., http://www.telegraph.co.uk/investing/funds/largest-property-fund-re-opens-following-investor-panic/ (A sign of things to come: “Largest property fund re-opens following investor panic”)
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Hello, Timothy. Although we’ve been investing since about 2009 (not a long time; we were near seniors pushed into stocks from CDs when interest rates were pulled down after the Recession crash). However, we still aren’t experts. I had thought deflation and negative interest rates go hand in hand, but I guess not from the article.
The EU and Eurozone has prevented a continuation of European wars, although it does seem to be unraveling. The loss of national sovereignty, the weakest links in the chain having so much influence, and now the terror cells that opportunistically came in with the sadness of the Syrian Refugees, which indirectly led to Brexit, are pressures that aren’t being stopped.
If the West had left Syria alone to finish it’s civil war, tens of thousands of lives would have been saved and Assad, evil has he is, would have kept out the far more dangerous Islamic state terrorists seeking their third Caliphate empire…………..and thus the refugee crisis and it’s hidden terror cells would not have devastated Turkey, Europe and perhaps soon the US. Refugees are sympathetic but terror cells hidden in them are not. All things are connected to all other things.Brexit seemed tied to lack of control of immigration by EU domination.
But I’m not that expert and am sure I’m missing a few details.
Our grown grandson and middle aged son have both been visiting from out of town. Due to past problems, they haven’t lived together for 5 years, but the family is pulling back together, with our help. We all went to see the film, “Sully” today, great movie about courage and standing up for what’s necessary in an extreme situation
Hope you and yours are doing well, Timothy!
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Thank you, Jonathan, as always.
By and large, I agree with your analysis of the Middle East, and its implosion; and the effects of that on Europe and beyond.
Yes, Brexit is a byproduct, and so too are the anti-immigration forces in the U.S., and the rise of nationalism and of Donald Trump.
Like a pebble dropped into a pond, the ripples extend far and wide, beyond anyone’s imagination.
. . .
I am very pleased that healing seems to be taking place in your family. It does not happen overnight, and great patience, care and love are needed.
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Thank you for your thoughtful reply, Timothy, much appreciated!
Jonathan.
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Life And Death In Mexico
Andrea Noel has written a lengthy but fine and very revealing article in The Daily Beast, which is worth reading:
See http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/01/how-mexico-s-scumbag-pols-exploited-a-15-year-old-farm-girl-s-fiesta.html (“How Mexico’s Scumbag Pols Exploited a 15-Year-Old Farm Girl’s Fiesta“) (emphasis added)
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Hi, Timothy. That’s an odd story. Usually, Mexicans in the large cities pay very little attention to the rural areas. Having married into a large Mexican family with members in the US, Mexico and Spain, I’ve been to a number of quinceañeras over the years, but they were never like that. My in laws are mostly the educated classes, business owners and professionals (the kind who bring billions to US border states when they visit to go shopping. We hosted two relatives like that this year in Arizona). One more reason why it’s a good thing the “Wall” is a hoax, it would ruin border state economies.
Different parts of Mexico are either dangerous or benign, people traveling there should research which areas are which. The Mexican state of Sonora (where my relatives mostly live) is mostly safe except one should avoid remote forested areas (drug farms). The states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Guerra should be avoided, heavy cartel violence. The State of Mexico (Mexico City) was a top tourist draw, once the biggest city in the world, and we’ve been there numerous times. However, word is that it’s become riskier.
Politicians there under, once again, the PRI party, are cozy with the Cartels. PAN, a conservative party, is anti cartel but recently had a weak leader who lost a war with the cartels. The best president in recent memory was Vicente Fox, a respected PAN leader who was closely connected with Ronald Reagan and successfully reduced corruption under his time in office. The Cartels were less powerful then, however.
We were in Hermosillo, Senora this year, for a family reunion celebrating a matriarchs birthday. This is a calm, safe city that does a lot of business with Arizona, which greatly helps both states economies.
On a different note relating to Mexico and Latin America in general, We were traveling in South America this last November, half of it a cruise, and I had a dental emergency and had a tooth pulled in Columbia. The dentist there was very skilled, did X-Rays, Root Canal (the tooth was too cracked to respond) and extraction for $24 USD. In the US, our dentist would have sent me to two specialists for this and the total cost would be over $600 even with insurance. US dentistry is a scam. I plan to get an implant to replace the tooth this year in the Mexican border city of Nogales, where many Americans flock to get high quality dental work for less money (we have relatives to stay with there, the ones we hosted). My health insurance for medical care is great (retired state employee insurance and medicare), so I get it all in my town of Phoenix. I don’t know why dental insurance is so inadequate. Well, that’s not as exciting as that quinceañera you wrote about, of course.
The Inauguration looms soon…………and hope springs eternal but we’ll see what history has in store for us.
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Thank you, Jonathan, for your interesting and valuable insights.
As you know better than most, there are lots of places in this world, including the United States, which are “dicey.”
Happy New Year to you and your family. 😊
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Happy New Years to you and yours as well, Timothy!
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North Korea And War
Charles Krauthammer has written in the Washington Post:
See https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/cold-war-relic-present-day-threat/2017/01/05/623c720e-d384-11e6-9cb0-54ab630851e8_story.html (“Cold War relic, present day threat“) (emphasis added)
Unsettling, if not ominous.
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Hi, Timothy. I must strongly disagree with Krauthammers bizarre and reckless recommendations. He must be younger than I thought he was, intelligent people who grew up during the Cold War know better. First, once a country is a nuclear power, they can’t be attacked anymore.
How do we know that North Korea doesn’t have second strike capacity and would give us mutually assured Destruction? These concepts saved the world during the 60s and 70s, and I understood these concepts by the time I was 12, a year before the Cuban Missile crisis. Krauthammer’s ignorance is profound and dangerous to us all.
Any attack on North Korea now would lead to the death of millions, maybe tens of millions, in South Korea and Japan, two countries within the range of missiles NK has successfully demonstrated it has which work. The entire US forces there wouldn’t survive either.
Besides, Nuclear powers like India, Pakistan and Israel, countries the US unwisely supports, are far more dangerous and war like than North Korea is. NK is not our problem and never was. The South Koreans are rich and well trained; they don’t need us to protect them nor does Japan.
And…………there is that issue of who the only country was to bomb innocent civilians in urban populated cities, killing hundreds of thousands of non combatants……..The US should bring our troops home from Asia and mind our own business. The 21st century belongs to East Asia, not the West. I’ve seen technology and engineering first hand in Japan and China which makes us look primitive by comparison. Well, that’s my rant for today! LOL
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Thank you as always, Jonathan, for your comments.
Krauthammer is 66, having been born in 1950, or about your age. As the article states, he does not believe we have any good options.
However, he advocates applying leverage to China, which does not want war on the Korean Peninsula.
I am not convinced that the 21st Century will not belong to us. We are still the strongest economy in the world, and potentionally even stronger, with the preeminent military that may get stronger too.
I am reminded of our victory over the USSR, without a shot being fired. This is the path to the future, or so I believe.
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Thanks for your reply, Timothy. I was very impressed with China when traveling thru it in 2014, so tend to praise its surprising progress. But I respect your opinion.
I didn’t vote for Trump, but am willing to take a wait and see approach. He’s no more controversial than the last two Presidents and we survived them, the good and the bad. I’ll be watching the inauguration….like him or not, it’s history being made.
Best wishes, Jonathan.
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Thanks again, Jonathan.
Yes, I agree: “[Donald Trump is] no more controversial than the last two Presidents and we survived them, the good and the bad.”
It is American history unfolding before us. 🙂
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The Politically-Correct Billionaire Feld Family Kills America’s Circus
The Wall Street Journal has reported (based on an AP article):
See http://www.wsj.com/articles/ringling-bros-circus-to-close-after-146-years-1484453770 (“Ringling Bros. Circus to Close After 146 Years“)
This is so so sad.
This circus is an American institution. However, it must be noted that there is no attempt to serve the “Flyover states” that just elected our new president, or the West Coast with its better year-around weather. The Feld family should hang their heads in shame.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is an American icon and institution; and the Feld family members are merely its caretakers, who have exploited their ownership of the circus for their own selfish and self-serving benefits.
The Feld family has taken care of itself, and made billions in the process.
See, e.g., https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Feld (Kenneth Feld’s net worth is estimated at more than $1.8 billion)
They are hurting America, and all of the employees and people who have loved the circus.
Just think about how many kids’ lives have been brightened over the years by this circus and its performers.
See, e.g., http://www.clickorlando.com/news/pictures-ringling-bros-clowns-visit-childrens-hospital (“Pictures: Ringling Bros. clowns visit Florida Hospital for Children“)
I have never been to a circus, including Cirque du Soleil, where the kids were not mesmerized.
Indeed, I was in Las Vegas on business a few years ago, and saw Cirque’s Beatle show, which was brilliant and packed to the rafters, with “kids” large and small.
PETA, which has celebrated this circus’ demise, should be boycotted and put out of business. As one commenter stated:
See http://www.wsj.com/articles/ringling-bros-circus-to-close-after-146-years-1484453770
Most of us love animals, but there are far-Left hate groups like PETA and “Blacks Lives Matter,” which have no place in America. Next, pet shops will be targeted and put out of business.
Among other things, they are the environmental Nazis who have been seeking a $34 trillion wealth transfer based on the hoax of man-made “global warming.” In another time, they would have been members of the “Flat Earth Society,” and claimed a consensus with respect to it too. So-called man-made “global warming” is a hoax and “The Great Green Con.”
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/a-34-trillion-swindle-the-shame-of-global-warming/ (“A $34 Trillion Swindle: The Shame Of Global Warming“)
They are a wretched group of people. There is absolutely nothing “progressive” about America’s far-Left. They have seized on the term to mask their criminality and debasement of America.
Fittingly, George Orwell foretold of all this madness in his Animal Farm, where the “Pigs” reigned supreme and were masters over—and subjugated—the other animals.
See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm (“Animal Farm”)
The PC bigots are on the East and Left Coasts of the United States. However, the true Americans in the long-neglected “Flyover states” just won the elections, thank God.
Lastly, the Feld family has built their billion-dollar wealth from this circus. Indeed, two years ago, the present generation of Felds moved the circus’ headquarters to Ellenton, Florida and “was given almost $4 million in state and local incentives and grants.”
At that time, it was reported:
See http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/ringling-bros-circus-shifts-winter-home-from-tampa-fairgrounds-to-ellenton/2211705
What happened in the last two years to make the circus’ demise inevitable?
The Felds should be investigated thoroughly, and possibly indicted criminally.
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Cut Off All Federal Funding To Berkeley And Fire The U.C. President! [UPDATED]
Chaos has erupted again on the Berkeley campus, and nothing was done about it by the University of California administration, most notably Barack Obama’s Janet Napolitano who must be fired.
She should not have been hired by the Regents of the University of California in the first place; and she should be fired summarily now.
As Breitbart has reported— in an article by Aaron Klein that was subtitled, “Amid violent protests that prompted the cancellation on Wednesday of Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos’s speech at the University of California at Berkeley, it is important to recall that UC President Janet Napolitano – former secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama – has been a key player in providing sanctuary to illegal aliens”:
See http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/02/uc-berkley-president-janet-napolitano-played-key-role-providing-sanctuary-illegal-aliens/ (“UC President Janet Napolitano Played Key Role in Providing Sanctuary to Illegal Aliens“) (emphasis added); see also http://www.weeklystandard.com/appeals-court-denies-motion-to-stay-halt-of-trump-executive-order/article/ (The worst federal appellate court in the nation, the Ninth Circuit “Appeals Court Denies Motion Requesting “Immediate Stay” of Ruling Halting Trump Executive Order”) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Napolitano (“Janet Napolitano“)
This is outrageous, but typical of the far-Left that was rejected in elections across the country last November.
The time for talking has ended. Berkeley and Napolitano must become examples.
Also, one must never forget that when Ronald Reagan was California’s Governor, he “cracked heads” on the Berkeley campus, rather than succumb to anarchy. This message needs to be sent again, this time indelibly.
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Hi, Timothy. I’m going to have to respectfully disagree with some of these observations. First, Trump probably cannot cut off federal funds to a University; http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/02/02/trumps-threat-pull-federal-funding-uc-berkeley-empty-one-experts-say/97401818/.
Regarding Milo Yiannopoulos, he is not a conservative anymore than a communist is a liberal. He’s part of a racially based extremist movement and sexually and racially harassed an actress without any provocation. This is a dangerous and deranged man who belongs in prison, not a college campus. The “Alt Right” movement is just a politically correct term for Neo Nazi, and this is in no way related to conservative politics. Breitbart News is not a conservative publication, but an extremist blog supporting the kind of dangerous hate speech we associate with the KKK or the newer, more sophisticated extremist groups like the National Alliance. This is not conservatism or even remotely related to it. Here is the kind of dangerous activity Milo engages in;
http://college.usatoday.com/2016/07/25/the-whole-leslie-jones-twitter-feud-explained/.
I have given Trump a chance and truly hoped for the best, but in two weeks, he alienated our closest allies and is dangerously close to violating the Constitutional balance of powers and checks and balances. Should he force a well respected (by the Republican party) Federal Judge to be overruled by anyone other than the SCOTUS, than we have moved from a Constitutional Republic to a dictatorship. Should that happen, Trumps time in the White House may be ended by the military and/or the Republican party, terrified as they are of him. They have little courage despite their huge victory this last election, but they made short work of Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House and Evan Mecham, Republican governor of Arizona, when their core principles were violated and corruption became too great.
Many Americans have followed the lead of 1933 Germany, but 7 million dead Germans later, Germany learned their lesson and never let it happen again. Americans seem unknowledgable about history, and many times with our failed and unjustifed wars and now a new tyranny, we continue to pay a terrible price for this and repeat horrific history.
Our founding fathers faced this kind of situation from a foreign tyranny and knew how to handle it. Sadly for America, we are entering the third such existential crisis of our way of life in our relatively short (as nations go) history. And yes, I watched the inauguration because I knew that, for better or worse, history was being made. I knew it might go bad, but I had no idea things would deteriorate at such speed and power.
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Thank you as always, Jonathan. You have been a “busy beaver” in the first half of the game on Super Bowl Sunday. 😊
First, in no way have I endorsed Milo, nor do I know much about him. My comments were directed at the thugs who unleashed violence on the Berkeley campus and the U.C. president who let it happen.
I am a Berkeley grad and love the school. I was there when JFK was killed in Dallas, and when the “Free Speech Movement” and the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations engulfed the campus.
Non-student thugs were front and center in the chaos, just as they were the other day. There is no excuse for letting these rabblerousers, or the “Black Lives Matter” thugs, or the Black Panthers before them, act with impunity.
Second, I agree with President Trump’s criticism of the Distrct Judge in Washington, who was biased beyond belief. Also, the Ninth Circuit is the worst appellate court in the federal system.
I have a new article that will be published later this year entitled “America Is Lawless.” It is time to “drain the swamp” with respect to America’s tyrannical judiciary.
Third, we have lived through the “Animal Farm” of the Left and far-Left during the Obama years. Donald Trump is doing exactly what his supporters expected. And no, this is not Nazi Germany or anything close to it.
This is a rebirth of America!
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Hi, Timothy, thanks for your response. We can agree to disagree on some things, of course, but I think we were both civil about it. It is worth noting that you weren’t endorsing Milo and I didn’t endorse the violence at Berkeley. I took part in numerous anti war demonstrations during the Vietnam War but there were all peaceful (the ones I was at anyway). The “Animal Farm” reference, I assume, referred to the classic Orwell novel that was a biting satire of the Russian revolution and the new communist dictatorship that didn’t practice what they preached.
Best wishes as always, Jonathan.
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Thank you again, Jonathan.
Yes, we can agree to disagree, civilly. 😊
As a result of ROTC at UCLA, I had been commissioned as an Army officer just before I attended law school at Berkeley. From there, I went to Fort Benning in Georgia (“The Home Of The Infantry”) for training; and then I was assigned to the U.S. Army Element of the Defense Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon, which took me to Washington and later to Capitol Hill.
My parents were very conservative, and revered Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. When I was 11 years old, I attended Harvard School in Los Angeles (now Harvard-Westlake that my mother had attended as a girl), which was an all-boys military school at the time; and I recall being the only student to put an “I Like Ike” sticker on the school bus. The rest of the students seemed to be supporting the Democrat, Adlai Stenson of Illinois.
Years later, after watching friends of mine—including one whom I had met at Fort Benning—get killed in Vietnam, I began to question the war seriously. They were “cannon fodder.” I had become a Democrat because of JFK, but realized that Lyndon Johnson had escalated the war beyond belief, and was hated.
Indeed, I remember bumper stickers on cars in the Washington area that asked: “Where is Lee Harvey Oswald now that we really need him?” The hatred was so intense nationwide that Johnson decided not to run for reelection in 1968.
Fast forward to a Vietnam War postmortem, and a friend in Washington who was exalted among the Washington media elites told me years later that the United States actually won the Vietnam War. However, Congress refused to support the South Vietnamese regime; and thus, it collapsed.
I was against the Iraq War principally because I believed Saddam Hussein had WMDs that he would use against our fine and courageous military forces, just as he had used them against Iranian and Kurdish forces. Like Vietnam, Barack Obama and his Democrats let our hard-fought victories in that war slip away; and now, Iraq and the Middle East have descended into even greater chaos.
Because of America’s overwhelming energy resources, I believe we are very close to being energy independent, and a net exporter of energy products to Europe, the Pacific (including China) and the world. Thus, from a geopolitical strategic perspective, we do not need the Middle East anymore, for anything, and should step back and let the region implode if that is to be its future.
Indeed, I do not believe one American life should be lost in defense of anyone in the region.
Next, yes, I was referring to George Orwell’s superb Animal Farm, where the “Pigs” ultimately became supreme and subjugated the other animals to their rule. This is how I believe America’s Left and far-Left view the rest of our citizens.
See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm (“Animal Farm”)
Lastly, the despicable Netanyahu is trying to push us into a war with Iran, just as Israel and its “neocon” surrogates pushed us into the tragic Iraq War, in which thousands of Americans died or were maimed, and trillions of dollars were wasted, for nothing.
NEVER AGAIN, even if Israel’s very existence is at stake.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/31/is-israel-doomed/ (“Is Israel Doomed?”)
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Hi again, Timothy. I still don’t know how to log in to give an upvote, as whatever password I may have used once is forgotten and they don’t have the link to make a new one that I’ve found yet.
Thanks for the autobiographical sketch. I was raised in a low middle class area of New Jersey and went to Universities there; Rutgers and Fairleigh Dickenson, and my career was in the Psychology/counseling field. As I worked with poor people or those in mental health or correctional facilities for 36 years, it was dependent on government funding, which lowered every year.
I retired the year of the Recession (two years late in my state; 2010), when most funding was taken away…….I still had my position with state government, but all the lay offs were writing on the wall for those of us who survived, and we retired when eligible for our pensions.
In my youth, I was in a lot of large protests against the Vietnam war in New York City and Florida, which I lived in for two years in my late teens. . I was old enough to vote in 1972, but knew my candidate wouldn’t win against Nixon.
Oddly, I did join the Army National Guard then too. I had taken a year break off college and lost my student deferment, so that seems to be the way to go. So, I was in the Guard for six years, thru the end of college and the beginning of my career. I think it was a good experience; Basic Training is a good way to grow up fast, as I wasn’t a very mature 20 year old.
I married later one and have one grandson. My politics still tends to be mostly progressive, although being a Christian, I oppose Abortion on demand (as opposed to extreme situations). After retirement, I got involved in the Sierra Club and environmental activism again, as a local officer. I’m not as dedicated as I was when young, though.
“I like Ike”…….I was a young child when he ran the second time, the first election I have a memory of. We children would tell each other we would “Vote” for Ike, as he was hugely popular. He was right to warn us about the Military industrial complex but Americans didn’t pay heed. I remember a student in High School wearing the Oswald/LBJ button, which offended me. I didn’t like LBJ, but I found JFK;s assassination when I was 14 to be a very traumatic experience and never want to see that happen again in our country.
I think 9/11 was the only news event that upset me as much in my lifetime (my family visited the new JFK grave a year later in D.C. and I had been inside the Pentagon on an earlier visit as a child, when they allowed visitors inside) along with many trips to the World Trade Center in NYC as an adult living nearby. So I took 9/11 personally having been to the sites of the attacks. In 2004 I took my wife to NYC, as we live in the West and she hadn’t been there, and we visited the area where construction was going on in the 5 story deep hole where the towers had been.
Anyway, have a great week! Jonathan.
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Thank you again, Jonathan.
I had three chances to vote for Richard Nixon, but never voted for him: first, when he ran for California’s governorship, and later when he was elected twice to the presidency.
In hindsight, I believe he was one of America’s better presidents, and a giant in terms of foreign policy. Indeed, his writings and command of global politics after he left the White House are unparalleled.
Yes, he was an awkward person in many ways, and he became embroiled in Watergate, but Lyndon Johnson had a taping system too, and JFK almost brought about a “nuclear winter” because of his incompetence.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/john-f-kennedy-the-most-despicable-president-in-american-history/ (“John F. Kennedy: The Most Despicable President In American History”)
Nixon was a naval officer and a genuine patriot, but the Left and far-Left targeted him nonstop, just as they are doing with Donald Trump. The difference today is that newspapers are effectively dinosaurs; and with hundreds of cable channels to watch, the “big three” networks are irrelevant. And of course, the Internet, Twitter and other sources are driving the final nails into the coffin of so-called “Mainstream Media.”
I have been on the Web for more than 20 years, and I have not bought a newspaper in more than a decade. I have had countless Apple laptops, which I love; and my smartphone is essentially a mini-computer and fine camera rolled into one.
Your comments about serving in the military are spot on. It is a shame that there is not mandatory national service today, like Israel has, which gives a young person a real sense of belonging, patriotism and being an American. My son did not have to serve, but enrolled in a naval reserve program and became an officer in intelkigence, and I commend him for doing it.
I agree with you about the traumatic effect of JFK’s assassination. Even though I have excoriated him, his assassination stands out in my life as the most “Earth shaking”-event of my time as an American. In a sense, it was my generation’s Pearl Harbor; and I have a real sense of how the Israelis must have felt when Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated, and how the Egyptians must have felt when Anwar Sadat was killed.
And yes you are correct: 9/11 is a close second in contemporary America history. Right or wrong, George W. Bush rallied the country and struck back in Afghanistan, and destroyed the Taliban’s control of that country. The tragedy is that the gains of women there are under siege again; and America’s hard-fought gains in that country and Iraq were “frittered away.”
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Good dialogue, Timothy.
Nixon got a lot of attacks….he didn’t handle media well which led to his downfall (Trump could easily win more media over if he engaged them, he shouldn’t make the same mistake). However, Nixon and Kissinger (both people vilified by fellow progressives) were the real heroes in ending the Cold War.
Kissinger, followed by Nixon, both anti communist so able to act from strength, created detente with the Soviet Union and established relations with Mao in China, one of the most ruthless dictators in history. That prevented a nuclear war and the Cold War was minimal from then on. This immense accomplishment made the world safer but most don’t remember it now.
I read the Arizona Republic as a paper, to get local news. The Tea Party mostly runs the state, but I came from New Jersey, with it’s slums, high taxes and low job opportunity, and it’s run by the Mafia (a relative in Civil service there who worked for a high official actually met Carlos Gambino, who was visiting the official, a childhood friend). So, Arizona was the better choice and I’ve now spent more than half of my life here.
My wife and I have traveled thru Egypt on an educational tour for a few weeks and I have an Egyptian facebook friend who updates me. The assassination of Sadat was a profound blow to the country, done by the Muslim Brotherhood (now aligned with ISIS). History repeated itself with the failed revolution a few years ago.
An earlier point from a previous discussion; Saddam Hussein did have WMD…..he gassed 5000 Kurds to death in the North of his country before the war. What happened to that gas seems unknown. There was a rumor it went to Assad in Syria, but that’s doubtful, as Syria was politically aligned with Shiites, Saddam’s greatest enemy. Perhaps the gas went to the “rebels”, likely ISIS terrorists. Jonathan.
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Thank you again, Jonathan.
Yes, Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger made enormous differences with respect to world peace; and Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush instituted measures that led to the Soviet Union’s collapse and freedom for the people of Eastern Europe.
On my first trip to Europe, I visited East Berlin and walked through “Checkpoint Charlie.” On a later trip, I toured parts of the “Iron Curtain” itself, with ominous and menacing manned guard towers.
On later trips with German friends, we were in Berlin soon after the Wall fell, when Soviet soldiers were selling their uniforms and plumbing from their barracks, and going back to “tent cities” in the USSR. Needless to say, my West German friends and I, and Berliners, were ecstatic.
On one trip, we went to the border where the guard tower had stood, and it was gone, along with the fence separating East Germany from West Germany. Also, the road that had stopped short of the guard tower went right through, as if it had been there for decades. Abandoned East German Trabant automobiles were seen everywhere, which had been replaced with skinny new VWs, bought by the former residents of the DDR.
I agree with your comments about New Jersey and Eqypt.
Regarding Saddam’s arsenal of WMDs that he had used against the Kurds (and Iranians), conventional thinking has been that they went to Syria. However, you may be right that they did not. I doubt though that they have lasted through our conquest of Iraq, until now.
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Thanks for sharing those historic moment and observations, Timothy. look forward to your next post. Jonathan.
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The Mindless Mess: More Middle East Madness [UPDATED]
Charles Krauthammer has written in the Washington Post:
See https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-great-muslim-civil-war–and-us/2017/06/22/80a32be6-56c1-11e7-a204-ad706461fa4f_story.html?utm_term=.83e367592dbe (“The great Muslim civil war — and us“) (emphasis added)
The Middle East is not our fight. It is unwinnable, and should be left to implode. At the behest of the “neocons” and their state sponsor, George W. Bush thrust us into the Iraq War, which his father had avoided.
After the loss of thousands of American lives and trillions of dollars, Iraq has collapsed and the Middle East is a “basket case.” As the United States moves closer to energy independence, we do not need the Middle East anymore, period.
See, e.g., https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-25/trump-to-call-for-u-s-dominance-in-global-energy-production (“Trump to Call for U.S. ‘Dominance’ in Global Energy Production“)
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The Obama-Merkel Vision Of A New World Order Is A Utopian Fantasy And Orwellian [UPDATED]
The efforts of Barack Obama, Germany’s Angela Merkel and others of their ilk are the fulfillment of George Orwell’s timeless Animal Farm, where all of the animals were equal until the Pigs reigned supreme and subjugated the other animals.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm (“Animal Farm”)
Pat Buchanan—an adviser to Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, and a former GOP presidential aspirant himself—has written:
See http://buchanan.org/blog/alone-perhaps-trump-right-127327 (emphasis added)
Donald Trump is leading America away from (1) the false gods of globalism, (2) the Great Green Con of man-made “global warming,” (3) the infanticide of abortions, (4) atheism in America and other countries, (5) borderless countries devoid of meaning or identity, (6) weakness in the face of global threats, and (7) chaos in all of its various manifestations.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/a-34-trillion-swindle-the-shame-of-global-warming/ (“A $34 Trillion Swindle: The Shame Of Global Warming“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/abortions-and-autos-kill-more-in-america-than-guns/ (“Abortions And Autos Kill More In America Than Guns“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/what-and-where-is-god/ (“What And Where Is God?“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/illegal-immigration-the-solution-is-simple/ (“Illegal Immigration: The Solution Is Simple“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/ (“EMP Attack: Only 30 Million Americans Survive“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/22/the-next-major-war-korea-again/ (“The Next Major War: Korea Again?“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/the-death-of-putin-and-russia-the-final-chapter-of-the-cold-war/ (“The Death Of Putin And Russia: The Final Chapter Of The Cold War“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/china-is-americas-enemy-make-no-mistake-about-that/ (“China Is America’s Enemy: Make No Mistake About That“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/ (“Global Chaos And Helter Skelter“)
Like the Lilliputians who were at first hospitable to Gulliver in Jonathan Swift’s tales, but also wary of the threat that his size posed to them, Republicans like Vice President Mike Pence and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan cannot be trusted. They are not our president’s constituency—the American people are.
He is our first Independent president, and his—and our—”enemies” consist of members of his own party, America’s Left in the form of the Democrats and others, and of course the Leftist media that hates him.
His triumphs are and will be our triumphs.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulliver%27s_Travels (“Gulliver’s Travels“)
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North Korea EMP Threat Advancing Faster Than Expected [UPDATED]
________
HEADLINE: “N. Korea leader says ‘all US’ within range after missile test”
See https://www.yahoo.com/news/n-korea-launches-another-ballistic-missile-us-160151910.html (“North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said Pyongyang’s latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile confirmed all the US mainland was within striking range. . . .“); see also http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4741100/North-Korea-hit-American-cities-experts-claim.html (“Gloating Kim Jong-Un issues ‘stern warning’ to America after another successful nuclear missile test that US experts claim can now hit CHICAGO“) and http://www.cbsnews.com/news/north-korea-tests-missile-that-could-threaten-los-angeles-chicago-or-new-york/ (“North Korea tests missile that could threaten Los Angeles, Chicago or New York“) and https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/4186461/north-korea-kim-jong-un-vows-attack-america-donald-trump/ (“‘REVENGE WILL BE THOUSAND FOLD’ North Korea vows to attack America as Kim Jong-un demands ‘justice’ for Donald Trump trying to ‘isolate and stifle’ his country”) and https://www.wsj.com/articles/no-north-korea-talks-while-missiles-are-flying-tillerson-says-1502084784 (“North Korea Says ‘Under No Circumstances’ Will It Negotiate Over Nuclear Weapons“) and http://news.trust.org/item/20170807113624-sgy96 (“North Korea ready to teach U.S. ‘severe lesson’, says U.N. abused its authority“) and https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/north-korea-now-making-missile-ready-nuclear-weapons-us-analysts-say/2017/08/08/e14b882a-7b6b-11e7-9d08-b79f191668ed_story.html (“North Korea now making missile-ready nuclear weapons, U.S. analysts say“)
________
Reuters has reported:
See http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-northkorea-army-idUSKBN1AC2V3 (“U.S. general: North Korea ICBM threat advancing faster than expected“) (emphasis added); see also http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2017/07/28/0401000000AEN20170728000200315.html (“N. Korea’s nuclear program will become ‘fait accompli pretty soon’: U.S. official”—”On July 4, Pyongyang successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching Alaska and Hawaii”) and https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-prepares-for-a-crisis-along-north-korea-border-1500928838 (“China Prepares for a Crisis Along North Korea Border”—”Chinese authorities have . . . been preparing for North Korean contingencies, including economic collapse, nuclear contamination, or military conflict. . . .”—”Beijing wouldn’t necessarily defend its regime, but is determined to prevent a flood of North Koreans from entering northeastern China and to protect the population there, U.S. and Chinese experts say. Beijing also appears to be enhancing its capability to seize North Korean nuclear sites and occupy a swath of the country’s northern territory if U.S. or South Korean forces start to advance toward the Chinese border, according to those people”) and https://www.defensenews.com/news/pentagon-congress/2017/07/28/pentagon-detects-north-korea-missile-launch/ (“North Korea may have just shown a capability to strike the continental US“)
As I have stated previously:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/#comment-10008 (“North Korea Prepares EMP Catastrophe For America“); see also https://ca.news.yahoo.com/u-thaad-missile-hits-test-target-amid-growing-130132528–sector.html (“U.S. THAAD missile hits test target amid growing pressure from North Korea“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4744612/Key-general-calls-North-Korea-urgent-threat.html (“Top general says the US is ready to use ‘rapid, lethal and overwhelming force’ on North Korea after Kim’s second intercontinental ballistic missile test”—”North Korea on Friday tested a Hwasong-14 for the second time this month, reaching an altitude and distance in the test that defense experts believe indicate the missile could reach the continental United States, including Los Angeles and Chicago. That would leave North Korea only the technical challenge of miniaturizing a nuclear warhead that could withstand reentry in order to back leader Kim Jong Un’s incessant nuclear threats against the US”) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4746444/Video-shows-U-S-THAAD-interceptor-test.html (“U.S. THAAD interceptor test shown in new video“) and http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-icbm-missile-launch-vandenberg-20170731-story.html (“U.S. to launch yet another test missile from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base“) and http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/hr-mcmaster-kim-jong-un-should-not-be-sleeping-easily-at-night/article/2630452 (“National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster warned North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un should not be sleeping easily at night and said the evolving situation with the North Koreans constitutes a ‘grave threat’ to the U.S.”) and https://www.infowars.com/black-sky-event-feds-preparing-for-widespread-power-outages-across-u-s/ (“‘Black Sky Event’: Feds Preparing For Widespread Power Outages Across U.S.”)
At a time when both Democrats and some in the GOP are trying to destroy the Trump presidency, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un has ambitious plans for us, which will end all of our dreams.
Today, a nation-ending EMP Attack can be launched from North Korea, or from a sub or barge located in the Atlantic or Pacific, or in the Gulf of Mexico or the Sea of Cortez. Our military is partially hardened, but the civilian sector is not.
Only 30 million Americans would survive, which is scary to say the least. This should be the number one issue in Washington and throughout our great nation, instead of the nonstop efforts to cripple or destroy the Trump presidency.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/americas-newest-civil-war-2017-and-beyond/#comment-10530 (“Democrats And Republicans Are Brain Dead“) and http://buchanan.org/blog/american-empire-worth-price-127455 (“Kim’s credible threat to one day be able to nuke a U.S. city is going to concentrate American minds wonderfully“)
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Things Are Getting Odd All Over The World
Wesley Pruden, editor in chief emeritus of The Washington Times, has written:
See http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/21/donald-trump-gets-blamed-for-everything/ (“Madness! Even the giraffes have gone crazy“) (emphasis added)
As I have written:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/americas-newest-civil-war-2017-and-beyond/#comment-10610 (“Charlottesville Is Biggest Fake News Of Summer, And The War Against White America“)
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North Korea Nuclear Test Furthers EMP Bomb [UPDATED]
Bill Gertz, senior editor of the Washington Free Beacon, has written:
See http://freebeacon.com/national-security/korea-nuclear-test-furthers-emp-bomb/ (emphasis added; illustrations omitted)
Clearly, North Korea’s EMP Attack capability is ominous. The Obama administration did essentially nothing during its eight-year tenure to eliminate or reduce this threat. Now the “chickens are almost home to roost,” and the risks far exceed that of nuclear strikes on America’s cities.
As I have written previously:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/#comment-10505 (“North Korea EMP Threat Advancing Faster Than Expected“); see also https://www.newsmax.com/JohnGizzi/military-defense-missiles-nuclear-weapons/2017/09/07/id/812307/ (“Trump Orders Military to Shoot Down North Korean Missiles“)
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UNIVERSAL MADNESS [UPDATED]
The UK’s Daily Mail has reported:
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4939872/Active-shooter-reported-Las-Vegas-Mandalay-Bay-Resort.html (“The lone Las Vegas gunman, 64, who murdered 58 and injured 515 concert-goers with an automatic rifle from his suite on 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay in America’s deadliest mass shooting – before com[m]itting suicide“) (emphasis added; listing and discussion of victims, and videos omitted)
The fine work by the police here, and involving so many other senseless national and international tragedies, must be juxtaposed against the disgraceful acts of NFL players by knelling in condemnation of our police, our flag for which so many American patriots have given their lives, and our great nation—the greatest nation on earth.
. . .
It is interesting too that O.J. Simpson—a former NFL player, and the killer of his wife Nicole and Ron Goldman—has been released in the Las Vegas area at the same time that other tragic killings are taking place.
See http://nypost.com/2017/10/02/o-j-spends-first-night-as-free-man-near-scene-of-massacre/ (“O.J. spends first night as free man near scene of massacre”—”Simpson . . . was upset by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s open letter to the Florida Department of Corrections, asking officials to deny a transfer of parole to the sunshine state. Bondi referred to the 1994 deaths of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman, a case in which Simpson was acquitted of murder, but found liable in a wrongful death suit to the tune of $25 million. ‘The specter of his residing in comfort in Florida should not be an option. Our state should not become a country club for this convicted criminal,’ Bondi wrote”); see also https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7072145/O-J-Simpson-bragged-steamy-hot-tub-hookup-Kris-Jenner.html (“O.J. Simpson bragged about his steamy ‘hot-tub hookup’ with Kris Jenner“)
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Exodus Out Of Puerto Rico Explodes
Ingrid Arnesen has written in the Daily Beast:
See https://www.thedailybeast.com/without-power-until-next-year-puerto-ricans-are-leavingmaybe-forever (“Without Power Until Next Year, Puerto Ricans Are Leaving—Maybe Forever“) (emphasis added)
Lots of Americans such as yours truly have visited Puerto Rico many times, and loved its wonderful people, historical settings (e.g., Castillo San Cristóbal, Old San Juan), scenic and inviting landscapes (El Yunque National Forest), and of course the sound of its Coquí or small frogs.
This is so so sad, but Puerto Rico will recover. Its people are hardy and resilient.
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Antibiotic Resistance Could Mean End Of Modern Medicine
The UK’s Guardian has reported:
See https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/oct/13/antibiotic-resistance-could-spell-end-of-modern-medicine-says-chief-medic (“Antibiotic resistance could spell end of modern medicine, says chief medic“) (emphasis added)
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LAWLESS BRITAIN: WHY AMERICANS HAVE GUNS [UPDATED]
[Terrifying moment cyclist armed with a huge ‘zombie knife’ tries to smash motorist’s window in London]
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5794357/Terrifying-moment-cyclist-armed-huge-zombie-knife-tries-smash-motorists-window.html (“Terrifying moment cyclist armed with a huge ‘zombie knife’ tries to smash motorist’s window after rush hour ‘road rage row’ breaks out in front of stunned London commuters“); see also https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/706626/london-brent-shooting-metropolitan-police-gun-crime-violence-crime-news (“Machine gun attack and three stabbings rock London“) and https://www.mirror.co.uk/science/london-major-risk-earthquakes-after-12632781 (“London at major risk of EARTHQUAKES after scientists discover fault lines under capital“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5798567/Young-man-stabbed-east-London-fights-life-latest-sickening-knife-attack-capital.html (“Young man stabbed in east London fights for life in latest sickening knife attack in the capital“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5793415/Stabbed-father-three-called-family-bled-death-Chelsea.html (“Father called out for his family as he bled to death in Chelsea“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5792921/Man-twenties-fighting-life-shooting-north-west-London.html (“Man in his twenties is ‘fighting for life’ after shooting in north-west London“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5805219/Michael-McIntyre-son-attacked-hammer-wielding-moped-gang-London.html (“Michael McIntyre and his son attacked by moped gang in London“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5807439/Regent-Street-shoppers-flee-knife-wielding-thugs-outside-Swiss-watch-shop.html (“LAWLESS LONDON – Knife-wielding gang raid Watches of Switzerland on Regent street“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5806787/Shocking-moment-masked-thugs-attack-car-MACHETES-horrifying-broad-daylight-assault.html (“Shocking moment masked thugs attack car with MACHETES in horrifying broad daylight assault“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5811419/Widow-aged-100-neck-broken-brutal-mugging-dies.html (“Widow aged 100 whose neck was broken in a brutal mugging dies“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5810271/Masked-bike-thief-steals-TV-news-camera-Channel-Seven-London.html (“Masked bike thief steals TV news camera Channel Seven in London“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5818031/moped-thugs-threaten-driver-hammer-knife-jumping-bonnet-robbery.html (“moped thugs threaten driver with hammer and knife after jumping on bonnet in robbery“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5818721/Machete-gang-burst-millionaire-dentists-1-6million-home.html (“‘If you don’t open your safe I’ll go upstairs and kill your kids’: Machete gang burst into dentist’s £1.6m home and threatened to murder his babies if he didn’t give them his designer watches and jewelery”) and https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6550824/ive-been-robbed-by-a-moped-crook-says-sajid-javid/ (“Home Secretary Sajid Javid reveals how he was a moped mugging victim as he launches battle to beat villains“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5853179/Less-one-20-street-robberies-burglaries-solved-police-new-figures-reveal.html (“Less than one in 20 street robberies are being solved by police“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5876963/Man-thirties-stabbed-death-outside-north-west-London-tube-station.html (“Greenford Tube stabbing: Man in his thirties killed outside station“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5886669/Amanda-Holden-tweets-footage-moped-muggers-attacking-woman-child.html (“‘Don’t take my baby!’ Chilling screams of mother as moped gang ‘scumbags’ tried to rob her and daughter, three, in a London street in extraordinary CCTV shared on Twitter by Amanda Holden”) and https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6794602/horror-in-leicester-square-as-man-in-his-40s-is-stabbed-in-front-of-shocked-shoppers/ (“Leicester Square stabbing – Horror as man in his 40s is knifed in Empire Casino in front of shocked customers“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6068339/Four-men-taken-hospital-quadruple-knifing-playing-fields-south-London.htm (“Four men are taken to hospital after quadruple knifing on playing fields in south London“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6073457/Chadderton-pensioner-93-badly-injured-violent-cowardly-muggers-tried-handbag.html (“Chadderton pensioner, 93, badly injured after ‘violent and cowardly’ muggers tried to take handbag“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6076119/Two-women-left-fighting-lives-horror-hammer-attack-street.html (“Two women are left fighting for their lives after horror ‘hammer attack’ in the street”) and https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/100th-london-murder-investigation-launched-12984617 (“100th London murder investigation launched as capital set for record number of killings after pensioner found dead“) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6125931/Burglars-caught-CCTV-stealing-house-Bexley-south-east-London.html (“Burglars caught on CCTV stealing from house in Bexley“)
In the USA, such thugs and total scumbags would be met with a hail of bullets!
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Will The EU Live As A European Superstate, Or Die?
Peter Oborne has written for the UK’s Daily Mail:
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-5797349/PETER-OBORNE-chilling-perils-EUs-latest-bid-kill-democracy.html (“The chilling perils of the EU’s latest bid to kill democracy“) (emphasis added); see also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Oborne (“Peter Oborne“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-10419 (“The Obama-Merkel Vision Of A New World Order Is A Utopian Fantasy And Orwellian“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-9013 (“Brexit: Sovereign Kingdom Or Little England?“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-8997 (“Did Hitler Win World War II After All?“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-8993 (“Britain Is Sailing Into A Storm With No One At The Wheel“)
Will Brexit become a reality, and will more nations leave the EU? If not, will it achieve even more of a stranglehold on Europe, cutting off its vibrancy? Only time will tell.
In George Orwell’s prescient Animal Farm, he wrote about all of the animals being equal . . . until the Pigs reigned supreme, and subjugated the other animals. Germany lost World War II, but effectively won that war economically by controlling the EU.
The Paris Treaty with respect to so-called man-made “global warming” or climate change is another example, brought to the world by many of the same economic and political interests that are behind the EU.
Are there legitimate concerns about Russia’s killer Putin’s goals of taking back the former USSR’s countries, which are now part of NATO and the West? Yes, of course, but Putinism will die with Putin; and his ambitions are offset by NATO and flourishing European economies, not by the EU.
See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm (“Animal Farm“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/a-34-trillion-swindle-the-shame-of-global-warming/ (“A $34 Trillion Swindle: The Shame Of Global Warming“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/the-death-of-putin-and-russia-the-final-chapter-of-the-cold-war/ (“The Death Of Putin And Russia: The Final Chapter Of The Cold War“) and https://www.nysun.com/foreign/trumps-best-bet-in-europe-is-elizabeth/90324/ (“[T]he Paris Climate Accord . . . has no chance of serious implementation since the United States, China, India, Russia, Brazil, and many other countries are ignoring it“)
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BAN Pot And Other Drugs, As Well As Vaping [UPDATED]
Iris Dorbian has written for Forbes:
See https://www.forbes.com/sites/irisdorbian/2019/07/23/senate-committee-holds-hearing-on-latest-pot-banking-bill-while-industry-watches-and-waits/#2b8d44c061c3 (“Senate Committee Holds Hearing On Latest Pot Banking Bill While Industry Watches And Waits“) (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/15/who-is-next-the-murder-of-a-young-american-and-the-harvesting-of-his-body-parts-in-mexico/ (“Who Is Next? The Murder Of A Young American And The Harvesting Of His Body Parts In Mexico“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/28/human-trafficking/ (“Human Trafficking“) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_drug_theory (“Gateway drug theory“) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_cigarette (“Electronic cigarette“) and https://www.vaporfi.com/blog/15-best-vape-brands/ (“THE BEST VAPE BRANDS FOR 2019“) and https://www.politico.com/story/2019/04/19/eciggarette-ads-vaping-1363541 (“The next e-cig battle: Should there be ads for vaping products?“) and https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/ (“Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids“) and https://vusevapor.com/alto-complete-kit (“Vuse Alto E-Cig Mod & Flavor Pods | Vuse Vapor-Reimagine Vaping“)
This industry must be shut down, not encouraged. Banks and credit unions—in fact, all financial institutions—must be banned from dealing with those involved with pot or other substances, including vaping.
Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Denny Heck (D-WA), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Warren Davidson (R-OH) and others in Congress who support this legislation must be removed, and defeated in future elections. Simply put, they must be targeted for political extinction—just like drug dealers who poison America’s kids.
The “hope and excitement among industry movers and shakers” must be brought to a screeching halt!
Otherwise, American death rates will grow, and more lives will be destroyed.
See, e.g., https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7278203/Death-rates-soaring-young-Americans.html (“Death rates are soaring among young Americans: CDC report reveals sharp uptick in under-45s dying started in 2010 as opioids took hold of the nation“) and
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/07/fda-investigating-127-reports-of-seizures-after-vaping.html (“FDA investigating 127 reports of seizures after vaping“)
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The Real Legacies Of The Great Recession: Renters and Homelessness, With Much More To Come? [UPDATED]
Christina Rexrode has written for the Wall Street Journal:
See https://www.wsj.com/articles/financial-crisis-yields-a-generation-of-renters-11564228800 (“Financial Crisis Yields a Generation of Renters“) (emphasis added; charts omitted); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2019/05/07/the-brooke-amendment-and-section-8-housing-revisited/#comment-18161 (“The Face Of Homelessness“) and https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/aug/05/california-housing-homeless-rv-cars-bay-area (“The Californians forced to live in cars and RVs“) and https://www.ktvz.com/news/homelessness-on-rise-in-central-oregon/1106300788 (“Homelessness on rise in Central Oregon”—”In 2018, Oregon had the second highest rate of unsheltered homeless people in the country. The state also had the third-highest rate of chronically homeless people in the U.S.”) and https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7396585/Californias-homeless-crisis-engulfs-capital-Sacramentos-people-confront-naked-junkies.html (“California’s homeless crisis engulfs its capital: Sacramento’s people confront naked junkies“) and https://www.foxnews.com/us/san-francisco-homeless-stats-city-blames-big-business-residents-officials (“San Francisco homeless stats soar: city blames big business, residents blame officials“)
Will there be a housing price collapse in the United States, and perhaps a very dramatic one? Did housing prices reach their peaks about a year ago, in most markets?
Stay tuned. It is likely that the worst is yet to come . . .
And the human tragedy of homelessness is sweeping our great nation, with even worse yet to come as well.
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Families Go Deep In Debt To Stay In America’s Middle Class [UPDATED]
AnnaMaria Andriotis, Ken Brown and Shane Shifflett have written a fine article in The Wall Street Journal, which is worth reading:
See https://www.wsj.com/articles/families-go-deep-in-debt-to-stay-in-the-middle-class-11564673734 (“Families Go Deep in Debt to Stay in the Middle Class“) (emphasis added in addition to titles; charts and graphs omitted); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-18288 (“The Real Legacies Of The Great Recession: Renters and Homelessness, With Much More To Come?“)
None of this is surprising. However, perhaps most significant may be the following:
This is saddling the current generation of those seeking entry into the Middle Class, and also their parents who had looked forward to retirement.
And needless to say, colleges, law schools and other educational institutions and the like are among the culprits. As the article above states:
And as I have written before:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2014/09/08/the-state-bar-of-california-is-lawless-and-a-travesty-and-should-be-abolished/ (“The State Bar Of California Is Lawless And A Travesty, And Should Be Abolished“) (see also the extensive commments beneath this article)
Next, the question arises whether a “traditional” bricks-and-mortar college education is worth it, inter alia, when cheaper and less time-consuming online educations are available.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/are-colleges-dinosaurs/ (“Are Colleges Dinosaurs?“) (see also the comments beneath this article)
Lastly, the debt burden of the Middle Class—and those Americans who are trying to become members of the Middle Class—may have broad ramifications both economically and politically. For example, why would they ever want government to help illegal immigrants in any way, when they are citizens now who struggle financially to achieve and/or maintain the American dream?
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2019/05/07/the-brooke-amendment-and-section-8-housing-revisited/#comment-17164 (“HUD Proposes Rule To Oust Illegal Immigrants From Public Housing”—”[HUD Secretary Ben] Carson contends that the proposal keeps illegal immigrants from limiting assistance that would otherwise be received by ‘legitimate American citizens’ in need”) and https://www.businessinsider.com/state-department-denied-visas-mexican-nationals-poor-2019-8 (“The State Department denied more than 5,300 visas to Mexican nationals because they are poor”—”[T]he State Department last year gave US consular officers more discretion to reject visas if they believed that person could become a public charge and require public welfare benefits. In October, the Trump administration officially released a proposed public charge rule that would bar immigrants from obtaining a green card or seeking a visa renewal if they had received government benefits, like Medicaid, food stamps, or Section 8 housing vouchers, or if they would likely need them in the future. As noted by POLITICO, that regulation is expected to be finalized in the coming days. . . . POLITICO noted that applicants from countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic also saw major increases in denials due to concerns they would be a public charge and rely on government benefits”)
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The List Of Notables Encouraging Violence Against The President Is Growing [UPDATED]
[Kathy Griffin]
This is the title of an article in the World Tribune, which states:
See https://www.worldtribune.com/naming-names-the-list-of-notables-encouraging-violence-against-the-president-is-growing/ (“Naming names: The list of notables encouraging violence against the president is growing“) (emphasis added); see also https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kathy-griffin-holds-a-fake-bloody-trump-head-new-photo-shoot-1008645 (“CNN Cuts Ties With Kathy Griffin on ‘New Year’s Eve’ Show After Trump Photo Stunt“) and https://pjmedia.com/victordavishanson/menacing-invective-against-trump-creates-dangerous-climate/ (Victor Davis Hanson: “Menacing Invective Against Trump Creates Dangerous Climate”) and https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7324427/Biden-compares-Trump-Ku-Klux-Klan-claims-president-abandoned-national-unity.html (“Biden compares Trump to the Ku Klux Klan and claims president has ‘abandoned’ national unity“) and https://buchanan.org/blog/exploiting-massacres-to-raise-poll-ratings-137381 (“Exploiting Massacres to Raise Poll Ratings”—”Ironically, The Washington Times reports that the Dayton shooter, who killed his sister and eight others, ‘described himself on social media as a pro-Satan ‘leftist,’ who wanted Joe Biden’s generation to die off, hated Trump, and hoped to vote for Sen. Elizabeth Warren for president'”—”If Trump’s fabled base is to going to stand loyally by him, and the Democratic candidates are going to unleash this kind of bile against him, whoever wins in 2020 will be not be able to unite us, absent a Pearl Harbor-style attack on this country”—”[B]laming the massacre in El Paso on the rhetoric of Donald Trump is a charge that can come back to bite his attackers. Neither the right nor left has a monopoly on political extremism or violence. And the hate-filled rhetoric of the left this last weekend exceeds anything used by Trump”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/edward-w-brooke-is-dead/#comment-15923 (“Senate Ethics Committee Gives Sen. Cory Booker a Pass, Which Is Outrageous“) and https://www.nysun.com/national/the-unforgiven-joe-biden-is-haunted-by-bork/90854/ (“The Unforgiven: Joe Biden Is Haunted by Bork”—”Biden . . . was ‘wrong on nearly every foreign policy and national security issue in the past four decades'”—”Joe Biden is an ostentatious Roman Catholic who appears to disbelieve in practically every tenet of his church except, presumably, that God exists, Jesus Christ was divine, and he told St. Peter to found a church. Apart from that, it’s open house. That there was a creation, that all life is sacred, that abortions, whether a matter of right or not, are the extinction of life, the notion that marriage was created as an institution between a man and a woman: Whenever anything touching on these or similarly important issues arises, he emits a damp little mantra about ‘I don’t believe in imposing my views in others'”—”[T]here has always been the unpleasant feeling that he doesn’t believe in much, what he believes in one day could change tomorrow, and when he takes a stand, he’s often mistaken”—”Asking about Mr. Biden’s conduct in Ukraine is called digging up dirt, while hurling malicious falsehoods at the president is ‘investigating.’ Democratic House chairmen Schiff and Nadler and the shrieking heads at CNN and MSNBC traduce and slander the president constantly. But when Rudolph Giuliani, the former two-term mayor of New York and U.S attorney, acting as the president’s lawyer, makes allegations based on his research on behalf of his client, Mr. Biden has the gigantic vanity to ask publicly that he be kept off the air”—”[T]he other candidates are delighted that Mr. Biden’s candidacy is fading. He has been a significant impediment to merging the Democratic party with the Flat Earth Society and the Leon Trotsky League”—”A miracle — something Joe Biden probably actually believes in, since it’s not politically incorrect — is all that can prevent Joe Biden from sliding back toward what he was in his pre-vice presidential campaigns: a candidate polling 1% or 2%, like most of those running now”)
Hollywood’s and Washington’s depravity know no bounds. This has been true for a century in the case of the entertainment capital of the world, and it never ceases.
These misfits’ films, concerts and appearances must be boycotted.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/28/human-trafficking/#comment-17162 (“Sex Sells: Hollywood Is Sick“)
First, on November 7th of last year, we witnessed the mass shootings in Thousand Oaks, California at the Borderline Bar and Grill, in which 13 people were killed. Second, we witnessed the tragic killings at the Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California, “resulting in four deaths, including the gunman, and 13 other injuries.” Next, came the mass shootings at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, in which a single gunman killed 22 people and injured 24 more; and the Dayton, Ohio shootings, in which 10 people were killed, including the perpetrator, and at least 27 others were injured.
See, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_Oaks_shooting (“Thousand Oaks shooting“) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilroy_Garlic_Festival_shooting (“Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting“) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_El_Paso_shooting (“2019 El Paso shooting“) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Dayton_shooting (“2019 Dayton shooting“)
The United States and the American people do not need any more killings; and the single thread that runs through each of these tragedies is the mental health of the perpetrators.
In many instances like these, the families knew of the problems, but did not know how and where to get help for their loved ones, who later committed such heinous acts.
For any celebrity (or politician) to fan the flames of violence, much less the Democratic Party’s candidates for the presidency in 2020, is unconscionable, reprehensible and criminal unto itself.
This is among the many reasons why lots of us who began as Democrats will never vote for another one again. And yes, the treasonous, un-American, racist, anti-Semite Barack Obama set all of this in motion; and he must pay dearly for his many crimes.
Clearly, he is the greatest traitor in American history.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2019/07/29/barack-obama-is-responsible-for-americas-tragic-racial-divide/ (“Barack Obama Is Responsible For America’s Tragic Racial Divide“)
Some of us have lived through this before. I walked out of my law school classroom at Berkeley, to learn that John F. Kennedy had been shot in Dallas, from which he never recovered. Lots of us remember too the attempted killing of Ronald Reagan at the Washington Hilton Hotel in our nation’s capital, which thankfully he survived.
It must never happen again.
Lastly, the latest national polling shows that American voters want more gun control, but admit that mass shootings—or other forms of mass killings—cannot be stopped. However, as discussed previously, abortions are the largest killers of human beings in the United States.
As I have written:
Indeed, the holocaust brought about by Roe v. Wade is the largest holocaust in this century or the last, and perhaps in all of human history.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/abortions-and-autos-kill-more-in-america-than-guns/#comment-8613 (“Donald Trump’s Abortion Comments Spark Furor From Both Sides“); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/the-silent-voices-of-stalin’s-soviet-holocaust-and-mao’s-chinese-holocaust/ (“The Silent Voices Of Stalin’s Soviet Holocaust And Mao’s Chinese Holocaust“) and http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/gun_control/voters_want_more_gun_control_but_admit_mass_shootings_can_t_be_stopped (“Voters Want More Gun Control But Admit Mass Shootings Can’t Be Stopped“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/problems-with-foreign-adoptions/#comment-18488 (“China Is Killing Again, This Time Babies“) and https://www.nysun.com/editorials/the-gun-deal-wed-like-to-see/90791/ (“The Democrats’ goal is not to tighten up gun regulations on the margin. It is to outlaw guns altogether. Their goal is New York, where the Second Amendment doesn’t apply — and Governor Cuomo, Mayors de Blasio and Bloomberg, like it that way“) and https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7344723/Universal-pulls-plug-controversial-movie-Hunt-following-mass-shootings.html (“Universal pulls plug on controversial movie The Hunt following mass shootings“)
[Baby at 12 weeks]
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Vaping Kills [UPDATED]
It is simply a matter of time before significant numbers of deaths show up. CBS Denver has reported:
See https://denver.cbslocal.com/2019/08/29/its-very-scary-teen-says-vaping-put-her-in-coma/ (“‘It’s Very Scary’: Teen Says Vaping Put Her In A Coma”) (emphasis added); see also https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/30/cdc-investigating-215-possible-cases-of-vaping-related-severe-lung-disease.html {“Vaping-linked severe lung disease outbreak reaches 215 cases, officials say“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-18218 (“BAN Pot And Other Drugs, As Well As Vaping“) and https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fentanyl-drug-bust-investigators-seize-enough-fentanyl-to-kill-14-million-people-in-massive-bust/ (“Fentanyl drug bust: Investigators seize enough fentanyl to kill 14 million people“) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fentanyl (“Fentanyl“) and http://www.dickmorris.com/stopping-opioid-addiction-an-approach-that-work-lunch-alert/ (“Stopping Opioid Addiction: An Approach That Works“)
Vaping ads are appearing on cable and other TV stations around the country; and they must be banned immediately. Aside from an FCC ban, one way to make this happen would be for the legal profession to name such media entities as defendants and co-conspirators when medical issues arise.
The problem is, of course, that they may not show up for years to come, which has been true of the effects of other forms of smoking. And the emerging vaping industry may fight all efforts to curtail or shut down its insidious operations.
See https://reason.com/2019/02/14/fcc-commissioner-wants-to-ban-e-cigarett/ (“FCC Commissioner Wants to Ban E-Cigarette Ads, Because ‘Public Interest'”)
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VAPING KILLS AGAIN [UPDATED]
Natalie Rahhal has reported for the UK’s Daily Mail:
See https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7436241/Vaping-related-illness-claims-life-Indiana-officials-report.html (“Vaping has killed FOUR people and left 450 sick because of a deadly ‘new lung disease’: Health crisis linked to e-cigarettes has now spread to 33 states and the CDC has urged all people to STOP the habit“) (emphasis added; video omitted); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/global-chaos-and-helter-skelter/#comment-19238 (“Vaping Kills“) and https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7463491/Illinois-teen-18-fell-ill-lung-disease-vaping-year-suing-JUUL.html (“Illinois teen, 18, who fell ill with a lung disease after vaping for a year is suing JUUL“) and https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7450427/Minnesota-student-hospitalized-vaping-related-lung-injuries-SIX-e-cigarette-users-die.html (“Minnesota student hospitalized with vaping-related lung injuries and SIX US e-cigarette users die“)
It must be repeated:
All TV and other advertising must be banned immediately; and the legal profession must commence massive lawsuits against the vaping companies, and those media entities that promote their products.
Nothing less will suffice.
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Is A Recession Coming To America?
My undergraduate degree from UCLA is in economics; and I have studied the history of depressions and recessions, spanning decades and centuries. In the final analysis, economists are like weathermen (and women) or lemmings marching in lockstep to the sea: they are relatively competent about telling us what happened in the past, but not brilliant (or even barely competent) about predicting the future. Presumably worse, there is a “herd instinct” among professional economists to stay within the pack, and not get too far away from what their fellow economists are predicting. If everyone is saying essentially the same thing, you as an economist cannot be criticized unless you are out of step with the direction of the herd or pack.
The so-called “Great Recession” of 2008 exposed the soft underbelly of the American and global economies. In the U.S. alone, two of its giant automakers—General Motors and Chrysler—were forced to file for bankruptcy, and both received bailouts from the federal government aka the American taxpayers. Only Ford escaped that route, by mortgaging everything (including its famous blue oval trademark) and selling off its foreign holdings (e.g., Aston Martin, Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover) and hunkering down and riding out the storm.
There are signs in the wind that another recession may be coming. Whether it materializes is anyone’s guess. However, what is absolutely certain is that recessions and depressions have occurred with regularity both in the United States and globally over hundreds of years. The present period of sustained growth has been helped by the U.S. Federal Reserve “pumping up” the economy when there were signs of it slowing down. It is a fine art of adding enough stimulae to keep things percolating nicely, while not too much so as to accelerate inflation wildly. Needless to say, housing prices in the U.S. and globally have gone out of sight; and there have been signs for more than six months that high-end properties in both New York City and Los Angeles have not been selling; or if they have, they have done so with deep discounts from their asking prices.
Bloomberg News has reported that “Young Homebuyers Are Vanishing From The U.S.”:
See https://www.investors.com/news/home-young-us-rits-older/ (emphasis added)
The United States has not witnessed the wave of foreclosures that the Great Recession produced yet, whereby those who had been encouraged to buy homes—even though they could barely afford them—found themselves losing their dream purchases and becoming renters or at worst joining the tragic ranks of America’s homeless.
Dion Rabouin has reported for Axios that “Businesses are stocking up for an expected downturn”:
See https://www.axios.com/businesses-spending-indicators-recession-533481fc-dba7-4b5c-add4-c11628c335bc.html (emphasis in original); see also https://www.nbc-2.com/story/41262974/berkshire-hathaways-cash-pile-soars-to-128-billion-with-warren-buffett-yet-to-make-big-acquisition (“Berkshire Hathaway’s cash pile soars to $128 billion with Warren Buffett yet to make big acquisition“)
Next, a tell-tale sign that the economy may be slowing is Bloomberg has reported that the “Super Rich Rethink Buying Yachts in Uncertain Economy”:
See https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-08/even-super-rich-rethink-yacht-buying-amid-economic-uncertainty (emphasis added)
Lastly, any economic predictions in the past by yours truly have been sobered by the fact that often they did not come true. For example, on September 27, 2010, I wrote an article here entitled, “The Economic Tsunami Continues Its Relentless And Unforgiving Advance Globally.” Perhaps what remains of its validity is the following:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/
We are at the end of this decade, and perhaps the proverbial “chickens are coming home to roost” in America and globally. Only time will tell. Surely the staggering debt burden facing the U.S. will take a toll, with unknown consequences. Also, the attempted coup with respect to Donald Trump’s presidency, and the Democrats’ move to impeachment, may have a chilling effect on the American economy as next year’s elections approach.
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Will The Coronavirus Kill The New World Order? [UPDATED]
This is the question posed by Pat Buchanan—an adviser to Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, and a former GOP presidential aspirant himself—who has written:
See https://buchanan.org/blog/will-the-coronavirus-kill-the-new-world-order-138281 (emphasis added); see also https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8107427/America-shuts-Congress-warned-150MILLION-infected-coronavirus.html (“America shuts down as Congress is warned 150MILLION will be infected with coronavirus: Highways and airports are deserted, DC is a ghost town and millions of people mob grocery stores to get supplies“)
We may be at a turning point in human history, not seen since World War II. Hold on tight. The ride may be bumpy, and perilous.
Lastly, China lies and lies and lies. It unleashed the Coronavirus, and it must be boycotted.
See, e.g., https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8105527/China-government-spokesman-says-U-S-military-bought-virus-China.html (“China says U.S. military may have brought coronavirus to epicenter Wuhan“)
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See https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/steve-buscemi-911-post-traumatic-stress-disorder (“Steve Buscemi reveals 9/11 PTSD after volunteering in the aftermath: ‘I couldn’t make a simple decision'”); see also https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/steve-buscemis-wife-jo-andres-filmmaker-and-choreographer-dies-age-64 (“Steve Buscemi’s wife, Jo Andres, filmmaker and choreographer, dies age 64”)
Some of us grew up in Hollywood/Los Angeles, and were seldom awed by those in the entertainment industry. Indeed, my parents drilled the notion into me that they were “phonies,” to be avoided.
I went to school with the children of some of them; and other classmates of mine became famous stars themselves. But they seemed down-to-earth when I knew them.
Later in life, a former next-door neighbor who became a multi-billionare and true Hollywood mogul put it another way when he said they were “not nice,” and he was at the very pinnacle of the industry and town.
Yet, I always admired talent; and I thought Steve Buscemi was terrific when he starred in “Boardwalk Empire.” I tried to watch every episode. Also, I knew that Steve volunteered as a fireman in New York City; and that he was there on 9/11.
I liked Laura Bush; and she was scheduled to testify on Capitol Hill that day, where I had worked. So I turned on the TV, only to be transfixed by what I saw. When one plane slammed into the Pentagon where I spent two years of my life, it became very personal.
The fact that Steve experienced and dealt with PTSD is not surprising. Lots of us will never forget that day, or those who died. I had eaten dinner at “Windows on the World,” at the very top of one of the twin towers of the World Trade Center. And like Pearl Harbor for another generation, 9/11 shocked my world.
Now we are in the midst of this generation’s defining moment: the Coronavirus pandemic, which was unleashed on the world by China, either inadvertently or as a bioweapon. Many Americans have died, while others have been hurt physically, psychologically and economically.
Yet, with the emergence of the “Delta variant” mutation, and now the Lambda and Mu variants, we seem far from the end of the trauma. Instead of bringing our great nation together like Pearl Harbor and 9/11 did, increasing numbers of Americans don’t trust our government or the vaccines.
See also https://buchanan.org/blog/20-years-after-9-11-are-we-better-off-158521 (“20 Years after 9/11 — Are We Better Off?”) and https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9977609/Fighter-pilots-recall-plan-suicide-mission-hijacked-Flight-93-9-11.html (“‘Our only choice was to ram it’: Air Force pilots recall knowing they had launched a SUICIDE mission to bring down United 93 on 9/11 because there was no time to arm their jets before takeoff”) and https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_on_the_World (“Windows on the World”) and https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10050039/More-HALF-Trump-voters-want-red-states-secede-union.html (“America thinks the unthinkable: More than half of Trump voters and 41% of Biden supporters want red and blue states to SECEDE from one another and form two new countries, shock new poll finds”)
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Why Is There So Much Madness In This World?
See, e.g., https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11497599/Texas-girl-dead-two-days-abducted-FedEx-driver-dropping-package-home.html (“Texas girl, 7, is found dead two days after she was abducted ‘by FedEx driver dropping package off at her home, who murdered her within an hour of kidnapping her'”)
It’s as if the bowels of Hell have opened wide and spewed nonstop garbage on the world.
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