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 has an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), as well as two law degrees from the School of Law (Boalt Hall), University of California, Berkeley, and from Georgetown University. 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 (see, e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commendation_Medal#Joint_Service). 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., https://naegeleknol.wordpress.com/), and can be contacted directly at tdnaegele.associates@gmail.com
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NaegeleBlog 
What Is This Blog All About?
The articles and comments set forth in this blog are intentionally provocative, and challenge “authority” and so-called “sacred cows.” My comments beneath each article provide my latest thoughts about the subjects discussed in the articles. In a sense, I view my contributions at least in part as a Gadfly: “someone who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism.”
I do not seek to hurt anyone, unless it be the legacies of brutal dictators and corrupt politicians, whose actions (and inactions) have been hidden from public view and adequate scrutiny. Two prominent examples are the former Soviet Union’s Joseph Stalin, who was responsible for tens of millions of deaths; and his heir, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, who is a ruthless killer in his own right.
Also, I try to shed light on the dangers ahead; for example, economically and militarily, with the prime concern being an EMP Attack on America. I try to address the beauty of Life as well, by discussing the majesty of the United States and its wonderful and gifted people—and our Creator.
Some may take umbrage at what I have written, or certainly disagree. Others might assert that I am cynical. I prefer to believe that I am an idealist, who is repulsed when he encounters something that is less than just or the best. The discussion of various points of view is healthy and intellectually stimulating. I do not have all the answers, by any means. Ours is a learning and growing process, which seemingly never ends.
The views set forth in this blog have not been discussed at my law firm’s Web site, nor is this blog even mentioned there, for very definite reasons. In my professional life, I have not sought to offend anyone—unless it be as an advocate on behalf of our clients—but to take middle-of-the-road, essentially neutral non-partisan positions on most matters. Clients have enlisted my skills to help them, not to pontificate about my political, social or religious beliefs.
Politically, I am an Independent, and have been for several decades, since leaving the U.S. Senate where I witnessed firsthand the shortcomings of both major political parties. I was a member of the National Democratic Club and the National Republican Club of Capitol Hill, simultaneously. I felt it was good business to entertain our clients and others at whichever club they preferred, and I felt comfortable at both of them. In fact, when I worked in the Senate, there was a spirit of bipartisanship and congeniality in both the Senate and House, which I believed was healthy and beneficial for the country.
Lastly, I sincerely hope you enjoy this blog, and come away feeling that at least you experienced different points of view. After all, this is what our great democracy and freedoms are really all about, and what makes the United States so unique and special—one nation under God—and why all Americans are truly blessed.
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The solution here is to build a six lane tidal bridge from Oman to Iran, generating 40,000 MW of low cost sustainable tidal power and provide vital security calming infrastructure for the region.
The Gulf region is the cradle of civilization, rich sophisticated cultures with mature conflict resolution history, leaving many contributions to greater humanity. The people in this region have a history of getting along and solving their own problems. Outside interventions today do not permit them to do this. The priceless archaeological treasures that have been looted and lost in the conflict are an immeasurable loss.
The tidal bridge vision has been a long time in consideration, first proposed in the OPEC 2000 report from Dr. Hazel Henderson from the future conference in Caracas Venezuela. The tidal bridge would provide regional control over who gets access to the inner gulf, and if you do not have any legitimate constructive business there then keep out.
Uncultured intervention superimposing their interests over the local wisdom. A sustainable alternative solution with cessation of hostilities. Sounds like a step forward after 50 years of deceit and killing.
US Patent Office whistleblower Dr. Tom Valone revealed some 5135 denied energy patents. The world has been denied a century of energy innovation and the BRICS can make hay with these stranded technologies. A great contribution to humanity and make huge returns for their investors. See:
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Thank you, Martin, for your comments.
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my pleasure, yours is a somewhat refreshing perspective. We used to be able to take that for granted but not much anymore. The tidal bridge has vision bonafides.
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I happened upon your blog—Thus far, I’ve found it to be well informed and reasoned, if possibly deliberately controversial—good thought provoking reading. I (too, I think) am politically Independent, and applaud Thoughtful INDEPENDENT intellectual/political discourse when I run across it. Like here.
I’ll read more of your posts later, and feel sure I’ll find much to disagree with you about. If so, paraphrasing Voltaire, ‘Though I disagree with what you say, I will defend to the death your right to say it’.
Keep up the good work–wm
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Thank you so much for your comments.
Yes, you are correct: the blog articles are “deliberately controversial,” “thought provoking,” and “intentionally provocative.” I hope you enjoy—or at least find interesting—what you read, albeit you may not agree with everything. 🙂
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dear mr. naegele,
i found your blogsite via a post you made on ‘the economist’. you wrote:
“Hold on tight. Things will get very ugly. The chickens are coming home to roost, in the Middle East and elsewhere. In all likelihood, Barack Obama and other politicians will be swept out of office. And yes, “the scent of the jasmine revolution”—as the Tunisians are calling their national upheaval—is in the process of spreading worldwide.”
i’d like you to know that i agree with every word of that and i have a couple of questions.
1. do you think world leaders, both political and economic, can see the upheaval heading their way?
2. what can be done to fix this world-wide mess we are all in?
i haven’t yet read any posts here on this site but am planning on reading every single one. good work and great insight.
regards,
donna carman
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Thank you, Donna, for your very nice comments. I appreciate them greatly.
With respect to your first question—whether world leaders, both political and economic, can see the upheaval heading their way—one must keep in mind that most if not all are politicians, at the very least with a small “p.” Even the economists are politicians in a sense; and I have often been critical of them, and have described them as being fully capable of marching in lock step like lemmings, toward the sea or the edge of an abyss.
Even if the politicians can see the political, economic, social and potential military upheavals coming, it may not be in their best interests to say so publicly. Let me give you a classic example. More than 20 years ago, I had the then-general counsel (or top lawyer) of one of the key American bank regulatory agencies to dinner at my house outside of Washington, D.C. The person had too much to drink, and was very worried that one of the United States’ largest banks was on the verge of failing. This person and other federal regulators were working hard to make sure it did not happen; and in the final analysis, they were successful in preventing it.
At the time, Americans had no idea about this crisis, or there might have been panics and runs on the bank. Over the years, I have known about lots of very precarious situations involving our banks and other financial institutions, which might have triggered massive withdrawals by depositors. This information was never divulged to the public though.
The issues that you have addressed are much broader than a single banking failure, as large as it might be. The upheavals will affect countries, and economies, and societies; and the human suffering may be unlike anything we have ever seen, certainly during our lifetimes. And yes, I believe the more astute world leaders see it coming, but they are hoping—and yes, praying—that it does not happen.
The upheavals that you have addressed—and I am addressing in these comments—potentially involve “meltdowns” of staggering proportions. Also, always remember that politicians have to give a sense that they are “in charge” and are addressing the worries of others, even if in reality they are doing nothing of the sort. In a very real sense, the best of them are “actors,” and very good ones. Most are narcissists, and they thrive—and yes, lie—in the milieus in which they operate. Those who have consciences and are not totally jaded by their experiences and lives are probably very worried about what they see coming.
With respect to your second question—what can be done to fix this worldwide mess we are all in—one must “dissect” it and break it down into its component parts. As you will find in reading my articles and comments about the American and global economies, I do not believe much if anything can be done that is positive. This conclusion may seem harsh and uncaring and defeatist, but I prefer to characterize it as pragmatic and historically realistic. The history of the world is replete with economic depressions, with the last one being the Great Depression. Despite all of the arguably-Herculean efforts of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, and all of the programs that were created during those years, the fact is that the Great Depression did not end until the onset of World War II. Most economic historians agree with that conclusion today.
Thus, vast amount of resources were “wasted” in the process of trying to convince the American people that progress was being made. “Green shoots” would appear, giving people hope that the worst was over, and then they would disappear. The same thing has been happening in America these days, certainly since Barack Obama assumed the presidency. Vast resources have been wasted, with little or nothing positive to show for it. Something similar might have been true of a Republican administration, but I doubt the waste would have been as great. And yes, I am an Independent and have been for more than 20 years; and I am critical of both the Democrats and the Republicans.
If, as I believe, an economic tsunami was unleashed that continues to roll worldwide with devastating effects, how can it be stopped and its damage lessened? Like natural tsunamis in the great oceans of the world, I do not believe it can be stopped; and that it must run its course, which is apt to happen sometime around the end of this decade. The human suffering, and economic and social dislocations and upheavals that are occurring and will continue to occur in its wake, can only be described as mind-boggling.
Will there be wars? We are witnessing riots in the Middle East now, and this is only the beginning. One of my recent comments entitled, “The Scent Of Jasmine Spreads,” perhaps sums it up best:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-1344
The stakes are potentially that enormous, or so I believe. Do I believe America will survive? Yes, absent a devastating EMP Attack (see, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/). I have faith in our nation, and in the collective wisdom of the American people (see, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/america-a-rich-tapestry-of-life).
Most of all, I have great faith in God—although not in the sense of preaching to, or at others.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/what-and-where-is-god/
As I have written:
See http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/tms/politics/2009/Apr/08/euphoria_or_the_obama_depression_.html
If you have ever seen bull riding or bronc riding, you will realize that the riders have to ride the animals and stay onboard, and not fall off. In a sense, this is what Americans and peoples of other countries will have to do between now and the end of this decade. And it will test their faith and belief in God like never before in their lifetimes, as well as their friendships, capacity for love, and belief in themselves.
I hope these comments at least give you a sense of what I believe is happening and will happen in the months and years to come.
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Mr. Naegele,
Having experienced both the chaos and beauty of life, I have learned that Life can never be unjust, only unfathomable.
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Thank you, Nate, for your comment.
Yes, Life can be and often is “unfathomable.” Whether it is “unjust” too may be in the eye of the beholder.
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/what-and-where-is-god/
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Actually I think the coming revolution is going to be exciting and refreshing. All these slimy, conniving politicians are going to be fleeing for their very lives. Besides who got elected by promising all these free things that could not be possibly free-conninving politicians. Let’s not forget that a majority of the populace voted for these same conniving politicians. They’ve sown the wind, now they are going to reap the whirlwind. I look at it as opportunity-out with the old in with a new.
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Thank you for your comments, Buck.
Yes, my guess is that you are correct.
As I wrote in one of my articles:
See http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/tms/politics/2009/Apr/08/euphoria_or_the_obama_depression_.html (“Euphoria or the Obama Depression?”)
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Hi, Timothy. I used to read your comments on WSJ and still get your blogs from time to time. Just read your blog about the Legal profession in California. We still live in Arizona but our son long ago moved to California, which he (like many an Arizona kid) saw as the “promised land”. He works in computers but took a long time to find that job, given CAs high unemployment. It sounds like the legal profession there isn’t regulated well by the Bar, which I thought was the only reason to have a Bar.
Reading the issue of college debt that may never be paid off makes me thankful I went to college in the late 60s and early 70s when even a private University wasn’t that expensive (I paid my loans in just 5 years). My field before I retired was Psychology. A decent field, but certainly not one that could pay off the 6 figure loans it would incur today.
A lot of things are going downhill today in the country, accelerated after the Recession. Being able to retire will become very tough for the current young generation, not having the advantages we older boomers had. I suspect for our son, we’re his future retirement……..our expected life span is another 25 years or so per stats, around the time he would be retirement age. He’s never mentioned this and I don’t know if this thought ever occurred to him!
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Thank you, Jonathan, for your comments.
First, the State Bar of California has very deep and serious problems, both systemically and in terms of its personnel.
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”)
Second, student debt issues will increase, not diminish in the future.
As I have written, years or decades from now, the so-called “recession” may be viewed as part of a longer “depression,” which does not end until later this decade, if then.
Third, you wrote:
This may not be true for him, but it may be for lots of other “kids.”
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Top Views Of NaegeleBlog By Country Since February 25, 2012
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/TopViewsbyCountryforalldayssinceFebruary252012.pdf
In five days, it will be the 5th anniversary of the date that this blog was launched, December 5, 2009. This listing of the top number of views by country—and the map below that shows them—is impressive; and it has grown and grown.
Not included are the statistics from December 5, 2009, when the first article appeared (see https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/articles/), until February 25, 2012, when the first country-by-country statistics were available.
With each day that passes, it is astounding to see how many people from countries around the world are reading articles and comments on this blog.
Thank you so much for doing so! 🙂
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As of February 24, 2019, this blog has been visited by people from 195 countries around the world.
Thank you again for doing so! 🙂
. . .
For those who are interested, the countries (or governmental entities, such as the EU) are—in descending order of visits:
(1) United States, (2) United Kingdom, (3) Canada, (4) Russia, (5) Australia, (6) Germany, (7) France, (8) Ireland, (9) India, (10) New Zealand, (11) Netherlands, (12) Brazil, (13) Spain, (14) Switzerland, (15) South Africa, (16) Hong Kong SAR China, (17) Singapore, (18) Italy, (19) Poland, (20) Sweden, (21) Mexico, (22) Belgium, (23) Israel, (24) Philippines, (25) Thailand, (26) Ukraine, (27) Romania, (28) Norway, (29) Malaysia, (30) European Union, (31) Japan, (32) Denmark, (33) United Arab Emirates, (34) Finland, (35) Portugal, (36) Czech Republic, (37) Greece, (38) Indonesia, (39) Kenya, (40) South Korea, (41) Austria, (42) Turkey, (43) Pakistan, (44) Taiwan, (45) Saudi Arabia, (46) Vietnam, (47) Bulgaria, (48) Argentina, (49) Hungary, (50) Nigeria, (51) Serbia, (52) Colombia, (53) Latvia, (54) Estonia, (55) Slovakia, (56) Croatia, (57) Chile, (58) Cyprus, (59) Kuwait, (60) Puerto Rico, (61) Peru, (62) Lithuania, (63) Slovenia, (64) Ecuador, (65) Cambodia, (66) Luxembourg, (67) China, (68) Qatar, (69) Egypt, (70) Malta, (71) Costa Rica, (72) Trinidad & Tobago, (73) Belarus, (74) Venezuela, (75) Bahrain, (76) Georgia, (77) Iceland, (78) Bangladesh, (79) Panama, (80) Albania, (81) Zimbabwe, (82) Armenia, (83) Bosnia & Herzegovina, (84) Oman, (85) Sri Lanka, (86) Nicaragua, (87) Azerbaijan, (88) Nepal, (89) Algeria, (90) Dominican Republic, (91) Barbados, (92) Morocco, (93) Lebanon, (94) Iraq, (95) Ghana, (96) Kazakhstan, (97) Myanmar (Burma), (98) Jamaica, (99) Mongolia, (100) Zambia, (101) Mauritius, (102) Macedonia, (103) U.S. Virgin Islands, (104) Bolivia, (105) Guernsey, (106) El Salvador, (107) Jordan, (108) Bahamas, (109) Jersey, (110) Moldova, (111) Cayman Islands, (112) Laos, (113) Isle of Man, (114) Guatemala, (115) Tanzania, (116) Aruba, (117) Macau SAR China, (118) Maldives, (119) Uruguay, (120) Bermuda, (121) Sudan, (122) Honduras, (123) Suriname, (124) Ethiopia, (125) Guam, (126) Tunisia, (127) Monaco, (128) Angola, (129) Belize, (130) Côte d’Ivoire, (131) Senegal, (132) Uganda, (133) Benin, (134) Afghanistan, (135) Montenegro, (136) Haiti, (137) Åland Islands, (138) Uzbekistan, (139) Botswana, (140) St. Lucia, (141) Libya, (142) Cameroon, (143) Gibraltar, (144) Fiji, (145) Brunei, (146) Antigua & Barbuda, (147) Namibia, (148) Madagascar, (149) Congo – Kinshasa, (150) British Virgin Islands, (151) Papua New Guinea, (152) Dominica, (153) Northern Mariana Islands, (154) Kyrgyzstan, (155) Rwanda, (156) New Caledonia, (157) Malawi, (158) Vanuatu, (159) Palestinian Territories, (160) Paraguay, (161) Gabon, (162) Curaçao, (163) Réunion, (164) Togo, (165) Mali, (166) St. Kitts & Nevis, (167) Mozambique, (168) Andorra, (169) Guyana, (170) Liberia, (171) Micronesia, (172) Syria, (173) Yemen, (174) South Sudan, (175) Tajikistan, (176) St. Vincent & Grenadines, (177) Congo – Brazzaville, (178) Solomon Islands, (179) Grenada, (180) Burkina Faso, (181) Faroe Islands, (182) Turks & Caicos Islands, (183) Seychelles, (184) North Korea, (185) Turkmenistan, (186) Liechtenstein, (187) Djibouti, (188) Somalia, (189) Guinea, (190) Iran, (191) American Samoa, (192) Tonga, (193) Swaziland, (194) French Polynesia and (195) Martinique.
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I came across your blog your via your comment on the recent WSJ article, “The New Nationwide Crime Wave.” What an incredible background you have! What an intellect! And you are a true patriot. I am *so upset* that I only found out about your blog now. Someone like you needs to run for office. Your are a man of character and wisdom. Combine this with your military experience, and you are just what we need to navigate America through these perilous times. I am a 58-year old high school science teacher. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to spend 35+ hours a week with these sweet kids. They are so full of life, hope, and dreams. Sometimes, I worry about their future. I have had my time on this stage, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. But what about my dear students?
Since the Earth formed over 4.5 billion years ago, it has been hit many times by asteroids, and the Earth *will* be hit again. Maybe the next one will end civilization. However, much more likely is the nightmare scenario of a collision with the asteroid of China over those man-made islands in the South China Sea. One wrong chess piece move in this game, and it is WWIII – but this time with Electro-Magnetic Pulses and cyber warfare. Your ATM and water faucet will immediately run dry. No more heat; no more electricity. No more food. Overnight, you will be instantly transported 12,000 years back in time to our hunter-gather days (but nothing to hunt – nothing to gather). You will be wandering the streets like bad actors in some B-movie horror flick. This is what I worry about for my students. God Bless their dear souls that they have never imagined such a fate. (I would NEVER share this view with my students. I am paid to teach my subject. Period. I don’t share my personal or political views with my students.)
However, I can’t stop worrying about their future. (Sorry for this long comment. I had to get it off my chest.) Exhale…..
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Thank you, Fred, for your very kind and thoughtful comments.
I spent years working on and with Capitol Hill, primarily the U.S. Senate. It “cured” any thoughts about running for office. I had done so in college, and been elected three times, but the Congress was a rude awakening.
Junior House members have no seniority, and spend most of their time raising money to get reelected, making speeches, and helping constituents. I had more fun in the Senate, first as an attorney with the Senate Banking Committee. However, even the senators have to do the same things, except they run for office every 6 years, and not every two years.
Your students will face challenges similar to what we have faced, but different ones too. They need faith and love, primarily, and they should be fine.
There is the old and sage adage: All we have is today. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow has not arrived yet. So all we can do is our very best today and each day, and put one foot ahead of the other.
Yes, there is a chance of an EMP Attack, which I have written about. But this has been true for many years now; and we have the best military in the world, by far.
See http://www.dailyword.com/dailyword/inner-peace-saturday-may-30-2015 (“EMP Attack: Only 30 Million Americans Survive”)
Lastly, your “worrying” is constructive. People at the Pentagon and at our other military installations around the world are dealing with the same issues that concern you; and they have been for a very long time now.
We are blessed with a great nation, and wonderful fellow Americans; and we must be thankful each day for this.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/america-a-rich-tapestry-of-life/ (“America: A Rich Tapestry Of Life”)
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