Brics block surpasses G7 in share of global GDP.

 5 BRICS NATIONS NOW LARGEST TRADING BLOCK

EXPECTED TO SURPASS 50% BY 2030

It has been reported this week that the 5 BRICS nations have now surpassed the G7 in it share of global gross domestic product. BRICS is Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It has 40% of the global population. It is now reported that this block now makes up 31.5% of global GDP compared to 30% for the G7. The G7 is comprised of Canada, U.S., Uk, Germany, France, Italy and Japan. 

There is now a long list of countries, that are considering becoming part of this group. Attending the last meeting were representatives of Algeria, Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia,Turkey, Egypt, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Mexico.

While it is not a free trade block, it now has available the New Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Bank that can be used for development to members.

These countries control a large segment of energy production and natural resources production. 

Other economic news is that the European countries are experiencing the worst inflation on the globe. Much of this is result of sanctions placed on Russia and other former trading partners. The EU is over 10%, UK is 10.1 %, other nations are as high of 26% in Hungary to 11.5% in Austria. The Monetary fund is encouraging them all to raise interest rates, that most likely will not bring down inflation caused by shortages, but will trigger a slowdown of economic activity. The future of Europe is dismal as long as these sanctions and the Ukraine conflict continues.

As the BRICS and other nations move away from the dollar, due to its devaluation caused by massive deficit spending and debt the economic future of the western countries is not on a good path for the future. 

While many boast of a huge GDP in western countries, if  you strip out the non-productive parts, like financial services, sports, entertainment and social media, we may have a more realistic view of that part of these economies that pertain to real, tangible production needed for life.

The unstoppable decline of major media.

 WHILE NEWSPAPERS ARE NOW DEAD, THE DYING CONTINUES IN MAJOR CABLE AND BROADCAST MEDIA

MAJOR MEDIA IS NOW THE REALM OF SENIOR CITIZENS

There is a very real evolution occuring in all media, particularly when it come to news and information. We have witnessed in our lifetime the death of paper media, newspapers, magazines etc.. When I say OUR I mean us who are now over 50 years old, and that may be a stretch. Just in my family, having children now 50 years old, none of them have ever subscribed to a newspaper, magazine or any other paper communications. In fact, none of them even have a subscription to cable television. While I am sure some younger people do watch cable TV it is dying by the day. 

I myself eliminated cable subscriptions around a year ago when experiencing unethical business practices with a satellite company, I had for over 20 years. I expected to replace it, but after dabbling in the various available streaming services and other internet sources, I have not and do not expect to replace it. If you look at the layoffs and stock prices, it will verify that these forms of communication are now in deep trouble. 

I expect many of them are surviving not from their large viewing audience, but that it is an outlet to form public opinion by major corporations, that have now become either the outright owners of these media companies or an outlet to enhance their political favorability. 

We have seen where many of these companies have in fact taken payments from the government in one form or another and I would not be surprised to see the move to be subsidized by the government itself. While such moves may keep them operating, it will not increase or hold their viewership.

Netflix and other streaming entertainment has without a doubt replaced much of commercial television. It has also exposed the world to many different views, while only subtly. The film industry in other parts of the world has become very competitive and has placed even hollywood in a declining position.

If anyone is at all objective, they have to admit the news, whether newspapers, media or social media has been used for propaganda by the government. It has repeated the politicians lies and enforced false narratives. While most people want to believe in the credibility of the government and the media, it is becoming almost impossible to not see the duplicity and outright misinformation. 

Without real truthful information, no media, government or country can survive for long. It is a fact, that truth will come to the surface eventually. It now seems obvious that it will not come from a media that is beholding to international corporations and the government before the quest for the truth.

Biden announces, rigs rules for primary

 NO DEBATES, NO ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COMPETITORS

PICKS FAVORABLE STATE LINEUP

Joe Biden announces his run for reelection and the DNC announces that there will not be any debates. This has already been decided no matter who will be a possible competitor. Democracy is often talked about, but as we can see, talk is cheap. It looks like we will see very little of Joe Biden from now on, they will use the same playbook as last time. It has been decided he will be the Democrat nominee. 

We can also expect that they will pick favorable states to run primaries and after a few he will be declared the winner. Much like last time after his first win in S. Carolina.

We can also expect that he will refuse to debate Donald Trump, if he should survive the Democrat attempts to keep him off the ballot, as such a debate would be way below his image of honesty and integrity.

Democrats and all voters should realize that elections are now just a farce, we no longer have free and honest elections. If you don't realize that, you must be from another planet. 

We see the daily lies from government officials and the media, just deny the truth when caught in the lies. There is no integrity and the country is not respected by a growing number of the citizens and the world. 

While many are at fault, Democrats have the power to insist on a fair primary, or are they all as corrupt as the Biden administration.

Democrat Presidential candidate with America first message.

 ROBERT KENNEDY JR. ANNOUNCES BID FOR DEMOCRAT NOMINATION

NOT A TYPICAL NEW DEMOCRAT MESSAGE

Robert Kennedy Jr. has announced his candidacy for president of the United States.  While the mainstream media have already labeled him a science denier, because of his questioning the COVID-19 response and the influence of Pfizer through media advertising and political donations. His message was anything but a typical new democrat message, of race baiting, division and radical social indoctrination. 

His announcement focused on foreign policy, objecting to the endless wars and regime change agenda of the present intelligence community and the Biden administration. He stated clearly that he would be focused on making America the strongest economic and military power, but would adhere to the policy of non-intervention in the affairs of other nations that did not have vital american interests.

He was clear that the only strong America is a united and prospering country that has the financial power to be independent and control its own destiny. He used many quotes from the framers and his former family who both believed that much of the resources of the country should be spent in building a strong America rather than attempts to control the world. He promised to bring home much of the troops from around the world and to focus on building America first.

He can expect that he will be immediately attacked by the powers that be in both parties that will label him a isolationist and a reactionary to the hoped for New World Order of a diminished America and a strong global government.

Within 1 day Kennedy was polled at 14% from democrat voters. Whether that was because of his name recognition or a thirst for something other than the now portrait of the democrat party will remain to be seen.

While Kennedy is somewhat handicapped by a rare disease that makes speaking difficult, his message is a breath of fresh air especially from a democrat. While all the power in the country will be opposed to him and his message, I expect he will do much better than many realize. I praise him for his courage to run for president and for taking positions that are in the best long term interest of the country. 

We will see if there any old time democrats left in their party or have they a succumbed to the divisive and destructive agenda of the current democrat party. 

Ukraine counteroffensive, last best hope.

 COUNTEROFFENSIVE AGAINST HARDENED RUSSIAN LINES, LONG SHOT AT BEST

THOUSAND MORE LIVES IN EXCHANGE FOR HOPE OF A NEGOTIATION TOOL

There is much talk of a planned Ukrainian counteroffensive beginning in the next few weeks. One must wonder why it would be a daily advertised event, if there was hope of a reversal on the battlefield of Ukraine. Certainly no surprise, but a very real chance of massive disappointment, both to the Ukrainian populace and the planners in Washington.

It seems there has been a hope in Washington of a massive reversal on the battlefield, an event that could be used to obtain favorable negotiations with Russia. While much is made that Russia has not taken much territory in the last few months, it s also true that the military of Ukraine, both men and equipment, has been severely diminished. The air force has been mostly eliminated, the air defense has been severely compromised and the experienced and well trained troops have mostly become casualties. Sadly, an offensive may be just a last ditch effort that will be the cause of massive deaths.

In the last few months the Russians have hardened their lines, and have substantial reserves in the rear. They have been intent on conducting this war on the ground of their choosing, 700 + miles from the Ukrainian source of resupply in Poland and Romania. It has been whether planned or not a war of attrition and it is clear who can sustain this effort.

The Europeans want out of this conflict sooner rather than later, they are suffering both in energy shortages and unrest from their populace. Support from Americans is slowing evaporating. At the same time the foreign policy geniuses in Washington are unwilling to admit defeat at any cost to the proxy Ukrainian forces. It is becoming who is going to give it up first, obviously the Europeans and Ukrainians have the most at risk by prolonging this conflict.

The Russians have all but given up on a negotiated settlement that was on the table both before the onset of the conflict and in the early stages of this war. With revelations about the duplicity of the Minsk accords and the lack of trust in any agreements with the administration in Washington, this will be settled on the battlefield one way or the other. A short supply line, an economy actually growing,  military manufacturing on war time footing, Russia is preparing to fight this war until both NATO, Washington and Ukraine are ready to say, NO MORE. There will not be a cease fire or end to fighting that will allow the Ukrainians to rearm or be propped up with western mercenaries.

It now appears that the Europeans will likely be more economically devastated by the conflict than Russia. If Russia just continues to do what it is doing they most likely can keep this up indefinitely. Can the Europeans or the the United States?

While a counteroffensive is the hoped for action, they are also talking of allowing Poland to take over western Ukraine and insure that Russia cannot overcome all of Ukraine. It is unclear if any such deal can be agreed to by Ukraine It seems they are doomed no matter what the result.

It is clear there will either be a counteroffensive by Ukraine or a increased offensive action by Russia, as soon as the weather and the land can support a large scale troop movement in the region. This may not happen before May or June, it will all depend on when the mud is replaced with firm ground. Either way it can be expected the conclusion of this Ukrainian tragedy will be over before the end of 2023.

Currency crisis, economic crisis, then global solution.

 CURRENT FINANCIAL SYSTEM MAY BE COMING TO AN END

DRAMATIC SOLUTIONS IN THE WORKS

It seems the financial system is about to be tested as never before. We see that many nations are now seriously moving to end the use of dollar as the world reserve currency. While we hear that this will be difficult and likely to take years, it seems that it is moving much faster than anyone is willing to admit.

We must take note that the move away from the dollar is actually a natural result of uncontrolled deficit spending by the United States government. It is no coincidence that the last balanced budget in the United States was 1969 and  that the decoupling of the dollar from gold and silver occurred in 1971, this happened in reaction to foreign entities wanting to exchange their dollars for actual metal. This allowed the government to take on ever growing massive debt and also the devaluation of the buying power of the dollar. One simple statement sums up the results, the things we buy, whether real estate, gas or food have not increased in price, but the value of dollars has been steadily eroded by government policy.

While that is a simplistic analysis, it is a fact. This trend has been going on ever since 1969, slowly at first, due to increased socialist spending and the Vietnam war, then followed by papering over numerous financial crisis. The last financial crisis that was allowed to run its course was in 1981 to 1983, caused by runaway inflation and debasement of the currency corrected somewhat by 17% interest rates and severe economic downturn. Since that time, every break in the economic growth has been papered over with more spending, more debt.

With a present debt of $33 trillion and growing daily it is now at the end of the road. Raising interest rates will squeeze borrowing, real estate and major purchases, but will also make the debt service unsustainable. It will not lower the cost of fuel, energy and food which are now experiencing shortages and supply chain problems, so we will see higher prices, lower economic activity and an inability to service debt in an escalating decline of sustainability. 

When we see foreign countries fleeing the dollar it is not necessarily because they want to damage the United States, but more because of their objective analysis of the current financial situation. While at home we are bombarded with propaganda and misinformation that all is well.

It has recently been reported that major banks at present have $1.7 trillion in unrealized losses. More than $1 trillion in deposits have been withdrawn since the fall of the SV bank. so even the domestic population is becoming apprehensive to what is coming.

For 50 years the U.S. federal government has been able to create a continually escalating number of dollars with no restraint by any coupling to a real asset. It is really fake money that has been accepted on faith in the U.S. government. As that faith deteriorates so will the faith in the dollar as the worlds reserve currency. That is already happening ,because it is a reality not a plot, just plain financial objective reality. It is the fault of the United States government by its incompetent policies. 

For years our trading partners whether for oil or manufactured goods have sustained the U.S. debt by purchasing U.S. debt with the money it received for these goods. They were unable to actually buy U.S. products which became increasingly uncompetitive, except for food, some technology and some raw materials. This coupled with an aggressive policy of sanctions and control of the internal policies of these countries has now resulted in what appears to be a rush to decrease their ownership of U.S. debt and to buying commodities, or precious metals.

As these Dollar holdings are reduced, that money will be in effect coming home, the inflation that the U.S. has been able to spread around the world will in effect be concentrated in the United States with the increasing possibility of hyper inflation, a rise in all prices and the collapse of the value of the dollar and possible economic collapse.

We hear talk of the coming, "Great Reset" Something that has been simmering for some time without a clear explanation of that would entail. If the dollar collapses and the debt is unpayable, how can it all be salvaged?  Some would say, as some other countries are attempting to do, a return to an asset based system were all currencies are backed by some commodity like oil or gold. Then there are those who see this an opportunity to move to the next level of government control on a global basis. 

We see that the U.S. Treasury has now began a digital currency on April 1. It is expected to be implemented in June of this year. It is to be controlled by a cooperative arrangement with certain banks and the government. I suspect that this is just a bridge arrangement to allow a move to the next step. That solution is also being coordinated by western governments and international bankers to create a "International trading unit" This would be a digital currency and would be accepted in the western world as payment for commerce without the need for exchange rates or other complications. 

So, this may be the scenario, a currency crisis, a collapse of the dollar value, an economic crisis. Then much like what happened in the 1930's, where people were forced to trade their gold for paper,  people will be given a window of 90 days or such to exchange all their cash for trading units. No force will be necessary because after this date paper currency will be worthless and just so much paper..

So how will this work, it will likely be implemented with a card at first with a transaction fee to cover the banks costs and a transaction fee or tax to the government. Eventually to solve the problem of stolen or lost cards and other fraud, it would be much simpler to have chip implanted to make it all so easy and convenient. 

Deadly results of U.S. foreign policy.

 POLICY CHANGE COINCIDED WITH THE BREAKUP OF THE SOVIET UNION

POLICY HAVE RESULTED IN DEATH AND DESTRUCTION

While everyone celebrated the reforms enacted by the Soviet Union in their quest to move to a market economy and to end their policy of communist expansion, some in the west, especially the United States, believed it was a time of great opportunity. Looking back on the changes in the foreign policy of the United States at that time, it is clear that it has been a disaster for much of the world.

While it is often preached that we are keeping the peace around the world, one has to look closely at the results of this aggressive use of power and its results. Has this policy resulted in a more peaceful world? Has this policy resulted in less violent confrontation around the world? 

At home, we were rejoicing in the hope of a new era of world peace, now that it was no longer necessary to counter the Soviet Unions's policy of communist expansion. Both the Korean and Vietnam wars were sold as necessary to contain communist expansion. I remember well the domino theory and at that time it made sense to a new recruit. It is clear that the Soviet Union and its replacement the Russian federation did end its policy of communist expansion.

We were told that there would now be a new era of global peace, global trade and cooperation, and an actual peace dividend and a reduction in global military spending. This illusion only lasted just a few short years. After near balancing the U.S. budget in the mid 1990's its been escalation and confrontation with a long list of enemies needing to be dealt with. 

While the Iranian revolution and the Russian/ Afghanistan war began in 1979, 11 years before  the break-up of the  Soviet Union, both were the result of foreign intervention. The Iranian revolution was a reaction to the U.S. installed government in Iran and a rejection of western culture, while the Afghanistan war was triggered by the Soviet policy of defending the new Marxist government in Afghanistan. Both simply the last conflicts of the communist expansion era.

This was followed by the Iraq/Iran war that was supported by the United States in an effort to punish Iran for its revolution. Iraq was our proxy in this war. Of course, then the era of regime change and foreign intervention began, first in Iraq, then the reaction by some in the Arab world with 911, then Iraq for the second time and Afghanistan, Syria, Israel, Egypt, and Libya. Regime change interference in Ukraine, Russia and Georgia.  

Then of course there was lots of more subtle interventions in Central and South America  Much with motives that may still not be completely clear, some about control of oil, some about economic control, some just plain because we could.

So, lets look at the world today, April 2023. Is it a more peaceful world? Is cooperation moving ahead or is it more divided? Is the world in a better place than it was in 1991? Is the United States in a better place than in 1991? Has our debt been reduced?  Have we enjoyed the results of the peace dividend?

Is the world viewing the United States as a positive influence on the world?  

Mideast wars and the greatest migrations since WW2 began the cultural and economic destruction of western Europe, this has been further intensified by the sanctions on Russia that seem to be having more of a negative effect on Europe than Russia. While Europe is teetering on economic collapse, we continue to escalate tension with both Russia and now China. All the while our debt is exploding into a possible default or devaluation, foreign countries no longer view the dollar as a stable currency. Our government is now viewed with suspicion and distrust, both abroad and even at home.

Our policies have resulted in the death of millions and the displacement of 10's of millions. The latest and now possibly the most tragic is Ukraine. Their population and economy will take decades to recover, if ever. It could all have been avoided by just listening to the concerns of Russia and the few diplomats left in the western world. It appears it was more about bringing about regime change in Russia rather any concern for the Ukrainian people. It was the continuation of an arrogant and delusional policy that mirrors failed empires of the past, who believe they can rule the world with their power.

It appears that 2023 will likely reveal the culmination of these delusional polices with no re evaluation, no contemplation of their worth, just full steam ahead into to some approaching abyss of economic, cultural and military destruction.

Pentagon leaks, Traitor or whistle blower?

 WILL 21 YR OLD NATIONAL GUARDSMEN BE THE SCAPEGOAT FOR PENTAGON LIES?

ARE REVELATIONS DAMAGING TO NATIONAL SECURITY OR TO THE CREDIBILITY OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION?

While recently watching congressional testimony from Loyd Austin, the secretary of Defense, in congressional hearings, it was obvious that he was just repeating the official narrative on the Ukraine conflict. If one would watch the people sitting directly behind Austin you could tell from their demeanor that they visibly cringed at many of his answers. I suspect none of them would be able to lie as well as Austin.

Within days of this testimony leaks began to appear that proved Austin was lying under oath before congress. Of course the leaker, a 21 year old national guardsman, is already being portrayed as a right wing fanatic, because he has guns and goes to a shooting range. We can expect that he will be prosecuted and made an example of. He may even be labeled a Russian agent.

While much of the revelations are being withheld and covered up by the Government controlled media, the most important contradictions with Austin's testimony are that Ukraine is not winning the war. That Ukraine is losing troops at a 7 to 1 ratio to the Russians. That the U.S. and Uk have hundreds of special forces now in Ukraine without a declaration of war or congressional approval. It also reveals government spying on our allies. It also makes it clear that this in effect a war between the United States and Russia.

So, if someone believes that the government is lying to the citizens of the country and congress and reveals these lies, are they a whistle blower or a traitor? If someone in government is lying to the citizens of the country and congress are they a patriot or a traitor? It seems lying in protecting the government is always acceptable. Telling the truth in revealing government lies is always now treason.

This is not the first time I have personally watched government officials lie under oath before congress, there is never any consequences. 

The worst example was Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, who lied several times, under oath, before congress, on national television, about the NSA collecting communications in mass of all U.S. citizens, without cause and without warrant, and storing the information in NSA data bases for future reference. This testimony prompted Edward Snowden to leak classified documents that revealed these lies. Was Snowden a traitor or a whistle blower?

We know that Snowden had to flee the country for his life and has not returned to the U.S. and likely never will. Clapper is regularly still lying on national television supporting whatever government policy is an issue of the day. No prosecution, still considered a credible witness. The interesting thing is the Snowden revelations never damaged national security, even Osama Bin Lauden and others never used regular communications, but resorted to couriers. Only the U.S. citizens believe that their government is not spying on them.

Normalizing mental illness and ostracizing moral integrity.

 AMERICA HAS BECOME THE DUMPSTER FIRE OF THE WORLD

ALL SORTS OF ABERRATIONS NOW FILL THE MORAL VOID

While we are constantly being told that our enemies are plotting to destroy the United States, the fact is it is being destroyed from within. This country has lost its honor, its respect and its vision of moral integrity in the world. All the world knows it, except those who no longer have a clear understanding of right from wrong or good versus evil.

While there seems to be an obsession with normalizing all kinds of mental illness, and then demanding that everyone accept their normalization, the country diminishes in stature, not only to many of its citizens, also to much of the world. There seems to be a growing void of all moral integrity, affecting social cohesion, economic reality and our standing in the world. We are no longer an example that is viewed as one to emulate.

America at heart has always been a libertarian society, most did not care what others did in the home. There was a tolerance for different political opinions, cultural differences and a live let live view of life. We could say that most of life was governed by historically sound social rules that were found over centuries to maximize the cohesion of society. The Ten commandments were a simple expression of rules to benefit everyone in their interaction with other human beings.  Do not steal, you will suffer the consequences, Do not lie, you will loose your credibility and also suffer the consequences. Do not fool around with your neighbors wife or husband you are putting yourself and others at risk. These rules of course were all common sense and had natural adverse consequences for their non adherence.

Today we see that even those simple rules are often dismissed in the quest for the greater good. Lying has become part and parcel of every political campign. It has now become the norm of government statements and messaging to the public. It is approved of and re enforced by the complicit media. 

Theft is ok if it is now small and contributed to some perverted scheme of redistribution of wealth. Violence is ok if it is just an expression of some constantly changing righteous rage at injustice. It has been all a down escalator to chaos and ultimate destruction.

Marriage is no longer a sacred endeavor to insure the cohesion of the family and the raising of well adjusted children. It is now a social experiment without any societal value, just another means of self expression. 

We have normalized behavior that has been considered mental illness for thousands of years, and then not only raised it to a civil rights status but demanded that it be accepted as normal. Individual who cannot accept the way they were born need to have therapy between their ears not between their legs. Again, no one in this country cares how adults dress or present themselves or what they do in their home,  but now it becoming government policy that these aberrations need to be force fed to other peoples children. This is just plain evil and needs to be portrayed for what it is, EVIL.

Then there is the perversion of sound economic principles that are eternal. You cannot spend more than you earn indefinitely. You cannot expect other nations to embrace your constantly devalued currency. All the imaginative wall street financial instruments at one time would have been scorned or even labeled fraud. Things like quantitative easing are fancy words for very unsound economic tactics to cover up other unsound policies.

At the same time as we see institutional destruction of sound economic and social practices, those who object, either in the church or the school board are to be investigated and watched by the FBI. A nation that has strayed this far off the beaten path will undoubtedly suffer the natural consequences. The destruction is here, it is right in front of all of us.

What really reduces violent crime?

GUN CONTROL  VS  CRIMINAL CONTROL

Gun Control is again a hot topic in the news. We hear reports of the huge increase in violent crime.

Referring to the FBI website to see what their statistics reveal, below is a chart of murder statistics. Interestingly the numbers for all murders peaked in 1993.  Dropped steadily to 2002, then seemed to stay flat. Murder by firearms was pretty constant at 68% of total.  A gun control enthusiast would probably point out that background checks and the assault weapons ban were passed in 1993 and 1994. There is one problem with that argument. We see that all category's of weapon used dropped in tandem with gun crimes.

Guns -59%  Knife -58%  Blunt objects  -57%  hands  -57%   Arson  -44%

Population increased by 71 million from 1990 to 2014.  156 million guns have been sold by licensed dealers since 1994. More guns and a larger population have not resulted in more crime.

Checking to see what other laws were passed at this time. Washington State passed the first, "Three Strikes and Your Out," law in 1993. Get convicted of your 3rd felony and you got an automatic 25 year sentence. California passed their similar law in 1994 and by 2001 they convicted 50,000 violent felons.

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act was passed into federal law in 1994. Three violent acts = life in prison without parole.  Similar laws were passed by 24 states.

Murder by Weapons Used
Year	Murder Victims	Guns	Percent	Knife	Blunt Object	Strangulation, Hands, fists,Etc	Arson	Other
2014	13,853	9,603	69 %	1,722	573	849	96	1,010
2013	14,196	9,895	69 %	1,684	541	733	84	1,259
2012	14,856	9,789	63 %	1,838	692	1,198	93	2,246
2011	14,661	8,847	58 %	1,730	737	1,093	83	2,171
2010	14,722	8,975	59 %	1,904	740	1,245	74	1,784
2009	13,636	9,146	67 %	1,825	641	801	92	1,131
2008	14,299	9,484	66.3	1,897	614	949	86	993
2007	14,831	10,086	68.0	1,796	647	854	130	1,016
2006	14,990	10,177	67.9	1,822	607	833	115	1,128
2002	14,263	9,528	66.7	1,776	681	954	103	874
1997	15,289	10,369	67.8	1,963	702	1,187	134	934
1996	15,848	10,744	67.8	2,142	733	1,182	151	726
1995	20,232	13,790	68.2	2,557	918	1,438	166	968
1994	22,084	15,463	70.0	2,802	912	1,452	196	1,079
1993	23,180	16,136	69.6	2,967	1,022	1,482	217	1,168
1992	22,716	15,489	68.2	3,296	1,040	1,445	203	1,043
1991	21,676	14,373	66.3	3,430	1,099	1,529	195	847
1990	20,045	12,847	64.1	3,503	1,075	1,424	287	909
1985	17,545	10,296	58.7	3,694	972	1,491	243	849
1980	21,860	13,650	62.0	4,212	1,094	1,666	291	947
1975	18,642	12,061	64.7	3,245	1,001	1,646	193	496
1970	13,649	9,039	66.2	2,424	604	1,031	353	198
1965	8,773	5,015	57.2%	2,021	505	894	226	112

Common sense tells us, controlling individuals who have shown a violent nature is much more effective than tying to control inanimate objects. We have not tried to control knives, blunt objects etc. and had similar decrease's in murder with these weapons.

These statistics are available to all our elected politicians, many who are now advocating releasing large numbers of the prison population while advocating more gun laws. I can only assume their motives are not honest.


Originally published 10/20/15 more relevant than ever.

Is France the first EU member to jump from the Biden sinking ship?

 IS THIS A TURNING POINT IN NATO UNITY?

EU NOT WILLING TO BECOME ANTI-CHINA

Emanuel Macron returns from China and seems to have been convinced that it is time to reevaluate both France and Europe's unquestioned support of the United States foreign policy. It will be a pivotal time for both NATO and the EU. 

We already see the first shot fired by Republican Marco Rubio stating that the EU better not conflict with the U.S. policy or they may have to solve the Ukraine problem themselves. Poor example, in that France and Germany had a plan to avoid this war and the United states insisted that destroying Russia was in their best interest. That massive unified sanctions would bring Russia into submission in weeks. All now obviously just a delusional dream emanating form Washington's foreign policy experts.

We now see that not only have the sanctions destroyed the economies of Europe but now the demand that Europe sever ties with China over Taiwan. China is the biggest trading partner with the EU. It cannot afford any more economic crisis's or it will descend into chaos and destruction. Exactly what seems to be the goal of the Biden administration both at home and world wide.

Macron made it clear that they are not going to destroy themselves over Taiwan, which they do not see as a threat to their security. That coupled with the obvious to all, except most of the American people the U.S. is on a road to disaster and now many are choosing to get off that path before they also are destroyed.

It is doubtful that Macron made these statements without behind the scenes acknowledgment from other EU and NATO members that they need to become more in control of their own destiny, rather than be the bobble heads for Joe Biden and the delusional U.S. foreign policy.

Now we have to wait and see what leverage will be brought to bear to keep these countries inline. Will it be regime change tactics, economic sanctions, or even worse? So far, we have seen no change in direction from the U.S. geniuses concerning foreign policy. It seems they are all willing to go down with the ship if necessary.

Real test of Democratic government, " People choose the candidates"

 IF OPPOSITION PARTY IS ALLOWED TO DISQUALIFY CANDIDATES THERE IS NO "DEMOCRACY"

FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS ARE NOW QUESTIONABLE

When Hong Kong was re incorporated into mainland China, they were promised free elections. They were granted free elections, but the candidates were chosen by the Chinese Communist Party. All the candidates, if elected, would govern in the same way. 

Sounds very familiar with the elections for the last few decades here in the great pillar of Democracy. You get a choice between Bush or Clinton, Or Romney and Obama but in the end the country does exactly the same thing, no matter what the people would desire.  The only exception was Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump. While Obama seemed to many to be an outsider, he was in fact the greatest advocate of our death and destruction foreign policy and division at home. The candidates were picked in back rooms and often by the same people and advocated by the media.

Now it is all out in the open, disqualify or destroy a candidates even before the primary season. If it destroys all faith in our elections system, well, that may be a good thing, just discourage the people enough so they just dropout and refuse to participate. After all, who are all these people who disagree with the brilliant geniuses who have running our country. Just look at the great success they are having in managing both domestic and foreign policy.

We saw in the last 2 democrat primaries the blatant rigging to deny Bernie Sanders the nomination. While no supporter of Sanders policies, I believe he is his own man and would be hard to control and would likely, to at least refrain, from engaging in the death and destruction foreign policy. The point is there is tremendous leverage being used to deny the people a fair and free choice of candidates. The real bedrock of democracy.

So beware, the election season is coming and we will see the spin by the media about who is the greatest and the best. They are most likely the worst for the country, but the best for all those who are living off the federal government. 

We will see if there any candidates that are truly candidates chosen by the citizens or just another charade to keep the people believing that all this chaos and decline in the country is beyond anyone's control.

Are we now witnessing the, "Fundamental Transformation"

 THE FUNDAMENTAL TRANSFORMATION OF AMERICA IS UNDERWAY

PROSPECTS OF SURVIVING ARE DIMINISHING

If we watch the United States crumbling before our eyes, we must conclude that this is an intentional orchestrated destruction of this country. It is disintegrating both at home and around the world. It appears there is coalition of Marxist revolutionaries on one hand and also a coalition of those who believe as the only super power they can rule the world. In the end the victim will be the  country itself. 

While many hope that these trends can be reversed by some election miracle, it is becoming obvious that the election process has  been corrupted beyond any imminent repair. It is also obvious that the nations leaders are on a path of ultimate military disaster. There is no sign of a change of direction in the nations foreign policy.

Then there is complete abandonment of sound fiscal policy that will bring about the collapse of the dollar and a decline in economic prosperity.

There is also the collapse of any real law in most every urban city in the country.

The nation has never been so divided and there is little hope of any reconciliation. The only peaceful solution is for the opposing camps to engage in a  peaceful divorce. That solution will also end the great American experiment.

It is now becoming obvious that these trends can not be reversed no matter who is elected to any office. We have seen the slide and it is now becoming obvious it is irreversible. 

We are now in a point in history similar to the 1930's Europe. The stage is set, the cast has been chosen and when the curtain rises the catastrophe will begin and most likely no one or nowhere will escape the disaster.

Only suffering and much death and destruction will satisfy the built up rage and division. While the hope of this generation is all but  lost, maybe the survivors can learn from the disaster, at least for a generation or two.

Confidence and trust are necessary for human interaction.

 THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IS LOSING BOTH

CAN TRUST AND CONFIDENCE BE RESTORED?

It has always been clearly stated that the stock market is all about confidence, confidence in the future of a company and confidence in the future of a country. That also applies to every other human interaction, we have contracts and legal statutes that help to enforce this confidence and trust, but no one would be willing to rely solely on these promises.

What we see within our nation today is  the greatest decline in confidence and trust in this government both by the domestic population and the world. Once lost, how is it to be regained? 

I hear this lack of  trust everywhere, it is escalating. Some people are taking money out of their bank and are bewildered what to do with it. Many no longer believe anything that comes from the government. Many have much lower confidence in the future of this country. The the worst part is, some, including myself have come to believe it is all an intentional assault on our country from within. This may be the result of a lose of all confidence in the exiting government and its adherence to the laws and constitution, which are the basis of trust and confidence.

We watch as one by one foreign countries who once had a very positive view of the United States are deciding to separate themselves, as much as they can from the United States. Why? Are they stupid, misinformed or is that they no longer trust the good intentions of this country. Is there an actual fear that we are an untrustworthy partner both in business and politics and the repercussions can be sanctions, freezing of assets and attempt to overthrow there government? Has the death of millions and the destruction of countries just been the results of misplaced and accidents of our foreign policy or is it all intentional?

We have lived and prospered by having the dollar as the most trusted currency in the world. No more, trust in the dollar is decreasing by the day. One is the debasement of the currency by deficit speeding which is accelerating and if this administration has its way will explode beyond comprehension. These acts are, in effect, fraud perpetuated on anyone who accept this currency as something of value. Then we hear of plans to reset, to force a digital currency or other exotic ideas about how to rescue the government from their incompetence. Who will suffer the loses from these experiments? The poorest and least suspecting we can assume.

Then there is use of the dollar as a weapon to force submission whether economically, politically or even social ideas that abhorrent to much of the world.

I wonder who, in today's atmosphere, has more confidence in the future of this country? Can confidence be restored, even with a change of presidents or other elected official? While life is still going on, there is a feeling of apprehension and doom that is descending on this country. It is growing without any signs of diminishing. I encounter it everyday in the interaction with others of all political persuasions. Many are expecting catastrophe in one form or another.

"You are either with us or against us" U.S. foreign policy, Is now more like, "Whack a Mole".

 ARE THE DOMINO'S BEGINNING TO FALL EVERYWHERE?

U.S. IMAGE NOW LACKS CREDIBILITY AND DISTRUST GROWING

While the media concentrates on soap opera domestic politics the world is falling apart or I should say falling away from the United States. The developing re alignment around the world is amazing and escalating. It is a sad day for the United States as it has squandered much of the good will and trust it took decades to build. It will also be a sad future for all Americans when the results of this misguided foreign policy become reality.

We see peace initiatives in Syria and the middle east underway with Russia and China acting as the diplomatic managers. It is becoming clear that the gulf countries are hoping to distance themselves from U.S. foreign policy. They have had enough division, death and destruction. We can expect pressure on the U.S. to withdraw the remaining troops from Syria, whose intended mission is to deny the Syrian people the resources needed to reconstruct their country. 

We see Saudi Arabia has cut oil production, they have voiced concerns that the Biden administration is driving down oil prices by depleting the U.S. oil reserves, for political purposes, which by the way are near exhausted.

It was reported yesterday that the Netanyahu government has accused the Biden administration of engaging in color revolution political interference in the recent uprisings. It is not the first time, it is common knowledge that the Obama administration deployed political operatives to meddle in past Israeli elections. Much has to do with Israel refusing to take sides in the Ukraine conflict. They have been trying to preserve their good relations with Russia who has cooperated with Israel in the region. 

Japan announced this week that it is going to buy Russian Oil. While Japan has been a loyal ally of the United States, it is becoming obvious that they are not sure they are willing to go all in with the United States planned confrontation with China. There are signs both Japan and South Korea do not want to take sides and get caught in the crossfire from this policy. Will efforts now be made to attack the government of Japan. I bet Japan is going to watch closely.

Australia has gone all in in this military confrontation with China, Australia's number 1 buyer of its raw materials is China. China can replace those materials with resources from Russia.

Not much reporting about a Taiwanese delegation in Beijing, could it be that they have observed the fate of Ukraine and have decided that they may be better off to come to some diplomatic compromise with China.

Brazil announced they will do business with China in the Chinese yuan rather than the dollar.

Mexico hinted they are interested in joining the BRICS group. They will be invaded before that will be allowed.

NATO members Hungry and Turkey do not want to go all in against Russia, their economic survival is tied to energy from Russia and they have had good relations.

Plans are underway to build a network of roads and rail from Russia, down through Iran and Azerbaijan to increase trade to India and the middle east.

China is planning on developing roads and rail north into Russia and west across Asia  into Europe, these projects with allow trade without using the Oceans as a primary shipping method.

The EU has strong reservations about confronting China, they also in fact have a delegation in Beijing right now. Also, they all know who blew up the Nord stream pipeline and are suffering greatly from the U.S. sanctions with Russia.  

It is a daily event of some serious re-alignment in the world economic system, much is happening around the world, while the U.S. engages in destructive political drama and pushes divisive and destructive social engineering polices as its priorities. It can be expected that much of this will change the world in this current year.

Universities divided between Red and Blue.

 WHILE THE VALUE OF COLLEGE DEGREES ARE MORE IN DOUBT

PARTICIPATION OF WHITE MALES DROPS TO 25%

College enrollment has now dropped by 10% since 2010. 2010 was the peak year of enrollment and has declined every years since and seems to be accelerating. Men now make up only 40% of college admissions and white men only 25%. This is a trend that is undoubtedly a result of several things. One the anti male and particularly anti white male agendas. In some ways, college may look a little dangerous to their long term future. 

These trends are also being exaggerated by the division in the standards for enrollment. Test scores are increasingly being disregarded or even eliminated in many colleges especially in blue states like California, Washington and Illinois. States like Florida and Texas are increasingly fighting to keep these high standards and even beginning to strip tenure as a perk for college professors. Professors who once gain this perk become left wing activists, without any objectivity.

Then there is the questions about Critical Race theory and new interpretations of history and social studies. Particularly since COVID many parents are refusing to provide funding to schools that are mandating social indoctrination rather than learning for economic success.

Enrollment in schools in Florida and other Red states are growing. Many people are concerned that the new initiatives by many of the Blue state schools will not be able to provide quality workers for the future.

Many business are already skeptical of what a college degree guarantees for them. Many have begun to look at work experience and other information as part of their decision making. An applicant who is 22 years old and has never been employed, even in a summer job, may not be a good prospect.  Many find that a college degree is not what it used to be.

While everyone supports education opportunity for everyone, if the standards and results are not held high it will become a meaningless endeavor.  Those schools that maintain high standards will eventually become the go to place for new employees and the others will be suspect even of they deserve their college degree.

I know from the experience of some college professors that government funded students are often pushed through even when they are unable to do the basic requirements. One of these instances was for Nursing degrees, is the lure of more students and guaranteed funds more important than qualified  people who have lives in their hands.

College should be a place to learn the things that are needed to be economically successful. The standards need to be high the results need to be qualified people. When education places political and social indoctrination as the priority they should advertise their school as such. It can be a place for public funding and future government workers. It seems that is what many already have become.

The United States is being destroyed from the inside.

 THE COUNTRY IS ON THE VERGE OF COLLAPSE ON MANY FRONTS

IT IS NOT INCOMPETENCE BUT INTENTIONAL DESTRUCTION

While we see a continuous media narrative of focusing attention on Donald Trump, perverted Trans activists, attacks on religious liberty and every divisive distraction, the country is crumbling. It is imploding economically, socially and politically. The country is about to no longer exist as we know it. I suppose that is the plan. There seems to be enough delusional activists that would indeed applaud the destruction of this country.

So far, many people have been exceptionally patient and peaceful, it seems that is not what the agenda is. The provocations are intended to induce violence. Then the necessary response to restore peace, even if all rights and laws are repealed. This is a simple pattern of regime change that has been followed worldwide. It has now come home.

This time it is not about regime change but the abandonment of constitutional government and installing the preferred authoritarian regime. The regime is not going away, just the rule of law, just individual rights, just your private property and then your freedom.

We have watched as our borders have been opened and the world is encouraged to enter, it will overload our social services and destroy social cohesion to make chaos easier. This is not misguided policy, this is intentional destruction of the country.

We have seen our electoral system perverted by all kinds of systems and policies that have made our elections no longer secure and cannot be trusted. This is no accident, without faith in the elections system the country is on shaky ground. 

We see a continuous propaganda campaign by the established media that is so obvious misinformation and lies. Collusion of the media to suppress any narrative that questions government policy and narrative. We do not have a free press, it has been compromised.

We see an explosion of spending both on domestic and foreign policy. We see a $6 trillion Federal budget with a $1 trillion deficit. We have $32 Trillion of unrepayable national debt. A $110 billion expenditure to Ukraine that has no end. Near $10 billion to meddle in the internal affairs of foreign countries. The Pentagon now claims it needs another $300 billion to replace the equipment sent to Ukraine. So what is the real figure for the assistance to Ukraine? Counties are fleeing the dollar because they see the coming decline in its worth.

We have alienated much of the world due policies of regime change, violence, death and destruction and it continues in numerous place with near 800 foreign military bases. It is all unsustainable.

At home, we see attacks on religion of any kind, we see the intentional propaganda campaign focused on children. We see endorsement of the even the president of perverted, destructive ideas propagated to children. We can see these ideas are not based on any eternal truths but an escalating slide to destruction of the nations social fabric. No accident intentional chaos. 

We have seen the norms of all law both domestic and foreign bypassed for an obvious political agenda, an agenda that is not just misplaced but EVIL. 

Evil is on the march, sadly much of it emanating from our federal government. The government that has been entrusted to the world as the best model of self government in human history. It is only a shadow of its former self. It no longer exists, it has been co opted by those with no morale foundation, just pure political power and division both at home and abroad.