U.S. chip makers experiencing blow back of China Chip embargo.

 CHINA DESTROYING PROFIT OF WESTERN ANALOG CHIP MAKERS

SOPHISTICATED CHIPS MAY BE NEXT

U.S. chip makers, Intel, Texas instruments. and others  have recently informed the Biden administration that China has set about to retaliate to the U.S. embargo on silicon chips and equipment. While the embargo has been effective at slowing sales to China, China has been in the process in ramping up its production of Analog Chips, those used in most products, like automobiles, refrigerators and other products. It is in fact the bread and butter of chip makers. 

China now has the ability to produce chips of comparable quality as those produced in the U.S. but at a drastic discount to western producers. It has been reported that a similar chip that had cost $70 to $80 is now being marketed by China for as little as $1. This has deeply impacted the profit margins of these companies and while they have been forced to reduce prices, they will never be able to compete with China's manufacturers. 

It seems this is a new pattern emerging around the world, as sanctions and embargos are used to intimidate or force compliance those affected have been able to substitute in short order at moving to domestic manufacturers, that then replace the existing suppliers. This has been the case with Russia and other countries that soon find alternatives to former suppliers that may never have access to those markets again.

While the U.S. and western countries have relied on High Tech products to keep their share of markets, it is now possible that other countries can soon match the quality and often the quantity of producing these products. 

Sanctions historically have never really been effective, the embargo of U.S. oil to Japan is often blamed on the attack on Pearl Harbor. 40 years of sanctions on Iran may have caused discomfort, but not submission.Today, retaliation is often just replacing and finding other products to use as leverage. China has already slowed the availability of rare earth minerals in retaliation for sanctions. Russia has replaced western products with domestic production or production from other countries. European autos have almost all been replaced either by Chinese or other autos, Mc Donalds still functions but with Russian owners and a new name. 

Years were spent on pushing the benefits of global trade. Many domestic products were replaced by foreign competition, in the hope that it would be offset with hi-tech sales to these countries. To some extent that worked out, many countries were satisfied to engage in that bargain, but when essential items are used as weapons it is soon apparent that no product is now exclusive for long. It can soon be produced by others and that market may disappear forever.

That is were we are today, a policy of power politics and economic intimidation is no longer a one way street and it is likely no one will be a winner.

Looks like war coming to Africa.

 NULAND'S VISIT TO NIGER INDICATES WAR IS ON MENU

BOTH FRANCE AND U.S. HAVE TROOPS IN NIGER

Much is made of Victoria Nuland's trip to Niger. It seems she was only met by lower ranking members of the new leadership. You can bet they were warned that if they don't submit to western terms quickly, there will be war. The U.S. has a large base with over 1000 personnel. the French have around 1500 troops in Niger. It seems that Niger is going to be the tipping point to counter African nationalism and African unity. 

Niger is one of the poorest counties in the world with over 40% of the population living below the poverty line. While it is rich in resources namely Uranium and Gold, most of these resources are controlled by France, the former colonial ruler. France also controls the currency and all transaction in Niger go through French banks. France has a lot of say about the future of this country. It seems the citizens of Niger, who approve of the latest change in government by near 80%, are unified in their desire to send France back to Europe. It seems the west is unifying in keeping France in their present position. It looks this will mean another front on the global war for control.

So far, the new government has given France 30 days to exit, including their troops. France has so far refused. It seems the U.S. is going to support France in their hope of keeping economic control of the country. 

All this coincides with coming BRICS summit in South Africa, Aug. 20 to 22. It is rumored that over 40 countries, many in Africa, want to become affiliated with the BRICS group and are interested in developing a new currency backed by Gold. I suspect that the west will delay any military intervention in Africa until after this meeting, as it would likely inflame passions in Africa and will be a very dangerous move that may spread to many parts of Africa.

The trend in Africa seems to be a movement to further distance these countries from their former colonial masters. While they have gained independence in the last 50 years, many feel they are still controlled by financial dependence and interventionist politics.

It seems that the resources of Africa have now become again a prize sought by competing interests. For Africans, competition for their products can be a good opportunity to get more of the value from their resources. It will require shrewd judgment and some unity from them as the divide and conquer tactics will be used to keep control of these assets.

Growing global resentment toward U.S. is well earned.

 OVER 30 YEARS OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION FOREIGN POLICY

MANY JUST WANT TO JUST STAY CLEAR, IF THEY CAN

While the western media is still trying to convince their populations and the world that they are the great benefactors to the world and without U.S. influence and power the world would collapse into chaos, much of the rest of the world does not share that view, even if they fear expressing that opinion.

Much of the real chaos in the world started with the first Iraq war, when the U.S. allowed and encouraged Saddam Hussein to believe that a reincorporation of the Kuwait oil fields, that were formally part of Iraq, but became part of Kuwait due to western nation building after WW2. The U.S according to congressional testimony conveyed to Saddam through its ambassador April Glaspie that it would not get involved in any border disputes in the region. It seems there was a plan to bring about the destruction of Iraq's military power and was in fact baited into believing he could succeed in this endeavor. It seems this strategy has often been repeated numerous time in the last few decades. It was the first lesson learned by others who understood what had happened and it was the just the beginning of similar regime change operations.

The operation that was put into motion to expel Saddam from Kuwait required the stationing of troops in Saudi Arabia. Whether this was originally intended to be permanent or not is not clear, but it set in motion resentment by many Sunni Muslims in the region. They perceived this a threat and a violation of their religious beliefs. One of those was Osama Bin Laden, a former ally of the U.S. in their war with Russia in Afghanistan. Bin Laden spent several years warning the U.S. that his followers did not want foreign troops stationed in their country. He was expelled from Saudi Arabia, which was an ally of the U.S. and settled in Afghanistan were he was able to grow his resistance among those who did not want foreign troops in their muslim countries neither Russian or other western nations.

Bin Laden's warnings were ignored and eventually he claimed that he and his followers would begin a campaign that would BLEED the United States in resources that would lead to their demise. This began a campaign of terrorism in the western world. It culminated in the attack on the world trade center in New York that indeed did change the world forever. It is indeed a prophetic outcome of Bin Laden that a small group of dedicated followers were able to set the stage and in fact bait the U.S. into an aggressive reprisal against most every nation in the middle east that lasted for over 20 years, resulted in the death of possibly 1 million, the destruction of nations, the destabilization of Europe and it continues to today. The cost in money, human lives and the good standing of the United States has been permanently diminished. 

This terrorist attack gave those in positions of power in the U.S. the opportunity to exert the power of the United States to set the course of world events, to in fact, "Rule the World". It was sold as the beginning of a "New World Order", orchestrated by the United States and its subservient allies in western Europe, most of which have been bought and paid for by U.S. borrowed money.

Then began regime change operations around the world usually with a fake reason of necessity of some sort, Iraq again, Afghanistan, Syria, Lybya,Tunisia, Egypt and Ukraine. Then interference in the internal elections and other subversion in Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Chechnya and even Israel. Also Brazil, Venezuela, Chile and it seemed anyplace that was vulnerable or naive enough to allow U.S. money and influence to be accepted into their country.  Of course, this was all done in the name of making a better world. 

The biggest prize is and has been Russia, a concerted effort of propaganda began to demonize everything Russia and to expand NATO to its very borders in an effort to surround and encourage its dissolution in the hope of diving up its assets and resources with its subservient allies. It is turning out to be a gross miscalculation and it is now the dilemma that if this adventure does not result in their ultimate victory, the whole house of cards is going to fold. NATO, the Dollar as the reserve currency, global financial and military hegemony will begin to evaporate. 

And now, Russia and China have not submitted to their threats of financial ruin and war and other nations are watching, wondering where they are best served in the future. The stick of U.S. destruction or the possible carrot of trying something new. The world in fact is sitting on the fence.

They have seen what cooperation with the U.S. can lead to and many would just like to distance themselves from what has proved to be possible disastrous results. They do not want to be forced to submit to the financial, military and social revolution being sold by this once great country.

This great and disastrous episode in human history is soon to be concluded. It is clear that the powers that be in Washington wanted enemies and now they have them. Do they also want war? Do they in their delusion believe that they can fight a proxy war with Russia or a limited NATO war on foreign soil without suffering in the homeland?  Are the American people naive enough to believe this war can be won in some distant land and they will not be effected?   War with Russia and or China will result in the first casualties in the homeland and they will be extensive.

Our diplomats have told China and Russia to expect war and they are preparing for war. I actually don't see much actual preparation by the U.S. for war, just bluster and threats and false narratives. They may be able to win elections in the west this way, but it will not win a war they are not prepared to fight.

Now, the only way ro avoid war is to admit, that we no longer can control the world, that we have to recognize the concerns of others and accommodate a world that has changed, much of it due to our own extreme actions. It will take humility, empathy and a desire for a better world for all, so far, there is no sign of those virtues, but time is running out.

Looks like another increase in inflation coming.

 ENERGY AND FOOD MOVING HIGHER

SELF SUFFICIENCY IS BEST REMEDY

In the last few weeks we have seen heating oil rise by 50 cents a gallon, gas is now up by at least 30 cents and it is probably just the beginning. It is likely we will see near $5. fuel prices again in the coming winter. This is due to production cuts by OPEC and a strong demand everywhere. That and the fact the strategic oil reserve has already been mostly emptied and will not be able to be used to moderate prices. In fact, Opec protested the manipulation of oil prices for political purposes by using this reserve and consequently has had some effect in their failure to cooperate with western appeals to produce more supply. Of course the sanctions on Russian oil is also affecting supply.

As for food, it is also affected by the lake of supply from Ukraine, it is unlikely that a new grain deal will be enacted as the west refused to hold up their part of the bargain. This grain shortage will have an effect on European food prices which will increase demand for everyone. It is also expected that sanctions on Russian fertilizer will have negative effects on food production in the coming years. It may become very severe in the next harvest season.

While we can all lament the troubles affecting food and energy in other parts of the world, we could have the ability to be self sufficient in energy and food in this country. The policies that have stifled production and the regulations that have prohibited refining have allowed this country to become dependent on the rest of the world. It does not have to be the case, but is the result of political decisions in Washington.

Food prices will also be effected by the growing meddling from Washington in areas of food production and distribution. High energy prices alone will dramatically increase food prices and coupled with policies that try to curtail meat production will soon make common diet products luxury items. High energy prices will raise the price of fertilizer, transportation and food preservation, it will all translate to much higher food prices. 

Inflation will not be controlled by higher interest rates. It is a question of supply, more than demand. Much of these problems could be alleviated with sound decisions in Washington, a rare thing today.

Lies and abuse of power will lead to long term consequences.

 REPERCUSSIONS WILL BE NEGATIVE DRAG ON COUNTRY FOR YEARS

DIVISION WILL NOT BE HEALED UNTIL GUILTY ARE PROSECUTED

Much is made of the new indictments against Donald Trump. Indictments that are just as much a farce as the Russian hoax, the impeachment for inquiring about the Biden corruption in Ukraine, the lying by the FBI, including former directors, the portrayal of a protest as an insurrection against the government, the 51 former intelligence leaders who lied to the American people about the Biden corruption being Russian disinformation, the lying on Fisa documents to spy on the Trump campaign. 

The real and unaddressed problems with the abuse of the election system that a majority no longer believes it to be trustworthy.

Then there is the ongoing lies about the war in Ukraine. The lies and misinformation about the vaccine that is not, the effectiveness of the vaccine and the authoritarian approach in combatting the virus. The long list of discrepancies and uninvestigated problems in the last 2 elections, I could go on and on, it is an accumulation that one has to consider if anything they say is the truth.

Then there is the collaboration with the media that will swear that it is all true, when one must believe they know they are all lying.

We can only assume that the ruling elite believe they have the control of power in the bag for perpetuity. This may very well be a fact. If there is massive election fraud who will investigate it? Who will be able to change it? We can be assured it will not be the corrupt FBI or the corrupt Justice department. The future for this country is dire indeed.

They may be able to insure power for the foreseeable future, but the consequences will soon be apparent. We will very likely not see enlistment in the military and reserves. Many no longer feel this is a government that they will want to go overseas to die for their political opportunities. When we no longer have an honest press or an unbiased judicial system, we are not any better than other totalitarian governments. There are many ways were citizens can opt out of supporting the government, not by direct confrontation, but just plain non-support and alienation.

It can only end when there are consequences for the lying and abuse of power. It seems it in now unlikely that will happen by the election process. That may very well only end with the collapse of this great experiment in self government. What happens after that is anyone's guess.

Africa, the next courtship or next conflict.

 AFRICA HAS BEEN TOLD THEY MUST TAKE SIDES

MOST AFRICANS NOW WANT TO DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES

The political situation in Africa has now taken a turn with the coup of the government in Niger. This coup is led by U.S. trained general Abdourahamane Tchiani, who has promised elections in the future. This is the 5th coup since the nations independence in 1960. It seems this is now considered some pivotal moment in the struggle for Africa's allegiance. 

France, the former ruler of Niger has evacuated all French nationals form the country. The U.S. has evacuated some of its embassy staff. The U.S. has just spent $100 million on a new Air force base staffed with 1000 American troops that is supposed to be a drone center for the fight against Islamic radicals.

African organizations have threatened to bring military action if the leader Mohamed Bazoom is not returned to power by August 6. The neighboring countries of Mali and Burkina Faso have pledged to support Niger in any military intervention. Someone now will lose face.

Much is made by the overthrow of an elected leader, but it is with some hypocrisy since this has been going on, often with the help of western powers, for decades.

There is a growing resentment against former colonial powers and also a growing option of trade and aid with China and Russia. Many Africans would like to be able to make choices that are in the best interest of their nation. Alignment with western nations has been clouded with strings that are not in their best interest. Often political and social pressure that does not align with their religious and cultural traditions. 

Then there was the murder and overthrow of  Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, who actually agreed to all the demands of the west and was still overthrown with NATO assistance. Gaddafi was popular in Africa because he provided much financial aid to other countries and also sought to organize some kind of African union. The other symbol of independent African union was Patrice Lumumba, who was assassinated with help by the West. These issues have been festering and Russia and China offer alternatives that allow, at least for now, free political, economic, and social decisions.

This is all taking place when a BRICS meeting is going to take place in several weeks in South Africa. It will add another scene of drama to the already much anticipated meeting.

It will remain to be seen, if the EU, NATO and the U.S. are willing to intervene in these countries or are they now preoccupied with Ukraine, Russia and China and the accompanying economic and social issues at home.

It seems this is just one more area of approaching change that may not be able to be controlled by foreign powers.

Time for Biden to resign.

 REPUBLICANS MUST NOW START IMPEACHMENT

ANYTHING LESS WILL BE DERELICTION OF DUTY

There is now overwhelming evidence that Joe Biden has conspired with his son Hunter Biden to use his elected positions to obtain money from foreign countries and business's. It is also clear, having been admitted on national television, that Biden threatened to withhold funds for Ukraine unless they fired the prosecutor investigating his son and his collaborator in Ukraine.  There is sufficient evidence to begin impeachment in the House of Representatives.

Biden should do the honorable thing and step down and save the country from more chaos, division and the destruction of this country.

While the charges of corruption are now very strong, there is also the using of his position and his administration to use the judicial branch for political revenge and election tampering.

Representatives and Senators better consider that this administration may very well push the Ukraine war to WW3 if they believe it will be enough distraction to save this presidency.

There is now far more important things to consider than the partisan political lust for power, privilege and money.

We will see if there any Democrats who actually believe in saving this country or are they all unanimous in risking taking the country down rather than admit their corruption and failings.