From a shining city on a hill, to a dumpster fire.

 IS AMERICA STILL RESPECTED AND ADMIRED?

DO AMERICANS UNDERSTAND HOW WE APPEAR TO THE WORLD?

This phrase "a shining city on a hill" originated as a verse in the new testament and has been used by ministers and politicians to describe the United States as an example to the rest of the world. Is America still admired and respected or have we descended into believing we can influence the world not by our example, but by power, money and the threat of retaliation?

At one time the U.S. dollar was described as "good as gold". The maleficence of the political class has debased the currency that is continually declining in value. The standard now is that it is still better than other fiat currencies, not a real impressive standard.

The United States at one time had the most fair justice system in the world, it could be contrasted to the extreme politicization of many other countries, today we see the daily examples of a duel system of justice that has more to do with political objectives than the rule of law.

At one time we had a media that was the watchdog of the political class, but now it is just a propaganda arm that either ignores the truth or broadcasts disinformation for political purposes. Not much difference from authoritarian countries of the past.

We were the shining example of a country were there was unlimited opportunity with little interference from the state. We have become a bureaucratic administrative state with massive regulation and roadblocks to business success. We have watched as our own companies have fled the country for more opportunity abroad. 

An objective foreign observer, Alexis de Tocqueville made the famous statement that "America is great, because it is good". We all seem to continue to believe that this country is always the good guy, but we have increasingly broken our word to friends and adversaries and replaced fairness and justice with force and intimidation. Reagan was trusted, while engaged in tough negotiations with our adversaries, in the last 30 years we have repeatedly reneged on promises to both allies and adversaries.

At one time we had the 10 commandments displayed in all our courthouses, now that is considered an affront and many lawyers and prosecutors no longer seek justice but what can be manipulated out of the law. 

At no time was America a perfect country, as no one is a perfect person, but there was a goal to strive for perfection, rather than advantage. We have intentionally sought to replace religious belief with the state replacing religion as the arbitrator of what is good and what is evil, a constantly moving standard that has moved downhill in its effects on the country and society. Self restraint from the population is the only effective way to have a great country, not by government edict. We can bet that we are no longer a shining city on a hill by the objective opinion of many, as they watch America decline, morally, spiritually and economically as a positive influence on the rest of the world.

Biden Policy: Speak loudly and carry a big checkbook.

MORE MEANINGLESS SANCTIONS AND WASTED SPENDING

SANCTIONING RUSSIAN GOLD IS A JOKE

Biden is spending some time and a lot of taxpayer money during his big trip to Europe. Lots of bluster and a open wallet that hopes to keep our allies in line, even while his proposed policies could lead to their economic collapse.

We now hear that Biden proposes a $200 billion Build Back Better plan for Europe. Is this credible, while even his own senators are balking at his domestic spending?  He is spending going on $100 billion on Ukraine not to mention all the modern replacements he has promised to the NATO members for the obsolete equipment they have given Ukraine. Now it seems that as things decline at home he can convince the world that he is the leader of the whole world.

You may be able to buy allies for a while, but you can't buy their love or respect.

Then there is the latest sanction to ban the sale of Russian gold in London and New York. I would like to know how anyone can identify were gold bullion has come from. Do they really believe that they can stop Russia from selling gold all around the world? If the price is right, there will be plenty of buyers and lots of it will ultimately be traded in Europe and the U.S. It seems if it makes a good sound bite that they are doing something, it is all worth it.

So far, sanctions has not brought about the collapse of the Russian economy, but has brought lots of problems for the European economies. It will likely reach critical in the fall. What it also has done is to bring about the creation of second global economic system that will likely compete with the west for resources and sales. I don't think anyone knows what the ultimate outcome of this will be?

NATO is also planning on increasing its rapid response military to 300,000 and the U.S. now has 100,000 troops in Europe, sounds like the preparation for WW3. All this while the U.S. military has an increasing difficulty recruiting to sustain current enlistment. Maybe they need more woke policies to entice LGBTQ and others to fill the gap or is a new draft on the horizon.

All this can be laid at the feet of the Biden administration and the last 30 years of U.S. foreign policy. This, and the void of any common sense statesman who could have avoided this coming disaster.

 

Roe decision, More about process than abortion.

 COURT DISMISSES MAKING LAW FROM BENCH

DOES NOT OUTLAW ABORTION

There is much hysteria over the decision of the Supreme court to overturn the 1973 Roe vs Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. While this issue has been a divisive and controversial topic for over 50 years, it is more about deciding cases based on the written understanding of the text of the constitution and the bill of rights.

These justices have all been considered textualists, which means that the constitutions meaning is in the words. They believe that those who add rights or find rights and embellish federal  government power that is not in the text have overstepped their power. If we are to have any law that is effective and respected, this has to be the approach, or we will be giving this 9 member court almost imperial power.

So, now abortion is again a state issue, and will be determined by state representatives and referendums. Any power not specifically delegated to the federal government is a state issue to resolve. This is the great relief valve for controversial issues and if the time comes when a super majority of the states legalize abortion, then it could be possible to pass a constitutional amendment to make it the law of the land.

This is the proper way to make changes for the whole country.

It must be mentioned that the court may very well have decided that any other decision would have subjected them to endless debates and decisions on this matter. The question of viability was at the root of the case in question and this is an ever moving target, brought about changes in technology.

Then another consideration is the insistence of the pro abortion crowd to be ever expanding this right to were they considered abortion to be an option up until the day of birth and some have even made the case for after birth possibilities. It seems it was an issue that would never be resolved by the Federal court.

While many believe that a change of the make-up of the court will change this decision, it is very unlikely, because even Ruth Bader Ginsburg recognized that the original decision opened a can of worms that would never be settled, it would have remained an issue forever.

I suspect that many federal lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum are quietly feeling relieved that this will not be something for them to decide in the future.

2nd amendment vote, a vote for equality.

COURT MAKES CLEAR AND CORRECT INTERPRETATION OF SECOND AMENDMENT

AFFIRMS RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR 

The Supreme court has now shown that it is going to interpret the constitution as it was written. This is the correct approach and if it is deemed inappropriate by the majority of the citizens of this country, then the process of amending the constitution is the correct way to make changes.

Many large cities and some states have denied most citizens the right to arm themselves in public places, this has now been struck down and the remedy will be that citizens do have the right to bear arms for their self defense outside of their home.

In many cities like New York city the only people able to defend themselves have been celebrities, politicians and other prominent people. It was indeed a discrimination against the common person, who has the same rights as the elite.

This brings to mind how long this has been issue. The infamous case of Bernie Goetz of New York who shot 4 men on a subway in 1984, while in the process of robbing him. Goetz had earlier been robbed and assaulted and had made up his mind to not let it happen again and armed himself even though against the law in N.Y. city.

A grand jury refused to indict him on attempted murder charges. He was later again put before a grand jury and charged with illegal gun possession. He serve 8 months of a 1 year sentence as was later sued by one of the injured robbers. It was big story at the time and he was either praised as a hero or a vigilante.

This ruling by the Supreme court comes at a time of increased violence and lawlessness in most metropolitan areas. A lax enforcement of the law on petty crime has escalated in common assault and robbery and other violent acts becoming commonplace. I am sure it will again bring a mixed reaction of support and opposition. If the authorities are unwilling or unable to deal with violent offenders then this may be the only approach to reverse the chaos in these cities.

I would expect gun sales in these cities will now become the next story as I would assume many citizens will take this opportunity to protect themselves. Many of the elderly, disabled and women have been a target from the predators that roam these cities, they now will have the opportunity to have equal protection.

This loosening of the ability of citizens to arm themselves has been the trend for over 30 years. Many states now have must issue permitting and some are now implementing constitutional carry which requires no permitting. It has not increased cases of shooting by common people. The cases of gun violence it primarily a result of the illegal drug trade with enforcement of territory and settling disputes among traffickers and users.

The old adage, "God created man, but Sam Colt made them equal" is still applicable.

What countries allow no excuse mail-in voting

 THE U.S. AND U.K. ARE THE ONLY MAJOR COUNTRIES ALLOWING UNLIMITED MAIL-IN VOTING

The only countries that allowed no excuse mail-in voting are Austria, Switzerland, U.K and the United States. Most nations do allow mail-in voting for those in the military and living abroad. France outlawed mail-in voting in 1975 due to claims of voter fraud.

Voting in person is the most secure way of voting and most countries use paper ballots. It seems that the simplest way of voting is the most secure way of voting.

Some nations require that a thumb or finger must be inked after voting to insure against double voting, a good idea.

Remember, if fraud is possible, fraud will become a reality. No democracy can survive if the populace does not have faith in the election system.

We should all strive to have an election system that we can all be proud of and have confidence in an accurate and timely result.

Biden misinformation on cannons and the 2nd amendment.

    WHEN YOU DON'T LIKE THE FACTS, CHANGE THE FACTS AND HISTORY  

CONTINUOUS MISINFORMATION FROM HIGH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS BREEDS  DISTRUST  

We are continually bombarded by misinformation and often outright lies. This is not limited to the internet or fringe websites, but it a fact of everyday political discourse. It is perpetrated by high government officials and attempted to be reinforced by the media. It can be assumed they believe that it will be accepted as fact by the majority of the citizens. 

Sadly, many citizens are very happy to accept as fact whatever is the consensus of the media or the government. That is why they continue to engage in these practices. It is without a doubt that more and more realize that there is an continuous effort to misstate the facts for political advantage. That is why you hear a growing effort by government and media to censure opposing views and often labeling those who point out their misinformation as misinformation. It is destroying the peoples faith in government and has already severely damaged media credibility. 

Just a little push back on Biden's statement on the Second Amendment and guns and ammunition.

First off, the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution, which is the law for the government, were insisted on by the states and those who understood the tendency of government to become oppressive, if given the opportunity. They all were a limit on government power, not the other way around. The militia was explained in the federalist papers as the whole of the population, not a government institution. The right of the PEOPLE to KEEP and BEAR arms shall not be infringed. Nothing could be more clear or simple. As for WELL REGULATED, regulated is synonymous with well equipped as used in english at that time.

There were no restrictions of who could own a cannon, there were individuals who owned cannons, gatling guns, and much later full auto machine guns. The first real limits on these weapons was the National firearms act of 1934. which required the regulation of full auto machine guns but never outlawed their private ownership which is still in effect today. Many people still legally own full auto machine guns and other heavy weapons.

Then there is often used bit that citizens should not own weapons of war, all firearms are weapons of war. The colonists had superior weapons to the British in the revolution. The Indians at the Little Big Horn had Winchester repeating rifles while Custer's troops had single shot springfields. Innovation has always come form the private sector. Today there are still many superior weapons owned by private citizens.

Then there is the often misinformation as to types of weapons and ammunition.

handgun ammunition

Biden stated that no one needed a weapon bigger than a 22, that is the one on the far left, mostly used for target practice and small animals like squirrels in hunting. A very deadly round, penetrates most bullet resistant fabric and almost killed President  Reagan and seriously wounded several others.

His statement that a 9MM, second from left, was a powerful weapon that could blow a lung out of chest, is so much bull. This cartridge is a 100 year old European police cartridge, often considered ineffective by police who have upgraded to the .40 SW and the .45, 3rd from left also a 100 year design used in U.S sidearms in WW1 and WW2. There are several others available , the 44 Mag. far right and also many much larger cartridges used in civilian sidearms.

rifle cartridges

Then there is the often made statement that the .223 or 5.56 mm Nato round is a powerful cartridge. This cartridge came into being during the Vietnam war with the idea the it could cut down on the weight of carrying 300 rds of ammo by the infantry. This round, far left is far smaller than the 30-06, second from right, which was the ammo used in WW1 and WW2. it uses a 55 grain solid bullet meant to wound rather than kill, thought to be more inconvenient for the enemy. It is mostly not legal due to its small size for hunting large game such as deer.

The second from left is the round used in all the AK variants, which was the Soviet era round which has also been now downsized.

The most deadly at close range is the 12 ga. shotgun, far right. capable of carrying 15, 32 cal lead balls.

The guns and ammo are all immaterial as to the violence in this country, until society is willing to be harsh on violent offenders with the implementation of the Crime bill of 1994 and taking these offenders out of society, no gun laws will make any difference. They will only likely make criminals of the law-abiding who do not believe they have the authority to implement such laws.

Bitcoin: only Millenials would think this is a good idea.

 WHY WOULD ANYONE STORE THEIR ASSETS IN THE CLOUD?

WE HAVE ALL WITNESSED CLOUDS DISAPPEARING

Only Millennials would accept storing their hard earned wealth in cyber space where it could disappear in an instant. I believe many millennials are smart and do have a view of the future, but they obviously have a very limited understanding of history. The history of money, and what it is supposed to be. The history of governments ability to debase and devalue money and implement policies to benefit government over citizens.

Recently bitcoin has traded at over $37,000. It began at 30 cents in 2011. Many believe its value is unlimited, because it is a fixed limited supply. This is reminiscent of Tulip Mania in Holland in the 1830's  and the Pine lumber bubble in early America and the more recent bubble in silver prices in 1980's. These are commodity bubbles and after their collapse at least you still owned tulip bulbs, pine boards and silver, while the value was dramatically lower, you still had something.  I don't know if you can classify Bitcoin as a commodity, it is sold as a currency.

I  suppose we have been conditioned to put our faith in intangible things. Money up until the late 20th. century was always gold or silver. Our paper money, up until the 1970,s was a receipt for a certain weight of gold and silver. Our coins up until 1964 were silver. Now our paper money only has value because people will exchange goods and services for it. It has no real value in itself. It is continually losing its buying power due to government budget deficits and unlimited supply of so called money.

We often hear the term when reminiscing about what things were worth years ago as increasing in value, but in effect they have not, just the value of money has been debased. This is why many believe bitcoin is a good investment, because it cannot be debased by government action. The problem is you cannot put it under the mattress and it is probably the most vulnerable asset ever created. Does anyone believe that governments around the world will allow transactions to occur that are not taxed, regulated and controlled by them? Government regulation can and will likely sentence bitcoin and other digital currencies to disappear into thin air.

They will likely actually replace these digital curriens with their own, controlled, taxed and regulated by governments around the world. It is their perfect dream. They will be able to fine, tax and confiscate without any restraint. Have no doubt, I suspect the planning is already in the works. 

When I was a young boy in the 1950's, I spent a lot of time with elderly people in my neighborhood, who relayed stories of the depression. They did not trust banks, they often kept their money hidden somewhere in their house. They saw many peoples money just disappear overnight. They unanimously were deathly afraid of debt. They remember the confiscation by the government of their gold. 

My parents generation, the WW2 generation, did regain their trust in banks and the government but they also were very wary of debt.

My generation, the boomers have embraced debt as the only way of doing business, never counting the interest they have paid over their lifetime, some never actually acquiring a positive net worth.

The present generation has thrown off all restraint and their faith is in the clouds, not anticipating that anything bad can ever happen. Maybe the wariness of earlier generations has pushed off the inevitable day of accounting. Bitcoin is just a symptom of the times.

originally published 2/5/21

Bitcoin and other crypto currencies have recently plunged in value. It is inevitable to eventually be worthless.