Strong is good.
Strong earnings. Strong sales. Strong demand. Strong orders. These all paint a picture of economic growth, which is good for the country.
But when it comes to the U.S. dollar in a global market... strong is a problem.
The U.S. dollar has been on a tear recently, soaring higher against the other major currencies so that the U.S. Dollar Index is now up 4.3% in 2016. While that doesn't sound like much when you look at the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has enjoyed a double-digit gain this year, you have to remember that currencies don't make huge moves. At least, they normally shouldn't.
Now the dollar is nearing parity with the euro, which has its own basket of troubles as the union threatens to pull apart at the seams. Currency analysts at Deutsche Bank are actually calling for the euro to trade below parity with the dollar in 2017, falling to $0.95.
But a strong dollar means that U.S. goods sold overseas are now more expensive, making them less competitive with local goods. Companies are either faced with slashing their prices overseas to stay competitive - which results in less revenue - or keeping their prices unchanged and risking fewer sales. Either way, the picture isn't good.
Multinational corporations are going to see their earnings squeezed even further in the coming quarters as their foreign sales take a hefty hit.
And the dollar's strength is unlikely to wane anytime soon. The Fed's interest-rate hike just made the dollar more attractive, increasing demand. The Fed has said that it's looking to raise rates three times in 2017 - not that I'm actually looking for that to happen. Remember that the Fed stated at the start of this year that we'd see four rate hikes.
The latest economic reports showed some nice strength, but if the U.S. dollar continues its climb against the other currencies of the world, we could see our multinational companies flounder... triggering an economic collapse.
The Fed may be choosing to ignore the data right in front of it, but you can't. The center cannot hold. This economy will soon fall apart. But you don't have to let your wealth get crushed under the rubble. That doesn't mean you need to stuff all your cash under your mattress for safekeeping. You can take steps now to not only protect your wealth from the coming collapse, but even position yourself to profit as well.
As the Senior Managing Editor for The Sovereign Investor Daily, Jocelynn handles the day-to-day operations for bringing you the Sovereign team's daily insight. She has spent over a decade working as an editor for financial publications. A former trader, Jocelynn has spent 15 years in the financial industry.
By Jocelynn Smith
Riders On The Storm
In today's chaotic world one can relate to the Doors rendition of "Riders On The Storm". We as a society especially after the Trump election victory that's if you can call it that, precludes that we all are riders on a storm. A storm of unimaginable upheaval in the world around. I can remember a time back in the late 60's when Vietnam tore this nation apart. The song that set the tone of that period was "Riders On The Storm". Now today the mood is almost the same when the unexpected occurred with Trump winning the Presidency.To quote the lyrics of that song is as symbolic as it was back then as it is today. "Riders on the storm, into this house we're born, into this world we're thrown, like a dog without a bone, an actor out alone." As profound as these lyrics are they have had a resiliency that depicts history repeating. The times have changed the bit players are new but the general theme of discontent that has invoked a national consciousness to rally around the wrongs against society whether it was Vietnam or the election of Trump remains the same.
We are all riders on the storm. With apprehension, worry and dismay we grudgingly await each day to a realm of reality far removed from the times of just yesterday. The sheer shock that has settled in is an irreversible reality. It has already affected the moral fiber of our whole society. Like Limburger Cheese the aroma that has now permeated from this Presidential election has spread into every pore of our nation today.
It is not too well known that the United States is the only democratic republic that has two sets of criteria in choosing the head of state. And, in America today that head of state is the President. The Electoral College that was established when our founding fathers framed the Constitution wanted to safeguard this new nation from becoming a monarchy or becoming a totalitarian state. The Electoral College originally was set up to thwart tyranny of the majority. In doing so they incorporated rules that align themselves with the requirements for treaties to be ratified. With today's Presidential outcome where the majority of the voters chose Clinton over Trump but the Electoral College over ruled the popular vote questions have now surfaced. Is the electoral college in violation of majority rule?
Since 2000 the electoral college has overturned and over ruled the popular vote which allowed the minority to succeed in selecting the President. As a result the electoral college didn't prevent tyranny of the majority but instead provided the gateway for tyranny of the minority. What this past election says is that the electoral college chose a candidate supported by just one particular social group over not only the majority of voters but also over the vast number of minority interests in the country.
We are all riders on this post election storm. It can be arguably said that the Electoral College violates political equality and popular choice. The perverse consequences of this Electoral College has now become the exact opposite of what our founding fathers initiated. It has not protected American democracy from tyranny of the majority it has only allowed tyranny of the minority. And until we understand this and correct the huge flaw in our democratic process we will continue to be riders on the storm.
By Dr. Tim G Williams
We are all riders on the storm. With apprehension, worry and dismay we grudgingly await each day to a realm of reality far removed from the times of just yesterday. The sheer shock that has settled in is an irreversible reality. It has already affected the moral fiber of our whole society. Like Limburger Cheese the aroma that has now permeated from this Presidential election has spread into every pore of our nation today.
It is not too well known that the United States is the only democratic republic that has two sets of criteria in choosing the head of state. And, in America today that head of state is the President. The Electoral College that was established when our founding fathers framed the Constitution wanted to safeguard this new nation from becoming a monarchy or becoming a totalitarian state. The Electoral College originally was set up to thwart tyranny of the majority. In doing so they incorporated rules that align themselves with the requirements for treaties to be ratified. With today's Presidential outcome where the majority of the voters chose Clinton over Trump but the Electoral College over ruled the popular vote questions have now surfaced. Is the electoral college in violation of majority rule?
Since 2000 the electoral college has overturned and over ruled the popular vote which allowed the minority to succeed in selecting the President. As a result the electoral college didn't prevent tyranny of the majority but instead provided the gateway for tyranny of the minority. What this past election says is that the electoral college chose a candidate supported by just one particular social group over not only the majority of voters but also over the vast number of minority interests in the country.
We are all riders on this post election storm. It can be arguably said that the Electoral College violates political equality and popular choice. The perverse consequences of this Electoral College has now become the exact opposite of what our founding fathers initiated. It has not protected American democracy from tyranny of the majority it has only allowed tyranny of the minority. And until we understand this and correct the huge flaw in our democratic process we will continue to be riders on the storm.
By Dr. Tim G Williams
The Global Health Crisis
In no other time in the history of the United States has our population attained the dubious distinction that as a nation we spend the most on health care and yet are one of the least healthiest of all the industrialized world. It can be arguably said that the greatness of a nation and it's ability to leave a lasting legacy lies in the health of it's people. For over two hundred years the United States achieved greatness not just because of it's military might but on the health and well being of it's citizens. Since the last quarter of the 20th century there has been a major assault on the health of this nation. It can't be more evident when we look at what is actually happening to too many citizens of the United States.
In the last 60 years we have seen many marvels of technology, medicine, and science come into play. But, with all the marvels of the age too many people are succumbing to too many preventable diseases and ailments. It seems along with Global Warming every year there continues to be a steady increase in preventable diseases and ailments. There has been steady increases in all forms of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, dementia, obesity and even birth defects. Let's not forget all the other ailments that many are associated with these diseases. Almost all of these illnesses and inflictions can be prevented.
One has to question why this is happening with all the medical technologies and marvels there are. It is as though there is a full scale assault on the health and stability a country that is considered to be the most advanced country on earth. If we take a close look back at the way things were 60 years ago especially with the food we ate you can't help come to the conclusion that as a nation the United States was a much healthier nation compared to today. The biggest factor to consider even though life expectancy was a little lower than today generally speaking we actually were healthier. Sure, people developed cancer, people had dementia and Alzheimer's, and yes many had diabetes. There were overweight individuals as well. But, all of these developments whether they were full blown diseases, aliments or conditions or not the numbers don't even come close to the skyrocketing increases we are seeing today.
One of the biggest culprits in contributing to the steady decline of the nations health comes from the industrialization of the food we consume. Sure, there have been strides to improve the quality of food sources, but it is the corporate farming industry that continues to mount an aggressive campaign to corner the markets sort of speaking in regard to the supply of food available for the overall populations consumption.
Not too many people even realize that the FDA has been an unwitting accomplice in contributing to the deteriorating health of the population of the United States. The scientific community has found that many additives, preservatives and supplements that are injected or added to many of the foods we consume are cancer causing carcinogens. One supplement in particular is Folic Acid. Let's not confuse this supplement with the natural Folic Acid found in many of the fresh foods. But, this supplement that is added to so many of the process foods is a detriment to everyone's health. This is just one example of the monumental amount of supplements, additives, and preservatives that are processed and not natural that is purposely put in the foods we all consume.
To further understand why as a nation we are faced with a full blown health crisis is to take a look at pharmaceutical industry, Monsanto Corporation, to the medical community and health care providers all are getting rich at the expense of the health of our citizens. Sixty years ago we still had local independent family farming communities which supplied the local population with abundant fresh nutritious food. Farms back then practiced crop rotations thereby giving the soil enough time to replenish the nutriments that are a vital source of the nutritious food we all consumed.
What we are experiencing here in the United States is part of a global health crisis. This global health crisis is all attributed to fresh water shortages, lack of sanitation and decreasing nutritious food sources. Every country rich or poor is affected by this growing health crisis. Today, the whole world is faced with the reality of a global nutritious food shortages along with depleting supplies of fresh water. In many parts of the world already are facing acute food and water shortages. Even here in the US a growing number of people face horrific starvation, lack of fresh water and poverty everyday. Just this past year the humanitarian catastrophe in Lake Chad where conflict has left over 8 million people facing acute starvation failed to get everyone's attention. In Yemen famine is already a harsh reality. In that part of the world the UN Secretary-General has stated and fears that genocide will take over through-out the region. All because of the lack of potable fresh water and acute shortages of food. With civil wars raging in Syria and Iraq along with the global refugee crisis the disaster in Lake Chad is said to be on an epic scale of biblical proportions with terrifying rates of child malnutrition.
The greatest concern is that around the world at least 80% of the earths farmable land is already under productive, and of this 80% 40% is so severely depleted due to extensive chemically based farming practices. Compounding this dilemma is the increasing dependence on hybrid varieties. In actuality they don't have nearly the capacity to self-replenish due to the fact that these hybrid food sources were designed using chemicals. Added to all of this is the continuing escalation of energy prices. The rotation of crops a direct link to enriched food sources really haven't been used for the past 60 years. This leaves the land so worn out whatever food is harvested is extremely weak if not completely void in vitamins and minerals that are essential for the bodies overall health.
With corporate farming where the bottom line is all that matters here in the United States and it can be said all around the globe the available soil that is the base for our food sources has been steadily over cultivated for the past 60 years. Over farmed to the point that the nutrients and minerals that are essential for healthy crops are completely missing. Consequently, the Honey bees are dying off because the soil hasn't had time to replenish itself. This is devastating to the Honey Bees and to humanity. The Honey bees are now more susceptible to viruses, mites and pesticides. This is the greatest cause as to why the Honey Bees are vanishing.
With the decline of the Honey Bee and the farming practices that corporate farms continue to use along with the GMO food sources that Monsanto produces the health of nations remains in jeopardy. And until we realize that local independent farming where proper techniques are used like crop rotation and put in place fresh water transfer technologies where everyone has abundant fresh water the health crisis we are facing today will only get worse.
Just this past year over 45% Honey Bee colonies were killed off. Millions poisoned by insecticides spraying for Zika. Other insecticides such as Bayer and Syngenta keep flooding our farmable land here in the US with toxins that have been known to wipe out bee colonies. They are still the most widely used pesticides in the country. Many other parts of the world also continue to use these bee killing pesticides.
The future of humanity rests with the action to protect not only the survival of the Honey Bee but action to stop the horrific carnage that is sweeping terror all over the world. As for the future of the Honey Bee if our newly elected President continues to ignore science the health of not only this nation but that of the world is in grave danger. Again, like Global Warming to ignore it's existence the health crisis facing the world today will only get much worse. And that is a scenario to horrific to contemplate.
In the last 60 years we have seen many marvels of technology, medicine, and science come into play. But, with all the marvels of the age too many people are succumbing to too many preventable diseases and ailments. It seems along with Global Warming every year there continues to be a steady increase in preventable diseases and ailments. There has been steady increases in all forms of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, dementia, obesity and even birth defects. Let's not forget all the other ailments that many are associated with these diseases. Almost all of these illnesses and inflictions can be prevented.
One has to question why this is happening with all the medical technologies and marvels there are. It is as though there is a full scale assault on the health and stability a country that is considered to be the most advanced country on earth. If we take a close look back at the way things were 60 years ago especially with the food we ate you can't help come to the conclusion that as a nation the United States was a much healthier nation compared to today. The biggest factor to consider even though life expectancy was a little lower than today generally speaking we actually were healthier. Sure, people developed cancer, people had dementia and Alzheimer's, and yes many had diabetes. There were overweight individuals as well. But, all of these developments whether they were full blown diseases, aliments or conditions or not the numbers don't even come close to the skyrocketing increases we are seeing today.
One of the biggest culprits in contributing to the steady decline of the nations health comes from the industrialization of the food we consume. Sure, there have been strides to improve the quality of food sources, but it is the corporate farming industry that continues to mount an aggressive campaign to corner the markets sort of speaking in regard to the supply of food available for the overall populations consumption.
Not too many people even realize that the FDA has been an unwitting accomplice in contributing to the deteriorating health of the population of the United States. The scientific community has found that many additives, preservatives and supplements that are injected or added to many of the foods we consume are cancer causing carcinogens. One supplement in particular is Folic Acid. Let's not confuse this supplement with the natural Folic Acid found in many of the fresh foods. But, this supplement that is added to so many of the process foods is a detriment to everyone's health. This is just one example of the monumental amount of supplements, additives, and preservatives that are processed and not natural that is purposely put in the foods we all consume.
To further understand why as a nation we are faced with a full blown health crisis is to take a look at pharmaceutical industry, Monsanto Corporation, to the medical community and health care providers all are getting rich at the expense of the health of our citizens. Sixty years ago we still had local independent family farming communities which supplied the local population with abundant fresh nutritious food. Farms back then practiced crop rotations thereby giving the soil enough time to replenish the nutriments that are a vital source of the nutritious food we all consumed.
What we are experiencing here in the United States is part of a global health crisis. This global health crisis is all attributed to fresh water shortages, lack of sanitation and decreasing nutritious food sources. Every country rich or poor is affected by this growing health crisis. Today, the whole world is faced with the reality of a global nutritious food shortages along with depleting supplies of fresh water. In many parts of the world already are facing acute food and water shortages. Even here in the US a growing number of people face horrific starvation, lack of fresh water and poverty everyday. Just this past year the humanitarian catastrophe in Lake Chad where conflict has left over 8 million people facing acute starvation failed to get everyone's attention. In Yemen famine is already a harsh reality. In that part of the world the UN Secretary-General has stated and fears that genocide will take over through-out the region. All because of the lack of potable fresh water and acute shortages of food. With civil wars raging in Syria and Iraq along with the global refugee crisis the disaster in Lake Chad is said to be on an epic scale of biblical proportions with terrifying rates of child malnutrition.
The greatest concern is that around the world at least 80% of the earths farmable land is already under productive, and of this 80% 40% is so severely depleted due to extensive chemically based farming practices. Compounding this dilemma is the increasing dependence on hybrid varieties. In actuality they don't have nearly the capacity to self-replenish due to the fact that these hybrid food sources were designed using chemicals. Added to all of this is the continuing escalation of energy prices. The rotation of crops a direct link to enriched food sources really haven't been used for the past 60 years. This leaves the land so worn out whatever food is harvested is extremely weak if not completely void in vitamins and minerals that are essential for the bodies overall health.
With corporate farming where the bottom line is all that matters here in the United States and it can be said all around the globe the available soil that is the base for our food sources has been steadily over cultivated for the past 60 years. Over farmed to the point that the nutrients and minerals that are essential for healthy crops are completely missing. Consequently, the Honey bees are dying off because the soil hasn't had time to replenish itself. This is devastating to the Honey Bees and to humanity. The Honey bees are now more susceptible to viruses, mites and pesticides. This is the greatest cause as to why the Honey Bees are vanishing.
With the decline of the Honey Bee and the farming practices that corporate farms continue to use along with the GMO food sources that Monsanto produces the health of nations remains in jeopardy. And until we realize that local independent farming where proper techniques are used like crop rotation and put in place fresh water transfer technologies where everyone has abundant fresh water the health crisis we are facing today will only get worse.
Just this past year over 45% Honey Bee colonies were killed off. Millions poisoned by insecticides spraying for Zika. Other insecticides such as Bayer and Syngenta keep flooding our farmable land here in the US with toxins that have been known to wipe out bee colonies. They are still the most widely used pesticides in the country. Many other parts of the world also continue to use these bee killing pesticides.
The future of humanity rests with the action to protect not only the survival of the Honey Bee but action to stop the horrific carnage that is sweeping terror all over the world. As for the future of the Honey Bee if our newly elected President continues to ignore science the health of not only this nation but that of the world is in grave danger. Again, like Global Warming to ignore it's existence the health crisis facing the world today will only get much worse. And that is a scenario to horrific to contemplate.
Putin's Teddy Bear Military - A Cardboard Cutout
Who's afraid of the big bad bear?
President Putin has masterfully crafted a program to provoke the West into a hissy-fit about a former military superpower seeking to recapture its past Soviet era glories and domination through military adventures that challenge NATO and American might. During Russia's recent aggressive thrust close to and beyond the Near Abroad, Russia engaged in battles that were guaranteed public relations victories, not military ones notably: Crimea, eastern Ukraine and Syria. Each encounter had limited downside risk because Russia's military faced inferior, if any, opposition. Consider the following:
Militarily thin Russia is like a former world-class prize fighter who gets himself back in decent shape though far from his peak fighting years. He then buys some cool-looking boxing trunks, gets a good promotional manager and proceeds to beat up drunken beer-bellied toughs in a local dive bar and avoids battle-hardened fighters. It's all a clever measured risk that maximizes Russia's image and minimizes their military's short-comings. Any significant Russian ground battlefield losses regardless if it's a skirmish would spell doom for Putin's strongman political image. The question is whether Putin push his military too far in future ventures.
Russia is a bully in its neighborhood casting a long and dark shadow over smaller nearby countries. To these small countries Russia is a big, hungry bear seeking easy morsels. Though it seems implausible that Putin will risk any military offensive maneuvers in Europe because of potential world condemnation and sanctions, Putin's thirst to gain respect may supersede better judgment.
On the other hand, election victories by European ultra-conservatives in 2017 in France, Germany and other countries may provide Putin a level of respect he desires and will cease his military threats. Nonetheless Putin is keeping his worst-case options open in case the European ultra-conservative parties fall short in the elections and decide change their pre-electoral rhetoric to engage with Russia with respect and as an equal. Taking the non-NATO small countries "hostage" militarily may provoke, in the eyes of the Russians an aggressive military NATO reaction, a confrontation Putin is guaranteed to lose badly.
So I ask again, "Who's afraid of the big bad bear?"
Copyright Indo-Brazilian Associates LLC 2016. All rights reserved.
Indo-Brazilian Associates LLC is a NYC-based global advisory service and think tank with connections at the highest levels specializing in international investment, political and security risk assessments. International business is increasingly complex featuring a highly mobile professional class in all corners of the globe. We provide you the tools to successfully negotiate cross-culturally in your global business endeavors. Tell us about your challenges. We'll get you on the "Short List".
We provide executive coaching, speaking engagements, speechwriting and workshops. Contact us at http://www.indobrazilian.com
President Putin has masterfully crafted a program to provoke the West into a hissy-fit about a former military superpower seeking to recapture its past Soviet era glories and domination through military adventures that challenge NATO and American might. During Russia's recent aggressive thrust close to and beyond the Near Abroad, Russia engaged in battles that were guaranteed public relations victories, not military ones notably: Crimea, eastern Ukraine and Syria. Each encounter had limited downside risk because Russia's military faced inferior, if any, opposition. Consider the following:
- Eastern Ukraine has a large ethnic Russian population and Ukrainian government forces in effect felt like it was fighting on foreign soil. Although Russia denied utilizing its ground troops in this campaign, they still had to be clever to minimize the burials of "little green men."
- Crimea was a lightning invasion of an island whose Russian population heartily welcomed them. Ironically it was a Pyrrhic victory because Russia now assumes Crimea's burdensome economic responsibilities.
- Syria is exclusively an air campaign (a cost savings on body bags), a reinforcement of long-established military installations and access to a deep-water port at the behest of longtime ally, the Syrian government. As a de facto intensive training exercise Russia has been able to test their new high-tech toys under battle conditions against an opposition that didn't have advanced weaponry to threaten them.
Militarily thin Russia is like a former world-class prize fighter who gets himself back in decent shape though far from his peak fighting years. He then buys some cool-looking boxing trunks, gets a good promotional manager and proceeds to beat up drunken beer-bellied toughs in a local dive bar and avoids battle-hardened fighters. It's all a clever measured risk that maximizes Russia's image and minimizes their military's short-comings. Any significant Russian ground battlefield losses regardless if it's a skirmish would spell doom for Putin's strongman political image. The question is whether Putin push his military too far in future ventures.
Russia is a bully in its neighborhood casting a long and dark shadow over smaller nearby countries. To these small countries Russia is a big, hungry bear seeking easy morsels. Though it seems implausible that Putin will risk any military offensive maneuvers in Europe because of potential world condemnation and sanctions, Putin's thirst to gain respect may supersede better judgment.
On the other hand, election victories by European ultra-conservatives in 2017 in France, Germany and other countries may provide Putin a level of respect he desires and will cease his military threats. Nonetheless Putin is keeping his worst-case options open in case the European ultra-conservative parties fall short in the elections and decide change their pre-electoral rhetoric to engage with Russia with respect and as an equal. Taking the non-NATO small countries "hostage" militarily may provoke, in the eyes of the Russians an aggressive military NATO reaction, a confrontation Putin is guaranteed to lose badly.
So I ask again, "Who's afraid of the big bad bear?"
Copyright Indo-Brazilian Associates LLC 2016. All rights reserved.
Indo-Brazilian Associates LLC is a NYC-based global advisory service and think tank with connections at the highest levels specializing in international investment, political and security risk assessments. International business is increasingly complex featuring a highly mobile professional class in all corners of the globe. We provide you the tools to successfully negotiate cross-culturally in your global business endeavors. Tell us about your challenges. We'll get you on the "Short List".
We provide executive coaching, speaking engagements, speechwriting and workshops. Contact us at http://www.indobrazilian.com
It Can't Be Christmas
Many are wondering it really can't be Christmas especially after this past years election. The travesty of it all. Through-out the land perplexed and bewildered individuals numbering in the millions remain shell shocked in disbelief. The horror of it when our vote really didn't matter after all. Confused and in denial a nation sits on edge where the nightmare is just beginning or could it be the end. America you see has been teetering ready to fall.
For over forty years now the decline was being written by the elitists who already have it all. This great experiment that our founding fathers forged has morphed into an imperialistic state where wealth flows to power then to control. We were to blind to see through the web of deception of what continues to be. The precious rights of freedom, choice and liberty have been stripped away by the power that money can buy.
When elections now are nothing more than dog and pony shows has turned this nation away from the past. We have endless campaigns where so much money is foolishly spent. We have become a nation so transfixed by media hype. We have become a nation without substance or control as evident when surges of people trample each other in the mad Black Friday holiday rush. To many of today's political figures hurl insults at each other which so often triggers more hostilities. All of these instances have transformed this nation into an unrecognizable state.
Many of us Baby Boomers can recall a time more civil in tone. The Christmas seasons of so long ago was a time of year that nourished the soul. The common courtesy and civility that prevailed symbolized a nation whose greatness rests not on military might or the wealth of the power elite but with the simplicity of a tempo so smooth and sweet. All that we find today is a tempo so rushed and hurried. No time to waste, not a minute to lose is the frantic pace of society today. This has to be one of the main reasons why this nation has ended up this way.
To all those so enamored by what this election has brought be very careful of what you have wished for. It has already turned out to be not what you bargained for and you can expect more pain and misery. A charlatan for sure so masked in the lime light of media popularity hidden from view lies hate and bigotry. History is about to repeat in so many ways. The deceit and deception was so convincing beguiling the public with promises that he won't be keeping.
We are now in dangerous waters with a nation already sinking. Like the captain of the Titanic he remains oblivious to our fate. The outrage continues over the ill gotten gains where Trump now assumes he can right this ship of state. Never before has there been such an outrage where a candidate looses the general election only to be crowned victorious by a system put in place to safeguard this country from the type of politician that will be soon sworn in. It just can't be Christmas, not like this!
By Dr. Tim G Williams
For over forty years now the decline was being written by the elitists who already have it all. This great experiment that our founding fathers forged has morphed into an imperialistic state where wealth flows to power then to control. We were to blind to see through the web of deception of what continues to be. The precious rights of freedom, choice and liberty have been stripped away by the power that money can buy.
When elections now are nothing more than dog and pony shows has turned this nation away from the past. We have endless campaigns where so much money is foolishly spent. We have become a nation so transfixed by media hype. We have become a nation without substance or control as evident when surges of people trample each other in the mad Black Friday holiday rush. To many of today's political figures hurl insults at each other which so often triggers more hostilities. All of these instances have transformed this nation into an unrecognizable state.
Many of us Baby Boomers can recall a time more civil in tone. The Christmas seasons of so long ago was a time of year that nourished the soul. The common courtesy and civility that prevailed symbolized a nation whose greatness rests not on military might or the wealth of the power elite but with the simplicity of a tempo so smooth and sweet. All that we find today is a tempo so rushed and hurried. No time to waste, not a minute to lose is the frantic pace of society today. This has to be one of the main reasons why this nation has ended up this way.
To all those so enamored by what this election has brought be very careful of what you have wished for. It has already turned out to be not what you bargained for and you can expect more pain and misery. A charlatan for sure so masked in the lime light of media popularity hidden from view lies hate and bigotry. History is about to repeat in so many ways. The deceit and deception was so convincing beguiling the public with promises that he won't be keeping.
We are now in dangerous waters with a nation already sinking. Like the captain of the Titanic he remains oblivious to our fate. The outrage continues over the ill gotten gains where Trump now assumes he can right this ship of state. Never before has there been such an outrage where a candidate looses the general election only to be crowned victorious by a system put in place to safeguard this country from the type of politician that will be soon sworn in. It just can't be Christmas, not like this!
By Dr. Tim G Williams
Happy 241st Birthday to All United States Marines
On November 10, 1775, the United States Marine Corps was founded by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Fittingly, "Tun Tavern" was the place where history was made, with the first Marines enlisting under Commandant Samuel Nicholas.
Since that date, Marines have been in uninterrupted service to our nation and have distinguished themselves "in every clime and place," in far off lands and on distant, remote beaches "from the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli," in France during World War I at Belleau Wood, on Iwo Jima and throughout the Pacific Islands during World War II, at Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir during the Korea War, at Khe Sanh and Hue City during the Vietnam War, throughout Iraq in such outposts as Fallujah and the Anbar Province, and in bloody combat in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan--just a few of many places, a scant mention of the many battlefields where United States Marines have been called to duty.
Marines have heroically, without hesitation, answered our country's call, never faltering in their dedication nor swerving in their allegiance. "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful) is every Marine's motto, and "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" their creed.
The Marines' Hymn proclaims "... if the Army or the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines."
Competently so.
To formalize the Marine Corps's founding, on November 1, 1921, Major General John A. Lejuene, Commandant of the Marine Corps at that time, issued MARINE CORPS ORDERS No. 47 (Series 1921), part of which read as follows:
As do all Marines--active duty, retired, or former, where ever they may find themselves today, November 10th--I pay silent tribute to those who went before me--and after--having given so much in service to their Corps and country. Now decades older, I clearly remember the faces of those with whom I served--then steadfast young men and women, unselfish in their devotion, unwavering in their loyalty, never questioning their solemn duty to defend our nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Always displaying a Gung Ho attitude, Marines have stood ready to fight our country's battles "on the land, in the air, or at sea" for two hundred forty-one years wherever and whenever called upon to do so.
And so, on this special day, I will hoist a toast to all Marines, past and present, who have risked their lives for their country. I will pay special tribute to those Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their memory bolsters my faith in our nation's youth, our steadfast values, and our blessed United States of America.
Happy 241st Birthday, Marines!
Major Dennis Copson is a retired United States Marine and is a resident of Oceanside, California. He is a freelance writer and editor.
Since that date, Marines have been in uninterrupted service to our nation and have distinguished themselves "in every clime and place," in far off lands and on distant, remote beaches "from the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli," in France during World War I at Belleau Wood, on Iwo Jima and throughout the Pacific Islands during World War II, at Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir during the Korea War, at Khe Sanh and Hue City during the Vietnam War, throughout Iraq in such outposts as Fallujah and the Anbar Province, and in bloody combat in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan--just a few of many places, a scant mention of the many battlefields where United States Marines have been called to duty.
Marines have heroically, without hesitation, answered our country's call, never faltering in their dedication nor swerving in their allegiance. "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful) is every Marine's motto, and "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" their creed.
The Marines' Hymn proclaims "... if the Army or the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines."
Competently so.
To formalize the Marine Corps's founding, on November 1, 1921, Major General John A. Lejuene, Commandant of the Marine Corps at that time, issued MARINE CORPS ORDERS No. 47 (Series 1921), part of which read as follows:
In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue. This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age.In World War II, on one particular island in the Pacific Ocean, Iwo Jima, the iconic 1945 photograph of six Marines raising a United States flag atop Mount Suribachi during the battle was taken by Associated Press combat photographer Joe Rosenthal. That photo later became the most recognized symbol of the United States in the world, and is the basis for the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) a national monument in Arlington, Virginia. Admiral Chester Nimitz reflected on the incredible sacrifice of the Marines who fought at Iwo Jima by saying, (Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima) "Uncommon valor was a common virtue," words inscribed in the granite at the base.
As do all Marines--active duty, retired, or former, where ever they may find themselves today, November 10th--I pay silent tribute to those who went before me--and after--having given so much in service to their Corps and country. Now decades older, I clearly remember the faces of those with whom I served--then steadfast young men and women, unselfish in their devotion, unwavering in their loyalty, never questioning their solemn duty to defend our nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Always displaying a Gung Ho attitude, Marines have stood ready to fight our country's battles "on the land, in the air, or at sea" for two hundred forty-one years wherever and whenever called upon to do so.
And so, on this special day, I will hoist a toast to all Marines, past and present, who have risked their lives for their country. I will pay special tribute to those Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their memory bolsters my faith in our nation's youth, our steadfast values, and our blessed United States of America.
Happy 241st Birthday, Marines!
Major Dennis Copson is a retired United States Marine and is a resident of Oceanside, California. He is a freelance writer and editor.
Economic Development Assistance Brings Back the American Dream
It all starts with a dream. You have an idea, you start a business, you work hard, and you send your kids to college. For many, the American Dream has increasingly become difficult to attain. It is harder for the average American to navigate the country's economic climate. Regional institutions, such as a city's Chamber of Commerce or a state's Economic Development branch, provide Economic Development Assistance services and incentives. Representatives from these institutions act as mediators between aspiring professionals and the challenges of the modern marketplace, and they even arrange for more commercial interactions. Natural "solopreneurs" still emerge, but having help drastically improves one's chances of success.
Individual Success Fosters Overall Market Success
Leaders cannot ignore the crucial role companies play in the overall well-being of their communities. When businesses do well, the entire economic ecosystem flourishes. Small businesses have generated over 65 percent of the nation's net new jobs since 1995. Keeping this in mind, it is in everyone's interests to have several robust and thriving companies operating or headquartered within a community. Furthermore, higher employment rates generally correlate with lower crime rates. The continued growth of economic opportunities is essential for the health of any region. Still, these benefits cannot come to fruition unless commercial operations begin. That's where Economic Development Assistance comes in. These services can help guide both entrepreneurs and large corporations through site selection, government contract documentation, financing options, incentives, and more.
Incentives Fuel the Dream
Areas seeking to see a spurt in economic growth often offer incentives. Economic Development Assistance programs highlight these opportunities and provide information on how to take advantage of these rewards. Some incentives are offered in general terms to every commercial enterprise in the district. In other cases, a local municipality may offer specific tax breaks to attract a certain operation. It is important for site selectors to take regional tax practices into account, as higher costs can restrain growth.
It's an Interactive World
Many times, institutions are excited to connect people in the local business community. Some contemporary urban planning designs even incorporate creative collision zones. These areas are strategically located in business districts. The collision zones feature paths and sidewalks where professionals walk and naturally cross paths. The concept behind this urban planning theory is that with increased natural interactions, professionals will have more chances to interact and potentially collaborate. By creating interactions, city planners are creating more economic opportunities for their communities. Besides these physical interactions, institutions also hold regular networking events and meetings to promote Economic Development Assistance programs and offers. By spreading the word, more entrepreneurs will become more aware of potential services tailored to help them succeed.
Information Age
Even with the availability of local statistical information, it can be difficult to understand and interpret the regional economic climate. Economic Development Assistance institutions actively work to make this information obtainable through, for example, infographics and animated charts, which are much more useful than raw data. They may also offer interactive platforms, which allow individuals to collaborate with current leaders and other potential professional allies.
By acting as a liaison between local assets and potential developers, Economic Development Assistance representatives increase the likelihood of success for both the developers and the region as a whole. As long as existing companies can be sustained and new firms can emerge, the American dream can survive.
When considering economic development assistance, Flint MI residents visit Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at http://www.flintandgenesee.org/
Individual Success Fosters Overall Market Success
Leaders cannot ignore the crucial role companies play in the overall well-being of their communities. When businesses do well, the entire economic ecosystem flourishes. Small businesses have generated over 65 percent of the nation's net new jobs since 1995. Keeping this in mind, it is in everyone's interests to have several robust and thriving companies operating or headquartered within a community. Furthermore, higher employment rates generally correlate with lower crime rates. The continued growth of economic opportunities is essential for the health of any region. Still, these benefits cannot come to fruition unless commercial operations begin. That's where Economic Development Assistance comes in. These services can help guide both entrepreneurs and large corporations through site selection, government contract documentation, financing options, incentives, and more.
Incentives Fuel the Dream
Areas seeking to see a spurt in economic growth often offer incentives. Economic Development Assistance programs highlight these opportunities and provide information on how to take advantage of these rewards. Some incentives are offered in general terms to every commercial enterprise in the district. In other cases, a local municipality may offer specific tax breaks to attract a certain operation. It is important for site selectors to take regional tax practices into account, as higher costs can restrain growth.
It's an Interactive World
Many times, institutions are excited to connect people in the local business community. Some contemporary urban planning designs even incorporate creative collision zones. These areas are strategically located in business districts. The collision zones feature paths and sidewalks where professionals walk and naturally cross paths. The concept behind this urban planning theory is that with increased natural interactions, professionals will have more chances to interact and potentially collaborate. By creating interactions, city planners are creating more economic opportunities for their communities. Besides these physical interactions, institutions also hold regular networking events and meetings to promote Economic Development Assistance programs and offers. By spreading the word, more entrepreneurs will become more aware of potential services tailored to help them succeed.
Information Age
Even with the availability of local statistical information, it can be difficult to understand and interpret the regional economic climate. Economic Development Assistance institutions actively work to make this information obtainable through, for example, infographics and animated charts, which are much more useful than raw data. They may also offer interactive platforms, which allow individuals to collaborate with current leaders and other potential professional allies.
By acting as a liaison between local assets and potential developers, Economic Development Assistance representatives increase the likelihood of success for both the developers and the region as a whole. As long as existing companies can be sustained and new firms can emerge, the American dream can survive.
When considering economic development assistance, Flint MI residents visit Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at http://www.flintandgenesee.org/
Stop Blaming The Government
I cannot count the amount of times I've heard someone passionately rant about the issues with the government. With social media now a day, you really can't get away from the posts, statuses, videos, pictures and articles. Everyone complains about different things. So many people want to see a difference. We can feel that the world around us is ready for a positive transformation and it's frustrating to sit back and watch the government control how we live as a society especially if we don't agree with the system that is being applied. But how can we not be angry? We have no control. The only control we have is that special moment when we get a chance to vote for a new master and hope that they will save us. So we pressure each other to VOTE because we have rights! Then we sit back and we watch our society morph a little bit, then go back to feeling powerless and waiting for yet another change... and the cycle continues.
The thing is, we consider issues and opinions about the government as a very "grown up" topic. We often tell children that we are engaging in "grown up" talk when we're discussing these issues. But the truth is, the act of this, at it's core, is far from "grown up". That may be a huge shot to your ego but the fact is complaining about authority figures is something children do. A five year old refusing to be happy because the rules of their house aren't to their liking is something we would consider childish behavior. A group of teens whining to each other about how terrible their parents are is something we would look at as immature and ignorant. It's something we did as children though, and at that time, our opinions and feelings around the situation felt very important and very valid and we believed that they deserved respect.
So wouldn't it make sense that once we grew up and moved away from our parent's care into a world where we no longer live under the authority of them that we would project those same "childish" authority-blaming traditions onto to something else... I don't know let's say The Government? I'm not saying that your points are not correct. Let me put it this way, although a child can claim they are incapable of happiness because they've had their iPhone taken away, it's clear to us that if they picked themselves up and played with the earth around them that they could turn their own world around. Yes, they've had something that belongs to them taken away, out of their control. Does that seem fair? No. They could spend all day sitting on the couch inside blaming their unhappiness on the situation OR they can stand up and make a choice, if this is issue seems that important to them, they can:
A. Reason with their parent to get it back
B. Earn money to buy a new one
C. Gather up their pals and wave picket signs outside their parent's house about the unfairness of the situation
Which are all great ideas to achieve the goal of getting what they want in order to make them happy.
If one of strategies worked then great! They got what they felt they deserved and they feel accomplished!
In the case, that they have zero control. Their parent is especially strict and determined to deprive the child of an iPhone.
The child in this case has these three options:
A. Complain about the situation. Result - sadness and powerlessness
B. Keep fighting. Result - Strain and defeat
C. Go play outside. Result - Who knows?
The need for power is one of the most common issues we have with the government. In our society, money is where we believe the power comes from. The higher ups suck the common folk dry for the need to feel powerful through having immense amounts of money. We feel like victims of their control much like the child whose iPhone is taken from them. We blame their need for power for the problems in our society.
How can they take so much and ignore our cries? It's their fault for all the problems in our world. This blame strategy never got us anywhere as children and will not take us anywhere as adults either. Is it really someone else's need for power that suffocates us or is it ours? Our desire to have power. But what's wrong with wanting to have power over our own lives? Well, maybe we need to change our view on what power looks like. If power looks like deciding what outcome you need to feel happy and being able to get it then if you end up in a situation like The iPhone deprived child, you are incapable of having power unless someone else gives it to you which in turn gives them power over you which is the opposite of what you really want, right? YOU want to have power over your life. But if you KNOW there is definitely no way of getting that outcome that you want. Are you doomed to powerlessness? If the definition of having power comes from having control over something of value to you like an iPhone or money or the rules of your society, but you are unable to have control over it at the time then you are unhappy and you are powerless. But if that in which you place value on is something that you always have guaranteed control over then how can you ever become powerless? The answer is: You can't! So what is something that you have guaranteed control over at all times.
You.
Place the value in yourself. You always have control over who you are and what YOU do in the world to make a difference. You may not be in the ideal situation but that still does not remove your control of how you deal with it. If your value is placed in yourself then you can never become powerless. You always have the option to make a move, you always have the option to give, you always have the option to try, to change, to devote your own daily lifestyle to what ever you believe in. You may not have control over receiving more money but you do have control over if that homeless man across the street does. You may not have control over the entire education system but you have control over how you treat children, you may not have control over all the depressed people in the world but you have muscles in your face and if you use them just right you can form a smile. You may not have control over the government's ways. But if that fact makes you unhappy then you are placing your value in something other than yourself because you always have control over your own ways. Place you value in the right place. Take your power back.
Take control over you.
Stop blaming the government. By Skye Johnson
The thing is, we consider issues and opinions about the government as a very "grown up" topic. We often tell children that we are engaging in "grown up" talk when we're discussing these issues. But the truth is, the act of this, at it's core, is far from "grown up". That may be a huge shot to your ego but the fact is complaining about authority figures is something children do. A five year old refusing to be happy because the rules of their house aren't to their liking is something we would consider childish behavior. A group of teens whining to each other about how terrible their parents are is something we would look at as immature and ignorant. It's something we did as children though, and at that time, our opinions and feelings around the situation felt very important and very valid and we believed that they deserved respect.
So wouldn't it make sense that once we grew up and moved away from our parent's care into a world where we no longer live under the authority of them that we would project those same "childish" authority-blaming traditions onto to something else... I don't know let's say The Government? I'm not saying that your points are not correct. Let me put it this way, although a child can claim they are incapable of happiness because they've had their iPhone taken away, it's clear to us that if they picked themselves up and played with the earth around them that they could turn their own world around. Yes, they've had something that belongs to them taken away, out of their control. Does that seem fair? No. They could spend all day sitting on the couch inside blaming their unhappiness on the situation OR they can stand up and make a choice, if this is issue seems that important to them, they can:
A. Reason with their parent to get it back
B. Earn money to buy a new one
C. Gather up their pals and wave picket signs outside their parent's house about the unfairness of the situation
Which are all great ideas to achieve the goal of getting what they want in order to make them happy.
If one of strategies worked then great! They got what they felt they deserved and they feel accomplished!
In the case, that they have zero control. Their parent is especially strict and determined to deprive the child of an iPhone.
The child in this case has these three options:
A. Complain about the situation. Result - sadness and powerlessness
B. Keep fighting. Result - Strain and defeat
C. Go play outside. Result - Who knows?
The need for power is one of the most common issues we have with the government. In our society, money is where we believe the power comes from. The higher ups suck the common folk dry for the need to feel powerful through having immense amounts of money. We feel like victims of their control much like the child whose iPhone is taken from them. We blame their need for power for the problems in our society.
How can they take so much and ignore our cries? It's their fault for all the problems in our world. This blame strategy never got us anywhere as children and will not take us anywhere as adults either. Is it really someone else's need for power that suffocates us or is it ours? Our desire to have power. But what's wrong with wanting to have power over our own lives? Well, maybe we need to change our view on what power looks like. If power looks like deciding what outcome you need to feel happy and being able to get it then if you end up in a situation like The iPhone deprived child, you are incapable of having power unless someone else gives it to you which in turn gives them power over you which is the opposite of what you really want, right? YOU want to have power over your life. But if you KNOW there is definitely no way of getting that outcome that you want. Are you doomed to powerlessness? If the definition of having power comes from having control over something of value to you like an iPhone or money or the rules of your society, but you are unable to have control over it at the time then you are unhappy and you are powerless. But if that in which you place value on is something that you always have guaranteed control over then how can you ever become powerless? The answer is: You can't! So what is something that you have guaranteed control over at all times.
You.
Place the value in yourself. You always have control over who you are and what YOU do in the world to make a difference. You may not be in the ideal situation but that still does not remove your control of how you deal with it. If your value is placed in yourself then you can never become powerless. You always have the option to make a move, you always have the option to give, you always have the option to try, to change, to devote your own daily lifestyle to what ever you believe in. You may not have control over receiving more money but you do have control over if that homeless man across the street does. You may not have control over the entire education system but you have control over how you treat children, you may not have control over all the depressed people in the world but you have muscles in your face and if you use them just right you can form a smile. You may not have control over the government's ways. But if that fact makes you unhappy then you are placing your value in something other than yourself because you always have control over your own ways. Place you value in the right place. Take your power back.
Take control over you.
Stop blaming the government. By Skye Johnson
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