investmentwatchblog--2020-04-29--Trump to Invoke Defense Production Act: Who Will Be Forced to Work at Meat Plants?

( April 28 , 2020 ) Over the past few weeks , nearly a dozen large meat processing plants have closed their doors due to widespread coronavirus among employees .
Thousands of workers have become infected and at the time of publication , at least 20 have died .
At the same time , President Trump is invoking the Defense Production Act .
What is the Defense Production Act ?
The act , which was officially passed in the 1950s , give the government power over private industries .
The Act gives the federal government broad authority to direct private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national defense .
Over the decades , the law ’ s powers have been understood to encompass not only times of war but also domestic emergency preparedness and recovery from terrorist attacks and natural disasters .
The act authorizes the president to require companies to prioritize government contracts and orders seen as necessary for the national defense , with the goal of ensuring that the private sector is producing enough goods needed to meet a war effort or other national emergency .
It also authorizes the president to use loans , direct purchases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of critical goods and essential materials .
Other provisions authorize the federal government to establish voluntary agreements with private industry and to block foreign mergers and acquisitions seen as harmful to national security .
( source ) Reports say that President Trump , who refers to himself as a wartime president , is invoking the act over deep concerns about our supply chain .
What does this mean ?
According to Bloomberg , the President will order the facilities will remain open due to a quickly evolving breakdown of our food supply chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meat-processing plants to remain open as the nation confronts growing food-supply disruptions from the coronavirus outbreak , a person familiar with the matter said .
Trump plans to use the Defense Production Act to order the companies to stay open as critical infrastructure , and the government will provide additional protective gear for employees as well as guidance , according to the person .
( source ) This is the spirit of how the Act was designed to be used .
President Truman signed it into law over concerns about supplies and equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsequently been used during disasters like hurricanes and other wars .
Presidents Clinton and Bush both used it to supply California utilities during an energy crisis there .
It was also used in early April to compel 3M to make N95 respirators .
So its use is not unprecedented .
Unions are not pleased about this order .
According to Bloomberg ’ s report , it sets the stage for a showdown between industry giants and labor unions .
Trump signaled the executive action at the White House on Tuesday , saying he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyson Foods Inc. ’ s liability , which had become “ a road block ” for the company .
He didn ’ t elaborate .
The order , though , will not be limited to Tyson , the person said .
It will affect many processing plants supplying beef , chicken , eggs and pork… …The White House decided to make the move amid estimates that as much as 80 % of U.S. meat production capacity could shut down .
( source ) Union representatives are concerned about the lack “ meaningful safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compelled to return to plants that have been shut down due to the spread of COVID-19 .
The White House source said that safety measures were being considered .
Who will be manning the factories ?
So , the question is , will workers return voluntarily to a job that Union representatives tell them is unsafe ?
Will these workers be mandated to return under the Defense Production Act even though many have become ill working during the pandemic ?
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union , which represents 1.3 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 20 U.S. food-processing and meatpacking union workers in the U.S. have died and that an estimated 6,500 are sick or have been exposed to the virus while working near someone who tested positive .
COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , has infected hundreds of workers at meat-processing plants and forced some of the largest to close and others to slow production .
While the output at beef and poultry plants has diminished , pork plants in the Midwest have been hit especially hard .
The viral outbreaks have persisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep workers at home with pay if they become sick .
( source ) Obviously , people have to be present to keep the plants running .
What happens if current employees and union members refuse to return to the plants ?
Will people who have been cleared as immune by the much-touted but elusive antibody tests be pressed to work there ?
It ’ s clear we ’ re currently living through a time during which unusual things are happening and our constitutional rights no longer seem as solid as they once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are mandated to be open , this leaves some pretty big questions .
Will people return to work voluntarily ?
Or will we see civilians facing forced labor right here on American soil ?
Daisy Luther writes about current events , preparedness , frugality , voluntaryism , and the pursuit of liberty on her website , The Organic Prepper .
She is widely republished across alternative media and she curates all the most important news links on her aggregate site , PreppersDailyNews.com .
Daisy is the best-selling author of 4 books and runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can find her on Facebook , Pinterest , and Twitter .

by Daisy Luther
(April 28, 2020) Over the past few weeks, nearly a dozen large meat processing plants have closed their doors due to widespread coronavirus among employees. Thousands of workers have become infected and at the time of publication, at least 20 have died.
At the same time, President Trump is invoking the Defense Production Act.
What is the Defense Production Act?
The act, which was officially passed in the 1950s, give the government power over private industries.
The Act gives the federal government broad authority to direct private companies to meet the needs of the national defense. Over the decades, the law’s powers have been understood to encompass not only times of war but also domestic emergency preparedness and recovery from terrorist attacks and natural disasters. The act authorizes the president to require companies to prioritize government contracts and orders seen as necessary for the national defense, with the goal of ensuring that the private sector is producing enough goods needed to meet a war effort or other national emergency. It also authorizes the president to use loans, direct purchases and other incentives to boost the production of critical goods and essential materials. Other provisions authorize the federal government to establish voluntary agreements with private industry and to block foreign mergers and acquisitions seen as harmful to national security. (source)
Reports say that President Trump, who refers to himself as a wartime president, is invoking the act over deep concerns about our supply chain.
What does this mean?
According to Bloomberg, the President will order the facilities will remain open due to a quickly evolving breakdown of our food supply chain.
President Donald Trump plans to order meat-processing plants to remain open as the nation confronts growing food-supply disruptions from the coronavirus outbreak, a person familiar with the matter said. Trump plans to use the Defense Production Act to order the companies to stay open as critical infrastructure, and the government will provide additional protective gear for employees as well as guidance, according to the person. (source)
This is the spirit of how the Act was designed to be used. President Truman signed it into law over concerns about supplies and equipment during the Korean war and it has subsequently been used during disasters like hurricanes and other wars. Presidents Clinton and Bush both used it to supply California utilities during an energy crisis there. It was also used in early April to compel 3M to make N95 respirators. So its use is not unprecedented.
Unions are not pleased about this order.
According to Bloomberg’s report, it sets the stage for a showdown between industry giants and labor unions.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Trump signaled the executive action at the White House on Tuesday, saying he planned to sign an order aimed at Tyson Foods Inc.’s liability, which had become “a road block” for the company. He didn’t elaborate. The order, though, will not be limited to Tyson, the person said. It will affect many processing plants supplying beef, chicken, eggs and pork… …The White House decided to make the move amid estimates that as much as 80% of U.S. meat production capacity could shut down. (source)
Union representatives are concerned about the lack “meaningful safety requirements” for workers who will be compelled to return to plants that have been shut down due to the spread of COVID-19.
“We only wish that this administration cared as much about the lives of working people as it does about meat, pork and poultry products,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. (source)
The White House source said that safety measures were being considered.
The White House has been discussing the order with meatpacking executives to determine what they need to operate safely and stay open, in order to prevent shortages, the person said. White House General Counsel Pat Cipollone worked with private companies to design a federal mandate to keep the plants open and to provide them additional virus testing capacity as well as protective gear. (source)
Who will be manning the factories?
So, the question is, will workers return voluntarily to a job that Union representatives tell them is unsafe? Will these workers be mandated to return under the Defense Production Act even though many have become ill working during the pandemic?
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 1.3 million food and retail workers, said Tuesday that 20 U.S. food-processing and meatpacking union workers in the U.S. have died and that an estimated 6,500 are sick or have been exposed to the virus while working near someone who tested positive. COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, has infected hundreds of workers at meat-processing plants and forced some of the largest to close and others to slow production. While the output at beef and poultry plants has diminished, pork plants in the Midwest have been hit especially hard. The viral outbreaks have persisted despite efforts by the meat companies to keep workers at home with pay if they become sick. (source)
Obviously, people have to be present to keep the plants running. What happens if current employees and union members refuse to return to the plants? Will people who have been cleared as immune by the much-touted but elusive antibody tests be pressed to work there?
It’s clear we’re currently living through a time during which unusual things are happening and our constitutional rights no longer seem as solid as they once did. So, if the plants are mandated to be open, this leaves some pretty big questions.
Will people return to work voluntarily? Or will we see civilians facing forced labor right here on American soil?
About Daisy
Daisy Luther writes about current events, preparedness, frugality, voluntaryism, and the pursuit of liberty on her website, The Organic Prepper. She is widely republished across alternative media and she curates all the most important news links on her aggregate site, PreppersDailyNews.com. Daisy is the best-selling author of 4 books and runs a small digital publishing company. You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-29--95% Of Emotions Experienced Daily By Americans Are Negative – Here’s How To Clear Your Head

The world has completely lost its mind – I ’ m sure many reading would agree with that statement .
Every day , there ’ s a fresh deluge of current events and news that takes precedence over whatever news cycle might have come before it .
Just last month , representatives of Congress allegedly performed insider stock trading before the coronavirus caused nationwide lockdowns .
Effectively , elected officials profited hugely off of using non-disclosed information to absolutely no consequences .
Now , the scandal isn ’ t even a blip on anyone ’ s radar .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive brushfires and Brexit saw the United Kingdom withdraw from the European Union .
That feels like ancient history after the whirlwind of a year we ’ ve had , though .
With the majority of the nation ordered to stay at home , anxiety and worry and uncertainty have taken root for most .
A recent study reveals that 95 % of emotions people experience are negative , with only 5 % being positive .
The breakneck speed of the media only exacerbates any feelings of anxiety plaguing us , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much information thrown at us every day to digest , two reactions can occur : the already overwhelming levels of stress impacting Americans will rise or the headlines and stories from media outlets all blur together and essentially lose any meaning .
Marc Brackett , the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence who conducted the study , detailed that he ’ s never seen anything like the current mentality of the U.S. before : It ’ s no surprise , if you really consider it .
The coronavirus has shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , concerts , outdoor events ; seemingly anything that could be considered a fun distraction has been canceled by the pandemic .
In turn , many are being forced to take a look at themselves , with the classical ideas of fulfillment and even stoicism returning back to a populace that would rather be more focused on content over any of the merits self-reflection may have .
With the media constantly pushing out stories and headlines trying to take advantage of the uncertainty regarding the coronavirus along with nationwide orders of only leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing guidelines for when you do – choosing optimism is a daily battle .
Focus on what you can change , not on what you can ’ t .
Lots of people are stuck on a one-lane track when it comes to their mental health .
Many obsess and fret over salacious tidbits of information they glean from the news or their smartphones every minute of every day .
When you obsess over what ’ s out of your control , you can feel both stressed and overwhelmed in the mindset that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course from catastrophe and , eventually , this poisonous mentality causes the mind to eat itself .
Instead , focusing on matters that are able to be controlledin a time of such incertitude conversely expands your mind and attitude : Anything as simple as ranging from taking a walk , lifting dumbbells , or going on a bicycle ride can not only be beneficial to your body – it also vastly improves your mood .
It doesn ’ t matter what you do , just put down the remote or video game controller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like fiction… go for it .
If you like non-fiction… go for it .
If you like writing… go for it .
Did you know that Shakespeare wrote several of his most famous plays during a plague ?
Reading and writing help keep the mind sharp and well-honed .
In today ’ s constantly connected , 24/7 , digitized world , menial suggestions like spending a day doing yardwork or sitting in your backyard and listening to the birds chirp seems redundant .
However , in my thinking , there is no better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using a Sunday to mow your lawn and maintain your outside property .
Mindfulness doesn ’ t always have to mean the Buddhist idea of meditation .
Mindfulness can be making a conscious decision to make good choices and choosing your attitude .
Meditation , though , could be a great method to turn to during quarantine .
The most vital aspect of mindfulness is choosing to have a good day and promoting positive energy .
Instead of focusing on the exclusively negative factors that seem to be currently dominating American life , @ @ @ @ @

By Jon Hall
The world has completely lost its mind – I’m sure many reading would agree with that statement. Every day, there’s a fresh deluge of current events and news that takes precedence over whatever news cycle might have come before it.
Just last month, representatives of Congress allegedly performed insider stock trading before the coronavirus caused nationwide lockdowns. Effectively, elected officials profited hugely off of using non-disclosed information to absolutely no consequences. Now, the scandal isn’t even a blip on anyone’s radar.
At the beginning of the year, Australia had massive brushfires and Brexit saw the United Kingdom withdraw from the European Union. That feels like ancient history after the whirlwind of a year we’ve had, though.
If you’ve found yourself growing numb – don’t feel guilty.
With the majority of the nation ordered to stay at home, anxiety and worry and uncertainty have taken root for most. A recent study reveals that 95% of emotions people experience are negative, with only 5% being positive.
The breakneck speed of the media only exacerbates any feelings of anxiety plaguing us, and that seems to be intentional.
With so much information thrown at us every day to digest, two reactions can occur: the already overwhelming levels of stress impacting Americans will rise or the headlines and stories from media outlets all blur together and essentially lose any meaning.
Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence who conducted the study, detailed that he’s never seen anything like the current mentality of the U.S. before:
I’ve done big studies on this before, and it’s never been these kinds of feelings. Never have I done a project where -across 5,000 people across the United States, and even other countries – 95 percent of the words people came up with were overwhelmed, anxious.
It’s no surprise, if you really consider it. The coronavirus has shut down restaurants, bars, movie theaters, concerts, outdoor events; seemingly anything that could be considered a fun distraction has been canceled by the pandemic.
In turn, many are being forced to take a look at themselves, with the classical ideas of fulfillment and even stoicism returning back to a populace that would rather be more focused on content over any of the merits self-reflection may have.
With the media constantly pushing out stories and headlines trying to take advantage of the uncertainty regarding the coronavirus along with nationwide orders of only leaving your house when absolutely necessary – and social distancing guidelines for when you do – choosing optimism is a daily battle.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Focus on what you can change, not on what you can’t.
Lots of people are stuck on a one-lane track when it comes to their mental health. Many obsess and fret over salacious tidbits of information they glean from the news or their smartphones every minute of every day.
When you obsess over what’s out of your control, you can feel both stressed and overwhelmed in the mindset that your actions have no input on changing course from catastrophe and, eventually, this poisonous mentality causes the mind to eat itself.
Instead, focusing on matters that are able to be controlledin a time of such incertitude conversely expands your mind and attitude:
Exercise
Anything as simple as ranging from taking a walk, lifting dumbbells, or going on a bicycle ride can not only be beneficial to your body – it also vastly improves your mood.
It doesn’t matter what you do, just put down the remote or video game controller and get to it.
Reading
If you like fiction… go for it. If you like non-fiction… go for it. If you like writing… go for it. Did you know that Shakespeare wrote several of his most famous plays during a plague?
Reading and writing help keep the mind sharp and well-honed.
Nature
In today’s constantly connected, 24/7, digitized world, menial suggestions like spending a day doing yardwork or sitting in your backyard and listening to the birds chirp seems redundant.
However, in my thinking, there is no better escape than hiking a wooded trail or using a Sunday to mow your lawn and maintain your outside property.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness doesn’t always have to mean the Buddhist idea of meditation. Mindfulness can be making a conscious decision to make good choices and choosing your attitude. Meditation, though, could be a great method to turn to during quarantine.
The most vital aspect of mindfulness is choosing to have a good day and promoting positive energy. Instead of focusing on the exclusively negative factors that seem to be currently dominating American life, you can choose happiness.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-29--ROASTED: Yahoo reporter apologizes to Trump after making false COVID test claim in Oval Office meeti

ROASTED: Yahoo reporter apologizes to Trump after making false COVID test claim in Oval Office meeting

We have passed South Korea in the number of tests conducted per capita .
I misread the mobile version of @ @ @ @ @ about that @ realDonaldTrump .
Our infection rate is far higher though as I noted @

We have passed South Korea in the number of tests conducted per capita. I misread the mobile version of this chart and am sorry about that @realDonaldTrump . Our infection rate is far higher though as I noted.
— Hunter Walker (@hunterw) April 28, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-29--Who is telling our farmers to kill their own cattle and spill their milk?

Are local governments saying to do this ?
Are farmers being forced to because their contracts can not be filled @ @ @ @ @ open to buy them ?
Packaging plants are closing , such as Tyson .
So @ @ @ @ @ then farmers are screwed .
Is this a TPTB causing this through certain avenues to @ @ @ @ @ Obviously we know TPTB caused this virus , now its on for the shortage of @ @ @ @ @ chickens at Eastern Shore farms set to be destroyed because of coronavirus-related plant shortages Texas @ @ @ @ @ told to euthanize their herds .

Are local governments saying to do this?
Are farmers being forced to because their contracts cannot be filled, aka their restaurants arent open to buy them?
Packaging plants are closing, such as Tyson.
So if packaging is closing, then farmers are screwed. Is this a TPTB causing this through certain avenues to hurt our food supply?
Obviously we know TPTB caused this virus, now its on for the shortage of food.
Farmers Face Their Worst-Case Scenario: ‘Depopulating’ Chickens, Euthanizing Pigs And Dumping Milk
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www.forbes.com/sites/jennysplitter/2020/04/28/farmers-face-their-worst-case-scenarios-depopulating-chickens-euthanizing-pigs-and-dumping-milk/#70524e113003
Nearly 2 million chickens at Eastern Shore farms set to be destroyed because of coronavirus-related plant shortages
www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-poultry-producers-coronavirus-20200424-hufdfzs24zhqpeptx4w6yngztm-story.html
Texas Farmer saying they are being told to euthanize their herds.
h/t Cebeij


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-29--The Communist Economic Trap – Chapter Nine of How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World

The Communist Economic Trap – Chapter Nine of How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World By the editorial team of Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party ( Minghui.org ) [ Editor ’ s Note ] This series is a reprint of The Epoch Times ’ English translation of the book How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World by the editorial team of Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party .
Table of Contents of the Book How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World : Preface How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Strategies for Destroying Humanity Chapter Two : Communism ’ s European Beginnings Chapter Three : Tyranny in the East Chapter Four : Exporting Revolution Chapter Five : Infiltrating the West Chapter Six : The Revolt Against God Chapter Seven : The Destruction of the Family Chapter Eight : How Communism Sows Chaos in Politics Chapter Nine : The Communist Economic Trap Chapter Ten : Using the Law for Evil Chapter Eleven : Desecrating the Arts Chapter Twelve : Sabotaging Education Chapter Thirteen : Hijacking the Media Chapter Fourteen : Popular Culture – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communist Roots of Terrorism Chapter Sixteen : The Communism Behind Environmentalism Chapter Seventeen : Globalization – Communism at Its Core Chapter Eighteen : The Chinese Communist Party ’ s Global Ambitions How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World : Conclusion What Is Included in This Part ?
Chapter Nine : The Communist Economic Trap 1 .
Developed Western Countries : Practicing Communism by Another Name a .
High Taxes and Generous Social Welfare b .
Aggressive Economic Interventionism in Western Countries c. Socialist Economics Leads to Communist Totalitarianism 2 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a .
The Chinese Economy : No Relaxation of Communist Control b .
The Truth Behind China ’ s Economic Rise c. Consequences of the Chinese Economic Model 3 .
The Ravages of Socialism in the Developing World 4 .
Public Ownership and the Planned Economy : Systems of Slavery 5 .
Marx ’ s Theory of Exploitation : A Fallacious Inversion of Good and Evil 6 .
Hatred and Jealousy : The Origin of Absolute Egalitarianism a The Promotion of Economic Equality : A Stepping Stone to Communism b.
Communism ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 .
Communist ‘ Ideals ’ : Tempting Man Toward His Own Destruction Conclusion : Prosperity and Peace Can Be Obtained Only Through Morality “ Developed Western Countries : Practicing Communism by Another Name a .
High Taxes and Generous Social Welfare b .
Aggressive Economic Interventionism in Western Countries c. Socialist Economics Leads to Communist Totalitarianism ” On the way to all out Communism they pretend that Communism and Socialism are two different things .
Or that Progressives do not have a Communist agenda .
They are not being altogether truthful… a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Communist Control b .
The Truth Behind China ’ s Economic Rise c. Consequences of the Chinese Economic Model ” The Chinese call it Socialism with Chinese characteristics .
How about Socialism as a mask for Communism ?
You can vote for anybody you please , as long as he is a member of the Communist Party .

The Communist Economic Trap – Chapter Nine of How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World
By the editorial team of Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party
(Minghui.org) [Editor’s Note] This series is a reprint of The Epoch Times’ English translation of the book How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World by the editorial team of Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party.
Table of Contents of the Book
How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World: Preface
How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World: Introduction
Chapter One: The Specter’s Strategies for Destroying Humanity
Chapter Two: Communism’s European Beginnings
Chapter Three: Tyranny in the East
Chapter Four: Exporting Revolution
Chapter Five: Infiltrating the West
Chapter Six: The Revolt Against God
Chapter Seven: The Destruction of the Family
Chapter Eight: How Communism Sows Chaos in Politics
Chapter Nine: The Communist Economic Trap
Chapter Ten: Using the Law for Evil
Chapter Eleven: Desecrating the Arts
Chapter Twelve: Sabotaging Education
Chapter Thirteen: Hijacking the Media
Chapter Fourteen: Popular Culture – A Decadent Indulgence
Chapter Fifteen: The Communist Roots of Terrorism
Chapter Sixteen: The Communism Behind Environmentalism
Chapter Seventeen: Globalization – Communism at Its Core
Chapter Eighteen: The Chinese Communist Party’s Global Ambitions
How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World: Conclusion
What Is Included in This Part?
Chapter Nine: The Communist Economic Trap
Introduction
1. Developed Western Countries: Practicing Communism by Another Name
a. High Taxes and Generous Social Welfare
b. Aggressive Economic Interventionism in Western Countries
c. Socialist Economics Leads to Communist Totalitarianism
2. The Dystopian Socialism of the Chinese Communist Party
a. The Chinese Economy: No Relaxation of Communist Control
b. The Truth Behind China’s Economic Rise
c. Consequences of the Chinese Economic Model
3. The Ravages of Socialism in the Developing World
a. Socialism Continues to Haunt Eastern Europe
b. Socialist Economics Failed the Developing Nations
4. Public Ownership and the Planned Economy: Systems of Slavery
a. Public Ownership: A Totalitarian Yoke
b. Economic Planning: Destined to Fail
5. Marx’s Theory of Exploitation: A Fallacious Inversion of Good and Evil
6. Hatred and Jealousy: The Origin of Absolute Egalitarianism
a The Promotion of Economic Equality: A Stepping Stone to Communism
b. Communism’s Use of Unions to Undermine Free Societies
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
7. Communist ‘Ideals’: Tempting Man Toward His Own Destruction
Conclusion: Prosperity and Peace Can Be Obtained Only Through Morality
en.minghui.org/html/articles/2020/4/28/184233.html
“Developed Western Countries: Practicing Communism by Another Name
a. High Taxes and Generous Social Welfare
b. Aggressive Economic Interventionism in Western Countries
c. Socialist Economics Leads to Communist Totalitarianism”
Sound familiar?
On the way to all out Communism they pretend that Communism and Socialism are two different things.
Or that Progressives do not have a Communist agenda.
They are not being altogether truthful…
“The Dystopian Socialism of the Chinese Communist Party
a. The Chinese Economy: No Relaxation of Communist Control
b. The Truth Behind China’s Economic Rise
c. Consequences of the Chinese Economic Model”
The Chinese call it Socialism with Chinese characteristics.
How about Socialism as a mask for Communism?
You can vote for anybody you please, as long as he is a member of the Communist Party.
h/t Lily


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-29--SELCO: This Is a Time of Massive Change and the Direction We’re Going Is Not Good

Where are we now ?
We are living in a world where fear controls us , or is trying to control us .
If we take out all the facts and guesses about the severity of this illness , all that left is fear , and we are being driven to act by that fear .
Among all the fears ( fear for health , job , security… ) the fear of the unknown ( future ) is the greatest and most dangerous .
We as preppers should live and act by the premise of an unknown future .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common people start to fear from an unknown future , the whole picture can be different .
This whole situation could go in many different directions , but the most probable direction where it will go is not nice .
We might be living in times of massive changes .
The individual is nothing In the name of health , safety , and security , an individual person becomes irrelevant .
You or me alone are irrelevant if we are portrayed as , for example , a health hazard or risk for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exist .
If you are portrayed as , let ’ s say , a terrorist , your rights no longer exist .
Not only will you lose your rights , but you will be publicly portrayed as a threat .
You will be described in a way that your own neighbors will hunt you down like a rabid animal and then turn you in if you survive .
Now , there are times and places and people who deserve to be hunted .
There are real terrorists who deserve to be punished .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is terrorist or a health risk , and who controls the people who make those decisions .
We are living in times when all that gets blurred together and rushed in the name of security .
Or in this latest situation , in the name of public health .
I have seen people get quarantined for 28 days in tents without proper food , hygiene , or anything similar just because someone told authorities they are suspicious and may have the virus .
People being separated from their families based on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not know sh*t about medicine and then being put into those tents for weeks .
And yes , it is unconstitutional of course , but nobody cares .
It is an example only , but in times of great fear , a lot of things that used to be unimaginable become real so easily .
Every hard time has ( and had ) leaders .
Sometimes the whole system works in a way that leaders are not so important .
Sometimes great figures emerged in hard times and carry the whole “ spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction .
They emerged many times trough the world history , “ strong leaders ” who led their nations through the hard times in a manipulative way .
They channeled their feelings in order to achieve their own dreams or agendas .
They turned their dream into what they thought was the “ national dream ” .
Adolph Hitler led his nation ( very simplified ) from the times of national disaster , huge unemployment , public shame , and general disappointment to the moments where under his leadership , a majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole nations , by willingly doing it or closing their eyes to it .
This particular example is way too big and complicated for me to explain it , but the point here is that you can not underestimate the fact that desperate people can be led in wrong directions ( by manipulation ) in a pretty easy way .
Common folks can do a lot of unimaginable things when there is the right combination of a “ real leader , ” fear , and desperate times .
Let ’ s hope we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ real leaders ” .
I advocate ( just like always ) that much more attention be paid to your own “ local ” level , or small circle , but do not get me wrong , it pays off to be aware of the bigger picture or in time , you might wake up one morning in a society that looks like something from an Orwell book .
On a local or personal level , there are a lot of changes that are noticeable among people in the last few months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes are also noticeable among a lot of people who should be more ready because they are preppers or survivalists : A picture is better than a thousand words , so I am using it here .
This latest situation came as a huge shock to many preppers too , and in reality , it should not be so huge a shock .
It is something that you as a prepper have been preparing for over the course of many years .
It was a huge shock for some of you probably for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are known and mentioned many times , but yes , it is different when you live it for real .
The important thing to understand here , that all of this ( no matter how hard it was , and still is ) is nothing , compared to the situation that might come after this .
We are only starting to realize a whole bunch of repercussions of all this ( economically ) worldwide , and nobody is even sure how hard it might be , and where it can lead .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this article ( again ) are the things that might become very important in the next period : • The system is fragile , and usually corrupt .
It takes care first for itself .
Do not blindly trust it .
I ’ m not saying the system is necessarily your enemy , but I am saying do not trust it .
( See this article about the system . )
• It is time to be self-sufficient , self-reliant , and resilient as much as it is possible .
• It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be quiet about what you prep , how you prep , and where .
Publicly be like the majority people around you – scared , more or less , and unsure • Make connections , know people , find like-minded folks that you may lean on once if the situation deteriorates more .
• Do not blindly trust the media .
Try to find and follow your own sources of information .
( See this article for more about the media . )
Selco survived the Balkan war of the 90s in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running water , or food distribution .

by Selco Begovic
Where are we now?
We are living in a world where fear controls us, or is trying to control us. If we take out all the facts and guesses about the severity of this illness, all that left is fear, and we are being driven to act by that fear.
Among all the fears (fear for health, job, security…) the fear of the unknown ( future) is the greatest and most dangerous.
We as preppers should live and act by the premise of an unknown future.
But when that premise goes worldwide and when common people start to fear from an unknown future, the whole picture can be different.
This whole situation could go in many different directions, but the most probable direction where it will go is not nice. We might be living in times of massive changes.
The individual is nothing
In the name of health, safety, and security, an individual person becomes irrelevant. You or me alone are irrelevant if we are portrayed as, for example, a health hazard or risk for the community. Our rights basically cease to exist.
If you are portrayed as, let’s say, a terrorist, your rights no longer exist.
Not only will you lose your rights, but you will be publicly portrayed as a threat. You will be described in a way that your own neighbors will hunt you down like a rabid animal and then turn you in if you survive.
Now, there are times and places and people who deserve to be hunted. There are real terrorists who deserve to be punished.
But the point here is who decides who is terrorist or a health risk, and who controls the people who make those decisions.
We are living in times when all that gets blurred together and rushed in the name of security. Or in this latest situation, in the name of public health.
I have seen people get quarantined for 28 days in tents without proper food, hygiene, or anything similar just because someone told authorities they are suspicious and may have the virus. People being separated from their families based on an assumption made from some guy who does not know sh*t about medicine and then being put into those tents for weeks.
And yes, it is unconstitutional of course, but nobody cares.
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It is an example only, but in times of great fear, a lot of things that used to be unimaginable become real so easily.
Great leaders (on a higher level)
Every hard time has (and had) leaders. Sometimes the whole system works in a way that leaders are not so important. Sometimes great figures emerged in hard times and carry the whole “spirit” of the nations in a good direction.
And sometimes, “false leaders” emerge.
They emerged many times trough the world history, “strong leaders” who led their nations through the hard times in a manipulative way. They channeled their feelings in order to achieve their own dreams or agendas. They turned their dream into what they thought was the “national dream”.
Adolph Hitler led his nation (very simplified) from the times of national disaster, huge unemployment, public shame, and general disappointment to the moments where under his leadership, a majority of his country approved of the extermination of whole nations, by willingly doing it or closing their eyes to it.
This particular example is way too big and complicated for me to explain it, but the point here is that you cannot underestimate the fact that desperate people can be led in wrong directions (by manipulation) in a pretty easy way.
Common folks can do a lot of unimaginable things when there is the right combination of a “real leader,” fear, and desperate times.
Let’s hope we gonna have more real leaders then “real leaders”.
You (on a personal level)
I advocate (just like always) that much more attention be paid to your own “local” level, or small circle, but do not get me wrong, it pays off to be aware of the bigger picture or in time, you might wake up one morning in a society that looks like something from an Orwell book.
On a local or personal level, there are a lot of changes that are noticeable among people in the last few months.
It is more worrying actually that those changes are also noticeable among a lot of people who should be more ready because they are preppers or survivalists:
A picture is better than a thousand words, so I am using it here.
This latest situation came as a huge shock to many preppers too, and in reality, it should not be so huge a shock. It is something that you as a prepper have been preparing for over the course of many years.
It was a huge shock for some of you probably for several reasons, and all those reasons are known and mentioned many times, but yes, it is different when you live it for real. The important thing to understand here, that all of this (no matter how hard it was, and still is) is nothing, compared to the situation that might come after this.
We are only starting to realize a whole bunch of repercussions of all this (economically) worldwide, and nobody is even sure how hard it might be, and where it can lead.
Remember these 5 things.
What I would like to emphasize here, in this article (again) are the things that might become very important in the next period:
The system is fragile, and usually corrupt. It takes care first for itself. Do not blindly trust it. I’m not saying the system is necessarily your enemy, but I am saying do not trust it. (See this article about the system.) It is time to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and resilient as much as it is possible. It is now time more than ever to be quiet about what you prep, how you prep, and where. Publicly be like the majority people around you – scared, more or less, and unsure Make connections, know people, find like-minded folks that you may lean on once if the situation deteriorates more. Do not blindly trust the media. Try to find and follow your own sources of information. (See this article for more about the media.)
About Selco:
Selco survived the Balkan war of the 90s in a city under siege, without electricity, running water, or food distribution.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-29--Desperate To Identify People Staying At Home, Biometric Industry Holds “Festival Of Identity Webinar

Desperate To Identify People Staying At Home, Biometric Industry Holds “Festival Of Identity Webinar”

I am constantly surprised by how far biometric corporations will go to exploit COVID-19 .
But nothing and I mean nothing could have prepared me for what I read this past Friday .
Planet Biometrics reported that Science Media Partners is planning to hold the world ’ s largest “ home ” identity webinar from May 4th -May 12th .
Calling the largest home identity webinar in the world a festival , is a misnomer at best .
Dictionary.com says the definition of a festival is “ unrestrained joy ” , Your Dictionary calls it a “ celebration.
” When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new ways to identify people staying at home , everyone should take notice .
What is the reason Science Media Partners is holding the world ’ s largest home identity webinar during a pandemic ?
It is to help governments and private corporations identify people staying at home , of course .
“ The world finds itself in a time of great uncertainty and unprecedented change , with life having been turned upside down .
Working from home has become the new normal , domestic travel has become the exception , international travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being increasingly challenged – albeit most often with good reason .
Across the world , governments and corporations are grappling with issues such as population management , dispersal of benefits , IT security and considering how we can finally exit from citizen lockdown strategies.
” COVID-19 has changed the way governments and corporations can identify and monitor people .
Governments are worried that police can no longer rely on CCTV cameras , license plate readers and contact-tracing to identify people .
“ If only some company could solve this privacy dilemma and find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitor people at home , then we could all feel a sigh of relief ” , I sarcastically said to myself .
Six days from now , the world ’ s largest home identification webinar called “ The Festival of Identity ” will begin to do just that .
To date , there are seven free webinars designed to help governments monitor and identify people who are staying at home .
“ Proportionate Use Of Surveillance Technologies During Lockdown ” “ Internet Dogs And Digital Frankensteins : How Better ID Can Slash Identity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In ECG-Based Human Authentication ” ( To find out more about HeartID click here & here . )
“ Are Your Security Credentials Going To The Real Service Provider ?
” “ How To Make Law Enforcement Systems Interoperable And Available On Any Device ” The Festival of Identities mission is to accelerate the growth of government-run biometric solutions .
I find it ironic that a company who ’ s slogan is “ exploring the future of government commercial and citizen identity solutions ” appears to be concerned with customers and consumers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-stop-shop for any company involved in authenticating human identity , whether via a secure credential , biometric , or online/digital identity solution.
” And that really says it all .
( To see their long list of biometric sponsors and exhibitors click here . )
A company called ABI Research , which bill ’ s itself as an IoT research company that “ has partnered with hundreds of leading technology brands , cutting-edge companies , forward-thinking government agencies ” , is offering a new webinar called “ After The Coronavirus : What Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The webinar is designed to help biometric companies profit from tracking potential COVID-19 patients .
“ Asset visibility and connected operations ” is a fancy way of saying market awareness or capitalization .
The more services biometrics companies can offer , i.e.
, facial recognition/thermal imaging , heartbeat measuring etc.
, the more governments will want to use their services ABI Researchs ’ s summation of how biometric companies are profiting from COVID-19 is incredulous .
To be clear , the pandemic is not driving the need for biometric surveillance , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to take advantage of our fears .
ABI Research is the same company that recently predicted that COVID-19 would prove to be a boon for public surveillance robotics and drones .
We can not afford to allow shameless biometric companies to profit from COVID-19 .
If we remain silent and let fear rule us , then not even our home ’ s will be safe from Big Brother ’ s prying eyes .

by mapi
I am constantly surprised by how far biometric corporations will go to exploit COVID-19. But nothing and I mean nothing could have prepared me for what I read this past Friday.
Planet Biometrics reported that Science Media Partners is planning to hold the world’s largest “home” identity webinar from May 4th -May 12th.
‘Science Media Partners has announced plans for a groundbreaking online event entitled the Festival of Identity, noting it will be a new, positive, and exciting webinar platform that will serve the whole identity community during these difficult times.”
Calling the largest home identity webinar in the world a festival, is a misnomer at best. Dictionary.com says the definition of a festival is “unrestrained joy”, Your Dictionary calls it a “celebration.” When biometric companies show unrestrained joy for finding new ways to identify people staying at home, everyone should take notice.
What is the reason Science Media Partners is holding the world’s largest home identity webinar during a pandemic? It is to help governments and private corporations identify people staying at home, of course.
“The world finds itself in a time of great uncertainty and unprecedented change, with life having been turned upside down. Working from home has become the new normal, domestic travel has become the exception, international travel a rarity. Privacy and rights are being increasingly challenged – albeit most often with good reason. Across the world, governments and corporations are grappling with issues such as population management, dispersal of benefits, IT security and considering how we can finally exit from citizen lockdown strategies.”
COVID-19 has changed the way governments and corporations can identify and monitor people.
Governments are worried that police can no longer rely on CCTV cameras, license plate readers and contact-tracing to identify people.
“If only some company could solve this privacy dilemma and find a way for governments and corporations to monitor people at home, then we could all feel a sigh of relief”, I sarcastically said to myself.
Six days from now, the world’s largest home identification webinar called “The Festival of Identity” will begin to do just that. To date, there are seven free webinars designed to help governments monitor and identify people who are staying at home.
Monday May 4
“The Identity Landscape: COVID-19 Changes Everything”
“Proportionate Use Of Surveillance Technologies During Lockdown”
Tuesday May 5
“Internet Dogs And Digital Frankensteins: How Better ID Can Slash Identity Fraud”
Wednesday May 6
“Seamless And Hygienic Identity Technologies For Future Travel”
Thursday May 7
“HeartID – Recent Advances In ECG-Based Human Authentication”
(To find out more about HeartID click here & here.)
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Monday May 11
“Are Your Security Credentials Going To The Real Service Provider?”
Tuesday May 12
“How To Make Law Enforcement Systems Interoperable And Available On Any Device”
The Festival of Identities mission is to accelerate the growth of government-run biometric solutions.
“Our global event aims to be a significant identity industry catalyst. The overarching mission is to help accelerate the move towards a world where trusted identity solutions enable governments and commercial organisations to provide citizens, employees, customers and consumers with a multitude of opportunities to transact in a seamless, yet secure manner. All the while thwarting the efforts of those intent on doing harm.”
I find it ironic that a company who’s slogan is “exploring the future of government commercial and citizen identity solutions” appears to be concerned with customers and consumers.
The Festival Of Identity is a “one-stop-shop for any company involved in authenticating human identity, whether via a secure credential, biometric, or online/digital identity solution.” And that really says it all. (To see their long list of biometric sponsors and exhibitors click here.)
A company called ABI Research, which bill’s itself as an IoT research company that “has partnered with hundreds of leading technology brands, cutting-edge companies, forward-thinking government agencies”, is offering a new webinar called “After The Coronavirus: What Will Drive The IoT Market Through 2020.”
The webinar is designed to help biometric companies profit from tracking potential COVID-19 patients.
“As one country, region or city gets infections under control, another is responding in dramatic ways to limit the pandemic’s damage. Under these conditions, asset visibility and connected operations will become even more critical for enterprise viability in uncertain times but also for long-term success.“
“Asset visibility and connected operations” is a fancy way of saying market awareness or capitalization. The more services biometrics companies can offer, i.e., facial recognition/thermal imaging, heartbeat measuring etc., the more governments will want to use their services
ABI Researchs’s summation of how biometric companies are profiting from COVID-19 is incredulous.
“The pandemic is also driving renewed emphasis on contactless, biometrics and surveillance technologies to add resilience to connected operations and enable novel approaches to connected solutions.”
To be clear, the pandemic is not driving the need for biometric surveillance, it is the biometric industry themselves who see a chance to take advantage of our fears.
ABI Research is the same company that recently predicted that COVID-19 would prove to be a boon for public surveillance robotics and drones. We cannot afford to allow shameless biometric companies to profit from COVID-19. If we remain silent and let fear rule us, then not even our home’s will be safe from Big Brother’s prying eyes.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-29--We Don’t Know If the COVID-19 Shock Will Be Inflationary or Deflationary

I recently wrote about the economic implications of COVID-19 and what effects it will have on the economy .
There is much debate on whether this supply shock will inevitably result in inflation or will induce a fall in aggregate demand and thus cause deflation .
My opinion is that neither will occur in the conventional sense , but the focus here will not be on predicting the final outcome , only on illustrating the complexity of money and its effects on prices .
This “ corona shock ” is reminiscent of what I have dubbed monetary kaleidics.1 The term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Austrian economist Ludwig Lachmann in which he compared the ever changing patterns of economic activity to the seemingly random and unpredictable patterns we see in a kaleidoscope .
His view was that it was a mistake to assume that the economy is always tending towards equilibrium , and that countervailing forces are always at play .
It is true that there are many variables at play in a complex economy , and one of the most elusive of these is money and its effect on the price structure .
Below are some countervailing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Domestic and global supply chain reductions , causing a fall in production and output • Global demand for the dollar and US Treasurys • Stimulus used to pay down debt As we can see , there are numerous factors at play .
It can not be denied that a significant rise in unemployment , which is currently happening , as 16 million workers have lost their jobs in the last several weeks , reduces real demand and thus spending .
In fact , this can lead the unemployed to increase their savings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of being out of work .
This creates a tendency toward deflation .
In addition , COVID-19 is a threat to many major world economies , not just the US .
Investors , corporations , and even governments will likely find the US dollar to be a safe haven for investment in such uncertain times .
This will also lead to the demand for dollars to rise , causing a commensurate tendency for its purchasing power to rise as well .
In fact , this is just what we are seeing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling in the graph posted by Reuters below .
On the other hand , there are serious inflationary pressures bubbling that have yet to surface .
We ’ ve already seen disruptions to our supply chains , as the empty shelves at our local supermarkets like Walmart shows .
This alone , however , has not been significant enough to increase the general level , or trend , of prices in the economy because of the counteracting forces mentioned above .
Yet , this week checks have begun posting to US bank accounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
This could quite possibly offset the fall in money velocity we ’ ve seen by unemployed consumers thus far .
There are complications involved , of course .
Part of the Federal reserve ’ s stimulus package is not “ money printing ” per se , but repos ( repurchase agreements ) .
In essence , $ 1.5 trillion of the Fed ’ s efforts haven ’ t necessarily permanently increased the money supply , but have provided temporary liquidity through short-term loans ( some of them overnight ) that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although over $ 2 trillion of the total stimulus is inflationary , it is uncertain how much of the remainder will be as well .
If the loans that the central bank has made to banks can not be paid back , then it will perhaps be forced to monetize them , likely resulting in both price inflation and money supply inflation .
The Federal Reserve ’ s balance sheet now exceeds $ 6 trillion , and it is likely to climb higher as the potential for debt monetization rises , putting upward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition , the Federal reserve has also promised to provide loans to small businesses through the Small Business Administration ’ s Paycheck Protection Program , to provide liquidity to money market mutual funds , and to prop up the municipal bond market with liquidity .
This has inflationary potential as well , though nothing is certain .
One possibility is that , far from satisfying the demand for liquidity in such a crisis , an increase in the supply of credit or money might actually increase the demand for it .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not satisfy the demand : it excites it .
Like an unnatural stimulus taken into the human system , it creates an increasing desire for more ; and the more it is gratified , the more insatiable are its cravings.
” Inflationary expectations are another consideration as well .
Should consumers expect stores to raise the prices of the goods they need the most , such as food and toiletries , they ’ ll increase current spending , creating a self-fulfilling prophesy ( unless price controls are used , which economist Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have claimed that the desire to pay down debt will outweigh the desire to spend on either consumption or investment .
This may be true , but we have to remember what happens to such expenditures .
If creditors decide not to reloan or hoard the money , and instead spend it , this excess supply of money created by the stimulus will create added demand for consumer goods or capital goods despite the initial receivers of the funds using it to reduce their debt burdens .
This will , in turn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the subjectivism behind the demand for money , which was emphasized in Lachmann ’ s writings .
The usual tools of analysis by economists won ’ t work in such a kaleidic situation .
The government lockdown of “ nonessential ” businesses has both a deflationary and inflationary effect on the monetary and financial system .
We are seeing a significant rise in unemployment which will continue so long as the shutdown lasts .
In fact , it could continue into the indefinite future as “ regime uncertainty ” takes hold , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and increasing output in the near future among businesses .
Also , further monetary stimulus proposed by the Trump administration could result in a combination of significantly high inflation and high unemployment , also known as stagflation .
Stagflation is the worst of both worlds , and will take hold if either the money supply or money velocity rises as businesses are prevented from resuming commerce and workers are prevented from producing .
The result will be an “ excess ” supply of money in the system alongside a reduction in the supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult part is extracting all of the variables at play and weighing them against each other .
This would take an admirable effort , but would also be mistaken .
We can not know what will happen to people ’ s subjective demands for money or their demand for specific products .
Such a signal extraction issue is why money is as misunderstood as it is pervasive .
The corona shock is a real-world example of monetary kaleidics , and the patterns we are seeing emerge from it are as unpredictable and turbulent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will tell how the economy will react , but , much like a kaleidoscope , radical changes are likely .
1.Michael J. Hoffman , Monetary Kaleidics : Reflections on Money Illusion and the War on Cash ( self-pub.
, 2019 ) : The monetary kaleidics of the economy today indicate an ever-changing order of financial interactions that must be accompanied by a progressive theory of money , which maintains a foundation that allows for the evolution of economic exchange .

by Michael Hoffman via Mises
I recently wrote about the economic implications of COVID-19 and what effects it will have on the economy. There is much debate on whether this supply shock will inevitably result in inflation or will induce a fall in aggregate demand and thus cause deflation. My opinion is that neither will occur in the conventional sense, but the focus here will not be on predicting the final outcome, only on illustrating the complexity of money and its effects on prices. This “corona shock” is reminiscent of what I have dubbed monetary kaleidics.1
The term is derived from a metaphor used by Austrian economist Ludwig Lachmann in which he compared the ever changing patterns of economic activity to the seemingly random and unpredictable patterns we see in a kaleidoscope. His view was that it was a mistake to assume that the economy is always tending towards equilibrium, and that countervailing forces are always at play. It is true that there are many variables at play in a complex economy, and one of the most elusive of these is money and its effect on the price structure. Below are some countervailing economic forces from the COVID-19 shock:
Contributing to Price Inflation:
Domestic and global supply chain reductions, causing a fall in production and output
The Federal Reserve’s $6 trillion stimulus
Inflation expectations
Reduction in oil production
Contributing to Price Deflation:
Unemployment and falling incomes
Money velocity falling due to pessimism and uncertainty
Global demand for the dollar and US Treasurys
Stimulus used to pay down debt
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As we can see, there are numerous factors at play. It cannot be denied that a significant rise in unemployment, which is currently happening, as 16 million workers have lost their jobs in the last several weeks, reduces real demand and thus spending. In fact, this can lead the unemployed to increase their savings even further as they anticipate a prolonged period of being out of work. This creates a tendency toward deflation. In addition, COVID-19 is a threat to many major world economies, not just the US. Investors, corporations, and even governments will likely find the US dollar to be a safe haven for investment in such uncertain times. This will also lead to the demand for dollars to rise, causing a commensurate tendency for its purchasing power to rise as well. In fact, this is just what we are seeing at present. US prices seem to be falling in the graph posted by Reuters below.
On the other hand, there are serious inflationary pressures bubbling that have yet to surface. We’ve already seen disruptions to our supply chains, as the empty shelves at our local supermarkets like Walmart shows. This alone, however, has not been significant enough to increase the general level, or trend, of prices in the economy because of the counteracting forces mentioned above. Yet, this week checks have begun posting to US bank accounts and will continue to do so for months. This could quite possibly offset the fall in money velocity we’ve seen by unemployed consumers thus far.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
There are complications involved, of course. Part of the Federal reserve’s stimulus package is not “money printing” per se, but repos (repurchase agreements). In essence, $1.5 trillion of the Fed’s efforts haven’t necessarily permanently increased the money supply, but have provided temporary liquidity through short-term loans (some of them overnight) that will be paid back. This means that although over $2 trillion of the total stimulus is inflationary, it is uncertain how much of the remainder will be as well. If the loans that the central bank has made to banks cannot be paid back, then it will perhaps be forced to monetize them, likely resulting in both price inflation and money supply inflation. The Federal Reserve’s balance sheet now exceeds $6 trillion, and it is likely to climb higher as the potential for debt monetization rises, putting upward pressure on asset and consumer prices.
In addition, the Federal reserve has also promised to provide loans to small businesses through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, to provide liquidity to money market mutual funds, and to prop up the municipal bond market with liquidity. This has inflationary potential as well, though nothing is certain. One possibility is that, far from satisfying the demand for liquidity in such a crisis, an increase in the supply of credit or money might actually increase the demand for it. As Amasa Walker states,”the supply does not satisfy the demand: it excites it. Like an unnatural stimulus taken into the human system, it creates an increasing desire for more; and the more it is gratified, the more insatiable are its cravings.”
Inflationary expectations are another consideration as well. Should consumers expect stores to raise the prices of the goods they need the most, such as food and toiletries, they’ll increase current spending, creating a self-fulfilling prophesy (unless price controls are used, which economist Paul Krugman recently advocated for).
Some have claimed that the desire to pay down debt will outweigh the desire to spend on either consumption or investment. This may be true, but we have to remember what happens to such expenditures. If creditors decide not to reloan or hoard the money, and instead spend it, this excess supply of money created by the stimulus will create added demand for consumer goods or capital goods despite the initial receivers of the funds using it to reduce their debt burdens. This will, in turn, create inflation. They key to everything is the subjectivism behind the demand for money, which was emphasized in Lachmann’s writings.
The usual tools of analysis by economists won’t work in such a kaleidic situation. The government lockdown of “nonessential” businesses has both a deflationary and inflationary effect on the monetary and financial system. We are seeing a significant rise in unemployment which will continue so long as the shutdown lasts. In fact, it could continue into the indefinite future as “regime uncertainty” takes hold, creating a lack of interest in hiring and increasing output in the near future among businesses. Also, further monetary stimulus proposed by the Trump administration could result in a combination of significantly high inflation and high unemployment, also known as stagflation.
Stagflation is the worst of both worlds, and will take hold if either the money supply or money velocity rises as businesses are prevented from resuming commerce and workers are prevented from producing. The result will be an “excess” supply of money in the system alongside a reduction in the supply of goods and services. The most difficult part is extracting all of the variables at play and weighing them against each other. This would take an admirable effort, but would also be mistaken. We cannot know what will happen to people’s subjective demands for money or their demand for specific products. Such a signal extraction issue is why money is as misunderstood as it is pervasive. The corona shock is a real-world example of monetary kaleidics, and the patterns we are seeing emerge from it are as unpredictable and turbulent as the weather often is. Time will tell how the economy will react, but, much like a kaleidoscope, radical changes are likely.
1.Michael J. Hoffman, Monetary Kaleidics: Reflections on Money Illusion and the War on Cash (self-pub., 2019):
The monetary kaleidics of the economy today indicate an ever-changing order of financial interactions that must be accompanied by a progressive theory of money, which maintains a foundation that allows for the evolution of economic exchange.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-29--House of Representatives Won’t Return to Washington Next Week PREZ Trump Nancy Enjoying Extended ‘Va

House of Representatives Won’t Return to Washington Next Week PREZ Trump Nancy Enjoying Extended ‘Vacation’ While eating ICE CREAM

President Donald Trump mocked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday at the White House for canceling plans to call Congress @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
“ The Democrats , they don ’ t want to come back @ @ @ @ @ be back here , but they don ’ t , they ’ re enjoying their @ @ @ @ @ when asked by ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl about Pelosi ’ s decision .
“ @ @ @ @ @ are .
If you look at Nancy Pelosi eating ice cream on late-night television , @ @ @ @ @ are , they ’ re having a good time , ” Trump said .

President Donald Trump mocked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday at the White House for canceling plans to call Congress back to Washington during the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Democrats, they don’t want to come back. I think they should be back here, but they don’t, they’re enjoying their vacation,” Trump said when asked by ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl about Pelosi’s decision.
“You think they’re enjoying a vacation?” Karl asked in disbelief.
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“Yeah, I think they are. If you look at Nancy Pelosi eating ice cream on late-night television, yeah I think they probably are, they’re having a good time,” Trump said.
www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/04/28/donald-trump-nancy-pelosi-enjoying-extended-vacation-while-eating-ice-cream/


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-29--NEW NORMAL: Americans Will Soon See Thermal Imaging Cameras That Will Deny You Entrance To Shops And

NEW NORMAL: Americans Will Soon See Thermal Imaging Cameras That Will Deny You Entrance To Shops And Restaurants If You Fail The Scan Test

Thermal imaging cameras are the latest ‘ new normal ’ devices businesses hope will help reopen the economy while keeping people safe from the threat of COVID-19 .
When the lockdown is finally lifted , the America you remember will exist only in your memories , and in its place a dystopian , biblical and prophetical ‘ new normal ’ will be waiting to greet you with digital arms wide open .
Unless , of course , you fail the thermal imaging camera scans when you re-enter .
When will the lockdown lift ?
It will be lifted when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark of the Beast System is in place , and not a moment sooner .
This is the future we have been warning about , you have arrived .
“ Those who would give up essential Liberty , to purchase a little temporary Safety , deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
” Benjamin Franklin The COVID-19 virus is real enough , with 1.3 million coronavirus cases here in America , resulting in 118,000 recovered and 58,947 souls deceased .
But it is being used as a Trojan horse to bring in the Beast system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Order , with hardly a peep out of anyone who ’ s not a bible believer .
Prepare yourself for tracking , monitoring , and data capturing of any and all kinds in the ‘ new normal ’ America .
It will be the world that George Orwell told us was coming when he wrote ‘ 1984 ‘ , and it will be just as ugly .
If you are not born again , this new world will start out ugly and get uglier as the days go by .
In this world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but let me show you another path you can choose to take .
“ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus , and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead , thou shalt be saved .
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness ; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation .
For the scripture saith , Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed .
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek : for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all that call upon him .
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
” Romans 10:9-13 ( KJB ) If you are willing to admit you ’ re a sinner who deserves Hell , and are also willing to accept a payment made on your behalf by a Jew named Jesus of Nazareth 2,000 years ago , your future can become stunningly brighter .
Once your trust Jesus as your Saviour , and receive full and eternal pardon for your sins through his shed blood , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 777 on Titus213 Airlines .
A flight that is preparing to leave soon and very soon .
Come with us , there is nothing here you want or need , we ’ re soon going Home .
Come with us .
Click here to receive your free ticket on the flight of a lifetime .
Thermal Imaging Cameras Part Of America ’ s ‘ New Normal ’ In Keeping People Safe From COVID-19 FROM CBS NEWS : The cameras are used to scan temperature from a safe distance , and if a fever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detected , the company could require further screening or deny the person entry altogether .
Since the outbreak , companies like Flexible Systems , Thermal Guardian , CrowdRx and many more have begun manufacturing the cameras for use in airports , healthcare centers and even apartment buildings in New York , where the pandemic has hit particularly hard .
A store in Georgia , City Farmer ’ s Market , has already set up thermal imaging cameras to scan customers as they enter the store .
If a customer ’ s temperature is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flyer that asks them to leave to protect others , and offers that the store does their shopping for them .
“ The key is that application is not about an absolute temperature measurement .
It ’ s more about detecting those individuals with elevated body temperature higher than the last 10 people that had been screened , ” Bainter explained .
Bainter , who predicted the camera could play “ a critical role ” in reopening the economy , dismissed any privacy concerns or worries that this specific technology could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If you ’ ve seen a thermal image… you can ’ t really detect exactly who that individual is , ” he said .
“ We aren ’ t really focused on collecting data of any sort , it ’ s more about as a screening tool.
” However , he cautioned the screening tool “ doesn ’ t detect coronavirus , ” and called for further precautions to be taken before businesses could be deemed safe .
“ Thermal solutions for elevated body temperature are only one part of what needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety program for these businesses , ” Bainter said .
READ MORE Amazon Is Using Thermal Imaging Cameras To Monitor Employees For Coronavirus

by Geoffrey Grider
Thermal imaging cameras are the latest ‘new normal’ devices businesses hope will help reopen the economy while keeping people safe from the threat of COVID-19.
When the lockdown is finally lifted, the America you remember will exist only in your memories, and in its place a dystopian, biblical and prophetical ‘new normal’ will be waiting to greet you with digital arms wide open. Unless, of course, you fail the thermal imaging camera scans when you re-enter. When will the lockdown lift? It will be lifted when the apparatus for the New World Orderand the Mark of the Beast System is in place, and not a moment sooner. This is the future we have been warning about, you have arrived.
“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin
The COVID-19 virus is real enough, with 1.3 million coronavirus cases here in America, resulting in 118,000 recovered and 58,947 souls deceased. But it is being used as a Trojan horse to bring in the Beast system under the banner of the New World Order, with hardly a peep out of anyone who’s not a bible believer. Prepare yourself for tracking, monitoring, and data capturing of any and all kinds in the ‘new normal’ America. It will be the world that George Orwell told us was coming when he wrote ‘1984‘, and it will be just as ugly. If you are not born again, this new world will start out ugly and get uglier as the days go by. In this world there is little to no hope, but let me show you another path you can choose to take.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13 (KJB)
If you are willing to admit you’re a sinner who deserves Hell, and are also willing to accept a payment made on your behalf by a Jew named Jesus of Nazareth 2,000 years ago, your future can become stunningly brighter. Once your trust Jesus as your Saviour, and receive full and eternal pardon for your sins through his shed blood, you will receive a seat on Flight #777 on Titus213 Airlines. A flight that is preparing to leave soon and very soon. Come with us, there is nothing here you want or need, we’re soon going Home. Come with us. Click here to receive your free ticket on the flight of a lifetime.
Thermal Imaging Cameras Part Of America’s ‘New Normal’ In Keeping People Safe From COVID-19
FROM CBS NEWS: The cameras are used to scan temperature from a safe distance, and if a fever — a common coronavirus symptom — is detected, the company could require further screening or deny the person entry altogether.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“What we’re seeing is there will be a new normal that will involve thermal screening as a frontline tool,” Chris Bainter, director of global business development at FLIR Systems, told CBS News’ Jericka Duncan. FLIR has been producing thermal imaging cameras since the SARS epidemic in 2003, when it gained widespread use in Asia.
Since the outbreak, companies like Flexible Systems, Thermal Guardian, CrowdRx and many more have begun manufacturing the cameras for use in airports, healthcare centers and even apartment buildings in New York, where the pandemic has hit particularly hard.
A store in Georgia, City Farmer’s Market, has already set up thermal imaging cameras to scan customers as they enter the store. If a customer’s temperature is above 100.4 degrees, they are given a flyer that asks them to leave to protect others, and offers that the store does their shopping for them.
“The key is that application is not about an absolute temperature measurement. It’s more about detecting those individuals with elevated body temperature higher than the last 10 people that had been screened,” Bainter explained.
Bainter, who predicted the camera could play “a critical role” in reopening the economy, dismissed any privacy concerns or worries that this specific technology could be a gateway to “surveillance culture.”
“If you’ve seen a thermal image… you can’t really detect exactly who that individual is,” he said. “We aren’t really focused on collecting data of any sort, it’s more about as a screening tool.”
However, he cautioned the screening tool “doesn’t detect coronavirus,” and called for further precautions to be taken before businesses could be deemed safe.
“Thermal solutions for elevated body temperature are only one part of what needs to be a comprehensive environment health and safety program for these businesses,” Bainter said. READ MORE
Amazon Is Using Thermal Imaging Cameras To Monitor Employees For Coronavirus


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-30--The Real Economic Problem Is Not The Closedown

What do we make of it all ?
I just read an article in the New York Times that reports that President Trump lied and hid from the public the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/opinion/coronavirus-trump-coverup.html .
On the other side , I encounter endless Internet rage that Covid-19 is a hoax , that New York city ’ s hospitals are empty and no one has died .
It is nothing but a Rothchild-Rockefeller-Bill Gates plot .
Perhaps the most stunningly inconsistant claim of all is that it is a bioweapon that is so harmless that there should have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bioweapon ?
Where one stands on the closedown depends on where one stands on other issues .
If you are a libertarian , you oppose the closedown because it interferes with your freedom and keeps useless old people alive who cost you payroll tax dollars .
If you are a Trump-hater like the New York Times you blame trump for understating the threat and not closing down soon enough .
If you are a Trump supporter you blame China and expect China to pay for it by forfeiting their trillion dollar holding of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closedown are unaware of the mischief they are making .
They have set it up for the elites , who have taken us for another “ bailout the one percent ride , ” to blame the resulting economic depression on the closedown .
The US economy has been in a long-term recession .
Growth in income and wealth has accrued to the top few percent who own the majority of stocks and bonds driven up in price by the Fed ’ s money printing .
The rest of the population has been hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the financialization of the economy that leaves them little or no discretionary income after they pay their rent or mortgage , car payment , credit card payment and student debt .
The economy was already in a debt deflation with 40 % of the population unable to raise $ 400 cash according to the Federal Reserve .
The inevitable consequence of a debt deflation is economic depression as debt deflation precludes sufficient consumer aggregate demand to drive the economy .
GDP growth has received no help from business investment , because corporations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own shares .
The closedown is not responsible for the debt deflation , the foundations of which were already in place .
But the closedown has given it a push .
Small businesses were not bailed out like larger ones such as Boeing .
For small businesses the closedown represents a period when their costs exceed their revenues .
For the unemployed that resulted from the closedown , their living expenses continued but their pay checks did not .
The Trump checks help as do temporary moratoriums on evictions to dely the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the already heavily indebted , the closedown adds to their debt .
Michael Hudson and I believe that an economic system that enriches the rentier class by converting as much of personal income as possible to the service of debt is an economic system that is dead in the water .
One possible way out is a debt writedown in order to create some discretionary income .
Keep in mind that when the replacement of offshored manufacturing jobs with Walmart jobs stopped US GDP growth , Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan subsituted growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth , and by this substitution created discretionary income by loading up the consumer with debt .
That load is now full .
We are in the unenviable position of having very high stock prices in an econony that has no growth potential .
The high stock prices are the product of trillions of dollars injected into financial asset prices .
If the reopening spreads the virus and produces a second wave that overwhelms the health care system on a broader basis , the economy could be shutdown again , or if kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or reluctance to accept exposure to the virus .
On the other hand , if the virus has run its course , or the threat was exaggerated , the existing stifling debt burden remains .
The danger in the shouting and finger-pointing is that a sick economy will be blamed on the closedown , not on the debt burden .
Reopening the economy does not make the debt burden disappear .
Michael Hudson and I have tried to focus the public and policymakers on the real problem .
So far we have been @ @

by Paul Craig Roberts via PaulCraigRoberts.org
What do we make of it all? I just read an article in the New York Times that reports that President Trump lied and hid from the public the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/opinion/coronavirus-trump-coverup.html . On the other side, I encounter endless Internet rage that Covid-19 is a hoax, that New York city’s hospitals are empty and no one has died. It is nothing but a Rothchild-Rockefeller-Bill Gates plot. Perhaps the most stunningly inconsistant claim of all is that it is a bioweapon that is so harmless that there should have been no lockdown. Why make a harmless bioweapon?
Where one stands on the closedown depends on where one stands on other issues. If you are a libertarian, you oppose the closedown because it interferes with your freedom and keeps useless old people alive who cost you payroll tax dollars. If you are a Trump-hater like the New York Times you blame trump for understating the threat and not closing down soon enough. If you are a Trump supporter you blame China and expect China to pay for it by forfeiting their trillion dollar holding of US government bonds.
Those decrying the closedown are unaware of the mischief they are making. They have set it up for the elites, who have taken us for another “bailout the one percent ride,” to blame the resulting economic depression on the closedown. The US economy has been in a long-term recession. Growth in income and wealth has accrued to the top few percent who own the majority of stocks and bonds driven up in price by the Fed’s money printing. The rest of the population has been hurt by the offshoring of their jobs and by the financialization of the economy that leaves them little or no discretionary income after they pay their rent or mortgage, car payment, credit card payment and student debt.
The economy was already in a debt deflation with 40% of the population unable to raise $400 cash according to the Federal Reserve. The inevitable consequence of a debt deflation is economic depression as debt deflation precludes sufficient consumer aggregate demand to drive the economy. GDP growth has received no help from business investment, because corporations have used their profits to buy back their own shares.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The closedown is not responsible for the debt deflation, the foundations of which were already in place. But the closedown has given it a push. Small businesses were not bailed out like larger ones such as Boeing. For small businesses the closedown represents a period when their costs exceed their revenues. For the unemployed that resulted from the closedown, their living expenses continued but their pay checks did not. The Trump checks help as do temporary moratoriums on evictions to dely the inevitable, but for the majority of the already heavily indebted, the closedown adds to their debt.
Michael Hudson and I believe that an economic system that enriches the rentier class by converting as much of personal income as possible to the service of debt is an economic system that is dead in the water. One possible way out is a debt writedown in order to create some discretionary income. Keep in mind that when the replacement of offshored manufacturing jobs with Walmart jobs stopped US GDP growth, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan subsituted growth in consumer debt for the missing income growth, and by this substitution created discretionary income by loading up the consumer with debt.
That load is now full. We are in the unenviable position of having very high stock prices in an econony that has no growth potential. The high stock prices are the product of trillions of dollars injected into financial asset prices. If the reopening spreads the virus and produces a second wave that overwhelms the health care system on a broader basis, the economy could be shutdown again, or if kept open could be disrupted by widespread illness or reluctance to accept exposure to the virus. On the other hand, if the virus has run its course, or the threat was exaggerated, the existing stifling debt burden remains.
The danger in the shouting and finger-pointing is that a sick economy will be blamed on the closedown, not on the debt burden. Reopening the economy does not make the debt burden disappear. Michael Hudson and I have tried to focus the public and policymakers on the real problem. So far we have been unsuccessful.