investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--Coronavirus outbreak offers great stock market investment opportunities

If you are looking for a comparison reference for the COVID-19 market selloff , you ’ d need to go back to the 1929 stock market crash , when the Dow Jones Industrial Average had dropped 24.8 % in a single day , paving the way for the Great Depression .
Unfortunately , it seems that the financial crisis triggered by the coronavirus outbreak can ’ t compare to the financial impact of the global financial crisis of 2008 .
“ This is an unprecedented situation , this is worse than 2008 , this is worse than 1987 , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets since the Great Depression , ” analyst Stephen Isaacs told CNBC .
The ongoing crisis has also introduced a new era of stock market volatility and is driving records numbers of customers online stockbrokers .
In the lifespan of just two weeks , the FTSE 100 recorded the second worst day on the record , and second best day in its history .
The index closed down 10.87 % lower on March 12 , before gaining 9.05 % on March 24 .
Hence , investing during these troubled times isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be highly profitable as these selloffs make certain assets extremely cheap .
For instance , it is logical that the “ stay-at-home ” stocks were going to skyrocket as the vast majority of people across the world spent a lot of time inside their homes .
Netflix , for instance , saw its stock price surge to record highs .
Shares of the streaming giant gained 50 % over the last few weeks .
Shares of Roku , one of Netflix ’ s biggest rivals , exploded more than 110 % since mid-March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tesla stock has proved to be another great buying opportunity in the recent weeks .
A prominent stock market analyst from Credit Suisse , Dan Levy , believes that Tesla is much better positioned to recover from the ongoing crisis than the vast majority of traditional carmakers .
According to Levy , Tesla “ competitively has more edge in the transition to EV as coronavirus disruption will make it more difficult for legacy automakers to balance the long-term shift to EV in the face of near-term cycle disruption ” .
Similar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 110 % in the last few weeks .
While we are not sure whether the stock market has really turned the corner , we are sure that the ongoing volatility in the market will continue to create compelling buying opportunities .
Disclaimer : This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB .

If you are looking for a comparison reference for the COVID-19 market selloff, you’d need to go back to the 1929 stock market crash, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average had dropped 24.8% in a single day, paving the way for the Great Depression.
Unfortunately, it seems that the financial crisis triggered by the coronavirus outbreak can’t compare to the financial impact of the global financial crisis of 2008.
“This is an unprecedented situation, this is worse than 2008, this is worse than 1987, this is the worst crisis to hit financial markets since the Great Depression,” analyst Stephen Isaacs told CNBC.
The ongoing crisis has also introduced a new era of stock market volatility and is driving records numbers of customers online stockbrokers. In the lifespan of just two weeks, the FTSE 100 recorded the second worst day on the record, and second best day in its history. The index closed down 10.87% lower on March 12, before gaining 9.05% on March 24.
Hence, investing during these troubled times isn’t easy, but it can prove to be highly profitable as these selloffs make certain assets extremely cheap. For instance, it is logical that the “stay-at-home” stocks were going to skyrocket as the vast majority of people across the world spent a lot of time inside their homes.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Netflix, for instance, saw its stock price surge to record highs. Shares of the streaming giant gained 50% over the last few weeks. Shares of Roku, one of Netflix’s biggest rivals, exploded more than 110% since mid-March on strong growth during the coronavirus pandemic.
Tesla stock has proved to be another great buying opportunity in the recent weeks. A prominent stock market analyst from Credit Suisse, Dan Levy, believes that Tesla is much better positioned to recover from the ongoing crisis than the vast majority of traditional carmakers.
According to Levy, Tesla “competitively has more edge in the transition to EV as coronavirus disruption will make it more difficult for legacy automakers to balance the long-term shift to EV in the face of near-term cycle disruption”.
Similar to Roku, shares of Tesla have gained more than 110% in the last few weeks. While we are not sure whether the stock market has really turned the corner, we are sure that the ongoing volatility in the market will continue to create compelling buying opportunities.
Disclaimer: This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--Mike Pompeo gave this speech at the governor’s conference, calling anyone out working with China as

Mike Pompeo gave this speech at the governor’s conference, calling anyone out working with China as communist traitors!

Anyone knowingly working with China for personal benefit over the national good with no value for America is a traitor .
There are others who are willful idiots and are lesser in bed with China but still capitalize on the deals..
Some know just what they are doing and would welcome the CCP overlords , knowingly selling us out to do it… “ They ’ ve labeled each of you friendly , hardline or ambiguous , ” he said , describing a report put out by the think tank last year .
“ I ’ ll let you decide where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China already has .
Many of you indeed , in the report are referenced by name.
” Saying that China ’ s efforts have become more methodical than ever , Pompeo told the governors to verify business inquiries and “ not to make separate individual deals ” with China that could “ undermine national policy.
” “ And , in fact , whether you are viewed by the [ Communist Party of China ] as friendly or hardline , know that it ’ s working you , know that it ’ s working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency , warned .
“ Competition with China is happening inside of your state , and it affects our capacity to perform America ’ s vital national security functions.
” “ Today they have free reign in our system and we ’ re completely shut out from theirs , ” he said .

by Kek
Anyone knowingly working with China for personal benefit over the national good with no value for America is a traitor. There are others who are willful idiots and are lesser in bed with China but still capitalize on the deals.. Some know just what they are doing and would welcome the CCP overlords, knowingly selling us out to do it…
“They’ve labeled each of you friendly, hardline or ambiguous,” he said, describing a report put out by the think tank last year. “I’ll let you decide where you think you belong. Someone in China already has. Many of you indeed, in the report are referenced by name.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Saying that China’s efforts have become more methodical than ever, Pompeo told the governors to verify business inquiries and “not to make separate individual deals” with China that could “undermine national policy.”
“And, in fact, whether you are viewed by the [Communist Party of China] as friendly or hardline, know that it’s working you, know that it’s working the team around you,” Pompeo, the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, warned. “Competition with China is happening inside of your state, and it affects our capacity to perform America’s vital national security functions.”
“Today they have free reign in our system and we’re completely shut out from theirs,” he said.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--Powerful and symbolic: two nurses staging a counter-protest, blocking a convoy of vehicles protestin

Powerful and symbolic: two nurses staging a counter-protest, blocking a convoy of vehicles protesting the stay at home orders.

Hey America can you just stop being so typically American just during the pandemic
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
h/t DPool34


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--For the vast majority of jobs, hiring managers really do not care about what school you went to (esp

For the vast majority of jobs, hiring managers really do not care about what school you went to (esp undergrad). Despite what they try to convince you in high school, college rankings/name recognition are far less important than having skills which meet the job description and work experience.

I remember back when picking colleges how important everybody tried to make the rankings seem .
How we all poured over sites like USNews or Forbes or Princeton Review .
Agonizing over bs like acceptance rates and SAT score ranges .
Then while actually in college , my University administration acted like the school moving up or down in the rankings was going to somehow make or break our future after education .
But once out in the real world for a while , it became apparent how meaningless this all was .
Its all for nothing but bragging rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve hired a lot of people .
I ’ ve talked to countless hiring managers and executives across a variety of industries .
I ’ ve been in many meetings going through applications .
Consensus is…for the most part as long as you have a degree , nobody really cares where you went to school .
And after you ’ ve landed your first job out of school…it matters even less .
In fact , when I ’ m browsing resumes I barely even glance at the school at all .
My eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills .
If they match exactly to what we need for the job , they advance to the next stage .
I ’ m much more impressed by the guy who went to community college and has amassed a wide range of relevant skills , than the top 10 school grad who is probably smart but hasn ’ t proven their work value .
If somebody went to a lesser known school , I ’ d never assume they ’ re not as good of a candidate .
For all I know they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a bad high school…or slacked off in high school but got their act together at some point after .
• Theres a select few “ snobby ” fields out there where the school name maybe holds some weight ( like academia ) .
But for the most part in those fields your undergrad is far less important than graduate degree .
• Theres some companies out there who recruit directly from certain top schools .
But that isn ’ t tied to rankings so much as the quality of program they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you went to an Ivy League school…yea its probably going to jump out out in a stack of resumes .
It may get you an extra minute of attention .
• If you happened to go to the same school as the hiring manager , it could help .
But that advantage can be gained just going to a huge school regardless of rank .
Other than that , nobody cares if you went to the school ranked # 20 vs the school ranked # 120 .
The hiring manager probably has no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost nothing about whether or not you ’ re a good fit for the job .
And within many fields , the schools with the best programs are barely known to outsiders ( and have nothing to do with rankings ) .
What is actually important is amassing a diverse range of relevant skills for your field , networking , and gaining work experience .
Internships are more valuable than any course you ’ ll ever take .
A lower ranked Co-Op school will probably give you more of a leg up than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of focus on internships .
And finding a school that has a good specialized program in your desired field will be far more helpful than a higher-ranked generalist university .

by DontMicrowaveCats
I remember back when picking colleges how important everybody tried to make the rankings seem. How we all poured over sites like USNews or Forbes or Princeton Review. Agonizing over bs like acceptance rates and SAT score ranges.
Then while actually in college, my University administration acted like the school moving up or down in the rankings was going to somehow make or break our future after education.
But once out in the real world for a while, it became apparent how meaningless this all was. Its all for nothing but bragging rights for people in academia.
I’ve hired a lot of people. I’ve talked to countless hiring managers and executives across a variety of industries. I’ve been in many meetings going through applications. Consensus is…for the most part as long as you have a degree, nobody really cares where you went to school. And after you’ve landed your first job out of school…it matters even less.
In fact, when I’m browsing resumes I barely even glance at the school at all. My eyes go immediately to past work experience and skills. If they match exactly to what we need for the job, they advance to the next stage. I’m much more impressed by the guy who went to community college and has amassed a wide range of relevant skills, than the top 10 school grad who is probably smart but hasn’t proven their work value.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
If somebody went to a lesser known school, I’d never assume they’re not as good of a candidate. For all I know they grew up in a poor household…or went to a bad high school…or slacked off in high school but got their act together at some point after.
Theres a few exceptions.
Theres a select few “snobby” fields out there where the school name maybe holds some weight (like academia). But for the most part in those fields your undergrad is far less important than graduate degree. Theres some companies out there who recruit directly from certain top schools. But that isn’t tied to rankings so much as the quality of program they have for that specific field. If you went to an Ivy League school…yea its probably going to jump out out in a stack of resumes. It may get you an extra minute of attention. If you happened to go to the same school as the hiring manager, it could help. But that advantage can be gained just going to a huge school regardless of rank.
Other than that, nobody cares if you went to the school ranked #20 vs the school ranked #120. The hiring manager probably has no idea. And that name tells us almost nothing about whether or not you’re a good fit for the job.
And within many fields, the schools with the best programs are barely known to outsiders (and have nothing to do with rankings).
What is actually important is amassing a diverse range of relevant skills for your field, networking, and gaining work experience. Internships are more valuable than any course you’ll ever take. A lower ranked Co-Op school will probably give you more of a leg up than a higher ranked school without a lot of focus on internships. And finding a school that has a good specialized program in your desired field will be far more helpful than a higher-ranked generalist university.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--$600 a week extra for those at home, while essential workers struggle

I predict a huge uproar soon as people begin to realize the disparity here .
Those who have been laid @ @ @ @ @ an extra 600 dollars per week ON TOP of normal unemployment benefits , which could @ @ @ @ @ a week .
Bear in mind these people are sitting at home making Tik Tok @ @ @ @ @ bulges flopping around .
Meanwhile , people in essential industries are busting their behind in @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ re making essentially the same amount of money , or less , @ @ @ @ @ and in many cases being denied protective equipment .
How is this sustainable ?
How @ @ @ @ @ in essential industries strike and we lose our truckers , our grocery workers , our @ @ @ @ @ pass congress in the first place without AT LEAST hazard pay for those in essential @ @

I predict a huge uproar soon as people begin to realize the disparity here. Those who have been laid off or furloughed are making an extra 600 dollars per week ON TOP of normal unemployment benefits, which could equal over a thousand dollars a week. Bear in mind these people are sitting at home making Tik Tok videos dancing without shirts and bulges flopping around.
Meanwhile, people in essential industries are busting their behind in the middle of a warzone. They’re making essentially the same amount of money, or less, as they did before, and in many cases being denied protective equipment. How is this sustainable? How long before people who work in essential industries strike and we lose our truckers, our grocery workers, our nurses?
How could this pass congress in the first place without AT LEAST hazard pay for those in essential industries?
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
www.fool.com/personal-finance/2020/04/06/covid-19-expanded-unemployment-whos-in-and-whos-ou.aspx
h/t throwawaygamgra


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--YouTube CEO: Anything that goes against the WHO is a violation of YouTube policies

Wojcicki then went on to give examples of content that would be a violation of YouTube ’ s policies , including anything “ that is medically unsubstantiated , so people saying like , ‘ take vitamin C , take turmeric , like those are/or will cure you.
’ Those are the examples of things that would be a violation of our policy.
” When it comes to determining what YouTube classes as “ misinformation , ” Wojcicki said that “ anything that would go against World Health Organization [ WHO ] recommendations would be a violation of our policy ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s propaganda about there being “ no evidence of human-to-human transmission ” of the coronavirus and criticized Taiwan after a Chinese propaganda campaign on Twitter .
And when it comes to the sources of “ right information , ” Wojcicki has chosen “ authoritative sources ” ( legacy media outlets ) and public health organizations – many of which were downplaying the severity of the coronavirus and telling the public masks are not effective as recently as late March , only to change their rhetoric in April to position the coronavirus as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing masks .

Wojcicki then went on to give examples of content that would be a violation of YouTube’s policies, including anything “that is medically unsubstantiated, so people saying like, ‘take vitamin C, take turmeric, like those are/or will cure you.’ Those are the examples of things that would be a violation of our policy.”
When it comes to determining what YouTube classes as “misinformation,” Wojcicki said that “anything that would go against World Health Organization [WHO] recommendations would be a violation of our policy” – the same WHO that amplified China’s propaganda about there being “no evidence of human-to-human transmission” of the coronavirus and criticized Taiwan after a Chinese propaganda campaign on Twitter.
And when it comes to the sources of “right information,” Wojcicki has chosen “authoritative sources” (legacy media outlets) and public health organizations – many of which were downplaying the severity of the coronavirus and telling the public masks are not effective as recently as late March, only to change their rhetoric in April to position the coronavirus as a much more serious threat and recommend wearing masks.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--HE TURNS OUT TO BE RIGHT ABOUT A LOT OF STUFF: Trump’s Correct: Kerry Violated Logan Act (More Than

HE TURNS OUT TO BE RIGHT ABOUT A LOT OF STUFF: Trump’s Correct: Kerry Violated Logan Act (More Than Once).

When asked about Iran during Saturday ’ s Task Force press conference , President Trump said after he pulled out of the awful Iran sea ( my description ) , he would have been able to negotiate a new deal with the Iranians , if former Secretary of State Kerry hadn ’ t violated the Logan Act And I say he violated the Logan Act .
I think it was a major violation .
I think we would have had a deal if it wasn ’ t for John Kerry .
But he doesn ’ t want to be , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , “ Let ’ s wait until after the election .
Maybe Sleepy Joe Biden is going to win .
And if Sleepy Joe Biden wins , you ’ ll own the United States.
” The Logan Act is an 18th-century law meant to crack down on unauthorized Americans acting on behalf of the United States during a dispute with foreign governments .
It prohibits U.S. citizens from having private correspondence with a foreign government “ with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government .
.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversies with the United States , or to defeat the measures of the United States .
”

via lidblog
When asked about Iran during Saturday’s Task Force press conference, President Trump said after he pulled out of the awful Iran sea (my description), he would have been able to negotiate a new deal with the Iranians, if former Secretary of State Kerry hadn’t violated the Logan Act
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
And I say he violated the Logan Act. I think it was a major violation. I think we would have had a deal if it wasn’t for John Kerry. But he doesn’t want to be, number one, embarrassed. Number two, he said, “Let’s wait until after the election. Maybe Sleepy Joe Biden is going to win. And if Sleepy Joe Biden wins, you’ll own the United States.”
The Logan Act is an 18th-century law meant to crack down on unauthorized Americans acting on behalf of the United States during a dispute with foreign governments. It prohibits U.S. citizens from having private correspondence with a foreign government “with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government . . . in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States, or to defeat the measures of the United States.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--Study: Cattle Industry Could Lose Up To $13.6B Due To Coronavirus Pandemic.

Trump has to bail them out .

Trump has to bail them out.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--NOTHING they do IS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH. THEY DONT GIVE A F*CK ABOUT IT. PROOF.

Take a moment to read this : When the State tells you it ’ s safe to go to Home Depot to buy a sponge but dangerous to go and buy a flower , it ’ s not about your health .
When the State shuts down millions of private businesses but doesn ’ t lay off a single government employee , it ’ s not about your health .
When the State bans dentists because its unsafe , but deems abortion visit is safe , it ’ s not about your health .
When the State prevents you from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous , but allows in person lottery ticket sales , it ’ s not about your health .
When the State tells you it ’ s dangerous to go golf alone , fish alone or be in a motor boat alone , but the Governor can get his stage make up done , and hair done for 5 TV appearances a week , it ’ s not about your health .
When the state puts you IN a jail cell you for walking in a park with your child because it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail cells for their health- It ’ s not about YOUR health !
When the state tells you it ’ s too dangerous to get treated by a doctor of chiropractic or physical therapy treatments yet deems a liquor store essential- It ’ s not about your health !
When the State lets you go to the grocery store or hardware store but is demanding mail-in voting , ITS NOT ABOUT YOUR HEALTH .
WAKE UP PEOPLE — If you think this is all about your health you ’ re mistaken !
Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like blind sheep .
Want MORE OROOF ITS ALL BULLSHIT ?
One thing that really gives it all away .
On ANYONE in that room .
All the yes men crowd around the platform behind the president .
All the “ experts ” on how DOOMY this virus is.. All breathing all over eachother .
And the president himself.. NO mask…breathing all over the crowded press..also wearing NO MASKS .
So..to anyone with half a brain…its OBVIOUS NONE OF THEM BELIEVE A SINGLE WORD OF THE BULLSHIT THEY ARE COMMANDING US TO BELIEVE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post and it doesn ’ t necessarily represent the views of IWB .

by AC
Take a moment to read this :
When the State tells you it’s safe to go to Home Depot to buy a sponge but dangerous to go and buy a flower, it’s not about your health.
When the State shuts down millions of private businesses but doesn’t lay off a single government employee, it’s not about your health.
When the State bans dentists because its unsafe, but deems abortion visit is safe, it’s not about your health.
When the State prevents you from buying cucumber seeds because it’s dangerous, but allows in person lottery ticket sales, it’s not about your health.
When the State tells you it’s dangerous to go golf alone, fish alone or be in a motor boat alone, but the Governor can get his stage make up done, and hair done for 5 TV appearances a week, it’s not about your health.
When the state puts you IN a jail cell you for walking in a park with your child because it’s too dangerous but lets criminals OUT of jail cells for their health- It’s not about YOUR health!
When the state tells you it’s too dangerous to get treated by a doctor of chiropractic or physical therapy treatments yet deems a liquor store essential- It’s not about your health!
When the State lets you go to the grocery store or hardware store but is demanding mail-in voting, ITS NOT ABOUT YOUR HEALTH.
WAKE UP PEOPLE — If you think this is all about your health you’re mistaken! Please open your eyes! Stop being lead like blind sheep.
Want MORE OROOF ITS ALL BULLSHIT?
One thing that really gives it all away.
Watch the press conferences.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
A crowded room.
All sitting together…
NO masks..
NO social distancing.
On ANYONE in that room.
All the yes men crowd around the platform behind the president.
All the “experts” on how DOOMY this virus is..
NONE wearing masks..
All breathing all over eachother.
And the president himself..
NO mask…breathing all over the crowded press..also wearing NO MASKS.
So..to anyone with half a brain…its OBVIOUS NONE OF THEM BELIEVE A SINGLE WORD OF THE BULLSHIT THEY ARE COMMANDING US TO BELIEVE.
Disclaimer: This is a guest post and it doesn’t necessarily represent the views of IWB.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--President Trump Says He’ll End Obama-Era Funding to Wuhan Lab Potentially Responsible for Pandemic

Uh oh , the truth is coming out and people around the world are learning towards whom besides the Chinese their anger for Covid-19 should be focused .
Trump Says He ’ ll End Obama-Era Funding To Chinese Lab That May Have Spawned The Coronavirus By DAVID KRAYDEN | April 18 , 2020 ( Daily Caller ) – President Donald Trump said Friday he will end federal funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology that some are claiming spawned the coronavirus .
At the daily coronavirus task force news conference , the president was asked why the National Institutes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 3.7 million dollar stipend to conduct research… “ We ’ ve instructed that if any grants are going to that area , we are looking at it literally about an hour ago and also early in the morning , ” Trump said… “ We will end the grant very quickly .
It was granted quite a while ago .
They were granted a substantial amount of money… ” “ But I understand it was a number of years ago .
When did you hear the grant was made ?
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was from 2015 .
Trump noted the date and asked , “ 2015 .
Who was president then ?
I wonder… ” Republican Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz raised the issue of the funding earlier this week during an appearance on Fox News ’ “ Tucker Carlson Tonight.
” “ I ’ m against funding Chinese research in our country , but I ’ m sure against funding it in China .
The NIH gives this $ 3.7 million grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology , they then advertise that they need coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan , ” Gaetz explained…

Uh oh, the truth is coming out and people around the world are learning towards whom besides the Chinese their anger for Covid-19 should be focused.
_____
Trump Says He’ll End Obama-Era Funding To Chinese Lab That May Have Spawned The Coronavirus
By DAVID KRAYDEN | April 18, 2020
(Daily Caller) – President Donald Trump said Friday he will end federal funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology that some are claiming spawned the coronavirus.
At the daily coronavirus task force news conference, the president was asked why the National Institutes of Health would include the Chinese laboratory in a $3.7 million dollar stipend to conduct research…
“We’ve instructed that if any grants are going to that area, we are looking at it literally about an hour ago and also early in the morning,” Trump said…
“We will end the grant very quickly. It was granted quite a while ago. They were granted a substantial amount of money…”
“But I understand it was a number of years ago. When did you hear the grant was made?”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The reporter informed the president that the funding was from 2015.
Trump noted the date and asked, “2015. Who was president then? I wonder…”
Republican Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz raised the issue of the funding earlier this week during an appearance on Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight.”
“I’m against funding Chinese research in our country, but I’m sure against funding it in China. The NIH gives this $3.7 million grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, they then advertise that they need coronavirus researchers and following that coronavirus erupts in Wuhan,” Gaetz explained…
READ MORE:
dailycaller.com/2020/04/18/donald-trump-end-funding-china-lab-coronavrus-covid-19/
h/t fist


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--In the midst of a pandemic When over 22 million Americans are out of a job When small businesses are

In the midst of a pandemic When over 22 million Americans are out of a job When small businesses are closing every day And Nancy Pelosi refuses to fund more assistance for them …She’s asking for donations to her 18th re-election campaign Shameful.

…She ’ s asking for donations to her 18th re-election campaign And Nancy Pelosi refuses to fund more assistance for them When over 22 million Americans are out of a job Nancy Pelosi ’ s hypocrisy comes at a real cost to small businesses President Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus is certainly worth criticism , but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is the wrong person to give it .
“ He ’ s a poor leader , ” she told ABC News ’ s This Week on Sunday .
“ He ’ s always trying to avoid responsibility and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a series of finger-pointing and deflections — made not by the president but by the speaker .
For the past week or so , Pelosi and the other Democratic leaders have refused to approve additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program , a fund established by Congress earlier this month to help struggling small businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic .
That fund has officially run dry , less than two weeks after launching .
Asked why she and her colleagues have rejected the Trump administration ’ s request for an additional $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PPP , Pelosi avoided responsibility and assigned blame .
“ Of course , we all support the Paycheck Protection Program , ” Pelosi said , adding that Democrats would like to see the program include funding for other sectors , too , before they approve the package in its entirety .

…She’s asking for donations to her 18th re-election campaign
And Nancy Pelosi refuses to fund more assistance for them
When over 22 million Americans are out of a job
Once a grifter always a grifter.
Nancy Pelosi’s hypocrisy comes at a real cost to small businesses
President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus is certainly worth criticism, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is the wrong person to give it.
“He’s a poor leader,” she told ABC News’s This Week on Sunday. “He’s always trying to avoid responsibility and assign blame.”
What followed this comment was a series of finger-pointing and deflections — made not by the president but by the speaker.
For the past week or so, Pelosi and the other Democratic leaders have refused to approve additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, a fund established by Congress earlier this month to help struggling small businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic. That fund has officially run dry, less than two weeks after launching.
Asked why she and her colleagues have rejected the Trump administration’s request for an additional $250 billion in emergency funds to bolster the PPP, Pelosi avoided responsibility and assigned blame.
“Of course, we all support the Paycheck Protection Program,” Pelosi said, adding that Democrats would like to see the program include funding for other sectors, too, before they approve the package in its entirety.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--Cuomo says without federal aid, he’s going to gut education and hospitals. Not welfare. Not green en

Cuomo says without federal aid, he’s going to gut education and hospitals. Not welfare. Not green energy. Education and hospitals. That’s what he thinks of you.

Every horribly run blue state is going to use this as an excuse to bail out their years of financial mismanagement “ PAY ME.
” Cuomo : ‘ If You Want States To Reopen , We Need Funding.
’ New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a press conference on Saturday that for states to ramp up coronavirus testing and eventually reopen , they desperately need additional funding from the federal government .
Cuomo hires firm with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party to develop reopening plan DID NEW YORK CITY ’ S SHUTDOWN FAIL ?
OR WAS THERE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SHUTDOWN AT ALL ?
The Metropolitan Transit Authority ’ s decision to cut back its train service to accommodate the reduced demand may have indeed helped to shore up the agency ’ s financial position , but it most likely accelerated the spread of coronavirus throughout the city .
That ’ s because the resulting reduction in train service tended to maintain passenger density , the key factor driving viral propagation ( Goldbaum and Cook 2020 ) .
How ironic it is that , from the public health perspective , the optimal policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even triple – the frequency of train service .
The agency ’ s decision to convert multiple express lines into local service only enhanced the risk of contagion ( Goldbaum 2020 ) .
Related : Here ’ s How Much Downstate New York Is Skewing the United States ’ Coronavirus Numbers .

Cuomo says without federal aid, he's going to gut education and hospitals. Not welfare. Not green energy. Education and hospitals. That's what he thinks of you. — Bob Lonsberry (@BobLonsberry) April 19, 2020
Every horribly run blue state is going to use this as an excuse to bail out their years of financial mismanagement
“PAY ME.” Cuomo: ‘If You Want States To Reopen, We Need Funding.’
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a press conference on Saturday that for states to ramp up coronavirus testing and eventually reopen, they desperately need additional funding from the federal government.
Cuomo hires firm with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party to develop reopening plan
DID NEW YORK CITY’S SHUTDOWN FAIL? OR WAS THERE NEVER, IN FACT, A REAL SHUTDOWN AT ALL?
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The Metropolitan Transit Authority’s decision to cut back its train service to accommodate the reduced demand may have indeed helped to shore up the agency’s financial position, but it most likely accelerated the spread of coronavirus throughout the city. That’s because the resulting reduction in train service tended to maintain passenger density, the key factor driving viral propagation (Goldbaum and Cook 2020). How ironic it is that, from the public health perspective, the optimal policy would have been to double – maybe even triple – the frequency of train service. The agency’s decision to convert multiple express lines into local service only enhanced the risk of contagion (Goldbaum 2020).
Read the whole thing.
Related: Here’s How Much Downstate New York Is Skewing the United States’ Coronavirus Numbers.
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--President Trump rips CNN reporter @JDiamond1 during Task Force Briefing: “You’re CNN, you are Fake N

President Trump rips CNN reporter @JDiamond1 during Task Force Briefing: “You’re CNN, you are Fake News… you don’t have the brains you were born with…”

These daily press beatings are the only “ new normal ” we need .

President Trump rips CNN reporter @JDiamond1 during tonight’s Task Force Briefing: “You're CNN, you are Fake News… you don't have the brains you were born with…” pic.twitter.com/0OjrPv2y3L — TV News HQ (@TVNewsHQ) April 20, 2020
So sick of hearing “new normal”.
These daily press beatings are the only “new normal” we need.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--“DEATH AMBASSADORS.” THAT’S A TERM THAT WILL STICK:

China not only unleashed the deadly coronavirus pandemic on the world , but they “ protected themselves ” while doing @ @ @ @ @ in their country from the city of Wuhan but permitting it internationally , according to @ @ @ @ @ Rudy Giuliani .
“ They sent over a million people around the world – 1.5 @ @ @ @ @ carrying the disease , ” Giuliani told host John Catsimatidis on Sunday ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ 970 AM-N.Y. “ What ’ s wrong with them , John ?
They have no @ @ @ @ @ really a tragedy .
This is directly caused by the Chinese Communist government , and @ @ @ @ @ .
Almost all of this could have been avoided , John .
“ The whole @ @ @ @ @ down for three weeks because of them , ” he added .
Giuliani added a @ @ @ @ @ Organization and its Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
“ He ’ s in the pocket @ @ @ @ @ everything China wanted , ” Giuliani told Catsimatidis .

Giuliani: China Sent Death ‘Ambassadors’ Around World.
China not only unleashed the deadly coronavirus pandemic on the world, but they “protected themselves” while doing it, closing down travel in their country from the city of Wuhan but permitting it internationally, according to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
“They sent over a million people around the world – 1.5 million – almost like ambassadors carrying the disease,” Giuliani told host John Catsimatidis on Sunday’s “The Cats Roundtable” on 970 AM-N.Y.
“What’s wrong with them, John? They have no conscience. It’s really a tragedy. This is directly caused by the Chinese Communist government, and by the choices they made. Almost all of this could have been avoided, John.
“The whole world is kind of shut down for three weeks because of them,” he added.
Giuliani added a rebuke of the World Health Organization and its Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“He’s in the pocket of China; he did everything China wanted,” Giuliani told Catsimatidis.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--This Is Why No One Trusts The Media:

This Is Why No One Trusts The Media:

On March 1 , Joe Joyce and his wife , Jane , set sail for Spain on a cruise , flying first to Florida .
His adult children — Kevin , Eddie and Kristen Mider — suggested that the impending doom of the coronavirus made this a bad idea .
Joe Joyce was 74 , a nonsmoker , healthy ; four years after he opened his bar he stopped drinking completely .
He didn ’ t see the problem .
“ He watched Fox , and believed it was under control , ’ ’ Kristen told me .
That weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Studios Florida .
I was keeping up with the news , but no one was saying not to travel .
No special precautions were being taken at the airport , on the airplane , at the hotel , or at Universal ( I did have some sanitizer in my pocket , but I was apparently ahead of the curve ) .
Both flights roundtrip to Orlando were full .
I had a conference scheduled at a major state university later than month .
Well after March 1 , we got a note via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts at its medical center , and they were told that there was no reason to cancel the conference ( though it was canceled later in the month ) .
A local rabbi I know consulted with leading virus specialists in the area just before Purim on March 9 , and they said to go ahead with holiday festivities .
The first university to announce it was closing was Stanford , on March 6th .
Responsible reporters would note these sorts of thing , and point out that whatever the family believes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling on people to stop traveling ( or gathering ) when the individual in question set off on his cruise .
It turns out that we likely should have started serious social distancing at least a couple of weeks earlier than we did .
But to blame our not doing so on “ Fox News ” is just batty .
UPDATE : The author of the Times article is Ginia Bellafante .
In addition to the quote above , she goes on about Fox News coverage that took place *after* the man left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have influenced him .
Meanwhile , some Twitter sleuths have discovered her tweet below , which was in response to the stock market ’ s drop the previous day .
I think it ’ s fair at this point to say that Ms. Ballafonte is personally responsible for every Coronavirus death in New York .
Advice to journalists : Don ’ t want people to think of you as garbage ?
Stop being garbage .
If you can .
Plus , from the comments : “ On March 1st , Joe Joyce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sail for Spain .
On March 2nd New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was urging New Yorkers to get out and see a play .
But yeah , I ’ d totally blame Fox News .
”

New York Times:
On March 1, Joe Joyce and his wife, Jane, set sail for Spain on a cruise, flying first to Florida. His adult children — Kevin, Eddie and Kristen Mider — suggested that the impending doom of the coronavirus made this a bad idea. Joe Joyce was 74, a nonsmoker, healthy; four years after he opened his bar he stopped drinking completely. He didn’t see the problem. “He watched Fox, and believed it was under control,’’ Kristen told me.
That weekend, I took my daughter to Universal Studios Florida. I was keeping up with the news, but no one was saying not to travel. No special precautions were being taken at the airport, on the airplane, at the hotel, or at Universal (I did have some sanitizer in my pocket, but I was apparently ahead of the curve). Both flights roundtrip to Orlando were full.
I had a conference scheduled at a major state university later than month. Well after March 1, we got a note via email that the university had consulted with experts at its medical center, and they were told that there was no reason to cancel the conference (though it was canceled later in the month). A local rabbi I know consulted with leading virus specialists in the area just before Purim on March 9, and they said to go ahead with holiday festivities. The first university to announce it was closing was Stanford, on March 6th.
Responsible reporters would note these sorts of thing, and point out that whatever the family believes, no important institutions or media networks were calling on people to stop traveling (or gathering) when the individual in question set off on his cruise. It turns out that we likely should have started serious social distancing at least a couple of weeks earlier than we did. But to blame our not doing so on “Fox News” is just batty.
UPDATE: The author of the Times article is Ginia Bellafante. In addition to the quote above, she goes on about Fox News coverage that took place *after* the man left on his cruise, which obviously could not have influenced him. Meanwhile, some Twitter sleuths have discovered her tweet below, which was in response to the stock market’s drop the previous day. I think it’s fair at this point to say that Ms. Ballafonte is personally responsible for every Coronavirus death in New York.
UPDATE (From Ed):
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
ANOTHER UPDATE (FROM GLENN): Yep.
Also:
Advice to journalists: Don’t want people to think of you as garbage? Stop being garbage. If you can.
Plus, from the comments: “On March 1st, Joe Joyce and his wife, Jane, set sail for Spain. On March 2nd New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was urging New Yorkers to get out and see a play. But yeah, I’d totally blame Fox News.”
h/t DB


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--LAST ORDERS: UK pubs could stay closed until Christmas as they’ll be ‘last to reopen’ when coronavir

LAST ORDERS: UK pubs could stay closed until Christmas as they’ll be ‘last to reopen’ when coronavirus lockdown ends.

PUBS could remain closed until Christmas in a devastating blow to the trade .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove refused to rule out the possibility yesterday .
He said locals would be among the last to reopen after the Covid-19 lockdown .
The disappointing development came as : • Daily deaths fell by almost a third to 596 yesterday as experts said Britain may be past the peak of the “ first wave ” of the coronavirus pandemic • Massive shortages of protective equipment for NHS staff worsened as a vital shipment from Turkey expected to arrive yesterday was delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to look after patients while wearing flimsy aprons thinner than bin bags • Schools could open in June at the earliest , with primary school pupils first in line to return Pub industry insiders fear staying closed until the end of the year could kill off a huge number of Britain ’ s 48,349 locals .
Mr Gove was asked whether boozers would open “ before winter ” .
In response he said : “ The other inference that I draw from your question , which is that areas of hospitality will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown — yes , that is true .
”

via thesun
PUBS could remain closed until Christmas in a devastating blow to the trade.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove refused to rule out the possibility yesterday.
He said locals would be among the last to reopen after the Covid-19 lockdown.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The disappointing development came as:
Daily deaths fell by almost a third to 596 yesterday as experts said Britain may be past the peak of the “first wave” of the coronavirus pandemic
Massive shortages of protective equipment for NHS staff worsened as a vital shipment from Turkey expected to arrive yesterday was delayed
Paramedics pleaded for better PPE after having to look after patients while wearing flimsy aprons thinner than bin bags
Schools could open in June at the earliest, with primary school pupils first in line to return
Pub industry insiders fear staying closed until the end of the year could kill off a huge number of Britain’s 48,349 locals.
Mr Gove was asked whether boozers would open “before winter”.
In response he said: “The other inference that I draw from your question, which is that areas of hospitality will be among the last to exit the lockdown — yes, that is true.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--Stop This Insanity. You Don’t Kill A Respiratory Virus With Lockdowns. Soon It Will Become Urgent To

Stop This Insanity. You Don’t Kill A Respiratory Virus With Lockdowns. Soon It Will Become Urgent To End The Lockdown

TO BELIEVE IT WON ’ T IS TO BELIEVE THAT NO ONE DIES OF ANYTHING ELSE , EVER .
THAT JOBS AREN ’ T EVER NECESSARY .
THAT … WELL , THAT WE CAN LIVE ON RAINBOWS AND MAGIC UNICORN FARTS : Will the Shutdown Cause More Deaths Than It Saves ?
We are in the midst of a health care disaster in the U.S. and other developed nations .
This is not due primarily to the Wuhan virus , but rather to the fact that “ non-essential ” medical treatment has been canceled .
In England , concern is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” health care could ultimately be more damaging than the Wuhan virus .
The London Times reports : The same phenomenon is occurring here .
Richard Sullivan , a professor of cancer and global health at King ’ s College London , says : “ The number of deaths due to the disruption of cancer services is likely to outweigh the number of deaths from the coronavirus itself over the next five years .
Cancer screening services have stopped , which means we will miss our chance to catch many cancers when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cancer Research UK ’ s chief clinician , says some tumours will become “ inoperable ” rather than survivable .
The terrifying conclusion must be that there will be a non-Covid health crisis when this pandemic is over .
Far more will suffer and die from otherwise treatable conditions as many go undiagnosed and untreated for the next six months .
Their families will not forgive or forget .
Matt Hancock , the health secretary , refuses to give a figure for the potential non-Covid fatalities from this catastrophe but the cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150,000 avoidable deaths .
THE PANICKERS ARE TRYING TO MAKE EACH OF US RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYONE ’ S SAFETY .
THAT ’ S NOT HOW THIS WORKS .
THAT ’ S A LEVER TO DISMANTLE INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM FOREVER : Americans are Protesting- But Not For Themselves .
LET ME TRANSLATE THIS FOR LEFTISTS AND THOSE ON THE RIGHT WHO MIGHT HAVE FORGOTTEN .
MONEY IS NOT JUST MONEY .
NONE OF US IS PILING MONEY IN TO SWIM IN , LIKE UNCLE SCROOGE .
MONEY IS LIFE .
YOU TRADE YOUR LIFE FOR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SUSTAIN AND ENHANCE THAT LIFE .
THIS IS GOING TO DESTROY LIVES .
IS ALREADY DESTROYING LIVES .
AND IT WILL COST US LIVES : IN POVERTY , DESPAIR AND OUTRIGHT SUICIDE : More economic disasters due to government imposed shut downs .
The beatings will continue until morale improves : Below are some stories I found today describing the on-going the collapse of the economy due to the nationwide lock downs imposed by state and local governments because of their panic over the Wuhan flu .
• Hawaii governor to cut teacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapses • University of Arizona announces pay cuts , furloughs for all faculty , staff Note how the first two stories are about the sufferings of state employees , whether in government or academia .
Note too how these stories only mention as an aside the collapse of the real economy .
Who cares if millions of private businesses are going under ?
What ’ s really important is that we won ’ t be able to grab their profits and the government will have to shrink !
Horrors !
Only the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with only the last , buried among many other stories on RealClearPolitics , telling the true tale : The Commerce Department said on Thursday business applications dropped 21.4 % in the week ending April 11 , compared with the same period last year .
…The slump in business applications comes as states and local governments have issued “ stay-at-home ” or “ shelter-in-place ” orders affecting more than 90 % of Americans to control the spread of COVID-19 , the potentially lethal respiratory illness caused by the virus , and abruptly halting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have filed for unemployment benefits in the last four weeks .
Retail sales suffered a record drop in March and output at factories declined by the most since 1946 .
Homebuilding crumbled in March at a speed not seen in 36 years .
Economists believe the economy contracted at its steepest pace since World War Two in the first quarter .
[ emphasis mine ] SOON IT WILL BECOME URGENT TO END THE LOCKDOWN : ‘ This is the worst it ’ s ever been ’ : L.A. Mayor announces city worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When you lose your job , it ’ s an unfortunate necessity .
When unionized Dem city workers lose their jobs , well .
.
.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced plans to furlough thousands of city workers for 26 days out of the next fiscal year as one of several measures to help balance the budget amid the COVID-19 pandemic during his State of the City address on Sunday evening .
The furloughs will affect all civilian employees and will be equivalent to a 10 % reduction in pay and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor said .
A hiring freeze already put in place will remain in effect , as well .
“ I do not take that step lightly .
I know every day we ’ re down even one person is a loss to our city , and it ’ s my priority to reduce the number of furlough days as soon as possible , ” he said .
The address was largely dominated by the ongoing battle against COVID-19 , and its devastating affects on the city ’ s people and economy .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s current financial outlook is dire , Garcetti said .
The current situation will be more severe than the recession of 2008 , he said .
“ There ’ s no way to sugarcoat this : This is bigger , and it will hurt more , ” Garcetti said .
“ Our city revenues have plummeted .
Hotel reservations have collapsed.
” “ From a fiscal perspective , this is the worst it ’ s ever been , ” he said .
“ We ’ ve borrowed $ 70 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our reserve fund to front the costs related to our COVID-19 response.
” IF YOU WANT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO START BREAKING QUARANTINE , FLOAT TRIAL BALLOONS LIKE THIS : ‘ Experts ’ Trial Balloon : Hey , What If We Closed Grocery Stores While We ’ re At It ?
Jim Jordan tells Fox News he wants Congress to investigate governors for coronavirus shutdown orders

TO BELIEVE IT WON’T IS TO BELIEVE THAT NO ONE DIES OF ANYTHING ELSE, EVER. THAT JOBS AREN’T EVER NECESSARY. THAT … WELL, THAT WE CAN LIVE ON RAINBOWS AND MAGIC UNICORN FARTS: Will the Shutdown Cause More Deaths Than It Saves?
We are in the midst of a health care disaster in the U.S. and other developed nations. This is not due primarily to the Wuhan virus, but rather to the fact that “non-essential” medical treatment has been canceled. In England, concern is growing that the deferral of “non-essential” health care could ultimately be more damaging than the Wuhan virus. The London Times reports:
It’s chilling to know that many hospital wards, waiting rooms and car parks are now empty. Before this country was hit, only 800 of the NHS’s 4,125 critical care beds were vacant at one time. Now it’s 2,300. Even with some of the worst fatality rates in Europe, some hospitals now report being half empty since they paused almost all non-emergency work.
The same phenomenon is occurring here.
Richard Sullivan, a professor of cancer and global health at King’s College London, says: “The number of deaths due to the disruption of cancer services is likely to outweigh the number of deaths from the coronavirus itself over the next five years. Cancer screening services have stopped, which means we will miss our chance to catch many cancers when they are treatable and curable.” Charles Swanton, Cancer Research UK’s chief clinician, says some tumours will become “inoperable” rather than survivable. The terrifying conclusion must be that there will be a non-Covid health crisis when this pandemic is over. Far more will suffer and die from otherwise treatable conditions as many go undiagnosed and untreated for the next six months. Their families will not forgive or forget. Matt Hancock, the health secretary, refuses to give a figure for the potential non-Covid fatalities from this catastrophe but the cabinet was told it could be up to 150,000 avoidable deaths.
THE PANICKERS ARE TRYING TO MAKE EACH OF US RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY. THAT’S NOT HOW THIS WORKS. THAT’S A LEVER TO DISMANTLE INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM FOREVER: Americans are Protesting- But Not For Themselves.
LET ME TRANSLATE THIS FOR LEFTISTS AND THOSE ON THE RIGHT WHO MIGHT HAVE FORGOTTEN. MONEY IS NOT JUST MONEY. NONE OF US IS PILING MONEY IN TO SWIM IN, LIKE UNCLE SCROOGE. MONEY IS LIFE. YOU TRADE YOUR LIFE FOR MONEY WITH WHICH YOU BUY THINGS TO SUSTAIN AND ENHANCE THAT LIFE. THIS IS GOING TO DESTROY LIVES. IS ALREADY DESTROYING LIVES. AND IT WILL COST US LIVES: IN POVERTY, DESPAIR AND OUTRIGHT SUICIDE: More economic disasters due to government imposed shut downs.
The beatings will continue until morale improves: Below are some stories I found today describing the on-going the collapse of the economy due to the nationwide lock downs imposed by state and local governments because of their panic over the Wuhan flu.
Note how the first two stories are about the sufferings of state employees, whether in government or academia. Note too how these stories only mention as an aside the collapse of the real economy. Who cares if millions of private businesses are going under? What’s really important is that we won’t be able to grab their profits and the government will have to shrink! Horrors!
Only the last two stories are about the real crash, with only the last, buried among many other stories on RealClearPolitics, telling the true tale:
The Commerce Department said on Thursday business applications dropped 21.4% in the week ending April 11, compared with the same period last year. …The slump in business applications comes as states and local governments have issued “stay-at-home” or “shelter-in-place” orders affecting more than 90% of Americans to control the spread of COVID-19, the potentially lethal respiratory illness caused by the virus, and abruptly halting economic activity. At least 22 million people have filed for unemployment benefits in the last four weeks. Retail sales suffered a record drop in March and output at factories declined by the most since 1946. Homebuilding crumbled in March at a speed not seen in 36 years. Economists believe the economy contracted at its steepest pace since World War Two in the first quarter. [emphasis mine]
SOON IT WILL BECOME URGENT TO END THE LOCKDOWN: ‘This is the worst it’s ever been’: L.A. Mayor announces city worker furloughs during State of the City address. When you lose your job, it’s an unfortunate necessity. When unionized Dem city workers lose their jobs, well . . .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced plans to furlough thousands of city workers for 26 days out of the next fiscal year as one of several measures to help balance the budget amid the COVID-19 pandemic during his State of the City address on Sunday evening.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The furloughs will affect all civilian employees and will be equivalent to a 10% reduction in pay and will take effect July 1, the mayor said. A hiring freeze already put in place will remain in effect, as well.
“I do not take that step lightly. I know every day we’re down even one person is a loss to our city, and it’s my priority to reduce the number of furlough days as soon as possible,” he said.
The address was largely dominated by the ongoing battle against COVID-19, and its devastating affects on the city’s people and economy.
Despite entering the crisis with record reserves, the city’s current financial outlook is dire, Garcetti said. The current situation will be more severe than the recession of 2008, he said.
“There’s no way to sugarcoat this: This is bigger, and it will hurt more,” Garcetti said. “Our city revenues have plummeted. Hotel reservations have collapsed.”
“From a fiscal perspective, this is the worst it’s ever been,” he said. “We’ve borrowed $70 million to date from our special funds and our reserve fund to front the costs related to our COVID-19 response.”
IF YOU WANT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO START BREAKING QUARANTINE, FLOAT TRIAL BALLOONS LIKE THIS: ‘Experts’ Trial Balloon: Hey, What If We Closed Grocery Stores While We’re At It?
.@FoxNews “Dems say President Trump is trying to open the United States Economy too quickly”, but, if I took even a little more time, they would loudly chant that I am moving too slowly. Just political talking points for them. For me it’s about lives & the future of our Country! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 19, 2020
Jim Jordan tells Fox News he wants Congress to investigate governors for coronavirus shutdown orders
twitter.com/Acyn/status/1251682315337478145
h/t SH


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--2020 IN A NUTSHELL: “Up until a few weeks ago, I knew very little about the supply chain. It always

2020 IN A NUTSHELL: “Up until a few weeks ago, I knew very little about the supply chain. It always just worked. But I’ve learned a bunch, and it’s more fragile than we ever thought possible.”

So far , Australia has been doing pretty well in the fight against COVID-19 .
Using a combination of social distancing , tight travel restrictions and contact tracing , the country has kept its death toll under 100 people and seems to be leveling off its new cases .
It ’ s even managed to avoid closing schools .
But despite the relatively minor impact the novel coronavirus has had on life in Australia , medical workers are still running low on masks , gloves and gowns .
“ Suddenly it feels like a house of cards , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alice Springs Hospital in Australia ’ s Northern Territory .
“ We haven ’ t quite [ run out of personal protective equipment ] , but we ’ ve come very close to it .
We don ’ t even have the pandemic .
If we do get a pandemic , we ’ re fucked.
” All around the world , whether hard-hit by the virus or not , countries are running low on crucial supplies .
And while shortages are largely confined to disposable medical items for now — personal protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used for COVID-19 testing — experts say other shortages are likely .
The spread of SARS-CoV-2 ( the virus that causes COVID-19 ) is affecting the way we manufacture all sorts of products , and the way we get those products to where they ’ re needed .
People who study these supply chains have seen problems coming for years .
Now they ’ re scrambling to get ahead of the pandemic , before it ends up affecting even our ability to produce the vaccines we hope will stop the disease in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ago , I knew very little about the supply chain , ” said Megan Ranney , a professor of emergency medicine at Brown University .
“ It always just worked .
But I ’ ve learned a bunch , and it ’ s more fragile than we ever thought possible.
” COVID-19 has forced her — and lots of other hospitalists around the country — to become supply chain experts on the fly .
A supply chain is a fancy term to describe how products get made and moved all around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concept , but not a simple process .
Supply chains aren ’ t a conveyor belt — they ’ re a ballet .
And there are many , many ways this spectacular show can fall flat on its face .
The production of a single item often involves multiple factories in several different countries and depends on speedy , reliable international shipping to get each piece to the right place at the right time — and then to the buyers exactly when they need it .
In fact , experts in both manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risks a pandemic — or another major disaster — could cause to supply chains .
In 2011 , for instance , Quilty documented that the hospital where he worked at the time had less than a 30 days ’ supply of penicillin and many other crucial pharmaceutical drugs .
A 2017 paper by scientists with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pointed out that PPE supplies had run into problems during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and the 2014 Ebola virus epidemic , and warned that the system wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand .
Multiple reports have been published on how avian flu pandemics could disrupt everything from computer manufacturing to the global food supply .
“ PPE is the canary in the coal mine , ” Ranney said .
She , and other experts , told me that right now , that ’ s the main place we ’ re seeing supply chains break down .
But those same issues apply to damn near everything else we make and sell .
The longer the pandemic goes on , the more products will be affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the global supply chains , experts told me .
First , the push toward lowest-cost production means a lot of cheap goods and cheap components of more valuable goods are made in places with low-cost labor .
When those countries experience a pandemic outbreak — or when a pandemic interrupts transport from those countries — it creates a bottleneck .
Around half the world ’ s face masks came from China before the novel coronavirus pandemic began .
The virus interrupted manufacturing there early on , Ranney said .
Now , China can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumped all over the world , and there are shipping delays .
Several companies have told her to expect deliveries to take three or four weeks .
In the meantime , she ’ s been left to sort through sketchy , back-alley PPE dealers , some of whom produce low-quality masks that either fall apart or don ’ t filter properly on testing .
Other would-be suppliers have turned out to be basically the high-stakes equivalent of one of those “ you ’ ve inherited $ 3,000,000 !
” email scams .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all this is the weakness of that just-in-time supply chain .
“ In lean terminology , inventory is waste because it ’ s supply you aren ’ t using , ” Robinson said .
But now , when demand is sharply rising , that inventory would be helpful — and so many industries are tied together that when one runs out of supply it affects the ability of other industries to keep functioning .
Production can be ramped up , and it is .
But it takes time and investment — and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investments are a risk .
We might need American-made masks now , but will we keep buying them after the threat of COVID-19 has passed ?
Or will we revert to just-in-time supply from cheaper factories overseas ?
History suggests the latter .
During previous epidemics of influenza , Texas-based company Prestige Ameritech saw demand soar , Swann told me .
But it proved to be a boom and bust .
The company invested in new machines to meet demand during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic , Swann said .
“ And then they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ the Texas company ’ s product ] was a little more expensive than the ones from China , ” she said .
“ We need to be willing to pay a little more during times of peace without crisis so we have supply available during crisis .
”

via fivethirtyeight
So far, Australia has been doing pretty well in the fight against COVID-19. Using a combination of social distancing, tight travel restrictions and contact tracing, the country has kept its death toll under 100 people and seems to be leveling off its new cases. It’s even managed to avoid closing schools. But despite the relatively minor impact the novel coronavirus has had on life in Australia, medical workers are still running low on masks, gloves and gowns.
“Suddenly it feels like a house of cards,” said Simon Quilty, senior staff specialist at Alice Springs Hospital in Australia’s Northern Territory. “We haven’t quite [run out of personal protective equipment], but we’ve come very close to it. We don’t even have the pandemic. If we do get a pandemic, we’re fucked.”
All around the world, whether hard-hit by the virus or not, countries are running low on crucial supplies. And while shortages are largely confined to disposable medical items for now — personal protective equipment (PPE), swabs, chemicals used for COVID-19 testing — experts say other shortages are likely. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is affecting the way we manufacture all sorts of products, and the way we get those products to where they’re needed. People who study these supply chains have seen problems coming for years. Now they’re scrambling to get ahead of the pandemic, before it ends up affecting even our ability to produce the vaccines we hope will stop the disease in its tracks.
“Up until a few weeks ago, I knew very little about the supply chain,” said Megan Ranney, a professor of emergency medicine at Brown University. “It always just worked. But I’ve learned a bunch, and it’s more fragile than we ever thought possible.” COVID-19 has forced her — and lots of other hospitalists around the country — to become supply chain experts on the fly.
A supply chain is a fancy term to describe how products get made and moved all around the globe. It’s a simple concept, but not a simple process. Supply chains aren’t a conveyor belt — they’re a ballet. And there are many, many ways this spectacular show can fall flat on its face. The production of a single item often involves multiple factories in several different countries and depends on speedy, reliable international shipping to get each piece to the right place at the right time — and then to the buyers exactly when they need it.
In fact, experts in both manufacturing and medicine have spent years warning of the risks a pandemic — or another major disaster — could cause to supply chains. In 2011, for instance, Quilty documented that the hospital where he worked at the time had less than a 30 days’ supply of penicillin and many other crucial pharmaceutical drugs. A 2017 paper by scientists with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pointed out that PPE supplies had run into problems during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and the 2014 Ebola virus epidemic, and warned that the system wasn’t prepared to handle a sudden increase in demand. Multiple reports have been published on how avian flu pandemics could disrupt everything from computer manufacturing to the global food supply.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“PPE is the canary in the coal mine,” Ranney said. She, and other experts, told me that right now, that’s the main place we’re seeing supply chains break down. But those same issues apply to damn near everything else we make and sell. The longer the pandemic goes on, the more products will be affected.
There are three big problems with the global supply chains, experts told me. First, the push toward lowest-cost production means a lot of cheap goods and cheap components of more valuable goods are made in places with low-cost labor. When those countries experience a pandemic outbreak — or when a pandemic interrupts transport from those countries — it creates a bottleneck.
Around half the world’s face masks came from China before the novel coronavirus pandemic began. The virus interrupted manufacturing there early on, Ranney said. Now, China can make masks again, but demand has jumped all over the world, and there are shipping delays. Several companies have told her to expect deliveries to take three or four weeks. In the meantime, she’s been left to sort through sketchy, back-alley PPE dealers, some of whom produce low-quality masks that either fall apart or don’t filter properly on testing. Other would-be suppliers have turned out to be basically the high-stakes equivalent of one of those “you’ve inherited $3,000,000!” email scams.
…
The biggest thing experts are taking away from all this is the weakness of that just-in-time supply chain. “In lean terminology, inventory is waste because it’s supply you aren’t using,” Robinson said. But now, when demand is sharply rising, that inventory would be helpful — and so many industries are tied together that when one runs out of supply it affects the ability of other industries to keep functioning.
Production can be ramped up, and it is. But it takes time and investment — and it’s important to remember that those investments are a risk. We might need American-made masks now, but will we keep buying them after the threat of COVID-19 has passed? Or will we revert to just-in-time supply from cheaper factories overseas? History suggests the latter. During previous epidemics of influenza, Texas-based company Prestige Ameritech saw demand soar, Swann told me. But it proved to be a boom and bust. The company invested in new machines to meet demand during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, Swann said. “And then they almost went out of business later because [the Texas company’s product] was a little more expensive than the ones from China,” she said. “We need to be willing to pay a little more during times of peace without crisis so we have supply available during crisis.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--Tom Fitton: “Too many reporters want to argue with @RealDonaldTrunp, not report.”

Too many reporters want to argue with @ RealDonaldTrump , not report .

Too many reporters want to argue with @RealDonaldTrump, not report.
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) April 19, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--Neiman Marcus – 1st major U.S. store to file for bankruptcy in pandemic

Once a staple in the retail sector , Neiman Marcus Group is preparing to seek bankruptcy protection as soon as @ @ @ @ @ with the matter told Reuters .
It would become the first major U.S. department store @ @ @ @ @ the economic fallout of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic .
The Dallas-based company has been @ @ @ @ @ 43 of its Neiman Marcus locations , two dozen Last Call stores , and its @ @ @ @ @ New York .
Many of its 14,000 employees have been furloughed , and the company @ @ @ @ @ in debt payments last week , though it ’ s currently negotiating a loan with @ @ @ @ @ some of its operations afloat during the bankruptcy proceedings .

Once a staple in the retail sector, Neiman Marcus Group is preparing to seek bankruptcy protection as soon as this week, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. It would become the first major U.S. department store operator to do so during the economic fallout of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The Dallas-based company has been forced to temporarily shutter all 43 of its Neiman Marcus locations, two dozen Last Call stores, and its two Bergdorf Goodman stores in New York. Many of its 14,000 employees have been furloughed, and the company reportedly skipped millions of dollars in debt payments last week, though it’s currently negotiating a loan with its creditors that would keep some of its operations afloat during the bankruptcy proceedings.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-20--Flu vaccine raises vulnerability to coronavirus

from the above : “ Receiving influenza vaccination may increase the risk of other respiratory viruses , a phenomenon known @ @ @ @ @ Vaccine derived virus interference was significantly associated with coronavirus and human metapneumovirus ”

It’s been shown by research:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31607599
from the above:
“Receiving influenza vaccination may increase the risk of other respiratory viruses, a phenomenon known as virus interference.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
From conclusions:
“Vaccine derived virus interference was significantly associated with coronavirus and human metapneumovirus”
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-21--Anger mounts after corporations tap small-business relief funds…  Most Small Firms Report Not Yet Ge

Anger mounts after corporations tap small-business relief funds…  Most Small Firms Report Not Yet Getting ANY Money…  Oversight of $2 trillion bailout hasn’t gotten off ground

Congress is under increasing pressure to ensure an extension of the popular Payment Protection Program ( PPP ) gets desperately needed funds to the small businesses it ’ s intended to help , not to big corporations .
Nationwide chains and companies recently revealed they received funds from the program designed for businesses with fewer than 500 employees before the $ 349 billion in funding ran out last week .
Ruth ’ s Chris Steak House , which has 150 locations and $ 468 million in revenue , received $ 20 million in loans .
The sandwich chain Potbelly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Shake Shack , with more than 200 branches , each received $ 10 million from the fund .
At least 17 companies with more than 500 employees — the threshold for PPP eligibility — have received a total of $ 143 million in relief loans , according to data compiled by the progressive group Accountable.US and public filings reviewed by The Hill .
Most Small Firms Report Not Yet Getting Money From Virus Funds ( Bloomberg ) — Most small businesses that applied for two government coronavirus relief programs haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still planning to apply when funds ran out last week , a new survey shows .
Only about 20 % of small businesses that applied for a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program , or PPP , had money deposited in their account as of April 17 , according to a survey that the National Federation of Independent Business conducted of its members .
Few members received funds under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan initiative , or EIDL , a virus aid program that ’ s separate from PPP , the survey showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to apply for these programs , the only financial support options for most , and it is very frustrating that the majority of these true small businesses haven ’ t received their loan yet , ” Holly Wade , NFIB director of research and policy analysis , said in a statement .
The $ 349 billion that Congress allocated for PPP , in which the U.S. Small Business Administration guaranteed loans for lenders to disburse , was exhausted on Thursday after just 13 days .
The SBA also stopped accepting applications for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 17 billion allocated for that program ran out .
The Senate plans to meet Tuesday for a potential vote on a measure that includes more funding for both programs .
Oversight of $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief act hasn ’ t gotten off the ground WASHINGTON — Oversight systems are still largely dormant for the $ 2 trillion in coronavirus economic relief passed by Congress last month , leaving gaping holes in accountability just as the Treasury Department prepares to give hundreds of billions of dollars in aid to corporations .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. history , and lawmakers wanted to ensure adequate checks and supervision of the massive funding .
But with no less than four oversight bodies now struggling to get up and running , and Congress functioning remotely because of the pandemic , lawmakers acknowledge the deficiency .
“ Oversight is occurring ; it ’ s just not occurring as effectively as it would be if we could have committee hearings with administration testimony , ” said House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer , D-Md .
“ The ideal , of course , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearings ( and ) call witnesses .
”

Anger mounts after corporations tap small-business relief funds
Congress is under increasing pressure to ensure an extension of the popular Payment Protection Program (PPP) gets desperately needed funds to the small businesses it’s intended to help, not to big corporations. Nationwide chains and companies recently revealed they received funds from the program designed for businesses with fewer than 500 employees before the $349 billion in funding ran out last week. Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which has 150 locations and $468 million in revenue, received $20 million in loans. The sandwich chain Potbelly, which has more than 400 locations, and Shake Shack, with more than 200 branches, each received $10 million from the fund. At least 17 companies with more than 500 employees — the threshold for PPP eligibility — have received a total of $143 million in relief loans, according to data compiled by the progressive group Accountable.US and public filings reviewed by The Hill.
Most Small Firms Report Not Yet Getting Money From Virus Funds
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
(Bloomberg) — Most small businesses that applied for two government coronavirus relief programs haven’t received any money yet, with most still planning to apply when funds ran out last week, a new survey shows. Only about 20% of small businesses that applied for a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, had money deposited in their account as of April 17, according to a survey that the National Federation of Independent Business conducted of its members. Few members received funds under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan initiative, or EIDL, a virus aid program that’s separate from PPP, the survey showed. “Small businesses were prepared and ready to apply for these programs, the only financial support options for most, and it is very frustrating that the majority of these true small businesses haven’t received their loan yet,” Holly Wade, NFIB director of research and policy analysis, said in a statement. The $349 billion that Congress allocated for PPP, in which the U.S. Small Business Administration guaranteed loans for lenders to disburse, was exhausted on Thursday after just 13 days. The SBA also stopped accepting applications for coronavirus-related EIDL funding last week when the $17 billion allocated for that program ran out. The Senate plans to meet Tuesday for a potential vote on a measure that includes more funding for both programs.
Oversight of $2 trillion coronavirus relief act hasn’t gotten off the ground
WASHINGTON — Oversight systems are still largely dormant for the $2 trillion in coronavirus economic relief passed by Congress last month, leaving gaping holes in accountability just as the Treasury Department prepares to give hundreds of billions of dollars in aid to corporations. The coronavirus response package was the largest in U.S. history, and lawmakers wanted to ensure adequate checks and supervision of the massive funding. But with no less than four oversight bodies now struggling to get up and running, and Congress functioning remotely because of the pandemic, lawmakers acknowledge the deficiency. “Oversight is occurring; it’s just not occurring as effectively as it would be if we could have committee hearings with administration testimony,” said House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md. “The ideal, of course, is to get back into session, have hearings (and) call witnesses.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-21--Coughing Brazilian president Bolsonaro blasted over anti-lockdown rally…  Video

Far-right president deemed ‘ deplorable ’ for flouting social distancing rules again – while coughing repeatedly – to bolster protests @ @ @ @ @ politicians and newspaper editorial boards have lined up to denounce the “ moronic ” and @ @ @ @ @ Brazil ’ s far-right leader after he hit the streets to egg on protesters demanding @ @ @ @ @ .
As the number of deaths caused by Covid-19 rose to nearly 2,500 on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ presidential palace in Brazil ’ s capital , Brasília , to fraternize with flag-waving radicals @ @ @ @ @ banners listed were an end to the social distancing measures opposed by Bolsonaro , the @ @ @ @ @ congress and supreme court , and a re-run of a dictatorship-era decree used by military @ @ @ @ @ to suffocate their political opponents .

Bolsonaro cheering (and coughing over) a crowd of supporters calling for a military coup today. Unspeakable. pic.twitter.com/sF23zm4LUr — Octávio Luiz Motta Ferraz (@octavio_ferraz) April 19, 2020
Far-right president deemed ‘deplorable’ for flouting social distancing rules again – while coughing repeatedly – to bolster protests amid coronavirus
Former presidents, politicians and newspaper editorial boards have lined up to denounce the “moronic” and “anti-democratic” behaviour of Brazil’s far-right leader after he hit the streets to egg on protesters demanding a return to military dictatorship.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
As the number of deaths caused by Covid-19 rose to nearly 2,500 on Sunday, Jair Bolsonaro left his presidential palace in Brazil’s capital, Brasília, to fraternize with flag-waving radicals.
Among the demands their banners listed were an end to the social distancing measures opposed by Bolsonaro, the closure of Brazil’s congress and supreme court, and a re-run of a dictatorship-era decree used by military rulers in the late 1960s to suffocate their political opponents.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-21--Destroying the Debt Bomb, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Deflation

At the end of my previous column ( Understanding the affordability crisis , February 5th , 2020 ) I promised to explore solutions in a subsequent article .
Since then , the spread of the COVID-19 virus and consequent economic and societal shutdowns have transformed our lives .
However , we should remember that the Chinese word for “ crisis ” is composed of the characters for ‘ danger ’ and ‘ opportunity.
’ If we can grasp the opportunity the economic shutdown presents to reform our monetary system , perhaps some good may come from this otherwise unfortunate time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same solutions to this crisis as were offered in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis – more money printing and more bailouts to re-inflate stock , bond and other asset prices .
We should understand that such efforts will be , at best , ineffective , and at worst , disastrous , for three reasons .
First , it must be made clear that the business closures and unemployment we are currently suffering have not been caused by the coronavirus alone .
Since last September the big banks have needed to borrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the U.S. Federal Reserve System to sustain overnight lending amongst themselves .
Clearly , the financial system ( and both the liquidity and the trust it needs to function ) was in trouble long before people began falling ill in Wuhan .
Having permitted our economic system to become dominated by a banking sector which has wildly expanded credit for decades , it should come as no surprise that over-indebted businesses and individuals face ruin in the face of the COVID-19 shutdown .
Prescribing more of the money printing ( a.k.a .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our economic system so fragile can only make it even less resilient and more susceptible to collapse going forward .
Second , this crisis is very different from the crisis in 2008 in that it is not financial in origin but rather centred in the real goods and services-producing economy .
In 2008 , bad debts could temporarily be made to appear good with the provision of additional credit , in the same way as extending a bar tab can sustain the illusion that the barfly will eventually pay .
However , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not going to work .
Actual economic activity , the transformation of productive resources into goods and services , is on hold .
Printing more money while fewer goods are being produced can only have one result : rampant price inflation .
Finally , the money printing and bailouts of 2008 were only effective to the extent that they were seen as a temporary solution that could be reversed once conditions improved .
However , 12 years on it should be clear to everyone that , as the commentator Max Keiser so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t taper a Ponzi scheme.
” Additional monetary easing is therefore much more likely to cause people to lose confidence in the ability of their government-issued money to retain its purchasing power .
When this confidence is lost , hyperinflation is sure to follow .
Of course , governments and the crony capitalists running the banks and large corporations are all in favour of ‘ more of the same ’ because bailouts and money-printing serve to enhance their power .
The endgame of monetary inflation as currently practiced is easy to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money from nothing will eventually own everything of value there is to buy .
Eventually , every productive asset will be owned by the government , the banks and the largest corporations .
Workers and small businesspeople , meanwhile , will be reduced to serfdom .
Coming face-to-face with this stark realization should force us to look seriously at embracing deflation as a much more desirable policy objective .
To successfully deflate the economy with the least unnecessary pain , we should first take advantage of the current shutdown to declare a bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records .
Given the current collapse in household income , it should be apparent that many debts will never be repaid .
Consequently , a great deal of personal and small business debt should be written down or forgiven in what the economist Dr. Michael Hudson has termed a jubilee .
It is perhaps worth noting , in this post-Easter period , that it was Jesus ’ desire to restore the ancient Near Eastern practice of periodic debt jubilees ( as shown by the Aramaic version of The Lord ’ s Prayer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debts , as we forgive our debtors… ” ) which sealed his fate with the moneyed elite of his time , the Pharisees .
Of course , such a jubilee would render the banks themselves insolvent .
The second reform would therefore be to liquidate them and recast them as regulated utilities , chartered to serve the public interest .
Rather than being empowered to create money from nothing by issuing loans for mortgages ( which , as was discussed in my previous article , is at the root of the affordability crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as engaged in by venture capital firms , which often enrich themselves by stripping everything of value from their takeover targets before leaving the hollow husk of a once-profitable company to die ) , they should instead be restricted to the crucial business of directing people ’ s limited real savings towards productive investment .
Finally , the Bank of Canada should be made to follow its own charter , and return to its pre-1974 practice of creating money by lending it to governments ( virtually interest-free ) to finance infrastructure and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit brought forward by the Committee for Monetary and Economic Reform ( COMER ) to press this matter was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2017 as a political matter , restoring the power to create money and credit to a publicly-owned central bank , and removing it from the private banks from which Canadian governments have been compelled to borrow since the mid-1970s ( and to which Canadian governments have paid over a trillion dollars in risk-free interest ) would do a great deal to enhance Canada ’ s economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face is clear .
At best , efforts to reflate the asset and debt bubbles that have been created since the 1980s will make Canada less affordable , more unequal , less competitive and less free .
At worst , they will lead to hyperinflation and economic and social collapse .
On the other hand , a purposeful debt deflation will achieve precisely the opposite .
Freed from the power of the banks and the weight of their debts , entrepreneurs and workers will be able to build a productive , vibrant economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better tomorrow .
With the economy on hold at the moment because of the coronavirus , we need to grasp the golden opportunity the crisis presents to us to create this better future now .
Bryce McBride is a writer , editor , publisher and educator , particularly in the field of economics .

By Bryce McBride of Pembroke Observer
At the end of my previous column (Understanding the affordability crisis, February 5th, 2020) I promised to explore solutions in a subsequent article. Since then, the spread of the COVID-19 virus and consequent economic and societal shutdowns have transformed our lives. However, we should remember that the Chinese word for “crisis” is composed of the characters for ‘danger’ and ‘opportunity.’ If we can grasp the opportunity the economic shutdown presents to reform our monetary system, perhaps some good may come from this otherwise unfortunate time.
Predictably, governments are offering the same solutions to this crisis as were offered in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis – more money printing and more bailouts to re-inflate stock, bond and other asset prices. We should understand that such efforts will be, at best, ineffective, and at worst, disastrous, for three reasons.
First, it must be made clear that the business closures and unemployment we are currently suffering have not been caused by the coronavirus alone. Since last September the big banks have needed to borrow hundreds of billions of dollars each month from the U.S. Federal Reserve System to sustain overnight lending amongst themselves. Clearly, the financial system (and both the liquidity and the trust it needs to function) was in trouble long before people began falling ill in Wuhan.
Having permitted our economic system to become dominated by a banking sector which has wildly expanded credit for decades, it should come as no surprise that over-indebted businesses and individuals face ruin in the face of the COVID-19 shutdown. Prescribing more of the money printing (a.k.a. debt issuance) which has already made our economic system so fragile can only make it even less resilient and more susceptible to collapse going forward.
Second, this crisis is very different from the crisis in 2008 in that it is not financial in origin but rather centred in the real goods and services-producing economy. In 2008, bad debts could temporarily be made to appear good with the provision of additional credit, in the same way as extending a bar tab can sustain the illusion that the barfly will eventually pay. However, this time around businesses are closed and people are not going to work. Actual economic activity, the transformation of productive resources into goods and services, is on hold. Printing more money while fewer goods are being produced can only have one result: rampant price inflation.
Finally, the money printing and bailouts of 2008 were only effective to the extent that they were seen as a temporary solution that could be reversed once conditions improved. However, 12 years on it should be clear to everyone that, as the commentator Max Keiser so memorably put it, “You can’t taper a Ponzi scheme.” Additional monetary easing is therefore much more likely to cause people to lose confidence in the ability of their government-issued money to retain its purchasing power. When this confidence is lost, hyperinflation is sure to follow.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Of course, governments and the crony capitalists running the banks and large corporations are all in favour of ‘more of the same’ because bailouts and money-printing serve to enhance their power. The endgame of monetary inflation as currently practiced is easy to see. Whoever has the power to create money from nothing will eventually own everything of value there is to buy. Eventually, every productive asset will be owned by the government, the banks and the largest corporations. Workers and small businesspeople, meanwhile, will be reduced to serfdom. Coming face-to-face with this stark realization should force us to look seriously at embracing deflation as a much more desirable policy objective.
To successfully deflate the economy with the least unnecessary pain, we should first take advantage of the current shutdown to declare a bank holiday during which independent auditors examine bank records. Given the current collapse in household income, it should be apparent that many debts will never be repaid. Consequently, a great deal of personal and small business debt should be written down or forgiven in what the economist Dr. Michael Hudson has termed a jubilee. It is perhaps worth noting, in this post-Easter period, that it was Jesus’ desire to restore the ancient Near Eastern practice of periodic debt jubilees (as shown by the Aramaic version of The Lord’s Prayer, which states “…and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors…”) which sealed his fate with the moneyed elite of his time, the Pharisees.
Of course, such a jubilee would render the banks themselves insolvent. The second reform would therefore be to liquidate them and recast them as regulated utilities, chartered to serve the public interest. Rather than being empowered to create money from nothing by issuing loans for mortgages (which, as was discussed in my previous article, is at the root of the affordability crisis) and other forms of speculation (such as engaged in by venture capital firms, which often enrich themselves by stripping everything of value from their takeover targets before leaving the hollow husk of a once-profitable company to die), they should instead be restricted to the crucial business of directing people’s limited real savings towards productive investment.
Finally, the Bank of Canada should be made to follow its own charter, and return to its pre-1974 practice of creating money by lending it to governments (virtually interest-free) to finance infrastructure and other productivity-enhancing improvements. While the constitutional lawsuit brought forward by the Committee for Monetary and Economic Reform (COMER) to press this matter was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2017 as a political matter, restoring the power to create money and credit to a publicly-owned central bank, and removing it from the private banks from which Canadian governments have been compelled to borrow since the mid-1970s (and to which Canadian governments have paid over a trillion dollars in risk-free interest) would do a great deal to enhance Canada’s economic strength and sovereignty.
The choice we face is clear. At best, efforts to reflate the asset and debt bubbles that have been created since the 1980s will make Canada less affordable, more unequal, less competitive and less free. At worst, they will lead to hyperinflation and economic and social collapse. On the other hand, a purposeful debt deflation will achieve precisely the opposite. Freed from the power of the banks and the weight of their debts, entrepreneurs and workers will be able to build a productive, vibrant economy that holds out the promise of a better tomorrow. With the economy on hold at the moment because of the coronavirus, we need to grasp the golden opportunity the crisis presents to us to create this better future now.
Bryce McBride is a writer, editor, publisher and educator, particularly in the field of economics.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-21--Nancy Pelosi wants to use this crisis to bailout states her party has spent years bankrupting with g

Nancy Pelosi wants to use this crisis to bailout states her party has spent years bankrupting with giveaways to unions @ @ @ @ @ California and Illinois should NOT be paid with federal tax dollars meant for pandemic relief @ @ @ @ @ BS .

It’s a SCAM.
Nancy Pelosi wants to use this crisis to bailout states her party has spent years bankrupting with giveaways to unions. The unfunded pensions of California and Illinois should NOT be paid with federal tax dollars meant for pandemic relief. It’s utter BS.
— thebradfordfile™ (@thebradfordfile) April 19, 2020