investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--Chinese newspaper labels Australia ‘a giant kangaroo that serves as a dog to the US’

Sky News host Andrew Bolt has revealed Chinese propaganda outlet The Global Times has published an article labelling Australia as “ a giant kangaroo that serves as a dog to the US ” .
It comes as Mr Bolt said the communist regime has now “ coincidentally ” announced changes to how it will inspect our exports of iron ore .
He said this decision was made in the same week Beijing “ killed off our barley exports ” which was done “ almost certainly to punish us for demanding an inquiry into how this virus started in China ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McGregor also discussed the issue with Mr Bolt saying the Chinese media outlet “ like giving us a bit of a needle , they like to keep us off balance ” .
“ They like to keep us thinking there ’ s more sanctions coming ” .
China should know ‘ you can ’ t shout at Australians and make them obey ’ China should re-consider how it conducts its diplomacy in the wake of the “ despicable ” rhetoric coming from some of Beijing ’ s diplomats , according to former foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jingye has not shied away from combative rhetoric in recent days , first warning that Chinese tourists may boycott visiting Australia and arguing it was laughable for the government to feel vindicated after a World Health Assembly ( WHA ) passed a resolution calling for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19 .
In the aftermath of the WHA passing a resolution backing an investigation into the novel pathogen , China has levied an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley exports , with reports other sectors could be targeted .
Mr Downer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well to remain calm in the face of the rhetoric coming out of the Chinese embassy .
“ If I were the Chinese ambassador in Canberra , before I went to bed at night , I ’ d think to myself , am I achieving my objectives in this country ?
” he said .
“ Am I not only understanding Australia , which good diplomats should do , but the ultimate diplomat is somebody who can exercise some influence over the host country .
“ Well , however are you going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” He ( Cheng Jingye ) should try and understand how a liberal democracy work.
” It is likely the Chinese government only agreed to support a motion backing an investigation into the origins of COVID-19 because it thinks it can control the World Health Organisation , according to Liberal senator Jim Molan .
‘ We stand with Australia ’ : US Secretary of State Sky News host James Morrow says United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s commitment to “ stand with Australia ” justifies Scott Morrison ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for a COVID-19 probe .
Mr Pompeo said “ the Chinese Communist Party chose to threaten Australia with economic retribution for the simple act of asking for an independent inquiry into the origins of the virus ” .
“ That ’ s not right and we stand with Australia , ” Mr Pompeo said .
Mr Morrow said this statement “ underlines the fact that Scott Morrison did the absolute right thing ” .
“ The fact is China has offended the entire world with its behaviour over the coronavirus and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
China ‘ goes after Australia ’ with brand new iron ore ‘ threat ’ Sky News host Paul Murray says “ there is a brand new threat ” issued by the Chinese Communist Party who have said they “ are ready to hurt the Australian economy ” .
China ’ s The Global Times reported “ it seems the Australian government has no intention of sowing new troubles in its trade with China , but the possibility of deteriorating tensions escalating into a trade war should not be ignored ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is once again “ threatening us ” and they “ are confirming by their actions that they are going after us ” .
“ First it was barley , then a bit on beef and now the big game , iron ore ” .
The Age reported “ China ’ s customs authorities have released new rules coming into force on June 1 that officials would conduct quality inspections for iron ore shipments at the request of the buyer ” .
“ The buyer of course is the Chinese Communist Party , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against international pressure to probe its response to COVID-19

Sky News host Andrew Bolt has revealed Chinese propaganda outlet The Global Times has published an article labelling Australia as “a giant kangaroo that serves as a dog to the US”.
It comes as Mr Bolt said the communist regime has now “coincidentally” announced changes to how it will inspect our exports of iron ore.
He said this decision was made in the same week Beijing “killed off our barley exports” which was done “almost certainly to punish us for demanding an inquiry into how this virus started in China”.
The Lowy Institute’s Richard McGregor also discussed the issue with Mr Bolt saying the Chinese media outlet “like giving us a bit of a needle, they like to keep us off balance”.
“They like to keep us thinking there’s more sanctions coming”.
China should know ‘you can’t shout at Australians and make them obey’
China should re-consider how it conducts its diplomacy in the wake of the “despicable” rhetoric coming from some of Beijing’s diplomats, according to former foreign minister Alexander Downer.
Chinese Ambassador Cheng Jingye has not shied away from combative rhetoric in recent days, first warning that Chinese tourists may boycott visiting Australia and arguing it was laughable for the government to feel vindicated after a World Health Assembly (WHA) passed a resolution calling for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19.
In the aftermath of the WHA passing a resolution backing an investigation into the novel pathogen, China has levied an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley exports, with reports other sectors could be targeted.
Mr Downer told Sky News the government has done well to remain calm in the face of the rhetoric coming out of the Chinese embassy.
“If I were the Chinese ambassador in Canberra, before I went to bed at night, I’d think to myself, am I achieving my objectives in this country?” he said.
“Am I not only understanding Australia, which good diplomats should do, but the ultimate diplomat is somebody who can exercise some influence over the host country.
“Well, however are you going to exercise any influence by abusing Australia?”
He (Cheng Jingye) should try and understand how a liberal democracy work.”
China makes ill attempt to ‘control’ WHO’s COVID investigation
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It is likely the Chinese government only agreed to support a motion backing an investigation into the origins of COVID-19 because it thinks it can control the World Health Organisation, according to Liberal senator Jim Molan.
‘We stand with Australia’: US Secretary of State
Sky News host James Morrow says United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s commitment to “stand with Australia” justifies Scott Morrison’s decision to lead the “global international charge” for a COVID-19 probe.
Mr Pompeo said “the Chinese Communist Party chose to threaten Australia with economic retribution for the simple act of asking for an independent inquiry into the origins of the virus”.
“That’s not right and we stand with Australia,” Mr Pompeo said.
Mr Morrow said this statement “underlines the fact that Scott Morrison did the absolute right thing”.
“The fact is China has offended the entire world with its behaviour over the coronavirus and they don’t have any friends left”.
China ‘goes after Australia’ with brand new iron ore ‘threat’
Sky News host Paul Murray says “there is a brand new threat” issued by the Chinese Communist Party who have said they “are ready to hurt the Australian economy”.
China’s The Global Times reported “it seems the Australian government has no intention of sowing new troubles in its trade with China, but the possibility of deteriorating tensions escalating into a trade war should not be ignored”.
Mr Murray said it is clear China is once again “threatening us” and they “are confirming by their actions that they are going after us”.
“First it was barley, then a bit on beef and now the big game, iron ore”.
The Age reported “China’s customs authorities have released new rules coming into force on June 1 that officials would conduct quality inspections for iron ore shipments at the request of the buyer”.
“The buyer of course is the Chinese Communist Party,” Mr Murray said.
China lashes out against international pressure to probe its response to COVID-19


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--According to senior administration officials, U.S. will inform Russia on Friday that the United Stat

According to senior administration officials, U.S. will inform Russia on Friday that the United States is pulling out of the Open Skies Treaty

The Treaty on Open Skies entered into force on January 1 , 2002 , and currently has 34 party states .
It establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants .
The treaty is designed to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by giving all participants , regardless of size , a direct role in gathering information about military forces and activities of concern to them .
Open Skies is one of the most wide-ranging international efforts to date promoting openness and transparency of military forces and activities .
The concept of “ mutual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soviet Premier Nikolai Bulganin at the Geneva Conference of 1955 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower ; however , the Soviets promptly rejected the concept and it lay dormant for several years .
The treaty was eventually signed as an initiative of U.S. president ( and former Central Intelligence Agency Director ) George H. W. Bush in 1989 .
Negotiated by the then-members of NATO and the Warsaw Pact , the agreement was signed in Helsinki , Finland , on March 24 , 1992 .
[ 2 ] This treaty is not related to @ @ @ @ @

russia.liveuamap.com/en/2020/21-may-according-to-senior-administration-officials-us-will
The Treaty on Open Skies entered into force on January 1, 2002, and currently has 34 party states. It establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. The treaty is designed to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by giving all participants, regardless of size, a direct role in gathering information about military forces and activities of concern to them. Open Skies is one of the most wide-ranging international efforts to date promoting openness and transparency of military forces and activities. The concept of “mutual aerial observation” was initially proposed to Soviet Premier Nikolai Bulganin at the Geneva Conference of 1955 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower; however, the Soviets promptly rejected the concept and it lay dormant for several years. The treaty was eventually signed as an initiative of U.S. president (and former Central Intelligence Agency Director) George H. W. Bush in 1989. Negotiated by the then-members of NATO and the Warsaw Pact, the agreement was signed in Helsinki, Finland, on March 24, 1992.[2]
This treaty is not related to civil-aviation open skies agreements.
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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_on_Open_Skies
h/t Builder


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--US approves $180m sale of advanced torpedoes to Taiwan/ LONG SWIM back to Mainland

US approves $ 180m sale of advanced torpedoes to Taiwan ; Al Jazeera ^ | 05/21/2020 The United States approved @ @ @ @ @ heavyweight torpedoes to Taiwan , the State Department said on Wednesday , in a move @ @ @ @ @ strain ties between Washington and Beijing , which claims Taiwan as its own .
Approval @ @ @ @ @ on same day President Tsai Ing-wen was inaugurated for a second term .
The US @ @ @ @ @ mutually beneficial transaction .
and helicopters … probably many drones to “ deliver ” the @ @ @ @ @ .
The US framed the sale as a mutually beneficial transaction .
The US framed @ @ @ @ @ beneficial transaction .
The US framed the sale as a mutually beneficial transaction .

US approves $180m sale of advanced torpedoes to Taiwan;
Al Jazeera ^ | 05/21/2020
www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/approves-180m-sale-advanced-torpedoes-taiwan-200520235339185.html
The United States approved a $180m sale of heavyweight torpedoes to Taiwan, the State Department said on Wednesday, in a move that is likely to further strain ties between Washington and Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own.
Approval for submarine-launched weapon sale comes on same day President Tsai Ing-wen was inaugurated for a second term.
The US framed the sale as a mutually beneficial transaction.
********************************
LONG SWIM back to Mainland( ; )
Taiwan has submarines, surface ships, airplanes
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and helicopters … probably many drones to
“deliver” the Torpedoes to the correct address.
The US framed the sale as a mutually beneficial transaction.
The US framed the sale as a mutually beneficial transaction.
The US framed the sale as a mutually beneficial transaction.
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--Social Security will run out of money in 2029 because of Covid

The CDC ’ s National Center for Health Statistics released some alarming data earlier this week that surprisingly had absolutely nothing to do with Covid for a change .
The report showed that the birthrate in the United States last year declined to its lowest level on record ever since the government began collecting data more than 110 years ago .
This new record low birth rate breaks the previous record set in 2018 , which broke the previous record set in 2017 , which broke the previous record set in 2016. .
.
You get the idea .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just aren ’ t having babies anymore .
And it ’ s not just in the Land of the Free .
Fertility rates are low all over the developed world– far below the ‘ population replacement level ’ of around 2.2 children per mother .
In the United States , the average number of births per mother is currently about 1.7 .
In Australia it ’ s also around 1.7 .
In Spain , it ’ s just 1.5 .
In Japan , 1.44 .
In Italy , 1.31 .
In South Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 0.83 .
This list goes on and on .
And the fertility rates in most of these countries are hovering near record lows .
Even many large , developing countries have low or declining fertility rates .
In Brazil , for example , the average woman has 1.74 children , which is below the population replacement level .
And the rate has been falling steadily for decades .
Even India ’ s birth rate has been declining , down to just 2.24– less than half the level from the 1980s .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stands to reason that with all the economic uncertainty and virus fears , people will delay having children , and potentially have fewer .
This is pretty normal in any economic crisis ; according to IMF data , birth rates worldwide plunged following the Great Recession of 2008/2009 .
Now , it ’ s not like a low fertility rate means that some country is going to vanish into the history books .
In Spain , the population declines by an average of just 0.21 % per year .
And Japan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
These are trivial numbers… unless you ’ re thinking about Social Security and national pension funds .
The idea behind most social security programs around the world is that everyone with a job gives up a portion of his/her wages to pay monthly benefits to people who are currently retired .
We do this for our entire careers , with the promise that , when we reach retirement age , the younger generations will pay for our benefits .
This scheme clearly requires a steadily rising population in order to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving benefits today , you ’ d need 3-4 people paying taxes to support that single beneficiary .
After a few decades , those 3-4 would be retired , requiring around 10-15 workers to support them .
And when those 10-15 people retire , you ’ d need 30-50 workers to support them .
It ’ s easy to see why low birth rates and declining populations can cause these social security programs to fail .
But Covid is having an even deeper impact on these programs .
Because in addition to making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also vanquished tax revenue .
In the US , for example , Social Security is funded almost exclusively by payroll taxes .
So when tens of millions of people lose their jobs , payroll tax revenue declines , and Social Security runs a big deficit .
I ’ ve been writing about this for years : Social Security is already in deep trouble .
The program ’ s Trustees ( which include the Treasury Secretary of the United States ) write in their most recent annual report that Social Security ’ s trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2035 .
Again , though , that was pre-Covid .
Financial crises tend to make these things a lot worse .
Back in 2007 , the last year before the Great Recession , Social Security projected it would run out of money in 2041 .
But the financial crisis took such a toll that , after it was over , they revised their projected insolvency date down to 2035 .
Social Security hasn ’ t updated its projection yet to incorporate the Covid impact , and they probably won ’ t until next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran the numbers using Social Security ’ s own financial model .
And according to their analysis , Social Security is now set to run out of money in 2029 .
That might seem like a long time from now , but from a retirement prospective , it ’ s just around the corner .
And options for Social Security are extremely limited ; the government will either have to ( a ) radically increase payroll tax rates , and/or ( b ) make drastic cuts to the monthly benefit they ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option is good , and most likely they ’ ll end up doing a combination of both .
But not yet .
As this pandemic has proven , they ’ ll wait until it becomes a major catastrophe before even acknowledging the problem , and then they ’ ll overreact with worst Draconian measures imaginable .
But any rational person who thinks long-term , however , still has time to plan .

by Simon Black
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics released some alarming data earlier this week that surprisingly had absolutely nothing to do with Covid for a change.
The report showed that the birthrate in the United States last year declined to its lowest level on record ever since the government began collecting data more than 110 years ago.
This new record low birth rate breaks the previous record set in 2018, which broke the previous record set in 2017, which broke the previous record set in 2016. . .
You get the idea. This has been a long-term issue: people just aren’t having babies anymore. And it’s not just in the Land of the Free.
Fertility rates are low all over the developed world– far below the ‘population replacement level’ of around 2.2 children per mother.
(This is the number of children that demographers say will maintain a steady population.)
In the United States, the average number of births per mother is currently about 1.7. In Australia it’s also around 1.7. In Spain, it’s just 1.5. In Japan, 1.44. In Italy, 1.31. In South Korea, 0.92. And in Singapore, just 0.83.
This list goes on and on. And the fertility rates in most of these countries are hovering near record lows.
Even many large, developing countries have low or declining fertility rates.
In Brazil, for example, the average woman has 1.74 children, which is below the population replacement level. And the rate has been falling steadily for decades.
Even India’s birth rate has been declining, down to just 2.24– less than half the level from the 1980s.
And these statistics were pre-Covid. It certainly stands to reason that with all the economic uncertainty and virus fears, people will delay having children, and potentially have fewer.
This is pretty normal in any economic crisis; according to IMF data, birth rates worldwide plunged following the Great Recession of 2008/2009.
Now, it’s not like a low fertility rate means that some country is going to vanish into the history books.
In Spain, the population declines by an average of just 0.21% per year. And Japan’s population declines by roughly 0.12% per year.
These are trivial numbers… unless you’re thinking about Social Security and national pension funds.
The idea behind most social security programs around the world is that everyone with a job gives up a portion of his/her wages to pay monthly benefits to people who are currently retired.
We do this for our entire careers, with the promise that, when we reach retirement age, the younger generations will pay for our benefits.
This scheme clearly requires a steadily rising population in order to be sustainable:
If you have 1 person receiving benefits today, you’d need 3-4 people paying taxes to support that single beneficiary.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
After a few decades, those 3-4 would be retired, requiring around 10-15 workers to support them. And when those 10-15 people retire, you’d need 30-50 workers to support them.
It’s easy to see why low birth rates and declining populations can cause these social security programs to fail.
But Covid is having an even deeper impact on these programs. Because in addition to making the fertility problem worse, Covid has also vanquished tax revenue.
In the US, for example, Social Security is funded almost exclusively by payroll taxes. So when tens of millions of people lose their jobs, payroll tax revenue declines, and Social Security runs a big deficit.
I’ve been writing about this for years: Social Security is already in deep trouble.
The program’s Trustees (which include the Treasury Secretary of the United States) write in their most recent annual report that Social Security’s trust funds will run out of money by 2035.
Again, though, that was pre-Covid. Financial crises tend to make these things a lot worse.
Back in 2007, the last year before the Great Recession, Social Security projected it would run out of money in 2041.
But the financial crisis took such a toll that, after it was over, they revised their projected insolvency date down to 2035.
Social Security hasn’t updated its projection yet to incorporate the Covid impact, and they probably won’t until next year.
But the Bipartisan Policy Center ran the numbers using Social Security’s own financial model. And according to their analysis, Social Security is now set to run out of money in 2029.
That might seem like a long time from now, but from a retirement prospective, it’s just around the corner.
And options for Social Security are extremely limited; the government will either have to (a) radically increase payroll tax rates, and/or (b) make drastic cuts to the monthly benefit they’ve been promising people for decades.
Neither option is good, and most likely they’ll end up doing a combination of both. But not yet.
As this pandemic has proven, they’ll wait until it becomes a major catastrophe before even acknowledging the problem, and then they’ll overreact with worst Draconian measures imaginable.
But any rational person who thinks long-term, however, still has time to plan.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--What is Really the Game with the Bailouts?

There is a major crisis economically unfolding and the markets are not yet taking into account the seriousness of the economic damage .
I have explained that this is a Coronavirus Bankruptcy Pandemic which has put about 30 % of the retail service industry in the crosshairs of insolvency .
But there are smaller municipal governments that are also bankrupt as we see with some of the first filings starting to unfold here in May .
With nearly 80 % of the civil workforce employed in the service sector , these schemes of keeping the economy locked down are profoundly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is undermining society in a major way that it is not going to return to normal even with Bill Gates ’ certificates to prove you have been vaccinated by him personally .
The Democratic states are refusing to open up when there is no real justification to keep their economies closed .
What is really going on behind the curtain is a clever trick .
The $ 1 trillion that Pelosi was stuffing in the Democratic Bill is money to bail out state and municipal governments which have been going broke because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to crash their economies and then blame everything on the virus and then blame Trump for not bailing them out for the 2020 election .
This is a very clever scheme being relayed in whispers from behind the curtain .
They are using this virus as cover to bail out 70 years of fiscal mismanagement .

by Martin Armstrong
There is a major crisis economically unfolding and the markets are not yet taking into account the seriousness of the economic damage. I have explained that this is a Coronavirus Bankruptcy Pandemic which has put about 30% of the retail service industry in the crosshairs of insolvency. But there are smaller municipal governments that are also bankrupt as we see with some of the first filings starting to unfold here in May.
With nearly 80% of the civil workforce employed in the service sector, these schemes of keeping the economy locked down are profoundly dangerous. They fail to realize that this is undermining society in a major way that it is not going to return to normal even with Bill Gates’ certificates to prove you have been vaccinated by him personally.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The Democratic states are refusing to open up when there is no real justification to keep their economies closed. What is really going on behind the curtain is a clever trick. The $1 trillion that Pelosi was stuffing in the Democratic Bill is money to bail out state and municipal governments which have been going broke because of their unfunded pensions.
The scheme is to crash their economies and then blame everything on the virus and then blame Trump for not bailing them out for the 2020 election. This is a very clever scheme being relayed in whispers from behind the curtain. They are using this virus as cover to bail out 70 years of fiscal mismanagement.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--China sentenced 89 Falun Gong practitioners even during pandemic – persecution never stops

89 Falun Gong Practitioners Sentenced for Their Faith between January and April 2020 The month of April 2020 saw another 13 Falun Gong practitioners being sentenced for their faith , bringing the year ’ s tally to 89 , including 41 in January , 18 in February and 17 in March .
Falun Gong , also known as Falun Dafa , is a spiritual practice centered on the principles of Truthfulness , Compassion , and Forbearance .
Since the Chinese communist regime started persecuting the practice in July 1999 , many practitioners have been subjected to arrest , imprisonment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organ harvesting .
The 89 sentenced practitioners are from 14 provinces and centrally-controlled municipalities .
Liaoning Province topped the list with the most practitioners sentenced ( 15 ) , followed by Hebei ( 14 ) .
The rest of the regions reported single-digit sentencing cases ranging from 1 to 9 .
Due to information blockade , especially during the coronavirus epidemic , the actual sentencing cases are expected to be higher .
Here is one case : Shijiazhuang No .
2 Detention Center Bans Visits to Falun Gong Practitioners during the Epidemic Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Falun Gong in July 1999 , the Shijiazhuang City No.2 Detention Center in Hebei Province has been on the front line in the persecution .
Hundreds of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained here , and the guards have applied dozens of torture methods to the practitioners in order to force them to renounce their faith .
After the coronavirus broke out in China in late 2019 , the detention center has remained closed to visitors .
No practitioners ’ families have been allowed to visit or deliver clothes to them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
Below are several cases of practitioners who are still held in the detention center .
Ms. Li Dongmei and Ms. Geng Shulan Ms. Li Dongmei and Ms. Geng Shulan were arrested on July 18 , 2019 , after being reported for talking to people about Falun Gong .
They appeared in the Qiaoxi District Court on December 11 , 2019 , and were recently sentenced to ten months in prison .
For Ms. Geng , the guards put handcuffs and shackles on her and chained them together .
She was unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the floor .
She couldn ’ t take showers or change clothes .
She also needed help using the restroom .
The heavy shackles severely injured her ankles and wrists .
In order to force her to give up her belief , the guards ordered inmates to beat Ms. Geng .
She was kicked and beaten so badly that her ribs were in pain for days .
She was force-fed after holding a hunger strike .
Here is another case , , in which a practitioner was secretly sent to prison .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Her Faith Without a Hearing May 20 , 2020 | By a Minghui correspondent in Tianjin , China ( Minghui.org ) When a Tianjin resident ’ s family tried to visit her in the Wuqing Detention Center in late April 2020 , they were told that she has been sent to Tianjin Women ’ s prison to serve a six-year term for her faith in Falun Gong .
Falun Gong , also known as Falun Dafa , is a spiritual and meditation discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested on February 9 , 2020 and it remains to be investigated when she was sentenced and transferred to prison .
Prior to her latest arrest , Ms. Gao was targeted in a group arrest of 37 Falun Gong practitioners in Tianjin on December 28 , 2017 .
Although she was released on bail on February 2 , 2018 , the police continued to harass her and threatened to sentence her to prison .
Fearing the persecution , Ms. Gao went into hiding , only to be arrested again a year later .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rental place , Ms. Gao Shouchun , was also arrested on the same day .
This is the real Falun Gong practice , not some anime mythology : Tianjin Woman in Her 70s Faces Prosecution for Her Faith By a Minghui correspondent in Tianjin , China ( Minghui.org ) A Tianjin woman in her 70s is facing prosecution for her faith in Falun Gong , a spiritual discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since 1999 .
Ms. Yang Huimin was arrested on April 23 , 2019 , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market .
The police confiscated the 3,000 yuan cash she brought with her , all of which were printed with messages about Falun Gong .
Due to strict information censorship in China , Falun Gong practitioners have been using creative ways to raise awareness about their faith , including printing information on banknotes .
After interrogating Ms. Yang at a police station , the police brought her to a hospital for a physical checkup .
She was found to have dangerously high blood pressure and was then released on bail .
From then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sometimes by calling her , and other times harassing her at home .
She was under tremendous mental distress and began to suffer memory loss , shortness of breath , mobility impairment , as well as persistently high blood pressure .
Ms. Yang received a notice from the Wuqing Procuratorate around April 25 , 2020 .
The notice stated that her one-year bail was expiring and she was now facing indictment .
She was told that she could hire a lawyer on her own , or the government will appoint a lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely enter a guilty plea for her due to the communist regime ’ s persecution policy against Falun Gong .
Woman Serving Eight Years for Her Faith Abused in Prison May 18 , 2020 | By a Minghui correspondent in China ( Minghui.org ) A woman serving eight years for practicing Falun Gong has been denied buying daily necessities and subjected to various forms of abuses because of her refusal to renounce her faith .
Falun Gong , also known as Falun Dafa , is an ancient spiritual and meditation discipline that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1999 .
Ms. Wang Lei , 55 and a resident of Beijing , has been denied buying daily necessities since her imprisonment at Inner Mongolia Women ’ s Prison in September 2016 .
The prison guards often shock her with electric batons when she refuses to follow prison rules or shouts “ Falun Dafa is good ” in protest of the persecution .
She isn ’ t allowed to talk to anyone either .
Two inmates , Yang Xiuwen and Chang Ruixiang , have been assigned to monitor her around the clock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are putting drugs for high blood pressure and heart disease into her food every day , even though she doesn ’ t have such conditions .
Many Falun Gong practitioners are forced to do intensive , unpaid labor in the prison .
It ’ s not clear whether Ms. Wang has been forced to do so .
Ms. Wang was a businesswoman .
For upholding her faith in Falun Gong , she has been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned .

by Lily
89 Falun Gong Practitioners Sentenced for Their Faith between January and April 2020
The month of April 2020 saw another 13 Falun Gong practitioners being sentenced for their faith, bringing the year’s tally to 89, including 41 in January, 18 in February and 17 in March.
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice centered on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Since the Chinese communist regime started persecuting the practice in July 1999, many practitioners have been subjected to arrest, imprisonment, torture, forced labor, and even organ harvesting.
The 89 sentenced practitioners are from 14 provinces and centrally-controlled municipalities. Liaoning Province topped the list with the most practitioners sentenced (15), followed by Hebei (14). The rest of the regions reported single-digit sentencing cases ranging from 1 to 9. Due to information blockade, especially during the coronavirus epidemic, the actual sentencing cases are expected to be higher.
www.en.minghui.org/html/articles/2020/5/20/185114.html
Here is one case:
Shijiazhuang No. 2 Detention Center Bans Visits to Falun Gong Practitioners during the Epidemic
Since the Chinese Communist Party ordered the persecution of Falun Gong in July 1999, the Shijiazhuang City No.2 Detention Center in Hebei Province has been on the front line in the persecution. Hundreds of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained here, and the guards have applied dozens of torture methods to the practitioners in order to force them to renounce their faith.
After the coronavirus broke out in China in late 2019, the detention center has remained closed to visitors. No practitioners’ families have been allowed to visit or deliver clothes to them. Their lawyers were denied meetings, as well.
Below are several cases of practitioners who are still held in the detention center.
Ms. Li Dongmei and Ms. Geng Shulan
Ms. Li Dongmei and Ms. Geng Shulan were arrested on July 18, 2019, after being reported for talking to people about Falun Gong. They appeared in the Qiaoxi District Court on December 11, 2019, and were recently sentenced to ten months in prison.
…
For Ms. Geng, the guards put handcuffs and shackles on her and chained them together. She was unable to stand straight and forced to crawl on the floor. She couldn’t take showers or change clothes. She also needed help using the restroom. The heavy shackles severely injured her ankles and wrists.
In order to force her to give up her belief, the guards ordered inmates to beat Ms. Geng. She was kicked and beaten so badly that her ribs were in pain for days. She was force-fed after holding a hunger strike.
en.minghui.org/html/articles/2020/5/16/185018.html
Here is another case,, in which a practitioner was secretly sent to prison.
Tianjin Woman Secretly Sentenced to Six Years for Her Faith Without a Hearing
May 20, 2020 | By a Minghui correspondent in Tianjin, China
(Minghui.org) When a Tianjin resident’s family tried to visit her in the Wuqing Detention Center in late April 2020, they were told that she has been sent to Tianjin Women’s prison to serve a six-year term for her faith in Falun Gong.
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual and meditation discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since 1999.
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Ms. Gao Yuming was arrested on February 9, 2020 and it remains to be investigated when she was sentenced and transferred to prison.
Prior to her latest arrest, Ms. Gao was targeted in a group arrest of 37 Falun Gong practitioners in Tianjin on December 28, 2017. Although she was released on bail on February 2, 2018, the police continued to harass her and threatened to sentence her to prison.
Fearing the persecution, Ms. Gao went into hiding, only to be arrested again a year later. Another practitioner who stayed with her in the rental place, Ms. Gao Shouchun, was also arrested on the same day.
en.minghui.org/html/articles/2020/5/20/185119.html
This is the real Falun Gong practice, not some anime mythology:
Tianjin Woman in Her 70s Faces Prosecution for Her Faith
By a Minghui correspondent in Tianjin, China
(Minghui.org) A Tianjin woman in her 70s is facing prosecution for her faith in Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since 1999.
Ms. Yang Huimin was arrested on April 23, 2019, by a plainclothes officer at a farmers’ market. The police confiscated the 3,000 yuan cash she brought with her, all of which were printed with messages about Falun Gong. Due to strict information censorship in China, Falun Gong practitioners have been using creative ways to raise awareness about their faith, including printing information on banknotes.
After interrogating Ms. Yang at a police station, the police brought her to a hospital for a physical checkup. She was found to have dangerously high blood pressure and was then released on bail.
From then on, the police frequently harassed her, sometimes by calling her, and other times harassing her at home. She was under tremendous mental distress and began to suffer memory loss, shortness of breath, mobility impairment, as well as persistently high blood pressure.
Ms. Yang received a notice from the Wuqing Procuratorate around April 25, 2020. The notice stated that her one-year bail was expiring and she was now facing indictment. She was told that she could hire a lawyer on her own, or the government will appoint a lawyer to represent her, who would very likely enter a guilty plea for her due to the communist regime’s persecution policy against Falun Gong.
en.minghui.org/html/articles/2020/5/20/185119.html
Woman Serving Eight Years for Her Faith Abused in Prison
May 18, 2020 | By a Minghui correspondent in China
(Minghui.org) A woman serving eight years for practicing Falun Gong has been denied buying daily necessities and subjected to various forms of abuses because of her refusal to renounce her faith.
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is an ancient spiritual and meditation discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since 1999.
Ms. Wang Lei, 55 and a resident of Beijing, has been denied buying daily necessities since her imprisonment at Inner Mongolia Women’s Prison in September 2016. The prison guards often shock her with electric batons when she refuses to follow prison rules or shouts “Falun Dafa is good” in protest of the persecution. She isn’t allowed to talk to anyone either.
Two inmates, Yang Xiuwen and Chang Ruixiang, have been assigned to monitor her around the clock. It’s reported that they are putting drugs for high blood pressure and heart disease into her food every day, even though she doesn’t have such conditions.
Many Falun Gong practitioners are forced to do intensive, unpaid labor in the prison. It’s not clear whether Ms. Wang has been forced to do so.
Ms. Wang was a businesswoman. For upholding her faith in Falun Gong, she has been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned.
en.minghui.org/html/articles/2020/5/18/185062.html


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--WTF! Hospitals get $ 13K per “Corona patient” & $39K per intubed “patient”?!

Isn ’ t that a reason to declare as many as possible “ Corona patients ” ?
Who pays for @ @ @ @ @ like to know how much they get after the FALSELY INBTUBED PEOPLE DIE & they @ @ @ @ @ desired “ CORONA DEADS ” ?

Un-f***-ing believable!
Isn’t that a reason to declare as many as possible “Corona patients”?
Who pays for this FRAUD?
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The DEMONCRATIC party?
I would like to know how much they get after the FALSELY INBTUBED PEOPLE DIE & they finally have their so much desired “CORONA DEADS”?
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--China signals plan to take full control of Hong Kong

China ’ s ruling Communist Party signaled that it is moving swiftly to bring Hong Kong under its full control , with a top official saying Thursday that Beijing plans to alter the system that has allowed the territory to enjoy a level of autonomy for the past 23 years .
After steadily eroding Hong Kong ’ s political freedoms and independent legal system , the party appears to be preparing to change the Basic Law , Hong Kong ’ s mini-constitution , which sets out rights unavailable in mainland China , such as freedom of assembly and the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clearest indication that Beijing now views the former British colony as a restive region to be brought to heel after months of anti-government protests last year .
“ We will ensure the long-term stability of ‘ one country , two systems , ' ” Wang Yang , head of the Chinese People ’ s Political Consultative Conference , said at the opening of the annual meeting of the country ’ s top political advisory body .
The meeting is the first part of the “ Two Sessions , ” which will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress , the rubber-stamp parliament .
“ We will continue to support the improvement of the implementation of the systems and mechanisms of the constitution and Basic Law , ” Wang said in a report to the meeting .
Local media in Hong Kong , including the South China Morning Post , reported Thursday that Beijing will pass a comprehensive national security law in Hong Kong by fiat , bypassing the city ’ s legislature and chief executive .
The law , which will target subversive activity , appears to be a tailored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uprising – which Beijing blamed on secessionist forces and foreign influence .
The unrest was sparked by a government proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China , but grew into a broader rebellion calling for full democracy and opposing China ’ s efforts to chip away at Hong Kong ’ s firewall with the mainland .
Wang did not elaborate on what “ improvement ” meant .
But he also referred to the Chinese territory of Macao , a gambling hub where open displays of political dissent are rare and where most leaders @ @ @ @ @ @

China’s ruling Communist Party signaled that it is moving swiftly to bring Hong Kong under its full control, with a top official saying Thursday that Beijing plans to alter the system that has allowed the territory to enjoy a level of autonomy for the past 23 years.
After steadily eroding Hong Kong’s political freedoms and independent legal system, the party appears to be preparing to change the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, which sets out rights unavailable in mainland China, such as freedom of assembly and the press.
The new language and approach are the clearest indication that Beijing now views the former British colony as a restive region to be brought to heel after months of anti-government protests last year.
“We will ensure the long-term stability of ‘one country, two systems,'” Wang Yang, head of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, said at the opening of the annual meeting of the country’s top political advisory body. The meeting is the first part of the “Two Sessions,” which will continue Friday with the National People’s Congress, the rubber-stamp parliament.
“We will continue to support the improvement of the implementation of the systems and mechanisms of the constitution and Basic Law,” Wang said in a report to the meeting.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Local media in Hong Kong, including the South China Morning Post, reported Thursday that Beijing will pass a comprehensive national security law in Hong Kong by fiat, bypassing the city’s legislature and chief executive.
The law, which will target subversive activity, appears to be a tailored response to last year’s pro-democracy uprising – which Beijing blamed on secessionist forces and foreign influence. The unrest was sparked by a government proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, but grew into a broader rebellion calling for full democracy and opposing China’s efforts to chip away at Hong Kong’s firewall with the mainland.
Wang did not elaborate on what “improvement” meant. But he also referred to the Chinese territory of Macao, a gambling hub where open displays of political dissent are rare and where most leaders tow Beijing’s line.
www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/China-signals-plan-to-take-full-control-of-Hong-15285627.php


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--Spain & Climate Change Agenda Merged with Virus Agenda

Still in lockdown… there are now strict time slots when people ( based on age , etc ) can leave home ( unless they ’ re going to work or to do grocery shopping ) , A few regions ( the islands , basically ) have relaxed the rules more , but not the large cities and more populated provinces .
At any rate , from tomorrow there will be an obligation to wear a mask everywhere ( except at home ) , even on the street ( ! )
… and since there ’ s no way I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guess I ’ ll just have to stay home – or get fined by a regime goon in uniform .
The govt has now unveiled a new climate law they are planning on passing soon .
Couldn ’ t make this shit up… a total ban on all hydrocarbon mining and projects ; a minimum of 70 % of all electricity must come from renewables by 2030 ( and 100 % by 2050 ) – nuclear not allowed either ; cars must be zero-emission ( so only electric cars will be allowed ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less energy/electricity ( at least 35 % less ) by 2030 ; from 2023 all cities ( over 50,000 inhabitants ) will have to have “ low emission zones ” i.e .
zones free of cars ( people are to use public transport or bicycles ) , etc etc .
They say this is necessary to fight “ global warming ” [ they still call it global warming here ; guess they missed the memo that it ’ s now `` climate change ” ] and that this is a great way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of jobs over the next few years .
LOLOLOL .
For a brief English summary of this insanity ( The English article only mentions some of the measures . )
REPLY : Europe will use this virus as the excuse to usher in the Green Peace agenda .
It is looking more and more that this is why Greta was invited to the World Economic Forum to use a 16-year old expert in everything to sell this Climate Change Agenda .
I have stated that I had INSIDE INFORMATION that they were selling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming , weeks before people ever heard of this coronavirus .
They sold stocks and bonds and moved to cash .
This is why I warned in January that this was a FAKE manipulation that was taking place .
We are dealing with real elitists who regard the rest of us as stupid toys to play with — the great UNWASHED !
They push their agenda to alter the entire world economy NOW without any regard for the consequences to the people .
They have no regard for all the jobs they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment , we are back to “ let them eat ” the crust in the pan when they are finished eating in luxury .
This is the very same elitist attitude that inspired the French Revolution .
Even the European Central Bank has switched and made Climate Change its “ top ” priority .
This is not part of what a central bank is supposed to do .
This agenda is because they adopted negative interest rates in 2014 that they now can not escape .
They MUST change the topic and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at higher rates because they can no longer raise rates without blowing up the budgets of the EU .
Additionally , they have been trying to sell Eurobonds .
They can not escape the disaster they have created so they are now moving to Climate Change to try to relaunch the economy they have destroyed because negative interest rates were a poison pill — not the cure .
Their models on Climate Change are as accurate as they were from the Imperial College used by Neil Ferguson — a complete fraud !
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NEVER operates in a linear pattern as it is cyclical .
The entire Chaos Theory emerged from Lorenz who was running weather data through the computer and stumbled upon the hidden order behind what appeared to be chaos .
This is the chart they use to claim the world will become extinct in 5 years to justify destroying Western Society in one fell swoop .
It has been taken from the book that began this nonsense .
But the chart in that book also showed , with a questionable theoretical computer model to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been historical , that we were at a historical low in CO2 and an uptick is NOT the end of the world as these people suggest .
What made the Great Depression so GREAT was the Dust Bowl .
That wiped out the agricultural industry that employed 40 % of the workforce .
Today , these people have created the same economic devastation but far worse .
The industry they are wiping out is the SERVICE industry which currently employs just under 80 % of the economy .
They understand NOTHING about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
There are too many of us anyhow !
It is all about them and their STUPID fake models that are never recognizing cyclical analysis .
This will lead to massive civil unrest and war .
They have set in motion the culmination of this trend Socrates has been projecting into 2032 .
We are hearing from Germany and other states that people should NOT travel for vacation .
That will wipe out Southern Europe which counts on tourism in the summer .
There goes Greece , Italy , Spain , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond comprehension .

by Martin Armstrong
COMMENT: Hi Marty,
Hope you’re well.
Still in lockdown… there are now strict time slots when people (based on age, etc) can leave home (unless they’re going to work or to do grocery shopping), A few regions (the islands, basically) have relaxed the rules more, but not the large cities and more populated provinces. At any rate, from tomorrow there will be an obligation to wear a mask everywhere (except at home), even on the street (!)… and since there’s no way I’m gonna wear a mask I guess I’ll just have to stay home – or get fined by a regime goon in uniform.
The govt has now unveiled a new climate law they are planning on passing soon. Couldn’t make this shit up… a total ban on all hydrocarbon mining and projects; a minimum of 70% of all electricity must come from renewables by 2030 (and 100% by 2050) – nuclear not allowed either; cars must be zero-emission (so only electric cars will be allowed) by 2040; everyone must consume vastly less energy/electricity (at least 35% less) by 2030; from 2023 all cities (over 50,000 inhabitants) will have to have “low emission zones” i.e. zones free of cars (people are to use public transport or bicycles), etc etc.
They say this is necessary to fight “global warming” [they still call it global warming here; guess they missed the memo that it’s now “climate change”] and that this is a great way to get an economic recovery and create millions of jobs over the next few years. LOLOLOL.
For a brief English summary of this insanity (The English article only mentions some of the measures.)
Take care.
P (from Spain)
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
REPLY: Europe will use this virus as the excuse to usher in the Green Peace agenda. It is looking more and more that this is why Greta was invited to the World Economic Forum to use a 16-year old expert in everything to sell this Climate Change Agenda. I have stated that I had INSIDE INFORMATION that they were selling everything because a “virus” was coming, weeks before people ever heard of this coronavirus. They sold stocks and bonds and moved to cash. This is why I warned in January that this was a FAKE manipulation that was taking place.
We are dealing with real elitists who regard the rest of us as stupid toys to play with — the great UNWASHED! They push their agenda to alter the entire world economy NOW without any regard for the consequences to the people. They have no regard for all the jobs they are destroying and if people cannot find employment, we are back to “let them eat” the crust in the pan when they are finished eating in luxury. This is the very same elitist attitude that inspired the French Revolution.
Even the European Central Bank has switched and made Climate Change its “top” priority. This is not part of what a central bank is supposed to do. This agenda is because they adopted negative interest rates in 2014 that they now cannot escape. They MUST change the topic and then try to sell “Green Bonds” at higher rates because they can no longer raise rates without blowing up the budgets of the EU. Additionally, they have been trying to sell Eurobonds. They cannot escape the disaster they have created so they are now moving to Climate Change to try to relaunch the economy they have destroyed because negative interest rates were a poison pill — not the cure.
Their models on Climate Change are as accurate as they were from the Imperial College used by Neil Ferguson — a complete fraud! They are linear based and disregard that weather NEVER operates in a linear pattern as it is cyclical. The entire Chaos Theory emerged from Lorenz who was running weather data through the computer and stumbled upon the hidden order behind what appeared to be chaos.
This is the chart they use to claim the world will become extinct in 5 years to justify destroying Western Society in one fell swoop. It has been taken from the book that began this nonsense. But the chart in that book also showed, with a questionable theoretical computer model to “guess” what CO2 would have been historical, that we were at a historical low in CO2 and an uptick is NOT the end of the world as these people suggest.
What made the Great Depression so GREAT was the Dust Bowl. That wiped out the agricultural industry that employed 40% of the workforce. Today, these people have created the same economic devastation but far worse.
The industry they are wiping out is the SERVICE industry which currently employs just under 80% of the economy. They understand NOTHING about the economy and could care less about the people. There are too many of us anyhow! It is all about them and their STUPID fake models that are never recognizing cyclical analysis.
This will lead to massive civil unrest and war. They have set in motion the culmination of this trend Socrates has been projecting into 2032. We are hearing from Germany and other states that people should NOT travel for vacation. That will wipe out Southern Europe which counts on tourism in the summer. There goes Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. This Climate Change agenda is beyond comprehension.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--How Mass Unemployment Will Lead to Cash Grabs, Wealth Taxes, and More

The bloated budget of the U.S. is only going to be getting larger .
And that means the Powers That Be will be seeking out new sources of capital .
Those sources ?
ANYONE who has money lying around .
The U.S. was already deep in debt before the economic shutdown triggered a depression .
Government Debt to GDP was 106 % , while total debt securities in the financial system relative to GDP was well over 400 % of GDP .
Then the COVID-19 panic hit , and the U.S. economy was put on lockdown .
Regardless of whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end result from an economic and fiscal perspective is : 1 ) Over 36 million Americans are now unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits .
2 ) Tax revenues have collapsed bringing near-insolvent states ( CA , NY , IL ) to the brink of disaster .
The U.S. is dealing with this situation by throwing trillions of dollars at these issues .
From a monetary standpoint , the Federal Reserve has printed over $ 2.7 trillion since the end of February .
Over the same time period , the federal government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is now voting on whether to implement another $ 3 trillion stimulus program .
Will this be enough ?
A study from the University of Chicago has revealed that 68 % of unemployed Americans are receiving MORE money from unemployment than they were receiving from their former jobs .
In fact , the median replacement rate is 134 % , meaning they are making 34 % MORE money from being unemployed than they were from working .
What incentive , if any , will there be for these people to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you can make more money from NOT working… why would you want to start working again ?
My point with all of the above is that the U.S. is now facing the very real possibility that it will need to continue to finance trillions in unemployment benefits for much longer than was previously believed .
The debt markets will pick up much of the slack here , but at some point the political class will start looking for new sources of capital .
That source will be you , me and everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in place since 2011 .
Elites knew well in advance that another crisis was coming , and they put in place legislation that would allow them to : 1 ) Freeze bank accounts and use them to “ bail-in ” financial institutions/ banks .
2 ) Close the “ gates ” on investment funds/ money market funds to stop you from getting your money out .
Did you know the IMF has already called for nations around the world to introduce a wealth tax of 10 % on NET WEALTH as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s bad , consider that the Fed plans to both seize and STEAL savings during the next crisis/ recession .

The bloated budget of the U.S. is only going to be getting larger. And that means the Powers That Be will be seeking out new sources of capital.
Those sources? ANYONE who has money lying around.
Let me explain…
The U.S. was already deep in debt before the economic shutdown triggered a depression. Government Debt to GDP was 106%, while total debt securities in the financial system relative to GDP was well over 400% of GDP.
Then the COVID-19 panic hit, and the U.S. economy was put on lockdown. Regardless of whether or not this move was justified, the end result from an economic and fiscal perspective is:
1) Over 36 million Americans are now unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits.
2) Tax revenues have collapsed bringing near-insolvent states (CA, NY, IL) to the brink of disaster.
The U.S. is dealing with this situation by throwing trillions of dollars at these issues.
From a monetary standpoint, the Federal Reserve has printed over $2.7 trillion since the end of February. Over the same time period, the federal government has performed a $2 trillion stimulus program. It is now voting on whether to implement another $3 trillion stimulus program.
Will this be enough?
Not likely.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
A study from the University of Chicago has revealed that 68% of unemployed Americans are receiving MORE money from unemployment than they were receiving from their former jobs. In fact, the median replacement rate is 134%, meaning they are making 34% MORE money from being unemployed than they were from working.
What incentive, if any, will there be for these people to return to work when the economy reopens? If you can make more money from NOT working… why would you want to start working again?
My point with all of the above is that the U.S. is now facing the very real possibility that it will need to continue to finance trillions in unemployment benefits for much longer than was previously believed.
The debt markets will pick up much of the slack here, but at some point the political class will start looking for new sources of capital.
That source will be you, me and everyone else.
The plan behind this has been in place since 2011. Elites knew well in advance that another crisis was coming, and they put in place legislation that would allow them to:
1) Freeze bank accounts and use them to “bail-in” financial institutions/ banks.
2) Close the “gates” on investment funds/ money market funds to stop you from getting your money out.
3) Impose wealth taxes and seize unused assets.
Did you know the IMF has already called for nations around the world to introduce a wealth tax of 10% on NET WEALTH as soon as possible?
If you think that’s bad, consider that the Fed plans to both seize and STEAL savings during the next crisis/ recession.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--HERE WE GO: CDC RELEASED RULES FOR SCHOOLS TO RE-OPEN

This will destroy schools .
In my area schools are fUll and have no way to re-open under these guidelines .
I think most schools are in the same boat…There is just no way this can happen there is no room for this BS .
Promote social distancing • Step 1 and 2 o Ensure that student and staff groupings are as static as possible by having the same group of children stay with the same staff ( all day for young children , and as much as possible for older children ) .
o Restrict mixing between groups .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ events , and extracurricular activities ( Step 1 ) .
o Limit gatherings , events , and extracurricular activities to those that can maintain social distancing , support proper hand hygiene , and restrict attendance of those from higher transmission areas ( Step 2 ; Note : restricting attendance from those in Step 1 areas ) .
o Restrict nonessential visitors , volunteers , and activities involving other groups at the same time .
o Space seating/desks to at least six feet apart .
o Turn desks to face in the same direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or have students sit on only one side of tables , spaced apart .
o Close communal use spaces such as dining halls and playgrounds if possible ; otherwise stagger use and disinfect in between use .

This will destroy schools. In my area schools are fUll and have no way to re-open under these guidelines. I think most schools are in the same boat…There is just no way this can happen there is no room for this BS.
Promote social distancing
• Step 1 and 2
o Ensure that student and staff groupings are as static as possible by having the same group of
children stay with the same staff (all day for young children, and as much as possible for older
children).
o Restrict mixing between groups.
o Cancel all field trips, inter-group events, and extracurricular activities (Step 1).
o Limit gatherings, events, and extracurricular activities to those that can maintain social
distancing, support proper hand hygiene, and restrict attendance of those from higher
transmission areas (Step 2; Note: restricting attendance from those in Step 1 areas).
o Restrict nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving other groups at the same
time.
o Space seating/desks to at least six feet apart.
o Turn desks to face in the same direction (rather than facing each other), or have students sit on
only one side of tables, spaced apart.
o Close communal use spaces such as dining halls and playgrounds if possible; otherwise stagger
use and disinfect in between use.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/php/cdc-activates-initiatives.html
h/t Mukk1234


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--Kevin McCarthy: “If I’m Speaker of the House, I will never: • Talk about a President of the United S

Kevin McCarthy: “If I’m Speaker of the House, I will never: • Talk about a President of the United States as being “morbidly obese” • Rip up the President’s State of the Union speech. • Impeach purely for political gain.”

If I 'm Speaker of the House , I will never : • Talk about a President of the United @ @ @ @ @ obese '' • Rip up the President 's State of the Union speech .
• @ @ @ @ @ .
RT if you agree it 's time for a change in the Speaker 's @ @ @

If I'm Speaker of the House, I will never:
• Talk about a President of the United States as being "morbidly obese"
• Rip up the President's State of the Union speech.
• Impeach purely for political gain.
RT if you agree it's time for a change in the Speaker's office. pic.twitter.com/rg9cprCtRh
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) May 20, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--Why isn’t the media upfront about the progress and expectancy of vaccine?

Look I ’ m all for optimism .
I think it ’ s good to look forward to something in a time of difficulty , but I also feel that it ’ s equally if not more important to be realistic about expectations .
Lately the media has been pushing the progress of a vaccine discovery and having doctors vetting that it will be ready by the end of summer , mid fall , or by the end of the year .
Trump even promises one by the end of the year ( grain of salt ) .
I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know every single hoop that a vaccine has to go through to become approved , but I know there ’ s a lot which is why it ’ s always taken years in the past for anything else to be cleared .
For some grand reason if there is one by the end of the year , I can ’ t help but to think that corners were cut which can be dangerous .
I think the media is just trying to stay on top of announced and published research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see more people talk about the fact that vaccines for SARS-CoV viruses historically fail to deliver intended results and harm young recipients .
I want to hear someone officially talk about how variations in bat-based coronaviruses make a single vaccine almost useless against future mutations .
Also , vetting processes usually take a long time for good reason : It ’ s important to know what a vaccine will do to a person long-term .
If a vaccine is created that does offer any protection in the short term , what are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Vaccine formulations that have been developed against SARS-CoV not only fail to protect animal models of aged populations , but also result in immunopathology in younger populations , where SARS disease is enhanced in vaccinated groups that are subsequently challenged with SARS-CoV [ 118,119 ] .
In addition , vaccines generate memory immune responses to specific pathogens , and no vaccine formulations have been developed that are effective against multiple CoVs .
Due to the diversity of BatCoVs , it seems unlikely that current therapeutic strategies targeting specific SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV antigens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerge into the human population .
Vaccines formulated against the SARS-CoV epidemic antigens do not offer effective protection against SARS-like BatCoVs that are currently circulating in bat populations [ 15 ] .
Rather , a modular vaccine platform that can be rapidly adjusted for newly emergent viral antigens in potentially pandemic CoVs may be able to provide emergency vaccine coverage against emergent viral strains .
”

by stoneyMaloney92
Look I’m all for optimism. I think it’s good to look forward to something in a time of difficulty, but I also feel that it’s equally if not more important to be realistic about expectations.
Lately the media has been pushing the progress of a vaccine discovery and having doctors vetting that it will be ready by the end of summer, mid fall, or by the end of the year. Trump even promises one by the end of the year (grain of salt).
I just don’t see it. I don’t know every single hoop that a vaccine has to go through to become approved, but I know there’s a lot which is why it’s always taken years in the past for anything else to be cleared.
For some grand reason if there is one by the end of the year, I can’t help but to think that corners were cut which can be dangerous.
Thoughts?
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Respond #1:
I think the media is just trying to stay on top of announced and published research and political promises.
I personally want to see more people talk about the fact that vaccines for SARS-CoV viruses historically fail to deliver intended results and harm young recipients. I want to hear someone officially talk about how variations in bat-based coronaviruses make a single vaccine almost useless against future mutations. Also, vetting processes usually take a long time for good reason: It’s important to know what a vaccine will do to a person long-term. If a vaccine is created that does offer any protection in the short term, what are the long-term side effects?
Edit: “Vaccine formulations that have been developed against SARS-CoV not only fail to protect animal models of aged populations, but also result in immunopathology in younger populations, where SARS disease is enhanced in vaccinated groups that are subsequently challenged with SARS-CoV [118,119]. In addition, vaccines generate memory immune responses to specific pathogens, and no vaccine formulations have been developed that are effective against multiple CoVs. Due to the diversity of BatCoVs, it seems unlikely that current therapeutic strategies targeting specific SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV antigens will be efficacious against future coronaviruses that emerge into the human population. Vaccines formulated against the SARS-CoV epidemic antigens do not offer effective protection against SARS-like BatCoVs that are currently circulating in bat populations [15]. Rather, a modular vaccine platform that can be rapidly adjusted for newly emergent viral antigens in potentially pandemic CoVs may be able to provide emergency vaccine coverage against emergent viral strains.”
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17460441.2019.1581171


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--Flynn not only made it clear that he wanted to undo the Iran Deal, he also broadcast his determinati

Flynn not only made it clear that he wanted to undo the Iran Deal, he also broadcast his determination to find the documents detailing the secret deals between Obama and Iran, and to publicize them

How Russiagate Began With Obama ’ s Iran Deal Domestic Spying Campaign .
Michael Flynn posed a threat to the @ @ @ @ @ and was made to pay for it How was it central to his legacy if @ @ @ @ @ to stop Iran from getting the bomb ?
Because it was his instrument to secure @ @ @ @ @ reorder the strategic architecture of the Middle East .
Obama kept hammering away at his @ @ @ @ @ speech at American University he argued there are only two choices : The Iran Deal @ @ @ @ @ that Iran ’ s “ stated desire to destroy Israel is very real.
” He @ @ @ @ @ policy was one of “ willful ignorance.
” The White House agreed to let Russia @ @ @ @ @ of uranium to Iran

How Russiagate Began With Obama’s Iran Deal Domestic Spying Campaign. Michael Flynn posed a threat to the former president’s legacy and was made to pay for it
How was it central to his legacy if it was never actually intended to stop Iran from getting the bomb? Because it was his instrument to secure an even more ambitious objective—to reorder the strategic architecture of the Middle East.
Obama kept hammering away at his chosen messaging. In a speech at American University he argued there are only two choices: The Iran Deal or war.
Flynn emphasized that Iran’s “stated desire to destroy Israel is very real.” He said Obama’s Iran policy was one of “willful ignorance.”
The White House agreed to let Russia export more than 100 tons of uranium to Iran


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--Windows 10 is spying on almost everything you do – here’s how to opt out. Gates also forced us to ac

Windows 10 is spying on almost everything you do – here’s how to opt out. Gates also forced us to accept Edge Browser spyware that can’t be removed. This is illegal. Let’s call for prosecution.

Did you read your 1,200 word TOS ?
“ Finally , we will access , disclose and preserve personal data , including your content ( such as the content of your emails , other private communications or files in private folders ) , when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary to : 1.comply with applicable law or respond to valid legal process , including from law enforcement or other government agencies ; 2.protect our customers , for example to prevent spam or attempts to defraud users of the services , or to help prevent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone ; 3.operate and maintain the security of our services , including to prevent or stop an attack on our computer systems or networks ; or 4.protect the rights or property of Microsoft , including enforcing the terms governing the use of the services – however , if we receive information indicating that someone is using our services to traffic in stolen intellectual or physical property of Microsoft , we will not inspect a customer ’ s private content ourselves , but we may refer the matter to law enforcement.
” Windows 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Windows 10 is glorious .
Windows 10 is faster , smoother and more user-friendly than any Windows operating system that has come before it .
Windows 10 is everything Windows 8 should have been , addressing nearly all of the major problems users had with Microsoft ’ s previous-generation platform in one fell swoop .
But there ’ s something you should know : As you read this article from your newly upgraded PC , Windows 10 is also spying on nearly everything you do .
It ’ s your own fault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Windows 10 is spying on you .
That ’ s what people always say when users fail to read through a company ’ s terms of service document , right ?
Well , here is Microsoft ’ s 12,000-word service agreement .
Some of it is probably in English .
We ’ re pretty sure it says you can ’ t steal Windows or use Windows to send spam , and also that Microsoft retains the right to take possession of your first-born child if it so chooses .
And that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll have to read through .
Actually , here ’ s one excerpt from Microsoft ’ s privacy statement that everyone can understand : Finally , we will access , disclose and preserve personal data , including your content ( such as the content of your emails , other private communications or files in private folders ) , when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary to : 1.comply with applicable law or respond to valid legal process , including from law enforcement or other government agencies ; 2.protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spam or attempts to defraud users of the services , or to help prevent the loss of life or serious injury of anyone ; 3.operate and maintain the security of our services , including to prevent or stop an attack on our computer systems or networks ; or 4.protect the rights or property of Microsoft , including enforcing the terms governing the use of the services – however , if we receive information indicating that someone is using our services to traffic in stolen intellectual or physical property of Microsoft , we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content ourselves , but we may refer the matter to law enforcement .
If that sentence sent shivers down your spine , don ’ t worry .
As invasive as it is , Microsoft does allow Windows 10 users to opt out of all of the features that might be considered invasions of privacy .
Of course , users are opted in by default , which is more than a little disconcerting , but let ’ s focus on the solution .
Rock Paper Shotgun has broken things down into four main bullet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of your personal data .

by AmuseMeSomeMore
Did you read your 1,200 word TOS? “Finally, we will access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails, other private communications or files in private folders), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary to: 1.comply with applicable law or respond to valid legal process, including from law enforcement or other government agencies; 2.protect our customers, for example to prevent spam or attempts to defraud users of the services, or to help prevent the loss of life or serious injury of anyone; 3.operate and maintain the security of our services, including to prevent or stop an attack on our computer systems or networks; or 4.protect the rights or property of Microsoft, including enforcing the terms governing the use of the services – however, if we receive information indicating that someone is using our services to traffic in stolen intellectual or physical property of Microsoft, we will not inspect a customer’s private content ourselves, but we may refer the matter to law enforcement.”
via bgr:
Windows 10 is amazing. Windows 10 is fantastic. Windows 10 is glorious. Windows 10 is faster, smoother and more user-friendly than any Windows operating system that has come before it. Windows 10 is everything Windows 8 should have been, addressing nearly all of the major problems users had with Microsoft’s previous-generation platform in one fell swoop.
But there’s something you should know: As you read this article from your newly upgraded PC, Windows 10 is also spying on nearly everything you do.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
It’s your own fault if you don’t know that Windows 10 is spying on you. That’s what people always say when users fail to read through a company’s terms of service document, right?
Well, here is Microsoft’s 12,000-word service agreement. Some of it is probably in English. We’re pretty sure it says you can’t steal Windows or use Windows to send spam, and also that Microsoft retains the right to take possession of your first-born child if it so chooses. And that’s only one of several documents you’ll have to read through.
Actually, here’s one excerpt from Microsoft’s privacy statement that everyone can understand:
Finally, we will access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails, other private communications or files in private folders), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary to: 1.comply with applicable law or respond to valid legal process, including from law enforcement or other government agencies; 2.protect our customers, for example to prevent spam or attempts to defraud users of the services, or to help prevent the loss of life or serious injury of anyone; 3.operate and maintain the security of our services, including to prevent or stop an attack on our computer systems or networks; or 4.protect the rights or property of Microsoft, including enforcing the terms governing the use of the services – however, if we receive information indicating that someone is using our services to traffic in stolen intellectual or physical property of Microsoft, we will not inspect a customer’s private content ourselves, but we may refer the matter to law enforcement.
If that sentence sent shivers down your spine, don’t worry. As invasive as it is, Microsoft does allow Windows 10 users to opt out of all of the features that might be considered invasions of privacy. Of course, users are opted in by default, which is more than a little disconcerting, but let’s focus on the solution.
Rock Paper Shotgun has broken things down into four main bullet points that will guide you through regaining control of your personal data.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--HUGE fire nuclear powerplant in the Netherlands!

Nuclear powerplant Dodewaard Netherlands is currently on fire
(dutch)
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www.hln.be/nieuws/buitenland/grote-brand-op-dak-van-oude-kerncentrale-in-nederland-onder-controle~ae8352c6/?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.godlikeproductions.com%2Fforum1%2Fmessage4396898%2Fpg1
Nuclear powerplant Dodewaard Netherlands is currently on fire pic.twitter.com/HBuYLLdtQX — EZwolf (@EZ_wolf) May 21, 2020
Brand #dodewaard geef hulpdiensten de ruimte. Houd afstand van de brand. Heeft u last van de rook sluit ramen en deuren en schakel ventilatie uit.
Meer informatie volgt. Woordvoerder gaat te plaatse — Veiligheidsregio GZ (@CrisisGLZ) May 21, 2020
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--This is huge news. We need to take our colleges back!

NOT JUST CHINA : NEW DOCUMENTS SHOW QATAR WAGING STEALTH JIHAD AGAINST AMERICA THROUGH UNIVERSITIES What the hell is wrong @ @ @ @ @ ?
?
?
Conversely – what is right with our educators ?
?
?
• @ @ @ @ @ is facing expulsion and lawsuits after stating his beliefs about China on and off campus @ @ @ @ @ being threatened with this unprecedented move because of UQ ’ s particularly close relationship with @ @ @ @ @

NOT JUST CHINA: NEW DOCUMENTS SHOW QATAR WAGING STEALTH JIHAD AGAINST AMERICA THROUGH UNIVERSITIES
What the hell is wrong with our “educators”???
Conversely – what is right with our educators???
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
COLLUSION: China’s chokehold on universities even stronger overseas, Australian case suggests.
An Australian student says he is facing expulsion and lawsuits after stating his beliefs about China on and off campus.
“I am being threatened with this unprecedented move because of UQ’s particularly close relationship with the Chinese party-state.”
AO


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--World’s Third Largest Oil Consumer Sees Very Slow Demand Recovery

Crude oil demand in India will take longer to recover than many hope for as the country braces for the worst recession in its history after a two-month lockdown .
Bloomberg reports , citing Indian oil industry executives , that demand for the commodity might take until the end of the year to return to pre-crisis levels after last month , fuel demand at one point dropped by as much as 70 percent .
Still , most of the demand will return before the end of the year , according to one executive .
“ Demand is reaching 60 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will take some time to get to pre-Covid sales , ” the chairman of Hindustan Petroleum Corp. , Mukesh Kumar Surana , told Bloomberg .
“ Over a period of two to three months , we should get back to 80 % of normal sales .
Beyond that , it will be slow.
” Earlier this month , reports said that fuel demand in India had plummeted by more than 60 percent in April , with gasoline sales slumping by 61 percent and diesel sales shedding 64 percent in just the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plummeting fuel demand and overflowing storage capacity , at least three oil refiners in India asked for lower crude oil imports for May from the Middle East , including from the world ’ s top exporter , Saudi Arabia .
These developments have suggested the recovery in oil imports could take long , too .
Yet a report by Reuters citing shipping data obtained from unnamed sources had it that imports of crude oil last month were actually higher on the month , by 5 percent , to an average daily of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s top supplier of crude oil was Saudi Arabia , replacing Iraq at the top spot thanks to the generous discounts the Kingdom offered Asian buyers to find markets for its surplus oil .

By Irina Slav
Crude oil demand in India will take longer to recover than many hope for as the country braces for the worst recession in its history after a two-month lockdown.
Bloomberg reports, citing Indian oil industry executives, that demand for the commodity might take until the end of the year to return to pre-crisis levels after last month, fuel demand at one point dropped by as much as 70 percent.
Still, most of the demand will return before the end of the year, according to one executive.
“Demand is reaching 60% to 70% of normal, but it will take some time to get to pre-Covid sales,” the chairman of Hindustan Petroleum Corp., Mukesh Kumar Surana, told Bloomberg. “Over a period of two to three months, we should get back to 80% of normal sales. Beyond that, it will be slow.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Earlier this month, reports said that fuel demand in India had plummeted by more than 60 percent in April, with gasoline sales slumping by 61 percent and diesel sales shedding 64 percent in just the first two weeks of the month.
Due to plummeting fuel demand and overflowing storage capacity, at least three oil refiners in India asked for lower crude oil imports for May from the Middle East, including from the world’s top exporter, Saudi Arabia.
These developments have suggested the recovery in oil imports could take long, too. Yet a report by Reuters citing shipping data obtained from unnamed sources had it that imports of crude oil last month were actually higher on the month, by 5 percent, to an average daily of 4.63 million barrels.
The country’s top supplier of crude oil was Saudi Arabia, replacing Iraq at the top spot thanks to the generous discounts the Kingdom offered Asian buyers to find markets for its surplus oil.
By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-21--Why are central bankers so afraid of the truth?

We find ourselves in an era where central bankers wield enormous power .
There is something of an irony in this .
They were given the ability to set monetary policy as a way of taking power out of the hands of politicians.This led to talk of “ independence ” as they set interest-rates to achieve an inflation target usually but not always of 2 % per annum .
Actually this is the first falsehood because we are regularly told this .
They could also tell me the moon is full of cheese but I would not believe that either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is challenged but price stability is clearly an inflation rate of 0 % , The usual argument that this stops relative price shifts collapsed when the oil price fall of 2015/16 gave us inflation of around 0 % as plainly there was a relative price shift for oil and indeed other goods .
Perhaps the shrieks of “ Deflation ” were a type of distraction .
Next has come the way that claimed independence has morphed into collusion with the political establishment .
This moves us away from the original rationale which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hands of politicians to stop them manipulating it for the electoral cycle .
What had apparent success which was technocratic control of interest-rates has morphed into this .
Not all central banks have gone all the way down the list with the Bank of Japan being the leader of the pack and who knows may go even further overnight at its unscheduled meeting ?
I should add as people regularly look at my back catalogue that by the time anyone in that category reads this we may see many central banks at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But back to my collusion point here is some evidence .
This is almost a throwaway sentence in the inflation remit from the Bank of England but it is in fact extremely important in two ways , and in tune with today ’ s theme neither of which are mentioned .
The Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reaffirming that Her Majesty ’ s Treasury is backing the QE ( Quantitative Easing ) policies of the Bank of England which currently are steps 2 to 4 above .
Next comes the issue of the amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 2 dissenters voted for “ More !
More !
More !
” rather than less and I expect the extra £100 billion they voted for to be something sung about by The Undertones .
So we have a doom loop for supporters of independence as the politicians via backing any losses from QE become the masters again and the central bankers become marionettes .
As so often we see Japan in the van by the way the Abenomics of Shinzo Abe appointed Governor Kuroda to the Bank of Japan pretty much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is the most exposed in terms of monetary policy via its 31.4 trillion Yen of equity holdings with a break-even it estimates at around 19,500 in terms of the Nikkei 225 index .
Also of course an individual company in which it holds shares could fold .
This had a cacophony of falsehoods as we were promised interest-rate rises which failed to happen .
In my own country it became laughable as an unemployment rate of 7 % was highlighted and then unemployment rates of 6 % and 5 % were ignored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 Governor Mark Carney said this .
In fact a bit over 2 years later he cut them whilst promising to reduce them further than November to 0.1 % before economic reality even reached Threadneedle Street and the latter was redacted .
It is hard to believe now but many were predicting interest-rate rises by the ECB in 2019 based on Forward Guidance .
Of course the US Federal Reserve did actually give it a go before retreating like Napoleon from Moscow and as we recall the role of President Trump in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collusion/control point above .
This area is littered with falsehoods .
In Beatles terms it took only a week for this .
to become this .
The new Governor of the Bank of England seems to be on the same road to Damascus .
From Sky News yesterday .
Curious because that is exactly what people had thought he had done several times in this crisis .
There are other areas I could highlight as for example there is the ridiculous adherence to the output gap philosophy that has proved to be consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me leave you via the genius of Christine McVie the central bankers anthem .
Me on The Investing Channel

by Shaun Richards
We find ourselves in an era where central bankers wield enormous power. There is something of an irony in this. They were given the ability to set monetary policy as a way of taking power out of the hands of politicians.This led to talk of “independence” as they set interest-rates to achieve an inflation target usually but not always of 2% per annum. Actually this is the first falsehood because we are regularly told this.
The ECB has defined price stability as a year-on-year increase in the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) for the euro area of below 2%
They could also tell me the moon is full of cheese but I would not believe that either. I am amazed how rarely this is challenged but price stability is clearly an inflation rate of 0%, The usual argument that this stops relative price shifts collapsed when the oil price fall of 2015/16 gave us inflation of around 0% as plainly there was a relative price shift for oil and indeed other goods. Perhaps the shrieks of “Deflation” were a type of distraction.
Next has come the way that claimed independence has morphed into collusion with the political establishment. This moves us away from the original rationale which was to take monetary policy power out of the hands of politicians to stop them manipulating it for the electoral cycle. What had apparent success which was technocratic control of interest-rates has morphed into this.
Interest-Rates around 0% Large-Scale purchases of sovereign bonds Large-Scale purchases of private-sector bonds Credit Easing Purchases of equities ( for monetary policy and as a consequence of exchange-rate policy) Purchases of commercial property so far via Exchange-Traded Funds or ETFs
Not all central banks have gone all the way down the list with the Bank of Japan being the leader of the pack and who knows may go even further overnight at its unscheduled meeting? I should add as people regularly look at my back catalogue that by the time anyone in that category reads this we may see many central banks at step 6 and maybe going further. But back to my collusion point here is some evidence.
I also confirm that the Asset Purchase Facility will remain in place for the financial year 2020-21.
This is almost a throwaway sentence in the inflation remit from the Bank of England but it is in fact extremely important in two ways, and in tune with today’s theme neither of which are mentioned. The Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reaffirming that Her Majesty’s Treasury is backing the QE ( Quantitative Easing ) policies of the Bank of England which currently are steps 2 to 4 above. Next comes the issue of the amount which is huge even for these times.
The Committee voted by a majority of 7-2 for the Bank of England to continue with the programme of £200 billion of UK government bond and sterling non-financial investment-grade corporate bond purchases, financed by the issuance of central bank reserves, to take the total stock of these purchases to £645 billion.
The 2 dissenters voted for “More! More! More!” rather than less and I expect the extra £100 billion they voted for to be something sung about by The Undertones.
Happens all the time
Its going to happen – happen – till your change your mind
Its going to happen – happen – happens all the time
So we have a doom loop for supporters of independence as the politicians via backing any losses from QE become the masters again and the central bankers become marionettes. As so often we see Japan in the van by the way the Abenomics of Shinzo Abe appointed Governor Kuroda to the Bank of Japan pretty much as they would appoint a minister. It is the most exposed in terms of monetary policy via its 31.4 trillion Yen of equity holdings with a break-even it estimates at around 19,500 in terms of the Nikkei 225 index. Also of course an individual company in which it holds shares could fold.
Forward Guidance
This had a cacophony of falsehoods as we were promised interest-rate rises which failed to happen. In my own country it became laughable as an unemployment rate of 7% was highlighted and then unemployment rates of 6% and 5% were ignored. Then at Mansion House in June 2014 Governor Mark Carney said this.
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There’s already great speculation about the exact timing of the first rate hike and this decision is becoming
more balanced.
It could happen sooner than markets currently expect.
In fact a bit over 2 years later he cut them whilst promising to reduce them further than November to 0.1% before economic reality even reached Threadneedle Street and the latter was redacted. It is hard to believe now but many were predicting interest-rate rises by the ECB in 2019 based on Forward Guidance. Of course the US Federal Reserve did actually give it a go before retreating like Napoleon from Moscow and as we recall the role of President Trump in this I would remind you of my political collusion/control point above.
Negative Interest-Rates
This area is littered with falsehoods. In Beatles terms it took only a week for this.
Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said he is not thinking of adopting a negative interest rate policy now,
to become this.
The Bank will apply a negative interest rate of minus 0.1 percent to current accounts that financial institutions hold at the Bank.1 It will cut the interest rate further into negative territory if judged as necessary.
As Hard-Fi put it.
Can’t believe it
You’re so hard to beat
Hard to beat
The new Governor of the Bank of England seems to be on the same road to Damascus. From Sky News yesterday.
Mr Bailey told MPs it was now studying how effective that cut had been as well as “looking very carefully” at the experience of other countries where negative rates had been implemented. On the prospect of negative rates, he said: “We do not rule things out as a matter of principle.
Curious because that is exactly what people had thought he had done several times in this crisis.
Comment
There are other areas I could highlight as for example there is the ridiculous adherence to the output gap philosophy that has proved to be consistent only in its failures. But let me leave you via the genius of Christine McVie the central bankers anthem.
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
Tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies
Oh, no, no, you can’t disguise
(You can’t disguise, no, you can’t disguise)
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
Me on The Investing Channel