investmentwatchblog--2020-04-22--ANOTHER REASON NOT TO LET UNIONS RUN YOUR GOVERNMENT:

No Gain , Lots of Pain .
The stock market downturn portends big losses for government pension funds—and billions in new obligations for taxpayers .
The sharp decline in financial markets will likely result in a huge setback to government-employee pension funds , which never fully recovered from the last recession .
Though the accounting of these systems is more complex than ordinary municipal budgets , and the implications of market drops can take time to become apparent , a picture is emerging of the costs that some of the biggest funds—like the California Public Employees ’ Retirement System ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks that some of our worst-funded state and city pension systems must now confront , including New Jersey ’ s and Chicago ’ s , are also becoming evident .
Last week , the president of the Illinois State Senate even asked for a multibillion-dollar bailout of the state ’ s pension system .
The failure of many pension funds to fix their funding during the last decade of market expansion will weigh heavily on taxpayers if the economy and financial markets don ’ t turn around rapidly .
With about $ 350 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion at the market ’ s height , earlier this year—CalPERS is the nation ’ s largest public-employee pension fund .
It took a battering in the last recession , when its funding shrank from 87 percent of the money needed to meet future obligations in 2007 to just 68 percent a few years later .
After an 11-year market expansion , though , CalPERS is barely more than 70 percent funded , as of last June .
Taxpayers have paid the price .
The state and its local governments funnel $ 15.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 6.4 billion in 2007 .
CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost assures local officials that the system is prepared to weather this downturn , having reduced its exposure to volatile stocks .
Nonetheless , the CalPERS rate of return for the first nine months of the current fiscal year , which ended on March 31 , was negative 4 percent , compared with a projected annual gain of 7 percent , which is necessary to keep CalPERS from taking on more debt and forcing even higher payments from local governments .
Officials estimated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to a zero-percent return for the fiscal year that ends June 30 , its funding status would slip to about 66 percent .
Under the worst-case scenario—a 10 percent investment loss—the nation ’ s largest public-employee retirement system would have just 60 percent of the money on hand that it needs to meet future obligations .
Both scenarios would require more money from taxpayers .
For public-safety workers who are part of CalPERS , local governments are already paying pension costs equal to 50 percent of every worker ’ s salary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that amount could increase to nearly 70 percent of salary cost .
For every $ 1 in salary paid to a cop or firefighter , a jurisdiction would need to spend almost 70 cents more just on pension costs .
California schools are paying the equivalent of 28 percent of salaries to fund pensions for employees who are part of CalPERS .
If assets decline by 10 percent , governments would have to contribute 37 cents for every dollar of salary paid to school employees who are part of CalPERS—a one-third increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonder , then , that Frost acknowledges “ the affordability of [ pension ] plans has become ever more difficult ” for the 3,000 local-government entities in the state that provide workers with pensions through CalPERS .
Last week , school officials around the state asked Governor Gavin Newsom to delay scheduled pension increases .
The New York City Retirement System , composed of five pension plans with some $ 150 billion in assets , has also seen its burden to taxpayers soar in recent decades .
Twenty years ago , the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year on pensions .
Costs rose to $ 10 billion this year .
Before the Covid-19 crisis , the city had projected that the steep increases might finally be over , thanks to more than a decade of robust investment returns ; the market ’ s decline has upended those estimates .
“ The cratering of the financial markets has undoubtedly affected the value of assets under the management of the New York City Retirement System ( NYCERS ) —the city ’ s five pension plans , ” the New York City Independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watchdog ’ s new analysis estimates that if the city ’ s pension fund records a zero-percent return for this year , the cost to taxpayers would be $ 107 million a year in higher pension payments , added every year to the city ’ s current pension costs , for the next 15 years .
The numbers get even grimmer , however , if the losses mount up .
The worst-case scenario—a 20 percent decline in assets , which would mirror the losses in 2008—would require the city to spend more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 years in increasingly expensive pension payments .
In just the next five years , that would add more than $ 2 billion cumulatively to the city ’ s retirement-funding requirements .

No Gain, Lots of Pain. The stock market downturn portends big losses for government pension funds—and billions in new obligations for taxpayers.
The sharp decline in financial markets will likely result in a huge setback to government-employee pension funds, which never fully recovered from the last recession. Though the accounting of these systems is more complex than ordinary municipal budgets, and the implications of market drops can take time to become apparent, a picture is emerging of the costs that some of the biggest funds—like the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)—face. Meantime, the risks that some of our worst-funded state and city pension systems must now confront, including New Jersey’s and Chicago’s, are also becoming evident. Last week, the president of the Illinois State Senate even asked for a multibillion-dollar bailout of the state’s pension system. The failure of many pension funds to fix their funding during the last decade of market expansion will weigh heavily on taxpayers if the economy and financial markets don’t turn around rapidly.
With about $350 billion in assets—down from about $400 billion at the market’s height, earlier this year—CalPERS is the nation’s largest public-employee pension fund. It took a battering in the last recession, when its funding shrank from 87 percent of the money needed to meet future obligations in 2007 to just 68 percent a few years later. After an 11-year market expansion, though, CalPERS is barely more than 70 percent funded, as of last June. Taxpayers have paid the price. The state and its local governments funnel $15.6 billion into the fund, up from $6.4 billion in 2007.
CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost assures local officials that the system is prepared to weather this downturn, having reduced its exposure to volatile stocks. Nonetheless, the CalPERS rate of return for the first nine months of the current fiscal year, which ended on March 31, was negative 4 percent, compared with a projected annual gain of 7 percent, which is necessary to keep CalPERS from taking on more debt and forcing even higher payments from local governments. Officials estimated that even if the fund scratches its way back to a zero-percent return for the fiscal year that ends June 30, its funding status would slip to about 66 percent. Under the worst-case scenario—a 10 percent investment loss—the nation’s largest public-employee retirement system would have just 60 percent of the money on hand that it needs to meet future obligations.
Both scenarios would require more money from taxpayers. For public-safety workers who are part of CalPERS, local governments are already paying pension costs equal to 50 percent of every worker’s salary. Over five years, CalPERS says, that amount could increase to nearly 70 percent of salary cost. For every $1 in salary paid to a cop or firefighter, a jurisdiction would need to spend almost 70 cents more just on pension costs. California schools are paying the equivalent of 28 percent of salaries to fund pensions for employees who are part of CalPERS. If assets decline by 10 percent, governments would have to contribute 37 cents for every dollar of salary paid to school employees who are part of CalPERS—a one-third increase in pension costs over four years. No wonder, then, that Frost acknowledges “the affordability of [pension] plans has become ever more difficult” for the 3,000 local-government entities in the state that provide workers with pensions through CalPERS. Last week, school officials around the state asked Governor Gavin Newsom to delay scheduled pension increases.
The New York City Retirement System, composed of five pension plans with some $150 billion in assets, has also seen its burden to taxpayers soar in recent decades. Twenty years ago, the city was spending some $1.5 billion a year on pensions. Costs rose to $10 billion this year. Before the Covid-19 crisis, the city had projected that the steep increases might finally be over, thanks to more than a decade of robust investment returns; the market’s decline has upended those estimates.
“The cratering of the financial markets has undoubtedly affected the value of assets under the management of the New York City Retirement System (NYCERS)—the city’s five pension plans,” the New York City Independent Budget Office recently reported. The budget watchdog’s new analysis estimates that if the city’s pension fund records a zero-percent return for this year, the cost to taxpayers would be $107 million a year in higher pension payments, added every year to the city’s current pension costs, for the next 15 years. The numbers get even grimmer, however, if the losses mount up. The worst-case scenario—a 20 percent decline in assets, which would mirror the losses in 2008—would require the city to spend more than $400 million annually for the next 15 years in increasingly expensive pension payments. In just the next five years, that would add more than $2 billion cumulatively to the city’s retirement-funding requirements.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-22--Woman cited for violating stay-at-home order with yard sale

A northern Idaho woman could face jail time after police said she had a yard sale , which violated the state ’ s stay-at-home order during the coroanvirus pandemic .
Police issued a citation Friday to the homeowner , who they said was having a yard sale over the past week , Rathdrum Police Department said in a news release on Facebook .
The yard sale is not considered an “ essential business ” as part of Idaho ’ s stay-at-home order , police said .
Violating the stay-at-home order in Idaho is a misdemeanor , punishable by up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 1,000 fine , or both , the Idaho Statesman reported .
“ The family has had a yard sale for the past week within the City of Rathdrum , ” Rathdrum Police Department said in the statement .
“ A garage sale/yard sale is not an essential business and should not be open for business.
” Christa Thompson , the homeowner , told the Coeur d ’ Alene Press that she was taking inventory noting belonging on the yard of her late father ’ s home , and that she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders of the Wisconsin Legislature are asking the conservative-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court to block an order from Gov .
Tony Evers ’ administration extending a stay-at-home order until May 27 Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald asked the Supreme Court to take the case directly , a move that would skip lower courts and get a final ruling sooner .
“ The public outcry over the Safer at Home order continues to increase as positive COVID cases decrease or remain flat , ” the two said in a joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration regarding the extension , as it goes beyond the executive branch ’ s statutory powers .
Wisconsinites are forced to sit by with no voice in the process .
Other Midwestern states with more confirmed cases , like Ohio , have set firm dates to begin a phased reopening far earlier than the Evers administration.
” Evers on Thursday announced that he was directing state Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm to extend the order closing most nonessential businesses from April 24 to May 27 .
“ The governor has denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrative overreach .
Unfortunately , that leaves the legislature no choice but to ask the Supreme Court to rein in this obvious abuse of power , ” the joint statement said .
“ Wisconsinites deserve certainty , transparency , and a plan to end the constant stream of executive orders that are eroding both the economy and their liberty even as the state is clearly seeing a decline in COVID infections.
” Vos and Fitzgerald said Tuesday there was “ immense frustration ” with the extension .
They argue Palm exceeded her authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he believes the order was made legally .
Vos and Fitzgerald said the order is eroding the economy and liberty of people in the state .
“ Let ’ s be clear about one thing .
If Republicans are successful , people will die , ” Wisconsin Democrats tweeted .

A northern Idaho woman could face jail time after police said she had a yard sale, which violated the state’s stay-at-home order during the coroanvirus pandemic.
Police issued a citation Friday to the homeowner, who they said was having a yard sale over the past week, Rathdrum Police Department said in a news release on Facebook.
The yard sale is not considered an “essential business” as part of Idaho’s stay-at-home order, police said.
Violating the stay-at-home order in Idaho is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in a county jail or a $1,000 fine, or both, the Idaho Statesman reported.
“The family has had a yard sale for the past week within the City of Rathdrum,” Rathdrum Police Department said in the statement. “A garage sale/yard sale is not an essential business and should not be open for business.”
Christa Thompson, the homeowner, told the Coeur d’Alene Press that she was taking inventory noting belonging on the yard of her late father’s home, and that she was not having a yard sale.
www.idahostatesman.com/news/coronavirus/article242160971.html
Wisconsin Republicans sue governor over stay-at-home order
Republican leaders of the Wisconsin Legislature are asking the conservative-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court to block an order from Gov. Tony Evers’ administration extending a stay-at-home order until May 27
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald asked the Supreme Court to take the case directly, a move that would skip lower courts and get a final ruling sooner.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“The public outcry over the Safer at Home order continues to increase as positive COVID cases decrease or remain flat,” the two said in a joint statement. “There’s immense frustration regarding the extension, as it goes beyond the executive branch’s statutory powers. Wisconsinites are forced to sit by with no voice in the process. Other Midwestern states with more confirmed cases, like Ohio, have set firm dates to begin a phased reopening far earlier than the Evers administration.”
Evers on Thursday announced that he was directing state Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm to extend the order closing most nonessential businesses from April 24 to May 27.
“The governor has denied the people a voice through this unprecedented administrative overreach. Unfortunately, that leaves the legislature no choice but to ask the Supreme Court to rein in this obvious abuse of power,” the joint statement said. “Wisconsinites deserve certainty, transparency, and a plan to end the constant stream of executive orders that are eroding both the economy and their liberty even as the state is clearly seeing a decline in COVID infections.”
Vos and Fitzgerald said Tuesday there was “immense frustration” with the extension.
They argue Palm exceeded her authority in issuing it.
Evers has said he believes the order was made legally.
Vos and Fitzgerald said the order is eroding the economy and liberty of people in the state.
“Let’s be clear about one thing. If Republicans are successful, people will die,” Wisconsin Democrats tweeted.
www.wisn.com/article/coronavirus-wisconsin-republicans-sue-governor-over-stay-at-home-order/32226800


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-22--Banks are STEALING Stimulus Checks

Banks are STEALING Stimulus Checks

Journalist David Dayen speaks with Cenk Uygur on The Conversation about banks seizing stimulus checks .

Journalist David Dayen speaks with Cenk Uygur on The Conversation about banks seizing stimulus checks.
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investmentwatchblog--2020-04-22--After many wins, the Left prepares for the final battle

Summary : The Left has been winning since the 1970s .
Now their war on us enters the pursuit phase of battle , the last phase .
Their success results from a powerful but unmentioned alliance .
The next battles will help determine America ’ s course for the 21st century .
This is the pursuit phase of battle The Left has won so big and for so long .
In three generations they have reshaped our society in ways that would have gotten anyone declared insane who predicted this in 1970 .
Marriage is radically different , and open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on girls ’ teams and in their bathrooms .
A candidate for high office is hounded by one woman ’ s unsupported account of a minor event at a high school party decades ago .
Borders closed by FDR are thrown open , with gifts to migrants .
Children are taught in elementary school how to use condoms and invent their own genders , then they are sent to Drag Queen Story hour .
You can continue the list as well as I .
Now the Left begins the pursuit phase of battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken remnants of their foes .
They understand Rule One of street fighting : when your foe is down , kick him .
Finish him off .
They can taste victory .
Here is an example of political power skillfully applied … The decades since the 1964 legislation has made “ discrimination ” a vague and broad terms .
SB-868 adds “ sexual orientation and gender identity ” to the Virginia Human Rights Act ’ s already long list of prohibited discriminations in public accommodations , employment , credit , and housing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adds “ gender , disability , gender identity , and sexual orientation ” to the categories of victims of hate crime offenses , resulting in a higher criminal penalty for the offense .
SB-868 further weaponizes the civil courts in the Leftist crusade to change our society , with well-funded activists or the State able to unleash potentially crippling lawsuits against individuals , small businesses , churches , and charities .
The law allows brutal fines : up to $ 50K for first offence and up to $ 100K for each subsequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including emotional distress ) , up to $ 350K in punitive damages , and ( best of all ) a loser pays provision ( the loser pays both sides attorneys ) .
There are no loser pay provisions available to the peons , creating a giant barrier preventing them from suing even for outrageous violations of our rights ( even in victory , the costs can exceed the award ) .
Facing powerful activists or the even more powerful State , even the largest of groups often choose to surrender .
Here is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victoria Cobb , president of the Family Foundation .
This expansion and weaponization of discrimination claims has led a few to question the wisdom of the great civil rights bills of the 1960s , saying that their critics were correct – and they represented a serious change in the Constitutional structure .
Such as the brilliant Christopher Caldwell in The Age of Entitlement : America Since the Sixties ( 2020 ) .
I have not read it , and have no comment on this line of thought .
But his Reflections on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the West ( 2009 ) was brilliant and prescient .
Hitler and the Nazi Party did not invent everything in the 20th century , only almost everything .
Hitler ’ s political innovations were many , but among the most effective was taking a socialist and revolutionary party and allying it with the rich .
Much as America ’ s Left did during the 1980s .
They closeted their dreams of economic revolution and focused on social change .
This drastically reduced the opposition from the 1 % .
Most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporations ) became neutral or even supporters ( perhaps sincerely , perhaps as DaneGeld ) .
The Clintons were one of the key figures leading this shift .
A tacit alliance with one foe to defeat others is one of those tactics often considered to scurrilous to admit – but usually ignored by their tribal followers – and usually wins .
But few of these marriages are made in Heaven .
Often there is a final battle before the victory banquet .
The rise of Sanders on the Left suggests that many on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s platform has an economic component in addition to calling for a social revolution .
So far the 1 % have successfully suppressed this uprising among the ranks .
Matt Taibbi points to the appointment by Nancy Pelosi of Donna Shalala to the Bailout Oversight Panel , a big-name Clinton apparatchik , shows that the 1 % – Left alliance remains strong .
I will bet that this alliance will fracture , one of the many sources of discord I see in America ’ s future .
What about a civil war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being used a lab rats in the Left ’ s social science experiments ( e.g.
, here and here ) ?
That ’ s an important question , which I will discuss soon .
My answer is that this is not going to happen as most expect , but it might happen in a very different way .

by Fabius Maximus
Summary: The Left has been winning since the 1970s. Now their war on us enters the pursuit phase of battle, the last phase. Their success results from a powerful but unmentioned alliance. The next battles will help determine America’s course for the 21st century.
Leftists celebrating their generations of victories.
This is the pursuit phase of battle
The Left has won so big and for so long. In three generations they have reshaped our society in ways that would have gotten anyone declared insane who predicted this in 1970. Marriage is radically different, and open to gays. Transgendered rights requires guys on girls’ teams and in their bathrooms. A candidate for high office is hounded by one woman’s unsupported account of a minor event at a high school party decades ago. Borders closed by FDR are thrown open, with gifts to migrants. Children are taught in elementary school how to use condoms and invent their own genders, then they are sent to Drag Queen Story hour. You can continue the list as well as I.
Now the Left begins the pursuit phase of battle – chasing down and destroying the fleeing broken remnants of their foes. They understand Rule One of street fighting: when your foe is down, kick him. Finish him off. They can taste victory. Here is an example of political power skillfully applied …
Question from a reader
“What do you think of SB-868, signed into law by Virginia Governor Northam on April 11?”
The decades since the 1964 legislation has made “discrimination” a vague and broad terms.
SB-868 adds “sexual orientation and gender identity” to the Virginia Human Rights Act’s already long list of prohibited discriminations in public accommodations, employment, credit, and housing. SB-179, also signed on April 11, adds “gender, disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation” to the categories of victims of hate crime offenses, resulting in a higher criminal penalty for the offense.
SB-868 further weaponizes the civil courts in the Leftist crusade to change our society, with well-funded activists or the State able to unleash potentially crippling lawsuits against individuals, small businesses, churches, and charities. The law allows brutal fines: up to $50K for first offence and up to $100K for each subsequent offense, unlimited compensatory damage awards (including emotional distress), up to $350K in punitive damages, and (best of all) a loser pays provision (the loser pays both sides attorneys). There are no loser pay provisions available to the peons, creating a giant barrier preventing them from suing even for outrageous violations of our rights (even in victory, the costs can exceed the award).
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Facing powerful activists or the even more powerful State, even the largest of groups often choose to surrender. Here is an article about the likely results by Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation.
This expansion and weaponization of discrimination claims has led a few to question the wisdom of the great civil rights bills of the 1960s, saying that their critics were correct – and they represented a serious change in the Constitutional structure. Such as the brilliant Christopher Caldwell in The Age of Entitlement: America Since the Sixties (2020). I have not read it, and have no comment on this line of thought. But his Reflections on the Revolution In Europe: Immigration, Islam, and the West (2009) was brilliant and prescient.
Their key tactical decision
Hitler and the Nazi Party did not invent everything in the 20th century, only almost everything. Hitler’s political innovations were many, but among the most effective was taking a socialist and revolutionary party and allying it with the rich. Much as America’s Left did during the 1980s. They closeted their dreams of economic revolution and focused on social change. This drastically reduced the opposition from the 1%. Most of the 1% supported (including their corporations) became neutral or even supporters (perhaps sincerely, perhaps as DaneGeld). The Clintons were one of the key figures leading this shift.
A tacit alliance with one foe to defeat others is one of those tactics often considered to scurrilous to admit – but usually ignored by their tribal followers – and usually wins.
But few of these marriages are made in Heaven. Often there is a final battle before the victory banquet. The rise of Sanders on the Left suggests that many on the Left have remembered that the Left’s platform has an economic component in addition to calling for a social revolution. So far the 1% have successfully suppressed this uprising among the ranks. Matt Taibbi points to the appointment by Nancy Pelosi of Donna Shalala to the Bailout Oversight Panel, a big-name Clinton apparatchik, shows that the 1% – Left alliance remains strong.
I will bet that this alliance will fracture, one of the many sources of discord I see in America’s future.
What about a civil war as …
…the trod-upon majority rebel at being used a lab rats in the Left’s social science experiments (e.g., here and here)? That’s an important question, which I will discuss soon. My answer is that this is not going to happen as most expect, but it might happen in a very different way.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-22--THIS IS FRAUD: CDC’s Latest Rules Change Forces States to Include Confirmed AND PRESUMED Coronavirus

THIS IS FRAUD: CDC’s Latest Rules Change Forces States to Include Confirmed AND PRESUMED Coronavirus Fatalities

Following new CDC guidelines : “ , CDC case counts and death counts include both confirmed and probable cases and @ @ @ @ @ made to reflect an interim COVID-19 position statement issued by the Council for State and @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 .
The position statement included a case definition and made COVID-19 a nationally @ @ @

States Forced to Pad Their Numbers
Following new CDC guidelines: “ As of April 14, 2020 , CDC case counts and death counts include both confirmed and probable cases and deaths. This change was made to reflect an interim COVID-19 position statement issued by the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists on April 5, 2020. The position statement included a case definition and made COVID-19 a nationally notifiable disease.
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www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/us-data/
h/t CrsCrpr


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--The world is short USD, 50-yr. trend line on Euro breaking down. Literally the trade of the century.

I mean there are n't enough $ to support the global monetary system as a reserve .
The $ will @ @ @ @ @ currencies and crush global markets .
The short squeeze wo n't be long lived and @ @ @ @ @

I mean there aren't enough $ to support the global monetary system as a reserve. The $ will strengthen relative to all other currencies and crush global markets. The short squeeze won't be long lived and then come digital assets… t.co/ayFoYewTkP
— Santiago Velez (@Santiag78758327) April 22, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--EarthDay at 50: None Of The Eco-Doomsday Predictions Have Come True

From predicting ecological collapse and the end of civilization to warnings that the world is running out of oil , all environmental doomsday predictions of the first Earth Day in 1970 have turned out to be flat out wrong .
Behold the coming apocalypse as predicted on and around Earth Day , 1970 : 1 .
“ Civilization will end within 15 or 30 years unless immediate action is taken against problems facing mankind.
” — Harvard biologist George Wald 2 .
“ We are in an environmental crisis which threatens the survival of this nation , and of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ habitation.
” — Washington University biologist Barry Commoner 3 .
“ Man must stop pollution and conserve his resources , not merely to enhance existence but to save the race from intolerable deterioration and possible extinction.
” — New York Times editorial 4 .
“ Population will inevitably and completely outstrip whatever small increases in food supplies we make .
The death rate will increase until at least 100-200 million people per year will be starving to death during the next ten years.
” — Stanford University biologist Paul Ehrlich 5 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to die in the greatest cataclysm in the history of man have already been born… [ By 1975 ] some experts feel that food shortages will have escalated the present level of world hunger and starvation into famines of unbelievable proportions .
Other experts , more optimistic , think the ultimate food-population collision will not occur until the decade of the 1980s.
” — Paul Ehrlich 6 .
“ It is already too late to avoid mass starvation , ” — Denis Hayes , Chief organizer for Earth Day 7 .
“ Demographers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timetable : by 1975 widespread famines will begin in India ; these will spread by 1990 to include all of India , Pakistan , China and the Near East , Africa .
By the year 2000 , or conceivably sooner , South and Central America will exist under famine conditions… .
By the year 2000 , thirty years from now , the entire world , with the exception of Western Europe , North America , and Australia , will be in famine.
” — North Texas State University professor Peter Gunter 8 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to wear gas masks to survive air pollution… by 1985 air pollution will have reduced the amount of sunlight reaching earth by one half.
” — Life magazine 9 .
“ At the present rate of nitrogen buildup , it ’ s only a matter of time before light will be filtered out of the atmosphere and none of our land will be usable.
” — Ecologist Kenneth Watt 10 .
“ Air pollution…is certainly going to take hundreds of thousands of lives in the next few years alone.
” — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year 2000 , if present trends continue , we will be using up crude oil at such a rate… that there won ’ t be any more crude oil .
You ’ ll drive up to the pump and say , ‘ Fill ‘ er up , buddy , ’ and he ’ ll say , ‘ I am very sorry , there isn ’ t any.
’ ” — Ecologist Kenneth Watt 12 .
“ [ One ] theory assumes that the earth ’ s cloud cover will continue to thicken as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vapor are belched into the atmosphere by industrial smokestacks and jet planes .
Screened from the sun ’ s heat , the planet will cool , the water vapor will fall and freeze , and a new Ice Age will be born.
” — Newsweek magazine 13 .
“ The world has been chilling sharply for about twenty years .
If present trends continue , the world will be about four degrees colder for the global mean temperature in 1990 , but eleven degrees colder in the year 2000 .
This is about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us into an ice age.
” — Kenneth Watt THE ARCTIC WILL BE ICE FREE IN JUST 5 YEARS !
—Al Gore , 2009

by Natura Naturans
From predicting ecological collapse and the end of civilization to warnings that the world is running out of oil, all environmental doomsday predictions of the first Earth Day in 1970 have turned out to be flat out wrong.
Behold the coming apocalypse as predicted on and around Earth Day, 1970:
1. “Civilization will end within 15 or 30 years unless immediate action is taken against problems facing mankind.” — Harvard biologist George Wald
2. “We are in an environmental crisis which threatens the survival of this nation, and of the world as a suitable place of human habitation.” — Washington University biologist Barry Commoner
3. “Man must stop pollution and conserve his resources, not merely to enhance existence but to save the race from intolerable deterioration and possible extinction.” — New York Times editorial
4. “Population will inevitably and completely outstrip whatever small increases in food supplies we make. The death rate will increase until at least 100-200 million people per year will be starving to death during the next ten years.” — Stanford University biologist Paul Ehrlich
5. “Most of the people who are going to die in the greatest cataclysm in the history of man have already been born… [By 1975] some experts feel that food shortages will have escalated the present level of world hunger and starvation into famines of unbelievable proportions. Other experts, more optimistic, think the ultimate food-population collision will not occur until the decade of the 1980s.” — Paul Ehrlich
6. “It is already too late to avoid mass starvation,” — Denis Hayes, Chief organizer for Earth Day
7. “Demographers agree almost unanimously on the following grim timetable: by 1975 widespread famines will begin in India; these will spread by 1990 to include all of India, Pakistan, China and the Near East, Africa. By the year 2000, or conceivably sooner, South and Central America will exist under famine conditions…. By the year 2000, thirty years from now, the entire world, with the exception of Western Europe, North America, and Australia, will be in famine.” — North Texas State University professor Peter Gunter
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8. “In a decade, urban dwellers will have to wear gas masks to survive air pollution… by 1985 air pollution will have reduced the amount of sunlight reaching earth by one half.” — Life magazine
9. “At the present rate of nitrogen buildup, it’s only a matter of time before light will be filtered out of the atmosphere and none of our land will be usable.” — Ecologist Kenneth Watt
10. “Air pollution…is certainly going to take hundreds of thousands of lives in the next few years alone.” — Paul Ehrlich
11. “By the year 2000, if present trends continue, we will be using up crude oil at such a rate… that there won’t be any more crude oil. You’ll drive up to the pump and say, ‘Fill ‘er up, buddy,’ and he’ll say, ‘I am very sorry, there isn’t any.’” — Ecologist Kenneth Watt
12. “[One] theory assumes that the earth’s cloud cover will continue to thicken as more dust, fumes, and water vapor are belched into the atmosphere by industrial smokestacks and jet planes. Screened from the sun’s heat, the planet will cool, the water vapor will fall and freeze, and a new Ice Age will be born.” — Newsweek magazine
13. “The world has been chilling sharply for about twenty years. If present trends continue, the world will be about four degrees colder for the global mean temperature in 1990, but eleven degrees colder in the year 2000. This is about twice what it would take to put us into an ice age.” — Kenneth Watt
reason.com/2000/05/01/earth-day-…-2/?print=
wattsupwiththat.com/2020/04/22/e…come-true/
THE ARCTIC WILL BE ICE FREE IN JUST 5 YEARS!—Al Gore, 2009


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--FOX News Allows Nancy Pelosi to Hate on Trump During ENTIRE Segment with Chris Wallace

John Salvatore from Flag and Cross reports , This isn ’ t unusual for Nancy Pelosi , but it is @ @ @ @ @ everything possible to work with President Trump and make his life easier during the CV @ @ @ @ @ ilk continue to slam POTUS as if they truly enjoy doing it .

John Salvatore from Flag and Cross reports, This isn’t unusual for Nancy Pelosi, but it is extraordinary. Rather than doing everything possible to work with President Trump and make his life easier during the CV crisis, she and her ilk continue to slam POTUS as if they truly enjoy doing it.
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Read More/Source/Credit/FairUse:
flagandcross.com/watch-pelosi…


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--People Aren’t Paying Their Mortgage! Prepare for the Second Wave of Financial Crisis

The average person doesn ’ t get it .
You can ’ t bail this system out .
You can ’ t actually believe that printing money ever resolves anything .
Many people never even recovered from 2008 .
Imagine what will happen to them now ?
We are entering the second wave of this crisis .
Be ready .
Every crisis is used as an opportunity by the globalist elite .
They compound their control .
There has never been a time in history where these groups have had so much concentrated power over the markets and the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new bailout is introduced .
But unlike in 2008 , as banks were failing , they had a good excuse to pump money into them .
Today , they simply used them as a middle man so they could make a risk-free government guaranteed profit from the transaction .
Not bad .
Carl Quintanilla on Twitter : “ A list of public companies that have reported receiving # PPPloan assistance ( via Morgan Stanley ) t.co/25Le6RnRqi ” / Twitter Scores of US public companies take small business rescue funds | Financial Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19-Related Forbearance Plans According to Black Knight ’ s McDash Flash Data Set , Represents 5.5 % of All Mortgages – Black Knight , Inc. Illinois Senate Democrats Seek Massive Federal Bailout for State , Going Far Beyond Coronavirus Impact – Wirepoints | Wirepoints Battered CLO Investors Are About to Get a Look at Their Losses – Bloomberg

The average person doesn’t get it. You can’t bail this system out. You can’t actually believe that printing money ever resolves anything. Many people never even recovered from 2008. Imagine what will happen to them now? We are entering the second wave of this crisis. Be ready.
Every crisis is used as an opportunity by the globalist elite. They compound their control. There has never been a time in history where these groups have had so much concentrated power over the markets and the general public. With every passing day, a new bailout is introduced. But unlike in 2008, as banks were failing, they had a good excuse to pump money into them. Today, they simply used them as a middle man so they could make a risk-free government guaranteed profit from the transaction. Not bad.
Large public companies are taking small businesses payroll loans
www.cnbc.com/2020/04/21/large-public-companies-are-taking-small-businesses-payroll-loans.html
Carl Quintanilla on Twitter: “A list of public companies that have reported receiving #PPPloan assistance (via Morgan Stanley) t.co/25Le6RnRqi” / Twitter
twitter.com/carlquintanilla/status/1252566229933527040
Scores of US public companies take small business rescue funds | Financial Times
www.ft.com/content/f33e5b29-c666-4a72-a0a1-a54cea2a7b1f
More Than 2.9 Million Homeowners Already in COVID-19-Related Forbearance Plans According to Black Knight’s McDash Flash Data Set, Represents 5.5% of All Mortgages – Black Knight, Inc.
www.blackknightinc.com/more-than-2-9-million-homeowners-already-in-covid-19-related-forbearance-plans-according-to-black-knights-mcdash-flash-data-set-represents-5-5-of-all-mortgages/
Mortgage forbearance level now at 5.95% – HousingWire
www.housingwire.com/articles/mortgage-forbearance-level-now-at-5-95/
AP: Publicly traded firms get $300M in small-business loans
apnews.com/6c5942eec36cc43b25ad5df5afebcfbd
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Trump pledges funds for oil industry to avert deeper job losses – Houston Chronicle
www.chron.com/business/article/Trump-Pledges-Funds-for-Oil-Industry-After-Prices-15215376.php
Senate passes $484B coronavirus relief package | TheHill
thehill.com/homenews/senate/493959-senate-passes-484b-coronavirus-relief-package
Daily Job Cuts – Layoffs, Job Layoffs List 2020 / 2019 , News , Bankruptcy, Store closings, Business Economy News
www.dailyjobcuts.com/
Big Investors Warn Hedge Funds on Tapping Small-Business Aid – Bloomberg
www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-21/big-investors-warn-hedge-funds-on-tapping-small-business-loans
Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Among Banks Sued Over SBA Virus Loans – Bloomberg
www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-20/wells-fargo-jpmorgan-among-banks-sued-by-small-business-owners
Illinois Senate Democrats Seek Massive Federal Bailout for State, Going Far Beyond Coronavirus Impact – Wirepoints | Wirepoints
wirepoints.org/illinois-senate-democrats-seek-massive-federal-bailout-for-state-going-far-beyond-coronavirus-impact-wirepoints/
Battered CLO Investors Are About to Get a Look at Their Losses – Bloomberg
www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-20/clo-reckoning-arrives-downgrade-wave-tests-700-billion-market


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--COVID-19 Shows Early On A Decline In Hot Moist Weather

More reports are coming in that COVID-19 is like the flu and colds , susceptible to warm moist climates .
This could be good news as the weather turns warm in northern climates hard hit by COVID-19 .
Data Analysis Indicates Coronavirus is Slowing with a Declining Fatality Rate with Warmer Weather Likely Slowing it Considerably “ The University of Maryland mapped severe COVID-19 outbreaks with local weather patterns around the world , from the US to China .
They found that the virus thrives in a certain temperature and humidity channel .
“ The researchers found that all cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar winter climates with an average temperature of 41 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit , an average humidity level of 47 % to 79 % with a narrow east-west distribution along the same 30–50 N ” latitude ” , said the University of Maryland.
” The green area above is where the virus is currently thriving .
It does not do well in hotter and more humid environments .
Although the virus is present in hotter climates it is far less prevalent and the death rate is far less .
read the link for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states : “ But when we look at the average number of deaths per million for the warmer Southern border states we obtain an average of 70 deaths per million or 50 % of the national average .
When we look at the same average for the northern New England states the average escalates to 293 deaths per million or 213 % of the national average.
” A study conducted 10 years ago by Kate Templeton , from the Centre for Infectious Diseases at the University of Edinburgh , UK , found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with respiratory tract infections at hospitals and GP surgeries in Edinburgh – showed “ marked winter seasonality ” .
These viruses seemed to cause infections mainly between December and April – a similar pattern to that seen with influenza .
A fourth coronavirus , which was mainly found in patients with reduced immune systems , was far more sporadic .
There are some early hints that Covid-19 may also vary with the seasons .
The spread of outbreaks of the new disease around the world seems to suggest it has a preference for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is worth noting that the virus has appeared in countries with a wide range of climates , including hot humid ones .
An unpublished analysis comparing the weather in 500 locations around the world where there have been Covid-19 cases seems to suggest a link between the spread of the virus and temperature , wind speed and relative humidity .
Another unpublished study has also shown higher temperatures are linked to lower incidence of Covid-19 , but notes that temperature alone can not account for the global variation in incidence .

by Natura Naturans
More reports are coming in that COVID-19 is like the flu and colds, susceptible to warm moist climates. This could be good news as the weather turns warm in northern climates hard hit by COVID-19.
Data Analysis Indicates Coronavirus is Slowing with a Declining Fatality Rate with Warmer Weather Likely Slowing it Considerably
“The University of Maryland mapped severe COVID-19 outbreaks with local weather patterns around the world, from the US to China. They found that the virus thrives in a certain temperature and humidity channel. “The researchers found that all cities experiencing significant outbreaks of COVID-19 have very similar winter climates with an average temperature of 41 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit, an average humidity level of 47% to 79% with a narrow east-west distribution along the same 30–50 N” latitude”, said the University of Maryland.”
The green area above is where the virus is currently thriving. It does not do well in hotter and more humid environments.
www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/03…siderably/
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/04…rn-states/
Although the virus is present in hotter climates it is far less prevalent and the death rate is far less. read the link for exact comparison of death rates in southern states: “But when we look at the average number of deaths per million for the warmer Southern border states we obtain an average of 70 deaths per million or 50% of the national average.
When we look at the same average for the northern New England states the average escalates to 293 deaths per million or 213% of the national average.” www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/04…rn-states/
A study conducted 10 years ago by Kate Templeton, from the Centre for Infectious Diseases at the University of Edinburgh, UK, found that three coronaviruses – all obtained from patients with respiratory tract infections at hospitals and GP surgeries in Edinburgh – showed “marked winter seasonality”. These viruses seemed to cause infections mainly between December and April – a similar pattern to that seen with influenza. A fourth coronavirus, which was mainly found in patients with reduced immune systems, was far more sporadic. There are some early hints that Covid-19 may also vary with the seasons. The spread of outbreaks of the new disease around the world seems to suggest it has a preference for cool and dry conditions, although it is worth noting that the virus has appeared in countries with a wide range of climates, including hot humid ones. An unpublished analysis comparing the weather in 500 locations around the world where there have been Covid-19 cases seems to suggest a link between the spread of the virus and temperature, wind speed and relative humidity. Another unpublished study has also shown higher temperatures are linked to lower incidence of Covid-19, but notes that temperature alone cannot account for the global variation in incidence. www.bbc.com/future/article/20200…l-covid-19


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--New Michael Moore Movie Trashes Wind And Solar Farms

In short , everything we ’ ve been told about green energies is a lie .
And a select few swindlers out there are making a financial killing while the environment gets devoured by “ green ” technologies .
The newly released Planet of the Humans film is an as damning documentary as you ’ ll ever see – produced by leftist Michael Moore .
It ’ s a huge load of inconvenient truth all at once .
Will the film be too much to take and be shut down by the social media giants and others ?
Directed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crony capitalism , corruption and outright deceit and fraud being perpetrated by green energy billionaires , politicians and their spokespeople , like Bill McKibben who is prominently featured .
The film presents so many examples of green energy fraud and folly : e.g .
the insanely low output of wind and sun , corporate green washing , more fossil fuels being burned to prop up green energy systems , false promises of green energy being free and free and clean , all the toxic waste they produce , the mass destruction on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made of sand , biomass is clean and sustainable , to name a few .
Renowned figures like Al Gore and Bill McKibben and Sierra Club – once revered as environmental heroes – suddenly now come across as swindling villains .
One stunning example of clean energy gone wrong is the McNeil biomass plant in Vermont which burns 30 cords of wood each hour.Another plant in Michigan burns toxic creosote railroad ties along with the wood !
– all next door to a head start school and home for the elderly .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black .
Gibbs says he is supporter of green energy , but painfully had to admit : “ Everywhere I encountered green energy , it wasn ’ t what it seemed.
” The many green energy examples he presents in fact can not operate without traditional energy sources .
“ Green energies are not even replacing fossil fuels .
”

Michael Moore Film May Splinter Green Movement, Calls Green Energies “A Delusion”, Billionaire Bonanza
In short, everything we’ve been told about green energies is a lie. And a select few swindlers out there are making a financial killing while the environment gets devoured by “green” technologies.
The newly released Planet of the Humans film is an as damning documentary as you’ll ever see – produced by leftist Michael Moore.
It’s a huge load of inconvenient truth all at once. Will the film be too much to take and be shut down by the social media giants and others?
Directed by environmentalist Jeff Gibbs, the film examines the crony capitalism, corruption and outright deceit and fraud being perpetrated by green energy billionaires, politicians and their spokespeople, like Bill McKibben who is prominently featured.
Green energies: a bill of false promises
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The film presents so many examples of green energy fraud and folly: e.g. the insanely low output of wind and sun, corporate green washing, more fossil fuels being burned to prop up green energy systems, false promises of green energy being free and free and clean, all the toxic waste they produce, the mass destruction on precious biotopes, the solar panels are made of sand, biomass is clean and sustainable, to name a few.
From heroes to villains
Renowned figures like Al Gore and Bill McKibben and Sierra Club – once revered as environmental heroes – suddenly now come across as swindling villains.
One stunning example of clean energy gone wrong is the McNeil biomass plant in Vermont which burns 30 cords of wood each hour.Another plant in Michigan burns toxic creosote railroad ties along with the wood! – all next door to a head start school and home for the elderly. In the wintertime snow on the ground turns black.
Gibbs says he is supporter of green energy, but painfully had to admit: “Everywhere I encountered green energy, it wasn’t what it seemed.” The many green energy examples he presents in fact cannot operate without traditional energy sources. “Green energies are not even replacing fossil fuels.”
notrickszone.com/2020/04/22/mich…e-bonanza/
h/t Natura Naturans


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--China Hires As Many As 300,000 Internet Trolls To Make The Communist Party Look Good

The Chinese government doesn ’ t just censor its internet .
It actually pays people to leave fake comments that make the country — and its communist regime — look good .
After reading “ Blocked on Weibo ” by Chinese researcher Jason Q. Ng , we recently learned China ’ s version of Twitter , Sina Weibo , banned the phrase “ 50 cents.
” It references China ’ s “ 50 Cent Party , ” a group of ordinary citizens hired by the government to post internet comments spinning that day ’ s news in China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 cents ( or .5 Yuan ) for every post .
While the Chinese government has only implicitly acknowledged their existence , the brigade likely functions at various levels , with some commenters even employed by websites or internet providers themselves .
An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 belong to the “ party , ” researchers from Harvard University wrote in the American Political Science Review in May 2013 .
“ The size and sophistication of the Chinese government ’ s program to selectively censor the expressed views of the Chinese people is unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authors wrote .

The Chinese government doesn’t just censor its internet. It actually pays people to leave fake comments that make the country — and its communist regime — look good.
After reading “Blocked on Weibo” by Chinese researcher Jason Q. Ng, we recently learned China’s version of Twitter, Sina Weibo, banned the phrase “50 cents.” It references China’s “50 Cent Party,” a group of ordinary citizens hired by the government to post internet comments spinning that day’s news in China’s favour.
These hired guns supposedly earn 50 cents (or .5 Yuan) for every post. While the Chinese government has only implicitly acknowledged their existence, the brigade likely functions at various levels, with some commenters even employed by websites or internet providers themselves.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 belong to the “party,” researchers from Harvard University wrote in the American Political Science Review in May 2013. “The size and sophistication of the Chinese government’s program to selectively censor the expressed views of the Chinese people is unprecedented in recorded world history,” the authors wrote.
www.businessinsider.com.au/chinas-50-cent-party-2014-10


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--Bankers are a plague: Banks earned more than $10 billion in fees processing coronavirus small busine

Bankers are a plague: Banks earned more than $10 billion in fees processing coronavirus small business loans

Never let a good crisis go to waste , right ?
Further proof that the parasitic ‘ elite ’ class is using the coronavirus event to rob the public of their tax dollars and funnel wealth towards the top , where the true scum floats .
Think of this as “ bunker cash.
” Skimming and scamming every which way to siphon resources and safeguard a select population against the coming shifts : breakaway civilizations and depopulation agendas will emerge simultaneously .
In the short term , look out for the return of “ company towns ” that introduce ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will vie to survive even as it reduces the individual to a statistic .
A new feudalism will emerge .
Banks that processed the small-business loans allocated by Congress in the $ 2.2 trillion stimulus bill made $ 10 billion in fees , according to financial records obtained by NPR .
The fees were earned while processing loans that require less review than regular bank loans and have little risk for banks .
All federally insured banks and credit unions could process the loans before they are approved by the Small Business Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 5 percent in fees per loan , which vary from tens of thousands to $ 10 million , according to NPR .
Major banks have processed SBA loans in the past , but Congress ’ s historic $ 2.2 trillion stimulus bill , which put $ 350 billion more into the SBA , resulted in a record high volume of applications .
Some banks reported being out of applications for SBA loans within minutes .

by allofusahab
Never let a good crisis go to waste, right? Further proof that the parasitic ‘elite’ class is using the coronavirus event to rob the public of their tax dollars and funnel wealth towards the top, where the true scum floats.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Think of this as “bunker cash.” Skimming and scamming every which way to siphon resources and safeguard a select population against the coming shifts: breakaway civilizations and depopulation agendas will emerge simultaneously. In the short term, look out for the return of “company towns” that introduce ‘scrip’ currencies. The corporate person will vie to survive even as it reduces the individual to a statistic. A new feudalism will emerge.
via thehill:
Banks that processed the small-business loans allocated by Congress in the $2.2 trillion stimulus bill made $10 billion in fees, according to financial records obtained by NPR. The fees were earned while processing loans that require less review than regular bank loans and have little risk for banks. All federally insured banks and credit unions could process the loans before they are approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Banks took 1 to 5 percent in fees per loan, which vary from tens of thousands to $10 million, according to NPR. Major banks have processed SBA loans in the past, but Congress’s historic $2.2 trillion stimulus bill, which put $350 billion more into the SBA, resulted in a record high volume of applications. Some banks reported being out of applications for SBA loans within minutes.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--Washington State extends May 4 “Stay at Home, Stay Healthy” order

On Tuesday night , failed demorat presidential candidate Gov .
Jay Inslee announced that restrictions will not be lifted as promised on May 4 for Washingtonians .
Apparently the original goal post of “ flatten the curve ” has now been moved to “ a steady decrease of the spread of COVID-19.
” “ The return to public life will occur in measured steps .
It will be guided by science and informed by our public health needs , our ability to mitigate impacts , and the response of Washington communities.
” The governor now states that “ we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The goal post has been moved , again .
Read the governor ’ s whole three-step plan to “ a safe return to public life ” here .
His blanket approach is not measured with the actual Wuhan virus cases throughout the state .
Seattle had set up a 250-bed “ emergency hospital ” to treat Wuhan virus victims in the Seattle Seahawks stadium in anticipation of imminent cases .
Turns out they tore down the emergency hospital two weeks ago after it was determined it wasn ’ t needed .
So now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My father lives in a county in northeast Washington that has a population of around 44,000 .
It ’ s a very rural area and they have 19 confirmed cases of Wuhan virus .
Yet they are shutdown .
In Kitsap County ( Port Orchard and Bremerton area ) they have a population of just over 251,000 .
They have 141 confirmed cases of Wuhan virus .
Yet they are shutdown .
Why can ’ t the governor allow local municipalities with rural populations and those that have effectively mitigated impacts the capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens ?
Does the science and numbers not matter ?
Why must they continue to stay at home and create more economic hardships for their citizens ?
I think many of us have our own theories as to why the demorat Gov .
Inslee isn ’ t allowing the whole state to open up .
And it ’ s got everything to do with this being a presidential election year .

by DCG
On Tuesday night, failed demorat presidential candidate Gov. Jay Inslee announced that restrictions will not be lifted as promised on May 4 for Washingtonians.
Apparently the original goal post of “flatten the curve” has now been moved to “a steady decrease of the spread of COVID-19.”
From his announcement:
“The return to public life will occur in measured steps. It will be guided by science and informed by our public health needs, our ability to mitigate impacts, and the response of Washington communities.”
The governor now states that “we need significant statewide testing before opening back.”
The goal post has been moved, again.
Read the governor’s whole three-step plan to “a safe return to public life” here.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
His blanket approach is not measured with the actual Wuhan virus cases throughout the state.
Seattle had set up a 250-bed “emergency hospital” to treat Wuhan virus victims in the Seattle Seahawks stadium in anticipation of imminent cases. Turns out they tore down the emergency hospital two weeks ago after it was determined it wasn’t needed. So now the goal post is being moved.
My father lives in a county in northeast Washington that has a population of around 44,000. It’s a very rural area and they have 19 confirmed cases of Wuhan virus. Yet they are shutdown.
In Kitsap County (Port Orchard and Bremerton area) they have a population of just over 251,000. They have 141 confirmed cases of Wuhan virus. Yet they are shutdown.
Why can’t the governor allow local municipalities with rural populations and those that have effectively mitigated impacts the capacity to determine what is best for their citizens? Does the science and numbers not matter? Why must they continue to stay at home and create more economic hardships for their citizens?
I think many of us have our own theories as to why the demorat Gov. Inslee isn’t allowing the whole state to open up. And it’s got everything to do with this being a presidential election year.
DCG


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--Is Stock Market Volatility About To Spike Higher Than March?

by Chris Vermeulen of The Technical Traders A very interesting setup is currently taking place in the VIX chart with our Adaptive Fibonacci Price Modeling system that has us quite concerned .
The Daily VIX chart running our Fibonacci Price Modeling system , which is one of our primary price modeling tools , is suggesting upside price targets for the VIX near 110 , 134 and 158 .
The reason these levels are extended into future price expectations is because of the recent explosion in volatility over the past 90 days .
Yet , the real concern originates from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the VIX to rally to these levels and is this a real possibility in the current global markets ?
” .
So , we attempted to answer that question by attempting to identify what it would take for the VIX to skyrocket above 110 in the near future .
Before we continue , be sure to opt-in to our free market trend signals before closing this page , so you don ’ t miss our next special report !
First , pay attention to this VIX Daily chart and the targeted levels above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the VIX to skyrocket higher reaching levels above 100 would require another massive downside price move in the US and global markets – something unexpected and very dramatic .
Is this an unrealistic expectation given the current global market environment headed into Q2 and Q3 ?
We really don ’ t believe it is an unrealistic potential expectation at this point .
We ’ ve recently authored a series of articles suggesting the global markets are marching through a human psychological process related to the virus event ( crisis ) .
Somewhat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a crisis event prompts a similar set of human emotions ending in an angry and helpless feeling .
We believe this early stage crisis event process has positioned the global markets clearly within the Denial and Stigmatization phase of the crisis event .
These are the Second and Third human responses to a major crisis event ( Source : www.orau.gov/ ) .
If we are correct and the markets are reacting to the Denial and Stigmatization phases of this virus event , then the next transitional phases are Fear and Withdrawal/Hopelessness .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ human instinct prompt a massive collapse in the US and global markets ?
If so , what would be the cause of this transition into fear ?
We believe the transition may come from the continued economic strain that is likely to become very evident in Q2 and Q3 of 2020 .
Right now , the US stock market is only -10 % to -15 % from recent all-time highs .
The reality of the virus event for traders is that this is only a minor blip in the markets so far .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently , but traders/investors have shrugged off the real risks and put their faith into the US Fed and global central banks to navigate a successful recovery .
What if that doesn ’ t happen as we expect ?
What if the real numbers for Q2 and Q3 come in dramatically lower than expected ?
What if global GDP contracts by -10 % or -15 % for the next 12+ months ?
What if consumers don ’ t return as quickly as we expect ?
The Race To Cash and Bonds Again : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economics Report today .
Listen to our thoughts on the race to the safe-haven assets , bonds , and cash .
What about gold and gold stocks ?
These have been more correlated to the US markets but the charts of the major stocks and gold are still very bullish .
Take a look at this Weekly YM Chart and pay attention to the downward sloping price channels that help guide us to a conclusion .
Additionally , the Adaptive Fibonacci Price Modeling system is showing us a new target near 12,475 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ breakdown in price over the next 6+ months may push the YM to levels near 12,500 ( -50 % from the recent peak in April 2020 ) .
A move like this would certainly prompt a massive increase in the VIX and would frighten traders , investors , and consumers into a “ helplessness ” mentality .
What can you do when the markets are collapsing like this except wait for the bottom .
The one thing we can be certain of is that at long as humans exist on this planet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level .
Being human in today ’ s world means we engage in economic activity and trade .
Therefore , we believe there is a moderate risk that the US and global markets have completely misinterpreted the true price valuations and expectations based on this research .
Simply put , we believe a Denial phase has taken root where investors and traders simply deny and ignore the real potential for future collapse .
I keep pounding my fists on the table hoping people can see what I am trying to warn them about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crash , much worse than what we saw in March .
See this article and video for a super easy to understand the scenario that is playing out as we speak .
If you want to learn more about the Super-Cycles and Generational Cycles that are taking place in the markets right now , please take a minute to review our Change Your Thinking – Change Your Future book detailing our research into these super-cycles .
It is almost impossible to believe that our researchers called this move back in March 2019 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technical analyst and trader since 1997 , I have been through a few bull/bear market cycles in stocks and commodities .
I believe I have a good pulse on the market and timing key turning points for investing and short-term swing traders .
2020 is going to be an incredible year for skilled traders .
Don ’ t miss all the incredible moves and trade setups .
Subscribers of my ETF trading newsletter had our trading accounts close at a new high watermark .
We not only exited the equities market as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we profited from the sell-off in a very controlled way with TLT bonds for a 20 % gain .
Yesterday we closed out SPY ETF trade taking advantage of this bounce and our account is at another all-time high value .
Exciting times for us technical traders !
I hope you found this informative , and if you would like to get a pre-market video every day before the opening bell , along with my trade alerts .
These simple to follow ETF swing trades have our trading accounts sitting at new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not many traders can say that this year .
Visit my Active ETF Trading Newsletter .
We all have trading accounts , and while our trading accounts are important , what is even more important are our long-term investment and retirement accounts .
Why ?
Because they are , in most cases , our largest store of wealth other than our homes , and if they are not protected during a time like this , you could lose 25-50 % or more of your entire net worth .
The good news is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long term capital when things get ugly like they are now and ill show you how and one of the best trades is one your financial advisor will never let you do because they do not make money from the trade/position .
If you have any type of retirement account and are looking for signals when to own equities , bonds , or cash , be sure to become a member of my Long-Term Investing Signals which we issued a new signal for subscribers .
Ride my coattails as I navigate these financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly everything they own during the next financial crisis .

by Chris Vermeulen of The Technical Traders
A very interesting setup is currently taking place in the VIX chart with our Adaptive Fibonacci Price Modeling system that has us quite concerned. The Daily VIX chart running our Fibonacci Price Modeling system, which is one of our primary price modeling tools, is suggesting upside price targets for the VIX near 110, 134 and 158. The reason these levels are extended into future price expectations is because of the recent explosion in volatility over the past 90 days.
Yet, the real concern originates from the question “what would it take for the VIX to rally to these levels and is this a real possibility in the current global markets?”. So, we attempted to answer that question by attempting to identify what it would take for the VIX to skyrocket above 110 in the near future.
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VOLATILITY INDEX (VIX) DAILY CHART
First, pay attention to this VIX Daily chart and the targeted levels above 100. Please understand that in order for the VIX to skyrocket higher reaching levels above 100 would require another massive downside price move in the US and global markets – something unexpected and very dramatic. Is this an unrealistic expectation given the current global market environment headed into Q2 and Q3? We really don’t believe it is an unrealistic potential expectation at this point.
We’ve recently authored a series of articles suggesting the global markets are marching through a human psychological process related to the virus event (crisis). Somewhat similar to the “Grieving Process”, a crisis event prompts a similar set of human emotions ending in an angry and helpless feeling. We believe this early stage crisis event process has positioned the global markets clearly within the Denial and Stigmatization phase of the crisis event. These are the Second and Third human responses to a major crisis event (Source: www.orau.gov/).
If we are correct and the markets are reacting to the Denial and Stigmatization phases of this virus event, then the next transitional phases are Fear and Withdrawal/Hopelessness. Could this transition into a more fearful human instinct prompt a massive collapse in the US and global markets? If so, what would be the cause of this transition into fear?
We believe the transition may come from the continued economic strain that is likely to become very evident in Q2 and Q3 of 2020. Right now, the US stock market is only -10% to -15% from recent all-time highs. The reality of the virus event for traders is that this is only a minor blip in the markets so far. Yes, the markets fell much lower recently, but traders/investors have shrugged off the real risks and put their faith into the US Fed and global central banks to navigate a successful recovery. What if that doesn’t happen as we expect?
What if the real numbers for Q2 and Q3 come in dramatically lower than expected? What if global GDP contracts by -10% or -15% for the next 12+ months? What if consumers don’t return as quickly as we expect?
The Race To Cash and Bonds Again: I talked with Cory Fleck from Korelin Economics Report today. Listen to our thoughts on the race to the safe-haven assets, bonds, and cash. What about gold and gold stocks? These have been more correlated to the US markets but the charts of the major stocks and gold are still very bullish.
WEEKLY DOW (YM) CHART
Take a look at this Weekly YM Chart and pay attention to the downward sloping price channels that help guide us to a conclusion. Additionally, the Adaptive Fibonacci Price Modeling system is showing us a new target near 12,475. If this is accurate, then a breakdown in price over the next 6+ months may push the YM to levels near 12,500 (-50% from the recent peak in April 2020). A move like this would certainly prompt a massive increase in the VIX and would frighten traders, investors, and consumers into a “helplessness” mentality. What can you do when the markets are collapsing like this except wait for the bottom.
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The one thing we can be certain of is that at long as humans exist on this planet, economies will continue to function at some level. Being human in today’s world means we engage in economic activity and trade. Therefore, we believe there is a moderate risk that the US and global markets have completely misinterpreted the true price valuations and expectations based on this research. Simply put, we believe a Denial phase has taken root where investors and traders simply deny and ignore the real potential for future collapse.
I keep pounding my fists on the table hoping people can see what I am trying to warn them about, which is the next major market crash, much worse than what we saw in March. See this article and video for a super easy to understand the scenario that is playing out as we speak.
If you want to learn more about the Super-Cycles and Generational Cycles that are taking place in the markets right now, please take a minute to review our Change Your Thinking – Change Your Future book detailing our research into these super-cycles. It is almost impossible to believe that our researchers called this move back in March 2019 in our book and reports.
As a technical analyst and trader since 1997, I have been through a few bull/bear market cycles in stocks and commodities. I believe I have a good pulse on the market and timing key turning points for investing and short-term swing traders. 2020 is going to be an incredible year for skilled traders. Don’t miss all the incredible moves and trade setups.
Subscribers of my ETF trading newsletter had our trading accounts close at a new high watermark. We not only exited the equities market as it started to roll over in February, but we profited from the sell-off in a very controlled way with TLT bonds for a 20% gain. Yesterday we closed out SPY ETF trade taking advantage of this bounce and our account is at another all-time high value. Exciting times for us technical traders!
I hope you found this informative, and if you would like to get a pre-market video every day before the opening bell, along with my trade alerts. These simple to follow ETF swing trades have our trading accounts sitting at new high water marks yet again this week, not many traders can say that this year. Visit my Active ETF Trading Newsletter.
We all have trading accounts, and while our trading accounts are important, what is even more important are our long-term investment and retirement accounts. Why? Because they are, in most cases, our largest store of wealth other than our homes, and if they are not protected during a time like this, you could lose 25-50% or more of your entire net worth. The good news is we can preserve and even grow our long term capital when things get ugly like they are now and ill show you how and one of the best trades is one your financial advisor will never let you do because they do not make money from the trade/position.
If you have any type of retirement account and are looking for signals when to own equities, bonds, or cash, be sure to become a member of my Long-Term Investing Signals which we issued a new signal for subscribers.
Ride my coattails as I navigate these financial markets and build wealth while others lose nearly everything they own during the next financial crisis.
Chris Vermeulen
Chief Market Strategies
Founder of Technical Traders Ltd.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--Coronavirus At Meatpacking Plants Worse Than First Thought, USA TODAY Investigation Finds

There ’ s a map in the article showing large meat packing factories in U.S. counties with an infection rate greater than 104 per 100,000 residents – a higher COVID-19 infection rate than 75 percent of US counties .
There ’ s a lot of them so get ready for shortages .
A rash of coronavirus outbreaks at dozens of meatpacking plants across the nation is far more extensive than previously thought , according to an exclusive review of cases by USA TODAY and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting .
And it could get worse .
More than 150 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants operate in counties where the rate of coronavirus infection is already among the nation ’ s highest , based on the media outlets ’ analysis of slaughterhouse locations and county-level COVID-19 infection rates .
These facilities represent more than 1 in 3 of the nation ’ s biggest beef , pork and poultry processing plants .
Rates of infection around these plants are higher than those of 75 % of other U.S. counties , the analysis found .
And while experts say the industry has thus far maintained sufficient production despite infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants , there are fears that the number of cases could continue to rise and that meatpacking plants will become the next disaster zones .
“ Initially our concern was long-term care facilities , ” said Gary Anthone , Nebraska ’ s chief medical officer , in a Facebook Live video Sunday .
“ If there ’ s one thing that might keep me up at night , it ’ s the meat processing plants and the manufacturing plants .
”

There’s a map in the article showing large meat packing factories in U.S. counties with an infection rate greater than 104 per 100,000 residents – a higher COVID-19 infection rate than 75 percent of US counties.
There’s a lot of them so get ready for shortages.
A rash of coronavirus outbreaks at dozens of meatpacking plants across the nation is far more extensive than previously thought, according to an exclusive review of cases by USA TODAY and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting.
And it could get worse. More than 150 of America’s largest meat processing plants operate in counties where the rate of coronavirus infection is already among the nation’s highest, based on the media outlets’ analysis of slaughterhouse locations and county-level COVID-19 infection rates.
These facilities represent more than 1 in 3 of the nation’s biggest beef, pork and poultry processing plants. Rates of infection around these plants are higher than those of 75% of other U.S. counties, the analysis found.
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And while experts say the industry has thus far maintained sufficient production despite infections in at least 2,200 workers at 48 plants, there are fears that the number of cases could continue to rise and that meatpacking plants will become the next disaster zones.
“Initially our concern was long-term care facilities,” said Gary Anthone, Nebraska’s chief medical officer, in a Facebook Live video Sunday. “If there’s one thing that might keep me up at night, it’s the meat processing plants and the manufacturing plants.”
www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2020/04/22/meat-packing-plants-covid-may-force-choice-worker-health-food/2995232001/
h/t BFD


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--Taiwan, no lockdown, next to China, only 6 deaths.

Taiwan , no lockdown , next to China , only 6 deaths .
They quarantined the sick , not the @ @ @ @ @ warn the WHO about the virus , but you know…

Taiwan, no lockdown, next to China, only 6 deaths.
They quarantined the sick, not the healthy.
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They tried to warn the WHO about the virus, but you know…
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--New York STATE ORDER….DO NOT Resuscitate HEART ATTACK Victims

IF the State had it ’ s way there would be no need to call 911 if you have a @ @ @ @ @ but watch you DIE !
New York state just issued a drastic new guideline urging @ @ @ @ @ bother trying to revive anyone without a pulse when they get to a scene , @ @ @ @ @ patients .
Fortunately it appears the FDNY will IGNORE the order ; The FDNY swiftly @ @ @ @ @ the day after the state ’ s recommendation , telling city emergency services workers that @ @ @ @ @ will continue to maintain a higher level of care , ” meaning attempted revivals at @ @ @ @

IF the State had it’s way there would be no need to call 911 if you have a heart attack..they would do NOTHING but watch you DIE!
nypost.com/2020/04/21/ny-issues-do-not-resuscitate-guideline-for-cardiac-patients/
New York state just issued a drastic new guideline urging emergency services workers not to bother trying to revive anyone without a pulse when they get to a scene, amid an overload of coronavirus patients.
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Fortunately it appears the FDNY will IGNORE the order;
The FDNY swiftly issued a letter Friday, the day after the state’s recommendation, telling city emergency services workers that “the NYC 911 system will continue to maintain a higher level of care,” meaning attempted revivals at scenes would continue.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--(IL) 1918 SOUNDS A LOT LIKE 2020. READ IT CHANGING INFLUENZA FOR COVID

This is exactly how I feel working at a 4000 person Amazon building .
I wear a mask and eat @ @ @ @ @ get it , I get it .
I tried my best .
Drs who are @ @ @ @ @ n95 goggles and face shield are getting it though .
Yes , they are around @ @ @ @ @ it .
How do I know I ’ m not around people who have it @ @ @

by jennyo88
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
This is exactly how I feel working at a 4000 person Amazon building. I wear a mask and eat alone. But if I get it, I get it. I tried my best. Drs who are better schooled more experienced with n95 goggles and face shield are getting it though. Yes, they are around alot of people who have it. How do I know I’m not around people who have it at work?


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--Amazon Begins Accepting Food Stamps as Stock Price Soars

Amazon is now accepting food stamp benefits in seven states as part of a pilot program with the Department of @ @ @ @ @ announced .
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ) beneficiaries in New York , Washington @ @ @ @ @ Nebraska , Florida and Oregon can apply their benefits to online Amazon grocery orders , @ @ @ @ @ stores , according to a blog post from Kristina Herrmann , Amazon ‘ s director @ @ @ @ @ for online grocery delivery has spiked with most Americans under shelter-in-place orders due to the @ @ @ @ @ average of 37.5 million people participated in the food stamp program in 2019 , according @ @ @ @

Amazon is now accepting food stamp benefits in seven states as part of a pilot program with the Department of Agriculture, the tech giant announced.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries in New York, Washington, Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, Florida and Oregon can apply their benefits to online Amazon grocery orders, as well as other participating stores, according to a blog post from Kristina Herrmann, Amazon‘s director of underserved populations.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Demand for online grocery delivery has spiked with most Americans under shelter-in-place orders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. An average of 37.5 million people participated in the food stamp program in 2019, according to government numbers.
www.foxbusiness.com/technology/amazon-snap-food-stamp-benefits


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--Fifteen Percent Unemployment Coming with Danielle DiMartino Booth

Danielle DiMartino Booth is truly a global thought leader on monetary policy , economics and finance .
Her book FED @ @ @ @ @ s Take on Why the Federal Reserve is Bad for America provides an insider ’ @ @ @ @ @ damage an overreaching , out of control Fed can do .
We discussed the economic @ @ @ @ @ left in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic .
15 % unemployment is the @ @ @ @ @ The situation is bleak and the Fed is doing everything wrong , as is the @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t finding their way to the people most in need .
Are we @ @ @ @ @ ?
What can we the people do about it ?
Interesting , troubling issues .
@ @ @ @ @ the Audio

from Financial Survival Network
Danielle DiMartino Booth is truly a global thought leader on monetary policy, economics and finance. Her book FED UP: An Insider’s Take on Why the Federal Reserve is Bad for America provides an insider’s perspective of the potential damage an overreaching, out of control Fed can do. We discussed the economic ramifications of what will be left in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic. 15% unemployment is the tip of the iceberg. The situation is bleak and the Fed is doing everything wrong, as is the government. The stimulus dollars aren’t finding their way to the people most in need. Are we past the point of solutions? What can we the people do about it? Interesting, troubling issues.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Click Here to Listen to the Audio


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--AI Social Distancing Tool Keeps People “Safe”

Landing AI has created a new tool to help keep people “ safe ” by spying on them with a camera that measures whether or not they ’ re properly participating in social distancing .
Because who needs privacy when there ’ s a deadly virus around , right ?
To complement our customers ’ efforts and to help ensure social distancing protocol in their workplace , Landing AI has developed an AI-enabled social distancing detection tool that can detect if people are keeping a safe distance from each other by analyzing real time video streams from the camera .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ produces protective equipment , technicians could integrate this software into their security camera systems to monitor the working environment with easy calibration steps .
As the demo shows below , the detector could highlight people whose distance is below the minimum acceptable distance in red , and draw a line between to emphasize this .
The system will also be able to issue an alert to remind people to keep a safe distance if the protocol is violated .
As part of an ongoing effort to keep our customers and others safe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is with global collaboration , we wanted to share the technical methodology we used to develop this software .
( source ) Watching life go on through the eyes of an artificial intelligence device has a certain sense of dystopia .
The technology highlights “ people whose distance is below the minimum acceptable distance in red , and draw a line between to emphasize this.
” What will they do to enforce it ?
Make people wear shock collars that will give them a little zap when they get to close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drone to give them a verbal warning ?
Dispatch a human being to get within six feet and threaten them with arrest , resulting in even more contact ?
Landing AI doesn ’ t mention that .
Instead , they conclude cheerfully : Landing AI is a company out of California that will work “ closely with you to empower your company to become an AI-driven organization ” and they hope to “ influence the emerging AI generation.
” Some workplaces may be launching AI technology in the age of social distancing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that it would enable workplaces to monitor their employees to make sure they are operating within the advised distance of each other .
It ’ s even able to issue alerts to remind them to re-establish that distance if they break the rules .
The system works by using an artificial ‘ neural network ’ that detects individuals and draws a box around them .
If two boxes come too close to each other , they are highlighted in red .
Perhaps unsurprisingly , Amazon has already introduced similar technology in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be fired if they violate social distancing guidelines .
( source ) So , just in case your workplace isn ’ t already looking over your shoulder to a sufficient degree , your every move could soon be digitally downloaded .
Your privacy is “ safe ” with Landing AI .
Oh , and there ’ s no need for privacy concerns .
Landing IA says that those deploying their system should only use it on people who have given their “ informed consent.
” Because we know that ’ ll happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the already-existing surveillance cameras in cities across America .
They ’ ll be sure to let us know they ’ re now also measuring how close e get to our fellow humans too and of course they ’ d never use other tech to identify “ offenders.
” Don ’ t worry .
It ’ s just to keep us “ safe.
” At this point , the word “ safe ” should now be looked upon with suspicion any time it ’ s used in a sentence uttered by the government or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just like the way people can be kept “ safe ” by not being allowed to purchase non-essentials ( to be determined by the government ) from open stores .
Or how Baltimore has deployed surveillance drones 24 hours a day to keep people “ safe.
” We ’ ve now crossed the Rubicon between intelligent measures to reduce the spread of illness and authoritarian control .
The protests are growing daily .
At some point in the not-so-distant future , people are going to completely rebel and we ’ ll all be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse , nobody will rebel and this will become our everyday lives .
We ’ ll be so “ safe ” that we ’ ll never experience true freedom again .
Will the overreach be here to stay ?
In the words of Rahm Emmanuel , former mayor of Chicago , President Obama ’ s Chief of Staff , and senior advisor to President Clinton , “ You never want a serious crisis to go to waste .
And what I mean by that is it ’ s an opportunity to do things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Our government , along with governments around the world , are taking those words to heart .
Please do not think that surveillance deployed now will just go away if or when the virus is eradicated .
Don ’ t believe it for a minute when you are told the measures are only temporary .
All you have to do is remember the Patriot Act and take a look at your “ travel papers ” if you ’ ve got them , to realize the infringements on our freedom happening now are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some minor modifications to make us feel like we ’ re “ free ” again .
This is dividing our country .
All of this may sound like I support infected people being out there willy-nilly and mingling with everybody else .
That ’ s not the case .
You can be concerned about a deadly virus , the economy , and freedom all at the same time .
These things are not mutually exclusive .
But we ’ re being made to feel that you have to choose only one thing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest .
We ’ re being pitted against one another and that never ends well .
And the longer the population is locked up and kept from making a living , the higher tensions are going to rise .
Civil unrest is already happening and it ’ s inevitable that it will get worse .
What do you think of yet another surveillance device being used on us ?
Are you more concerned with the virus , the economy , or the attacks on personal liberty ?
Or are you concerned with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the comments below .
Daisy Luther writes about current events , preparedness , frugality , voluntaryism , and the pursuit of liberty on her website , The Organic Prepper .
She is widely republished across alternative media and she curates all the most important news links on her aggregate site , PreppersDailyNews.com .
Daisy is the best-selling author of 4 books and runs a small digital publishing company .
You can find her on Facebook , Pinterest , and Twitter .

by Daisy Luther
Landing AI has created a new tool to help keep people “safe” by spying on them with a camera that measures whether or not they’re properly participating in social distancing. Because who needs privacy when there’s a deadly virus around, right?
Landing AI’s blog says:
To complement our customers’ efforts and to help ensure social distancing protocol in their workplace, Landing AI has developed an AI-enabled social distancing detection tool that can detect if people are keeping a safe distance from each other by analyzing real time video streams from the camera. For example, at a factory that produces protective equipment, technicians could integrate this software into their security camera systems to monitor the working environment with easy calibration steps. As the demo shows below, the detector could highlight people whose distance is below the minimum acceptable distance in red, and draw a line between to emphasize this. The system will also be able to issue an alert to remind people to keep a safe distance if the protocol is violated. As part of an ongoing effort to keep our customers and others safe, and understanding that the only way through this is with global collaboration, we wanted to share the technical methodology we used to develop this software. (source)
Watch the quick video below.
Watching life go on through the eyes of an artificial intelligence device has a certain sense of dystopia. The technology highlights “people whose distance is below the minimum acceptable distance in red, and draw a line between to emphasize this.”
What will they do to enforce it? Make people wear shock collars that will give them a little zap when they get to close to a fellow human being? Deploy a drone to give them a verbal warning? Dispatch a human being to get within six feet and threaten them with arrest, resulting in even more contact?
Landing AI doesn’t mention that. Instead, they conclude cheerfully:
As medical experts point out, until a vaccine becomes available, social distancing is our best tool to help mitigate the coronavirus pandemic and as we open up the economy. Our goal with creating this tool and sharing it at such an early stage, is to help our customers and to encourage others to explore new ideas to keep us safe. (source)
AI in the workplace
Landing AI is a company out of California that will work “closely with you to empower your company to become an AI-driven organization” and they hope to “influence the emerging AI generation.”
Some workplaces may be launching AI technology in the age of social distancing.
One potential use touted for the technology is that it would enable workplaces to monitor their employees to make sure they are operating within the advised distance of each other. It’s even able to issue alerts to remind them to re-establish that distance if they break the rules. The system works by using an artificial ‘neural network’ that detects individuals and draws a box around them. If two boxes come too close to each other, they are highlighted in red. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Amazon has already introduced similar technology in its warehouses, and has warned workers they could be fired if they violate social distancing guidelines. (source)
So, just in case your workplace isn’t already looking over your shoulder to a sufficient degree, your every move could soon be digitally downloaded.
Your privacy is “safe” with Landing AI.
Oh, and there’s no need for privacy concerns. Landing IA says that those deploying their system should only use it on people who have given their “informed consent.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The rise of computer vision has opened up important questions about privacy and individual rights; our current system does not recognize individuals, and we urge anyone using such a system to do so with transparency and only with informed consent. (source)
Because we know that’ll happen when they pop this bad boy into the already-existing surveillance cameras in cities across America. They’ll be sure to let us know they’re now also measuring how close e get to our fellow humans too and of course they’d never use other tech to identify “offenders.”
Don’t worry. It’s just to keep us “safe.”
At this point, the word “safe” should now be looked upon with suspicion any time it’s used in a sentence uttered by the government or anyone who contracts with the government. Just like the way people can be kept “safe” by not being allowed to purchase non-essentials (to be determined by the government) from open stores. Or how Baltimore has deployed surveillance drones 24 hours a day to keep people “safe.”
We’ve now crossed the Rubicon between intelligent measures to reduce the spread of illness and authoritarian control. The protests are growing daily.
At some point in the not-so-distant future, people are going to completely rebel and we’ll all be dealing with the fallout. Or potentially worse, nobody will rebel and this will become our everyday lives. We’ll be so “safe” that we’ll never experience true freedom again.
Will the overreach be here to stay?
In the words of Rahm Emmanuel, former mayor of Chicago, President Obama’s Chief of Staff, and senior advisor to President Clinton, “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. And what I mean by that is it’s an opportunity to do things that you think you could not before.”
Our government, along with governments around the world, are taking those words to heart. Please do not think that surveillance deployed now will just go away if or when the virus is eradicated. Don’t believe it for a minute when you are told the measures are only temporary.
All you have to do is remember the Patriot Act and take a look at your “travel papers” if you’ve got them, to realize the infringements on our freedom happening now are very likely here to stay with only some minor modifications to make us feel like we’re “free” again.
This is dividing our country.
All of this may sound like I support infected people being out there willy-nilly and mingling with everybody else. That’s not the case. You can be concerned about a deadly virus, the economy, and freedom all at the same time. These things are not mutually exclusive.
But we’re being made to feel that you have to choose only one thing to worry about and to hell with the rest. We’re being pitted against one another and that never ends well. And the longer the population is locked up and kept from making a living, the higher tensions are going to rise. Civil unrest is already happening and it’s inevitable that it will get worse.
What do you think of yet another surveillance device being used on us? Are you more concerned with the virus, the economy, or the attacks on personal liberty? Or are you concerned with all of the above? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
About Daisy
Daisy Luther writes about current events, preparedness, frugality, voluntaryism, and the pursuit of liberty on her website, The Organic Prepper. She is widely republished across alternative media and she curates all the most important news links on her aggregate site, PreppersDailyNews.com. Daisy is the best-selling author of 4 books and runs a small digital publishing company. You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.