investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--Multiple Police Officers Shot In Cedar Park, Texas; Person Barricaded In Home

“ A Fox News reporter said at least three ambulances were at the scene , in addition to multiple SWAT @ @ @ @ @ have been shot in Texas after they were called to a home • Police in @ @ @ @ @ , were called by a mother to the house Sunday • She said her son @ @ @ @ @ with mental health issues , was ‘ very aggressive ’ • The son fired on @ @ @ @ @ , and the officers returned fire • The suspect then barricaded himself inside the home @ @ @ @ @ Hostage negotiators are on the site and police ‘ hope for a peaceful resolution ’ @ @ @ @ @ with ambulances and SWAT teams at the scene • Police tweeted that they were dealing @ @ @ @ @ scene ’ • Greg Abbott , the governor of Texas , vowed to bring the @ @ @

DEVELOPING: Multiple police officers shot after responding to call in Cedar Park, Texas; Suspect is barricaded in the home & several law enforcement agencies are responding to the active scene — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 16, 2020
www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/14439
We are on scene of a shooting where multiple Cedar Park Police Officers have been shot while responding to a call at a home off Natalie Cove.
Subject is barricaded inside the home and multiple law enforcement agencies are on scene. pic.twitter.com/4Wwel2jUVe — Cedar Park Police (@CedarParkPD) August 16, 2020
“A Fox News reporter said at least three ambulances were at the scene, in addition to multiple SWAT units.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Three officers have been shot in Texas after they were called to a home
Police in Cedar Park, near Austin, were called by a mother to the house Sunday
She said her son, in his 20s and with mental health issues, was ‘very aggressive’
The son fired on the officers, injuring three, and the officers returned fire
The suspect then barricaded himself inside the home with three other people
Hostage negotiators are on the site and police ‘hope for a peaceful resolution’
The situation is ongoing with ambulances and SWAT teams at the scene
Police tweeted that they were dealing with ‘a very active scene’
Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8633517/Multiple-police-officers-shot-Texas-gunman-opens-fire-barricades-home.html?ito=social-twitter_dailymailus
h/t Panda


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-18--What to expect when you get critically ill from COVID-19. A healthcare worker’s perspective.

I am a healthcare worker who has volunteered to be a part of the COVID ICU “ proning team ” at the hospital where I work .
I am writing this because my colleagues and I had a long discussion today about how disconnected the public is when it comes to the harsh reality of this virus and what it does to people .
I will describe in as much detail as possible what you should expect to “ experience ” when you get critically ill from COVID-19 .
By the time I meet you in the hospital , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This means that you likely started feeling terrible enough to get yourself to a hospital and then got admitted into said hospital .
Your condition worsened to the point that the medical team determined that your best chance of survival would be to place you in a medically-induced coma and hook you up to a ventilator that literally breathes for you .
The process that leads up to this point is traumatic , terrifying , and lonely .
You are allowed zero visitors and your only interactions are with strangers that come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look to you like hazmat suits .
The hospital you ’ re staying in isn ’ t equipped with enough “ negative-pressure ” rooms to contain the virus and keep it from spreading to the hallway so there will be a giant window unit that pumps all the air from your room out the window vs allowing it back into the hospital .
This window unit is LOUD ( similar to a generator ) and it will drive you absolutely insane because it MUST be running 24/7 .
So , you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As terrible as all this external hell feels , it ’ s nothing compared to what ’ s going on internally .
Your body is deteriorating .
Every breath is a gasp .
Turning over to face the door when you hear a knock is impossible because you are literally THAT exhausted .
Your oxygen levels continue to drop , even though you are being pumped MASSIVE amounts of pure oxygen through your nose ( which is now bleeding constantly because it is completely dried out ) .
The oxygen levels drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action is to make you comatose , give you a paralyzing agent so you don ’ t thrash , and place you on a ventilator .
Ok , so NOW let ’ s get to the bad part .
You ’ re laying on a bed , on your back .
Unconscious , naked , Foley catheter in your urethra , and maybe ( if your nurse is lucky ) a FlexiSeal in your anus to collect all your diarrhea ( look it up if you have questions ) .
A ventilator is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20-28centimeters down .
It will probably move around if it ’ s not tethered , which is a no-no , so it will be taped to your head/face .
We ’ ll come back to this later , because that tape will eventually mess up your face , maybe permanently .
A feeding tube goes down your nose because comatose people can ’ t eat , obviously .
So your diet is now a nutrient-packed yellow mushy soup .
Yum !
Ok this is the basic setup .
Even with all this medically-engineered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ventilator is running 100 % oxygen down your throat , into your lungs but still not enough is getting into your blood .
This is where organ failure starts to happen .
Kidney failure , brain damage , etc .
And this is where me and my “ proning team ” show up at your door .
Proning = turning you from your stomach onto your back .
Why do we do this ?
Well , to simplify it , the back of your lungs are bigger and better at oxygenating your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laying on your back , all the fluid ( LOTS of fluid ) in your lungs accumulates and fills the back of your lungs – thus drowning them and making them much less effective .
Flipping you onto your stomach causes that fluid to move to the front of your lungs ( because gravity ) , freeing up the back of your lungs to do their better job .
Honestly , it ’ s pretty amazing to see how quickly you will go from 79 % oxygen ( SpO2 ) to 93 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your stomach .
It ’ s very satisfying for us .
Makes us feel proud .
We ’ ll pat you on the back , literally , and give you kudos for this oxygen accomplishment .
We will plan to leave you in this prone position for somewhere between 12 to 18 hours .
Your head is turned to the side , otherwise the ventilator tube would be rammed through the back of your mouth .
Don ’ t worry , we will position this for you , you ’ re paralyzed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours are up , the prone team comes back in to flip you back over to supine .
This is where things can get ugly .
Being paralyzed and on your stomach leads to A LOT of swelling/edema .
Especially in your face .
Your tongue has swelled up to ~5x it ’ s normal size and it doesn ’ t fit in your mouth anymore .
Lips swell x5 times , too .
Your eyelids have been taped shut but they ’ re swollen too .
It looks like you have golf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember that tape that holds the ventilator tube in place ?
Well , it ’ s still holding tight .
And with all the face/mouth swelling , I should emphasize the word TIGHT .
You ’ ll be in this condition for a while .
Maybe a week , maybe two , maybe three .
That tape will get replaced daily but it will do some damage to your skin , especially your lips and ears .
And since your blood isn ’ t getting proper oxygen , your body isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect your face to look a little different for a LONG time , if you make it out alive .
I now can say that I have seen a living person ’ s cheekbones .
Not the form of the cheekbones , but the ACTUAL bones , because their wounds on their cheeks got so bad that the flesh necrotized and sloughed off during the friction involved with a head turn .
Where were we ?
Oh yes , we just flipped you back to supine .
The 5 of us will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wiping you down with Chlorhexidine Gluconate ( CHG ) wipes , putting Venelex cream and Mepilex patches your bed sores ( think bony prominences – knees , clavicles , sternum , shoulders , nipples , shins , cheeks , etc . )
, using a suction device to suck up all the secretions from your mouth and nose , cleaning up your diarrhea from EVERYWHERE and changing that pesky face tape .
Don ’ t worry , we ’ ll be gentle .
Now , it ’ s been maybe 10-15 minutes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assess how you ’ re doing .
If you ’ re a champ , your oxygen levels stay in the low/mid 90s and we can leave you like this for 1 to 8 hours before you start deteriorating again , at which point it ’ s back onto your stomach .
The idea is that each time we put you back in supine , you ’ ll be able to maintain longer and longer periods of time before your oxygen drops to the 80s or 70s ( or 60s , 50s , 40s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer you ’ re in this ICU situation , the worse it gets .
Eventually , we have to start doing all the routine care from the side-lying position , because putting you on your back could literally kill you .
The supine position becomes intolerable – your blood pressure starts to plummet , your heart skips beats or shoots up to the 200s ( or just stops ) and your oxygen level drops immediately .
So , unfortunately , you go back onto your stomach .
More swelling , yay !
Repeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results each time .
The more often we have to repeat , the less likely you are to survive , because it ’ s an indicator of how poorly your lungs are recovering .
Now , this is the point where someone might ask , “ why are you keeping this person alive ?
Isn ’ t it inhumane to prolong this person ’ s suffering ?
What quality of life will they have when/if they survive ?
” Unfortunately , that ’ s not our choice .
Even more unfortunately , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Who ’ s choice is it ?
Your Medical Power of Attorney ( MPOA ) , which 9 times out of 10 , is a family member .
Now , remember , there are zero visitors allowed for COVID-19 patients .
That means that your family is getting ALL the information about your condition from a phone call or texts messages from someone on the healthcare team .
Your family can ’ t see you and they can ’ t talk to you .
Thus , they simply can not appreciate just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could they ?
It ’ s not their fault .
They love you .
They ’ re praying for you .
They ’ re wondering if they are making the right choice but they are doing so without all the information , because a phone call from a doctor or case manager can only go so far .
Above all , they are holding on to hope .
Hope that you ’ ll come back from this .
That you ’ ll be that patient in that next news video that gets the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the hospital because YOU MADE IT .
And I hope you do , too .
We all do .
We care about you .
If you make it out of that ICU , you ’ ve got months of rehab ahead of you .
Your fight for life has JUST started .
The success story is that , against all odds , you didn ’ t die .
Or , maybe you did .
As I write this , 170,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the US alone .
Each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a life , a family , dreams , goals and a future .
So many of them suffered tremendously through their last days , with strangers .
Now they ’ re gone , forever .
And that ICU bed is ready for the next one .
I hope it ’ s not you .
I hope it ’ s not your mom , dad , grandpa , aunt , sister , child or neighbor .
But if it is , you can count on me and my coworkers to be gentle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect .
We will do everything in our power to get you home .
This virus doesn ’ t care about your political affiliations , your plans , your freedoms .
It doesn ’ t care about you at all .
So we will .
Now , if I may…..please wear your damn mask .
Edit : The title says “ when you get critically ill. ” Emphasis on the “ critically ill. ” This is NOT what the average person should expect when they test positive .
Most people DONT get critically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will never even see a regular hospital room , much less the ICU – I tested positive and I recovered at home with no medical intervention .
Most will have mild symptoms and then recover .
That being said , this post reflects a real possibility and a current reality for many people .
I want people to understand the harsh reality of COVID-19 .
It affects everyone differently and taking small , practical precautions can keep you from ever having to wonder “ is this going to happen to me ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I didn ’ t take this seriously ?
” I apologize that this came off as fear mongering .
The post reflects my experience as a healthcare worker and I feel that the public hasn ’ t had enough of that experience other than “ we are overworked and tired.
” Disclaimer : This is a guest post and it doesn ’ t necessarily represent the views of IWB .

by 99sstillfine
I am a healthcare worker who has volunteered to be a part of the COVID ICU “proning team” at the hospital where I work. I am writing this because my colleagues and I had a long discussion today about how disconnected the public is when it comes to the harsh reality of this virus and what it does to people. I will describe in as much detail as possible what you should expect to “experience” when you get critically ill from COVID-19.
By the time I meet you in the hospital, you’re already intubated in the ICU. This means that you likely started feeling terrible enough to get yourself to a hospital and then got admitted into said hospital. Your condition worsened to the point that the medical team determined that your best chance of survival would be to place you in a medically-induced coma and hook you up to a ventilator that literally breathes for you. The process that leads up to this point is traumatic, terrifying, and lonely. You are allowed zero visitors and your only interactions are with strangers that come into your room unannounced, wearing what look to you like hazmat suits. The hospital you’re staying in isn’t equipped with enough “negative-pressure” rooms to contain the virus and keep it from spreading to the hallway so there will be a giant window unit that pumps all the air from your room out the window vs allowing it back into the hospital. This window unit is LOUD (similar to a generator) and it will drive you absolutely insane because it MUST be running 24/7. So, you’re just going to have to accept that. As terrible as all this external hell feels, it’s nothing compared to what’s going on internally. Your body is deteriorating. Every breath is a gasp. Turning over to face the door when you hear a knock is impossible because you are literally THAT exhausted. Your oxygen levels continue to drop, even though you are being pumped MASSIVE amounts of pure oxygen through your nose (which is now bleeding constantly because it is completely dried out). The oxygen levels drop so low that the only course of action is to make you comatose, give you a paralyzing agent so you don’t thrash, and place you on a ventilator. Ok, so NOW let’s get to the bad part.
You’re laying on a bed, on your back. Unconscious, naked, Foley catheter in your urethra, and maybe (if your nurse is lucky) a FlexiSeal in your anus to collect all your diarrhea (look it up if you have questions). A ventilator is placed down your throat, somewhere between 20-28centimeters down. It will probably move around if it’s not tethered, which is a no-no, so it will be taped to your head/face. We’ll come back to this later, because that tape will eventually mess up your face, maybe permanently. A feeding tube goes down your nose because comatose people can’t eat, obviously. So your diet is now a nutrient-packed yellow mushy soup. Yum! Ok this is the basic setup.
Even with all this medically-engineered hoopla, you continue to deteriorate. The ventilator is running 100% oxygen down your throat, into your lungs but still not enough is getting into your blood. This is where organ failure starts to happen. Kidney failure, brain damage, etc. And this is where me and my “proning team” show up at your door.
Prone = laying on your stomach.
Supine = laying on your back.
Proning = turning you from your stomach onto your back.
Why do we do this? Well, to simplify it, the back of your lungs are bigger and better at oxygenating your blood. But when you’re laying on your back, all the fluid (LOTS of fluid) in your lungs accumulates and fills the back of your lungs – thus drowning them and making them much less effective. Flipping you onto your stomach causes that fluid to move to the front of your lungs (because gravity), freeing up the back of your lungs to do their better job. Honestly, it’s pretty amazing to see how quickly you will go from 79% oxygen (SpO2) to 93% as soon as we turn you onto your stomach. It’s very satisfying for us. Makes us feel proud. We’ll pat you on the back, literally, and give you kudos for this oxygen accomplishment.
We will plan to leave you in this prone position for somewhere between 12 to 18 hours. Your head is turned to the side, otherwise the ventilator tube would be rammed through the back of your mouth. Don’t worry, we will position this for you, you’re paralyzed, remember?
Once those 12 – 18 hours are up, the prone team comes back in to flip you back over to supine. This is where things can get ugly. Being paralyzed and on your stomach leads to A LOT of swelling/edema. Especially in your face. Your tongue has swelled up to ~5x it’s normal size and it doesn’t fit in your mouth anymore. Lips swell x5 times, too. Your eyelids have been taped shut but they’re swollen too. It looks like you have golf balls under your eyelids. Now, remember that tape that holds the ventilator tube in place? Well, it’s still holding tight. And with all the face/mouth swelling, I should emphasize the word TIGHT. You’ll be in this condition for a while. Maybe a week, maybe two, maybe three. That tape will get replaced daily but it will do some damage to your skin, especially your lips and ears. And since your blood isn’t getting proper oxygen, your body isn’t great at healing wounds. So, expect your face to look a little different for a LONG time, if you make it out alive. I now can say that I have seen a living person’s cheekbones. Not the form of the cheekbones, but the ACTUAL bones, because their wounds on their cheeks got so bad that the flesh necrotized and sloughed off during the friction involved with a head turn.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Where were we? Oh yes, we just flipped you back to supine. The 5 of us will be doing some routine care on you: wiping you down with Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) wipes, putting Venelex cream and Mepilex patches your bed sores (think bony prominences – knees, clavicles, sternum, shoulders, nipples, shins, cheeks, etc.), using a suction device to suck up all the secretions from your mouth and nose, cleaning up your diarrhea from EVERYWHERE and changing that pesky face tape. Don’t worry, we’ll be gentle.
Now, it’s been maybe 10-15 minutes on your back. We stand back and assess how you’re doing. If you’re a champ, your oxygen levels stay in the low/mid 90s and we can leave you like this for 1 to 8 hours before you start deteriorating again, at which point it’s back onto your stomach.
The idea is that each time we put you back in supine, you’ll be able to maintain longer and longer periods of time before your oxygen drops to the 80s or 70s (or 60s, 50s, 40s, you get it).
The longer you’re in this ICU situation, the worse it gets. Eventually, we have to start doing all the routine care from the side-lying position, because putting you on your back could literally kill you. The supine position becomes intolerable – your blood pressure starts to plummet, your heart skips beats or shoots up to the 200s (or just stops) and your oxygen level drops immediately. So, unfortunately, you go back onto your stomach. More swelling, yay! Repeat this process daily and hope for better results each time. The more often we have to repeat, the less likely you are to survive, because it’s an indicator of how poorly your lungs are recovering.
Now, this is the point where someone might ask, “why are you keeping this person alive? Isn’t it inhumane to prolong this person’s suffering? What quality of life will they have when/if they survive?” Unfortunately, that’s not our choice. Even more unfortunately, it’s likely not even YOUR choice. Who’s choice is it? Your Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA), which 9 times out of 10, is a family member. Now, remember, there are zero visitors allowed for COVID-19 patients. That means that your family is getting ALL the information about your condition from a phone call or texts messages from someone on the healthcare team. Your family can’t see you and they can’t talk to you. Thus, they simply cannot appreciate just how much you are suffering. How could they? It’s not their fault. They love you. They’re praying for you. They’re wondering if they are making the right choice but they are doing so without all the information, because a phone call from a doctor or case manager can only go so far.
Above all, they are holding on to hope. Hope that you’ll come back from this. That you’ll be that patient in that next news video that gets the standing ovation as they’re wheeled out of the hospital because YOU MADE IT. And I hope you do, too. We all do. We care about you. If you make it out of that ICU, you’ve got months of rehab ahead of you. Your fight for life has JUST started. The success story is that, against all odds, you didn’t die.
Or, maybe you did. As I write this, 170,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the US alone. Each one of those people had a story, a life, a family, dreams, goals and a future. So many of them suffered tremendously through their last days, with strangers. Now they’re gone, forever. And that ICU bed is ready for the next one. I hope it’s not you. I hope it’s not your mom, dad, grandpa, aunt, sister, child or neighbor. But if it is, you can count on me and my coworkers to be gentle with you and treat you with dignity and respect. We will do everything in our power to get you home. This virus doesn’t care about your political affiliations, your plans, your freedoms. It doesn’t care about you at all. So we will.
Now, if I may…..please wear your damn mask.
Edit: The title says “when you get critically ill.” Emphasis on the “critically ill.” This is NOT what the average person should expect when they test positive. Most people DONT get critically ill. The VAST majority of people will never even see a regular hospital room, much less the ICU – I tested positive and I recovered at home with no medical intervention. Most will have mild symptoms and then recover. That being said, this post reflects a real possibility and a current reality for many people. I want people to understand the harsh reality of COVID-19. It affects everyone differently and taking small, practical precautions can keep you from ever having to wonder “is this going to happen to me?” or “did I get grandma sick because I didn’t take this seriously?” I apologize that this came off as fear mongering. The post reflects my experience as a healthcare worker and I feel that the public hasn’t had enough of that experience other than “we are overworked and tired.”
Disclaimer: This is a guest post and it doesn’t necessarily represent the views of IWB.


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-18--Gigantic heat waves, and 2nd wave of Covid in Europe

Temperatures reached triple digits in Woodland Hills , the Antelope Valley and Acton while daily records were set at three locations in Los Angeles County Sunday in the worst heat wave in years .
And , the extreme heat isn ’ t over , yet .
“ It ’ s going to be H-O-T , ” NBC4 forecaster Belen De Leon said .
“ We ’ re also looking at a chance of thunderstorms in the deserts and mountains.
” Temperatures are set to rise again to dangerous levels beginning Tuesday .
Excessive heat warnings remained in effect through 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clarita and San Fernando valleys .
The second wave of coronavirus is rolling into Europe .
Whether or not this is a bad thing , or just something we will learn to live with , remains to be seen .
Markets think we will learn to live with it .
That ’ s the consensus view .
But the risk , of course , is that European governments will react more in line with how the Australian and New Zealand government has reacted to mini-outbreaks and not like Sweden , or the southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders are of the mind that so long as the number of coronavirus cases is rising , whether it ’ s just a sore throat and a daylong fever , or a week in an ICU unit , the economy must be restricted .
It ’ s a tug of war between those that want lockdowns until a vaccine is out , and those who want us all to tough it out .
Over the weekend , people in Spain took to the streets in large crowds , some without masks , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result of this tug of war , the global economy is now seen losing its mojo , Barclays Capital economists believe .
Economic data from last week suggests some slowdown in activity following the initial snapback when lockdowns ended in China , Europe and the U.S .

Temperatures reached triple digits in Woodland Hills, the Antelope Valley and Acton while daily records were set at three locations in Los Angeles County Sunday in the worst heat wave in years.
And, the extreme heat isn’t over, yet.
“It’s going to be H-O-T,” NBC4 forecaster Belen De Leon said. “We’re also looking at a chance of thunderstorms in the deserts and mountains.”
Temperatures are set to rise again to dangerous levels beginning Tuesday. Excessive heat warnings remained in effect through 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Antelope, Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys.
www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/weather-forecast-heat-wave-temperatures-los-angeles-california-power-outages-cooling-centers/2413874/
The second wave of coronavirus is rolling into Europe. Whether or not this is a bad thing, or just something we will learn to live with, remains to be seen. Markets think we will learn to live with it. That’s the consensus view.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
But the risk, of course, is that European governments will react more in line with how the Australian and New Zealand government has reacted to mini-outbreaks and not like Sweden, or the southern states of the U.S.
Many political leaders are of the mind that so long as the number of coronavirus cases is rising, whether it’s just a sore throat and a daylong fever, or a week in an ICU unit, the economy must be restricted. It’s a tug of war between those that want lockdowns until a vaccine is out, and those who want us all to tough it out. Over the weekend, people in Spain took to the streets in large crowds, some without masks, to protest their governments return to restrictions.
As a result of this tug of war, the global economy is now seen losing its mojo, Barclays Capital economists believe.
Economic data from last week suggests some slowdown in activity following the initial snapback when lockdowns ended in China, Europe and the U.S.
www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2020/08/16/no-summer-of-love-for-economy-as-coronavirus-second-wave-rolls-in/#3464202d229c


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-18--Former Senate President of Haiti, Bernard Sansaricq, demands full audit by President Trump of the BI

Former Senate President of Haiti, Bernard Sansaricq, demands full audit by President Trump of the BILLIONS taken in by Clinton Foundation, only 2% reaching Haiti. Demands federal fraud charges.

2/ Everyone should post this to # BLM # BlackLivesMatter & all the BLACK Media Stars & those for Trump @ @ @ @ @ Democrats , tons of them were involved in this # Haiti Mass Fraud just like @ @ @ @ @ Mass Fraud after Fraud that 's the whole `` party ''

2/ Everyone should post this to #BLM #BlackLivesMatter & all the BLACK Media Stars & those for Trump exposing all these CRIMINAL #Democrats, tons of them were involved in this #Haiti Mass Fraud just like they always are involved in Mass Fraud after Fraud that's the whole "party"
— Alpha OmegaEnergy (@AOECOIN) August 6, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-18--Cops are quitting – Seattle

Cops are quitting – Seattle

I don ’ t blame him in the lease bit .

I don’t blame him in the lease bit.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-18--Joe Biden wants to raise taxes by about $4 trillion over a decade

Joe Biden wants to raise taxes by about $ 4 trillion over a decade to finance his ambitious agenda .
@ @ @ @ @ is the key to getting any of that done .

Joe Biden wants to raise taxes by about $4 trillion over a decade to finance his ambitious agenda. Democratic control of the Senate is the key to getting any of that done. t.co/nvpUoI1SNo via @WSJ — Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) August 17, 2020
Joe Biden wants to raise taxes by about $4 trillion over a decade to finance his ambitious agenda. Democratic control of the Senate is the key to getting any of that done.
www.wsj.com/articles/biden-tax-agenda-hinges-on-democratic-control-of-senate-11597586400
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
h/t Tekton


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--President of the Maryland Young Democrats, found dead after threats to expose demonrats

The President of the Maryland Young Democrats , Joseph Kitchen was found dead in his apartment despite last being seen @ @ @ @ @ last posts were threats to expose the Young Dems of America 😳 pic.twitter.com/CxPkUe7kzT

The President of the Maryland Young Democrats, Joseph Kitchen was found dead in his apartment despite last being seen at the beach. His last posts were threats to expose the Young Dems of America 😳 pic.twitter.com/CxPkUe7kzT
— JaVonni Brustow (@JaVonniBrustow) August 16, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--VIDEO: “The Mainstream Media REFUSES to show you what is really happening in New York City. It’s in

VIDEO: “The Mainstream Media REFUSES to show you what is really happening in New York City. It’s in ruins. Watch this video and share!”

The Mainstream Media REFUSES to show you what is really happening in New York City .
It 's in ruins @ @ @ @ @ share !
t.co/LFXJOQiCyH

The Mainstream Media REFUSES to show you what is really happening in New York City. It's in ruins. Watch this video and share! t.co/LFXJOQiCyH
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) August 16, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--US Dollar Purchasing Power At All-time Low, Gold At Near All-time High

Since The Federal Reserve system was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson in December 1913 , the US Dollar @ @ @ @ @ near $ 1,000 to $ 38.6 today .
( an all-time low ) .
That @ @ @ @ @ in purchasing power .
On the other hand , gold has risen to a near @ @ @ @ @ happening as M2 Money Velocity plunges to 1.097 , an all-time low .
“ Now @ @ @ @ @ The Federal Reserve will make the US Dollar disappear !
”

by confoundedinterest17
Since The Federal Reserve system was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson in December 1913, the US Dollar purchasing power has declined from near $1,000 to $38.6 today. (an all-time low). That is a 96% drop in purchasing power. On the other hand, gold has risen to a near all-time high.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
This is happening as M2 Money Velocity plunges to 1.097, an all-time low.
“Now for our next trick, The Federal Reserve will make the US Dollar disappear!”


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--Gold’s Tailwinds Remain Poised to Push Prices Higher in 2020

This week , Your News to Know rounds up the latest top stories involving gold and the overall economy .
Stories include : The many upsides left in store for gold this year , why there can be no money better than gold , and a rare silver dollar from 1794 is being auctioned again .
There are plenty more acts to the show that gold has put on so far this year As gold exploded past $ 2,000 shortly after breaking its all-time high , many were calling for a correction in the near term due to the sheer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gold has indeed pulled back , but not by a particularly significant margin .
Friday ’ s trading session appears to have pegged $ 1,935 as support before the metal bounced back to the $ 1,945 level to close the day .
Although it might seem that gold has moved up too fast , having blazed past the S & P 500 Index in doing so , the metal has in fact been on a steady climb since last summer .
The very same driving forces that started this climb have since intensified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of many new tailwinds in the meantime .
One of the drivers that began gold ’ s uptrend last year was a series of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts , accompanied by central banks around the world turning their nominal rates low or negative .
Whereas the Treasury was faring well in comparison back then , it has since been subjected to a pervasive zero-interest-rate policy , with real rates plunging into negative territory .
According to many experts , the latter is the biggest assurance that gold is poised to keep heading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentiment hardly stops there .
This year , the U.S. has printed an incredible $ 6 trillion of stimulus , with expectances of trillions more to be printed .
This , along with certain other factors , has not only devalued the U.S. dollar by a significant margin but also sparked widespread concerns about its safety and status .
With a falling greenback , sky-high inflation expectations and bonds that few investors want to own , gold holders need only wait for the metal ’ s next show of strength .
Gold is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best money In the current climate of currency debasement and fiat uncertainty , it pays to once again reassess the notion of what money really is .
As Forbes contributor Nathan Lewis points out , the average person is likelier to trust in the value of gold and silver than in a paper note .
The idea isn ’ t uncommon when it comes to the more experienced economist , either .
In the early 20th century , J.P. Morgan is known for having stated that nothing besides gold should be counted as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , history is riddled with attempts by nations to untether their currency from gold ’ s tangible value and try out a new economic model .
Dating back to roughly 3300 BC , gold and silver were understood to be stable money and any method of exchange was to be intrinsically tied to these precious metals .
Periods where a country stuck to the gold standard invariably resulted in stretches of economic stability , while attempts to deviate from it were riddled with crashes and disasters .
One does not need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example of this .
In 1690 , the Colony of Massachusetts issued the first American paper currency .
Being untethered from gold , the currency met a predictable hyperinflationary end in 1781 , resulting in the Founders mandating that the nation ’ s currency remains tied to gold and silver .
The U.S. dollar held a nearly unchanged value of $ 20.67 for an ounce of gold between 1792 and 1933 .
In 1933 , the greenback was devalued to $ 35 for an ounce of gold , and held its value until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 1960s are generally considered to be the best decade for global economic prosperity since 1914 .
1914 is of particular note for several reasons , not the least of it being the start of a period where the U.S. had the most reliable gold-backed currency in the world until 1971 .
Throughout that stretch , the dollar was viewed as something whose value was as clear-cut as that of gold .
Since 1971 , the U.S. , along with the rest of the world , has embarked on a familiar monetary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout recorded history .
A rare 1794 silver coin that was last sold for $ 10 million is being auctioned again When coins minted during early periods of U.S. history are placed on auction , numismatics enthusiasts tend to pull out all the stops .
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollars rank among the most valuable and sought-after , as they represent the first U.S. silver dollars ever produced .
Yet even such an exceptional line can have its standout .
In this case , it is the famous 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar purchased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auction .
The coin is believed to be the first to have been minted in the line , and was purchased by coin collector and partner at Legend Rare Auctions Bruce Morelan .
Now , Morelan has decided to part with the coin by scheduling an auction through his firm on October 8 .
“ The 1794 Dollar has been a lifelong dream coin and I ’ m truly blessed to have owned it , ” said Morelan .
“ I can only hope the new owner has as much joy , pride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in my collection .
Now that the set is complete and nothing else can be added , I ’ ve decided it ’ s time for other collectors to enjoy these magnificent coins.
” In 2013 , Morelan paid more than $ 10 million for the unique piece , the highest price ever paid for a numismatics coin .
The coming auction should therefore be an interesting one , especially as it will feature many other early-period U.S. coins whose combined value is estimated at more than $ 20 million .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Dollars ever assembled , ” said Laura Sperber , owner of Legend Rare Coin Auctions , while also praising both the rare coin and Morelan ’ s commitment to numismatics .

From Birch Gold Group
This week, Your News to Know rounds up the latest top stories involving gold and the overall economy. Stories include: The many upsides left in store for gold this year, why there can be no money better than gold, and a rare silver dollar from 1794 is being auctioned again.
There are plenty more acts to the show that gold has put on so far this year
As gold exploded past $2,000 shortly after breaking its all-time high, many were calling for a correction in the near term due to the sheer amount of force behind the upswing. Gold has indeed pulled back, but not by a particularly significant margin. Friday’s trading session appears to have pegged $1,935 as support before the metal bounced back to the $1,945 level to close the day.
Although it might seem that gold has moved up too fast, having blazed past the S&P 500 Index in doing so, the metal has in fact been on a steady climb since last summer. The very same driving forces that started this climb have since intensified, and gold has seen the addition of many new tailwinds in the meantime.
One of the drivers that began gold’s uptrend last year was a series of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, accompanied by central banks around the world turning their nominal rates low or negative. Whereas the Treasury was faring well in comparison back then, it has since been subjected to a pervasive zero-interest-rate policy, with real rates plunging into negative territory. According to many experts, the latter is the biggest assurance that gold is poised to keep heading up.
But gold’s bullish sentiment hardly stops there. This year, the U.S. has printed an incredible $6 trillion of stimulus, with expectances of trillions more to be printed. This, along with certain other factors, has not only devalued the U.S. dollar by a significant margin but also sparked widespread concerns about its safety and status. With a falling greenback, sky-high inflation expectations and bonds that few investors want to own, gold holders need only wait for the metal’s next show of strength.
Gold is, and has always been, the best money
In the current climate of currency debasement and fiat uncertainty, it pays to once again reassess the notion of what money really is. As Forbes contributor Nathan Lewis points out, the average person is likelier to trust in the value of gold and silver than in a paper note. The idea isn’t uncommon when it comes to the more experienced economist, either. In the early 20th century, J.P. Morgan is known for having stated that nothing besides gold should be counted as money.
Yet, as Lewis points out, history is riddled with attempts by nations to untether their currency from gold’s tangible value and try out a new economic model. Dating back to roughly 3300 BC, gold and silver were understood to be stable money and any method of exchange was to be intrinsically tied to these precious metals. Periods where a country stuck to the gold standard invariably resulted in stretches of economic stability, while attempts to deviate from it were riddled with crashes and disasters.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
One does not need to reach too far back for a clear example of this. In 1690, the Colony of Massachusetts issued the first American paper currency. Being untethered from gold, the currency met a predictable hyperinflationary end in 1781, resulting in the Founders mandating that the nation’s currency remains tied to gold and silver. The U.S. dollar held a nearly unchanged value of $20.67 for an ounce of gold between 1792 and 1933. In 1933, the greenback was devalued to $35 for an ounce of gold, and held its value until 1971 when the gold standard was abolished.
The 1960s are generally considered to be the best decade for global economic prosperity since 1914. 1914 is of particular note for several reasons, not the least of it being the start of a period where the U.S. had the most reliable gold-backed currency in the world until 1971. Throughout that stretch, the dollar was viewed as something whose value was as clear-cut as that of gold. Since 1971, the U.S., along with the rest of the world, has embarked on a familiar monetary experiment whose results have been eerily consistent throughout recorded history.
A rare 1794 silver coin that was last sold for $10 million is being auctioned again
When coins minted during early periods of U.S. history are placed on auction, numismatics enthusiasts tend to pull out all the stops. The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollars rank among the most valuable and sought-after, as they represent the first U.S. silver dollars ever produced.
Yet even such an exceptional line can have its standout. In this case, it is the famous 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar purchased at a 2013 Stack’s Bowers auction. The coin is believed to be the first to have been minted in the line, and was purchased by coin collector and partner at Legend Rare Auctions Bruce Morelan. Now, Morelan has decided to part with the coin by scheduling an auction through his firm on October 8.
“The 1794 Dollar has been a lifelong dream coin and I’m truly blessed to have owned it,” said Morelan. “I can only hope the new owner has as much joy, pride and satisfaction as I did in having it in my collection. Now that the set is complete and nothing else can be added, I’ve decided it’s time for other collectors to enjoy these magnificent coins.”
In 2013, Morelan paid more than $10 million for the unique piece, the highest price ever paid for a numismatics coin. The coming auction should therefore be an interesting one, especially as it will feature many other early-period U.S. coins whose combined value is estimated at more than $20 million.
“This is the finest collection of Mint State Dollars ever assembled,” said Laura Sperber, owner of Legend Rare Coin Auctions, while also praising both the rare coin and Morelan’s commitment to numismatics.


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--China warns about the collapse of USD

China warns about the collapse of USD

( Bloomberg ) — China ’ s top banking watchdog cautioned that U.S. dollar dominance combined with the massive stimulus @ @ @ @ @ could push the world to the edge of another financial crisis .
In a rare @ @ @ @ @ China Banking Regulatory Commission Chairman Guo Shuqing also lashed out at developed nations seeking to @ @ @ @ @ failures to contain the virus outbreak and moves by the U.S. to blacklist Chinese companies @ @ @ @ @ an international monetary system dominated by the U.S. dollar , the unprecedented , unlimited quantitative @ @ @ @ @ actually consumes the creditworthiness of the dollar and erodes the foundation of global financial stability @ @ @ @ @ an article published in the Communist Party ’ s Qiushi magazine on Sunday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ be pushed to the verge of a global financial crisis .
”

(Bloomberg) — China’s top banking watchdog cautioned that U.S. dollar dominance combined with the massive stimulus unleashed by the Federal Reserve could push the world to the edge of another financial crisis.
In a rare act of public criticism, China Banking Regulatory Commission Chairman Guo Shuqing also lashed out at developed nations seeking to divert blame from their own failures to contain the virus outbreak and moves by the U.S. to blacklist Chinese companies and entities.
“In an international monetary system dominated by the U.S. dollar, the unprecedented, unlimited quantitative easing policy of the U.S. actually consumes the creditworthiness of the dollar and erodes the foundation of global financial stability,” Guo wrote in an article published in the Communist Party’s Qiushi magazine on Sunday. “The world may once again be pushed to the verge of a global financial crisis.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--Every Presidential Candidate’s Running Mate Since WWII

Since the U.S. Constitution was first instituted , there have been 48 vice presidents .
They ’ ve supported presidents in seeing the country through wars , economic expansions and contractions , a global pandemic—and much more .
A president ’ s success depends on the strength of their team , so it ’ s only natural that as second-in-command , the pick for a VP carries significant weight .
In some cases , they can even make or break the race to secure a spot in the White House .
In this graphic , we take a look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1940 , including the upcoming November 2020 elections .
Running More Than Once The graphic highlights 33 running mates , out of which nine have ran for VP more than once .
Here ’ s how their number of terms compare , and who continued on to become an eventual presidential candidate : Of the running mates since WWII , Republicans Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush are the only two to have served as president after being vice presidents for two previous terms—unless Joe Biden wins in November 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ before running on the big ticket ?
Interestingly , 2 of 3 running mates profiled in today ’ s graphic had a prior background as a lawyer before choosing to enter politics .
A curious exception to the typical career path is that of former professional football player Jack Kemp , who was chosen as the running mate for Bob Dole ’ s unsuccessful presidential bid in 1996 .
At the President ’ s Right Hand The vice president is the first in line of succession for the Oval Office , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resigns , or is removed from office .
Throughout history , nine VPs have ascended to presidency this way , of which three occurred since 1940 .
• After Franklin D. Roosevelt ’ s death in 1945 , Harry S. Truman ascended to the presidency .
• Lyndon B. Johnson became the President upon John F. Kennedy ’ s assassination in 1963 .
• Following evidence of political corruption , Spiro Agnew resigned in 1973 .
He was replaced by Gerald Ford , who then became President after Nixon ’ s post-Watergate resignation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton , and Donald Trump are three Presidents who have been through the impeachment process , but were later acquitted by the Senate .
Otherwise , the list of VPs ending up as the commander-in-chief might look much more different .
Based on the first time they ran on the ticket , the average running mate is 54 years old .
In contrast , the average presidential candidate is 58 years old .
Comparing the age difference between presidential candidates and their running mates paints a unique picture .
The biggest age gaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 28-year difference between older candidate John McCain ( 72 ) and younger VP pick Sarah Palin ( 44 ) on the Republican ticket .
On the Democratic side , younger candidate Barack Obama ( 47 ) and older VP pick Joe Biden ( 66 ) saw a 19-year gap .
Harry S. Truman ’ s historic win in 1948 was considered a surprising political longshot .
His running mate , Alben W. Barkley was the oldest running mate ever picked , 71 years at the time .
Meanwhile , Richard Nixon was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be chosen , 39 years in 1956—second only to John C. Breckinridge ( 36 years old in 1856 ) .
Finally , at age 92 years in 2020 , Walter Mondale is the oldest living former VP .
Last but not least , there have only been three women selected as VP running mates to date .
• Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman VP nominee for the Democratic Party in 1984 .
• Although she had only two years of political experience as governor of Alaska , Sarah Palin was the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Kamala Harris , a former prosecutor with almost four years of experience as a Senator , is the first woman of color to be nominated on any major party ’ s ticket in 2020 .

by visualcapitalist
Since the U.S. Constitution was first instituted, there have been 48 vice presidents. They’ve supported presidents in seeing the country through wars, economic expansions and contractions, a global pandemic—and much more.
A president’s success depends on the strength of their team, so it’s only natural that as second-in-command, the pick for a VP carries significant weight. In some cases, they can even make or break the race to secure a spot in the White House.
In this graphic, we take a look at the hand-picked running mates of presidential hopefuls since 1940, including the upcoming November 2020 elections.
Running More Than Once
The graphic highlights 33 running mates, out of which nine have ran for VP more than once. Here’s how their number of terms compare, and who continued on to become an eventual presidential candidate:
Running Mate Party VP terms served Presidential candidate? Mike Pence 🔴 R Won 1 term
Currently running for second term No Joe Biden 🔵 D Won both terms Currently running for president Dick Cheney 🔴 R Won both terms No Al Gore 🔵 D Won both terms Yes, but did not win first term Dan Quayle 🔴 R Won 1 out of 2 terms No George H. W. Bush 🔴 R Won both terms Yes, won both terms Spiro Agnew 🔴 R Won both terms Resigned during VP second term Richard Nixon 🔴 R Won both terms Yes, won both terms Walter Mondale 🔵 D Won 1 out of 2 terms Yes, but did not win first term
Of the running mates since WWII, Republicans Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush are the only two to have served as president after being vice presidents for two previous terms—unless Joe Biden wins in November 2020.
Prior Gigs
What career paths did aspiring VPs take before running on the big ticket?
Interestingly, 2 of 3 running mates profiled in today’s graphic had a prior background as a lawyer before choosing to enter politics.
A curious exception to the typical career path is that of former professional football player Jack Kemp, who was chosen as the running mate for Bob Dole’s unsuccessful presidential bid in 1996.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
At the President’s Right Hand
The vice president is the first in line of succession for the Oval Office, in the event that the sitting president dies, resigns, or is removed from office. Throughout history, nine VPs have ascended to presidency this way, of which three occurred since 1940.
After Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death in 1945, Harry S. Truman ascended to the presidency.
Lyndon B. Johnson became the President upon John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.
Following evidence of political corruption, Spiro Agnew resigned in 1973. He was replaced by Gerald Ford, who then became President after Nixon’s post-Watergate resignation in 1974.
Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump are three Presidents who have been through the impeachment process, but were later acquitted by the Senate. Otherwise, the list of VPs ending up as the commander-in-chief might look much more different.
The Youngest and Oldest Running Mates
Based on the first time they ran on the ticket, the average running mate is 54 years old. In contrast, the average presidential candidate is 58 years old.
Comparing the age difference between presidential candidates and their running mates paints a unique picture. The biggest age gaps both occurred in 2008:
There was a 28-year difference between older candidate John McCain (72) and younger VP pick Sarah Palin (44) on the Republican ticket. On the Democratic side, younger candidate Barack Obama (47) and older VP pick Joe Biden (66) saw a 19-year gap.
Harry S. Truman’s historic win in 1948 was considered a surprising political longshot. His running mate, Alben W. Barkley was the oldest running mate ever picked, 71 years at the time.
Meanwhile, Richard Nixon was one of the youngest running mates to be chosen, 39 years in 1956—second only to John C. Breckinridge (36 years old in 1856). Finally, at age 92 years in 2020, Walter Mondale is the oldest living former VP.
Cracking the Glass Ceiling
Last but not least, there have only been three women selected as VP running mates to date.
Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman VP nominee for the Democratic Party in 1984.
Although she had only two years of political experience as governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin was the first female Republican VP nominee in 2008.
Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor with almost four years of experience as a Senator, is the first woman of color to be nominated on any major party’s ticket in 2020.


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--Investors Are Looking To China To Find The Next Tesla

Tesla is not the only electric vehicle ( EV ) maker to have seen an explosive rally of its stock so far this year .
Shares in Tesla ’ s Chinese competitors have outperformed the global auto index as investor sentiment toward EV stocks has become increasingly positive over the past year , and as some of China ’ s electric car makers announced major financing milestones .
Despite the pandemic , the increase in EVs sales in China , the world ’ s largest auto market , was larger than the rise in the overall car market last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portion of total vehicle sales in China .
Tesla and the race to become ‘ the next Tesla ’ are fueling a rally in the stocks of Chinese EV manufacturers , which in turn has given rise to increased fund-raising this year , including on the U.S. stock market , Joanne Chiu of The Wall Street Journal writes .
So far this year , Chinese EV stocks have outperformed the overall market and the global car manufacturing stocks index .
The S & P index that tracks Chinese car and car parts makers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
To compare , the global car and parts manufacturers ’ index has risen by 8.5 percent so far in 2020 , according to WSJ estimates of S & P Capital IQ data .
The rally in Chinese stocks comes as Tesla has seen an explosive gain in its stock price over the past year .
As of the close on Thursday , shares in Tesla have soared by 287 percent year to date , and by 652 percent since August last year .
In the global EV market , including in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the one to beat .
Some analysts believe that some Chinese EV makers , who vie to compete with Tesla on the world ’ s top car market , could be the ‘ Tesla of China ’ .
Nio , for example , could be the ‘ Tesla of China , ’ Alexander Potter of Piper Sandler wrote in a note this week , as carried by Business Insider .
“ With a fortified balance sheet and a well-established brand , we think NIO has a shot at earning the ‘ Tesla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandler said .
Ari Wald , head of technical analysis at Oppenheimer , told CNBC earlier this month about Nio that “ The stock has consolidated since peaking in July and I think this consolidation , it ’ s allowing previously overbought conditions to recede.
” Nio ’ s American Depositary Receipts ( ADR ) traded in New York have surged by 232 percent year to date and by 374 percent from year-ago levels .
Earlier this week , Nio reported a surge in vehicle deliveries for the second quarter , at 10,331 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered in the second quarter of 2019 .
Nio guided for even higher deliveries in the third quarter , signaling that the company believes demand for its EVs will continue to rise .
“ We believe penetration of NEV demand in China could accelerate from here , more than doubling from 5 % in 2019 to 14 % by 2025 , ” J.P. Morgan analyst Nick Lai wrote in a note carried by MarketWatch , commenting on Nio ’ s performance .
After Nio listed ADRs in the United States in 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese EV maker to raise money in an initial public offering ( IPO ) in the U.S. Li Auto , founded five years ago , raised US $ 1.1 billion by offering 95 million American depositary shares , or ADSs .
Li Auto plans to launch a full-size premium electric SUV in 2022 , and then expand its product lineup by developing new vehicles , including mid-size and compact SUV models , the company said in an SEC filing .
Since their debut on the U.S. market at the end of July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by more than 30 percent .
This week , Chinese electric car start-up Xpeng Motors filed for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange .
Another Chinese EV manufacturer , Kandi Technologies , said at the end of July it was formally launching “ the most affordable electric vehicles ( EVs ) on the U.S. market , ” with the compact model K27 priced at US $ 12,999 after federal tax credits and a vehicle “ the size of a small SUV ” , K23 , at US $ 22,499 after federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the NASDAQ have soared by over 100 percent in one month .
The announcement of the offering on the U.S. market has fueled Kandi ’ s stock rally .
As Chinese EV makers race to compete with Tesla , both in China and outside China , some investors and analysts have realized that the EV revolution is gaining speed .
Regardless of whether anyone can beat Tesla in sales numbers or brand awareness , the stock market looks to have grown fond of EV stocks .

By Tsvetana Paraskova
Tesla is not the only electric vehicle (EV) maker to have seen an explosive rally of its stock so far this year. Shares in Tesla’s Chinese competitors have outperformed the global auto index as investor sentiment toward EV stocks has become increasingly positive over the past year, and as some of China’s electric car makers announced major financing milestones.
Despite the pandemic, the increase in EVs sales in China, the world’s largest auto market, was larger than the rise in the overall car market last month, although EVs are still a small portion of total vehicle sales in China.
Tesla and the race to become ‘the next Tesla’ are fueling a rally in the stocks of Chinese EV manufacturers, which in turn has given rise to increased fund-raising this year, including on the U.S. stock market, Joanne Chiu of The Wall Street Journal writes.
So far this year, Chinese EV stocks have outperformed the overall market and the global car manufacturing stocks index. The S&P index that tracks Chinese car and car parts makers has gained 30 percent so far this year. To compare, the global car and parts manufacturers’ index has risen by 8.5 percent so far in 2020, according to WSJ estimates of S&P Capital IQ data.
The rally in Chinese stocks comes as Tesla has seen an explosive gain in its stock price over the past year. As of the close on Thursday, shares in Tesla have soared by 287 percent year to date, and by 652 percent since August last year.
In the global EV market, including in China, Tesla is ahead of competitors and the one to beat. Some analysts believe that some Chinese EV makers, who vie to compete with Tesla on the world’s top car market, could be the ‘Tesla of China’.
Nio, for example, could be the ‘Tesla of China,’ Alexander Potter of Piper Sandler wrote in a note this week, as carried by Business Insider.
“With a fortified balance sheet and a well-established brand, we think NIO has a shot at earning the ‘Tesla of China’ moniker,” Piper Sandler said.
Ari Wald, head of technical analysis at Oppenheimer, told CNBC earlier this month about Nio that “The stock has consolidated since peaking in July and I think this consolidation, it’s allowing previously overbought conditions to recede.”
Nio’s American Depositary Receipts (ADR) traded in New York have surged by 232 percent year to date and by 374 percent from year-ago levels.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Earlier this week, Nio reported a surge in vehicle deliveries for the second quarter, at 10,331, nearly triple the vehicles it had delivered in the second quarter of 2019. Nio guided for even higher deliveries in the third quarter, signaling that the company believes demand for its EVs will continue to rise.
“We believe penetration of NEV demand in China could accelerate from here, more than doubling from 5% in 2019 to 14% by 2025,” J.P. Morgan analyst Nick Lai wrote in a note carried by MarketWatch, commenting on Nio’s performance.
After Nio listed ADRs in the United States in 2018, Li Auto became last month the second Chinese EV maker to raise money in an initial public offering (IPO) in the U.S. Li Auto, founded five years ago, raised US$1.1 billion by offering 95 million American depositary shares, or ADSs.
Li Auto plans to launch a full-size premium electric SUV in 2022, and then expand its product lineup by developing new vehicles, including mid-size and compact SUV models, the company said in an SEC filing.
Since their debut on the U.S. market at the end of July, Li Auto’s shares had increased by more than 30 percent.
This week, Chinese electric car start-up Xpeng Motors filed for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.
Another Chinese EV manufacturer, Kandi Technologies, said at the end of July it was formally launching “the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) on the U.S. market,” with the compact model K27 priced at US$12,999 after federal tax credits and a vehicle “the size of a small SUV”, K23, at US$22,499 after federal tax credits.
Kandi’s shares on the NASDAQ have soared by over 100 percent in one month. The announcement of the offering on the U.S. market has fueled Kandi’s stock rally.
As Chinese EV makers race to compete with Tesla, both in China and outside China, some investors and analysts have realized that the EV revolution is gaining speed. Regardless of whether anyone can beat Tesla in sales numbers or brand awareness, the stock market looks to have grown fond of EV stocks.
By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--Shale Executives Make Millions As Their Company Goes Bankrupt

It has been a catastrophically bad year for shale , and few ( if any ) could have predicted the industry ’ s struggles this year .
The most notable of those struggles came in April when the West Texas Intermediate crude benchmark plunged below zero and into uncharted territory .
The previously unthinkable price crash was spurred by a series of unfortunate events : the spread of the novel coronavirus caused a drop in global oil demand , which in turn caused the OPEC+ leaders to turn against one another , which fomented an all-out oil price war and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storage around the world and sent the markets into pandemonium .
In the Permian Basin , the fallout has been legions of fired and furloughed employees , a wave of bankruptcies , the near-abandonment of major oilfield services companies like Halliburton , and the transition of Texas boom towns to ghost towns as local economies dry up overnight .
But while West Texas plunged into chaos , some shale founders were apparently cutting fat checks .
“ On July 7 , the board of directors at Texas fracking sand supplier Hi-Crush granted nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top executives , including $ 1.35 million for CEO and founder Robert Rasmus , ” reported Reuters in an expose published this week .
“ Five days later , the company declared bankruptcy.
” According to the damning report , this considerable payout is not the anomaly .
In fact , it ’ s just “ the latest in a series of board decisions that allowed the oilfield supplier ’ s top executives and founders to rake in tens of millions of dollars as shareholders saw the stock price plummet to pennies.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taste , the Reuters report suggests that there may have been unethical and even illegal elements at play amongst the decisions of the company ’ s three-member independent board as well .
Since 2013 , the board has “ included two people with close ties to Rasmus : John Kevin Poorman , a former next-door neighbor in Illinois , according to deed records ; and John Affleck-Graves , who until 2019 was the chief financial officer of the University of Notre Dame , Rasmus ’ alma mater and a recipient of his donations.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ an undisclosed amount of money for a new 4,000-square-foot entertainment facility – dubbed the Rasmus Family Club – that opened in 2017 at Notre Dame stadium.
” The money was donated at a time that Affleck-Graves held the role of the university ’ s chief financial officer in “ a conflict of interest with a board member who also served as the university ’ s CFO and could have benefitted from an associate ’ s major donation to the school.
” “ Since 2014 , ” says Reuters , “ the board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchases of three sand mines and other assets in which Rasmus and his two co-founders each held a 12.78 percent stake , according to regulatory filings .
The sales grossed the founders a combined $ 245.5 million , a windfall that came at the expense of other shareholders.
” The report goes on to detail myriad other distasteful if not outright illegal activity from the Hi-Crush board , including questionable stock purchases and a number of executive windfalls at the expense of shareholders , not to mention company employees .
“ The founders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has not been previously reported , reflects lax corporate governance in the oil patch that has raised investors ’ risk , ” Reuters paraphrases the opinion of Ed Hirs , “ a veteran oil industry manager and an energy fellow at the University of Houston.
” While reporters reached out to all Hi-Crush officials , founders and directors mentioned in the expose , they reportedly received zero responses .

By Haley Zaremba
It has been a catastrophically bad year for shale, and few (if any) could have predicted the industry’s struggles this year. The most notable of those struggles came in April when the West Texas Intermediate crude benchmark plunged below zero and into uncharted territory. The previously unthinkable price crash was spurred by a series of unfortunate events: the spread of the novel coronavirus caused a drop in global oil demand, which in turn caused the OPEC+ leaders to turn against one another, which fomented an all-out oil price war and global supply glut that maxed out
oil storage around the world and sent the markets into pandemonium. In the Permian Basin, the fallout has been legions of fired and furloughed employees, a wave of bankruptcies, the near-abandonment of major oilfield services companies like Halliburton, and the transition of Texas boom towns to ghost towns as local economies dry up overnight.
But while West Texas plunged into chaos, some shale founders were apparently cutting fat checks. “On July 7, the board of directors at Texas fracking sand supplier Hi-Crush granted nearly $3 million in bonuses to four top executives, including $1.35 million for CEO and founder Robert Rasmus,”
reported Reuters in an expose published this week. “Five days later, the company declared bankruptcy.”
According to the damning report, this considerable payout is not the anomaly. In fact, it’s just “the latest in a series of board decisions that allowed the oilfield supplier’s top executives and founders to rake in tens of millions of dollars as shareholders saw the stock price plummet to pennies.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
While the payout is certainly in bad taste, the Reuters report suggests that there may have been unethical and even illegal elements at play amongst the decisions of the company’s three-member independent board as well. Since 2013, the board has “ included two people with close ties to Rasmus: John Kevin Poorman, a former next-door neighbor in Illinois, according to deed records; and John Affleck-Graves, who until 2019 was the chief financial officer of the University of Notre Dame, Rasmus’ alma mater and a recipient of his donations.” The donations under scrutiny here comprises “an undisclosed amount of money for a new 4,000-square-foot entertainment facility – dubbed the Rasmus Family Club – that opened in 2017 at Notre Dame stadium.” The money was donated at a time that Affleck-Graves held the role of the university’s chief financial officer in “a conflict of interest with a board member who also served as the university’s CFO and could have benefitted from an associate’s major donation to the school.” “Since 2014,” says Reuters, “the board has approved $640 million in company purchases of three sand mines and other assets in which Rasmus and his two co-founders each held a 12.78 percent stake, according to regulatory filings. The sales grossed the founders a combined $245.5 million, a windfall that came at the expense of other shareholders.”
The report goes on to detail myriad other distasteful if not outright illegal activity from the Hi-Crush board, including questionable stock purchases and a number of executive windfalls at the expense of shareholders, not to mention company employees. “The founders’ windfall from the sand-mine
deals, which has not been previously reported, reflects lax corporate governance in the oil patch that has raised investors’ risk,” Reuters paraphrases the opinion of Ed Hirs, “a veteran oil industry manager and an
energy fellow at the University of Houston.” While reporters reached out to all Hi-Crush officials, founders and directors mentioned in the expose, they reportedly received zero responses.
By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--Preppers’ Dangerous Failure Of Imagination: Believing Unrest & Violence Can’t Happen Outside Of The

Preppers’ Dangerous Failure Of Imagination: Believing Unrest & Violence Can’t Happen Outside Of The City

by Daisy Luther of The Organic Prepper In Northern regions of an unstable country , a battle broke out yesterday in the streets of a small city .
Meanwhile , in the Southeastern corridor , protesters continue to clash over control of a monument , and in the North East , rebels have been battling local authorities for control of the Capitol for 80 days .
One city in the central part of the nation has isolated itself by raising drawbridges in an effort to quell the violence and destruction of ongoing riots .
After a massive crime spreehe largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting of a dystopian movie .
The formerly prosperous nation has been rocked by disease , authoritarian measures , police corruption , and economic catastrophe throughout the summer .
A hotly contested presidential race is spurring further division , and the level of violence is expected to increase as election day approaches .
It sounds like coverage of some distant , war-torn country .
I remember when I was in college hearing daily coverage of the situation in Sarajevo and it sounded so far away that at some point , I stopped paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ours .
The report above is about events currently taking place in Kalamazoo , Stone Mountain , Seattle , Chicago , and New York City .
And still , I see people saying , “ It can ’ t happen here.
” They say , “ Our area is different.
” Have you checked your normalcy bias lately ?
One of the things that Selco writes about often is recognizing that a new set of rules is in place , and acting on that immediately .
The earlier you can accept that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the better off you ’ re going to be .
But many people – including many preppers – refuse to believe that these things are coming closer to home .
It ’ s difficult to accept that one day , the fight could be at your own door .
This failure of imagination is something I see often in the preparedness community and , in my opinion , it ’ s as dangerous as refusing to prepare is .
Last fall , I ran a daily challenge to get folks to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on board until I escalated the imaginary scenario .
On Day 15 , I asked people how they could acquire food if they ’ d run through all their preps and still we had no grocery system in place .
This challenge was loaded with excellent answers from people who really knew about the bounty they had outside their backdoor .
But then on Day 16 , I asked people to take it one step further .
Today ’ s challenge is inspired by the course that I took in Croatia with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked you what food you could find nearby if the situation had devolved to the point that you ’ d gone through all your stored food .
Now , if the situation has devolved that far , you have to also imagine that there is no Rule of Law .
It ’ s the Wild West .
Everyone is a threat .
As Selco said to us , “ You think this is hard ?
Now do it while everyone is trying to kill you.
” When the SHTF in Bosnia , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilians from the hilltops when they went to the river to get water .
Neighbors were fighting neighbors for their resources .
It was mayhem for an entire year…So today ’ s challenge takes yesterday ’ s a step further .
How would you get that nearby food if everyone around was a threat to your life or physical well-being ?
Would you go at night ?
Would you move stealthily and slowly during the day ?
Go in teams ?
This thought certainly puts a new twist on things .
( source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this challenge – just thinking through it was difficult for people .
They couldn ’ t fathom such a reality happening right here in the United States of America .
Several people went as far as to write to me about how I was just needlessly scaring people .
But if you aren ’ t willing to think through the true worst-case scenario , how prepared are you really ?
I ’ m seeing exactly the same thing happen in response to the civil unrest that is spreading across the nation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to believe that this trouble could at some point arrive at their doors .
So many people seem to think that their location is somehow charmed and immune to the chaos that is sweeping the rest of the country .
I know of a few people who are remarkably skilled and well-equipped but they are not in the majority .
They are people with years of experience in catastrophic situations .
They aren ’ t Bob who sells insurance or Betty who is a long-time member of the PTA .
Some folks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It could never happen here ” is very possibly the most dangerous sentence in the preparedness world .
It ’ s very limiting and if you are firmly grounded in that belief , then if “ it ” does happen where you are , it ’ s going to be difficult for you to quickly adapt in order to survive the situation .
You may think “ it could never happen there ” because… • You live in the country • You and your neighbors don ’ t put up with any nonsense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are because of ( fill in the blank with words like guns , veterans , terrain , Christians ) Really , pick your own reason why you feel that you are insulated against the things spreading across this country .
But at the same time , realize that police response times are dramatically lengthening even in small towns .
People are politically divided , racially divided , and split by income levels – and this is not just in the big cities .
This isn ’ t the first time I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are so blinded by their ideal of American exceptionalism that they flatly refuse to take advice from those who have been through hell and back .
Some of the readers on my website ( and others that republish my articles ) get downright furious with guest bloggers from other countries .
They are overly critical , for example , of my writer from Venezuela , Jose .
They like to loudly claim how the things that have happened to Jose and other Venezuelans could never happen to them and are the direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They condemn Selco , saying his country is a “ third world shithole.
” They ignore the advice of contributors from South Africa , and when I cite the troubles of European countries , they ’ re quick to blame the citizens .
It ’ s a sad and offensive perspective .
We should be thanking our lucky stars that these people have the courage to relive their experiences to help us prepare should a similar catastrophe strike here .
Honestly , it makes me think that these folks who read survival websites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the real SHTF events we all plan for are really just another variety of the “ sheeple ” they all mocked during the Obama administration .
They like to talk about how the general populace is so unaware of things going on behind the scenes of government , or how manipulative and propagandist the media can be .
But when they are faced with true stories and first-person accounts , they opt to bury their heads in the sand and say , “ It could never happen here.
” It is much wiser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stories of those who have suffered and learn lessons , than it is to smugly play Monday morning quarterback about the collapse of an entire nation .
“ It could never happen here ” is the most dangerous failure of imagination in survival .
If you are one of the people who has rudely insulted my writers , I sincerely doubt you ’ ll read this and recognize the error of your ways .
You ’ ll probably say , “ Daisy is a jerk .
I ’ m not reading her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
You ’ ll probably get mad and wonder who the hell I think I am .
I ’ ll tell you exactly who I am .
I ’ m an American who doesn ’ t think she ’ s the exception to things that only happen “ somewhere else.
” I ’ m a person who looks for the wisdom of others who have been through the very events for which we prep .
I ’ m a person who offers respect to those who are willing to share the things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own life-altering disaster .
I ’ m a person who doesn ’ t look down my nose at the very individuals who are doing their best to help us just because they happen to be from somewhere besides the US and therefore “ deserve it.
” I ’ m a mother who wants to learn and protect my family from the worst things that can happen .
Thank goodness , most of the readers here feel the same way I do and are grateful for contributions from folks who have been to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you think it “ could never happen here ” I have to wonder why you ’ re wasting time on a survival website .
“ It could never happen here ” is the most dangerous failure of imagination in survival .
It IS happening here .
Go back to the introduction to this article and you will plainly see that it is happening here .
You may have loads of reasons that you feel you are exempt , but I strongly believe that you are not .
Maybe you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person who is determined to hope for the best and prepare for the worst .
You have spent time and money to ensure that your family will be okay if something terrible happens .
You are determined not to be reliant on the not-so-tender mercies of FEMA after a disaster .
You are someone who intends to survive .
Maybe then…just maybe…you need to revisit what is possible , no matter how ugly it is or how much it disrupts your personal comfort zone .
As Selco wrote recently , “ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Did you ever expect our national economy to be shut down ?
To be forced to wear masks ?
To require travel papers to get to and from work ?
To watch people openly assaulting others in public places over differences in philosophies ?
That your home might be a target for arsonists if you proudly fly this country ’ s flag ?
Maybe you ’ ll be fortunate and it won ’ t happen there where you live .
Maybe you ’ re correct .
And I sincerely hope that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is able to stand strong and remain untouched .
But what if you ’ re wrong ?
Daisy Luther is a coffee-swigging , gun-toting blogger who 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 lives in the mountains of Virginia with her two daughters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her on Facebook , Pinterest , and Twitter .

by Daisy Luther of The Organic Prepper
In Northern regions of an unstable country, a battle broke out yesterday in the streets of a small city. Meanwhile, in the Southeastern corridor, protesters continue to clash over control of a monument, and in the North East, rebels have been battling local authorities for control of the Capitol for 80 days. One city in the central part of the nation has isolated itself by raising drawbridges in an effort to quell the violence and destruction of ongoing riots. After a massive crime spreehe largest city in the nation looks like the setting of a dystopian movie. The formerly prosperous nation has been rocked by disease, authoritarian measures, police corruption, and economic catastrophe throughout the summer. A hotly contested presidential race is spurring further division, and the level of violence is expected to increase as election day approaches.
It sounds like coverage of some distant, war-torn country. I remember when I was in college hearing daily coverage of the situation in Sarajevo and it sounded so far away that at some point, I stopped paying attention.
But now the war-torn country is ours.
The report above is about events currently taking place in Kalamazoo, Stone Mountain, Seattle, Chicago, and New York City.
And still, I see people saying, “It can’t happen here.” They say, “Our area is different.”
Have you checked your normalcy bias lately?
One of the things that Selco writes about often is recognizing that a new set of rules is in place, and acting on that immediately. The earlier you can accept that the rules of the game have changed, the better off you’re going to be.
But many people – including many preppers – refuse to believe that these things are coming closer to home. It’s difficult to accept that one day, the fight could be at your own door. This failure of imagination is something I see often in the preparedness community and, in my opinion, it’s as dangerous as refusing to prepare is.
Last fall, I ran a daily challenge to get folks to think through a variety of situations. Everyone was on board until I escalated the imaginary scenario.
On Day 15, I asked people how they could acquire food if they’d run through all their preps and still we had no grocery system in place. This challenge was loaded with excellent answers from people who really knew about the bounty they had outside their backdoor.
But then on Day 16, I asked people to take it one step further.
Today’s challenge is inspired by the course that I took in Croatia with Selco and Toby. Yesterday, I asked you what food you could find nearby if the situation had devolved to the point that you’d gone through all your stored food. Now, if the situation has devolved that far, you have to also imagine that there is no Rule of Law. It’s the Wild West. Everyone is a threat. As Selco said to us, “You think this is hard? Now do it while everyone is trying to kill you.” When the SHTF in Bosnia, the threats were everywhere. Snipers were shooting civilians from the hilltops when they went to the river to get water. Neighbors were fighting neighbors for their resources. It was mayhem for an entire year…So today’s challenge takes yesterday’s a step further. How would you get that nearby food if everyone around was a threat to your life or physical well-being? Would you go at night? Would you move stealthily and slowly during the day? Go in teams? This thought certainly puts a new twist on things. (source)
Things almost ground to a halt with this challenge – just thinking through it was difficult for people. They couldn’t fathom such a reality happening right here in the United States of America. Several people went as far as to write to me about how I was just needlessly scaring people.
But if you aren’t willing to think through the true worst-case scenario, how prepared are you really?
I’m seeing exactly the same thing happen in response to the civil unrest that is spreading across the nation. Nobody who lives outside of a city wants to believe that this trouble could at some point arrive at their doors. So many people seem to think that their location is somehow charmed and immune to the chaos that is sweeping the rest of the country. I know of a few people who are remarkably skilled and well-equipped but they are not in the majority. They are people with years of experience in catastrophic situations. They aren’t Bob who sells insurance or Betty who is a long-time member of the PTA.
Some folks refuse to learn from history.
“It could never happen here” is very possibly the most dangerous sentence in the preparedness world. It’s very limiting and if you are firmly grounded in that belief, then if “it” does happen where you are, it’s going to be difficult for you to quickly adapt in order to survive the situation.
You may think “it could never happen there” because…
You live in a Red State
You live in the country
You and your neighbors don’t put up with any nonsense
Nobody would dare come to where you are because of (fill in the blank with words like guns, veterans, terrain, Christians)
You live in a close-knit community
Really, pick your own reason why you feel that you are insulated against the things spreading across this country. But at the same time, realize that police response times are dramatically lengthening even in small towns. People are politically divided, racially divided, and split by income levels – and this is not just in the big cities.
This isn’t the first time I’ve written about this topic. Some people are so blinded by their ideal of American exceptionalism that they flatly refuse to take advice from those who have been through hell and back.
Some of the readers on my website (and others that republish my articles) get downright furious with guest bloggers from other countries. They are overly critical, for example, of my writer from Venezuela, Jose. They like to loudly claim how the things that have happened to Jose and other Venezuelans could never happen to them and are the direct result of personal weakness and cowardice. They condemn Selco, saying his country is a “third world shithole.” They ignore the advice of contributors from South Africa, and when I cite the troubles of European countries, they’re quick to blame the citizens.
It’s a sad and offensive perspective. We should be thanking our lucky stars that these people have the courage to relive their experiences to help us prepare should a similar catastrophe strike here.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Honestly, it makes me think that these folks who read survival websites and criticize those who have actually survived the real SHTF events we all plan for are really just another variety of the “sheeple” they all mocked during the Obama administration.
They like to talk about how the general populace is so unaware of things going on behind the scenes of government, or how manipulative and propagandist the media can be. But when they are faced with true stories and first-person accounts, they opt to bury their heads in the sand and say, “It could never happen here.”
It is much wiser, in my opinion, to read the stories of those who have suffered and learn lessons, than it is to smugly play Monday morning quarterback about the collapse of an entire nation.
“It could never happen here” is the most dangerous failure of imagination in survival.
If you are one of the people who has rudely insulted my writers, I sincerely doubt you’ll read this and recognize the error of your ways. You’ll probably say, “Daisy is a jerk. I’m not reading her articles anymore.” (Buh-bye, then.)
You’ll probably get mad and wonder who the hell I think I am.
I’ll tell you exactly who I am.
I’m an American who doesn’t think she’s the exception to things that only happen “somewhere else.” I’m a person who looks for the wisdom of others who have been through the very events for which we prep. I’m a person who offers respect to those who are willing to share the things they wish they’d known before their own life-altering disaster. I’m a person who doesn’t look down my nose at the very individuals who are doing their best to help us just because they happen to be from somewhere besides the US and therefore “deserve it.” I’m a mother who wants to learn and protect my family from the worst things that can happen.
Thank goodness, most of the readers here feel the same way I do and are grateful for contributions from folks who have been to Hell and brought back lessons for us.
If you think it “could never happen here” I have to wonder why you’re wasting time on a survival website. “It could never happen here” is the most dangerous failure of imagination in survival.
It IS happening here.
Go back to the introduction to this article and you will plainly see that it is happening here. You may have loads of reasons that you feel you are exempt, but I strongly believe that you are not.
Maybe you need to remember who you are.
You are a person who is determined to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. You have spent time and money to ensure that your family will be okay if something terrible happens. You are determined not to be reliant on the not-so-tender mercies of FEMA after a disaster. You are someone who intends to survive.
Maybe then…just maybe…you need to revisit what is possible, no matter how ugly it is or how much it disrupts your personal comfort zone.
As Selco wrote recently, “What can never happen there is happening there.”
Did you ever expect our national economy to be shut down? To be forced to wear masks? To require travel papers to get to and from work? To watch people openly assaulting others in public places over differences in philosophies? That your home might be a target for arsonists if you proudly fly this country’s flag?
Maybe you’ll be fortunate and it won’t happen there where you live. Maybe you’re correct. And I sincerely hope that you are. I hope that rural America is able to stand strong and remain untouched.
But what if you’re wrong?
Daisy Luther is a coffee-swigging, gun-toting blogger who 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 lives in the mountains of Virginia with her two daughters and an ever-growing menagerie. You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.


investmentwatchblog--2020-08-17--Consumer Sentiment Readings do not bode well for President or the market

The chart above depicts that the confidence index declined from 85.7 in September 2007 to 77.5 in December 2007 which @ @ @ @ @ began .
The index ’ s low reading for the period was 57.7 .
It @ @ @ @ @ which was 15 months after sentiment began to decline and three months before the Dow @ @ @ @ @ a leading indicator for both the Dow ’ s decline and also its recovery .
@ @ @ @ @ upturns the economy and the stock market will remain at risk .
The best way @ @ @ @ @ round of volatility which is likely coming is to trade inverse ETFs which go up @ @ @ @ @ goes down .
The products in the table below are powered by algorithms which were @ @ @ @ @ on prior market crashes .
All utilize inverse market index ETFs .

The chart above depicts that the confidence index declined from 85.7 in September 2007 to 77.5 in December 2007 which is when the recession officially began. The index’s low reading for the period was 57.7. It occurred in December 2008, which was 15 months after sentiment began to decline and three months before the Dow bottomed. Consumer confidence was a leading indicator for both the Dow’s decline and also its recovery. Until the index bottoms and upturns the economy and the stock market will remain at risk.
The best way to position for the next round of volatility which is likely coming is to trade inverse ETFs which go up in price when the market goes down. The products in the table below are powered by algorithms which were developed from empirical research conducted on prior market crashes. All utilize inverse market index ETFs.