The ‘bad thing’ we think these election results foretell is that post-WWII mainstream models — welfare states in Europe/a welfare-warfare state in the US — are running out of juice.
I am afraid Mr. Bill has said things as they are. I agree with his words that are said today . We, the people have allowed the train to run out of tracks.
After a great column yesterday, once again we get a mixed bag from Bonner. While he has many decent observations, he never dwells on any of it long enough to give us any logical explanation for them. But I will give him credit for the last three paragraphs where he finally gets to the point and at least offers a hint at some general solutions. I don't necessarily agree with his "means testing" comment since that should be going on already - but the solution is not "means testing", it is dismantling and phasing out the welfare state and leaving all of that to charity. No one has the right to other people's wealth just because he shows a need.
How likely is he to "show a need" if he knows he gets access to other peoples' money, profit, wealth, property, fame, etc.? It's insidious, and it's why the original Constitution contained no provision for public benificence. Best always. PM
The problem with our version of public education (especially higher education) is that we graduate people with fantastic sounding degrees; however, the one degree most needed, "Common Sense" apparently is never offered. If they just offered minor degrees in "rational thinking", it would be a thousand percent better than what our young people are are now getting. If and until then, we are stuck with very few leaders that have a degree from the "School Of Hard Knocks", which enables them to think like Dwight Eisenhower. He cut the defense budget by 30% and gave us the interstate highway system (one of the few great accomplishments of any president in our history). Obviously, Mr Trump has an extremely difficult job (if not impossible) to lead this nation back from the brink of disaster. He and the rest of us had better spend a lot of time on our knees praying for a miracle. We're going to need all the Lord's help we can get, to dig ourselves out of this bottomless hole we've dug for ourselves.
We do not need the Lord's help; we need your help. With all the free education given to our children by the state, how can you be surprised the state didn't get what they paid for: Uneducated children who rely on the state for their existence? Take the education of your children back. You control what they are taught! And if you are going to spend a half million dollars on higher education for an 18-year-old ,shouldn't you have some say in what they are expected to learn?
For a start, too many people believe they are victims.
Somehow, probably from the K-12- and beyond, have curdled the milk of reason. The public schools have engineered their pupils to "what to think" rather than "how". They end up not being able to "cope" when things fall outside their "learned-box". They feel (not think) that they cannot reach outside their box in which they are incapsulated. They become radicalize, or they end up in some sort of mental institution where people think for them; or at worst, leave the land of living selfishly by their own hands.
Change really begins in the beginning: in the home; in the schools; in the city councils in of our 50 states. Change, out of our present mire - will require the same amount of time it took to get where we are now at present. Are you patient enough to wait, I doubt anyone is.
The progressive left school system our children have been trained in is the institution tin which they live. I have said before, if you let the government teach your children, you get what you get. Shut down the Department of Education today!! Then, we begin the process of bringing our children back to us.
“Can it be done before the people become desperate?
We’ll see.” Yes Bill, the fact that the socialist/progressive/globalist governments are burning down is because the “People” are already “Desperate” after years of wealth destruction, globalist corruption and assault on freedom, sovereignty, history, justice and logic. You are just so far out of touch with the people, that you blame “Right Wing” “insurgents” as you call patriotic Americans, over “media approved” Kamala Harris, “wicked”. And last I checked, “Media” approval is at an all time low, because the people have woken up to just how corrupt the globalist media system is, and probably is a large reason your Kamala lost her insane campaign. Yes Bill, the entire west has been controlled by the Wicked Witch/democrats of the West for too many decades now. We’ve all been witness to the destruction and corruption of these most evil creatures, and now it’s cleansing time…”Something wicked this way goes…🇺🇸🇺🇸
Governments don't do anything that's not self-directed or beneficial to government without being forced to do so. The force can be internal, external, or both, but nothing changes, and nothing improves by relying on government initiative. Seen in that light, the collapse and/or disappearance of "post-WWII mainstream models" are not only welcome but essential to survival. Best always. PM
I invite my fellow BPR readers to consider dedicating some of your valuable time (1:07:19) for watching this video. Some note taking was useful for me as this is a fascinating conversation with Tom Luongo, publisher of Gold Goats 'n Guns, and Andy Schectman, President/Owner Miles Franklin Precious Metals.
This dialogue is a pretty deep dive into the intersection of geopolitics, the global economy, and the role of gold in uncertain times.
In this thought-provoking interview, Luongo shares his unique perspectives on how the shifting geopolitical landscape influences financial markets and global stability. With his passion for board games as a metaphor for strategic thinking, Furthermore, Luongo explores the parallels between gaming and navigating the complexities of global economics.
[side note: I am NOT, nor have been a paying client\customer of either gentleman]
A more detailed summary
Investing in gold and silver is increasingly favorable due to low interest rates, global instability, and market volatility, with silver expected to yield greater long-term gains.
Economic Factors and Precious Metals
Lower interest rates and global debt deficits are positive for gold and silver, while Trump’s unpredictability could lead to chaotic markets and increased demand for safe haven assets.
The valuation gap between gold and mining stocks is significant, with majors like Newmont and Barrick falling dramatically, while better-performing stocks like Agnico show potential.
Investment Strategies
Diversifying assets across multiple jurisdictions provides financial security and allows investors to be “ungovernable“, offering the ability to relocate if issues arise in one’s home country.
Silver is historically more volatile than gold but has outperformed it long-term, with potential to reach $60 per ounce, while gold could potentially hit $5,400.
Market Trends and Opportunities
Copper is a bullish bet for 2025, with supply falling and demand projected to increase dramatically over the next 10-15 years, driven by its status as an essential industrial metal.
Uranium is a contrarian play that has corrected to its long-term contract price, but may not double from current levels of $160 per pound.
Investor Behavior and Market Dynamics
Crypto has attracted younger investors who understand fiat money’s intrinsic valuelessness, but there’s a call for gold and crypto enthusiasts to stop infighting and focus on the common enemy of fiat currency.
The 2025 gold price increase is supported by rising producer margins, with Lobo believing the “fuse is lit” for mining stocks to respond to higher gold prices, potentially triggered by a market correction.
Well, for some strange reason, in 1998, I believed the purchase of gold was a good venture. I should have bought a million of dollars of the glitter, correct? But, I did buy enough; "eat your hearts out."
well Lowell you are in a whole different economic status than I am. Good for you. In 98 I was still in the Army and sure didn't have a million dollars to even think about buying that amount. Although I did buy a couple ounces for around $300 an ounce. Just something to leave my grandkids.
Definitely an interesting interview brother! I’ve been on the metal/crypto wagon for years now, and believe this will save the world from total collapse in these next few years. I sold 25% of my crypto holdings two years ago to buy hard assets in the form of a new home and precious metals. I may have lost future earnings with the sell, but have plenty more for backup and feel very comfortable with my move. How do you feel now about the gold/bitcoin partnership and what do you expect from our new administration? Also, what game would you take on the island with you? Chess definitely number 1 and a few decks of cards for the diversity of play🤔 Thanks for sharing 🙏
"Liz Truss done in by The Blob", you forgot conservative the Prime Minister of "not so great" Britain ousted after just 44 days for introducing reforms that would have brought the swamp or to the Brits, the Blob, to heel. It appears it will take a hop off the Fiscal Cliff to get it done.
Bill, no doubt much of what you've said here is true but I would argue though that something wicked arrived long ago... doing its evil and sucking the life out of the citizenry. The models were what the models were but the layering in of layer after layer of corruption serving the few over the course of many preceding decades are in fact the "something wicked". I am torn... between believing that the talented and seemingly right-headed team assembled by Trump can at least move things in a positive direction or that nothing less than absolute destruction can remove something (so) wicked from the government. At least the citizenry knows that change can not be had from those whom they've supported in the past. It is regrettable that mere mortal leadership is unlikely to be capable of slaying the beast.
Clown show is happening as we speak with this administration. Watch this short Bret Baier clip on biden's admin selling the wall for pennies on the dollar for scrap when he knows Trump will use it to finish the wall. You don't need an instagram account to watch as I don't have one. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDf1oUJPYeZ/?igsh=MW5vdDJkdDQ4YTFh
If the centre is about perpetual deficits and welfare from cradle to grave … we can not stay there for too long. And, how can something that can not stand remain the centre? Perhaps the ‘centre’ is the extreme!
Mr Bonner, we all know you are an elite. I am sure you are proud of it. I would be. What I need to know is what you are trying to accomplish by belittling any attempt within our system to fix our problems. With that in mind, and as an elite, how would you fix this today in this environment with the legal tools at your disposal under the Constitution? And how long would it take? And yes, this is a question asked in earnest.
Rich, with respect, I wonder if you and many others here may have wrong expectations from Bill's writings. I have been following Bill for many years, which has resulted in a different perspective that can be partially captured in two thoughts.
1. Bill's perspective: Bill is more interested in preserving family wealth over long periods of time than he is in increasing his own wealth over his remaining life. He writes with an eye to a time span of decades, concerned about what he can pass on to his grandchildren, when commenters and questioners here are more concerned about the next year (month?) or two. That doesn't mean his writings are not helpful (I certainly find them so), but as some commenters say, they get more out of Tom and Dan's writings.
2. Solutions: Folks keep demanding solutions from Bill. I can recall a time past when Bill did actually offer solutions: keep the dollar strong, keep debt lower, and stay out of wars. All have been ignored over the years, and I sense that Bill is pretty much convinced that, like Wile E. Coyote, we have run past the edge of the cliff, and there's only one way to go. Even if, like WEC, there can be a period where we just hang suspended in the air, the result is still inevitable. I can understand that folks still dream that "solutions" are possible (and nothing wrong with that) but really, do you see Trump/DOGE taking the drastic actions of Milei (and surviving long enough to make those kind of cuts)?
So, we sit in Maximum Safety Mode, for as long as it takes, perfectly consistent with Bill's wise counsel.
I have no quarrel with Mr. Bonner; I respect him and his character. He is an elite, just as I think is Mr Milei. In no way, from my point of view, is that demeaning, nor is it intended. I ask him how he could solve the problems we have irresponsibly created for ourselves here in the States, in real-time, following the laws of the country. He is quick to remind us how we have caused our problems, but that, to me, is criticism from the sidelines, which is fine; we all do it. The point of my question is to see his direction, knowing we have little time to avert the disaster he portends and only 4 years to fix it. I know I couldn't begin to solve it. I do not have a speck of the talent needed for such a daunting task. I believe Mr. Bonner does.
I find it very difficult to believe that Musk and Ramaswamy will be successful in cutting federal spending. I hate to beat a dead horse but Musk made a fortune on taxpayer subsidies for his Spontaneous Combustion EVs and Carbon Tax Credits. Has the great Elon mentioned ending spending for the Climate Change scam? Musk also has billions in contracts with the overpriced MIC. And why the hell should we spend money we don't have for his fantasy of going to Mars? Vivek made his money speculating on drugs whether they were successful or not. We have the most expensive medicine in the developed world with the worse outcomes. Has Vivek mentioned bringing down these costs?
Hmmm,... let's see....OK, we see that our problem is government has gotten too big. It needs to be cut. We can't agree on priorities, so it's going to be a tough job. Someone in the back says, "Take 20 years and cut everything by 5% per year, and you'll end up with about 20% of the government with which you started, and lots of departments and bureaucracies and dead-weight will be gone long before even the 50% level is reached." Then someone else says, "No, that's too draconian and too effective. What we'll do is create another governmental dept., yes, that's right, create even MORE government, to do a dog and pony show of cutting, and no one really takes a haircut, and it's all good." This someone never gets to finish what he says, because 3/4-ths of the way through, his statement is drowned out by tumultuous and thunderous applause. Best always. PM
That's my idea. I have proposed it to every one of my elected representatives at one time or another, and they have all given me a blank stare, every single one, with the exception of Mike Sodrel, who lasted only two years in Washington. Best always. PM
I have a problem with all the Climate Change scam artists like Musk who make fortunes off the scam (tax payer subsidies and carbon tax credits) while they fly in private jets and live in mansions. Why does anyone trust him to cut government spending when he is benefiting from it - including juicy MIC contracts? Maybe he should concentrate on his Tesla business, especially since his Spontaneous Combustion EVs have the highest fatal accident rate of all auto brands. Tesla is also involved in the manufacturer of mRNA vaccines - another government sponsored scam industry. The Warped Speed experimental mRNA vaccine is neither safe nor effective.
You can believe in him if you wish, but keep your eyes open.
As a Japanese who has experienced the bubble and the burst, I can say that it brought us to realize the importance of common sense and hard work. A moderate welfare state is ideal for it ensures that my grandchildren can enjoy walking the streets and go to school unaccompanied in Tokyo.
I sit here having second and subsequent thoughts. As curiously interesting as all this is - and I appreciate what many of you, including BB, have to say - I’m wondering whether or not my time is being well spent. Not being in ring, I can’t throw a punch. Just how much spectating is healthy for me? (Bread and Circuses anyone?). I guess, in the words of Matt Haig, I’m trying to “get a routine baggy enough to live in.”
They have run out of other people's money
I am afraid Mr. Bill has said things as they are. I agree with his words that are said today . We, the people have allowed the train to run out of tracks.
After a great column yesterday, once again we get a mixed bag from Bonner. While he has many decent observations, he never dwells on any of it long enough to give us any logical explanation for them. But I will give him credit for the last three paragraphs where he finally gets to the point and at least offers a hint at some general solutions. I don't necessarily agree with his "means testing" comment since that should be going on already - but the solution is not "means testing", it is dismantling and phasing out the welfare state and leaving all of that to charity. No one has the right to other people's wealth just because he shows a need.
How likely is he to "show a need" if he knows he gets access to other peoples' money, profit, wealth, property, fame, etc.? It's insidious, and it's why the original Constitution contained no provision for public benificence. Best always. PM
The problem with our version of public education (especially higher education) is that we graduate people with fantastic sounding degrees; however, the one degree most needed, "Common Sense" apparently is never offered. If they just offered minor degrees in "rational thinking", it would be a thousand percent better than what our young people are are now getting. If and until then, we are stuck with very few leaders that have a degree from the "School Of Hard Knocks", which enables them to think like Dwight Eisenhower. He cut the defense budget by 30% and gave us the interstate highway system (one of the few great accomplishments of any president in our history). Obviously, Mr Trump has an extremely difficult job (if not impossible) to lead this nation back from the brink of disaster. He and the rest of us had better spend a lot of time on our knees praying for a miracle. We're going to need all the Lord's help we can get, to dig ourselves out of this bottomless hole we've dug for ourselves.
We do not need the Lord's help; we need your help. With all the free education given to our children by the state, how can you be surprised the state didn't get what they paid for: Uneducated children who rely on the state for their existence? Take the education of your children back. You control what they are taught! And if you are going to spend a half million dollars on higher education for an 18-year-old ,shouldn't you have some say in what they are expected to learn?
What is education about? It should be that the student is taught to think, not memorize.
For a start, too many people believe they are victims.
Somehow, probably from the K-12- and beyond, have curdled the milk of reason. The public schools have engineered their pupils to "what to think" rather than "how". They end up not being able to "cope" when things fall outside their "learned-box". They feel (not think) that they cannot reach outside their box in which they are incapsulated. They become radicalize, or they end up in some sort of mental institution where people think for them; or at worst, leave the land of living selfishly by their own hands.
Change really begins in the beginning: in the home; in the schools; in the city councils in of our 50 states. Change, out of our present mire - will require the same amount of time it took to get where we are now at present. Are you patient enough to wait, I doubt anyone is.
The progressive left school system our children have been trained in is the institution tin which they live. I have said before, if you let the government teach your children, you get what you get. Shut down the Department of Education today!! Then, we begin the process of bringing our children back to us.
Consequences: the result(s) or effect(s) of action(s) or inaction(s).
Mr Bonner, nice job today; the missives improve as the week progresses.
I am seeing the modus operandi more clearly nowadays. And, yes they cometh.
Cheers,
Mark
Hello Mark ,
What is M.O. ?
please
MO = modus operandi a Latin phrase meaning "mode of operating" and in this context refers (typical) pattern(s) of behavior
Thanks for asking, I will change it.
Regards,
Mark
P.S.
Hillarious video clip with 🦖 dinosaurs 🦖 thanks
Oh, nice to hear. Pleasure.
MO, well known but so little common nowadays. Need to factor in your broad and deep knowledge of so much 😔
“Can it be done before the people become desperate?
We’ll see.” Yes Bill, the fact that the socialist/progressive/globalist governments are burning down is because the “People” are already “Desperate” after years of wealth destruction, globalist corruption and assault on freedom, sovereignty, history, justice and logic. You are just so far out of touch with the people, that you blame “Right Wing” “insurgents” as you call patriotic Americans, over “media approved” Kamala Harris, “wicked”. And last I checked, “Media” approval is at an all time low, because the people have woken up to just how corrupt the globalist media system is, and probably is a large reason your Kamala lost her insane campaign. Yes Bill, the entire west has been controlled by the Wicked Witch/democrats of the West for too many decades now. We’ve all been witness to the destruction and corruption of these most evil creatures, and now it’s cleansing time…”Something wicked this way goes…🇺🇸🇺🇸
Governments don't do anything that's not self-directed or beneficial to government without being forced to do so. The force can be internal, external, or both, but nothing changes, and nothing improves by relying on government initiative. Seen in that light, the collapse and/or disappearance of "post-WWII mainstream models" are not only welcome but essential to survival. Best always. PM
I invite my fellow BPR readers to consider dedicating some of your valuable time (1:07:19) for watching this video. Some note taking was useful for me as this is a fascinating conversation with Tom Luongo, publisher of Gold Goats 'n Guns, and Andy Schectman, President/Owner Miles Franklin Precious Metals.
This dialogue is a pretty deep dive into the intersection of geopolitics, the global economy, and the role of gold in uncertain times.
In this thought-provoking interview, Luongo shares his unique perspectives on how the shifting geopolitical landscape influences financial markets and global stability. With his passion for board games as a metaphor for strategic thinking, Furthermore, Luongo explores the parallels between gaming and navigating the complexities of global economics.
https://youtu.be/WvP9rAowyrA
Enjoy,
Mark
[side note: I am NOT, nor have been a paying client\customer of either gentleman]
A more detailed summary
Investing in gold and silver is increasingly favorable due to low interest rates, global instability, and market volatility, with silver expected to yield greater long-term gains.
Economic Factors and Precious Metals
Lower interest rates and global debt deficits are positive for gold and silver, while Trump’s unpredictability could lead to chaotic markets and increased demand for safe haven assets.
The valuation gap between gold and mining stocks is significant, with majors like Newmont and Barrick falling dramatically, while better-performing stocks like Agnico show potential.
Investment Strategies
Diversifying assets across multiple jurisdictions provides financial security and allows investors to be “ungovernable“, offering the ability to relocate if issues arise in one’s home country.
Silver is historically more volatile than gold but has outperformed it long-term, with potential to reach $60 per ounce, while gold could potentially hit $5,400.
Market Trends and Opportunities
Copper is a bullish bet for 2025, with supply falling and demand projected to increase dramatically over the next 10-15 years, driven by its status as an essential industrial metal.
Uranium is a contrarian play that has corrected to its long-term contract price, but may not double from current levels of $160 per pound.
Investor Behavior and Market Dynamics
Crypto has attracted younger investors who understand fiat money’s intrinsic valuelessness, but there’s a call for gold and crypto enthusiasts to stop infighting and focus on the common enemy of fiat currency.
The 2025 gold price increase is supported by rising producer margins, with Lobo believing the “fuse is lit” for mining stocks to respond to higher gold prices, potentially triggered by a market correction.
Well Gone Fishin' thanks for taking the time to summarize this. appreciate you thinking of us.
Well, for some strange reason, in 1998, I believed the purchase of gold was a good venture. I should have bought a million of dollars of the glitter, correct? But, I did buy enough; "eat your hearts out."
well Lowell you are in a whole different economic status than I am. Good for you. In 98 I was still in the Army and sure didn't have a million dollars to even think about buying that amount. Although I did buy a couple ounces for around $300 an ounce. Just something to leave my grandkids.
Definitely an interesting interview brother! I’ve been on the metal/crypto wagon for years now, and believe this will save the world from total collapse in these next few years. I sold 25% of my crypto holdings two years ago to buy hard assets in the form of a new home and precious metals. I may have lost future earnings with the sell, but have plenty more for backup and feel very comfortable with my move. How do you feel now about the gold/bitcoin partnership and what do you expect from our new administration? Also, what game would you take on the island with you? Chess definitely number 1 and a few decks of cards for the diversity of play🤔 Thanks for sharing 🙏
"Liz Truss done in by The Blob", you forgot conservative the Prime Minister of "not so great" Britain ousted after just 44 days for introducing reforms that would have brought the swamp or to the Brits, the Blob, to heel. It appears it will take a hop off the Fiscal Cliff to get it done.
Government is the problem; it is illogical to expect government to fix the problem. Best always. PM
Bill, no doubt much of what you've said here is true but I would argue though that something wicked arrived long ago... doing its evil and sucking the life out of the citizenry. The models were what the models were but the layering in of layer after layer of corruption serving the few over the course of many preceding decades are in fact the "something wicked". I am torn... between believing that the talented and seemingly right-headed team assembled by Trump can at least move things in a positive direction or that nothing less than absolute destruction can remove something (so) wicked from the government. At least the citizenry knows that change can not be had from those whom they've supported in the past. It is regrettable that mere mortal leadership is unlikely to be capable of slaying the beast.
Right headed team? Or potential clown show. We shall see.
Do you think the last four years weren't a clown show?
Clown show is happening as we speak with this administration. Watch this short Bret Baier clip on biden's admin selling the wall for pennies on the dollar for scrap when he knows Trump will use it to finish the wall. You don't need an instagram account to watch as I don't have one. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDf1oUJPYeZ/?igsh=MW5vdDJkdDQ4YTFh
If the centre is about perpetual deficits and welfare from cradle to grave … we can not stay there for too long. And, how can something that can not stand remain the centre? Perhaps the ‘centre’ is the extreme!
Don't know if it's extreme, but it is sure as heck-fire illusory. It's why in war it's referred to as "no man's land". Best always. PM
Mr Bonner, we all know you are an elite. I am sure you are proud of it. I would be. What I need to know is what you are trying to accomplish by belittling any attempt within our system to fix our problems. With that in mind, and as an elite, how would you fix this today in this environment with the legal tools at your disposal under the Constitution? And how long would it take? And yes, this is a question asked in earnest.
Rich, with respect, I wonder if you and many others here may have wrong expectations from Bill's writings. I have been following Bill for many years, which has resulted in a different perspective that can be partially captured in two thoughts.
1. Bill's perspective: Bill is more interested in preserving family wealth over long periods of time than he is in increasing his own wealth over his remaining life. He writes with an eye to a time span of decades, concerned about what he can pass on to his grandchildren, when commenters and questioners here are more concerned about the next year (month?) or two. That doesn't mean his writings are not helpful (I certainly find them so), but as some commenters say, they get more out of Tom and Dan's writings.
2. Solutions: Folks keep demanding solutions from Bill. I can recall a time past when Bill did actually offer solutions: keep the dollar strong, keep debt lower, and stay out of wars. All have been ignored over the years, and I sense that Bill is pretty much convinced that, like Wile E. Coyote, we have run past the edge of the cliff, and there's only one way to go. Even if, like WEC, there can be a period where we just hang suspended in the air, the result is still inevitable. I can understand that folks still dream that "solutions" are possible (and nothing wrong with that) but really, do you see Trump/DOGE taking the drastic actions of Milei (and surviving long enough to make those kind of cuts)?
So, we sit in Maximum Safety Mode, for as long as it takes, perfectly consistent with Bill's wise counsel.
I have no quarrel with Mr. Bonner; I respect him and his character. He is an elite, just as I think is Mr Milei. In no way, from my point of view, is that demeaning, nor is it intended. I ask him how he could solve the problems we have irresponsibly created for ourselves here in the States, in real-time, following the laws of the country. He is quick to remind us how we have caused our problems, but that, to me, is criticism from the sidelines, which is fine; we all do it. The point of my question is to see his direction, knowing we have little time to avert the disaster he portends and only 4 years to fix it. I know I couldn't begin to solve it. I do not have a speck of the talent needed for such a daunting task. I believe Mr. Bonner does.
I find it very difficult to believe that Musk and Ramaswamy will be successful in cutting federal spending. I hate to beat a dead horse but Musk made a fortune on taxpayer subsidies for his Spontaneous Combustion EVs and Carbon Tax Credits. Has the great Elon mentioned ending spending for the Climate Change scam? Musk also has billions in contracts with the overpriced MIC. And why the hell should we spend money we don't have for his fantasy of going to Mars? Vivek made his money speculating on drugs whether they were successful or not. We have the most expensive medicine in the developed world with the worse outcomes. Has Vivek mentioned bringing down these costs?
Hmmm,... let's see....OK, we see that our problem is government has gotten too big. It needs to be cut. We can't agree on priorities, so it's going to be a tough job. Someone in the back says, "Take 20 years and cut everything by 5% per year, and you'll end up with about 20% of the government with which you started, and lots of departments and bureaucracies and dead-weight will be gone long before even the 50% level is reached." Then someone else says, "No, that's too draconian and too effective. What we'll do is create another governmental dept., yes, that's right, create even MORE government, to do a dog and pony show of cutting, and no one really takes a haircut, and it's all good." This someone never gets to finish what he says, because 3/4-ths of the way through, his statement is drowned out by tumultuous and thunderous applause. Best always. PM
I presume in the 2nd scenario you are referring to DOGE. Where is the 1st scenario coming from? thanks r
That's my idea. I have proposed it to every one of my elected representatives at one time or another, and they have all given me a blank stare, every single one, with the exception of Mike Sodrel, who lasted only two years in Washington. Best always. PM
I am confused here. These men lived and flourished in the world they were born in. Why do you have a problem with that?
I have a problem with all the Climate Change scam artists like Musk who make fortunes off the scam (tax payer subsidies and carbon tax credits) while they fly in private jets and live in mansions. Why does anyone trust him to cut government spending when he is benefiting from it - including juicy MIC contracts? Maybe he should concentrate on his Tesla business, especially since his Spontaneous Combustion EVs have the highest fatal accident rate of all auto brands. Tesla is also involved in the manufacturer of mRNA vaccines - another government sponsored scam industry. The Warped Speed experimental mRNA vaccine is neither safe nor effective.
You can believe in him if you wish, but keep your eyes open.
As far as the great Vivek do a little research on intepirdine his Alzheimer drug that was a flop but he still made money.
As a Japanese who has experienced the bubble and the burst, I can say that it brought us to realize the importance of common sense and hard work. A moderate welfare state is ideal for it ensures that my grandchildren can enjoy walking the streets and go to school unaccompanied in Tokyo.
.
I sit here having second and subsequent thoughts. As curiously interesting as all this is - and I appreciate what many of you, including BB, have to say - I’m wondering whether or not my time is being well spent. Not being in ring, I can’t throw a punch. Just how much spectating is healthy for me? (Bread and Circuses anyone?). I guess, in the words of Matt Haig, I’m trying to “get a routine baggy enough to live in.”