America the Bankrupt

I don't have much time to write a lengthy piece on America's bankruptcy, something that has bothered me for quite a while. Instead, please read this masterful article written by Chalmers Johnson, author of the Blowback Trilogy (here, here, and here). This article represents one of the most well-written explanations of America's global empire and just exactly what that is costing us. Our national debt, our frivolous spending habits, and our vision of American global hegemony will have to be reconciled and redeemed in the 21st century. We can no longer afford to police the entire world - financially and politically. Spread the word.

Neocons gone wild

In my field of finance, certain numbers mean absolute truths, other numbers tell a story or require further investigation in order to glean helpful information from them. For example, cash on hand and accounts receivable are both considered assets, but a company might have plenty of the latter and still be bankrupt. Most numbers, however, represent actual truth, at least in my mind. They may be up for interpretation, but the number itself cannot be disputed if it is based on fact.

Thus enters this helpful chart. If you are a conservative, you need to see this. If you are not outraged, then you are not paying attention. It outlines George Bush’s havoc on the American dollar and America’s falling reputation globally.

Some interesting points:

1. Take a look at the total national debt from 2001 until now. It has grown 61% over the past 7 years. Ever wonder why the US dollar suffered so badly last year (6.3% inflation, a 26 year high)? I suspect it’s because we print money that is not backed by anything. Since the market is saturated with money to fund itself, its value declines. Only the front-end recipients of the newly printed money benefit from it. You and I suffer from it.
2. Take a look at Turkey’s approval rating. Why Turkey? Turkey is home to many Muslims. You’ll notice that before Bush, their opinion of America was low, now it is abysmal. Not only do we feel the blowback from interventionist foreign policy, but they feel it too.
3. Take a look at median household income. $48K per year is not enough, I believe, to even live a simple life and save for retirement. These folks are living paycheck to paycheck, and it has only become worse. Add in the inflation mentioned above, and the middle class is moving head-on into a train wreck. Not only are they making less, but their spending power is diminished with what they do make.
4. And don’t think that the situation I mention in point #3 will improve by obtaining a better education. Take a look at the cost of financing a college degree (the rates of borrowing for education are direct reflections of the rates set by the Fed). Again, the increase is nearly 60% - almost the same as the rate our national debt has grown (Coincidence? No, because the borrowing power of the dollar is directly influenced by the money supply).
5. Lastly, even the Special Relationship with America’s closest comrades in GB has suffered by 48%. This is significant. America’s tightest buddy has some doubts about America’s actions in the world. I think this speaks volumes. When your best friend has issues with your attitude, who is left for you to lean on?

I am convinced George Bush has a lot in common with Captain Queeg, and is showing signs of pre-senile dementia. But don’t listen to me, just look at the numbers. The scoreboard doesn’t lie.

Ron Paul on (local) Fox station

Too bad it's not Rupert Murdoch's super-machine, but a local affiliate will do. Paul is calm, cool, and collected with his opinion. He's also not pandering to any specific group, which is refreshing. Enjoy!

The Onion speaks the truth

They think they're being funny, but in reality they're speaking the absolute truth - most Americans have no clue what they're voting for, and judge their potential candidate on total bullshit issues. (For example, 70% of Americans oppose involvement in the Iraq war, and it seems that the two major candidates for president will wind up being pro-war candidates).

Enjoy the video.


Poll: Bullshit Is Most Important Issue For 2008 Voters

Take the quiz

Not sure who best represents your ideals this time around? Find out at glassbooth.org. It’s quick, free, and painless. What’s really cool about the website is that after you are done, you can send your results page to anyone by copying the url and pasting it into an email. Here’s my result: I’m 88% compliant with Ron Paul’s views, followed by Bill Richardson and Mike Gravel (two people I’ve never bothered to study out – until now!). Enjoy!