The Lunatic Fringe - Political Chat

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Posting as food for thought, nothing more. Take it fwiw, dyodd and make of it what you will.

Pick A Side And Fight For It, Keep Your Head Down, Or Flee​

Pick A Side And Fight For It, Keep Your Head Down, Or Flee

As you know, based on my study of history, I believe there are now and have always been five big, interrelated forces that drive how domestic and world orders change. They are the 1) the big debt/credit/money cycle, 2) the big internal order/disorder cycle 3) the big external order/disorder cycle, 4
www.linkedin.com
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Nothing to see in the vid, can listen in one tab, play around the forum in a different tab.

Civil War Is Coming, says Dalio. Plus: What Young Men should do, Elon Musk, Liberland, Sark, & more​

Jul 5, 2024 Doug Casey's Take

Ray Dalio's Civil War Warning.
Billionaire Ray Dalio thinks civil war is coming. Not with guns, maybe. But a war all the same. You'll have to choose. Fight for a side. Keep your head down. Or run.
He sees the signs. Wealth gaps. Populism. Media lies. Rule of law breaking down. It's happened before. France. Russia. China. Now here.
Dalio says we're at Stage 5. Stage 6 is civil war. It's close and the odds are greater than 50%.

1:04:10

00:00 Introduction and Member Group Information
00:16 Discussing Ray Dalio's Editorial
01:29 Potential Civil War in the U.S.
02:55 Historical Context of Civil Wars
05:06 Dalio's Predictions and Personal Reflections
08:04 Global Migration and Cultural Tensions
14:55 Western Civilization Values Under Threat
21:34 Independence Day Reflections
23:07 European Elections and Political Comparisons
29:35 Liberland Citizenship and Anarcho-Capitalism
33:27 Genetic Elements of Libertarian Beliefs
36:24 Real Estate Development in Sark
39:43 Trump's Narcissism and Political Impact
43:06 Reflections on Life Choices
46:20 Balkanization of the U.S.
48:08 Economic Indicators and Capital Movement
49:46 U.S. and Global Political Dynamics
54:12 Investing in Wheat and Natural Gas
57:06 Elon Musk: Hero or Villain?
01:01:30 Fighting for a Better Future
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12 Virtues of Western Civilization: https://youtu.be/B0a9NvuU3Ok
 
Some of this, some of that in this one. While the vid has graphs and some other stuff, I'm listening as background noise in one tab, playing around the forum in a different tab. I think David Murrin is an interesting character. If you do listen or watch, take it fwiw.

Interview: David Murrin on the Kondratiev cycle, physics, Buddhism and World War Three

In today's episode Buddhist podcaster Mahabodhi interviews David Murrin global forecaster, investment advisor and author. In 2010 David published Breaking the Code of History, building on the work of the Russian economist Nikolai Kondratiev.
www.davidmurrin.co.uk
 
Podcast here, nothing to see, can listen in one tab, play around the forum in a different tab. Liked what he said about people who go into politics.

Doug Casey on the West's True Enemies I TWS #2513​

Jul 4, 2024

Investor and New York Times bestselling author Doug Casey talks about how young people should think and what they should do in the current environment, as well as the uniqueness of Western civilization and what's being done to it.

51:42

Show notes page: https://tomwoods.com/2513
 

Trump says Taiwan should pay for defense, sending TSMC stock down​

TAIPEI, July 17 (Reuters) - Taiwan should pay the U.S. for its defense as it does not give the country anything, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump told Bloomberg Businessweek, sending shares of Taiwanese chip manufacturer TSMC (2330.TW), opens new tab lower on Wednesday.

"I know the people very well, respect them greatly. They did take about 100% of our chip business. I think, Taiwan should pay us for defense," Trump said in interview on June 25 that was published on Tuesday.

"You know, we're no different than an insurance company. Taiwan doesn't give us anything."

The United States is Taiwan's most important international supporter and arms supplier, but they have no formal defense agreement, unlike what Washington has with South Korea and Japan. The U.S. is, however, bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.

Taiwan's government has made defense modernization a priority, including developing its own submarines, and has said many times the island's security rests in its own hands.

More:

 

Biden Exit Leaves Markets Asking What’s Next for Trump Trade

(Bloomberg) -- Investors are starting the week scrambling to decide if President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris increases or decreases Donald Trump’s chances of regaining power. Most Read from BloombergBiden Exits Race, Endorses...
finance.yahoo.com
 
chieftain said:
I am in hysterics after seeing the World Service Authority page, 'the fuck is that shit???
Click to expand...
I believe they have the right idea to be honest. Historically people have always had the right to travel and live anywhere in the world that they wanted to. When did getting a passport and asking for permission to travel become a thing? What we also need is a world without Central governments. They contribute nothing to society and only work to enslave the population they pretend to represent.
 

The Year of Chaos Roars!

This isn’t just the most tumultuous year of political chaos in the US; geopolitics has ramped up in the last few months to suddenly outweigh inflation as a concern for markets.
goldseek.com
 
Remember these videos are basically opinion pieces. Take each one fwiw and dyodd.

Doug Casey's Take [ep.#338] 26 Reasons Kamala will be the next President + Market Turmoil​

Aug 2, 2024 Doug Casey's Take

Market Turmoil and Election Predictions: Analyzing the Current Chaos

In this episode, Doug and the host discuss the dramatic drops in global stock markets and various commodities, including tech stocks and uranium. They explore the impact of geopolitical tensions between Lebanon and Israel on market dynamics. Transitioning to political matters, they analyze a recent email from filmmaker Michael Moore, advocating for Kamala Harris as the potential next U.S. president. They examine poll numbers and statistical data to debate the American public's leanings on issues such as abortion, gun control, climate change, and more. The hosts also consider the implications of potential election fraud, electronic voting machines, and the role of the state in determining election outcomes.

51:12

00:00 Market Turmoil: Tech Stocks and Commodities
02:35 Geopolitical Tensions: Lebanon, Israel, and World War 3
03:40 Political Landscape: Michael Moore's Optimism for Kamala
05:08 America's Left-Leaning Tendencies: Poll Analysis
08:29 Gun Control and Ownership in America
11:12 Climate Crisis and Labor Unions: Public Opinion
13:02 Economic Issues: Taxes, Minimum Wage, and Student Loans
15:00 Social Issues: Marijuana, Housing, and Same-Sex Marriage
26:04 Debating the Electoral College
27:51 Gerrymandering and Representation Issues
28:54 American Opinions on Gaza Ceasefire
29:52 Money in Politics
32:56 Kamala's Potential Pitfalls
40:18 Additional Factors Influencing Elections
43:54 The Power of Media and Public Perception
49:34 Speculations on Election Outcomes
51:02 Concluding Thoughts
 
The civil war is over, the right just hasn't realized that we lost yet. Obama said he was going to fundamentally transform America. He did and now we are seeing the changes he was talking about and those of us on the right are not happy about it. Those on the left are happy about it because they feel like they won. And they did. It's just that they don't realize what they won yet. A bankrupt nation where they have driven out productivity, creativity and wealth.

I don't know exactly how the future unfolds but it is ugly no matter how we get to the end game. What we are witnessing now is a debt level that can never be reversed. On top of that we have prices that are out of almost every asset class that are out of reach for all but the wealthy anymore. Listening to Micheal Pento last night and he described the inflation in this manner. Everything is at a level where people are barely hanging on. And now inflation is down to 3 % and going to 2. What good does an additional 2% price increase on everything do for a society that is already cutting back on food just to keep the lights on? If Powell keeps rates higher for longer and we can actually get some deflation, then you can believe that he actually cares about the people. He won't. He cares about Wall Street and the banks. It's not just him though, it's anyone in his position and everyone in DC.

The left has been playing the long game and we are now at a point where we can no longer win elections. The left has all of the apparatus in place to win by any means possible. I do think this next election is going to be a wake up call to the right. It's when they realize the time is short to get out. The warning signs have been put out there for all to see if they were paying attention. Raising chickens and being patriotic are now signs of domestic terrorism. In the future as people on the right are rounded up and sent off to concentration camps, do you think the left will care? We are already being labeled as extremists, terrorists, racists and every other label the left can throw at us to make us villains. In the future they will be happy to eliminate us just as the Nazis eliminated the Jews. Not next year or even the next election cycle but as this national socialist party takes hold, they will eventually feel the need to eliminate any resistance.
If you're on the right you can see the propaganda machine clear as day. Do you really need any more evidence than the Jan 6th prisoners as well as everything they have done to Trump? I rest my case.
 
Cigarlover said:
What we are witnessing now is a debt level that can never be reversed.
Click to expand...

Agree 100%. Most people who constantly build up debt get to a point where the debt is simply unsustainable and then they crash. Some declare bankruptcy, some try to walk away (jingle mail, come get your car, etc.) which usually doesn't work.

What do countries do?

If there is to be a reset, I see it on an international scale more so than a national one. Whole lotta stuff going on behind the scenes as to CBDCs that really make you wonder. And to bring it about, how? What would be the excuse? Would be total control over the masses and they would have to want it. A lot of the parts are in place. Only need a breakdown and a mechanic to come along with a fix.

Interesting stuff to think about.

Edit to add...........

Why would a country in debt to the tune of trillions loan other countries billions? Makes no sense.
 
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Whilst not disagreeing with you on how it seems to have played out, no one has won out of this shitshow. When the things the loonies take for granted begin failing, disappearaing or go offline, that's when they will realise they were played and will turn on whoever is presented as the villain by the MIC.
 
Just more reason to become an expat and move...
 

Doug Casey's Take [ep.#340] Mass Migration, VP Candidates, Secret Societies, Family Leadership​

Doug Casey and Matt Smith discuss Michael Yon's view that mass migration is a tactic of war. We discuss the increasing presence of Venezuelan gangs in the U.S., notably in Denver, and the broader implications for high-trust societies under such pressures.

The conversation shifts to historical and contemporary societal instability, drawing parallels to periods like the late 60s and early 70s, marked by violent unrest. The hosts also touch on reactions to Michael Yon's perspective, cultural insights on Japan, Rahm Emanuel as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and issues of demoralization and future planning in today's turbulent times. The episode rounds off with Doug's advice on navigating future crises, including the debate over fighting or fleeing societal breakdowns.

59:16

00:00 Introduction to Migration as a Tactic of War
00:05 Venezuelan Gangs in Denver
00:34 High Trust Societies' Response to Crime
01:11 Historical Context of Social Unrest
01:32 Discussion on Michael Yon’s Interview
03:23 Concerns About U.S. Leadership and Foreign Policy
05:20 Impact of Venezuelan Gangs on Local Communities
09:48 Comparisons to Historical Crime Waves
18:09 Financial Instability and Social Consequences
19:10 Political Predictions and Betting Markets
22:23 Questions from the Community
30:46 Controversial Opinions on JD Vance
32:24 Political Comparisons and Concerns
33:19 Discussion on Minnesota Flag and Free Speech
34:56 Nigel Farage and Political Integrity
36:29 Interest Rates and Inflation Debate
39:41 Exploring Argentina's Best Places to Live
42:18 Accredited Investors and Private Placements
44:27 Geopolitical Theories: Heartland vs Rimland
47:39 Secret Societies and Deep State Clubs
50:54 Family Preparedness and Relocation
58:46 Concluding Thoughts and Future Speculations
 
The world is already being led to war by people who are unelected and working behind the scenes. Thats why Biden and Harris are in place. that's also why they want Harris to be President. The MIC then gets to start wars and make gazillions and she gets to hang out in the White House and pretend she's Monica Lewinski all day. At the end of her term she can get a 50 million dollar book deal and give 500k an hr speeches and tell everyone how the cloud works.
 
It has nothing to do about Trump

updates on the insane world of money and power

Question Everything—The Horror Has a Root-Cause
It's about the dollar—it's all about the dollar. The power comes with the election—but
underneath all is the dollar. If the dollar cannot be saved—there is no power to be had.

Unfortunately for the elite, the dollar is on the way out, and the best they can do is to
take steps to keep the dollar viable for as long as possible. In that process there are
immediate concerns involving non-use of the dollar. Consider Japan, that until recently
has $1T in US paper assets. Then they sold a couple hundred billion to where they
have 800 billion left. Now they are announcing they intend to sell half of what remains.

Suppose Japan moves on it before the election? That would constitute default by the
US Government because Japan would find no buyers (including the US), willing to pay
face-value for those dollars. Japan may decide to pay that price to get out of dollars.

Many nations want out of dollars, a process that will be ongoing and calculated so as
to recoup most of what was paid for those dollars. But, something more causal is at
work here. What actually defends the US dollar is not the good faith and credit of the
United States—it's that Mao thing wherein real power comes out of the barrel of a gun.

That brings us to the 800 billion and change, US defense budget, which has to be
maintained for the dollar to have any hope. And the only way to preserve that budget is
with an active war. The war in Ukraine will soon be over, nullifying the need for a pre-
posterous defense budget. That creates an imperative for new war—sooner than later.

That's all the huff and puff around Taiwan causing a shift of NATO to include the
South China Sea, along with Sweden/Finland raising the threat ante along Russia's
border. Add to that, a carrier group steaming to the Black Sea as I write, in support of
Israeli genocide. Without a debate, elites are taking steps to protect democracy/dollars.

The future of the human race is up for grabs, and it may well depend on the polls in-
dictating that Kamila Harris can beat Donald Trump. If that transpires over the next 45
days, war can be postponed. But, if 1 of 2 things occurs, a Trump win looks to be in-
evitable or the economy crashes before the proposed election date, war becomes the
primary tactic in the overall strategy—and our lives will be bargained-away for a dollar.

What kind of revolution awaits a dollar collapse/ungovernable America? Next time.

Get my articles by email with a request: erik@neverhadaboss.com. And thank you.
 

Sheldon Adelson - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Miriam Adelson - Wikipedia

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Trump calls civilian presidential medal ‘much better’ than top military honor​

Donald Trump has been criticized after he claimed that the civilian presidential medal of freedom, which he bestowed on people including Republican supporters and donors during his time in office, is “much better” than the top military award for those killed or wounded in action: the Medal of Honor.

Speaking at a campaign event on Thursday, Trump made the claim as he addressed Miriam Adelson, the widow of Republican mega-donor Sheldon Adelson. Trump awarded Miriam Adelson the medal of freedom in 2018.

“[The medal of freedom is] actually much better because everyone [who] gets the congressional Medal of Honor, they’re soldiers,” Trump said.

“They’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets or they’re dead. She gets it, and she’s a healthy, beautiful woman. And they’re rated equal.”

The Medal of Honor is the country’s highest military award. It is awarded to a military service member who “distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty”.

More here:


Edit to add:

 
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I enjoy podcasts like this. Always interesting to hear how other people think. Nothing to see, can listen in one tab, play around the forum in a different tab.

World War 3 (WWIII) Ready, Set, Go! -- John Rubino #6125​

Aug 16, 2024

Kerry Lutz and John Rubino take an entertaining and humorous deep dive into some of the most pressing global issues of our time. They discuss the growing concerns over global conflicts, the powerful influence of the military-industrial complex, and the potential fallout from a disputed U.S. presidential election. They also explore how AI-generated content could shape the election and the dangerous consequences of conflicts involving nuclear powers, highlighting the impact of political interests across various sectors.

Lutz and Rubino express their fears about the economic repercussions of political assassinations, terrorist attacks, and the increasing online censorship affecting political events and public figures. They question the accuracy of official economic statistics and analyze their potential manipulation, especially in the context of recent market crashes and the role of hedge funds. The duo also delves into the yen carry trade and its potential risks to the financial system.

On the gold market front, they highlight the surge in merger activity among mining companies and discuss how major miners might start acquiring junior producers. Lutz and Rubino also share their investment strategies, including Rubino’s approach to buying NASDAQ put options and Lutz’s advice on investing in ETFs that hold stocks of major gold miners.

Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the urgent need for de-escalation in global conflicts and the importance of verifying content in today’s media landscape. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in global politics, economics, and smart investment strategies, making it a must-watch for those looking to stay informed and ahead of the curve.

41:17
 
Another podcast. Can listen in one tab,

Update:

GOP megadonor Miriam Adelson plans to do whatever it takes to help Trump win with $100 million dollar PAC​


  • Republican megadonor Miriam Adelson could end up having a blank check for how much she plans to give in support of Donald Trump.
  • The Adelsons donated nearly $90 million to a pro-Trump PAC in 2020.
  • Miriam Adelson could be Trump's biggest financial booster by Election Day.
Billionaire Republican megadonor Miriam Adelson appears to have a blank check policy when it comes to her support of former President Donald Trump, as she aims to help get him back to the White House.

Adelson's political aide Andy Abboud was overheard telling attendees at a campaign event at Trump's golf club in Bedminster, N.J. on Thursday that whatever Trump needs from Adelson, he's going to get in support from his boss, according to Abboud and a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

More:

 

From the VFW:

VFW Admonishes Former President for Medal of Honor Remarks​

VFW Admonishes Former President for Medal of Honor Remarks

On Thursday, former President Donald Trump spoke at an event where he made some flippant remarks about the Medal of Honor and the heroes who have received it.
www.vfw.org
 
Podcast here, nothing to see, can listen in one tab, play around the forum in a different tab.

Doug Casey's Take [ep.#343] Capital controls, America's political circus, the proper role of govt​

In this episode, Doug and I discuss coming exchange controls, the proper role of government, the historical annexation of Hawaii, and the effectiveness of political parties in the U.S. We take a look at Kamala Harris' economic plans, the implications of Trump's immigration policies, and the burdens of modern governmental regulations on the economy.

As usual, we emphasize the importance of individual action in a failing political system and caution against unrealistic reliance on political leaders.

31:25

00:00 Introduction: Government and Coercion
00:57 Political Circus and Economic Facts
01:07 Hawaii's Statehood: A Historical Mistake
05:48 Government Overreach and Economic Control
06:52 Revised Job Numbers and Economic Policies
08:15 Kamala Harris's Economic Plan
09:48 Critique of Government Policies
20:00 Trump's Immigration Stance
27:15 Future Concerns and Final Thoughts
 
Podcast here, nothing to see, can listen in one tab, play around the forum in a different tab. DYODD

Doug Casey's Take [ep.#345] Tough Times Ahead​

Aug 28, 2024

44:47

00:00 The Conspiracy Theory Unveiled
00:24 Government Functionality and Encyclopedia Britannica
01:39 Wokeness in Historical Narratives
03:56 Election Security Concerns
05:06 January 6th Prosecutions and Future Implications
10:21 Authoritarianism and Civil Unrest
16:41 Global Trends in Authoritarianism
22:33 The Changing Demographics of Europe
23:58 Political Shifts and Historical Parallels
24:53 The Rise of Authoritarianism in Europe
25:37 The Arrest of Telegram's Founder
31:36 Personal Responsibility in Times of Crisis
39:48 The Reality of Political Risks
44:06 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
 

What are the economics of war?​

Aug 13, 2024
Last March, Thierry Breton, the EU's commissioner for internal market, advocated for a shift of the European defense industry toward a war economy.
Europe is facing an "existential threat," he said, as the Commission announced a new defense strategic plan, with a minimum of €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) subsidy to boost the continent's war machine.
Nations are investing in their armed forces too.
In Germany, arms maker Rheinmetall inaugurated a new factory in February that will produce artillery ammunition, explosives and rockets.
Aerospace and defense company Kongsberg also opened a new anti-ship and cruise missile manufacturing plant in Norway last June.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, military expenditure reached a peak of $2.4 trillion in 2023, the highest year-on-year rise since 2009.

8:22
 

Why Iraq says this road will fix the Middle East​

Aug 30, 2024

#iraq is building a massive rail and road network connecting the Gulf region to the Mediterranean. Billions of dollars of trade will flow through the country, and with greater prosperity comes greater stability.

19:05
 

Doug Casey's Take [ep.#347] Que mala! Can Trump Delay the Inevitable?​

Sep 6, 2024 Doug Casey's Take

**Note: Podcast, nothing to see, can listen in one tab, play around the forum in a different tab.

In this episode, Doug Casey answers questions from the Phyle, a private community of Crisis Investing subscribers. Doug discusses historical events from this day, including the assassination of President William McKinley, Magellan's circumnavigation, and the Munich Massacre. He elaborates on the differences between American and European anarchism, comments on the impact of Islam on Western civilization, and the dynamics of Kamala Harris’ name. Additional topics include the election industrial complex, risks in mining investments, travel and real estate insights in Argentina, the importance of second passports, the migration crisis as a tool for global governance, and the future of high-performance vehicles. Doug also delves into the potential consequences if Bitcoin were ever hacked and explores investment opportunities. Join us for an engaging and insightful discussion on these topics and more.

52:46

00:00 Introduction and Community Questions
00:11 This Day in History: McKinley, Magellan, and Munich
01:19 Discussion on Anarchism and Islam
10:40 Kamala Harris: Pronunciations
13:13 The Election Industrial Complex
15:43 Government Actions on Mining Assets
19:38 Travel Tips for Argentina
22:55 Speculations on Trump's Potential Policies
27:59 Malachite and Midnight Sun Deposits
29:13 Second Passports and Dollarized Economies
30:42 Corporate Media and Deprogramming Tactics
34:14 Mass Migration and Global Government
41:20 Future of Classic Cars and Collectibles
44:28 Blackmail and Political Control
49:12 Impact of Bitcoin Hacking on Gold Prices
52:21 Concluding Thoughts and Future Speculations
 

High-ranking military leaders blame Trump for 'chaotic' Afghanistan withdrawal​

Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), have been railing against President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris over the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan and the 13 military members killed during the attack at Abbey Gate.

But Democrats have countered that the Biden Administration inherited Trump's flawed withdrawal plan. And Democratic leaders aren't the only ones who are making that argument.

More:


 
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