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ARCHIVED DISCUSSION FROM 1/20/2001
All times are U.S. Mountain Time
(Yesterday's Discussion.)
Shermag
(01/20/01; 23:50:20MT - usagold.com msg#: 46038)
Black Blade, California Energy Crisis
In reading your post: PG&E Responds to Secretary Richardson's Order, I am struck by the tone of desperation emanating from the utility. In particular the excerpt following is encapsulating of this: "because California's electricity crisis has pushed the utility to the brink of financial collapse, exhausting available cash and credit."
These guys are begging for some relief. What is striking to me is that it would be allowed to get this far.
As a Canadian, I grew into an awareness of the world with a certain awe of the power and sophistication of our American neighbors to the south. It is such a disconnect to me to see the nation that was the birthplace of such wonders as the transistor and its follow-on the microchip, could regress to the extent that ideological intransigence could precipitate such a potential calamity. How far your nation has fallen.
Sincerely hoping for a proper resolution of this mess, Shermag
SHIFTY
(01/20/01; 23:28:38MT - usagold.com msg#: 46037)
Lady Leigh / all
http://www.goldrush.com/~joann/
Women in the Gold Rush
Welcome to the
Home Page
of the women who
"saw the elephant"
-- the women of the
California Gold Rush.
"seeing the elephant"
To forty-niners and those following, no expression characterized the California gold rush more than the words "seeing the elephant." Those planning to travel west announced they were "going to see the elephant." Those turning back claimed they had seen the "elephant's tracks" or the "elephant's tail," and confessed they'd seen more than enough of the animal.
The expression predated the gold rush, arising from a tale current when circus parades first featured elephants. A farmer, so the story went, hearing that a circus was in town, loaded his wagon with vegetables for the market there. He had never seen an elephant and very much wished to. On the way to town he encountered the circus parade, led by an elephant. The farmer was thrilled. His horses, however, were terrified. Bolting, they overturned the wagon and ruined the vegetables. "I don't give a hang," the farmer said, "for I have seen the elephant."
For gold rushers, the elephant symbolized both the high cost of their endeavor -- the myriad possibilities for misfortune on the journey or in California -- and, like the farmer's circus elephant, an exotic sight, and unequaled experience, the adventure of a lifetime.
Al Fulchino
(01/20/01; 22:43:21MT - usagold.com msg#: 46036)
The dungeon gave me five minutes of sunlight per day
All quotes from a tiny book, put out my Wallbuilders, called The Second Ammendment, by David Barton. It is a great little book that seems to sum up well, a lot of other sources I have seen.
This is not meant for the Hall. <wink>
Thanks Steve H, I found much, do to your diligence.
My post.
There is no doubt in my mind, that there are certain principles that exist for us all to witness. Mathematicians use slide rules that can measure them. Chemists have litmus paper that can affirm their presence. Seafarers have their compass. If we follow them, we can calculate. We can determine contents. And find our way. If we are humble enough to realize that we cannot invent principles we can profit, learn and be guided in life. And also be inspired by their awesome beauty if we have little in the way of our own ego. This inspiration is actually love and respect.
In our life, we are witnesses to the constant battle of whether people, ourselves, our family friends and the country and world, shall utilize these principles. Or avoid<deny> them. The battle is between right and wrong, bright ideas and not so bright ideas (right ET?), and good and evil. Principles come from somewhere. A benevolent Father in heaven perhaps. Maybe just an orderly progression of evolution. Some of you know what I believe. And the opposite of this has to be confusion. Where does this come from? Perhaps we simply exist in a state of random development. In control of nothing, we plod along hoping for a good day to come our way. Sounds a bit depressing doesn't it? But truly these are the two opposites. Principles and the lack of them which encompass confusion in our lives and that of events. Where this comes from I will leave up for your thoughts.
In the universe we walk. We gaze outwards from our intellect and perhaps some of us think we gaze outwards from our souls. We take note. We absorb and ponder what we witness. Can we be just animal? One thing separates us. We can make a choices based on information that is intuitive. We can be a conduit. We can tell our hand to take something in a store that we did not pay for. We can hold it back. Why? Certainly if you put a hamburger in front of my dog, he will eat it. If you tell him it was stolen, will he be able to tell the difference? To make a choice? Some out there will debate me on this. That animals have souls etc. I am not interested in them. They are lost and to debate them is pointless. They have lost their way and need to be drugged with their drug of choice, cigarettes, drink, drugs medicine, lottery tickets, even books. But why have they? Why have so many among us chosen to avoid the principles that they see? Why have they made up fantasies? Created their own realities? Such as animals are like us. Or there is extra-terrestrial life. Re-incarnation. And we come back again and again after we die. Seems funny doesn't it? We laugh at some of the things that people do. We laugh because it can be so outrageous
But these are so obvious. How does it all start? Are there various degrees in between this adherence to principles and confusion?
Now we are digging deeper. So take a moment from your trail walk and sit with me a moment. Let us stop and see what we can witness, if we choose to be impartial. If we choose to be humble enough to not let ourselves think we can ever re-invent the wheel. A tool that was never really invented at all. Afterall, didn't the first person that possessed a wheel really just utilize raw materials in a way that supported the principle of a wheel? He was just a gatherer of creation, who saw. Who saw truth on earth and spoke of what he saw, which he translated.
So, let us witness. This is a gold forum and gold as well as firearms are often talked about. Our forefathers said a few curious things about firearms. Listen for yourself. Afterall, you have your own mind. You yourself are a conduit. You yourself can adhere or not to principles if you choose. Listen to what was written in some State Constitutions by the Founding Fathers of our Country and our States, and in other works of the day.
"Through Divine Goodness, all men have, by nature, the rights of…enjoying and defending life liberty [and]of acquiring and protecting reputation and property." Preamble, Delaware State Constitution, 1792
"The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." 1877 Georgia Constitution art.1's 1,part 22
"The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the state shall not be questioned." From the Constitutions of the following States: Kentucky 1799, Missouri 1820,
PA 1790, South Dakota 1899, Vermont 1786,Washington 1889, Wyoming 1889
"The people have the right to bear arms for their security and defense." Idaho 1889,Kansas,1855, Utah 1895
There are so many more Constitutions to pull from. And if these are all correct, is it no wonder that the anti-gun people try to focus only on the US Constitution? Seems to be too much clarity in these State Constitutions as they were first put together.
Now, my friends, I ask you. Didn't our Founding Fathers live and endure in a day<s> where they had political thought and consciousness? We have our own, why would that generation be any different? Did the fact that men wore knickers and wigs discredit them? <smile> Doubtful to you and I. Tell me if you will why you think their countrymen agreed with these and many other thoughts of theirs. Yet we today encounter so many that would not recognize their beliefs. Why? What is different about a person who sees what they see and one who disagrees with them? What is different about a person who believes in honest money and one who doesn't or at best is ignorant of what it even is? Same with abortion since that has reared its head here.
I predict that, when some of you read the words above, you gazed deeply. Time stood still for a moment. Why? Can it be that you recognize something? Can it be that your heart is like their hearts? Can it be that you recognized what the man, who put that first wheel together, realized? Can it be that you DO see that one plus one IS two? And Hillary Clinton and all the spoken word in the world against what you see will not shake you from your beliefs? Can it be that the political thought of today is no longer what it once was? And that you are rapidly becoming in the minority? What do you see? You answer for yourself. Can principle really be finding a home in fewer and fewer hearts?
In other places, we can see the more of what was proposed by the states themselves for the Second Ammendment.
New Hampshire's proposed wording was: "Congress shall never disarm any citizen." From A History of the New Hampshire Convention, A.Walker page 51
The Massachusetts Convention proposed "[That} the said Constitution never be construed… to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping therir own arms." From Debates….of Massachusetts, held in the Year 1788, p 86
What were these men and women smoking! All the Bill's and Hillary's, Al Gore's and university professors in the world can speak as the Scribes and Pharisees as far as I am concerned. Do you think they would recognize the words as being from our Founding Fathers or instead claim they are from those of some right wing fringe element? Did you ever notice that the Founding Fathers often mentioned good and evil and a Supreme being? Did they know and understand that evil and good need a conduit? Why would they need to even speak these words? I suspect strongly that they could see as many of you can see. In fact, listen to this from Alexander Hamilton:
"The Supreme Being gave existence to man, together with the means of preserving ang beautifying that existence. He…invested him [man} with an inviolable right to personal liberty and personal safety. " , The Farmer Refuted: Or, A More Impartial and Comprehensive View of the Dispute Between Great Britain and the Colonies, p6.
Circumstance called on men who could see with clarity. Do any of you ever hear Circumstance calling upon you? Are you a conduit? Are you void? What passes through your conduit today? What do you let pass in front of you?
Lastly, I offer some word from William Blackstone, a legal commentator of the 18th century.
"The right of the [citizens] that I shall at present mention is that of having arms for their defense. This is the natural right of resistance and self preservation when the sanctions of society and laws are found insufficient to restrain the violence of oppression…[T]o vindicate these rights when actually violated or attacked, the [citizens] are entitled, in the first place, to the regular administration and the free course of the course of justice in the courts of law: next, to the right of petitioning the [government] for redress of grievances: and lastly, to the right of having and using arms for self-preservation and defense."
And from James Wilson, who declared : Homicide is enjoined when it is necessary for the defense of one's person or house. It is the great natural law of self- preservation which, as we have seen, cannot be repealed or superseded or suspended by any human institution. This law, however is expressly recognized in the Constitution of Pennsylvania: "The right of the citizens to bear arms in the defense of themselves shall not be questioned." Works, Vol III, pp 84-85
What do you need? Social policy that makes you feel good? Friends? The love of another? Money? Social security? A safety net? No. What you search for is principle. Look no further than within. Within yourself, within a rock, within water and air around you. It is there for all who search. Be still and know…… BE still and know all that needs to be known.
ET
(01/20/01; 21:36:40MT - usagold.com msg#: 46035)
Galearis
Hey Galearis - thanks for the response. We are in agreement concerning Webster's. However, it is a good place to start.
You wrote in part;
"At best, the US government has more oligarchical traits than fascist. All is but a stage in the political evolution (or is that
devolution?) of a state - and one is wise to remember that democracy is not a state of being, but rather a process. As a
process, it is attacked from all sides by vested interests that would wish to make it less than what it should be. A
democracy can be left of centre or right of centre - and still be a democracy, if the process is allowed to function without
interference and retain its full connection to the will of the electorate. Remember, Marx was a democrat (small
"d")(smile). He did not envisage Soviet Union communism."
Yes - what you say is correct if your assumption that the US government is functioning as a democracy or representative republic is correct. I would disagree that this is the case. The US government seems to be controlled and has been for quite some time by banking interests. We are led to believe our votes count, etc., but there seems to be little evidence that those we elect represent those that elect them. It would seem the banking interests purchased this government at least 90 years ago or so and haven't relinquished control to the masses that I've been able to determine. This government seems to be a corporate/banking dictatorship controlling commerce, social policy, and above all monetary policy. We are led to worship the Fed as our economic God and the presidency as some sort of God over our everyday lives protecting us from any harm via state intervention of one sort or another. I'm afraid this "democracy" is only illusionary and these "gods" will fail those that misplace their faith. The whole thing smells of fascism to me.
Cavan Man
(01/20/01; 21:05:49MT - usagold.com msg#: 46034)
Hey auspec
Thanks for trying to get us back on course. Really, I do not understand why so many people cannot understand that message. I suppose because of the nature of it as well as a cynical outlook on internet chatting. Nevertheless, I do understand and do think much of what TG forecasts will see fruition. Let's face it: nobody can be 100% right. However, even if he is half right, look out!
auspec
(01/20/01; 21:00:53MT - usagold.com msg#: 46033)
Catharsis?
.
ET
(01/20/01; 20:59:01MT - usagold.com msg#: 46032)
**** 2001 - A Gold Odyssey ****
I come from the camp that believes the dollar/gold relationship is the key. I don't expect the metal to rise unless the dollar is perceived as having lost its credibility as a wealth retention asset. Physical gold demand will not overwhelm the paper market unless it becomes obvious to all that the buck is in trouble in its ability to hold purchasing power better than other currencies.
What signs might we look for to indicate this is taking place?
I would say first of all the world perceives the dollar's strength as being tied to the US economy's strength. Are we not seeing signs of weakness all about? The Fed is pumping money at unheard of rates ($176B in 7 weeks), new layoffs are announced daily, the corporate credit market is in shambles, credit quality at the consumer level is reaching new depths, and businesses are folding at an ever increasing pace. The quickness of this decline is likely a direct function of the leverage in the marketplace. Unless we see some kind of quick fix in the credit markets, I fail to see how a recession/depression will be avoided in the US.
Second, the dollar's strength also lies in its reserve currency status. For the first time in its history as the world's reserve currency, the dollar faces credible competition in the Euro. In other words, investment has somewhere else to go.
Third, the dollar is now suffering from obvious inflation. The banks/government have been masterful at convincing people that inflation hasn't been a problem, but it is becoming apparent to anyone that prices are on the rise, especially energy and food. My favorite indicator, the McDonald's #1 Meal, is trading at a new high of $3.49 this week here in Kansas. Watch out when we break the psychologically important $3.99 level! Even eight-year-old's will have figured out the situation. <g>
It's starting to look like this will be gold's year. Gold's price will likely hinge on whether the stock market can be revived. Considering the profit picture, I cannot see stocks rallying to any great degree. As soon as stocks resume their plunge I would expect the dollar to collapse versus the Euro and Swiss franc, finally freeing gold. People in the US will be looking for some safe haven and will likely turn to gold. We are even hearing talk in the financial media of all places.
Unfortunately for them, physical will be very difficult to come by. I suspect the futures markets will be unable to deliver making physical even more difficult to get their hands on. Obtaining a realistic market price for physical might take some time as the futures would be forced to settle in cash. Physical might be unavailable at any price initially as holders attempt to ascertain the level of currency inflation having already taken place. At any rate, higher prices for physical would seem assured.
I suspect we will see this happen sooner rather than later in the year. Credit markets are in great distress. Attempts at reflation so far have not worked and it is unlikely enough new credit could be implemented to offset the level of malinvestment having already taken residence in the economy. There does come a time when somebody will take a loss. I'm betting the time is near.
PH in LA
(01/20/01; 20:43:50MT - usagold.com msg#: 46031)
You asked. You shall receive.
OK Peter Asher,
Very perceptive glib comments from your borrowed keyboard.
All right, so my mind is made up... but I sure hope you don't think you have presented any facts to try and confuse me with. Nor has Al Fulchino, with his yearning for a "father figure", either.
No, I don't pretend that Gore ever had such an overwhelming program that would have been of such great benefit to you or to the country. But then, I'm not waging a self-interested campaign for my own benefit, either. And no, I'm not consumed with hatred for Bush, or anyone else around here. (And that includes the noble Lady Leigh and her name-calling, too.)
However, when it comes to a national leader, I don't think of him as just another one of the guys, to either love or hate. No, I expect a lot more from a leader than I do of just another drinker down at the bar. The president has to officially do what's right. His office is not called the Executive Branch for nothing. His place in the cosmos is to execute the laws that are passed by Congress and approved by the Supreme Court. If he acts like just another guy looking out for number one, who's going to do what the constitution demands?
Now who should be calling the shots here?
Why the voters, that's who. That's why we have elections. But if the votes don't get counted to everyone's satisfaction, what legitimacy does an official have, anyway? Does the fact that his father used to be a president give some special legitimacy to a candidate? Not in my book, it doesn't. A legitimate president has to get more votes than anyone else. That's all. Nothing more. Nothing less. If G. Dubya can't understand that, he shouldn't have stood up and run for president in the first place.
And one more thing.
The shabby treatment of our last president that was served up by the Republican party cannot be overlooked nor forgiven. It should never have been rewarded by bestowal of the Presidency on one of its members. That whole impeachment spectacle has left many in our country with a distaste that can never be forgiven nor forgotten. Far from personal hatred for any member of the Bush family (although I do find them all professionally detestable) I can truthfully say that I will never, ever vote for a Republican candidate for any office whatsoever, if based solely on the Republican conduct and outright sleazy behavior they exhibited during their trumped-up, absurd impeachment process.
No. My "cause" is not just the counting of votes.
It is also the "out of the loop... read my lips... let's not let this election be decided in the courts..." crap that we have heard all along from the various President and Non-president Bushes that we have had to endure on TV every night. These guys are completely arrogant. They have demonstrated that they think they can just say anything, and we peons will have no choice but to obey. My forefathers fought a revolution to be rid of that kind of treatment. And here it is, right back again. And you ask me if I am consumed with hatred...? I do hate and detest that kind of behavior. And that whole way of thinking, too.
I don't expect anything but more of the same from this guy going forward, either. But I don't have to just shut up and swallow it without comment, either.
Do I?
auspec
(01/20/01; 20:39:28MT - usagold.com msg#: 46030)
Strong Dollar Policy?
It's Getting Late
OK, you want some gold discussion? It's time to re-read a Classic from just 3 months ago. Prophetic!
FOA (10/20/00; 14:00:07MD - usagold.com msg#43)
A Fireside Chat
Let's settle by the outdoor hearth for heat and conversation. I even see Michael Kosares back there with a warm cup. The fire is aglow,,,,,, the talk is about the trail before us:
Aristotle, said this today:
--------------------------
Aristotle (10/19/2000; 5:44:45MT - usagold.com msg#: 39386)
Do you heed your own advice? Thoughts on Trade deficits--big and small
"""""As for the U.S., we are in a unique but temporary position in which we haven't yet had to pay the full price for our past trade deficits. Until that day arrives (with severe currency devaluation), we might be inclined to stand the old terms on their heads and describe our current trade deficit as a FAVORABLE trade position because we are receiving real goods and services from other countries with partial payment (required in excess of our own exports) made in typically depreciating paper of our own easy creation.""""""
-----------
Aristotle,
In this post you also made another very good point (see full post) by directing Hard Money Advocates to pursue their own often stated doctrine. I think that perception is a given; that when the crisis hits, everyone the world over will be buying gold for depreciating dollars! Indeed, if your Chimps, Champs and Chumps (see his #39302 on the main forum for definitions) are really forward thinking, they would be wise to follow their own strategy by buying physical gold now. Before the winds blow?
Further to ALL:
Following on Aristotle's above:
The dollar deficit is truly the main money destruction tool being forced to function in our modern "killing fields" of today! In the past we saw this trade deficit function operate for only short periods as it constricted growth in our US economy! Now, they have not only the US economy but also it's currency caught permanently in this long term trap. For the first time since we left the gold standard while making them play by our rules, they now have us. Once before, in 1985 (look at a dollar chart then) we were well on our way to the same problems, but the difference then was that "noone" had a potential alternative reserve currency system to run to when we induced a recession. Today they do and this "waiting in the wings system" is the hatchet tool in the hands of our world markets that will do us in. As the ECB says;
""" it's not the Euro is too low, your dollar is too high ,,,,,,,, so go ahead, make my day and fix it"""! (smile)
Indeed, no intervention by the US now is a stab in the heart of the dollar economy.
The US has had the rest of the world in somewhat of a trap also. For a long, long time. Perhaps from when we told them that the world gold exchange standard bearer would no longer ship gold for dollars. From that point on we (USA, my country) could inflate our money without consequences.
In fact, we had to inflate in this "Darwin" fashion over all these years! Truly, if we did not inflate long term and ship liquidity (created dollars) outside the US, our dollar's value would always soar above other strong currencies. This is because of it's world settlement function. Notice I said soar over their value instead of they would fall away from our value. There is a difference. As in our recent hikes, we saw that the internal basket of goods prices for both dollars and Euros dictated that these currencies are at opposite extremes in value and should reverse. Further; I use Darwin because everyone came to think that our sending money overseas was part of the "natural order of things" (chimps (smile)). They thought and still do think that the world just craves our money! They will have a different opinion later.
We must reconcile with the truth of this process by looking at the dollar world from 1971; the one time the dollar soared too high for too long it began killing off our economy. Forcing us into the same printing policy other lesser nations must employ to keep their exchange rate level. Yes, even the USA must sell overseas to create jobs and profits at home. A huge trade deficit in a reserve currency nation, induced by an overvalued currency like we are seeing now, raises the currency's value even further above other strong fiats. This is the way such a reserve system naturally reacts when there is no local reduction in liquidity to check it.
A regular (non reserve currency) nation's money would suffer a different fate if they inflated the native currency the way we do. It's non trade settlement function begets a falling exchange rate. That in turn drives then into the same policy of hyper inflation but it's effects are felt in higher prices, immediately.
Again, conversely, a reserve currency always rises in exchange function from this forced "liquidity draining" trade settlement. Once on this trend, over time, the higher it's value goes the more people finance in other mediums (yen carry, gold carry, Euro carry, oil carry) This further dries up the fractional reserve created dollar reserves as the demand for dollars grows ever stronger from it's ever higher cost trade settlements. Settlements dictated because IMF / dollar protocols demand dollar use as settlement.
In the past if the system began driving the dollar too high and forcing US trade deficits, the Fed would raise rates to throw us (USA) into an economic recession that broke the vicious deficit trade cycle. Knowing full well that it would be a short recession policy because "noone" would jump the dollar ship before the medicine could work. Looking around back then and we see there was no other reserve currency ship to jump to. We either lose jobs and profits from an "overvalued currency" or from an induced recession. The first can lead to a financial breakdown, the lasts corrects things after only a short while. Naturally, we embark on the quick fix of a fast recession.
This is why our times are so very different now. What the "chimps" came to know over this 20+ year period as a strong America in a high dollar, was always something our money creators were striving to fight against. We truly have always been inflating our currency for these many years in a attempt to keep the natural effects of the IMF reserve system from spiking the currency too high up. Again, if we had a regular currency, our policies would have been reflected in sky high prices for everything. What most of us "smart chimps" know as price inflation reflecting money supply inflation.
OK, let me sip some starbuck's:
Ever since the Euro was seen in by US policy makers as an eventual success, our treasury has tried to put it's best "New York Spin" on the ongoing process. Simply stated; from the early to mid 90s we are in favor of a strong dollar policy. In reality, with the advent of the Euro and the evolving stance of the BIS, this has made our "economy killing" strong dollar unavoidable.
There is no way the Fed can create a new recession now without everyone jumping ship for another currency reserve. There is no possible way the Euro Zone will suffer as big a downfall as the US in another policy induced recession. Just looking at their closed economy and debt structure tells that story by itself. Any US slowdown means a run for the Euro, yet weakness in the Euro means the US must inflate at a torrid rate. We now stand toe to toe and wait to see who will fall first. All the while our world dollar gold markets are caught in the cross fire!
This is where we have been for the last decade. This explains why the DOW and all it's paper cousins have enjoyed the effects of a massive, ongoing dollar expansion worldwide without any official policy interference. Right when we were to the point of changing policy to slow things down, the Euro was to be introduced in a year or two and risked taking away or sharing the dollar's standard.
The "lesser chimps", lost in Western thought keep waiting for the fed to induce their deflationary policy. (I was monkey - ing around in this area for a while myself) (grin) It is not coming. To do so now would commit the dollar to non reserve status in a hurry and produce a massive price inflation at home (right now) as all these unneeded dollar reserves come racing home. Remember, the ECB does not need dollar reserves! The Euro is a stand alone currency representing an in house trading block. They may have to buy dollars for oil, but others must also buy Euros for European produced goods. If the Euro went to .10 to the dollar the EuroZone economy would not stop. But all international dollar trade would grind to a halt. The USA could not sell anything internationally, at all! Every other nation would simply abandon the IMF protocols and use their native currencies to trade directly with Europe. Even Arabia would break their SDR basket peg and trade oil for Euro goods, either using their currency or directly if needed.
Our outdoor fireplace is getting hot, lets step away.
The lesser of the two evils today (and this is the one the ECB / BIS enjoys watching) is our current frozen policy. We can no longer cut off the strong dollar / growing deficit circle by raising rates and invoking a recession as in the past. This time we must continue to pump the reserves at all costs in a process that only floods the world with more dollars. It's called a currency hyperinflation and is one we (as US people) have never witnessed in modern times. The pressure has built up full volume now as all escape valves are being closed. We are well on the way to a derivatives exploding event that will break into the open with a cascading dollar and full force US price inflation.
This is the "why" for the gold derivatives policy that Physical Gold Advocates are now enjoying. Also one that leveraged paper gold investors are being tortured with. In effect, we "gold buyers" are trading 1971 style dollar derivatives contracts for the physical gold we never could get then. And doing so before a 1971 style gold event that comes in the form of a denouncement of the contractual viability of all gold contracts. Let's call it "no gold for dollar derivatives"!
All the while, just like in 71 other "chUmps" (smile) are saving these same paper gold substitutes to protect themselves from this same crisis.
Further; many of them have sold their physical gold for use by the BBs. I think SteveH calls it OPG (other peoples gold). This is where the real supply that fills a Physical Gold Advocate nation's coffers (and mine) comes from. It's truly a good deal in light of what's coming. Let's not mess it up by talking about who is buying all that gold, rather just point everyone to watch how much is being sold!
The US cannot walk away from hiking our ""gold trail"" now. Because "this process" is one of the few tools available to them for keeping the dollar perception in a good light. In effect by slowing the currency transition process they are doing exactly what world dollar holders need the to do. They will inflate these derivatives until in effect; our modern gold market bankrupts itself as supply is exhausted. I say, good! (smile) But once we get to that stage, I expect that a super US economic downturn will ensue. Then the fed will go wide open and cover everything in sight to keep us going! The ongoing price inflation will be driving everything from physical gold to real estate through the roof.
I submit that many smart hard money thinkers like Traveler and Thai Gold (and many others) are walking forward but looking backward. I (myself) have tried this before but usually run into something I didn't see in front of me (smile). That something today, for modern hard money followers is in the form of an internationally induced transition away from the US dollar as a reserve currency. Such a policy evolution has the effects of driving the lead currency's creator into printing press mode as an only option to maintaining the viability of our economic and financial structures.
Yes, it eventually breaks everything! But this is nothing new for us gold history buffs and it's what has happen in countless modern national fiats around the world today. Nations that don't have a reserve currency to play with. We will do like their citizens do, continue to use dollars but carry in our pockets whatever new reserve is in fashion, as a backup! Be it gold or Euros or both. In addition, our entire financial structure (like in these other nations) will change to operating in an inflation economy. Money will be lost, big time and made big time, but things will still be financed, brought and sold. Houses will double, triple then double again in price, even as financing rates approach 35%, 40% or whatever. We will also follow the (then) prevailing world policy concerning physical gold, solely because it will make economic sense to our officials.
As such; like today, everyone uses dollar reserves because it keeps us within accepted international policy. Across the currency warfare valley our "gold trail" is coming to, we will also use gold as a free reserve medium. Mostly because it's what the leading reserve policy of that time will dictate and that will keep us on good trading terms.
No, we will not confiscate gold again. Perhaps if it is designated as US legal tender and caught up in some kind of currency change, that will pose a risk! But that's just following the same fiat rollovers so many other countries now must employ and will have little impact on most gold owners. Besides, PGA's know how to avoid such a trap through physical gold ownership diversity! US Eagles held along with a diverse group of new and old coins fit my pocket just fine. I don't worry about the premium on any ounces I buy today. In the future, the total price we now pay will probably be the premium anyway (huge smile from ear to ear!)
Again, as international trends follow the use of physical gold into the free trading asset realm, no longer as an official money, then it's value and ownership will soar the world over. To date this is the future before us as the dollar fails it's function.
Truly, a relationship with an honest international physical gold dealer will no doubt place oneself at the center of this exciting new financial evolution. (I'm trying to think of a dealer that would fit that description? I know I just saw one on this page. Somewhere?) (smile)
Lastly:
Don't tell me an inflating dollar economy doesn't work this way! I have lived in many, many lands and have witnessed and used such inflating systems. Look around for yourself at how non reserve moneys are impacted by their native policy today and the effects of those policies on all real assets. There are few examples that do not follow this regular fiat price inflation mode. Our dollar use and function is about to revert to a lesser more common level, suffering it's drop away from reserve need. In doing so it will change as never before in our time. In fact, it's only the current gold pricing system that may experience a larger change. Not only in use but in Western gold value perception.
""""We watch this new gold market together, yes?""""""
Thank you one and all for sharing this time
Trail Guide
Galearis
(01/20/01; 20:17:47MT - usagold.com msg#: 46029)
The US fascist government
fascism is misapplied more often than not.......
Websters Dictionary is a tawdry source for many definitions.
Fascism is better defined as:
Fascism, 20th-century form of totalitarian dictatorship that sought to create a viable society by strict regimentation of national and "individual lives" (my emphasis); conflicting interests would be adjusted by total subordination to the service of the state and unquestioning loyalty to its leader.
Fascism emphasized nationalism, but its appeal was international. It flourished between 1919 and 1945 in several countries, mainly Italy, Germany, Spain, and Japan. Fascist regimes also existed for varying lengths of time in Austria, Poland, Bulgaria, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Hungary, Finland, Norway, and Argentina. Even such liberal democracies as France and England had important Fascist movements. (Encarta)
***************
And encyclopedias aren't a lot better. When ONE has to watch what ONE does or says in relation to ONEs (pun intended), THEN ONE can start defining ones political environment in terms of fascism.
It may sound like hair splitting, but is not.
At best, the US government has more oligarchical traits than fascist. All is but a stage in the political evolution (or is that devolution?) of a state - and one is wise to remember that democracy is not a state of being, but rather a process. As a process, it is attacked from all sides by vested interests that would wish to make it less than what it should be. A democracy can be left of centre or right of centre - and still be a democracy, if the process is allowed to function without interference and retain its full connection to the will of the electorate. Remember, Marx was a democrat (small "d")(smile). He did not envisage Soviet Union communism.
Best regards,
Galearis
aunuggets
(01/20/01; 20:03:32MT - usagold.com msg#: 46028)
PH in LA ?????
.
After 8 years of the Clinton regime, NOW you "only want what's right" ?
I must be missing something......
Humble Pie
(01/20/01; 19:49:39MT - usagold.com msg#: 46027)
Pandagold #46018
You are correct ,and you said it better than I.The metal is very political ,my reference was to all the petty bickering going on with Bush/Gore.Back to yhe trail where I await the next hike.
aunuggets
(01/20/01; 19:49:19MT - usagold.com msg#: 46026)
Copper and Silver.....
Does the theory hold water......?
There have been several mentions of late of the possibility of a copper / silver alloy being used for the increased efficiency of electrical conduits. However, there are some basic flaws in such ideas.
Although pure copper and pure silver are both at the upper end of the relative conductivity scale, with annealed copper having a value of 100 and silver a value of 108, the problem lies in alloying dissimilar metals. In most cases, alloying two dissimilar non-ferrous metals actually results in a LOWER average relative conductivity than either of the constituents in its pure state. In other words, alloying pure copper and pure silver, depending on the percentage of each, could actually result in an alloy falling somewhere in the 70 – 90 range on the relative scale, far below either copper or silver in its pure state.
Tests done several years back using gold alloys showed that the metal in it's pure state fell far higher on the relative conductivity scale than when it was alloyed with any other metal. Separate tests using both silver and copper as alloying constituents showed that the higher the percentage of alloying metal added to the gold, the lower the relative conductivity of the resulting alloy, until the point of a 50 / 50 mix of the metals, at which time the conductivity value began to rise back to the level of the alloying metal as the percentage of gold was reduced from 50% back to the alloy metals pure state.
To make matters worse, the temperature of the metal is also a determining factor in its relative conductivity value, and pure lead at a low enough temperature can actually become a "superconductor", with a resistivity factor nearing zero (resistivity being the reciprocal of conductivity).
So while silver in it's pure state would offer some added conductivity value over pure copper, it is doubtful that an alloy of the two would result in even the basic value of the pure copper alone. Whether pure silver for such uses would even be economical in most cases might be the real determining factor.
Just a few thoughts……
Tom
(01/20/01; 19:31:44MT - usagold.com msg#: 46025)
In 2001 - Gold will rise and become the lifeboat that will keep the few lucky Ants afloat!
For those that did not hear - THANKS BLACK BLADE!
This is THE year$$$$$$$$$$
Peter Asher
(01/20/01; 19:15:31MT - usagold.com msg#: 46024)
PH in LA (1/20/2001; 14:42:01MT - usagold.com msg#: 46009)
Just a quick line froma borrowed keyboard:
Is your cause only the counting of the votes?
Based on all the data, I would say you have a case of "Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind's made up."
One more time: Is there somthing you felt we would benifit from with a gore ticket, or are you just consumed with hatred for President Bush?
BTW, any killer can get themselves into a state of rehabilitation when faced with the death penalty. It sure as heck doesn't rehabilitate the victim or their family. You were talking about the axe murderer, yes?
Hi-Hat
(01/20/01; 19:05:52MT - usagold.com msg#: 46023)
Old Yeller________Dollar Game
The Worlds, NEEDS are the real Mothers of Invention.
Needs are as fickle as the game itself. Though the Seasons may be long, the change can be abrupt.
And when they cry out in the cold Dollar Winter, all that could be said will be; That was then, This is now.
R Powell
(01/20/01; 18:54:21MT - usagold.com msg#: 46022)
Copper Silver conduction
From ORO (#45935), "At current prices of silver and current prices of electricity, some high power short runs might be replaceable with silver or silver-copper lines..."
ORO, can you elaborate on this or refer me to any other information? I can't help but think that something may be stirring with silver prices rising, silver lease rates up and I just today (on GE forum) saw a good sized list of silver mining stocks that had tremendous gains last week.
If the price of providing electric power reaches the point of justifying new wiring made from a silver-copper alloy, even if only in generators, transformers and, as you suggested, short runs, then a new industrial use for silver may be created that will dwarf the photography use.
It may seem expensive but it's a one time installation cost that saves X% of power every day after installation. Maybe it's not so far-fetched. Lord knows there will be construction in the production and transmittion of power soon and for years to come OR we'll all be in the dark. At least in the new construction, why not use what works best. (It may be that tax money pays for much of this in which case, costs will overrun all estimates anyway)
For whatever reason, if POS gains enough, gold will follow and once POG starts, short covering will spike it along. None of this intended as investment advice- it's just a thought.
Rich
Old Yeller
(01/20/01; 18:35:28MT - usagold.com msg#: 46021)
Dubya's strong dollar policy
Paul O'Neil confirms at hearing that the new administration favours the Rubin/Clinton strong dollar policy or words to that effect.Bingo bango;up goes the USDX,down goes the yield on the thirty year treasury.
Isn't that special;maybe if we all chant the strong dollar mantra together while clicking our heels,the magical aura of the new economy will keep the almighty dollar as the global behemoth it rightfully deserves to be.
Okay,I apologize for the sarcasm,it's just that it seems as if we've seen this movie before.Just how is it the dollar is so strong in light of a myriad of fundamental imbalances in the US economy?In addition,how is it that the capital flows of the world keep washing up on the shores in spite of these imbalances.
We all know we can rely upon the mainstream media to constantly remind us of the positive attributes of the US economy of which there are many.But what of the negatives lurking just behind the shimmering neon facade(when the power grid is working).
I am always interested what economists have to say when they attempt to discern the future of the US economy and of course,the direction of the US equity and bond markets.Lately,it seems most of them are singing from the same song book.Slowdown but not recession;then Mr. Greenspan's rate cuts will prove to be the panacea for what ails,which will result in economic strength and a rising market in the second half.
How can these people turn their backs on imbalances and inequities that are so obvious to anybody with a little doubt and the ability to do a little quick research of the fundamentals of the issue?How can they ignore historical precedent?What of a ratio of current account deficit to GDP of 4.5%, which is trending relentlessly to levels never seen before in recorded history?
If any of these economists touch briefly on these issues, it always seems to be regarded as a trivial matter that will be dealt with in due time.In my opinion the US does not make the strong dollar policy,it has to be the foreign creditors.Wn you are borrowing a billion and a half dollars a day from foreign creditors to purchase more"stuff" as well as pay your accumulated interest bill,you would think this issue would generate a little more concern.Or maybe it really is a non-issue.
Is the strong dollar the result of an open market oriented economy relatively free of governmental interference and regulation,or is there more to the story?Will the creditors of the world continue to be placated with exploding M3 growth,hedonic adjustments to GDP,core and non-core CPI, surprise rate cuts and monetary crisis that always seem to happen to the hapless other guy?You know,the one with the crony capitalism or the structural barriers in his economy.
Time will tell.Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
HOOSIER GOLDBUG
(01/20/01; 18:19:29MT - usagold.com msg#: 46020)
CONFISCATION!!!!!!!!
Would like the name of one individual who had their private stash of GOLD taken away from them in the 1930's under FRANKLIN D. My grandfather HUBERT PERSOHN kept his entire stash of GOLD! He refused to be intimidated! But then again HUBERT was a also a moonshiner during PROHIBITION! HATED ROOSEVELT! HATED JOSEPH KENNEDY! And HUBERT was a Catholic!!! Go Figure!
rc
(01/20/01; 18:04:32MT - usagold.com msg#: 46019)
Bush
@Pandagold
I may be wrong but this guy BWB might be different. Time will tell. And Yes! If as I believe he has his own agenda, he has better to watch his back. I hope he keeps in mind what happened to Kennedy and organizes in consequence.
Pandagold
(01/20/01; 17:25:53MT - usagold.com msg#: 46018)
Humble Pie
Gold IS a political metal and cannot be divorced therefrom.
However, if you are really saying stop worrying, or arguing the case, about the merits or demerits of Bush or Gore. I'm with you.
For a few domestic issues there could be a difference, but as far as gold is concerned it matters not which of them got in the 'hot' seat.
Humble Pie
(01/20/01; 17:18:42MT - usagold.com msg#: 46017)
INAUGURATION
I think its time for everyone to get off their political soap boxs and get this Forum back to the subject its well known for GOLD!If you want torant and rave do it some where else ,Let us fish in the deep end of the Gene pool not the shallow end. The election,inaugration etc. is over Thank God!Stick a fork in it Its done .
auspec
(01/20/01; 16:39:20MT - usagold.com msg#: 46016)
GWB Lip Reading
ALERT!
To all who watched the inauguration ceremony: Did anyone else see the point where GWB was quite teary eyed and turned to his left and spoke a few short words to his Father? Being the endless curious sort, and having taped this momentous occasion, I decided to show the tape to my neighbor who is expert at reading lips for her interpretation. The results were quite astonishing and thus this scoop:
The words he spoke were; "I cannot wait to end this gold buggery by the ESF". One would think that this man had other important things to think about at such an occasion, but this must be his highest priority. I'm gonna see if I can get that 125% home equity loan and stock up on precious ASAP! No guts-no glory,Christopher. Stay tuned, we are now following his every whisper.
Laura may be a librarian and look the perfect lady, but the things she is saying about Hill, frankly, make me blush. I'm a Rodham fan in comparison!
Yes, this IS a very intellectual site, but an off-day every now and then never hurts.
Best to everyone-even the Californians.
Got Ears, Gold, GATA?
R Powell
(01/20/01; 16:09:38MT - usagold.com msg#: 46015)
The neighbors are talking about us
USAgold
(Pragmatic) Jan 20, 14:34
Check out USAgold. They are busy counting chads (still) and insulting each other. A real pissing contest. PH makes Mountaingold look like a Bush fan.
Anyway, I am happy with Bush and his team... so far.
Hey USAgold, you are suppose to be the intellectual ones.
Pandagold
(01/20/01; 15:58:03MT - usagold.com msg#: 46014)
Bush & Gold
Will Bush be good or bad for gold? Neither. He has no control over gold's destiny. He will be used by the people who have, yes, but then so would anyone else in that chair.
Gold will not rise with any noticeable appreciation until the Euro is FIRM on its feet
That's the way the cookie crumbles
Pandagold
(01/20/01; 15:46:39MT - usagold.com msg#: 46013)
JMB
Oh how I wish those halcyon days were back when I had my parents to support me. Alas..........
Adults? I don't think I cast doubts on, or reference to their age, did I?
But I think I know what you are trying to say, and if I am right then if you believe that, you probably also believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy et al.
Have a few nice days, you are going to need 'em.
auspec
(01/20/01; 15:13:55MT - usagold.com msg#: 46012)
Buena Fe/Masonic Bible
Answer From Friend Jeeves
"Sacred Texts: The Bible is the "Volume of Sacred Law" of most Western Lodges. It is one of the three objects comprising "The Three Great Lights," the most common and important Masonic symbol, which must be displayed while Lodges meet. The other objects are the compass and the square, and the sacred volume, which does not have to be the Bible. It may be whatever scripture is revered by the members of the Lodge (Hamil, 151}." END
So a "Masonic Bible" is the standard Bible somehow labeled with Masonic inscriptions. Of course GHWB has strong ties of same. GWB is a "renewed spirit".
Best to the explorers of all types!
auspec
(1/20/2001; 14:48:49MT - usagold.com msg#: 46011)
Buena Fe
GWB Swearing In
Hopefully GWB used the "Masonic Bible" {have no real knowledge of what this actually is, but an acute general understanding} out of tradition, nostalgia, and ignorance{?}. The following is a blurb from CNN:"In symbolic and substantive ways, the two Bush presidencies share common starting ground, each coming to power after long periods of economic growth. They both chose to take their oaths with hands on the same Bible used by George Washington. Chief Justice William Rehnquist administered the presidential oath to the elder Bush; Rehnquist will do it again on Saturday."
Stocks, Lies, and Ticker Tape
(1/20/2001; 14:45:02MT - usagold.com msg#: 46010)
Hello! To My Brite and Highly Conductive Friends!
This forum is a welcome sight to my eyes! The posts are inciteful, hopeful, and give solace to one who has been laughed at for years for preaching the necessity of Au for retirement.
I look forward to learning much about the Au community.
WAAAAAHHHHOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Now please send me that beautiful hunk of Ag!!!!!!!!! WAAAAHHHHOOOOOOOO!!!!!
PH in LA
(1/20/2001; 14:42:01MT - usagold.com msg#: 46009)
About causes and What's Right. That's all.
OK, Peter Asher,
Let's see... George blubbers on camera about "civility, courage, compassion and character" and you want us to buy it lock, stock and barrel.
Well, for me crying (or braying, prating, etc.) about something is not the same thing at all as doing (or having) it. What is so "compassionate" about cutting the review of death penalty cases from 30 minutes (the time his predecessor governor allocated) to 15 minutes before routinely denying every single petition for clemency during his term as governor? And making mocking faces about a woman's appeal for clemency on the grounds that she had become rehabilitated while in prison?
Where's the beef, man? Where is all this "civility"? Where is all this "courage"? We know about the compassion, already, thank you very much. We also know about the "character" of a guy who finally quit drinking just 11 years ago. Who got himself arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) first.
George can tear up all he wants (with or without his acting coach) while he mouths empty platitudes. Until I see some of this "civility, courage, compassion and character" I'm not even going to give you the benefit of the doubt. Not after we watched his power grab in Florida.
"Just what is (my) cause here?" you ask? And then hop right up on your soapbox about "slashed tires on some automobiles when security checks slowed their entrance to a designated protest zone"?
Yeah. I guess you're right. Those "protesters" sure are out of line, aren't they? Being outside of their "designated protest zone" and all. I mean, with all those "wrong/bad/etc. opinions of theirs, they sure don't have any right to express them unless they're inside their own "protest zone", now do they?
You just can't understand anything except self-interest, can you? What's my cause here?
It embarasses me to even have to say it, but I will. Even if Lady Leigh wants to call me more names. My cause is not some tawdry government "program". Some self-inspired "benefit". Nope.
It's just what's right. It's doing the right thing just because it's right. It's holding the president to a very simple standard. Not the "civility" standard. Not the "couragous" standard. Not the "compassion" standard. Not the the "character" standard. I'm not impressed at all by those words. I don't care about George Dubya's self-proclaimed virtues. I just want him to do what's right. It's not right to dispense with counting of ballots just because you're ahead at the time. First you count the votes. However you have to do it to get it right. If you're not willing to do that, it doesn't matter how civil, or how compassionate or how couragous you think you are.
As a citizen of this great country, I just don't care about George Dubya's personal opinions about himself. I do care about what's right for every one of my fellow Americans, and about what's right for every single member of the human race.
If you don't, just what is your own cause here?
Buena Fe
(1/20/2001; 14:29:19MT - usagold.com msg#: 46008)
(No Subject)
Maybe GWB gets to job of being around when the NWO implodes the US $/economy so as to humble the US nation into submission and world government? They could let gold go sky high (since they control most of it anyway) and allow truth to do some of their dirty work? There is more than one way to accomplish the NWO.
Buena Fe
(1/20/2001; 14:23:53MT - usagold.com msg#: 46007)
NWO connections?
Apperantly CNN did a small piece on the "Masonic" bible that GWB wanted to use in his swearing in (same one as GWashington and his dad GHWB), anything significant in this? Or is it just a nostalgic(?) touch?
ET
(1/20/2001; 14:08:19MT - usagold.com msg#: 46006)
Journeyman
Hey Journeyman - you wrote in part;
"We've got ANOTHER establishment president."
Yes - so it would seem. Having had little use for his father as president, seeing the same faces surrounding our newest father figure, I can't say I'm terribly excited about our chances of ditching the current corporate fascism.
Just so there is no confusion;
fascism - a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism. - Webster's unabridged.
Given the above, the old boy network seems to be alive and well. We seem to be attempting to delude ourselves into believing that "this time, it's different". I'll concede I remain in the camp of the skeptics.
Of course, when Monday comes around and we see the hand of control lifted from the gold market, you may be able to convince me that it is indeed different. At least I'll only have to wait until Monday to find out.
Not holding my breath.
Regards.
auspec
(1/20/2001; 13:54:47MT - usagold.com msg#: 46005)
Insolence
NOT.
auspec
(1/20/2001; 13:53:37MT - usagold.com msg#: 46004)
@ Journeyman #45999
I'll straighten this out!! @ALL Bush supporters & ALL Gore supporters
Dear Poor Journeyman,
Nice try, but that wasn't even mildly irksome! Your heart is in the right place, but this is too large a scism to paper over. And on a site that largely promotes a uniform conservative view of money no less!
Problem is --- there's no problem, only a reasonable dialog between reasonable people. I find PH in LA to be an exceedingly rational person, even though we agree on little. I make fun of his convictions {near convicts} and he makes fun of mine, I'm OK- he's OK! Not much either of us can say will change the other's beliefs, and at some point the interchange becomes totally pointless as far trying to convince each other. However, it is quite healthy {this is your therapist talking now} to have this outlet of expression. There are much worse ways to settle disputes, including ignoring them!
Thanks for trying JMan, but that was total amateur hour with insults. This place may indeed need your "scapegoat" so I am going to go to work on the supreme acts of INSOLENCE so as to personally take all the heat as you propose. Wish me luck! Stay tuned!
JavaMan
(1/20/2001; 13:51:43MT - usagold.com msg#: 46003)
**** 2001 -- A Gold Market Odyssey ****
RE:. Will 2001, a market Odyssey, be a positive one for gold or a negative one? Is this the year of the big breakout? More of the same? A disaster? You make the call, support it with knowledge, skill and erudition and the prize is yours!
I don't know about the erudition, but I suspect we will have "More of the same". To wit I quote Al Fulchino's recent post (again): "We calculate all manner of means to understand why gold is not valued higher, when it will go higher etc. Waste of time. Total waste of time. True value of sound money is not a supply and demand issue it is and always has been an honesty issue."
The criteria of the contest states: "We ask contestants to treat the potential economic, political and financial scenarios as a basis for their opinion."
This overlooks the "Moral" scenario from which the economic, political, and financial scenarios extend. While there is some hope that the new administration is, at least relatively, more honest than the previous administration (hard to imagine otherwise), I don't hold much hope for the power system at large in Washington realizing the error of their ways and so I expect it will be business as usual which means "More of the same" for the outlook going forward.
"Statesmen...may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is religion and morality alone, which can establish the principles upon which Freedom can securely stand." --John Adams
And so this leads me to the second part of the contest to guess the price of gold for the February contract at the close Friday, January 26, 2001.
I wouldn't be surprised to see it at $264.90 as this seems to be within the acceptable, allowable range for gold.
And now for a timely quotation... "The free market requires men and women whose word can be trusted and who have formed personal traits of self-discipline, prudence, and self-denial or the deferment of gratifications. Smaller government requires many of the same qualities so that individuals will not constantly turn to a powerful state to offer them complete security and a cornucopia of favors bought with other people's money." --Robert Bork
JMB
(1/20/2001; 13:12:33MT - usagold.com msg#: 46002)
Pandagold
I'll just bet you still depend on your parents for support...for your information, we now have adults running the Executive branch of our government.
Have a nice day.
Pandagold
(1/20/2001; 12:58:28MT - usagold.com msg#: 46001)
Hail to the Chief
If any of you can see even the slightest trace in Bush of - sincerity, honesty, a man of principle, a man who will be a true leader, and put forward an agenda that is first and foremost one that is for the general good of, not only America, but for the 'free world' (whatever that means) that that country so often claims to lead, then go and get an eye test ASP.
He's as slimy as all the rest - his face tells you, his body language tells you - and soon his actions will tell you. You won't have long to wait, once his feet are under the table. Allow a little time for him to throw a few ‘sweeteners’ at the crowd, then watch out……………
Those who really run the US will always ensure that whoever takes that high office will be one who puts forward 'their' agenda, and if he/she doesn't he/she will not be around long enough to give the customary farewell address. Now YOU may decline to believe this, but the man who is in that chair knows it, you'd better believe it.
Talking about farewell addresses. I happened to have the TV news on as Clinton was giving his. I just heard the closing ‘thank yous’ to all and sundry. One I liked for its honesty was his thank you to the American voters for having giving him the opportunity of - the ‘ride of his life’. He has such wonderful turns of phrase. I am sure Monica was listening and felt elevated. ( I'll bet it wasn't missed by Hillary either).
God Bless America (you are going to need it)
Peter Asher
(1/20/2001; 12:57:29MT - usagold.com msg#: 46000)
Journeyman, Javman,Al Mr G.
Out the door till well past four;
Will tonight return for more.
Journeyman
(1/20/2001; 12:49:44MT - usagold.com msg#: 45999)
I'll straighten this out!! @ALL Bush supporters & ALL Gore supporters
The way I'm going to straighen this out is to cause both Bush and Gore supporters to declare a truce - - - - to turn on me.
O.K. Here goes!
We've got ANOTHER establishment president. One of the commentators yesterday observed that this looked like "old home week" for the Bush camp as all the old "Read my lips, no new taxes" George The First operatives were back in D.C.
Don't rest too easy, Sir Al! It may well be that Dubya is the real McCoy -- his speech certainly included a lot of the right things. But as he told us, he's counting heavily on his handlers. Many, the same advisors his father was handled by. James Baker, for example. What will they "handle" him into?
I taped him swearing his oath to uphold the constitution. How many hours -- perhaps minutes -- till he violates this oath? Keep in mind the Constitution he swore to uphold includes the following:
- Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution: No state shall
... make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of
debts;
- Amendment II: A well regulated militia, being necessary to the
security of a free state, *the right of the people to keep and
bear arms, shall not be infringed.*
- Amendment IX: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain
rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others
retained by the people.
- Amendment X: *The powers not delegated to the United States by
the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are
reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.*
None of these provisions have been repealed and all are thus still in force.
Of course after Clinton, what difference does law make anyway. We all know that what really counts is "what 'is' is."
How long till he joins the ranks of his "elite" predecessors?
In a conversation with Roger Ailes, Nadine Strossen,
Chairwoman of the liberal American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU), indicates that every president since and including
at least FDR should have served prison time for violating
their oath of office to uphold the US Constitution. Ailes, a
conservative, doesn't object. It's suggested presidents
would serve their prison time AFTER they were out of office.
-A recap of segments from America's Talking, CNBC, 21 or 22
May 1995
As far as an acting coach for "Dubwya," don't be too sure he hasn't got one. Remember when Nixon lost to Kennedy? It was a strong suggestion that one of the key factors in Nixon's loss was that Kennedy had a make-up artist and Nixon didn't. Ever since, a make-up artist is a key person in all serious presidential candidates' staff.
And as far as presidential speeches, I think we all know that most presidential speeches are written by speech writers, not our beloved figure-head. Clinton tried to pretend he wrote one of his more important anti-impeachment speeches, but even this one, though the finished copy was done in Clinton's hand writing, was actually written by Dick Morris.
Both the news and presidential speeches are read to us by figure-heads, but written and crafted for other purposes behind the scenes by others with their own agenda.
I believe it was Thai Gold a day or two ago who posted the prediction that things wouldn't change by predicting the price of gold Friday and Tuesday. He used the same figure for both days.
That's because Ronald McDonald has more to do with what's on your Big Mac than President XXX has on what happens in this country. Neither Dan Rather nor "Dubya" are what they appear.
I'm not pining away for AlGore, mind you - - - he makes me queasy.
A wave of silence engulfs the hall as both sides stop and turn on this new, mutual, enemy.
Regards,
Journeyman
Randy (@ The Tower)
(1/20/2001; 12:28:50MT - usagold.com msg#: 45998)
Getting the message out: Hear Ye. . . .Hear Ye. . . . A Call to Contest. . .
*Repost*
USAGOLD (1/19/2001; 11:27:32MT - usagold.com msg#: 45919)
A test of your thinking, predicting and posting skills to occur from now until midnight (MST) on Tuesday, January 23rd. We stand at the first month of a new millennium, a time to stop and think what the future might bring. So the contest is simple as it is challenging:
To wit: Will 2001, a market Odyssey, be a positive one for gold or a negative one? Is this the year of the big breakout? More of the same? A disaster? You make the call, support it with knowledge, skill and erudition and the prize is yours!
We ask contestants to treat the potential economic, political and financial scenarios as a basis for their opinion. We stand at a threshold -- not just of a new century but a time of uncertainty as the winds of change sweep through the world economy. There could be no better time for a contest with such a theme than now.
Your post must be at least 30 words and it must contain in the subject box the following:
**** 2001 -- A Gold Market Odyssey **** (Surrounded by stars.)
The prize will be a .1867 ounce pre-1933 French Rooster gold coin. There will be two runners-up who will receive a one ounce silver Eagle each.
Also, we will have another contest to guess the price of gold for the February contract at the close Friday, January 26, 2001. All entries must be posted, however, by midnight (MST) Tuesday, January 23, 2001. The winner will be the one whose arrow falls most closely to the mark. All price guesses must be accompanied by sound reasons for your prediction to gain the prize.
Also, all first-time posters will be awarded a one ounce silver Eagle if you post during the contest period -- from now until Tuesday midnight, January 23rd, 2001.
To qualify for the prize, you must e-mail jill@usagold.com confirmation citing the message number once you've made your first post. We will check each first-time poster's claim, so don't feel like you can get one by us.
We wish you good luck, good fortune. . . . . .And. . . . .
Let the contest begin!
Mr Gresham
(1/20/2001; 12:26:16MT - usagold.com msg#: 45997)
BTW
A big BTW, BTW: Among the people I'm enjoying the company of most here are those with the political views probably most different from mine.
Where else could I get to do that, and not have us harrumphing and stomping out of the room/restaurant/meeting before getting to know one another? Don't deprive yourself of this opportunity.
(Venting gets stuff "off your chest" -- if it really does, I wonder? -- but you already knew what you already knew. BFD! What did you LEARN by dissing someone else, huh?)
Didn't the Civil War include a number of brothers (cousins, other relatives) sighting each other in down a rifle barrel? What I want to know is: What politician (or economist) maneuvered them into that ridiculous situation? (Remember they had to ban the English and Germans from fraternizing at Christmastime in the trenches?)
Whose water were they carrying? Surely not their own.
Here is your place to figure out some of what YOUR interests really are. Don't be a foot soldier in someone else's army!
ge
(1/20/2001; 12:23:11MT - usagold.com msg#: 45996)
Trail Guide
Trail Guide said "I would like to hear how others would walk in Mr. G's shoes".
Let me speculate!
Mr. G. could have capped the stock market in 1995/1996 - if he had wished to do so - instead he made speeches about "irrational exuberance". This would have caused recession before the introduction of Euro - gaining tactical advantage and perhaps, making life difficult for the Europeans. In that case, Europe would be forced to support the dollar - as they have done for decades - to prevent the emergence of gold standard.
Al Fulchino
(1/20/2001; 12:04:37MT - usagold.com msg#: 45995)
Peter Asher
I reposted your thoughts from the other day because they resonated with what I understand. Except you were more eloquent. If I had known you would be excoriated today, I would have held back a second. But then, upon reflection, I would have still reposted it. It was well said and I stand by you and your thoughts. Afterall, as I said, life comes to us. We have to be ready for the good and the bad. I am willing to take up this challenge. Here or elsewhere. Those are my thoughts while breathing good clean air here in the east, understanding that an industrial country is necessary for a good economy and a strong military and may produce some unclean air from time to time. All the while we collectively pursue better ways to balance this strength and vigor with ways to keep our air clean <wink>
JavaMan
(1/20/2001; 11:51:45MT - usagold.com msg#: 45994)
While it would be difficult for anyone in such a position, in the end, Al Gore demonstrated integrity and class by the way he handled himself in the final moments of the electoral process, despite the efforts of the Black Democratic Caucus who tried to overturn the proceedings and have him stoop to their shameful level.
Now if only those who supported him could find it in themselves to follow his lead...
Mr Gresham
(1/20/2001; 11:48:58MT - usagold.com msg#: 45993)
Our Round Table
I haven't thought this through carefully, but here goes:
Politics fires the flames of the worst emotions, probably because we have been propagandized ALL of our lives, and we don't know who or what to believe anymore, really. Our trust is coaxed from hiding, and then disappointed, time after time.
I see our Table Round as a refuge from the worst of those divisions elsewhere, places where name-calling is the start and mass slaughter is often the ending. This is place of trust where we bring information to share, reveal our backgrounds and private thoughts (judiciously), and share our visions for a future world of integrity.
When I hear hatred pouring out toward "outsiders", whether they be Presidents or fellow citizens, I think we lose a little bit of our special "oomph". When I hear it directed within, inside the walls of this unique castle where we shelter and trust each other, that makes me the saddest.
When you take a slap at a fellow Knight or Lady, you cut yourself, too. This is true.
I do not think many of those doings "outside" of our castle are worthy of us degrading ourselves by considering them in an antagonistic manner. NOT EVEN ONE LITTLE BIT!
We are going to be here together for a long time. Act like it.
Peter Asher
(1/20/2001; 11:45:34MT - usagold.com msg#: 45992)
PH in LA
You jumped the gun there a bit on your post, If you had waited you could have had the opportunity to attack: "Bush raised his right hand and swore the oath of the office to which he promised to bring "civility, courage, compassion and character." His eyes brimmed with tears at the emotion of the hour." -- Are you now going to tell us he had an acting couch prep him for today's speech?
Have no fear though, your "cause" was elegantly demonstrated today by "protesters, who
chanted, waved anti-Bush signs, and at one point, slashed tires on some automobiles when security checks slowed their entrance to a designated protest zone."
Just what is your cause here PH, which of the great Democratic programs are you terrified of seeing halted? Drugging children with taxpayers money? Taking from the producers to give to the freeloaders? Have you fallen victim to the brainwashing of the "Politically Correct" insanity.?
What is it about this past eight years and the intentions of that regime that you feel so strongly was good for us?
I'll say it again --"Those who obtain office by appealing to the votes of the down-trodden, must maintain their power by creating more down-trodden."
And lastly, where did this "father figure" business come from? If I see our president as part of a family it is a brother and comrade in arms.
PH in LA
(1/20/2001; 11:43:56MT - usagold.com msg#: 45991)
Slogans and name-calling: The thinking persons' stock-in-trade.
Shifty:
Thank you for your post about Bush's extra six votes in Florida. Of course, it is completely irrelevant how many votes he gains or loses. My point has always been that "it's not who wins or loses, it's how the game is played". Bush played a losers' game. He waded into the fray screaming about how the election should not be decided in the courts. We all know what he did next. Then he advocated and sued in court to stop the lawful recount process. It doesn't matter how many votes he got or did not get. It matters only how he played the game. That makes him a loser in my book. Not Leigh's "sore loser", which she probably thinks is the only kind of loser there is. No, he's a "happy loser", whatever that is.
Leigh: You can call me all the names you want--loser, hopper, whatever. But all the other conservatives I know are perfectly comfortable with the concept of lawful commerce. As in buying power from other sources... With money... Lawful exchange of money for services is a far cry from your posture that "(my) state government tries to steal power from other states!"
And good on you for your slogans! That's very clear thinking. Here's another one for you: "Hail to the Thief!"
JavaMan
(1/20/2001; 11:34:47MT - usagold.com msg#: 45990)
Lady Leigh...
Go on, girl!
SHIFTY
(1/20/2001; 11:19:56MT - usagold.com msg#: 45989)
Bush, not Gore, gains in Florida recount
http://www.washtimes.com/national/default-2001115223826.htm
MIAMI — George W. Bush would have gained six more votes than Al Gore if all the dimples and hanging chads on 10,600 previously uncounted ballots in Miami-Dade County had been included in the totals, according to a review by the Palm Beach Post.
If everything were counted —from the faintest dimple to chads barely hanging on ballots — the Post review showed 251 additional votes for Mr. Bush and 245 additional votes for Mr. Gore.
That would have been a hard blow to Mr. Gore's hopes of claiming the presidency in a recount
Leigh
(1/20/2001; 10:37:00MT - usagold.com msg#: 45988)
PH in LA
PH, you're a sore loser! You're a grasshopper, playing and singing about clean air and clean water while your state government tries to steal power from other states! Long live President Bush!!
PH in LA
(1/20/2001; 10:32:50MT - usagold.com msg#: 45987)
Thoughts for Al Fulchino on this "special day"
"...I happened to catch today's interview on CNN... this is the very first time I have seen him (George Dubya), live, rather than reading the printed word. This is my observation:" Peter Asher
Thank you Al Fulchino, for bringing to our attention the timely observations of Mr. Asher. They speak directly to so many of us. We, who have also not bothered to open our eyes, these many, many months. I'm sure Peter Asher speaks for many, many Americans who have also never seen our newly appointed president on TV.
So many Americans missed his snide and superior retort to the journalist who had asked him if he knew the names of the presidents of several countries. "No I don't. Do you?" Gearge answered, with an air of superiority and disdain coloring his blatent insecurity.
And for sure; hardly anyone noticed his big, big lie when he and his flunky, James Baker asserted so often, "...votes (in Florida) that have been counted, recounted, and recounted again and again...".
Most of us here in the United States of America speak the English language. Many of our families have spoken English for generations. My own family was speaking the English language before any of them even came to America, and spoke and understood the English language even before the United States of America were the United States of America. We know what "count" means. We know what "recount" means. And we know what "again and again" means.
And when tens of thousands of ballots are rejected by 40-year-old machines as "unreadable" and set aside, we know that those ballots, unexamined by any human being to determine the intent of the person who cast those ballots, have NOT been counted. Period.
Now, just because some self-interested rich kid, who grew up in a presidential family, chooses for his own benefit, to assert that ballots "have been counted and recounted, again and again", does not convince those who have been using the English language for generations, paying attention to current events, and watching TV.
Perhaps those in need of a "father figure", any father figure, even a father who grabs the reins of power through deceit and lies, are rejoicing today. And perhaps some of us do "hope, pray and trust that this new man's heart is more bright than dark" as you claim to do, and perhaps some really do hope for the best. However, the rest of us do not. We do not concur when you say "Common sense has returned to the head of our household. We have a father figure again in our country... How wonderfully blessed we can be."
On the contrary! Common sense has disappeared. It has been trampled into the ground in the service of selfishness!
We already know enough about the heart of one who would assume the presidency by taking to the supreme court the proposition that "recounting of votes in Florida must be stopped".
He who would even contemplate such action does not have the moral high ground, or the moral stature to lead anyone. George Bush prated and brayed about "leadership" throughout his campaign. All of us (except Peter Asher) saw and heard him. Yet, in the first moment that he felt the need to, he threw aside any pretense of leadership for the common good, any pretense of morality, any pretense of guidence by the constitution, and wallowed in his own selfishness.
I'm sure you feel very secure in casting aside your ability to think and judge critically the actions of your "father figure". However, I ask you: Did you agree with "father" when he said yesterday that the power industry can count on him to do everything in his power to circumvent existing envirnmental laws on clean air to give power companies, and investors in power companies, even more right to pollute our air?
Isn't the right to breathe the very air on our planet something we owe to every living thing on God's earth? Isn't that more important than any "investors' rate of return"?
Many of the Peter Ashers of this world who dominate this site with their opinion that the outgoing president's personal life must be repudiated, have convinced themselves that a new "father figure" of any sort will bring a change for the better to their financial life, and to the international gold market. They feel very comfortable with their "out with the old, and in with the new".
But they should be careful what they wish for... They might get it!
Al Fulchino
(1/20/2001; 9:21:35MT - usagold.com msg#: 45986)
Everyone
Please all who missed this, catch again what Peter Asher wrote the other day. This deserves a replay on this special day, because this new President IS guided by a different thing from inside himself that our last president and even many in our own families are guided by.
Also thanks Peter A and Ross L
Peter wrote:
I happened to catch today's interview on CNN and, being a non-TV-owner, this is the very first time I have seen him, live, rather than reading the printed word. This is my observation:
When people talk of Bush being a bit "slow" and perceiving him to be "not so bright" they are witnessing someone who is not programed for instant response. He is not a "Stepford" man. I see him actually thinking for himself about what he is being asked and formulating his personal answer. That slight delay is, in my opinion, the process of a basically honest man. This was not someone thinking of the "correct" answer. When asked about California's power problem, he straightforwardly said that we need to relax some environmental standards that are keeping some plants from being on line. This was not a politically correct statement to make in the midst of the Cabinet hearings.
I was especially encouraged by his viewpoint about drug use punishment. He said (paraphrased) that first time offenders should not be hit with these draconian sentences; that prison space had better uses; and that drug dependency should be seen and addressed as an "illness." Then he said, "This is why I advocate faith-based (methods)." Regardless of which faith one may agree or disagree with, faith is not punishment and faith is NOT psychiatry!
We may be at a major turning point in the downward spiral of our society. My family and I choose to believe this.
Cavan Man
(1/20/2001; 9:20:07MT - usagold.com msg#: 45985)
Trail Guide: I expected you to read my mind!
What I meant in an exporting sense was this: many in the East think like we do in the West. Ergo, many in the East do not understand gold in the context of your thoughts either. What of this? Thanks.
Al Fulchino
(1/20/2001; 9:13:46MT - usagold.com msg#: 45984)
Calm has appeared in the eye of the storm
I woke up with it today. That calm feeling I has 20 years ago and felt again in 84. Common sense has returned to the head of our household. We have a father figure again in our country. He may not be perfect, but God has smiled on us again. How wonderfully blessed we can be.
I tried all my life to get ahead. To work hard be financially secure and I was looking for time to be free of all my chores etc. I found this past summer, when I had more time off than not, that life has a way of coming to me despite my best efforts. I made sure my house had a 30+ year roof on it. Made sure my house was clad in brick, granite and vinyl. Even my landscape has granite edging and shrubs purposely picked to give me little maintenance. I had some time, but I noticed a strange thing. Life has a way of coming to you. Rest.....on this earth will never truly come as far as physical activity...not long term ...the wind blows, the rain pours the sun shines. Eventually despite all my efforts, I WILL have branches break, a leak here and there etc. The same will come to this new father of our country. You who are enemies of his will not care and try to tear him down. You who are his friends must understand life will come to him and to us. When it does, let's patch the roof, clean up the branches etc. They are what we grow our character by. In the end, my and your gold will not matter, nor will our houses, but in the end I believe, our souls will either shine white or in shades of white, or not shine at all. Somewhere in some dimension, that which is unseen to our physical eyes will reveal itself to us. Lets work together. Goerge W. is going to have life thrown at him. He won't be able to stop it. It is not meant to be stopped. It is meant to be learned from. It is meantto show us things and see where our chracater lies or willlie in the future. Let us who support what wisdom that resides in our new President's heart.
One last point that really hits me hard. How special is this occurrence we are about to see. A man, a simple man who is called a Chief Justice gets up before the entire world and quite simply looks into the new President's eyes. Picture yourself on either side of that eye contact. Two hearts are connected visually. Two men. Just two simple men. That justice looks in his eyes and asks this man if he solemnly swears to..... Think about that. He is asked if his heart and character will uphold a certain spirit. ASKED politely! ASKED with hope! ASKED with a yearning! And we hope, pray and trust that this new man's heart is more bright than dark. The Justice hopes so. The people do hope. And good people from all nations hope. What a very special thing we will all see. Simple eye to eye contact. A simple question. A question that means everything to us.
Today a good and special thing has come to America.
Trail Guide
(1/20/2001; 8:52:40MT - usagold.com msg#: 45983)
Reply
Cavan Man (1/20/2001; 5:33:18MT - usagold.com msg#: 45970)
Trail Guide Question
We export more than our currency from US shores. What of those in the "East" that have perspective not unlike those in the "West". I believe there might be many of these; yes?
Cavan Man,
We export many goods & services, true. But, over time our competition is making these exports less inviting. Even now, at current exchange rates, much of what we sell can be purchased somewhere else at close to the same value. Remember, at some point, as our dollar drops in value,
domestic inflation raises local production costs enough that it cancels our much of any perceived "falling dollar advantage" in world trade.
The coming dollar fallaway will not induce any such export boom that many foresee. It will not be a saving grace for our economy. You see, in the past, such a drop in the reserve currency had the same inflationary effects on all world producing economic structures. This time, however, a
transition into Euro use for reserve and trade settlement will blanket such rising cost effects, somewhat protecting any national trading block that opts out of the dollar receive structure. The obvious advantage will become easy for everyone to see.
Even "nonwestern" players, that operate within the Western zone of thought, are not permanent in their trade position. They will shift as everyone else does. It's just a matter of time and evolution.(smile)
Before I go deep into this, I would like to hear how others would walk in Mr. G's shoes. I also have a Black Gold comment for ORO just as soon as we pass this area. I'll be back in a day or so.
TrailGuide
Belgian
(1/20/2001; 8:31:37MT - usagold.com msg#: 45982)
POG to be 200$ or not to be...that's a question.
- Goldshorters, whoever they are, cash their profits at the 200$ price-zone. They want to add to their paper-mountains.
- Gold-price-manipulators, have no reasons left, to manoeuver POG under 200$. Gold isn't giving any signals at 260$. With a low and relative stable POG...the dollar can weaken softly as to give the perception of smooth landing.
The vast majority of (any) paper-holders, is suffocating under invisible crash-slices. As stubborn deniers, they, unfortunately, get what they deserve. Their paper-prices are silently evaporizing.It will take a hell of a shock, before they see Gold's name " TINA ". The sept. '99 - WA-shock, has been smoothly absorbed and aftershocks, don't make a chance in the actual price-zone. Momentum has completely faded out.
Gold-price-manipulators, can loosen their iron grip on paper-gold-shorting. The political metal is in neutral signal force. It is impossible to restart a new massive stockmarket bull-run or impressing dollar-appreciation.
Time out for another mania-construction.
Attention is focussed on the bubble-unwinding and maskerade of Debt and Credit folly. POG at 265$ looks like an ideal emotion-neutral price ticket. IMO, Time is now more important than POG.
But ! Gold-producers, gave a mixed message. Anglogold / Gold Fields / Barrick...are trying to say something.
Mayby they want to put an end on the unworkable Fragmentation of the 2.500 ton/yrs - goldaddition ?
Anglogold - Oppenheimer and powerfull FRIENDS, know very well, what / how / who is going on in the wonderfull small world of Gold. The timing of the latest hyperconcentration rumors is not completely out of the blue. Difficult to guess if POG under 200$ is part of their strategy to suffocate and get rid of the embarresing mining juniors ?
They are certainly up to something. I don't buy the pure "consolidation" intensions. A cartel-like, alternative strategy, to eliminate small, unprofitable, miners...and avoiding future massive hedging...and making gold-leasing obsolete...is perhaps the underlying purpose of mega merger ? The perception grows, that they want to do something, and that the moment is rightly choosen to be succesfull.?
The main Goldproducers and Goldprice-manipulators are probably, turning their Gold-collusion, into a shy and carefull "positive" perception. Circumstantial Intuition.
Henri
(1/20/2001; 7:50:33MT - usagold.com msg#: 45981)
Is there any economic advantage to a dramatically lower $
Would the US gain in its ability to manufacture and market goods to the world at large through the advent of a falling dollar. Would not our exports become "cheaper" on the foreign markets and change our basis of strength from being the worlds chief money changer to becoming an export powerhouse again? Have we been too long complacent and raised a bunch of service sector saps who have no skills in machining and manufacturing. Can we again begin to gather the worlds gold reserves through hard work and innovation as this country did in its first 100 years?
Journeyman
(1/20/2001; 7:48:14MT - usagold.com msg#: 45980)
Governments don't confiscate - - - they STEAL - - - no, WORSE!!
Sorry about this rant, but you've been warned in advance.
What governments do is not "confiscate" - - - which implies some sort of legitimacy. What governments do is worse than stealing, and is akin to treason.
They claim to protect you from having your stuff stolen by common thieves, and then THEY steal your stuff instead.
Being robbed by your protector is WORSE than being robbed by a normal thief if only because the act not only steals your stuff, but your trust, confidence, and peace-of-mind as well. This is traitorous in the most heinous sense.
Regards,
Journeyman
auspec
(1/20/2001; 7:44:27MT - usagold.com msg#: 45979)
One More For The Rhodes
Don't Play It Again {Uncle} Sam! Or auspec!
A Multi-Cultural Farewell Salute To
The Child King
Dear Bill,
The "last hour of the last day" is now upon us, time does fly. Sir, would you be kind enough to share a bit of the spotlight with Dubya and Laura this fine day? George is unlikely to take you up on your offer to be his full time coach for the next 4 years. Today is a glorious and sunshiny day, regardless of weather!
Thank you William Jefferson Clinton for a most entertaining eight years of Presidential Capers. The 22nd amendment to the Constitution, our country's current favorite, is still in effect and so you must now vacate what we used to call the White House. It will need to be properly cleaned and whitewashed for your predecessor's progeny's prestigious and pristine possession. There is little doubt that you have left your mark (stain) (scent) on this esteemed estate and you will, unfortunately, not soon be forgotten. The State of the UNIONS has never been so public or sleazy. We have been contacted by multiple international citizens that eagerly join us in this celebration of the termination of your tenure. The Nations ARE United and we extend to you these heartfelt and earnest, global messages:
French - Finalment il est parti! On en est enfin de`barasse`s!
Portuguese- Ainda bem one vais embora!
Thailand - Kob - Kun!
Philippine - Sa lamat umalis na!
Romanian - Bine ca au plecat!
Italian - Finalmente se ne va!
German - Gehe zum teufel!
Polish - Dziekuje oni poszli!
Spanish - AM__!
Ebonics - Get to steppin!
Dutch - Ga naar de vaantjes!
English - Good………….……Mr. President. Good Grief!
Goodbye! Good Riddance!
There has been much speculation as to what you will do, at such a young age, to wile away the hours/days while you patiently await a post-Presidency Noble Piece (spelled right) Prize, of which your subtle lobbying efforts are sure to pay off. Could we offer a few second career suggestions for your consideration? You do have vast talents, contacts, and experiences upon which to draw, and it would be nice if they finally could be tapped.
Suggestions:
1. The Robert Rubin School of Arkansas Economics needs a Dean of
Student AFFAIRS. Experience required, yours should suffice. You could in fact, be a bit over qualified, but RR can fix most anything.
2. How about starring in a komic strip called Klintoon? Actually a
Kontinuation of the last 8 years' debacle. Reruns only will be required,
PLEASE.
3. You might consider becoming a fundraiser for the American Conservation
Union. You and your Boss (Ms.) are the best thing that ever happened to
them. How is that little matter of their audit progressing?
4. Please spend some time apologizing to your not-ready-for-prime-time
apprentice, Algor, for blowing his chances to also become "One of our
greatest Presidents". You screwed up the quid pro quo. That was some
real teamwork boys, the folks back home in Arkansas And Tennessee are
real proud of you two. DelusionAl just needs a few more cycles of The
Lanny Davis School of Endless Repetitive Spin and maybe he won't give
up so easy next time. Did he sleep through too many of his Saturday Night
Live assignments? Poor Al had to pretend he hardly knew you, Bill, after
all your selfless years of service.
5. Lobbyist for the New World Order - unless that is getting a bit stale and
tiresome. You and Pinocchio have more in common than just the nose
complications. Those strings seem like they could be a bit annoying?
6. Selling franchises of the Ken Starr Emission Inspection Stations. Cost-Up
to $55 Million per inspection. You cannot run a VRWC {Vast Right Wing
Conspiracy} on a shoestring budget.
7. You could do tobacco ads on TV and expound on the benefits of not
inhaling or taking personal responsibility for your actions.
8. How about pooling your resources with O.J. to jointly get to the bottom of
Nicole and Vince Foster's untimely deaths?
9. You could just totally retire as the Founding Father of Illegitimate
Presidencies and Children. Put out to pasture so to speak (You must stop
drooling, Sire).
10. There has to be a immense demand for Hair Salons on airport runways
called- I'm Stylin' You're Waitin'! Number 42, you are clearly a pioneer
as well as an entrepreneur. The free markets await your participation and
vision.
11. Your plans for a friendly (chummy actually) takeover of Tyson Chicken
should fully succeed. You will be able to sort out all the right wings and
personally handle EVERY breast, leg, and thigh.
12. Clinton Crisis Counseling Clinic for abused women - mostly just ice
patrol!
13. Challenge Charlton Heston for NRA Presidency based on your starring
role in "The Ten Commanding Scandals". We have almost forgotten
who your Best Supporting Actress was.
14. You could mediate some more serious global problems like you did in
the Middle East recently with such great success. Move over Jimmy!
Next time if you will quit giggling every time you say the name Yassar
you might have more success.
15. Hollywood is much too obvious to even mention. Barbara Streisand is no
Marilyn Monroe, but on the other hand, she's no Monica or HRC either.
You could do a remake of "Trading Places" starring both you and
Hillary. Stand-ins could be used for the love scene, no problem there.
How about a remake of Groundhog Day starring the endless Shadow President that refused to go away?
16. Kofi is Kalling. Go feel his pain and take Ted Turner with you!
17. The PGA tour might accept you, but I doubt they will be willing to let
you keep your own score. You have assuredly hit on more ladies in the
gallery than even Gerald Ford did.
18. Much time can be spent simply waiting for the coming official
Republican apology for YOUR IMPEACHMENT. Check your e-mail
regularly. What were those guys thinking with this "rule of law"
nonsense?
19. Every Law School Library needs a Lexicon for multiple
meanings/interpretations/applications for two letter English words.
20. Your own weekly television show on FOX (in the chick house) TV,
government reforms oriented. Geraldo can lend a helping hand.
21. You will have time to write an autobiography. I should not
require much work and we can actually save you a lot of trouble
as one rather large word will suffice:
Coverupsubpoenabimbosnortscamliesmenacigarbluedressraisetaxesfbi-
Indulgentcheatdnaderivativesroselawfirms&lsaxpaulasexbentapistray-
wagdogembarrassdonnaeconomystupidiceovalmanagersjuanitashilloral-
danlassiterfilegatecopresidencyisdeceitbribestarrasprinfactorylucianne-
#^*!&%healthcaregrabjimguybubbletrialmcdougalsimpeachedlegacy-
spinpuppetdesksusanhoovernosedepositionragincajundenialwebster-
naftatrippstallnoshameparsebuddyteflonpredatorchinagateforcetroopers-
septumhousesenateoathespyronbrownmonicahedonicsgoldbuster-
internlipsmovingdraftsociopathsomaliadollyfelonyperjurerenemies-
rogerdodgerhush$stonewallsecretservicecocaineaddictivepersonality-
glibpollslincolnbedroomdysfunctionalOhellUgettheidea!
Please let me know if you need any more help on this project.
22. Find a new country in which to practice law. Sri Lanka comes to mind.
Alan Derschowitz could also stand an extended sabbatical. Why can't his
Doctors get his medication right? Is he the best you can do?
23. You will have beaucoup opportunities to try out your precious Executive
Orders in your various trailer park soirees. Hoping you do not experience
any more FEMA failures. Hopefully you can recover from the carpal-tunnel syndrome you got from signing all of that key legislation that the American people so desperately needed.
24. You could spend the rest of your life paying back favors for Lady Reno
TSE {Trouble Shooter Extraordinaire}. Will she remain on the payroll
indefinitely?
25. Ever thought of starting a Dream Team of X-Presidents? Andrew
Johnson, RMN, and WJC, not necessarily in that order. Looks like a
clear LEGACY from this angle, but you are welcome to write your own
history books and who could stop you anyway?
26. Permanent Dependent Counsel for your estranged wife, Scandal - in –
Waiting, Senatorium Hillary Rodham? Is she prolific or what? You
could play the scorned man next go- around, it worked so well for her.
Any truth to the rumor that Hill-Rod makes more than A-Rod ]
{unofficially of course}? Robert Ray really spanked your hand; how are you ever going to come up with $25,000 now that you can't practice Law in Arkansas for the next 5 years?
Global citizens are nervously holding their breath in anticipation of your next adventure; we will soon get to quit holding our nose. The world is beckoning you now, Mr. X-President; some call you Slick Willie, some Comeback Kid (Puleeeze NO), some Boy President, some Bubba, I now call you GONE! We're happy for you, Bill, but mostly we're happy for us. Sounds like the fat lady (with the beret) is vibrating her vocal chords. And no, Sir, you do not get to take the ESF {Exchange Stabilization Fund} with you!
A final word - Get some help somewhere.
Respectfully,
Auspec (FOB) (Farewell Old Boy) - Hope we haven't hurt your ego too much - - - Better get some ice on that.
Permission is hereby extended to copy, fold, bend, staple, mutilate, or forward this article. No additions please-I do NOT want to run the risk of offending our political leaders!
Henri
(1/20/2001; 7:33:19MT - usagold.com msg#: 45978)
Energy crunch
It seems to me that US/Canadian crude/syncrude production can now be ramped up with the higher prices...but it will take several years. Understandably, these producers are reluctant to go whole hog and experience a similar "boom/crash" scenario that happened last time they ramped up quickly. I wonder to what extent the Administration allowed the country to become so dependent on foreign oil as part of a strategy to facilitate the construction of new large capacity nuclear facilities? This too would take many years before the first new generation plants could come online. The US now generates only 20% of its electricity by nuclear means. In this regard we lag France and Japan who have taken the lead in moving toward energy self sufficiency. The past ten years have seen an increase in the installation of gas turbine installations. While they are able to bring added capacity online quickly to meet demand surges, I doubt they make much sense for subtantiating our base load capacity. Nuclear generation is clean and the plant designs are now generically approved rather than on an individual basis. The way needs to be cleared for the advancement of construction with a clear idea on what the requirements will be upon plant closure and decommissioning so that market competition can be evaluated. These concessions must come from the state level. No new installed nuclear capacity will be forthcoming without a significant change in the uncertainties surrounding eventual closure issues.
Journeyman
(1/20/2001; 7:26:21MT - usagold.com msg#: 45977)
A different Giant Sucking Sound
http://startup.wsj.com/n/SB979657339382461277-main.html
We knew the internet had major implications for governments.
It's beginning to bite.
From article:
===========
Startups Move Offshore
To Avoid U.S. Regulators
By MICHAEL ALLEN
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET
JOURNAL
HAMILTON, Bermuda -- Operating out of a hurricane-proof command
center in a former U.S. military base, Paven Bratch is a tax
examiner's nightmare.
===========
& Thanx to riffer@freedom.net
Click link in header for the whole article.
Regards,
Journeyman
Black Blade
(1/20/2001; 7:22:19MT - usagold.com msg#: 45976)
RE: Hill Billy Mitchell
Indeed, truly it is a delicate balancing act isn't it? As in my last post, I liken it to a juggler with too many distractions (balls in the air). My question is whether or not if inflation is the simplistic version or threat, but rather, would not stagflation similar the to 1970's likely be the result? Also triggered by energy crises. Hmmm... a lot to consider as we enter into the new millennium with a new administration amid alot of potentially cold and shivering Grasshoppers. Is Cheeta (AG) really that good of a juggler? We shall see.
Black Blade
(1/20/2001; 7:14:05MT - usagold.com msg#: 45975)
**** 2001 - A Gold Odessey ****
A Very Positive Year for Gold Amid Economic Strife!
January is the perfect time of year to examine your "fiscal fitness" Whether you're just starting out or you already own several stocks, real estate or precious metals you should strive for a well-balanced, diversified portfolio to help you weather storms like last year. After all, if one stock or sector has a down year, another may perform well.
For example, last year the technology-heavy NASDAQ lost 38% and large company stocks lost 9% (as represented by the S&P 500 Index), while medium-sized companies gained 18% (S&P MidCap 400 Index) and utilities and consumer goods each gained more than 20% (S&P Indices for each sector). Over 5 years, however, large, medium and technology stocks outpaced utilities and consumer goods. Real estate has held value fairly well. However, PMs have performed badly. But this is the real question. Are PMs an investment?
PMs are portfolio insurance. PMs usually move counter to the stock market and do well in times of economic uncertainty. We are now entering into a new period for investing. A new administration will take over today and policy is sure to change. As many here know, I have pounded the table (at times too aggressively perhaps) about the lack of an energy policy and the energy crisis. This will continue to drag on the economy. That in my opinion means that we could enter into some "uncertain" times. Diversification into hard assets such as PMs are almost a must while prices are still at near 20 year lows. This cannot last forever. The last administration has squandered many opportunities to become Ants (as per the Aesop fable of "The Ant and the Grasshopper"), and have only aggravated a growing cancer on the economy. Times have been very good over the last few years for stock markets investors, however, we have seen the new paradigm of "things are different this time." Oh really! What we have really seen is a speculative bubble that was fueled by unrealistic expectations as Dot.Com mania spread far and wide. Day trading became rampant as people quit their jobs to get the "easy money." Well the Dot.Coms soon became the Dot.Bombs, and now most are Dot.Gone.
So why is Gold still in a funk? Some claim that it is manipulation by powerful short-selling hedge funds and investment banks, other say it is forward selling gold miners, and yet others say that it is official sector sales from CB's and the US Exchange Stabilization Fund. It just might be all of these. What ever the reason, this can not continue as these short-selling interests dig themselves deeper into an untenable position. After all, these are "paper trades" that are backed by physical gold - gold that may not even exist. Such strategies will eventually implode and those holding gold will reap the rewards, or as many believe, those holding gold will more likely survive as others wail and bemoan their losses.
The energy crisis is not getting any better. There are regulatory and environmental issues that have resulted in a shortage of energy. California is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The EPA Clean Air Act, though a noble concept, has not taken into account of the finite resources of clean burning natural gas and the lack of exploration and production when prices were low. Now there is a mad scramble for natural gas. On e major problem is when prices were low, drill rig companies and service providers when bankrupt, went into other industries, or simple stopped making equipment. Many drill rigs went to the scrap heaps. Wind and solar power are renewable sources, yet they are not only climate dependent, there is political opposition to even take up "open space" and the loss of "aesthetic value." Not to mention animal rights, etc. Coal and nuclear? Oh boy, I can really go into the political maelstrom that would bring about. The point is, it is already too late.
That brings us back to precious metals. The economy is teetering on collapse from rising cost, much if not most as a result of higher energy costs and lost production. Earnings warnings abound week to week on Wall Street. Gold has a history of well over 3000 years - got that! Over 3000 years as a store of value! I think that new paradigms are interesting, however, history is replete with new paradigms (South Sea Bubble and Tulip Mania to name a couple). History has shown us that economies don't always "Grow to the sky" as the economic collapses in 1893, 1929, 1973, and 1979 demonstrate. The current market is on the verge of a severe downturn and the new president will be hard pressed to pick up the peices. This year is likely to bring about a breakout for gold as the situation of market manipulation and economic forces become unttenable - much akin to a juggler who is faced with keeping his eyes focused on one too many balls in the air. Something has to give, and with energy as the trigger, gold is about to run free as a mad scramble ensues with politicians, bankers, and markets makers trying to keep all these balls in the air.
In 2001 - Gold will rise and become the lifeboat that will keep the few lucky Ants afloat!
Hill Billy Mitchell
(1/20/2001; 6:32:18MT - usagold.com msg#: 45974)
Black Blade @ # 45969
Good Sir
You are much appreciated!
I assume that excerpt from your post which I repost below is your comment:
"The United States argues that rising energy costs will depress earnings in the manufacturing sector and lead to a flash of inflation. If the suddenly tippy U.S. economy slides any further, American economists say, there will be a domino effect around the world, oil consumption will fall and OPEC will suffer. Right now, half of U.S. oil imports are from OPEC, making the United States one of the cartel's biggest customers. But while the American argument resonates, OPEC is haunted by memories of a timing mistake that cost its members’ economies dearly. Back in 1997 the cartel increased production just when Asia was sinking into severe recession. The combination proved devastating; the sudden lack of Asian demand along with the increased production sent oil prices diving to near $10 a barrel. Venezuela saw its economy contract by 6 percent the following year. Now, OPEC wants to avoid a similar situation. It argues that demand for oil will once again drop in the spring after the heating oil season, and that then prices will naturally ease without causing the economic disruptions its members suffered three years ago."
My meager thoughts:
US claims that OPEC actions on reduction of supply available will produce shortage, ergo soaring prices, ergo inflation, ergo recession, ergo decline in world oil demand, ergo future drop in oil prices, ergo all throats have been cut, i.e. producers and consumers of oil products.
OPEC claims that timing is every thing. Assuming that recession is already here, failure to reduce production because of falling demand will cause a glut, which will again foster an environment for $10 per barrel oil again. That failure to preemptively cut production now will cause a precipitous fall in future crude oil prices. In other words:
OPEC claims that failure of OPEC actions on reduction of supply now will produce glut during recession because of decline in world oil demand ergo $10 dollar per barrel oil again, ergo OPEC's throat has been cut.
When my youngest daughter was about 8 years old, upon enduring the umpteenth quarrel between her mother and father she said, "I agree with both of you". My sentiments exactly.
This chicken and egg argument is never ending and simply shows that a problem of this nature, the true market (the world economy) cannot be managed. It will manage itself in due time, yes?
Same problem with the Fed:
Either ease off on rates now or risk hard landing, or continue to hold the line on credit and liquidity and risk inflation, ergo future hard landing. Greenspan and Co. apparently has chosen to try to postpone the hard landing again, as if it can be postponed indefinitely. The market will manage itself in due time, yes?
Respectfully
HBM
Black Blade
(1/20/2001; 6:02:31MT - usagold.com msg#: 45973)
Gas Geyser Erupts in Kansas
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010119/us/gas_geysers_7.html
Snippit - HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) - Workers tried Friday to reduce the pressure in an natural gas cavern where a leak is feeding several gas geysers that have shot 30 feet above ground and exploded.
Black Blade: And yet, one could have way too much NG.
Black Blade
(1/20/2001; 5:56:13MT - usagold.com msg#: 45972)
PG&E Responds to Secretary Richardson's Order for Gas Suppliers to Sell to the Utility
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2001--Pacific Gas and Electric Company issued the following statement in response to President Clinton's finding of a natural gas emergency in Northern and Central California, and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Bill Richardson's related order that requires out-of-state gas suppliers to continue selling natural gas to the utility, both of which were issued today:
``We appreciate President Clinton's and Secretary Richardson's leadership in ordering the natural gas suppliers to continue selling and delivering gas into California. The gas supply situation has brought Northern and Central California to the brink of a serious crisis at a time when the state is also experiencing power outages because of an electricity shortage. We are rapidly running out of gas stored in our underground storage facilities because of cuts in flowing supplies.
``We are concerned, however, that the extremely short duration of the federal order -- which extends only through Tuesday, January 23 -- means that it probably will have only limited practical effect in relieving the shortage of gas supplies. We hope that the order will be extended, at least through February, so that it can be used to get enough baseload gas lined up to meet our expected February gas demands. Without that extension, we are concerned that millions of Californians could be in jeopardy of gas shortages in early-to-mid February -- a time when natural gas is desperately needed to heat homes and businesses.
``If gas service to residential and business consumers is threatened, then existing rules require Pacific Gas and Electric Company to meet their natural gas needs by reducing deliveries to other end-use customers, including gas-fired electric power plants, hospitals, and military bases. Therefore, it is crucial to note that serious gas shortages are still a possibility if the Secretary's order expires next week and is not extended.
``Because of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's financial crisis, nearly all of its natural gas suppliers have said they will not continue to sell gas to the utility without special payment arrangements, and several have already stopped deliveries. Pacific Gas and Electric Company has been unable to pay for gas in advance -- as suppliers have requested -- because California's electricity crisis has pushed the utility to the brink of financial collapse, exhausting available cash and credit. Unlike the situation on the electric side, the utility's customers pay the market price for the gas they use, so Pacific Gas and Electric Company collects sufficient gas revenues to pay the gas suppliers.''
Black Blade: So it goes, the Grasshoppers are stealing from the Ants. Amazingly the Grasshoppers according to polls believe that the whole energy crisis is contrived by the big bad utilities to squeeze higher rates. The southern Kalifornian Grasshopper has always been a thief. Over the last several years, he has stolen water from his northern relatives. Hell, he even had his northern relative's help subsidize the building of aqueducts to suck the north dry. During the drought years, the northern species had to conserve water so that the southern species could fill their swimming pools and wash of their driveways and side walks. Now it is energy. This southern species of locust has not had the disruption of power, yet the central and northern species has had rolling blackouts. The southern species also has been trying to force the theft of power from surrounding regions at the expense of the Ants who built power plants, who drilled for oil and NG, etc. So why is this happening? Simple - A lot of Liberal elitist Grasshoppers vote, and there are surging plagues of them infesting the southern part of Kalifornia.
What was that old song? "Turn out the lights, the party's over..."
Black Blade
(1/20/2001; 5:36:07MT - usagold.com msg#: 45971)
Natural Gas Market Outlook: Winter 2000-01
http://www.piwpubs.com/dps_winter.htm
ANOTHER WEEKEND READING ASSIGNMENT
This article is a good review of the NG situation, the developing crisis, and how we got into this mess. It also explores what may come. A good read, but a little "reading between the lines" is helpful too. A little dated but it can also be used to compare what the NG producers were thinking and what has come about in recent months.
- Black Blade
Cavan Man
(1/20/2001; 5:33:18MT - usagold.com msg#: 45970)
Trail Guide Question
We export more than our currency from US shores. What of those in the "East" that have perspective not unlike those in the "West". I believe there might be many of these; yes?
Black Blade
(1/20/2001; 5:22:29MT - usagold.com msg#: 45969)
Less is more in Venezuela oil patch
http://www.msnbc.com/news/515376.asp
CABIMAS, Venezuela — The rigs that dot Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo may soon be pumping a pinch less oil. It's a small price to pay for this oil-dependent country. By cutting back on production in concert with fellow OPEC members, Caracas is seeking to avoid a repeat of 1998, when plunging worldwide oil prices sent Venezuela's economy into a tailspin. But this time around, the biggest risk for Venezuela and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries is that rising oil prices will tip their biggest customer into a recession that will resonate around the globe.
"WE CANNOT allow oil (prices) to fall again under any circumstances and under pressure from anyone," Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Monday. Chavez was, of course, referring to the United States, which imports more than half of Venezuela's oil. Like last summer, when oil leaped above $35 a barrel, sending gasoline prices soaring and enraging American and European consumers, the United States has been trying to convince OPEC to hold off on production cuts."If there is a steep production cut, we believe that prices will go up dramatically, and that is going to harm the world economy," U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson said Monday after a four-day tour of six Persian Gulf oil producing states.
The United States argues that rising energy costs will depress earnings in the manufacturing sector and lead to a flash of inflation. If the suddenly tippy U.S. economy slides any further, American economists say, there will be a domino effect around the world, oil consumption will fall and OPEC will suffer. Right now, half of U.S. oil imports are from OPEC, making the United States one of the cartel's biggest customers. But while the American argument resonates, OPEC is haunted by memories of a timing mistake that cost its members’ economies dearly. Back in 1997 the cartel increased production just when Asia was sinking into severe recession. The combination proved devastating; the sudden lack of Asian demand along with the increased production sent oil prices diving to near $10 a barrel. Venezuela saw its economy contract by 6 percent the following year. Now, OPEC wants to avoid a similar situation. It argues that demand for oil will once again drop in the spring after the heating oil season, and that then prices will naturally ease without causing the economic disruptions its members suffered three years ago.
PETRODOLLARS AND VENEZUELAN POLITICS
For Chavez and Venezuela, oil is the engine of change."Hugo Chavez has made promises about social benefits, about things he is going to deliver to the people of Venezuela, and he is not going to deliver that without higher oil prices," says Amy Jaffe, senior energy advisor at the James Baker Institute at Rice University. Oil accounts for as much as a third of Venezuela's gross domestic product. Even with a cutback in its OPEC oil quota, Venezuela is expected to reap higher revenues. The formula, says Alejandro Bertuol, an oil analyst with Fitch Ratings Service in New York, is that every $1 increase in a barrel of oil translates to between $1 billion and $1.4 billion dollars in additional revenues for Venezuela. For a poor country like Venezuela and a president intent on perpetuating his "economic revolution," oil is his bank. And Chavez's "OPEC strategy has been brilliant in many ways," says Larry Birn, the director of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs in Washington. What Chavez has managed to do is help convince OPEC members to stand firm, even under pressure from its biggest customers. He has learned the lessons of previous governments, which flagrantly ignored OPEC quotas and suffered from wide fluctuations in oil prices and oil income. Chavez's discipline with the quotas over the last year,"guarantess that Venezuela will have a predictable flow of available money not only to prop up its economy but to play a significant regional role," says Birn.Of course, not everyone agrees with that assessment. Jaffe argues that Chavez has shifted economic resources toward his left-leaning social programs at the expense of the oil industry. She says that Venezuela's oil capacity is dropping significantly every year and is in need of significant investment to keep it humming. Many oil experts agree. According to one account, 700,000 barrels of Venezuelan oil capacity is lost each day (left unaddressed, that would cut total output by more than 20 percent each year), requiring constant investment in exploration to maintain steady production. With that in mind, Chavez has been shifting the industry away from crude production and toward petrochemicals, refining and natural gas. At the same time, the state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela, has intensified its focus on Latin America as a market. Still, it is unlikely — despite Chavez's tendency toward negative American rhetoric — that the United States’ importance to Venezuela as a market will diminish any time soon. That, more than anything, will make OPEC's production decision on Wednesday — and the subsequent economic consequences — a lively topic in Caracas over the next several months.
Black Blade: A very large importer of oil could be the final pull of the trigger that pushes the US over the edge into recession. Alond with rising energy cost, higher NG, and rolling blackouts that squeeze productivity. Well, you get the picture. GW has his hands full and Bubba slinks off scott free. Going to be an interesting year.
Topaz
(1/20/2001; 4:25:36MT - usagold.com msg#: 45968)
Timeless quality of Gold
Hoard of Roman gold on display
A HOARD of Roman gold coins, discovered in the City of London during an archaeological excavation last year, have gone on display at the Museum of London (Grainne Gilmore writes).
The 43 gold aurei, pictured above, are estimated to have been worth nearly four years’ salary for a Roman Legionnaire. The 22-carat gold coins carry the images of ten Emperors and two Empresses, ranging from Nero (AD54-84) to Marcus Aurelius (AD161-180). The hoard is the first to have been found in London — there have been only two comparable collections of Roman gold found in the British Isles. The rarity of the coins makes them of incalculable worth today.
The coins are on permanent display at the Museum of London.
An exhibition at the British Museum also features Roman coins. From Alexander to Mark Anthony: Images of Power on Ancient Coins illustrates how great Greek and Roman leaders used the images of themselves on coins minted during their lifetimes to manipulate how they were perceived. A major theme is the image of Alexander, how he formed and changed it and its impact on his royal successors. The silver coins of Mark Anthony from 30BC show him wreathed in ivy, a reference to the Greek God of wine, Dionysus.
< Now let's assume an "aurei" is (roughly) equal to a Sovereign Au wise, 43 "TODAY" can be had for (ballpark) $2800..... 4 years wages in Roman times.>
Is gold cheap? ......Yes/no.
Will it stay this way? ...Yes/no.
Can 43 Sovereigns "ever" amount to 4 years wages again? ...Yes/no.
Think about it... 2.5 Oz Au annual salary, thats the leverage of Gold!
The Invisible Hand
(1/20/2001; 3:30:24MT - usagold.com msg#: 45967)
Twas the day of the Bush II inauguration
http://www.dxmarket.com/worldnetdaily/products/V0018.html
The fed revealed by the von Mises Institute.
THX-1138
(01/20/01; 00:00:09MT - usagold.com msg#: 45966)
Re: my last post
I just re-read my last post.
Yuck.
Awful sentence structure and spelling.
I am going to have to stop typing and watching TV at the same time.
My thoughts just get way too distracted.
ViewYesterday's Discussion.
Permission to reprint is hereby granted where the USAGOLD name is cited along with our web address, mailing address and phone number. For electronic reproductions, citing the post heading and the http://www.usagold.com/cpmforum/ website address as the source is sufficient.
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