Monthly Archives: December 2023

Dec 23 2023

The Simple Things


Posted originally on the CTH on December 22, 2023 | Menagerie 


In this most busy and demanding time of the year, many still have the hope and desire to pursue happiness, to savor the moments and find that special something that replenishes us, fulfills us.

How strange, that we must stop, pause, slow down at least, to find that which keeps us going.

I think that part of our problem is our push to do more and do it more perfectly. As I have aged, I have necessarily had to learn to appreciate the slow moments, the silent moments. Of course, that should have come to me earlier in life, but I have ever been a plodding and slow learner.

How many wonderful, special, unique moments has our Lord gifted me with throughout my life that I rushed past, never listening, hearing his call, stopping to savor, share, enjoy with him? Moments crafted by the Master’s hand with love, moments he intended for me, for us, moments he came calling, only to have me never pause in my headlong rush?

How many times did I give up the peace I longed for, the joy I hoped for, all the things I insistently begged him for, wondering why he didn’t answer?

This morning I was early up, and puttering around, tending my sourdough starter, dividing it up, feeding multiple bowls in order to grow enough to make my various recipes for Christmas dinner and friends.

I found such happiness, really joy, in this simple task. My heart has filled with gratitude and wonder in these quiet moments alone, seeing to a simple task that leads to work I’m good at, to a simple hobby of mine, a thing I long ago longed to learn as an outpouring of love to my family, and especially for my husband who simply loves breads.

I have never had a bread machine, and I treasure the many, many times I bury my hands in the dough, kneading and pulling, twisting and forming. Now I understand a little bit why those hands-on moments meant so much to me.

For a few minutes, I put away me, and all my racing thoughts, my long list of things to get done, my annoyances at even the people I loved, everything. I put it all down and accepted a special, precious time given just to me by the God who loves me and gives me untold graces in such magical, wonderful ways as kneading bread and feeding sourdough.

Today I learned something from my bubbly sourdough brew, and I hope to be more attentive to those special moments because of it.

Maybe you can find your special moments these next few days in whatever unexpected and wonderful ways our Lord offers you. Don’t look for it in perfection though. I think you’re more likely to find it in the simpler things.

Dec 22 2023

Christmas Spending in the US to Break Records


Posted originally on Dec 22, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 

Christmas

Americans are planning to increase their holiday spending this year, according to a Gallup poll, which believes Christmas spending in 2023 will be the highest on record since they began collecting data in 1999. The average American estimates they’ll spend on Christmas or other holiday gifts is $975, which is up from last year’s estimate of $923. The largest increase is seen among middle-income households and younger adults, with middle-income households planning to spend $947 on average, up more than $200 from last year. This increase in spending intentions runs contrary to the implications of Americans’ continued pessimism about the economy and ongoing cost of living crisis.

The increase in holiday spending intentions could reflect consumer interest in retailer promotions that kicked off ahead of Black Friday and strong year-over-year growth in sales. Additionally, a recent analysis by the San Francisco Federal Reserve found consumers holding significant, albeit dwindling, “excess savings,” meaning they are prepared to open their wallets over the holiday season despite their budgets.

The holiday season is a multi-billion-dollar event for the retail and travel & hospitality sectors, multi-trillion perhaps when everything is calculated. Nine in 10 Americans plan to partake in holiday shopping. We saw Black Friday through Cyber Monday sales reach new highs, and spending on retail alone between November and December is expected to reach $966.6 billion. Simply put, Americans prioritize the holiday season as indicated by spending habits.

Dec 22 2023

Civilian Always Die in War – War is Hell


Posted originally on Dec 22, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 

9 year old Phan Thi Kim Phuc Naked Girl

COMMENT: You overlook all the civilians being killed in Ukraine and in Palestine.

LS

ANSWER: As they say, history is written by the victor. I do not know what planet you are from, but I have said MANY times that typically, an equal amount or more civilians die in war than soldiers. It does not matter what war you want to talk about. How many millions of Vietnamese died? How many Iraqis died to get one man? The American Civil War using census data, the demographic historian Dr. J. David Hacker published “A Census-Based Count of Civil War Dead” in the scholarly quarterly Civil War History, reported a more accurate estimate of Civil War deaths is about 750,000, with as many as 850,000 dead. This is based on the census data – not death on the battlefield. The civilian deaths were most likely in the neighborhood of 200,000+ dead.

Hiroshima Nagasaki 1945

Civilians ALWAYS die in war. It is estimated that over 200,000 died in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Starting a war with Russia will result in countless civilian deaths and the destruction of most of the monuments of Europe. All of this for what?

Dresden Feb 1945

The Dresden Massacre – February 1945

I am sure you have never heard of the Dresden Massacre carried out by the Allies that killed an estimated 250,000 German civilians. Japan overshadowed Dresden in August 1945. Some accounts claimed 500,000 civilians died in Dresden. About 600,000 refugees from the had hidden in Dresen, joining an estimated 600,000 inhabitants. After the waves of bombers had passed in the night, they dropped phosphorus bombs on Dresden, which burned people alive.

Then, in daylight, low-flying aircraft mowed down visible survivors running in the streets. The Western press did not report the civilian massacre, just that 8,000 aircraft flew to destroy Dresden with 3,000 bombers. The phosphorus bombs were dropped on Dresden without any regard for civilians since they were Germans who deserved death for being born German. It was akin to the dropping of Napalm (liquid fire) on Vietnam, burning civilians alive then as well.

During the American Civil War, General Sherman told his Troops at Vicksburg – War is hell.

Dresden
Dec 22 2023

The 1860 Election – Lincoln Was Also Left Off the Ballot


Posted originally on Dec 22, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 

Lincoln Elected

Did you know Abraham Lincoln was also absent from the ballot in 1860? Ten Southern states failed to issue ballots on behalf of the Republican candidate because he was opposed to slavery. When that was not enough to prevent a Lincoln victory, his opponents had him assassinated.

ballot

Now back then political parties issued ballots across the states. The word “ballot” comes from the Italian word “ballotta” meaning “little ball.” Some member of Washington would cast votes by placing a clay marble in a wooden box corresponding with their candidate of choice.

VA.Pink_.Ballot.1860

During Lincoln’s time, voters would occur on physically printed paper. States would determine the parameters of the paper (size, thickness, etc.), but the political parties were left to determine the rest, which naturally led to voter manipulation. Voters would receive pre-printed ballots, often depicting various party symbols or portraits of candidates. Since the parties could select how to produce their ballot, some resorted to using different colored paper so that everyone could see exactly who you were supporting. For example, the Virginia Union issued their ballots on bright pink paper to clearly indicate if someone was in support of their party. This effectively kept many people from casting votes in fear of violence as the nation was on the cusp of the Civil War.

Lincoln was not exactly barred from the ballot, but his party did not issue ballots in 10 states: South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Virginia. In fact, he did not receive any votes from the states that would later form the Confederacy besides Virginia where Republicans secured 1% of the votes.

Women were not permitted to vote until 1920 – 60 years later. The husband would cast a vote on behalf of the household. Black men were not permitted to vote until 1870, as the future Confederacy wanted to maintain their free workforce.

History repeats time and time again. Tensions were rising to new heights in the nation during that time, with neighbors turning against neighbors. The US Civil War broke out one year later in 1861. The nation is once again moving to intimidate voters as your candidate selection could cause you trouble depending on where you live. No one accepted the results of the 1860 election. Lincoln won but he could not govern the Confederacy as they refused to accept him as their president.

Dec 22 2023

Colorado Decision is Flat Outright Illegal


Posted originally on Dec 22, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 

Colorado Supreme Court
Supremacy Clause

There is such a thing in the Federal Constitution known as the Supremacy Clause. No state statute can overrule the Constitution. These four judges have actually violated their oath of office, and this could easily rise to the level of Treason. I find it curious that the new Civil War film talks about war with the West, including Colorado. They really should separate, for they do not support the very fabric of what the Constitution stood for.

Colorado will vote for Biden no matter what the outcome is. They are so LEFT; they are just Un-American. These Democrats know that their senile puppet and Bidenomics is a total disaster. They have been scheming to draft girls. They want war, and for whatever reason, historically, the Democrats take us into war, and it seems it always requires a Republican to end it.

As one reader wrote in:

Did not President Garfield set a legal precedent when in 1881 he appointed William Hunt former trainer of CSA troops to the position of head of the United States Navy. Even though the 14th Amendment prohibited this. So to me, the precedent had changed the law from then on. So even if they could prove Trump had been a part of the insurrection, it would not stop him from being able to run for President, because of this former precedent of law. What say you Martin? Enjoy your blog .

Sincerely, MK

This attempt to use the 14th Amendment for a non-violent act that did not wage war to overthrow the government during the Civil War is the first time anyone has tried to use this prohibition.  There was no insurrection since not a single person on January 6th was charged under the Insurrection Statute. This is so bogus it is insane. The Supreme Court would have to rule against this abuse of process, and if they did not, like the Dred Scot Decision, it would necessitate civil war. It was passed as a punitive act, and it is highly questionable if it would really be Constitutional as applied.

I think Glen Greenwald properly articulated the problem. The Neocon Victoria Nuland has been in power through EVERY Administration EXCEPT under Trump. Trump was outright against the Neocons. All the nonsense of being arrogant, whatever, the most important factor was he rejected war and that is what they did not like about Trump behind the curtain.

Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924), the 28th U.S. president, served in office from 1913 to 1921 and took us into World War I. It was Franklin D. Roosevelt who took us into World War II. It was Lydon Johnson who took us into Vietnam. It was Obama who tried to get us into Syria. The exception was U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who took us into the First Gulf War and his son into the Second.

house_of_cards_fall_anim_300_clr_14631

At this point, I hope Trump wins. If anything, it will be war in Washington instead of the battlefield, as I doubt the FBI, NSA, or CIA would ever follow anything he says. It will be open treason and the country will become ungovernable. Perhaps this is what we need. Bring down this house of corrupt cards dominating Washington who are always willing to sacrifice our children to line their pockets. If Trump has no immunity, then nobody else, including judges, if they act against the oath of their office to defend the Constitution. Everything is turning upside-down. Even Harvard is losing students who are rejecting their offers because of their antisemitic atmosphere. So much for Harvard Law School.

Dec 22 2023

A Political Disaster – 2024 will be Worse


Posted originally on Dec 21, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 

Sieg Heil

COMMENT #1: This is in regards to your blog labeled “Homelessness at All-Time High in World’s Wealthiest Nation.” My wife tried to get her Aunt, who has nothing but the clothes on her back, government assistant housing in South Carolina. They told us they haven’t been accepting applications for over a year. You can see for yourself on their SC assistance website.
So I’m not sure what HUD means when they praise the Biden/Harris administration….

Kevin

COMMENT #2: I never voted for Trump and thought he was arrogant. But after watching how hard these people are trying to stop him, it is obvious that they are scared to death of what happens if he wins. I have two sons, 18 and 20. I do not want to see them drafted to help Ukraine. This time, I am voting for Trump to save my children.

NS

REPLY: The mainstream press has abandoned the people. All we get is nonsense and propaganda that comes from Washington; they click their heels and say Sieg Heil! So many emails are coming in that say they never voted for or liked Trump, but now they will vote for him to shake up Washington. These people in DC have to stop destroying this country. Trump is rising in the polls, NOT because he is some saint. It is all becoming so obvious that it is a vote against Washington.

It seems like a lot of people are coming to the conclusion that a vote for Trump is a vote against Washington and, certainly, the Neocons. A Trump victory would transform Washington into a sitcom.

Deep State

Nevertheless, I think they would assassinate Trump before his hand hits the book. They cannot allow him to take office because they won’t get World War III. My concern is they intend to start war ASAP to box in Trump where he cannot exit a war they have already begun. Pay attention. NATO will be deploying more Troops on the border of Russia in Estonia and Lithuania, where they can launch an attack against Russia, whereas Ukraine is not a member of NATO.

The crisis would be the exposure of the FBI, NSA, and CIA and whether they would follow Trump’s orders. I seriously doubt that would happen. This is the Deep State fighting for its life. Maybe this is the time. We will have to see. The USA will not stand anyhow, and we are looking at the collapse of the country we grew up in because of the deep-seated corruption at every level. What the Biden Administration has pulled off in Colorado is just shocking – an absolute direct attack on the foundation of Democracy. Bideneconomics has been a disaster, and it will get a lot worse in 2024.

Dec 22 2023

High Court Drama – 19 States File Brief With Supreme Court Supporting Donald Trump Immunity Decision, Jack Smith Files Response


Posted originally on the CTH on December 21, 2023 | Sundance 

President Trump has asked the Supreme Court to allow the legal arguments with presidential immunity to follow the traditional path through the appeals court [pdf court filing].  Special Prosecutor Jack Smith wants to sidestep the appeals court and go directly to the Supreme Court for resolution.

As noted by Politico, President Trump’s lawyers “repeatedly warning the justices to avoid “haste,” Trump’s lawyers skewered Smith for taking extraordinary steps to preserve the March 4, 2024, trial date without detailing why taking the case to a jury just over two months from now is so critical.”  In essence, Jack Smith is trying to force a fast trial on schedule to gain maximum interference with the GOP primary election, while Trump’s lawyers are calling him out for it.

Jack Smith filed a response to the Trump filing, again reasserting, “the public interest in a prompt resolution of this case favors an immediate, definitive decision by this court. The charges here are of the utmost gravity. This case involves — for the first time in our nation’s history — criminal charges against a former president based on his actions while in office. And not just any actions: alleged acts to perpetuate himself in power by frustrating the constitutionally prescribed process for certifying the lawful winner of an election,” wrote Mr. Smith. “The nation has a compelling interest in a decision.”

Smith is worried the appeals court arguments and final decision will extend beyond the 2024 term of the Supreme Court, setting up a lengthy continuation of the DC case against Trump into October and November of 2024.   Trump’s team is saying the issues before the court are unprecedented and careful deliberation is needed.

To support the position of Donald Trump, 19 states filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court today [pdf Here].

[…] “In 234 years of American history, no President ever faced criminal prosecution for his official acts. Until 19 days ago, no court had ever addressed whether immunity from such prosecution exists. To this day, no appellate court has addressed it. The question stands among the most complex, intricate, and momentous issues that this Court will be called on to decide.

This Court’s ordinary review procedures will allow the D.C. Circuit to address this appeal in the first instance, thus granting this Court the benefit of an appellate court’s prior consideration of these historic topics and performing the traditional winnowing function that this Court has long preferred. Indeed, the D.C. Circuit has already granted highly expedited review of President Trump’s appeal over President Trump’s opposition, with briefing to be concluded by January 2, 2024, and oral argument scheduled for January 9, 2024.

The Special Counsel urges this Court to bypass those ordinary procedures, including the longstanding preference for prior consideration by at least one court of appeals, and rush to decide the issues with reckless abandon. The Court should decline that invitation at this time, for several reasons. (read more, pdf)

Making matters more complex for the high court to review, former Attorney General Edwin Meese III and law professors Steven G Calabresi and Gary S Lawson have filed a briefing as Amici Curiae (friend of the court, not connected to either party), [pdf HERE] challenging the legitimacy of the Biden appointed special counsel, Jack Smith.

[SOURCE]

Regardless of whether the Supreme Court wants to weigh in on these issues, they are going to have to respond. This is in addition to the Supreme Court ultimately having to determine how the insufferable Colorado lawfare ruling is going to stand.

The Robert’s led supreme court does not like issues involving the political dynamic; however, on these two issues they are likely going to have to choose. If they deny the Jack Smith request, the trial of Donald Trump could be delayed until the resolution of presidential immunity ultimately reaches them (after appellate court review). However, there is a strong possibility the appeals court will side with President Trump, and the appeal to SCOTUS will then come from Jack Smith.

Dec 22 2023

New Hampshire Poll – President Trump Dominates With 52%, Nikki Haley at 22% Takes Ron DeSantis Previous Base of Rich, White, Men


Posted originally on the CTH on December 21, 2023 | Sundance | 58 Comments

An interesting poll out of New Hampshire [UML Poll Here] [Topline pdf Here] shows something perhaps many expected.

President Donald Trump still dominates the field with 52% and leads in every demographic.  Nikki Haley comes in second with 22%, and Ron DeSantis third with 10%.   However, if you dig into the demographics of the respondents what you discover is that Nikki Haley has gained her support from Ron DeSantis primary support base.

[Source]

Previously DeSantis main support base was from wealthy, older, white males.  DeSantis has now lost this base to Nikki Haley as her demographic support shows the rich, older, white males, what you might call the country club circuit, have dumped the Florida Governor in favor of the former UN Ambassador.

The rich, older, white males now support Nikki Haley over Ron DeSantis.  This explains why Haley’s gains are all DeSantis losses.

Additionally, 27% of the DeSantis support is locked in (73% willing to change), while 47% of the Nikki Haley supporters are firm for her (53% could change mind).  Not only has Nikki Haley taken DeSantis base of support, but she has also locked in most of that stolen base.

While neither Haley or DeSantis stands a chance at a New Hampshire victory, it’s interesting how the dynamic has rolled out.

On the Trump support, 79% of the respondents have locked in for President Trump.  Over 86% of those are New Hampshire women, and when it comes to income distribution President Trump holds 93% firm votes from those making under $50k/yr.  The MAGA base is unflinching.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell poll is very strong for President Donald Trump.

Dec 22 2023

Ron DeSantis Claims to Be the Victim of the Deep State Attack Against Donald Trump


Posted originally on the CTH on December 21, 2023 | Sundance

This guy really is a piece of work.  During a CBN interview, DeSantis was asked about the politically motivated DOJ attacks against President Donald Trump.  Within his response, the Florida governor found a way to make himself a victim, claiming the persecution of Trump skewed the GOP primary race and hurt the other candidates. WATCH:

As the career light dims to a slow fade away in the corner of DeSantis’ eye, it remains important to keep focus on why this catastrophic collapse was beneficial to the MAGA movement.

DeSantis had no option but to run in this ’24 race, because that was the design going back to when he left Congress in 2018.  However, we dodged a bullet, because Ron would have likely been a shoo-in for 2028 if the Sea Island multinationals had chosen to play the Nikki Haley card first.

If there’s one lesson to be learned in all of this, it would be to remind ourselves that the GOPe club never stops working on the illusion of choice.

December 21, 2023 | Sundance

Dec 22 2023

Half of All U.S. Buick Dealerships Take GM Buyout Instead of Spending Millions Retooling to Meet EV Needs


Posted originally on the CTH on December 21, 2023 | Sundance

Half of All U.S. Buick Dealerships Take GM Buyout Instead of Spending Millions Retooling to Meet EV Needs

December 21, 2023 | Sundance | 299 Comments

This is somewhat of a predictably tragic outcome all things considered. I remember a previous conversation on these pages when GM moved massive investment into China to build their mid-size SUV brand, Encore.

Continuing the U.S. decline of the brand, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that approximately half of all Buick dealership in the U.S. have opted to take a buyout from GM, as opposed to spending millions in retooling, restructuring and retraining their staff to accommodate the EV influx.

Most of the EV’s shoved onto the dealer lots sit idle without customers to purchase them.

Wall Street Journal – General Motors (GM) has bought out about half of its 2,000 Buick dealers nationwide, based on their decision to not sell electric vehicles, according to a company spokesman Wednesday.

Dealers who are taking the buyout would give up the Buick franchise and no longer sell the brand, he said. The dealer can continue to sell other GM models, such as Chevrolet or GMC, that often account for a higher percentage of sales.

The Wall Street Journal reported in late 2022 that the automaker planned to offer buyouts to its U.S. Buick dealer network. The move came after the Detroit automaker gave the dealers a choice: Invest at least $300,000 to sell and service electric vehicles, or exit the Buick franchise. The investments would cover EV chargers and worker training, among other initiatives. (read more)

The Joe Biden EPA mandates for Electric Vehicles are going to crush the U.S. auto industry and consumers.  On the upside, regular, well-maintained gasoline powered used vehicles will hold their value longer.  Overall new car prices are already ridiculous and the prices of the EV’s are substantially higher.

Along with higher entry prices, the insurance is higher, maintenance costs are higher and the replacement parts for EV’s are insanely high.  In some models the replacement batteries cost more than the vehicle is worth.  How the auto industry thinks these mandates are sustainable is beyond logic, then again maybe that’s the feature, not the flaw.

If the overall goal is to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and control the transportation choices of the American public, then the EV mandate policy is designed well.

It’s all madness, and only one commonsense businessman seems to understand the issue.