Tag Archives: Corruption

Nov 22 2024

Europe’s Welfare State at Risk


Posted originally on Nov 22, 2024 by Martin Armstrong 

RISK 1

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has warned that Europe’s bolstering welfare state is at risk due to its declining economic environment. Lagarde said the EU “will not be able to generate the wealth we will need to meet our rising spending needs to ensure our security, combat climate change and protect the environment.”

Rather than considering whether these measures are essential, Lagarde believes that the European Union must work to integrate all member state economies into one to prevent “fragmenting into rival blocs, where attitudes toward free trade are being called into question.” A unified Europe to end all wars with a uniform currency. The euro was doomed to fail from the onset. Everything from failing to consolidate member debt to ignoring sovereignty spelled trouble.

The structure of the euro is fundamentally flawed. To put it in American terms, it would be  as if all fifty states were able to issue federal bonds. It would be total, absolute chaos. To be politically correct, they said that since every member issues its own federal-type bonds, they all have to be reserves, and the large banks have to fairly allocate them among themselves.

Lately, we have seen European policies come under fire amid the Ukraine war. Some members want to ship off as much in aid as permitted, while others want to hold off. Some members want to focus on national security while others support open borders. Europe The entire premise of creating the European Union was really to eliminate democracy —  those in Brussels are unelected and above each member’s elected officials. On nation can say they don’t want to fund climate change initiatives but it matters not as the EU forces its will on everyone.

“We can no longer see ourselves as a loose club of independent economies,” Lagarde warned. Yet, Europe is a continent of vastly different and proud cultures. You cannot force a German to hold the same ideals as a Greek or expect every member nation to blindly agree to whatever proposal comes down from the unelected officials in Brussels.

There are so many fundamentals working against the EU from social to geopolitical issues. Socrates indicated a panic cycle and high volatility coming into play in the euro around 2026 and into 2027. We see a massive turning point in 2029, and although I hate to be the bearer of bad news, I simply do not see how the euro or European Union can survive. CENTRALIZED CONTROL NEVER WORKS!

Nov 22 2024

Biden Gifts $4.7 Billion to Ukraine


Posted originally on Nov 22, 2024 by Martin Armstrong 

Biden and Zelensky

Joe Biden and the entire neocon establishment are working overtime to spur World War III before Trump takes office in January. Biden announced that he would “forgive” $4.7 billion to Ukraine that was initially intended to be a mere loan.

Now, Congress approved a $61 billion Ukraine aid package in April. Kyiv agreed to pay back all but $9.4 billion of that loan. However, the bill had a hidden clause that permitted the debt to be forgiven in its entirety before 2026.

“Sadly, the Ukraine 1st, America Last Caucus defeated my resolution,” Senator Rand Paul stated on Wednesday after attempting to block Biden from forgiving the debt. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller felt confident that US representatives would pass the bill as both parties support this endless war.

They’ve already permitted Ukraine to use long-range missiles from the US, resulting in an embassy temporarily closing in Russia after rumors swirled of a potential air raid attack. The embassy has reopened, but relations between Russia and the US are deteriorating quickly.

Zelensky went on to explain that the “coming weeks will be crucial for our diplomatic efforts with various partners in Europe, America, and the Global South,” suggesting he was taking orders from the Western neocons who he sold out his nation to for 30 pieces of silver. They are attempting to leave Trump with the most chaotic situation to tackle domestically and internationally. The question remains: How much damage can Joe Biden and his handlers do before January 20?

Nov 22 2024

Will Ukraine Split?


Posted Nov 22, 2024 by Martin Armstrong 
Ukraine SSplit

Ukrainian intelligence agencies released a serious claim that the Russian Ministry of Defense leaked the Kremlin’s final plan for Ukraine that involves separating the nation into three territories. Interfax Ukraine News states that their source will propose the divided territories to Donald Trump once he enters the White House, with plans taking until 2045 to achieve.

Although no one can confirm this information with certainty, the proposal—which no one will accept—is quite interesting. To begin, Russia will absorb the eastern regions, including but not limited to currently Russian-occupied territories.

The second territory, the “pro-Russian state entity,” would not be within Russia but rather a Russian-controlled state. The third portion of land would be considered “disputed territory” that neighboring nations like Romania, Hungary, and Poland could absorb as they see fit.

The alleged leaked document also envisions two possible scenarios for victory over Ukraine. Scenario one is the “formation of a multipolar world and the division of spheres of influence by leading actors,” while scenario two is “regionalization/chaotization.” The press has not revealed the exact nature of either scenario, but in both cases, Russia will take back the land that started this entire conflict.

There are also two unfavorable scenarios: “dominance of the U.S. and the West” and “acquisition by China of the status of the world’s leading power.” A situation where China usurps Ukraine for itself is quite amusing.

The documents allegedly state that “one of the most important tasks is to create a new world order.” That has NEVER been the intention. I must say this all sounds like fearmongering for the West. Kyiv Intendentreported Russia has been attempting to overpower the US and post-World War II global financial system. These claims are completely baseless and have no footing in reality. Russia has begged to be accepted into the international community for purposes of cooperation and trade for decades, long before Putin was appointed by Yeltsin. Russia was a shunned nation long before Ukraine or even Crimea for that matter. Putin has been pleading with West for its very existence – but the answer is always NO.

Nov 21 2024

Episode 4071: Drilling Down what Is Happening In Bucks County


Posted originally on Rumble By Bannons War Room on Nov 20, 2024 at 8:00 pm EST

Nov 21 2024

Harnwell: Thanks to Trump, EU leaders got some ‘splainin’ to do to their own peoples over Ukraine


Posted originally on Rumble By Bannons War Room on Nov 20, 2024 at 8:00 pm EST

Nov 21 2024

Nigel Farage Discusses Mass Migration In The West And The Importance Of Diego Garcia Island


Posted originally on Rumble By Bannons War Room on Nov 20, 2024 at 8:00 pm EST

Nov 21 2024


Nigel Farage: “Boris Johnson Would Rather See Ukraine Annihilated Than Admit He Was Wrong”

Posted originally on Rumble By Bannons War Room on Nov 20, 2024 at 8:00 pm EST

Nov 21 2024

Consumers Pay Tariffs


Posted originally on Nov 21, 2024 by Martin Armstrong 

Tariffs

Donald Trump believes tariffs could offset taxes, but tariffs will be a tax in itself to the American consumer. Trump is proposing to raise taxes from 60% to 100% on Chinese goods. He would also like to implement a universal tariff from 10% to 20% on all international imports. Ultimately, the consumer will end up paying the bill to offset these increase.

“If we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer,” AutoZone CEO Philip Daniele said, adding that the company will protect itself by raising prices before the tariffs take effect. Countless companies have come out to say that they will absolutely pass on the added cost to their consumers. It is not as simple as moving manufacturing out of China or to America.

“If we look back historically when tariffs were enacted seven years ago, it did result in higher prices for customers,” Walmart CFO John David Rainey said. “We’re concerned that significantly increased tariffs could lead to increased costs for our customers at a time when they are still feeling the remnants of inflation.”

Lowe’s expressed similar concerns. “Roughly 40% of our cost of goods sold are sourced outside of the US, and that includes both direct imports and national brands through our vendor partners,” said CFO Brandon Sink. “And as we look at potential impact, certainly would add product costs, but timing and details remain uncertain at this point.”

Trade War 2

The National Retail Federation (NRF) conducted a study that revealed Trump’s proposed tariffs could cost US consumers between $46 billion and $78 billion annually, with the average household paying between $362 to $624 more on goods per year. The NRF called these proposed tariffs a “tax on all Americans,” and noted that lower-income Americans, who often purchase cheaper goods produced in China, will be disproportionately affected. The federation believes apparel costs will rise from $13.9 billion to $24 billion, footwear will rise to $10.7 billion from $6.4 billion, travel goods will increase to $3.9 billion from $2.2 billion, furniture will average $13.1 billion more compared to the current $8.5 billion, and household appliances will increase to $10.9 billion from $6.4 billion.

“A tariff is a tax paid by the U.S. importer, not a foreign country or the exporter. This tax ultimately comes out of consumers’ pockets through higher prices,” Jonathan Gold, NRF VP of Supply Chain and Customs Policy, stated.

Trump believes that these tariffs will bring manufacturing back to America and force companies to hire American. While the US desperately needs to boost its manufacturing sector, these tariffs are simply not the solution. Companies may seek to reduce their own reliance on US goods. China in particular will retaliate and they do so with precision as we have seen with their previous targets on agriculture products that the US relies on like pork and soybeans.

Imposing high tariffs can disrupt global supply chains and negatively impact international trade relationships. I disagree with the mercantilism approach that focuses on maximizing exports while minimizing the need for imports through tariffs and other barriers. Not only is US manufacturing not set up for this model at this time, but it is also absolutely counterproductive to global trade. Not to mention that China’s middle class is set to outpace America’s. They have a far larger population and America may no longer be the primary country that other nations line up to sell to.

Tariffs never promote peace. Rome lasted over 1,000 years because it had FREE TRADE. Rome was not corrupt everyone benefitted. As long as the PEOPLE are trading back and forth, they provide check and balance against government to create peace.

Nov 21 2024

Simplify the Tax Code


Posted originally on Nov 21, 2024 by Martin Armstrong 

Tax Increase

The incoming Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy is tackling a serious problem – the complex tax code. Donald Trump has also expressed a keen interest on simplifying the process and fixing our “broken tax code.”

The Internal Revenue Service was multiplied and armed with weapons under Biden-Harris. The administration desperately needed funding for its continuous spending and aid packages, and the American people were an easy target. One can hope that the incoming Trump Administration will help to dismantle the IRS that creates criminals out of everyday citizens who spend weeks if not months trying to determine how much they owe. The government doesn’t seem to know how much they need to extort from citizens, but rest assured, they will hunt you down if you under or overpay.

The code is deliberately confusing. “In 1955, there were less than 1.5 million words in the U.S. Tax Code. Today, there are more than 16 million words. Because of this complexity, Americans collectively spend 6.5 billion hours preparing and filing their taxes each year. This must be simplified,” DOGE wrote on its new X account.

DOGE has proposed creating an app for Americans to pay their taxes. That is all good and well but until the code is drastically simplified, I do not see how filing on your phone could streamline the process. Still, TurboTax shares fell 5.1% after the rumors broke as did H&R Block by 8.2%.

No Taxation Without Reform

I sent Congress an extensive proposal on tax reform in 1996, which you may read here.

Taxation is indeed a much broader issue than merely federal. State and local governments have been raising taxes at an unseen pace. The cost of government as measured by total revenues as a percent of the total of GDP is a key factor in determining our quality of life, and as we have seen, our quality of life has been drastically reduced as government spending rises. The people cannot possibly be expected to foot this endless bill.  The Founding Fathers of the United States specifically prohibited direct taxation, such as any form of an income tax.

One of the primary things is that the tax rate should be cast in stone and it should not change for every election. No one, on a personal level, would go sign a lease on an apartment where the lease said the landlord can change your rent at any time he wants if he spent too much money for himself. . A contract is a contract and you’re not going to have stability until you have something set in stone. A lot of countries have attracted capital by doing precisely this. If you go there and set up a plant, they guarantee not to increase taxes for 20, 30, 40 years. If you’re going to do a business plan then you need to know what your costs are. It can’t be maybe $1 mill this year and next year it’s 25% more. Business plans don’t work like that. The politicians need to just cast it in stone and that’s it; take it off the table. Stop the rhetoric. They’re not going to create jobs without that. Why should anyone build a plant in the U.S. if the government can change everything in 6 months? That’s not the way to build an economy.

Every government that has adopted a form of direct taxation has always, and without exception, evolved with intrusive regulation that has ultimately led to a loss of freedom and liberty. To pursue liberty, the very basic requirement demands that economic freedom is paramount.

Nov 21 2024

Justice for Laken Riley


Posted originally on Nov 21, 2024 by Martin Armstrong 

Illegal Aliens Migrants Texas Border

Charges have finally been brought against Jose Ibarra, the illegal migrant from Venezuela who brutally murdered nursing student Laken Riley. The court found Ibarra GUILTY on 10 charges, including murder, rape, aggravated assault with intent to rape, and kidnapping. This is not enough. Laken Riley and her family deserve justice.

Jose Antonio Ibarra entered the US through the El Paso, Texas, border passing that Texas Governor Abbott has attempted to secure with endless pushback from the Biden-Harris Administration. Democrat lawmakers and the media initially did everything to conceal the identity of her murderer. Biden refused to say “Laken Riley” publicly but did correct himself for calling her murderer an “illegal.” Initial reports of her murder did not include the assailant’s identity or migration status.

There was surveillance video footage of the brutal attack, but it was omitted from initial reports. Numerous media outlets described Antonio as an “Athens resident.” The Associated Press had the audacity to release a devious article entitled: “The killing of a nursing student out for a run highlights the fears of solo female athletes,” suggesting that women “can try to say safer while exercising.” So not only did the media censor all stories pertaining to Laken’s case, but they went as far as to blame the victim.

Ibarra’s brother is in the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. He testified against his own brother once the courts revealed that DNA was found under Riley’s fingernails – she fought as hard as she could for 17 minutes until the coward took her life.

 There is nothing that citizens can do to remain safe when illegal, unvetted aliens have more rights than law-abiding citizens.

A reminder that Ibarra was arrested by the New York Police Department a year before he came to America in 2023, where he was “charged with acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and a motor vehicle license violation.” As is the case with countless stories of migrant crime, he faced no repercussions. Although Ibarra crossed into the US from the unsecured Texas border on September 8, 2022, he made his way to Georgia thanks to Biden’s policy of taxpayer-funded free flights for illegal migrants. This criminal flew from JFK Airport in New York to Atlanta, Ga., a year after arriving in the US.

“What happened to Laken Riley is a gut-wrenching tragedy, and we are hopeful her suspected killer is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” a New York City Hall representative said. “Mayor Adams has been abundantly clear that we need to fix our broken immigration system. Cities should never have had to carry the cost and burden of this national humanitarian crisis.”

Life imprisonment is not enough when this exact scenario could happen again. Laken Riley’s father is calling for reform. “I stand before you, a heartbroken man,” he said via the New York Post. “Part of my purpose has been taken. God gave me a beautiful daughter to father, protect, provide for and nurture. A man with an evil heart stole her life. He was in this country and in this state illegally. My vision for every senator in this chamber is that you protect citizens from this illegal invasion,” he added.  “Please recognize over a million illegal aliens are in this state and making families nervous.”

The Biden Administration and every proponent of OPEN BORDERS must be held accountable for the untold crimes migrants have carried out against the people of this nation. Trump’s plan to file an executive order for mass deportation is of the utmost importance for NATIONAL SECURITY. Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution states that the United States “shall protect each of them [the states] against Invasion.” What happens when the sitting president and state legislators actively ENCOURAGE the invasion of America? “Technically, they shouldn’t be here,” was the only condolence Biden could muster. OPEN BORDERS ARE OPEN TREASON!