Apr 26 2018

The Great Divide – Left v Right

Armstrong Economics Blog/Politics

Re-Posted Apr 26, 2018 by Martin Armstrong

COMMENT: You are wrong. Trump is the entire reason the country is divided.

REPLY: I have stated numerous times that this is a global trend. NJow the BBC has taken a world survey on this very question. This is the Ipsos MORI study, which was carried out in 27 countries for the BBC. You obviously have your head in the sand and are too biased to open your eyes. The study showed:

Three-quarters around the world say their country’s society is divided – and the majority think their country is now more divided than it was 10 years ago, especially in Europe
Differences in political views are seen as the greatest cause of tension, followed by differences between rich and poor
However, despite these divisions, the majority of people in most countries agree that people across the world have more things in common than things that make them different

I travel the entire world. We have clients on every continent. I see the trends unfolding everywhere and what I look for are the PATTERNS, not the personalities. Trump would NOT have been elected if people were not turning against the establishment. They are sick and tired of being lied to and they are not stupid enough to think that the promises made by government will actually be fulfilled. If you believe in government will be there to hold your hand and smite down the rich to fill your pockets before their own, I feel very sorry for you because you will be incapable of surviving for you still think that is government’s job. Good luck with that one!

It is this battle that will dictate the markets. This is not just politics – it is economics!

Categories: Politics

Apr 26 2018

The Future The Good and the Bad

Armstrong Economics Blog/medicine

Re-Posted Apr 26, 2018 by Martin Armstrong

COMMENT: Good morning Mr. Armstrong,

Thank you for your service to Mankind! I look forward to seeing you and Vicky again in Orlando.

I was reading your Blog on stem cells and felt compelled to send you the attached. …

One other item of note; one of my other clients had their boat seized in the Bahamas by Bahamian customs for failure to have a cruising permit. The family was told there is a $10,000 fine to release it. The boat was dry docked in the Bahamas for the last 2 years after their parents passed. I had no luck calling the Bahamian customs so I called the US Embassy who is also having difficulty having their calls returned. Now that you are in Florida, be careful if you go to the Bahamas.

Best,

REPLY: Yes, I am familiar with the advances in this area. They are quite remarkable. And you are correct. The Bahamas is not the only place hunting money. This is all part of the collapse of socialism. This insane process of borrowing with no intention of paying off the debt is starting to explode. A simple 1% increase in interest rates will send budgets soaring. We have reached the point of no return in the Sovereign Debt Crisis.

We will be looking at Asia and how it will deal with this same debt crisis at the Singapore WEC in June. Most people have no idea that the China debt is 250% of GDP compared to the USA at 103%. All this focus on the collapse of the dollar has led to so many taking their eye off the real time-bomb ticking away.

It is laughable how so many pretend analysts never bother to really do the research. They are clueless as to how the world monetary system would even collapse. All they do is constantly talk about the Fed, US national debt, and the dollar as they remain oblivious to anything taking place around the world.

With respect to medicine, we are on the verge of some very important advances. So that’s the good news.

Apr 25 2018

Curiouser and Curiouser – James Comey Leak Recipient, Daniel Richman, Had Special Access To FBI Databases…

RE-Posted from The Conservative Tree House on April 25, 2018 by sundance

After congressman Jim Jordan made mention of this issue last Sunday people started asking questions. Fox News Catherine Herridge details how Daniel Richman held special access privileges to the FBI, as an outcome of former FBI Director James Comey authorizing his friend as a “Special Government Employee” or SGE.

(VIA FOX) […] The professor, Daniel Richman, confirmed the special status in response to an inquiry from Fox News, while referring other questions, including on the scope of his work, to the FBI.

“I did indeed have SGE status with the Bureau (for no pay),” Richman wrote in an email.

Richman emerged last year as the former FBI director’s contact for leaking memos documenting his private discussions with President Trump – memos that are now the subject of an inspector general review over the presence of classified material. Sources familiar with Richman’s status at the FBI told Fox News that he was assigned to “special projects” by Comey, and had a security clearance as well as badge access to the building. Richman’s status was the subject of a Memorandum of Understanding. (read more)

Wait, let’s look at something here. From the article the benefits included: “Sources familiar with Richman’s status at the FBI told Fox News that he was assigned to “special projects” by Comey, and had a security clearance as well as badge access to the building. Richman’s status was the subject of a Memorandum of Understanding.”

A few paragraphs later, this: “Richman’s portfolio included the use of encrypted communications by terror suspects.”

Oh my. Well, well, well… You see what’s being described here. There’s only one way to gain access to “encrypted communications” and that means having access to the FBI and NSA database.

Accepting he obviously had such access…. what would be the probability that Daniel Richman was one of these?

https://www.scribd.com/embeds/349542716/content?start_page=1&view_mode=&access_key=key-72P5FzpI44KMOuOPZrt1

View this document on Scribd

Curiouser and curiouser…

Apr 25 2018

Port-Authority Commissioner, Hillary Clinton Finance Chair, Abruptly Resigns Following Video Release…

Re-Posted from The Conservative Tree House on April 25, 2018 by sundance

Caren Z. Turner, a Democratic lobbyist and Hillary Clinton finance chairwoman, resigned last week as a commissioner from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey after an investigation was opened into what agency officials would only describe as “profoundly disturbing conduct.”

Today police released video of the back-story where the “conduct” (previously non-described) is evident. Mrs. Turner attempted to intercede in an ordinary traffic stop where her daughter was a passenger. Flashing her Port Authority Badge, the ethics chairwoman attempted to influence the police and went on a vulgar tirade after police refused to acquiesce to her demands. WATCH:

New Jersey […] The video and a police incident report, both made public after requests by NJ Advance Media and other news organizations, showed Turner apparently seeking to leverage her influence, talking about who she knew, and complaining that the police had “ruined” a holiday weekend with the stop of her daughter and three friends on rural Route 9W in Bergen County.

Turner, 60, a Democratic lobbyist who served as the ethics chair of the powerful bi-state agency, could not be reached for comment Tuesday and the phone number of her Washington public affairs office has been disconnected. No one came to her front door when a reporter knocked on Tuesday.

Tenafly Police Chief Robert Chamberlain said he would let the video speak for itself. The Port Authority, asked for comment, also referred back to the video. (read more)

Apr 25 2018

Report: Shady James Comey Hires Sketchy Patrick Fitzgerald to Help With Probable Criminal Defense…

Re-Posted from The Conservative Tree House on April 24, 2018 by sundance

Former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald is the godfather of one of James Comey’s kids. Additionally, Fitzgerald was the prosecutor of recently pardoned Lewis “Scooter” Libby. Fitzgerald was also the person who Lisa Page and Peter Strzok recommended in their text messages debating the possible need for a special counsel looking into the actions of Hillary Clinton.

In short, Fitzgerald is a sketchy lawyer, dependable confidant, personal friend and like-minded political fixer for any/all legal issues within the circle of the ‘small group’ of co-conspirators; the crew who politicized and weaponized the DOJ and FBI to target their political opposition. According to recent reports, Fitzgerald has also been hired by James Comey in advance of possible criminal indictment(s).

WASHINGTON – Former FBI Director James Comey has reportedly hired his close friend and former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald as one of his personal lawyers.

Two Capitol Hill sources confirmed to Talking Points Memo that Comey had retained Fitzgerald, though it was not immediately clear in what capacity he made the hire. (more)

Led by Representative Ron DeSantis, previously congress sent a criminal referral letter (full pdf below) to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Federal Prosecutor John Huber.

The identified targets of the congressional referral included: •former FBI Director James Comey; •former Asst. FBI Director Andrew McCabe; •former Attorney General Loretta Lynch; •former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; •current FBI Agent Peter Strzok; and •current DOJ Attorney Lisa Page (former Special Counsel to Andrew McCabe).

The identified reasoning for each of the referrals is outlined in the letter below. However, the biggest risk to James Comey is not simply contained within the letter, but also contained within the non-discussed fact that FBI chief-legal-counsel James Baker is a cooperating witness for IG Horowitz and Huber.

One of the lesser discussed aspects to the ongoing investigative overview is how a few key people, with direct and specific knowledge of the events that took place within the FBI and DOJ activity, remain inside the institutions as they are being investigated.

Those key DOJ and FBI officials have been removed from their position, yet remain inside with no identified or explained responsibility.

Peter Strzok (FBI), Lisa Page (DOJ/FBI), Bruce Ohr (DOJ) and James Baker (FBI) are still employed. Insofar as they are within the DOJ/FBI system it’s more than highly likely they are being retained for their cooperation in exchange for some form of immunity.

Other identified co-conspirators left their positions as soon as the IG discoveries began hitting the headlines in December ’17, and January ’18.

Those who quit include, but not limited to: James Comey’s chief-of-staff, James Rybicki (resigned); FBI Director of Communications Michael Kortan (resigned); DOJ-NSD Asst Attorney David Laufman (resigned). Each of those officials was named and outlined within the Page/Strzok text messages as a key participant, and quit as soon as the scope of the internal Inspection Division (INSD) investigative material was identified by media.

Prior to the IG/INSD release, other resignations were earlier: DOJ-NSD head Mary McCord (April ’17) and DOJ-NSD head John Carlin (Oct 16).

Dana Boente, the current FBI chief legal counsel was inside Main Justice and specifically inside the DOJ-NSD apparatus the entire time the 2015, 2016 and 2017 political schemes were happening. Therefore Boente has the full scope of understanding and dirt on Sally Yates, John Carlin, Mary McCord et al. Boente’s understanding obviously bolstered by DOJ-NSD Deputy Attorney Bruce Ohr, who, not coincidentally, is also removed from position but still remains employed.

Mr. Boente’s understanding of the DOJ-NSD activity, and the sentiment of the “small group” toward him, is represented by the actions they all took to try and diminish Boente during the transitional phase between the Obama and Trump administrations.

However, regarding the congressional criminal referral of James Comey, the key element of risk is FBI Chief Legal Counsel James Baker. Baker was a central figure connecting the activity of both Comey and McCabe to the officials underneath that were carrying out the agenda.

To repeat, James Baker was removed from his responsibilities (replaced by Boente) but he remains employed in some function within the FBI. It’s almost a guarantee Baker is only there because he’s cooperating in exchange for a “deal” of some form.

Lastly, the issue of James Comey’s memos is a trending item, but there’s an angle being missed by most. James Comey and Andrew McCabe both leaked to the media.

The self-interested leaking by Andrew McCabe clearly outlined in the recent IG report, originates with contradictory statements from McCabe’s appointed lawyer at the time, Lisa Page.

The self-interested leaking by James Comey about his “loyalty” conversation with President Trump will likely surface with statements from Comey’s chief legal counsel, James Baker. There’s a clear parallel, and James Baker is still inside the FBI (doing something).

Here’s the previous referral:

https://www.scribd.com/embeds/376738736/content?start_page=1&view_mode=&access_key=key-FFZ6Rq14NwApiGZkM0Q6

View this document on Scribd

Apr 24 2018

Departmental Cowardice – Stunning Police Reports Highlight Broward County Sheriff Officers Hiding Behind Cars, Trees During Parkland School Shooting…

Re-Posted from The Conservative Tree House on April 24, 2018 by sundance

Despite multiple court maneuvers by officials within Broward County Florida, details of the severity of Broward County Sheriff’s Office cowardice are beginning to surface. There were ‘several’ Broward County sheriff officers immediately on the scene during the Parkland school shooting, and none of them attempted to enter the school and engage the shooter.

Reports written by responding Coral Springs police officers (full pdf below) highlight how Broward sheriff officers were cowering behind trees and vehicles and telling the arriving CSPD units where the shooter was located.

“Although the BSO deputies arrived before Coral Springs police, they didn’t immediately attempt to track down shooter Nikolas Cruz or aid the wounded, according to the reports.” ~ Miami Herald

The Broward deputies were the first to arrive on scene at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. According to the reports, when Coral Springs police arrived to assist they found the deputies cowering behind their cars and a nearby tree. A report from Coral Springs Officer Bryan Wilkins details how he arrived at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School within minutes of the active shooter alert — only to find Broward County Sheriff’s Officers hadn’t entered the school, but were instead taking cover.

“I saw approximately four Broward County Sheriff’s Office vehicles parked in the west bound lane with their personnel taking up exterior positions behind their vehicles,” Wilkins wrote. “I drove up just west of the campus building 1200, exited my vehicle, grabbed my AR-15 rifle and donned on my tactical/medical gear. As I was advancing on foot through the chain-link fence, I was advised by an unknown BSO Deputy taking cover behind a tree, ‘he is on the third floor.’”

Here’s some of the reports:

https://www.scribd.com/embeds/377304559/content?start_page=1&view_mode=&access_key=key-8GqUvusb60ZtQnU5q9I2

View this document on Scribd

Apr 24 2018

President Trump and President Macron Hold Joint Press Conference…

Re-Posted from The Conservative Tree House on April 24, 2018 by sundance

U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron hold a joint news conference at the White House celebrating the historic U.S.-France relationship and discussing ongoing issues that are priorities for both countries.

[*take note* The closing remark by President Trump at the end of this press conference is straight out of central casting for principle centered leadership; the art of the authentic close; Wharton School CEO leadership 401; ie. ‘How to expand your influence‘.]

Apr 24 2018

Joe diGenova Discusses Comey, McCabe and Political Weaponization of FBI and DOJ…

Re-Posted from The Conservative Tree House on April 24, 2018 by sundance

Joe diGenova appears on Fox News with Tucker Carlson to discuss the ongoing investigation into James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Sally Yates, Loretta Lynch and the politicization of the DOJ and FBI by former President Obama intelligence officials.

In related news, and indicating the IG Horowitz investigation on 2015, 2016 and 2017 politicization of FBI and DOJ is complete, House Judicary Chairman Bob Goodlatte has reached an agreement with U.S. Attorney John Lausch for the production of records compiled and used by Inspector General Horowitz:

“The Committees have reached an agreement with the Department of Justice to access the documents we have been requesting for months. We look forward to reviewing the information to better understand the decisions made by the Department of Justice in 2016 and 2017. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to preserve the integrity of our justice system by ensuring transparency and accountability of actions taken.” (LINK)

Apr 24 2018

President Trump Energy Strategy Yielding Massive Geopolitical and Economic Benefits…

Re-Posted from The Conservative Tree House on April 23, 2018 by sundance

On June 29th, 2017, CTH drew attention to the advanced U.S. energy policy as it was being announced, and the media avoided coverage. At the time our headline was: “Stratospheric in Consequence – Trump Policy: Unleashing American Energy Independence”.

The bottom-line was simple. It was clearly visible that POTUS Trump had a plan to unleash the U.S. energy sector as part a much larger larger economic and national security strategy. The concept was so radical, and the potential ramifications so consequential, it was stunning how no financial media were putting the dots together.

Trump’s geopolitical energy strategy actually underpinned the national security interests with Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Additionally, the same energy policy was one of the four corners of the MAGAnomic trade policy; currently becoming more visible.

Check out today’s headline from Reuters, and think about how outside-the-box thinking has brought about these results:

(Tweet Link – Article Link)

From the article: MOSCOW/LONDON (Reuters) – As OPEC’s efforts to balance the oil market bear fruit, U.S. producers are reaping the benefits – and flooding Europe with a record amount of crude.

Russia paired with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries last year in cutting oil output jointly by 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd), a deal they say has largely rebalanced the market and one that has helped elevate benchmark Brent prices close to four-year highs.

Now, the relatively high prices brought about by that pact, coupled with surging U.S. output, are making it harder to sell Russian, Nigerian and other oil grades in Europe, traders said.

“U.S. oil is on offer everywhere,” said a trader with a Mediterranean refiner, who regularly buys Russian and Caspian Sea crude and has recently started purchasing U.S. oil. “It puts local grades under a lot of pressure.”

U.S. oil output is expected to hit 10.7 million bpd this year, rivaling that of top producers Russia and Saudi Arabia. (more)

Yes, that article is describing exactly what you think it does. U.S. oil exports are countering the coordinated activity of OPEC and Russia. This trade strategy greatly diminishes the geopolitical influence of Russia and Iran who are dependent on oil exports to leverage policy of dependent nations.

Because economies of Russia and Iran are so heavily dependent on oil revenue to subsidize military expansion, any alternative by the U.S. reduces the militaristic ability of our geopolitical adversaries.

We noted the possible consequences in in two prior articles June 28th and June 29th 2017, in the lead-up to the Baltic Summit attended by President Trump:

2017: “Let me be clear about one crucial point. The United States will never use energy to coerce your nations, and we cannot allow others to do so,” President Trump said at a press conference flanked by European leaders. “You don’t want to have a monopoly or a monopolistic situation.” (NBC article link)

President Trump and Energy Secretary Rick Perry, together with EPA Secretary Scott Pruitt and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, are doing something with energy independence that was long discussed but never acted upon. Forget the Paris Climate Treaty, this Trump action on energy development is in a stratosphere thought almost unimaginable.

Together the entire cabinet has studied, formulated and instituted an executive American energy policy platform to go beyond mere energy independence, and actually start using energy resources as an export commodity for economic growth.

Pause for a moment and consider just how monumental that approach actually is; and also overlay the independent national security ramifications therein. The intensely consequential outcome is a visible representation of ‘America-First’ principles applied to deliver MAGA level shifts in the future of our nation. Massive possibilities for wealth creation at local and state levels; and simultaneous national security interests. Win – Win – Win… And yet stunningly this result is only in one sector of national security and national economics.

Lastly, not only does the U.S. go beyond energy independent into being an energy export nation…. but, also remember how GDP growth is factored?

GDP is the combined value of all U.S. goods and services, minus our imports. The less we import the less is deducted from our GDP growth. The more we export, the more we add to the GDP growth and/or offset any imports. Beyond the consequential geopolitical value, exporting oil means we gain massive domestic economic value.

This is winning BIGLY.