Taking the mask off the mask

Only folks my age or older may recall the days of the Cuban Missile Crisis when, in response, civil defense measures were taken to include public school, "Drop, Duck and Cover" whereby kids got under their desks as a countermeasure for a possible atomic explosion. 

Really....dropping under your desk...as a countermeasure or precaution for an atomic explosion?  

Not nearly as atomic but never the less as asinine, the mask has taken hold of the U.S. population and in keeping with culture has taken on some degree of class and chic.  Sure, you can possibly find a basic 95 surgical mask but why be plain-Jane when you can jazz it up and really bring-out the real you.  

For those who still health over image, the following video: 

About the mask

As to socialization and stigma, the mask sends mixed messages, the masked to unmasked (or anyone else in the vicinity):  

• I am sick and do not want to infect you

Which makes sense, since the mask is designed for that 

• Somebody is sick and I do not want them to infect me

Which does not make sense since the mask is not designed for that 

• The air is tainted or viral....

Which could make sense given that some cities and concentrated populations have such air quality not withstanding the application of masks in an industrial setting.  

Empires fall in part because of plagues

There is a tendency for empires to rise slower than they fall, and as described in this posting and the video link, “the fall” can coincide with plague, disease and pestilence.  

In the linked 15-minute video below; a quick, snarky overview of…

Plagues and the practices that followed

Whereas information has accelerated at literally light speed, still, we remain confused if not by the mix than more by the mainstream media, a servant of the state.  Meanwhile, folks fit on masks of all varieties, duped into believing that a mask is a prevention—rather than as designed, to stop saliva spraying...protecting others. 

Then there is social distancing; not a new concept or even a “new normal”, but more aimed as yet another measure to foment fears and accelerate an already anti-social society to be pushed over the edge, fearing any “close contact” (“GIVE ME MY SPACE!”) while giving yet more excuse and even “right” to draw the line,   gladly (and graciously) accepting yet another measure of "flattening the curve" or drawing-down the disease—“the spread”. 

Tapping into the very nature of folks, “safety and security” is beyond a “no-brain-er”, to mean that folks are excused from questioning or doubting these measures, let alone the apparent cause(s) behind them.  

Drawing on the premise previously applied to patriotism following 911,

You’re either with us or against us (for or against terrorism) 

What choices or options does one really have or, more pointedly, what power does the individual have to simply say, “No!” or “Why?” 

But periods and pandemics give no quarter for the critical thinkers or any who question authority or allegedly danger the lives of others by wittingly failing to comply or conform. 

Commensurate with globalism however, this particular episode covers a geographic area and its population like no other in recorded history; it a pandemic best characterized by this statement of statecraft, 

Never before have so many reacted to so little given so much cause and consideration to the concern that so few of that population have so much power 

Of course, absolute power corrupts absolutely--but never mind the realities amid fantasy.  

Given the magnitude and mass of this episode, the notion of a "new normal" is a myth--as surely what awaits the individual is a rate of change beyond both conscience and  conscious, and so The Darker Winter. 

Comments from a collection of recent, related articles

From a recent article by the Mises Institute, Jeff Deist, “Will It Take Food Shortages to End Support for the Shutdown”. He writes:

Who didn’t (doesn’t) see this? Will it take outright food shortages to make Americans change their minds about whether the shutdown is “worth it”? 

But then he goes on to say that many (Americans) have yet to sense or suffer the ill-effects of this apparent cause and response, and while unemployment continues on pace at the

most intense rate in American history (to include The Great Depression) yet many apparently hold that: the state is genuinely concerned for the health of society and that the virus is the real cause behind present policy.    

In another article from Ron Paul on April 28, his daily video, a guest physician-scientist discusses the similarity between the Global Warming program and that of this virus;  of how the state controls the message or content of reporting to comport with their agenda or interests--never mind the veracity of the message, the validity of data or any other measure of credibility and legitimacy.  

Who would censor and control the message and content of reporting?    

  

Another article of yesterday, Chris Hedges warns per the title that “These are the good times—compared with what’s coming next.”  With the understanding that the U.S. is a empire in decline, Hedges has written and voiced much as to the basis for his beliefs that our best years are behind us and that, as empires rise and fall, so too is (and will) the U.S. 

The real causes for economic distress and perhaps the greatest depression to follow, Darker Winter, have nothing to do with the virus in particular but rather is generally due to the abuses of power that invariably result in the relative few possessing the most while the many bear the brunt of said abuses of authority and the burden of unprecedented debt, simply stated as greed and graft. 

About the welfare of society

I came across a quote this morning, a great mind who nails-it.

The welfare of society is always the alibi of tyrants. 

- Albert Camus

What does the state really want of society? 

It cannot possibly be concern over/about our health and safety? 

Why are healthy folks quarantined, relegated to shelter-in-place?

In no other experience in U.S. history have the healthy been isolated and for many already, unemployed. 

Why are/were projections of the virus incomparably higher than the reported deaths to date?

The degree of error in the initial projections is incomparable with actual results (and yes, I am glad about that), though I wonder how otherwise credible sources could be so incredibly wrong--so much so as to suspect political motives.  

Presently, polls suggest that many citizens favor the policy, standing on the side of safety and health, shelter-in-place and social distancing (rather than strictly job security, economy and finance), but at the same time, many have yet to feel the hard effects of this response thought if/as it continues, the table will turn. 

Perhaps more will realize that the welfare of society is always the alibi of tyrants perhaps best summarized in the quip, 

We're from the government and we're here to help you.  

More (of) good that can come

Once again, the possibilities and opportunities that spring from suffering and sacrifice—even when the circumstances seem unjust, flawed or corrupt. 

I could (can) share some of my own experiences, the many consequences in and through the divorce and child custody, but I will not this time.  Indeed, much of my writing and even more of my inspiration and desire to write springs from the tragedy of divorce, loss of much priceless and then my criminality per perjured testimony with all its consequences to this day. 

Here, I go much further and farther to elaborate on much greater suffering and sacrifice; that of those who, in the example and the obedience of Christ, endure much loss—even their lives—yet are strengthened in their faith and founding Father.  And still any who discover the previous hereafter in view of this fallen world, longing and waiting for Christ return, the great and dreadful day.

Today, I received in the mail and small book from John Piper, and the title, Coronavirus and Christ. In the closing chapter, he speaks of “Setbacks and Strategic Advance”; that whatever the conditions, wherever the cause, or still the costs of it all, initial and residual; yet, God allows it to happen to you, me and us. And still the rain falls on the unjust and the just as so too the sun, it’s warmth and otherwise. 

John Piper:

This is often God’s way. The global scope of the coronavirus is too great for God to waste. It will serve his invincible global purpose of world evangelization.

So while I wrangle and worry over the why, the who (not to uniquely suggest the World Health Organization) and how, yet God is sovereign and, while allowing man’s will to occur, promises to save any and all who trust and received salvation in Christ. 

This should be the hope and help for you, for me, for us. 

Douglas speaks of tyranny; and yes, it can happen here

While viewing a video a few day ago, I learned of this quote on tyranny from Frederick Douglas; here it is:

Power concedes nothing without a demand; it never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both.

Once power is acquired, whether willingly or by force, it seldom is given back. Thinking of a slogan or tenant that my 12th grade history teacher repeated; 

Two steps forward, one step back.

How much will folks take, "submit to"? 

I'm thinking of that relevant quote attributed to Martin Niemoller, a German Lutheran pastor, his poem in 1946:  

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a socialist.Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a trade unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew.Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

And in keeping with the above, a novel by Sinclair Lewis in 1935,  It Couldn't Happen Here? 

People will think they're electing him to create more economic security. Then watch the Terror!

God knows there's been enough indication that we can have tyranny in America--the fix of the southern sharecroppers, the working conditions of the miners and garment-makers, and our keeping Mooney [apparently a political dissident] in prison for so many years. But wait till Windrip [the tyrant perhaps] shows us how to say it with machine guns!

Timothy Snyder - On Tyranny

Where is the watchman

Once upon a time there was the watchman; those posted as to sound the alarm or ring the bell or blow the horn on sighting or suspension of something or someone, a potential if not certain threat to the city, village and such.  The watchman was placed or positioned on a wall, in a tower or at some other key spot and, depending on the times and advancements, possibly aided with optics or other devices to enhance/increase their abilities, and again, ensuring the earliest warning of impending danger. 

Where is the watchman now; one who is or could be effectively the town crier—one as a trusted source, sworn to an allegiance to/or the people—not strictly the powers—and certainly not asleep or otherwise derelict in their duty to the folks, the population? 

From the prophet Ezekiel, chapter 22:

I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. 

Much later, another prophet Micah, chapter 7:

The day of your watchman has come, the day God visits you.
Now is the time of their confusion.
Do not trust a neighbor. Put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace—be careful of her words. 

…

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my savior; my God will hear me.

Have you ever been hated?

Have you…ever been hated by another? 

Have you hated another for whatever reason(s) or cause(s)? 

Do you remember in the one of the Star Wars series (maybe, “The Empire Strikes Back”), when Darth Vader says to Luke, “I feel your hate”—and seemingly reveling in at least the moment if not the outcome, presuming that Luke has been beaten (down).   

As to why Vader hates, well, it may have been his tragic disfiguring, lost love or anything combination that shape and influence one's life. Someone has to be Darth-like. 

God hates, of course, as described in Proverbs 6:

Haughty eyes (or pride in the worse sense)

A lying tongue (or repeated, habitual lying)

Hands that shed innocent blood (or murder)

Hearts that devise wicked schemes

Feet that are quick to rush into evil

A false witness who pours out lies

And God detests a person who stirs up conflict in the community

It’s okay to hate or to be hated when it is justified or righteous, but when hate is not..., then it is not okay and worse, it is wrong.   

To hate another out of jealousy/envy or even pity, is wrong. Worse even more is to act on that hate, a malicious action or behavior.        

Yes, God hates...but also loves as described in scriptures and one’s finding, faith. 

Still, hate can also hurt the hater; it can consume them and in turn, ruin their lives, any chance of happiness let alone satisfaction. 

If/as you have ever been hated, to suggest you know that you are hated, you might think, what did I do to cause this or simply, why do they hate me?  “They" may have good reason or cause, but then they may not and it is when the hate is not justified or righteous that its on the hater and not the hated to reconcile or rectify what is at the root of the hatred. 

A great quote from James Baldwin in The Fire Next Time,

Imagine one of the reasons that people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.  

And then one more from Will Smith, a cautionary tale about living to/with hate;

Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you. Indeed, there are things hate—and for good reason—but folks will do well to let hate go one way or the other. 

For if you don’t let that hate go what other reason is there to live or to let live? 

Cycles as it is

By “cycles”, I mean the apparent repetition or recurrence of events, historical and economic.

Cycles are said (by some of account) to be real, living; that what happens is not exclusively unique but is also the resurgence of past events and experiences. 

Among these cycles is The Grand Solar Minimum; a centennial event of weather change for which we are now in, the earth, that will affect food production among other effects. 

Harry Dent, investment advisor, is among those who speak of cycles in the economy. I just watched a recent video on this very subject, which is why I am posting this now. 

In the film, “Margin Call”, a high-ranking character gives a brief history of such cycles or at least major "market downturns": 

Margin Call - somewhat cycles of economic crisis

So apparently there is repetition, some recall; cycles of boom or bust, hotter and colder that is some way are linked to the rotation and revolution of the earth, the planets and other things of powers beyond human intervention or control let alone understanding.  

“What goes up must come down,” so the song “Spinning Wheel” goes from Blood, Sweat and Tears in 1968.   

Just as gravity exerts force on weight so too do other forces, natural or not, return to exhibit what seems the rule and perhaps with some cyclical pattern. 

Is it true, this cyclical nature, the cycles of life, economic and environmental? 

From Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, King Solomon begins: 

There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under the heavens…

And, as with the inference to cycles or recurrences in “Spinning Wheel’, so too this scripture incorporated into music by the late Pete Seeger, covered by: Judy Collins; Peter, Paul & Mary, The Byrds and possibly more.  

There are seasons and there is cycles but as to how the coming Darker Winter develops, the cyclical nature may be augmented with other influences unique to our modern age: information, systems and other aspects of technology each/all that lend to more power—and therefore more abuses, just as the atomic warfare to greater carnage and carried-on effect. 

Good that can come

It is sometimes considered that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. 

But then, who is/are “the tough”? 

This morning, I think about this question, “Who is tough,” and turn to the scriptures to one who seemed as tough as they come (really, it was Go

d who was/is tough and this one, and others, who turned to God for help and hope, courage in the course of hard times).

Daniel speaks of God and in chapter 2, says:

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 
He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raise up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.

Daniel continues to celebrate God’s revelation of the Babylonian King’s dream—the one who hold him captive; for in this magnanimous interpretation, Daniel has been saved it seems and moreover, recognized as to God, his king.  

It is those as Daniel that are “the tough”, not because of his own merits or manner but because of his reverence and obedience to the King of kings,  Lord of lords, Creator of creation, God—who does depose human kings and raises-up others however such kings perform and prosper. 

Further ahead in the scriptures, Micah says,

He has shown you, O Mortal, what is good…what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

That “the tough” act justly, show mercy, and walk humbly is the good that can come. 

Help us to be “the tough” not as the world suggest or displays but as God does show us to act. 

COVID conditioning for things to come

The key word here is “conditioning”, the essence expressed as:

Since the earliest days of our youth, we have been conditioned to accept that the direction of the herd, and authority anywhere – is always right.

- Suzy Kassem, Rise Up and Salute the Sun…

COVID is, as the Secretary of State surprising put is, “A living exercise”; yes, this government opportunity is an exercise, preparation for things to come.  Call it “boiling frogs” or an incremental, gradual uptick of state power, but the present crisis is finally an exercise for much more far worse to come. 

There are natural and unnatural conditions, a confluence of several likely crisis, on the horizon and, at the risk of always being wrong or less than right, here are some:

Grand Solar Minimum – underway already, this cyclical, natural reduction of Sun emission will continue to effect weather on most of the world, the most severe in relation to the distance from the equator.

These natural conditions, a Dark Winter, will foster more seismic events and perhaps other climatic and environmental conditions but finally will reduce food production—resulting in international scarcity for all perhaps other than those knowing, long prepared.

Economic Depression – merely touched by COVID, this economic downturn is long overdue, having been delayed or referred by corporate welfare, in the injection of untold monies pumped into the faltering bank systems, highly leveraged with debt made possible through suppressed interest rates among other actions of fiscal policy.

These unnatural conditions are in part cyclical but also unprecedented as to debt and suppressed, rock-bottom interest rates that lead to centralized wealth and economic equality.  Whether in terms of another “bubble” or any other artificial creation of value, still, the debt must reset, and it appears that this time is long overdue, as the coming deleveraging and the deflation, with depression to follow, usher the world into a Darker Winter.

Societal and Cultural Change (for better or worse) – given the size, strength, and scope of the two previous conditions, is it any wonder that the world will see sweeping societal and  cultural changes.   

Besides the faltering and failure of support systems (to include the basics of food, shelter, and water), much of western societal is terribly prepared or equipped to navigate and negotiate these large scale national and international conditions.  In generations prior, folks were much harder, more self-sufficient and communal; whereas today, the population is nowhere near…and thus will not respond well, adjust and adapt.  

More viruses, disease and death, natural or otherwise, will occur.  

War, continuous or instantaneous, notwithstanding, 

there is always cause for help and hope, for love over fear and courage in spite of it.  

More to come. 

A compelling cause for _____

What is compelling; what forces you to (or what forces force you to) act, react or do nothing either as love or fear, either in the strength to help and hope—or not….

Some years ago, I wrote a novel entitled In the Lessening; dystopian, the plot centers around a tribe or village forging its future after much has been lost in the lessening….

In some postings to follow, I will refer to the backstory of this novel; a section in the book’s end that offers some detail of the events and conditions prior to and in the lessening.  Sure, another dystopian story, but in this this, a positive profile of courage among what seems a powerless people compared with the oppressive, subterranean system of Metropolis or “Metro”. 

Presently in reality, many are experiencing a compelling cause to fear from COVID and all variety of information and data disseminated to the international public.   

What is to be made of COVID? Should I fear it or more so those who are using this virus to condition nations to obey, conform and comply—or else _____!  

As to the effect and impact on the public, I have never witnessed a more compelling cause than COVID; one that substantially supersedes all previous “crisis” in terms of response, perceived and publicized risks, and the exploitation of an event in the seizure of yet more political or state power. Aids or HIV is an only example of a contagion (blood borne) that has (and does) impact society much more than COVID, past and present given the statistics, yet the response was no where near as dramatic or extensive.

Compulsion can be a subdued, a subtle force that paradoxically produces what is thought “choice” rather than demands or orders, working first to implant or instill fear(s)—not on reality but perception— and then second, elicit or evoke that desired, a so-called “decision”, deceptively underwritten with unction.  This compulsion is like “a cutter” that believes the pain and bleeding is more a relief and respite than an act of self-mutilation or destruction. Others may see this act of cutting and bleeding for the danger it poses while the cutter, a victim first of delusions let alone deeds.     

The nature of psychological compulsion is such that those who act under constraint remains under the impression that they are acting on their own initiative. The victim of mind-manipulation does not know that he is a victim. To him, the walls of his prison are invisible, and he believes himself to be free. That he is not free is apparent only to other people. His servitude is strictly objective. 

- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

But then, who are the “other people” for as it seems, much of the public is duped; socially-spaced, masked and cowered rather than courageous—or at least comfortable enough not to give a care. 

It is when the comfortable, or pleasure, passes that the cutter or the conditioned may realize their delusions, deceived and dying under compulsion. 

The state and the health of society

Is the state really concerned about the health of society?  

Does the state have the capacity to care at all for individuals, their families and communities, and society at large? 

...Only to the extent that it serves their passion, purpose and plan.  

POWER!

Is the state aimed to "flatten the curve" or to fatten community (society)?  

That depends only to the extent that it serves their passion, plan and purpose.  Whether folks matter to the state depends largely on whether folks serve the state, it's purpose and plan...POWER.    

The state maintains a military ostensibly for defense but much more to acquire more power, possession. It spends sums of money--sometimes beyond borrowing let alone equity-- to acquire more for special interests, investors in conflict and conquest, any and all who gain to profit however costly.... 

Murray Rothbard - The Government Is Not Us

Anything or anyone who that stands in the way or constrains the state's purpose and plan is certainly of interest albeit as defiant, dissident or similar.  Further and farther, individual folks are not part of, or in any other measure, a member of the state.  

Would the state aim to systematically stop or altogether end folks who do not embrace it's plan and purpose; those deemed to be worthless?   

History says, "Yes".  

More on marriage and the state

"Marriage and the state" is not a marriage made in heaven. 

The state's form of marriage first appears as a mere license but then, beyond that, is much more for the state and much less for marriage, societal strength. Indeed, the state continues to expand the definition of marriage and thus, like the politician who tries to be all things to all people, ends-up being nothing to no one.  

The expansion of marriage and, more, the reformation of divorce, is a double-edged sword that finally is a mortal wound on the family, marriage and the church body. 

To understand the above statement(s) is to embrace the actual overall and underlying purpose and plan the state:  POWER! 

How can anyone willingly and wittingly accept the state as anything less (or more) than that of force (power) to acquire more power?  


Never Get A State Marriage License

Divorce is (has been) big business for the law, but the bigger prize for the state is the take down of societal strength via its assault on fatherhood, marriage, family and the church.  

More to come.  

Separation of church and state: marriage and societal strength

Marriage was made in heaven, done so for expressed purpose of limiting Adam’s loneliness on earth.  She, Eve, was designed to be his helpmate, his companion for all that this Garden of Eden and perhaps beyond…, possessed per the creation.  Sadly, marriage—and love for that matter— is greatly reduced and ridiculed as a profound part of a relatively free society.     

Some might still believe that marriage is a contract—but they would be (are) wrong!  Due to divorce reform(s), marriage has been damaged and diluted as to an institution, made so by No Fault, unilateral and uncontested civil law.  Indeed, civil law has done more to hurt the institution of marriage than any other single, social or cultural change.  Yes, it is in effect the subsidizing of divorce—making it easier—that has reduced marriage to nothing more than a relationship of convenience. 

Marriage and the state

She said…, he said, but neither really matter given the prevailing law, civil law system that has set marriage up to fail by easing the conditions for divorce as not only a loop hole but a lot of holes in this once-respected and common-law practice, marriage. 

More to come. 

More on “separation of church and state”

As to “separation” however, the truth is that The State and church are not—nor were—separate. The two are distinctly, directly or indirectly related through the IRS, the 501c3, among other places and points in society dating back to Constantine’s nationalizing of Christianity.

Government Churches In America aka 501c3

I believe there is nothing wrong with Christians in government (however additionally challenging the duality of both worlds as indeed it is or becomes), where, quite possibly the faithful can serve society well, given the person's final allegiance to God over man, the church over the state.  Needless to say, this challenge may be beyond.... 

So often however, the state glibly refers to God—as a faux tribute in such examples as money and more, the often abused, "And God bless America", tacked-on to some political speech. Can you realistically hold that the state is subservient to any other than itself, it's passion and possession, power?  

The church is finally beholden to Christ—not the state or any other creation of humankind—and thus must be found faithful however or whatever things past, present and future.  May God grant the body mercy and might, the grace to give beyond human life and the strength to endure to the end.   

More to come.   

What does “separation of church and state” really mean?

For those who are aware of this phrase, “separation of church and state”, and given a care;  the question to you:   “What does it really mean?”

One must look to intentions of “the framers”; those who framed this as the first among other the amendments. Stepping much further back in time, consider the following story of Jesus, a moment of reflection. 

When confronted with the Roman coinage, an actual “precious metal” embossed with the bust of Caesar, Jesus replied:  Give to Caesar what is his…and unto God what is God’s.”

What does this moment have to do with separation…? 

The Truth About "Separation of Church and State"

Everything…, for what Jesus clearly conveyed is that Caesar and God are two separate bodies, two distinct governments—of which the state's is a god of money (a manifestation of political and economic power) that has no place in the kingdom of God.  

As to politics (as the product of the state), Jesus made clear that he (God) was neither a nationalist (as the Pharisees...Israel) or a subject of Herod (bound to the Roman Empire).  

Jesus stipulated that God’s kingdom is “not of this world”.  Is it necessary to give account to "worldly treasures" too?  

Later, disciples (Peter and Paul) give attention and instruction to the church regarding their relationship with government, the state.   These scriptures offer guidance and instruction, bidding the church to pray for their leaders and to otherwise be at peace.  Consider the first Christian church, The Way, oppressed by the Roman Empire ostensibly because believers refused to recognize the numerous gods of Rome’s pluralistic, supposed worship.... 

Yes, be at peace, as possible with everyone (both individuals and institutions) even if oppressed, persecuted, death or not. This is tough one in part because our instinct may persuade a different response—even going as far as revolt and rebellion.  Again, The Way are called to love and to be at peace as much as that is possible.    

More to come...

Debt… more Dark Winter

I don’t pretend to be an economist or anything remotely close; no, I am more about the basics of economy: saving and spending and the other simple metrics of money. 

The Great Depression was not caused by a faltering stock market, no; it was about international loans that went bad, the borrowing nation states in default.  Yes, the default on debts were the primary cause for the Great Depression of the 1930's. 

Flash forward to the recent and now, U.S. debt is unprecedented ….  The U.S. historically went from a great creditor to the greatest debtor in all of history and this, coupled with the breadth and dept of international debt, is about to cause a crash of no comparison. 

Some that seem much more able to speak on this, those who deal in investing and such, say that a great deleveraging, the rapid selling of assets to lower debt,  is coming  In my simple way of trying to understand this, the reality is that debt cannot continue indefinitely; that eventually, either the borrower must make good, or the creditor must attempt to recover some portion or otherwise write-off these supposed assets, the loans, gone bad.

In a deleveraging, all Hell breaks loose: credit dries up and spending drops, the realistic markets falter and finally, folks feel poor or poorer.  Moreover, the lowering of interest rates (interest rates presently at an all time low for an all time period), does not work; indeed, low interest rates are no longer the silver bullet. 

Debt must be diminished and to that, one or more measures are taken:

1. Reduction in spending (austerity)
2. Defaults…restructuring
3. Redistribution of wealth from the few to the many (counter to what has been going on)
4. Printing of “new money” by the FED

As to #4, well, this has been done to death and so, as with debt, it may reach a point of no return so to speak.  Continuing, #1 exacerbates (rather than alleviates) the problem, while #2 begets more defaults, panic and bank runs.  Finally, #3 is possible only when the government begins to redress the wealth imbalances and, through fiscal policy, puts in place the basis for a more equitable distribution and accumulation of wealth. 

How Deleveraging Leads To Depression

Needless to say, the wealthiest will not like #3 and, given their apparent power, will do everything to stop it from happening. 

The coming Dark Winter – food scarcity…famine

What will it be like, food shortages, scarcity and famine?  

That bowl of soup—it was dearer than freedom, dearer than life itself, past, present and future.

-          Alexander Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich

You might think, say, “It will not happen here, in the U.S.  But then, it has happened before; yes, this nation has survived more than one such period albeit the 1930s (Great Depression) or much further back, the 1860s (Civil War) or still, the early 1800s (Solar Minimum). 

Folks that experience food shortages, the basics or staples, never forget the experience as more than once I have read of such memories sometimes expressed as, “When you’re hungry all you think about is food.” 

John L. Casey is among others who warn that the coming grand solar minimum will greatly affect the food supply, production and distribution.   He elaborates as well on preservation and protection; that in accounts of such times, homes and other stores of food are looted—and any of lesser power or ability are dealt with on a scale of savagery that is scarcely conceivable in “the civilized world”. 

On occasion, I volunteer for Feeding Northeast Florida; a non-profit that warehouses and distributes food over at least a five-county area.   By most standards, food scarcity in pockets of both rural and urban settings are manageable; and moreover, many children qualify under Title 1 for free meals at public schools.  Present circumstances, while concerning especially to those who are involved, simply don’t compare with hunger on a world scale given underdeveloped countries, greed and graft and other conditions. 

Still this Dark Winter is coming and preparation, given both serious economic and environmental conditions, is very concentrated to those who are aware and active.

Why I believe that Global Warming is a scam

First, I do believe that industrial age of civilization has had ill-effects on the environment. I don’t have to go any further than my hometown to comprehend what industrial waste does to soil and waters, persons and places. 

It is the “Warming” that I believe to be wrong; that is, that internationally, the climate has entered the next solar minimum (as occurs less so centennially ,and more so, bi-centennially—that is preceded by a rising of average temperatures. Yes, that’s right, the cycle of the sun creates an incremental warming of the climate before it turns south, leaving regions of earth with less UV and therefore, colder than what was prior. 

The incremental warming of the earth was/is real; indeed, science reported so in the early ‘80's. What happened however was that the politics got involved and in doing so, exploits the matter, another "crisis" with/for power.  It is in this later scheming, the exploitation of contingency, that Global Warming is a scam. 

Sure, there are environmental effects of the industrial age, but as to continued warming due to emissions against the natural forces, my belief is that we will witness a decrease—not an increase—in average temperatures.  I believe that natural forces of the sun supersede the man-made forces of the industrial age. 

The theory of man-made global warming and climate change based on human greenhouse gas emissions is the greatest international scientific fraud ever perpetrated on the world’s citizens.  

-          John Casey, Dark Winter:  How the Sun is causing a 30-Year Cold Spell

Welcome to, uh, way-not Warming.